#he has a beefy girlfriend so its all ok

[paozudraws]

"he'd be the oldest cousin" sooo true @shadesofnavy , niko Is the oldest, and he never got to spend time with the Pico side of the family cause his Dad, who's part of their family, got with Nikos mom and they had a terrible bitter divorce tha Niko was v much in the middle of. so by the time they could have ever even thought of him, his man mama picked niko and moved him away with all his dads money. he saw hi dad only a few times in his life

his Canon Event where he has to fight off enemies doesn't happen Either until Way later in life, he barely hears about pico & otis, like hes well into his adulthood when he's faced with his penillian.

I don't know if anyone ever played these games on newgrounds, it was called Slackers Life or something, it was a point and click adventure game. that's Essentially the basis of Nikos game, he has to try to get a Job and that get him into shenanigans and trouble

[oh-my-damn]

ok ok ok I got sommin for you bestie 

Jake Jensen is an alpha and he certainly has the physique to match, but because of his beta parentage and upbringing, he’s never carried himself like one. This has resulted in Jake being ostracized and isolated from his peers. BUT, when one of the most eligible and prized omegas on campus, and the on-and-off girlfriend of golden boy/frat prez Steve Rogers, YOU, begins to show interest, Jake is drawn into the fray of greek life, house parties, and hazing.

..basically jake is a lil nerd and you're a lil sorority girl and you make his glasses fog up at parties and do things to trigger his alpha instincts bc he's cute and you see his potential and steve, your ex, pitches fits and wants to fight him bc HE wanted to be your alpha, but, like, instead, you've chosen the guy steve and his buddies have been bullying for the past two years ??? what the fuck ??? but you're sick of bonehead alphas like steve and you know jake would be perfect if you could just bring out those natural qualities all alphas have.

i just send people movie synopses at this point lmao i don't expect you to do anything with this ofc bb BUT YOU WANTED A JAKE PLOT AND SO YOU GOT ONE !!!

AHHH OMG BESTIE I FUCKING LOVE THIS

Okay but honestly, why don't you write it?! like this is such a good idea !!

It would obvi be my honor to try and work something out for it bc I love it but seriously !!! I always want to encourage people who have great ideas to get into writing <3

But like, hey, if not, I'll gladly take this gem !!! Love itttttt

Oh my god and she's super popular and like her parents are rich and her dad and steve's dad are like business partners so they've been like "destined" to be together, but Steve's scent never hit her quite right which is why she never let him mate her!

And she gets one whiff of dorky jake and gets literal heart eyes and its like her entire body starts vibrating and she just KNOWS he's her alpha

so she'll start showing up randomly where she knows he'll be, like there's a coding club on campus and she knows they do those all nighters where they play video games and shit. and she shows up with two of her best friends (wanda and nat) in her little shorts and top and the other guys in the club are also cute nerds (i'm thinking Hayden and perhaps Mace and Nick?) and they're all like "huh???" but immediately lets them join because THERE ARE HOT GIRLS HERE

And she'll sit down next to Jake who's all shy and stuttering and like her thigh will brush up against his when she's like "What are you playing? Can I try?"

And he nervously hands her his controller and she giggles and is like "I need you to teach me, dummy. I don't know how."

So somehow she ends up sitting between his legs, leaning her back against his chest, while he holds the controller with her, making her fingers move on the buttons. And his breathing is so heavy and his glasses are starting to fog up and his mind is swimming because she smells better than anything he's ever fucking smelled in his entire life.

And once they start dating the blowup happens when Steve finds out and he tries to pick a fight with Jake but Jake just straight up hits him in the jaw and knocks him to the ground without even thinking bc his alpha's instincts take over.

And she's so proud of him in that moment for standing up for himself bc she always knew he was a true alpha even if he didn't himself.

Oh and for kinks I'm def thinking a size one (he's thick and beefy all over) real messy, maybe also an innocence kink BUT FOR HER. Like he's a virgin, she isn't?! first time she sucks his dick he comes IMMEDIATELY and gets all blushy and she just chuckles and gives him a sweet kiss and then five mins later he's ready for round two.

And he gets addicted to the feeling of her wrapped around him so he wants to be inside her literally at all times. Lots of cockwarming, somno too.

Idk yeah just my quick thots lmao im sorry its so long

[grantzarrr]

Only Ethan’s e.d

Summary: Y/n cant please herself anymore now that she has been with Ethan. So Ethan decides that his dominance needs to be up leveled.

Warnings: smut, spanking, bad writing and a little of a lot really. Maybe some grammar mistakes.

A/n: helloo- um I had to ‘take a break’? ig because of a bad breakup but i have completely become perfectly ok without that asswhole :D also sorry its bad and long ( 2,382!!) I don’t know how to put the “keep reading” :/ thanks for 90 :33

“Why the fuck can’t I do this?” You sighed, there you were legs spread with nothing but Ethan’s shirt bunched up on you and some socks on. You were propped up on some pillows on the bed trying to please yourself so good like Ethan would do to you. But for some reason you just couldn’t make it feel the same as Ethan’s fingers could make you. Ethan was like a god at fingering you, had you on cloud nine every time, had you withering, flicking and bucking your hips up for more when his tips would dance dangerously close to your g-spot. And his beefy thumb slowly circling your clit that he would sometimes dip down and lick down on.

The way his perfectly giant hands got down on you had you weak, making you cum or even squirt every time. The eye contact this man gave was the icing on the cake for you, staring you up and down then worshiping your body. Ethan knew your pussy like the back of his hand that he’ll fuck you with— he knew what motion to work his fingers on each event that fell near. And for some reason you could not pleasure yourself like you used to before Ethan would, you was more than fine with your self pleasement and for damn sure knew your own body. It was like the only thing that worked was Ethan’s cock and fingers now and it would annoy you often, how come your boyfriend—which was heavenly by the way— how come his fingers automatically became the only thing to get you off? When you’ve been dating for about 10 months.

You never had a vibrater nor a dildo before but you decided to order both—just to see how they both worked for you. You ordered a purple 6 inch dildo, not as big as Ethan but it’ll do, you thought. Then you ordered and a bright pink, “4 setting, pleasure giving vibrater” which something you were actually looking forward to using.

But then you decided to try at least one more time with your fingers. But this time with a little help— you opened PornHub and tried finding some rough stuff just to get you going a bit. You angled your phone on the nightstand to where you could see it from the bed and got back in position, as the video started where the couple being already in their position made your pussy tingle some more. Though you just had to imagine it was Ethan to get yourself really up there.

And this is where Ethan had just got done from filming with Grayson and headed to your apartment. Just to cuddle though and not to walk in on his girlfriend trying to finger fuck herself— that was his job. Once he did pull up and make it there, he started getting all giddy and soft just knowing his girl was there in his hoodie nice and comfy on her phone or watching Netflix. Don’t get him wrong, he would love it if he seen her getting ready for some rough and hot sex— Ethan Dolan only did rough and hot sex. Especially after a long day of bickering with his idiot of a brother some hot sweaty sex was calling his name. But tonight he just thought he knew that you were all cozyed up and boy was he wrong.

He had a spare key for just in case, he thought that he wouldn’t tell you he was coming over because you looked so cute when your eyes lit up when he would surprise you and thinking you had his hoodie on he was so giddy. Ethan then slowly made his way down to your room and seen the door open halfway so he just took a little peep. And when he did every soft little moment left his head immediately. There his girl was vigorously trying to please herself using her other hand to roughly toy at her clit and oh look she was coping the man that’s fingering the girl on Porn.

Ethan froze right there in the door frame, freezing at the glorious site in front of him. He just stared at her beautiful pussy being toyed with— his perfect pussy. As the tint in his sweats started forming bigger, his frustration bubbled as well. He remember specifically telling Y/n that “Fucking with this pussy without my knowledge would just lead to you not being able to left a finger to touch it.” But he just knew that she would continue to be a little bratty fuck— like now.

He waited a bit though to just let this occurrence go through his mind a bit, just wanting to hear her little chokes and whines. But he had enough of the rougness Porn playing when he was right there so he decided it was enough. “What do we have here, baby?” He said now walking into the room, exposing himself to her.

And Y/n nearly jumped out of her skin at the immediate present of her boyfriend. “Ethan!?” She shouted immediately pulling a pillow over her lower half, out of fear. “Don’t try to cover up now, you sure exposed it all to the man on Porn.” He teased with you, and truthfully you couldn’t tell if he was pissed off or if he wanted you to continue. He then torn the pillow away from you and opened your legs back. Once he seen just how fucked your pussy looked from you toying at it, he compressed his groan and glanced back up at you from between your legs.

His eyes were darker than his usual gorgeous hazel orbs and full to the brim of lust. Then he spoke a deep hasty voice, “Get on your knees.”, it startled you a bit, never once has Ethan spoken so dark or even to you so coldly to do that. And you loved every second of it, your eyes fluttered as you processed this— and not to mention the absolute puddle he was making you. You were sure he seen it as you still sat there legs spread. But you coughed up a softly, “Wha- what do you want?”, At that he just clenched his jaw.

“I’m mighty sure I’ve made my intentions clear, I want you on your knees sucking my cock till your knees hurt and you’re begging me lift you up.” The words seem to just roll off his tongue so smoothly and you were lost for words. “Perhaps i need to put you in your bratty little place?” He taunted with you. All you did was nodd, it completely blew your mind on where this new Ethan came from, he was never this dominant before. Yes he’s had to throbbing and wet for him in seconds like this but never leaving you completely breathless. He grabbed your throat and kneeled you before him. 

You reached up to slide down his sweats while staring straight up at him, maintaining the unspeakable eye contact. He was already rock hard from just watching you and your pussy. You then palmed him slowly though his underwear. “Angel, please no teasing and suck my cock.” He whined out, this is where you knew he’s at his weakest point when you suck him off, he would melt and wither under you when he felt you deepthroating him or when you swirled and kissed around his tip. Going down to his balls sucking them and letting them out your mouth with a pop. Or when you would trace your finger up over him before using your full hand and giving it a squeeze, something he warn you about.

He then grabbed at your hair and starts thrusting softly into your mouth. This is him letting you know he want to throat fuck you, which you allow. He reaches for more of your hair as he speeds up his thrusts, “Fuckk— i can feel me in your throat.” He moans, pretty little sounds leaving his mouth as he continued. “Fucking gag on me Y/n. Take it all- show me how much you can take down your pretty throat.” You were getting so thrilled at his words that you started reaching down to rub your clit. Surely Ethan wouldn’t know with everything that’s going on.

You started moaning a little more than usual on his cock, he could tell. So he cracked his eyes to see you two fingers down playing with yourself, he immediately stopped. You didn’t even notice- with the pleasure you were receiving having you nearly close to getting off blindly you. “Let me fucking show you what happens to little brats who don’t follow rules.” He stated sternly. Pulling his underwear back up but only throwing his shirt and sweats down.

You were now bent over on Ethan’s lap with the fuzzy handcuffs—that was in the ‘secret box’ you and Ethan liked to call it— on your wrists. “I want you to say that you’ll never disobey me again after each spank, got that angel?” He asked but sounded more of a demand the asking. You nodded but only to Ethan’s disapproval, he slapped you ass on the right cheek leaving a small gasp from you and a small discovery of a new kink from both of you. “Nodding is gonna get you know where, angel.”

You laid there appalled at this, did he really want you to say it? Has Ethan become this dominant? “Yes sir!” You squealed, he seemed to be pleased at your response and rubbing you ass cheek he recently slapped.

*spank* “I won’t ever disobey you again, sir!” Spank after spank after spank it continued, you continued to 27 till Ethan felt that was enough. And every spank he gave you, you felt yourself get even wetter and you knew Ethan could too. Your thong was right against his tight, but still he dipped his fingers down and brushed against your heat. “Ah so that makes you wet huh? I should’ve known a brat like you would melt in a second over this.” And he threw to on bed on your back.

Since you were still in handcuffs, you couldn’t touch Ethan, you couldn’t reach over and pull him in. So you decided to really fuck with him about it, “Why the fuck do you have me in cuffs? Your an absolute asswhole for this.” You cocked a brow up when he clenched his jaw and glared at you. “Watch that mouth brat, but since you have so much to say let’s see what you can say with the pretty little gag on, hm.”

He pulled out a orange gag ball from the box, something you didn’t even know was there. He reached around and put it on your mouth and tighten it to fit you. “I’ve spoiled you for to long, got you thinking I won’t break you for this.”

He became by pushing his shirt up from your body and making his way down to your already soaked and toyed with pussy. He slid you thongs off and kissed your clit with his soft plump pink lips and wet tongue, pulling your swollen and throbbing clit between his teeth and sucking hard. Letting out a muffled moan from you and your back started arching off the bed.

He entered two fingers into your pussy, a small form of relief when you felt him dive in. It was finally his fingers, he started speeding up with his movements, licking at you clit, he loved the way your pussy would take him and the way he could slide in so easily. “Mm my fucking pussy.” He growled and dived back down, lapping away so heavenly. Your high started back rising, his finger tips knocking at you g-spot leaving you to flick and buck you hips up so you could cum. He fingers were like perfectly molded for your pussy like it was made for you and you only.

“Mmm.” He heard you from the gag, “gonna cum for me?” He raised from your pussy to glance at you. You hurried and nodded, and Ethan stopped there, you groaned through your gags, really needed that release. “You’re only coming around my cock angel, keep those pretty legs spread for me.”

He was know hamming into you, legs on his shoulders, hands cuffed on the railing headboard and gagged to keep that bratty little mouth shut. Ethan looked up at you to see that your eyes were squeezed shut, so he smacked your inner tight, “Eyes open, angel. Want you to see who’s fucking yo this good.” He snapped, and you didn’t want to him to stop so you forced yourself to keep your eyes open. “Ugh, my pussy is taking me so good, such a pretty little pussy.” He moaned

You were so fucked out and tried already, and your mind being so hazy from the pleasure and the pain that you could only take it, your body trembling as he quickened his pace of his thrusts and strokes. Ethan could sense that you were so close, he didn’t even bother slowing down as he brought you closer to your release. You moaned his name loudly, legs beginning to shake again as you pulled on the cuffdaround your wrists and spit forming on the sides of your gag.

Your head was spinning as you felt his dick twitch inside you. You hoped he would let you cum you were so closed, your toes started curling as you almost reached that point.

“Fuckk- cum, right now angle cum with me.”

His words triggered you so much you came in an instant. The tightness of your pussy when you came made him release early, his cock squirting into you as he filled you up, knowing you were on birth control anyway. He then feel onto you, dick still in you as he uncuffed you and took off your gag.

You both layed there for a minute enjoying each other’s warmth untill Ethan got up and slipped his dick out of you. You felt so empty, he came back and cleaned you up then he layed back with you. “You look so pretty after a good fucking.” He said so softly, it made you giggle. “I love you and this new dominant side.” You said, he just hummed in response.

“You think we need a bath?” You whispered, “Not yet, I wanted to cuddle from the beginning and I get cuddles now.”

[knchins]

ALLLYYYYYYY CONGRATS AGAIN ON 1K!! :D 🌈✨🥂🤩 i wanted a matchup bit i get super duper self conscious typing them out aisnwkwkns is it 🐾sible to get one based on how much u know abt me? 😳👉👈 it’s ok if not!!

Io!! Yes of course! I’ll do my best with what I know about you :>

I match you with...

Hizashi Yamada!!

Chaotic? yes. Loyal and loving? Also yes!

Hizashi would be a very fun partner. He’s playful and loud, but he’s also very considerate and caring. His love for you runs deep and if anyone tries to hurt you, they have to go through him first! He has a good sense about people and could tell from the start how amazing you are.

He’s a DJ so he knows all the best music and would love to make new playlists for you to enjoy. He doesn’t mind branching out to other genres that he may not be totally familiar with, but honestly its hard to find any music that he doesn’t enjoy. Instead of asking you out forthright, he actually made you a mix tape that basically got his message across for him. Of course you accepted.

Not only does he know his music, he also loves dancing! This is perfect because he could dance all night with you! Similarly he also enjoys just watching you or helping you come up with choreography. He’s just a well rounded guy when it comes to the music industry.

He’d also find creative ways to help you study or motivate you to get your work done. If you have a creative block then he does anything in his power to help get your creativity back!

Perfect date would be going out on the town, dancing and enjoying each other’s company. Maybe even a bit of karaoke if you’re feeling brave enough! Well Hizashi definitely feels brave enough but he won’t force you up on stage if you don’t want to.

Akiteru Tsukishima!!

Plus that makes Kei kinda like your little brother too, right?? What a nightmare.

Akiteru would definitely make for a great boyfriend. He’s devoted and kind, and isn’t a total ass like his brother. He’s also really perceptive so he knows if you’re feeling down or need a little cheering up! He’s great at making you laugh and loves making you smile.

He loves that you’re multilingual and have a multitude of creative talents. Really he’s very proud to show you off and definitely feels like he has the best girlfriend out of all his friends. He enjoys letting you do tarot readings on him and makes it a habit of asking what his horoscope is every morning. He could just look it up himself but he prefers you to tell him.

Though he will poke fun at you, it’s never in a malicious way. It’s simply a way to get you to laugh. If his brother says something he thinks is out of line though, he is quick to put him in his place. His jokes are good natured while the same can’t always be said for Kei. Still, Akiteru won’t let his brother bully you.

You both are kind and caring and have a deep emotional connection as you’re both water signs. He’s also good at hyping you up and encouraging you to complete projects or hone your craft. He’s your very best personal cheerleader which is always nice to have. A bit unrelated but he could give you all the cute stationary you could ever ask from from his work.

The perfect date would probably be going to one of Kei’s volleyball games after a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant. You can both cheer on the brat from the sideline, much to his chagrin.

Edgar Allen Poe!!

Not only a good boyfriend but also a great editor!

Poe is a bit shy, but he definitely asked you out via poetry. It was a bit convoluted and really long, but you definitely appreciated the sweet sentiment. Hopefully it didn’t get too dark for you, sometimes he doesn’t realize that not everyone is into the macabre.

As a writer himself, he definitely loves that one of your hobbies is also writing. You would definitely take turns editing each others works and giving constructive critiques. Of course, he’ll ask if you think his latest mystery is unsolvable enough to send to Ranpo but you’ll be honest with him which he appreciates. You also both help each other when you hit a block, usually by going out on dates or providing some sort of distraction until the creative juices can flow again.

Your creativity definitely is one of the things that first attracted him to you. He believes that your ideas are limitless and it is always fun for him to bounce off new plot ideas with you. You also help him to write realistic woman characters which a lot of male writers tend to falter on. Overall this makes him a better, well-rounded writer and he enjoys the positive reviews he gets on his characterization.

Also he has a pet raccoon! Karl and Cutiepie would make for such cute companions together. Poe loves and cares for Cutiepie just as you do for Karl. It’s really cute how your pets can get along just as well as you do. Perhaps Karl could teach Cutiepie how to ride on your shoulders....

The perfect date would be mystery theater! The interactive kind where you have to figure out who the killer is. The food will be great and the entertainment is even better. Poe would definitely figure it out first, but only with your help. It would be very memorable and fun!

Akitaru Obi!!

His a big beefy captain, what more is there to love?

Obi is such a dedicated and loving partner that anyone would be lucky to have him! He’s a natural born leader just like you and has a keen sense of justice. He also has a good sense of humor and doesn’t mind joking around to lighten the mood. Though he is definitely the type to be serious when the situation calls for it.

He love working out and sees dancing as a great cardio routine. He’d definitely ask you to teach him so that you both could enjoy it together. While it’s not a traditional workout, it can definitely get the heart rate up and sweat flowing. Plus it never hurts to be limber, no matter how big you are! Especially when doing active and dangerous work like battling infernals.

While he’s definitely more of a rock music fan, he doesn’t mind listening to pop. Plus It can just be fun to listen to somethings. He’ll let you pick a new song or artist for him and he’ll give his honest opinion on how he feels about it. He’ll do the same for you. It’s a bonding experience you both share that he truly enjoys.

Obi prefers dogs to cats but he’ll still be a great cat dad to Cutiepie. Though if he falls asleep on his workout equipment, Obi definitely wouldn’t have the hear to move him and would resign to doing something else. That can frustrate him a bit but only because he cares.

The perfect date I think would probably be a concert of your choosing. He would gladly pay for the tickets, not really caring who the artist was as long as you were happy to see them. He’d definitely lift you up on his shoulders so you could get the perfect view from the crowd, though the people behind you aren’t so happy about it.

Megumi Fushiguro!!

He can kind of be an enigma sometimes but he’s very devoted to you.

Megumi took a while to open up, he tends to keep his thoughts and feelings private, but through time you were able to crack through that outer wall of his and see him for who he really is. Because of this you can read him fairly well which means he doesn’t have to worry about being overly expressive. His kind heart makes him an excellent partner and he’ll fight anyone that tries to lay a hand on you.

He has a clear sense of good and bad, but you do help him see that the world isn’t necessary black and white like he tends to view it. This does help him grow as a sorcerer and challenge his initial perception of people. His cold demeanor against people he feels aren’t worth saving is a bit thawed out, enabling him to help more people in the end.

Also he has his arsenal of adorable shikigami to play with! If you’re feeling down or maybe need your spirits lifted up, he’ll deploy his divine dogs to devour you with love and affection. Their playfully puppy-like attitude when not on the battlefield makes them super fun to play with and be around. They will also be respectful of any other animals in the area and won’t chase and harass them. There’s also Rabbit Escape where he can cover you with a pile of fluffy bunnies.

Megumi isn’t very creative himself so he really enjoys the fact that he has a partner who is. He also quite enjoys reading, though he prefers nonfiction he would definitely read anything that you write and tell you how he feels about it.

The perfect date would entail Megumi cooking for you! He’d make all your favorite foods and you could eat by candlelight before snuggling on the couch with a good movie. It’s simple but sweet and he enjoys the comfortable laid-back atmosphere you bring.

Event Page

[long-bodyswap]

I Wanna Be A Coyboy

by aussiebootboi

Billy was a weedy kind of guy. His parents had died when he was 5 year old and his grandmother had reared him. Although, small of build, he made up for it in being a bright and studious sort of guy. And, although you wouldn't know from just looking at him, he had a proud ancestory of Incan heritage. His great -great Grandfather had been of mixed Spanish and Incan blood. Their family had originally been of noble birth, and many tales of strange rites and incantations had been recounted at by his grandmother.Sadly, his grandmother had died when he was 15, and he had been forced into foster care, seeing he was still under legal age. He hated them. 

Their treatment was not overly honourable - basically they just wanted the government allowance and had treated Billy poorly. Eventually, after 18 months of poor treatment, he had run away. His closest friend in high school had moved to Florida a few years before and Billy was sure the friend's family would take him in & help support him as a new foster family.He had been lucky with a number of hitched rides with long haul truck drivers, but his luck had finally run out. Here he was in a small town in mid Texas, and no accommodating truck driver for over a day. He was now sick of the sight of the dusty gas pumps of this run-down gas station and was wishing his luck would change soon.Late in the afternoon, hot golden sun beating down on the iron roof of the station's pump cover, Billy was half woken up but the double ring in the station office as car tyres ran over the black bell cord. 

He looked up and saw this beaten up white wide convertible pull up at one of the bowzers. The guy who got out of the car was tall, about 6'4" , around 30 years old, and was so overly muscley, you would have thought he lived in a gym. He had a strong jaw line, wild, uncombed dirty blonde hair that hung down to his shoulders and cold, blue eyes. He wore a dusty, stained white tank top that pulled tightly over his enormous pecs, a polyester Hawaiian shirt over the top, unbuttoned, and his biceps looked like they were going to burst the short sleeves. His jeans were tight around his huge, beefy thighs and he wore a pair of snake skin cowboy boots. 

The man oozed sexuality. He was one hot-looking porn stud. As he got out of the car, he snatched from the back seat a dusty, cream Stenson and put it on his head.Billy was mesmerised. He was still a closeted gay guy and his man answered all his fantasies. Billy felt a slight tinging in his cock as the guy came towards him."Do you work here?" The voice was strong, arrogant, a deep bass coming up from that deep chest and was definitely Texan."No." Billy's voice was weedy and high in comparison. 

"I think the guy is in the garage to the side."As he said that, a fat, balding man, about 45- 50 years, wearing a blue boiler suit came from the side of the gas station; he used a bit of cotton wading to wipe his hands."Hi Jim-Bob, what you up to today?""Just in town for some supplies. Fill 'er up, Bud."The garage owner pumped gas into the convertible, all the while making small talk to Jim-Bob about the weather and wheat and corn prices. Jim-Bob followed the mechanic into the office, his heels making a clunking sound on the tarmac. 

He came out of the office, slotting a packet of Marlbro Red's into the top pocket of his Hawaiian shirt. As Jim-Bob made his way to the car, Billy summoned the courage to talk to him."Excuse me, sir." His voice weedy and slightly whiney."Yeah, kid." Jim-Bob said, turning on his heel and making a scraping sound on the tarmac."Where you headed?""What's it to you?""Um.. I'm trying to get to Florida and I wondered if I could hitch a lift to somewhere where I could link up with some interstaters.""Well. I could take you as far as my farm entrance and then you would have to walk about 5 miles to the Interstate Junction.""Oh, that would be great, Sir.""Yeah, get rid of him for me, will ya Jim-Bob. The kid's been hanging around here too long. 

He's starting to become a nuisance." The garage owner said, from the doorway of his office."Hop in, Kid. And stop calling me Sir." Jim-Bob threw his hat into the back seat, threw himself into the driver's seat and started the engine. Billy quickly collected his rucksack and bag and got into the car.With a jolt they had left the garage and were speeding through the main part of the town and shortly out onto the long flat plains. Jim- Bob opened the packet of cigarettes and lit one up."You want one?""No. I'm allergic to cigarette smoke.""Fuck! Well, seeing its my car, I won't ask you if you mind, cause I don't." Jim-Bob was obviously non-sympathetic to the non-smoker's cause.There was a stoney silence. The low, undulating countryside: fencing racing along the sides of the road, seemed to stretch to eternity."You got a girlfriend."Billy, replied in the negative."Shit!! You some kind of queer or something. 

Fuck! Have I got me some queer with me.""No!" But Billy's voice quavered slightly. He was frightened. He was almost 17 now, and for a while he was fairly sure he was gay, although he was still closeted about his sexuality. The look of a strong, muscley guy turned him on. The smell from this guy in the driver's seat, that musky male smell from a hard working guy in the heat, so close to him now, was arousing him and he didn't want to show his feelings or the hint of an erection that was threatening to reveal itself."I have been too busy to date girls, that's all. I took a girl to the last End of Year Ball." Billy justified himself."Did you screw her?""No." Billy said in a reflex manner."Then you could be a fag after all."There was no reply to that and Billy kept silent. The miles continued to roll by. But Billy was still drawn to those cowboy boots. The way Jim-Bob had walked in them at the garage: so arrogantly and with manly authority. He wished he could be like that; but he would always be a weedy guy. He vaguely remembered his father being a stick-like man: no bulk and his business shirts hanging off his cavenous chest. 

During this period of retrospection, he was now staring at Jim-Bob's snakeskin boots."Jesus, what you staring at, Boy! I swear you're some kind of fag.""I'm sorry." Billy said. Then off the cuff: " I bet you score big time with the babes in those boots. I want a pair when I get a bit older and have worked out more in the gym to bulk up." He felt he had got himself out of that hole."You're damn, right there mister. Do I pull them in. The sound these mean mother-fuckers make in a bar, has those hot cock-thirsty pussies just wanting it: they are panting for it and man! They can't get enough of this piece of meat. Kid, you have a long way to go to get anywhere in the league of this stud."Billy could just see this guy leering at the women. He was personally disgusted and although he was in awe of the sexual power Jim-Bob was giving off, he loathed the type of guy he represented.

Jim-Bob pulled over sharply to the side of the road and turned to Billy."Well, kid. This is the end of your trip. That's the entrance to my farm over there and I don't plan to take you any further. About 5 miles straight ahead you will find the Interstate junction. You should be lucky enough to get yourself a ride to where you want to go. OK, shift that faggy arse of yours."As Jim-Bob was taking to Billy, a motorbike was making its way towards them. Jim-Bob had glanced at it, but hadn't taken much notice. As the bike went past the entrance to Jim-Bob's farm, the rear tyre picked up some of the scattered gravel. One stone fairly hit Jim-Bob on the side of the head, just above his ear and he slumped forward. The bike, unknowingly, continued along the road, deaf to Billy's calls. Billy felt Jim-Bob's neck and could still feel a strong pulse. 

A trickle of brilliantly coloured blood rolled down the side of his head.Oh God! What to do, thought Billy. He looked across the road and saw the mailbox and a dirt track making its way over a small rise. That's his farm. Maybe there some help there or at least a phone. With considerable effort and some time, Billy moved the limp body over to the shot-gun seat. In all that time, not another vehicle had passed. Fortunately the car was automatic and Billy was able to drive the car up the dirt track. About a mile down to it, he came to a low, run down farmhouse. The front verandah was full of old, rusty machinery and one corner was at a sharp angle where the floor stumps had rotted and no longer supported the verandah poles. Billy drove to the rear of the house, where the car was obviously parked and it was shaded. Manoeuvring Jim-Bob's body was going to be a difficult task. Billy called out, but no one answered. 

He walked up to the house and knocked on the screen door. No one answered and he decided to go inside. The kitchen was gloomy after the bright back yard. Dishes were piled in the sink; empty beer bottles were stacked by the side of the fridge. It soon became apparent that Jim-Bob lived alone. Only one side of the bed had been slept in and there were only his clothes to be seen from the open closet door.With boots leaving furrows in the dust and lots of breath breaks, Billy finally dragged Jim-Bob and dumped him onto the bed like a sack of potatoes. An unconscious body is a dead weight and Billy wished he had spent time in the gym. 

Back in the kitchen, Billy found the wall phone and the red-boarded letter from the phone company disconnecting the phone for not paying the bill. There was no way of getting a doctor out there and Billy was frightened to leave Jim-Bob in case he died. A runway didn't have a very strong case in court and no judge or jury would believe that it was accidental and not a robbery. Billy put a cool, damp cloth on Jim-Bob's head, checked his pulse again and washed the blood which had now congealed. The pulse was strong, so it was obviously a case of concussion.He then proceeded to undress Jim-Bob. 

The manly sweat that came off from the boots was deeply arousing. Billy took deep breaths and fantasised a little about having this strong man, now being an overly gay man, taking Billy up into his arms and hugging and kissing him, and saying endearments. Billy returned from his dream and looked down on the homophobic bully lying on the bed. He loosed the belt buckle - a large circular, shiny tooled piece of silvery metal - and undid the buttons. 

The monster of a flaccid cock fell out of the now-loosen boxers. At least 6" and thick, Jim-Bob had at least not lied about his piece of meat: it would easily grow into 7 or 8 inches when erect. Billy wanted to desperate touch it but was afraid in case Jim-Bob woke. He did manage to lightly brush his hand against it.His ordeal had made him tired and so, after putting the groceries in the fridge and bringing in his gear, he searched for a knee rug. 

He made himself comfortable on the sofa and started to reflect on the day. This lead to other recent unhappy events and this invariably caused him to reminisce on happier times with his loving grandmother.With his mind wandering even more, thoughts of his attraction towards Jim-Bob began to form: that strong, muscley body, those hot snakeskin boots, the tight jeans showing a decent package. A tingling in his dick started up and he developed interesting fantasies with what he could do with that hot body. Words popped into his head: something vaguely he could remember from his grandmother. "Irikalimabro. Tradi om, broroo dinda, broroo dixi, broroo dinda, fore rimni dint crawlix, fore rimini dint crawlix." With these words chanting, softly in his head, he fell asleep.

* * * * *

Billy woke with a splitting headache. Light was streaming from the window and it was obviously morning. His head felt unbearable and he had problems focusing. With some effort he concentrated on the brown shape across the room. Eventually he could make out some checked shirts hanging in the closet. He then realised that he was lying on a bed. 

Where was he? This wasn't home or anywhere he recognised. His vision was steadily cleared and he could make out through the dirty net curtains a dusty yard and an open white convertible between him and a rundown barn with one door hanging off its hinge.He vaguely remembered having seen that car before recently. 

Where??? Through the fog of the headache, it dawned on him where he had seen the car before and then the previous day's events converged onto his fuddled brain. He sat up abruptly. Where was Jim-Bob, and why was he now sleeping in the bed? He turned to get out of bed and as he did, the room spun. When his vertigo had subsided, Billy made another attempt to stand up. As he did his jeans fell to the floor and there was a metalic clunk where the blet buckle hit the wooden floor. He bent down to pull up his pants and then had to sit down abruptly. These weren't his jeans!! 

The belt buckle was the same as the buckle he had loosened from Jim-Bob yesterday!Suddenly he felt his stomach erupt in nausea. He was definitely going to be sick real quick. He stood up and lurched out of the room and quickly made his way to the bathroom, where he was violently sick. Waves of nausea washed over him and for some minutes he just held onto the toilet bowl and wished it would all end soon. Eventually, the sickness passed and when he felt strong enough he made his way to the sink. He splashed water on his face and then gasped as he looked into the mirror.His stomach lurched again, but it was empty and he gave a loud, hollow burp instead. There, staring at him, his face bleached white was Jim-Bob's face. 

Gradually he surveyed the rest of his body. Yep! Everything he saw was what he associated with Jim-Bob: the nicotine-stained fingers, the strong masculine hands with curly blond hairs on the wrist, the Hawaiian overshirt, the tight blue jeans, the strong jaw that was lightly shadowed with beard stubble, the wavy dirty-blond hair down to the broad, muscley shoulders."Oh, my God!!" Jim-Bob's deep voice sounded back at him. "Jesus! What happened.""Fuck!!" and a high pitched squeal came from the sitting room further in the house. Billy recognised that voice: it was what he thought of as his.Billy rushed into the sitting room. 

The boy was standing by the sofa, looking in at the grimy, bevelled mirror over the fireplace. He turned when he saw Jim-Bob standing in the doorway."What the fuck have you done, you freak!!" Billy squealed at Jim-Bob. "You fuckin' faggot! You fruit!" He then lunged at Jim-Bob, his hands ready to punch the life out of him.Jim-Bob put his hands up to protect his face. Billy aimed at punch at Jim-Bob's stomach. Billy reeled back, holding his hand and crumpling up with pain. "Fuck!!" he explained. Jim-Bob put a hand out to Billy's arm to see if he was alright. Billy pulled away and then lunged to make another hit. Jim-Bob reacted by seizing Billy's wrist, griping it tightly. Billy tried to pull away and cringed, "Shit! That hurts.""Then stop." Jim-Bob's voice boomed. He was having problems adjusting to his new body. He didn't realise he that much strength in his body now. He hadn't meant to hurt Billy, but you could definitely see red markings on the boy's wrist where he had gripped him. He would also have to get used to not talking as loud. 

He was shouting now and he had only intended to speak to the kid in a normal voice.The reaction of hearing his voice from his old body caused Billy to break down and cry. He was obviously distressed and confused. "Hey," Jim-Bob said. "I don't know what's happened. Hopefully it's a temporary thing. But no matter, I'm not leaving you till all this is sorted out.""What happened? I last remember giving you a lift and dropping you off outside my farm.""You were hit in the head by stones thrown up by a motorbike. I brought you up here, put you to bed and then I fell asleep and somehow a switch happened in the night.""Yeah, well if I was hit in the head so hard, how come there is no bruise or headache?" Billy sneered."That's because I have the headache and cut," Jim-Bob moved his hair to reveal the cut above his ear. "And that's why I'm off to get a shower and take some headache tablets." Jim-Bob turned and retreated to the bathroom.

Finding some pills in the medicine cabinet, he stripped. He stared at the stud like body in the mirror. He was one Hot dude now: rippling muscles, huge pecs and biceps, a ripped 6-pack. His dream had come true. He was getting a hard-on just looking at himself.He entered the shower and started soaping himself, luxuriating at the feeling of running his hands over his tight muscles. When he came to his cock, he saw a thick, yellow rim of dick cheese."Jesus, dirty pig." He explained. He started washing around the head when he felt a wave of erotic sensations washing over his body. Man! did that feel good. He did it again, rubbing his thumb under the skin: the sensation was incredible. He started stroking himself: it was soo good. His cock was stiffening now, a monster 8 inches and thick, ropey veins along the shaft. He was pumping this muscle monster now and when he couldn't hold back any more, his legs bent, he released a hot, ropey stream of cum all up the shower wall. 

He kept pumping and the fire hose of cum kept pouring out. Exhausted, he sat down in the shower, feeling the warm water washing over his head. He had never shot that much or so intensely before. A small river of cum was trickling down the wall nearby. With a finger he scouped some of it up and licked it. It tasted salty and slightly sweet. Man! one of the best things he had ever tasted. He sure wanted to do that again soon.He rubbed himself down, enjoying the sensations of the rough towel against his tight muscles. Into the bedroom, naked, his cock still red and swinging, he made his way to the closet. A white wife-beater, a cleaner Hawaiian shirt, tight black jeans and the same white snakeskin cowboy boots. He looked at himself in the mirror, now that he was dressed and liked what he saw. He had power, presence, strength. 

He could feel the boots on his feet and the leather shaft rubbing slightly against his calves. He was growing a hard-on again because he was finding himself so sexy and Hot.Back in the bathroom, to return the towel, he bent down and as he stood up he hit his head on the edge of the cupboard. "Shit!" he said and rubbed his head. Boy! I must be tired, he thought, because I never swear. This is all been a little too stressful this morning.On the sofa, Billy was lounging, an unhappy or perplexed expression on his face. "Breakfast, or shower," Jim-Bob asked him."Breakfast. I don't need a shower.""No way, boy. While you are in my body, you are going to continue to treat it the way I did. And that means regular washing. OK. Breakfast it is, and then the shower." Jim-Bob decided he needed to be forceful with Billy from the start. Why waste this strength and power he was feeling. With these muscles, he knew he could force Billy to do almost anything he wanted.Breakfast was basically a silent affair. 

Billy decided he didn't want to be communicative and munched morosely throughout the entire meal. Jim-Bob then ordered a day of cleaning the house. Dishes were washed; laundry washed and hung on the line (Jim-Bob found a mountain of dirty clothes piled up by the side of the bed); vacuuming and mopping of floors. Throughout all this, Billy had needed regular cigarette breaks. Jim-Bob didn't like the idea of him sullying his body but also recognised that it was hard to make a person quit cold turkey, and Billy still had cravings. Jim-Bob reckoned they had worked hard enough for the first day and recommended a bath for Billy. Billy, tired after the work and recent ordeal, agreed.All through the day, Billy had asked Jim-Bob how this strange phenomenon could have happened. Jim-Bob was as ignorant as Billy, but had decided to make the most of it and was sure it was a temporary condition. 

He wanted to return to his old self and get to Florida and continue his studies and start his new life.From the bathroom came a muffled "Fuck!" "What is it now," Jim-Bob asked through the door."Kid, you have one average sized dick. How am I going to snatch pussy with this thing. Its almost useless.""Yeah, well you'll get used to it.""Does this mean I'm a queer now?""That's up to you. You sure don't sound like one, although it probably wouldn't hurt you to learn some tolerance.""Well, fuck you!" came the reply and then silence.Later they both had an afternoon nap and then proceeded to prepare the evening meal. 

The bath seemed to have soothed Billy, because he was finally even-tempered and personable. As they were preparing the vegetables, Jim-Bob slipped with the knife and nicked his finger."Shit!" he said before sucking his finger and hopping around the room. "Oh Man! Shit, that hurts."It was a small cut and after lightly bandaging it, they continued the preparation, although Jim-Bob couldn't help musing that that was about the fourth or fifth time he had sworn that day. This was surprising because he never blasphemed with anything stronger than a Jesus or Damn.Dinner was a successful meal. Billy was in a friendly, conversant mood and started asking questions about being on the road and the reasons why he was, considering he wasn't the normal type of hitcher.

After the dinner, they moved out onto the side porch to view the sunset and just rest. Billy suggested they both have a beer. Jim-Bob hated the taste and smell of beer and declined. But Billy insisted and to be concillitory, he accepted. A bottle was tossed to him and he cracked it open. The hops fragrance waffed out and he steeled himself for gagging that normally ensued. It didn't happen. The smell was rather enticing instead. He was liking this scent after all. He took a swig. What was this stuff?? It tasted fantastic. He swigged again."Hey! I thought you didn't like beer.""Yeah, I know. Normally I don't. What brand is this??""Bud." Billy said.Well Jim-Bob had tried Bud before and it definitely had never tasted like this before. Maybe it was bottled differently in each state."No. All comes out of one brewery, as far as I know," was Billy's answer.Jim-Bob quickly finished off his beer and reached for another. 

Billy declined his offer of having another. He wasn't enjoying the taste as much as usual and thought maybe this case had gone off or something. They watched the encroaching gloom of evening, and it was the insects that finally forced them inside.A game of poker was suggested. Jim-Bob agreed which surprised him, seeing he loathed most card games; in fact he boycotted most games. As Billy didn't have much money in his pocket, they decided on using the coloured pins from the chinese checkers box, with each colour being a ranked value. The game quickly became intense. Throughout it, Billy regularly smoked and Jim-Bob drank beer. In his previous life, Jim-Bob suffered from asthma around cigarette smoke, but now he was hardly being effected. He definitely wasn't finding the smoke a nuisance. 

Both were in a good mood. When the game was not too intense, Billy had relaxed enough to tell bawdy male jokes. Most of what he knew were the kind involving women's breasts and sex. Traditionally, Jim-Bob found them degrading and disgusting and wouldn't remain in the hearing of them. But he felt so masculine, so manly, sharing male time with Billy, that he laughed as heartily as Billy. He was finding them funny and he was feeling a tingling in his dick. They were actually turning him on! As the evening progressed, although Jim-Bob was obviously becoming drunk, he was still the superior player. By the end of the evening, he was playing like a pro and scooping the kitty. 

This stunned Billy, who prided himself on being a crack poker player. Around 11, they decided to call it a night. Both men were tired when they slipped into their crisp, clean sheets on their respective beds. In the case of Billy, a temporary bed had been made up in the spare room - normally a lumber room.

[softforcal]

Ok so like you and cal having an ongoing competition of who can spot the most dogs in a day and your text convo is mostly dog photos and videos as you try to sneak pictures of dogs across the street or in shops but also a few triumphant ones where you or him got to pet the dog in question

it started out as a joke. you just started sending him pictures of dogs. and then he started sending them back. it was odd that a day didn’t go by without at least one back and fourth about a cute dog. you two get very sneaky about it, like always trying to take pictures of dogs to one up each other.

straight up Calum will be out with his friends and he sees a dog and just whips out his phone. or, he’s driving and just pulls over and Luke is like “why are you pulling over?” and Calum whips out his phone and takes a picture of a dog across the street, grins to himself while he messages you about it, then drives again and Luke is like “what the fuck was that about?” and Calum explains that you and him compete for who can see the most/cutest dogs every day.

and then one day he’s home and he gets a video of you petting a dog and you look so adorable, laughing and giggling as it licks your face and Calum jumps to his feet cuz boys gotta find himself a dog to pet. he leaves his house and the first person he sees with a dog he’s about to ask to pet it when he realizes, a six foot+ tall beefy guy asking to pet a dog is way more weird and intimidating than a gorgeous girl asking. 

have you beat him?! is this what it has come to?! 

Calum refuses to think so and pushes himself to ask the stranger, finding another dude with a dog so it’s not as weird, “hey man, this is going to sound really weird but my girlfriend and i do this thing where we send pictures of us with dogs, uh, do you mind if i send a picture of me with your dog to my girlfriend?” “does it get you laid man?” “fuck yeah.” “then go ahead.”

he realizes that any guy he meets, he pretty much just has to tell them the story and they’re all more than happy to let Calum pet their dog.

its always competitive and fun but your favourite is when you wake up and Calum is gone to work or go for a run but you have a message on your phone from him thats a picture of you snuggled with Duke and it just makes you melt. because yeah, other dogs are chill, but you and Duke are his world and you both know it. 

im so soft what the fuck. 

[asamlambung]

Gush about your fave DR character! ♡

WVJHKHKHKHK anon whoever you are please know that youre unleashing a beast but also thank you im….. 

(actually i made a tierlist for this though it might not be as accurate since it was a few months ago)

(also sorry for the characters that are in the lower tiers i swear even if i don’t like them most of them are still good memes. and the ones in “c” and “b” i’d definitely like more if there’s some good art/fics that explore their characters better though i might not actively look for it.)

OK so just to preface i havent seen most free times and most of my impression came from joseph anderson’s playthrough sooo i might be biased but im definitely planning on rewatching at least v3 in its entirety with all of its ftesO i guess it’s best if i start chronological and lemme just say. SAKURA OOGAMI IS BEST GIRL

it’s easy to say that im weak for big stronk gal who can lift me easily. and there is /definitely/ that point.

this is gonna sound weird but i really like the level-headedness she brings to the trials. i wouldnt say she’s the smartest but she rounds up the whole cast in a way that keeps the trials from being too absurd and non-sensical. there are other characters that also do this but seeing it come from her makes me happy somehow? maybe it’s because she also balances asahina in that sense and also that she’s the fourth trial stronk person who’s the most level headed compared to gonta and nekomaru. not saying those two are bad either, they’re great characters in their own right but i feel like their function is more on the side of entertaining rather than weighing in on the discussion. i especially think nekomaru’s whole thing with shitting is funny and it’s kinda a shame that sdr2 cut him from trials starting from the third.

speaking of sakura, yes i ship her with hina. no, duh. they’re good together. but i was also kinda touched when she talked about kenshiro. idk, sakura has two strong beefy hands and she can hold her girlfriend and boyfriend at the same time ok.(pretty sure kenshiro appears in udg but i havent experienced that game outside of seeing a few cutscenes so i wouldnt know)

also the fact that we get a callback to her in the strawberry house was. idk if i should say cool or if it was funny but it was something. and yep, her death was the saddest out of the fourth trials the games had. nekomaru’s death was more respectful for me and i felt more sad about gonta during his trial than his death. it’s more gruesome than sad, to be honest.(and ok the smoothskin joe gives to sakura is also kinda funny)

with other dr1 characters i like most of them are usually because of my friends’ (who got into dr years before i did) influence like kyoko and celeste. there are some others i laugh at but it’s more because of the inside jokes of the streamer i was watching.

.

ok so with sdr2 komaeda is easily one of the top. but tbh the reason why it is is bc a few years ago i read this (illegally distributed) doujin that had written his character really well. tbh i feel kinda bad now knowing that the doujinka stopped circulating their doujin bc of that and some of the subject matter of their doujin is… a bit too much for me. but the ones that are good are really good and when i came into canon i was like, “oh, this is the fingers in ass guy who got memed to death" nowadays, i see him more as pickle nagito though. i am interested in seeing how his character can be… well, not redeemed but i want to see him heal. whiiich might never happen in canon bc his hope bagel personality is too infamous now.

also i know everyone hcs nagito’s voice as smth along the lines of nico’s voice or john’s voice but like consider jph’s stoner voice. please. it’s so fucking funny with the fucking pickle komaeda meme. maybe it’s bc although im not obsessed with hope or despair, i related to his way of seeing karma. 

after experiencing sdr2 thoough, lemme just say that johnny yong bosch did a great job voicing hajimmy hinata. like im not even kidding i really like that voice and if i was ursula i would steal that voice for my own use. buutt i cant do that. unlike komaeda, i’m pretty indifferent to his character arc and enjoy his one on one interactions with the characters more and how he reacts to the immediate events that happened over the course of sdr2.

soo yeah komaeda and hinata are literally opposites in my head, ain’t much of a surprise that i ship them i guess. but!! i like a lot of the gals in sdr2 surprisingly.

like, ok. maybe i’m biased but the designs for the gals in sdr2 are so goddamn adorable. like okay there’s the obvious ones like chiaki and sonia. and i don’t know why sonia’s personality is so goddamn adorable. like not in the “awww you’re so fucking uwu” type of way but more in the sense that she’s funny? it feels like even through all her weirdness that she still manages to make genuine connections with the characters.

with peko, it’s hard to dislike her considering her whole arc with the second trial. of course liking her goes in hand with liking fuyuhiko’s character too but i just like.. how stoic she sounds??? it’s adorable????? and with mikan yeah she kinda went… off in the third trial but consider???? her voice when she snaps was so goddamn hot?????????????? sdr2 has the best voice acting cant change my mind.

and i don’t know why, gundham is so goddamn funny and if i wanna show how absurd sdr2 can get i show my friends gundham’s scenes. he’s fucking funny, ok. and alongside nekomaru i can respect his death in a way. i goddamn saluted when i first watched his execution (with the full context of the trial) because i just really liked the conviction he carried with his murder.

.

aand with v3…

miu’s one of the funniest character ever!! i swear. i know some people look at the sex jokes and go, “ugh” but im a manchild so i ended up enjoying her moments so much. though i’m kinda a bit meh on the fanservice side, i like how she’s one of the characters who sticks out more. in my language we call her “pentolan” i guess.

tenko’s kinda an easy character for me to like considering… stronk lady. would love for her to carry me. the misandry can get a bit too much but she’s also a pretty funny and genuine character on top of that so she came out with me liking her.

kaede and tsumugi are characters i grew to /love/ after i thought about them a lot.

with kaede, the point i started to relate to her… was with her thirst with girls. i swear im not joking. but. okay. i like her position as the protag and all her ideals. one thing i was surprised that didn’t manage to make me relate to her was her passion for piano considering i’ve also studied it for like, around 12 years. maybe it’s because i kinda fell out of it around 2 years ago because reasons. despite of that though, i like how assertive she was in her time as the protag. and her execution was goddamn beautiful.

tsumugi, though, i wouldn’t grow to love as much if it weren’t for 郁十‘s works. like. please. go watch all of their videos it’s all so good. i think someone else talked about this, but tsumugi’s position as the mastermind feels a lot more “human” than what we got with junko enoshima. compared to kaede, i feel like we could’ve gotten so much more with her as a villain and i just want to see more of her outside of her “plain bread” facade.

it might also be due to my own hcs for them so they’re on my head a lot more than most of the other v3 characters are. even more than my two actual favorites!!

ok, ok. kochiki and shuichi are definitely my favorites of the bunch. like, the toppest tiers of fav actually. it’s kinda hard to talk about these two separately tbh. maybe it’s because before danganronpa, my previous otp in my previous fandom had these two’s dynamics as well. and like, there’s a certain pairing to a fandom i haven’t caught up to in years who also have a detective/phantom thief dynamic. aaand also persona 5 and that one pairing that i don’t have to name for people to know which is my otp.

yeah i’m a sucker for these types of characters. it’s kinda typical that they’d be popular in the fandom. which i’ll  h a p p i l y  eat up.

soo it’s kinda easy to start with kochiki. i think i don’t have to go into every minute detail and go all meta on why i like him as a character because a lot of people have articulated better on why his character works. he’s fun to watch when interacting with other characters and figuring out his motivation put my brain on work. i’ll say this though, i actually enjoy kokichi better when he’s not being woobified. he’s a rat through and through and i will enjoy this possum boi for that.

(oh wait, possum boi is rantaro. nvm.)

and now mr. detective himself. so i loved his character at first. didn’t love him more than kochiki but. liked his arc, he was a fun protag. then the fan content came and he became very moe in my eyes so i guess it’s easier to say that i uh, like fancontent of shuichi better but i like canon kokichi better. and also how is it that the majority of ousai e-rated works has shuichi as a top SHUICHI IS NOT A TOP um yeah anyway. i feel like out of all the main characters he’d be a pretty nice person to hang out with.

also his eyelashes are nice. im totally not embarrassed while typing this out. im literally physically restraining myself from typing out more so i can not embarrass myself even further.

.

okay congrats anon here you are i hope you enjoyed this embarrassing mess it took me more than a day to type this out because i don’t know where i should stop myself regarding some characters. but uh yeah. i have gushed. now i shall return to the abyss.

(unless anybody asks me to gush about my ocs which might actually be thrice as long as this)

[ayearofpike]

The 2010s reprints, all at once

So if Simon & Schuster is going back to the well for Pike’s vampire books, what’s stopping them from bringing back other stories from their one-time best-selling young adult author? Form factor, perhaps. It’s the twenty-first century now, and no self-respecting teen would be caught dead reading a pocket-sized paperback. We need something big and beefy to show that we’re Serious About Literature even as we read about murderous insane girls. Fortunately, he’s written more than a couple continuations that will link together into a handy packaged bind-up. But a lot of these books were originally written twenty years ago or more, when the absence of technology and communications wasn’t something that needed to be addressed to explain why these bastards weren’t better informed. Indeed, new audiences (the ones we in education call “digital natives”) might not even understand the characters’ rationales for action without being able to step back in time and forget what they take for granted.

Is it worth rereading these new editions? How different are they from the originals? Lucky for you, I’ve decided to find out.

Remember Me

Compiles Remember Me, The Return, and The Last Story Simon Pulse, 2010 789 pages ISBN 978-1-4424-0596-7 LOC: PZ7.P626 Re 2010 OCLC: 646299604 Released July 6, 2010 (per B&N)

Since this was the magical bestseller that made Pike who he was in the first place, it shouldn’t be too surprising that not much is changed or updated in this edition. Still, the very nature of the YA market having morphed into the vehicle that allows these stories to be reprinted throws a pretty massive wrinkle (like, even worse than the fact she’s publishing under her white name) into Shari’s expectation that her mom will never read Remember Me. Come on, dude — I guarantee she already read about the vampires. 

The only changes I found through all three stories were giving Lenny the Latino gangbanger a CD player rather than a cassette (because 2010), saving the final story on a jump drive rather than a floppy disk (again, 2010), and swapping Shari’s green pants for blue jeans (I guess to match the outfit Jean is wearing when she falls off the balcony?). One thing that hasn’t changed: Third Book Whitewashin’ Shari is still an asshole. You’re lucky I’m so determined to be thorough, otherwise I would have never reread this shit.

To Die For

Compiles Slumber Party and Weekend Point, 2010 408 pages ISBN 978-0-545-26432-1 LOC: not listed OCLC: 679759450 Released September 1, 2010 (per B&N)

Little weirdness here, as this is a Scholastic joint rather than Simon & Schuster, but the covers are all coordinated, down to the typeface. Not sure whether the two houses worked together to try to sell their books (at Pike’s agent’s suggestion?) or whether Point saw an opportunity to mine some back catalog and tried to copy the existing presentation as close as possible.

The oldest viable stories (read: not Cheerleaders) must have some major rewrites pending for a modern audience, you’d think, but it’s not that drastic. The main complication would be these kids being able to reach someone outside the immediate group and report problems, so Pike quickly writes around that with a single line in each story establishing the locale as beyond cell service. They also both turn emergency CB radios into walkie-talkies, which isn’t even close to the same thing. It’s a little hinky at times, especially in accepting that Lara Johnson has packed an alarm clock instead of a phone, but it does the job.

Most of the rest of the changes hinge on contemporary references. Slumber Party loses its Richard-Pryor-lighting-himself-aflame-while-freebasing joke, but keeps the kids watching Dr. Zhivago at the first fateful party. Weekend has to adjust a lot more — party music is no longer on record, David Bowie becomes Bono (replacing a ten-year-old reference in 1985 with a ten-year-old reference in 2010), Angie’s Datsun is now a Camry, and song leaders are finally just cheerleaders. At times, he’s just wiped out a reference altogether: gone are Pat Benatar, Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw, Fonzie, Michael Jackson, and most tragically the Carpenters, which undoes a joke at Sol’s expense and removes any understandable sense from the passage they once were in. Oh well. At least he spelled “gringo” correctly in this edition.

Until the End

Compiles the Final Friends trilogy (The Party, The Dance, and The Graduation) Simon Pulse, 2011 846 pages ISBN 978-1-4424-2252-0 LOC: PZ7.P626 Unt 2011 OCLC: 693810612 Released August 30, 2011 (per B&N)

I’ll be honest: I’m not sure what this compilation is doing here. Did anybody clamor at the bit for Final Friends even back in the day? I mean, there must have been some demand to let our boy write a trilogy, but even as a teenager I saw the problems embedded in this tale. Simple time-shifting adjustments weren’t gonna fix those. And this is the beefiest book of the lot, maybe to appeal to young readers who like the huge format and want to show off how much they can read. (I had it in the waiting room of my kid’s doctor this week and another dad said it was the biggest book he’d ever seen.) It’s a lot to plow through for the sake of completeness. Still, we’re committed, right?

I got like 200 pages in and did not see a single change — not even in the computer lab where Bubba is “hacking” into the district grade data bank — which made me worried I was going to just be rereading the same stories over again. And 650 pages later, GUESS WHAT. Literally the only difference is that Jessica, in bemoaning her travails with Bill, says she was “trying to seduce a gay guy” instead of merely “a gay.” Like, even the part about it taking all day to transfer 40 megabytes via modem and filling up a school computer’s hard drive is still there. This was NOT done for new fans. But reading it so fast and soon and smushed together did help me realize that The Rock does indeed have a given name. (I’ll save you the research time: Theodore Gordon.)

Bound to You

Compiles Spellbound and See You Later Simon Pulse, 2012 490 pages ISBN 978-1-4424-5971-7 LOC: PZ7.P626 Bo 2012 OCLC: 777602521 Released August 7, 2012 (per B&N)

Maybe this is the only bind-up where the two stories could have been anything. (The Point book: those were his only two under Scholastic, so it makes sense.) There’s a back catalog of literally two dozen books not otherwise committed that they could compile. So why these two together? OK, sure, we’re four years away from the phrase “sexy lizard teens” entering the lexicon, but for sure Scavenger Hunt is better paired with Spellbound than a story about nuclear war survivors time traveling out of regret. See You Later seems like a really obtuse deep cut to me, but if he was committed to it why not pair it with The Midnight Club, which is similarly about love lost to inevitable death? I don’t really see the connection, and am too lazy to do any rationale research. But I’m not actually mad at the books — they’ve shown as two of my favorites in this reread. 

Spellbound, being the oldest of the S&S catalog, does need a little reworking, particularly in the racist elements of an African shaman going to a podunk Old West high school. Pike didn’t take them all out, of course, because we have to know what a dick the boyfriend is by his connection of the dude to savage cavemen. However, the lack of cell phones is very glaring in the bits where they’re trying to find the brother/potential murder victim, and Cindy has to sit around the hospital waiting to be paged. In 2012 it’s inconceivable that high school kids wouldn’t have SOMETHING. You tried to reach the brother at his house, at his friend’s, at his girlfriend’s ... did you call him directly? Such a simple fix: “He’s not answering his cell.” It probably would have made the unease even stronger.

See You Later, hinging as it does on the main character understanding a video game, has its own needs for updating, and does it better than the Final Friends remake. Still, it’s a little slapdash. Becky works in an electronics store instead of a record store, but do these places even sell physical media computer games anymore? Even six years ago that shit was all download-only. And Ray STILL works in a bookstore ... do those still exist? Mervyn’s definitely doesn’t; they went bankrupt in 2008. As for the game itself, it requires 12 gigs of RAM rather than the paltry megabyte, which is what my newish machine runs six years later. (At the time I had ... two gigs?) Also, in the original Mark asked who won the 2010 World Series, which isn’t the future anymore in 2012 ... but it’s weird that he’s now asking about 2020, just eight years off rather than twenty. Most unsettling, though, is how the tenor of international violence rhetoric still rings true for the setting of this story, even though we’re not worried about Communists anymore. The Cold War is long over, but we’ve swung through tolerance and hope and are right back on fear.

Chain Letter

Compiles Chain Letter and The Ancient Evil Simon Pulse, 2013 456 pages ISBN 978-1-4424-7215-0 LOC: PZ7.P626 Ch 2013 OCLC: 852941511 Released July 23, 2013 (per B&N)

Chain Letter was also not originally published by S&S, so it’s interesting that they’ve gotten the rights to print it in this volume. (Though they were compiled in the UK in 1994, so maybe it wasn’t too hard.) By now, though, it feels like they’re reaching, as the teen fiction world shifts yet again to futuristic dystopias and Pike doesn’t really have anything like that. Thirst was on its way out too; the fifth book appeared just before this, and we’ll note that even though Pike didn’t finish the story the sixth has yet to emerge. Curse you, unpredictable teen girls!

Not too much is different from the original editions here. Obviously Pike was throwing in his timely references that had to be cut for understandability (Nastassja Kinski?), but by Chain Letter 2 he’d learned to rein that in. Also, there’s a moment in the first one where Alison yells “Hate you!” at the attacking Caretaker, which always struck me as awkward. This version changes it to “Screw you!” which makes me think Pike originally wrote it as “Fuck you!” and had to bowdlerize for YA. Of course they have to throw some shade at snail mail, too, since that’s how the letters arrive in the first place. 

But the main differences are cassette recorders and phones. Obviously the kids aren’t going to tote around a whole bunch of old-school tools when we are now six years into the smartphone era. There’s some nice cleaning up in The Ancient Evil, writing around the idea that people need to (or even CAN) look numbers up in the phone book, but in lots of cases it just makes things awkward. Like, why is Joan going after the driving controls to turn the incriminating recording off if it’s on Kipp’s phone in the backseat? Why do Alison and Brenda have to sit around the kitchen waiting for a return call? Why is Kipp waiting until he gets home to check his voicemail? Did he seriously leave his phone in his room while he ran to the store and left a seven-year-old sister alone at the house? It just makes less and less sense.

You might have seen somewhere online a mention of another compilation, collecting Last Act and Master of Murder. This book does not actually exist. The ISBN and OCLC numbers associated with the title both lead to a British printing of the second half of Final Friends, by Hodder Publishing. I emailed the house just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything, and they responded that they’ve never printed these two stories together. There’s no record of it anywhere else, certainly not on Simon & Schuster’s Pike page, and reviews I’ve found where people have attempted to buy this collection attest to the fact that they’ve actually received a copy of Final Friends Part 2 But Not Book 2 Even Though the Second Half of Book 2 Is In It.

There also used to be another one named on Wikipedia called Time of Death, which was supposed to compile Bury Me Deep and Chain Letter, but why the hell would they do that when Chain Letter has its own sequel already? There’s not any verifiable record of such a book anywhere online, not even a flawed cross-listing like the first. 

So fuhgeddaboudit. I’m done reading compilations.

[meltingalphabet]

Real People. Not Actors.

There’s a new car commercial on television, have you seen it? Unsuspecting real people, not actors, are lead out from what is presumably their house to find a brand new SUV parked in the driveway. They ooh and ahh over how prestine and shiney it is, saying things like “this is the most attractive SUV I’ve ever seen” or “it’s so stylish, so modern.” Then the spokesperson, dressed appropriately for the late January weather, opens the backdoor and the subject’s real family, not actors, pop out like an overcrowded Jack-in-the-Box. Everyone squeals and screams in delight, hugging each other tightly while still finding space in their joyous meeting to coo at the car behind them, as if the surprise reunion and the SUV are now so intertwined they can’t help but think of the inanimate object as part of the family.

Now they have to buy it. Now you have to buy it. You wouldn’t not buy a member of your family, would you? You wouldn’t abandon your family, would you? Only a real animal abandons a member of their family like that. Though, I suppose, animals have a sense of loyalty one shouldn’t disregard, so only a real sub-animal would abandon their family like that. A real low-life.

You don’t want to be a low-life, do you?

Well, I was in one of those car commercials. Sort of. Let me start from the beginning.

My boyfriend, Henry, is an actor. Though the term “actor” is a real stretch. One might be inclined to call him more “real person” than “actor.” Ever since I’ve known him he’s wanted to be in front of an audience, despite having no natural acting abilities nor any desire to memorize scripts or practice. I think his logic was that if he pushed the universe enough, eventually he’d be given a spotlight. He was desperate to be famous, even if it was for only a few minutes. About a year ago he started focusing more on commercial gigs than “real” acting gigs. I guess he figured commercials would be easier.

“Lean against the counter and eat a spoonful of cereal. Act as if your life has meaning now. Do you practice mindfulness? Try to look like your practicing mindfulness as you eat the cereal.”

I was reading a novel in the tub when Henry came bursting in, screaming about how he had done it. I had been fully relaxed in my little ritual of self-care and the outburst completely surprised me, causing me to drop my book in the bath.

“God dammit!” I cried as I fished the book out from the soapy water and threw it on the floor. It sat there open, the paper pages melting into the synthetic fibers of the bathmat beneath it, completely ruined.

“I did it! I did it! Babe!” He cried, his hands raised in triumph, one clutching his phone as he looked at me, “I did it!.” The dimples in his cheeks were deep from the wide smile stretched across his face. He looked almost manic.

I inhaled, the lavender scent of the bath filling my nose as I tried to calm my frazzled nerves.

“What did you do, Henry?” I asked through clenched teeth.

“I got a gig! A gig, babe! A real gig! Isn’t that crazy, babe?” Henry had the infuriating habit of saying “babe” constantly as if he were a sheep baaing.

My anger melted with shock and happiness at my partner’s joy. I shrugged off the book. Buying another wasn’t too much of a hassle, and it could have been worse - it could’ve been my kindle. “Oh my god, that’s wonderful!” I stood, naked and wet, and we hugged in excitement. The now lukewarm water lapping gently at my calves.

“And guess what, babe! You get to be in the commercial too!”

My grip on him loosened as my enthusiasm waned. “What?” I asked, pulling away from him.

Henry straightened, his smile engulfing my entire view as he looked at me. “It’s a family commercial, babe! They want you too! Isn’t that awesome!?!”

“Why can’t they cast you a professional girlfriend?” I asked, not trying to hide the sarcasm in my voice.

“Babe, it’s a “real people, not actors” thing, so it’s got to be the real deal.” His face fell in concern, “you’ll do it with me, won’t you?”

My heart pained and I sighed, “of course, love. Anything for you.”

Henry cried out in glee, “thank you, Claire!!!” He gave me another squeeze before running out of the room, “I’m gonna call my mom!”

“You might want to change your shirt too!” I called after him as I bent down and pulled the plug.

I stood in front of a nondescript office building far outside the city holding two paper cups filled with coffee - one black, one with cream and just a touch of sugar - while Henry dealt with the casting director inside. It was chilly and I had the bulky scarf my aunt knit me for Christmas wrapped tight around the bottom half of my face. I was trying to think of a way to drink the hot brown liquid without removing the comfort of the scarf when Henry appeared beside me. He beamed as he took back his cup.

“Ok, babe, the release forms are all sorted!” He bounced on the balls of his feet in excitement and looked out over the barren parking lot, “the casting director said someone will be here soon to drive us to location.”

I nodded and looked longingly at my cup as I wondered why we couldn’t wait inside the dingy office. Turning my head, I searched the windy road we had driven up only moments before. I was impatient to get the shoot started. The sooner we started, the sooner we’d finish. Henry had warned me it’d probably take all day and I was already regretting my decision to come. I strained my eyes trying to see further down the road, willing a vehicle to manifest. I held the cup of coffee in both my hands, the warmth penetrating the skin of my fingers and palms only slightly, the rest of my body shivering in the cold.

We only had to wait a few minutes before a grey windowless van pulled up in front of us. I eyed it suspiciously. Rust was beginning to eat away at the wheel well and the grey paint was dull, having lost its luster long ago. I looked at Henry and silently begged him not to make me get into the van, but he wasn’t looking at me. The driver’s side door opened with a squeal and a young man jumped out.

He was slight and very chic looking. His wool peacoat was fitted, and the jeans and boots I could see beneath it were dark and fashionable. He wore round glasses and his beard was neatly trimmed close to his skin. A grey beanie was pulled over his ears and he smiled warmly at us as he brought a pen down to the clipboard in front of him.

“Henry Cooper and Claire Lane?”

“That’s us!” Henry exclaimed. I waved unenthusiastically.

“Hi, I’m Brett. I’m the production assistant for today’s shoot. The location is only a fifteen minute drive from here.” He slid the back door of the van open and Henry jumped in. I hesitated, looking from the worn cloth seat, yellow foam visible at the corners, to Brett.

Brett just smiled that warm professional smile at me. “I know it looks a little sketchy - they won’t let us drive the prop vehicles unfortunately.”

I groaned beneath the thick wool yarn of my scarf and followed Henry. Brett slid the door shut behind me and I searched futilely for a seat belt. The van bounced and swayed as Brett hopped into the driver seat. “Hope you guys like indie rock!” he called over his shoulder as the van rolled out of the parking lot and onto the main street.

The back of the van was surprisingly clean and I found myself becoming more comfortable with the situation. I could only see the road through the windshield, but the winter sun shone through the bare trees and it felt nice to be so close to nature. Henry took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. I rested my head on his shoulder and smiled as a Modest Mouse song played over the speakers from Brett’s iPod.

Twenty minutes later, we were both beginning to shift in our seats. My coffee cup rested empty in my hands and I had removed several layers as the dry heat of the van started to make me sweat.

“Hey Brett, are we almost there?” Henry asked, peering around the passenger headrest in an attempt to see more of the road.

“Yep, any minute now!” He called back over his shoulders. The van jostled beneath me as he turned onto a dirt road stretching through the dense trees.

“This is where we’re filming?” I asked, looking around him. “We’re in the middle of nowhere!”

Brett laughed goodnaturedly. “Yeah, easier to set up all our gear. You’ll be surprised how much lighting and camera equipment we need for a minute long commercial.”

I lurched back into my seat as the van hit a pothole, my coffee cup falling to the ground. Bending down to retrieve it from under the seat, I touched something sharp. I hissed in pain and brought my finger to my lips instinctually. My tongue traced the source and the coppery taste of blood stung against my taste buds. “The fuck?” I said under my breath as I bent my body down further so I could see. My coffee cup was rolling lazily with the sway of the vehicle, lightly bouncing off of a polished axe, the edge sharpened to a nasty point. My brow tightened in confusion.

“We’re here!” Brett cried cheerily. I sat upright and peered around him. In front of us loomed a giant house, old and brittle looking like a haunted house leftover from Halloween. Windows were smashed in or boarded up and the wood walls were rotten and sagging under the weight of their age. Shutters, bricks, and glass littered the ground.

I looked at Henry with concern, but he only shrugged.

Brett pulled up in front of the house. He turned in his seat to face us, smiling, waiting for a reaction. I sat still, disbelieving the situation around me. Brett, not phased, grabbed his clipboard from the other seat and jumped out. Henry wouldn’t make eye contact with me as the back door slid open. Brett stood there, his hand outstretched like a driver preparing to escort his fare out. I shook my head and scooted backed into Henry.

Brett laughed and turned his head, “Bob, can I get some help with the talent?”

A beefy hairy man appeared in the door. “This is Bob, the gaffer.” Brett explained as Bob reached towards me. I turned, pushing Henry to go deeper into the van. A strong hand wrapped around my ankle as I threw myself over the back of the seat. I kicked hard, but struck only the winter air. Bob tugged and my hands slipped from the seat. Pain shoot through my knee as I fell to the hard ground. Tears began to collect in my eyelashes.

Bob pulled on my leg, still in his grasp, and my chin hit the ground, more pain screaming through my body. My leg pulled at my hip socket as Bob started to drag me towards the house. I looked up to see Henry jump from the van and run towards me. Another big man, much taller than Bob, ran up to him and, using the bottom of his heavy work boot, kicked him in the side of the leg, right beneath his left knee. Henry fell with a sickening crack. He screamed in pain and I realized I was screaming as well. I clutched desperately at the dirt in front of me trying to stop Bob’s progress. My fingernails tore upward as I tried to cling to the frozen earth moving beneath me.

The tall man picked Henry up and hoisted him over his shoulder like a bag of flour. Henry cried out and squirmed in his grasp. Bob stopped and my leg fell to the ground. I rolled over and saw that I was in front of a brand new SUV. Behind it, the trees stretched out towards the cold sun like forgotten bones.

“What the fuck?” My throat was hoarse, the tight and raspy sound of my voice foreign to me. My whole body shook and the tears that glazed my face were beginning to freeze.

Henry was dropped unceremoniously beside me and I grabbed him. We hugged each other, our bodies clinging together in desperate fear.

“Cameras ready?” The tall man yelled, his voice low and gravely, the words sounding as if they were rolling over jagged stones.

A small woman being swallowed by an oversized green army jacket held out a thumbs up from behind a giant camera. Brett ran up beside him, the clipboard in one hand, the axe I cut my finger on in the other. He looked towards us, that warm friendly smile from the office parking lot unmoving.

The sound of a throat clearing startled me and I looked back, ready for the next horror. Standing over us was an attractive man in a smart charcoal coat. He smiled down at me, his perfect teeth a bright white that contrasted sharply with the grey colors surrounding them.

“You guys ready?” He asked, his smooth voice viscous like oil, dripping from his lips.

“Wh-what?” I whimpered, “r-r-ready for what?”

“Places everyone.” The tall man cried from beside the camera and the handsome man looked up towards him, smiling that dazzling smile.

“Camera rolling?”

“Rolling.” The woman said.

“Ac-tion.” The word was spoken meticulously, the man relishing every inch of it.

The handsome man looked down at us, “what do you guys think of the new 2018 Meridian?” He asked enthusiastically, gesturing to the car.

I looked at the car, then to the camera, then back to the handsome man with the white smile.

“Cut!” The tall man yelled. He bent down to pick something up. I screamed as he stood, a crowbar hanging loosely in his grip. He began to walk towards us, his heavy boots crunching the pine needles and leaves beneath him. I turned away, preparing to stand and run when I saw Bob watching me. His arms were crossed and a smile slowly formed on his thick lips. My knee twinged with pain.

No running. I thought. There won’t be any running.

The tall man reached us and slowly knelt down so that he was eye to eye with us. He rested his weight on one knee and snarled, the crowbar resting on the ground beside him, his fingers lightly tracing its sides.

“Don’t. Look. At. The camera.” He growled. He stood stiffly, raised the crowbar, and swung it down onto my outstretched foot. The pain tore through my bone and muscle, electricity shooting through my body as I screamed in agony. The tall man walked back to the camera. I sobbed as I looked to my leg. Bone jutted out from torn flesh, as white as the handsome man’s teeth. I tried to scream but the sound that emitted was pained and small, my voice no longer functioning. Henry hugged me closer, and I tried to swallow, to give my throat some relief, any relief, but my mouth was dry.

“Ready?” The tall man asked again. There was no answer. “Action!” He said, the word chopped short.

“Henry, Claire, what are your thoughts on the new 2018 Meridian?” The smooth voice asked from behind us.

I turned to look back at the man, who never stopped smiling at me. “W-why?” I choked, barely audible.

“What was that, Claire?” The man held his hand behind his ear, “I didn’t catch that.” He dropped his hand and gestured towards the SUV, “what are your thoughts on the new Meridian?”

“I… I…” My voice caught as more tears forced their way from my eyes. I couldn’t speak without sobbing, so instead I simply nodded, hoping to somehow make this torture end.

The handsome man stepped around us, careful to avoid my injured foot, and walked towards the car.

“Well, what’s a family SUV without family?” He pulled the back door open with a flourish.

My blood curdling scream filled the quiet air around me, piercing high into the sky. Four faces starred out from the inside of the car. I screamed again as their eyes widened in recognition. My mother, father, sister, and brother-in-law began to squirm and pull against the chains binding them to the seats. Their cries were muffled by dirty rags wrapped around their mouths. My niece, only five years old, was slumped over in one of the seats, completely unconscious. I tried to focus, to see if her chest was rising and falling, but I couldn’t tell. Bruises and cuts lined their faces, their skin only clean of blood and dirt where rivers of tears had washed them away.

Before I knew it I was standing, all my weight on my good foot, my good knee. Bob’s arms were wrapped around my waist as I struggled, flailing my arms wildly. I slapped and punched his solid mass, desperately trying to push myself forward while his meaty arms held me back.

The last thing I remember is something hard falling against the back of my head and the world going black.

I woke up in a hospital room yesterday with a mild concussion, a dislocated knee, and a shattered foot. They say I was found outside the doors of the emergency room early in the morning, bloodied and unconscious. I’ve repeated this story numerous times to the police, who are still searching for my family. I pray they are still alive.

The nurses are kind. One of them tried to wash my clothes for me, but the police took them in as evidence. They were able to give me back my wallet though. All my cards and receipts were still there, even the Christmas check from my grandparents that I still hadn’t cashed. As I looked through my wallet, the familiarity of it comforting me slightly, I noticed that one of the card pockets felt oddly thick. I pulled forward at my credit card and found a small, folded up note behind it.

“I don’t expect you to understand, but they promised me fame. I’m sorry and I hope you’ll forgive me one day. I love you, babe.

[geminnas]

POWER RANGERS SPOILERS

massive spoilers below. a list of the things that i loved about the movie. kind of long post

IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER LET’S GO

- flashback scene:  zordon just helplessly watching the yellow ranger die

- “seek those who are worthy”

-“we could have ruled together!” “that was never going to happen.” “so be it. you’ll die.” “we’ll die together, rita.”

-tHE COW’S MALE FUCKERS

-jason has abysmal driving skills

-”like you said. never going to understand each other.”

- “beefy and i have a connection.”

-kIMBERLY MY QUEEN

-she just walked right past jason

-detention guys calling jason out “you sure you’re in the right class, scott?”

-bILLY BILLY BILLY

-‘‘did you just slap me?” “i did. weird, right?”

-jASON SCOTT SASS MASTER

-kimberly “i need to go to the ladies room” hart

-they cut her out of the photo right there and sTUCK IT TO THE WALL WITH SCISSORS WHAT THE FUCK

-kim coming back from the restroom with her hair cut like a bamf

-the look jason gives her

-billy asking jason to come hang out

- “billy crams-a-ton”

-jason freaking tf out abt his ankle monitor and billy just calm af

-jason hugging billy and billy going “don’t touch me”

- autistic people rule

-aND HERE WE HAVE ZACK THE COOLEST ASS BAMF YOU WILL EVER SEE

-on the roof. a fire on the ground. observing trini through binoculars. calling her “crazy girl”

-jason freaking out when kimberly dives and doesn’t emerge

-the entire van conversation between kim and jason

-”dad, i’ll make you proud”

-the explosion

-zack, billy, kim and jason just standing there like “shit what did u do”

-tRINI

-“hey, this is a restricted area! you shouldn’t be here!” “oh yeah, einstein? we shouldn’t be blowing things up either, now should we?”

- how the fuck did you think her name was deedee

-then trini calls him something like “trailer park boy”

-the entire cliffside just collapsing

-zack immediately taking the pickaxe and hacking the coins out of the ice “how much do you think this is worth?” like i feel him hes struggling with money???

-the way he says “security” like he knows it all too well and probably curses under his breath

-billy and jason getting into the car “wait what about the others”

-alternatively “where’s the other guy?” pause. “JUST GO”

-all shrieking when zack lands on top of the car and sticks his head upside down

-”are you crazy?” “yeah, i am.”

-*billy drives towards train* jason: you’re gonna make it! zack: yeah, dude, we’re gonna make it! trini: i don’t know if he’s gonna make it! kim: he’s not gonna make it!

-kIM CRUSHING HER PHONE

- “im just going to quietly snap your wrist, you little bitch” like fuck off asshole

- wrist turns out to be unsnappable

- “billy cranston just knocked [bully’s name] out cold! holy shit, cranston!”

- billy holding court to his many admirers

- “billy is awesome”

- the mean girls literally get sprayed with soda or shit

-zACK AND HIS MOM??? SPEAK MANDARIN?? LITERALLY BETTER THAN MY MANDARIN?? THEYRE SO PURE??? HE IS THE BEST OK??? DESERVES SO MUCH LOVE??? MY SMOL SON????

- three of them seeing zack “your name’s zack, right?” “yeah”

- “you still go to angel grove?” laughing. “sometimes!”

- trini scrambling up the cliffside like spider man

- “try to keep up”

- tRINI JUST JUMPING ACROSS THE CLIFF

- “girl, you’re crazy! but so am i!”

- *holds her ankle* “ive got her” *kicks zack off* “don’t touch me”

- “tHAT IS NOT A PIECE OF CAKE”

- dancing and then toppling backwards

- “did we just kill the dude?”

- zack jumping off with absolutely no hesitation whatever

- “sorry for what?” “this.”

- black and blue joke

- trini falls on top of zack. zack: “hi” trini: “aGAIN”

- “holy sh-” “sHHH”

- “we’re gonna be famous”

- “any questions?” “nope. nope, i’m good.”

- the pit

- “it’s just a hologram, like a video game” nuh uh

- scratching lines into the wall for every day

- trini getting zack in a chokehold qUEEN

- triNI AND KIM AT KRISPY KREME

- “come on zack, let’s go.” “yeah. let’s go.” that camera angle is perfect you can literally see his damn smile and the way his eyes shine

- dAT FACE THO

- jason and zack punching each other in the face

- tbh they have a lot of wasted “bro” potential

- billy trying to separate them and then morphing

- SCREW YOUR AGENDA ZORDON

- the campfire scene i cried no joke

- doing impressions of zordon

- “MY MOM IS THE BEST”

- not afraid to admit that he’s scared, and that he loves his mom

- trini and zack form the beanie squad

- “boyfriend problems?” “yeah, boyfriend problems.” “...girlfriend problems?”

- “are we friends, or are we power rangers?”

- rita and trini

- “i killed yellow once.”

- “deedee my friend”

keeping it brief bc its getting way too long

- rita is terrifying. literally. no joke.

- g o l d

- “you did an awful thing. doesn’t make you an awful person.”

- tHEY DIDN’T KISS I’M SO HAPPY

- trini “rita visited me” kwan

- you can legit see everyone thinking “im going to kill rita”

- the way each of them raise their hands

- “eeny, meeny, miny, moe... blue”

- “you can tell me now, or you can tell me after i kill all your friends. let’s start with black.”

- zack shakes his head

- ‘krispy kreme. it’s at krispy kreme.”

- i LITERALLY THOUGHT BILLY WAS GOING TO COME BACK TO LIFE LIKE CHOKING UP THE WATER BUT HE DIDN’T OH MY GOD

- you can see how each one of them deals with grief

- they carry him all the way back

- all of them agreeing that they’d give their lives for his

- “only one can return”

- jason hugging billy like he’ll never let go

- tHEY MORPHED

- their fighting tho

- zack jumping off the cliff still fighting a putty in order to get his zord

-the way all the gold cuts through the ground to make goldar

- “that’s a lot of gold.”

- everyone in their zords

- go go power rangers playing as they run into battle goddamn

- “how cute. the rangers found their costumes and their dino cars.”

- kim saving jason’s ass

- “sorry bumblebee!” i DIED

- trini jumping right on top of goldar

- “THAT’S NOT KRISPY KREME! FIND KRISPY KREME!”

- *dropping billy on top of goldar*

- “is it over?” heartbreakingly hopeful

- “she’s back.”

- “hold the line!”

- trini screaming down the channel “zack, stay with me!”

- “no one dies alone.”

- then they disappear in fire.

- and rise again.

- rita merging herself with goldar and they’re all too confused to do anything

- “i got the leg!” “oh, you got the leg too? hi five!”

- “oh, i wish i could punch!” *kicks goldar*

- “remember the pit?” “oh, i hated the pit.”

- trini “bring it on” kwan

- “kim! swords!”

- “duck, grab, lift!” 

- “whatever zordon says, i know i am worthy!”

- getting bitch slapped into space

- “did you just slap her?” “i did. weird, right?”

- “told you we were gonna be famous”

- making the megazord dance

- “what about yellow?” “yeah, yellow! he’s cool too!” “how do you know it’s a he?”

-kim pasting that photo of all of them laughing that pic is pure ok look at them

- zack playing chess with his mom “帅吗？” literally asking whether they were handsome and his mom checkmates him then hi fives him god i love them

- “deedee!” “mom, it’s trini!”

- trini and zack show up at angel grove for possibly the first time

-zack sitting on a backward facing chair

-flicking papers at each other

- iTS A LIGHTNING BOLT SHADED WITH THEIR COLOURS

- i love them all.

-tOMMY OLIVER

- ships: jason/kim, jason/billy, zack w everyone, my hetero ass ships trini and zack but my gay ass ships kim and trini

summary: this movie is possibly the best thing to happen to me. amazing. i love it and my children. go watch it. it will bless your soul.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 32

from asakusa craziness to family drama

Tool: O____o; "...He cannonballed into my pool--and bashed my head six feet under! Aren't you gonna reprimand his ass for that?!" setsuna: *tiny chop* bad. Tool: >_< -elsewhere- juria: *chewing on some gum* Kishiri: "...Get. Away." juria: nyeh? vivian: but torryyyy~ i want to get crepes together~! Kishiri: "...One crepe. Then your crazy ass leaves me alone." vivian: yay~! ^w^ juria: oi, aint you that helvitz girl? Kishiri: "???" ("Holy crap--hot girl!") vivian: hmm? yes, im vivian helvitz. juria: whats with the uniform? vivian: oh? its a customized special fire brigade uniform. i wanted to look stylish on the job~ juria: heh... AHAHAHAHAHAHA ARE YOU FUCKIN WITH ME AHAHAHAHA!! Kishiri: "...??? What the heck is with you?" juria: nyeh? whats it to you punk? just look at her, she's just a pampered little princess. little rich girls like her arent fit to be in brigades, *mocking voice* dey're just too dewecate! HAHAHAHA vivian: you wanna try me b*tch? juria: nah, i'd squash you like a bug, it wouldnt be a fair fight. Kishiri: -_-; "Vivian isn't delicate. Believe me." juria: you her boyfriend? vivian: *shiny eyes* you have that much faith in me torry~? Kishiri: -_____-; "I have faith. No, she is not my girlfriend..." *then takes Juria's hand* "Which means I'm single, babe~" juria:....do you want me to beat you to a pulp you little low rank yankee? Kishiri: "Kinky...And I like a little girl on girl--" juria: *KNEED IN THE JUNK* no. Kishiri: Q______Q *whimpering* "My progeny..." vivian: OUR BABIES!! D8> juria: wow. you are pathetic. Kishiri: *crying* "Vivian...KICK HER ASS." vivian: *takes out fan* Kishiri: *crying, clutching his groin* "Why should a cat fight be so painful..." -elsewhere- Relan: [tummy ache?] shinra: [i'm used to spicy food, so i'll live, haha] Relan: [ :) and you have the festival tomorrow] iris: [be sure to have fun ^^] shinra: [can and will do!] shinra:......[still, we have to remember its a mourning for the ones who passed on...] iris: [right]..... Relan: [...oh. yeah...] -elsewhere- Konro: *stretching* -knock knock- Konro: "Enter." katarou's wife: good evening commander. Konro: *nods* "Ma'am. How are you?" katarou's wife: surviving....*sigh* toshio's...been rather difficult about all this. Konro: *nods* "I can understand...Might it help for someone to speak with him?" katarou's wife: perhaps... Konro: *nods* "...Will you and Toshio be at tomorrow's event?" katarou's wife: if i can get him out of his room, yes.....otherwise, we'll be at the shop... Konro: "I'll let Benimaru know as well." katarou's wife: thank you commander. i'll be returning home now… Konro: "Until then. And again, my condolences." -elsewhere- Arthur: *groaning* "Ugh..." tamaki: easy there... Arthur: "My tummy...Why?" tamaki:...*getting him a cold compress* Arthur: "Thank you, Tamaki...My...My..." tamaki: hmm? Arthur: "...My...um..." -\\\\\- "My thanks to you..." ("My nurse...") tamaki:....no problem....*hesitant small smooch on the forehead* Arthur: -\\\\\\\- "Th-Thanks...I l--" tamaki: d-dont go telling shinra! he'd never let me live it down 7-7; Arthur: "..." *sad eyes* tamaki:.....*small smooch on the forehead for real now* .////. Arthur: "..." *nods* "Th-Thank you for...you." tamaki:....*small smile* Arthur: *lies down, struggling to breathe through the pain* -elsewhere- Kid: *lies in bed* stocking: zzzz... Kid: *looks a little worried* stocking: zzzz..... Kid: *inhales* ("One day...I can do this.") stocking: *still asleep* Kid: "..." *hugs her gently and tries to fall back asleep* -elsewhere- tsuyu: *watching tv* samidere: hey sis, phone for you. tsuyu: *picks up* yes? Izuku: "Um...Tsu? It's me...Izuku?" tsuyu: oh, hey izuku, whats up? Izuku: "I, um...I'm fine. I wanted to see how you were." tsuyu: im doing well. Izuku: "That's good. Um, I went to the hospital today--not for any injury! Just to see Iida." tsuyu: ah, how is he? Izuku: "...He wasn't there. He got released." tsuyu: i see. Izuku: "You haven't heard from him, have you?" tsuyu: not yet. maybe we can visit him tomorrow? Izuku: "I'd like that. Morning or afternoon?" -elsewhere- Anya: *filling up a glass of water* layla: trouble sleeping? Anya: *nods* "Yes." Anya: "I take it you cannot sleep either." layla: just needed something to drink... Anya: "How are classes?" layla: doing good. and you? Anya: "Could be better. There's one technique I'm having some difficulty with." layla: oh? Anya: "It involves wielding Tsugumi's halberd forms." layla: ah. she's a triple bladed weapon, right? Anya: *nods* "So I have been trying to focus on wielding some of those other forms." layla: ah. i see. you're pretty good with the spear part, and hoshino uses the scythe part, right? Anya: -_-; "Yes..." layla: ah, i see. Anya: "I would love to master her scythe form...Scythe meisters are less common." layla: yeah...... Anya: "How is your training going?" layla: it's been doing good. i've been trying to learn how to use a bowstaff. chidori and kimiko are doing well too. Anya: "Hmmm...Bowstaff? Wait, who is your partner?" layla: havent found one yet. ^^; Anya: "Perhaps a social meeting with new students?" layla: maybe. *she smiles* Anya: *smiles back, then yawns* "I better try for more sleep...You should as well." layla: ok then. night. Anya: "Night." *walks back up stairs to room...hears snoring* "???" mio: *at her desk, asleep* Anya: -_-; *takes blanket from Mio's bed, puts it over her shoulders* mio: *muttering* meme... Anya: "???" ("...Jeez, those two...") -elsewhere- Arthur: *tosses a little in bed* tamaki: zzzzz... Arthur: *knocks into Tamaki a bit* "Hmmm..." tamaki: *nuzzle* Arthur: *holds her in his sleep, letting out soft sigh* tamaki:....*small smile* Takehisa: *getting a glass of water...his stomach growling* "Ugh..." serina: good evening commander. Takehisa: "Evening...How are you?" serina: doing well. Takehisa: *stomach growls* -\\\\\\- "...Are there leftovers?" serina: i think so. Takehisa: *opens fridge, removes leftovers* "...Don't tell Obi I took these." serina: i wont. Takehisa: *heats up some* "Want some?" serina: im good. Takehisa: *after heating his meal* "...How was everyone at dinner?" serina: it went well...i think the commander has forgiven you now... Takehisa: "That is good to know...I will have to make it up to Shinra, however." serina: im sure he'll forgive you too....he's a good kid. Takehisa: "Yes..." *groans* "I was a fool." serina: its ok, *pap pap* Takehisa: -\\\\- *small bite of food* "...I did so many stupid things today. What is wrong with me?" serina: perhaps its nerves? or maybe a lack of sleep? Takehisa: "Both, likely. I can imagine the nervousness's causes..." Takehisa: ("Why did I behave so awkwardly around Maki? That's out of character for me.") serina: ah, i see. maybe you should sleep in tomorrow, see if it helps? Takehisa: "..." *nods* "Thank you. Please let the Commander know I was feeling ill." serina: understood…. miss oze......do you have feelings for her? Takehisa: o\\\\\\\\\\\\o "Um...Yes?" serina: ah. well, its best to come to terms with those feelings sooner rather than later, i guess. Takehisa: "...Easier said..." serina: *she nods* the 8th's fraternization rules arent too strict, are they? Takehisa: "No, although Akitaru does tend to see us as a family, and can be rather insistent for everyone's well-being." serina: ah, i see.....i suppose its different for each brigade.....the 1st is far more strict in that regard... *she seems sad* Takehisa: "...Someone you are thinking about in the 1st?" serina: O/////O w-well....i-its rather complicated. Takehisa: "More complicated than Maki and me?" serina: well..... serina: one of the company commanders, foien li... i guess it was during collage that we met and dated for a while....unfortunately, due to being a company commander for the 1st, as well as a priest, we couldnt be together like that. even so, we're still close. *sad smile* Takehisa: "I'm sorry. I imagine this is difficult. Did you break up before he became a priest?" serina: well, thats the complicated part. sometimes in his off hours, we still see each other from time to time... .///. Takehisa: " 'See each other'? For dates or something platonic?" serina: somewhat like that. Takehisa: "Hmm...Have you directly asked him whether he would consider pursuing a more consistent romantic or sexual relationship in the future?" serina: ..... O/////////O Takehisa: "...I assume no, then." serina: i'll have to think about that one... *steam coming from her ears* Takehisa: *nervous laugh* -\\\\\- "Yes, I know the feeling." -elsewhere- Wes: *turns in bed, as Ghost Dog is sleeping right on top of him, tries to pet him* dog: =w= Wes: *petting* "Good puppy..." -elsewhere- mephisto: zzzzzz..... felisia: *sleeping next to him* Amaimon: *somehow in bed with them, spooning with Mephisto* mephisto: *YAAAWN*... ?? Amaimon: "...Hi." mephisto: ammy, do you mind not drooling on my neck? its rude. Amaimon: "Oh..." *wipes his mouth* "Sorry." mephisto: thank you. Amaimon: *back to spooning* "Good night." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: -w- "So nice, peaceful at this hour..." kabuki: indeed. Tsukiyo: "Kinda glad I got night-watch with you. So...What should we talk about?" kabuki: perhaps how we got here....do you want to start or should i? Tsukiyo: "Why don't you start~?" kabuki: oh, well, its quite an unusual story. before i joined the brigade, i worked as a circus performer. Tsukiyo: "...For real? What did you do?" kabuki: i used my ignition ability and played the role of a trickster fox. Tsukiyo: "Kind of like a circus performer doing fire dance and stuff?" kabuki: indeed. to be quite honest, i've never been much of a fighter. i just wanted to see people smile. Tsukiyo: "D'awwwww!" :3 "Did they like your performance, then?" kabuki: i would like to think so. *he smiles* Tsukiyo: "So, after the circus, you came to the 7th? How did that go?" kabuki: it went fairly well. i guess i learned to fight from konro. Tsukiyo: "I can see that. He's so beefy~!" kabuki: now what about you miss usada? Tsukiyo: *shrugs* "I didn't have much going on back home. Parents just let me do what I want, play where I want...weren't home much..." kabuki: *listening* Tsukiyo: "...Not many friends...School was boring...Then--" *holds up small flame* "This happened. And that's when I met..." <3 "Beni-Chan..." kabuki: ah, i see. ^^; Tsukiyo: "I didn't get to be very personable with many people, but here feels...fun! Get to goof around, have excitement in my life!" kabuki: ah. but you do have friends here, like miss huo, right? Tsukiyo: "Yep! And she's awesome, right? A bit serious, though." kabuki: im sure she's just looking out for you. she worries about your well-being and doesnt want you to get hurt. Tsukiyo: "...Yeah." T~T kabuki:....are you ok? Tsukiyo: *wipes face, puts on smile again* "Yeah...Just emotional about friendship and corny stuff like that..." kabuki: understandable. Tsukiyo: "...And she's cute, too, huh~?" *struggling to keep up the act* kabuki: well she isnt unattractive. but then again i usually dont pay attention to those things. Tsukiyo: "..." :3 *she's back in her previous mode* "You telling me you don't scope out any of the fine booty around here?" kabuki: not often. but i've had some...interesting encounters in my life ^^; Tsukiyo: *leans closer* "Do tell~" kabuki: as told by my appearance, i've often been mistaken for female. Tsukiyo: *nods, listening* -elsewhere- Emine: "..." lin: *handing him a towel* going up to the roof after the rain? Emine: *nods* lin:....want me to come with you? Emine: "..." *nods* lin: ok. Emine: *opens window, sets down towel, exits, then holds out hand to Lin* lin: *she follows him* its nice and cool out.... Emine: "Yes. The rain smells clean." lin: *she smiles* Emine: "...I don't see your hair down this often. You look good." lin: o///o um, thank you emine. Emine: "..." *lets a hand pass through her hair* lin: *blushing* e-emine... Emine: "Yes...?" lin: ....n-nothing... *a bit flustered* Emine: "...I want to kiss you." lin: o...ok...*leans in* >////< Emine: *small awkward peck on her lips* lin: *smooch*..........*she soon relaxes* Emine: "...I was bad, wasn't I?" lin: .////////. it felt nice.... Emine: "...Your lips are soft. I liked how they felt." lin: *blushing*.....*small smooch* >////////< Emine: o___o *slowly closes his eyes, returning the small smooch* lin: U/////U Emine: *sigh of relief* "That was...better. You're good at kissing." lin: *she smiles* i....really like you a lot.... Emine: "...You are so supportive, loving...have been there for me." lin: you've been there for me too.... Emine: "...May I hug you?" lin: of course. Emine: "..." *awkward hug* lin: *hugs back* Emine: *awkward pat* "You feel...good." lin: y-you do too..... Emine: "I can feel your heartbeat..." -\\\\- lin: *blushing and petting his head* Emine: *small purr* lin: *smiles* (thinking: too adorable for words) Emine: "I...feel a lot right now, from my body down to my soul. I don't know what to say." lin: if you dont want to say anything, you dont have to.. Emine: "..." *small kiss on her cheek* lin: ^///^ Emine: *another small kiss on her lips* -inside- nea: *soft sigh* u///u Shinoda: "This okay?" nea: y-yeah. Shinoda: *holds her in his arms, kisses her cheek again* "So..." nea: hmm? Shinoda: "Shall I...I mean, should I..." nea: should you what? Shinoda: "..." *kisses behind her ear, as his hand slides along her hip* nea: ahhh~ U///U Shinoda: *kisses down her neck...as his hand gropes one of her breasts* nea: *soft moan* Shinoda: "You feel excited...Your skin has goosebumps..." *slides a fingertip just under her panties* nea: a-ahhh~! *shuddering* Shinoda: "Nea, I don't want to hold back..." *starts to pull down her panties* nea: .//////. c-can you even eat out? g-given your condition... Shinoda: "??? I had my apple today..." *smirks* "Just want a taste of you to complement it~" nea: .///////. maybe not risk it? Shinoda: "...Shall I pleasure you another way?" Shinoda: "Whatever you want." nea:.....maybe just straight up fuck me? Shinoda: o\\\\\\o "Nea...I've been wanting to for so long..." *pulls down her panties* "...So beautiful." nea: *blushing* its been a while since we did this.... Shinoda: "And you look the same as you did then: so pretty..." *strokes a hand along her face, as he kisses her neck again* nea: ahhh.... Shinoda: *he straddles her, tugging at her top to pull it off* -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *returns to her room with a glass of water* kim: *asleep* Jacqueline: *sips water, then walks to her bed--and trips* o___O kim: ?? *wakes up* Jacqueline: *falls* "Ow." kim: are you ok? Jacqueline: *rubs her face* "I tripped over something..." *picks up a jacket* "...Yours, I assume." kim: *she examines it* oh, my old letterman, remember this? *she holds it up* Jacqueline: "...Very much so." *walks up to her bed, sits on the side of it, and hands the jacket to her* kim:...if you want to borrow it from time to time, its fine.....you arent hurt or cut are you? Jacqueline: "..." *clutches the jacket, hugging it* "Thank you...My face is just bruised..." *rubs her nose* kim: let me see.... *turns on the light* Jacqueline: *faces her...it's a small bruise* kim:....it doesnt look too bad.... *she looks for the glass* Jacqueline: "You sure? It hurts a little." kim: want me to kiss it and make it better? *she says in a half joking tone* Jacqueline: o\\\\\\o "Uuuuuuuuuuuuh..." kim: ?? well, seems the glass didnt break. Jacqueline: *pouts* "Hmph. First you toy with me, then you make fun of me." kim: .....did you really want me to kiss you? Jacqueline: "...Kim. I like you. A lot." kim: well, i like you too, we are partners, right? Jacqueline: "..." -\\\\\- "Yeah. Partners..." kim: i should get some paper towels for the spill, brb. *goes to get them* Jacqueline: "..." *buries her head in Kim's jacket* (muffled voice when Kim leaves) "I'm an idiot." kim:....(thinking: i should make it up to her somehow....) Jacqueline: *falls sideways onto Kim's bed, still clutching the jacket* -elsewhere- Mifune: *sipping tea* ("Just can't sleep...") yuma: *yaaawn*... Mifune: "Oh. Hello." *offers chair* yuma: *sits down and drinks her milk* yuma couldnt sleep.... Mifune: "Dreams?" yuma:...thirsty.... *sips her milk* .... Mifune: *nods* "Otherwise, you feel okay?" yuma: *she nods* yuma's gonna go back to sleep now... Mifune: "Sleep well." yuma: *goes back to her and angela's room* Mifune: *stares into his cup of tea, sighs* "Long night..." -silence. takane's picture is still placed on the butsudan- Mifune: *sets tea aside, approaches butsudan, bows his head* -there is no response- Mifune: "I will always keep you in my thoughts...Watch over me..." -a small feeling of warmth can be felt- Mifune: "..." *small smile* "Thank you." -elsewhere- Relan: *tosses in bed* "N-No..." -phone rings- Relan: "P-Please, leave me alone..." *seizing the sheets* "LEAVE ME ALONE!" *falls out of bed* "...Ouch." Relan: *hand reaches up, picks up phone, looks at it* shinra: [you ok?] Relan: "..." [no. nightmare] shinra:....[want to talk about it?] fuck.... Relan: [bad memories of the past. bullies. some self-harm] Relan: [sorry. tw] shinra:....[its ok]..... [its stuff like this that makes me wish you were in the 8th with us.] Relan: [i do. but i also like the 3rd. not that i don't want to be with you and iris. it's confusing] shinra: [i understand. you're more than welcome to spend the night if needed...] Relan: [i'd like that. thanks. are you not sleeping?] shinra: [i got worried about you....instinct i guess.] Relan: [that's adorable, you know that, right?] shinra: *blush* [yeah, haha ^^] Relan: [it suits you, down to that adorable smile of yours] shinra: [god i wish i could be holding you right now...] Relan: [same. when you get home. <3 ] shinra: [night. love you so much] Relan: [love you too. night] *crawls back into bed, smiles at Buttons* Relan: *snaps a pic and texts it* -elsewhere- shinra: ?? *he checks his phone* *Pic of Relan, smiling and winking at the camera* [love u] shinra: *sends a pic of himself smiling* [love you too <3] Relan: -\\\\\- [handsome man] -early morning- Hibana: *yawn* *squish* gabriella: zzzzzz..... Hibana: "Hmmm..." *she's behind Gabriella in their bed...in her sleep, her hands reach from behind her and cup her breasts* gabriella: >//////< Hibana: *yawn* "You have the world's best ta-tas..." gabriella: h-h-hibana! >//////////////////< -elsewhere- Arthur: *strokes Tamaki's back* tamaki: mmmmm..... Arthur: *small laugh* "You purr like a kitten." tamaki: oh shush -.- ..... thanks for letting me sleep here... Arthur: "Any--" *yawn* "--time. Was it okay? Did I snore or anything?" tamaki: its was warm... Arthur: -\\\\\- "So were you...I was worried my feet would be cold or something." tamaki:...im glad you were here with me. Arthur: "..." *nods* "Same...Tamaki? I had a bad dream. And you being here...helped." tamaki:...arthur.... Arthur: "...It was when I was kidnapped." *small hug* tamaki:.....*hugs him* Arthur: "...I missed you." -elsewhere- chie: zzzzzzzzzzz...... Yohei: *carrying in a tray of breakfast* chie: *yaaaawn* awww, yoheiiii! *smooch* Yohei: *chuckles* "I tried to make it how I thought you'd like it...Anything I'm missing? Sauces? Fruits? Sardines?" chie: hahaha... ^^ Yohei: *smiles, hands her the tray and sits at the foot of the bed* "...You're so beautiful." chie: *smiles and blushes* Yohei: "Sleep okay?" *picks a grape off her tray and eats it* chie: yeah. Yohei: "That's good...Hey, what would you like to do today? Rain stopped, we got the day ahead of us." chie: maybe we could stay in and watch a movie? Yohei: "That sounds great..." *crawls up, careful not to knock the tray, to lie beside her* -elsewhere- Kid: *hugging Stocking* stocking: *smooch* hehe~<3 lord death: morning kiddos~! Kid: -\\\\\- "Morning, Father." stocking: hey da-death! Yumi: *carrying Shiori to her high chair* shiori: ^0^ Kid: *waves* "Morning, Mother, Shiori." kirika: *yaaawn* murnin.... Yumi: "Kirika? Sleep okay?" kirika: yeah, just was up late last night. Yumi: "Perhaps nap later." Kid: "What kept you up?" *hands her a glass of orange juice* kirika: training a lot. visited oriko, usual stuff....she's really getting better in terms of talking. Kid: *smiles* "Progress." lord death: *reading the paper* hmm, seems an austrian/japanese pianist is going to be playing in death city later this month. Kid: "Oh?" *takes plates for him and Stocking to the table, next to Death* stocking: *reading the article* huh. i actually play some piano myself, with a bit of electric guitar on the side. Kid: "And you play very well, too~" stocking: hehe~ Yumi: "Perhaps we can get tickets?" liz: maybe. Patty: "Could be fun!" stocking: i'll see if i can get us tickets... Kid: *smiles* -elsewhere- Shinoda: *cuddle* nea: ^w^ Shinoda: "Was last night okay?" nea: yes, it felt good. Shinoda: "It did for me as well...It meant a lot to me." nea: *small smile* i really missed you, dummy. Shinoda: "I missed you, too. And I am going to do whatever I can to earn your trust." nea: *she smiles* Shinoda: *holds her, kisses her forehead* nea: U///U Shinoda: "...Would you like to go out for dinner tomorrow?" nea:...i would love that.... Shinoda: *smiles* "Okay. I know a place with excellent cold meals." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: *sprawled out on floor* "Zzzz..." *snoring* fang-hua: tsukiyo? Tsukiyo: *tosses over* "Wha--?" fang-hua: its morning. Tsukiyo: *groans* "I had night-watch..." *rubs her face* "Did I just fall asleep on the floor?" fang-hua: *helps her up* Tsukiyo: *yawn* "Thanks...I'm still exhausted." *cute rubbing of her eyes* fang-hua: want some tea? Tsukiyo: *nods* "Tha--*yawn*nk you." fang-hua: *she smiles* now come on, we have the mourning festival today... -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *out of the shower, brushing her hair* kim: *streeeeeetch* ha... -knock knock- kim: *she answers* ya? Jacqueline: "???" *she's in her robe* Kana: "Good morning. I have letters." kim: awesome. *she takes the mail for them* thanks. Kana: *holds out hand* "What about my tip?" Jacqueline: *looking over Kim's shoulder at letters* kim: *sigh* fine, here. *hands her some candy* Kana: -W- *skips away* Jacqueline: *small laugh* "Cute...Any mail for me?" kim: *sorting* you...you...junk mail....letter from ox, oh, seems my magazine subscription went through! Jacqueline: "Neat." *looks at the letters* Jacqueline: *opens one envelope, starts reading it...* "Hmm." kim:.....you ok? Jacqueline: "..." *nods, trying to keep it together* kim:...jackie? Jacqueline: *starts crying* kim: jackie?! whats wrong? Jacqueline: "M-My p-parents...w-want me to visit..." kim:..... Jacqueline: *covering her face with her hands* "No...No!" kim: its ok jackie, im right here! *puts the letterman over her shoulders* Jacqueline: "Why now...?" *clutches the jacket around herself* kim: well, thanksgiving is just around the corner... Jacqueline: "That's the problem...I-I don't want to...but I can't get out of this. No..." kim: its ok, no one is forcing you to go, right? Jacqueline: "...Mother is." kim:............*she hugs her* Jacqueline: *cries in Kim's arms* "I can't get out of this." kim:......i have an idea. Jacqueline: "Wh-What?" -jump cut to...- eibon: oh? miss kimial, what do i owe the pleasure? kim: two things, one just call me kim, two is gopher here? Jacqueline: *nervous* eibon: oh, why yes, he should be- Gopher: "Hello! I--" *spots Jacqueline* o_o Jacqueline: o_o kim: heeeeeeey gopher~ mind if we borror him for something, we'll give him back later. eibon: oh...um... *sweatdrop* kim: hey jackie, you still have your old uniform, right? Jacqueline: "...Yes." Gopher: o^o kim: perfect! Jacqueline: "..." *blushes, smiles* "Thank you, Kim." Gopher: T^T -elsewhere- Emine: *holds a water balloon* -elsewhere- Relan: *panting* "T-Time? How did I do?" ryuuko: 6 minutes. Relan: *small sigh of relief* "That's a little better." mikami: congratulations! Relan: "Hee hee...I think that's all for training. I'll cool down, shower, then maybe we can get something to eat?" mikami: sounds good. ryuuko: i hear there is a festival in asakusa today... Relan: -\\\\\\- "That's where Shinra is right now..." mikami: maybe we can visit him? Relan: "...I would like that." *smiles* -and so- Relan: *dressed up* tamaki: this doesnt feel too overly festival like, but at least there is food. Arthur: *yum* "Tasty, too..." Relan: *nervous* shinra: ?? !!! REL! *hug* Relan: o\\\\o "H-Hi..." *hug* shinra: come to see the festival? Relan: "Yes..." *holds his hand* "...and to see you." shinra: *he smiles and stands on his toes to smooch him* Relan: -\\\\\- *kisses back* tamaki:.....(*screaming of adorableness*) Akitaru: ("D'awwwwww...") -elsewhere- Black Star: "Hello, sunny day!" tsubaki: *streeeetch* Black Star: "Ready for a run?" tsubaki: *she nods, getting her training gear on* Black Star: "..." -\\\\\- "Let's see how long you can last out there!" *grabs some water bottles and energy bars* tsubaki: right! Black Star: "On your marks...get set...GO!" -elsewhere- Izuku: *at Iida's front door* "..." maid: yes? Izuku: "H-Hello...Is Tenya Iida in?" maid: ah, he should be in his room. i'll walk you there. *levitating and shows him in* Izuku: o___o *scribbles something quick in his notebook and follows* -knock knock- maid: young master? you have a visitor. Iida: "Yes?" Izuku: "H-Hi, Iida...It's me, Izuku..." tsuyu: hey. *waves* Iida: "...Hello." *small smile* "How are you?" Izuku: *enters* "Alright..." *pulls out a chair for Tsuyu, takes one for himself* "...You have a nice room." tsuyu: it's very clean. Iida: "I try...Well, the staff does, now..." tsuyu:...... Izuku: "...Bed looks comfortable! And I heard that--" tsuyu: *examines the ignium action figure on the desk.... with a smaller figure resembling a young iida next to it made out of play doh* Izuku: "--you're thinking about additional surgery?" Iida: "...I want my eyesight back." tsuyu: *she nods and examines the bookshelf* Izuku: "...Hey." *pats Iida's hand* "We'll support your decision." *smiles* Iida: "..." T______T -elsewhere- Rino: "Okay..." *wipes grease off her hands* "I tightened the bolts on the furnace--all repaired and up and running." iris: *polishing tools* Rino: "...Um, thanks, Iris? But I'm probably going to get grease on those again soon anyway." iris: oh... q.q Rino: "!!!" *nervous laugh* "I mean, it's the thought that counts, right?" *nervous laugh* "...Don't tell Hibana I said that to you. Please?" iris: i wont. ^^; Rino: *sigh of relief* "Thank you...Jeez, she scares me..." -elsewhere- Shotaro: "And now, to finish it..." *puts the cherry at the top of the sundae* nea: *nom* *shiny eyes* Shotaro: *GOOD DEED COMPLETE pose* Shinoda: -\\\\\- "So cute..." *bites into his slice of apple pie* akaderu: *watching tv* Kepuri: *cuddles* "Wait 'til you see the new improvements I made on the TV." akaderu: oh? Kepuri: *smiles* "HD, 3D, all the D's." mana:....*struggling not to laugh* Kepuri: "??? ... !!!" >\\\\\\< "Sh-Shut up!" mono: i wouldnt stoop to such childish jokes. mana:....mono, you're a year older than me -_-; Kepuri: -\\\\- "You're both childish--and far less mature than I. I'm too smart for such immature humor." akaderu:...*sipping his cherry slushie* Shotaro: "Oh, I know plenty of childish jokes! How do you make a tissue dance?" -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "Do you think it'll work?" kim: its so convincing, it just has to. with some hair extensions and sand in special nylons and a specialized bra, he's good to go! Jacqueline: "But how to explain the voice?" (" 'Specialized bra'?") kim: im sure he can imitate it. Gopher: *nods* "I've had practice!" *clears throat--and speaks in Jacqueline's voice* "Hello, Father, Mother! How are you?" Jacqueline: o______O kim: holy crap that's impressive. (thinking: then again he isnt human and could probably just be that......but then on the other hand he already sounds pretty feminine...) Jacqueline: T_T "This wounds my ego, that a boy can impersonate me so easily..." kim: but at least its something. Jacqueline: T_T "I guess...I don't look mannish, do I?" kim: no of course not! ao:........... kim:....!! i didnt mean anything offensive- ao: it's alright. Jacqueline: Q~Q "S-Sorry!" ao: i forgive you, miss du pre. Jacqueline: "Thank you." Gopher: *playing with his skirt* "This is quite fashionable~!" kirika:......its cute i guess 7////7; Gopher: "...You think it looks good on me?" .w. kirika: y-yeah, i mean, whatever floats your boat, dude. 7////3////7; Jacqueline: *crying on Kim's shoulder* "I'm so confused..." Gopher: "Yay!" .W. -elsewhere- Takehisa: *looking at festivities* Benimaru: *standing, arms crossed, next to him* katarou's wife: hello commanders. Takehisa: *nods* Benimaru: *bows to her* "Hello." *looks at her, offers a hand* "Please let me extend my condolences." katarou's wife: thank you *she smiles*....toshio still wont leave his room... Benimaru: "...Would you like me to visit, right now? I would be happy to speak with him." katarou's wife: i would appreciate it... Benimaru: "I will go now. Hinawa will be here to support you." *pats her hand before walking towards Katarou's home* Takehisa: "..." *nods to her* -inside- toshio: *curled up in the futon, crying to himself* Benimaru: *knocks* "Toshio? It’s me, the Commander." toshio: *no answer* d....dad... Benimaru: *enters* "...We are beginning the mourning ceremony for your father. You should be there." toshio:.....the people are holding it like a festival, they arent even sad! Benimaru: "Because they are celebrating your father--his life, his contributions, all that he accomplished." *pats Toshio's head* "You." toshio:...*sniffling with ghibli tears* Benimaru: *hugs* "Let it out..." toshio: *crying* Benimaru: "You're going to be okay. You are never alone, Toshio. You have this village." -elsewhere- Relan: *munching on red bean pastry* >~< "Tasty..." shinra: these arent that bad! misora: *nom nom nom* >w< Arthur: "One Tamaki for taiyaki!" *flustered* "I mean, one taiyaki for Tamaki!" tamaki: *chuckles* thanks. Arthur: -\\\\- *small bite on his own taiyaki* Konro: *bowing at the memorial for Katarou* katarou's wife: *praying* toshio: *whimpering* Benimaru: *hand on Toshio's shoulder* toshio: *hic* Benimaru: *bows his head, prays* misora:.......... Tsukiyo: *peeps up behind Misora* "O.M.G." misora: EEP! O.O Tsukiyo: "Cee-uuuuute outfit!" *she's in moon-theme yukata* misora: thaaanks~! ^^ Tsukiyo: "Who does your do, girl? 'Cause it is hare-raising!" misora: i have my sources~ tamaki: *sweatdrop* Tsukiyo: *takes Misora's arm* "Do share! We can talk about it during a walk-sy around!" *winks at Tamaki* fang-hua: -__-; misora: we- *sees some* KYAAAAAAAAAAAAA! BENI-CHAAAAAAAN~!!<3<3<3 tamaki: ow my ears!! Tsukiyo: "!!!" *joins Misora in glomping Beni-Chan* Benimaru: -____-; Relan: "...What's up with those girls?" shinra:....they're very....very strange *sweatdrop* Relan: "Hmm. I don't know why they are crawling all over Benimaru..." *blushes* "You're cuter..." Tsukiyo: *squish squish* "Want to walk with Misora and me for a bit?" shinra: *blush* t-thanks. Benimaru: "Sorry. I have other responsibilities, so--" *FLAME PUSHES TSUKIYO BACK* Tsukiyo: "Owie!" Benimaru: *stares at Misora* misora: O////w////O Benimaru: *sighs* "Fang-Hua, please remove Misora...and do something about Tsukiyo." Tsukiyo: Q~Q "Beni-Chan..." fang-hua: *drags them off* come on... Tsukiyo: *pouts* "Fang-Hua, I'm just wanting to be gracious to our commander..." Relan: "..." *holds Shinra's hand* Arthur: *small laugh, looks at Tamaki* "That Tsukiyo girl is weird, huh?" shinra: *smooches relan's hand* tamaki: thats a delicate way to put it. Relan: o\\\\\o *steam out of ears* shinra: love ya. Arthur: "..." *scratches his cheek* "...Have you talked with her recently? Because she talked with me..." Relan: "I-I-I-I l-l-l-love you, too..." tamaki:.........you could say that. Arthur: "...She gave me some advice." tamaki: really? Arthur: *takes Tamaki's hand* "She said to let you take the lead..." *brings her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss* tamaki: O////O n-not in public yet.... 7////7 Arthur: *small chuckle* "Sorry..._Not in public_, then..." tamaki: jeez... u///u; maki: ta~ko~ya~ki~tiiime~! *nom* Takehisa: "...Is it good?" maki: delish! want some? Takehisa: "..." *nods* maki: here you go~ *holds one to his mouth* Takehisa: o\\\\o *tentative bite, quickly pulls back, munches* "Delicious..." maki: glad you like it ^^ Takehisa: "...Yes. Thank you." -\\\\- Akitaru: (looking at the happy couples, smiles) padma: *slurred* love'as, com'te'tooown *hic* Akitaru: "Wow, there..." *takes the liquor out of her hand* "Easy..." padma: miwaaaa im goooood to gooooo. Akitaru: -_-; "...How about a good meal, some coffee, and plenty of water?" Relan: ._. padma: yes miwa, a breakfast date sounds looovleyyyy. *hic* Akitaru: "..." *praying* "Someone, help me...I don't know what to do..." T_T serina: h-here let me. *helping padma back to the ryokan* Takehisa: "..." *small smirk watching Padma drunk* Akitaru: *sigh of relief* Arthur: "...I think we all learned a valuable lesson now about drinking." tamaki: (thinking: i think we learned something about padma too...) Relan: "...Interesting colleagues." shinra: yeah. Relan: "...You haven't had alcohol before, have you?" shinra: no...at least not to my knowledge... Relan: "M-Me neither...Some bullies tried to force some onto me, but I managed to run..." shinra:....*holds his hand* Relan: *small squeeze* -elsewhere- Kid: *hug* "I'll miss you..." stocking: it'll only be for two days kiddo, and i wont be going on the trip until tomorrow. Kid: "I'll still miss you..." *pulls back, still holding her hands and smiling* stocking: i know, i'll miss you too. but i'll survive two days i think. Kid: *nods* "You're strong..." stocking: *she kisses his forehead and smiles* Kid: -\\\\- "Do you know where you are heading?" stocking: i think camping in a national park not far from here. Kid: "Do you have bug spray?" stocking: yes. Kid: "Change of clothes for the hikes, outdoors?" stocking: yes kid. Kid: "Okay..." *smiles* "Then I guess you need your rest today." stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "What would you like for dinner? And dessert?" -elsewhere- Black Star: *panting, collapsed on grass* "Good run..." tsubaki: yeah....*looking around her surroundings* Black Star: *takes off his shirt, waving it to get out the sweat* "...Sense something?" tsubaki: hmm... Black Star: "Hey, sushi!" tsubaki: hungry? Black Star: "Definitely!" *finishes fanning shirt and puts it back on* "Let's go!" -inside- tsubaki: how nice. rather big on the inside. Black Star: "~AH~ Air conditioning, too..." *sniffs* "Tasty meals..." tsubaki: *waiting for a seat* Black Star: *looking for seats as well* "What you going to have?" *looking at customers* *One customer dining on a meal behind Tsubaki, looking at her* tsubaki: i think i might have the salmon roe. Black Star: "Oh, that's tasty! I can't decide on just one...Any seats yet?" ???: *watching Tsubaki intently* *sneer* tsubaki: ah! there. *she points to an empty booth* Black Star: "Awe-soooome!" *follows her to the booth* tsubaki: *checking the menu* Black Star: *looking at his...and still feeling something chilly around him* "Hmm...Fiery shrimp roll...Yum..." tsubaki: *looking around the large room* ???: *still looking intently at Tsubaki* tsubaki:....?? ???: *sneer* tsubaki:....?! *rubs her eyes and looks* *Gone* Black Star: "???" tsubaki: n-nothing... Black Star: "..." *small shrug, as he goes back to menu* tsubaki: *suddenly a lot more chilled, but keeping it together* Black Star: *peeks up, frowns* "Okay. What happened?" tsubaki: just a bit chilly today. Black Star: "...Shit, I should've brought a jacket...Um...I could give you my shirt?" tsubaki: oh, i-its fine. im not dying, haha. Black Star: "...Maybe hot tea?" tsubaki: sure. Black Star: "Awesome! I'm going to try this cola..." -elsewhere- Hibana: *checklist* "Furnace is fixed, bathroom remodeled, new furniture is here--" iris: oh my... Hibana: "???" miwa: its not bad....the furniture i wasnt expecting. Hibana: =w= "I simply want to share my divine image with everyone~" *There is a poster now hanging up with Hibana in her fire uniform, winking at the viewer* Rino: -_-; "Pretentious as fuck." gabriella: O//////////O Hibana: -\\\\\- "My mistress is so cute when she blushes~" *pats Gabriella's shoulder* -elsewhere- Wes: "A concert?" soul: yeah...leetcht...light...how do you say that?? Wes: " 'Licht.' German?" soul: ah....says he's from austria?? Wes: "Interesting...I'll have to check that out!" soul: yeah... Wes: "Up for going? Maybe after the trip to Mom and Dad's?" soul: yeah, it should be after then... Wes: *smiles* "Well, alright then..." *pulls out a box* "I also got you something..." soul: oh? *Inside is a framed photo of Wes and Soul as kids...and also in the box is a really corny piano-key tie* soul: *small smile* thanks, bro. Wes: *smiles* "You're welcome, bro." soul: *pressing the tie* oh my god. Wes: *giggles* soul: well, good to see you have a sense of humor. Wes: *small pout* "I have a sense of humor." -elsewhere- Yohei: *cuddling with Chie on the couch, watching the movie* chie: zzzzzzz....... Yohei: "???" *smiles, bundles her up and sits with her on the couch* chie: =w= Yohei: *whispers* "Love you..." *yawns* -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *wearing Kim's jacket, washing dishes* tsugumi: need any help? *putting away groceries* Jacqueline: *smiles* "I'm almost done. But thanks! How was shopping?" tsugumi: it went well. Jacqueline: *nods* "Any plans for your Thanksgiving break?" tsugumi: not sure. we dont really celebrate it in japan for obvious reasons...but anya did mention wanting to invite us to her home country! Jacqueline: "That should be a fun trip!" tsugumi: *she smiles* Jacqueline: *finishes washing plates, dries her hands* "You have your passport, Tsugumi?" tsugumi: *she nods* it's in my room. i think they speak english in yngling. Jacqueline: "...Huh. Does Anya speak Japanese?" tsugumi: she's been learning. Jacqueline: "Ah. That must be exciting. Soon, you'll be able to hold conversations with her!" tsugumi: you say that like i dont already -_-; Jacqueline: "!!!" *nervous smile* "I just meant in Japanese!" -w- tsugumi: maybe ^^ Anya: *sheepishly enters the kitchen* T_T tsugumi: hey anya! Anya: "..." *bow* "Kon'nichiwa." tsugumi: hehe <hello to you too anya!> Anya: "Um..." <How healthy are you?> -She butcheredly asked "How are you?"- tsugumi: im in decent health ^^; Anya: "Oh...Um..." <Glad to hear.> -elsewhere- Benimaru: "...So, what nicknames do you give to each other in your Brigade, Kusakabe?" shinra: well- Arthur: "Shinra's nickname is Bed Wetter." Relan: -_-; shinra: ARTHUR! jeez! *embarrassed* tamaki: and there's the time you called commander oubi 'dad' shinra: TAMAKI! Arthur: "Ha ha! That was pretty funny." Relan: -_-; "And what nicknames do you two have? One of you has a knight complex, the other one a cat fetish." Benimaru: *snort* shinra: *snickers* tamaki: funny. Arthur: "I am a knight! There is no shame in that!" shinra: yeah. Relan: *holds Shinra's hand* "His nickname isn't Bed Wetter. It's 'Hero.'" Benimaru: *eyebrow raised* shinra: yeah! *beaming smile* Relan: -\\\\- *whispers* "So cute." tamaki:....so whats the 'kohana story'? Benimaru: *small smirk* tamaki:... *slight blush* d-do you like her?! shinra: !!! that's a pretty bold question!! Benimaru: "...You are in no position to ask me such a forward question, and I owe you no answer to my private thoughts and feelings." Relan: "..." *growing smile* "That's not a 'no'!" tamaki: *sigh* figured as much.... shinra: i wont even ask... Benimaru: -\\\\\- "Hmph. Are the Cat and the Knight a couple?" tamaki: ./////////////////. shinra: its a long story. Arthur: o\\\\\\\o Benimaru: "I figured as much, especially when Tsukiyo was getting involved." -elsewhere- misora: so they've arrived then? *talking on the phone* Joker: "Yep. How about you give them a tour?" misora: *she grins* -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Hey, have you seen Cute Lolita Dress?" serina: she went on a walk, but i havent seen her for a bit...im worried she may have come down with something... Tsukiyo: "Well, that's no good. Want to help me cook some soup for her~?" serina: i could try. Tsukiyo: *claps hands* "Yay! I know a quick carrot soup recipe we can prepare!" serina: that sounds lovely. Tsukiyo: *opens cabinet, removing potatoes, bowls* "Just need some milk..." *pulls up her sleeves* maki: do we have any milk? Tsukiyo: "...I hope so. Check the fridge." *her sleeves slip down* *pouts* maki: *checks* Tsukiyo: *pulls out rubberbands from a drawer, puts them along her sleeves to hold them up* "Any milk?" maki: nope, doesnt look like it... Tsukiyo: *pouts* "D'aaaaw...Well, we could substitute with coconut milk, unless anyone else here has an idea." maki: commander oubi! commander hinawa! want to go with me to buy some milk? i found a nice shop to go to! Akitaru: "Hey, sounds great!" Takehisa: -\\\\\- "Sure." maki: come on, i'll show you the way! Tsukiyo: "..." *light bulb* "Have fun, Captain Hinawa and Maki! Oh, and you too, Akitaru." *pulls him down by the ear, whispers, angry* "Listen here, you gorilla--get those two together, alright?!" Akitaru: Q___Q "What the hell?! I'm a commanding off--" Tsukiyo: "Do it!" Akitaru: "Okay, okay!" -later- shinra: see you later relan! be safe! Relan: *nods, shuffling awkwardly* "Okay...G-Good night..." tamaki: *she smiles* Arthur: "...Cute couple, huh?" tamaki: yeah.... Arthur: "..." *brushes hand along hers* tamaki: *blush*....oh! c-commander shinmon, didnt you mention wanting to speak with the commander about something? Arthur: *stabbed in the chest with an arrow: TAMAKI-BLOCKED* Benimaru: "...Yes. I wanted to speak with your commander: I am prepared to speak with him about an alliance between our brigades." shinra: that's great! Benimaru: -_-; "Don't get too excited. This is just to talk. Where is Obi?" shinra: not sure, but he should be somewhere around the town. Benimaru: "Hmm...I'll make my rounds then. Please let my staff know..." shinra: sure thing. -on the roof as the sun sets, hiding in the dark is...- misora: he's coming this way! the show's about to begin....ah~ my heart's pounding just thinking about it~<3 "Akitaru": "Easy...Just give a good performance..." "Takehisa": "Don't screw it up." misora: i'll just be an observer for this...... "Akitaru": *nods* "Takehisa": "Hmph..." *crosses arms* Benimaru: *walking within sight* misora: *watching as benimaru comes down the street* "Akitaru": "We succeeded." Benimaru: "???" ("The Commander?") *follows the sound* *Benimaru peeks around the corner--and spots them* "Akitaru": "We managed to turn that old coot Kantaro into a Flame Being." Benimaru: "?!!!" Takehisa: "We can proceed with the next phase, transforming more villagers..." misora: *from the darkness....smirks* Benimaru: *stays hidden (so he thinks)...clenches his fist, grits his teeth* "Akitaru": *smiles* "Indeed. Let's get back to the festival...We'll take a short-cut." misora: *follows from the rooftops* *Akitaru and Takehisa disappear into the shadows* Benimaru: "..." *follows them, struggling to keep an eye on them from an alternate alley...* -the two seem to have vanished- Benimaru: "..." *clenches his fists, furious* -chatter can be heard in the street from two people...- Benimaru: "???" *furious, marching towards the location of those two people... -oubi and takehisa are talking, coming down with bags in hand- Akitaru: "I can't wait to try out this new protein powder!" Takehisa: "As if you need more muscles..." *spots Benimaru* Akitaru: "Commander! I wanted to compliment you on those desserts! I hope you don't mind that I tried one--" *BOOM* tamaki: !!! what the heck was that?! serina: fireworks? Arthur: "Awfully loud--and no light..." *BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!* *Akitaru and Takehisa are seen running* Akitaru and Takehisa: Q____Q "AAAAAAAH!" shinra: commander! what's going on?! tamaki: is it a flame human?! Takehisa: "BENIMARU IS ATTACKING! IT'S BECAUSE THE COMMANDER ATE ONE OF HIS DESSERTS!" Akitaru: "Shut up! I only ate one!" *Benimaru fires another blast--Akitaru tackles Takehisa out of the way, but the fireball explodes a building* maki: COMMANDER!! Takehisa: "Ugh...What is wrong with him?" Benimaru: *marching forward, charging up another blast* "...Traitors..." tamaki: HEY! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?! shinra: *running to kick the fireball away* HYAH! Benimaru: *does not flinch, as the fireball sails past him and explodes in the sky* shinra: h-hey, come on now, im sure that granny can make you more daif- Benimaru: *aims, and fires at Shinra* shinra: !!! *kicks up* WOAH!! maki: this is bad... Tsukiyo: "Beni-chan! What the hell are you doing?!" *NOT!Akitaru and NOT!Takehisa look down from the roofs, in cloaks* Benimaru: "Those two...The 8th...They transformed Katarou into that monster!" tamaki:..........*looks up, getting a glimpse of their faces*.....!!! *mutters* what the fu- fang-hua: ?!?! shinra: !!!! what?! *Hoods leap away* Akitaru: *holds up his hands* "No we didn't!" Takehisa: *shakes his head "no"* "We would never do--" *Benimaru picks up a potted plant and hurls it at Takehisa* Takehisa: "...A plant?" *The plant catches on fire* Takehisa: O______O fang-hua: !!!! shinra: !!! COMMANDER! maki: TAKEHISA!! Takehisa: *pulls out his pistol and fires shots at the plant, causing it to explode--but knocking back him and Akitaru* Akitaru: "Oomph!" Benimaru: "Asakusa residents! These two--they were the ones who transformed our friend Kantarou! Do not let them escape alive!" maki: *taking position* i dont know where you got that idea, but we have nothing to do with what happened to katarou! Benimaru: *marches towards Maki* "Out of my way..." tamaki: yeah! where's your proof?! maki: *taking stance* Villager: "Kick her ass, Commander!" -from the roof, a woman watches- ???: "Progress?" misora: he's so angry.....such beautifully burning rage.....*squirming* ahhhhh.....that destructive fury....this much chaotic power.....that's what i love most about you, benimaru shinmon~<3 ???: "..." ("Jeez.") tamaki: *nekomata mode and charges* NYAAAH! Benimaru: *grabs Tamaki by her leg, swinging her* tamaki: !!!!! *bends forward and slaps him smack in the face* Benimaru: *smacked...turns slowly, fire burning in his eyes* tamaki: O-O;;;; oh boy. Benimaru: *pulls back his fist, clenches his jaw, and--* *SLASH* Arthur: *slices at Benimaru, who releases his grip on Tamaki* tamaki: !!! Arthur: *catches Tamaki, leaps back* "Are you okay?" tamaki: yeah...thanks. Arthur: *sets her down* "The Commander seems to favor his right side. Take him on the left, I'll take him on the right..." tamaki: right. Arthur: *takes Benimaru on the right* Benimaru: "..." Akitaru: *getting back on his feet* "Ugh, my head..." tamaki: *rushing for his left* Benimaru: *slams his foot down, knock up a piece of earth, which he hurls at Tamaki's face, before his fist slams into Arthur* tamaki: what the fu- *The ground explodes around Tamaki, knocking her back* *Arthur is slammed against the building's wall, a potted plant from above slamming onto his head* tamaki: uuugh.... Benimaru: *picks up a potted plant, hurling it at Maki* shinra: *charges forward and tries to kick it away* Benimaru: *while Shinra tries to kick, Benimaru rushes at Shinra, aiming for his other leg* shinra: !!!!! maki: !!!!!! Benimaru: *reaches Shinra, taking his leg and spinning him, tossing him at Maki* shinra: ack!! -CRASH- shinra: maki! you ok? maki: y-yeah, barely felt it. shinra: *frowns* Benimaru: *tosses another plant at Shinra and Maki* Takehisa: *aims his firearm at the plant...* *BANG* *Plant explodes just before reaching Maki and Shinra* maki: O-O; shinra: 0-0; Takehisa: *fires point-blank at Benimaru* *BANG BANG BANG* Benimaru: "A pea-shooter? Really? That's the best you have? So useless." Takehisa: "I know it is useless..." Benimaru: *redirects the bullets back at Takehisa, who barely moves yet still dodges each bullet* Takehisa: "..." *smirks* Benimaru: "???" *Someone is rushing at Benimaru from behind...* *Benimaru is tackled* maki: ?! Akitaru: *tackled Benimaru, having changed into his fireproof outfit* "Never." *punches Benimaru's face* "Touch." *punch* "My." *punch* "Team!" *punch* Benimaru: *catches the last punch, clenches his teeth...fire burning in his eyes* Akituar: O_O "Oh shi--" *PHWOOSH!* Akitaru: *knocked back across the ground* shinra: commander!! *Villagers have gathered to watch this fight--and are cheering on Benimaru* Villager #1: "Kill 'em, Beni-chan!" Villager #2: "Show them what we're about, Commander!" Tsukiyo: Q____Q "Not good not good not good..." hinata: where did big sis kohana go? hikage: last i saw she ran to the shrine... hinata: big sis bunny girl! go get konro! Tsukiyo: T_T "O-On it!" *hops up and away towards the Shrine...* tamaki: ....... Arthur: *holding his head* "Ugh..." Benimaru: *furious at Akitaru* "You killed Katarou...transformed him into that monster!" Akitaru: "We didn't! I didn't! We're trying to stop whoever is doing that!" Benimaru: *aims two fingers at Akitaru, charging an attack* Akitaru: "...So, I'll have to beat that answer into you, then..." *arms himself with a shield* shinra:...*grips fist* COME ON COMMANDER! YOU HAVE TO WIN! Arthur: "Defeat him, Sir Obi!" Benimaru: *fires his flame at Akitaru--who blocks and sends the flame up to the sky to dissipate* Benimaru: "??? How do you intend to win if you don't try to kill me?" Akitaru: " 'Kill you'?" *rushes at Benimaru* "I'm only human! I couldn't kill you if I wanted to!" Benimaru: *kicks into the shield, running up it--and kicks Akitaru in the head, knocking him to the ground* maki: oooh, that has to hurt! Akitaru: *struggling to stand up* Benimaru: *holds matois in the air, each one flaming and pointed at Akitaru* *Matois fire--but Akitaru blocks them with his shield* Akitaru: "Good aim...But I can still stand up to you..." *gets back on his feet* "...Because I train all day, every day!" *Akitaru pulls a grenade from his sleeve, tossing it at Benimaru--coating him in fire extinguisher foam...that solidifies around his body until he can't move* Takehisa: ._. "Um...That tech is still only in the developmental stage..." Akitaru: "...'Developmental'?" o_o; "Oh no..." *BOOM* *Benimaru explodes out of the foam, rushing at Akitaru and tackling him down, punching one fiery fist after another into Akitaru's chest* *Akitaru screams in pain* shinra: COMMANDER!! Benimaru: "I can't stand someone like you! Murderer! Weakling! You let another human transform like this! You sicken me, you bastard!" *pulls back one last fiery fist...* ???: commander, wait. *a soft, calm, but firm voice can be heard* Benimaru: "..." *holds back his punch* kirei: i understand you're angry, but wouldnt it be wise to hear their side of the story first? fang-hua: yeah. Konro: "...Benimaru...Young Master..." *disappointed dad voice* "What have you done?" Akitaru: *struggling to get up, smoke coming off his chest* serina: *rushing over* Akitaru: "Ow...Thank goodness for fire-proof clothes..." *small laugh--then grimaces in pain* Benimaru: "Konro! I heard them discussing, in the alley--they transformed K--" Konro: "Did you ask for their side?" *points at Maki* "Is this true? Was your commander in that alley?" Tsukiyo: Q___Q "Beni-chan, why...?" maki: of course not, he went to get milk. katarou's wife: it's true, toshio and i spoke with them in the shop. toshio: mr oubi showed me pictures in his wallet. Benimaru: "...That can't be true--" Konro: "You are calling Katarou's wife and son a liar...Young Master?" *glare* Akitaru: *struggling to stand, needing Shinra, Takehisa, and Maki to hold him up* tamaki:............i saw..... Takehisa: T_T "Too...heavy..." Konro: " 'Saw'?" tamaki:....two hooded figures on the roof....they...had commander oubi and commander hinawa's faces.... shinra: ?! misora:.......*vanishing into the dark* (thinking: she didnt mention me.....good girl...) Benimaru: "...People, who look like Four Eyes and Gorilla Face?" Akitaru, Takehisa, and Konro: -____-; Benimaru: "None of this makes any sense...Escort the Commander to medical. Keep him and Hinawa under arrest until we get answers..." shinra:......... maki: guess we're staying a little longer..... Benimaru: "Tsukiyo, escort the remaining members of the 8th back to their inn." *turns to depart...not even looking at Katarou's widow and son* Tsukiyo: *looks ashamed* "...Follow me..." tamaki: i'll go with the commander....to give my alibi. maki: if they're going, we're all going. shinra: right! Arthur: *nods* Tsukiyo: "Um...I think you have to break a law or something first, right?" Arthur: "..." *picks up a potted plant, smashes it against the ground* "I smashed a plant!" maki:......*PUNCHES TSUKIYO RIGHT IN THE FACE* Tsukiyo: *knocked to the ground* "Motherfucker! What the hell?!!!" shinra + tamaki: >->;;;; we're just gonna go in.... *follows* Arthur: "Your walls can't hold me in, man! Attica! Attica! Attica!" Tsukiyo: Q____Q "Why me?!" fang-hua: *drags them in* please stop... you're just embarrassing yourselves... Tsukiyo: *her nose is bleeding, as she follows them in, pushing Maki* "I'll get you for this, you ogre!" maki:........*sharp inhale* its not worth it maki Akitaru: "...I am so sorry--" Konro: "Forget it. We get this kind of thing all the time..." Konro: "After all, look at Tsukiyo--" Tsukiyo: "COULD EVERYONE JUST GET OFF MY CASE?!!" kabuki: *yaaaawn* what's all the commotion? *Buildings demolished, Tsukiyo's bleeding face glaring at him, Konro looking confused* Konro: "...You slept...through all of that?" kabuki: *he nods* Tsukiyo: "Benimaru tried to straight up kill the 8th, their commander and captain are under arrest, the rest of them demand to be arrested with them--AND MY NOSE IS BLEEDING! WAAH!" kabuki: oh? -and so, everyone gives their alibis- Arthur: "--And then I saw Benimaru running after Obi and Hinawa!" soldier: i see... soldier 2: *has a map of asakusa out* now commander, you say you saw them in this alley...*points* at what time did you see them talking? Benimaru: "The clocktower had said 7:15." soldier: and commander oubi, you were at the store for how long? and when did you enter? Akitaru: "The clock said 6:50 PM when we entered...We took maybe 5 minutes to get all items...Then I was comparing photos for about 10 minutes...I don't know when we exited." soldier: *looks at takehisa* Takehisa: "We exited at 7:22 PM by the clock in the shop. _He was showing photos for far longer than 10 minutes_." soldier:...i...see... Akitaru: "I-I have a lot of photos!" -later- soldier: we spoke with the shop keeper and katarou's wife, and the story checks out. Arthur: *blowing on a harmonica in the jail cell* Benimaru: "Hmph...Shape-shifters, now? That's the story we are to believe?" tamaki: i dont know if i believe it either....but i know what i saw! Benimaru: "...How reliable is the word of someone who left the 1st for the 8th?" Arthur: *stops playing, glaring* soldier 3: COMMANDER! WE FOUND SOMETHING! Benimaru: "???' Akitaru: "What is it?" Takehisa: -_-; "Wrong commander, sir..." soldier: we found this in the alley. *places a red, cross like object on the table* Akitaru: "!!!" Benimaru: "..." *puts on a glove, then picks it up* "...From one of our factories..." shinra: !!! fang-hua: commander?? Akitaru: "This was the same type of cross found on one of the 8th's first missions..." Arthur: "..." *shudders* "Oh no..." maki: yeah, noz- Akitaru: "Our investigations here were to find the location of this cross--the factory that made it, whether someone here was involved in the artificial creation of Flame Humans." Benimaru: "...You withheld this information from us..." maki:.... Akitaru: "I'm sorry. If the factory associated with these Flame Beings was located here, we had to vet you as well." Konro: *nods* "Sounds reasonable." Benimaru: "Hmph." kabuki: what will we do now commander? shinra: if you need time to consider helping us, we'll leave you be and let you call us back if needed. Benimaru: "...I want guards outside their inn..." shinra:......*looks at oubi* Akitaru: *nods* "Very well. I am sorry all of this is happening..." -at the inn- shinra: i guess we're going home until further notice then? Takehisa: "It is for the best...We'll return when they are ready for us to do so." shinra: understood.... tamaki: will we be taking classes again then? Takehisa: "Yes...although judging by this brigade, I would not be surprised if its members kept a close eye on you." tamaki: *sigh* -morning- iris:..!! commander! shinra! *she hugs him* shinra: hey iris, i missed you! nozomi: commander, welcome back. Akitaru: *deep breath, a little wheezing* "Hey...Good to see you safe." *smiles* miwa: oi! akitaru! great to see you!...now, im gonna warn you, hibana did a bit of....'redecorating' but i made sure to fix a lot of it so it isnt as bad as it was....your office is safe, dont worry. Akitaru: "Um...Thanks? ...How bad are we talking in terms of damage?" Takehisa: "...Oh boy." shinra: *goes in......* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!!! *faints, foaming* iris: SHINRA!! *goes to get him some ice* Akitaru: "!!! Shinra!" *runs into the room* "...You have to be kidding me." tamaki:.....wow. my words fail me. maki:..... 0-0;;;;; *Mural of multiple Hibana's on the wall, worshipping her, her face on all the pillows, a chandelier...* Takehisa: "...The chandelier is nice, though." shinra: this is terrifying. Q____Q Akitaru: "...THAT DAMN PRINCESS!!!" maki:....commander....you miiight not want to see your bedsheets.... *Takehisa moves a lamp--which causes the chandelier to pull up and be replaced by a disco ball and loud music* Akitaru: "..." *storms up to his bedroom* "...OH GOD!" Arthur: "...Please tell me no one went into my bedroom...or looked under my bed..." iris: at least the rest of our bedrooms are untouched. *A loud sigh is heard, as someone walks out of the bathroom in a robe* Rino: "Man, after all that clean up work, I'm--" *spots the 8th* "...Oh, you're those guys." shinra: *darts to his room and hides* Q-Q maki:...is she a new recruit? Rino: *spots Maki* "..." -_-; "I'm Hibana's new whipping girl. You. You have weird tasks, ma'am." maki: ???? Takehisa: "???" Rino: "Hey, Iris, I finished recalibrating the furnaces. Did the 5th already leave without me?" iris: they should be back soon.... miwa: i'll keep akitaru from murdering her. Rino: "Okay, I'm going to change..." *poins at Maki* "Keep that one away while I do! Sick fuck!" *goes back into the bathrooms* maki: ?!?! what did i even do?! ..oh.... OH CRAP!!! *goes to her room* Hibana: "I'm back~ Oh! And so are you all! How was your trip?" *looks around* "Where are Shinra and the Gorilla?" shinra: *cowering under his bed clutching his action figure* Q~Q Takehisa: "..." *turns off the disco ball and music* "Hibana, these decorations...You are not charging us, are you?" Hibana: "No...Not unless you all want to pay--" *Everyone*: "No!" Rino: *comes out, fully dressed* "Hey, Boss Bitch. We done here?" Hibana: *slaps Rino across the head* iris: sister!! Rino: -_-; "I mean...What ever can I do for you, Princess?" Hibana: *smiles* "Please carry my bags out to the limo~" Rino: *growls, mutters* "I'll carry your bags, you old bag..." *grumbling* Hibana: *smiles at Iris* "It was good to see all of you again~ Enjoy the decorations! Tell Shinra to enjoy the special gift I left for him, Relan, and Iris~" gabriella: i feel like i forgot something- Akitaru: *tearing sheets off the bed* "I'll just burn these and--" *something falls off the sheets...and onto his head* "...I am going to light my head on fire now...* *LOUD SCREAM FROM AKITARU'S ROOM* tamaki:.........................................???? iris:...... O_____________O sister, you didnt. Hibana: "You'll remember it when we're back home, dear~" *pats Gabriella's bottom--and notices...* "Oh, my~" Hibana: "Hee hee...Just a little fun, Iris." *winks* tamaki: ugh, get a room. and not the commanders -_-; Arthur: "...This used to be the normal brigade..." shinra: *notices something with a card* Card: "A small gift for you, Relan, and Iris, courtesy of your 'Mama Hibana'--your 'Hi-mama,' if you will. xoxo" shinra:............*he opens it*..................................... *Inside are various items, including Hibana Brand furry handcuffs* shinra:.......*puts the lid back on*..................... *single tear* -later he buried the box, had iris bless the ground, and spend 30 minutes in the shower and 30 minutes in confession- -at school- Kid: T_T stocking: it'll only be two days kid, i'll be fine, i promise. *kiss* Kid: *nods* "I know...These are tears of happiness for when you get back..." stocking: try to be safe while im gone, ok? Kid: *nods* "I will keep up on my medication, I will stay calm, and I will be here when you return. I love you." stocking: *smoooch* hehe~ -at the bus- stocking: rin! hey! *high-fives!* Rin: *high five back* "How's it going?" stocking: good, looking forward to the trip, what im not looking forward to is- Mr. Angel: "Demon 1. Demon 2." stocking:....triple A batteries. *forced smile* how. nice. to see you. ^^ <3 *on the inside, she is so pissed* Rin: -_-; "Douche Lord." Mr. Angel: "I expect you two to be on your best behavior--or you'll have to contend with me." Rin: *pats Stocking's shoulder* "We're not going to let this jackass ruin our week, right?" stocking: of course not! *thumbs up* luna: they're rather close. student: i think they're cousins? stocking: o-o; *is technically rin's niece* sure.....cousins.....yeah... Rin: -__-; "I feel old..." stocking: we'll you're two years younger than me, so... ^^; Rin: "Yeah...I mean, I wasn't saying you're old or anything..." *small smirk* "Although, I am wondering when I get to call Kid 'Mr. Stocking'." stocking: oh shush you! *chop* Rin: "Ha ha!" -elsewhere- Yohei: "...Well, everyone seems more lovey-dovey around here..." Shinoda: -\\\\\\- setsuna: *not even bothered* -elsewhere- Black Star: "Feeling better?" tsubaki: yes, much better. ???: *shuffling along the halls* Black Star: *spots someone* "Hey, who's that?" tsubaki:....chrona? lilac: *nervous* Black Star: "Maybe...CRONA! LOVE THE NEW HAIR!" lilac: *trembling and curled up* mami: ??? Black Star: "??? Mami, what's up with Crona?" mami: chrona's right here. *points* Black Star: "...Crona, you got a twin?" lilac: *trembling* Crona: "??? Oh! I met you early!" *holds out hand* "I'm Crona." lilac: um....i-im..i-im lilac...*meekly shakes* Crona: "You're new to the school? I-It's kinda scary, but there are some kind people here." lilac: i-its big....lots of p-people... tsubaki: my name is tsubaki, nice to meet you. lilac: !!! that's.....a very nice name, ma'am. Black Star: "I'm Black Star! If anyone is harrassing you, just let me know--I'LL KICK THEIR ASSES!" lilac: o-oh..ok -later- Kid: *stirring spoon through his soup* ):> liz: cheer up kiddo, she'll be back tomorrow night! Kid: *nods* "A long 24 hours..." liz: why dont we go to the library and look at butterfly books? Kid: *twitch* "...I...would like that." liz: ..... Kid: "??? Are you okay?" liz: of course, come on, eat up kiddo. Kid: *smiles, his appetite returning* -elsewhere- mana: opening more rooms? chie: that's the plan. Yohei: "Doesn't hurt to have a few more dollars coming in, and another few hands to help with chores." mana: ah, i see. Yohei: "Anyone reply to the housing ad yet?" chie: not yet, but maybe soon. Yohei: "Well, I'll be around to help interview. Mana, I'll need some help with cleaning out some rooms we were using for storage..." mana: *salutes* on it! chie: i also made some 'house rules/warnings' so they know what they're getting in to... Yohei: "...Shotaro and Emine will require at least two pages. Each." chie: ^^; Yohei: *looking over rules* "How you feel about people bringing pets in?" chie: maybe, but im worried emine might do something to them...if we do, we'll have to make sure there are ground rules for emine to follow too. Yohei: "Don't now how to convince him to follow them. Maybe have to do a reward/punishment system, like a carrot and the stick..." -elsewhere- Hibana: "Hello, you lowly worms! Your goddess has returned!" Kishiri: *holding ice over his groin, weakly waves* "Hey, boss..." angels: welcome home princess!! Hibana: *smiles* "Ladies, good to see you...Kishiri, what happened to you?" Kishiri: -_-; "Crazy girl got into a fight with me and Vivian." gabriella: let me guess, you doing your usual thing? Kishiri: *anger twitch* "I DIDN'T START THIS! That crazy former gang member did!" Hibana: *sweatdrop* "...'Gang member'? Gabriella...It's them..." gabriella: them? as in- Hibana: "Those crazy blaze gangsters!" *slams fist against a wall* "Those bitches!" gabriella: hibana!! *making sure hibana didnt hurt her fist too much* Hibana: T_T "Those gangsters piss me off..." *pouts* "Kiss my knuckles and make them feel better?" gabriella: of course! angels: *sweatdrop* (thinking: so much for fraternization rules....) Hibana: -\\\\- "Kishiri, you will give a full report to Gabriella. Let's keep an eye on these fuckers..." -elsewhere- Relan: *waves at Shinra and Iris in library* iris: hey relan! shinra: hey rel! how're you doing? Relan: "Okay. Can't wait to see how I do in gym!" shinra: we'll be rooting for you! Relan: *smiles* "Thank you both. How has everything been in the 8th? How was the festival? I texted but--" shinra: ah! *checks his phone* iris: we'll check right now! Relan's text: [how was the festival? you coming back to classes soon?] Relan: *shy head scratch, smile* "I just wanted to check in with you both. Back to classes, then?" shinra: yeah. had fun at the festival too. Relan: "That's good. So, the meetings there went well?" shinra: more or less. Relan: *smiles* "The Commander Benimaru seemed to really like you." shinra: yeah, although nothing's concrete yet, so we'll have to wait and see. (thinking: i shouldnt worry him...) Relan: *nods* "Iris, I heard that...um...the 8th was redecorated?" iris:......*excalibur face* to an extent..... Relan: "??? I'm not that great at interior design, so I imagine someone as fashionable as Hibana didn't do terribly..." shinra:......*triggered* *screaming on the inside* QwQ;; Relan: "!!! Shinra?" shinra: im okaaaay. -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "Hmm...It's those new students again." kim: ?? Jun: "Yo." yumikage: hey. Tsurugi: "How are you, Jackie and...Kimberly?" kim: just kim. Tsurugi: "Well, Jackie, Kim, where were you two ladies heading?" -in the woods- stocking: *pitching a tent* Rin: "Got it okay?" stocking: yeah luna: nice job! Rin: "Well, better get to cooking. Stocking, I made sure to figure out something sweet to cook on campfire." stocking: thanks ^^ Mr. Angel: "...Tent is crooked." *keeps walking* Rin: -_-; stocking: *studies it* perfectly symmetrical i think... Rin: *smiles* "Kid would be pleased." Mr. Angel: "Fufufu...The reaper...Such a silly fixation..." stocking: *glares* shura: come on artie, lay off. *bwap* Mr. Angel: *frowns* "Fine...Okumura, finish the meal and make it palatable." Rin: "..." *sneers* "Of course..." stocking: *whispers* you're gonna spit in his food, arent you? Rin: *whispers* "Please...I'm not gross..." *pulls out a small box of "X-Lax"* stocking: *griiiins* -elsewhere- Akitaru: *grumbling* "Now I have to order a new bed..." maki: it's ok commander. *pats back*.....at least your pictures made it out unscathed. Akitaru: *horrible thought of Hibana putting her face over the image of his daughter and wife* Q_Q "Indeed...I'll just have to wait for replacement bed to arrive. I guess I'm on the couch tonight or bunking with Takehisa--" Takehisa: -_-; maki:......*shuddering with joy* Akitaru: "??? You two okay?" Takehisa: "...I have clean-up to do, including dealing with that mural..." maki: huehuehuehuehue~ Akitaru: "Well, when you're done with that, I'll help you with the inspection...bunk mate!" Takehisa: "Oh, lord..." -elsewhere- Anya: *stretching for gym* ochako: *streeetch* Izuku: *bouncing in place, ready to run...* EF: on your marks....get set.....go! Izuku: *keeping a good pace, but well behind Ochako* Anya: *keeping up with Izuku* Relan: *just right behind the two of them* iris: you can do it relan! Relan: *pacing himself until the final stretch...and starts to push himself further* ("I can do this!") *Relan is catching up to Anya...* -and so- shinra: you did great! Relan: *panting, smiling* "Th-Thanks...Woo, that was a challenge." Izuku: "Great work, Ochako!" ochako: thanks ^^ Izuku: "That was one powerful burst of speed!" Anya: *pouts* tsugumi: 4th isnt that bad, anya. ^^; Anya: "I wanted to be further along than that..." ao: there's always next time ^^ Anya: "Hmph..." Relan: "??? She seems...annoyed. Did I do that? Oh no..." iris: it's ok relan Relan: *nods fervently* "I-I better go shower and change..." -elsewhere- Konro: *groans* fang-hua: feeling any better, commander? Konro: "A bit...I'm just glad I didn't get too involved in that battle..." fang-hua:....commander shinmon's really been on edge today.....after last night, i cant blame him, but i cant blame the 8th either....i just have this gut feeling they're telling the truth... Konro: *nods* "Something is not right...but you know how stubborn the Commander is." fang-hua: perhaps........you've really known him a long time, havent you commander? Konro: *nods* "Long before we even had a fire brigade." fang-hua:....ah. Konro: "..." *looks at his ashy skin* "It was a battle that gave me this...and made Benimaru the future commander." fang-hua: ...... Konro: "I gave up my safety, and my ability, to prevent Benimaru from being attacked by that...demon. And now, the very creation of such a Flame Being may be from our own home..." fang-hua: that's a pretty scary thought.... Konro: "The red cross...any indication where it was made?" fang-hua: not to my knowledge, no... Konro: "Then we keep searching. Please try to keep morale up among the village, but tamp down on the threats...A lot of people here are less trusting of the 8th now." fang-hua: i'll see what i can do....tsukiyo and i...still believe in them.... Konro: *nods* "I know you will go where your heart and mind takes you." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: (in class) Q____Q tamaki: usada? why're you here? keeping an eye on us? Tsukiyo: "..." *nods* "I'm sorry. It's just...this is all confusing." shinra: how do you think _we_ feel about this?..... Tsukiyo: "..." *looks down, ashamed* "I know...I didn't want this to happen...You all seem fun and friendly..." shinra: thanks...i think... Tsukiyo: "Who do you think could be behind this? Why would someone want to turn the 7th against the 8th?" shinra:.... -he explains the situation about the preacher, but leaves out the part about his brother- Tsukiyo: "...I'm sorry...What you two [Shinra and Tamaki] have gone through...Good thing you have each other." tamaki:....you implying something? Tsukiyo: "...Well, you're siblings, right?" tamaki + shinra: NO! Tsukiyo: "...Oh. But your hair, faces, and that creepy twin simultaneous speech thing--" tamaki: *elbows shinra* shinra: god why! Q-Q Tsukiyo: "..." *loud sigh of relief* "Good...'Cause I am so not into twincest..." tamaki: *headlocks shinra* shinra: GRK- TAMAKI LET GO!! D8> Tsukiyo: O____O Relan: *calm voice* "Is there a problem here?" iris: *chops tsukiyo* bad tsukiyo, bad. Tsukiyo: "Ow! What did I do?! Why is everyone in the 8th now hitting me?!" -elsewhere- Kid: *looking at photos of butterflies* "This one looks just like her..." liz: ...... Kid: "..." *goofy Charlie Brown smile and hearts appearing over his head* "I am going to marry that girl..." liz: we know kiddo, we know -__-; Kid: "Cupcakes with butterfly decorations served at the reception..." *he is now literally floating in the air...* liz: KID! *Other people are staring* Everyone else: o_o; Kid: *suddenly collapses onto the floor* "...Ow." liz: *sweatdrop* honestly kid.... Kid: "..." *awkwardly crawls back into his seat, tries to resume dignified posture and poise...and fails to notice his hair is a mess and that he is holding the book upside down* -elsewhere- Rin: "Alright, food's ready!" stocking: awesome! -several students eat- student: so delicious~! Rin: -\\\\- "Aw, it was nothin'..." Mr. Angel: "Hmph. Flavor is lacking, over-cooked..." *Stomach gurgling* student: wow, you're tongue musnt work, teach. cause this is really good! Rin: "Thanks, Stocking!" Mr. Angel: *looking pained* "My...tongue is fine...This food is...is..." *groans* stocking: no problem. Mr. Angel: "..." *clutches his stomach* "I HAVE TO GO!" *stumbling to get up and run into the forest* shura: jeez, what a baby. Rin: *struggling to hold in laughter* -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "Those new students still seem...bizarre." kim: yeah... Jacqueline: "...Kim? I didn't get to thank you for...helping me with Thanksgiving issues..." kim: its fine, anything for my partner, right? Jacqueline: *nods* "I just...feel like I owe you. I was so scared..." kim: its ok. Jacqueline: "..." *pats her hand* kim: *smiles* Jacqueline: "Maybe...I could treat you? Dessert?" kim: sure, that sounds good. Jacqueline: "Then let's get going..." *takes Kim's hand to lead the way* -elsewhere- Emine: "...Why do we need more tenants? And why should I have to change my behavior to accommodate them?" chie: we have plenty of rooms... *she looks at yohei* besides, we arent asking you to change completely, but try not to go _too_ overboard in your bad deeds, ok? Yohei: *nods* "I already had to disable some of your 'tricks' around here..." Emine: "Like the bubble gum bomb?" Yohei: "...The what?" *BOOM* mono: GET ME OUT OF HERE!! Assi: "Mono! I'll save you! ... Um...Now my hands are stuck..." Yohei: -_-; "...I think freezing the gum may make it easier to shatter it off..." -elsewhere- Black Star: "Pumpkin pie, pumpkin fries, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin coffee..." tsubaki: still quite a bit left over from halloween ._.; Black Star: "But so tasty!" *giggles* "Can't wait for Thanksgiving." tsubaki: so what did you want to do for it? Black Star: "Anyone staying around Death City in need of a dinner?" tsubaki: i'll have to see. Black Star: "Maybe Mifune and his kids? Or Kilik?" tsubaki: sounds good. -elsewhere- Hibana: *seated at her desk, underneath piles of late paperwork* T_T "I didn't realize how much I missed having to cover for the 8th, too..." gabriella: would you like some assistance? princess? Hibana: *nods* "Yes. I don't even know which papers are due first, so let's sort them..." *hands half to Gabriella* -elsewhere- Relan: "..." shinra: you ok? Relan: "Just worried...for you and Iris. I worry a lot about things." shinra: well, we're here for you, ok? *holds his hand* Relan: *nods* "I just...want you both to keep being there...overall. Not hurt or...worse." shinra:.....*hug* i understand. Relan: *hugs back* -at the campground in the tent- stocking: zzzzz..... *A small clicking sound is heard* stocking: mmn? *A silhouette of a fox can be seen outside the tent, in the moonlight* stocking: a fox? well, it is a park....*she goes back to sleep* Fox: "..." *pulls up the zipper to the tent...* stocking: ?! what the fu-?! Fox: *nuzzles against Stocking's hand, licking it* stocking: um.....hi? .w.;;;; Fox: *panting like a puppy, nuzzling against her* stocking:...*awkward petting* Fox: *rests head along her lap* stocking: ^^; Fox: >w< "...Mr. Mephisto was right--you are kind." stocking: !! oh...i see ^^; Fox: "He asked me to come here to make sure you were safe. Are you okay? And can you rub my belly?" stocking: im doing fine *pet pet* ....*sad smile, remembering her pet cat from private school*........... Fox: "...You seem a little sad." stocking: just remembering something from the past..... Fox: *nods* "Do you want me to leave?" stocking: i do have to go to sleep. but im glad i had some company. *she smiles* thanks, and let my dad know im doing well. Fox: *smiles* "On it! Good night, ma'am." *exits* -morning- Mr. Angel: *groaning in his tent* "Damn these brats..." Rin: ^_^ stocking: *streeetch* morning everyone~! Rin: "Morning! Sleep alright?" Mr. Angel: *glaring at Rin and Stocking from his tent* stocking: yeah. Rin: *notices something on Stocking...plucks a bit of fur off her shoulder* "The heck?" stocking: yeah, one of dad's familiars visited. ^^; Rin: "Really? Was it a cat?" stocking: a fox actually. Rin: "Cool! A guardian angel for you!" stocking: i guess, haha ^^ Rin: "I was just making campfire coffee--want some?" stocking: sure. -elsewhere- liz: kid? you up? Kid: *praying before shrine* liz: kid? Kid: O-O "I'M NOT DOING ANYTHING!" liz: O-O;;;;; i'll just....let you do your thing..*closes the door* O_O;;;; Kid: o________o "...I should lock that door..." doll:......................................................... Kid: "..." *picks up Stocking doll, gives it a small kiss on the forehead* "Be safe on your return, my love." -elsewhere- Arthur: "Maki, you see the Commander? His bedroom is empty--not even a bed." maki: he's bunking with commander hinawa.....*drools* shinra: he's replacing his bed....i'd have done the same thing. tamaki: since most of it was worth a lot, we're auctioning the 'hibana furniture' online. we've made quite a bit with it! Arthur: "Really? What're you doing with the money, you know, aside from replacing stuff in the Commander's room?" *handing a tissue to Maki for her drool* tamaki: maybe fix some stuff that's still broken, maybe get more stuff for ourselves too! Arthur: "SUIT OF ARMOR, SUIT OF ARMOR!" shinra: -_-; Akitaru: "Morning, everyone!" *beaming happily* Takehisa: *exhausted, looking ready to murder someone* shinra: morning commander! maki: morning~ Arthur: "...Hinawa, sir? Are you o--" Takehisa: *death glare* Arthur: o_____o *hides behind Tamaki* tamaki: commander? O-O; Takehisa: "...Coffee. Donuts. Lots of coffee and donuts. Now..." tamaki: right away! maki: *goes with her* nozomi: good morning everyone. Akitaru: "Good morning, Nozomi. How was sleep?" nozomi: it went well... shinra:...was it me, or was my room a bit spacier? iris: sister expanded your bedrooms too. shinra: seriously? Arthur: "...How? Wouldn't that compromise the load-bearing walls and cause the roof to fall in on...us?" *looks up, scared* tamaki:....what? shinra: *kick kick* looks pretty sturdy.... Takehisa: >__< "If the rooms were bigger, why did my bed still feel so cramp?" Akitaru: "I thought it was comfy and cozy--" Takehisa: "Your big arms knocked me out of the bed--five times!" Arthur: (" 'Bigger room'? I could get a bigger bed...one big enough for me and...") >\\\\\\\\< maki: *NOSEBLEEDS* Arthur: -_-; *holds up another tissue to Maki* -later that evening- stocking: kid! im home! Kid: *kitten leap into her arms* "Angel!" *hug* stocking: hehe~ you really missed me, huh kiddo? Kid: *nods* :3 "Did you have a good trip? Are you okay?" stocking: yeah. *she tells him about the trip* Kid: *serving tea to her with a cupcake* "A fox familiar?" stocking: yeah. im glad to see my dad's looking out for me in little ways like that. *she smiles* Kid: *smiles* "Sounds like Rin as well. I wish I had been there to see Mr. Angel's face when his 'stomach problems' began." stocking: *evil grins* Kid: *chuckles* "...I missed you. A lot." stocking: aww *kiss* Kid: -\\\\\- *holds her hand* stocking: *hug* Kid: *returns the hug* "Mmm...You're so huggable." -elsewhere- Shinoda: "Okay, I finished re-painting the room. Amazing the power of apples~" ((referring to his speed and strength at painting so quickly)) mana: not bad. nea: must this room be so....dark? chie: the tenant prefers darker places... Shotaro: "I bought the black-out curtains! And I got the low-light lamps they wanted!" chie: *she smiles* good job showtaro *hair ruffle* Shotaro: "Hee hee..." Assi: *hair is noticeably much shorter* T_T "Stupid bubblegum..." mono: 7n7 *in a change of clothes* Zuno: *waves at Mana* "Hi, Mana!" *sees Mono* "...Why are there two Mana's?" mono: im mono! MO-NO! >n< Zuno: "...Oh. Right...You just look a lot like her in her clothes...Why _are_ you in her clothes? Is it clothes-swapping day?" Emine: "..." *devlish grin* "Yes..." -elsewhere- Hibana: *stretches* "Paperwork...complete!" gabriella: phew, im beat. Hibana: "I want a hot shower, a hot dinner, and sleep." -some days later- Wes: *in limo, being driven...* "...Ready for this?" soul: *sighs* yeah, as ready as i'll ever be.... *looks at stein* liz: you're gonna be ok, soul... Stein: "...You'll get through this." soul: *he nods* Wes: *sees the mansion approaching* "...We're here." Stein: "...Damn. Big." soul: *breathes* Wes: *pats Soul's back* soul: ok...im ready. *Limo pulls into the mansion...The chauffer opens the door, as quartet exit and approach the door, where a butler welcomes them inside* soul:...... Stein: *looking at the artwork...musical instruments under glass* soul: not much has changed about the place... Wes: "Yeah...but we have..." liz: even after years of living in gallows manor, i feel so out of place.... Stein: *shudders a little* "Chilly." soul:....... Butler: "Young Masters...Your parents are ready to greet you." soul:..... *looks at wes* Wes: *nods* "Thank you." *looks to Soul and Liz* "Ready? Or do you need a little longer?" liz: im ready. soul:.....yeah, no more running. *They follow the Butler into a large den, with a framed family painting over the fireplace...Their parents are seated there* nora:......... James: "Wes...Soul..." soul: dad. Wes: *gulps* "H-Hello, Mother. Father." nora: ......!!!! my...my baby boy....*she hugs him tightly, practically hysterical* my baby boy my baby boy my baby boy.... Wes: o___o soul: !!.... *hug* hey mom... James: "..." *awkward walk up to Soul...pats shoulder* "Hello." soul:........ James: "...Soul." soul:......hey. liz:....*ahem* Wes: "!!! Um, Mother, Father? This is Liz Thompson, my girlfriend." liz: hi. *meek wave* nora:.....hello.... James: "...Hello." *looks at Wes, his eyes looking rather hard* Wes: "!!!" liz: a pleasure to meet you, mr evans. *extends hand, nervous* James: *firm handshake* "Quite." liz: ^^;;;; (thinking: god please let this go smoothly!) -meanwhile- mephisto: so whats new with you, kiddo? Kid: "I have been preparing for the next steps in helping Father lead the Academy, after graduation. And other steps..." mephisto: ah, i see. interested in telling me? Kid: o\\\\\o "Um..." Kid: "...I intend to propose marriage to your daughter." mephisto: well it's about damn time! in otherwords, yes, but _after_ graduation! Kid: "O-Of course! yes!" *takes Mephisto's hands* "Thank you, sir! Thank you!" *kisses Mephisto's hands* mephisto: oh my~ it's my daughter you're marrying not me! Kid: o\\\\\o "R-Right!" *lets go of Mephisto's hands* ("...Jeez, now I know where Stocking's soft hands come from...") -elsewhere- Black Star: *wearing a "Kiss the Chef" apron and finishing up sweet potatoes* angela: yay! they're ready! Black Star: "Yep! Just need that bird...Tsubaki, how's the turkey looking?" tsubaki: it's doing well. -later, elsewhere- Akitaru: "Mmmm~ Tasty!" shinra: *nom nom* tamaki: so yummy~ =u= Arthur: *scarfing up potatoes and gravy* nozomi: i heard a school concert is later in the week... Arthur: "Oh?" *gravy dripping down his face* iris: *hands him a napkin* Relan: "Th-That should be entertaining." Arthur: -_-; *takes napkin* "Thank you." *pats his mouth* tamaki: hmm, nice. Takehisa: "Doesn't the concert feature that musician, Licst?" maki: licht todoroki, SQUEEEEEEE~!! Takehisa: "...???" *jealousy alarm going off* Arthur: "Who?" Relan: -\\\\\- "Licht Todoroki..." iris: oh! he's that piano player, right? Akitaru: "Huh? You mean that boy with the sharp teeth who looks like Shinra?" shinra: no, that kid with the sharp teeth is someone else. nozomi: *looking it up on her phone* Licht Jekylland Todoroki, no relation to Enji Todoroki, is a half japanese half austrian piano prodigy. it's said his preformances are enough to bring its listeners to tears. Relan: "His music is quite moving..." *flashbacks to listening to it alone in his room* maki: and he's sooo dreamy~<3 >///< shinra:.... 7///7; i guess he's attractivish.... Relan: -\\\\\- Takehisa: "..." ("No one even complimented my yams...") shinra: .... (thinking: stupid sexy piano player! >//////< ) iris:...the yams are delicious sir! Relan: "!!!" *holds Shinra's hand* Takehisa: "..." *serious face, loud voice* "Thank you! I am glad the meal was satisfactory!" shinra: *flustered* thanks rel. Relan: *smiles* "How about you, Iris, and me go to the concert, enjoy some music?" iris: that sounds lovely! Takehisa: "..." Takehisa: "...Maki! Would you be interested in going with me to the school concert?" maki: sure! Takehisa: -\\\\- "Very good, then!" Relan: ._. *whispers to Shinra and Iris* "He has it _bad_." shinra + iris: no kidding. Akitaru: "Okay, I hope you all made room for dessert!" -elsewhere- Patty: *playing with Julie* "What sound does a turkey make?" julie: *gobbling* hehe! shiori: gabu gabu! Patty: *claps hands* "Correct!" *giggles* Yumi: *patting her belly* "So full..." lord death: *cleaning dishes* kirika: *playing games with riley* Yumi: *smiles* "Big family, huh?" lord death: indeed. Patty: "I haven't heard from Kid, Liz, or Stocking. Hope they're alright." lord death: i'm sure they're fine. Patty: "Hope so..." *smiles* "At least they'll have leftovers when they get home!" -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *relaxes in chair, content* "Good meal." kim: yeah. Jacqueline: *smiles at Kim* "I wonder how 'Jackie' is doing with her parents..." -elsewhere- Gopher: .w. "Enjoyable meal. Thank you, Mother, Father." papa du pre: likewise. Mama DuPre: *sipping on wine* "Hmm. The meat was a bit dry." *studying "Jacqueline"* Gopher: .v.; papa du pre: so how have your studies come along? Gopher: "I'm doing well! I received highest marks in all classes last semester!" ("Thank goodness I memorized Jacqueline's report cards.") papa du pre: excellent! Mama DuPre: "...What rank are you in your class?" Gopher: ("...Crap!") "T-Top five percent, Mother." Mama Dupre: "But not Number One?" Gopher: .w.;;;;;;;;;; -elsewhere- James: *staring at Soul* "..." soul:.... *not saying anything* James: "...You're tall." soul: yeah, that's kinda what happens when you get older. James: "Indeed. Wherever you are living must be keeping you healthy." soul: it sure is. James: "Hmm...Which continent?" soul: ..... James: "Your accent sounds American." soul: really? i never would'a guessed. James: "...Are you someplace safe?" soul: the safest place i know.... James: "...Are you happy?" soul: happier than i ever was. James: "...Then I am happy for you." soul:...*weak smile* how's grandma? James: *small laugh* "Vacationing in the Bahamas, of all places." soul: ah. James: "...Are you healthy? Are you getting regular check-ups?" liz: *struggling to find a topic to discuss* soul: yes dad. nora: *still hugging soul, trembling* James: -_-; "Please, Nora, this is unseemly and overly emotional..." Wes: Q_Q; "Such a beautiful family reunion..." *sniff* maid: mr evans, please understand, it's been a while since young master soul has been here, let her at least enjoy this.... James: "...I am not heartless. I just want to be reasonable." Wes: Q____Q *holds Liz's hand* liz: ^^; James: *glances at Wes and Liz, sees the hand-holding* "How long have you been dating my son, Elizabeth?" liz: about 3-4 years now. James: "Hmmm...How is Wes behaving? Appropriately?" Wes: ._.; liz: of course! Wes: "...Where did you meet?" liz: well... liz: i go to a very exclusive private collage! OwO *looks at wes* Wes: *nods* "I teach there." James: "You are dating your student?" liz: IMALEGALADULT! soul: >->;;;; Wes: o____O liz: ..... *sinks into her chair* ./////. James: "...What is the name of your school?" soul: *sweats* Wes: "The...Star Academy for Exceptional Students?" James: "..." soul: *excalibur face* James: "I've heard of this school. It's in the northwestern United States, right, Elizabeth?" liz: yeah..... owo James: "Nora and I have an estate up there. We will have to visit your school the next time we are there. Perhaps for Christmas." liz: that sounds...lovely. OwO;;; soul: sounds great.... Wes: "...Yes." *screaming internally* James: "Soul, tell me a bit about this school." soul: some of the brightest minds of this generation attend! *mentally laughs as he mentally digs his own grave* James: "Then I'm happy students like you and Elizabeth are in attendance, and that Wes is a teacher. But if this is such an important school, why have I not heard of it?" liz + soul: *forced smile* *sweats* Stein: *returns, with drinks* "The Academy is very exceptional, so few know of it." *hands out drinks* "Sorry, I got lost in this labyrinthine estate." nora: ???? Stein: *hands a drink to Nora* "I am a teacher there as well, and your children are in good hands." *twists the screw in the side of his head* James: ._. *staring at the screw* nora: doesnt...that hurt? Stein: *sneer* "Immensely..." Wes: "..." *nervous laugh* "Oh, Professor--you are such a laugh riot!" *nervous laugh* James: *glaring at Stein* soul: OwO;;;;;; -music is playing from the screw?- James: "What the devil?!" Stein: "...Not a fan? I could switch to classical..." liz: ._____.;;;; Wes: "...Could you just turn it off, _Professor_?" *death glare* Stein: "..." *twists screw to turn off music* James: *deep, loud inhale* soul:...........dad- James: "Professor Stein, what exactly do you teach?" Stein: "...Biology." James: "Soul. Why did you bring this man here for Thanksgiving? Is he your lover?" soul: HE'S MY TEACHER! D8< James: "Who brings their teacher to Thanksgiving, except for evidently your brother's girlfriend?" Wes: *anger twitch* soul: *scythe blade* knock it off! nora: !! James: "What the hell?!" Wes: "Soul, no!" Stein: *grips Soul's wrist* "Revert. Now." soul:.....*changes back*...........*he doesnt take his eyes off james* James: *shrinking away from Soul, fear on his face* soul: yeah...that's right...i'm a goddamn weapon! what the fuck were you expecting, some kind of monster?! James: "...H-How is that even possible? You don't have weapons for...parents..." Wes: "..." *struggling to take a step forward to intervene* nora: *hyperventilating* Wes: "!!! Mother!" Stein: *doctor mode* "Relax, ma'am. I'm a doctor." nora: its all my fault.....all my fault...all my fault..... James: "Nora!" *rushes to her side* soul: mom!!! Stein: (" 'My fault'? ...Oh no...") Wes: *immobilized* nora: m...my...my mother....my mother was.... Wes and James: "..." *slowly realizing* soul:...mom....*hugs her* its ok mom, just breathe.... nora: *she breaks down* James: "Nora..." *holds her hand* Wes: "..." *losing balance* liz: wes! *goes over to her* Wes: *steadying himself* soul:....guess we outta tell him, eh? Stein: "..." Wes: "It-It's up to you, bro..." -soul explains everything. and i mean _everything_- James: "..." *stunned* Wes: "..." *holding onto Liz's hand* liz: yeah, that's basically what's been going on... *she told the truth about herself....including her son* James: "...Soul...I...I'm sorry." soul:.......you're going to have to be more specific. James: "I-I'm sorry for what you have gone through...To...To lose...her." soul: *bites his lip and grips his fist*....... James: "The pain you have had to go through..." Wes: *spotting Soul's reaction, whispers...* "Oh no..." soul: ......... James: "You didn't deserve any of that." soul: oh, so i did deserve all the times you cut me down for not trying hard enough? James: "...Soul, I...But that...A-Are you seriously bringing _that_ up, right now?" soul: not sure when im gonna get another chance, but may as _fucking_ well! liz:.... soul: i was born into the evans family, a family of status, and i had to push myself to my very limits to be considered worthy of the name, even when it affected my own health, and did you care? no. no you fucking didnt! James: "Th-That's not true! I wanted the best for you! You just needed the right push--" soul: PUSH WHERE?! TO THE POINT OF NEAR DEATH?! even with talent, we're only human! we make mistakes! we screw up! thats what makes us who we are! and she helped me to realize that. she gave me a reason to live, and she still does. James: "..." *opening his mouth...but he can't speak* soul: thanks to her, i know i found my own path in life; to become a death scythe, and take destiny into my own hands. the name is soul eater. dont forget it. James: "...This is what you want to do, then?" soul: yes. if you plan on disowning me for this, i dont really care. the way i see it, you disowned me a long time ago....im going to be in the limo.... *exits* James: "..." *stunned, looking around at everyone* "...Isn't anyone going to talk to him? Suddenly, he's a weapon and wants to be a...What even is a Death Scythe?" liz: stein? you're the teacher here, teach him! Stein: "...'Death Scythe.' The highest rank a weapon can achieve, upon consuming the souls of 99 humans, and one witch's soul. It is a task few weapons accomplish--and live to brag about." *stares at James* "Your son, and his meister, went far in that task. And Soul is going to be one hell of a Death Scythe--like he is already one hell of a student, person, and son." *stands and leaves, following Soul* Wes: "..." *holds Liz's hand" " 'Anyone going to talk to him'? You mean like his dad?" liz: ....*smiles* James: "...Wes? How long have you known about this? We were worried for years about Soul, and he was running around...He could have been killed! Like that--that--that girl!" Wes: "..." liz: *aims gun arm* dont. underestimate. my friends. ok? James: o_o "Jesus Christ! What are you?! Wes?! You gallivant around with this--this thug?!" Wes: "..." *lets go of Liz's hand, marches up to James* James: *steps back, seeing how much taller Wes has become* Wes: "..." *glares daggers...then wraps his arms around James, hugging him tightly* James: "...???!!!" liz:.....*observing, arm reverting to normal* Wes: "Take care of Mom, Dad. Because I'll be back to see you both--and you better treat her better than you ever treated Soul." *lets go of him, crying* "...I love you, Dad..." *turns and faces Liz* Wes: *looks back at James* "And don't you ever talk that way about Liz again." liz:...*she smiles* Wes: *approaches Liz, looking ashamed, whispers to her* "I am so sorry." liz: its fine... Wes: *sobbing* "It...isn't..." James: "..." *staring, having broken his two sons...* maid: young master, wait!...please, make sure soul gets this. *its a box filled with his old belongings* Wes: *wiping his tears, nods* "Th-Thank you...Is Mother...?" maid: she's....she's fine, she's just asleep right now. Wes: "...I'll be back in the morning to see her. Please, if her condition worsens, get her to a hospital." maid: understood. Wes: *looks to Liz, smiles weakly* "Let's blow this joint." -elsewhere- Relan: *asleep on the 8th's couch, from turkey* shinra: *puts a blanket over him* *he smiles* hey, commander... Akitaru: "???" shinra: in a few days, i'll be a year since nozomi joined. Akitaru: "...What you got in mind?" shinra: we should do something for her, especially considering what she had been through... she's important to us, like everyone is. Akitaru: *nods* "That is a good idea. Host it here, or maybe Nozomi's favorite restaurant?" shinra: im not sure where she likes to eat the most, but lets have it here, just to be on the safe side. Akitaru: "Okay, then." *small laugh* "I guess the new disco ball will have some decent use...And we can get her some gifts." shinra: *he smiles* one more thing....about relan....if he, for whatever reason, decided to join the 8th, could he? Akitaru: "..." *pats Shinra's head* "Of course." shinra: glad to know. *he smiles and looks at relan* Relan: *drooling in his sleep* shinra: *smiles and wipes his mouth* Relan: *smiles in his sleep* -elsewhere- stocking: *yaaaawn* so tired~ Kid: *nods, rubbing his eyes* "Good food, good conversations..." *yawn* "Accomplishment." stocking: yeah. good to be *yaawn* back home... Kid: *yawns* "Turkey is tiring..." *collapses in bed* stocking: *she smiles* good night, kid. *kisses his forehead* -a few days later- kirika: school concert's tonight! what a way to spend a birthday! yeah! Gopher: "A super-happy birthday!" *...He is still in a skirt* kirika: yeah, im actually going to be preforming too! Gopher: .w. "I will be cheering after your excellent performance!" student: is that a boy? student 2: its so convincing! student 3: i'd still hit that! Gopher: *twitch twitch* "BOYS CAN WEAR SKIRTS, TOO, YOU HETERONORMATIVE BASTARDS!" Relan: *from far away* "..." *thumbs up* student 3:.....i'd still hit that. Gopher: .\\\\\\. "...I'm not used to being treated like a piece of meat." kirika: *kicks them in the dicks* FECK OFF YOU WANKER FUCKS! kim: just ignore them and enjoy yourself. Jacqueline: Q_Q "...The resemblance is still uncanny..." kim: speaking of, how did it go? Gopher: "Quite well! ...I mean, Jacqueline's mother was...Um..." Jacqueline: " 'Strict'?" Gopher: "Yes, let's go with that word." -elsewhere- stocking: *practicing guitar* Kid: -\\\\\- "So wonderful~" stocking: thanks ^^ im going to be wearing one of the new outfits my mom made. Kid: o\\\\\o "Wonderful...I look forward to its premiere~" stocking: hehe! -elsewhere- Yohei: "How's the new tenant working out?" chie: she...spends a lot of time in her room. Yohei: "She seem friendly, or...?" chie: i guess 'introverted' is the appropriate term here? ^^' Yohei: "I think I know that feeling. Well, as long as rent is on time, not giving trouble to anyone...and as long as no one is troubling her..." *looks around for Emine* -elsewhere- Wes: "..." liz: you ok? i brought you some coffee. Wes: *weak smile* "Thanks...I called Mother." liz: how is she? Wes: "Better...It's going to take her more time. Nerves shot." liz:...... Wes: "..." *puts his head in his hands* liz:.....*she hugs him* it isnt your fault, wes. Wes: "...I didn't say anything for years...I didn't know Mom was..." liz:........ Wes: *holds onto Liz* "I'm sorry for not stopping my dad." liz:..*rubs his head* Wes: "..." *sigh of relief* -elsewhere- Kishiri: *doing inventory* "So, Gab, how many more of these do we got?" *gestures to cloning tank* gabriella: quite a lot. Kishiri: "...So, you could say these cloning tanks are...replicating as we count them?" gabriella:...................did you just....? Kishiri: ‎( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) -elsewhere- Black Star: "...How you holding up?" tsubaki: doing good. Black Star: *nods* "I think the dinner went well. The kids seemed to like it..." tsubaki: *she smiles* looking forward to the concert tonight? Black Star: "Hell yeah! Could use some music!" *pauses* "...Do I have to dress up?" -later that evening- kirika: *preforming screamo metal* liz:...wow. O-O Gopher: .w. "So...metal..." Kid: *covering his ears* >_< -backstage- marie: *answering phone* yes? ah! mr kranz.......oh....i see.....ok then.... *she hangs up* well this isnt good. Spirit: "What's wrong?" marie: that was rosen kranz on the phone, looks like licht todoroki wont be arriving until later in the month or even early december... Spirit: "What?! What happened, travel delay?" marie: yeah...now what? shinra:.... !! excuse me for a moment. *he exits to someplace* Spirit: "I don't know...We set aside all that time for Todoroki..." -minutes later- tamaki: you sure about this? shinra: you're our best hope for this! soul: not used to a keyboard, but im sure it wont be too hard. -the curtain rises, tamaki takes a deep breath, and begins her song- Black Star: *headbanging* Arthur: *jaw drop, in awe* nozomi: *listening* Kid: *listening to Soul's playing* ("Outstanding...") stocking: *guitar solo* Kid: ._. *Instant heart-boner* -when the song, concludes, there is a wild applause- Relan: *applauding* Arthur and Kid: Q_Q *loud cheering* maki: yeah! way to go tamaki!! tamaki:...*she smiles* -in the after party- nozomi: you did great, miss tamaki! tamaki: thanks. ^^; Arthur: *awkward shuffle* o\\\\\o "...You're an incredible singer." tamaki: umm 7///7 thank you.... shinra why did you even volunteer me? shinra: well i heard you doing it in your room and i thought it wasnt too bad. tamaki: thank you too....i think. shinra: ^^;