#he used to be a keychain… mine is just the little guy with no chain

[dykeyuu]

every day when i wake up i say to myself “dykeyuu you are not purchasing any sanrio merchandise today” but then i find the deal of the century……..

[likeastarstar]

Invisible String Pt.2

Part One

(A/N: read part one before this part if you haven't already so it'll make sense!)

masterlist.

Jungkook interested you, so you kissed him.

"I don't normally do this," You promised, feeling breathless as Jungkook kissed his way down your jaw to your neck.

"Same," Jungkook nodded urgently, barely processing what you said in favor for tugging you by the waist so that you were straddling him in the back of the cab he had called for the two of you. He said he just didn't want to leave you stranded at the club, that he'd see you home. But one thing led to another and you were currently praying the cab driver didn't yell at you.

Jungkook's hands were everywhere, rubbing at exposed skin, grazing through your hair, flattening against the small of your back. He rocked your hips back and forth against his lap, frowning again in concentration. Shit- he was really hot.

You wrapped an arm around his shoulders and squeezed, wondering what he looked like under his leather jacket. He felt so solid under your touch, like he belongs there. You dragged your other hand through his hair, pushing it back and off his forehead. He keened under your touch, smiling slightly while his eyes fluttered closed as your nails dug into his scalp lightly. You reached the nape of his neck and tugged on Jungkook's hair so that he was looking up at you in his lap, eyes snapping open in sharp attention.

Jungkook's lips parted slightly, as if he was about to say something before-

"First stop." The cab driver interrupted, making you jump slightly as the car came to a screeching halt in front of your apartment complex.

You would've asked him to come inside- except that Jungkook practically pushed you out of the car with a fleeting reminder about the money you still owed him. Ouch. You had clearly completely misread the situation, but that didn't stop you from thinking about Jungkook from that moment on.

You looked for him everywhere, scanning crowds on your daily commute, lingering at the same crosswalk you had met him at. Your eyes stayed glued to the floor when you boarded the bus on your way home most days, trying to catch a glimpse of those black boots.

The next time you did see him was three weeks later, at a gaming cafe, of all places.

"No, no, no- NO!" You whispered, scoffing in disbelief as you lost for the third time that night.

This was not normal for you- loosing, that is. You blamed it on the other abnormality of your current situation: being in a gaming cafe. Normally, you'd be playing LoL in the comfort of your own home sans-pants. But one overly excited moment and a mug of tea placed too closely to your set up and boom- no computer for you. At least while it's in repair.

"You're very dramatic," A voice said next to you, snapping you out of your spiral.

You frowned and looked over to whoever was next to you, locking eyes on Jungkook, who was currently slurping down noodles like someone was going to take them from him. You shrieked in surprise, the two of you jumping in your chairs at the same moment. "Are you stalking me?" You whisper-yelled, leaning away from him.

"No," He snapped, talking with his mouth full. "I got here two hours before you, I just didn't feel like saying hi until now. I could ask you the same question."

You watched him eat in awe, trying not to fixate on the way his tongue looked snaking out to lick his lips every now and then. There had been too many coincidental run-ins between the two of you for this not to be fate. You shook your head, throwing the incredibly stupid thought out of your head.

"Anyway, good thing I ran into you," You shrugged, choosing to ignore the fact that the last time you had seen him, you were rubbing your pussy all over his lap. "I have something for you."

He looked at you with his eyebrows raised, waiting expectantly as you dug around in your bag for a moment. You found what you were looking for, a small keychain of a skeletal hand in the same positioning as the tattoo on his forearm. "I saw it and thought of you, so I got it for you. Here, rock on." You explained, handing it to him.

He laughed slightly, taking it from you gingerly and inspecting it closely. "My tattoo means I love you, not rock on." He pointed out, pulling out his keys and putting the token on the loop.

There was a warm feeling in your chest knowing he was actually going to use it, one that only grew when you noticed the slight blush on his cheeks, "Yeah, well, the keychain means rock on." You quipped, "Do you like it or not?"

"I do," He said quickly, holding up his keys with a bright smile. You sent one back to him, beaming so hard your cheeks hurt. "Thank you."

At this point, neither Jungkook or you ever made plans to see each other. You knew it would just happen on its own. Which is exactly what happened a month later, on what could only be called the worst day of your life.

Things hadn't been going your way for a very, very long time. You usually had pretty good luck, but suddenly it was like the universe had forsaken you altogether. After a particularly terrible blind date, you had had enough- no more dating. This guy was all kinds of awful, he didn't laugh at any of your jokes, he had a terrible taste in music- he even wore the wrong clothes. He had loafers on- loafers. God, Jungkook would never wear those.

Instead of wallowing in a ruined night, you did what any struggling girl boss would do- you got yourself dessert.

You walked to the nearest 24 hour diner, pushing the doors open quickly. There was barely anyone here, thankfully. It was the perfect place to be alone.

Except that two seconds after you sat down in a quiet booth next to a window, Jungkook came marching up to your table. He was wearing a color other than black- this time it was a patterned buttoned down shirt and loose fitting trousers. You couldn't see his shoes, but that wasn't really what you were focused on at the moment. No, instead you could only stare at his latest haircut, cropped short on the sides and parted neatly. Who was this guy and what did he do to your fluffy headed soulmate?

"Are you sure you're not stalking me?" You asked calmly, at this point you were completely unsurprised to see him popping up at the most random times.

"I saw you from the window on my way home and figured I'd say hi," He shrugged, sliding into the booth beside you, immediately tossing his phone haphazardly onto the table. "Although I'm beginning to think you're a figment of my imagination. It's bizarre how you just keep...appearing."

"You're telling me," You snorted, resting your chin on your hand propped up on the table. "But I'm not sure if you'd be able to kiss a figment of your imagination."

Jungkook blushed deeply and you laughed for the first time that day. He was just so easy to mess with. Jungkook pouted childishly and stole your menu, burying his face in it.

"We did a little more than a kiss in that cab," He said in a whiny voice, "It's pretty late, why are you at a diner at one in the morning?"

"Nothing, bad day." You mumbled, "I needed pie."

"Valid reasoning," He said pensively, "You look nice, by the way. I like your earrings, they match mine."

You looked at the chain looping through his double piercings, realizing he was right- you had a similar version in your own ears. Weird. You didn't get a chance to return the compliment before the waitress came over and Jungkook ordered literally every kind of pie on their very extensive menu and two coffees.

"If pie will make you happy we might as well go all out." He reasoned, only noticing your outraged face when the waitress left. "Anyway, I got you something."

He dug around the backpack he has dumped in the booth beside him when he got here, pulling out a flash drive with a a tiny keychain of a butterfly connected to it.

"I don't know if I've never mentioned this before, but I'm a musician." He explained, holding it out to you. "This has my latest stuff on it. Nothing fancy, just wanted you to listen before I send it off to my label. Plus, the keychain reminded me of you."

You took it from him slowly, holding it as if it were worth a million dollars- which to you, it was.

"Sometimes I think I dreamt you up," You mumbled, still staring at the flash drive. You couldn't wait to listen to it, to hear his velvet tone and silvery vocals whenever you wanted. This was the first, tangible thing that connected him to you, a reminder that even if the universe hated you right now- at least Jungkook was in it.

"Touch me and see," He offered, leaning back in his seat with a small smirk on his face.

Your eyes flicked back to him, a dare written across his features and a thread pulling at your heart. You leaned forward, a smirk of your own on your face until his phone buzzed, interrupting the heated moment.

You weren't trying to be nosey, but the bright light of the screen caught your eye and you glanced at it quickly. It was a text from someone, their contact saved under a series of hearts and one word: wifey.

Wait- his what?

TO BE CONTINUED...PART THREE

(A/N: MUAHAHAA! If you've made it to the end, thank you, I love you, I'm sorry. Next part is the last part, as always feedback is so so appreciated! Send me an ask goddamnit!)

[rainbowsans]

Sobbing what is the context to the collage!au comic

Alright alright I’ll spill the beans!

Originally the idea came to me in a dream that started the college au, due to me watching……high school musical……….

but anyways me and @whiteartblood came up with a little plot line where punk (her fellswap napstaton) and they’re siblings recently attended the university and such. In a class, my sona, a couple of other peeps sonas, sir, and N all take the same class along with Punk. Punk sits next to Sir and dumbass forgot to bring a pencil so they ask sir for one and he happily gives them one. Punk notices that “hey….this guy is kinda cute” and stops paying attention to the class all together as they stare at sir lovingly.

MEANWHILE, right behind them; sat me and N (whom has a crush on sir for a really long time); so you can imagine the inner rage they were feeling when they saw this happening in front of them (meanwhile my sona was like “yo you ‘ight?”)

during the class punk wants to get to know sir a little and writes him little notes since they can’t talk in a lecture class and tbh? punk doesn’t wanna pay attention and sir ultimately forgets to pay attention due to them exchanging notes. woops.

some time passes and Punk and Sir start dating and it was great!!! The two were pretty happy and cute together with some shenanigans involved! There is one part where Punk gave Sir a really expensive gift, which baffled the skeleton since he didn’t expect it so much, it was a golden chained necklace with the initials “P” for Punks name. Sir loved it but felt like his gift would be a little disappointing since it’s not expensive. Sir gives Punk a little plush keychain of a tiny penguin! Punk loved it, they wore it it proudly in their bag 24/7.

Things were going well, until……..well one night. Me and wabby haven’t discussed on how it lead up to it BUT!! This part was also in a dream of mine that we inserted in the story….DUE TO ME WATCHING HIGHSCHOOL MUSICAL 2, it was a damn funny scenario on the “gotta go my own way” scene but with punk and sir; funny right? Well my brain decided to take that concept and turn it into a more serious tone scene.

Sir asked Punk if they loved him, since punk always seems to dodge and avoid progressing their relationship any time anyone asks. Sir felt as if…….maybe…….he was feeling used due to the negative thoughts second guessing that punk actually likes him, he did his best to shake it off but the doubt was still there…..so he asked them. And once again, punk doesn’t answer and avoids eye contact. When sir worriedly asks them again, Punk bursts out “can’t be just go back to the way it was before?? Cant that be enough?”

And that’s when sirs soul, breaks. Those doubts he had just became true and the ache in their soul hurt like hell. Here’s a more detailed description on how he felt and broke up with punk.

So yeah!! Sir breaks up with Punk, gives them back the necklace they gave them and apologized, he also wished punk all the happiness in the world and that he hoped they find someone in the future who shares mutual feelings with….and runs off. Leaving Punk standing there in regret and heartache: then a fight breaks out with N and Punk.

The reason why Punk kept dodging was because they are afraid of commitment since their first and longtime lover cheated on them RIGHT WHEN PUNK WAS ABOUT TO PROPOSE TO THEM. Ever since then….punk denied true love.

But yeah. *jazz hands*

[shhh-no-ones-home]

tower of terror nikki sixx x reader

+++++++++

he tol, he terror twin, he tower of terror

this is my first time writing for any of the motley crue guys so if its ooc sorry lol, hopefully itll get better if i write more for them. but for now, here ya go, something cute.

(*) - starts out a little sexual but its not i promise.

song: take me away by christina vidal

tag list: @cynic-spirit

+++++++++

"that was great baby!"

i called as i watched crue come off stage, finding my way into nikkis side as he handed his guitar off to one of the roadies.

"you really think so?"

he asked a little cocky, stopping in his tracks and looked down at me with a wicked smile. i nodded quickly at him.

"one of the bests ive ever seen."

i said, reaching up and ruffling his hair.

"hey!"

he called, ducking away from me, his hand still at my back.

"youre gonna mess it up."

he whined and i laughed at him.

"whats the difference if i mess it up now or later?"

i said winking at him and he sent me a knowing smirk.

"i hadnt thought about that."

he stepped closer to me, looking down at me with a dark gaze.

"i did, bathroom?"

i asked, taking his hand away from my back and putting it in my own, interlocking our fingers. he laughed a little bit, nodding as i walked in the right direction.

"so, did you guys get the okay on the hotel for tonight or are we gonna be spending my last night on tour with the rest of the guys?"

i asked amused, looking back and seeing realization strike him. i pushed the bathroom door open, looking around before pulling him in and locking the door behind us.

"actually babe i had a question about that."

i kissed him deeply, holding his shirt firmly in my hands. he hummed against me, his eyes going wide as i pulled away.

"okay, shoot."

i said, standing on my toes and beginning to kiss down his neck.

"i know we had talked about you wanting to move out of your parents house finally."

i hummed in response and made my way lower, kissing across his chest.

"yeah, what about it?"

i asked, untucking his shirt. he kissed me harshly, backing me into the wall.

"i want you to do it."

he said in a low voice, staring down at me. i snaked my arms around his neck.

"i cant just move out nikki."

i quipped back, pulling his shirt off of him.

"catch."

i said, jumping up and wrapping my legs around his waist. he caught me and held me firmly between him and the tile wall.

"sure you can."

he said lightly, moving to kiss along my neck now. my fingers found their way into his hair.

"id still have to go back home. where would i go?"

i said, resting my head back as he began sucking at the base of my neck. i let out a shakey breath as he pushed his hips into mine.

"besides, what would i tell my parents?"

i sighed out, closing my eyes as he gripped my ass.

"tell them youre moving in with me."

he said into my neck and my eyes snapped open. holding his head still, my fingers balling into a fist at the base of his neck. he moaned into me at the sensation and i pulled his head away.

"youre joking."

i said, a lazy smile making its way to his face.

"of course im not."

i shook my head.

"nikki i am not moving in with you."

he loosened his grip, sliding his hands further up to my waist.

"why not babe? its not like youre not there all the time anyways. besides, i need someone to watch the place while im gone."

he said, light heartedly. i loosened my legs around his waist and he helped me down.

"are you drunk?"

i asked, holding his head in both my hands and looking at his face intently. he just laughed.

"no, im not drunk."

he laughed, gripping my wrists lightly.

"high? what? i want to know what is going on in that head of yours."

he shook his head, pulling my hands down and resting them against his chest.

"no, none of that. why is it so hard to believe i want you to move in with me?"

i looked between his eyes.

"nikki thats a huge commitment. you hesitated even giving me the keys to get your mail while you were gone. now you want me to move in?!"

he leaned down to look at me properly, some of his hair falling into his eyes.

"look, i know, but that was before. being away made me realize how much i miss you. i want to walk through that door and see you asleep on the couch, watering plants ive never dreamed of owning before, or hell even chasing a kid around."

my eyes went wide.

"i really finally realized how much i love you. how much i need you."

he said slowly.

"i, i, i..."

i paused, opening and closing my mouth.

"i dont know what to say."

i said a little stunned. he wanted a domestic life? with me? he rubbed his thumbs in circles against my hips.

"you could say yes."

he said, reaching into his back pocket and pulling something out. he held up a key-ring with his house key and a number six key chain. i hesitated before reaching up and taking it from him, looking down at it in the palm of my hand.

"we've only got two weeks till tour is over, you can start moving little stuff in until then, then we can move bigger stuff like your record collection and your desk and shit."

he said beaming at me. i laughed a little bit.

"nikki my desk? thats gonna take up so much room."

he nodded.

"yep and ive already cleared out a space for it."

i smiled at him, clutching my fingers around the keychain.

"okay. yeah, ill move in with you."

i said.

"yes!"

he shouted before picking me up and spinning me in a circle, kissing my cheek. i laughed at him as he set me back down, kissing me passionately.

"you wont regret this i promise."

he said, hugging me to him and nuzzling his face into my neck.

"youd better be right about that."

i joked as he kissed my neck again.

"i cant wait."

[twoidiotwriters1]

Starcrossed Losers II (Josh Wheeler xReader)

A/N: Loving this thing already, seriously hoping to keep the constant of posting two chapters every week lmao

Words: 2,766

Warnings: Swearing ig

Previous Chapter // Next chapter

Of course. Of course, it was this guy.

Eli fucking Cardashyan, or as I liked to call him, the goblin under the bridge that always copied my answers on every test since we were thirteen. Just like Josh, Angelica and Wesley, I knew Eli from a while back. He wasn’t exactly popular but everyone knew him as the school’s “wanna-be”, I thought he would be dead by now, I’m glad to see I was wrong.

But I can’t believe he’s got the mall for himself. Even worse, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. The mall was neutral territory, everyone could go and hang out with their friends, so the most logical thing is to say everyone had the same right over it. And is Eli Cardashyan the one who gets to have it all for himself? I call bullshit. This kind of situation is what leads me to believe that there is really no god.

“This is who we’ve been scared of?” Angelica complains, “A light breeze could kick his ass!”

“I thought it was gonna be Hoyles,” Wesley adds in a mix of disbelief and disappointment, “this is... Who is this again?”

“It’s Eli,” sighs Josh, he walks towards the bike and examines it, then lets out a childish laugh, “it’s fine, He’s a knock-off Baron Triumph”

And yes, obviously he was. Eli could be an idiot sometimes but he wasn’t a murderer. He went off on his (honestly weird as hell) speech until Josh cut him off.

“Who else is with you? Where is Sam Dean?” Eli scoffs.

“Do I look like her publicist?”

“Sam’s not here?” 

“I’m sorry, it’s just me and my girlf, Mavis” He answers with a smirk.

Josh and I share a look, I shrug and mouth a ‘sorry’, Josh shakes his head, telling me not to worry about it.

“You have the entire mall? You?” asks Angelica.

“Right?! How did that even happen?” I ask in frustration. Wesley mumbles a ‘chill, girl’ that I decide to ignore.

Eli went on and on, and to be honest I think I only understood like fifty percent of what he was saying, part because I wasn’t listening, and part ‘cause the boy has a wild vocabulary. Josh and I looked at each other in annoyance and I knew he was feeling as done as me with the conversation. When I was starting to think this day couldn’t get any crazier, the real Baron Triumph made his entrance.

We all hurl up at the doors and Eli pulls out a set of keys from his pocket, desperately trying to open them.

“Faster, he’s almost here!” says Josh.

“Get your own mall, this one’s mine” Eli grumbles.

“Are you twelve?” I reply, “We’re on the same side here!”

“We’re finna get eaten out here...”

“Not helping, Wesley.” 

“Got it!” Says Eli. The other boys pull him aside and practically rip the chains from the handles, “Hey!”

Josh pushes me inside hurriedly before entering himself. The others soon following after. I hear the door slamming shut and I look over my shoulder to see Eli running behind us; we’re all safe.

We reach one of the halls and Josh stops in awe, it takes me an extra second to stop completely cause I’m still wearing my skates, but when I do I’m just as amazed as him. Behind me, I hear Angelica talk.

“There’s power and air conditioning...”

“Everything is so... clean”

“Still smells like cinnabon”

“Am I still alive?” I look over at Josh, “You sure I didn’t die when you hit me this afternoon?”

“I didn’t hit you that hard,” He replies, still looking around like it was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

“Solar panels on the roof!” Eli sings, “This is an island of paradise in an ocean of poop.”

“What a fancy allegory,” I snicker.

I’ll allow myself to remember, I don’t do it as often as I’d like...

-Flashback time-

What? You thought I wasn’t going to do this? C’mon, I’m a lonely child. All I have are my memories of the good ol’ times, so you’ll be forced to relive them with me. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. (I do, but I don’t wanna brag about it).

“We should go to my place, there’s nothing to do here...”

“Maya, for the last time,” I look at the girl standing next to me, “we told Alex we would meet here.”

“I know,” She whines, “but Hoyles is here and that guy gives me the creeps. I heard he tried to have sex with Ashley Miller while she was completely wasted”

“Sounds like Hoyles,” I nod in agreement, “but we can’t scatter everytime we run into them. We’re not little kids anymore, he can’t hurt us”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” She points to the opposite corner, Hoyles and his gang are terrorizing a freshman and the people around does nothing but move away.

“Can you belive that?” I start to walk towards them but Maya grabs my arm tightly, “What?”

“Don’t be stupid,” She rolls her eyes, “don’t even try to stop them, seriously, they won’t stop and you’ll get harassed.”

“It’s a freshman!” I insist, “Hoyles is like three times his size! You can’t expect me to do nothing”

“Listen,” my friend raises an eyebrow, “Y/N, those guys are crazy, please...”

I look back at the boys and realize they’re no longer there, I turn to her in defeat.

“I just really hate bullies, okay?”

“Let’s face it, we don’t have the ability to stop them all.”

“To stop what?” 

I quickly turn around and see the person I’ve been waiting for: Alex, my best friend since childhood. My mood switches instantly and I shrugg it off, already starting to forget.

“Just the usual dumbassery,” I reply with a chuckle.

“Hey loser,” Maya adds, “you’re late.”

“Yeah, I know” Alex nods awkwardly, “lost track of time again, sorry.”

“What was it this time?” I ask, “youtube or the comic?”

“Youtube,” He smirks, “vine is honestly a national treasure.”

“Sure,” I snort, “too bad is dead now.”

“Those who are great live the shortest lives,” He replies with his ‘wise old man’ voice.

“So,” Maya hops between us and puts her arms around our shoulders, “you want to look around?”

“I wanna go see the skates,” Alex adds, basically vibrating, “they have a new model and I wanna try them on.”

“The skates place, then,” My friend nods and pulls us with her.

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

A loud bang brings me back to the present and I remember why were we hiding here in the first place.

“This way, quick!” Eli tells us before he starts running. I move fast since I’m the only one with wheels on her feet. And soon most of them are behind me. Eli presses a button on the keychain he has, and the metal curtain lifts up enough for us to get in. “Go under, we’ll be safe in here...”

As soon as Josh, Angelica and I get in, the curtain comes back down.

“What the hell?” asks Josh.

“I’m not sharing my kingdom with you, sheep. No one busts into Eli’s mall. And don’t even try to escape.”

“We weren’t trying to escape, you brainless leprechaun!” This is unbelievable, I swear, I just want out of this day, “We’re running away from the monster that's on your side! You won’t make it on your own against Triumph, he’ll find a way to get in and eat you”

“Every door is locked or booby-trapped.” A laugh distracts us from the discussion and I see Wesley next to Eli... on the other side.

“Booby,” He chuckles. He’s been smoking, so you can’t expect him to behave.

Eli groans. Josh steps closer and smirks.

“Wesley Fists lead the state in sacks last season. Take him out, Samurai.”

“To fight someone so obviously inferior would be dishonorable.” He raises a brow. Eli shows us both of his middle fingers.

“Great,” I throw my backpack on the floor and walk away from the curtain, “this is only getting better and better...” 

“One punch, Wesley, come on,” Josh insists, “one punch.”

I let out a sharp breath and sit on the bench a few feet away from them to take off my skates. As useful as they are, I’m starting to feel sore and they’re not the most comfortable thing to wear after a few hours of running. While I’m doing so, another memory comes to mind and I’m unable to stop it.

Where was I? Oh, right...

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

“I think these are more you’re style,” I grab the bright, lime-green pair from the right shelf and hand them to Alex, he laughs and examines them for a moment like he’s actually considering the idea.

“I mean, they wouldn’t match any of my outfits but they’d totally be catching everyone’s eye.”

“Isn’t that the point, though?”

“Obviously,” He shakes his head pretending to be offended by the question, “though I think I’ll have to pass this time. I already made my choice.”

He shows me a pair of white-colored ones.

“Dude, are you serious?” I grab the skates and raise them to his eye level, “These are the most boring pair of skates ever”

“Now they are,” Alex moves my hand slightly so he can see my face, “but I bet that you can turn them into a masterpiece”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Please, Y/N don’t play dumb, you know I love your drawings”

I blush at his reply. Sure, I like drawing but I’m no Van Gogh at it. The best thing I ever drew was probably a worm.

“You’re telling me you’d spend your money on the newest model of skates just to ruin them with your best friend’s nonexistent skills?”

“To me, their value would go up by a thousand if they had your drawings in them.”

“Jesus, get a room!” Maya exclaims beside us, she’s sitting on a small chair, trying random pairs of skates out of pure boredom.

“Shut up!” We both respond quickly. 

He looks at me and I’m pretty sure he’s blushin but I can’t really look at his face cause I’m too embarrassed to do so.

Oh, right. I forgot to mention that I had a crush on my best friend, didn’t I? No, I wasn’t avoiding this topic. I thought it wasn’t important anymore. And it isn’t! I promise it isn’t. Alex is gone, and with him so are my feelings.

Yes, you can laugh all you want cause I was one of those basic idiots who fell in love with their best friend just cause he treats me like any decent human being should. Can you blame me, though? Compared to Hoyles and his team of dickheads, Alex was a fucking teddy bear. 

And the worst part? I’m pretty sure he liked me back. 

We never made a move.

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

A loud scream makes me drop my broken skates and I run back to were Angelica and Josh are.

“What the fuck...” I whisper, clinging to the curtain.

“What the fuck is here with us?” Angelica is the first to ask what Josh and I were wondering as well.

“Ooh, a ghoulie witch,” Eli steps closer, lowering his voice, “once upon a time, she was a normal girl who liked hanging out at the mall. But now she’s got mad powers, and she will fuck your shit up. She is unkillable and she is hangry.”

“There is no such thing as witches.”

“Well, a few months ago there weren’t mutant squirrels or ghoulies either.” Adds Angelica.

“That’s right. And when the witch eats your intestines like spaghetti, you’ll think: I never should’ve dissed king Eli...” He walks backwards and leaves us here with fuck knows what.

“I swear every time he opens his mouth I feel like I’m having a stroke,” Now that I don’t have my skates on, I realize Josh’s taller than me. I barely reach the tip of his nose.

“Don’t worry, I’ll convince him to let you out.” Wesley says, “I’mma go full Gandhi on his ass. Hunger strike.”

“Easy there, we don’t want to traumatize him for life” I reply dryly.

Angelica and Josh step back from the curtain and I follow them. We sit on the bench and I look at my skates, cursing under my breath. Josh notices and gently nudges my side with his arm.

“Sorry about that. We can find a new pair somewhere around here if you want.”

“I hope so,” I kick them and they slide miserably on the floor, the wheels almost fully worn out, “I really liked them.”

“You used to skate a lot? Before the nuke,” He asks in curiosity.

“Not at all. I didn’t even know how to use them,” I laugh lightly, “my best friend used to, though. He promised he would teach me one day but... things didn’t go as planned.”

“Is he..?” He leaves the question open but I understand perfectly what he’s trying to say.

“Fuck, no,” I feel a shiver going down my spine just by thinking about it, “we wanted different things, that’s all. He had a plan and I had another. Alex wanted to leave town and travel around the country now that we’re free to do whatever we please. I just wanted to find my sister.”

“And where is she?”

“She turned into a ghoulie, so I... I took care of it.”

“Shit,” He whispers, passing a hand through his hair and looking a little pale, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Again, I’m not gonna talk about this stuff with someone I just met.

“Did I ever meet your friend?” Maybe Josh can tell I don’t want to keep going with the hard topics, and I appreciate his effort to respect that.

“Dunno,” I shrug, softly massaging my feet, “He’s Alex Murphy. Bit taller than me, cool guy...”

“Oh, him,” He nods, then adds, “I have no clue of who that is.”

I laugh louder this time, giving him a gentle push.

“Dumbass,” I shake my head, “anyway, after Alex and I went our separate ways I decided to learn on my own and I think I did pretty well, they’re quieter than cars and definitely easier to control than skateboards.”

“Oh, so you’re still not over that?” He raises a brow, a smirk growing on his face.

“Well, I’m not the one running over innocent people on the street.”

“It was an accident! I wasn’t watching where I was going. I was too busy trying not to get killed by the jocks”

“You sure? Cause so far all I’ve seen you do is nothing but the opposite. If I may give my humble opinion, it's not something very smart considering you’re alone.”

“I was doing well until today,” He sighs.

“I believe you, Wheeler,” I eye him up, “you're not like I'd pictured.”

“Really?” He smiles, “What did you imagine?”

“Kinda like those boys who pretend to be all grown up,” I reply, scrunching up my nose, “the ones that can’t be caught having fun or they’d lose their cool, like some sort of bitter old man in the body of a seventeen-year-old boy...”

“Okay, okay! I get it,” Josh laughs, raising his hands in defeat, “jeez, thanks for the compliments”

“I am complimenting you!” I exclaim, “I’m saying I was wrong and you’re not what I thought you were”

“You did think I was, though”

“Well, at least I had an opinion on you,” I scoff, “I’m sure you didn’t even think of that after we did our school project, I probably just stopped existing in your world or something...”

“Of course not,” It was his time to act offended, “every time I saw you on the hall after our project I made sure to wave at you, remember?”

“How kind of you”

“What can I say? I’m a real-life gentleman.”

I laugh again and pull my shoes out of my bag to put them on.

“Is that the reason why Sam Dean fell head over heels for you?”

The effect was immediate. Josh’s shoulders tense and his smile disappears, he clears his throat and looks anywhere but me.

“Uhm, I don’t really know if she...”

“It’s alright,” I add promptly, “sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad”

“I’m not sad,” He shakes his head, “it’s just that I keep thinking... maybe things could’ve been different if I had said something sooner, you know?”

Trust me, Josh. I know.

Taglist.

@letsbloodmagic 

[storiesundercandlelight]

Loving Loki

Loving Loki: One

The first chapter in my Detective Loki fanfic!!

I wasn't sure how to feel about this place. Looking around the empty house before me seemed more daunting now than before I had left. I had always known that moving to a new area would be stressful and different and even scary, away from friends and family. But work is work and I wanted this job. It didn't help my nerves to know that the crime rate here was about as low and the empire state building.

The steam from my tea caused a cloud of condensation to fog over my glasses, the blanket draped over my legs offering little in the way of warmth but as I looked around my new home from the comfort of my couch I realised all the potential. It certainly wasn't a bad house, no stairs that was a bonus right? I mean sure it wasn't my first choice and it certainly wasn't the house of ones dreams but it was cute. The living room and kitchen were one, only separated by half a wall in between, a decent sized bedroom and a bathroom with a bath and shower. As far as houses go it was kind of perfect for just me.

A few neighbours came to say their greetings when I had been helping the delivery guys move my furniture in, I didn't have much with me, decorating was something I'd have to find time for around work. But I started in a few days so it didn't give me an awful lot of time to get comfortable. The lady next door had seemed pleasant, elderly and widowed, throwing large smiles as she and her grandson took her small terrier for a walk. Maybe she would offer good company over the next few months, she had certainly seemed interested in getting to know me, what was her name again?

A knock at the door pulled me away from my thoughts. I turned my head to check the time on my phone. 7:30pm. I wasn't expecting anyone that was for sure.

As I padded my way around the couch and to the door, I quickly looked through the eye hole. I didn't recognise him? I mentally scolded myself, of course I wouldn't know who it is, I've just moved here.

I pulled the door open, the chain lock only allowing it to open so far. "Can I help you?"

The guy stood on the porch turned around. He was young similar to me I suppose, black hair slicked back into one of those short around the sides long on top styles all the guys seemed to sport right now. His eyes were a shaded blue and there was what looked like a star tattoo peaking out from beneath his jacket.

"Sorry, I'm Detective Loki. I work at the police department, someone was meant to bring you these...admittedly it was meant to be me but I forgot, hence the late hour" I pushed the door closed slightly and slid the lock out of place so I could open the door wider.

"Oh, I thought I already had the police run through"

"You did, these are files on the department here, one of the new recruits made it up for you to help you settle in quicker and since my cases are the ones you'll be working on-"

"They sent you to host the welcome party?" He made what I would call a tired attempt at a smile. Maybe he was under confident? Maybe he wasn't sure if he could be friendly with me or not? Or maybe I should stop asking maybe and just go with the more obvious approach of him being tired.

"Well" I said taking the folder. "It's flattering to be greeted by a detective, I figured I'd just get the coffee guy or something"

"We don't have a coffee guy" Bad humour. Noted.

Time seemed to speed up whenever I entered the police department, two weeks in and I know everyones names, first and last. I know Jimmy and his wife are going through a divorce and his teenage daughter is playing the mom is better card despite it being her fault they're divorcing. Oliver and his wife... Katie? Are expecting a child, each member of the department have bets on the gender. Detective Loki or rather David...He just comes and goes, never really says much or engages with social gatherings but he's respected enough. I work on the evidence files, taking in reports and filling the paperwork, skimming through it incase anything was amiss. Someone in New York doing the same job as me had been promoted to an assistant detective because they managed to solve a case purely by seeing something in the reports the cops didn't.

But as my eyes drifted to the clock on the wall I did second guess my schedule working with David. Sometimes he was so wrapped up in his work he didn't even notice my staring. Which I did too often, it was hard not to. He was attractive, well built, strong silent type, didn't smile much but when he did it caught you off guard because it was such a nice smile.

"You should go home" My eyes flew open. Shit. I didn't even realised I'd closed them, I pulled my head off my hand which now quietly complained from leaning on it for too long.

"I'm sorry, I don't usually fall asleep on the job, I won't-"

"You're technically not on the job anymore, you finished an hour ago and I'm too wrapped up to have even noticed" He turned in his chair to look at me, there was a good few feet between our desks but even still I took notice of how we were alone, most of the lights turned off when everyone else left for home.

"Sleep would be appreciated" I smiled and there it was, he smiled back. It sent butterflies to my stomach, and I wanted to hit myself. You've known this guy little over two weeks!

"I'll drive you home'

"You don't have to do that I can walk its not far"

"Are you serious? It's dark out. Come on get your jacket"

Keep your eyes open. I could feel them slowly but surely getting heavier as the car rolled along the road to my house. You got this, two more minutes.

"You okay?" I looked over at David, and tried my best to smile.

"Yep, just tired' I turned to get out of the car, pulling my bag onto my shoulders. "Thanks for the ride home"

"You're welcome" Neither of us moved. Why didn't I get out of the car? His eyes wandered between mine and my lips, I also noticed they moved to the house. Was he looking for lights? Surely he knew I lived alone?

"Do you want a coffee?"

"Sure" He said it quickly, like he was scared I would take the offer back any moment.

Car doors shut as we made our way up the porch, the little light flickering on as I rummaged through my bag to find the keys. The little NYPD keychain my uncle sent me dangling from the ring as I opened the door to the apartment. It was still pretty bare, a few homey touches but no where near finished, if it wasn't for the books and empty coffee cup on the kitchen counter you could probably persuade yourself that no one lived there.

"I'll put the coffee on" David nodded and continued looking around the small area of the living room and kitchen before taking off his jacket and sitting on the couch. Coffee in cupboard. Turn on machine and pour, not so difficult see? I don't know why I was nervous, I'd had guys over before, I mean sure they weren't coworkers or someone like David but still he was just a guy too.

"You have a small obsession with James Patterson?"

"Obsession? Hmm...Sure I guess you could call it that, everyones gotta have a dream right?"

"You want to write?"

"Maybe, if I can find a good enough story" I set the mug of coffee down on the table in front of him, taking a seat beside him I pulled my knees up to my chest, hugging my mug just below my chin.

"Im sorry you had to work late today, I'm not used to having someone work with me. I've been...distracted lately" His eyebrows drew together as if he was in deep thought, a slight crease forming on his forehead.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"You know everything about it already, I just don't like these kinds of cases" You did know everything, about the two little girls who had gone missing, the fact that it had been days now and still no word or links had been found for either of them, the parents lashing out at David for still not having any good news to give them.

"It'll be okay" It was a lousy comeback and you knew it, but you didn't miss the small smile that played on Davids lips before he reached for his coffee.

"Thanks"

[asa-ghost]

ROADRAT KIDFIC PART 2 -- Link to Part 1 in the notes.

"Alright, Kiddo, if yer gunna be stayin' here.. there's some rules we needta go over." Junkrat paced in front of the toddler, arms crossed behind his back, a serious expression on his face.

Mako snorted, letting this play out for now while he unhooked their haul from the bike. They'd arrived at the barn house a little before night fall-- after a small argument over Jamie having to share the sidecar. Roadhog had the whole ride to think over their situation.. and was still no closer to a solution.

"Don't touch my stuff. If ya don't know if it's mine, assume it is. Bathroom's outside. If ya pee in the floor, I'm not cleanin' it up. And-- hey, where are you-- Roadie! Road!"

The big man looked over again at Jamie's hollering, spotting the kid as they darted across the room, straight for his bed. They crouched down, picking up the pachimari stuffed toy tucked underneath, and hugged it tightly.

"Oy! That's not yers!" Junk marched over and the kid was already shrinking, bottom lip jutting out.

"Leave it," he snapped, sounding more threatening than he meant to. It made them both freeze up. Then Jamison scoffed. "..Fine. Whatever. It ain't mine."

Mako shook his head and headed toward the corner they used as a kitchen, intent on getting some dinner started. He already felt exhausted from having to deal with this situation and he had a feeling it was only going to get worse.

It wasn't long before Junkrat slid into a chair nearby, tapping his fingers on the tabletop. "Sooo..."

"So."

"..What's the plan? We go back tomorrow, look for the kid's parents? Leave a ransom note?"

"..No. No ransom."

Jamie huffed at that, but didn't push it. He watched the toddler approach them, giving Junkrat a wide space, before smooshing themself up against Roadhog's leg, the plushie still clutched in one arm.

Mako paused to glance downward.. then reached far enough to pat the messy curls.

"..Ya like it, huh?"

Roadhog pulled his hand away like he'd touched fire, going back to chopping up their dinner.

Junkrat grinned. "..Ya know, we could just keep 'em. Little rat's kinda cute."

"No."

Jamison stood up, slinking closer. The kid watched him the whole time, still pressed against Hog's leg. Jamie leaned against his other side. "Come on. We'd make great parents! I'll be the dad, you'll be mama, and Junior here will be our--"

"Mama?" Roadhog was glaring underneath his mask. Jamie could feel it.

"Ya. Cuz you got the bigger tits."

Jamison cackled and ran, narrowly dodging the swipe of a knife. 'Junior' giggled, too, from the silliness of it all.

"Make yourself useful and clean up anything dangerous."

Jamison looked around at their collection of tools, scraps, ammo, weapons, makeshift explosives...

"...Sooo.. Everything?"

"..Yeah. Pretty much."

--------

Childproofing took most of the night. Every time Jamison felt things were good enough, Mako found something else they needed to move higher or haul outside.

"If I woulda known this meant cleanin', I woulda left the kid in the dumpster.." Jamison complained, pouting while he placed some spare parts into a box. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Roadhog moving stuff around.. and his new best friend following right at his heels.

The kid had been glued to the big lug since dinner. Him and that plushie. The same plushie Jamie'd once stepped on and got tossed outside because of.

Jamie was sizzling with jealousy, although he'd never admit it out loud. He didn't need to. He could often tell what Mako was thinking without the guy uttering a word.. and Mako could read him like an open book.

When Roadhog made another pass by, he made a point to reach out and ruffle Junk's already unruly hair. He sat there stunned for a moment.. then broke out in a fit of giggles.

"Watch the kid. I'll be right back." Mako nudged the tyke away, muttered 'stay', then went to carry some boxes outside.

The toddler stood there, fidgeting, then walked over to a box on the floor. Jamison watched curiously as the kid tried to pick it up. Heh, that was kinda cute. They were trying to help.

Jamison stood up to give a hand-- that's all he had to give, haha-- but was too late. The kid tugged, the box tipped over, its contents spilling all over the floor, and as the child stumbled for balance, then fell backwards with a thump.

They both were still and silent for a moment.. then whimpering started. Panicked, Jamison rushed over, standing the kid back up. That didn't stop the big tears welling up. "No, no, no, no cryin'.. heheh... he'll be so mad if yer cryin' when he comes back.. uhh.." Jamison scratched the back of his neck, racking his brain for a solution. "Um.. ah!" He bolted away, returning just as fast, now dangling an object in front of those teary eyes.

It was just some old junky keychain he'd found ages ago, kept it because of the aesthetic. A little cartoonish mouse figurine hung from the chain.

"I'll give ya this if ya stop, okie doke?"

A hiccup. A sniffle. Then a tiny hand reached up, grasping the mouse oh so carefully.. and then hugged it close to their chest with a big smile.

"..Okie doke!"

Jamison melted.

--------

When Mako came back inside, he found Jamison sitting on his bed, teary eyed, with the kid in his lap, patting Junk's cheeks and cooing. Trying to cheer him up.

"....Roadie... I think I'm attached.. It's just.. so cute.." Jamison sobbed.

Mako groaned.

[seajellyfishie]

Closer *Naruto Fanfiction*

Chapter 2: Information Broker

~Shoko Utsunomiya's Pov~

I entered a dango shop around 8:30 in the morning before heading over and getting Takeshi. I walked the streets of Konoha heading towards Takeshi's house. I was going to make a pit stop before heading over to his place. I wanted dango and I figured that he'd want some as well. I stopped in front of the shop and looked at the different signs of each dango. The redhead that worked there skipped out of the back and placed a new batch of what I assumed of pink dango out in the front. She glanced over at me and brightened considerably.

"Hey Sho! What's up? You're here pretty early, you gotta job you're doing?" Hami asked walked over behind the cash register and grabbing a small bag for me.

"Yeah, I've become an assistant teacher so I'll be heading over to get Takeshi and then heading to the training grounds. You got any thermoses today?" I asked kneeling down to look at the bottles that she makes and fills with tea to sell.

"You know I do! I've also tried to make a grape dango, it's a lavender color, you wanna try." I sprang up, my eyes most likely sparkling.

"Of course!" The girl giggled and I watched as her grey body left my sight. Picking up one of the sticks of green tea dango and looked down at it. It was supposedly green like the trees, grass, and Gai's jumpsuit. Of course, I wouldn't know but I guess I just have to trust it. I was snapped out of my depressing thoughts when Hami came bounding out from the back and shoved a light grey dango in my face. I let out a short laugh before grabbing the stick and ate the first ball. I felt like falling to the ground from how amazing this tasted.

"This is freaking outstanding, Hami you are the goddess of dango." The girl giggled and smiled at me.

"Want it in the bag with your usual?" I frantically nodded. Laughing once more she placed three grape dango in the baggy that she'd been holding on to. The same number of green tea, vanilla, and strawberry dango. I dug through my bag and pulled out two thermoses. Setting the on the counter along with 50 Ryo, I grabbed the baggy from her as she took the thermoses.

"I'll take my regular Ginger Peach Tea in the white one and Earl Grey Tea in the black one," I said, nodding she dipped back into the back. Looking back up at the sun, I'd say it'd be about 8:50. She came back out and handed the two thermoses to me with a smile and grabbed the money. I was about to walk away when keychains caught my eye. I picked the two of them up and simply stared at them. Hami's hand came into my vision and pointed at each small mochi.

"The top one light pink, the second is light blue, the last is white, and the one that's dangling is purple. You can have them for free if you'd like." Her soft voice felt like it penetrated my soul. I wish I knew what colors looked like. I would love to understand the marvel of a sunrise or sunset. I couldn't marvel at a rainbow, or at Hami's supposedly bright red hair and honestly, I may never get that chance. Shaking my head, I clipped one of them to my bookbag and smiled at it.

"Thanks, I'm sure Takeshi will love it. I like myself, even though I can't see it." She gave me a soft smile and nodded.

"Of course, only for you Shoko. Now, get going before you're late!" I snorted slightly and shook my head.

"The teacher is Kakashi Hatake and he's probably not even there yet, so I think I'll be fine." She stared before running a hand down her face and waving me off. Laughing I walked away and headed to Takeshi's apartment which was on the way to the training grounds.

~At Takeshi's Apartment, The Back Room, 8:50 AM~

~Takeshi Uchiha's Pov~

I sat in my piano room, looking out the two windows that were in place instead of walls. I could see the whole forest past the city. When it rained Itachi and I would end up in here during the nights so we could sleep. Turning the mahogany instrument, I ran my fingers across the keys and smiled. Closing my eyes I started pressing the keys and turning them into an old song I used to play for my mother.

Whenever she felt like she was trapped she asked me to play this for her. It wasn't the best and I've perfected it since then, but even if there were wrong notes or I was off beat she said that it always reminded her of adventure. It reminded her of what traveling to different villages was like and how their culture was much more different than ours. She told me that I should never let anyone chain me down, whether village, family, or friends. Itachi would always agree to her logic but would say that I shouldn't completely sever my ties with those things. I should grow bonds between them and when out on adventures make new friends. Those two were the wisest people I knew. They had a true love for everyone and didn't let anyone contort their views or conform to society. I finished the song and watched as water droplets splashed onto my hand. Smiling, I allowed myself to cry a bit and let my heart soften for once.

I missed them so much. I miss Itachi, I miss mom, but I miss Sasuke the most. He's here with me and I can't even reach him. I can't reach my own twin. We were supposed to be there for each other no matter what and now he can't even look at me without hatred. Letting out a painful sob, I placed my hands on the piano to keep myself up from crumbling into a ball then and there. I shouldn't be this depressed so early in the morning, but then again my emotions never listen to me. I finally composed myself and wiped away the remaining tears on my face. I took in a deep breath and stood from my seat. Stepping back into my living room, I heard the door unlock and watched with caution. Shoko stepped through with his normal chakra signal and all.

I relaxed and smiled at the male who held up a small baggy. Chuckling I watched as he dumped his stuff on my kitchen table.

"So what's in the bag?" I asked about to grab the small baggy. He slapped my hand and gave me a stern look.

"Don't touch." He commanded. I whined a bit before yawning. I waddled back over to the couch and collapsed on it. Itachi walked out of my bedroom and trotted over to the living room to watch Shoko as usual.

The white-haired male grabbed two plates from my cabinet and set them on the table. He grabbed the baggy and pulled out some dango. He placed four on mine since I wasn't a huge fan of sweet things. He placed a black thermos next to my plate and unloaded everything else onto his.

"Alright, now you can eat." He stated. Rolling my eyes, I stood up and walked over letting my body drop into the seat. I watched as Shoko pulled out a white thermos and poured some of his tea into the cap.

"Shouldn't we be at the training grounds by now?" Shoko shook his head.

"There's no reason to be, Kakashi would be there until like ten." He said with a shake of his head. He grabbed on the dango sticks and managed to get all of the mochi in his mouth at once. I laughed and took the strawberry dango and at it first. Shoko let out some noise of remembrance that's honestly too hard to describe so I watched as he sifted through the small pocket on his bag before he pulled out a keychain and handed it to me. I looked at it and let out a snicker.

"This is so like you Shoko, thanks I love it." I looked up at the guy with a soft expression. He blushed and smiled at me.

"I'm glad you do!" For the rest of the time, we ate in silence, with Itachi meowing every once and a while for a piece. I finished my dango first and was sipping my Earl Grey tea in our comfortable silence. Shoko was on his last one and the tea he was drinking was basically finished. It was nice to sit here like an old married couple who didn't need to exchange words to make the atmosphere around them nice. Once he was finished, I grabbed my bag putting all of my leather-bound books in there along with a few scrolls before heading out with my best friend.

~At The Training Grounds, 9:10 AM~

We arrived at the training grounds and saw Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke sitting down all of them close to dozing off. Naruto and Sakura noticed Shoko and me and jumped up in anger.

"You're late!" Shoko shrugged and set his stuff on the ground next to the gate.

"Well, Kakashi won't be here until like ten so I would just suggest that you rest those pretty little eyes of yours!" Shoko said with a devious tone. The three didn't notice but complied with Shoko's wishes anyway. Takeshi sets his stuff down next to Sasuke and headed over to the open area with the three standing poles. I sat in front of the lake and smiled at it. I dipped my hands in it and swirled it around my hands. I thought for a bit before taking my hand out. Stretching I laid back and turned on my side resting my head on my hand. Closing my eyes I let my mind wander and my body relaxes as I slipped into a nice, light sleep. I was awoken by a tap on my shoulder, three screams, and laughing. I groaned in annoyance and glared up at a shinobi. Possibly chunin. I rose an eyebrow and sat up.

"I'm assuming you're here for info?" The shinobi nodded. I stood and dusted the sand off of my clothes. Walking over to where Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura were, I saw that they were completely drenched and my bag sitting across them, completely dry. Shoko was laughing his butt off at the three of them. They looked like shivering chihuahuas. Rolling my eyes, I knelt down and dug past the multiple other leatherbound books and found a red one. This one had all of the places that I've researched. Like the Wind Country, the Key Country, the Tea Country and so on.

"Alright, where are you going?" I asked looking up at the Chunin.

"I'm delivering something to the Kazekage. I haven't heard the best things about him, so what do you got?" He asked placing a hand on his hip. I snorted and started flipping through the worn pages.

"Yeah, the Kazekage isn't a saint." Stopping on a page that is supposed to have the information, I realized I grabbed the wrong book.

"Ah, sorry, grabbed the wrong book. That's about the layout of the land, the people one is...here." Pulling out a brown leather notebook I flipped to the exact page and started reading the information of the Kazekage out loud.

"Alright, well, the Kazekage is named Rasa. When the daimyo took money away from Suna and started using Konoha's less expensive services, the Kage felt threatened. He wanted to strengthen the line of shinobi so he ordered a woman name Chiyo to seal Shukaku, the One-Tailed Beast, into his youngest son, Garra, so he'd be the ultimate weapon of Suna. His wife died in the process of giving birth. He taught the kid ninjutsu ordered someone to look after him and ostracized him from his siblings who name are Temari and Kankuro. Sadly Rasa realized too late how bad of an idea this was as Garra's powers started to manifest. With the village being at an all-time low and the council deeming Garra useless to them, Rasa wanted to assassinate his younger son. All six attempts failed." Snapping the book closed I looked up to the disgusted Chunin.

"That good enough?" I asked looking up at the guy. He nodded, seemingly deep in thought before looking me in the eyes.

"Ok, so what do you want?" He asked.

"I want information on the youngest son. Even though I have some of the events of his life because of Rasa, I need more, if you can't get that, then you can pay me by 5000 Ryo. Fair?" The chunin nodded.

"Fair, thanks, kid." Nodding the man disappeared from my sight. I felt five pairs on me. I looked up connecting with Sasuke who looked confused and angry, Naruto who looked interested, Sakura who looked wary, Shoko looked excited it's hard to read him sometimes, and turning around I looked at Kakashi who stared at me with a hardened stare. Letting out an annoyed sigh, I placed both books back in my bag and stood, turning to Kakashi.

"Morning, Kakashi-sensei." The three other genins on my team snapped their attention towards the silverette.

"Hey guys, good morning!" Kakashi-sensei greeted giving them a closed eye smile.

"YOU'RE LATE!!!!" Sakura and Naruto shouted. Kakashi waved the two off and walked over to the three logs. Gesturing us over he set a clock on a stump and set it for noon. I grabbed my bag and jogged over standing next to Sasuke. Shoko stood next to Kakashi and held up three bells just like the older male beside him.

"Here are three bells your task is to take them from either me or Shoko before time's up." He explained. I tilted my head and looked at the bells closer. Shoko is the same age as us and even though he's a Jonin it doesn't mean that he's the strongest out of all of us. There has to be some sort of catch to this.

"Those who don't have a bell by noon get no lunch. I'll not only tie you to one of those stumps I'll eat in front of you too." Kakashi said tying the bells back to his pants. I heard the stomachs of my teammates grumble and snickered slightly. Glad I ate before Shoko got there along with his dango treats.

"You only have to get one bell there are only three, so one of you will definitely be tied to the stump! The person who doesn't take a bell will fail so one of you will definitely be heading back to the academy. If you want to you can use shuriken and kunai to come at us. You won't succeed unless you approach us with the intent to kill!" Shoko explained a large smile on his face. I gave him a skeptical look along with the bells that hung from his belt. There are six bells in all, but they kept saying the number three. If that's the case and there are only three true bells, then a set has to be a fake, and with the knowledge that Shoko is still technically on our level and that most of the team will go after him first then it would have to be Kakashi who has the real ones. I snapped out of my daze when Shoko disappeared from my site. Naruto was the only one left beside me and Kakashi was in front.

"Ah, right, we're taking a test," I muttered. Jumping away from the commencing battle, I settled in a tree and thought my plan over.

We're up against two Jonin, one genin could never take either one on alone even if the other is our age. This object of this is obviously teamwork. Now factoring in that one of the sets of bells is a fake then that means we can team up with Shoko to take Kakashi down, I'll need to find the others and try to convince them, but it'll most likely be a lost cause. Naruto will be more focused on working alone and trying to prove himself as he is right now, Sakura will only work if Sasuke is with me, and Sasuke hates me. Going to Shoko seems to be the only option I have right now. Jumping down from my tree, I searched the forest for my white-haired friend. Sensory isn't my forte but I've been with Shoko for so long that his chakra has become distinguishable. Coming into a clearing I saw Shoko lazing around in a tree branch.

"Sho-chan!" I called, the male jumped before looking down at me and smirked. He jumped down to the ground and got into a fighting stance. I waved my hand in dismissiveness.

"I already know the ones you have are fake, now, do you want to team up?" I asked. He blinked before laughing and walking over. He tossed an arm around my shoulder.

"You really are amazing Take-chan, alright, let's team up!" Nodding I gestured him to follow. Trotting after me we walked through the forest until Shoko stopped. I turned and looked at him questionably. Hearing the rustling of the leaves I quickly got out my kunai. A female chunin dropped from the trees and waved at the two of us. Raising an eyebrow and tilted my head.

"What do you want?" Shoko hissed out. The female raised her hands in surrender.

"Just here for some info on the Land of Tea." I sat down and dug through my bag and pulled out the red book from earlier.

"Well, it's a country south to the Land of Fire and consists of two islands. It is home to the Wasabi family and the Wagarashi family and is unknown if there are any shinobi. It is called the Tea Country or Land of Tea because of all the tea-houses that are there. Now, I do want to inform you to go as far southeast as you can without leaving the Fire Country because there is an Akatsuki hideout to the southwest near the Land of Rivers border." She nodded and let out a sigh.

"Thanks, kid, so what's your fee?" I thought for a bit before smirking and putting the book away.

"You good at using Fire Jutsu?" The girl looked at me in confusion before nodding.

"Yeah, I am, it's my affinity. Why?"

"You wanna help me pass my test?" The chunin blinked and then laughed. She placed a hand on her hip and smiled at me.

"Sure kid, what's the plan?"

~Later on, The Main Clearing, 11:50 PM~

~Author's Pov~

Kakashi was sitting in the middle of the clearing disappointed in his students. He was most disappointed in Takeshi cause he hadn't seen the kid the entire time and it was only 40 minutes until the test was complete. He shook his head and sighed pulling out his Icha Icha Paradise.

"Earth Release: Earth Dragon God Blast!" A masculine voice shouted. Kakashi's eyes widened as the ground rumbles. A large, bronze dragon head peeks out of the ground and roars to reveal its lengthy stone body. Then it dives back under, traveling to Kakashi through the ground. When it finally reaches him it shoots up in full dragon form and smashes into him with an enormous force, exploding on contact. The explosion causes the dragon's bronze body to move outward with immense force. Kakashi lets out a labored breath and looks around frantically. He feels a liquid on his foot and looks down in panic. It was an oily substance that had covered the ground

"Fire Release: Bed of Fire Technique!!" A feminine voice exclaimed. Infusing his feet with chakra he jumped off just as the flames ignited. Stumbling as he landed he looked around in confused panic. Shoko stepped out and smirked at the jonin.

"Earth Release: Sudden Earth Strike!" He shouted sending a finger gun Kakashi's way. The ground that was covered in fire rises in the form of a hand and rushes forward. The hand attacks Kakashi and the male dodges narrowly each time. Deciding that going back to the water would be the best idea to extinguish the flame and soften the ground. The hand soon crumbled as it entered the water. He watches with wide eyes, as an unknown female step out from the forest.

"Fire Release: Incinerating Hail Technique!" By focusing her chakra into her hands, she lifts them skyward and creates a salvo of small fireballs that will rain down all around them, incinerating anything they touch. Since the fireballs have no solid state, they can only do damage by burning things. These fireballs are about half the size of her closed fist. Kakashi dodged the fireballs landing on the water and rushed towards land seeing that not many of them were falling around Shoko and the unknown female.

"Water Chains Technique!!" Takeshi finally made himself known as he stepped out of the shrubbery as Kakashi placed his first foot on the sand. The chains launched from the water and wrapped themselves around his wrist neck and ankles. He fell to his knees as the chains pulled down on him harshly. He was barely able to roll over but managed to do so and looked up at the sky. Takeshi came over and stood over him, legs on each side of his waist. The young Uchiha settled himself on Kakashi's waist. Grabbing the silverette’s wrists he placed them over his head and when they were set in place the chains tightened once again. Taking the bells from Kakashi's belt he smirked down at him as he placed them in his pocket. Kakashi blushed as Takeshi leaned down towards his face.

"Ne, ne, Kakashi, why don't we reenact one of the scenes from your book yeah?" He questioned in a sultry voice his lips just a hair away from Kakashi's. The timer rang and Takeshi smirked. He got off of Kakashi and walked over to Shoko and thanked the girl for her help. The girl vanished and the two boys walked over to the stumps as Shoko handed Takeshi his bag. Kakashi looked over at the two and let out an amused sound before getting up and following. Takeshi took his seat in between Naruto and Sasuke. Shoko took his between Sakura and Naruto even though he wasn't a student.

"I see you're a bit tied up, huh, Naruto?" Shoko asked giving the blonde a Cheshire grin. Naruto started kicking his legs in anger.

"You're the one who put me here!!!!" Takeshi leaned closer to his brother to avoid the thrashing legs. When Sasuke scooted farther away from him it chipped away at his heart. Kakashi stopped in front of the KIA Stone and crossed his arms looking down at all of us.

"You guys look really hungry, oh, and by the way something about the training. Well, there's no need for you guys to go back to the academy. Takeshi had a smile on his face and hi-fived Shoko who gave him a reassuring thumbs-up. The other three were also celebrating at the news.

"Yup, all three of you...should quit as shinobi!!" Takeshi froze before realizing something and sending the older male a questioning look.

"Wait, 'three?'" He asked. Kakashi nodded.

"Yes, Takeshi you were the only one to pass. It may not have been with your actual team but you understood the lesson and proved to have an amazing mind for coming up with a plan." The older Uchiha a blushed and turned away from everyone to avoid any more embarrassment.

"Quit as ninjas what does that mean?! Also, why was Takeshi the only one to pass?!? We couldn't get the bells but why do we have to quit?!" Naruto shouted almost busting my eardrums. Kakashi gave them a blank look.

"Because all of you are just punks who don't deserve to be ninjas."

~Takeshi Uchiha's Pov~

My eyes widened as Sasuke lunged forward. I moved quickly and wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him back. He looked back at me in fury and swiped his kunai at my face to get away from me. I was lucky to dodge and only get a small scratch on my cheek. I snatched his wrist and turned his body around. He was straddling my waist and that allowed me to pin him to the ground and hold his hands above his head. I was putting all my focus into keeping him down since I'm not the strongest but it wasn't that hard since his legs were pinned around my waist as well. I grunted as he thrashed against me.

"Get off of me you waste of space!" Ok, that hurt. I glared down at him and held him tighter to the ground lowering my head next to his.

"No," I growled. Kakashi stepped forward and scoffed. Our attention was turned back to him. I lifted my head from the ground and felt the blood drip off my cheek.

"That's why you're a punk." He said looking down at Sasuke.

"Get off of Sasuke-kun!!" Sakura shouted at me. I closed my eyes and blocked her out. I know Kakashi was one to send kids back to the academy in a heartbeat and that's what terrified me. My eyes snapped open in shock Sasuke's glare being brought back to me. I launched myself off of him and stood my ground in front of the silverette. Kakashi looked down at me with a questioning look. I shoved the three bells into his chest and glared up at him.

"There!! Now they can't go back to the academy! There's a bell for each one! You already passed me so we're going together as a team!!" I demanded, Kakashi glared down at me.

"It's too late they already failed." My gaze turned stone cold and my face neutral.

"You said that if they had a bell then they would pass. It didn't matter if it was through teamwork or not, you said so. Teamwork may have been the goal of the test but those three have bells and you already said I passed. Are you going back on your word and being a lier then? Because I won't let your stupid test get in the way of them achieving their dreams." I growled out. Kakashi looked at me wide-eyed before narrowing them down at me.

"Why do you care so much?"

"Because if I don't no one else will," I stated. I clenched my hands as my gaze got fiercer as they stared into Kakashi's confused orbs.

"The village doesn't care about these kids. Sakura is a nobody amongst the crowd, Naruto is seen as a monster, and Sasuke is the prodigious Uchiha that everyone loves you really think they give a damn about these kids dreams and feelings!? I don't care if anyone remembers my dream, but I'll be damned if there's are forgotten. So you either let them pass or you stay a manipulative bastard." Kakashi stared at me in shock. I turned away and walked towards the stunned trio. Shoko looked at me with a sympathetic smile as he stood to his feet. Taking out a kunai, I cut Naruto's ropes. The blonde stumbled but regained his balance and looked back at me.

"Takeshi, your dream won't be forgotten."

"Huh?"

"I'll protect your dream and make sure you achieve it!" Naruto shouted beaming up at me. I looked down at him in shock but let a bittersweet smile spread across my face. I ruffled his hair.

"Thanks, Naruto-kun." From behind Naruto, Sakura shuffled up and glanced up at me every now and again.

"Um, I will too Takeshi-kun. I'll protect and help you achieve your dream." I smiled and she sent one back. Naruto looked down past me and glared at my younger brother.

"What about you Sasuke? He is your brother after all." Sasuke glanced up at me before looking back down at his lap.

"Hmph, fine." I felt like crying then and there. Sasuke probably didn't mean it but those words meant a lot to me. I heard Kakashi let out a soft laugh.

"You kids really are amazing. You all pass." Naruto shouted in joy wrapping his arms around my neck. I laughed a bit and twirled him around before setting him on the ground.

"You guys are the first ones to pass, but then again I've never seen such passion come from one boy that the entire team would band together. There was this saying that a friend of mine told me, 'Those who break the rules and codes of the ninja world are trash, but those who don't take care of their comrades are lower than trash.'" He stated before ruffling my hair.

"And I feel like you four will be the ones to break the rules, but you'll always take care of your comrades. Now come on let's go get some lunch at Ichiraku's." Naruto cheered again and sprinted forward leaving the rest of us behind. Shoko laughed and followed after him. Sasuke and I glanced at each other before we smirked and took off sprinting after the two.

~At Ichiraku's, Sitting at the Bar, 7:30 PM~

I had finished my bowl a while ago and now was simply conversing with everyone. Sasuke seemed to remember as we arrived that he hated me and sat on the other side of everyone up against the wall so I couldn't sit next to him. I laughed at a joke made at Naruto's expense and then taken away from the conversation by a tap on my shoulder it was a male jonin this time and he asked about the Blood Country. I sifted through my back and opened the red book that I used earlier giving him all the information I had on the Land of Blood. He thanked me and gave me 6500 Ryo. Placing the money in my wallet I realized that the conversation between my team stopped. I turned and jumped slightly when they were all just staring at me like that.

"Um, do you need something?" I asked. Kakashi narrowed his eyes once again.

"Takeshi how do you have all of this information?" He questioned. I scratched my cheek and let out a hum.

"Well, I can't tell you where I get it all from, but I can tell you that I'm an Information Broker." Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke all choked on the food they were eating and I honestly think that Naruto was ignoring the conversation.

"A kid your age!?" Kakashi exclaimed.

"How is that even possible!?" Sakura followed. I shrugged my shoulders and asked for another bowl of Miso Pork Ramen to get out of the conversation quickly. As the night dragged on Sakura was the first to leave saying that she may worry her parents if she stays out too late. Naruto followed soon after saying that he wanted to train before going to bed. Shoko went simply because he was tired and Kakashi followed paying the bill since Sasuke and myself weren't going to eat anymore. Sitting in the heavy silence that surrounded my brother and me, I decided to head home myself. Pushing the soft flaps back, I made my way to my apartment.

"Takeshi!" Sasuke's voice shouted after me. I was shocked at first, but composed myself well enough and turned around. Sasuke jogged up to me and stopped about a yard away.

"What's up, Sasuke?" I replied turning around fully to face him.

"Why?" He muttered. I rose an eyebrow, my grip loosening on my satchel.

"'Why' what?" He glared at me.

"Why are you protecting my dream when it so obviously clashes with yours?" He asked harshly. I gave him a soft smile and let out a breath.

"Because everyone deserves a dream Sasuke, even if yours does clash with mine, I refuse to let that get in my way of keeping it safe. It's the reason I became an info broker." He looked at me questionably.

"I became an info broker shortly after you tossed me to the curb because I didn't share the hate you had for Itachi. I knew our big brother wouldn't do something like that, and being the determined little monster that I am I got to work. My dream was realized then. I wanted to bring Itachi back home so we could be a family again, and I knew that it rightfully clashed with yours but I wasn't going to force my dream onto you. Because even after you started hating me Sasuke, my love only grew for you." I sent him one last smile and turned on my heel heading back home. The night sky was sparkling and I felt light that evening. When I walked through the door Itachi, my cat was waiting for me. Smiling at him I headed back to my room with him following. I changed and climbed into bed with the Siberian cat jumping on at the end.

"Don't worry big brother, we will be a family again."

[aroselane]

The Devil in Me Ch. 7

Chapter Seven:

Shay:

It was a little annoying that we had to wait for everyone else to finish filling out their packets.

It was at least an hour before Baird spoke again.

“Now that everybody is finished with the questionnaire,” he said, “Who is ready for the next phase?”

Next phase?

I looked over at Jody, and she just shrugged at me.

I watched as everyone got to their feet and followed closely behind Baird, as he led us into another room.

Alright, time to see what happens next.

Jody and I made sure that we were last in line.

We could say whatever we wanted if no one could hear, right?

We walked through a set of double doors. I was surprised to see a small stone pathway, and then a medium-sized garden that looked like it was built around a large round fountain.

It was built into the ground, there were two other layers above that the water made its way back down through. The center of it was off white, and there were shapes and designs engraved into it, I couldn’t make out what they were from here. 

We walked a little further into another room. At first, it was just a hallway, then the corridor widened.

“Something feels weird,” Jody said low.

“What do you mean?” I asked, looking at her.

She looked a little weirded out. To be honest, I was surprised.

I looked around the room, and I noticed several mirrors along the walls. They weren’t very big, but I had a strange feeling that I was being watched.

What kind of trial was this? Did Jody even know?

I placed my hand over the mirror, a trick my brother taught me. Chances are, these mirrors were hiding someone on the other side.

I pointed my finger so that my nail was the only part of my finger making contact with the reflective surface.

I couldn’t remember what it meant if my nail made direct contact with its reflection.

“Jody?” I asked, “Do you remember the mirror test?”

She glanced at the mirror. My nail was still on.

“Uh,” she said, looking at it “No space, leave the place.”

We both looked at my finger again before looking at each other.

“Well shit,” Jody said, “You smart bitch.”

I took my finger off, and we hurried to catch up to the others.

“What made you think to check the mirror?” she asked low.

“I kind of felt like someone was watching me,” I admitted.

“Clearly, you were right,” she gestured to the other mirrors “Do you think they are all like that?”

There was only one way to find out.

I did it again to the mirror closest to us, and the results were the same. So, I just nodded at Jody.

“Creepy,” she mumbled as we turned away from it.

I nodded in agreement.

Baird stopped in the center of a medium-large room, surrounded by mirrors.

Benches and chairs were spread throughout the area.

Jody made a face before sitting on a bench that was between two mirrors, and I sat right next to her.

I noticed that Baird was looking at us, and I swear I felt my stomach drop.

He knows that we know.

It surprised me when he smiled kindly at me.

Serial killers could trick you.

“Now that everyone appears to be settled,” Baird said, “Why don’t we just jump right in?”

Sounds good to me.

“I am sure that most of you are curious to know exactly what kind of trial this is,” he said looking around “How many of you are familiar with the term ‘Alpha Human?’”

My blood ran cold.

Jody was quick to grab my hand.

Baird was looking directly at us again, and based on his slight change in expression, our reaction didn’t go unnoticed.

“Some of you,” Baird said, “But did you know that there are other classifications of Alpha Human?”

Other classifications?

I zoned out the second he said the word government.

My head moved to rest on Jody’s shoulder.

“You okay?” she asked me.

I only nodded, even though I wasn’t sure.

“Based on what the government and most Scientists say,” Baird said, “Humans born with abilities are genetically superior.”

Was I having a nightmare? Was I sitting in a classroom?

“Thus, earning them their nickname,” Baird said, “Alpha, but the classification depends on what kind of ability they possess.”

I didn’t want to sit here and listen to him talk about genetic superiority.

“Which brings us finally to the reason you’re here,” he said, “This trial is focused solely on classification D Alpha Humans.”

Jody snickered next to me, and to my relief, I was able to manage a smile.

“What the hell makes them classification D?” The guy up front asked.

“I am getting to that,” Baird said kindly despite the guy’s bitchy tone.

Baird looked through the stacks of paper as if trying to put a name to his face.

“The purpose of this trial is to try and integrate normal Humans into the everyday lives of classification D Alpha Humans.”

So whatever classification they were meant that they had abilities… and if they need trials like this to attempt integration, wouldn’t that mean that these ‘D Humans’ were dangerous?

“Some of you have said that you were willing to participate further,” Baird said, looking around the room at us “Has anybody changed their mind?”

I sat all the way up to look at Jody.

“It’s up to you,” she said, “But for what it’s worth, I would like to try.”

I nodded, I didn’t know what all this meant exactly, but I already said yes.

Let’s see what happens from here.

One girl up front raised her hand. Baird handed her a packet as if he knew it would be her.

He glanced over at us as if expecting one or both of us to change our minds.

Not today, Mr. Baird.

After a couple minutes, it looked like two people changed their minds and changed their last two answers in their packet.

“Alright,” Baird said, “My colleague here will walk you out if you chose to opt-out.”

It took me a minute to realize that there was a new person in the room. An Asian man, he looked like he wasn’t much older than Jody and me.

“My name is Steven,” he said with a giant grin on his face “Follow me, please.”

In the end, there were only three of us left.

Me, Jody, and the bearded guy with the neck tattoo.

Baird stood there for a minute before a girl came running back.

“My bad,” she said a little out of breath, “I thought we were all leaving.”

She wasn’t either one of the girls the bearded guy walked in with.

“Now that the others are gone,” Baird said, “Could all of you follow me this way, please?”

He led us through another door, it led to a small room with a desk and a couple of chairs.

“Have a seat,” he gestured for all of us to sit.

There were four chairs already directly in front of the desk, so we all just sat there.

At the wall was the girl, then beard guy, Jody and finally me.

“Why don’t we start by introducing each other?” Baird said.

“Hi,” the girl at the wall didn’t hesitate to say, “I’m Molly.”

I just smiled at her, letting her know I heard.

She had short black hair, and her eyes were light brown. Her skin looked sun-kissed.

“Travis,” the guy with the beard said.

“Jody,” Jody said, “What’s good?”

Molly just grinned at her; Travis didn’t say anything. He only did that weird head nod.

“Shay,” I said once everyone was done.

Baird smiled at us “Here is some paperwork to look over, for the next phase.”

“More paperwork?” Molly whined.

“This is a trial doll,” Travis said, “I would expect a whole lot more.”

Baird didn’t add his two cents, he just handed each of us a paper.

I glanced at it, and at the top, it said ‘Classification D Human Trial Phase 2 Consent Form.’

“Now before you sign,” Baird said, “This consent form is asking to monitor your heart rate and temperature while you are here, and outside of this facility.”

I glanced over at Jody, and she was reading the form.

“If you decide that this is not what you want to do,” Baird said, “You may wait in the next room for Steven to come and get you.”

Jody placed the paper on the desk and took one of the stray pens on the desk before signing the consent form. I was a little shocked, but I did the same thing right after.

Travis and Molly both signed too.

Baird pulled a small box out of the desk before pulling out the tablet again.

“Each of you will receive one of these,” Baird opened the box to reveal a ring “I need to start with getting the correct size for each of you.”

He pulled open a drawer of the desk and pulled out a key chain with a bunch of rings on it.

“Make sure you size it on your right hand, middle finger,” Baird said, “That is the hand, and the finger the ring will need to be on.”

He handed it to Molly first so that she could size her finger.

“Eight,” Molly said before giving it to Travis.

“I just need to program it so that it knows what information is coming from who,” Baird said before tapping the screen a couple of times, and he handed the first ring to Molly.

“Ten,” Travis said before handing the keychain to Jody.

I watched as Baird pulled a ring out of the box and tapped the screen a few more times. It didn’t take much longer before he handed the ring to Travis.

He hesitated before putting it on.

Jody was going through the different sizes, but it looked like one finally fit.

“Six,” Jody said before handing the keychain to me.

I looked at all the rings, and I got a little lost for a second.

I tried on the size eight first, but it was just a little loose. Seven fit perfectly.

Baird handed Jody her ring, and she was quick to put it on.

“Seven,” I said as I placed the chain of bands on the desk.

Baird tapped the screen again before finally holding out my ring.

I held my palm up so that he could drop it into my hand.

There was a light in it.

I wanted to really look at it before I put it on.

The outside looked almost like a black wood, only it was metal. The inside glowed a pale blue color.

“What happens if we take it off?” Molly asked.

I finally put mine on, and I was a little surprised that it didn’t feel warm. In fact, it was cold, like metal usually was.

“It won’t do anything,” Baird said, “It just won’t be able to read your heart rate or your temperature anymore.”

She nodded.

It was already feeling strange on my hand.

“What do we do if we need to take it off?” Travis asked.

“Take it off,” Baird stated, “We only really need you to wear it on site, but it gives us a better baseline if you wear it off-site as well.”

That made sense.

“What if it gets wet?” Molly asked.

“It can be dropped in water and still function,” Baird stated, “Just do not leave it in the water for too long.”

Fair, at least it didn’t need to be treated like it was glass.

“The last one for today,” Baird said, holding out a piece of paper to Molly first.

“What’s this?” she asked, looking confused as she took the paper.

Travis took one, then Jody, and then me. Same order.

“This is another consent form,” Baird said.

I glanced down at this one.

‘Phase 2 on Site Facility Tracking and Communication Consent Form.’

“Tracking?” Travis asked.

“Next time you set foot on facility grounds, you will be given a lanyard,” Baird stated, “It will double as an ID and a tracker for when you are here.”

“Is this for off-site too?” Jody asked.

Baird shook his head. “Tracking is on-site only.”

“This says communication as well,” Molly pointed at the paper.

“Yes,” Baird said, “We will need to contact you for future follow-ups and matches.”

Jody was the first to sign again. Travis signed, then Molly signed right after him.

I was the last to sign this time.

“I will require each of your cellular telephone numbers,” Baird stated.

It was such an odd thing to hear him say.

It almost seems like he is from a different time, because of how he talks.

“I want each of you to write your name and number at the bottom of the consent form,” Baird said, “And I will send each of you a message before you leave.”

I’m sure he has gotten several people that have given him the wrong number.

I wrote my number at the bottom, and I only put my first name.

The others wrote down their numbers, and one by one, we each received a message from Baird.

“Please save that number with my name,” Baird said, “I will be the only one to ever contact you from that number.”

I saved his name and number in my phone.

Right next to me, I saw Jody do the same.

“Alright,” Baird said, “That should be all for today.”

I felt suddenly relieved, this means that I can go home now.

“But before I forget,” Baird said before going into his desk again and pulling out a few envelopes.

He handed each of us one, in the same order.

Molly and Travis both stood up to leave, and Baird didn’t say anything. So, that meant that we were free to go then?

I secured my envelope into my purse before I followed them out.

We made our way back into the large room with all the mirrors.

“Do any of you have any questions before you leave?” Baird asked.

Molly shook her head, and Travis just stood there.

I raised my hand just a little, and suddenly all eyes were on me.

“Yes?” Baird asked.

I pointed at the mirrors that lead to the hallway out, “Who was watching?”

Molly looked around confused, and Travis looked like he didn’t even care.

“Integration has to start somewhere,” he said with a small smile on his face.

So then, classification D Humans. I was curious to finally meet one.

Nobody else had a question, so Baird led us all out.

I was thankful that it was still light outside.

“Have a lovely day,” Baird said to us finally, before heading back inside.

This whole thing was . . . Weird.

I pulled my phone out to check the time.

4:37 PM.

I wasn’t sure why I thought we would be in there longer, but at least I had plenty of time to lag.

“We should celebrate,” Jody said.

My gaze went to her, “What did you have in mind?”

She grinned wickedly at me, “Oh, you’ll see.”

Regret settled in my stomach as she led me away.

-

Noah:

I was a little drunk.

I knew that I had dozed off, I just really didn’t care.

It only took a second for me to realize that I wasn’t alone.

My eyes opened slowly as if trying to pretend I didn’t sense them around me. The first thing I saw was the darkening sky. Cloudy, maybe even rain soon.

I glanced to my right, and there was a boy no older than sixteen looking down at me.

“Rise and shine dickhead,” he said, “Now get the fuck out of here.”

I just sat up and looked around. The remainder of my alcohol was gone.

“Did you rob me?” I asked, too lazy to check my pockets.

“We only took your booze,” he stated, “You’re lucky that’s all we took, drunk asshole.”

I had a feeling this kid had a drunk relative that just so happened to be an asshole.

“Fair enough,” I said before getting to my feet.

The kid glared at me while I checked my pockets. I didn’t take little snot nose brats, that just so happen to steal from me, at their word.

Everything seemed to still be where it was supposed to be, minus my alcohol.

That was fine with me, I already drank and avoided my problems for the day.

“It’s getting late,” the kid said, “You should go somewhere, ya know, that isn’t here.”

I sighed before leaning back, then forward to stretch.

“Bro,” the kid said, “Are you for real?”

I glanced over at him. His light green eyes were glaring at me.

“I’m going,” I stated.

It surprised me when he looked relieved when I actually started to leave.

This little punk.

Oh well, based on the look of the sky, it was safe to go back to the facility. So, I could sleep in peace.

Words could not possibly express how amazing my bed felt after today.

I was going to sleep like a baby.

-

Shay:

I found myself staring at the ring on my right hand, middle finger. So far, it didn’t matter how long I had it on for, the metal still felt so foreign to me.

I twisted the ring on my finger.

For a split second, I wondered if Baird was going to call me.

Would I be matched? What would they even be like?

In a way, it actually felt kind of silly to hope for something like that.

My brain, however, drifted to the term he used more than I would have liked. Alpha Human.

A term I wish I heard for the first time, and I wondered what made those we were going to meet classification D?

Did it really even matter?

This felt like something I probably shouldn’t have done.

Yet once again, Jody dragged me into something.

Might as well try and make the best of it.

I sighed as I watched Jody take a shot.

She made a sour face before grinning at me.

I took the glass she handed to me, and I did the same.

The clear liquid burned going down, and I made a face.

I already wasn’t feeling too good. Shit.

[cutiecrates]

Cutie Reviews: Gacha Gacha Crate Jan 20

Right after I began to work on my last review, this box showed up the exact same day <3< but maybe that’s good because look, I’m back again! This is also good timing because I bought a brand new storage container for my Gachapon as my previous one is way too full. If I was making videos I would show you guys my clean-up, transfer, and organization process of the whole ordeal I’ll be dealing with once I finish this. But I’ll be sure to include some pics with my next post for anyone curious!

With that, I hope everyone enjoys themselves~

One Punch Man Keychain

Our first item is this detailed keychain featuring 5 characters from a superhero manga-turned anime One Punch Man. These are by Takara Tomy A.R.T.S.

As you can expect I don’t know this series at all, it’s not really in my preferred genre. So besides some pictures i know nothing about this series, other than the fact the character I got is named Genos.

The figure is about thumb-sized and features a hard-rubber plate with the series name written on it. It’s probably hard to tell from the pic but the detail on this little figure is really good. You can see all these little creases and metal pieces on his torso, and his hair is nice; it even looks like he has earrings.

Initially I didn’t think I would keep this since I’m not into the series, but out of my 5 options I feel like this is who I would have wanted to get anyway, and he’s pretty cool looking. I’m kind of curious in learning more about him.

Banana Animal Keychain

Our next item is this adorable little banana-themed bird from Epoch. There was 12 different banana birds in total (6 birds but one half came on a strap while the other half did not, or in the case of mine, 2 color schemes). These included a banana bird, a choco dipped bird, one with a pink banana peel, a cockatiel with a greenish-yellow peel, one with a brown peel, and a little parakeet in yellow or green.

Birds are so cute, and I love animal-food combi’s, so I thought this was a very sweet little set. I got the little green parakeet; and I’m not joking when I say little, he’s about the size of one finger segment. As a figure its fairly simple, but the coloring is very clean. This would be an adorable little figure to use in a display.

Cinnamoroll Keychain

Are you guys sensing a theme yet?

This is another TTArts gachapon, this time featuring the adorable Cinnamoroll doing a variety of cutesy little things. Each figure includes a nice silver ball chain (and is wearing a hat) and there is 5 in total: Cinnamoroll wearing a vest and holding a cane, Cinnamoroll in a cup, Cinnamoroll balancing on a ball, Cinnamoroll relaxing on a ball, and Cinnamoroll standing with a horn.

I was impressed with the quality of this little figure. In height its about one finger segment, in length its about two (obviously because of his ears :P). The coloring is perfect with no sign of discoloration or uncolored spots, and believe it or not but his entire body is in the cup. Sometimes companies will take a short-cut by finding a way to cover the body or not including the entire thing, but I assure you his is there.

I really like this cute little charm, I’ve been considering hanging it off of something.

Tanuki/Kitsune Mug Warmer

Our next item is from Kitan Club, based on a cute pair known as Tanuki & Kitsune (I might be a little inaccurate on that but I assume thats what it is), a raccoon and fox pair. Each mug warmer is 300 yen, and there are 5 available styles: 2 expressions for each character, and one that resembles a fence post with Tanuki wedged in it.

These fit Small to Medium-sized bottles/cups/containers/tubes, from 260 to 340ml. What makes these extra cute is that they also have a tail on the back, and a ball chain.

Out of the two I would have preferred to get Kitsune/Fox, but they are both really cute.

I didn’t have a drink near me at the time and I wasn’t in the mood to make anything, so I put mine on a bottle of lotion. He seems to like it.

The piece is made from a really soft plush fabric, while the face, ears, and tail are made from a smooth, thin fabric maybe like a very thin imitation leather? I’m not really sure what its called. The lining inside feels a lot like a really soft sponge and is in several layers, ensuring the heat stays in while its being used and probably making sure the hands aren’t burned holding it.

It’s not something I would deem necessary- but it’s very cute and I like cutesy little things like this.

Sumikki Gurashi Watch

Our next item is this big, obnoxiously adorable watch by Koro Koro Collection and is an official licensed product by San-X. Besides Penguin? who I got, there is Neko, Shirokuma, Tonkatsu, and Tokage. Honestly, I was surprised I got Penguin? because usually I end up getting my 2 favorites, Shirokuma or Neko- but I also get Tokage a lot. I think this is actually my first Penguin? piece of merchandise. I really wish I got Shirokuma looking at the colors (and because I got him for another watch two years ago), but they are all very cute.

Anyway, this watch is obnoxiously big but its colors are soft and sweet, and its jelly strap is a really light pretty color with glitter through it (matching the capsule it came in) and it feels very comfortable on the wrist. Also, I wanted to mention it was extremely easy to set even if you can’t read the writing on the included paper (which I couldn’t), so you can put in the exact time and date. I like wearing it, and while I usually don’t wear watches anymore, I’m excited to get a chance to coordinate this with some clothing~

If you need a watch or just like cute Sumikko Gurashi merch, I’d recommend picking one up if you can find these (like on the merchandise store for this brand, or Rakuten. There’s a few gachapon shops I followed on there).

Kirby Dishes

Our last item is this adorable Kirby themed set of dishware by TTArts. As you can see there are 8 pieces in total, a mug and matching plate. The little dishes are ceramic and about half-thumb size. The coloring is pastel and on the back of the mug is the characters name or a saying; as you can see I got Waddle Dee. I really wish I got Kirby (especially one of those last two plates, they look so precious), but I seem to get a lot of Waddle Dee’s from these boxes. He’s cute too though so it’s cool.

The piece itself comes in bubble wrap to keep it safe from any possible cracking or breakage (or as a fun bonus if you like popping bubble wrap like me). I’m not sure it would be worth trying to use, but it would make a really cute big doll or re-ment set piece. Or maybe you could find something to store in it, like some paper clips or a pen.

- - - - - - - -

With everything mind, I enjoyed this box :3 it was all very cute and the details on everything is clean and perfect. But in all honesty, I kind of feel like its a little limited in comparison to the past 2 boxes, which I felt like had better sizing with the items and more involvement. I’m not sure with all the tiny pieces we got that this was worth the price, but I did like the items and I would still recommend them if any of them sounded interesting to you. I also like how most of the capsules came in my favorite type, the colored clear sphere with a clasp you have to lift. I LOVE those ones.

If I had to pick a favorite item, I believe mine would be the Sumikko Gurashi watch! It’s so cute and fun, and unlike everything else I know it will be used. In fact I plan to wear it while I go through my collection~

Until next time, stay cute~

[irishcoffeeslushie]

Nobuta wo Produce review (excerpts) - II

Disclaimer: I didn’t write this, although I wish I had. Source.

The beauty of Nobuta wo Produce is that it doesn’t purport to be anything other than a high school drama, and that’s precisely what makes it so much more than just a high school drama. (Am I even getting my point across? Lol) What I’m trying to say is that the characters are every inch high school kids — no more, no less, neither dumbed down nor savvied up. But they speak from the heart because the writing keeps it all REAL and just lets the characters be themselves, be the thinking, feeling, self-aware teens that they are.

This drama explores the inner universe of adolescence, governed by its own whimsical vagaries and constant flux of emotions. And I love the judicious use of voice-overs as the main characters ponder such things as the future and the uncertainty of life. The dialogue is intelligent without being pseudo-intellectual, complex without being contrived (uh, Dawson’s Creek, anyone? man, talk about a series that tried too hard to be smart and deep and witty, but always felt like it was written by 40-year-olds *roll eyes*). The writing of NwP doesn’t try to be all these, it just IS. Just because the drama is about a bunch of high school kids doesn’t mean it has to be infantile and shallow, nor does it have to play at being implausibly grown-up.

The high school stereotypes are here in NwP, but with a distinctive Jdorama twist. True, the Class Clowns aka the Destiny Duo may not have the most gut-bustingly funny of spiels, but at least they never annoyed me, and always seemed to be having so much fun in their own little world — making funny puns, and punny fun. Beetlejuice Guy would be the closest thing to the resident Obsessive Basket Case, and adds a dash – just a dash! – of signature J-screwiness to the overall flavor of Class 2-B. Only Bando and the Bandettes are given the extreme treatment of all the 2-B students.

The grown-up characters are shown to NOT know all the answers to life, or possess the key to the Fount of Adult Wisdom. They’re mostly shown to be… big kids, really, just more beat-up around the edges and looking the worse for wear, maybe a little wiser and more jaded, and more accepting of the realities and disappointments of life. Hirayama the Tofu Guy (Takahashi Katsumi) provides a solid, comforting presence as Akira’s ever-obliging guardian — though not without his own share of regrets and hang-ups. Hirayama has an interesting dynamic not just with Akira, but with Akira’s volatile CEO father (Masu Takeshi). Both men take their stake in Akira’s upbringing quite seriously, but share an interesting “good cop, bad cop” approach to this responsibility. (LMAO @ the time both grown men bond while assembling the Nobuta keychains in Tofu Guy’s living room!)

I love how the Kiritani family feels like a real family — well, ¾ of a real family. And Nakajima Yuto as Shuji’s li’l bro Koji is the most perfect little boy you will ever lay eyes on… except that this was five years ago and he’s not so little anymore (heh heh). The scenes where the three Kiritani boys (small, medium and large) are just chillin’ at home — dad cooking dinner, Koji doing his homework, Shuji (with that topknot, lol!) patching up a torn sock — are always enjoyable to watch. Ditto the dynamic between Shuji and Koji — case in point: the moment the brothers share in the haunted house in Episode 3 is heartwarming without being hokey. It helps, of course, that Kame and Yuto (then a Johnny’s Jr. who also performed in the “Seishun Amigo” music video, poor kid, lol) share a wonderful on-screen chemistry.

The realism of Nobuta wo Produce doesn’t quite have the gritty, inner-city feel of, say, Dangerous Minds or Stand and Deliver, because there are offsetting moments of hyperreality (e.g. the horrific bullying, the vandalism/sabotage arc, the zany characters) as well as surrealism (e.g. the living spirits, the dream about Santa Claus, and the dream about Aoi) that all add flavor and character to the drama without overpowering its faithful depiction of Planet High School. This balancing act between hyperreal and surreal is a tricky line to tread: a production that exaggerates plot and characters will always feel facile despite any entertainment value (uh, Hana Kimi anyone?), while a drama that is too dependent on fantasy/dream elements can feel rarefied and thus run the risk of alienating the viewer.

The strength of NwP is that it doesn’t skew towards either extreme, but reaches a comfortable — yet dynamic — equilibrium, which is no small testament to the virtuosity of both writing and direction. The finished product retains its solid core of realistic narrative/character development and naturalistic technique, but is complemented by these pleasantly unexpected but contrasting touches of loopy Jdorama hyperbole and floaty phantasmagoria. This drama, ladies and gents, is pure magic realism at its working best.

… Such is the flipside of magic realism, this nebulous nexus of the strange, the dark, the frightening. The drama gives no explanation for the dream, and very wisely leaves it at that.

So, thanks to Nobuta wo Produce I will always, always, always hold Kame and Pi dear beyond words no matter what mess they’ve made — and continue to make — of their post-NwP career trajectories. Maki I remain fond of despite her lackluster performances in Hana Kimi and Kurosagi; I know I’ve been extra hard on her in my past reviews, but only because I think she’s capable of better things and hope a suitable film or TV project will eventually come her way. But my fondness for Maki is cosmically — cosmically I say!!! — eclipsed by all that I feel for Kamenashi of the pencil-thin brows, and Yamashita of the dead-fish stare. Now wait a minute, some of you might ask: How dare she even make that claim? Isn’t this E.G., who uses her blog to flay those boys alive as if there were no tomorrow? Isn’t she the harpy who likes to chain them to a rock and feast on their livers — again, and again, and again?

Er, yes on both counts. It’s haaard to explaiiiin, but the reason I rip these poor boys apart all the time is because I like to play with my food because they mean THIS MUCH to me. (Readers go, “Eeeehhh? Nandeee” *headscratch*) But see, such is the power of Shuji to Akira, that whatever Kame and Pi do in the years to come — whether as J-pop pinups warbling way off-key, or wannabe actors out to carve their own niche in the Leading Man Canon — I will be there to watch them, and love them in spite of it… maybe even because of it. Even if it makes my ears bleed, my eyeballs implode, and my spleen liquefy and dribble out the nearest body orifice (don’t ask which). I am their F-A-N, and their F-A-N for L-I-F-E — and all because of a pair of seventeen-year-old schoolboys who liked to bond over soy milk and take sunset bicycle rides together.

But I’m also the kind of fan who harbors no illusions about Kame and Pi’s dramatic abilities (for Pi, it’s the lack thereof haha); I’ve seen enough of their collective oeuvre (practically all of it, actually *blushes*) to know that Nobuta wo Produce is the best work they’ve ever done, or will ever get to do. (Like I said, that drama was puuure maaaagic!) Since NwP, each boy has made exactly ONE other drama I believe they can be proud of: Tatta Hitotsu no Koi for Kamenashi, and Proposal Daisakusen for Yamashita. (Never mind the rest; the rest are just the necessary evils you slog through to ultimately earn the title of “Kame/Pi Completist.” The reward? A 10-disc set of KAT-TUN+NEWS’ greatest hits. And a lifetime supply of cheap wine. *Kame fans remember Kami no Shizuku and promptly lapse into a coma* And one year’s subscription to AnAn. *Pi fans go: “YamaPi showah… chunyuu!”* Lulzzz)

Between the two, Kame is by far a more natural and versatile actor than his pink-loving seishun amigo; he does drama and comedy better than YummyPi my little Gummi Bear, who really can’t do much but… be himself. That’s why I’ve always thought that Yamashita Tomohisa’s best dramas — Lunch Queen, Stand UP!, and natch, NwP — worked so well because they just let him be his weird, spacey and endearing self — unlike the more recent ones which sucked the sweet, the warmth, the life out of the boy and left this… sleepwalking six-pack with deep-fried hair in his place.

And so, such has been my own “self-revelatory odyssey” that went from knowing nothing about these two boys a little over a year ago, to recoiling from the first photo of theirs (see above) that I came across (and it also made me go, “Egads, these kids look weeeiiirrrrd!” — sounds familiar? well hello-oo E.G.’s KimuTaku Space Odyssey, lol), to acquiring Nobuta wo Produce (I’d heard good things about this netizen hit, but left it on the back burner because of… said photo), to finally giving in and watching the damn drama. And just like my experience with Pride, the rest is history, my embarrassing (and at times, downright incomprehensible) Kame/Pi fangirly devotion lovingly smeared all over this blog. It’s too late to take it back, to act more dignified and unsullied by this dark, guilty pleasure of mine. But, hey — if Nobuta and Akira could live with their weird little selves, I suppose so can I.

And to end this review with the wise words of a Green Day song:

“Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right. I hope you had the time of your life…”

To Shuji, Akira and Nobuta, I hope you had, and continue to have, the time of your life… because you sure as heck gave me mine.

[filipino4u]

New Post has been published on Filipino4u.com

New Post has been published on https://www.filipino4u.com/blog/guidelines-for-a-white-guy-dating-asian-women

Guidelines for a White Guy Dating Asian Women

Dating Asian women? Hey, white guys. You possibly understand now that having an Asian women as a partner is the best pass for all white guys. “Date an Oriental chick” has actually ended up being comparable to “Go sky diving” or “Reside in New york city” in the genuine white individual bucket of wish list. Certainly, dating an Asian woman is really far different from dating your regular Nancy or Betty. So, in order to grab on

your own a Mulan, I provide to you a White Male’s Overview of Dating Asian Women.

TIP 1: Finding an Asian Woman

Most Asian women commonly hang out at among 3 areas: the shopping mall, school, or fast food chain. When you arrive, check out: the very best Asian lady. You can certainly find the one hoodie, as well as heels (there is constantly one). The best approach that you can make to an Asian girl is to ask for the time. As she takes out her phone to tell you the time, make sure to make a nice comment about the character hanging on her phone (Asian women usually have some cute little junkie hanging off our phone, usually a cartoon duck or a jade tiger). And with that, you’re in. Asian women will go on a date with anyone if she can tell a cutesy story about it later: “And then, after he saw my Keroppi keychain, he asked me out at Pinkberry! Pinkberry!”

TIP 2: The First Day

No matter where you take an Asian girl on an initial day as long as you stay with the adhering to subjects of discussion: food, style, as well as teasing various other Asians (“So, your friends just stayed in and did math problems? They are so bad!””). If, by the end of the evening, she laughs right into her napkin/hand follower, you have actually obtained a 2nd day. Nevertheless, regardless of what you do, do not tip on the yellow-fever ground mine that is recognizing the Asian fetish. Yes, most of us unconditionally understand just what’s taking place below– why else did The U.S.A. fight in 2 Oriental nations last century?– yet do not state it aloud. Normally, almost all Asian girls like think that we’re your first Far East foray.

TIP 3: The Connection

If you wish to date an Asian Woman you need to understand where she is coming from. Most Asian woman gets easily offended because of their insecurities. Asian girls are very insecure with their female western women counterparts. We easily get insecure about every little thing like our boobs to our nationalism (both things that are just slightly there).  So, as her white, Jewish (80% of the moment), totally-secure-and-normal sweetheart, you much better be gotten ready for when your sweetheart

https://www.filipino4u.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Quick-Dating-Tips-Dont-Do-This-When-You-Approach-Asian-Women.mp4

[cutiecrates]

Cutie Reviews: Gacha Gacha Crate April 19

Welcome to last months Gacha Gacha crate review :D

Er... I forgot to get a picture for the opener of this post, but rest assure the review has pics!

Sailor Moon Pouch

Our first item is perfect for magical girl and/or Sailor Moon fans, an adorable pouch that comes in six variations: the crystal star I got, another brooch (I’m sorry but its been ages since I watched Sailor Moon, I can’t remember everything), Luna or Artemis, the Moon Stick/Scepter, a patterned pouch, and a rounded “secret pouch”.

Each pouch is fairly flat but has accurate detailing and feels very smooth with a great working zipper. The inside has cloth-ish fabric.

The back of mine had this design on it, but I assume they all have it or something similar. In terms of what it can fit, I noticed it can fit 1 of any size gacha capsule, or several little trinkets like change, dollar bills, cards, certain beauty products; just not too many at once.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I think it’s pretty cute and well made. I wish it might have been a little bit bigger or spacious, and the material makes me think it wont hold up against staining- but I’m not going to test that theory out. I would have liked it if it had a ball chain or strap to attach it to things as well, but as a long-time magical girl fan I kind of like that feeling of being able to pull out a magical transformation device- even if it’s only to summon money or a card rather than a cute outfit and wand.

Build A Pokemon

I heard these “figures as the capsule“ are popular lately, and that seems to be the case. This is our second one we’ve gotten in the Gacha Gacha crate, which features adorable Pokemon!

There was 4 available: Pikachu, Gengar, the new electric mouse I never remember the name of, and Mew. They’re all cute but I’m very happy I got Gengar, who has always been one of my favorite Pokemon x3

This piece serves no purpose other than to keep the plastic wrap that was on him smooth, due to his “spikes” on his back. 

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Compared to my Donald Duck (whose beak still isn’t on right) Gengar was much easier to build. He’s very accurate in appearance, and he makes a really cute decoration! It’s also fun putting together figurines, even if this wasn’t as detailed as my Yokai Watch collection (pretty much every version of Jibanyan I found back when I was collecting them. I still have them but I don’t buy them anymore).

Kuma and Tanooki Handkerchief

This is our biggest item yet by far! Kuma and Tanooki are popular characters who have their own twitter in Japan, and this handkerchief is perfect for this season when spring allergens start kicking up, or say, if you needed somewhere to sit a food item or clean up a spill.

There are 5 possible  “4-koma“ you can get in this collection, and it is by Takara Tomy Arts.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I think it’s very cute, kind of a random item but you guys know how much I like practicality. One of my concerns is getting items from the gachapon that I can’t actually do anything with- and considering I have “seasonal change weather allergies“ this will probably come in handy in some shape or form.

However... After barely touching it I noticed that it already has a couple of loose strands and I’ve done nothing to it. So I’m kinda worried about getting something on it/using it and then trying to wash/clean it off. It’s a very delicate and thin material.

Shiba Terrarium

This next item combines the adorable, popular shiba brothers and the recent trend of Character Terrarium displays. I really like things like snowglobes, toy house displays, re-ment, so I quickly took a liking to Terrariums too. Lately I’ve been seeing all kinds of popular character ones, like Pokemon, Kirby, Sumikko Gurashi, Rilakkuma.

In this specific set there are 4 to collect, each one is 400 yen and features one of the shiba brothers in one of the seasonal settings. Each terrarium includes the little setting/stage (in 2 pieces) the shiba, and decoration, they also incorporate the capsule, which is the terrarium obviously. The bottom part is flat so that they can be sat out to display. 

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I really like the white shiba (who has spring) but my favorite season is winter, so I think this was meant to be~

It’s extremely easy to put together, there’s no gluing or even pressing needed; although considering how easy it is for the pieces to move around when jostled or shifted, I kind of wish there was some pegs or something to hold the shiba and items down.

The detail is also spot-on and looks very nice for such tiny pieces, besides the perfect paint jobs on the snowman and shiba (he even has toe beans!), but there are markings in the snow where they sit for added detailing.

If you like terrariums but want a cheaper and less-messy (as in if something would happen less clean-up) this would be the way to go.

Mushroom Bird

This would be an adorable addition to a fall-themed terrarium, a MUSHROOM BIRD. Japan really likes cutesy animal-item/food combinations; and this is one of the few I’ve seen for birds. It’s by EPOCH and each one costs 200 yen.

As you can see by the checklist this is a medium-big collection. Each bird has a “rarity“ marking beneath them, mine being 2 out of 3 stars. At the second I don’t recall what mine is, I want to say shitake but I’m not positive- although I do like eating mushrooms.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

It’s small but the detail on it is really nice and it’s very cute in my opinion. As I said above, you could use it in things like terrariums, or even re-ment or decorative items like planters or something.

Squeeze Sushi

This is our final item- and if you’re wondering why the setting looks different it’s because when I was uploading the images, the one I took was like... glitched or something? It wasn’t uploading right, so I hurried up and grabbed another pic.

Anyway, these types of Squeeze toys/squishy are pretty popular in Japan, and as of late here too! There’s a really adorable series I like collecting called Moj Moj that has some like this, but I know there are several varieties that can be found online too.

There are 6 sushi types available, from my cucumber (maybe avocado? I’m pretty sure it’s cucumber), crab, salmon, something that looks like fish cake, egg or vegetable, and fish eggs.

I usually see the one I have on a lot of videos from Youtubers I watch- and as a squishy fan I REALLY wanted my own but never bothered looking online to get one, so I was extremely happy when I saw this~

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

This was everything i hoped for and more! I love squeezing it and watching the stuff come out, then get sucked back in. The item is in a little oiled sack as I’ve learned watching people cut them open, and they can be a little fragile if handled too roughly (they’re also sticky so they collect dirt); but they’re super cute and fun.

♥ Cutie Ranking ♥

Quality - 5 out of 5. Everything is fine and I love all the detailing put into each item. From the perfect coloring jobs to the rice texture of the squeeze toy and elaborate handkerchief.

Content - 5 out of 5. I really liked everything, maybe not as much as I did the prior months box, but I would put it in the top 5 thus far.

Total Rank: 7 out of 10 cuties. It was a lovely box full of adorableness~ and even though there was 3 non-practical items (unless you consider displaying an item practical) I still really liked them a lot. I didn’t dislike anything in this box, which is probably a first for this series. I’m not sure what kind of price range all of these items were together, but I could say that this box was worth what we pay.

♥ Cutie Scale ♥

1.  Sushi Squeeze - I love squeeze toys, squishies, and sushi; and considering how much I wanted one of these, I think my choosing this as my #1 item for the month wasn’t a surprise to anybody.

2.  Shiba Terrarium - It was simple, but still detailed enough. I still wish they had included pegs or something to hold the pieces in place, and looking at it again I wish the Shiba interacted with the items a little more, but it makes a very cute decoration regardless.

3. Handkerchief - As a fan of manga and cutesy or funny comics, I really appreciated the design behind this one. It has an adorable charm to it.

4. Mushroom Bird - it’s kawaii and little x3 but at the same time, unless you really looked at it, you probably couldn’t tetl it was a bird due to how small it was. I really wish I got one of the more colorful ones.

5. Sailor Moon Pouch - If I got Luna or Artemis this would have been higher up on the list. But it’s a perfect representation of Sailor Moon’s more known compact/brooch/whatever and just holding it gives me all sorts of feels~

6. Build a Pokemon - As much as I adore Pokemon, there isn’t really anything different than this Gengar. In fact it almost looks exactly like a plush keychain Gengar I got when I was little.

Alright, we’ve reached the end of another box and review. As usual I will be resuming normal order so up next we got the two beauty boxes, NMNL and Kira Kira crate.

Until then, remember to open up a box of cuteness every day!

[cutiecrates]

Cutie Reviews: Gacha Gacha Dec 18

*Stretch*

I feel kind of rusty returning here after such a long period. But I’m kind of really excited, I’m not sure if anyone reads this blog but I didn’t realize just how much fun I have doing my reviews until I can’t.

Considering how behind I got, I got a lot of work on my hands! You can expect to see reviews coming out again so welcome back :3

This month our booklet features pages about the Christmas Toy Festivals. Two popular ones are the Winter Wonder Festa and the Design Festa. Wonder Festa focuses on popular industries (Takara Tomy, Bandai, Good Smile) getting together to show off new prospective concepts and ideas they hope to turn into actual new lines, as well as mix in some past products that have done really well. The Design Festa is more for smaller, independent groups and manufacturers trying to showcase upcoming products, mainly for people who are fans or ”in the know“ and want a chance to obtain them before others. 

Hokusai Gachapon

Hokusai is a Japanese artists who focuses on historic, beautiful paintings. The collection features some of his most popular works- including this one, which I’ve seen a lot, although I know nothing of it.

What makes these fun is that not only can you display them like this, but the back of the painting has magnets, so you can stick it on your fridge!

There was 6 in total, including a variety of people and scenery.

Ratings: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Okay, well as a concept I love the idea. I really like art, so this is a cute little way of expressing that. it’ll also be fun to see if anybody who comes around recognizes the image. Besides this one, I only recognized another possible option.

I can’t say this is my favorite one of the box, but the little details and alternate ways to use it give it some charm~

Shiba-Inu Gachapon

There are 6 puppers in total, each in 3 possible poses with 2 color types per set. This collection is done by the well-known brand Epoch. Out of the three, I think I would have liked the first two sets over, but I love the white shiba, so I would have been happy even if I got the 3rd set one. But the one I got is still cute~

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

No, it’s not hacking up a hairball. I got the stretch-yawning Shiba. It looks like a Choo-Choo to me.

For as small as it is, the detailing on it is amazing! There’s no color bleed or staining, everything seems accurate... it even has a little button hole that I just found while writing this...

While I’m worried about losing this and will probably keep it inside it’s capsule for now (it wouldn’t be my first choice either), I think this would be the perfect little companion for any sort of display, or even for a friend who loves dogs.

Sumo Wrestlers

This next set is a strange one, based on sumo wrestling. It features of variety of fun-loving, silly posed Sumo, along with this guy that I got... I don’t really know what he’s doing.

Rating: ♥ ♥

Okay so... this would definitely be a series I wouldn’t consider getting. I’ll just put that out there now. I’m not really into silly, random gacha that might look kinda strange/repulsive. No offense to anybody reading this.

However, I can take at least a little comfort in getting the harmless figure of the set. The painted detail is also pretty good so you know, it’s not terrible if you like these types of things.

Samurai Sword Keychains

The next item is a set of 5, realistically detailed Samurai Sword keychains by Aoshima. Each feature the sword, a tag with its name (or something?) and a little metallic charm related to the sword.

Okay, so I’m not really sure which one I got. Like I can see it, but I know nothing about these.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥��

Again, it’s not my thing, but I feel like a lot of people would like this one. It’s kind of cute how small it is, I could see giving it to a figma to hold.

As I’ve been saying about everything so far, the detail is really good. There is a tiny paint bleed around the middle, but otherwise everything looks fine. The little charm is really pretty too, it’s like a glittery, gold metallic finish.

Animal Cake Squishies

Finally, onto something cute again~

Our next item is an animal-shaped cake squishy by Kitan Club. Each was sold for 300 yen and there was 6 available. Including Bear, Rabbit, Lion, Monkey, Alligator, and Elephant. They have a really light generic soy beansish/peanut butter smell most Squishy have, and it comes on a ball chain.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ 

It’s pretty cute, and I can see what they were getting at, but I have one crucial issue with it. It’s a firm squishy. I’m not into the speed of a squishy rise, but I prefer my squishy to be soft marshmallowy~

It’d probably be good for some finger exercise or if you’re having some stress, but I can’t say it’s satisfying if you prefer a soft, casual squish.

Surprise Gachapon

You know, I kinda love spontaneous things like this.

Four our last gachapon, everyone got a random surprise gacha. I’m not sure if there was a couple of so many, or if they actually got one of each and sent them randomly.

The set I got is the Mini Pan Mascot vol. 11 by J. Dream. I’ve seen these before, so I was excited to finally have one to call my own~

There was 5 available:

Here is the lineup for this set. We have a Custard Cream pan with a little removable piece to see the cream (kinda wish I got that one~), Cookies and Cream Pan, the one I got (whose name I can’t figure out), Another one I can’t figure out, and a full package of bread!

The way mine was made, they can be taken out of the package because it has a twist-tie on it. You can enjoy them as a hanging charm, or take them out to play with individual teeny-tiny baby squishy breads (because squishing in the bag can just be as fun as out).

These would also be cute for re-ments and figma~

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I love how they go the extra-mile to include detailing like a decorative bag, some of which can be removed like this one. They’re very soft and have a little bit of rise to them- way better than the animal cake.

♥ Cutie Ranking ♥

Quality/Pricing - 3 out of 5. I was kind of in the middle with the previous box, but I think this one would be about the same maybe. I’m not entirely sure because I didn’t see too many prices on these ones.

Content - 2 out of 5. 3 were cute, which was okay. If the other three hadn’t be so weird/random I might have liked them a little more. I wish they had tried to do a winter/Christmas theme or something to make it feel like it was the December box.

Total Rank: 5 out of 10 cuties. It was okay. Nothing too special, the only real redeeming things about it in my opinion was the 2 squishy, even though I only got one by coincidence. I feel a little bad I didn’t like this one nearly as much as the previous ones, but it happens. It actually made me appreciate the previous one a little more in the end.

♥ Cutie Scale ♥

1.  Mini Pan Mascot - Well I mean obviously. Not only is the detail and little features there, but it’s super-cute, pretty soft, and again great toy or figure accessory. 

2.  Animal Cake Squishy - It’s cute when you think about it as a cake or pastry, but otherwise it’s pretty plain looking...

3.  Shiba-Inu Gachapon - It’s kind of plain to me, but in a cute way.

4. Samurai Sword - It’s kinda meh to me, but I like the detail. It’d be a fun accessory to use with other toys!

5. Painting gachapon - I kinda wish I got a different one, but as someone who enjoys art I can still appreciate it.

6.Sumo Gachapon - no.

Okay, so here we are~ We’ve made it to the end of a review and now I’m hungry~

I feel happy though, because I haven’t gotten to do this for a while. I had fun. Now, my original plan was to start my review on the changed NMNL, but because I got my January Gachapon while trying to get my last review to post, I think I might do that first to get it out of the way, then get back to the new NMNL, then finally return to schedule!

My goal is to get this all done this week, so if you enjoy this blog then I hope to see you again soon for the next one!

Until then, stay cute~