#her baking is too delicious someone give me strength ah

[momozilliness]

guys breaking fasts w smth low cal is great but the second the timer for my three day fast went off i monched on the yummy cookie my amazing and pretty and sweet gf made me with zero hesitation :p i think its ok to break your fast w whatever you want btw:333

[jeo9n]

Majesty Pt 6 || JJK

Pairing : Jeon Jungkook x Reader

Genre : Slow burn,Angst,fluff,virgin reader,King JK, future smut.

Warnings : none for this chapter

Wordcount : 3.2k

previous | next

A few days have passed since you got married to the King. Being married to him hasn’t really changed anything between you two. The only thing that has changed is, that you both now sleep in the same bed, but that was it. It’s still kind of weird to share a bed with a man, but as long as he doesn’t try anything on you, then it’s fine. He weirdly keeps on cuddling you in his sleep, almost possessively. But once he wakes up he acts like nothing ever happened, like he wasn’t just almost squeezing the air out of you, trying to keep you as close as possible.

You’re currently getting dressed for the day. You’re going to visit your mom today. You haven’t seen her since the wedding, and you miss her.

"That looks absolutely delicious." You tell Maria, when you arrived at the Kitchen.

"Thank you, miss. I actually baked those for you and your mom." She said, as she packed the freshly backed Croissants. "I hope your mom enjoys them." Handing them to you.

You look at her with a huge smile on your face. "That is so nice of you, Maria, thank you. Im sure my mom will love them." Maria has always been so nice to you ever since you arrived at the castle, and your thankful for that.

"Is the King coming with you, miss?"

"Oh no, I’m going alone. I wanna spend some alone time with my mother, and I’m sure, the King has other stuff to do. I don’t wanna be a burden to him." You tell her.

"I actually don’t have anything to do today." Someone suddenly spoke. You knew it was him though, without having to see his face. "I would love to come with you."

You turned around to face him. "You don’t have to come with me, your highness. I want to spend some time with my family alone. You can come with me another time though, if you want of course." You tell him, without trying to sound rude.

"I will come with you another time then." He tells you. "One of my chamberlains will bring you to the village though. It’s a long way, I don’t want you going alone."

You nod. Cause he’s right! it is a long way. It probably would take you a few hours to reach the village, if you walked.

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

You arrived at your old home, your mom already waiting for you outside. She hugs you tightly, telling you how much she has missed you. "It’s been only a few weeks, mom." You giggle. "You act like you haven’t seen me in years."

"Well, it feels like it. The house has been so quiet without you, Y/n, I miss having you around." She tells you - Her words making you feel sad. If you knew your mom would miss you so much, then you would’ve never left her, you would’ve never gotten married in the first place. You would’ve stayed with her. You had no problem with that. "But I’m happy that you finally got married, my dear. So, so happy! - Not only do you finally have a husband, he’s also a King! Do you know how jealous these mother’s are of me." She laughs, while you both walk inside.

The smell of your home instantly hits your nose. Making you feel even more sad. It feels like you’ve been away for so long. You wish, you could’ve spend a little more time at home than you’ve had. You would’ve loved to spend more a few more days with your mom, you would’ve loved to sleep in your own bed one more time, before having to leave, and moving into the castle.

All this thinking made you totally forget about the Croissants Maria gave you. "Here, one of the maids made some croissants for us." You say, handing the basket to your mother.

She takes to basket from you. "Oh how lovely of her." putting down the basket and getting a plate for the croissants.

"Her name is Maria! She’s really nice to me, I like her a lot." You answer, sitting down at the table, where you used to always eat with your mother. "She kinda reminds me of you"

She smiles at you, sitting down as well. "How’s your marriage going? - I know you haven’t been married for long, but is it going good?"

"It is going good! But we don’t really act like a married a couple - I don’t mind though, I like it that way." You tell her, as you take a bite of the croissant. "But I got really annoyed at him, a few days before we got married."

"Why, what did he do?"

"We were eating dinner and i wanted to put the dirty dishes away, once we were done eating. Because thats what you should do, right? But he suddenly stopped me, saying something like "I don’t have to do those things because I’m his wife, and the maids are there for that stuff." And that he would punish me if I kept doing that. But I didn’t care, I did it anyways. Because who the hell is he to tell me what to do?" You huff.

"I would’ve done exactly the same. What’s so bad about cleaning up? It doesn’t matter if has maids for that. If you wanted to help, that he should’ve let you." She says, shaking her head. "But, he didn’t really punish you for that, did he?" She asks, worriedly.

"He did. That fucker left me outside in the cold all night. At first I thought he was joking, i thought he would just leave me outside for a while, and eventually let me in. But he never opened the door for me. He really left me outside, all by myself." You tell her, rolling your eyes. It still makes you mad when you think about it.

"What?" She asks with wide eyes, not believing what you just said.

"Yea, and the next day he acted like nothing ever happened. He probably thinks I forgot about it, but I didn’t. I’ll get him back I just have to find the right time for it." You tell her, already planning your revenge.

She looks at you with worried eyes. "That probably won’t be a good idea, Y/n. - Him leaving you outside must’ve been a nice way of punishing you. I don’t want you to do anything, and get punished again." She tries to explain. "Promise me you won’t do anything, Y/n."

You understand her. She’s your mom, and she’s worried for you. But still, he left you outside for the whole night, cold and scared. You had to sleep on a bench, - well you tired to, at least - which gave you horrible back pain. You’ll get him back for it. You don’t care if you’ll get punished again. But you won’t tell her that. Instead, you look at her and smile, "I promise."

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

"Y/n, can you open the door for me please." Your mom calls out from bathroom.

"Of course." You were already on your way to open the door anyway.

You were met with bouquet of yellow roses once you opened the door. Your lips instantly turned into a smile, recognizing the two person behind it immediately. "Hello, Bambi." One of your Brothers greeted you, calling you by your nickname - which only your brothers called you by that name - moving the roses out of his face, so he could see you. "Or should I say, your majesty?" He joked, while finally giving you a hug, your oldest brother giving you one as well. You missed your brothers so much, so much that you could cry.

"Ah, can you believe our little Bambi is finally married." Your brother says to your other brother, while you three walk back into the living room. "And can you believe, none of you showed up to my wedding?" You say a little annoyed. You went to both of your their Weddings, and they didn’t even show up at yours. They missed the most special day of your life.

"We are so sorry, Y/n! But we were out of town, there was no way we could’ve made it to your wedding, even if we tried. It would’ve taken us so many hours to arrive at the kingdom, please forgive us!" your older brother explains to you.

You could tell he was saying the truth. Your brothers were good at anything, but lying wasn’t one of their strength. You couldn’t stay mad at them, not even if you tried, not when they were looking at you like this, with big puppy eyes, waiting for your forgiveness.

"I forgive you! But, I’m still sad you weren’t there. I was waiting for you two to show up all night."

"We’ll make it up to you! We promise!"

"I hope you guys do!" Your mom says, coming back from the bathroom. "How could you miss your little sisters special day!" She scolds them, slapping your oldest brother on the head, making you laugh.

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

Right now, you were on a walk through the village for a bit. Your mother stayed home with your brothers, making sure that they don’t eat all the food she had cooked.

You felt everyone watching you, either out of shock that you were back in the village, or out of jealousy. You knew these mothers and their daughters were glaring at you. Probably trying to curse you with their eyes on you.

You were just walking around, with no destination in mind. You just wanted to walk around for a bit. You haven’t really gotten the chance to really do anything, since you moved into the castle. You weren’t allowed to leave the castle by yourself, except for today. So you tried to enjoy it as much as you could. You had stopped by the small bakery you used to work at, buying some bread to feed the ducks by the small lake near by.

You were surrounded by ducks, they all came waddling towards you as soon as you took out the bread, eager to get some food. You were crouching down with the bread in your hand, trying to feed all of them equally, not wanting to left one out. "Hey! Your little friend right here wants some bread too." You scold the duck, as it tried to take the food out of your hand. But giving it some food anyway, feeling bad for scolding it.

You kept feeling eyes on you, following your every move. Everywhere you went, you felt like you were being watched. You thought you were imagining it, but you knew you weren’t, not when you heard something behind you. You didn’t know where it came from. You were alone at the lake, or at least you thought. Knowing that someone could be watching you got you scared. You left the lake and walked back home, you didn’t want to risk anything, who knows what could happen if you stayed. You didn’t know who could watching you, if someone was even watching you.

You walked home faster than you had ever done. You were paranoid, turning around everytime you heard something. You knew you were overthinking it, making it worse than it probably was. There probably wasn’t even someone watching you, your were just imagining things. The people probably thought you were crazy, as you passed by them, almost running. You wanted to get home as soon as possible, you didn’t care if they looked at you weird.

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

"Y/n, what is wrong? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost." Your mother asks, as she opened the door for you.

You got inside quickly, not wanting to spend another minute outside. "I-I think someone was watching me, mom."

"I was at the lake near the bakery, no one was there except for me, but I could feel someone watching me. I felt their eyes on me all the way home."

A worried look crossed her face. "Are you sure? Maybe your mind was just playing some tricks on you, Y/n"

"I am sure! I heard movement behind me, I was alone mom, and it wasn’t the ducks. Someone was definitely spying on me." You tell her, your voice shaking.

"Well, if that’s the case, than you probably shouldn’t go out by yourself again!" She says, holding you, trying to calm you down.

"Yea... but why would someone spy on me? Im just a ordinary girl, there’s nothing special about me.

"Y/n, my dear. Your not an ordinary girl, your married to the King! There’s a lot of people that envy you. Of course someone would be watching you, but still, don’t go out alone again." Your mom tells you.

She’s right! Your married to the King, you can’t just walk around like you used to. There are a lot of jealous and evil people out there, who knows what they would do.

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

Your mother told you, that you should go back to the castle. Saying that it might be dangerous for you, if you stayed in the village.

The chamberlain came a little later and picked you up. Bringing you back to the castle.

It was already kinda late when you got back to the castle. You were a little tired, but you didn’t wanna go to bed yet. Right now, you were sitting on one of the washing machines, talking to Maria while she did the laundry. "My mom said thank you, for the croissants. She really liked them."

"Ah that makes me happy!" She says, putting the King’s dirty laundry in the washer. "I will bake you some more, the next time you visit your mother."

You smile at her. "No, no. You don’t have to do anything. This time my mom will make some for you."

She giggles, putting the clean clothes into a basket. "Why did you come home alone? I thought you went with the King?" Maria asks, confused.

"No, I went alone," you furrow your eyebrows. "The King did not come with me." Shaking your head.

She picks up the basket and looks at you. "Oh! Really? He left quickly after you, so I thought you two went together." She looks confused. "No, wait. He went to visit the neighborhood kingdom! I totally forgot about it." She says quickly, correcting herself. "Ah, im getting old."

"You’re not old Maria, you just got some things mixed up. That happens to me too sometimes." You assure her, as you both walk towards the Kings dressing room.

She makes sure his clean clothes are put away perfectly, checking everything once again, making sure that none of his clothes have any wrinkles on them. "Your too nice to me." Shes says as leaves the room.

The King arrived at the castle the same time you walked down the stairs. "Oh, you’re back already?" He looks at you, as you now stand in front of him.

He looks kinda shocked to see you back at the castle already. "Yea, my mother called the chamberlain to come pick me up earlier." You answer.

He’s confused. You told him that you would come a home little later, and why did your mom call the chamberlain to pick you up? "Is everything okay?"

He looks at you worried, but he looked away before you could catch it. "I’m fine, Your highness!" You tell him, you didn’t tell him that your were being watched earlier, because your not even completely sure if you were being watched.

"You’re lying." He noticed right away, shit.

You don’t look at him, how can he tell so easily if your lying to him? "Im not lying, your highness! Everything is fine." Walking towards the garden, he follows you.

He shakes his at you, not understanding why you’re lying to him. "You’re a terrible liar, Y/n. Tell me what’s wrong." Catching up to you.

You turn around to look at him, this time seeing the worried look on his face. "I think someone was following me, back in the village. I went out for a walk and I felt someone watching me the whole time! I did not see anyone, but someone was definitely there!" You huff, crossing your arms in front of your chest protectively.

His face suddenly turned serious. "Are you serious? - I knew it wasn’t a good idea to let you go alone!" He says in an angry voice. "You’re not allowed to visit the village again! - not without me."

Fuck, he’s angry. You didn’t mean to make him angry, if you knew that’s how he would react, then you wouldn’t have told him. "I understand your worry, your highness, but I can look after myself. You don’t have to come with me. I won’t go out alone again, I make sure it won’t happen again."

He furrows his eyebrows at you. "Stop fucking acting like this, stop acting like you’re a big girl that can protect herself, Y/n. Cause you clearly can’t!" Now raising his voice at you. "If I say you’re not allowed to leave the castle alone again, then you should fucking listen!"

His sudden outburst scared you a bit, you were not expecting that. But you won’t show it. "And how would you be able to protect me?" You ask him, raising you voice back at him.

"You have no idea, Y/n" he says, calmly, too calmly.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"You’ll see."

You still have no idea what he means by that. Does he mean he’ll fight them? Does he know how to fight? Probably not. He probably has people for that.

"Let’s go back inside. It’s cold." Grabbing your hand and dragging you inside.

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

You decided to take a bath. You need that after today. You couldn’t stop, thinking about today at the lake. You felt eyes on you, you could definitely feel it. You weren’t imagining it, but who would spy on you? Maybe it was the girls from the village, maybe they wanted to scare you, wanting to scare you, so you wouldn’t come back?

You didn’t want to think about it anymore. Quickly washing yourself to get rid of these thoughts. You got out of the bath and got dressed for bed. Your were tired after today, and all you wanted to do now was sleep.

You layed down next to the King, back facing him. You felt him move behind you, then out of nowhere he wrapped his arm around you, pulling you towards him. You gasped, not expecting him to do that. "I was serious earlier, when I said you weren’t allowed to go out alone anymore - you should know that, Y/n." He whispered into you ear, giving you goosebumps.

"I- I know that, your highness. I won’t do it gain." You tell him, trying to create some space between you two, but he just pulled you even closer.

He pressed his nose into your neck, inhaling your scent. "Good girl." Pressing a light kiss on your neck.

You shivered, the kiss giving you tingles. Never had a man done that to you, you didn’t know how that act.

"Now sleep."

And that’s exactly what you did. You did not notice how tired your were, you fell asleep almost instantly. Falling asleep in his arms for the first time since you two got married.

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

Taglist: @fangirl125reader @min-nicoleee @yzkyzkuniverse @safi4x @zoeshinelove

[lumaejin]

Your Highness | JJK

➳ Ship: Jungkook x Reader

➳ Genre: Fantasy AU. Prince!Jungkook x Warrior!Reader

➳ Word Count: 3.3k

➳ Rating: General Audiences (nothing mature/explicit)

➳ Summary: Your childhood best friend. The prince of your realm. One minute you were causing trouble together, the next he was... gone. But almost 100 years later, you finally see him again.

(banner made by me)

I lunged out with my wooden sword, the tip cutting through the dummy’s throat, sending its head flying. I smiled at my work, thinking about the possible praise I would get from my trainer. Someone started clapping from behind me.

“What are you doing here Jungkook?” I said, walking towards the decapitated head of the dummy and picking it up. With all my strength, I threw it across to the nearest bin.

“Well you know, escaping classes and what not,” he said. I rolled my eyes. Typical.

“You do know these will be important once you’re the emperor, right?”

“I still have ages until I have to worry about that. Besides, don’t you want to… you know, get out of here for a bit?” he asked, looking around at the old training arena, “It smells in here.”

“True that,” I said, contemplating his idea, “You know what… why not? BUT, I get shouted at for ‘being a bad influence to you’, you will not get off easily.”

“Sure,” he said, grinning mischievously.

“Now help me with tidying up.”

“That’s not fair! You made this mess!” he pouted. You stopped for a moment to admire his expression, before looking away.

“But you,” I said, dragging out the u, “want to get out of here quickly.”

He sighed, walking over towards the rest of the equipment, grabbing it, “I could always go without you, or with my hyungs, you know.”

“We both know you would never.”

[…]

As soon as the dummies had been thrown out and the area cleaned, we made our way towards the stables. Technically, Jungkook wasn’t supposed to be here, so we couldn’t just ask Hoseok for the horses like we normally would. Instead, Jungkook was going to saddle them secretly, while I went to distract Hobi.

“HEY! HOBI OPPA!” I yelled out, waving furiously at him. Jungkook had already snuck to the other side, entering the stable from the back door.

“Hey Y/N! What are you doing here?” he asked, smiling at me.

“Well, I was bored so I decided to come here.”

Walking towards a bench, I sat down, patting the spot next to me. Maybe I did feel a bit bad for lying to him, but that could be worried about later.

“Jungkook’s in class, right?” he asked.

“Yeah, his classes are getting longer and longer every day. So, what have you been doing?”

“Oh, not much, just this and that. Oh, we got a new horse, did I tell you?”

“You did? Is it a he or a she?” I asked, genuinely interested. Horses were beautiful creatures, especially the royal steeds.

“A she. Her name is Snowy and she’s beautiful! If you want, I can show you right now?”

Shit, no Hobi. I appreciate it but please don’t.

“Ugh, maybe another day? I’m sure she still has to get used to everything. Wouldn’t want to disturb her now, would we?” I said, mentally slapping myself. Couldn’t I have come up with something better? I glanced around, focusing on my peripheral vision. I couldn’t see Jungkook anywhere, so he was still inside. I sighed internally, couldn’t that boy hurry up?

“Ah no, she’s the sweetest. She gets along really well with the others, even with Flare and you know how she is.”

“Yeah. But just to be safe, you know.”

“Sure…” Hoseok narrowed his eyes at you, but you smiled.

“How did your training go?”

“The usual, Taehyung managed to land himself detention once again, and I stayed back a bit to practice after that.”

“What did he do this time?” Hoseok said, shaking his head, a smile on his lips.

I laughed, replaying the scene in my head, “Well, the usual prank. This time, it was on the assistant trainer. It was hilarious, but no one was dumb enough to laugh.”

The image of the assistant, covered from head to toe in paint, flashed in front of my mind and I bit back another laugh.

At that moment, I saw a figure waving out of the corner of my eyes. Jungkook. Mission accomplished.

“Anyway, it was nice chatting and all, but I have to get back to my grandmother now. Thank you! I’ll see whether I can stop by later?”

“Sure,” he said, as I ran off to the back of the stable, waving at him until I wasn’t in sight anymore.

“…TELL JUNGKOOK THAT HE CAN’T SKIP CLASS FOREVER!” I heard Hoseok shout after me. He must have seen me glancing at the stable doors every now and then. I grinned at his words and shook my head, yelling back “I WILL!”

A second later, I reached the edge of the forest, where Jungkook was waiting for me.

“I’m supposed to tell you, from Hobi oppa, that you can’t continue to skip class,” I said, taking the reins, which he held out towards me.

“You have to be more subtle next time. I mean, if Hobi hyung can pick up on it, then anyone could.”

“Stop complaining,” I said, playfully hitting him on the shoulder, “I’ve been doing the same thing for years, and Hobi oppa and the rest of your hyungs are the only ones who ever pick up on it. By the way, why did you take so long? What the hell were you doing in there?”

“It’s not my fault that Fire over here was trying to bite off my finger!”

“You should have let her, you know how much she likes eating human parts. It would have made her happy,” I said, giving him a smile.

“Don’t you worry about my happiness, woman?”

“Nope.”

[...]

A long ride and a few close encounters with castle guards later, the rushing sound of the waterfall could be heard. The forest was teeming with life, like it always was. Birds were chirping happily, the leaves were rustling and every now and then, I could hear the sound of animals rushing around between the bushes.

As we got closer, the water splashing was more and more obvious and the air started to feel more humid.

“Y/N, look!” Jungkook said.

I turned around to look in the direction he was pointing to find the trees clearing up, revealing the waterfall we had been looking for.

“Woah! It’s not changed at all since the last time we were here,” I said, gaping at the beautiful sight. The fog started to get thicker, but still, it was beautiful.

“What did you expect to happen, for it to suddenly turn red?”

“You never know. Maybe someday one of you magicians decide red fits the landscape more?”

We dismounted the horses, tying them to nearby trees. The closer we walked, the louder the sound of the rushing water became. At some point, it started to be close to deafening, but neither of us cared. We walked to the side of the curtain of water and over a bridge.

The water was splattering me everywhere, but I didn’t notice too much. We kept on walking and soon we had reached the opening to a few dark caves. I took a torch from the wall and held it up for Jungkook to light. Immediately, the rush of cold air greeted me, as we walked further in, but I ignored it. A few moments later, we had reached our destination.

With a flick of Jungkook’s wrist, the lights in the small cave turned on. They were glittering in every different colour, creating a rainbow effect on the walls. A heap of blankets and books were piled in the corner, just like we had last left them.

I went over to them, while Jungkook unpacked the food which we had bought in village. The delicious scent of baked goods immediately filled the cave and I sighed in content. Quickly arranging the blankets, I grabbed a croissant from the basket and sat down in the fluffy haven. Jungkook plopped down next to me and I leant my head on his shoulder as we munched the food.

“I read that earthlings do similar things. They sit on a checked blanket and eat food like we are now, but I heard they do it on meadows or in a forest instead,” he said, staring into the distance.

“That’s boring! Why don’t they find more exciting places?”

“Dunno, but I think it’s interesting that they don’t,” he said.

I laughed. This was typical Jungkook. There was a comfortable silence, as we were both lost in our own thoughts.

“Kookie, what do you think will happen in the future?”

He didn’t reply for a while, thinking it through. “I’ll become emperor… probably marry some stupid whore my father wants me to marry, and die at some point I guess and you...”

My heart stung a bit, but I already knew what he said was true. There was no way he would ever fall for me.

“…you’ll become the best Valkyrie in the realm I bet!”

“As if!”

“Well, even if you don’t, as soon as I have the power to, I’ll appoint you head of the royal guard. This way we’ll never be apart.”

My cheeks felt warm and I turned my head to look at him, to find his eyes already on me.

---

TIME SKIP

I watched the scene unfold from afar, standing in the shadows opposite the small café. There he was, wearing normal clothes and working at a normal job, smiling at and interacting with normal people. With earthlings. Yet, as much as it was weird to me, I couldn't help but be happy for him. This was what he had longed for so many years.

Before he was banished, Jungkook had always been curious about the earth. He would read about it, the way things worked or the way people behaved, and then go rant about it to me. He had told me about how he found it fascinating and that one day, he would see it with his own eyes, regardless of whether he had permission or not.

Therefore it hadn't surprised me at all when his hyungs had informed me of his banishment. That couldn't be said about the people of Yinshratha however. It was the only topic talked about for days. No one had believed it at first, because Jungkook's father, the emperor, had always made sure that he was known to be 'an exceptionally well-behaved boy'. Any time we had gotten ourselves in trouble, his involvement was always kept quiet.

As a result, it had been a great shock for most people to find that Jungkook, their prince and the successor to the throne, had been caught returning from the earth. Going there without permission was a major crime, which was punishable by death. Normally, the emperor would have just kept it quiet, resorting to giving his son house arrest instead, but unfortunately, many people had witnessed Jungkook being dragged towards the palace. There wasn't much of a choice for the emperor after that, but to banish him. I hadn't seen my best friend since.

100 years had passed now, and every day, I had missed him. I had thought multiple times of just going to earth to find him, but the last words I had said to him before his banishment prevented me from doing so, along with my responsibilities as a Valkyrie.

A year ago, the emperor had declared war to a neighbouring realm, underestimating their power completely. Half of his troops, including most of my comrades, had been killed in the last battle, leaving the emperor no choice but to look for reinforcements where ever he could find them, which meant looking for banished folk. I had already found nearly all of them, the only one left now was Jungkook.

I had always doubted whether he would return when he was called, but instead of dwelling on it too much, I had pushed it to the back of my mind instead, focusing on tracking and finding the others.

Yet, as I watched him go about his business, serving customers in a small café, these doubts resurfaced. He seemed so happy, making me wonder whether I should really bother him with the news of his old home. As soon as I had registered what I was contemplating though, I shook the thoughts out of my head and moved out of my hiding spot. It was 16:50 now and the shop would be closing soon. I had already wasted enough time.

Silently, I entered the small shop, joining the shrinking line. There were people chatting happily everywhere, most of them were holding a weird rectangular thing in their hands and moving their thumbs over it quickly. In fact, there were multiple tables where all the people who sat there didn't talk to each other at all and just stared at their rectangles instead. How weird.

I looked to the front, where Jungkook was currently serving another customer. He was as handsome as ever, with his forehead showing underneath his hair, and his charming smile. There was that feeling in my stomach again, almost as if it had never disappeared and always been there. I was getting distracted again.

The line moved again and a while later, I was at the front.

"Good afternoon miss. Welcome to our café, what would...?" he trailed off, staring at me with wide eyes, "Y/N? What are you doing here?"

I knelt down in front of the counter, "Your highness."

There was a lot I would have given not to do it, but Vakyries who didn't kneel were often punished and even though I knew that Jungkook would never do anything of the kind, there was no telling who was watching.

The people in the café looked at me weirdly, while Jungkook's eyes widened, quickly telling me that there was no need to bow. I stood up slowly, "I have been sent by his majesty, the emperor-"

"Let's not talk about this here. Come with me," he cut in quickly, before more people could overhear and question my sanity, "Sejin, can you cover for me?"

I walked behind the counter and followed him into a back room. He pressed something rectangular, causing the room to suddenly be lit. A small table, surrounded by a few sofas was placed in the middle of it and there was a fireplace on the wall before the small setup. Additional tables lined the wall. He turned towards me, leaning against one of them, and smiled cheekily, "Since when have you called me 'your highness'?"

"It is required of all Valkyries to call all members of the royal family -"

"I've told you before that even after you finish your training, that you won't have to do that. It already gets annoying enough when everyone else does it, there is no need for you to do it too."

"Yes, your highness, but it's been a while since we've last talked," I replied. My thoughts strayed once again to the day we had last seen each other and I cringed internally. Clearing my throat, I said, "His majesty, the emperor -"

"I hereby command you to drop the 'your highness' bullshit and all that formality," he said, making me sigh with relief, "Now before you go on again about-" he imitated my voice in a ridiculous manner, for which I almost hit him with my bag and stopping myself at the very last second, " 'his majesty, the emperor-' I wanted to catch up. What have you been doing? How are you doing?"

"Jungkook, I- oh shut up," I said at his smirk. Only then realising what had slipped out, I quickly covered my mouth. 'Shut up' was not something I was allowed to say to the prince.

He laughed at my gesture, shaking his head, "Seriously, you've changed. When have you ever cared about this stuff? You used to hit me with a ruler and tell me to shut up for no apparent reason all the time."

"I was a kid back then! And you definitely deserved it. Your status was really getting to you," I said, smiling feebly at the old memories of us running through the beautiful meadows and laughing. Immediately, an image of the battle flashed before me, making me drop it instantly.

"Jungkook, listen. I was sent here to inform you that your banishment has been lifted," I said, " His majesty declared war to Hanashem and unfortunately, their forces are stronger than was anticipated. He sent all of the elites in, but- but most of us didn't make it. He's afraid of losing this war, with the majority of us gone." The images of the battle scene were there again, haunting me as they had done in the past few weeks.

"He...what?" Jungkook said, his voice laced with hatred, "How could he have been so careless to send you in? And what the hell happened to the 'realm of peace'."

"Please Jungkook, I know you hate him, but the realm needs you. Your hyungs need you. I need you," I pleaded, images of my dead comrades were now flashing before my eyes, "Please. Please come back."

The next thing I knew, arms were wrapping themselves around me, enclosing me in a comforting hug. Butterflies were gathering themselves in my stomach again, but I ignored them, subconsciously leaning into the embrace, forgetting the principles which had been drilled into me completely and any will that I had had in the last few years to get over Jungkook.

"Of course I'll come," I heard him whisper as he stroked my hair softly, "It's going to be okay."

We stayed like that for a while until he spoke again, "There's something that I've been meaning to talk to you about."

He pulled away, looking me in the eye. I had an inkling of what he wanted to say. This was something I had been dreading for a while. I had kept the thought at the very back of my mind, but it was always there.

"Did you mean what you said to me in the last few moments before I was banished?"

There it was. The words I had dreaded. If I told him the truth, would it affect his behaviour around me? I knew it would because there was no way he felt the same. I was just his best friend, nothing more.

But I couldn't lie to him: he always knew when I wasn't telling the truth, not to mention, however close we had once been, I would be lying to the prince, a member of the royal family, which was something not to be done.

I hesitated, avoiding his gaze, before bringing the words out, "I did."

"Do you still feel that way?"

"It doesn't matter, I-"

"Do you?" he persisted.

I sighed heavily, "I do, but I can get over it. I -"

But I never got to finish my sentence. I felt his lips moving against mine, carefully but passionately at the same time. My heart pounded loudly in my chest and I felt my knees going weaker and weaker. Heat rose from my stomach upwards and I felt the butterflies fluttering around. Was this a dream? If it was, it was one I didn't want to wake up from.

As we pulled apart, both gasping for breath, I could only stare at him, wide-eyed.

"Did you expect me not to fall for you when you were, and still are, so perfect all the time?" he whispered.    

A/N: This was written a long time ago on wattpad. I like to think that my writing’s evolved since then, which is why I will make time to edit in sometime in the near future.

[dibidibifiction]

A Hundred-dollar Bill: PART 1

Warning: foul language Word count: 1.5k

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction made for personal entertainment of readers. The writer does not ever intend to offend her readers nor does she aim to spread false information about anyone as to pay any disrespect to the real-life persons whom the characters are based on. She also does not claim ownership to any of the images that are being used.

masterlist

“Mmm, Y/n, these are delicious!” Kibum exclaims as he takes one more full bite of my homemade triple chocolate cookies.

“Hand me one!” Taemin says, concentrating on the television screen where he and Minho are playing PS4.

“I'm really glad you like it. I’ve always loved baking,” I say to Kibum while joining him on Minho’s bed, ignoring Taemin. “This is actually my first time baking again ever since after my mom passed long ago. If you want I could—”

“Yeah!” Minho roars in the middle of his basement bedroom, making me jump. “I won, motherfucker!”

“I guess you're happy now?” Taemin mocks him while throwing the controller on the couch. Minho doesn’t ever let it go every time he loses a game. He would force his opponent to play more of FIFA 18 with him until he finally wins.

Minho continues to yell victoriously while he runs around the room with both of his hands in the air like an Olympic champion. He proceeds to Kibum and I on the bed. He jumps, and lands on us belly first.

“Ah!” I shriek in cramping pain, his boney hips hitting my thigh. “What the hell!”

Kibum, who doesn’t even look up from his phone, scrunches his forehead in irritation. “Hey, get off!”

While Minho annoys us even more by moving all his limbs like he’s swimming, together with his contagious high-pitched laugh, an idea comes to mind. With all the strength I have, I heavily climb on top of him, sitting on his butt to pin him down. I avenge, starting to poke and scratch his sides up and down.

“Shit, no!” Now laughing even louder because of the tickling, he suddenly draws his whole heavy body to roll to the side, making me crash onto Kibum’s shin. Now he’s the one pinning me down. Before I know it, Taemin jumps in and starts tickling me with his fingers, switching back and forth my neck and my stomach. It’s like they planned to destroy me.

“What did I ever do to you, Taemin!” I scream at him breathlessly, shaking my whole body in a struggle to escape the boys’ strong grasp.

“Hey! Would you guys stop that?” Kibum, the one who bitches the most, shakes up from the bed and transfers to the sofa where the other two boys were playing video games. “Why am I even friends with you?” he complains, taking another one of my cookies from their box on the side table.

Minho and Taemin stop what they’re doing. Breathless but are still laughing at me. 

I’m finally free, exhausted from their physical bullying. I look like I’ve just had rough sex and got all fucked up in bed. “He’s right. Why am I even friends with you?” I sulk. I am sick of always being the weakest target. I blow my messed up hair away from my face as I get up and follow Kibum to the couch. I wrap my arms around him and bury my face in his neck. “Kibum, save me.”

“That’s on you, babe. That’s what you get from bringing us all together in the first place,” he says, as sassy as ever. 

Oh, right. I did introduce them to one another. I met them all separately. In different places and different times, but all in the same year. Two years ago.

I first encountered Kibum on Instagram. I followed him and commented on his IGTV about easy outfit hacks. It’s from him where I learned how to cut my jeans stylishly when they’re too long, or turn old clothes into good-as-new ones. He is brilliant. I even sent him a private message to tell him that, and we ended up hitting it on.

A few days after that, I ran into him on the streets of the city. I’m genuinely surprised that he recognized me, chatted me up and practically forced me to have lunch with him. He fell comfortable with me that same day and blurted out all his frustrations about being stuck in life. He had been wanting to go to fashion school but money was too tight and the influencing career wasn’t really working. I was weirded out at first since I’m not really good at making friends. But this guy appreciated me instantly just because of my comment on his post. I don’t get that a lot. He said that I was only one of the few who constantly followed him and actually cared. Plus, I was the only one who's close by. 

He’s been doing Instagram for years but his audience had grown too slowly, which I didn’t understand. Kibum’s work was absolutely impressive and effective. 

We had been having dinner at the same café, where we had lunch for the first time, almost every evening since then. We just connected.

Taemin used to be a famous pop singer but his career fucked up because of rumors gone wrong about him using drugs to appear happy and funny in reality shows. 

It was a late night, just around two months after I met Kibum, a man with bleach blond hair in a dark hoodie bumped into me for running from men with huge cameras. In my attempt to help out, I ran after him and pulled him up into an alley where he’d be hardly seen. However, my plan failed and he started to panic. When the paparazzi was gaining on us, I started panicking as well. So without extra thinking, I pushed him onto the wall and made out with him. That way, they’d be too uncomfortable to even look and just puzzledly proceed to different directions. 

Taemin stayed on my couch that same night and disappeared the next morning. On my way home from work a few days later, he randomly approached me to borrow money for some errands—which I did lend him—and offered to pay triple. I immediately and strongly declined that payment. Instead, I asked him to have dinner with me and Kibum at the café. 

We, including Taemin himself, expected that he’d just eat with us only for a few days, but he figured it was a safe place where almost no one crazy could recognize him and chase after him, especially when he dyed his hair back to its natural color. 

Since then, I’ve got two best friends by my side.

Minho is the son of my boss—well, former boss—who is the CEO of the company I worked for, which he’d soon inherit. He hated the company. Hell, he hated his father. So did I, which is why I quit just recently. 

Minho and I bonded over cigarette breaks every four P.M., right before my work hours ended. I’d then head to the café to meet up with Kibum and Taemin. 

One afternoon, he just invited himself to join us since he claimed that he had nowhere else to go. 

Just then, our little group stopped growing in numbers and started growing something tight and unbreakable. We would learn about each other’s hardships and be there for one another. We would celebrate every little achievement. The bond that we had was just very natural and unexpected. Some of us had fights but they were never too serious and we would realize that our friendship is always bigger than anything. We are the broken pieces that are mended together by one another.

“Hey, here’s an idea,” I announce to no one in particular after a moment of silence.

“I hope it’s not another sketchy party like last time,” Kibum grumbles. He is laying on the sofa, using my lap as his pillow.

“I heard the family I used to babysit for is going away for the weekend. What do you guys say?”

I sigh when nobody says anything. “They have a pool. So…” I trail off, waiting for somebody to be excited as I am.

“There’s no way I’m breaking and entering someone else’s house,” Minho blurts out.

“We’re not breaking anything, we’re just entering,” I shrug.

“Yeah, Hyung. Stop being a wuss,” Taemin pats Minho’s back once. “I’m in! There’s no reputation to ruin anyway,” he shrugs as he walks towards the couch and sits under Kibum’s feet, taking my side.

I turn to Kibum, who is biting dead skin off his nails, pretending not to hear us. “Fine!” he rolls his eyes as he sits up. “I’m in too. Just for one night, right? We’re not staying there the entire weekend. My life is fucked up enough. I’m not going to jail.”

“Yes!” Taemin and I high five. We three then look to Minho. We are not taking no for an answer. 

“Oh, what the hell,” he gives in. I love that he doesn't need much convincing. He stands up, and runs towards us. Once again, he flops his wings, jumps, and touches down on all three of us. 

There was loud laughter, which I always love experiencing with these people. Next thing I know is we are group hugging. 

“So, when do we go?” Minho asks when he pulls away.

I smile cockily. “Tonight.”

PART 2

[themurphyzone]

Nova Ch 4

AN: Just in time for the A!countdown! Looking forward to those sneak peeks next month! 

Ch 4: Extraterrestrial 

New Selenian Date 3015.4.21

 Though our voyage through space was more volatile than I expected, we’ve successfully approached Terra’s exosphere. Under other circumstances, it would be cause for celebration, but…

 Well, Snowball has only spoken to me for essentials during the past few days. Usually so he can update me while he raids the pantry for maza or to catch up on sleep.

Our argument has only served as a reminder that we’re not…as united in our mutual goal as much I want to believe.

It must the length of the journey. Access to only four rooms in a one week period can give anyone a serious case of cabin fever. He’ll get better once we land on Terra’s surface, I’m sure.

Signing off for now, the Brain.

o-o-o-o-o

Was it really April 21? Pinky hurried to the Mickey Mouse calendar pinned to the wall next to his cage. He really loved that picture of Mickey giving flowers to a blushing Minnie. They really were the perfect couple!

Pinky imitated Mickey’s pose, dropping down on one knee as if he was offering a bouquet of pretty daffodils…wait, no those were lilies. He rubbed his head, confused by the yellow flowers in the picture. Maybe it was the type with the really long name.

What was it again? Ah, yes! A lovely bouquet of Chris-and-his-moms for Minnie!

Egad, the picture was so pretty that he’d forgotten about the reminder he’d penciled in the box for April 21!

“Granny Smith at 9 pm?” Pinky tilted his head, trying to make sense of what he’d written. He didn’t know any grannies that well, nor did he know any Smiths. Besides, Pharfignewton was leaving the ranch tonight at 9 pm, and he was going to see her off before she was off to the races. “Poit! Oh yeah, the apple! An apple a day keeps the vets away!”

Pharfignewton needed the energy for the journey too. Kentucky was a long way from California. About nine inches according to his placemat of the United States.

Before he left, he needed to leave a response for his space pen pal. But they weren’t exactly using pens. Maybe space radio pals was better.  

Pinky went back to the Walkman. It made a bunch of crackling noises, like the Brain hadn’t turned his equipment off yet.

“Hi, the Brain!” Pinky grinned. The was such a funny first name. “Glad you could make it to Earth! Or Terra! Whatever you wanna call it! Wherever you land, I hope you and Snowball enjoy yourselves. Definitely try strawberry cheesecake sometime. It’s delicious!”

The static continued.

“Anyway, Pharfignewton’s leaving for the Kentucky Derby tonight, so I can’t chat for long. Maybe tomorrow? I’ll spend twice as much time talking to you tomorrow! Fig’s been practicing super extra hard. She’s gonna win the Derby and get that Triple Crown! That’s her dream, you know! Dreams are a wish your heart makes, zort! Cinderella said so!”

Pinky put his hand over the Walkman’s speaker. “Your dream is taking over Terra, and mine is being surrounded by cheese from around the world! Or maybe that’s just my stomach. I can never tell for sure.”

The clock chimed eight, its little pendulum swinging to and fro in a dizzying pattern.

He had to say goodbye now.

And say goodbye again later.

“Alright…well, I’ll let you go. I bet you have some important Conquesowhatsit things to do. Bye, the Brain. Glad you could make it to Terra. You and Snowball are gonna love it. Ooh, there I go again. Bye for real this time.” Pinky slowly turned the dial down, past tinny classical and pop music stations, until the Walkman was off.

Dreams were always nice, even if Pharfignewton and the Brain had to travel far away to make them come true. Pinky’s parents were probably making their own dream of eating gourmet food pellets real as well. Sis didn’t have one yet. She was still torn between professional hairdressing and getting a cooking show on Food Network, but she was young and had plenty of time to grow up.

Now that he thought about it, maybe Sis was right. He didn’t have to decide on a dream for himself yet. Well, surrounding himself with provolone, cheddar, mozzarella, camembert, and all the other yummy cheeses was still a wonderful dream for now.

“A world of cheeses, deliciously made for you and me…” Pinky sang, the air conditioner providing a nice background instrumental as he went to the breakroom to fetch Pharfignewton’s apple.

o-o-o-o-o

Carting the Granny Smith apple to the ranch took more time than Pinky imagined. Running on his wheel along with those upper body strength VHS tapes helped him for most of the trek, but there’d still been one scary moment where he’d leaned back too far to see the pretty full moon. Luckily, the apple wasn’t too bruised from tumbling downhill.

By the time Pinky arrived, Pharfignewton was already in her horse trailer. Her owner sat on a nearby bench, his brow furrowed as his thumbs tapped rapidly on his cell phone. A white pick-up truck sat in front of the trailer, though the latch to connect the vehicles hadn’t been hooked yet.

The door to Pharfignewton’s trailer was wide open, the ramp still on the ground. Delays were good. It meant he could hold off on saying goodbye a little longer.

“Fig, I got you an apple! A sweet and healthy Granny Smith!” Pinky exclaimed as he ran up the ramp. Before he could get to the top, Pharfignewton bent down and grasped the apple in her teeth, nearly chomping down on Pinky’s hands as she lifted her head. Pinky’s feet left the ground, and he gripped the apple with both hands, almost sliding off the smooth surface.

He couldn’t resist a tiny nibble. Pharfignewton wouldn’t mind.

Pinky climbed onto her muzzle just as the apple was crunched into mush. Pharfignewton whinnied in delight, her eyes shut from sheer happiness. He stroked the fur between her eyes and hummed Camptown Races because it was her favorite song. She always got excited to race when she heard it.

Pharfignewton’s hooves clopped against the floor rhythmically, her head bobbing up and down.

“-gonna run all night! Gonna run all day!” Pinky sang, grabbing her soft mane and hauling himself up. He clung to her ears for balance. “I’ll bet my money here on Fig, cause she’s gonna win this May!”  

Pharfignewton neighed, her tail raised proudly.

Her owner looked up from his phone. His bushy beard quivered as he chuckled and waved at her. A van pulled up to the curb, the window sliding down to reveal a man in a funny white cowboy hat. The owner shouted and pointed to the newcomer’s hat.

“What a fashion icon, Fig! Rodeo style hats at the Kentucky Derby. Why didn’t I think of that?” Pinky asked. “Egad, I need to make my own hat for the Derby! A derby hat! With fancy ribbons and dandelions and those little beads on sombreros!”

Cowboy Man clapped the owner on the shoulder as he climbed out of his van, the owner playfully shoving him in return. The back doors of the van were opened, and they started loading the pile of heavy feed bags and horse care equipment into the hollowed out space, trading good-natured jabs while they worked.

Pinky glanced at the starry night sky, scratching the back of Pharfignewton’s ear. “I almost forgot. The Brain made it to Terra. He said so in his message tonight. Told him he should try strawberry cheesecake. I don’t know if they have that in space.”

Pharfignewton snorted.

“Oh, you and your homemade apple strudel,” Pinky grinned. “Tell you what. Win the Triple Crown and I’ll bake the most scrumptious, most mouthwateringest apple strudel you’ve had in your life! Oh wait, no, how ‘bout I just bake it when you come back? Whenever that will be. Maybe soon?”

However long she’d be gone, Pinky hoped she’d call or write or keep in touch some other way. Well, sending a postcard might be a little tricky with hooves. How was she ever gonna apply the stamps?

Pharfignewton neighed, her front hooves knocking against the floor in worry.

“I’ll be okay, Fig. I can wait ‘til August. There’s lots of fun things to do in the summer. Like playing water polo, air hockey, capture the flag...”

Except those games all needed two players.

And while Monopoly game pieces and dominoes made for great substitutes when he couldn’t round up the checkers and marbles, it just wouldn’t be the same without Pharfignewton.

Pinky’s tail started to cramp.

He hadn’t realized he’d wrung it between his hands so hard. It wasn’t the fun sort of pain either.

Outside, the men finished loading their supplies. The van doors were shut, and Pharfignewton’s trailer was hitched to the truck.

Their boots loudly thumped against the ground with every step.

Pinky slid down Pharfignewton’s long muzzle, his feet resting against the back of her nostrils. He gripped her face and looked at those gorgeous blue eyes. They were the same shade as his turquoise crayon. He wanted to remember that.

Pinky rested his jaw on Pharfignewton’s fur, trying to keep the tiny quaver out of his voice. “Well…guess this is it, huh?” he murmured. “You have a good trip now. You’re the best racehorse I’ve ever met. Course I don’t know any other racehorses, but you’re gonna win the Derby, Fig. I know you will. Just keep in touch, ‘kay?”

She knickered softly, her breath stirring Pinky’s fur as she lowered him to the ground outside her trailer. Her breath smelled just like applesauce. She carefully rubbed the underside of her jaw against Pinky’s head, nuzzling away tears that made his vision a little blurry, then slowly raised herself to her majestic height.

“Poit. Really, Fig.” Pinky tilted his head back so the tears just pooled in his eyes instead of trailing down his cheeks. “You’ve got a dream ahead of you.”

Pharfignewton stomped her hoof.

But Pinky shook his head. True, he could go with her, but who was gonna keep his cage clean and his wheel oiled if he wasn’t around? Besides, Pharfignewton would have so many new horse friends. She was gonna be a celebrity by association.

Pinky wiped a tear away with his tail. “I don’t wanna distract you or anything. Meet someone new! Who knows? You might even be fast friends!”

Then Cowboy Man and the owner walked past, too engrossed in their conversation to notice Pinky. Pharfignewton craned her neck, trying to see above Cowboy Man while he folded the ramp. Before she could reply, her owner gently shooed her further into the trailer while Cowboy Man finished up.

Once the trailer door was shut and locked, the owner and Cowboy Man took some time to stroke Pharfignewton’s face. The window bars were wide enough to allow almost her entire muzzle through.

They promised good things for her, win or lose. She’d be eating her fill of apples and carrots for sure.

She’d be happy out there, running like the wind to her heart’s content.  

Ten minutes later, Cowboy Man drove away in his supply van. Pharfignewton’s owner started up the truck.

Pinky quickly climbed up a fencepost and waved to Pharfignewton, wishing he’d brought along a handkerchief to blow his nose into or flutter in the air like a proper movie goodbye.

Pharfignewton stretched her neck as far as she could.

“Bye! Adios! Sayonara!” Pinky called, cupping his hands as the truck slowly inched onto the side road’s pavement. The trailer turned slightly with the movement, and Pinky quickly hopped to a fencepost within Pharfignewton’s line of sight.

She looked happy enough to get the show on the road, but her whinnies were still worried.

He had to cheer her up! She couldn’t travel to Kentucky with that frowny face!

“Camptown ladies! Sing this song! Narf!” Pinky panted, taking only a moment to catch his breath, the song choppy as he ran the length of the fence. But even with the truck’s slow crawl, he couldn’t keep up, and the truck disappeared over the hill, pulling the trailer and Pharfignewton along with it.

He didn’t slow down in time. Pinky stumbled over the last fencepost and fell into the springy grass below. The thud knocked his breath away for just a moment, but he shook it off quickly.

It was nothing really.

“Camptown racetrack’s fi-five thousand miles away…”

Pharfignewton shouldn’t worry.

He had the small, boxy TV that the lab couldn’t afford to upgrade to a flat screen. The NBC channel always showed the Derby.

And it was enough for him.

o-o-o-o-o

Had the stars always been that far away? They seemed much lonelier than usual.

Pinky tilted his head as far as he could, taking in the navy sky above. There was no moon and no way to spot the Brain’s old home tonight. He was probably somewhere on Earth by now.

Paris was nice at this time of year. Maybe the Brain would get all the cheese and baguettes he could eat. The city of light and love was absolutely splendid and heavenly. Pinky had never been there, but the landscape seemed so pretty at night in Ratatouille. Parisian rodents must be excellent chefs. Pinky would have to find one someday.

If only he could walk into a giant cabinet that would magically transport him to a riverboat cruise on the Seine. He’d only gotten a mouthful of cobweb the last time he’d tried that.

Oh dear.

Pinky twirled in place, taking in the enormous apartment complex to his left and the grassy hillside across the street, both of which he didn’t recognize.

“Narf! Silly me.” Pinky bonked his fist against his noggin, leaving a slight ache behind.  “One of these days, I’ll definitely remember that ol’ left turn on Albuquerque Street!”

Well, the only thing he had to do was retrace his steps.

But he didn’t have sidewalk chalk or a pencil.

Pinky scratched his head. This was a lot harder than he thought. He was outside, so he couldn’t exactly follow the left wall of the maze until he got un-lost.

His stomach growled, and he had a sudden craving for between-twilight-and-midnight food pellets.

“Hush now, tummy. You’ll get your food pellets as soon as I find the lab again,” Pinky said, patting his growling belly.

A bowl of smoked food pellets seasoned with paprika and rosemary sounded good right about now. With a side of smoked cheddar too!

Pinky laughed. “You’ve really got a craving for smoked food, tummy! Can’t blame you there. Those smoked chicken wings on Food Network were absolutely mouthwatering yesterday. I’m so hungry I can smell those food pellets!”

And the food pellets smelled delicious indeed.

Pinky took a deep whiff, standing on his tippy-toes to drink it all in.

Until the scent changed and it smelled more oily than the yummy sort of smoke.

Pinky’s nose wrinkled. A faint plume of smoke rose from behind the grassy hill, but it was still a little early in the year for anyone to hold a campfire sing-along with s’mores.

There didn’t seem to be a fire. Or slightly burnt marshmallows for that matter.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Pinky crossed the street at the crosswalk because he was a good pedestrian and not a jaywalker. That was just silly. He was a mouse, not a blue jay.

He ran to the top of the hill and perched on a tree root, heels rocking back and forth for a moment until he found his balance. Then his jaw dropped at the sight of a gray and silver futuristic-y UFO just beyond the hill’s base. It had to be the size of two cages combined, maybe a little more.

He wasn’t really good at judging size, but the UFO thingy was ginormous.

Dirt piled high around its battered surface, like it plowed right into the ground at Pharfignewton-like speeds. Smoke trailed from two long cylinders that arched above its back, though there were no flames.

At least Smokey the Bear wouldn’t have to worry about any wildfires.

Pinky approached the wreckage, circling it twice out of sheer fascination. He didn’t see any string though. No wonder the UFO crashed. It didn’t have any string to hold it up.

“Hello, Mr. Alien!” Pinky shouted, hoping his voice carried through the metal to whoever was inside. He leaned against the UFO with both hands, placing all his body weight on his tiptoes. It felt great. He hadn’t stretched his shoulders like this in a while. All his focus had been going to strengthening his thighs recently. “I just wanted to let you know that your UFO string is missing! But it’s okay! I have an extra long ball of yarn back at the lab! Will that do?”

There was no response, though Pinky heard a plip-plop of dripping water when he pressed his ear against the UFO.

Suddenly, the metal hissed and shifted under his palms.

“Narf!” Pinky yelped as he pitched forward into the opening. His jaw thwacked against the floor, and he giggled at the tingly sensations that shot to the top of his head.

Propping himself onto his elbows, Pinky found himself in a room that was just as big on the inside as it seemed on the outside. Except everything seemed a little smashed up. Broken computers tilted against one wall, the screens cracked and displaying a random string of numbers and letters.

Orange soda dripped from an open panel to his left, forming a bubbly puddle on the floor. Pinky almost drank it, but figured it was a terrible idea because of the little metal bits mixed in. Orange soda went with pizza, not metal.

Pinky stood up and dusted himself off, then walked over to what seemed to be a smashed-up bedframe. There was an upturned mattress and a crumpled white blanket next to it. When he tried to turn them over and arrange them into a less messy position, he found they were rather scratchy and definitely uncomfortable for sleeping in. Whoever used this bed must’ve woken up every morning with a backache the size of Alaska.

As he tucked the last corner of the blanket into the mattress, several tiny blue things slipped out from the folds and bounced off his foot. When Pinky glanced down, he found there were a lot of tiny blue things scattered throughout the room.

He picked one up out of curiosity.

No, it wasn’t a thing. More like a tiny blue star. He touched it with his tongue, a sweet flavor taking over his taste buds entirely. It really packed a wallop. His tongue hadn’t felt this tingly since the time he’d eaten two entire packs of lemonheads! He popped several more tiny stars into his mouth, hugging himself from sheer bliss.

For a moment, it seemed like there was another voice agreeing with him on how fantastically delicious these tiny stars were.

Then it cut into a low groan, which didn’t sound like someone enjoying a snack at all. Pinky quickly swallowed the tiny stars and listened for the source of the noise.

“Narf! Hello?” Pinky called. “Are you an alien ghost? Or a ghost alien, Mr. Alien?”

Another groan. Maybe Mr. Alien didn’t know how to play Twenty Questions.

One of the computers shifted and crashed onto its side, a blue screen flickering in and out of existence. Parts of the splintered bedframe laid among the mess. A small, black-gloved hand poked out from among the tangled wires before falling limp again.

Pinky poked the hand.

It twitched.

“Awful hard to sleep under all those wires, don’t you think?” Pinky asked. “I mean, it would be so electric-y under there! Unless you’re an android ghost alien! Electric sheep only works for androids, I think. The rest of us count woolly, fluffy sheep.”

The mass of wires trembled, the hand closing around Pinky’s wrist. Though it was probably meant to be a tight grasp, it wasn’t a very good hold. A single movement could shake off the alien’s hand.

But Pinky stayed still. Something didn’t seem quite right.

The alien lifted his head, a pair of antennae with bouncy red orbs perking slightly.  

Antennae was a good name now that he thought about it.

“N-no’all?” Antennae murmured, the wires slipping off his large, chubby head. His bleary pink eyes stared through Pinky with desperate hope. Soot stained his messy fur with varying shades of gray, his pointed ears drooping and floppy.

“Poit. Do you not speak English?” Pinky asked. Antennae continued to stare, not seeming to understand. “I could get my language book from the lab. It’s got Spanish, French, Sea Lion, and Legalese! I’m learning a lot! Maybe it’s got your language too?”

Then Pinky snapped his fingers. Why hadn’t he thought of this sooner? “Wait, no! Maybe kissing would be much faster? That way my English flows into your mouth and voicebox! Is that how it works? I’m pretty sure that’s how it works…”

Antennae’s grip tightened, his lower half writhing in the wires until he shook himself free. From the neck down, he wore a sleek black bodysuit with red highlights that really made the color of his antennae and tail orbs pop.

Egad, he was tiny. Even Antennae’s antennae barely rose above Pinky’s chin.

Something green and golden glinted in the hand that wasn’t holding onto Pinky. Antennae stumbled as he got to his feet, wincing as he tried to put his weight on his heels. His eyes widened in panic, and he quickly let go Pinky, breathing rapidly as he wrapped both hands around the weapon’s handle.

Balancing on his toes, he shakily pointed the weapon at Pinky. He was trying to shove the red bulb into Pinky’s nose, which was a little rude to be honest, but couldn’t do much more than a light tap.  

“Are you okay?” Pinky asked, lifting his head so the bulb wasn’t smushing his nose. “Soot’s not really good for your complexion. Gives you all sorts of pimples and zits. That’s what Dr. Oz says, anyway.”

There were several clicks as Antennae repeatedly pulled a switch on the handle, but nothing happened. It clearly wasn’t working the way he expected. He growled in frustration, lowering his weapon and opening a compartment along the top. Then his eyes flicked to the puddle of orange soda on the floor and back to Pinky.

For the first time, Antennae noticed all the tiny blue stars that littered the ground. He whipped around in surprise, staring since he still didn’t understand, but the sudden movement made him lose his balance. Pinky caught him by the arm before he fell flat on his face.

The weapon slipped out of his grip, clattering to the floor. He cried out and swung his crooked tail into Pinky’s side.

“Zort!” Pinky yelped, more from the literal shock he’d received, than actual pain. His fur stood on end, like he’d just rubbed a balloon against it. When he pressed it down again, several tingling tickles lingered on his hand, making him giggle.

When he looked up, Antennae had limped over to the damaged remains of a shelf. But even walking across the room was too much, and he collapsed again.

The bodysuit had rips along the heels, exposing several painful looking cuts. Pinky couldn’t blame him for trying to stay on his tiptoes, even if it was a very awkward way to walk.

Antennae needed help. Pinky would have to carry him to the lab.

Pinky followed. He knelt and picked up Antennae, who weighed only slightly more than the small batteries Pinky liked to use as weights, since dumbbells were unfortunately too large for him. Antennae loosely held a baggie of the tiny stars close to his chest. There were several ripped baggies surrounding them. This seemed to be the only one that remained whole.

Cradling his head and back, Pinky set the baggie on top of Antennae’s chest, making sure the baggie was sandwiched between them before he set off.

Antennae’s head lolled against Pinky’s neck. The antennae orbs lit up with tiny sparks for just a moment, though Pinky didn’t get another burst of static. They faded back to a normal red within a few seconds.

He seemed…almost relaxed. At least his face wasn’t scrunched anymore.

As Pinky exited the UFO with his bundle, something bonked into the back of his head.

“Ouch!” Pinky nearly dropped Antennae and baggie in surprise. A tiny camera with a spinning propellor zipped into the night sky, recovering from its collision course quickly.

Some sort of alien tech too otherworldly for a regular genetically altered Earth mouse to understand? Pinky longed to ask, but he didn’t want to disturb Antennae.

Besides, he looked adorably pudgy while he slept.

Antennae made a small noise in the back of his throat, but he didn’t seem to be waking up anytime soon.

The camera didn’t matter as much. Not when he just discovered that aliens snored.  

Pinky set off for the lab, determined to get the directions right this time.  

o-o-o-o-o

Good thing the dark, narrow alley filled with dirty cardboard boxes had been there! Pinky never would’ve known it was a shortcut to the lab if it hadn’t been for that stray cat. It was a miracle that Antennae hadn’t woken up once, or that the baggie survived the chase without any rips or spilling tiny stars.

The cat had given up the chase, deciding that whatever was in the dumpster would be more of a yummy meal.

Really, Pinky didn’t imagine he’d taste too good. He tried to lick his elbow a few times and all he got was a mouthful of fur.

Thankfully, he didn’t have to try to climb up to the mail slot. The door was slightly ajar, just enough for him to squeeze past, even with Antennae’s chubby head.  

Pinky shifted his hold to one arm, then grabbed the handle of the nearest drawer to pull them up to the counter. He had to set the baggie down, but Pinky could easily grab it once Antennae was settled comfortably in the cage.

It took a few unsuccessful tries of hauling himself up while holding onto Antennae before he realized it wasn’t going to work.

“Psst, Antennae,” Pinky hummed, gently shaking the alien’s shoulder. It would be a lot easier if Antennae clung to his back. “Wakey-wakey…”

Antennae’s face scrunched again, then he yawned and nuzzled into Pinky’s chest instead.

He looked so peaceful. It would go against Pinky’s little shoulder angel to wake him up now. What had he been thinking?

After a few minutes of searching through bottom drawers, Pinky found a soft kitchen sponge that hadn’t been removed from its packaging yet. It would make a perfect bed. Pinky pulled it out of the package, carefully maneuvering it out of the drawer while trying not to jostle Antennae too much.  

Another drawer had several white, fluffy hand towels. They seemed clean enough, so Pinky slung two towels over his free shoulder and climbed out.

He laid one of the towels on the floor, then pushed the sponge on top. Cold feet weren’t fun in the morning nor in show business. Then he laid Antennae on the sponge and covered him with the second towel.

Antennae’s hand clung to Pinky’s fur, so Pinky loosened the grip and tucked the wayward hand under the towel.

“You’ll be alright,” Pinky whispered, stretching out his sore arms. Maybe he’d carried Antennae for a bit too long. But Pinky’s arms would be ready for more wheel-running tomorrow.

Now that both of his hands were free, Pinky grabbed a bandage roll which had been lying near a Bunsen burner. He’d have to thank Mr. Bunsen for letting him borrow these bandages later.

Pinky carefully removed the socks – maybe they were more shoes? Oh, well. He removed the shoe-socks from Antennae’s feet and laid them on the towel-rug. Since Antennae hadn’t been on his feet since the UFO, the cuts seemed to be healing just fine.

Pinky carefully bandaged the heels and folded the towel-blanket over Antennae’s feet once he was finished. Then he brought the baggie of tiny stars over and placed them next to the shoe-socks.

He climbed up to the counter briefly to wash his hands, humming Happy Birthday as he lathered with the honey-scented soap.

“Thank you, Silver’s Anatomy,” Pinky said to the TV remote, which teetered over the edge of the VCR. He turned to Mr. Button, still lying on his straw bed in the cage. “Sorry, Mr. Button. I’m sleeping elsewhere tonight. Here, you can have Nicholas so you won’t be lonely. Try not to keep him up too late, okay?”

He rolled Nicholas the Nickel into the cage and settled him near Mr. Button. They seemed happy. Mr. Button would no doubt be gossiping about the ballpoint pens again.  

Pinky yawned and went back to the floor. It had been an eventful day, and he was very tired.

The towel-rug seemed very inviting…

Pinky buried his face into the towel fluff. Antennae had been twitching throughout Pinky’s counter business, but he stilled again once Pinky curled up.

Pinky fell asleep, dreaming of cheese and Pharfignewton and a deep, faraway voice. It was a lovely dream, except the voice couldn’t join Pinky and Pharfignewton in their little cheese and apple picnic. It seemed unwilling. Pinky made sure to save a few slices of cheddar and provolone for him. Maybe he’d take it afterward.

o-o-o-o-o

When the sunlight hit his eyes, Pinky leapt with joy. Early wheel runs were the best! So were mid-morning runs, and noon runs, and evening runs!

Except he couldn’t move. He could still wiggle his fingers and toes, but his hands were tied behind his back, purple yarn binding his ankles as well. His entire tail was still free though. He swished his tail just to be sure.

He shimmied over to the drawer and pressed his back against it, managing to sit up. Though he wanted to run on his wheel, being tied up was a fun game too.

Antennae wasn’t on the sponge bed though. Where was he? He was missing out!

Pinky wondered if he should just untie himself and find Antennae. The knots didn’t seem that hard. Though it was hard to tell for sure if it was a slipknot or an overhand knot. He really should’ve paid attention in knot-tying class.

Five minutes later, Antennae stomped over in his ripped shoe-socks, though little strips of bandage poked out.

Pinky smiled. If Antennae was stomping, his feet must be healing fast. And then he’d be okay again.  

However, Antennae didn’t seem to think so.

“Wipe that ridiculous expression from your face, Terran,” Antennae scowled, his foot tapping impatiently. “Hand over all the information you know. I want answers, and I want them now.”  

AN note: I’d like to give credit to @pluto-art for her wonderful drawing of Brain as a cute little alien.  With the way she posed him, I knew I wanted to incorporate that somewhere and this chapter seemed like a good place to do it! I meant to credit her last chapter for the blaster idea but I forgot so I’m rectifying that now.  

Fig’s off to the races! Literally.

After the wringer I stuck him through last chapter, Brain seriously needed some cuddles. He’s a little touch-starved. Also, he’s a bad guest. Don’t tie your friend up, Brain. That’s just rude.

[iamtaran]

Rendezvous* AU

Jaskier is a professional, usually. He had worn out all the rough edges of this particular character over the years until it felt almost more comfortable than returning to being Julian at the end of the week. It may have taken a few years to curb his decidedly modern mouth and gain the respect of his fellow re-enactors, but during the open weekend when the visitors poured in? He was always on pointe. Spending the greater portion of an entire weekend in performance, in character-- it exhilarates him. The joy from the visitors, their laughs and surprise and unprepared blushes when he singles them out for a bit. If he could, he would eat it and live on it forever. Except, well, a man has to eat real food as well, and Jaskier had skipped breakfast in his rush. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem. This particular Rendezvous at Alafia River always has more bakers, potato roasters, and poorly disguised Highland Games food carts peddling fish and chips than one could shake a stick at. Jaskier had simply followed his nose. It wouldn’t be a problem... Except the baker is the most attractive man Jaskier has ever clapped eyes on. “Essi, Essi, Essi,” he chants. “Essi, you’ve- I swear, if you don’t turn around-” “Jaskier, for god’s sake,” Essi hisses, sandwiched between a wooden stall and the shielding curtain of his body where she is attempting to subtly adjust her slipping décolletage. “I’m a little busy.” “Not too busy for this! Essi,” he whines. A hand smacks his arm, hard. “I’m not getting thrown from the Voo over a nip slip you f--forking child,” she grumbles into her cleavage. That adjusted, she nudges his shoulder out of the way. “Now, what are you whining about?” She looks, as usual, gorgeous, even with the momentary fashion crisis. No one looks better in crisp white chemise and dusty rose robe anglaise in linen. Well, except- “Him.” *** (*A Rendezvous is a historical reenactment/ living history event that may last an entire extended weekend, an entire week, 9 days. Participants camp on-site in pre-1860s period clothing, using as much historically accurate gear as possible and disguising any absolutely necessary modern amenities to keep from breaking immersion. Sometimes, the last weekend of the event is open to the public non-participants to wander through, purchase from artisans and craftsmen, often including folks from local tribes, and enjoy the musical or martial performances, historic rifle ranges, archery, delicious food, hatchet throwing, and more. This encounter may or may not be inspired by a memorable Rendezvous encounter as a visitor.)

Jaskier has never in six years seen this particular baker at this particular Rendezvous. Would that I had, he thinks somewhat wildly. It’s not one thing, really, that catches his attention, which sometimes does happen. He has fallen in love with a stranger’s heavy-lidded eyes, or a singular profile, or even the way someone tucked their legs up under them in a library chair. It is the way his pale, silvery hair wisps and half-curls around his face and across his forehead, where heavy brows furrowed in concentration. It is the shocking softness of his mouth compared to the granite cut of his jaw and the roughness of his stubble. It is his hands. Jaskier thinks they might be the most beautiful hands he has ever seen. The strength, the gentleness, the competence with which they folded and kneaded, then with swift, short turns tucked the dough into a boule to add to the nearly filled board behind him. Jaskier isn’t the only one watching. The man, whether it be what Jaskier sees or the smell of his already-baked loaves, has drawn a crowd. (And he really does suspect it is a mixture of both. No one should look so good with the sweaty, unwashed Rendezvous look. Most people look as you might expect after a week-long historical camping trip. This man looks like a rugged wet dream.)  Even as Jaskier looks, the baker slices the top of the dough with a slender knife frankly dwarfed in his grip, settles the boule on the board, and with a sharp flick of his elbow slides the whole dozen of them into the mouth of the clay dome oven radiating heat at his back. Even presented with the man’s astonishing back (and astonishing backside, lord, blessed be the fall-front trousers)--even then, Jaskier finds he can’t stop staring at his forearms, revealed by his rolled shirtsleeves.  “Oh, you’ve got it bad,” Essi murmurs, and laughs when he jumps. “Well, go on. Go buy your bread and flirt with him. I’m going to get chowder from the fish  and chip tent.” “But- Essi,” Jaskier flounders, “we, it- the performance!” They had planned to spend the last couple hours of morning trolling the main drag and the surrounding lines of tents and stalls, singing and playing, he on accordion and she the violin. They even have a couple new bits he is dying to run through. Jaskier thinks of his wallet and all the tips they might be making even now and whines. That being said, his eyes draw back to the dimple along the muscle of the baker’s forearm without his permission. Essi pats his back mockingly. “Frankly, my dear, I refuse to perform with you like this.” “Excuse me! Like what?”  She doesn’t deign answer. Instead, with a wink, she steps back into the crowd, calling, “I’ll meet you at the Live Oak Stage for the noontime performances!” and leaves him there. Which is also when Jaskier hears the first keening notes of a familiar song. He already knows he is ruined before turns to take in the scene-- the baker with the fiddle pressed under his chin, the bow so delicate in his blunt-fingered hand that Jaskier’s heart leapt into his throat. The angle of his wrist, the tilt of his brows-- then he glances up through unexpectedly dark lashes and his amber eyes flash golden in the light. “Oh, Jesus wept.” *

As it would turn out, the handsome baker’s name is Geralt, and his rendition of Tiersen’s sur le fil is so beautiful that Jaskier can’t help but draw closer, like a moth to flame.

As it also turns out, the baker whose name is Geralt lowers the well-worn but immaculately tuned fiddle after the one song, allowing Jaskier to step close enough to embarrass himself. He gets half way through a too-long ramble about Tiersen’s works and praise for the man’s performance, and I’m a musician myself, can’t often be convinced to pick up a fiddle but-- when the baker grunts, points to the not-exactly historically accurate but not-not period appropriate accordion in his hands and asks, “Do you know La Noyée?” Which is how they end up playing together for the next thirty minutes until the bread has baked.

Which is also when Geralt introduces himself and gruffly thanks him, mentioning how his assistant usually accompanies him but he gave her the morning off, and then pays him in bread with a healthy slab of butter and aged cheese on top. Jaskier learns quickly that he is a man of few words. Somehow, however, he can read the sincerity in his thanks in his minute expression. They had drawn in quite a crowd, and Geralt is quickly made busy on the next batch of orders.

Jaskier knows when his presence is in the way. He is a little sad to go, but still, he knows he will be buzzing with the energy of their performance and the electric current that had passed between them every time Geralt glanced his way to time his accompaniment or signal a flourish. That can be enough. “Well, it’s been- ah, absolutely lovely playing with you, dear Geralt, but it seems I will only be in the way from this point- can’t bake to save my life, I’m afraid-” as he begins to slip away.

“Bard.” Jaskier freezes, surprised. Geralt cleans his hands off on his equally floury apron and pulls a tiny folded up pamphlet from inside its deep pocket. Jaskier takes it without thinking, on autopilot. “I’m part of a demonstration around 2, over at the fencing pit next to the musket range.” Jaskier can’t be blamed for how long it takes his brain to catch up with the unspoken invitation; but when he does, he beams.

He goes, and is promptly bowled over to find Geralt changed from his frankly too-flattering baker’s smock and fall-fronts into the traditional kilt and shirt sleeves of a highland foot soldier-- sans coat. Jaskier sees why when he lunges forward into a fast-paced mock battle with a broad sword that he slings about as if it were light as a rapier. Jaskier is... he needs to sit down.

He spends the rest of the weekend finding every excuse he can to go visit Geralt the too-handsome baker, and gets to meet his apprentice, who is also his daughter. Jaskier is stricken dumb for all of two seconds before he realizes they get on like a house on fire. Geralt has to chase them off when their chatter on historic social norms, musical trends, and current pop stars gets to be too much. Then they both have lunch with Essi, and the conversation turns to hsitoric fashion, materials, and ends with the two ladies roasting his poor man dandy outfit alive. He stands up for himself nobly. The high waisted trousers make him look trim! And braces were designed in the early 1820s, just like the accordion, thank you! Yes, he DOES know that it is considered terribly risque for his braces to be visible and not worn beneath a coat, why do they think he did it? No, he doesn’t think that they clash with his silk cravat in the least! He might be a rake and a rogue but he is still cultured. And well bathed, unlike most of the brutes around here! Essi calls him a floozy; Ciri, 16 and the least shy girl he has ever met, agrees. (He loves the two of them all the more by the end of it.)

Jaskier plays with Geralt a couple more times, after Essi gives him her blessing. She had found a bluegrass group in desperate need of a violinist after theirs abruptly came down ill, and she is more than happy to flirt with their cellist there, especially since they pop up stage in the middle of the Rendyvoo garners huge crowds of tip-happy listeners. She does chat with Ciri when she stops by, however, and Geralt. Jaskier doesn’t hear what happens, but she manages to get the big man to flush. Jaskier wonders on it for the rest of the day. Will she reveal her secrets??

The Voo ends and Jaskier is a besotted wreck. He tries quite hard to make his goodbye to father and daughter not the least bit tearful-- and immediately fails when Geralt pulls out a smartphone and gruffly tells him to put his number in. 

They live much closer than they might have assumed. I can’t decide if Geralt really does own a bakery, or if that’s just his somewhat secret hobby and in reality his profession better matches his dangerous strongman persona-- a garage, a historic fencing and swordplay gym, perhaps a high-paid security professional. All of them have some interesting possibilities, I’ll be honest. Regardless, working Rendezvous’s and ren faires is half hobby half side-profession. Jaskier is thrilled to find that, since moving to the area recently, he and Geralt will be working a lot of the same events. He is excited a completely normal amount.

Y’all know what’s up. Wooing. Courting. Two idiots who don’t recognize their emotions (because, yes, Jaskier might have realized Geralt is a looker, but it takes him much longer to realize what the fuzzy feeling in his gut is whenever Geralt is particularly soft, or speaks gently to his daughter, or smile when their huge great dane comes barreling out to greet them and oh, no.) Also, historic costumes that just, they just really inspire some thirst.

If y’all think for a moment Geralt looks any less handsome in modern clothes, you are surely mistaken. Jaskier despairs the first time he sees him. It’s just... it’s not fair!

Except the local ren faire comes around and it’s Geralt’s turn to despair. He may, in fact, never recover. Y’all know that post that’s been going around...

ok fin. that’s all i got, i hope yall enjoyed.

[sleepy-summoner]

dirsteh (summoner)/silas supports c-s

here are the dirlas summoner supports! they continue off of the FB conversations :^)

i’ve also had the a and s supports done for a while, but all the new summoner content inspired me to finish the others!

(this is also self-indulgent as hell but w/e)

C Support

S: Did you need me for something, Dirsteh?

D: Yeah! Remember how I said I was going to help you find your strengths? Well, that starts today! I was going to introduce you to the squad, and then we’re going out for a little training. While you guys get your exercise, it should give me a feel for how you are in combat. Does that sound good to you?

S: Uh, wow... Y-yeah, that sounds great.

D: ...Is something the matter?

S: No, not at all! I’m surprised you have a plan so quickly.

D: Hah! Well, I’ve done the same kinda thing with most of the Heroes here, so you could say I’ve had some practice.

D: Anyway, lemme introduce you to the crew. First, we have Ephraim! He’s the prince of Renais from the continent of Magvel.

E: Nice to meet you. *grins* Hope I can get a good sparring match out of you!

D: Eph, you just met the guy and you already want to fight him? *sighes and shakes head as Ephraim shrugs*

D: Next, this is Reinhardt! He’s a general of Friege from the continent of Jugdral. He’s equally skilled with magic and swords...but I asked him to use his sword today to add some balance to the team.

R: *nods curtly* A pleasure, Sir Silas.

D: And lastly, we have Gunnthrá, the eldest princess of Nifl. She’ll be supporting us with her really cool magic! (Heh, “cool”...)

G: *smiles gently* It is very nice to meet you, Sir Silas. I look forward to working together with you.

S: *bows* It is my honor to meet all of you. I’m very eager to work with you all, and I hope I can pull my weight.

D: *pats Silas on the back* Oh, you don’t have to worry about that! I’m sure you’ll do fine.

D: With that out of the way, let’s saddle up and head out!

—

D: So...how’d the first day go?

S: Really well! It’s interesting to see how people of other worlds fight compared to what I’ve learned as a knight of Nohr. I’m definitely learning a lot!

S: That Prince Ephraim though... He’s amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone take out so many people so quickly!

D: Yeah, Eph is pretty good! He’s one of the strongest we have in the Order, so I trust him to take care of a lot of things on the battlefield. I poked fun at him before, but I would definitely recommend that you take him up on his offer! You could absolutely learn a ton from sparring with him.

S: Will do. I’m excited to see how much I can improve from training with other Heroes!

D: I’m happy to hear that! As for me, from today’s training I think I’ve got a better idea of your abilities in combat. It might take me a bit longer to come up with a definite plan for you, but it shouldn’t take too long!

S: Sounds good to me. I can’t thank you enough for all your help, Dirsteh. At the very least, I promise to work my hardest to be a knight you can be proud to have in your service!

D: Oh, don’t sweat it too much! You’re doing a fine enough job as it is.

D: Anyway, good work today! I’ll call on you whenever I need you for some more training.

S: *salutes/bows* Of course.

[Dirsteh and Silas have reached support rank C.]

B Support

S: You wanted to see me, Dirsteh?

D: Oh! Hi Silas! Yes, I think I’ve figured out your role for this army!

S: Is that right? Well, lay it on me.

D: So I had a hunch the first few times we went out training and even back when went looking for tea leaves with Alfonse. I talked with the others and they pretty much confirmed my suspicions. Eph tells me that in your spars with him that while you may not exactly match him in physical strength, he has a hard time getting past your defenses. Rein and Gunn also note that you’re very protective, often taking hits meant for them. On the other hand, you seem to struggle with defending against magic-users and dragons, but I do have a few ideas on how we could improve on that.

D: In all, I think you could work really well as a protector to pull others out of danger, and maybe even draw out enemies with your good defensive capabilities!

D: ...Phew, that was a lot. So, what do you think?

S: *mouth agape* ...

D: Oh God, I broke Silas. Are you OK? I’m so sorry, I dumped all of that on you so quickly...

S: I’m fine! It’s just...you figured out all of that in such a short period of time? You’re incredible, Dirsteh, you know that?

D: *blushes* Oh! Well... *looks away bashfully* Like I said, I’ve done this before, so it’s nothing too special, but thank you...

D: You’re the one who’s been working so diligently this whole time, though! So if there’s anyone who’s incredible, it’s you.

S: Y-you really think so?

D: *smiles brightly* Yes! Ever since you were summoned, you’ve been one of the hardest workers in the Order of Heroes. I’m super proud of how far you’ve come.

S: *blushes and rubs back of neck* Goodness...that really means a lot coming from you. Thank you.

D: Of course! Also...there is something else. I’ve also...uh, been thinking of rewarding you for all your hard work.

S: A reward?

D: Yep! Anything you want from me! Like a new weapon or whatever, or anything you want to do.

S: Well... *ponders for a few seconds* How about we go on a picnic together? I’d love to see the scenery around Askr outside the context of a battlefield.

D: Huh? A picnic?

S: Is something wrong? I can try to think of something else if you want.

D: No, you’re fine! I just didn’t expect that as your answer. A picnic sounds great, actually! Next time I’m free, we can go. *grins* I call bringing dessert!

S: Haha, of course! Whatever you want to make.

D: *claps hands excitedly* It’s a da—uh, I mean... We have plans, then! This is going to be so much fun—I can’t wait!

[Dirsteh and Silas have reached support rank B.]

A Support

S: Dirsteh, you didn’t tell me you were a baker! These are amazing!

D: Oh! Well, thank you! I used to bake a lot for my family back in my world. But lately I haven’t had the time to bake, so I’m glad I haven’t lost my touch.

D: You’re a pretty good cook yourself! The food you made was delicious!

S: Really? *rubs back of neck sheepishly* Ah, well... I don’t consider myself a great chef by any means, but I’m happy you enjoyed it.

D: Maybe a little too much... *sprawls out on the blanket and groans* Ugh, I think I ate so much, I might get the itis.

S: *also lays down and faces Dirsteh* “Itis”? What’s that?

D: Oh, it’s a term from my world. It’s just that sleepy feeling you get after eating a big meal.

S: I see...

S: ...

S: Dirsteh, I’m curious. What’s your world like?

D: My world? Hmm... Where do I even start?

D: Well, first off, it’s way more advanced than Askr. Like...hundreds of years more advanced.

S: H-hundreds of years?

D: Yep! We have buildings that can be over a hundred floors tall, metal cars we can drive without the help of animals, water that flows with the turn of a knob...

S: Whoa... That sounds amazing!

D: Yeah, it’s pretty convenient! I definitely took it for granted before I was summoned to this world. Honestly, thinking about it now, I still miss some of that stuff from my world.

S: Oh. I’m sorry. It really must have been hard for you to adjust.

D: *waves hand dismissively* It’s OK. It was difficult at first, but I think I’ve gotten used to it for the most part.

D: Though...the thing that was the hardest for me to get used to was being constantly at war.

S: Are there no wars in your world?

D: There are, but they either happened in the past or they’re far away from where I live. I’ve only really known peace, so suddenly being summoned and thrust in the middle of a war was...a challenge for me, to say the least. I was just a nobody studying medicine, and now I command an entire army! All this responsibility stresses the hell out of me, and sometimes I still feel out of place here!

D: ...Oh! Sorry, you just wanted to hear about my world and I started venting...

S: No, no, it’s OK! I had no idea you were under this much stress...

D: Yeah, well... As the Order of Heroes’ tactician, I feel like I should be this confident, level-headed leader, so I try my best to hide it. I don’t really want anybody to worry themselves over me.

S: Dirsteh... Everybody here cares about you and your wellbeing, myself included. You may be our tactician, but you’re also a person. You shouldn’t feel like you have to bottle up your real feelings to be a strong leader.

S: In fact, if I may... I think you’re the strongest of us all. We come from worlds that are similar to this one, so there’s not too much that we had to adjust to. But you... You had to adjust the most out of all of us, and I think you’ve done an amazing job. You’ve led the Order to so many victories, you’ve saved entire kingdoms from ruin, and you’ve helped a lot of people here, even someone like me. So please don’t feel like you aren’t already a good leader.

D: *wipes corners of eyes and nods* ...Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thank you for that.

D: Heh... This is kinda a reversal from before, huh? It’s almost like the pep talk I gave you when we were looking for those tea leaves.

S: Speaking of, do you remember what I said around that time? I said that I wanted us to be the kind of friends that can talk about anything.

S: Now, would you consider us friends?

D: Wha... You’re so silly, Silas. Of course I do!

S: *holds up hands defensively* Just wanted to make sure! Anyways, I meant what I said. If you ever have any worries, feel free to vent them to me. Or if you ever need advice, ask, and I’ll do whatever I can to help.

D: That’s so sweet of you! But I can’t let you shoulder all of the burden! So the same goes for me.

S: Haha, of course. Now...is there anything else you wanted to talk about?

D: Hmm... Oh yeah! So my family...

[Dirsteh and Silas have reached support rank A.]

S Support

S: *sigh*

D: (Oh, there’s Silas. Though he seems a little worked up... I should make sure he’s all right before we head out.)

S: ...

D: Hey Silas!

S: GAAAH!

D: Oh gosh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you.

S: I-it’s OK, Dirsteh. What did you need?

D: I was just going to let you know that we’re about to head out in a little bit for a mission from Commander Anna. I’ve already let the others in the team know, so they should be at the stables getting ready right now. Though...are you OK? You seem a little jumpy.

S: Y-yes, I’m fine. I was just lost in my thoughts, that’s all.

D: You sure?

S: *wordlessly nods*

D: Um...OK. Well, lemme just walk you to the stables and I’ll explain our mission along the way.

—

D: ...Anyway, it’s just a simple scouting mission. Nothing too hard, I think.

S: Right...

D: Well, I’ll leave you to prepare. Meet me at the castle gate when all four of you are ready!

[Dirsteh leaves. Silas stares at her as she departs.]

S: *sigh*

G: So have you told her yet?

S: O-oh! Hello, Princess Gunnthrá. W-what do you mean?

G: Heehee, don’t pretend you don’t know what I am talking about.

S: ...Is it really that obvious?

G: Quite.

S: *sigh* Typical of me to fall in love at first sight and take weeks to realize it. Though I worry that she doesn’t have the same feelings for me...

G: You realize that she is not obligated to reciprocate, correct?

S: Of course she isn’t! If things don’t work out, I at least want us to stay friends. I’m just worried that it’ll make things awkward between us.

G: *smiles knowingly* ...Well, I would not fret too much over it.

S: Why do you say that?

G: Perhaps just as obvious as your feelings is her favoring of you. I believe it would be worth it to at least let your feelings out. It will be much better than letting those worries fester within you and cause even more problems.

S: ...Yeah, I think you’re right. How should I do it, then?

G: I think something private would be a good start.

S: Hmm... We did go on a picnic a little while back. It was pretty secluded and we talked a lot... I think I could ask her on another picnic and tell her my feelings there.

G: It seems you have a plan, then.

S: *sigh* I feel so much better about this. Thank you so much for talking this out with me, Princess Gunnthrá!

G: *smiles gently* It is my pleasure, Sir Silas. Remember that we’ll be here to support you.

—

D: Thanks again for inviting me out on another picnic! It’s nice to wind down a bit especially with all the crazy stuff going on right now.

D: Though you didn’t have to make everything by yourself, you know! I could have taken some of it off your hands.

S: It's all right! I figured you already had enough to worry about. Anything to make your life even a bit easier.

D: That's so sweet. Thank you.

S: Of course.

[The two sit in silence. The air is so thick that a blade could cut through it.]

S: ...Say, Dirsteh. Do you remember the first time we met?

D: Hmm... Oh yeah! You were with Princess Laegjarn when we stormed the temple to stop Surtr from performing the Rite of Flames. I wandered too close to the front lines, and you almost skewered me but Grima knocked you flat.

S: *grimaces* ...That sounds about right.

D: ...But before that you stopped yourself. Why? You had the perfect opportunity to take out the enemy tactician.

S: Well... As I was charging, I caught a glimpse of your face under your hood. And...you looked like Corrin.

D: What? Last I checked I didn't have silver hair or red eyes.

S: No, the Corrin from my world. She doesn't look like any of the Corrins you've summoned to Askr. She looks more like you.

D: Huh, that’s strange. But with so many worlds and timelines I suppose anything is possible.

S: *nods* In the end, I just couldn't bring myself to hurt someone who looked like my best friend.

D: Hmm... Interesting. So I guess that's also why you seem a bit awkward hanging around the Corrins here.

S: ...Y-yes, that too. I think it also made me want to get to know you better and become friends. I hadn't seen Corrin in years, and I thought it would be the closest thing to meeting her again. I’ll admit, I might have been...projecting a little.

D: I'll say! But still... I'm really grateful for our friendship.

S: Me too. Which is why I hope the next thing I say won't ruin it.

D: ...What do you mean?

S: Dirsteh, I...

[Silas takes a deep breath and takes one of Dirsteh's hands into his own.]

S: At first, I was drawn to you because you looked so much like my friend. But...the more I got to know you, the more I saw how kind and compassionate you are. You care so much about everyone in this army, even someone as plain as me. When we’re together, my heart feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest, and when we’re apart, my mind only thinks about you. That’s why I...

D: ...

S: I think I'm in love with you.

D: What?! Y-you're...

[Blushing, Dirsteh falls silent and looks downward. After a while, Silas speaks.]

S: *gently* Dirsteh? It's all right if you don't feel the same. I know someone like you is way out of my league. I just wanted to get my feelings out before they started eating away at me.

D: N-no, it's not that. It's just... Are you sure this is how you really feel? This isn't the summoning contract speaking for you, right?

S: *nods earnestly* Yes, I’m sure. I've been in love with you since I first saw you, before you properly summoned me.

D: I-I see.

[Dirsteh absentmindedly rubs Silas's hand with her thumb.]

D: Sorry about that. I just, um...have a difficult time believing that anyone would actually be in love with me. In my world, when you look like me, you don't exactly have people lining up to date you. Even when I was younger, some people treated going out with me as a joke.

S: Dirsteh... I'm sorry you had to go through that.

D: *shakes head* It's OK. Over time, I kind of gave up on romance and just focused on my studies. I still would have crushes, but...I never acted on them because I thought that there was no way they would like me back.

D: But you... You said you love me?

D: Because I...I'm in love with you too.

S: Y-you are?

D: *nods* Ever since we went with Alfonse and the others to find those tea leaves. You were so sweet and earnest, I think I just...fell in love. You're also pretty cute, so that helped a bit. [Dirsteh laughs lightly as Silas blushes.] But you seemed so determined to be friends that I didn't want my feelings to get in the way of that.

S: Really? I was the same way. I knew I was projecting and I felt so guilty about my desire for something more.

D: I’m just glad you confessed when you did because it’s been eating away at me too.

S: *laughs incredulously* Well, how do you like that... Does this mean we can be a couple?

D: Heehee, you're so silly, Silas. Do you even have to ask?

[The two laugh as they embrace each other.]

[Dirsteh and Silas have reached support rank S.]

Confession Quote:

"To the Order of Heroes, you are the Summoner, wielder of the Breidablik and our revered tactician. But to me, you're so much more. I love you, and I am honored to be your partner in this life. On my honor, I promise to stay by your side for as long as you will have me."

[vampwrrrmistresslist]

No Such Thing

There is no such thing as gwishin.

All your life, you had seen things.  Things that people called gwishin.  You called them “echoes”. When people thought of gwishin, they thought of the sentient spirit, of someone who had died, who could behave autonomously.

This was not the case.

In reality, what people called “gwishin” were mere  imprints on time, created under the proper atmospheric conditions, along with strong enough emotion, replaying for however long the the conditions stayed optimal, given the strength of the emotion.  

Some “recordings” played a few times, and then were never seen again.  And then there were some, which still played, centuries later.      

But walk up to any of these “apparitions” and try to have a conversation, and you would come away unsatisfied.  They continued along their recorded track, never deviating.  They weren’t gwishin.  They were merely echoes a person left behind, simultaneously as tangible and as ephemeral as their scent, and just as paranormal.  

You didn’t like talking about these things, however.  A newly-minted grad student, entering university to attain your Ph.D in biochem, you were a scientist who believed in observable, replicable phenomena, not ghoulies, and ghaesties, and long-legged baesties.  

Fortunately, you had a full ride, but unfortunately, you couldn’t take advantage of the free room and board.  You had a horrid track record for roommates, and you had drawn the short end of the stick in the housing lottery, so by the time you went to choose a dorm, all of the singles had been taken.  Not about to possibly risk your degree trying to deal with another obnoxious, inconsiderate moron, you decided to live off campus.

Your freshman roommate had disliked you on sight.  The highlights of her depredations had included locking you out, mocking you constantly in front of her friends and boyfriend for not being as sexually advanced, and suddenly becoming as loud as possible–and desperately needing as much light as possible–any time you were trying to sleep.  

Your sophomore roommate had been from a desert clime, and had vociferously protested, constantly, about the humid heat of your summer.  You had no A/C in that particular dorm, and yet would constantly come home to a stuffy room, because she closed the windows, whenever you left, complaining “It’s so wet!  Even my paper is limp!”  On top of that, her alarm clock, which she had on snooze, was a police siren, so every morning gave you a heart attack as you awoke (repeatedly) to the sound of an impending police shootout.  Lastly, she never returned the raincoat you had let her borrow during one surprise spring shower.  Sticky fingered git.

Your junior roommate decided that classes weren’t for her, and stayed at the room any time she wasn’t out drinking at pojangmachas and host clubs. Of course, it wasn’t just her in the room.  Oh, no.  It was also her boyfriend, whom she loved.  Loudly.  And often.  Even while you were awake, with the lights on.  You could only assume that they thought you so engrossed in your homework, that you didn’t notice, or that the comforter they threw over their heads was some sort of soundproof barrier, but considering the fact that they were four feet away, both conjectures were thoroughly incorrect.  That, combined with the questionable substances in the shower and used condoms tossed in random places, made you begin to consider homicide.  

Your senior roommate was actually the best, but was just a bit…different.  She was obsessed with knick knacks, placing them on every available horizontal surface, until you were afraid to breathe for fear of knocking over a skull candle, or plastic dinosaur, or ceramic cat.  She insisted on brushing her teeth in the kitchen sink (only at night, though–admittedly–she never smelled of morning breath), left (unfortunately identifiable) smears in the toilet after handling her business, never washed her hands after using the bathroom, and had a tendency of blowing up the bathroom (which was in your shared bedroom) while you were studying, and then leaving the bathroom door open, but closing your bedroom door after she left, thus leaving you in a miasma of fetid derriere air.  At least she was nice.  And killed the spiders. And took out the trash.  Really, it was kind of like living with a guy.  

So, you had decided to take the money allocated for your on-campus housing, and use it to find an apartment nearby.  After a few weeks of searching, you found a gem.  It was within walking distance of campus, in a charming older building that looked as if it had been around since the early 1900s.  The fully-furnished apartment was cozy–darling–and at $300 per month, (minus utilities, but plus free wifi!), you couldn’t say no.  

When you asked the elderly landlady why it was so inexpensive, a shadow passed her face, before it brightened back into its former sprightly expression.  “Oh, I have plenty of money, dear, I just enjoy having young people around.  You’re all so helpful, and pleasant, and I learn so much.  Besides, all of my children are out of the nest, and with my husband gone, I have no one to feed.  I’m used to cooking for a family of six, so it’s nice to have people who will take the odd batch of soup, or rice cakes off my hands.  

“Yes, but aren’t the other apartments $500?”  

She sighed.  “Well, dear,” she started carefully, “there has been talk of the apartment being rather…haunted.”

You snorted.  “Oh, is that all?  I’ll take it.”

***

You conscripted your oppa, Chanyeol, to help you move.  He didn’t agree with your living off campus, but he had to agree that this was a pretty safe-looking neighbourhood, with most of your neighbours being either elderly, or other university students.  Still, he never turned off big brother mode, and was bitterly complaining as he helped you put away your dishes and cutlery in the kitchen.

“I know that you haven’t had the best luck with roommates, but isn’t this a bit drastic?

“Isn’t this conversation a bit moot? I’ve already signed the contract, and paid for the year.”

“It’s never too late to find a roomma–”

You threw him a look.

“Ah!  Aaah…roooom-y wardrobe.  For all your clothes.  Aigoo, why do you have so many clothes?”  He wandered off toward your bedroom to start unpacking said clothes, and hanging them up in the closet.  

***

The next morning, he said his goodbyes, as you gave him a kiss, and the code to your door lock.  “Call me every night.  And be careful when you’re walking home in the dark.  Don’t stay up too late.  And remember to eat properly–you always skip meals–”

“Get out, you’re worse than Oemma!”

“It’s my job!”

You slowly closed the door on him, smiling.  “Goodbye, oppa!”

“And don’t bring home any strange boys!” he yelled through the door, his deep voice muffled.

You grinned as you leaned against the closed door.  As if you had the time for that.  “I said bye, oppa!”

“Ungrateful brat,” he muttered as he walked away.

Throwing open the door you stuck out your tongue at him.  “I love you, too,” you said, smiling happily, then closing the door before he could react.    

***

The next several days, before classes started, were blissful.  It rained almost every day, and you opened the windows to let in the sweet-smelling air, and cool breezes.  The patter of rain was a perfect background for you to catch up on your leisure reading, as you curled up on one of the overstuffed velvet armchairs.  You cooked elaborate, if small meals, baked constantly, and made friendly with the neighbours by giving away all of the treats that you couldn’t eat.

One morning you awoke, stretching deliciously as cool air wafted from the windows above and beside your bed, over your body.  You had never bothered with pajamas when you were alone, opting to sleep in your underwear, and any old comfortable shirt you could find.  

I need a cat, you thought to yourself.  Or two.  Or three.  Smiling to  yourself, you decided that would be your mission for the day.  Breakfast first, though.  

Wandering into the kitchen, after washing your face, you walked to the fridge to grab a packet of gim to have with your rice and stew.  Reaching up, you realized that your oppa had put it just out of reach.  “Why is he so uselessly tall?” you muttered to yourself as you stretched.  Chanyeol always teased you, for talking to yourself, saying that it was a sign that you were getting old, but it’s a habit that you had had your entire life.  

Suddenly, the packet slid toward your hand, moving at least six inches.  “Hm. House must be on the incline.  As expected, with such an old building.”  Trundling toward the rice cooker, you went about with your day.

***

True to your word, you walked to the animal shelter, and picked up a cat.  You decided to start with one, so that you could bond with it, before introducing any other cats.  The kittens had been cute, but something about this old queen had called to you.  She was a grey striped tuxedo cat–twenty years old, according to the shelter–with lambent peridot eyes.  She held herself elegantly, despite the fact that her fur was a bit thin in places, and not quite sleek–in the way of older cats.  As soon as you had looked at her, however, she had walked to the edge of her cage, and poked out her nose at you, not retreating until you nuzzled her back, and your heart was lost.  Her name was Bubba, and she owned you as soon as she laid eyes on you.  

On the way home, you picked up a heating pad, to add to the collection of feline accoutrements that you had already purchased, so that she would always have something warm on which she could rest her old bones.  

Upon her release from the rolling cat carrier, she trotted regally through your apartment, sniffing, and rubbing herself against everything.  Before you could become too distracted, you headed to the bathroom to set up her litter situation, and upon your return, she was sitting on the couch, stretching and purring, almost as if someone were stroking her back.  

“What a darling you are!” you cooed, drawing close to rub her.  As you reached out your hand, it brushed against…something.  Snatching it back, you blinked, but Bubba continued to purr and flirt, as if nothing were awry.  “Hm. That halmoni’s words must be getting to me,” you chuckled, turning to kitchen to set up her food and water dishes.  

***

Soon school began, and you were thrown into the thick of it.  Your program was actually one that combined a master’s and a Ph.D, and though you had more leisure time than you had in undergrad, the work, when you had it, was a lot more intense.  On top of classes, you were also a research assistant to the head of the chemistry department, as well as a teaching assistant to one of the biology professors.  You may have had a full ride, but they were going to get their money’s worth out of you.  

Many was the night that you dragged yourself home past midnight, exhausted, Excel formulas, statistics, and lesson plans swirling through your head in an endless maelstrom.  Despite how many times you could have sworn that you fell asleep on the couch, you always awoke in your bed, under the covers.  

Other, odd things also started to happen.  Nothing scary, just things that made you wonder if holding so much scholastic knowledge in your mind was making you forgetful in other areas of your life.  

There were the times that you were at school, and realized that you had forgotten to feed Bubba, only to come home at lunch to find her bowl full.  Or the fact that, whenever you lost something, if you started talking to yourself about it–”Now, where did I put my keys (phone, purse)?”– you’d find it within minutes, sometimes in a place that you were sure that you had already searched.  Furthermore, many was the time that you came home to what sounded like a man’s voice on the other side of the door, sometimes talking, sometimes singing in a shimmering, clear tenor, but when you opened the door, no one was there.  

“Hm,” you muttered the first time it happened.  “I guess sound travels really well in an old, unsound-proofed building.”  Now, you just ignored it, having explained it away satisfactorily, to yourself.  

You were a pragmatic sort, even despite being able to see what most of the world couldn’t, and could explain away all of the phenomena without losing a single drop of sleep.  Besides, it was  hard to be scared when the place gave you such a safe feeling.  And it wasn’t just the apartment.  Sometimes, that safe feeling followed you for most, and occasionally all, of the day.  You would be walking home from a late night grocery run, or deposit to the off-campus ATM which was, admittedly, not in the best neighbourhood, but you would feel as secure as if someone were there with you, watching over you until you were safely back home.  

One Friday night, you came home late from a celebratory night out at the local pojangmacha.  Singing softly to yourself, you almost didn’t notice the way that your door was cracked open.  Almost.  Before you could react, you felt something brush past, and the door opened even wider, causing you to retreat in surprise. After a moment with no further activity, however, you cautiously entered.  

Maybe if you had been sober, you would have been smarter, stayed outside, and called someone.  But you weren’t, so you went inside.  

Turning on the light, your eyes swept the living room.  Nothing out of place.  Tiptoeing to the kitchen, a quick glance told you that no one was in there, either.  Heading toward the bedroom, you opened the door to see that it was also clear.  Gathering your bravery, you quickly opened your closet, but nothing stared back at you, but your clothes.  The bathroom was similarly clear.  That just left…oh, crap, the hallway closet.  

Emerging from your bedroom, a glance around showed you that the living room, and kitchen were still clear.  Sidling toward the hall closet with trepidation, you steeled yourself, and ripped open the door to find–

Nothing.  At least nothing human-sized.  A fat, sassy moth escaped, and fluttered toward the ceiling, letting you know that it was time to stock up on mothballs, lest you wanted your woolen garments to have that chic, unsought-after moth-eaten look.  

Kicking off your shoes, you closed your front door, and hung up your jacket.  Peeling off your top as you headed toward your bedroom, you tossed it into the laundry basket, and sat down on your bed, thinking.  Something was still awry.  

Bubba!  Where was Bubba?!  You panicked–you had been gone all day, so if she had left, she could be anywhere.  You leapt up to redress and start the search, when something wrapped around your ankle and tugged roughly, sending you crashing to the floor, knocking the wind out of your lungs.  

You stared up at the ceiling, stars in your eyes, for you had hit your head on the side of your dresser on the way down.  A sharp, sick pain wrapped around your lungs as they struggled to take a breath, a hot miasma of agony slowly blooming inside, and you just lay there in silent torment, unthinking as your body’s autonomous systems worked to return you to homeostasis.  

This seemed to take forever, but in reality, the process only took a handful of seconds.  It was enough time, however, for a dark figure to come creeping from underneath your bed to climb over you, straddling your prone body.  

Before you could orient on his face, however, you were pulled backwards, your upper body lifting as your legs slid along the floor, until your back hit the wall.  The stranger was gaping at you in surprise, when his head snapped to the side, his body quickly following suit to collapse on the floor.  

He flailed, but within moments, it went from aimless flailing to purposeful struggling, as if he were fighting against an opponent that neither of you could see.  He curled into a ball to protect himself from what seemed to be invisible kicks and stomps to his abdomen, and head. Kicking out, he seemed to make contact with the invisible entity, as items suddenly swept off of your dresser, and a loud crash was heard, as if a muscular body had fallen to the floor.  

You watched all of this in a daze, still too out of it to feel anything other than detached curiousity.  

The stranger kicked again, and you heard a sickening thump, and a groan, before the stranger was flipped over, and bowed backwards. His eyes were on yours, his red face straining, veins popping, and eyes bugging out of his sockets as he reached for you.

With a start, you realized that he was suffocating.  Whatever it was, it was on his back, and it was choking him.  Finally coming to your senses, you crawled out of the room toward your purse to grab your phone, and call the police.  While you were on the call, the fight spilled into your living room.  

The stranger had grabbed your broomstick, and when he spun around, putting his body weight into the spin, it whapped into something that sounded solid, yet soft, and you heard a pained cry.  Suddenly, there was a roar of anger, and…and…

You looked up, your mouth falling open.  

“Ma’am?  Ma’am? Are you still there? Ma’am, can you hear me? Ma’am, please answer me.  The police are on their way, are you hurt?”

Your unfeeling fingers dropped the phone as you stared.

For in front of you…in front of you…

…was another man.  Another man who hadn’t been there a second ago.  A man who had appeared out of thin air.  He wasn’t tall, but his body was compact with lithe muscle, like a panther’s.  He had rich black hair, and thick, shining black brows which arched toward his hairline like raven’s wings, preparing for flight.  His small mouth was screwed up in fury, and his dark brown eyes burned with a cold rage as he stared down at the stranger who lay prone, at his feet.  

His legs were encased in ripped black jeans, and he wore a black tee with a large black coat of arms in relief on the chest, and a fitted black leather jacket with vertical zippers on the breast and moulded epaulets. Hearing the clatter of the phone, the man’s expression faltered, and he looked up to see you staring at him in unadulterated shock.  

He started toward you, when suddenly, you all heard sirens approaching in the distance.  The stranger started to scramble away, but the man standing delivered a swift kick to his temple, dazing the prone man, and then crouched over his body, grabbing his shirt, and holding him down.  

The stranger still struggled weakly, but the jean-clad man, though not too much taller than you, was clearly very strong.  Finally, you heard feet rushing up the stairs, and the man in the leather jacket looked up at you, and slowly brought a finger to his lips.

Then he disappeared.

Police officers rushed inside, taking in the scene, at a glance.  One crouched in front of you, putting a hand on your shoulder, and asking you a question.  You stared off into the distance, just past his shoulder, where the leather-clad man had vanished  

The officer kept trying to ask you something, but all you could hear was a soft rushing in your ears, like the tide.  Finally orienting on the officer, it clicked that he was asking you questions.  You opened your mouth to answer, but the light in the room was dimming at the edges, everything slowly darkening until there was only a pinpoint of light in front of your face.  Then, there was nothing.

***

You awoke at the hospital, with your oppa sitting beside you, though his head was resting on your bed, and one of his hands was entwined with yours.  You tried to call him, but your throat was so dry.  It was so hard to speak.  You swallowed, and tried again, but still, nothing came.  Giving up, you squeezed his hand.  

Chanyeol lifted his head, eyes immediately on yours.  “Oemma!” he called.  

Your oemma rushed into the room, wrapping her arms around you, pulling you up from the bed to cuddle you against her bosom.  A doctor followed close behind.  

You tapped weakly against her arm.  “Oemma!  Oemma!  I can’t–I can’t breathe!”

“Oh!  Oemma’s sorry!” she said, backing up, laying you back down on the bed.  

“It’s alright.  I’m oka–” you huffed as Chanyeol leaned down to squeeze you so tightly that your lungs almost completely deflated.  “Yah!  Oppa!” you weakly scolded.  “Get off of me, you’re squeezing too hard!”

“I’m sorry, I’m just so glad you’re–” his voice broke.  You looked at him properly.  He had dark circles under red-rimmed eyes that shone with unshed tears, and his jawline told you that he hadn’t shaved in days. He had three whole new hairs.  

The doctor came forward–her nameplate named her as Dr. Kim–took out a penlight and, after asking your permission, shone it in your eyes to assess your pupillary response.  Satisfied with what she found, she asked you a few questions–your name, the year the name of the president and of the country, and whether you remembered what happened.  When you answered her questions to her satisfaction, and indicated that your pain level was at a 3 out of 10, she nodded, and left, saying that she would send a nurse to have you discharged.

“Water?” you asked plaintively.  

“Yes!” your oemma said, reaching for the picture beside your bed, and filling the small, adjacent cup.  

You drank down the cool water in a few gulps, then another.  And another. Starting to feel better on your fourth cup, you slowed down, looking over it to see both your oemma, and your brother looking at you with hopeful, expectant looks, almost as if you were about to perform a magic trick.  “Where’s appa?” you queried, looking around.  

“Appa had just left on a flight for Shanghai, when I received the call about you,” your oemma explained.  Your father was an architect, and was often called out of the country to work.  “We haven’t told him, yet.  We wanted to wait until you were out of the woods, to keep from worrying him.  You know how he is.”

You nodded.  If your brother was overprotective, then your father was ten times, so.  “What happened?” you asked, your voice considerably stronger.  

“From what the police could determine, some man broke into your apartment a few nights ago, and you beat the crap out of him!” Chanyeol answered, reaching up to ruffle your hair, but stopping just short of touching your head.  

Seeing his reticence, you reached up to feel a bandage on the back of your head, and another against your temple.  

“You have a moderate concussion, and some bruised ribs, but other than that, you’re fine,” your oemma said in answer to your unspoken question.  “I talked to your landlady.  She’s going to install a coded lock on the front door of the building, so that something like this won’t happen again.”

“What happened to the guy?” you asked.

“Turns out that he had been breaking into girl’s apartments all over the city.  Hadn’t you heard about it?”

“No?” you answered honestly.  “I’ve been too busy studying to pay any attention to the news.”

“You need to be more aware of your surroundings!” Chanyeol scolded.  

“Not now, Chanyeollah,” your oemma gently remonstrated, leaning forward to stroke your forehead.  “He’s in custody, and he’s going to be going to jail for a very long time.  You caught him!  My baby’s a hero!”  Your face dropped and your oemma, misinterpreting your expression said, “Don’t you waste another second thinking about him!  Do you need oemma to help you get dressed?”

“No, I think I can manage,” you responded.  By the time you had finished dressing yourself, your oemma had filled out your discharge papers and taken charge of your medications, and you were cleared to leave, albeit, embarrassingly enough, in a wheelchair, which Chanyeol gleefully pushed for you.

You were ordered to lie down when they reached your apartment.  A new, heavier-duty lock had been installed on your door, the code for which, your oemma already had from the landlady.  You emailed your professors, telling them that you would be out for the upcoming week, took some pain medication, and fell asleep.

When you awoke, Chanyeol and your oemma had straightened your apartment, but the real joy is the surprise that your oppa had for you.

“That halmoni found this,” he said, opening your bedroom door.  

“Bubba!” you cried, reaching out to embrace your cat.  “How did she find her?”

“Funny story, that.  She said that she heard a knock on the door, and when she opened it, there was your cat.  Someone must have decided to drop her off at the landlady’s door, figuring that she would know to whom the cat belonged.”

“Mm, someone,” you echoed.  “What’s that smell?” you asked.  

“What do you think?” Chanyeol said archly.  “Oemma has been ordering me back and forth to at least four different stores for the ingredients that she needs to make…everything.”

You grinned, eyes twinkling.  “Had I known that all I had to do to get homemade food delivered was be viciously attacked, I would have done it a lot sooner.  What’s it looking like?”

“Your fridge is literally stuffed, from top to bottom with side dishes, soups, and stews.  I’m jealous.  I’m about to break into my own apartment, and beat myself up.”

Smiling, you laid back against your pillows.  

“Here, let me clean your wounds,” he said, grabbing your kit from the hospital, removing your gauze, and going to work.  When he was done, and had replaced the bandages, he took you by the hand.  “My sweet little dongsaeng,” he started, looking at you affectionately, lightly brushing your hand across his dimpled cheek.  “Little aegiya…what really happened?”

You looked up at him in surprise.  “What do you mean?”

“I’ve known you for your entire life, and you’ve shown no propensity for turning into a superhero.  I saw the guy, and I know my little sister. You’re the softest, gentlest person I know.  That guy looked like he had been through a meat grinder.  What happened?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Do it anyway.”

Taking a breath, you thought about it for a moment.  Your oppa had always been on your side, even when you were children.  When your friend’s older brothers were busy being mean to them, or avoiding them, he had always been your best friend, your protector.  Once, when a teacher thought that you had stolen a laptop, he spent the evening tearing the school upside down until he found it, in the teacher’s lounge, in a closet. You had been in detention the entire time, so no one could say that you had snuck it back in there.  He confronted your accuser, upbraiding her in front of everyone who gathered to figure out why the tall, booming voiced boy was yelling at a teacher.

Chanyeol had almost been suspended.  Being a superlative student, however, who had heretofore not been in any trouble, he got off with only a month of detention.  Yes, your brother had always been your defender, even sometimes against your parents, even going so far as to take the blame for things that you had accidentally done, such as breaking an expensive vase while running, or knocking over a gallon of paint on the newly finished hardwood floors.  

Chanyeol also knew about what you had always seen, growing up, and had never questioned what you saw.  Your oppa knew you better than he knew his own mind, and he knew that you weren’t a liar.

“Oppa,” you whispered tremulously, “it was gwishin.”

He looked worried, briefly glancing at the bandage on your temple, before indicating that you should continue.  

So, you did.  You told him the entire story, from the mysterious touches, to the odd coincidences, the incidences of things moving, the sounds, the way you always found what was lost, and always awoke in your bed, no matter where you fell asleep in the apartment.

He listened to it all, without saying a word.  When you were finished, he asked hesitantly, “Is he…here, now?”

“I don’t know,” you replied.  “I can’t see him.”

Chanyeol nodded.  “Well, then…let’s get you something to eat.  Come on,” he said, helping you out of bed.  “Do you need a piggyback ride?”

You slapped him on the arm, as you sat on the edge of the bed.  “Don’t be ridiculous.  I’m not an invalid.”

“Yes, well…better safe, than sorry!” he boomed, turning, and hoisting you up on his back.

“Yah, idiot!  You’re going to break your back!  I’m not twelve anymore!”

“You’re not much bigger than a twelve year old,” he teased, causing you to grab him by the ears, using them like reins.

“Go forth!” you giggled, pressing your thighs against his sides like a jockey.

He neighed, pawed the ground, and trotted out of your room.

Your oemma rolled her eyes when she saw you.  “Will you two ever grow up?”

“No–” you started.

“–never!” he finished.  

They stayed for the next couple of days, with your oemma sleeping with you, and your oppa crumpled on your loveseat, a fact over which he bitterly complained, asking why you hadn’t considered him when buying the furniture.  

When you reminded him that the apartment came already furnished, he complained about the fact that you had rented a place with such small furniture.  “It’s like you never even thought of me when you were picking out a place for yourself!”

Your oemma soon had to leave, so that she could go back to work, but since Chanyeol was also still in school, having decided to go into the military before he entered university, his schedule was considerably less rigid.  

Almost before the door had closed on your oemma, your oppa was spinning to you.  “Okay.  Call him.”

You wanted to play dumb, but you knew exactly what he was talking about.  “He’s not a dog!  Besides, I don’t know his name.”

“Just try.”

“Why?”

“We need to get to the bottom of this.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m your oppa, and I say so.”

“That’s not a real reason.”

“Don’t make me do it.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“You don’t think I would?”

“Oppa!” you whined.

Chanyeol pulled out his phone, and navigated to your appa’s number.  “I wonder how long you’ll be living here once Aboeji knows that you were attacked…”

“Okay!  Put down the phone, and walk away!” you yelled, arms in front of you like you were trying to talk down a madman.

He put the phone on your coffee table, and took a step back.  “I can get to it before you can, so don’t even think about it.  Just do it.”

“Fine,” you sighed.  “Although, if he is here, then he just witnessed this little exchange, and he might be offended that you want him to materialize like a trick pony.”

“I’m not offended.”

You shrieked, and leapt across the room into Chanyeol’s arms.  He was trying to be brave, but you could feel him shaking.  Looking up, you saw that all the blood had drained from his face.  While he had believed the stories you had told him your entire life, there was a huge difference between being told, and seeing with one’s own eyes. You could feel his heart pounding behind your back, and his breathing was shallow as it rasped past your ear.  “You can see him, too?” you asked incredulously.

Chanyeol just nodded weakly, not taking his eyes off the other man.

Realizing that it would probably be best if you took the lead, you tried to take a step forward, only to quickly be snatched back into your brother’s arms.  

“I won’t hurt her,” the man said, looking apologetic.  

“What about me?” Chanyeol squeaked.  

The man laughed.  “I’m not going to hurt anybody!”

Looking up at Chanyeol and nodding, you once more started forward, gently wresting your arm from his clutches.  Cautiously, you approached the man, until you were close enough to reach out and touch him, but far enough away that you could run behind your brother, if need be.  Your big, tall, strong brother, who currently looked as if he were on the verge of passing out.  “What’s your name?” you queried, proud that your voice sounded steadier than your quivering insides.  

“You can call me Xiumin.  I’m…still surprised that you can see me, though.”  He cocked his head pensively, and said, almost to himself,  “No one else has been able to see me…”

“Ah, yes.  Well, ah, Xiumin-sshi, ah…why…are you here?”

“I live here,” he responded simply.

“Mm, yes.  Live?”

“Well, figuratively speaking.  I lived here.  I guess.  I think.”

“You guess? You think?”

He shifted uncomfortably.  “Well, I assume so.  To be honest, I don’t remember.  All I know is that I woke up one day, and I was here.  I don’t even remember my real name.”

“Ohhh,” you said sympathetically.  “Well…ah…have you…been here…the entire time?”

Xiumin looked down apologetically, nodding.  

“So…you’re the haunting?”

He nodded again.  

“So…all of those things that I thought were odd little coincidences, and–”

“Those were all…me…”

“Oh.  I see.  Well…thank you for saving my life.”

Brightening, Xiumin looked back up at you.  “I had to! I wasn’t going to let some pervert do something weird to you!  I may be dead, but I’m still a gentleman!”

“Heh.  Heheh.  Heheheheheh,” you laughed nervously.  “You might be dead, but you’re still…heheheheheheheheheh…”

“Alright?” Chanyeol asked warily.  

“I’m fine,” you gasped, taking a deep breath to steady your nerves.

“I don’t mean to make you nervous.  I’m sorry,” Xiumin said softly.  

“So, how long have you been watching my sister?!” Chanyeol queried aggressively.

“Oppa!” you gasped, shocked.  

Xiumin’s face turned red.  “Yah, I’m not a weird guy!  I just leave when she’s in the bathroom, or changing!”

You blushed, but he had brought up a good point.  “You can leave?”

Xiumin turned his attention back to you.  “Yes.  I can go wherever I like, but the further I go, the weaker I feel, and if I ever pass out, I wake up back here.”

“How far is too far?” you asked.

He considered.  “About…10 kilometres?”

“You’ve gone that far?”

Shrugging, Xiumin nodded.  “I don’t have anything else better to do.  You’re the first people who have been able see me.  I can touch things, move small things, but it’s tiring.  The only time it’s not hard is if…” he hesitated.

“If what?” you pressed.

“If I feel really strongly about something.  Like that night.  I was only able to do what I did because I was so angry.”

“Well, I’m grateful,” you nodded.  “Thank you, again.”

“Well, I don’t like it!” Chanyeol muttered.  “But, still…thank you…for saving my annoying little sister’s life.  I guess.”  

Without looking, you leaned back, and punched your oppa in the stomach.  

He dramatically keeled over onto his knees, and you rolled your eyes.  

“So…what happens now?” you inquired.

What happens now, indeed?

***

After the conversation was over, and after much protesting, you eventually convinced Chanyeol to return home. Once he was gone, you sat on the couch.  “Xiumin-sshi?” you called.

He appeared beside you on the couch.  “Hey,” he said shyly.

“Hey,” you answered.  “So…we have to live together…”

Xiumin rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassment colouring his entire aspect.  “I’m sorry.”

“Well, there’s nothing that can be done for it, so there’s no need to be sorry.  I have to say, so far, you’ve been the best roommate I’ve ever had.”

He stared at you, shocked.  “Really?!”

“Really-really.”  You proceeded to tell him about your track record, causing him to guffaw when you started telling him anecdotes about some of your prior roommates’ more ridiculous antics.  

“So, I come home after a hard day of class, and I’m tired, right?  So, I walk in the door, and there she is, lying on her bed, and sobbing into the phone, “Just let me love you, oppa!  Just let me love you!  All you need is love!”

“I tell you, I didn’t even turn around, I just backed up, closed the door, and went to sleep over my friend’s dorm.  A day may have come when I would have wanted to be witness to the dramatic meltdown that was her life, but it was not that day!”

Xiumin laughed, and you looked away. His smile was so bright and warm.  If he had been alive, your heart would flutter.  It was just too bad.

“So…is there anything that I can do to make your life easier?” you asked.

He pondered.  “If you left your laptop on when you aren’t using it, that would be nice.  I miss my dramas.”

You laughed.  “Do you want me to buy a TV?”

He shook his head.  “I couldn’t ask you to do that!”

“Why not?!” You gestured between the two of you.  Then, indicating him, “Saved my life, remember?  I owe you.  The least I can do is buy a TV, so that you can watch your romances.  I mean, it won’t be a huge expensive TV, but it will work.  Deal?”

Xiumin nodded decisively.  “Deal.”

A/N:  This is chapter 1 of a finished miniseries, the rest of which can be found on my mistresslist. If you want to follow me, then please do so at my main blog @vampwrrr, as I always update there, first.

[mononoke-no-ko]

[Trans] R2 Sound Episode #5: C's Mushroom-ed C.C.

Someone always snapped at the end of these Sound Episodes xD.

C-take Rareta C.C.

C.C.: Please forgive me, Master!

Lelouch : Really, please remember already, C.C. You even got wet like this.

C.C.: Sorry, I'm sorry, I will never get wet again. Please forgive me...

Lelouch : I'm asking you, just don't try to wash my computer or mobile phone ever again. C'mon, stop hiding there and come out here.  

C.C.: I'm very sorry! Please, don't hurt me...!

Lelouch : Don't say things that will make people misunderstand! Anyway, why is your bulliable aura is so transparent?

(From monitor) Charles: Seems like you're having a great time, My Sweet Son!

Lelouch : Dad?! How did you find out my communication channel?

Charles: Facing C.C. who's different than usual, do you feel your heartbeats accelerating? No need to hide it.

Lelouch: What does that even mean? Don’t change the subject! What is your business anyway?

Charles: You know, I just want to see my son's flustered expression because of C.C.. Maybe one of these days I'm going to be a grandfather!

Lelouch : Like hell you're! I'm going to hang up, you stupid dad!

Charles: Wait, wait, wait! Wait a minute. The truth is, I came to share with you an information you would like to hear.  

Lelouch : Information?

Charles: Don't you want to know the method to change C.C. back, Lelouch?  

Lelouch : WHAT?!

----

Lelouch : So, now, "The first ever, sprouting and sprouting, cooking mushrooms that you have never seen before! A great gathering of friends who are confident about their craft in mushroom! Seek C’s mushroom assembly" is officially started.

Kallen: The title's long! Also, this is the hangar... right? You went as far as transforming it into a huge kitchen?!

Chiba: I heard that this is the biggest event of the Black Knights, so I come and see...

Todo: Looking at this situation, I can't even laugh.

Diethard: What's going on, Zero? Did you eat something bad? No, did you hit your head?

Rolo: Geass!

(SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!)

Rolo: Geass lifted!

Kallen: It hurts!

Todo: Uh!

Chiba: Aw!

Diethard: Ack!

Kallen: W-who is it? Just now someone just slap my head.

Todo: Unbelievable, someone actually punched my nose!

Chiba: It hurts. The inside area of my upper arm's softest part was twisted?!

Diethard: Just now I suddenly got stunned.

Rolo: Nii-san, I punished them a bit.

Lelouch: Sorry about that, Rolo. The next time they grumble again, I'll be relying on you.

Rolo: No big deal. Next time I have to make an effort not to kill them.

Lelouch: Hey hey, don't overdo it, Rolo. Well, regardless of those boring things. As I've said, I'm gathering you here for anything but one reason; to help to change the maid groupie with transparent bulliable aura, moe moe girl C.C. back to her previous self. For that purpose I need your strength.

Kallen: "Transparent bulliable aura"?

Todo: "Maid groupie"?

Chiba: "moe moe girl"?

Diethard: "Change back"?

Lelouch: That's right! In fact, I just received a contact from Emperor of Britannia.

Everyone: EHH?!

---------

Charles: There is only one way to recover C.C.'s lost memory. That is, for her to eat a new type of mushroom that grows in the underground city of the Geass Order; C-take. 

Lelouch: Shiitake (TN: a type of mushroom that's common in Japan)? Isn't that something that's sold everywhere?

Charles: You're wrong! Stupid Lelouch, C-take means C's mushroom, not the shiitake! The guy who doesn’t even know these things is actually a Geass user, how laughable!

Lelouch: Oh, I see. Because it's a mushroom that grows in C's world people called it C's mushroom... Who the hell knows this kind of thing?! How can there be such unreasonable naming method!

Charles: If she eats it, C.C. will be able to change back to the original C.C..

Lelouch: Really?

Charles: However, the underground city has grown a variety of mushrooms. You can't tell which one is C's mushrooms unless you eat it. And I heard that other mushrooms except for C's mushrooms have terrible side effects. Do you have the courage to take this risk?

Lelouch: Of course I have!

-----------

Todo: So, you are completely on his hook.

Chiba: I feel that I can already see the end of this story.

Lelouch: Rolo, let everyone take a look at the mushrooms that have been collected.

Rolo: Yes, Zero.

Kallen: Uwa-! What's this? Are these all mushrooms? How much is it...?

Rolo: These are what I've collected. The total is about 10 kilograms.

Diethard: Red, blue, green, yellow, purple, striped, and there's a red and white Bodhi leaf pattern. All are mushrooms that've never been seen before.

Todo: Somehow they scream 'don't eat', 'dangerous', and 'trouble'.

Chiba: What are we to do with these, Zero?

Lelouch: Isn't it obvious? Make dishes for C.C. to eat.

Everyone: Ehh?!

Diethard: But aren't they toxic and dangerous?

Lelouch: No, you got it wrong, Diethard. The Emperor said there are side effects, he didn’t say it’s poisonous.

Kallen: Hmm~ doesn't it sound interesting?

Chiba: K-kouzuki, you...

Kallen: If that's the case, let me help you.

Todo: But..!

Kallen: It should be fine~ it doesn't seem like there's anything dangerous in it. Moreover, everyone here has been looked down upon and made fun of by C.C.. Now it's a great opportunity for payback, don't you think?

Lelouch: Kallen, you've been harboring this kind of thought towards C.C.?

Kallen: Just a little revenge, but at the same time it can change C.C. back too. Isn't it killing two birds with one stone? Let's do it. "The first ever, sprouting and sprouting ~ cooking with mushrooms that have never been seen! A great gathering of friends who are confident about their craft in mushroom! Seek and cook the C mushroom assembly", begin...!

Diethard: The title is too long to fit into the title bar.

Todo: Title bar?

Diethard: And, last but not least, the title that's too long shows that he is not confident in the content of the show. Because the content is so boring, he wants to use the title to fool the-

Rolo: Geass!

(beating sounds)

Rolo: Lifted!

Diethard: Ahh!

Todo: Diethard suddenly gets in a tragic condition that couldn't be show on TV!

Lelouch: Ignore it. Now ladies and gentlemen, let's start this event with full power!

Kallen: Well, let's get Miss C.C., our protagonist today, to enter the stage. Miss C.C., please come up and introduce yourself!

C.C.: U-um... Excuse me, I'm a maid groupie with transparent bulliable aura, moe moe girl C.C.

Chiba: You say that about yourself?

Todo: In other words, is this the name that Zero forced C.C. to remember?

C.C.: Today, I'm ordered by Master's to help everyone here. Even though I'm just an ordinary servant, please give me your guidance.

Kallen: Come, C.C., we are all gathered here to make delicious mushroom dishes for you. You have to, without leaving a speck, finish them all.

C.C.: Master..., this woman's eyes are scary...

Todo: Well for now, try my dish first.

Kallen: Todo-san, you can cook?

Todo: That is a requirement to survive in the war.

Chiba: While we're still in the Japanese Liberation Front, snakes, mice, ants, caterpillars, weeds, barks, and roots, we've eaten anything that can be put into our mouth.

Todo: It's really nostalgic.

Chiba: Looking back, my cooking skill is also trained in those hard times.

Todo: The three cuts on the bear, your cutting method with a knife was really outstanding!

Lelouch: I see, you've gone through lot of hardship.

Todo: Next, what I made is a barbecue from the blue mushroom with a bright yellow-green round pattern on top.

Chiba: It's awesome, Todo-san. It completely researched and utilized the material color. Compared to this, the bear I did was far behind.

Todo: And with a little drop of soy sauce... here, C.C., please enjoy the dish!

C.C.: Ah, um, but it looks... kind of grotesque...

Lelouch: Eat it, C.C.. Isn’t there an old saying that effective medicine looks ominous?

C.C.: Yes..., then I'm going to eat.... (Chew)... En!

Lelouch: How are you feeling, C.C.? How does it taste? Do you feel any change?

C.C.: N-not really! There's nothing special about the taste! I ate it simply because Master would be troubled if I didn't. I'm totally NOT interested in you, okay?!

Chiba: Yet you're blushing

Todo: What? What is this change?

Diethard: Oh wow. This is a lucky first strike.

Kallen: Right. There's no mistake, this is Tsundere-mushroom.

Lelouch: Tsundere mushrooms? What's that?

Kallen: It's a new breed of mushrooms. Though I just came up with the name, but anyway this doesn't seem to be C's Mushroom.

Chiba: Then next try my dish.

Kallen: Here it is! The leader of Black Knights' kitchen, whose handmade dishes made countless men get the wrong idea, Chiba Nagisa! Today she has came to make mushroom cuisine for us... what is it?

Chiba: Don't add any weird commentary, Kozuki. I mean, originally I only made dishes for Todo-san...

Todo: Uh? What is it, Chiba? What did you say about me?

Chiba: N-nothing at all! Anyway, um, what I made is simple gratin mushrooms.

C.C.: Gratin? Again it's either too obscure or too pedestrian. In short it's just a semi-finished product. But, if you're feeding me, then I wouldn't mind eatin-

Chiba: Stop yapping and eat!

C.C.: Ah... it-it's hot... Hey...!

Chiba: Alright! So how is it?

C.C.: Um, what happened to me?

Kallen: Eh? Looks like the personality has changed again. I wonder if she just changed back.

C.C.: Somehow, my mouth is burning.

Chiba: That's of course, because I just transferred the newly baked gratin from the oven right to your mouth.

Todo: It seems only the effect of Tsundere mushroom that has disappeared. This doesn't seem to be a C's mushroom either.

Lelouch: Then let's decide the name of this mushroom as “Reset mushroom”. Haha, I've came up with a really fitting name.

Rolo: As expected from Zero!

Chiba: No creativity!

Diethard: Well, then it's my turn. Now you may not be able to tell, but my first work as an AD was on a gourmet show, and even now I’m still picky about food... ehem. The dish I made is a Britannia style dish with colored mushrooms and sweet and sour sauce. Dazzling sky blue, lemon yellow, shocking pink, emerald green, red rouge, and all these colorful colors create unprecedented flavors.

Kallen: Uwah... it looks bad for your health.

Todo: Looks poisonous.

Chiba: It's definitely poisonous.

C.C.: Master, this... do I have to eat this too...?

Lelouch: W-well, that's...

Diethard: Zero, don’t tell me you're thinking that my dish is something that can't be eaten by C.C.? I hope you're not having that kind of thought!

Lelouch: O-oh! Of course not! Since we don't know which one is C's mushroom, we have no other choice but to try every mushrooms! That's right, C.C., eat it.

C.C.: Uweeh. In the first place, why do I have to eat every one of these dishes, I don't know the reason anymore. (Eat)

Lelouch; How's the taste?

C.C.: Different from the appearance... it might be quite delicious. Unexpectedly, it's edible. Wha-!

Lelouch: What happened, C.C.?!

C.C.: Master, my hands are turning into strange shapes...!

Lelouch: The sharp-edge cone, the shape, and also the high-speed rotation while making "zing zing" noises. This... this is...!

Kallen: It's a drill.

Chiba: It's a drill huh.

Todo: How marvelous!

Lelouch: What the hell is going on?! Diethard!

Diethard: Well, no matter how you look at it, it's seems to be a mushroom that turns your hands into drills. How about naming it "Drill Mushrooms"?

Todo: Drill, huh... this is a man's romance, right, Chiba?

Chiba: Of course, Todo-san!

Kallen: What's that, fuufu manzai (couple skit)? (TN: manzai is a Japanese comedy act consisting of two people, usually one had a role of ‘funny man’ who acted silly/stupid and the other one made some retort/comment of the silly thing the other one did) 

Lelouch: You are wrong, Kallen! That was 'MENOto manzai' (wet nurse skit) because there’s no retort! 

C.C.: No, Master, the correct name should be 'MEOto manzai' (husband and wife skit). Anyway please hurry and change my hand back!!!

Lelouch: Oi, C.C., don't come close to me while waving that kind of hands! The drill will hit me!

C.C.: How could it be...! Master...! Diiethaaard! This all happened because you fed me with a strange mushroom!

Diethard: C-C.C., why only me?

C.C.: I'm going to kill you!

Diethard: Ah! It's piercing me!

Kallen: Eh, it looks painful. This is the kind of scene can never be shown on public.

Lelouch: Kallen, this is not the time to calmly admiring it!

Kallen: Well, maybe my dish could change her back.

Lelouch: Very well, try it!

Kallen: Well, what I made is mushroom risotto. This slightly turbid purple might make it seems toxic, but the taste is probably okay, though I haven't tried it myself.

C.C.: Heh, but, I can't eat with these hands.

Kallen: It can’t be helped, then! I'll be the one to feed you~! Come on, open your mouth and say 'ah~'

C.C.: A-ahn~

Lelouch: How is it? Do you feel like you're going to change back, C.C.?

C.C.: Um, somehow... my eyes feel strange...

Todo: Hmm, looks like there's no change in personality.

Lelouch: Your eyes? Does sand get into your eyes? Here, let me take a look.

C.C.: Yes, master.

Lelouch: Ack! What happened?! Just now C.C.'s eyes are glowing! They're glowing!

Todo: Rather, doesn't it seem like C.C.'s eyes are emitting beams...?

Chiba: There's a hole on the hangar walls....

Kallen: No no, Chiba, this is exactly the result that we're aiming!

Chiba: But even so, this is too...

Todo: For now, let's call this mushroom "Beaming Eyes Mushroom."

Chiba: Beam is also a man's romance right, Todo-san!

Lelouch: If we tell Rakshata about this, there's no doubt she will be very happy.

Kallen: The attack is really powerful, we can use it as a weapon.

Lelouch: Or not! Everyone, look! The beam just now scratched my helmet and left a mark! Kallen, how could you act so calm!

Kallen: That's because we have this "Reset mushroom", don't we? She just needs to eat that to change back to normal. Did you forget about it, Zero?

Lelouch: !! I DIDN'T!

Kallen: You forgot, huh.

Lelouch: Don't worry, C.C., now we will return you to normal. Come, Chiba! Bring your mushrooms gratin over.

Chiba: I'm sorry to inform you, Zero. Actually we've used all the Reset mushroom remained.

Lelouch: What did you say?

C.C.: Then what would happen to me, Master...!

Todo: Another blow on the wall. This is equivalent to the destructive power of a warship.

Lelouch: There's no other way. In this situation, let her eat each and every one of the mushrooms, then pray that there's any that can change her back.

Rolo: That’s Zero for you! It's a creative and amazing idea!

Chiba: Isn't he just trying his luck.

Lelouch: I need everyone’s help! Put all these mushrooms into C.C.'s mouth!

Everyone: Understood!

C.C.: Please stop, that unreasonable... uh... uh... W-w-whoa! Why am I getting bigger?

Lelouch: C.C. is turning into a giant!

Chiba: She grows to be even bigger than Zangetsu! This development is too unexpected.

Todo: So this is the power of Chinese Federation for 4000 years!

Rolo: Well, for now, let's name this mushroom as "Giant mushroom".

C.C.: Who cares about the name...

Lelouch: C.C. just... broke the hangar's ceiling!

Diethard: No, no, this must be CG! Or maybe it's a bluescreen effect that's used in the past... na ha, na ha ha!

Kallen: Diethard is escaping from reality.

Lelouch: Sorry about this, C.C.. I've used every method existed, but turns out modern science isn't able to help you yet.

C.C.: It's...! It's that so...

Lelouch: C.C....

C.C.: About this, or that matter, it's all the same. In the end everything is my fault.

Lelouch: No, this is Emperor of Brittania's...!

C.C.: No, it's okay. It's all my fault. Summer is hot and sea is salty because of my fault.

Todo: She doesn’t make any sense.

Kallen: Hmm she has became this big yet she feels small inside.

C.C.: This body now has became an obstruction. I can no longer stay by Master's side! Please don't look for me.

Chiba: Well, even if we don't look, you stick out.

C.C.: Bye-bye, everyone! Bye-bye, master!

Lelouch: Really, don't run, C.C.!

Diethard: Ack, it's collapsing...

Kallen: Stop, C.C! —————————————————————— Suzaku: Your Majesty, I have something to report to you.

Emperor: Oh? I was wondering who it is. So it's you, Suzaku. What's your business?

Suzaku: We got an emergency report from the spy we sneaked in to the area of Chinese Federation. It said there's a sight of unknown giant creature at Black Knight's HQ.

Emperor: Giant creature?

Suzaku: The reports says it looks like a young woman. I'm afraid there must be some mistake in this report.

Emperor: "Young woman"? Hahaha! Zero, I got you fooled!

Suzaku: Your Majesty?

Emperor: Zero... no, Lelouch... you are completely at my service! BWAHAHAHA!

Suzaku: H-huh?

———————————

C.C.: Please don’t look for me!!!

Fin.

Visit Index for other translations of other Code Geass materials.

[shintorikhazumi]

Twelve Days of Christmas Project: Day 1

Twelve Days of Christmas Project: Day 1

“So I may have used poison instead of sugar.” for Akko and Sucy?

-Request by Liz! @lizanime3 I hope you like it even just a little bit ;-; Pleaseeee…

A/N: Hola Minna-san! Yes, I’m alive... and yet not. Ok, so I was supposed to start this on the 13th so I could have 12 days until the 25th… but… I’ve actually been really sick for nearly two weeks and I don’t think I’ll be getting better anytime soon. :(

But well, since I finally have enough strength to actually walk around (FINALLY, I’ve been kinda bedridden- and my head isn’t being a little jerk for once), I can work on this, YAY! I’m COMPLETELY out of practice. I‘m sorry if it will su-… be a bit bad. Maybe a bit OOC?

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

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

Gingerbread.

Akko loved gingerbread.

She loved it so much, the desert being a close second only to her precious umeboshi, and that was certainly something considering how much she adored the sour treats.

She loved the refreshing, minty (?) scent of the ginger, she loved how multiple shapes and structures could be constructed by such deliciously edible cookies… bread… cookie-bread. (Akko scratched her head, still trying to unlock the secrets to that one.)

Akko could easily and quite vividly reminisce on her memories, triggered by the gingerbread: A cozy fire back in japan, a log cabin that was a Christmas vacation house for her family, sitting on her papa’s lap as her mother sang her carols and gave her hot chocolate with marshmallows floating in her cup, nearly spilling out- Yes she loved that too, by the way.

Usually, she would relive these memories each Christmas with her family, a small corner of her childhood always tucked away in her heart and opened up during the Merry holidays; quite like a Christmas tree and its décor being stored away and set up each year. It was one tradition she would never replace with anything, and it was just that special considering Akko wasn’t known for being a traditional maiden at all.

… but well…

Who’s to say tradition can’t be broken? (Obviously not Akko, being the number one tradition breaker, citing incidents is of no need.)

And here sat Akko, well, lay Akko, on her bedroom floor, beside their desks that had cookies situated on top amongst all the messy clumps of paper and books; brown and red all over her body in an abstract mix of colors, which was putting it nicely. Putting it bluntly-

“You look like someone dumped buckets of brown and red paint all over you after tripping.” Sucy snidely remarked, stifling a laugh as she simply watched her girlfriend writhe in who-knows-what kind of pain.

The pair were alone in their room as Lotte had gone out to bond with Barbara over the special Christmas edition release of Nightfall, Hannah tagging along. The rest of the gang were doing whatever and the couple decided to spend some… “quality time” together and let their affections grow.

“Gee, thanks.” Akko barked through gritted teeth, not exactly feeling those said affections at the moment. “And whose fault do you think it is that I’m like this?!” She growled, her pearly whites digging into the skin of her lip, drawing a bit of blood.

“Yours?” Sucy replied with extreme nonchalance.

“YOURS!” Akko groaned feeling another bubble in her stomach pop. “What the hell is this?!”

“I honestly don’t know.” Sucy shrugged, kneeling down beside her fallen roommate and wiping the sweat off her brow. “If I knew which potion I knocked in by accident, you wouldn’t be in that kind of pain as I would have already known how to cure you.”

“Ugh!” Akko could feel the tears coming, and despite being quite confident in her bravery and astounding pain tolerance, it wasn’t really something she could be proud of as it didn’t help to quell the pain in her abdomen.

“So I may have used poison instead of sugar.” Sucy said not guilty at all, having baked the favorite treats of her lover as a christmas gift ( Lotte’s Suggestion) . Though she wasn’t sure if Akko’s feelings towards the pastry would remain the same after this traumatic experience.

“YOU WHAT?!”

“Okay, okay, I’ll help you now.” Sucy grinned, assisting Akko in sitting up against the bed as she was instructed to breathe in and out slowly.

“You mean you weren’t?!”

“I am now.” Sucy chuckled and Akko would have hit her if it were possible. “Now, to know what substance is in you right now, I need to ask a few questions.” Sucy explained, opening her potion and poison manual.

“Oh, please do.”

“Would you rather I not?”

“PLEASE.”

“You sounded pretty sarcastic-“

“Sucy.” Akko got out without shouting, a hand that was previously on her stomach, uselessly trying to assuage the pain, gripped Sucy’s pale one and it was then that the girl realized Akko was as pale as her and not at all alright.

“So even someone like you can’t take this kind of poison, huh?” Sucy’s tone had worry laced in it now, squeezing Akko’s hand back. “I’m sorry.” Her eyes turned downcast now, heart suddenly revving its engine and beating strongly as she realized just how much Akko was in danger. “I’m sor-“

“You can apologize after I’m better, jerk.” A playful Akko grinned through her hurting. “That’s not exactly important and I should be used to your horrible methods of tortu- teasing.” She grinned, shakily bringing their linked hands to her cold lips, kissing the back of Sucy’s hand. “I’ll seriously hold you to it.”

With a nod, the mushroom enthusiast went on with her inquiry. “How do you feel? What are your symptoms?” This was more than just one of her experiments on Akko to learn about potions. She usually checked any before giving them to the brunette anyway after deeming them “safe enough” for Akko’s personal intake.

“I feel like there are a ton of giant metal… bubbles, growing and popping against my stomach walls, and I kinda wanna let it out, but I can’t?” Akko tried to draw out her feelings in words as much as she could.

“Maybe you’re just constipated?” Sucy suddenly found herself able to joke again after Akko’s reassurance.

“HA.HA. Real funny.”

“Thanks, I hear mushrooms help people have dry humor.” Sucy replied, not batting an eyelash, hand now pressing down on Akko’s belly while looking through her archives.

“Because they become more delusional and wack?” Akko threw back, preferring this type of distraction from the pain, even if it meant bantering with her girlfriend.

“Say that again and you won’t be having any cuddles or affection.” Sucy threatened half-heartedly.

“Like you give them easily at all!” Akko retorted, now full-on smiling.

“Anything else?” Sucy gave in for once, and Akko was pleasantly shocked.

“Is this because I’m in bad condition?” Akko asked curiously.

“What?” Sucy looked at her incredulously, the sudden question catching her off guard and puzzling her at the suddenness of it all.

“You let me win our little thing just now?”

“Little thing?” Sucy parroted, eyes not leaving her list as she dutifully searched still.

“Our… usual… arguments..?” It felt weird calling it that as Akko felt it was anything but that. “Banter?”

“Ah.” Sucy said in realization. Quieting for a moment and that left Akko to wonder if she had done it subconsciously. “Don’t expect it to happen too often.” She whispered. Akko quirked a brow, a smirk playing across her once-in-pain features.

“Ohohoho… maybe I should be in pain more often then?”

“Scratch that,” Sucy cut off, a deadpanned glare directed at Akko. “Don’t expect it to happen again at all.”

“Why not? I could get what I want for once~” Akko sang, finding a weakness of Sucy, finally, that she could use against her.

“Well, If you’re that willing… be my guest.”

Suddenly Akko felt a chill run up her spine as Sucy gave her a once-over.

“I have no qualms with that, we can have it arranged.”

Akko’s grin dropped as she quieted down, terrified of whatever possibilities hid behind that expression of her girlfriend. “On second thought, let’s not.” She backed out rather quickly and silence resumed between the two roommates once more.

After a few minutes, Akko’s sweat accumulating on her brow once more from the pain, she heard a frustrated sigh come from her companion.

“Sucy?” She called.

“Why can’t I find it?! Nothing seems to match the description.” She scratched her head, messing up her usual smooth hairdo. “How can I help you? I don’t even know what’s wrong- and I… I thought…”

“Shh…” Akko pulled Sucy into a weak side hug. “You’re trying. I know you are. It’s not like we can’t take our time. I’m… I’m a strong girl!” Akko said in a silly voice, and as she gazed into Sucy’s eyes, the girl in a rare giggling fit, Akko was reminded of how much Sucy loved her, enough to have a few tears sitting at the corners of her eyes.

Smiling at that, feeling an overwhelming pleasant warmth, Akko leaned forward, planting a kiss on Sucy’s forehead.

“I know you can do it.”

Sucy simply nodded, once gain baffled by her girlfriend’s believing heart and amazing encouragement skills. “I’ll do it. Just you watch me.”

Despite saying that, no results were gleaned and Akko was now on the brink of passing out from the pain that wasn’t going away at all. Sucy looked like she was about to rip her hair out.

“H-hey, Sucy? Maybe we should ask a professor-?”

“Just a bit more Akko.” Sucy replied stubbornly. “Just a bit mo-“

The door swung open and in hopped a float-y and grinning Lotte, bags and bags of merchandise hanging on her arms. She noticed after a bit the state of her room, and her roommates and cocked her head in worried confusion.

“What is…?”

“Accidentally put poison instead of sugar, I think.” Sucy explained briefly and Lotte just continued to stare, unnerving Akko and Sucy.

“And?”

“I can’t seem to find which poison.” Sucy rolled her eyes.

“If you said you mistook it for sugar, can’t you just… I don’t know…” Lotte spoke, placing her things away and sitting with her best friends as she stated in a matter-a-fact way. “Look for a poison that looks like sugar?”

…

A loud slap was heard in the room and Sucy’s forehead was as red as the random parts of Akko’s body.

“Ugh!” The couple groaned.

“Oh, you’re really starting to become more and more like a couple in unity.” Lotte clapped as Sucy finally found the poison and made the cure.

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

As they lay in bed, Sucy sleeping over on Akko’s, as it had become a… tradition of sorts for them to sleep together, sleeping on one’s bed on certain days and such, the Filipina couldn’t help but ask.

“Still love Gingerbread?” She asked teasingly. “If you do, you’re some masochist… or maybe immune to trauma.” Sucy jested, she knew Akko was anything but that, but what’s a little fun after a problematic day?

Akko shifted from her position, lying beside Sucy and faced her with her own grin. “Do I still love you after all that?” She shot back and Sucy couldn’t help but blush, obviously knowing the answer. Akko nodded, the red glow on Sucy’s face visible even in the dim lighting. “I guess we both know the answer then.” Akko laughed as she turned back to her original position.

There was a shift beside her and her droopy eyes opened wide as Sucy lay atop her, placing a small kiss on her lips before hiding in Akko’s chest.

“I love you too… idiot.

“I love you too Jerk.”

 Merry Christmas LIZ!

A/N: Soooo? How was it? SO SO SO SO? I hven’t written in a while so I barely… know my abilities… ;-; I hoped y’all enjoyed? So anyone else wanna send a prompt can.. do it since well... yeah. I hope to post 12 of these. Soon. I only got 2-3 tho. hahhha... Thank you for reading still from this lousy author. Thank you!

~Shintori Khazumi!

[ibelieveinahappilyeverafter]

I have to admit, I was at a bit of a loss on what to do for this one, but I think it turned out rather well! I also played around with the Andrew POV since I know you guys love that one a lot. Enjoy!!

Wondering what that blocked out part is? It’s a secret phrase that’s unlocked when you support my Patreon! If you send me a prompt with that secret phrase then your drabble has a chance of being done as soon as I can get to it - usually that same day! Want to see the drabbles I’ve done so far? Just check out the Patreon Drabbles tag! I also give away these secret code words every week or so! So many chances to see what YOU want written! ::

“Mon cher, I’m not sure how good of an idea this is.” Andrew could freely admit that there were quite a few things he would do for his sweet mate - the list was ridiculously extensive at this point in his life - but this? This was pushing it even for him. “You do remember when your friends visited, don’t you?”

“Yeah, and that went great!” The harsh sounds of strings being plucked in a discordant rhythm had Andrew struggling to hide a wince at the awful, grating sounds that blasted through his head. Vidya was just as upset as him, it seemed. “C’mon, it’ll only be for an hour or two. They’ve been in the Ghost Zone before, so they won’t be weird about things!”

“Mon cher-” Ah, Andrew couldn’t do it. He couldn’t say no when Danny was hovering in front of him with such an earnest, innocent expression on his face. Oh, Andrew could say no and Danny would accept it, but even that thought rubbed him the wrong way. “I suppose having your parents visit Vidya for an hour or so won’t be too bad.”

“Yes! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I promise you won’t regret it!” Andrew barely had time to register the sensation of chapped lips catching on his own before Danny was off in a show of speed and strength that still left him breathless some days. Taking a deep breath, Andrew had to keep himself from wincing as the screeching notes played in his head once more.

“I know, Vidya, I know.” Placing a palm against one of the library walls, Andrew felt his lips tug into a smile at the unique sense of energy he felt pulse into him. “This is important to all of them. You know how scared Danny was about letting them know his secret.” That had been a few weeks that Andrew had never wanted to go through again.

Still. Danny was starting college, his friends were settling into the lives they would one day lead, peace had been made with Plasmius, and the Fentons had been told everything. All the way back to the beginning in that small science classroom where three young college students had dared to dream of the impossible. There were now no longer any secrets between the Fentons. Andrew had been so proud… Terrified, of course, but so proud. “I’m willing to put myself through far too much for his sake.”

Vidya’s light, airy plucking showed she very much agreed, irritation fading away into a warm sense of amusement that reminded him of a warm hand ruffling his hair and the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. “Just an hour or two.” Jack and Maddie knew him as Andrew Riter, Danny’s high school tutor and boyfriend, but… They were only recently coming to learn of the Ghostwriter.

It would be fine. Just a brief tour around Vidya so they could see how an average ghost’s lair looked, maybe a small lunch, and then the two would be back to their lab. What was the worst that could happen?

::

“I’m… I’m not sure how comfortable I feel right now.” Staring at the two jump-suited figures fawning over every inch of Vidya, Andrew glanced to the jump-suited figure that remained at his side. “Their reactions very much remind me of someone else, you know.”

“I was not this creepy about it.” Oh, good, Danny seemed to be regretting this decision himself. Maddie and Jack, at least, looked like they were enjoying themselves - especially so when it came to sticking their hands through things to see themselves phase through it. “Hey, how come that never happens when I’m around here in human form?”

“A sense of will, I would imagine.” Oh, good. Danny’s confused look meant Andrew could focus more on teaching than… He didn’t want to know what Jack and Maddie were doing. “When you’re in Vidya, you feel completely safe, yes?” At the nod, Andrew smiled. “You react to that by allowing yourself to be physical so you can interact with everything. I imagine in other places, your constant sense of danger being everywhere makes it so you can’t relax yourself as much.”

“Hey! I-” Danny paused, mouth shutting with an audible little click. “I can’t really argue on that, can I?” Withholding a laugh, Andrew quickly brushed his lips across Danny’s cheek before walking over to check on the two humans in his lair.

“You have such an amazing collection, Andrew!” Ah, he wasn’t surprised she had found the science books - or perhaps it would have been more accurate to say that the science books had found her. “Some of these are even recently published!”

“Vidya tends to work a little differently than most libraries.” Yes, Andrew bought a large amount of the books himself, but some of them… Well, it was best to let Vidya have her own secrets. “If…” Deep breath, Riter. This was Danny’s family. “If you want to borrow a few-”

“Really?” Ah, so that’s where Danny had got his excited expression from. He would have sworn it would have come from Jack, but Maddie’s smile was so much like the same one Andrew had first seen on Danny when offering the same. It made him much more sure of his decision.

“Just please be careful with them. They’re not as fragile as some books since they soak up the energy of Vidya, but I’d still rather not have them damaged.”

“I’ll take the utmost care of them.” Yes. Maddie was a good woman to trust. Jack… Andrew would wait a bit longer to form an opinion on Jack. Maybe a few decades longer. “You know, I’ve heard Jazz mention a few of the more ghostly books…”

Sighing, Andrew held up his hand, his aura swirling around to gather in his palm before he threw it out to gather the books he needed, allowing Vidya to guide him to the correct selections. A moment of focused thought and a few dozen were floating around their heads, Andrew glancing them all over with a nod. “These I would prefer to not leave Vidya, but you’re welcome to look at them as much as you like.”

Setting the books down gently across an assortment of tables, Andrew was utterly unsurprised to see Maddie and Jack almost tackle the poor things. Maybe he should… “Relax, Andy. They’ll be careful.” Ah… The need to jealously guard his books was already lessening, Andrew shifting to reposition his weight and lean back into the young man wrapped around his shoulders. “I didn’t think you’d show them the ghostly books, though.”

“Yes, well…” All of Andrew’s attention was entirely caught. It was so easy to get caught up in Danny’s entire being. It wasn’t just his appearance - cute as that may be - that attracted him, but the very being of who Danny was. Twisting his hand back to cup one of Danny’s cheeks, Andrew shifted just enough to place a kiss to the corner of his lips. It wasn’t even a moment before Danny was in front of him and kissing him properly, Andrew amused at the fact he wasn’t sure if the younger had teleported or not. “You know, I imagine they’ll be quite busy for some time.”

“Mhm.” Danny’s cheeks were already flushed, eyes dazed and entire expression coated with a serene, peaceful look. It had Andrew cupping his cheeks and drawing him back in, kissing him longer and deeper than was probably appropriate with the boy’s parents right there. “They probably won’t look up for hours.”

“Indeed.” Sharing the same breath, Andrew had to wonder how easy it would be to just press the teen up against one of the bookshelves and… Ah, his sweet halfa would look so delicious with his skin tone contrasted against some of the darker books in the library.

“I’m sure we could find something to fill up the time with…” Studying Danny’s expression and taking in a million little details, Andrew mentally sighed and pushed the fantasy to the side. Another time, perhaps. “I have just the idea, too.”

Catching the hand that drifted to the low collar of his shirt, Andrew felt himself trying to fight back a smile as he leaned closer. “Riter cookies?”

“Heck yeah!” He loved this little brat far too much. “C’mon, c’mon, we haven’t made any together in ages! Let’s go, let’s go!” Andrew as left near reeling as Danny pushed himself off of him and shot towards the kitchen with the same speed he always seemed to carry, Andrew’s laughter falling into tune perfectly with a short, cheery jingle that weaved through his very thoughts.

“Oui, je l’aime aussi.” That was one thing that would never change no matter what secrets came to light, he supposed. He would always love Danny. “You had better not burn my kitchen down!” Leaving Jack and Maddie alone for a few hours wouldn’t hurt too much, really. Besides, there were all sorts of fun things to do in the kitchen.

[thespian-wallflower]

Will meets Portia (SR! Fanfic)

(Something Rotten! Frat Boy AU fanfic. Will Shakespeare meets young Portia Brooks after an accident during her hockey game. Will is fond of her, but he’s worried about what can’t be controlled.)

If there was one thing Will hated, it was finishing English homework in his otherwise empty dorm room. He didn’t have the attention span for assigned reading, especially with a frat party scheduled for tonight. He had flopped on his bed, and had unsuccessfully tried to read it from all different angles: on his stomach, flat on his back, on his back with his legs propped against the wall, curled up on his side, hanging off the bed upside-down. Nothing was working. He finally sat up, cross-legged, wishing he could be writing or doing anything else. He was about three sentences in when his phone buzzed, breaking the mundane silence.

Will let out a yawn before lifting his vibrating cellphone. Bea was on the other end.

Her tone was calm, but he could tell that she was tense.“Hi, Will. You busy?”

“Not at the moment,” Will said, glancing down at his book. “Why do you ask, darling?”

“One of Nigel’s classmates had a tooth knocked out during her hockey game today.”

He straightened up attentively. “Oh, shit. Is she alright?”

“Well, she’s holding up. She just finished her root canal.”

Will shook his head. “Poor kid. That must be awful.”

“If she’s in pain, she’s not showing it.” Bea paused for a moment before getting back on track. “Can I ask a favor of you?”

“Ask away.”

“Could you please pick up some chew-able takeout for her? Italian or Chinese food or something? We’d really appreciate it.”

Will paused, thinking about it. He hadn’t left his dorm room all weekend, and he was itching for something to do before the party. He’d never met this girl, but he wanted to help. “Aren’t you going to take her home?”

“No, her father is out of town. We need to figure out who she’ll be staying with for the night.”

“Should I pick up enough for everyone?”

“Just enough for her is fine.”

“You sure? It wouldn’t be any trouble.”

Bea smiled at his generosity. “I’m sure. Meet us at the dental office.”

“Will do. Bye, dear.”

Will hung up and checked the clock on his phone screen. It was five-thirty. The party would be starting around ten. Plenty of time. Hastily, he threw on a light blue hoodie and stuffed the cell phone into the pocket of his jeans. Usually he dressed in nicer clothes before going out in public, but he was in a rush. Will grabbed his car keys and quickly strode out the door.

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

Half an hour later, Will pulled into the parking lot of the dental office. He shuddered as he remember his wisdom teeth removal, which had taken place here during his Sophomore Year of college. He remembered very little, but it wasn’t a pleasant experience. He had survived on canned soup and jell-o, and the pain was almost unbearable. He had spent hours on the couch in Nick’s apartment, crying silently as he tried his best to ignore the physical torment.

That had been only last year. He winced at the thought of this young girl going through the same thing. Maybe it would be worse. A root canal. God, he could only imagine…

The aroma of the Italian food in the bags next to him was enticing, even though he didn’t eat takeout much anymore. Even though Bea had suggested otherwise, Will had purchased enough food for all of them. He wanted to do something special for the girl (Portia was her name, apparently), so he had texted Nigel and asked him if she liked garlic bread. Portia did, in fact, like garlic bread. So Will bought an order of it, just for her. Even thought he would have to leave right away, the least he could do was buy dinner for everyone.

There was an empty spot at the far end of the lot. It was a Saturday, so it was relatively full. Will parked the car, grabbed the bag with Portia’s order (which included the bread and baked ziti, per Nigel’s recommendation) and walked across the lot toward the front entrance. The November air was chilly enough that a thin trail of steam gently rose from the takeout bag. Whoever Portia was, he hoped this would cheer her up.

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“I hope our team won the game.” Portia mumbled, pressing the ice pack to her mouth again. Her front tooth had been successfully replaced, to the relief of the Bottom brothers and the med student.

Nigel held her hand. He hadn’t let go of it since they left the ice arena. Well, he had to during the surgery. But other than that, he was determined to keep her company. He had only known Portia for about a year, but she was his best friend.

“That should be the least of your worries,” Nick said. He did his best to stay lighthearted, but he was petrified. Bea was in the corner of the waiting room, on the phone with Jeremiah again. The surgery had to be approved by him, and he was furious when he found out about his daughter’s accident. The med student took full responsibility for it and was doing her best to keep him calm.

Bea walked over, solemnly. Nick glanced at her, waiting to hear what Jeremiah had to say, now that the procedure was over. Bea took no notice of him, and instead focused on Portia.

“Is Dad mad at me?” Her blue eyes were wide.

“No, sweetie. It’s not your fault. That puck flew in out of nowhere, remember?”

Portia frowned. “Barely. I blacked out.”

“We know. You just kinda collapsed.” Nigel nodded, as if agreeing with himself. “I jumped out of my seat, it was so scary. But now you’re better, and everything’s alright.” He smiled, and Portia smiled back.

While Nigel and Portia talked, Nick pulled Bea to the far end of the waiting room. “What did Jeremiah say?”

“Well, he’s angry. He can’t come home until tomorrow morning. But he says Portia can stay with me for the night.”

“Did you tell him I was at the game?”

Bea raised an eyebrow. “No. Not that a detail like that would matter. What’s he going to think, that somehow you and Nigel caused that puck to hit her?”

“You know that we never go to Portia’s games, because he’s almost always there. The one time we can watch her play- BAM! Her teeth get knocked out. He’ll find some way to blame us.”

“We can’t waste time worrying about it right now. All we can do is be there for her, and hope for the best when Jeremiah comes home.” She smiled when she saw Portia and Nigel laughing and joking about something. “She’s a fighter.”

“She is.” Nick smiled, admiring Portia’s strength from afar. For someone who constantly had to nurture his sickly little brother during their youth, an encounter with a girl who didn’t complain after an accident was surprising.

Without warning, Will strutted into the waiting room, giving Nick a two-fingered salute and his usual vibrant smile. Nick returned the smile and rushed over to meet him. They kissed briefly. They could feel disapproving stares from the other patients in the waiting room, but they didn’t care.

“Will, what are you doing here? Not that I’m not thrilled to see you.”

Cleaning his throat and putting on an act, Will suddenly held up the bag of takeout as if it were a very important package. “I have a delicious delivery for a young lady by the name of Portia. Is she here?” Will pretended to scan the room, looking for her, even though he knew she was sitting with the Bottoms and Bea.

Confused, Portia let go of Nigel’s hand and gently raised her arm. Her other hand supported the ice pack.

“Ah, so this is Portia. It’s a pleasure to meet you, dear. I’m Will, Nick’s boyfriend.” He bowed slightly, giving her free hand a kiss. Nick rolled his eyes, and Portia turned bright red.

“Nice to meet you, too,” she said with a shy smile. “Sorry you have to see me like this. I got hit by a hockey puck during my game today.” She shrugged, a hint of pink still visible on her cheeks.

“I heard all about it. Bea asked me to cheer you up by bringing you some food.” He held the bag out, and Portia took it gratefully.

Her eyes gleamed as she peeked inside the takeout bag. “Is this baked ziti and garlic bread?” Her stomach growled, and she remembered that she hadn’t eaten anything since before the game.

“Nigel told me it’s your favorite.”

“It is!” She smiled at Nigel, and looked back at Will. “Thank you so much for this!”

“Only the best for you, love.” He gave her a charming smile and kissed her hand again.

Portia looked like she might faint. Instead, she turned away, hoping to hide her blush. Satisfied, Will walked over to Bea and whispered, “There’s food for everyone in my car.”

“Will, you didn’t have to do that.”

“Too late. I did. Now you can all have dinner together.” He smiled, waiting for a sign that he had done the right thing.

Bea gave Will a hug in thanks. “Why don’t you join us?”

“Yeah, c’mon!” Portia smiled, exposing her replaced teeth.

Will smiled back, even though he was mildly disgusted by the sight of her teeth. “I’d love to, but there’s a frat party in a few hours that I really don’t want to miss.”

He jumped suddenly as he felt arms wrap around his waist from behind. He turned to face the culprit, only to be greeted by a kiss from Nick.

“Come with us,” Nick said softly, playfully rocking his boyfriend back and forth. “You drove all the way out here. Just stay for an hour or two.”

Will shrugged. “Alright. But it’ll be a brief visit.”

“We’ll have a big, sorta-kinda family dinner,” Bea said with a chuckle. She turned to the kids and said, “Guys, we’re having dinner at the Bottoms’ apartment.”

“Sounds fun!” Portia said happily. She and Nigel stood, and followed Bea to the parking lot. Will followed close behind, until Nick gently pulled him back.

“I need to tell you something about Portia. It’s important.”

Will tried to smile, but Nick’s eyes were serious. “Is it bad?”

“Sort of. I’ll explain later.” Nick paused before rubbing Will’s shoulders flirtatiously. “You should wear this hoodie more often. It matches your eyes exactly.”

Will’s heart fluttered as he took Nick’s hand and followed the rest of the group. “Duly noted. I’ll drive.”

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Nick motioned for Will to follow him into his bedroom. He closed the door as Will flopped onto his bed. They could hear Bea and the kids clattering around in the kitchen, “preparing” dinner. Not that much preparation was needed.

“Haven’t been in your bed in ages,” Will said, giving Nick a flirtatious smirk. “When was the last time? Last week?”

Nick folded his arms. “Can you be serious for five seconds?”

Yawning, Will stretched out until his body occupied the entire surface of the bed. “That’s pushing it. Maybe two seconds.”

With no warning, Nick decided to drop the news. “Portia’s last name is Brooks.”

“Brooks?” Will anxiously scratched at the stubble on his chin. “Why does that sound familiar?”

“Jeremiah Brooks. He’s her father.”

Will’s eyes went cold as he sat up and stared at Nick, looking for some sign that he was joking. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Nick nodded. “I knew Jeremiah had a daughter, but I didn’t think she and Nigel were this close in age. They’ve been classmates since last year.”

“That little girl is the offspring of that religious headcase? You can’t be serious.”

“Hard to believe, right? She and Nigel have been best friends since they met. They’re in the same English class, and they hit it off on day one. It’s crazy.”

“She’s nothing like her father.”

“Nope.”

There was a pause, before Will asked, “Think she’ll ever become him?”

Nick lowered himself onto the mattress and sighed. “Only time will tell. She’s a nice girl, though. It isn’t likely.” There was a faint glimmer of hope in Nick’s voice, but Will could tell that he had been wondering the same thing. “We should treat her well, and hope for the best.”

Will flopped back onto the bed and stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Nick smiled down at him reassuringly, and played with a lock of his hair. “Penny for your thoughts?”

Not wanting to talk about what was really on his mind, Will brought up a less important concern. “Should I stay for dinner? I don’t want to miss this party, but…” He paused when he heard Portia and Nigel’s laughter coming from the kitchen. He smiled, and Nick got the picture.

“Well…” Nick flopped beside him, also staring at the blank ceiling. “You only just started your Junior Year. There’ll be other parties, right?”

“I suppose.”

“And the food you bought is really gooooood,” Nick said teasingly, scooting over and bumping Will with his shoulder.

Will playfully shoved him away. “You know I don’t eat that stuff anymore.”

“You could. When was the last time we had a big, sorta-kinda family dinner like this?” he asked, repeating Bea’s words.

“Fine. You’ve convinced me,” Will said with a smile, rolling over to face his boyfriend.

“Good,” Nick replied, pressing his forehead to Will’s. “And even if Portia does change as she grows older, she’ll have fond memories to look back on. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

Will wrinkled his nose and backed away. “Ew, that’s such an overused expression. Even for you.”

Nick chuckled. “Shut up. You know what I mean. We can’t control how she’ll turn out, but we can make her happy now.”

“Good point.” There was another moment of silence before Will flashed a flirtatious smile. “Know what would make me happy?”

“What?” Nick asked, inching closer, knowing exactly where this was going.

Will pulled him in, and they shared a few open mouth kisses before Bea knocked on the door and said “Dinner’s ready, lovebirds.”

“We’re having a meeting!” Nick called, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Will was a great kisser, but a bit sloppy sometimes.

“Is that what it’s called?” Bea asked sarcastically. They could hear Nigel and Portia giggling outside the door.

“Be right out,” Nick replied, as he and Will slowly rose to join them for dinner.

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“My favorite role, by far, was the Cat in the Hat in Seussical. I’d just turned eighteen, and it was my Senior Year. When I tried on the costume for the first time during tech week, I almost cried.”

“Why?” Portia asked, completely engrossed in his theatre story.

Back on campus, the frat party was in full swing. In the Bottoms’ apartment, Will found himself nearing the end of an intense game of Monopoly. Nick, Bea, and Portia had already gone bankrupt, and were surrounding the final showdown between Will and Nigel.

Nigel leaned over and moved his battleship piece across the board. He landed on the Go square and collected two-hundred Monopoly dollars from Bea, who had agreed to be the banker. Will took a sip from his large glass of orange juice and continued.

“Well, it was a role that I had only imagined myself playing. A dream role. And when I finally put on the costume and officially became that character, it was overwhelming.” Will smiled nostalgically as he rolled the dice.

“That’s the perfect role for you,” Bea stated. “I can totally see it.”

Portia’s eyes sparkled with wonder. “Yeah, it sounds cute! Was it as fun as you hoped it would be?”

“Oh, it was so much fun. They painted cat whiskers and a black nose on my face and everything. Good times.” Will picked up a Community Chest card and smiled. “I’ve won second prize in a beauty contest.” He winked at Nick, and showed the card to Bea. She nodded and passed him ten dollars.

Portia sighed. “I wish I could do theatre. My dad won’t let me.”

“No?” Will asked, pretending to be surprised. He moved his Scottie around the board, and groaned when he landed on the Go to Jail square.

“Nope. He says theatre is unnatural.” She shrugged. “I don’t understand it. He loves the stories in the Bible, and theatre is just another way to tell stories. There’s nothing wrong with it.”

Nigel’s eyes lit up. “Hey, you should join the writing club at school! We write the spring play for the drama club every year.” He bounced a little in his seat as he spoke. Everyone else was listening. “That way, you can still be part of the show, even if you aren’t allowed to perform.”

When he realized everyone was watching him, Nigel lowered his eyes. “Never mind, it sounds stupid,” he mumbled, rolling the dice again.

“It’s not stupid, Nigel.” Nick ruffled his brother’s curly hair. “Stop being hard on yourself.”

Portia grinned. “That’s a great idea! Maybe I can ask my dad.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to try.” Will rolled the dice, and his Scottie was still stuck in jail. “Damn, I’m gonna be in here forever. Anyway, yeah. Nigel’s full of great ideas.”

“It’s part of the reason why he’s my best friend.” She rested her head against his shoulder, and Nigel shrugged with the other.

“Aw, Portia. I just want you to be happy.”

“I am happy.” She smiled at everyone around the table. “Only you guys could make a root canal this much fun.” Everyone laughed.

She rested her chin in her hands, and grinned admiringly at Will. “Any more theatre stories?”

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    Time passed quickly as the game progressed, and Will was happy, for the most part. But he couldn’t help but wonder how Jeremiah had produced a girl like Portia. He found himself worrying about her, and her life at home. What was Jeremiah teaching her behind closed doors? Would she somehow evolve from a caring child into a hateful bigot?

After a few more turns, Will ended up landing on Park Place. “Oh, I’m done.” He started clearing off the few houses and hotels he had left.

Nigel glanced down at the property card. “But the rent is-”

“More than I can afford.” He smiled. “Good game, kid.”

“It was fun to watch,” Portia said before letting out a yawn.

Bea stood and started to pull on her sweatshirt. “Ready to head out, Portia?”

“Head out? Where?”

“You’re spending the night with me. Your father said it’s alright.” She pulled her car keys out of her pocket. Portia didn’t move.

“Already?” Portia’s eyelids fluttered, but she tried her best to stay awake. “C’mon. I’m not even tired.”

Will chuckled, and Bea raised an eyebrow. “You’re a lousy liar.”

“Okay, so maybe I’m a little tired.” She glanced at Nigel to see if he was still awake. His head was resting on the table, and he was starting to drift off.

Bea started to say goodbye to everyone around the table. “Goodnight, Nigel,” she said, placing a kiss on his cheek.

Portia rose from the table and joined Bea. “Bye, Nick. Bye, Nigel.”

Nick smiled and gave a little wave. “Feel better soon.”

She giggled. “I’ll do my best. Thanks for the pasta, Will. It was nice meeting you.”     “You’re welcome, dear.”

And as the door closed, the evening was over. The room was silent, aside from Nigel’s gentle snoring. Nick gave a sigh of relief before he truly took notice of his sleeping brother.

He gently lifted him from the chair until he could feel Nigel’s curls brush his neck. Nigel was thirteen and close to being fully grown, but Nick wanted to carry him for as long as possible. “I’m gonna get this guy to bed,” he whispered.

“Have fun,” Will smirked, clearing the board game and pieces off the table. As he put everything away, it dawned on him that he hadn’t thought once about the frat party. All that had mattered to him was the here, and now. Will hadn’t had a real “family” dinner in a long time, and he was grateful that he wasn’t expected to control any rowdy children this time around. He loved his family, but the pressure they put on him was unbelievable. It was one of the reasons why he decided to attend school away from home.

The whole evening seemed too good to be true. Maybe it was.

Nick came back a few minutes later. “Nigel may be tall, but he’s light as hell. Hopefully I’ll be able to carry him for a while.” He collapsed on the couch, and Will sat beside him.

“The boy doesn’t gain weight. You don’t need to worry.”

“I’m his older brother. It’s my job.”

“Fair enough.” Will scratched at his stubble, which he only did when he was nervous. Nick picked up on it immediately.

“What’s wrong?”

“Portia’s a sweet kid.” His stare was blank, completely void of emotion.

“And that’s a problem because…?”

“I don’t know.” Will shook his head slowly, and his voice cracked. “It seems a little too good to be true.” He cleared his throat. “I mean, look at her father.”

Noticing that Will was getting increasingly upset, Nick attempted to lighten the mood. “I try not to.”     That was enough to set him off. “This is serious, Nick! I don’t want her to turn out like him!” Will’s eyes welled with tears.

Nick eyed his boyfriend, concerned. Will hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol all day, so these sudden emotions were far from ordinary. “Will, what’s gotten into you?”

“I’ve seen what parents do to their children, Nick!” He stomped his foot for emphasis, and Nick jumped. “Whether they try to or not, they shape them. And if Jeremiah keeps using hatred around Portia, and teaching her that it’s alright...then…” He broke down.

Nick wrapped his arms around Will, hugging him from behind, and pulled him down until they were both staring up at the ceiling, worrying about Portia. Will’s gentle sobs were the only sound in the small apartment.

After a few minutes, Will impatiently wiped his tears away with the back of his hand, and spoke in a shaky voice.

“I can’t sit by and let it happen.”

“Oh, Will…” Nick leaned down and kissed the top of his head. “Who said we’re sitting by? Nigel says she’s the best friend he’s ever had.”

“That’s Nigel.” Will sniffled. “What about us?”

“Y’know, Jeremiah doesn’t have to be the only adult figure in Portia’s life. And he isn’t.” Nick ran his fingers through Will’s hair as he listed a few examples. “She has her teachers, her hockey coaches, and us.”

“I just met her today.”

“And she loves you. I know that was an intense Monopoly game you were playing with Nigel, but did you see her expression when you were telling her stories about theatre? She admires you. It’s not like her father can provide stories like that for her.”

Tears continued to run down Will’s face, creating familiar black streaks of eyeliner.

“And I’m glad you decided not to take off and go to your frat party. That alone means a lot to her.” Nick wrapped his arms around Will a bit tighter. “Think of it like this. Jeremiah’s out of town for the weekend, right? He wasn’t there for Portia’s big game.”

“Uh-huh.”

“You had the opportunity to go to a party. Instead, you chose to have dinner with us, and make her feel better.” Nick wiped away one of Will’s tears and smiled. “The little things matter. Who is she more likely to idolize, you or him?”

Will reflected on Nick’s words, and found himself agreeing with him. By staying with her and showing how much he cared, he made her unfortunate accident a little brighter. Fond memories, even small ones, were bound to last longer than any hateful teachings her father would dish out. He sniffled again. “Well, when you put it like that…”     “Exactly. And she’s fourteen. If she’s like any other teenager, she’s starting to develop ideas of her own.”

“Right.” Will pulled out a tissue and wiped his nose with it. “I hate crying in front of you.”

Nick rocked Will back and forth playfully. “You do it often.”

Will rolled his eyes, half at Nick, and half at his own emotional outburst. “That doesn’t make it any less embarrassing when it happens.”

“Don’t worry about it. It shows that you care.” Nick checked the time on his phone’s lock screen. “It’s past Midnight. You heading home?”

“Um… could I stay here for the night?”

Nick raised one of his eyebrows teasingly.  He pretended to think about it. “Hmm, I don’t know…”

“Please, Nicky?” Will batted his eyelashes, and Nick was relieved to see that he was feeling better.

“Oh, alright.” Nick started to push himself up, but Will rested a hand on his thigh, signaling that he should stay put.

“Let’s sleep here. I want to savor this evening. And what you’ve taught me.”

Nick reached up to turn off the nearby lamp. As the apartment was enveloped in darkness, he planted another kiss on his boyfriend’s head. “Goodnight, Will.”

“Goodnight, Nick.” Will sighed before slipping into slumber. This alone was a small moment he was sure to remember.

[imaginary-exchanges-blog]

Kal’s Story Part 19

Tama’s Body: *he smiles and nods* Its fine. Let’s head back.

*Jade lifts everyone and floats then back. Back at the hospital*

Nova’s Body: I’ll be going to the room to rest. You guys have fun.

Tama’s Body: Yeah, rest well, okay?

Nova’s Body: Yeah. *she walks away*

Your Body: You sounds like her girlfriend.

Tama’s Body: *he pushes Scales with a smile* Screw off you dolt.

Jade: Okay, enough of that. Let’s go to the garden.

*you enter the garden, rejoining with Gold, Century, and Rose who are already training. Its seems as though its going well.*

Jade: Let’s go.

*you train until 7pm. By the end you’re all a sweaty, exhausted mess.*

Jade: We’ll reconvene in 1 and a half hours for your school lecture.

Your Body: ?! We’re still doing that?

Jade: For 2 hours. I recommend getting something caffeinated.

Jade: Dismissed!

*you all groan as you head back*

Your Body: I’m going to shower, if that’s okay with you?

Your Body: Unless you want to wipe me down~? *he winks*

Kal: *I blush profusely* Um..y’know what? That’s fine, I’ll hang around here.

Your Body: *laughs* I’m just messin with ya. Remember to go inta the guys bathroom when you shower! *he goes off*

*Everyone but Century’s Body leaves*

Century’s Body: You liiiiiiiike him.

Kal: What?

Century’s Body: Oh, nothing. *Rose saunters away, humming to herself*

Nova’s Body: Uh... I feel like I came at the wrong times

Nova’s Body: All I saw was your blush and Rose walking away.

Nova’s Body: All I saw was your blush and Rose walking away like she won the lottery.

Kal: I don’t even know what just happened, so I can’t explain it to you

Nova’s Body: Well, alright then. Shower?

-Go shower?-

Kal: I guess so

*you shower, the parts you used to not have, you try to ignore, but it feels kinda weird.*

*After the shower and everyone’s changed and goes to the dinning hall*

Torren: Hello!

Kal: You again. I guess you’ve been watching?

Nova’s Body: Torren! *she runs up to him* What are you doing here? You should go!

Torren: Nah, I’ll be fine. Besides you all need a good dinner. *he turns to you* Not particularly. I happen to be in town this week to meet a business partner. Figured I’d stop by again. I was going to talk with you earlier, but you went to shower, so I went to cook.

Torren: Ah, but don’t worry about me coming again. We met today; my business associate and I, so I’ll be leaving town tonight.

Kal: Fair enough. What did you need to talk about?

Torren: Oh, I just wanted to tell you I’d be leaving tonight, so you’ll need to make your own dinners

Kal: Well, we weren’t really expecting your dinners to begin with, but thanks for the heads up.

Torren: *he makes a weird expression that you can’t quite read but it makes everyone laugh except Tama*

Nova’s Body: Torren, what did you make?

Torren: Oh, I baked bread and lasagna, tossed some salads, made some drinks then realize you all are too young for that, made non-alcoholic drinks, and baked a cake, which is still in the oven.

Torren: So, feel free to eat up!

-Eat?-

Kal: Eat

*you eat... its freaking delicious, and everyone is enjoying it*

Tama’s Body: Where did you learn to cook?

Torren: No where in particular. I traveled a lot once I escaped, so, I got to see a lot of cultures and cooking methods. Made my living as a waiter. People bought more so-

*the door opens*

Jade: Heeeeeeeeee...ey. *he looks at us eating with Torren.* You started without me? I’m hurt! *he grins and sits next to Tama. Then he floats a plate over to himself* So, how’s everyone?

Kal: *I take a few bites of my food, waiting for someone else to speak up*

*everyone other than Tama, Torren, and Jade look uncomfortable and seemingly waiting for someone else to speak up*

Nova’s Body: Tired.

Torren: Long night?

Nova’s Body: That, and everything that’s been happening.

Jade: Understandable. A lot’s been going on.

Torren: So what’s it like being in someone else’s body?

Nova’s Body: A little strange, especially with the, uh, “thing in between.”

Torren: *He laughs and you feel everyone react in various (romantic) ways* Yeah, I can image suddenly getting one of those would be weird. *he looks at you* What about you, Kal?

Kal: *glancing between My Body and Torren* I really just try to ignore it as much as possible.

Torren: I get that.

Jade: Can you pass the bread, Tama?

Nova’s Body: *while passing the bread* Get it yourself.

Tama’s Body: So, after dinner, what is the plan, Jade?

Jade: Ah, just some lessons with me, Red, and Silver.

Torren: Don’t work them too hard.

Jade: *chuckles and winks* No guarantees.

Nova’s Body: Kal, aren’t your curious as to how much stronger Scales’ is? You should try it out, this is a once in a life time thing. *she turns to Scales* With your permission of course.

Your Body: Sure, as long as you don’t hurt yourself too much.

Nova’s Body: *Tosses you an empty soda can.* Crush it.

-Crush the can? Decline? Give one to Torren?-

Kal: Anyone can crush a can.. *looking at Nova’s Body’s, I take the can anyway*

Nova’s Body: That’s the point. We’re giving you something easy to start with then we’ll get more difficult. *She hands Torren a can* For example.

Torren: *He places the can on the table and slowly crushes it with his pinky finger.*

Nova’s Body: You’re probably stronger than what you know, so it’ll be good to understand where exactly you are. *She holds up a can and crushes it with her hand* Your turn!

Kal: *I look down at the can before crushing it in my hand*

*your hand nearly snaps down, your strength much more than what it used to be in your normal body*

Nova’s Body: Easier, huh?

Jade: As cool as this is, we should start preparing for class.

Your Body: Noooooooo...

Jade: Come on, let’s go. *he floats his empty plate to the sink* You want me to help clean up?

Torren: No, I’ve got it.

Jade: *shrugs* If you’re sure. Let’s go guys. Don’t forget to thank him.

Everyone: Thanks!

Nova’s Body: I’ll stay and help clean. I’m supposed to rest tonight, anyways.

Jade: Fair enough.

*you all head out minus Tama and Torren.*

Your Body: Should we really leave them alone?

*You realize you forgot your folder on the table*

-Go back? Leave it and hope Tama brings it to you?-

Kal: Go back

*you go back. Opening the door, you’re greeted with a peppy song*

*Torren and Tama are singing as the wash the dishes, obviously enjoying themselves.*

Kal: *I go grab my folder as silently as possible, but I can’t help looking as I go to leave, so I watch them for a second. I smile a small smile as I turn to leave.*

*the singing suddenly stops and Torren is in front of you*

Torren: ? Oh, just Kal. Ah, I hope you didn’t have to hear my awful voice. *he sings like a angel*

Nova’s Body: It, uh, probably sounded kinda weird with Nova’s voice anyways.