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chasingdreamsonariverbank · 5 months

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Carpet Burn

BOBBY X ATHENA

RATING: Age 18+ 🔞🔞🔞🔞

Words: 1,6k

CW: pwp, blowjob, sex, carpet burn, no plot, just porn SMUT... this isn't edited

SUMMARY: This is my rendition of what happened when Bathena went to the cabin after dancing and having dinner with Norman and Lola. Athena takes Bobby's offer of staying in the room.

Athena was annoyed.

She felt bad that her husband was getting the brunt of her moodiness, but she couldn’t shake this feeling. There was this constant niggling in the back of her head that she couldn’t shake. It didn’t help that she was on this godforsaken ship, actually, now that she thought about it; It was this damn ship that made her feel like her skin was crawling.

When Bobby had originally come to her with this honeymoon idea, she was happy. They hadn’t had a honeymoon, and lord knows they needed a vacation, especially after the bridge collapse that left Bobby with a painful back. The same back pain that left him spiraling down a bottle all those years ago.

Athena was on high alert.

So, when she dreamt about a childhood memory that she had forgotten, the memories of how that movie made her feel came rushing back like a tidal wave. The heaviness in her chest was severe enough that she felt like a visit to the therapist would help put her mind at ease. Most importantly, she wanted to spend time with her husband, without the burden of fear.

Except, what she got was the dismissal of her feelings, and, if she was being honest with herself, the combination of being on this ship, her husband’s back injury, and being told that her fears were irrational, rubbed Athena the wrong way. The longer she stayed on this ship, the thinner her patience became.

“Ok, I need to know what’s going on?”

Athena turned to look at Bobby who was exiting the bathroom, “I don’t know what you mean”, she responded, she knew exactly what he meant.

“Athena, I know you, even when you think I’m not paying attention, I. know. you!” Bobby sighed, “You’ve been avoiding me since we got on this ship,” he said, exasperated.

“If you know me so well, then you wouldn’t be asking what’s wrong,” she said, removing her jewelry.

Bobby felt his own annoyance bubbling to the surface, “I thought you were doing good, what changed?” he asked.

“Did you hear what that Julian guy said? The weather isn’t looking good Bobby” Athena looked at the ceiling trying to stop her tears from rolling down her face, “This is my worst nightmare, and everyone is making me feel stupid for being worried” she said, trying to avoid eye contact, “I don’t get scared, but this scares me” she continued in a much softer tone.

Bobby walked towards her, kneeling before her and taking both her hands in his. “Babe, I’m sorry. Okay?” he said, trying to get her to look at him, “I should’ve checked in with you, I know this is scary for you, but I just want to make the most of time we have” he continued.

“I know, I’m being silly, that weather warning just got to me a bit”.

Bobby smiled at her, “It’s not silly, I love you so much, I want you to enjoy this trip” he leaned forward to kiss her, taking her full soft lips between his, “Can you please tell me when you are feeling panicked?” he asked.

Athena kissed him, “Yes, I will,” she said against his lips.

“Good. Do you still want to take a midnight stroll with Lola and Norman?” Bobby asked.

Athena sighed dramatically, “Booobbbbby” she wined, “No, I really-- really don’t want to,” she said, trying to straddle him, while he was on his knees.

Bobby laughed, “Then what do you want to do?” he asked, moving to sit more comfortably, to allow her to straddle him.

“Taking you up on your earlier offer,” she said, gently nibbling on his neck and wrapping her lips around the flesh.

Bobby moaned, “Which offer?” he asked, with a smirk on his face.

Athena stopped what she was doing and started to unbutton his shirt, “Where we lock ourselves up in this room” she responded, slipping the shirt off his shoulder, and throwing it across the room.

“Hm, what will we do with all that time, Mrs. Nash”.

“I can think of a few things that require way less clothing,” Athena said with a sparkle in her eye.

His wife gently pushed him till he was flat on his back, moving down his body, she rubbed at the bulge that was forming in his trousers and made work to unbuckle his belt and remove it with his pants. Bobby’s cock sprang out of it’s confines. Athena looked at him through her lashes and wrapped a hand around the base, stroking upward and back down.

“Baby,” Bobby said, begging.

“Hm,” Athena responded wrapping her lips around the head of his cock, slowly lowering her mouth till it hit his pelvis.

It was no easy task; Athena remembered the first time she decided to go down on her husband—then boyfriend. She struggled, Bobby was big, even bigger than Michael, and it took some adjusting to get used to his size, but she was nothing if not determined to please her man.

She bobbed her head to the sounds coming from Bobby’s mouth, his moans encouraging her to go deeper and suck harder. She felt his head hit the back of her throat, and it took everything within her not to tear up and choke. She released his cock from her mouth and licked a stripe from his base up to his frenulum while stroking him.

“Athena, fuck—” he started to say, just as she swallowed him back down.

Bobby grabbed a fistful of her hair, holding her in place. While he gently thrust his hips upward. He paid attention to her hands, making sure she wasn’t tapping out. They’ve done this plenty of time's and Bobby knew what she allowed.

Athena moaned around his cock, the vibrations sending a jolt of electricity up to his lower abdomen. He groaned at the feeling and immediately pulled her off. Athena sat on her hunches and used the back of her hand to wipe the saliva from her mouth.

“Fuck, I almost came,” Bobby said with a dopey smile on his face.

Athena leaned down to kiss him, and he could taste the remnants of his pre-cum on her lips, “Why didn’t you?” she asked innocently as though she didn’t just have a mouthful of his cock a second ago.

Bobby tried to stabilize his breathing, “Because I still want to fuck you” he said, grabbing her and flipping her on her back. “This damn dress looks absolutely sinful on you,” he said, hiking the yellow material up until it was bunched around her waist. “I’ve been watching your ass bounce in it the whole day,” he said removing her underwear.

Bobby leaned down to kiss his wife, inserting two fingers into her core. He smiled to himself when he felt how wet she was for him—only him - he barely touched her and knew it was because she went down on him.

Athena moaned into his mouth when she felt him stroking her inner walls, she rotated her hips trying to get closer to him, always needing more of him. If there was one thing Athena always wanted and needed was her man.

“Bobby, baby don’t tease me,” she said, moaning when he removed his fingers and replaced them with something a bit more substantial.

The first thrust hit her G-spot with precision, the feeling made her toes curl, and her hips buck upward, the second thrust was more of a stroke, a gentle caressing of her inner walls. Bobby found a steady rhythm and moved inside her with years of knowledge, knowing exactly when to pick up speed and when to slow down. They’ve done this dance enough times but never got tired of the feel of each other. Bobby buried his face within her neck, smelling her perfume that was now mixed with the sweat of their lovemaking. It was intoxicating. A smell Bobby wished he could bottle up and carry around with him.

“I love you so much, Athena,” he said into the crook of her neck. His thrusts were beginning to be more rapid.

Athena grunted and grabbed onto his arm, “I love you too” she said, kissing him. Pulling his face impossibly closer to hers, “Harder please baby” she begged into his mouth.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said, referring to the carpet they were still lying on.

Athena’s eyes rolled to the back of her head, as Bobby thrust deeper into her, “I don’t care, it’s fine” she said, her voice cracking.

Her husband moved to lean on his elbow, using his free hand to place behind her kneecap, hiking her leg higher up, and driving into her with so much force that the smaller woman started to ride up on the carpet, “Fuck yes, Bobby” she said, meeting him thrust for thrust.

“Oh fuck, hm” she moaned, biting on her bottom lip, Bobby kissed her shoulder, sucking on the flesh and thrusting into her harder, Athena could feel the beginning of carpet burn on her arms, but she couldn’t be bothered. “I’m gonn—” Athena said, as she felt her whole body tense up, a wave of pleasure washing over her limbs as she felt that familiar and welcoming pull in her lower abdomen.

Above her, she could hear her husband groaning, his cock pulsating inside her as she felt the warm liquid of his release coating her walls. Athena smiled to herself, forgetting her fears about the ship.

“What are you smiling about?” Bobby asked, kissing her all over her body, which was still clothed in her yellow dress.

“You never disappoint,” she said kissing him.

“I’m glad I should have a PhD. in pleasing my wife after 4 years,” he said, pulling out of her.

Athena laughed, “definitely”, she said, while looking at the red on his knees and elbows, “Looks like I’m not the only one with some burns,” she said.

Bobby inspected her back and ass, which was covered in angry red splotches, “Babe, look at this” he said, kissing all the red places.

“It doesn’t hurt, but you can keep kissing me like that”.

“Come on, let's get you cleaned up and I’ll massage some Aloe on it,” Bobby said.

“Isn’t the aloe for your sunburn?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Sunburn, Carpet burn—Same thing” he responded with a chuckle.

Athena swatted him with her hand, “I get the feeling, that aloe will be done before we get to the sunburn part”.

Bobby turned around and beamed at his wife. Lifting her over his shoulder and carrying her to the bathroom, “I like the sound of that” he said.

The End. Thank you for reading

#911 fanfic #bobby x athena #bathena #911onabc #911 abc #athena grant #bobby nash #fanfiction #tumblr fanfic #fanfic #bathena fanfiction #athena x bobby #7x01 #the cruise arc

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jazzy-art-time · 3 months

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where would Dysnomia fit in jarble

CHANTING VIOLENTLY !!!

JARBLE GARGLE TIME!!! (That’s what a friend told me to call it when I talk about JarbleAU things. It sounds gross and I hate them for it (love you BabyGirl) )

BUT!!!

Dysnomia IS in JarbleAU, he is one of Goddess’ main guys in the Hend Family!!

He just… doesn’t have a design yet because I just haven’t done it lmaO. He’s a leafeon in JarbleAU though!! Since the reason that Dysnomia is a Sylveon in canon, are not present in Jarble.

They aren’t related by blood but Dysnomia is one of the few who actually got his last name changed to Hend like Goddess. He also acts as a donor for Goddess kids when she has issues getting it done for when she wanted children.

(there is no romantic or sexual things between them in JarbleAU, he was just a donor because she was having issues)

Although he does not see himself as the kids father (neither does Goddess) he still cares about them and gets Fun Uncle Rights™️

He’s a bit lazy in the sense of… he doesn’t really want to do a lot of the technical or “”political”” aspects of what the Hend Family does. Despite basically being Goddess’ successor (if anything were to happen to her). He likes working on the main and rather large family ranch and tending to that general large segment of land.

He’s a cowboy…,,, big ol gruff cowboy man. Arthur Morgan but leafeon /joking /silly

He’s lazy in that aspect of his job, he half asses a lot of it or has others do it for him. He Primarily has Ryan (from ask-Scrafty, he’s in jarble as well!) or Solo do a lot of that stuff on his behalf. He just doesn’t find much interest in that aspect of things. Goddess still forces him to do stuff, to the point that he at least understands/knows what he’s doing.

On the ranch however! He is a extremely hard worker. Like he goes hard and puts his all into working there or doing other aspects like that!

He hates going into the inner city or attending more diplomatic events. It means he has to clean up and get his hair combed properly and has to wear something other than his dirty ass jeans and shirt that’s torn to shreds. DONT GET ME WRONG he does like. Shower n stuff!! Trust me the man DOES touch soap, he just doesn’t like having to make a spectacle of himself or “pretty himself up” just to impress others.

He also just HATES being around the Mayor and the Farefell family. He finds the Mayor annoying as shit and then just the family issues between the Farefell family, but that’s a given. It’s Hend VS Farefell that’s the whole thang!! He finds Wem particularly disgusting and abhorrent (he’s correct) and doesn’t want to be around him or anyone Wem associates with by default.

HOWEVER… in Jarble. Dysnomia and Eden end up in a bit of a situationship. They hate each other at first but then Eden in this AU is well.. how he is. They end up messing around with one another without anyone knowing (minus those closest to them/those who figure it out over time). They don’t really see each other in any sort of romantic sense, Dysnomia tries to once or twice to appear more civil but it always just ends the same way.

There’s more to that aspect/how it ends up but I’ll avoid rambling about that for now lmaO

BUT YEAH!!! There is more to him, he’s one of the major “POV” characters for Jarble. I just haven’t had a chance to design him properly yet! I’ve tried a few times but generally ended up disliking how it turned out, so it hasn’t been done yet.

I don’t talk about him much BECAUSE he doesn’t have a set design yet. It’s easier for me to talk about OCs once they have a design, that way I can make silly comics or at least slap their face onto something

There are several characters I need to design for it but just.. havent yet lmao

But YEAH big ranch cowboy leafeon man!! He’s less dramatic and moody than he is in canon.. Jarble Dysnomia has no reason to walk around brooding or put on a fake intimidating face or be full of various hate fueled anxieties. He’s a man on a ranch and he likes rodeos and being outside, what more could a leafeon dream of /silly

#APOLOGIES FOR MILDLY TALKING YOUR EAR OFF I am a yapper!!#i fucking love yapping!! I love talking for so long!! large paragraphs!! I got shit to say!! /joking #also despite Dysnomia being a rather large man in Jarble.. Goddess is still bigger #it matters not how hunky you are Dysnomia.. Goddess is a Amazon in every universe /silly #not art #text post #delete later #anon #ask

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peaterookie · 2 years

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Lupin's Pokemon Team

ok hear me out HAHA i like making pokemon teams for random characters so one day i decided to tackle lupin usually i pay a couple attention to the balance of the team and how strong the pokemon is, but with lupin iii being a totally different series, i decided to change my standards

this team is purely used for helping him with heists or he just sees it as something he can steal

i dont determine pokemon by how compatible it is with lupin (this is for anyone asking why thievul or aipom isn't in my list)

none of these pokemons should make him too op than how lupin without pokemons are, they simply make his heist planning easier because in reality lupin could kinda still do these things without them

i'll show some runner ups i thought of putting in after

Here it is!!!

I'll have an explanation for all of them and some backstory I made up

Jigglypuff (Lv. 40 with Sing / Sweet Kiss / Hyper Voice / Fake Tears)

I'd say that the team doesn't really have an ace, but Jigglypuff is probably an unofficial one since he's the first pokemon Lupin had in my story, where he recieved it back then he was a child as an Igglybuff. I remembered in a Part 2 screenshot somewhere (i haven't finished part 2 so pardon if i got anything wrong) that Lupin had a fondness for cute dolls when he was a child, so Jigglypuff reflects that!

It also shows Lupin's inner child, since the Jigglypuff in the anime was quite a troublemaker, a very dramatic one too. In Shin Lupin III "Lupin Lullaby", Lupin's sings a lullaby sung by his mother from way back when he was a kid. Part of me thinks from that chapter that maybe Lupin probably loved music, and Jigglypuff's singing ability also connects to that as well.

Asides from that, Jigglypuff's ability to lull people into sleep by Sing or confuse people with Sweet Kiss would make it a really good member in the party to use for heists. I can imagine Lupin using him to immediately put guards to sleep or at least set them back when he's infiltrating hehe

Ditto (Lv. 26 with... Transform)

This is honestly a given. I had the option to choose Zorua over Ditto, but I personally preferred Ditto because it's just so silly and it perfectly matches the series tbh.

So the story for Ditto is that one day, Lupin just so happened to come across a doppleganger that looked just EXACTLY like him, doing heinous acts that makes Lupin look bad!!! It was Ditto, and it was being ordered by its trainer to disguise as Lupin and do bad things for something to happen (this could totally be an episode premise, I'm just too lazy to think.) Lupin uncovers Ditto's disguise and also beats the bad trainer with its help and Ditto basically becomes part of Lupin's team that way.

Ditto essentially learning how to transform into Lupin perfectly has so so sooo many possibilities of fun stories, it's literally like a moving living distraction LMAO I'll leave it to you guys to think of how Lupin'll use Ditto since I'll be here forever if I list out mine.

Magnemite (Lv. 10 with Thunder Wave, Protect, Confuse Ray, Volt Switch)

With so many security options all being operated by electricity, a Magnemite can easily wipe it all out by feeding on the electricity! I also chose that Pokemon since it's magnetic ability along with it's levitation ability can prove useful in some way in heists. I feel like sometimes Lupin just grabs on it to float around lmao (it hates it)

I don't have much of a story for this one. I just think the vibe of the design suits Lupin. Lupin probably just caught it one day and uses it time to time. I made Magnemite have a very childish and moody personality, it doesn't like following Lupin's order and hates it when he plays with it. But at least he gives it a lot of food!! That's the only reason it can bare Lupin's presence. It's also very good friends with this next pokemon...

Rotom (Lv. 23 with Confuse Ray, Protect, Electro Ball, Double Team)

Rotom and Magnemite are total besties, but one obviously gets used more than the other, and Rotom totally brags all about to Magnemite's face. Other than that, yep, Lupin uses this guy a lot to research about the place he's planning to sneak into and scan the basic layouts of it. I imagined he often makes it possess a drone, one of his spying devices or a computer to get info from it c:

So the story on how he gets this Rotom in the first place... maybe it found Lupin interesting and messed around with him for fun. Like he's in a middle of a heist and it just fucks it up for no reason. Lupin then gets mad but doesn't care to chase it but it messes up another heist of his again!!! Lupin then gets even madder and he decides to outsmart it next time it comes to fuck around again and it joins Lupin's team after it gets beaten since it finds him a lot of fun. Even after being caught, Rotom still goofs around with Lupin (Magnemite enjoys seeing Lupin get mad over it.)

Cofagrigus (Lv. 75 with Shadow Ball, Destiny Bond, Curse, Dark Pulse)

This guy does nothing in the team except exist.

Lupin just really really wants it and basically thought it was just a treasure until it started sprouting dark hands out of the coffin and almost kills Lupin after he tried stealing it. But somehow out of some SHEER MIRACLE he makes it out alive and catches the thing. Cofagrigus also reminds me of that one pharaoh episode where Lupin gets possessed by the Tut mask and almost dies so he basically didn't learn his lesson after the first time messing around in Egypt...

Also- it hates Lupin immensely.

Latias (Lv. 67 with Heal Pulse, Psychic, Fly, Safeguard)

Heeere comes the elephant in the room!! Peater?? Why did you pick a legendary pokemon??? Because it's such a Lupin thing to own a legendary obviously!! He'd somehow do it, nothing is impossible for him, if he wants a Latias he gets a Latias.

But no I didn't pick Latias just for that reason alone, but because I needed him to have at least one flying pokemon. I noticed that Lupin usually uses this glider looking thing to escape out of a dangerous situation pretty often along the series so I wanted said flying pokemon to have an airplane-esque build and maybe be red too (because Lupin uses a red glider a lot.)

But yeah! I also remembered how Latias could turn into a human girl in some random pokemon movie I didn't watch and I think she had a crush on Ash or something??? I don't know but that absurdity feels like it belongs in Lupin. Lupin probably met a Latias in human form and after some crazy wacky NPC girl-tv special shenanigans she joins his team.

It's probably my fav member in the team (2nd is jiggly) just because it's so funny to give Lupin a Latias.

And yeah, that's it for all the team members!

Here are the ones I considered putting in:

Aipom

Thievul

Starmie

Yanmega

Swellow

Drifblim

Porygon2

Salandit

Sableye

Dragapult

I don't really have nicknames for these pokemon, so if anyone'd like to name them all then be my guess! Thanks for reading this if you made it the entire way!

#lupin iii #lupin the third #lupin the 3rd #pokemon #peater rambles

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fluffy-ami · 3 years

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hewwo!! umm do you happen to have any lee levi (from obey me ofc lol) hcs you want to share?? i love him so very much and i don't really see that much content of him around here 😭

A/N: Aww, hello, sweetie pie! Of course I have some hcs for our hardcore otaku third-born! Sometimes I think that I was born to say

‘‘ *literally any character that i like* t-word content where ಠ_ಠ‚‚

Leviathan 🎮

Okay, this is a tradition where I just want to write the first headcannon, but the first thing I say is "OMG EVERYONE SHUT UP I LOVE THIS BOI SO MUCH-"

I said it, now we can move on.

I think that everyone just silently agreed that tickle fights between the sweet demon-brothers are a thing. And of course Levi takes part in them (even when he says he doesn't want to, but he's lying actually lmao)

Okay-okay-okay, I like to think that tickling is Levi's somewhat favourite way of physical affection (atstsitdmbg let's be honest, it's everyone's favourite in that god-damn giant house-) with people who he trusts. He's not much of a "huggy" person, even with his brothers, but tickles are just fine. They make him laugh, feel tingly and warm. And loved. Even if it's Mammon "torturing" the hell out of him.

"Eeewww, normies are not allowed to touch me", but they're his favourite normies and they know it, this is fine 👍🏻

Time to talk about his worst spots! I think that Levi is very ticklish on his sides, neck, ribs and under his knees.

Mammon and MC are the ones who attack our Mr. Dark-and-Moody the most XD

Levi doesn't want to go to bed? Tickles. Levi doesn't want to wake up? Tickles. Levi forgets to eat his dinner? Tickles. Levi talks bad things about himself again? Cuddle pile with all his brothers and MC, and then the literal tickle war.

Sometimes, when Levi feels worse than usual (wohooo, anxiety let's gooo), he comes to Lucifer. His older brother is "actually a very good listener and advicer, even if he's a normie". On one of these days, Leviathan actually said that to his big bro. And Lucy was like: “Was that a "thank you" to your big brother? So nice to hear it from you!” And Levi got playfully wrecked (for the sake of cheer-ups, bois). Of course after a few minutes Lucifer let him go. And he just knows that his little bro is alright, because this big blushy baby quickly jumps back up on his feet, throwing a dramatic “I take back every good thing I said to you earlier!” at Lucifer and retreating to his own room, only making the latter chuckle.

When MC plays video games together with Levi, they just can't help it, they have to use some tickles to distract him and win at least one match 🎮

Leviathan's laugh sounds somewhat awkward, and he always tries to muffle it, because he thinks that it's ugly, but in reality it's not. And Mammon screaming "HOLD HIS WRISTS CAPTAIN, WE NEED TO HEAR IT-" to MC while they're attacking Levi just won't leave my head-

Tickle games/nursery rhymes/baby-talk. Work. Wonders. On. Him.

And yes, our otaku-boy can't handle compliments ✨

It's MC who always says sweet and childish things while tickling him. And the tickling alone is enough to make Levi's face turn pink, but with MC he straight-up becomes a tomato. And if after a tickle fight with his favourite human Leviathan accidently runs into some of his brothers, they always look at his face, giggle knowingly and they're like: "...You good my guy?"

LEVI ACCIDENTLY SUMMONING LOTAN WHILE BEING TICKLED OKAY NOAH I'M SORRY BUT IT BECAME CANON FOR ME AND I'M SCREAMING–

A/N: I have many silly things in my head, but I don't want to write too much here XD

So, I hope that you liked those! Thanks for the request, and don't forget to stay hydrated and take care about yourself! 🎮✨

#obey me #lee!leviathan #leviathan #tickle headcanons #tickling #my stuff #🌸soft noah🌸#i hope you don't mind me giving you this tag #i'm too shy to talk to people #but at least i can give good people the content they like (^._.^)ﾉ💖

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curewhimsy · 3 years

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Vocal Synth Total Drama Island AU Concept (so far)

———Very Short Character Introductions——— (56 campers in all, aged 14-18) Haku Yowane- A sweet, lonely, sensitive girl with a lot of heart. Age 17. Neru Akita- A courageous tomboy who is misunderstood. Age 17. Miku Hatsune- A bubbly, cheerful, outgoing girl with a lot of friends. Age 15. Luka Megurine- An artistic girl who has a bit of anxiety. Good friends with Meiko. Age 18. Teto Kasane- A bubbly, cheerful girl with an unexpected temper and badass side. Age 15. Megumi “Gumi”- A bit shy, but underneath, she is very brave and resourceful. Age 16. Meiko Sakine- The Mom Friend. Confident and likes to help people. Age 18. Momo Momone- The nicest girl, to the point of being a pushover… Age 15. Rin Kagamine- Unhinged gremlin sibling 1. Loves causing mayhem. Age 14. Len Kagamine- Unhinged gremlin sibling 2. Loves causing chaos. Age 14. Eleanor Forte- The mean girl and drama queen. Cause of lots of drama. Age 17. Kaito Shion- The dorky boy who always has a cheesy smile on his face. Age 17. Akaito Shion- The moody playboy. More serious than Kaito, but bad-tempered. Age 18. Koto Fuuga- Nature girl. Knows all about bird calls, animal behavior, and more. Age 16. Taya Soune- An extremely polite guy. Always dresses formally. Always. Age 15. Ruko Yokune- Despite her height and quirky love of coffee, quite level-headed. Age 15. Ritsu Namine- Loud and obnoxious, but has a caring and wise side? Age 15. Merli Aoki- A snobby, pretentious girl. Not Like Other Girls. Age 17. Lapis Aoki- Mischievous and up to trouble. Merli’s sister. Age 15. Gakupo Kamui- He’s… just strange. And eccentric. And awkward. Age 17. Miku “Zatsune”- A wannabe goth. Basically, she’s in training. Thinks she’s edgy. Age 15. Uta “Defoko” Utane- A sarcastic, moody teenage girl. But she does have a sweet side. Age 15. Dell Honne- Haku’s grumpy, angsty half brother she hasn’t seen in years. Age 18. Yuuma- The popular boy. Eleanor likes him. Can be materialistic. Age 18. Dandy “704”- A very arrogant and vain guy. Quite selfish and loves to show off. Age 18. “Lady” Parsec- A commanding bully who demands and orders people around. Age 17. Yuu- A cheerful guy who likes parties and fun. Age 16. Wil- A somewhat quiet, mysterious guy who keeps to himself. Age 16. Kyo- A wild guy who is impulsive and kind of dumb. Age 16. Daina- Basically, she’s a furry. Her fursona is a fox. Age 17. Dex- Basically, he’s a furry. His fursona is a wolf. Age 17. Ruby- A girl who likes memes and is basically just vibing through life. Age 16. Yukari Yuzuki- A modest girl who has a crush on Ruby. Easily impressed. Age 16. Shian- An innocent girl who is also quick-tempered and pouts easily. Age 14. Muxin- A kind, knowledgeable boy. He loves history and astronomy. Age 14. IA- A bit mysterious and seems cold and expressionless. Age 16. Piko Utatane- Shy, quiet, and cold. Gets along with Muxin due to similar interests. Age 15. Genbu- Overly-enthusiastic and brash. A bit of a loudmouth. Age 18. Chiyu- Bold, brash, and brave. Kind-hearted and strong. Age 17. Haiyi- Talks a lot. Usually has something up her sleeve. A prank perhaps? Age 16. Leeds Kasumiga- A timid girl with a mysterious heart illness that inhibits her. Age 14. Mew- A real goth, unlike Zatsune, who is a goth-in-training. Age 18. Tei Sukone- A dastardly, manipulative villain who fools people, then bites. Age 16. Cider- A smug, self-absorbed inventor of elaborate but stupid inventions. Age 17. Bruno- An agreeable, outgoing guy who likes spreading good vibes. Age 18. Clara- Bruno’s girlfriend. A little bit timid, but always kind and optimistic. Age 17. Aku Yamine- Quiet and a bit melancholic. She’s… a different type of goth. Emo? Age 14. Lily- A tough high-school delinquent who stands up for the weak. Age 17. Amy- Cheerful, optimistic, yet quite chill. Doubts herself often however. Age 16. Chris- He might be a big guy, but he is quite shy and very gentle. Age 18. Kaori- She seems confident and bright on the outside, but hides sadness? Age 17. Ken- He’s talkative, smart, kind of a dork, but very focused and brave. Age 17. Iroha Nekomura- Innocent and sweet, but agile, with cat-like reflexes. Age 14. SeeU- Energetic, hyperactive, makes bad puns, silly, makes bad puns… Age 16. Kiyoteru Hiyama is the host of the game show. Big Al is in the role of Chef. ——Episodes——— Prologue 1- Introduction to concept. Characters see the advertisement for the game show and contemplate going on it. The winner gets a million dollars! Prologue 2- Introduction to characters via their audition videos, part 1. Kiyoteru chooses contestants. Prologue 3- Introduction to characters via their audition videos, part 2. Kiyoteru chooses contestants. Episode 1- Everyone arrives at Total Drama Island and meets each other. Some get along, and many clash. Notable big-drama-causers include Tei, Eleanor, Dandy, Parsec, Cider, Merli sometimes, and Zatsune sometimes. Koto, Genbu, Ritsu, Haiyi, Daina, and Dex stick out for being especially wild. But really, everyone’s unique personality contributes to the drama and pot of chemistry in their own way. Another camper who sticks out is Gakupo Kamui, who enthusiastically boasts about his skills in martial arts and how ready he is to win Total Drama Island. He begins to get on the nerves of the other campers. “I can out-run, out-kick, out-sing, out-wit, and even out-PISS anybody else here.” Gakupo says. “Well, can you do us a favor and GET-out?” Meiko says. Episode 2- Campers have to jump off a one thousand-foot cliff into a shark-infested lake. Then they have to pull some crates back to camp, and the team from before with the most people who jumped get carts to help them. Then they have to build a hot tub from material found in the crates. The team with the best hot tub wins the challenge. The campers who were too scared to jump off the cliff have to wear chicken costumes for the rest of the day. Despite his incessant bragging previously, Gakupo is one of the few campers who does not jump off the cliff, because it is revealed he is scared of heights, sharks, AND deep water! He even pisses himself and dramatically faints when he gets close to the edge of the cliff... and then he faints off the cliff! However, his jump isn’t accounted for, because Gakupo was not conscious during his fall. Luka has to be the one to jump in after and rescue him! This causes Gakupo of The Dangerous Dolphins to be the first campter voted off. “Well… I guess he was right about out-pissing everyone here.” Neru laughs. The other campers too scared to jump are Taya, Dandy, Eleanor, Clara, Muxin, Chris, and Kaito. Haku is at first too scared, but her best friend Neru encourages her to be brave. They jump together and yell funny things on the way down. Even though Eleanor is scared, she ends up going over anyway after Chiyu pushes her off the cliff, being sick of Eleanor’s arrogance. However, it isn’t even accounted for, because Eleanor did not jump by her own will. Clara is too frightened and doesn’t make the jump, which is surprising, because she was so enthusiastic before. However, her boyfriend Bruno jumped without her… Taya takes one look down the cliff and starts backing away, crying from fear. He feels ashamed that he’s so scared, but he cannot help it. He gets pats on the back from Clara. Dandy makes an excuse as to why he can’t jump. He says he has an open wound from a fencing accident. In reality, Dandy does not fence. Muxin is too scared, but asserts that he doesn’t have to jump off the cliff if he doesn’t want to, and that the challenge is ridiculous. He then comforts Taya, who is curled up sobbing, and tells him not to feel shame. Taya and Muxin become friends, but sadly are on different teams. Chris is too scared and actually starts crying too. People don’t expect it. Kaito is scared to jump, panics and makes a bit of a scene, and is then picked on and belittled by his brother Akaito for the rest of the day. Kaito then vows he will become braver from here on. Braver, and stronger! Leeds actually does jump from the cliff, but it causes her heart to become weak and she has trouble walking for the rest of the day. Some of the members on her team rudely deem her a nuisance, but others tell her to take it easy and understand her. Afterwards, Clara gets a bit sour at Bruno, who is her boyfriend, for jumping the cliff without noticing she was too scared. Koto jumps the cliff and she actually has fun. But afterwards, she wears a chicken suit anyway, because she loves birds. Episode 3- The challenge is to stay awake the longest in the "Awake-A-Thon" after running twenty-kilometers and eating a huge meal that includes turkey, which is known for making people sleepy. Dell of The Killer Porpoises gets voted off for falling asleep first. He generally has a bad attitude and is apathetic. Haku feels heartbroken because Total Drama Island was the first time she had seen Dell since her parents’ divorce (by complete chance, even,) and he is not the warm person he used to be. Also, the time was so short. But unexpectedly, Dell acts nice to Haku right before he leaves, calling her to his room when he’s packing to go off the island. They have a nice conversation. Before Haku says goodbye, Dell says “Listen, I’m just not cut out for this wacky game. So you better win. I KNOW you can do it.” Haku begins crying and hugs Dell. Just like when they were kids. There will eventually be a list of who falls asleep first to last, but that’s quite convoluted. So I will say Dell falls asleep first, and Ruko second. Campers were not allowed to drink coffee during the challenge, rendering our Long Sleeper without access to her “secret weapon.” Koto stays up the longest, because she is a bird lover and loves birds too much to consume them. She was the only one who didn’t eat any turkey with her meal, and therefore didn’t become as sleepy. Also simply because she is badass and feral. Episode 4- A best-of-five dodgeball game. Five people are randomly chosen on each team. This is repeated three times for a total of three rounds of dodgeball. The Dangerous Dolphins win 2 out of 3 games. Zatsune of The Killer Porpoises gets voted off for being scared of dodgeball. It was a fear ingrained into her from her elementary school days, when the “dodgeball kids would bully her.” Sadly, since Zatsune always acts so cocky, nobody feels much sympathy now. Taya and Muxin want to spend time with each other. Being on different teams, they can’t, and are deemed traitors. But when Tei, on Taya’s team, suggests Taya could get valuable information about the other team via Muxin, Taya refuses to sabotage their friendship. This causes Tei to begin picking on Taya… Episode 5- A three-on-three talent show contest. Dex of The Killer Porpoises gets voted off for no reason. He wasn’t even in the talent show! Dandy wanted to get chosen by his team, the Dangerous Dolphins, to be in the talent show, claiming his “talent” was unmatched. However, he wasn’t chosen because he didn’t exactly have any real actual skills despite his claim! Taya, Luka, and Gumi are eventually chosen by the Dangerous Dolphins for their talents in music. Luka will play piano, Taya will play the violin, and Gumi will play the electric bass as they all sing a song cover. This causes Dandy to criticize their every note and call them amateur. Given Taya and Gumi’s low self-esteem, Dandy’s criticism gets to them before the final talent show. As for the Killer Porpoises, Yuuma, Ritsu, and IA get chosen as the team’s musicians. They form more of an idol dance group, with a pre-recorded background track. (It will also be a cover.) The Dangerous Dolphins actually win. If they were to have lost, Dandy would’ve probably been the one voted off for being a prick. Episode 6- Campers have to go to the forest, stay out there overnight, then race back to the campgrounds in the morning. Yukari of the Killer Porpoises gets voted off. See, it wasn’t really Yukari’s fault, but… she got attacked by a bear and is now too injured to stay for the game, so the voting off was mandatory, even though the Killer Porpoises otherwise won. Everyone becomes more-or-less traumatized at this, and feel very hurt for Yukari. Episode 7- Campers have to face their worst fear, specific to each camper. Yuuma gets voted off. Koto’s worst fear is the perfume department from Spongebob, because that scene scarred her as a little kid. So the host of the game show, Kiyoteru, magically opens a door to the perfume department at a real department store and Koto has to walk through it. Koto only makes it 5 steps in before she runs out, screaming. She does not pass her fear test! Yuuma is scared of the Crab Rave because there are too many crabs. So he is taken to a part of the island overrun by crabs, and Kiyoteru turns on the Crab Rave song and they all start dancing. Yuuma dives into the water screaming. But the crabs chase him. He doesn’t pass his fear test. Taya attempts to outwit Kiyoteru and pretends he is afraid of strawberry shortcake, which is actually his favorite food. But everyone remembers how scared he was in the first challenge at the cliff. So Taya’s specific challenge is to jump off the cliff this time… Episode 8- Row a canoe to Boney Island, portage across the island, start a bonfire, and canoe back to camp. Wil gets voted off. Episode 9- Hunt the other team dressed as deers with paintball guns, or if one is a deer, avoid being hit by them. Piko gets voted off. Episode 10- Create a three-course meal for Kiyoteru to judge. Three chefs are chosen from each team. Miku gets voted off. Episode 11- Participate in a set of three-out-of-five trust exercises. Shian gets voted off. Episode 12- Make it through Big Al’s life-threatening and disgusting boot-camp challenges. IA gets voted off. Episode 13- Participate in three extreme sport challenges. The challenges are "sofa skydiving", riding a moose while avoiding being tossed off it, and water-skiing on mud. Lapis gets voted off. Episode 14- Eat a nine course meal of disgusting food made by Big Al. Drink shot glasses of blended cockroaches. Yuu gets voted off. Episode 15- Episode 16- Episode 17- Episode 18- Episode 19- Episode 20- Episode 21- Episode 22- Episode 23- Episode 24- Episode 25- Episode 26- Episode 27- Episode 28- Episode 29- Episode 30- Episode 31 Episode 32- Episode 33- Episode 34- Episode 35- Episode 36- Episode 37- Episode 38- Episode 39- Episode 40- Episode 41- Episode 42- Episode 43- After this challenge, the teams are disbanded. It’s now every camper for themself. Episode 44- Get through several rounds of torture, lasting at least ten seconds in each one. Eleanor gets voted off because she can’t take torture. Episode 45- Receive a clue to find a key hidden somewhere in the island to open a treasure chest containing a prize. Ritsu found a dud chest and his prize was… getting voted off. Episode 46- Avoid getting sprayed by Big Al’s water gun in a game of hide and seek. Parsec gets voted off. Good riddance! Episode 47- Build a bike from scratch, and then race it. Who rides who’s bike? Anyway, Dandy gets voted off. Probably because he’s 7 foot 4 and huge. He probably broke all the bikes. Episode 48- Watch a horror movie and then avoid being captured by a "deranged killer". Gumi gets voted off because she was scared. Episode 49- Catch the specific animal assigned by Kiyoteru and bring it back to the campground unharmed. Taya had to bring back a raccoon. He came back first. Koto had to bring back a bear. She came back second. What a total beast! And I’m talking about KOTO! Genbu had to bring back an eagle. He came back third. Leeds had to bring back a frog. She came back fourth. Kaito had to being back a squirrel. He came back fifth. Haku had to bring back a moose. She came back sixth. Tei gets sent off because she couldn’t bring back a mere chipmunk. The little chipmunk was trained in king-fu and ended up beating her up! Hooray! Episode 50- Compete in the following while handcuffed to one of the other campers: eat disgusting food with your hands behind your back while the person handcuffed to you feeds you, return a fragment of Haku’s cursed tiki idol to Boney Island, and assemble a totem pole with the wooden heads of the voted out campers in the order that they are eliminated. Taya gets voted off. Episode 51- Campers have to find Kiyoteru and Big Al after being washed away by a storm. Leeds gets voted off because her condition came to its worse. Her weak heart had finally failed on her and she suffered a heart attack. She was doing so good in the game despite her shortcomings, and will serve as an inspiration for many. Leeds will not die. She is in good hands. She will get top medical care. Now, a twist is revealed to the audience. Everyone who was voted off actually went to go to a beautiful island resort. The remaining campers still don’t know about this. When Leeds finally gets consciousness back, she finds she is in paradise. At first, she thinks she is dead. The room then fills up with everyone else voted off, and she begins crying. “They really killed you?” She cries. “No, Leeds!” Yukari says. “You’re alive! You made it… to Paradise Island!” Episode 52- An episode dedicated to the Island of Losers, which is actually a five-star island resort paradise. Yukari has fully recovered from her injuries. Gakupo and all the others who were eliminated early finally get their time to shine! The losers will also be involved in the episodes to come, as they will be the audience. Episode 53- The campers have to find their way back to camp after being left in the wild with limited supplies. Unexpectedly, our total beast, Koto Fuuga, comes back last. Rumors have it, this is because she found a bird sanctuary and got distracted. Episode 54- Survive a series of dares, given by the eliminated campers until someone drops out. Haku is forced to do something horrible by Tei. Tei dares Haku to joke around and portray offensive stereotypes. On national TV. She just can’t do it… She drops out, but not before insulting Tei to her face. But Kaito says Haku made the right choice. She sacrificed her chance to win a million dollars so that Tei didn’t have to force her to make a choice that could hurt people when they see it on TV. Kaito thinks Haku deserves an amazing consolation prize. Genbu respects Haku for this as well. Episode 55- The two remaining campers have to climb a pole and retrieve a flag, walk across a board on top of shark-infested waters while carrying an eagle's egg, and run a race to cross the finish line. Kaito is about to give up… but… There is ice cream at the finish line! Kaito makes a mad dash to the finish line and wins Total Drama Island!! Episode 56- Kaito won! But there is a twist. In order to actually win the million dollars, he has to find the a case containing the $1,000,000 and bring it to the Dock of Shame before anyone else does! This is a race between him and all the other campers! If any of the other campers being it to the Dock of Shame before Kaito, there will be a whole second season of Total Drama Island, and Kaito will have to win all over again before he gets his million dollars… ———Teams——— ———The Dangerous Dolphins——— Taya Chiyu Meiko Kyo Koto Tei Momo Neru Akaito Clara Gakupo Gumi Shian Dandy Luka Merli Daina Haiyi Lily Len Amy Ken SeeU Cider Teto Haku Uta ———The Killer Porpoises——— Yuuma Zatsune Mew Eleanor Ruby Dell Kaito Ruko Ritsu Wil Leeds Genbu Dex Bruno Iroha Miku Piko IA Chris Kaori Yuu Parsec Rin Lapis Yukari Aku Muxin ———Notable relationships——— Familial- Akaito and Kaito are brothers. Lapis and Merli are adoptive sisters. Haku and Dell are half-siblings who don’t live together, and haven’t seen each other in years before Total Drama Island. Rin and Len are twin siblings. Haku and Miku are cousins. Amy and Chris are cousins. Kaori and Ken are twin siblings, yet distant. They didn’t grow up in the same household. Ruko has a close cousin named Rook, who isn’t on TDI. Momo has an older brother, Momotaro, who isn’t on TDI. Uta has a younger sister, Koe, and two older brothers, Hibiki and Kanade, who aren’t on TDI. Teto has an older brother, Ted, who isn’t on TDI. Leeds has an older brother, Loop, who isn’t on TDI. Yukari has a little sister named Akari who isn’t on TDI. IA has a little sister named One who isn’t on TDI. Friendship- Miku, Rin, Len, and Luka have been a group of friends before TDI Haku and Neru were best friends before TDI Dex and Daina were best friends before TDI Momo, Teto, and Uta were best friends before TDI Ruko meets Ritsu and they become best friends Taya and Muxin become unlikely friends, despite being on different teams Romance- Bruno and Clara were dating before TDI Teto and Momo’s friendship eventually becomes romance. Haku meets Luka and they form a budding romance Amy meets Kaori and they form a budding romance Taya meets Uta and they form a budding romance Muxin meets Piko and they form a budding romance Lily meets Gumi and they form a budding romance Crushes- Len has always a crush on Miku. Tei has an obsessive crush on Kaito. Yukari has a crush on Ruby. Leeds has an embarrassing crush on Genbu. Eleanor has a crush on Yuuma. Ken has a crush on Chris. Dandy has a crush on Parsec. Akaito has a crush on Haku. Zatsune has a crush on Mew. She denies it. Gumi has a crush on IA. Dislike- Dandy and Cider always fight… with a weird sort of tension. Akaito and Uta don’t get along Miku Zatsune and Miku Hatsune don’t get along Lily and Merli don’t get along (MORE COMING SOON)

#vocaloid #utau #synth v #synthesizer v #chipspeech #total drama island #my writing #au #brainstorm #vacation #life of pastell #fanfic #fic #fav

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mythicamagic · 5 years

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Young Love - Oneshot crossover

Zutara & Sesskag

Summary: Deciding he needs to do something about his long time crush on Katara, Zuko enlists the help of self-proclaimed relationship expert and matchmaker, Kagome. With the help of her bodyguard, the busybody will stop at nothing to ensure the couple's success. AU, highschool. Tropes! Why have one otp when you can have two?

AN: This is a writing commission for the lovely @prationality ^^ Highschool AU has demons integrated into it. Yes it makes no sense. Just suspend your disbelief, buds.

Young Love

For the better part of a year it had been a thorn in his side. The niggling, aching, irritating feeling of complete and utter warmth flooding his chest whenever a certain person entered the room.

Zuko trudged moodily through the hallway, gaze fixed ahead. He needed to do something about Katara. Having a crush on one of your best friends was not ideal, and worse still, he couldn't talk to anyone about it.

Sokka was out. He would either immediately tattle to his sister or get protective. Aang was possibly the worst one to ask, as he'd harboured puppy love for her since kindergarten, though Katara remained willfully ignorant. Suki would tell Sokka. Toph had been a serious candidate as a confidant but he'd decided against it when she'd blabbed last week about his secret tradition of watching Love Amongst the Dragons every year at the theatre.

He'd never be able to live that down.

I could tell Uncle, Zuko briefly thought, soon shaking that idea away. He'd rather not have a lengthy anecdote about turtle ducks swimming in the pond of unrequited love.

This left confiding in an outsider. However, he couldn't tell just anyone or it would become the gossip of the whole school.

Knocking on a classroom door, he waited.

"Come in!" Came a hearty chirp.

Wincing, Zuko pushed the door open and stepped inside, closing it behind him. The empty pottery classroom felt perfect for a secret meeting since the department had suffered cutbacks. Including the teacher. And the pottery classes themselves.

A young woman leaned against a desk, dark hair cascading around her shoulders. Glittering blue eyes danced with mild amusement, causing Zuko to become instantly wary. Maybe this had been a mistake.

"Glad you could make it!" Kagome Higurashi grinned, gesturing to a seat. "Come sit down, silly. I don't bite."

Stuffing his hands deep into his pockets, Zuko leaned against a desk as well. "I'll stand, thanks."

She let out a huff, shrugging and relenting. "So, let's cut to the chase; as you know, I'm the best matchmaker in this school."

Zuko was pretty sure she was the only matchmaker in the school.

"Anything you say will be kept totally confidential. I can't guarantee you'll get the partner you want but my track record speaks for itself," Kagome beamed.

"I'm going to stop you right there," Zuko sighed. "I don't...want to trick her into anything. I just-"

"It wouldn't be tricking," she looked affronted. "You seriously think Kouga and Ayame or Sokka and Suki would last if the foundation of their relationships had been built on lies? No, no. I'm just going to help you put your best foot forward."

Dragging a hand down the scarred side of his face, the teen grunted. "Maybe I just want to talk about it."

Kagome blinked, spreading her arms wide. "Well go ahead. No one's stopping you, Zuko."

Gritting his teeth and fighting the urge to sigh again, his lips pressed into a thin line, suddenly reluctant.

Tilting her head, the busybody took him by surprise. "This is about Katara, isn't it?"

He jolted violently. "H-how did you know?" He croaked. Shit. Did Katara know? Was it that obvious?

Kagome smiled while flipping dark hair dramatically over one shoulder, idly brushing down her green skirt. "Hey give me a little credit. I did say I was pretty good at this gig."

A quiet noise, like a snort, sounded out behind Zuko to his left. He turned sharply, startled to find another student leaning against the wall. If Zuko remembered right, the imposing young man was an upperclassman. "The hell- I thought we were alone."

"Don't mind Sesshoumaru. I hired him a long while ago to watch over these types of meetings," Kagome waved it off. "I've had clients get pissy before."

Sesshoumaru stared at him, unblinking. Pale white hair was tied back into a low pony tail, features fairly delicate and regal, clashing with the heavy energy rolling off him in waves.

Zuko felt a shiver run down his spine and faced forward. If she needed a demon bodyguard of such high calibre within a school with relatively low level onis, he wondered what kind of clients she'd dealt with in the past.

"So, Katara?" The matchmaker prompted.

"Yeah well...I like her," he said lamely. "I mean I...she's…"

The young woman peered at him curiously, causing Zuko to grit his teeth. "I don't know! Gn...maybe this was a mistake."

Kagome pushed off the desk to approach and gently touched his arm. Her expression no longer looked amused or playful, now very earnest. "Hey, it's okay. These kinds of feelings can be really complicated, especially when they're for a friend. It makes you worry that you'll cause a fissure in your friendship group."

Golden brown eyes widened a touch, throat becoming dry with mild fear. He could only nod mutely. Perhaps she did have somewhat of a talent for reading people.

She gave a smile, "look I completely understand if you want to keep your silence around her and just vent to me. That's fine, buddy. But I really, really think you should go for it and let me help you guys get together."

"Aang and Sokka-"

"Don't rule Katara's love life," Kagome cut in, voice firm. "Besides, if she does go out with you, Sokka will probably just give the protective brother speech and threaten to harvest your organs if you hurt his sister-"

"That's fair, I'd deserve it if I hurt her," Zuko mumbled soberly.

Kagome winced and patted his shoulder. "As for Aang, he'll come around. From what I've seen he might get upset but Toph will straighten him out. What do you say?"

The moody teenager stared down at his calloused hands. Exhaling hard through his nostrils, Zuko clenched his jaw. "Do you think I have a good shot?" He grumbled, glancing at her.

Kagome grinned, nodding enthusiastically. "With me by your side, you've got the best shot."

---

Overlooking the martial arts group as a type of mole for Kagome felt incredibly easy, considering Sesshoumaru was well versed in many of them.

At the moment, Katara stood a little ways away on a tatami mat, practising her Tai Chi form. He'd never had much cause to speak with the girl beyond small talk. Still, Kagome had nudged at him to try and glean more of her personality.

Walking over and stretching his arms, Sesshoumaru grunted. "Your right heel kick should be higher."

Her gaze flattened, becoming defensive. "Did that old goat Pakku tell you to say that?"

"No, this one is telling you."

Katara hummed, going back a form and trying again, kicking higher so that her leg pointed out straight. Sesshoumaru nodded, chancing more conversation. "You are a female."

"Astute observation. Where are you going with this?" She raised a brow, smoothly moving her body into another form.

"This one seeks advice. Be grateful you are the one I have chosen for council."

Katara released a long breath, straightening out of her form and minding her long braid aside. "Arrogance isn't a good method if you're wanting my help but go ahead. I'm used to the tough guy act from pre-Suki Sokka."

Sesshoumaru did not need her permission but spoke. "How does one secure the attentions of a human female?"

"Are you asking me dating advice?"

"Hn."

Katara eyed the demon, raising her arms and turning on one heel to move into another stance. "I can't speak for most girls because my family has its own traditions to follow, but a necklace wouldn't hurt."

"A necklace?"

She nodded, holding her posture. "Something personal, though. I'm sure you demons have traditions to follow too, don't you? Maybe include one."

Sesshoumaru mulled this over, inclining his head, expression wiped of emotion as per usual. Kagome didn't need to know what exactly he'd asked Katara, that was his business. "Hn, you were mildly useful."

Huffing, she kicked her left foot up near his enigmatic face. "You're welcome. Was that form good enough?"

"You wobbled on your right heel. Again."

Katara grumbled under her breath.

---

Sitting quite contentedly in a cafe a few days later, Sesshoumaru sipped some tea. The atmosphere around him lulled into contentment. Despite the hustle and bustle of the patrons, he didn't feel particularly uncomfortable or annoyed. This sense of peace was abruptly broken as the scent of citrus and summer brushed into his nose.

"Hi!"

Kagome set her bags down in the opposite seat, sliding into the booth beside him and accidentally bumping his shoulder. The tea sloshed in his cup. "Okay, so their class had a project to complete and were separated into partners. Katara was originally paired with Haru, but!" She grinned, holding up a finger. "I pulled some strings and managed to switch him with Zuko. Isn't that perfect?"

Sesshoumaru blinked slowly. "How is it perfect?" He uttered, though she'd tell him anyway even if he didn't ask.

"Well this way, they get to spend quality time together totally alone!" Kagome gushed, opening a menu. "They'll be here any second. I reserved a booth for them just over there. You picked the perfect spot for spying."

"I did not know you would be here," he said flatly.

Tugging up her bag and rifling through it, Kagome produced a wig. Tying her hair back, she put a hairnet on, smoothing the blonde wig atop her head. Sesshoumaru felt used to her antics by now, watching while she took out a headset with a microphone and earpiece.

Kagome remained immensely serious about her unofficial job. Near everyone knew who she was in school, therefore a disguise became necessary when snooping. If Katara noticed her, she'd get suspicious about her presence.

"Is it still alright for me to babysit Rin later?" She asked casually.

He hummed, sipping the cooling tea. That was their exchange. Sesshoumaru remained a bodyguard of sorts while Kagome repaid him for his time by looking after his adopted sister when he needed to work after school.

They'd entered into their strange agreement six months ago. He could still hear the raised voices coming from the classroom. The abrupt slam of a desk hitting a wall and scent of salt in the air. How Kagome's wide, terrified eyes swung to him once he entered the room, her struggling form pinned beneath an incensed human student. An unhappy customer who hadn't taken too kindly to her failure.

In contrast to this grim memory, Kagome happily fussed with her equipment, stilling when a pale hand reached out to touch a dark strand of hair that escaped her wig. Lithe fingers tucked it back into hiding, sharp nails lightly skimming her cheek.

Kagome glanced up at him, blushing slightly. "Uh...thanks," she murmured.

Sesshoumaru stared, voice a soft rumble. "Hn."

Noticing something out of the corner of her eye, she gasped and shook his shoulder. "They're here!"

---

Sitting down across from Katara, Zuko took a breath, glancing around. It didn't take long to locate Sesshoumaru. Next to him sat a smaller blonde woman who gave a cheerful thumbs up. Zuko's gaze flattened. This was going to be a disaster, he could tell.

"Are you alright? You seem troubled about something."

Zuko jumped, looking at Katara as she set up her laptop and took out a binder. She was incredibly organised already despite the project just starting. It was just a little thing, but he liked it about her. She'd even arranged the papers by subject matter alphabetically.

"I'm fine," he said in a dusty voice.

Katara frowned slightly, the waitress interrupting them to ask what drinks they wanted to order.

Swallowing stifling nerves, Zuko did what he always did and ploughed on through uncertainty. Opening the envelope Kagome had given him, he slipped the earpiece in while Katara was mulling over the orders.

"Hey~ can you hear me?" Came Kagome's amiable voice. "Just nod if yes."

Zuko nodded. Katara ordered a Darjeeling tea, while he stiffly asked for a coffee.

"Okay, just talk about the project with her for now."

Katara was already a few steps ahead, talking while the waitress left. "I think we should start with the community centre."

"Huh?"

She tilted her head, hair loopies brushing the sides of her face, brunette hair falling in waves down her back.

Zuko's throat became dry, clasping shaking hands and resting them on the table. "Right. The project. Yeah, the community centre could definitely use some improvements."

Blue eyes blinked, the light from the window beside them bathing her dark skin in a soft glow. "How do you know that?"

An automatic sneer graced his features, glaring hard at the napkins. "My father poured money into building it just to secure a business deal by looking like a humanitarian. However, the second he got what he wanted he pulled the funding for resources."

A gentle touch startled him out of that particular tangent.

Katara gave an encouraging smile, "that's fine. Because you know what?"

Her smile was infectious and he gave a reluctant one in return. "What?" He grumbled.

"We're going to get the funding for even better resources and more involved staff, all without his input. You're going to do that. And it'll be great, Zuko."

Zuko swallowed, skin pricking with the sensation of her hand on his. She knew. She knew everything about his history with his tyrant of a father. How he'd given up the position that would've allowed him to succeed his father. Now he lived in a humble apartment with his Uncle.

Ozai had been responsible for evicting a large portion of Katara's neighbourhood from their houses through some legal jargon many years ago. After some arguments and fights in school, the two old enemies now sat in amiable silence. She could look at him with such soft eyes. Her forgiveness had soothed so much hurt between them.

The waitress returned, breaking the spell between them. Letting out a heavy breath, Zuko stiffened when a young man stepped around the waitress to address his friend.

"You're miss Katara, correct?"

She straightened, raising a brow questioningly. "Yes. Can I help you?"

The young man produced a bouquet of radiant flowers from behind his back. Fire lilies. Katara's mouth promptly fell open, the orange flowers placed in her frozen hands.

"Looks as though you have an admirer," the stranger winked, turning away.

Katara rose from her seat slightly, blushing. "Wait! Who are these from?"

"No idea, miss," he said over his shoulder, glancing at Kagome and smiling slightly. She gave a quick wave, grinning as Miroku left.

Zuko remained frozen in place. Fire lilies were almost too obvious! They were a type of flower well known in the city as one his family had produced. Hell, they were part of the logo on their company. He winced a little, thinking they might cause offence-

"They're beautiful," Katara inhaled the scent, blushing slightly. "They smell kind of like cinnamon," she mused, glancing up. "Do you...know who they might be from?"

"No idea," he mumbled, hearing Kagome's groan through his earpiece.

"Damn it, Zuko. Wait for me to give you some guidance. You could've said something much smoother!"

He touched his ear and turned his head slightly into his collar. "I'm not smooth! She'd know I was being weird if I fed her a line!" He hissed.

"Are you talking to yourself?" Katara bit her lip, fighting a smile.

From across the room, Kagome hit her forehead. She could only afford so much tech and had given him an earpiece. She couldn't hear his ramblings personally, it was only because of Sesshoumaru's excellent hearing and relaying of information that she knew what was going on. Zuko was right, he wasn't smooth at all.

Flustered, Zuko turned back to Katara a little too quick- knocking over the coffee cup with his arm and making a noise when the contents spilt onto the table.

Katara gasped and scrambled to place the lilies down, lifting her laptop away. The spillage headed towards her pristine, organised notes that had been set out to discuss. Zuko yanked his red jacket off his shoulders and pressed it down onto the table. The material quickly soaked up the coffee greedily.

Katara stared.

Kagome gawked, grasping Sesshoumaru's arm and shaking it slightly. "Wow. I didn't think things would escalate so quickly! This is perfect."

"Hn."

Lifting his gaze awkwardly, Zuko met smiling blue eyes. "You didn't have to do that," Katara said quietly, minding the papers away. "Thanks, Zuko. Would take forever if I had to print those out all over again."

Ah, of course she'd have backup copies. Duh. "Y-yeah, no problem. What are friends for?"

The sound of a hand smacking a forehead graced his hearing once more through the earpiece. "Honey, you're trying to leave the friend zone, not dig deeper into it."

Zuko glared at nothing in particular.

"Try saying: I know how much your notes mean to you, and anything that's important to you is important to me too."

Sighing, he ran a hand through dark shaggy hair, parroting Kagome's words out loud.

The girl sitting across from him took hold of his jacket, looking thoughtful. "I can wash this for you," she mumbled, glancing up at him. "And about...us being friends. I uh…" she blushed slightly. "I was wondering if-"

"Are you Katara?"

They looked up with twin scowls on their faces. This time a group of young men stood around their table. Zuko's face coloured red the second they opened their mouths and started singing. Every head within the cafe turned to watch.

Belting out some romantic ballad that hurt their ears and made Zuko want to shrink in his seat, he watched as they serenaded Katara. She looked mortified.

From across the room, Kagome gave another thumbs up. Something within him snapped.

"FORGET IT!" He burst, getting to his feet and shimmying out of the booth to storm out of the cafe. Katara called out somewhere behind him but the sound of his heart pumped deafeningly loud and fast in his ears. He couldn't continue, he realised. Embarrassing Katara wasn't something he'd set out to do. She didn't deserve that.

Cool outside air fanning over flushed skin felt like a welcome respite compared with the confusion and unease within the cafe. He marched through the parking lot, hands balled into fists.

"Zuko-" he yanked the earpiece out and stuffed it in his pocket. And yet, the calling of his name continued.

His heel dragged, Zuko stopping with mild surprise when he noticed Katara jogging after him. She'd left her things behind, laptop included. Taking a breath, she brushed one of her hair loopies away from her eyes.

"What's going on with you?"

Air rushed out of his lungs. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Zuko let the words quietly escape. "I...hired Kagome Higurashi."

"The matchmaker?" Katara's brow furrowed. "Why would you need to-" it clicked, and she glanced back into the windows of the cafe where the fire lilies had been abandoned. "Oh. Were...those from you?" She said slowly.

Zuko stared hard at the cement beneath his feet as though willing the ground to swallow him up. "Sort of."

She huffed, drawing closer and planting her hands on her hips. "There's no 'sort of,' Zuko. Are you interested in me or not?"

His eyes widened and slid up. Katara looked obstinate for information and oddly unoffended. He'd half expected anger or immediate dismissal. But maybe...maybe he hadn't been giving her enough credit.

Squeezing calloused hands into fists, he nodded. "Yeah, I am."

Katara's eyes widened slightly and the shock slid her hands free from her hips.

He ran a hand through his hair for the umpteenth time, minding the bangs from his eyes. "I like you," he muttered. "I've liked you for a long time. It's just that I didn't say anything because I didn't want to be greedy. You don't have to like me back or anything. Just don't break up the group because of me, Katara. This doesn't have to make things awkward. You all… mean a lot to me, ever since you accepted me into your group. So I don't think… I could take not seeing you," the words kept coming until Katara stepped forward, touching his hand.

"You never think things through, do you?" She murmured.

Zuko bristled. "Are you making fun of me? I'm pouring my heart out here-"

Katara giggled and suddenly grabbed him close, hugging him tightly. Zuko froze, stiffening within her arms. His breath fanned over her ear, hands settling at the perfect height on her waist, drawing her closer and revelling in the feel of her. The sensation of fingers brushing through the hair at the nape of his neck felt heavenly. "You wouldn't be kicked out of the group no matter what happened between us. You're not buying time or there by accident. Everyone wants you with us. So cut that out. As for the other thing…"

She surprised him by tilting her chin up, blue eyes connecting with golden brown. Zuko stilled, gaze flitting over her face, before giving in to the impulse to press his lips to hers.

They yielded easier than anticipated. He inhaled her scent, traitorous hands sliding up to touch the fall of soft hair. It was then that his mind caught up with his actions and Zuko broke away from her. "Ah- sorry, that was stupid. I didn't think-"

Katara made a frustrated noise before pulling him down again, cupping his face in both hands. He wondered what the scar felt like to her. Katara kissed him again, turning his brain into mush by parting her mouth and sliding a wet tongue against his lips. He granted her access, making a slight groan in the back of his throat. When her thumb brushed his ear Zuko near melted in her hands, fingers curling tight in her clothes, the material straining.

She then broke away with treacle immediacy, face flushed. She boldly took his hand, smiling. "Let's get our stuff and go for a walk together," she seemed to decide for them, a sparkle in her gaze. "There's a lot to talk about."

Zuko opened his mouth, croaking out a few nonsensical noises, before nodding astutely. "Okay."

If someone ever asked them how they'd gotten together, he honestly had no idea what to say.

----

Kagome hadn't moved an inch after watching Zuko run off. In fact, she'd seemed quite pleased with herself instead of concerned. Sesshoumaru hadn't understood why until Zuko and Katara reentered the cafe with a contented air about them, their gazes finding each other every few moments. They grabbed their bags, the flowers and the ruined jacket, leaving together without a backwards glance.

Kagome stood and removed the wig and headset, putting them away.

"You knew," he uttered.

"Hm?"

"You planned for this to happen, did you not?"

Sliding her bag over one shoulder, she shrugged. "After reviewing their profiles, I understood that Zuko has a temper and could get overwhelmed. Katara has one too and is fiercely stubborn as an ox about looking after people. I just prodded him a little and knew she'd follow him if he lost his nerve. Then there'd likely be a culmination of feelings," she turned. "My work here is done. Thanks for sharing your booth with me, I'll leave you to it," Kagome smiled and waved, walking out of the cafe with a spring in her step.

Sesshoumaru set some money down and smoothly rose, following with a blur of colour.

"Kagome," he said quietly once the doors slid shut behind him.

She blinked and looked up at him as he joined her side in the parking lot.

"This one does not need a culmination of feelings to understand what emotion I experience around you."

"What's that, irritation?" She teased.

Sesshoumaru frowned and reached into his pocket, pulling out a necklace with fangs as the charms. "We should engage in courtship," he said gravely.

Kagome's eyes widened, gaze flitting from the grim necklace and then back to his face, searching as though trying to discern his sincerity. His lips thinned, until a small smile tugged at her mouth, morphing into a gentle one.

Taking the necklace, she blushed slightly. "Is it customary for dog demons to give a tooth necklace when you want to date someone?"

"Hn, those are mine."

"YOURS?"

"They will be most useful when it is time for us to have children."

"C-children!?" Kagome looked a little unsteady. "Sesshoumaru!"

"Hn," a hand slid around her waist. "Though I'd like to have you all to myself for many years first."

"I should hope so, buster! We're in high school and I didn't even say yes yet," she huffed.

He lifted a large hand, palm up. "Then I will take the necklace back-"

"No, it's mine, no take backsies!" Kagome held it away from his grasp, soon grinning and leaning up to kiss the underside of his jaw. Sesshoumaru stilled at the action, gaze flitting down to her. "I accept, silly," the young woman murmured, hand curling around his own. "Though you could've wooed me a little first. Have my clients taught you nothing?" She teased.

Sesshoumaru's lips curved, gaze becoming half-lidded. "We may go to a restaurant tomorrow evening if you wish."

"I do wish," she hummed, putting the necklace on and wincing a little at how weird it was. Still, they didn't exactly make a normal couple themselves. "Let's bring Rin, though. She hasn't been able to spend much time with you lately."

Sesshoumaru gathered her closer then, causing her heels to lift from the floor. A deep well of warmth and pride spread through his chest right down to his toes. The matchmaker was truly a perfect choice for a mate.

"Hn," Sesshoumaru rumbled, pressing smiling lips to hers.

End

#zutara #sesskag #zuko x katara #sesshoumaru x kagome

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maraudcrsmap · 4 years

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Home // Draco Malfoy

Chapter 1: When We Were Young

Going back to Hogwarts was something Evelyn Clermont looked forward to every year, but this year things seemed off. She just played it off as something that comes with getting older. The newness and excitement was not the same as coming into your first year. Getting sorted and making new friends. It's just regular school now. Though, she had heard the rumors going around about Voldemort growing his army. Many people weren't allowing their kids to come back, saying it was too dangerous.

Nonetheless, she found an empty seat and was the first one among her friends to be on the train. Blaise and Pansy soon took their seats but they were still waiting on a certain someone to show up. The train was getting ready to leave and the three made eye contact with each other, not sure what to do. Then she spotted him coming down the aisle. As he took a seat next to her she noticed he wasn't dressed in his Slytherin uniform, but in an all black suit.

They all settled in, ready for the long train ride ahead of them. Evelyn was getting ready to ask Pansy if they had any classes together when darkness overtook the train car. Evelyn started to panic and screams filled the car. The darkness quickly disappeared she noticed Draco was not next to her. He was standing near the door, looking around.

"What just happened? Blaise?" Draco inquired.

Blaise looked around, trying to figure out what had happened too. "Don't know."

Evelyn heard a loud thud and saw a bag had fallen from the luggage rack, Draco eyed it, like he knew what was going on. Pansy then reined everyone back in.

"Relax guys, the lights just went out. We will be at Hogwarts before you know it."

Draco huffs and throws the bag back onto the luggage rack, settling back into his seat.

"Hogwarts. What a pathetic excuse for a school. I think I'd pitch myself off the Astronomy Tower if I thought I had to continue on for another two years." Draco stated, twisting the ring on his finger.

Evelyn and Pansy made eye contact, confused as to what he meant.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Evelyn questioned.

"Let's just say I'm not going to be wasting much of my time at Hogwarts next year." Draco snapped.

She just looked over at Pansy, rolling her eyes, Draco could be so dramatic sometimes. The thing with Draco and Evelyn is that they have known each other since they were babies. Draco's parents and Evelyn's are best friends so naturally so were their children. Evelyn had always had a slight crush on Draco, but never acted on it. Not wanting to ruin their friendship, considering he has never shown signs of liking her back. When they were younger the two were inseparable. Then when they started at Hogwarts you would never not find the two of them together. She misses those days, often thinking back on them.

Recently Draco has been distant, over the summer she had seen him maybe twice. Those two times she saw him he wasn't very nice either, he was very short with his words like he had something better to be doing. Though, it was so uncommon of Draco to not tell her what was going on in his life. She wondered if she had done something wrong to make him mad, but knew there was nothing that she could have done. She had barely seen him.

The train ride was a quiet one this year. It had been raining and there was condensation on the window. Evelyn drew a smiley face with her finger, then wiping it away with her sleeve. Peering out the window she could see the lights glow from Hogwarts in the distance. Soon enough they had arrived and everyone got up to exit off the train, except for Draco.

"Are you coming?" Evelyn asked.

"Go ahead, I'll be right behind you. I want to check something. " He stated, pulling the blind down as she exited the train.

Pansy, Blaise, and Evelyn made their way towards the carriages, but not before having their stuff searched by Filch. He took an awful long time going through Evelyn's suitcase.

"Um, what is the reasoning behind this? We have never gotten searched before?" She questioned, annoyed with Filch touching her personal belongings.

"Security." Filch answers. Just as Evelyn was about ready to say something back, Snape appears from the shadows.

"Clermont, Zabini, Parkinson. Nice to see you all again. Filch, Miss Clermont has nothing dangerous and I am sure Zabini and Parkinson don't either." Snape stated.

Filch huffed and slammed the suitcase shut, loading it onto the back of the carriage. Snape turns his attention back to the three students.

"Where is your missing link?" He questioned. Evelyn noticed he seemed quite concerned considering it was Snape.

"He said he was checking something on the train." Blaise said, getting into the carriage.

"Alright then. You three go on. I will make sure he makes it to the grounds."

Pansy and Evelyn got into the carriage. As they pulled away Evelyn turned around to see Snape looking around, she wondered why he was acting more strange than usual.

"What is with Draco? He is acting very strange." Blaise questioned.

"Hell if I know. I barely saw him all summer. Also what is with the suit? Didn't know we were dressing like that for school now." Evelyn stated, clearly annoyed.

As they reached the grounds of Hogwarts, Evelyn hoped Draco would be in the carriage behind them or at least the one after that, but he was no where to be seen.

"He will make his way Evie. Come on lets go eat." Pansy said, leading her inside. As everyone sat down to eat Draco had made his way into the Great Hall. Evelyn had saved a seat next to her for him, but he sat at the end of the table with Crabbe and Goyle. Then she noticed a bloody Harry Potter enter the room. She could piece two and two together, but didn't want to. She focused her attention back on Draco, she knew something else was going on, not just some silly issues he has had with Harry over the years. Pansy noticed her looking over at him. "Evie, he's just being moody. Mummy and Daddy probably wouldn't let him do something so he's taking it out on us."

Evelyn filled her plate with food, but it was not nearly as interesting as trying to figure out what was up with Draco. "Yeah, but he seems different. Don't you think?"

"Not really."

She knew he seemed different. She loved Pansy, but she wasn't very observant. The whole night she watched Draco out of the corner of her eye, hoping he would get up and come sit by her and tell her what was going on, but he never did. In fact he left dinner early, Evelyn wanted to chase after him, but she stayed put, listening to Dumbledore's speech. Hogwarts had gotten a new Potions professor, while he wasn't actually new. According to Dumbledore Professor Slughorn taught years ago. Professor Snape was going to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, which stunned almost everyone. Then Dumbledore continued with his speech.

"Now, as you know, each and everyone of you was searched upon your arrival tonight. You have a right to know why. Once there was a young man who, like you, sat in this very Hall. Walked this castle's corridors. Slept beneath its roof. He seemed, to all the world, a student like any other. His name? Tom Riddle."

The room went silent.

"Today, of course, the world knows him by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I am reminded of a sobering fact. Each day, every hour, this very minute perhaps, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle. But in the end, their greatest weapon remains...you."

Evelyn looked over at Draco, who wasn't even paying attention to Dumbledore's speech.

Dumbledore begins to speak again and her attention goes back to him.

"Just something to keep in mind. Now, off to bed. Pip pip!"

Pansy and Evelyn rise, heading back to their dorms. "What a welcome back speech that was."

Pansy agrees, "Way to scare all the first years."

As Evelyn lay in bed that night she wonders what she is in store for this year at Hogwarts.

#hello #this is also being posted on wattpad #but i thought it would reach a bigger audience on here :)#harry potter #draco malfoy #draco malfoy fanfic #draco malfoy imagine #mine #writing

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charmed-asylum · 4 years

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👨‍🍳# FOODIE👨‍🍳

#Foodie, Part 2

Summary: Something happening in Easter Hills. Something that effecting everyone under the surface. Could this just be a phase a trick that no one can shack off? Is this something that will pass with another or can we all be heading for destruction

Declaimer: #Foodie has some curse words, blood, making out, and maybe a dead body or 2??. Also, I do have dyslexia who happens to do her own proof reading so be easy with me!!!

A/N:So who would think after doing a love story I go be switching it up to some sci-fi. Let me know what you think or want to be added to the taglist. Or simple to sit my butt down and stop with the dramatics xoxo Tia

MASTER LIST // Previous Chapter (1)

Tagged: @weapinggwillowss @kittykatlow @alagalaska @deansblackbeauty

2 weeks later

My fingers intertwined with his as he locks and kisses them. He doesn’t know I know but he a snuggle monster the reject monster from Sesame Street. Another secret I love it. We haven’t had much time as I will hope with one another. Even though he was back from the war he still was working as deputy while he was home. I pout like a two-year-old who got denied a brand new toy from a toy store. But we made it work. He moves me close as he whispers praise in my ear in his deep voice that makes me shiver a cool chill.

I only had 15 minutes left of my break with him. God how I miss him. After Janet left me teary-eyed in the abandoned hallway apart of me felt I was in old westerns like I was waiting for her around and draw her guy. That night he came over and hold me as I cried into his strong chest hands wrap as far as I could around his broad shoulders. Each night I founded my self there. Even if I was asleep he sneaks in and holds me. Letting me know he was never gonna leave me.

He looks down into my eye out time coming to an end with a bit of sorrow regret. Hopping up so I can reach his face I pepper kiss him with each hop. Watching as his smile spread from ear to ear he loves when I did this be my silly tiny self. Knowing he always be my savior. His eyes were dark like midnight sky but were as bright as the sun. Others wouldn’t see this wouldn’t think he was more than a brick wall but he was more. Just like me more than meets the eye. Each day I’m happy god loves me to bring him to me. Bring me someone that made me feel things I never did before.

“ I gotta go. I was only supposed to drop off another animal to you, baby “ He said in muffled from my lips.

Lending back hold his hands close , “ Yeah but it was you who wanted to start kissing me. I’m only here to basket it all this”.

This was been a familiar thing the last two weeks animals found dead somewhere or sick with some type of rabies. Blood from Mr. Fuzzy Bear only adds to the mystery. Blood work consists of an unfamiliar source. I went anymore I know and even the internet god the internet. After weeks of looking non stop trying to find anything to make me more at ease. NOTHING. I wanted to express this to KP but he only tells me to stop worrying.

“ BABY” KP tickle me under my underarms. I twitch and almost trip. “ I was talking and you did that moody thing you do. Is this Janet” he asked. YES NO I DONT KNOW I rub my forehead gently and peek up at him and nod.

I hate lying most importantly very bad at it. Even though he knew it was more he still allowed it to be, this time.

“ I am taking you out. Show you off. Remind folks who you belong too. Which means I want you to be out this little head of yours. Janet she many things but all with reasoning. Give her time didn’t you say she nods at you other days” KP said. God his voice.

“ Your right probably PMS. Or something. Where we going” I asked looking down. I could hear my name-calling for me and some chaos.

“IAASC I KNOW HE SEXY EYE CANDY BUT GET YOUR ASS IN HERE-OW” Ethan scream out. I giggle and peck his cheek and ran off.

“ I CALL YOU ILY “ I shouted over my shoulder.

He ruffles his thick black hair across his hands as she smirks at me.

“ILY2” He said.

Everything was like walking into the war zone. Ethan was sitting on a chair holding her arm that was gushing blood out and Casey walking back and forth. I swipe up a rabies shot and quickly gave it to her and took her arms into my arms to looks at it. So much blood my arms got painted red. With a finger snap, Casey passes me the 1st aid kit as I dress the wound. Ethan was laughing all while. After thanking Casey ask sending her off for a break treating her like my child even though she was twice my age I gave the tickle me Ethan my attention.

“ You need to go to the hospital. That looks nothing like something seen before where the animal that did it” I asked looking around.

“ Killed it” She said like it was nothing. My eyebrow bent at this as I look her.

“ I need to call KP back he and sheriff can come over and help” I said pulling my phone out my pocket.

“Shit that fucker a bitch. I go okay I go I’m fine I go later. You did everything right by the way. It’s dead. We take it to the trash and that it” She said then look at me finally. I was a mess. To say the least. I bit the corner of my cheek till it bleeds and the iron the mint of him I was chewing on earlier.

Her eyes look glassy and she had a gentle sweat coming down her forehead. Didn’t it bit her not even a half-hour ago? I walk over and grab the bloody towels and help her up to sit down in her office under the AC. Closing the door I look hands it still had traces of her blood on it. I close my eyes and tried to relax. Taking deep breaths I went over to the sink and started to scrum till my hands were bright red from the friction.

“ Is she alright? “ Casey asks poking her head into the exam room. I peak over and back at my hands.

“ Yeah, she huh. Resting. Hey, what even happen that was so like the strange right” I said adding extra words to sound like I wasn’t just obsessing over it.

Casey pulled out a cigarette from her pocket and pluck it in her mouth getting ready to share something.

“ While you were outside smacking lips with Mr fuck for brains and takeout outside” she stops and looks at me.

“ I was upfront talking to Rachel about our lasted book club meeting. And she was talking about this new craze when one of the animals that came in just bounced up to life and start making sounds hissing and shit. Went sideways. The animal was acting all crazy like Bob does when he drank that moonshine and whiskey during October fair of 2003. Anyway, I rushed back and she was swinging at it with a paperweight” she said raking in another inhale of her cigarette. With a few coughs and tap, she looks around before talking some more.

“ You know a lot of shit been happening around here. I have been here all my life sadly and I would know. You know what it is huh?” She said putting her cigarette out with the bottom of her shoe. “ Damn Liberals. Probably put some damn glitter dusk on shit and made folks all crazy “She said as if it was a known fact. Did I not mention she a bit of a blowup doll racist. Try to explain to her just because I look Spanish doesn’t mean I am. Now she always says Ho Lay. Like that means something more than being a bitch. But she Casey and there no one like her.

“ You never know. So where is it now the animal ” I said drying my hands?

“ Out in the front. Sucker ugly mug tosses a blanket over it” Casey said nodding to the front. I nod and look around trying to let everything sit. Before she could walk off I without even thinking grab tight to her arm and pulled her into a hug. My hand ran up and down as I hold her tight.

“ Stay safe. Cas” I said. She chuckled and pat my back before going. I don’t know why I did it. Maybe a part of me knew something was gonna happen. That I was about to head down a steep drop something I will never be able to recover from.

The animal or what was left of it was like Casey said a mess. Scattered with its brains and head mushed. I poke it a few times before taking my pocket knife and stabbing it in the brain just in case. I wasn’t trying to live my life in a horror film. When I took the knife back out there was a strange goo mix with the blood. What the fuck I whisper to myself as I knee down and got closer to look. Just like I thought it was just like Mr. Fuzzy Bear. This was not a dog and this in on ways was a house pet. How strange how can two things so far from one another by going through the same thing. Can it be a generic trait from mammals? Or animals?

Ethan was quiet for the rest of the night. She didn’t move out of her office and when she did she was still sweating and shivering. I knew I promise KP not to worry but I couldn’t.

Me: Promise not to laugh but I have a question

Mi Amore: Haha what up sweetie

Me: Have there been any strange animal behavior or attacks? I know I’m coo-coo 😛😛

Mi Amore: 🤔 idk. Yeah, old man, Nick has been coming about some behavior. But that’s about it. Ur not crazy just crazy beautiful. Y??

Me: Remember when I was called in. Ethan got bite by a stray animal. Just wondering. I miss U 💋 💋 💋

Mi Amore: Never stop. If you promise to stop worrying I keep an eye on it. And stop by to check out on Ethan tonight or tomorrow. Alright babe

Me: Kk thnx KP

Mi Amore: ILY let me know when you get home

Me: ILY2 😘

Old man Nick was crazy still believing that aliens were never in Roswell but here. But his word is not so reliable he is married to his chicken Cheryl. I paced around that night in my room thinking trying not to think. He was right I need to stop worrying. I pulled out my pink paper and my fuzzy pens from my desk and sat on my bed and starting to write. Could me not having Janet be making me acting like an old man Nick, god I hope not. So I did what KP did and after my letter to Janet, I decided to not worry about it.

My feet bounce from one to another as I ran across the neighborhood. I felt a bit of sweat coming from under my lavender purple sports bra and forehead. Hair swinging from left to right right to left as I power through. In theory, if I wanted to I could run my whole town form one end to another. Music blast though my Bluetooth Air Pods. As I turn I reach Bloom Ave I made a quick left and push through till I reach a familiar two-story house at the end of the dead street. It sits back in the dirt a bit with a few stubs in the ground that somehow went perfect with the grey clay outer skeleton with huge windows and white curtains and a bright red wooden door. No cars in the driveway weren’t unfamiliar. Janet's mom or body double was always out at the local bar on some table dancing talking about her glory days. Janet hates that and even though she never told a soul she always fears she becomes that. Be stuck in the middle of nowhere no love and memories of when life was fearless Couldn’t ever be like that I told her as sat back on a black and white blanket sipping on my organic lemonade. She smiles and asks why. Because I will be there no quicksand right. She smiles and nods no quicksand. I wipe my eyes as I came up to the front porch. I knock a few times before I gave up. Hail Mary twisting my neck a bit I look around to the empty street. From the corner of my eye, I could see the shades move. I turn my head around so quickly I got dizzy. I ran towards the window and tap at it. Trying to look in. It was blurry but I can dang sure I saw someone. I called out and bang it a few times. She was not gonna answer. With a exhale I turn and leaned against the window and slide till I was on the ground. I never gave up but this was starting to look like the only thing I could do. Was not doing that stupid drug that big of a deal. More. More I thought about it I got anger mad-sad even. Whipping my eyes with the back of my hand I got up and grab a few rocks. And started hitting the window calling out for her. Pissed I storm in circles across the front door like a madwoman.

" I don't know what wrong but FUCK IT. YOU KNOW I CARE ABOUT YOU AND YOU DOING THIS IS FUCK UP. BECAUSE OF BLOODY DAMN DRUG. YOU PROMISE ME MOON AND STARS WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT THE OTHER. SO IM NOT LEAVING IF I HAVE TO WRITE TO YOU AND LEAVE A FREAKIN LETTER OR CALL I AM. I KNOW SOMETHING FUCKIN WRONG. WHAT WE ARE YES IT IS COMPLICATED AND NOT WAY OF THINGS BUT I DO ANYTHING FOR YOU. THIS SHIT CHILDISH. YOU FUCKIN PROMISE J. They all leave me and you promise you won't" I stumble to my knees and hold onto my face with my hands and cried. I can't hate her even when I wanted to I can't. I cry and cry to the point my sweat and tears were blending into one.

Slowly getting up I look at the house once time. I lost. I lost over something so stupid. Crazy as it is if I could go back knowing what I know I still won't take that duck fuckin drug. I would just fight more so Janet wouldn't.

" No quicksand " I whisper before I walk off in defeat.

At work I didn't move much I just sat there listening to Casey about how Ethan couldn't make it something about going to the urgent care next town over. Casey was pleased because it meant she could leave early. Cleaning up the back exam rooms I recognize the towel Ethan used when she got attack day before. FUCK IT. I Peak before I snoop over to the magnifying glass and cup a piece of the towel and took a look. I tried squeezing my eyes but it wasn't close enough DARN I crushed at myself as I ruffle my hair through my hands. Biting the corner of my lip I look over for something anyway. JACKPOT. I rushed over and bent down to go through old equipment until I found the microscope that I remember Ethan told me about when I first started helping out. Sometimes about it not working right but if there one thing I was work with what you got a type of girl. It is I tap the metal table till the light came on. Grabbing the piece of the towel I place it over and fetch my glasses out my chest pocket and kiss my eyes to the lends. At first, it looks right till I saw a few things in the corner that didn't look quite right. The light kept flicking above me with an annoying buzz. Was it stupid yes but who said I was smart. More I tried to focus louder the buzz got. Till the office phone ring making me jump out my damn skin with a loud final act scream. AHHHH.

After a second to realize it was the phone, I quickly answer it. Hello, I said slightly out of breath. I heard heavy breathing. I repeated my self. Still nothing but heavy breathing. This isn't funny I said about to poop a golden egg. Still, it was heavy breathing. I can't hear you breathing I said looking around second-guessing every life decision I ever made. I gonna hang up I said but something stops me. Three words. No QUICKSAND. My eye widens Janet. I scream into the phone for her a bit excited and more so worried. But all I got was a dial tone I tried to call her but she didn't answer.

Each night around the same time the same message those three words. Of course, I tried to make her say anything else but no. My mind races trying to figure it out till each time I came to the same conclusion, she did not want my help or worst she could not ask for it.

I tap my foot as I look at my planner trying to figure out what to wear for my date with KP today. Strawberry favor purple teddy bear he got me on our first date sat on my lap between my thighs. He did tell me much but just it was a casual date no restaurant this time. We need that a few times when he was in school ones out of town. I liked those I could be anyone I wanted to be even though I could only drink the bottled water and had to bring omg own food. If they didn’t have things like organic apples. The third one we did he told me of his dream ones that included me. I like those a lot. Even after the two years when he went off to the army to take down the bad guys. Each letter you write adventures about life we were gonna have. I told him I didn’t care just wanted him there to hold me and love me. Stupid I know but stuck in a small town you can get caught up in those dreams.

After a few minutes of debating I pick up my feet push and turn around and around in my chair holding the hand of teddy. Hoping off after a few turns around I click on my radio and just decide to go with the flow whatever I was feeling. REMEMBER A DAY BY PINK FLOYD starting to play. I bop my head and shake my hips as I look through my denim.

Remember a day before today

A day when you were young.

Free to play alone with time

Evening never comes.

Toss a blue denim skirt with a beach wave cut on the bottom and round bottoms on the front. I lose myself in the beat that was creeping through my soul. Singing off-key look over my shoulders and pull out short sleeves stripe blue and black with a hint of the orange shirt.

Climb your favourite apple tree

Try to catch the sun

Hide from your little brother’s gun

Dream yourself away

I walk backward as I sang with my teddy in my hands the outro plucking out my round black shades to complete the outfit. Licking my lips I look into the mirror with items place in front to imagine how it would look. Something was messing I look behind and saw one of his old button-ups he left one night he stayed. Taking I deep breath in I look up to my ceiling knowing if things go well maybe I go a step forward. Or maybe not.

He came at exactly at 12 o clock. Rolling up in his 2010 Black Ford Raptor with the music blasting. I hope up without thought ran over as soon as it stops. Before I could get in I saw a few blankets on the passenger seat. Peaking up I saw him staring at me with those intoxicating midnight eyes that match his thick cut on side and swoosh in the front black hair. That I love to tug and play with between my dainty fingers. His smile was so wide that it shows off his perfect pearly whites. Reaching closer I smile into a kiss and I felt a lift as he pulls me in and into his lap. To deepen our kiss the taste of his toothpaste and hint of orange juice he must have had before coming over. Recently he taught me the fun of French kissing and art of a tongue. Pulling his bottom lip with my teeth I glance at him his strong muscular hand grip tight to my thigh.

“ Looks like someone wearing my clothes again” He said rubbing little patterns on my thigh with his index finger.

“ Want me to take it off and give it back. Baby” I asked playfully. With one last glance and shook his head no and tilt his head to look at me.

“ You know it drives me crazy seeing you wear my stuff. Let’s not forget the football jersey incident” he reminded me. It was 1st time I allow him to fell my thigh and butt. Thought alone brought a heat running down my body. Something Janet told me was normal. Playing with his hair I look down at what he was wearing. Black jeans with a red t-shirt an leather jacket.

“ So this the big date. Just sitting in your car. I could have told my parents we were staying for lunch then” I said playing with the collar of his jacket.

He ponders the question for a bit before he started to laugh. Picking me up he helps me over to the passenger seat. Left his right hand on my thigh and drove off with his left hand. After a few minutes, I wrap my hand with his and lean back and look at him as he drives. Few times he will peak over even throwing me a silly face which I then gave a few my own. Got to a light I peak out to the street. Crazy for a Saturday the usual busy with folks at the town square or at the farmer market that would be along Main Street it was pretty much close to deserted. Looking back as we drove off I sat back and ponder about it.

“ Did Bucks say anything about not having his produce today?” I asked.

“ Huh yeah sweetie it was postponed. Something happened to some of his vegetables. Think some kids piss on them. There also that beauty pageant in San Pedro. Took a bus over to watch” He said to bring my hand to kiss.

“ Yea yea I forgot. You know with Ethan gone. I feel like I’m working all alone forgetting the days. Where we going “ I asked.

“ Don’t worry we almost there. Would you put that scarf around your eyes it a surprise? Isaac” he said.

I took the red plaid scarf and wrap it around my eyes. The realization was starting to dawn on me besides our movie dates or him staying with me at night. This was our first date since he came back. Worried wasn’t even the word for it my whole body became snuffled with nerves. My mouth was dry and my neck felt warm.

“ Hey hey you okay,” he asked with a serious tone. I nod yes and hold on to his bicep tight.

“ Sorry just excited. Is all” I whisper holding on.

I didn’t know where I was but I felt the ground being a bit rough against my converse. One hand-grip tight to his other feeling my way. I could feel the moisture from the air and leaves. Before u even lifted the scarf I knew we were at our special hideout in Lover Lane.

Close behind me, he squeezed my shoulders gently as he whispered words of sweet nothing. I felt like Alice walking through wonderland. What if I look clearly through the darkness between the glitter and tiny rainbows I could find mad hatter drinking morning tea or the queen of hearts out by her garden w brush covered in red paint. Endless wonders who will I be would I be Alice full of innocence and wonder, the white rabbit who always running with of anxiety, Chester cat who full of the finger brings back cross and a smile with a bit of darkness inching to come back or maybe just a poor bystander. Most say I could pick out those three or add one in but today I didn’t know.

The blindness of the light brought me back from that rabbit hole of thoughts. Blinking a few times to adjust I saw a blur of trees and blue sky. It was beautiful right in the middle among all the flowers and grass was a big red planet blanket with a wicker basket in the center.

“ Surprise My Ama. Like it” KP said with a huge grind with his hands stretch out as far as possible. I didn’t know tears were coming down till KP came over to kiss them away. I hold his hand tight and kiss his hand before kissing each finger and look deep into his deep space eyes.

“ Did I do something why are you crying?” KP said a bit worried. I felt my lips playing peek a boo with teeth. I wish I knew why I was crying. I don’t even know anymore.

Instead of the truth I pull KP by hand and pull him onto the blanket before I let go and lay across. I curl my finger and motion for him to come over to sit by me. He lay his head on my lap. Right by edge of my skirt and he help right with his head facing my lower stomach. Playing with his hair between my fingers I came close and kiss his forehead gently. He holds me close and mumbles something. Maybe today I’m Alice before she found that hole.

The sun felt so good again my smooth rich terra- cotta skin. My hair was slip to the side taking in the sun raises. I could here KP reading from his old worn-out copy of The Last Man in the background still laying on my lap. He always had a fascination with Pre-American Gothic and an unseen classic from popular authors. Could read anything that was calming may you forget the world around you and drunk of his voice capturing his presence. Once he read House of Leaves to me when we were both in head and sound like a lullaby.

What is there in our nature that is forever urging us on towards pain KP read.

I bent down in front of the book to block any of the words and cup his cheeks in my hands and kiss him. Putting the book beside him he returns the kiss and pulls in deeper and turns me over to he was on top. My head rests on my honey scent shampoo hair. I could smell the woody scent of his Guilty Pour Homme Spray by Gucci he always put on. He moves his hand to crest cheek eyes match my woods brown eye with his. I could feel something hard pressuring against my thigh. With a sigh, I look at him and then down. Once again. As if he could read my thoughts he slowly pulls away.

“ Should probably not continue this before we are both in trouble huh baby?” KP said in his deep chocolate voice. I slowly nod and place my hands against his side and rub it against the pants being the only thing stopping me to go further. I need an escape something to stop my thoughts stop me from jumping face-first onto the hole. I felt moving his hips with movement with my palm. Kiss trace down my neck gently I curve into his touch wanting more. God, he knew how to make this girl feel good. His hands while rough with warn and tares always was gentle. Without thought I let out a sigh as we continue till out nowhere I thought I heard some birds. A lot of birds. Opening my eyes corner of my sight I see a family of birds flying in a flock west of me. I bent my head back as I follow the birds until they disappear. My mind drifts off to where they were going what would they do once they are there.

“ Ama I gotta tell you something alright something very important and I need you to listen can you do that” KP asked as he kisses my neck some more. I nod and mouth yes.

“ You know when I left I thought I was strong I thought I was brave. I wanted to protect you so badly from all evil all darkness I went onto war. But honestly, it’s not what I thought baby. The world we live in full of chaos more I tried to fix it stay in line I found my self missing you thinking what if I stay with you” KP said and continue to kiss me between my chest. Feeling brought old feelings I haven’t felt in more a year ago.

“ This world needs order. And I can’t do it all alone. Many nights I was barley holding thinking of ending my life but I got your letters and face times. If it wasn’t for you I will be lost in this huge empty world. I have been thinking and well what if after you graduate we leave pack all your shit and leave. Nothing d holding us back” KP said. I blink and look at him he stops kissing me and look back up at me with huge night sky eyes. I could hear some strange noises from behind me. KP was still speaking and all I could do was stare at him with drunk haze eyes.

“ Would you run off with me?” KP asks turning to go get up to look at me. No words can describe the look in his eyes passion fear worry lust doubt. Galaxy with million and one thoughts hiding in plain sight. Could I leave and blindly follow him into the unknown future. FUCK YEAH, I WOULD that promised I gave him so long ago.

Before I could say anything everything happens in a flash. The gravity pull was distracted in a minor of seconds. I felt him pushed my down covering me with his chest I look and I could feel something wet. Stumbling back on the blanket my breath gets shorter and I start to feel dizzy my fingertips were numb I felt like the more I tried to breathe more I fell deeper into the darkness. Then were the two muscle arms scooping me up from behind?

“ ISAAC ISSAC AMA AMA BABY BABY LOOK AT ME. Come one before you go into shock “ KP shout out. I look away from the body and at him. His thick finger covers my flushed cheeks. I slowly start to nod and look back at the body.

“ Is he.... is he dead we gotta do -“ I stop as I could see man chest rising a bit he was saying something. I let go and slowly follow the mumble I was a foot away before I felt a hand on my shoulder stopping me. I couldn’t freak out not like before a deep breath in I slowly turn back around.

“ Not safe. Take my phone get services and called for help” KP said in his deep savior voice he does when he serious. I glance back at the body. It gosh out blood to point you couldn’t tell where the actual puncture wound was. Where was it that was gonna be on his death certificate. From where I was it looks like his had puss and some strange black markers. He spoke to me but I did not answer him instead I remain quite till I heard the 911 operator.

“ He Hello. Yes huh, this is huh Amaryllis Isaac Smith I’m with my boyfriend Kindred Phillip” I could hear KP be reaping the word deputy. I nod and look at him he was hovering over the body almost studying it. “ Deputy Sargent Phillip. We are huh mm KP where are we” I stop and scream again where are we.

“ Lover Lane South East entranced a quarter-mile away from the lake. TELL ME THE PEEK A BOO SPOT they will know” He shoot out.

I repeated words word by word what he said. I heard the words by I couldn’t answer.

“Yes, there a man baby hurt. PLEASE HURRY” I said. Placing my hand to the phone I look at KP. “ Is he breathing KP “ I shout out. I couldn’t see one of his hands he was knee down to the body his back facing me. I waited but he didn’t answer just slowly got up and brush his hands on his thighs and grab the phone.

“ He dead. We wait to cops come. Maybe an ambulance my girl she a bit shook up. That’s okay Baby ... Baby” KP asked looking down at me. I couldn’t breathe anymore my hands wrap around his broad shoulder for my dear life my right cheek pushed onto his chest till I could hear his heart. Far away by the now dead body, I saw flames surrounding it. Tears gently fell more flames the closer I pulled into him till my vision was blur form fabric of his shirt. With one last breathe I was free-falling down that hole.

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maxmagic · 5 years

Text

~Giovanni and (Y/N)~

Giovanni x reader (platonic)

Warning: swearing

Genre : idk honestly

If there are spelling errors let me know

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was a clear night sky. Jazz City was quiet , most people by know asleep or spending times with loved ones.

But no , not Giovanni . He was putting the last few finishing touches of his Banzai Blaster uniform . His last mission didnt go as planned and his suit suffered 'cuz of it . It wasn't that bad tho , only a few holes . But Giovanni knew how to knit , but not how to sew. He didnt want to bother Molly so late at night , so he decided to take it upon himself to fix the holes. After some effort and a bit of blood (clumsy boy pricked his finger) he was done .

Just then , he heard his window open . He turned around and it was (Y/N) , his faithful partner in crime and sometimes rival, who was also a Banzai Captain. They slipped in and let out a sigh "Yoo Gio, are you done or what? The night doesnt last forever you know !" "Geez , who put you in a bad mood ? You cant rush art (Y/N) . Sewing is a delicate act that needs a lot of concentration " Giovanni remarked . (Y/N) frowned and put their hands on their hip ."Just... hurry up and get ready, please. I'll be waiting for you on the rooftop with the crew." And with that the felt .

'Ugh , moody...'

Giovanni finally put his suit on and made his way to the roof. The wind blew gently , making his cape flow with the wind , adding extra flare to his long awaited entrance. "Minions and (Y/N) , tonight is a big night !! Tonight we do something so bad and evil , every one in this city will bow before us !!" Giovanni said with so much pride and energy. He stirked a dramatic pose , pointing to the city . "Tonight ... we rob the mall". The Banzai Blasters cheered at their captain , but (Y/N) wasn't having it. "Again Gio?? Didnt you guys get completely busted last time and my team had to get you guys out before the police arrested you all ??" She said , frustrated as memories from a month ago flashed by. To keep it short , it was a disaster. Giovanni stumbles a bit at their sudden remark . They never embarrass him in from on his boys. He quickly picked himself up and said " B-But this time , it's going to be different . Crusher found a way to bypass the security of the main doors , so they'll never see us coming . " "What about the mall cops ?" (Y/N) asked , wanting this to be over and done with. "Pffft , mall cops are nothing ", Giovani disregarded, " it's usually some old grandad with bones made out of toothpicks" . He puts an arm around (Y/N) and grins "Besides ... We are that Banzai Blasters !! Nothing can stop us , especially not the cops". To that , (Y/N) only rolled their eyes . They removed Giovannis hand from their shoulder and starts heading to the mall , carelessly jumping from building to buildings.

Giovanni let out a huff , but then his face softened. Was something the matter ? Were they upset ? He pondered about it for a bit , before brushing it off. I mean , if they were sad they'd tell him... right ?

Some time passes while they got to the mall. Through the whole trip , Giovanni was looking at (Y/N) . Looking up close , they seemed kinda mad . Giovanni felt his stomach turn a bit. He knew something was up , but ... He cant just bring it up out of nowhere! Then they'll be even more mad . Giovanni just signs and opens the door of the mall . While he was sulking , Crusher managed to unlock it and clear the censors . They all made their way in , the big hollow mall quiet and peacefull . Not for long lol. As soon as they entered , the Banzai Blasters rushed through every store and shop . Wrecking things and taking goods. (Y/N) was just sitting a bench , mumbling to themselves . They eminanted a dangerous aura , so thick and deadly someone could easily suffocate in it.

Suddenly they heard a crash and sirens went of . "Jesus Fuck , who sounded the alarms?!?!. They looked around and saw one of Banzai blasters managed to break a window and it sounded the alarms. "Crusher , you bumbass, I though you said you hacked the alarms ?!!"(Y/N) yelled , furious. "I-I only was able to shut of the security on the d-doors. They must h-have added ne-ew ones on the windows " Crusher stuttered out , kiss knees shaking . Giovanni rushed to the group an said "We have to get out of here !! The cops will be here any minute " . As he said that , the doors and windows rattled and a metal curtain dropped . Now they were really fucked . (Y/N) cursed under their breath . "Theres probably a hatch or something to get us out. Crusher , if we get arrest I'm fucking killing you ." They grab two of the Banzai blasters by the collar and drag them to a vent. "Quickly you shits, open the vent before I pummel you to the ground and leave you for the cops" (Y/N) yelled in a manner almost sounded like a lions road.

Thats it. That's the final straw. No one messes with Giovanni's Boys , even if it's a close friend. Giovanni taps (Y/N) on the shoulder and they turn around."Dont talk to my boys that way!! Only I get to do that " he said ,"You've been a real piece of work the whole night , but this is just being a dick . You okay? Did something happen?". Giovannis voice dulled to a more concerned tone ."I've told you before , I'm FINE." they say through gritted teeth. Just then a loud clang is heard. The two Banzai Blasters managed to open the vent . (Y/N) smiled and clapped their hands sarcastically "Great job, now MOVE.". They push away the two Banzai Blasters and make their way towards the vent . The crawl in and suddenly they're dropped at least 15 feet down . "Aw SHIT!" they cry out. That's going to leave a lot of bruises. They managed to fall on some wash cloths tho , so no broken bones. "ARE YOU OKAY" Giovanni yells down the vent. He could hear a quiet groan in return. "Aw hell... listen here boys . That vent must have lead to some painful stuff , so we dont go that way . You find another path and I'll scoop (Y/N) out of there." "But boss, what if you dont get out ? The police wil- "Dont be silly , Crusher . I am the great Giovanni Potage~! Nothing can stop ME" Giovanni strikes a confident pose , before crawling in the vent .

He also dropped the 15 feet and fell on his but. He cringed , but looked around for his friend. He could only see a small bluff in the corner of the small room . Then his heart broke as he heard sobbing . He rushed over to the blur, which of course was (Y/N) , big tears streaming down their face. "Hey hey , are you hurt ? Did the fall break a bone ?" . Giovanni scanned their body for cuts or breaks , but didnt find anything that looked broken. (Y/N) clutched Giovannis suit and sobbed , their face buried in his chest. They said a few words , but they were muffled by sobs and fabric. Giovanni only patted their head and gave them a big hug. For now he wasnt worried about cops or anything . He just wanted to help his friend.

After a while (Y/N) removed their face from Giovanni's chest , which was now stained with tears. Their sobs were now only sniffles and small hiccups. "Do you want to talk about it ? Giovanni said softly . He sat next to them and let his friend rant about their horrible day ..

"How your day must have really sucked, huh?" "Yeah... thanks for letting me went to you. I though I could tough it out for the day but.... guess not " (Y/N) said as they rubbed the back of their neck in shame. Giovanni gave them a side hug , and looked them straight in the eyes. "We've been friends for so long . It's like I've known you my whole life. You know you can always talk to me if you have problems . Besides, you shouldn't keep all your emotions bottled up . That's for chums". Giovanni smiled at the last line ."That's for chums" was a little inside joke they made from their first mission together.

(Y/N) smiled ."Thanks Gio ... really. I'm sorry I acted like such a douche . You're a really good friend ." Giovanni bashfully shrugged "I mean of course I am . I'm the great Giovanni ~ I

Just then they heard loud sirens .That's right. In all their bonding time ,they forgot they were running away from the police.

How will they get out of this situation??

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Yep , got lazy with the ending . Sorry , but hoped you enjoyed

#epithet erased imagines #epithet erased #fanfiction

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infinite-rabbits · 4 years

Note

hey, hiii just wanted to ask about your thoughts/opinions on shadows character

Do you mean like.... Overall or how it’s been handled lately?

It also kinda depends on which version of Shadow. I mean, obviously from my set of 4 Shadows I have on my desk, I love him.

SO I guess we need to break it down.

Sonic Adventure 2 Shadow: I love this silly edgelord. He’s basically a teenager who’s also woken up from a really long nap. Have you ever had nap brain before? Because it sucks, and I like to think that’s part of why he’s so grumpy and also why he had so many memory problems. He might have been out of cryostasis, but his brain was still waking up. He’s moody, he’s probably going through hormone swings because, you know, teenager, and he’s trying to figure out where he stands in the world. This is the Shadow I was first introduced to when my cousin had the game system and I was watching him play it. I literally made my mom buy me a gamecube and the game because I wanted to play with Shadow. I’m always late to the game with stuff. I mean heck, I only just now started playing Sonic Forces and that’s been out since 2017, but this game REALLY impacted my view on the Sonic franchise.

Shadow in Shadow The Hedgehog: Okay so I know a lot of other people really hate his depiction in this game. They don’t like the idea of Shadow going THAT edge and liking guns and all of that stuff due to his PTSD with Maria. But honestly... I don’t mind it that much? Because there’s the whole thing about him having amnesia again or whatever. And what’s more interesting to look at from this game’s point of view is that, just like a lot of other things in the Sonic Franchise, it’s an AU. This is a choose your own adventure where you can literally decide if Shadow is going to freak out and go down the villain’s path, stay neutral and do his own thing, or realize that he needs his friends and go down the hero’s path. So even if you’re not super into him using guns, you could still have him go down that hero path and find his true self. Plus this thing has one of the most bangin’ theme songs Shadow’s ever had. Like all of his themes from games are pretty awesome, but I personally LOVE this one. Especially the extra m e t a l version by Little V.

Shadow in other games: He can be kind of hit-or-miss in the personality department here. You’ve got him in Sonic Heroes with amnesia... again. And possibly being an andriod. But honestly I love that “date to die for!” scene because it’s so dramatic! You’ve got him in Free Riders for some reason being willing to help Rouge get money in the race even though he’s never actually been willing to help before. In most games he’s just kinda sorta... there, and it feels like the writers don’t fully know what to do with him if he’s not the main focus of the game. There’s one big exception to that though:

Shadow in Sonic 06: The game everyone shits on, mostly just because of some of the graphics being shitty here and there in the actual gameplay and also the whole “Sonic hooking up with a human chick” thing. However, this is one of the best characterizations of Shadow. He cares about his friends, he gets given the support he needs, and in turn he also winds up giving that support to Silver. You know, after giving him a boot to the head. As bad as this game might have been, we did actually get relatively good character development for some of these characters, and Shadow was one of them. His willingness to do his part and take Silver “under his quills” as I’ve seen other people say, properly shows off his compassionate side rather than him just.... being dark and brooding. You know?

Boom Shadow: Eeeeh.... I’m not totally sure how to feel about this one? I love listening to his voice for sure. I like watching his fight scenes. But it feels like they’re making him edgy just for the sake of being edgy. And he’s really easily manipulated? I feel like, while Boom has done some great things with other characters, Shadow has gotten the short end of the stick. He’s kinda bland most of the time when it comes to his actual characterization, and he’s boiled down to a one-note kind of guy. So like, I don’t hate it but I really think I could do better.

IDK comics Shadow: They kinda did the same thing here. Shadow started out pretty darn great in that scene with Sonic and deciding what to do with Mr. Tinker. Seeing Sonic get under Shadow’s skin about it and making him back down was a great way of showing how the two have really gotten to understand each other over the years and that Sonic knows Shadow better than he’s willing to admit. That’s where my praise ends. Shadow then basically disappears until we get him back being stubborn as hell and jumping right into a pit of zombots and BOOM, just like that he’s taken out of the game. We’ll see how things go once this virus thing is over (because honestly I feel like it’s been lasting waaaay too long.) and if they use this to humanize him a bit more or if they keep him being super stubborn and one-note. But yeah, as of now I’m not super happy with how he’s been handled.

Shadow in the Archie Comics: HOO BOY I SAVED THE BEST ONE FOR LAST. And by best I mean worst. Where do I even begin with this one? Let me start by saying that I haven’t read all of the Archie comics yet. I’m working on it now, and I’m reading them somewhere online because they’re expensive as hell to get a hold of. But dear lord, this writing is usually horrible! Some of the writers work well together while others *cough*kenpenders*cough* don’t bother to read each other’s stories or will get pissy about their own plotlines not going anywhere and others having to fix them. Shadow is... yanked around so heavily in this series. In some stories, he’s great. He shows interesting characteristics and shows that he’s learning and growing. In others he’s just kinda.... there. In others he’s going completely against what he’s learned and is treating people like shit unless he’s manipulated to do otherwise. One of my absolute biggest complaint about the Archie series is: Tyrant Overlord King Shadow, from the 25/30 years later arch. It’s so bad, you guys. *disgruntled noises* Ken Penders basically had Shadow do a complete 180 despite everything he’s ever learned. He forcibly married Sally, became a tyrant of a king who ruled with an iron fist, and when Sonic kicked his ass and threw him in another stasis tube and he was brought back later, he unleashed this weird Tikal/Chaos creature out into the world to completely destroy it after feeding her so much chaos energy that he hurt her. Also the writer completely freaking forgot to actually END that story. Sonic and the New Freedom Fighters defeat and re-seal away “Tichaos,” but there’s no closure as to what happens to Shadow. It’s just Ken Penders going: “LOOK MY SUPER SPECIAL AWESOME OCS JUST SAVED THE DAY.” And it’s like.... okay, but what about Shadow? Did he escape? Is he still in the castle? Is there a second part to this? And sadly, that’s as far as I’ve read with that line and I don’t know if it got any further before they had to do the reboot. So yeah, Shadow is kinda shafted in these comics too.

Overall: I think he’s a really great character with a lot of wasted potential. He tends to shine more when the spotlight is fully on him because in that case, the writers realize they need to work on him more. But when he’s a side character, they boil him down to one-note and that’s really not a good thing to do with any character. (I should also note that I haven’t actually gotten to purchase the DLC yet of Shadow’s story for Sonic Forces, so I’ll need to go and watch the cut scenes before I can properly say anything on that particular game.)

The Sonic Franchise suffers overall from a case of: Too many characters. Now I wouldn’t change that about them, especially this late in the game. However we’ve been introduced to so many characters that none of them ever really get their chance in the spotlight anymore. Another artist that I can actually compare this to is actually VivziePop. She designs a LOT of characters for her works, and she puts so much effort into them that they all come across as “main character material” and completely overshadow the actual main character of the story. The biggest time that has impacted her work was in her comic Zoophobia. The main character was some human chick thrown into the world, but then she spent so long establishing all of the almost hundred characters she’d made for the world that the story itself felt like it de-railed. She’s gotten a bit better with Hazbin, but Charlie still gets really overshadowed. Some of the Archie comics got to be the same way. They had introduced so many characters at that point that they needed to do storylines that didn’t involve Sonic, and Ken Penders himself didn’t really like writing for Sonic because it was so restrictive, where as he had a lot of free reign with the other ones he’d made or that weren’t the main character. So he just kept making character after character to throw in there, and that combined with the characters we got from all of the assorted media over the years means a lot more characters to try and focus on. So the ones that don’t get their prime time in the spotlight just kinda never go anywhere. Also Shadow not being the main precious blue boy probably explains why his writing can be so wibbly-wobbly depending on the media he’s in. Because Sega isn’t breathing down anyone’s neck anywhere near as heavily as they are for Sonic.

I should probably stop typing now because I’ve written you a novel. XD

TL;DR: I love Shadow but he gets the shaft more often than not by the writers.

#long post #shadow the hedgehog #sonic the hedgehog #archie comics #sega #sonic writing #Anonymous

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firenationember · 4 years

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Destruction, Everywhere (OC Fic)

6/12

Authors note: I’m sorry to anyone who read the previous chapter 6 but I wasn’t please with the progression of the story. It’s better now! Expect more chapters soon! This chapter is basically just a filler; it takes place during The Firebending Masters and the beginning of The Boiling Rock episodes (Zukko and Sokka returning next chapter. This is still just a cute little Katara/Draya friendship blurb, hence the Katara gif choice. Also: every chapter following this one is longer I swear lol

Previous Chapters

The day after Zuko and I talked in the alcove, he and Aang decided it was time to get to the bottom of Zuko’s disappearing bending. Toph suggested they look for the original firebenders, which led them to travel to Ancient Sun Warrior ruins in search of an answer. I begged them to let me join them, aching to learn more about firebending firsthand, but Zuko insisted it had to be the two of them. “You were lucky to find a way to coax your firebending out when it’s being stubborn. I won’t find an answer in water.” Zuko and I walked next to each other towards Appa, not wanting him leave without saying goodbye. I sighed before nodding. “I understand, it is your destiny to help the Avatar after all. For your honor!” I imitated Zuko when I said the last bit, throwing my fist in the air for dramatic effect. He rolled his eyes and laughed, smiling down at me. “My uncle once told me ‘Destiny is a funny thing. You never know how things are going to work out, but if you keep an open mind and an open heart, I promise you will find your own destiny someday.’ We were actually here, in this Air temple, when he told me that. It was right after the Agni Kai when I first got banished. I still had the bandage on, and I was sure my destiny to capture the Avatar. When we lived in Ba Sing Se, he told me to ask myself ‘Who are you, and what do you want?’ and at the time I wasn’t sure. Maybe, I’m still not sure.” He chuckled and shakes his head. “All I know, is this is much better than any destiny I could’ve wished for.” He gestured to our friends before meeting my gaze, a soft smile dancing on his lips as he grabbed one of my hands. “I’m much happier than I thought possible.” I felt the heat rush to my cheeks as I heard Sokka clear his throat behind us. “I hate to break it to ya D, but your boyfriend has to leave with Aang soon if they want to get back in time to stay on schedule.” Zuko dropped my hand and we shuffled apart slightly, Zuko chuckling as he rubbed the back of his neck. “For the last time Sokka, he’s not my boyfriend. It’s just nice to have another firebender on my side for once, something I know we all relate to.” Before I step away from Zuko, I turned to him. “Your uncle would be proud of you for finding your own destiny, and you can tell him all about it when we find him. Now go get your firebending in check, I miss having a firebending sparring partner. No offense Aang.” I say, looking over at Aang as he shrugged. “I wouldn’t want to fight you even if we were just sparring, Draya. Now let’s go, Zuko!” Aang burst himself up on Appa’s back with an explosion of air as Zuko climbed up the side. Zuko looked over and gave me a small wave as the monk boy yelled “yip, yip!” and they were off. “Don’t worry, your boyfriend will be back soon.” Sokka said, sliding up next to me. I sent a little burst of flames to his feet and he yelped, hopping up into the air. “No firebending Draya, it’s not fair!” I laughed as I walked away, hoping Aang and Zuko find what they’re looking for. When they got back, they were so excited to show us the newest firebending form they learned while exploring the ruins. We watched as they posed and formed a circle together, Katara and Sokka teasing them relentlessly at their “new dance”. “It’s a sacred form that happens to be thousands of years old.” Zuko said, obviously annoyed at the Water Tribe siblings’ antics. “Oh yea? What’s your little form called?” Katara asked, mock dripping in her voice. I had to cover my mouth with my hand to help from laughing out loud when I saw Zuko’s angry face shift to one of slight embarrassment. “The Dancing Dragon…” the other 3 started laughing, Toph and Sokka bouncing jokes off each other. I walked over to Zuko, who was mumbling angrily to himself. He stopped to look over at me, smiling softly with a sigh of relief. “I’d love to learn this new firebending form, it looks like it could be useful...” I started, before being interrupted by a giggling Sokka. “Yea, at your wedding!” he said, walking up behind me and slapping his palm on my shoulder. Zuko’s smile fell into an annoyed scowl as I rolled my eyes. “First you call him my boyfriend, which he’s not, and now we’re getting married? Excuse me for wanting to learn an ancient firebending form. You wouldn’t understand, boomerang guy.” I said, crossing my arms across my chest as I turned to face Sokka, who was defensively yelling about his sword wielding. I knew he was a good fighter; it was just so fun to get him worked up sometimes.

The next night, Zuko tried to make tea for us around a fire. I watched as he walked over to Sokka, offering him a cup. The Water Tribe boy spoke to Zuko in a hushed tone, and I watched as they walked away. I wondered where they went off to, quickly forgetting about it when Toph sent a wave of rocks underneath me to get my attention. Sokka appeared before Zuko did, not too far behind him. Sokka give a rushed goodnight before stuffing his body into his sleeping bag, the others following suit after him. Zuko helped me clean up our mess a bit, putting out the fire, neither of us finding anything to say. I turned to face him, walking close enough so that only he could hear my words. “Is Sokka okay? He seemed moody all afternoon and right now he seemed almost annoyed about something.” I searched Zuko’s face for any sign of emotion, hoping to figure out his answer before he said anything. “He’s okay, just feeling overwhelmed. You know how Sokka gets.” He shrugged, his tone not at all convincing. Realizing I wouldn’t get more out of him, I nodded and wrapped my arms around his torso. His familiar warm scent made the hug even more comforting as he wrapped his strong arms around me. “Good night, Zuko.” I said, stepping back and walking towards my sleeping bag. “Good night, Draya.” He replied, smiling back at me as he continued to mess about with the fire. The expression he had on his face stuck with me, a mixture of concern and contemplation. It shouldn’t have surprised me when we woke up the next morning to find Zuko and Sokka gone, some less than convincing note left behind. “Need meat. Gone fishing. Back in a few days. -Sokka and Zuko. One more thing. Aang, practice your firebending while I’m gone. Do 20 sets of fire fists and 10 hop squats every time you hear a badger frog croak. -Zuko”. A badger frog croaked right after Katara read the letter, earning an exasperated sign from Aang. “Draya doesn’t have any firebending homework.” He said, starting his set of hop squats. I laughed slightly and shrugged. “I’m not training to be the Avatar.”

I was stretching in the sun, the heat wrapping around my body, as I got lost in my thoughts about what Zuko and Sokka could be getting up to. Katara pulled me from them as she called out my name to get my attention, motioning with her hand to go over. We walked towards each other and I couldn’t read the expression on her face. Annoyance? “Is everything okay Katara?” I asked, not sure what her expression meant. She shook her head in shock and scoffed, crossing her arms. “You’re asking me if everything’s okay, when you’re the one who’s basically been avoiding us since my brother left with Zuko?” I could tell she was trying to control the emotion in her voice. I sighed and shifted in place. “I didn’t realize I was avoiding everyone, I guess I’ve just been so lost in my thoughts and my training… I’m sorry.” I said as casually as possible, not wanting to go into much more detail. Her face softened before suddenly turning into a playful grin. “I see the way you look at Zuko, even though I question your judgement a little considering he’s such a jerk; is that what this is about? You like him and you’re sad he’s not here?” I looked at her, hoping my face showed just how confused I was. She laughed a little before continuing. “You guys did disappear for a while the other night…”, she waved her hand in front of her body before crossing her arms as she looked at me, obviously wanting an answer. I laughed a little, shocked at the quick change in her tone from angry to lighthearted teasing. “There’s nothing going on with Zuko, he’s my friend. Just like you, Sokka, Aang, and Toph. The other day, he was just there for me in a way nobody else ever has been. You know you’re one of the best friends I’ve ever had, one of the only ones really. Having Zuko around, finally another firebender who shares my view of the Fire Nation, has been indescribable. A feeling I’ve never had, not even with my own family.” I shrugged, smiling as I realized I could give her something a little more exciting; something I hoped would make up for the fact that I’ve been accidentally avoiding them. “He was my first crush though, when I was 9. I’d only met him once, and it was brief, but… I remember it clearly. My life changed a lot pretty suddenly after we met, so I forgot about my silly crush pretty fast.” I finally looked over at Katara, whose wide eyes lit up as she giddily brought her hands up to her face. “I knew it! A childhood crush is still a crush, Draya. Look, I don’t want to encourage a relationship with someone so untrustworthy, I mean I really think you can do better than someone who’s been so unreliable in the past. But, you two do look happy when you’re together. It’s safe to say he probably has a little crush on you too.” It was my turn to look at her with wide eyes as I scoffed at the idea, shaking my head. “Katara, we have much bigger things to worry about then childhood crushes. Like defeating the Firelord, you know, to save the world?” We both laughed and I felt the tension in the air dissolve. I realized it was wrong to shut my friends out like this, seeing Katara’s kind expression as she smiled at me. “Yes now, but you’re still human Draya. I’m just saying, you should follow those feelings. Or at the very least tell him, because… there’s no saying what’s going to happen the day of Sozin’s comet. Be honest with him sooner rather than later.” I nodded, knowing Katara was right. It’s not like I was going to listen to her advice, I can’t imagine telling Zuko he was my childhood crush. That doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy his company now, before everything changes, and we have to accept our futures. I smirk and turn to her, crossing my arms. “What about you? Do you have a little crush on anyone you’re thinking about talking to before the comet?” Katara’s smile dropped as a blush crept its way onto her face, and she looked away as she played with her hair. “What? No. What makes you say that? I think you’re right, we have bigger things to worry about right now. I just thought since Zuko’s here with us right now, you should take advantage of that because it’s not like he hasn’t betrayed us before...” Her voice became quieter as she spoke, and I could tell by the way she was looking everywhere but towards me that she hadn’t said it as quietly as she hoped. I sighed before replying. “You’re right, I just don’t think Zuko’s going to do that this time. He really wants to help Aang, he wants to help take down his father so the Fire Nation can finally be saved from his immoral ruling. He really has changed Katara, and he’s actually very kind. I hope maybe you can see that too, one day.” Katara rolled her eyes and breezed by my statement, locking an arm through mine as she stood up and guided me back towards the others, rambling on about not being afraid to talk to them in the future. I smiled as she spoke, happy that I admitted to someone how I felt about Zuko, even if I never told him.

Chapter 7

#avatar #avatar: the last airbender #avatar: tla #a:tla #atla #atla fanfic #original character #oc fanfic #oc x zuko #zuko #slow burn #book 3: fire #katara #aang #sokka

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happymetalgirl · 5 years

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February 2020

After a slow, but solid, start to the new decade last month, February sure picked the pace back up with a ton more releases. As usual though, the early month has seen a few more filler albums pushed out without the bands’ labels stirring up much of hype around them, and for some of it, you can see why. We got several more solid projects though that have me excited for what else their associated record labels have in store for the rest of the year. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, there’s plenty to talk about for February, starting with Sepultura.

Sepultura - Quadra

Machine Messiah was the first album I reviewed for this blog, and in that review I made note of the silliness ongoing complaining about this Sepultura lineup not being the “real” Sepultura by fans who still clamor for Max to come back or for the current lineup to retire the Sepultura name. As the size of the Derek Green era discography gradually dwarfs the Max era catalog, Sepultura fans gradually come to accept that the past is the past and this is Sepultura now. And the mild contrast between Sepultura’s output as old late and Max’s creative output through Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, and Killer Be Killed hasn’t really shown any major gulf in class between the estranged artists. Sepultura may not be putting out successive critically acclaimed masterpieces, but they sure have maintained a greater ambition for grander sounds and concepts than Max, who, by contrast, has come through with some solid projects himself, but has largely repeatedly retread the tribal nu metal ground of Roots and tried to give the death metal he practiced with Sepultura some modern updates, with mixed results. Machine Messiah found Sepultura weaving proggy and orchestral elements into their modern form of death metal with respectable success, and the band’s ninth album with Derek Green is a solid continuation of the styles and aesthetics that the band had been evolving into on and leading up to Machine Messiah. Quadra, though, I think just lacks a bit of that creative spark that its predecessor had. It splits the band’s compounded sonic evolution into its main parts by going through sections of thrashy songs, groovy songs, slightly experimental songs, and more moody melodic songs, and it makes for a nice flow to the album, but it feels like each part is missing some of the others while also not going all-in quite enough to make the splitting up of their stylistic components worth it. Again, it’s still solid, just not blowing me away.

6/10

Ihsahn - Telemark

Kind of an odd one here, just a quick five-track EP: three originals and two covers. The first of two EPs to come this year from the Emperor frontman and black metal progressive progenitor finds him largely continuing in short form the slightly blackened prog-rock he had going on on Ámr. The opening track, “Stridig”, rides this mostly continuous guitar rumble over a few intriguing proggy passages while Ihsahn snarls in classic fashion. On the vocal front, his style is raspy and distinctly black metal, but he keeps the roughness on his throat to a minimum to not overpower the instrumentation around him and to make more potent use of melody with his vocals. The second track, “Nord”, introduces a few little modern Opeth-isms and some subtle horn accents to up the prog factor as the EP gets a little lighter. The title track in the middle of the record really goes to prog town even more dramatically than the previous two and takes with the horns with it. With covers of Lenny Cravitz’ “Rock & Roll Is Dead” (which sounds like it wouldn’t be too far off from a Marilyn Manson cover if he also decided to cover the song) and “Wrathchild” by Iron Maiden rounding the album, Ihsahn continues his use of raspy vocal tones and meager black metal rasp over the rock and metal classics while giving the Maiden cut a sweet extra flair with the brilliant addition of a little horn section. It’s a splendid little addition to Ihsahn’s solo catalog and a continuation of his proggy vision for his brand of black metal.

7/10

Intronaut - Fluid Existential Interventions

I have kind of long seen Intronaut as the heir apparent to Isis, with their spacy, sludgy brand of post-metal taking that of the post-metal godfathers’ into more proggy territories, and the L.A.-based trio have gradually grown more into their skin over the past few records, taking , and with The Direction of Last Things having been released almost five years ago, I was starting to get a little worried about if they’d hung it up for some reason. The band shows that the longer break has not dampened their boldness or creativity as they pick up right where they left off with the marriage of gargantuan sludge heaviness and ethereal post-metal atmosphere. The band get a little Meshuggah-type jazz fusion going on in the song “The Cull” and keep that jazzy flow going on the spacy sections of “Contrapasso”, while getting infectiously headbangingly groovy on “Pangloss”. I love the ways the band finds to shift in so many different directions so smoothly. I’d say though that the repetition of smooth movements in similar directions from song to song continue to be the band’s Achilles heel, sometimes really needing some kind of X factor or some kind of compositional surprise to break their cycles in these songs so as to not feel so circlular. The groovy riffage on “Pangloss” is probably the closest the band comes to diverting from their post-metallic mould, and as much as I love it there, I wish there was more. It’s a strong effort from them nevertheless, but I hope the band don’t take so long to progress in this vein on their next album.

7/10

Napalm Death - Logic Ravaged by Brute Force

With a new record on the way this year, I’m sure happy to get a little appetizer from the grindcore legends in the form of this two-song EP. The first song, the titular “Logic Ravaged by Brute Force” kicks off on a melodic brooding note, but quickly ramps up into the band’s famous high grinding death gear. It’s a pretty solid track, just a bit lacking in aggressive pay-off during the choruses, the verses constantly bringing the tempo down. But it’s definitely the kind of Napalm Death song that fixated on its melodic brooding mood and its titular hook, not necessarily representative of the band’s whole catalog or the album to come. The second track of the two, the cover of Sonic Youth’s “White Kross”, is a bit more of a burner, but it fits quite well into that mould for that kind of Napalm Death track like “Omnipresent Knife in Your Back” that could work as an album closer as well.

It’s just two songs and you want a number? Come on./10

Anvil - Legal at Last

The long-running Canadian outfit’s previous album, Pounding the Pavement, served little more than a reminder of why they never ascended to the heights of thrash metal during that genre’s peak of cultural relevance, and I have not revisited that record since re-listening to it to figure out exactly where to place it on the year’s worst-of list. The bar has never been super high for Anvil, and Pounding the Pavement really made it seem like the only way to go was up. The corny cover art to this follow-up here, though, didn’t give me much hope, and it sure isn’t much of an improvement. As with any Anvil project, the lyrics on Legal at Last are malignantly atrocious, and any attempt to enjoy the album is going to have to overcome the serious hurdle of tuning out some of the dumbest lyrics that sound like they were lifted from a high-schooler’s math notebook. I, again, kind of went into the project not expecting much, and knew I was going to hear some truly cringy bars. The “Chemtrails” song, nevertheless, manages to astound me with its ridiculously stupid lyricism feeding into the titular conspiracy theory seemingly unironically. Nice one guys. I’ll say, the band at least kind of redeem themselves with their pointing out the obvious corruption surrounding the fossil fuel industry and government surveillance. Anyway, predictably shitty lyrics aside, the band channel the same Motörhead-esque proto-thrash they’ve channeled their whole career with similar compositional predictability and lack of imagination, and it tires really quickly. And there really isn’t much to say about it musically. The riffs here, I’d say, are marginally better than those on Pounding the Pavement, and this album at least slightly more tangibly fun than its even more bumbling predecessor.

4/10

Sylosis - Cycle of Suffering

For some reason I didn’t quite like this album when I first heard it, and what an idiot I was in that moment, because damn this album is solid! Blending thrash with some technical death metal much like Revocation and knowing when to inject a little metalcore rhythm, Sylosis have come through with a ferocious and pummeling, but melodically nimble record that channels pure thrash aggression in every direction it travels. The band works in rewarding thrash breakdowns in songs like “Arms Like a Noose” and gripping harsh vocal melodies on songs like “Idle Hands”, and all sorts of little touches that only make the compositions more and more intense; I think this may be their best effort yet!

8/10

God Dethroned - Illuminati

The trajectory of blackened death metal has really been impossible to separate from Behemoth’s highly influencial landmark album, The Satanist, with bands in the field all aware and taking cues from the Polish juggernauts on how to size up the already-mammoth-y style to biblical proportions. And while they still have their instinctive old-school death metal war-like brutishness showing through on songs like the title track, God Dethroned seem to be more willingly working in ethereal choirs and . Songs like “Spirit of Beelzebub”, “Eye of Horus”, and “Gabriel” show a clear Behemoth influence wrapping itself around the band; the intro of “Broken Halo” is perhaps the clearest tribute or rip-off of “Ov Fire and the Void” I have ever heard, and the song only continues to expound on the integration of Behemoth’s style into God Dethroned’s. As nice as the alternating mesh of old and new for the band is aesthetically, there are a few too many bland, filler cuts on here like “Book of Lies” and “Satan Spawn” weighing down the more excitingly volatile tracks with dragging performances that can only sound so good over such dry compositions.

6/10

Five Finger Death Punch - F8

Ivan Moody did a little phone interview with Loudwire prior to this album’s release and his assessment of his band’s recent output was actually pretty sober and realistic. Along with detailing the mental health benefits that have come with his newly committed sobriety (which I am genuinely happy about for him) Moody admitted that the band’s past two albums (And Justice for None and Got Your Six) have not been very special, and he’s right. He even said that the band’s double album pair was bloated and should have been trimmed down to one album, and he’s definitely right. He stated that he felt that the band has been in a rut for awhile and expressed a rejuvenated desire to make music that isn’t so here-today-gone-tomorrow, and he’s right about that. And he said that on this album, F8, the band really stepped it up and improved their craft to finally make something special again, and that’s where his hot streak of correctness ends. Don’t get me wrong, he’s partially right about F8 being better than the past two albums, but that’s not a very high bar to clear. I was very critical of And Justice for None when it came out in 2018 and I agree that it and Got Your Six are without a doubt the band’s worst albums, and that is saying something because they were on a downward slide for a long time and it wasn’t very surprising the way they bottomed out so badly on those two albums. While I don’t think the improvement was quite as dramatic as he made it out to be, I will say that I can see what Moody was talking about with the refined songwriting on F8, it really does seem like the band tried to inject a little more boldness into their writing and their performances have a bit more of a sense of purpose this time around. The band gives us a few glimpses of their younger selves with returns to The Way of the Fist heaviness on a couple songs, and even though they still don’t have the best track record for ballads, the few mellow tracks on F8 are certainly better than the past two albums’. On that subject, the track sequencing on F8 isn’t quite so disjointed and awkward as it was on And Justice for None. But again, the improvements still aren’t as dramatic as Ivan Moody might see them. The band still don’t really break out of their box too much; it’s not so much an album of them finally getting them out of their creative rut as it is an album of them slowly making their way out of that rut or getting them more capable in that rut. Again, it is a noteworthy enough improvement over the past two (or four even) albums’ drivel, but it’s not quite a full return to form. Hopefully this gets them back in the right direction though if it’s not too late.

4/10

Blaze of Perdition - The Harrowing of Hearts

The Polish quartet’s fifth full-length is another set of solid modern occult black metal with just enough of a sense of atmosphere and emotional rawness lifted from blackgaze. I certainly wouldn’t call this an atmospheric black metal album, but the band does venture into those more ethereal realms of black metal too. They do well to maintain their intensity throughout it too, as the atmospheric elements serve to create a more expansive and grand feel to the music rather than just breaking up and diluting the darker, heavier aspects.

7/10

Sightless Pit - Grave of a Dog

After a pretty big past few years for them, Lingua Ignota mastermind Kristen Hayter, The Body’s Lee Clifford, and Full of Hell frontman Dylan Walker teamed up for a seemingly casual dark-ambient-noise-venture to kick the decade off. I’m contrast to the extreme abrasiveness most of these artists peddle through their main projects, Grave of a Dog remains predominantly ambient until Dylan Walker’s distorted-noise-backed screams on “Drunk on Marrow” usher in the industrial noise of “Miles of Chain” and “Whom the Devil Long Sought to Strangle” being the standout exceptions. I enjoy Kristen Hayter’s ever-languishing operatic vocals across the album, especially on the minimal, piano-driven closing track and on “Violent Ruin”, on which the trio play with some autotune on her voice that actually comes out nicely. But for the most part, this album is so casually below all these artists’ punching weight, it’s no doubt just a quick bonus album project for all three of them that I’m sure pales in comparison to their past and future releases.

6/10

Insect Ark - The Vanishing

With clear influences from avant-garde elites like Sumac, Deathspell Omega, and Neurosis seeping through the pores of this album, Dana Schechter continues to refine Insect Ark’s spooky, psychedelic brand of instrumental doom metal with the help of newly-recruited drummer Andy Patterson’s well-tempered percussive accents to give the brooding songs more than just a steady anesthetized heartbeat, but also a newly percussive sense of punch. And the two gel in artistic partnership in such an seemingly innate way you would think they’d have been bandmates for years. The Vanishing, again, continues to hone the spacy, darkly ambient metallic psychedelia Insect Ark has carved out a niche for, floating from unnerving oppressive heaviness to eerie drones of dark, brassy ambiance with ease and confidence. I definitely respect and recommend this one highly.

8/10

Godthrymm - Reflections

Godthrymm is the offshoot project of a couple of former members of My Dying Bride, and Reflections is the trio’s first full length project together after a couple of EPs (from which a few songs on this album are pulled) that gave me mixed anticipations for this full-length. A Grand Reclamation in 2018 sounded very prototypic and derivative of Candlemass without the crucial bombast to back it up, but the band made some strides on 2019’s Dead in the Studio that clearly piqued Profound Lore’s interest, with much more melodically compelling songs like “We Are the Dead” and “Cursed Are the Many” making it into this LP. The band had a more I like the emotive Spirit-Adrift-esque guitar melodies that “The Sea as My Grave” incorporates and the more straightforward funeral dirge of “The Light of You”, and the band even improved the originally amateurish “The Grand Reclamation” from the first EP greatly with a more professional vocal performance and better drum accents. Still, much of the melody on here is not enough to really conjure any strong emotions and the grand doom the album shoots for isn’t quite as epic as it should be as a result. The band did well to improve upon their first efforts together, but I think they do still have a way to go.

6/10

The Amity Affliction - Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them

I didn’t totally hate The Amity Affliction’s pop-oriented direction on 2018′s Misery, but I didn’t like it much either (granted they’ve never really been my style), and I wonder if fans felt similarly about the stylistic drift because Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them is a definitive return to the band’s roots that, while still not entirely for me, I can definitely appreciate more than Misery. The band’s older sound that makes its way into this album is proportionally much more metalcore than the sound they trended toward on Misery, and even though I still don’t find the pop-punk-ish vocal style and melody writing to be a very fitting compliment to the early 2000’s metalcore the band rides instrumentally, I can much more clearly see the appeal this time around and enjoy a greater portion of the tracks here.

5/10

Kvelertak - Splid

Norwegian alchemists Kvelertak have been eccentrically fusing punk at varying degrees of hardcore and rock ‘n’ roll with black metal for four albums now and they’ve been pretty damn successful at it the whole time so at this point it’s a matter of what the band do with their established style, how far they can take what they already, and how much expanding they have to do to keep it sustainable. Splid shows that the band’s answer to all those questions is “yes, we can”. While much of the vibrant novelty of the self-titled debut and Meir has worn off, what’s left is a band showing that they are indeed more than an attention-grabbing novelty act and can keep their style going beyond that initial excitatory period. Stylistically Splid only occasionally draws from new-ish territory, occasionally going significantly light-spirited and even dancy, but otherwise it’s pretty much the Kvelertak we know and hopefully love, maybe some of that initial charm is a little worn and sensible through the compositional repetition, but sure as hell not to the point where it’s not a good time.

7/10

Frigoris - ...in Stille

Germany’s Frigoris continue to struggle to set themselves apart from the ambient black metal pack, which they present themselves as little more than a statistic in the growing homogeneity of the genre with all the baseline competence to pass but nothing stylistically or compositionally unique or forward-thinking.

5/10

殞煞 Vengeful Spectre - 殞煞 Vengeful Spectre

Blending ambient elements of traditional Chinese folk music into the atmosphere of Deafheaven-esque blackgaze (the vocals being some of the closest I have ever heard to George Clarke’s) this anomaly of a self-titled debut from 殞煞 Vengeful Spectre is a fantastic way to enter the fold for the Guangdong outfit, establishing a signature style early and with impressive genre-blending competence. I am eager to hear what this band has in store for the future.

8/10

Tombs - Monarchy of Shadows

A pretty sizeable EP from the Brooklyn-based four-piece, Monarchy of Shadows gives a pretty concise and tasty portrait of the band’s crushing Gorgoroth-esque black metal that sacrifices hardly any heaviness for its dissonant atmosphere. The compositions get a little repetitive as the EP draws on though, which does do a harsh number on the project’s otherwise consistently solid aesthetic. Luckily the more death metal-infused portions of the album like “The Dark Rift” and “Once Falls the Guillotine” kick some needed energy and compositional life into the project. I’d say it’s worth a go for anyone with a hankering for black metal with unrestrained distorted heaviness and occult vibes more than shoegazy ambianc; it’s not a mind-blower, but it’s a good quick dose of it.

7/10

Delain - Apocalypse and Chill

After being thoroughly disappointed by Within Temptation’s writer’s-block-ridden LP last year, I was honestly not in much of a mood for any more pop-oriented neoclassical symphonic metal this year, but after hearing a lot of praise for this new Delain project, I thought I’d give it a try, and Delain sure did change my appetite for the genre. The band sound so much more cathartically vibrant with their willingness to depart from the neoclassical norm into synthetic and other diverse stylistic territories, incorporating adrenaline-fueled downtuned guitar riffs, upward key shifts akin to alternative metal and power metal, and resounding melodic choruses into modern symphonies with big but tasteful production bolstering, and the Lacuna Coil-esque vocal trade-offs across it all are executed brilliantly. And even when the band go more traditional they show they can accomplish similarly invigorating results with a more bare production pallet, a truly impressive display of symphonic versatility and creative courage.

8/10

Suicide Silence - Become the Hunter

After the calamity that was their ill-fated attempt to branch out into Deftones-imitation and clean vocals on their self-titled album, Suicide Silence show that they thoroughly learned their lesson with their gruff, classically deathcore groovy sixth LP, Become the Hunter, which finds the band playing much more to their instrumental strengths and their signature style of deathcore chug (there is a lot of thicccc, delicious chug on this project), finds them taking their riff-writing style back a bit to The Cleansing and No Time the Bleed and feels more natural than what they were trying to do on the self-titled record. Eddie Hermida got the memo about his vocals on the self-titled; it’s all screams and growls here, not a “tee-hee” in sight. Unlike the aforementioned albums with Mitch Lucker behind the mic, Become the Hunter isn’t quite as productionally rough around the edges or as horror-movie eerie and menacingly evil. It’s all about the crunchy guitar rhythms all across the album, which finds the band repeating themselves a bit, but not so much that it feels more like derivative writing rather than convergent compositional tactics across the song. While it could certainly be seen as a run through the motions or a retreat to the band’s safe zone, this was definitely the return to form Suicide Silence needed after the misfire that was the previous record, and definitely a more exciting album for Hermida to showcase his deathcore vocal talent than You Can’t Stop Me. For me though, it’s definitely an improvement on the band’s meager first album with their new vocalist and its subsequent creative dry heave, and it sets a much more convincing tone for Suicide Silence going forward with Eddie Hermida.

8/10

Neaera - Neaera

Despite their fluctuating quality across the first run of their career, I was a surprised and disappointed when Neaera disbanded back in 2014, but equally enthralled to hear the band return to the fold thankfully not too long after. With this self-titled record being the German act’s first after returning from the grave, the band rose back up in the most emphatic way I can imagine. As self-titled albums are generally meant to, Neaera represents Neaera at their essence, blending Swedish melodic death metal with modern NWOAHM metalcore as they always have throughout their career. Indeed, the fascinating thing about this self-titled album is that it’s really not significantly stylistically different from the band’s previous efforts aside from some minor production tweaks. But Neaera really found the sweetest balance for themselves between the menacing blend of death metal urgency with a thrashy metalcore sense of rhythm and the cathartic guitar leads of melodic death metal, and I can’t honestly think of any other project that makes a better case for the intermingling of these styles than the case this album makes. While plenty of metalcore out there incorporates some elements of melodeath, Neaera’s brand that they crystallize on this album is the other way around, primarily melodic death metal but with the raw pounding drive of metalcore to provide a more punchy dynamic to a style that often finds itself in great need of it. And the band manages to mesh these genres in a manner that, rather than diluting them both, brings out the best in both of them. I could seriously sing this album’s praises for much longer, but I think I will leave it at it being the best album I’ve heard so far this year.

9/10

Ozzy Osbourne - Ordinary Man

I’ll admit that I don’t really follow the public life of the original Black Sabbath frontman too closely or intentionally, but it is pretty hard to avoid as well so it’s not like it’s even possible for me to be completely ignorant of how he’s doing. It goes without saying of course, but Ozzy Osbourne is a bonafide icon and singular figure for heavy metal that very very few, if anyone else, can compare to, and with his career and musical output kind of petering out over the past decade as his old age begins to get the better of him, there seems to be a greater sense of awareness in the metal world that we probably only have a few years more with Ozzy, if that. And it’s going to be a very profoundly somber day when the vocal godfather of heavy metal is gone. That being said, this is quite possibly the last album we will get from the prince of darkness and yet listening to it doesn’t quite feel that way. In the weeks leading up to the album, Ozzy’s supporting tour was postponed (or maybe just cancelled), and the man himself said that he does not have his health as is not happy. Yet the album sounds like a very stale, yet modern take on Ozzy’s doomy and classic heavy metal sounds with some modern rock production updates that honestly sound a few generations younger than its seventy-one year old apparent creator, and Ozzy himself sounds uncannily clear, coherent, and healthy. I saw a little bit of dismissal of this album as not being a profound conceptual contemplation of mortality like David Bowie’s, Leonard Cohen’s, or David Berman’s last albums, and while I definitely enjoy those artist’s swansong albums more than this and while I do feel like Ozzy deserves a proper album that better represents his importance to and impact on metal and culture at large, I don’t know if that’s the kind of album Ozzy wants to make. The man is struggling with Parkinson’s disease and based on his music leading up to this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he just wants to make fun rock music therapeutically to get his mind off the pain rather than honing in on it and intensifying it. Going back to criticism of the album though, Ozzy still sounds so checked out in his performances despite his suspiciously healthy-sounding voice that I can’t help but wonder how touched up it is, the exception being the title track featuring Elton John on which Ozzy does get a little introspective about realizing his ambitions and cementing his legacy as a music legend. Ozzy also sounds more enthusiastic in his performance with Post Malone on the galloping, blood-pumping closing track “It’s a Raid”, but for the majority of the album, it really sounds like he doesn’t even want to be there, and I just hope this wasn’t something people around him pressured him into. I really do want to reiterate my utmost respect for Ozzy Osbourne and all that he has done for the music I love so much, and I would love to hear him round out his legendary career in a more fitting manner. But if he needs to end it here to rest and heal, which it really seems like he does, I won’t begrudge the man or take anything away from his legacy and what he’s accomplished for music. Thank you forever Ozzy, and whatever you do next, as always, go fucking crazy.

5/10

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klaineanummel · 6 years

Text

unexpected 21/24

Blaine Anderson was just about the last thing Professor Kurt Hummel expected out of a TA.

I’m so sorry for the ridiculously long wait!!!!!!!!! This chapter is super long, though, so hopefully that makes up for it?

Things get a little intense in this one, so buckle in! We’re entering the final stretch of the fic, so I hope you’ll all stick around for the conclusion of this little story :) I hope you enjoy this chapter (and please forgive any mistakes, i’m planning on coming back and polishing this fic a bit once it’s all written), and i’ll see you (hopefully soon!) for the next one!!

After their weekend together, Kurt worried it might become more difficult to hide their relationship, as if they’d suddenly have “WE SLEPT WITH EACH OTHER” written on their foreheads.

By the time Monday ends, though, he realizes his worries were for naught. Blaine is just as discreet as before, and Kurt is able to control his facial expression a lot better than he thought he would.

Though, he will admit that after seeing Blaine sitting in the front row of his class, staring up at him from behind those damned glasses of his, sucking on the end of his pen when he isn’t diligently taking notes… Yeah, he’s starting to get Blaine’s kink.

The few weeks before Thanksgiving fly by, and soon enough Kurt is dismissing his final class before the holidays, lazily reminding them that they have an essay due when they get back and that they should definitely already be studying for his final exam.

He tidies up his things and pushes in the few chairs his students have left un-pushed. Then, he grabs his bag and turns toward the door, jumping a little in surprise when he sees Blaine leaning against the doorframe casually.

“Hey, Professor Hummel,” he says, grinning. Kurt’s cheeks heat up at that, memories of their past weekend spent at Blaine’s apartment with Blaine moaning those exact words into his skin as Kurt fucked him desperately sneaking into his mind.

“Blaine,” Kurt replies. “What are you doing here? Didn’t your classes finish an hour ago?”

Blaine shrugs. “I had some work I wanted to finish before the break.”

“Such a diligent worker.”

“Well, of course. It’s not like I’d have ulterior motives for staying behind.”

Kurt chuckles, shaking his head. He walks to the door, slipping one hand in his pocket and fishing out his house keys. He casually places them in Blaine’s hand and then puts his hand back in his pocket.

“I’m glad you did,” Kurt says. “It’s good to see you one last time before the break.”

“You as well,” Blaine says, eyes sparkling as he slips the keys into his own pocket.

“Well, I have a few things to grab from my office before I head home.”

Blaine grins, bouncing on the heels of his feet. “Right, well. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Professor Hummel.”

Kurt smiles back. “You as well, Blaine.”

“Oh, I will,” he says. “You see, my amazing boyfriend agreed to meet my family. I’m really excited about it.”

Kurt presses his lips together to stop himself from laughing. “He sounds like a pretty cool guy.”

“He is. He’s the absolute best.”

“Well, Blaine, I hope you have a wonderful time.”

“You as well, Professor Hummel,” Blaine throws him one last smile and then starts walking down the hallway. Kurt watches him go for just a moment, chuckling to himself.

That’s one of the things he loves the most about Blaine. That even though he’s older than Kurt, and in an age of life where absolutely nobody would question his status as an adult, he’s not afraid to have fun. He’s not afraid to be childish, or silly.

It’s invigorating. It’s exciting. It keeps things interesting.

He smiles as he heads to his office, already thinking of how Blaine will be waiting for him when he gets home. Now that’s a thought he could get used to.

Blaine spends the night on Tuesday, and they spend their Wednesday off together. Blaine has to bring a couple of pies to his Thanksgiving, so they work together to make those. Somehow Kurt ends up completely covered in flour, while Blaine looks as clean as he did after his shower that morning. How, Kurt has no idea.

While the pies bake, they take a break to do a bit of work. Once the pies are out of the oven and cooling, they take a break from working and have sex.

Something Kurt has always loved since he became sexually active is just how different sex can be with every person. He loves not knowing what to expect that first time, and he loves slowly discovering how to push every one of his lover’s buttons.

Sex with Blaine is wonderful for so many different reasons. First, even though he’s only slept with one man in his entire life, he did spend over thirty years sleeping with said man. As such, he is very, very good, especially at blowjobs. Even better than Kurt, he’s not ashamed to admit. Second, he’s so damn enthusiastic. It’s like every time they sleep together, he can’t even believe it’s happening. It makes Kurt feel more excited about it, and therefore turns all their love making into a very rigorous activity. Third, he’s surprising. Kurt never knows what to expect with him, and he loves that. He feels like he’ll never stop learning how to please Blaine, and he can’t wait for every moment he spends doing that.

Once they’ve cleaned up and taken a short nap, Kurt does a bit more marking and Blaine works on an essay for one of his classes (for which he adamantly refuses Kurt’s help, even though it’s clear that he’s struggling with it).

They finish their day by watching a movie and cuddling on the couch while munching on some pizza, both too lazy to make dinner at that point.

When the movie ends, Blaine tells Kurt, “I think this was one of the best days of my life.”

Kurt kisses him soundly and says, “I think it was one of mine, too.”

They don’t have to be at Sebastian and Marco’s until five, so they move slowly through their day. Blaine has to go back to his apartment to change (seeing as their sleepover had been rather spontaneous), and he returns after about an hour freshly showered and with an overnight bag that makes Kurt’s stomach swoop.

Closer to when they have to leave, they prepare a giant bowl of mashed potatoes, and a large salad (two more requests from Sebastian). Then, they careful stack everything into a precarious duffle bag and head out.

As they sit on the subway, the food between their legs, Kurt turns to Blaine and asks the question he’s been thinking of since he agreed to this. “Is there anything I should know before we arrive?”

Blaine frowns at him. “What do you mean?”

“Any topics to avoid, or topics to be sure to bring up? How do I make this as painless as possible?”

Blaine rolls his eyes up at him, smiling fondly. “Just be yourself. It’ll all be fine.”

“You say that now,” Kurt says. “But just wait until I accidentally ask Marco about his favorite musical and it turns out that he hates them all.”

Blaine laughs, shaking his head. “Marco likes Les Mis, Sebastian likes Hairspray. I like all of them. My kids enjoy musicals, but only because I forced them to watch them when they were younger. Any more worries?”

Kurt bites down on his bottom lip, nervous. He glances at Blaine cautiously as he asks, “Are your kids going to tell anybody about our relationship?”

Blaine instantly shakes his head. “No.”

“But—”

“Sebastian already spoke with them,” Blaine says. “He promised me that they wouldn’t say anything. They may not… like me,” Kurt reaches out and rubs over his knee briefly at that, which makes Blaine smile slightly. “But I promise, they’re not going to ruin your career because of that. They may be moody and a little dramatic, but they’re not cruel.”

Kurt thinks back to what Jane told him about Blaine’s father, and wonders if that’s really true.

“Kurt,” Blaine says, eyes widening to ensure Kurt look directly at them. “They won’t tell anybody. I swear.”

Kurt nods, telling himself that he needs to trust Blaine. He’s only had one very brief, very negative interaction with one of Blaine’s children. Blaine raised them. He would know better than Kurt.

They reach their stop and work together to carry the duffle bag the short walk to Sebastian’s apartment. He’s sure they look ridiculous, each carrying one strap of the bag, balancing it between them, but Kurt kind of doesn’t care.

Despite everything, he has to admit that he’s excited about this. Meeting Blaine’s kids, his family, makes their relationship seem so official. Having been asked to bring food together (Kurt saw Sebastian’s texts, they very specifically said Can you and Kurt bring…) feels so domestic.

Kurt loves it. It feels like a validation of their relationship and, seeing as nobody else can know about them for at least another month, it feels really good.

They reach Sebastian’s apartment building and Blaine presses down on the buzzer three times successively. It��s clearly some kind of code for them, as they are buzzed in without question.

Kurt follows Blaine through to the elevator, trying to calm his beating heart. All his complicated feelings toward Sebastian and Blaine’s kids aside, this is still a big step. One he’s excited about, of course, but also nervous about. He’s officially meeting Blaine’s children. At this point in his life, it feels more important than meeting Blaine’s mother, or having Blaine meet his parents.

When they reach the eighth floor, Kurt instantly sees that one of the doors is propped open. They make their way towards it, Kurt telling himself to calm down. His heart doesn’t listen, of course, beating faster and faster with every step closer to the door.

Blaine knocks on the open door before stepping in, calling out a happy, “Hello!”

Kurt hears Sebastian call back, “Hey, Blaine,” from somewhere in the apartment. Then, an incredibly tall, dark skinned man appears in front of them, smiling widely, displaying a set of incredibly white teeth.

“Let me help you with that,” he says, reaching down and taking their duffle bag from them. “Thanks so much for making the pies and mashed potatoes. We’ve been cooking like crazy over here, and I really don’t think we would’ve had time.”

“It was nothing,” Blaine says, taking a step back and wrapping his arm around Kurt’s waist.

The man turns his smile to Kurt. “You must be Kurt,” he says, shifting the duffle bag to one hand and holding the other out. “I’m Marco. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

Kurt stops the snide all bad, I assume from leaving his lips, instead smiling and leaning forward to shake his hand.

“Wonderful to meet you,” he says, shaking Marco’s hand. Marco nods, then drops his hand.

“I better get this to the kitchen,” he says, pointing to the duffle bag. Then, he turns to Blaine and says, “Jane is cooking with Seb in the kitchen, and Rod is playing that shooter game of his in the living room,” he rolls his eyes a little as he says it, but there’s a fondness in his eyes. Kurt glances at Blaine, who nods, though his own smile has faded a little.

Marco disappears, and Kurt turns to his boyfriend, taking his hand. “You okay?”

Blaine smiles, but it seems forced. “I just forget sometimes.” Kurt raises an eyebrow, and Blaine shrugs. “That he’s here all the time, and I’m not.”

Kurt sighs, leaning down and pressing a kiss to Blaine’s temple. “It’s going to be okay,” he says.

Blaine looks up at him, blushing a little, and this time his smile seems more genuine. “I know. You’re here with me.”

Kurt kisses him properly this time, squeezing his hand tightly as he does.

When they separate, Blaine says, “Okay, let’s go say hello to everybody else.”

They head to the living room first, Blaine leading the way. There’s a teenager sitting on the couch, thumbs moving quickly over a video game controller as some war scenario plays out on screen.

“Roderick,” Blaine says.

The boy grunts in acknowledgement, but his eyes don’t leave the screen.

Blaine glances up at Kurt, then clears his throat and says, “Rod, can you pause that for a second? I have someone I want you to meet.”

“I know,” Roderick says, glancing briefly at Kurt before turning back to his game. “Your illegal boyfriend, or whatever.”

Kurt’s eyes widen. “Illegal?” he asks.

Blaine shakes his head. “Roderick, this is Kurt. He’s not my illegal anything, just my boyfriend.”

“Right, but we can’t tell the school, because he’ll get fired.” He keeps his eyes on the television. “Don’t worry, mum’s the word.”

Blaine huffs. “You’re being a little rude to our guest, young man.”

Roderick groans loudly, and the pause screen appears on the TV. He turns to Blaine, glaring behind thick glasses. “He’s not our guest, Dad. He’s my guest, and Jane’s, and Dad’s, and Marco’s. You’re a guest, too. You don’t get to take ownership of that.”

Blaine presses his lips together, and Kurt just squeezes his hand tighter.

“Roderick—”

“Whatever,” he says, turning to look at Kurt. “Nice to meet you, man. Don’t worry, I won’t get you fired, or anything.” He then turns the game back on as though nothing happened.

Blaine’s free hand is curled into a fist, and Kurt begins to tug on his hand. “Why don’t we go say hi to Sebastian and your daughter?”

Blaine keeps staring at his son, then mumbles, “Yeah, okay,” and together they leave the teenager alone.

Blaine leads the way to the kitchen, eyes down. Kurt lets go of his hand and instead wraps his arm around Blaine’s waist, pulling him close. Blaine leans his head on his shoulder, which makes them walk a little slower, but Kurt doesn’t mind. It’s worth it.

The kitchen is a mess, with Sebastian and Jane flitting about, clearly putting the finishing touches on everything. Just as they walk in a timer dings, and Sebastian hurries to the oven.

“Hey,” Blaine says softly. “Uh, anything we can do to help?”

“Here,” Jane shoves a plate of vegetables into his arms. “Start putting these out on the table. I’m going to cut the turkey.”

“Yeah, sure,” Blaine says. “But, Jane, can I first—”

“Come on, Dad,” she says, back turned from him. “Everything is almost finished, and we want to eat while everything is still hot. We can do introductions later.”

Blaine licks his lips, watching her with heavy eyes. He nods, and he and Kurt start working to put the prepared dishes out on the table.

As they set things out, Kurt walks up to Blaine, hugging him from behind. Blaine sags into him, and Kurt presses a kiss to his neck.

“I’m sorry I made you come to this,” Blaine says. “I—I don’t know why I thought it would be different because it’s the holiday.”

“Don’t worry,” Kurt says. “I’m glad I’m here. I want to be here for you.” He kisses him again, then whispers, “You need someone on your side.”

Blaine presses closer to him, and Kurt holds him tight, enjoying the moment of closeness.

He has a feeling they won’t be getting many more moments like this for the rest of the evening.

Sebastian is just as kind as he was the last time they met, though now that Kurt knows what he really thinks of him he can’t help but notice the cautious way he keeps glancing at him. Marco, on the other hand, seems to feel no apprehension, and instead seems to be playing peacemaker between Blaine and the kids.

As dinner goes on, Kurt becomes more and more confused by the dynamic the five of them have. How is it that Blaine and Sebastian are still so close, to the point where Blaine and Marco can talk casually with absolutely no animosity between them, and yet their kids show so much animosity towards Blaine. It’s like they’ve chosen a side, but as far as Kurt can see, there isn’t a side to choose.

He can tell that it’s getting to Blaine, too. He sags a little further in his seat every time one of his kids ignores one of his questions, or answers with an unnecessary amount of sarcasm in their voice. Marco tries to keep the peace, but it’s more than clear that neither Jane nor Roderick want Blaine at the table.

It hurts Kurt more than he imagined, watching it. Blaine had been so excited about this dinner. He kept talking to Kurt about how he couldn’t wait for Kurt to meet his family. Despite the awkward circumstances, he’d gone into this with the best expectations, and watching him slowly deflate as things go from bad to worse makes Kurt’s heart sink down to his stomach.

He wants so badly to say something and doesn’t understand why neither Sebastian nor Marco are doing anything besides glaring at the kids, or giving them a sharp, “Roderick!” or, “Jane!” when they say something particularly uncalled for.

It all reaches a boiling point when Marco asks Blaine about his studies. Things are winding down, meal-wise, but tensions are high, and Kurt can feel that someone is about to snap. Though, he’s not sure exactly who.

Maybe it’ll be him.

“Um, it’s going well,” Blaine says. “Busy but worth it. I’m having a really good time.”

Roderick glances between him and Kurt, then snorts and says, “Yeah, I bet.”

“Roderick, come on,” Sebastian says, elbowing his son. He looks up, eyes meeting Kurt’s and mouths, “Sorry.”

Kurt frowns. He’s not exactly the one they should be apologizing to.

“It’s, uh.” Blaine looks down to his empty plate. “It’s fine. And anyway, I don’t want to bore you with my university stories. It’s mostly just studying, writing essays, and marking, so…”

Kurt presses his lips together, wanting to tell Blaine that he should be allowed to talk about those things. Jane spent a good half hour talking about those things, and nobody made her feel like it was boring. He’s barely said anything for the entire meal, and every time he does, he gets shut down.

The man sitting next to Kurt is nothing like the man he fell for. There’s barely any life in him, just sadness and disappointment. It breaks Kurt’s heart.

“I doubt it’s all that boring,” Marco says. “I mean, you are in an illicit affair with your professor,” he wiggles his eyebrows, clearly going for teasing. “Why don’t you tell us how you and Kurt met?”

Kurt glances around the table, sees the way Jane rolls her eyes and Roderick pulls out his phone. Sebastian is looking down at his plate, and Marco seems to be sweating a little in his attempts to keep things cool.

“Oh, uh. I’m sure you don’t want to hear about that.” Blaine says. He glances at the kids, then says, “I can tell you some other time.”

“But—”

“Hey, Dad,” Jane says, eyes on Sebastian. “I’m going to start heating up those pies, okay?”

Blaine’s eyes are still stuck on his plate, and he’s so slumped in his chair that Kurt is surprised he isn’t fully on the floor. He thinks he can see tears starting to form in his eyes, and Kurt’s fist clench at the sight of it.

“Jane, we’re not all finished yet. And your Dad was just going to tell us about how he’s been doing.”

“Yeah, I know,” Jane says.

Kurt can feel it. He can tell he’s about to snap, about to lose his cool in front of essential strangers. His nails dig into his palms and he sucks in a deep breath, feeling his anger boil inside him.

Blaine, though, reaches his breaking point before Kurt can.

“God, I don’t get it!” He says the words loudly, but it’s not really a shout. His eyes are shining with still unshed tears, and he keeps them on his plate, but Kurt can see that his hands are shaking in his lap. “I don’t understand what I did, I don’t get why every time I come here, every time I try and spend time with my children it comes to… to…” he covers his mouth with his hands, and tears start to slip from his eyes.

Kurt instantly wraps an arm around him, but Blaine shakes his head, pushing him off softly. He looks up, lowering his hands, staring at Jane, then Roderick.

“Just tell me what I did,” he says, voice soft. “Tell me why you hate me so much, so I can actually know how to fix it. Because I can’t keep trying, and trying, building my hopes up for these events, going out of my way to see you and grow close to you again if this just happens every goddamn time.”

“Blaine…” Sebastian says, raising a hand as though to reach out to him. “Um,” he glances around the table. “Maybe now isn’t the best—”

“Oh, so now you have something to say?” Kurt can’t stop himself from snapping.

Sebastian immediately sits ramrod straight in his chair, eyes narrowing in Kurt’s direction. “Excuse me?”

Kurt takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “You’ve just been sitting there all evening, letting your boyfriend broker the peace, practically encouraging your kids to be openly hostile to their own father this entire evening.” He can feel his anger deep in his gut, and even though he knows he shouldn’t, he can’t stop talking. “What is your problem?”

“What is my problem?”

“What is all of your problem?!” Kurt turns now to the kids, who are both very obviously looking away. “Do you even know how excited Blaine was for this? How much he wanted me to meet you? How he kept talking about how incredible his daughter’s photography is,” he says, glaring at her. “And his son’s music,” he glares at the boy this time, catching him shifting uncomfortably in his chair. “How fucking important you are to him,” he says to Sebastian this time. “How you’re his best friend, and how badly he wants us to get along because of how much you mean to him. How much you all mean to him.

“But then we get here, and this? You won’t even let him get in a word edgewise without some smartass response, and you,” his glare on Sebastian intensifies, “acting like it’s all okay. Like they should be allowed to talk to him this way. Do you even care? He’s supposed to be your best friend!”

He’s breathing heavily when he finishes, fists clenched on top of the table. He looks around the table, fire in his eyes.

Nobody speaks.

His jaw clenches and he asks, “Well?!”

“You don’t get to do this.”

It’s Jane who finally speaks. She looks up at Kurt, and he can tell she’s just as angry as him.

“I’ve had to sit here all evening, watching my boyfriend fucking disappear in the presence of his very own family, so yes, I think I do.”

“No, you don’t,” she says. “You don’t even know, you don’t even get it.” She’s shaking, and Kurt realizes that there are tears in her eyes too. “He did this,” she doesn’t look his way, but Kurt knows she’s talking about Blaine. “He started it, he didn’t want us anymore. He’s the one who fucking left.”

Kurt can feel his heartbeat speeding up, and he watches through narrowed eyes as she catches her breath.

“He abandoned us. All of us,” she spreads her arms wide. “He didn’t even try, he just left, and Dad tried to act like everything was okay, but we all knew it wasn’t! He walked out on us, and then after months of barely speaking to us tried to walk back into our lives like it didn’t matter. Like he didn’t toss us all to the curb because he was fucking bored.”

Blaine looks up at her, tears streaming down his face. “What?” he asks. “Is that…”

“Hold on,” Sebastian puts a hand up. He turns to Jane then, and Kurt sees him swallow thickly before asking, “Jane, what are you talking about?”

“What do you mean?!” Jane’s arms fly into the air. “What am I talking about?! He left you! He left us! He didn’t want us anymore, and he just walked away! He didn’t try to fix it, didn’t even tell us what was wrong, he just left! Why are you acting like it doesn’t matter? Why do you keep defending him?! He fucked up this family, and now he’s back here and he has the nerve to act like a victim? Like he doesn’t know what he did?”

“Jane,” Sebastian puts a hand on her shoulder. “Jane,” he repeats. “That’s not what happened. You know that’s not what happened.”

“Yes, it is,” Roderick finally speaks up. He isn’t looking up, but he’s shaking as well. “It’s exactly what happened.”

“Kids…” Sebastian looks between them wildly, then runs his hand through his hair. “Oh, god. Is that what this has all been about? Why you’ve been so distant with your father? You… you think he left me?”

“He didn’t just leave you, he left us,” Roderick says. “We needed him, we loved him, and he just—” he stops talking, fists clenching, and looks toward the corner of the room.

Sebastian glances between them again, then takes a deep breath. To Kurt’s surprise, the person he turns to is him. “I owe you an apology.”

Kurt stares, incredulous. “You what?!”

“Yeah,” Sebastian says. “Because you’re right.” He takes another deep breath. “Blaine is my best friend, but I haven’t… I haven’t acted like it.”

“Stop saying that,” Roderick says. “You don’t have to keep pretending like everything is fine for us. You don’t have to keep lying to protect us. We’re adults, we understand that—”

“No, you don’t understand, if you think I’m lying.” Sebastian runs his hands over his face. “God, Blaine, I’m so sorry. I…” he shakes his head. “I had no idea they thought this. I didn’t—” he sighs, looking down. “I should have known. You are my best friend, and I’ve known this was bothering you, but I didn’t try hard enough. I was scared they would start treating me the same way if I pushed too hard, so I just let them…” he sniffs. “It’s no excuse. I’m sorry.”

“Sebastian…”

“No,” Sebastian puts a hand up. “This has gone on too long. We can’t live like this. We’re a family, and it’s not right that two members of that family are so angry at another. Especially when the reason they’re angry isn’t even accurate.”

“We were there,” Jane says. “We lived this divorce just the same as you two.”

“No, clearly you weren’t, because the story you’re describing is… that’s another family’s story. That’s not us.”

“But—”

“Jane,” Marco speaks up, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Let your dad explain.”

Sebastian smiles at him softly, then says, “Jane, Roderick, your father didn’t leave us.”

“He did. He—”

“We got a divorce, and I thought you understood why. We explained why.”

“Oh, yeah,” Roderick scoffs. “That sentimental drivel about how you were better off as friends, how things weren’t going to change. Like we’re children, or something.”

“It wasn’t—” Sebastian sighs. “Kids, that’s the real reason we split up. We weren’t lying to you or trying to make you feel like children. We didn’t love each other anymore. We hadn’t for years, and it wasn’t fair for us to hold each other back.”

“But if that’s the case, then why did he leave? He just disappeared for months, barely texted, barely said anything. He—”

“Sebastian,” Blaine finally says, wiping tears from his eyes. “He told me you needed space. That you were taking me moving out and our divorce harder than expected. I didn’t want to crowd you. I’m…” he glances between his children. “I’m sorry. I made the wrong choice. I should have made it clearer that I wasn’t leaving this family, that I still care so deeply about the two of you.”

“No, Blaine, I made the wrong choice,” Sebastian says. “I never should have said that to you. I was… It was stupid. I should have asked the kids what they wanted instead of simply assuming they would need space.”

“I never intended to leave you,” Blaine says. “We… we wanted to end our marriage, but not our family. We didn’t want to become one of those divorced families that can barely stand each other. And, well, I didn’t want you to feel like you had to choose between us, because there was no side to choose.” He looks down. “It’s why I moved out. It’s why I didn’t offer to take either of you with me. I didn’t want to disrupt your routine, your life. But I guess…” he sighs. “I guess a divorce will do that no matter what.”

“But you were the one who wanted the divorce,” Jane says, though most of the heat has left her voice. “You were the one who pulled the plug. You were the one who—”

“Because of me,” Sebastian says. “Yes, your dad ended things, but he did it because he realized it was what I needed. Because he realized I’d fallen in love with someone else.”

At this, he reaches out and takes Marco’s hand. Marco smiles at him but says nothing.

“It was because of me that this happened,” Sebastian says. “I’m the reason we divorced, and I’m the reason for this misunderstanding. I’m so incredibly sorry. You should…” his shoulders slump. “You should be angry at me, not at Blaine.”

Everybody falls silent after Sebastian’s final admission. Kurt’s heart is slowing in his chest, anger seeping from his body. Blaine is still silently crying next to him, though he is no longer shaking. Kurt reaches over and slips his hand into Blaine’s wordlessly.

Suddenly, Roderick stands up. He glares at Sebastian for a moment, then walks away from the table.

“Roderick,” Sebastian calls out. “Roderick, get back here.”

“Let him go,” Jane says quietly.

“I can’t just let him walk away like that,” Sebastian says. “We’re having an important discussion.”

“Well, can you really blame him?” Jane asks, glaring at him as well. “You do realize you basically just told us that we’ve been dicks to our own father for almost two years over something that didn’t actually happen. I think he has a right to be upset.”

Sebastian sighs, slumping a little in his chair. “He still shouldn’t have just walked away. He owes his father an apology.”

“I think you all owe each other apologies,” Marco says, voice soft. “For a variety of reasons.”

Kurt’s defenses instantly raise again. “Now hold on a minute.”

“Kurt, it’s okay,” Blaine says, squeezing his hand. “He’s right. I shouldn’t have stopped talking to my kids for those months right after the divorce. I needed to apologize for that.”

“But you were just doing what you thought was right,” Kurt says, a little softer, just for Blaine.

“It doesn’t matter,” Blaine replies. “What good are good motives if the results are still bad?”

Marco nods. “And Jane?”

Jane shakes her head. “I’m sorry, I’m still processing. You kind of just threw a lot of information at me.”

“God, I’m sorry,” Sebastian says. “This is such a mess.”

“Yeah,” Jane says, still shaking her head. “It really, really is.”

Blaine looks down to where he and Kurt are holding hands, then says, “I think Kurt and I should go.”

“What?” Sebastian asks, just as Marco says, “No, Blaine, don’t go.”

Blaine, however, just nods decisively. “No, I really think we should. It’s been… a really crazy, emotional day. And like Jane, I think I need some time to process.”

“We shouldn’t leave these emotions stewing for too long,” Marco says. “It’s not healthy.”

Blaine nods. “I agree. So, let’s all get together sometime within the next 72 hours. Get it all out in the open. Does that… sound okay?”

Everyone glances at each other, then they all nod slowly. All except for Kurt, who knows that he will not be invited to that particular chat and is more than fine with that.

“I’ll text you with potential times,” Sebastian says.

Blaine smiles at him, then stands up. “I’ll get my dishes back when I come then?”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

Kurt stands with his boyfriend, still holding his hand. Everything about today has been so damn strange, but all he wants to focus on right now is helping his boyfriend feel better about it all.

“Um,” Blaine glances up at Roderick. “Tell him I said goodbye, okay?”

“We will,” Marco says.

Blaine gives him one last nod, then says, “Alright, well. I’ll see you all soon,” and waves gently. Kurt can tell that he’s completely drained, and he wouldn’t be surprised if the first thing Blaine does when they get back to his apartment is fall asleep on the couch.

They head to the front door together. Kurt feels like they’re forgetting something but knows it’s just because they’ve left the huge duffle bag here. He doesn’t say anything though, knowing he’ll get it back eventually.

Just before they reach the front door, the sound of a chair scraping back against the floor sounds out, along with a loud, “Wait!”

Jane rounds the corner in an instant, appearing before them with wide eyes.

“I, uh,” she stares at Blaine, lips parted. She licks them, then says, “I’m a mess right now, and I can’t really think straight, and I’m sorry I can’t apologize for everything right now, but I…” she clears her throat, then says, “I’m sorry for the things I said on the anniversary of Grandpa’s death.”

Blaine inhales sharply next to Kurt and clutches his hand tighter.

When he doesn’t respond, Jane continues. “I was so out of line, and I’ve honestly felt bad about it for weeks, but I didn’t…” she shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter. No matter what I thought you did, or what I thought about you, I still shouldn’t have said those things. They were beyond shitty, and just really, really uncalled for. I’m sorry, Dad.”

Blaine nods, and Kurt can see that there are tears in his eyes once more.

“Thank you, Jane,” he says, smiling softly. “I… I forgive you.”

She stares at him for a moment, her own eyes becoming wet. She wraps her arms around herself, then nods, smiles, and turns around.

For a moment, Kurt expected her to reach out and hug Blaine, but he supposes it’s still too soon for that.

Blaine watches her go, taking in a couple of deep breaths. Kurt turns to him and asks, “You ready to go?”

Blaine takes in another deep breath, then looks up at him and whispers, “Yes, please.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

#klaineanummel fic #klaine fic #klaine au #klaine #unexpected #multi chapter

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crazedlunatic · 5 years

Text

Dinos and Hoarders

“You can’t leave him home with me! I have three meetings today, a huge trial tomorrow, and arraignment in two days. No, Sarah.”

“I can’t help it. Apparently, they got rid of my assistant—nobody listens when I tell them people steal drugs until a whole freaking bottle goes missing and then they fire the guy. I’m sorry.”

“No. You literally can’t go in. I have to go to the office.”

“He can’t stay by himself, Robbie! He’s seven! If a fifty three year old cannot control a 7 year old, there is a problem.”

“I didn’t say I can’t control him. I can’t control him while doing all of the other stuff that I have to do.”

“You’re a father first!”

“And you’re not a mother first?!”

“I can’t dispense narcotics from my living room! Turn on The Land Before Time and you won’t hear a word from him! God, you’ve been so annoying. Get over the midlife crisis.”

“I’m not having a midlife crisis!”

“If it waddles and quacks like a duck it’s usually a duck, Robbie.”

“Are you pregnant because you’re acting like a bitc— Well, bye then.” Bob scoffed as the door slammed. “Love you too, dear.”

…

“Daddy, if an anthropologist studies humans and the past, does that mean humans and dinosaurs were alive at the same time?”

“I don’t think so.” Bob, who was staring at a paper and squinting, said in an offhand way.

“Because they’d eat the people, right? Charlie said not all dinosaurs eat meat, though. They’re herbitarians.”

“Vegetarian or herbivores.” Bob corrected as Blaine came into the house—without knocking, of course. Anytime he knocked before 9 at night, he’d get a ‘talk’ about it being his house too and that talk just lasted too long.

“I find it hilarious that you made me leave the office to come and help you watch Miles.”

Bob mouthed help me.

“What’s the difference in an herbivore and a vegetarian?” Miles asked after running and hugging Blaine’s leg.

“Humans are vegetarians and herbivores are animals… I think?” Blaine looked confused, scooping Miles up. “I’m sorry you’re sick.”

“But humans are animals too, Blaine!” Miles said energetically. “And I’m not sick! I just have a fever and my head hurts and my tummy and my nose.”

“Uh, yeah, Blaine. He’s not sick.” Bob said and gave Blaine a look—a look of desperation. “Babies are so much easier. Can we trade? Two for one so you’re really saving in the long run.”

“Yeah until they’re 7 and you sell them back?” Blaine laughed.

“Miles will be 14 so I can handle him then.”

“Where’s Kurt?” Miles asked, eyes lighting up.

“Kurt’s Daddy can’t get him out of work and I think Kurt actually likes bossing people around more than he’ll admit.” Blaine booped his nose.

Miles giggled and then turned to face his Bob. “Daddy, Jake said you wanted to have poop thrown at you. Daddy, have you seen a monkey?”

“At least you can get away from the monkeys.” Bob said and then blinked. “Yes, I have seen monkeys. For someone who is sick, you sure do ask a lot of questions.”

“Grandma says I get it from you. She told me you never shut up when you were little and Mommy told me you never shut up now.” Miles rambled as Blaine put his own laptop on their coffee table with the hand that wasn’t holding Miles—since the twins had been born, he did tons of things at once. It was parent multitasking superpowers or something.

Blaine looked surprised at hearing Miles’ statement, seeing as Bob could be talkative but could also go ten minutes without saying anything to someone sitting right next to him.

Then again, nobody made him light up like Sarah so he shouldn’t have been surprised.

And Bob did talk more the longer they’d known each other. It was actually reassuring to hear Bob rushing so many conversations each day but having to literally walk out of Bob’s office sometimes so they could actually work and not talk about… well, everything.

It didn’t happen all the time, of course.

But still.

He wondered what living with Bob and Sarah as parents was like—parents that liked each other, that fought with each other but always made up by bedtime, parents that spent time together willingly, that were affectionate together. Because the only time Blaine’s parents were together was when they needed to look proper in public or when they needed to look like a good family to people that thought they knew the real Andersons.

His parents never argued. Unless it was a family dinner, they usually didn’t even talk.

And they definitely didn’t like each other.

Sometimes Blaine wondered if they ever had.

From what Alex had said, he hadn’t seen them act like a happy couple either.

So… were he and Alex just for show? Accessories to add to the façade?

“Daddy, what’s this one?” Miles pulled himself up on the couch, seating himself between Blaine and Bob.

“Ankylosaurus.” Bob said, barely even having to look at the picture.

“Daddy, it’s Cera from The Land Before Time! Her name is like Mommy’s!” Miles moved his legs up and down excitedly. “Were there dinosaurs in Lion King?”

“I don’t think so.” Bob, who was looking at some paperwork, didn’t look up.

“What’s this one?”

“Two names. Apatosaurus or Brontosaurus.” Bob said after glancing at the page.

“This one?”

“Diplodocus.”

“Daddy, you know everything.” Miles gasped.

“See? Bob knows all.” Blaine gasped too, grinning when Bob sent him a look. “What?”

“Your children will actually think I know all.” Bob sighed.

“But you do.” Blaine scrunched up his nose.

“Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

“Obviously I’m interning again because you’re teaching me about dinosaurs.” Blaine smiled sweetly as Bob glared at him.

“What’s this one?!” Miles asked dramatically, shaking Bob’s arm.

Bob took the book, pointing to pictures as he said, “T Rex, velociraptor, allosaurus, Spinosaurus, deinonychus, carnotaurus, stegosaurus, ankylosaurus, iguanodon, and parasaurolophus.”

Miles clapped his hands and then turned the page. “What about these?”

Bob bent until his head was rested on his knees.

Miles, cute as ever, bent down and patted the back of Bob’s head. “Daddy, it’s okay. I won’t let the dementors get you.”

“The what?!” Bob sat up quickly.

“I dunno. Charlie told me ‘bout them when we watched Harry Potter and they’re sad and mean. But I won’t let them get you ‘cause Daddy should be happy!” Miles forced his way onto Bob’s lap and pressed a loud kiss to his cheek.

“God. I hate that you’re so cute.” Bob wrapped his arms around Miles and kissed the top of his head, prompting loud giggles. He then noticed Blaine actually on his laptop. “Wait… how can you work with him doing this?”

“Uhm, well… I lived with Wes and David for several years. We all three had to learn to block things out. It drives Kurt crazy because he’ll have had a full conversation with me before realizing I didn’t hear a word.” Blaine looked thoughtful. “Although you two are very distracting… Wait. You’ve got five kids. You can ignore everyone in the office with them thinking you’re listening. How can you not ignore your own children?”

“I try but what if I miss something important?” Bob said. “Trust me. I used to ignore them but then Charlie had said something bad and I was like ‘uh huh, that’s great’ and it led to this complete meltdown.”

“What did you say was great?”

“He dropped his grilled cheese but he was so sad and I’ve not been able to tune out a word since.”

“Uh… how old was he?” Blaine asked.

“Four but I still felt horrible.” Bob said as Miles tugged at his arm. “What, son?”

“Brady’s got a boyfriend. Isn’t that silly?”

“Miles… he’s been with the same boy since you were a baby.”

“Is Mommy mad at you?”

“No. Mommy’s just moody.”

“Mommy told Charlie you’re a dick.”

“See? Telling the truth is always a good thing because now I have ammo to make her feel bad. I love having the upper hand.” Bob said cheerfully.

Miles looked at Bob confused, blinking rapidly. He then looked at Blaine.

“I dunno.” Blaine shrugged. “I don’t understand him half of the time either. It may be a midlife crisis.”

“I am not having a midlife crisis! Blaine!” Bob exclaimed. “Miles, I’m going to put on the Land Before Time because Blaine and I have to work.”

“Jurassic Park!”

“No. You cry every time the Dilophosaurus does it’s… thing. Last time Daddy got in trouble.”

“JURRASIC PARKKKK!”

“No.”

Miles pouted and left the living room.

“Should you go get him?”

“Nah. It’ll be fine.” Bob said before there was a loud clang. He then got up and headed towards the kitchen muttering, “Fuck me.”

“Whoops.” Miles said in a meek little voice.

Bob turned back around, carrying Miles into the living room.

“Aren’t you going to clean that up, Daddy?” Miles asked.

“No. This is what I like to call positive reinforcement. She’ll never make me stay home with you again.” Bob sat Miles down between he and Blaine.

“You got in biiiig trouble last time.”

Bob shrugged, turning on the Land Before Time.

Blaine pulled his laptop back onto his lap, looking down. He then reached his hand over, rubbing Miles’ little back when he started to cough.

“I’m going to go clean that. If she is pregnant, she may murder the entire family.” Bob said, mostly to himself, before leaving the room.

“Do you think she is?” Blaine called.

“God, I hope not. I haven’t seen cherry tomatoes yet but you can never be too cautious. Once I had to put a woman in jail who was pregnant and beheaded her husband. Honestly, he kind of deserved it, but… Sarah has a mean side.”

“I want to hear that story.” Blaine said. “The murder one… Sarah would have to have a mean side to put up with you.”

“I take offense to that, Blaine.”

He glanced down, seeing Miles had curled up to him and fallen asleep.

“You really don’t. Like… I’ve seen horrible photos but man. That was pure rage.” Bob came back in. His eyes then widened. “How’d you do that?!”

“Do what?” Blaine looked at him, very confused.

“He’s out.”

“Isn’t he sick?”

“Yes, but he’s a hyper sick person. How did you make him go to sleep?”

“Uhm… he coughed and I… rubbed his back? Then he just cuddled up?”

Bob came and bent, easing Miles up.

Blaine laughed when Miles mumbled something about purple elephants.

“It’s Emily 2.0 with a penis. I swear.” Bob whispered before leaving the room with Miles.

Blaine looked at his laptop, not really paying attention to it, until Bob sat next to him again.

“Well, you can work now.” Blaine said cheerfully.

“Yep… but now I don’t want to.” Bob sighed.

“Great. Me neither.” Blaine shut his laptop.

Bob closed his own and put his stack of papers on the coffee table. “Hoarders?”

“Yes! You’re the only person that will watch it with me!” Blaine said. “Everyone else judges me.”

“Judgement free zone.” Bob said, turning it on. “I’ve watched this with my dad since it first aired on TLC in 2010.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah. I hadn’t seen it in a while when you’d gotten your appendix out and forgot how much I liked it.” Bob nodded.

“Do you not want to watch it?” Blaine asked hesitantly.

Bob gave him a look and pushed the start button, turning the volume up a bit.

Blaine scooted closer, resting his head on Bob’s shoulder.

“I have a feeling this one is going to make me want to puke.” Bob said when they showed a clip of a future scene.

“That means it’s going to be a good episode.” Blaine nodded in agreement.

“Yep. I judge hoarders on a wanting-to-vomit scale. Only one has made me throw up a bit in my mouth… In my defense, I was getting over a stomach bug, though. Wasn’t out wisest decision.” Bob said.

“Yeah. I’m going to need to see that episode, Bob.”

“We’ll check Netflix after this one.”

“Yeah!” Blaine said excitedly.

“Did I tell you that Brady’s boyfriend—partner, sorry— is going to propose this summer?” Bob asked excitedly. “I mean, I know it’s just his first partner but he’s been really good for Brady and I like him a lot.”

“You said yes?”

“I believe my exact words are ‘are you sure you want to do that?’” Bob admitted. “I said yes after, though. They’re a good couple and Brady’s happy so that’s all that matters.”

“You’re such a good dad.” Blaine sat up straight, looking at him.

Bob shrugged a bit.

“No.” Blaine shook his head. “You are. You care about your kids so much and all you want for them is to be happy. That’s just… you’re a really good dad and a good person… and you’re probably one of the few people who doesn’t see that. I’m grateful to have you in my life… because you aren’t even mine, you know… but you also are and it means a lot. You mean a lot to me and I appreciate you.”

Bob opened his mouth to respond as Miles hopped back onto the couch announcing, “I’m uuuuupppp! Ew-y, Daddy. Is that trash?”

“That is called Hoarders, Miles.” Bob turned the TV off and pulled Miles onto his lap, meeting Blaine’s eyes with his own. He then stood. “I think it’s time for some more medicine. Grape or strawberry?”

“Surprise me!” Miles squealed as Bob stood and sat Miles next to Blaine.

Miles cuddled right up to Blaine’s side, giggling when Bob came back in with his medicine.

“You just love Blaine, don’t you?” Bob laughed at Miles, handing him the little cup.

Blaine looked surprised when Miles took the medicine—Scarlett and Oliver had definitely never done that.

They were younger, but still.

He looked surprised again when Bob reached over, ruffling Miles’ hair and then his own.

“So… Jurassic Park?” Bob asked.

Miles shot up, the most adorable grin ever on his face, when Bob went to put the DVD in. “THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!”

#wbuct drabble #god i love bob prompts #and just bob really #bob bob bob

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