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ourflagmeansparty · 2 years ago

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I'm not very musical, love

Prompt 3: Leave Her Johnny

By: @yourrainbowarrior (Team Black)

"When you cut loose you really cut loose."

Stede turned to look at him, eyebrows raised. He wasn't sure what expression he'd been expecting to see in Ed's eyes, but it wasn't this. Pupils blown and gaze unwavering, Stede wondered if, perhaps, for the first time, he was being allowed to really see Ed - to catch a glimpse into his soul. The vulnerability of it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and a chord strike down the length of his spine.

A beat went by before he realised he had yet to say something. What was he supposed to say to that? He couldn't help but let out a breathy laugh of astonishment and pride.

"Thanks," he said simply.

Their eyes remained locked for just a second before Stede's darted to one side, his ears ringing with the intensity of Ed's stare as the voices of Oluwande and Frenchie faded into the ocean breeze.

As they boarded the revenge later, Stede climibing the ladder just below Ed, he could have sworn he heard the sound of him humming .

____________________________________________

He saw the same look in Eds eyes again later that evening, as he tucked that lovely piece of red silk into his breast pocket, and watched Ed's chest puff with a hesitant tinge of pride before saying,

"Look at that. You wear fine things well."

Stede smiled softly, watching as Ed's breathing hitched in response, his eyes inviting once again. He noticed the way they reflected the moonlight-dappled ocean, and found himself wanting - yearning - to explore those depths further. To get to know Ed better.

Perhaps better than anyone else had.

And as they said goodnight, stopping after a few paces to look back at one another, Stede couldn't help but let out a hum of his own.

____________________________________________

It was a few days later when he heard Ed humming again. He was sure of it this time; he'd allowed Ed access to the axillary wardrobe - the thrill of the two of them sharing a secret - and as he passed his quarters he noticed the door open ajar, the deep, surprisingly tuneful melody floating towards him. Intruiged, he treaded lightly towards the wardrobe, not wanting to interrupt but too inticed to walk away.

He peered round the door and saw Ed, his back to him, admiring the cuffs on the burgundy jacket, brushing his knuckles along the sleeve with one hand and caressing the fine lace detailing between the fingertips of the other. He hummed with a confidence which suggested this was no random assortment of notes, but an established melody.

As if to confirm this, Ed began to splice his hums with lyrics:

"Leave her Johnny, leave her,

hmm hmmmm hmhm hmm hmmm hmhm

and it's time for us to leave her."

Stede couldn't resist; he wanted in on this secret, to swim deeper into the mystery behind Edward Teach.

"I thought you said you weren't very musical."

Ed jumped, nearly yanking the jacket clean off the rail. "Jesus, man."

"Sorry!" Stede chuckled. "Didn't mean to alarm you."

"S'alright," Ed said, shrugging. He was avoiding Stede's gaze. "Were you... so, you heard that, then?"

"I did. I wasn't meaning to pry, it was just... well, I thought you sounded rather lovely."

Ed shrugged again. "It's just an old sea shanty."

"Ah yes. I suppose I ought to learn one or two of those." Ed still wasn't making eye contact, busying himself with putting the jacket back on its rail properly. Stede stepped forward and took the jacket in both hands, allowing Ed to hold onto the hanger while he adjusted the shoulders and smoothed down the front. "Do you like to sing?"

"Nah. Well, not in front of people. I guess to myself sometimes, yeah. Helps me think. S'relaxing."

Stede nodded. "That makes sense."

"Does it?"

"Yes." Stede frowned. "Shouldn't it?"

"I dunno. I guess I've never really talked about it with anyone before."

Together - because it was a job which required two men, of course - they returned the jacket to its rail. With nothing left to hold, Ed nestled his hands into his pockets and looked down, rocking forward and back on the balls of his feet.

"Would you teach me?"

Stedes voice surprised them both. Ed looked up at him, his expression unreadable.

"Really?"

"Over a glass of brandy, perhaps? C'mon, it'll be fun!"

For a moment, Stede thought he was going to say no. Then, with a grin, Ed clapped him on the shoulder.

"Fuck it. Sure, why not." He gave a short laugh. "You really are a strange one, Bonnet."

For some reason, this made Stede beam.

"So, how does it go?" he asked as they left the closet. Ed collapsed on the chiase long, letting out a long sigh while Stede went to fetch them each a glass.

"To be honest mate, I don't know all the words. Just kinda make them up, most pirates do. The middle bits stay the same though."

Stede popped the brandy stopper. "The chorus?"

"Yeah, thats the one."

Ed began to hum the rhythm once more, this time closing his eyes and drawing curved shapes in the air with his fingers like a conductor. Stede grinned. He knew this would be fun.

He brought over the glasses and, after listening to Ed for a couple of rounds, perched on the end of the chiase and joined in. Their voices fit well together. Neither one of them was trained, or even particularly skillful, but it didn't matter; they could both stay in tune and in time, and what they lacked in technique they made up for in deliciously tipsy zealousness.

Once Stede had successfully mastered the verses' melody, Ed sung him the chorus.

"Leave her, Johnny, leave her

Oh leave her, Johnny, leave her

For the voyage is done, and the winds don't blow

and it's time for us to leave her."

"Who's Johnny?" Stede asked.

"Not a clue mate. The 'her' is the ship though."

"So it's about a captain leaving his ship?"

Ed finished off his brandy, and like clockwork, Stede had already reached for the bottle to pour him another. "That's how I always thought of it. But I just make up the rest of the words, so probably doesn't matter."

"You can make it mean what you like."

Ed gazed at Stede, his brow knitted in thought. "Yeah. Never thought of it like that but. S'pose you can, yeah." His eyes lit up then, and he learnt forward with such urgency he almost spilled his brandy. "We could make our own one. You and me."

Stede couldn't help but smile at his eagerness. "Yeah?"

"Yeah! You wanted to learn a thing or two about being a pirate - this is part of it."

"Writing songs with Blackbeard?"

"Well, no, but-"

"I'm only teasing." He leant forward too, waiting until their eyes met before saying, "I would love to sing shanties with you, Ed."

And even as the two sung half-drunk into the moonlit evening, Stede concluded that there was no sweeter sound than moments like this, when he was made privvy to the heart and soul of Edward Teach.

#team black #ofmd #our flag means death #prompt 3 #submission #mod favourite #this is so beautifullllll

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ninja-knox-ur-sox-off · 6 months ago

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Mks angst - existential crisis. his friends being hurt or taken from him. Being abandoned. Failing. Being seen by others the same way they see swk maybe???

Swk angst - just indescribable physical pain being inflicted on him. Loneliness. Losing Mk

Mei angst - familial. Losing mk. (with the samadhi fire it was having a power she couldn't control ig but that was short-lived:( so) not being strong enough maybe???

Pigsy angst - losing his kid. Losing his shop. Being a lazy good for nothing. Being Zhu Bajie

Tang angst - being useless. Being left behind. Being seen as useless by his friends

Sandy angst - becoming violent/blackout rage. Causing harm

#gods i need to write that time travel.Zhu Bajie fic #you ever think about rhe reason why pigsy gets on tangs back a lot for being a freeloader is because he thinks thats the worst possible #thing to be?#hmhm #i gotta say i love how the reincarnated crews issues reflect their past lives it is so much fun #i miss jttw stuff #i dunno im just thinking #monkie kid #im so head empty rn #RAAAAA #just thinking about how to best angst these fools #ig macaque would just be dying he seems p scared of that #anyway yeah these are just notes for myself i wanna write stuff exploring some of this stuff #mei needs more ways to angst her where's the rest of her besides caring for mk and being raaaa fire!!!! friends!!!!!!!#raaaa #i dunno head empty fr good morning i am zzzzzz

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dcviated · 2 years ago

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send me a url and i’ll tell you the following || [ open ]

@mielmoto sent: drag me, bear father. (url meme)

my opinion on;

character in general: WHICH ONE? THIS ONE. It doesn’t matter because as has been said at length (and you properly embrace yourself) they’re all fantastic, diverse, and wonderful. There’s some overlaps as to be expected, but you do (you do!!) properly give each character their own space along the personality spectrums and give them their own peaks to stand on... we know who your zenith is of course.

Honey is one that snuck up on me, too. They were by comparison relegated to a side muse on the multi that blog once was, and you could say I was taken off guard by how much hid behind the sugary glaze as it were. Never the less she’s a great foil to some of the others, and her off the cuff and from the hip energy a fun little change of pace.

how they play them: Flawlessly. Next question?

the mun: Meeting you was something part of my pessimistic mind thought would never happen, and murphy’s law just about came into effect, didn’t it? ALAS. CON HANGOUT FINALLY HAPPENED. You’re just as fun in person as I anticipated you would be, and even if I can only keep up so much with social doings I really hope you enjoyed spending some time with my wife and I as well. I hope you get that job on this side of the country, because it’d be great to see you a little more often than, y’know, once every half a decade.

You’ve been through a lot, and you hit a lot of bumps, Bird, but as someone who’s been watching for awhile I know you’re the kind of person who’s strong enough to get through. You are far too stubborn to let anything stop you.

do i;

follow them: aha! rp with them: hoho... want to rp with them: hmhm~! ship their character with mine: I dunno I think we have a few soulmates, both platonically and romantically across the roster. You’ll forgive me if I wish you were more active on Anette but that is a Raguna bias talking.

what is my;

overall opinion:

**Note: Mun’s answer are all to be completely honest. Don’t send url if you don’t want brutal honesty.

#mielmoto #inbox :: answered ooc #and next year WE DO IT AGAIN

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belamourelysianlimerence · 3 years ago

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Arthur Fleck

SFW Alphabet

Okie-doke. So, he's here... but, i'm gonna answer.

But, you can correct me if I'm wrong about something.

'Mkay.'

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Haha! He's blushing. Umm... mhahaha, are you okay?

'Just answer the question...'

He is extremely affectionate. How... umm... he makes me laugh and smile. Aand...he's physically affectionate and verbally, also. Is that a good enough, very vague answer for you?

'Mhmm.'

Mokay.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

He's a shy person. He's really shy, but that doesn't take away from the great amount of friendliness that he has. I think if he was more confident in talking to people, and if the people around him weren't such fuck heads, he'd have lots of friends... what do you think?

..... he's just nodding.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Yes. Haha. He loves to cuddle... do you wanna answer this...? No?

Yes, he's a cuddler. I think that goes hand in hand with his affection though. How? I mean, anyway you can think of, I guess.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

'I don't wanna do this anymore.'

Why? Don't leave. Sorry, I think this is embarrassing..... but not in a bad way.

'Why do they need to know this?'

It's just for fun.

.....

I'll just say... Yes. Yes he can. Yes he can.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

I don't know, Arthur...? How would you break up with me?

'I wouldn't.'

If you had to.

'I don't have to.'

What if I was very mean to you all the time... would you keep me?

'No.'

Okay, how would you get me to leave?

'.....lock the door?'

Pfft. Okay, next.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Don't shrug. You have to answer these!

'I don't know what to say.'

If I asked you your name, would you shrug?

'No.'

Okay....

'I'd want to know you for a bit, first.'

Good answer!

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He touches me like I'm made of porcelain... unless I trip or something, of course.

You're not rough with me.

'No. Why would I be?'

...Myou can be... firm... though.

.....'yeah.'

Emotionally... your emotions remind me of water colors. Colorful, unique, .....messy. Sometimes. But, everyone gets messy at some point. Next.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

You like hugs?

'Yes.'

How often would you say we hug each other?

'Every day.'

But, how much?

.....'a lot.'

And... what are my hugs like?

'Soft.'

Okay.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

'How fast?'

Yeah, like in a relationship.

'Umm... I dunno.'

Like, first date?

'No.'

Then when?

.....'few months.'

Okay, doin' good!

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

....well?

'What?'

Dyou get jealous?

'No.'

:0 That's a lie.

'I don't.'

You do so! What about Randall?!

'Randall's a flirt.'

That doesn't make you mad?

'No.'

When he comes on to me, you're not mad.

'No.'

Pfft. Okay.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

'Why-'

It's just for fun! You don't have to be detailed.

'Mmm... .... soft.'

And where?

'.....'

He kisses me on the forehead a lot... right?

'Yeah.'

I don't kiss him specifically anywhere. Just kinda general.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

This... is your time to shine.

'Hmhm.. I love kids. They're fun.'

...and?

'I like it when they laugh, it's nice....

They make me happy.'

Arthur...

'What?'

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

WHAT DO WE DO IN THE MORNINGS???

'We.. drink coffee, don't yell.'

..... I'm sorry. What else do we do?

'Watch t.v.'

Mhmm...

'Eat cereal... or waffles. Sometimes you'll make french toast. I like that.'

That's really good. That's really good. Keep answering like that.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

'We sleep.'

Do we do anything else?

'I don't.. wanna-'

I mean before bed.

'Oh, um.. we watch t.v. Eat maybe.'

What do we watch?

'Murray Show.'

What's our favorite thing to watch though, you and I?

'Hm.. Americas funniest home videos.'

Heheh, yes. We like that.

'Mhmm.'

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

'Um... Interests first.'

Okay.

'Then... maybe family stuff?'

Right..

'Iunno.'

I told you a lot about me when we first met. Like, almost too much. But, you didn't seem bothered by that. Why?

'I didn't see anything wrong with it.'

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

You get..... pissy.

'Wha- no I don't.'

Pissy is the wrong word.... irritable.

'...I- yeah, okay.'

We get in fights... tiffs.

'Yeah. We're normal.'

I ain't normal!

'Ah... I mean we fight.'

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

'Mmm... I remember a lot.'

Yeah.

'I know your birthday, and.. your favorite color. What kind of ice cream you like...'

Do you know my middle name?

'Yeah.'

What is it?

[Muted For Privacy]

Correct.

'What's my middle name?'

...... uh-oh.

'You don't know my middle name?'

I mean, I never call you by it!

'I can't believe you.'

When did you tell me your middle name?

'When we first met, you asked.'

And I'm supposed to remember that today?

'I did.'

....Yes, you did. You're too kind to me.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

'Whenever you're gonna remember my middle name.'

Oh, shut up!

'Heheheh.'

Mine.. haha.. is... hm... there's too many choices. I can't pick.

'I like watching you cook.'

You do. You hover.

'Hmhmm. Yeah.'

..... I... I like when you come home.

'Aww.'

I miss you.

'I miss you, too.'

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

.....

'......'

.....?

'We protect each other.'

Mhmm.

'I don't let you get hurt.'

I don't let people push you around, or yell at you.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

'I do... what I can.'

You mean financially?

'Yeah.'

I don't care about material things. Anything else?

'I make you breakfast in bed.'

Yes, you do. That's nice.

'You give me stuff.'

Yeah, Stuff that I know you'll use. Like that note book.

'Yeah, I like the notebook.... thank you.'

You're welcome.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Do I have any?

.....'No.'

Thaaat was a long pause.

'Hmhm.'

What do I do?

'Um... you're mean to yourself.'

Mmm?

'You put yourself down a lot... mmm...you tolerate me.'

Arthur!

'Msorry.'

That. You do that... ..... hm... I don't like that you smoke but..

'Yeah, I'm trying to quit.'

I know. ... you take life too seriously sometimes. Which is quite contrast to your job and your true personality. But, life's hard.

'Yeah.'

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

'.....'

Youuu... get concerned.

'.....'

Sometimes. You shouldn't be. But, you do, and I do to... sometimes.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

'Yes.'

What would you do if I never came back?

.....

Go in the fridge?

'Haha. Yeah, go in the fridge.'

You don't go in there at all anymore.

'Well, there's food in there. I don't wanna pull it out.'

I feed you.

'Yeah.'

I make sure you eat.

'Yeah.'

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

....You have less L-fits.

'Yeah.'

Is that cause of me?

'Yeah... and my pills.'

You mean the fact you don't take them?

'Can't afford them right now.'

I've told you I could get them.

'.....Mno.'

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

'Judgement.'

Same.

'Mean... rude.'

Mhmm... some one that puts you down.

'Yeah.'

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

You snuggle up really close to me at night.

'I do?'

Yeah. I don't mind. Do I do anything?

'You toss around a lot.'

Mhmm.

'And get out of bed a lot.'

Yeah, insomnia....

Okay. We're done.

'That was...odd.'

Just wait for the NSFW.

'What does that mean?'

You'll see. 😏

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pukanavis · 3 years ago

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Main Story - Chapter 3 Part 2 “Bar AIR”

Light: –You got lost?

Chrom: Indeed. We lost our way on the trip home from an underbattle.

Kei: Before we knew it we had ended up all the way over here…that’s the gist of it.

Night: I see, I’m sorry to hear that. The streets around here can get pretty confusing.

Light: And on top of that, those dangerous guys loiter around here too. It’s bad news to get involved with them.

…I mean, they already decided to pick on us!

Cobalt: Ooo~...wow~....!

Night: Have you taken a liking to the interior?

Cobalt: Yeah! What was this called again? A bar? What kind of place is this!?

Light: Well, it’s a lot of things. First and foremost, this is a place where people come to drink alcohol…

It’s also somewhere that you can meet all kinds of people and satiate your loneliness…haha, just kidding.

Neon: …What? I don’t get it.

Light: Huh? I thought I was being obvious.

Night: Anyway, shall we introduce ourselves again?

Light: Oh, sure!

Once again, I’m LI-0202ES/Light. I’m a member of STAND-ALONE and a bartender at AIR!

Night:I’m NA-0202ES/Night! Light and I are the same model. See, don’t our faces look similar?

Chrom: Certainly. You’re the spitting image of one another.

Light: We’re like “twins”. Twins know everything about each other! Right, Night?

Night: Yep!

—And what were your names? I don’t think you ever told us?

Cobalt: I’m CO-0728HS/Cobalt!

Chrom: You may call me CR-0904HS/Chrom. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Kei: SI-0111HS/Kei.

Neon: …NE-0419HS/Neon.

Light: Nice to meet you! And you’re, Alto, right?

Night: These guys called you Doctor, didn’t they…?

Cobalt: Yep, Doctor is our doctor!

Light: I see! Then why don’t we call you “Doctor” too?

…Huh, are you okay?

Alto: …

Night: What’s wrong? You look like you’re frozen…?

Alto: N-N-N-No…d-don’t m-mind m-m-me….

Neon: …Do humans get errors too?

Chrom: In addition to your accelerated heart rate, you’re also sweating…what’s the matter? Do you feel unwell?

Alto: N-No, I’m s-seriously f…f-fine…

Light: …Hmhm~?

Night: Oh~...

Light: Hey now, no need to be so uptight! C’mon, talk to us!

Night: He’s right. Bring back the enthusiasm you had when you saved us!

Alto: Okayy!? No no, that was a time of emergency so…

I mean, it’s rather disrespectful for me to act over-familiar with two members of STAND-ALONE…

Cobalt: I dunno what Doctor is talking about!

Kei: …What’s going on here?

Light: Don’t be so tense! You can drop the fancy-smancy talk–!

Night: Hey, why don’t we take a picture together? Let’s put our arms around each other’s shoulders!

Alto: Tooclosetooclosetooclose….!

Chrom: These nerves are– oh, I understand. Your pulse has accelerated as a result of a momentary rise in excitement?

Cobalt: Huhhh, what does that mean?

Chrom: When confronted with an unexpected situation, intellectual creatures such as humans will use their brains more than usual in order to formulate either a method of escape or a solution.

As a result, they experience symptoms such as higher body temperature, sweating, irregular pulse and disordered breathing and will fall into a state of panic.

In other words, it’s similar to a program that has been overloaded with mass amounts of information to process.

—I heard about this from an educational television program that aired this morning named “The Mind of Animals”.

Neon: …But what has them acting like this?

Chrom: Hmm, I’m not sure. I wonder what it could be?

Alto: C-Can you stop with the calm analysis and help me!?

♡　♡　♡

Light: Sorry, sorry! I guess we teased you a little too much.

Night: We don’t get to talk with our fans one-on-one often so we got a little carried away.

Alto: N-No, it’s fine…

Light: –But seriously, you don’t need to be so nervous. We’re really owe you one

Night: You’re Dr. Esora’s pupil, right? We’re basically family then.

Alto: Re…really?

Light: Yep! So you can drop the formality and just act casually with us!

Alto: Very w– ah, no…

Night: Hm~

Alto: O–…Okay. Again, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance…I-I mean, nice to meet you!

Light & Night: Nice to meet you!

Cobalt: Ahaha! It’s hilarious how much Doctor’s expression has been changing!

Chrom: So this is what a “fan” is like. I’ll make note of this.

Alto: N-No…this isn’t how they usually are…

Light: –By the way, you mentioned that you had come from an underbattle, right? How’d that go?

Night: I bet they won with flying colours! Right?

Cobalt: Ah…

Kei: ��

Light: …Huh? What’s wrong?

Chrom: We lost.

Night: What!? But the four of you were amazing at Babel!?

Light: It’d take an opponent completely out of this world to beat that!?

Alto: Ah–, the truth is…

♡　♡　♡

Light: I see…

Chrom: It’s not as if we were malfunctioning in any way. We planned to challenge the battle with all the specifications we possessed, and yet…

Neon: …I don’t get it.

Night: …

Cobalt: For some reason…when I think about it, I get a murky feeling in my chest.

Kei: …Yeah. I don’t know what it is.

Night: I’m not sure what went wrong with your performance but…I understand that “murky” feeling.

Cobalt: Huh…

Naight: It’s “disappointment” isn’t it?

Kei: “Disappointment” …?

Night: You’ve got a gloomy feeling that you can’t shake off, yeah? It’s the disappointment of losing! At least, that’s what I think.

Cobalt: Disappointment…that’s what this is?

Light: I get it too. I feel that way when I don’t perform well.

Chrom: Hmm…

Neon: Uh…

Night: It looks like you don’t quite understand yet.

Could it be that your “kokoros” haven’t developed yet?

Cobalt: “Kokoro” …?

Light: It’s a special program that androids have.

By experiencing and learning all sorts of things, we’re able to produce the same “emotions” that humans feel.

Night: Depending on the individual, different experiences will conjure up different emotions. Just like humans.

Light: I mean, if you don’t even know what “kokoro” is then…

Alto: They’ve only just been rebooted so they don’t know about that kind of stuff yet.

Light: Just as I expected. In that case, I think I’ve got a pretty solid guess as to why you lost.

Cobalt: What is it?

Light: Well–

Kite: –Sorry for taking so long. I ran into some robot exclusionists while I was out shopping…

…? We have guests?

Alto: Ah…!

Kite: You’re…

Light: Yep. We’ve got some special guests today!

Night: Welcome home, Kite!

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dajaregambler · 3 years ago

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Wind Boys! - Soshu Kaneko kizuna story 1 "Self-introduction”

Gasp! It’s winbo!

I really like Soshu, so I might as well... I did this mostly as a practice run, 敬語 is my mortal enemy you see. My friend proofread it though, should be good (lol).

I might dabble here and there in stuff for Wind Boys!, mostly depending if I’m bored and dunno what to do. I don’t want to do things that feel long so no big plans in mind.

I’m still trying to get a grasp on the characters too, so it’s a bit of feeling around for what feels right as of now.

TL Notes:

The kanji for kaneru and furui are respectivelly 兼ねる and 古い.

The Chinese names have been Japanese’d for it to make sense given how he explains the kanji being used for his name. Pinyin for the names are as follows: Kasou is He Zong, Joshuu is Xuzhou, Li Ten is Li Dian and Houshin is Bao Xin.

Xuzhou isn’t explained, but it’s specifically was a territory of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era (taken from Wikipedia).

Soshu: A self-introduction, you ask? Yes, leave it to me! Hmhm, ahem. Now without any further delay…

Soshu: I am Kaneko Soshu. My class is 1-F, the one which you are the homeroom teacher of.

Soshu: It’s “kaneru” with “furui”. And then, the “sou” from the politician Kasou from the last days of the Later Han Dynasty during the era of the Three Kingdoms, with Joshuu’s “shuu” forming Soshuu on paper.

Soshu: The other day, as I read through the works of Shima Jozaburo… Hm? What’s the matter, Sensei.

Soshu: Eh, you do not know of Shima Jozaburo!? Ah, no, excuse me. Is that so… I see…

Soshu: I enjoy the Records of the Three Kingdoms, which is why the books written about the Three Kingdoms by this novelist known as Shima Jozaburo are out of this world!

Soshu: If you don’t mind, I’ll lend it to you next time which would no doubt be a delight if you were to read it.

Soshu: Ah, incidentally, my flute bears the name of Li Ten, who was also a military commander from the Records of the Three Kingdoms.

Soshu: If there are any other instruments? In middle school I played oboe. I had named it Houshin, another military commander from the Records of the Three Kingdoms.

Soshu: Suppose there was also piano and cello...

Soshu: Due to attending music classes I had the opportunity to come in touch with all types of instruments.

Soshu: No, it isn’t that much of a big… Eh, it’s amazing? I-is that so…

Soshu: ...Ahem, my apologies. Receiving such blunt words of praise had thrown me off a little.

Soshu: It's an honour. Thank you very much.

Soshu: Thinking back now, I’m glad that I had gone out of my way to try out various things in order to broaden my expression for the flute.

Soshu: I intend to devote myself much this time around too, so Sensei, I am looking forward to receiving your guidance!

#wind boys #winbo #soshu kaneko #My two years of cramming Chinese history into my brain has finally proven to be useful #I say that as if I haven't forgotten half of it #But you know what they say #c'est la vie!#maybe.......................

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cookie-cutter-communications · 3 years ago

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Following the thief now… it was quite a challenge for the half-bot. It hasn’t been more than a few moments, yet they had already disappeared into the teal hues of this manor. The paths were winding and twisting with confusion, no doubt it would get to Cyborg soon enough.

Aimlessly moving about whatever path they could find, they took the time to open most of the doors they came across. Most of the stuff was boring- some bedrooms, a library, a few balconies- ooh! Those were the gems they stole last night! They looked at the bunch of them, a grin of pride brought to their face as their visor lit up with delight. There were so many colors that flickered in the morning light! They didn’t think silly little rocks could invoke such delight! Well- they didn’t really, they didn’t have much of a purpose- but they looked edible! ...Maybe they could eat one? Hm… Roguey wouldn’t be looking, so a small one would be fine, right? Picking one up with their mitten, they examined it closely. They didn’t know what it was, but it was red and blue! Neat! What was not neat was the reaction their systems had when it was brought close! There were loud static pops around their head, their arm seizing a little while their mind buzzed persistently...as if there was a sudden storm that had filled their form! It was enough to get them to drop whatever it was, and it fractured the moment it hit the floor. Abruptly, all of these things would collectively stop, and Cyborg groaned as things just seemed to go back to normal. Mmm, that was kinda mean! Maybe they were inedible...The rocks were finally fighting back against their fate, bummer. They were going to have to find a way around that! Haha, wouldn’t that be funny…!

Moving along, other rooms weren’t worth noting- it was cyborg’s perception of things, after all- Though they did happen to come across some large, vacant spaces. Hm… that creepy scientist would probably make use of this space. However, past those rooms, they would finally walk into the room that Roguefort had nestled themself into, full of fabrics and things of the like with lengths of it loosely reaching for the center of the room. There was a soft humming from the thief as they looked about them, then down to a sheet of paper they had scribbled things down on. The moment they felt even the slightest movement, however, they squeaked, their gaze darting to where they had noticed something else moving.

“...O-Oh. It’s just you.” “Yeah, the dumbass passed out. Soooo, now I’m left with you!” “...You don’t like what I’ve done.” “I sure don’t!” “Yet you’ve lied to me.” “H-Huh?” “I was told I would have fun during all this, yet we’ve all hurt each other. I’m also losing my sense of self... I think it’s fair to call ourselves even.” They glanced at the half-bot, who, after a few moments, huffed at such a remark. “Whatever, fiiine. Your offense was still worse, though.” “...If you assume so. I still plan on apologizing to you both with at least something of worth.” “Is that why you’re here?” The question got a nod out of Roguefort. “I don’t wish for us to drive each other apart-” “Tch, you say that when you let Aloe of all people live here-” “Rather, I think we should try to befriend each other.” “...We need to take you to another gem place, don’t we?” “Hear me out, will you? It would benefit us both to become friends with what could be considered a worst enemy. That way, they have fewer reasons to turn on us, and perhaps they’ll have a bit of a turnaround and realize that helping us with the husks is beneficial.” “...So...There was a reason you let them stay here…” “Cy, it would have taken five seconds to explain...perhaps you should try to think a little before acting?” “I can do many things, but that’s impossible!” Such a phrase got them both to laugh a little. The taller continued to scribble down things, prompting Cyborg to sit next to them and look at what they were doing. “...What is that?” “Well, I’ve felt that we’ve all been through a handful of things, so… If we’re becoming nothing like what we were, I figured that our physical identities should be shed.” “...What?” “I’m making outfits, Cy.” “...Ohhhh!!!! Why didn’t you say that before?” They giggled, bapping them on the back. “I didn’t know you made things like that!”

“I still wish to remain eloquent, is all. And, why wouldn’t I? I’m a thief, it’s only fair that one would have to come up with their own disguises. All of ours, whoever made them...oh dear. They are in such need of repair.” They smiled, glancing at the other. “...By chance, do you know what Aloe likes, aesthetically speaking?” “...Why are you asking me that?” “I wish for it to be a surprise for both of you, and I don’t know what either of you likes most.” “Oh...um. They like green!!! And gold, I guess… They’ve always seemed like they wanted fancier clothing, I think…? I dunno, they always seemed unhappy with how they looked.” They would trail off, feeling some guilt that they knew not the origins of. To get their mind off of it, they looked at Roguefort, who was scribbling out a little design for them. “...Do you have any preferences for yourself?” “Mmmm, I wanna be fluffy!!! With little neon colors, maybe more orange!!! It looks really neat, and-” At this point, they would begin to ramble about what they’d like, all of which the thief would be sure to scribble down. It was a lot more specific than Aloe’s, that’s for sure! By the time they finished, they looked down, and noticed something...odd! Roguey didn’t have a single mark down on how they wanted to look!!! Hm!

“...We could try going on another heist tonight if you’d like.” “We?” “We! You’re not half bad at trashing the places we steal from, now are you?” “Hmhm, I would never be half bad!!! I’m the best when it comes to a little destruction!!” “Ah...then we shall embark on our little adventures soon enough. ..Would you mind speaking with Aloe for a little while when they wake up?” “About what?” “Just… anything, really. I don’t want us to fall apart. As useful as it would be to befriend them, I’d rather it be a genuine friendship, not some flimsy attempt to force them to stay.” “...Fine. Uh, so, we’re gonna go and do stealies tonight, yeah?” “We are, yes.” “Hm!!! I will destroy all the paintings you’ve collected!! And then I'll get food! And... then talk to Aloe, ew. I’ll do a lot so you can make silly little outfits!” “And it is much appreciated.” the stealer of jewels watched them dart away, before turning back to the page.

~ “...So, it’s been weeks, and they still haven’t been able to think of something to wear?” “I mean...yea. They said they wanted to give us the outfits for us today since you somehow are feeling better. Why are they missing out on the fun stuff?” “Perhaps they’re having an identity crisis.” “A what?” “...Right, you’re still dumb. Uh… I think we could try to make something for them…” “But we don’t know shit about making clothes!” “That’s why we attempt to do such a thing, Cyborg.” Aloe huffed, reaching for some of the pale yellow fabric strung along the length of the room. “Should we keep the color scheme the same?” “HELL NO! I dunno what would work nicely with that cheese, but I know they’d want some tacky fancy stuff…”

“I mean, they don’t look half bad in fanciful things.” perhaps a darker shade of teal…? Off-white… With a few light purples. “Do you have any ideas for them?” “Mmmm, I like the cape they have! It’s like a portable blankie!” “Is that all you can think of it as?” “Definitely! I will steal it someday!” “Already taking notes from them, I see… How odd.” “Hm?” “I never thought you would be able to adapt to the changes someone else has.” “Oh, no no! Nope! Not even close! You’re not even in the same ballpark! Y'see, they’re chaotic. We both share a brain cell, that’s how I manage to do that.” “...I’ll have to conduct an experiment on that later.” “H-HUH?” “You’re second-guessing yourself now, hm? Having regrets?”

“Shut up! Ugh, let’s just...work on this. I can’t believe you managed to get better, I was hoping you’d die again.” “Very nice of you, thanks.” They shot a glance at the pouting Cyborg. Nevertheless, they’d continue working on the outfit, which would very easily take over a few hours. The half-bot attempted to help, but the most they could do was suggest ideas and hold pieces of cloth in place. Boring!!! That was up until they were about to start making the cape- That was something Cyborg snatched right up! “I’m making this part!!! Mine!!” “...Allow me to help, at least a little.” “No! You helped with everything else, I should get a little say in this!” They held the fabric close, but the scientist would grab onto it. “I understand, but I’m following the design you wish for them to have!” They would try to yank it from them, but their grip remained strong. The prototype of the cape was in a deadlock between the two.

“No! Nono, Roguey needs something from me! You already got your grimy hands on everything!!” They seemed a little desperate, continuing to pull at the fabric. “Let go!!! You never let me do anything!!!” “You let go! You can come up with a design for this, it will be just like the rest!!!” “No! I wanna make this piece!!” “Well, you’re going to mess it up!” “I won’t, Dumbass!!!” “That doesn’t want to make me let it go any faster!!” “Well, then I’ll MAKE you let go!!!” They yanked on it as hard as they could, which did get Aloe to fall back… Only because the cape was ripped in half. The anger the half-bot exuded simmered down as quickly as possible thereafter. They could only stare at what they had caused with a bit of shock, and even more guilt. It… It’s only been a few weeks, yet… They still weren’t over the thought of killing the scientist… “...I’m sorry…” “Hgh...it’s fine…” They let out a heavy sigh, shaking their head as they sat up. Ough, that wound from all that time ago still hurts like a bitch. “Perhaps we could just...work on it together. It...Hah, it’s even torn in half…” It was clear to Cyborg they were just trying to make the most of this inconvenience… and it made them feel a little better that they were at least trying to make amends. It was...still way too small to matter, but it was big enough to be noticeable! “...Mmm...sure.”

“I’ve noted you both were in the room I was in while designing outfits for you both...whatever was your business in there?” “Well, we uh-” “We made you this really cool thing!!!! We think you would like it lots!!!” Cyborg said, seemingly happier than they were before the two of them walked into the room. This caught the thief off guard, a warm smile brought to their face shortly thereafter.

“Well, I’m pleased to let you know that I’m here to show you both your outfits… Made from what we all think you both would like most!” They unveiled the two designs they had been working on, handing each to their respective owners… Who seemed to cherish them. “There’s so much fluff on this!!! More than I asked! I thought there would be only neck fluff, but this??? This much????? I love it! I dunno who thought of it, but thankies!!! It’s also so bright!!! And the orange is all shiny...It makes me so happy!!!” They hugged what they were given as if it were some form of a plush. Not a moment later, they zipped away, likely to change into it. Aloe simply stared at what was given to them, looking it over as if attempting to find a single flaw… “How is there not even a single loose thread…?” “Ah, I have my ways. Yours was a lot of fun to make, Aloe.” “Hah...it makes me feel bad…” “Why’s that?” They tilted their head inquisitively, perking up when Aloe showed them the outfit the others had made for the thief of the night… “We...did our best, but it doesn’t look that great…” They glanced away as Roguefort took what was offered, also looking it over. “It’s not that bad! Some of the stitching is weird, yes, but… I like to think it gives the piece flavor.” They grinned, no hint of contempt on their face. “The only thing I wonder is why the cape was presumably torn…” “Ah, we got into a bit of an argument… We stitched it up together soon after and tried to hide it with a ribbon...” “Hm...the concept is interesting! Do you mind if I make a few changes?” “Not at all. It’s something to make you more comfortable with yourself, after all.” “Then, I’ll likely put a few more ribbons to match what you’ve chosen for me. It’s...a nice change of pace, the colors you chose.”

The moment they got the chance to move back into the fabric room, Roguefort did, sighing as they closed the door behind them. Right… They just had a few things to take care of. The ribbons, checking up on the outside world, and...one other thing they nearly forgot about entirely. There was a closet on the far side of the room. The phantom silently moved over to it, looking back to the doorway to make sure nobody was looking, before opening it up and peering in. There it was...this odd cane they never really found a use for until such a moment, when they recalled the dangers that lay ahead of themself...and everybody else. Taking it, and lightly dusting it off, they looked to a nearby window. The number of husks staring back, smiling with the faces of the damned… it was growing. It’s gone from one to twenty, and they could tell some form of danger was lurking. Glancing down at the cane, they gently lifted the handle away from the base of it. The moment they saw the sharp glimmer of metal, they closed it again. So...this wasn’t just them hallucinating things about what this was capable of. Perhaps it would prove to be useful? They knew not. What they did know, however, was that it would be put to the test soon enough. Best not to dwell on it now. Right, their outfit...there was quite a bit to fix. ...Where were the ribbons put? Ah, there...the spool had a little happy face on it, likely drawn by the happy-go-lucky bot themself. What a curious little group they have befriended...

#cookie run #cookie run au #a.loe #cy.borg #rogue.fort #written by yours truly #it's been a little while wouldn't you say?#Soon your time will come and all of this won't matter any longer.#That cane is just the tool to your demise roguefort #Let it be known that keeping thoughts alive in one's brain is a dangerous tightrope to walk upon.

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ranissupercool · 5 years ago

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Fic Where Mari is Problematic Ch. 4 (Final)

Fandom: Love Live! Sunshine!! Characters: Matsuura Kanan, Takami Chika, Sakurauchi Riko, Ohara Mari Relationships: ChikaRiko, KanaMari Rating: Teen and up Word Count: 1,816 Summary: Mari kisses Riko and stuff. No one is happy with this.

this whole fic is a cheesefest i'm so sorry

Read on Ao3!

It was a couple of days after Mari had… made a regrettable decision in randomly kissing Riko, one could say.

“Ka-naaan! Stop ignoring me!”

“I’m not ignoring you, Mari. I said I’m busy.”

Things weren’t exactly going great with Kanan.

Riko had, surprisingly, not been very upset with her-- nor had Chika. They both seemed a lot more occupied with each other, the two having apparently started dating after the whole ordeal. While that had been Mari’s goal from the beginning, it most certainly didn’t have the effect she’d hoped on Kanan.

Yeah, she wasn’t going to be asking Mari out anytime soon.

“You’re totally ignoring me! You have been for the past two days!”

“I’ve been busy for the past two days.”

“Come on! I didn’t bring it up during class or practice because I knew you’d get upset, but this is obviously about the thing with Riko-chi, isn’t it?”

Kanan side-eyed Mari. She’d been following Kanan persistently ever since idol practice had ended, although that wasn’t really anything new given that they often went home on the same bus… despite Mari’s parents constantly telling her they’d “prefer” for her to go by car instead.

“What, you mean you kissing her? How is that any of my business?”

“Well, I dunno! Maybe you might possibly… I don’t know… like me or something?”

Kanan stopped and turned to Mari. She really didn’t like the look Kanan was giving her. It was just a cold frown and slightly furrowed brow; Kanan’s “I’m upset so don’t talk to me” expression.

It was usually just used in regards to Mari, who didn’t much like Kanan’s approach of not talking about problems and refusing to even try resolving them. So it wasn’t that effective on her, but god did it hurt to see.

“Don’t you think that’s a little self-centered to assume?”

“But you’re not denying it.”

“Look, I need to help Chika study today. Can we do this later?”

Mari pouted, resisting the urge to stomp her foot on the floor like a child throwing a tantrum. Kanan was hardly taking her seriously to begin with; she never would if Mari did that . “This is more important!”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, Kanan. If I left it up to you to decide when we talk things out, it’d never happen. That’s why we spent two years apart!”

“Mari, that was because I was--”

“Yes, I know you were looking out for me-- because you know so much better for me than I do! You’re not my mother , Kanan.”

“H-- Hey, will you quit yelling? You’re attracting attention…”

“I didn’t even want to go study abroad. You knew that-- Dia knew that--”

Kanan took Mari’s hand and, without warning, pulled her along to somewhere else, away from all of the other students staring at them in the hallway.

Mari continued without care to this or to their surroundings, “If you’re going to be mad at me, just say it! You’re never honest with me, and it’s, like, really starting to tick me off!”

She was taken into an empty classroom, and Kanan shut the door behind them. “Mari.”

“ What .”

Kanan sighed, running a hand through her hair and somewhat messing up her ponytail. Mari kept quiet, if only because she wanted to know whether or not Kanan was actually going to have the conversation with her that they needed to have. “Where do I start…?”

As much as Mari was tempted to say, ��With your love confession to me; duh!” she refrained.

“Mari, I’m sorry.”

...Eh? An apology wasn’t quite what she expected, if she was being honest. Completely called for, she thought, but-- “Sorry for what?”

“For… well, for one, the whole… studying abroad thing. I didn’t notice it at first because of the way you acted, but you really seemed to hate being out there.”

“Oh… I didn’t think we’d be bringing this up again,” Mari had to comment, given that Kanan had seemed content to forget about it after they’d made up and rejoined Aqours.

“You’re the one who brought it up first.”

“Hm. Well, it’s not like I hated studying abroad. It wasn’t much fun, and I was pretty depresso , but that was because I had to leave you and Dia and my favorite school and town in the whole wide world to do it.”

“No one was forcing you…”

“You sure about that? You two clearly wanted me to go, and that’s pretty much the whole reason you decided to stop being idols, right?”

“Well… I-I’m sorry, like I said. I really didn’t know you cared as much as you did about Aqours at the time. Especially since I pushed you into joining at first.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad that you understand now… although I appreciate that you finally apologized. Took you long enough~” Mari giggled. “Although that’s not really the main issue at hand right now, is it?”

“...Yeah, I guess it isn’t.”

Silence overtook them for a good moment, Kanan seeming quite unsure as to what to say. Mari was beginning to think she might have to steer the conversation herself, but just as she was about to speak up, Kanan did instead.

“Why did you kiss Riko?”

“Oh, that? Ummm, thing is, I… did it on impulse!”

“What…?”

Mari chuckled awkwardly. “Well, when I saw you and Chika-chi looking all flirty and lovey-dovey, I can’t lie; I got mega jealous and, like… did the first thing I could think to do, which I guess was try to make you jealous back? Tee hee oopsie… I totally regretted it as soon as I did it, though!”

“O-Oh. Well. Talk about honest…”

“Unlike a certain someone~”

Kanan rolled her eyes, but her expression was becoming a lot softer than it had been previously. “I guess I can see how what Chika and I were doing could look bad. I was just helping her think of how to ask Riko out… although it seems like they figured that out for themselves.”

“Hmhm, so Riko-chi told me~”

“Anyways… Uh… You said you were jealous? How… so, exactly? Did you--”

“Ah ah, Kanan, this isn’t a one-way trade of information. If you want me to answer that, you have to answer one of my questions~”

Kanan grimaced a bit, but she reluctantly nodded in compliance. “Fine, I guess that’s fair. What question?

“So, about you getting all mad and ignoring me. Were you jealous~?”

“N-- ...Maybe. I mean… yeah, I guess. Probably.”

Huh. Kanan seemed pretty uncertain, didn’t she? “Mmmm… Close enough. Your turn to ask something, then.”

“...Were you just jealous I was flirting with someone, or… jealous I was flirting with someone?”

Mari tilted her head. “ Que? ”

“I-I mean, like, was it just because, like, your friends were flirting and you don’t have anyone to do that with, or because uh, it was me specifically and you wanted to be flirted with by, uh, me…?”

“Kanan, you seem flustered.”

“I’m-- I’m not! I’m just wondering.”

“Hmm… I thought it was obvious, to be honest… but since you really don’t seem to know, I’ll tell you. I tooo-tally want my BFF Kanan to flirt with me lots and pin me against the wall~!”

“M-Mari!”

“Hehe~ My turn! Do you want to flirt with me lots and pin me against the wall?”

“No way! I mean-- Ugh… I don’t know!”

Hmm. Mari wasn’t completely sure whether this was getting anywhere or not, but Kanan at least seemed to be answering honestly… “You don’t know?”

“I know it probably sounds stupid, but… I don’t know what I want? I get a lot of… weird feelings with you. Especially when you get all affectionate… Whenever I think of something like flirting with you or dating you…” With a growing blush on her face, Kanan averted her eyes. “I don’t really get them.”

...How on Earth could Kanan be so cute and yet so frustratingly dense at the same time?

“You’ve thought about dating me?”

“Ch-- Chika’s the one who brought it up.”

“Hmm. Sounds like a crush,” Mari replied bluntly.

“That’s-- I don’t… I mean, it’s… not impossible,” Kanan awkwardly admits, “but I don’t know if liking someone usually makes a person feel like throwing up when they’re around them.”

“There is a reason they call it ‘lovesickness’.”

“But-- But we’re best friends.”

Mari rolled her eyes. “So are Chika and You-- the only difference is that You’s crush isn’t requited.”

“...Wait, You has a crush on Chika?”

“Oh my god, just kiss me you big dense idiot.”

“H-Huh? Wait, hold o--” Unsurprisingly, Mari didn’t listen and pulled Kanan into a kiss anyways. And, seeing that Kanan stopped trying to pull away pretty quickly, she held the kiss.

It lasted a lot longer than the one with Riko. Mari, then, was the one to break it off as well.

“So, can I possibly make my feelings any more clear?”

Kanan quietly shook her head.

“Still feel like throwing up?”

“Uh… it… lessened. When you kissed me.”

Mari grinned. “Think doing it more will make it totally go away?”

“You’re acting pretty nonchalant about stealing my first kiss…”

She did already steal one person’s first, so why not another? Of course, she didn’t say that out loud. Mari wasn’t tone-deaf. “I figured it’d help you figure out your feelings is all."

Kanan frowned, placing a finger uncertainly over her own lips. “So you like me?”

“Duh. I wanted you to be the one to say it first, but since you’re a biiig ol’ dummy and couldn’t even tell how you felt…”

“Mm…” Kanan pondered this, crossing her arms. “...Guess I wouldn’t mind spending the rest of my life with you…” It was said in a quiet mumble that Mari could hardly hear. Was Kanan talking to herself?

“Huh?”

“Nothing. I think this whole thing did give me a better idea of how I feel about you, though. That’s what you’ve been wanting to hear, right?”

“Oho? You’ve got that right; lay it on me, babe!”

“Babe? At least wait until we’re dating to call me that…”

“Kanaaan, come ooonnnn, will you just--” A pause. “Wait, until we’re--?”

Kanan chuckled. “Yes, Mari, I like you. And yes, I will go out with you.”

“Wai-- Wha-- K-Kanan, no fair!” Mari pouted, but that just made Kanan laugh even more. “Don’t you laugh at me! You’re the one who couldn’t even tell you had a crush on me ‘till I kissed you!”

“And you refused to tell me your feelings until you knew mine. I think that makes us both laughable messes.”

“Oh, shush, you.”

“Make me.”

Kanan grinned at the appearance of a rare blush on Mari’s cheeks. She wasn’t quite so smug when Mari affectionately jumped her afterwards, but she certainly wasn’t unsatisfied.

Elsewhere, Chika wondered why Kanan was running nearly an hour late to their study session.

#love live sunshine #chikariko #kanamari #matsuura kanan #takami chika #sakurauchi riko #ohara mari #fanfiction #ranfic #fic where mari is problematic

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1stunseeliefaelass · 4 years ago

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Darksiders Arthurian Tales Revisited

Chapter 2: An Unlikely Meeting

Barrcus decided to go over the plan with Morgen again, but only after Mina took the girls out to go play for a moment. After all these little ladies didn't need to know what may happen. That and keeping secrets is rarely a child's strong suit, let own for two of em. Morgen looked to Barrcus as he shut the door behind them again.

With that he began, "So you start taking the trail, make sure you make your rounds around countryside. Be sure everyone sees you, even the bandits. We need to make sure that this is as public as possible."

From there, he detailed the route as one that was often raided by bandits. He further explained that he knew what time they'd strike, due to his future seeing capabilities.

"Why send me on such a route if you know what's coming?" Morgen questioned him.

"Because the Horsemen will be coming along that same route. Specifically around the time you get attacked. They should protect you when finding the carriage."

Morgen's eyes widened, "The Horsemen?! But why would they help me? Why are they even coming here?"

"I may have slipped in details of the book in a few rumors. A carefully spun web I assure you." Barrcus reassured her.

"Why do this? It could put you at risk if Uther finds out what you've done." Morgen frantically explained.

"Please, I've been in the castle this whole time. My spiders however, have not been. Besides, the only way for Uther to find out is if someone in our group told him. As far as the Council knows, it was just a bunch of rumors. Rumors that they need to check."

Morgen thought a moment before nodding, "Very well, I'll trust your judgment Barrcus. Just please, promise me you'll be careful."

"Hmhm, if everything goes as planned tonight, I will be." Barrcus stated with a smile before fading into the shadow.

Morgen then readied herself for the trip ahead. It was just another sort of ride she often took by carriage. To greet the people and make sure they were alright. Course the captain would need some convincing about the path, but she and Mina managed it. The only problem, was Mina couldn't convince the girls to stay there. Morgen believed they'd be safest at the castle, but with the girls' continued insisting and begging she caved. Bringing a thin sword of hers that melded into a mage staff. Course she'd also have to ask Vortigern about bringing them along. Which may lead to a lecture or two as far as she was concerned. With that she entered the throne room, a bit nervous but doing her best to hide it.

"My liege, I came to bid you goodbye before my latest ride out into the country. And I needed to ask something of Uncle Vortigern before I left." Morgen declared as calmly as possible.

"What is it?" Uther inquired of her.

"The girls are insisting I bring them along. I tried telling them no but they can beg way too well these days. I wanted to know your opinion on it first though Uncle. See what you thought of the idea."

Vortigern observed her briefly, and upon seeing her sword staff, "Is this going to be dangerous?"

"The route is a risky one yes. But I wouldn't let anything happen to them and you know it." Morgen replied nervously.

"What time are you going to be back?" Vortigern bade her.

"I shall return before the party, and I'm sure the girls will be tired after I'm back. So they'll likely go to bed all the faster." Morgen stated calmly.

Vortigern sighed, "If you can ensure their safety, I'll allow it."

Morgen gave him a hug, "I'll let them know. Don't worry I'll make sure nothing harms them."

Vortigern reciprocated the hug, "Stay safe, and keep an eye out for bandits."

"Of course Uncle, thank you." Morgen replied before going on her way.

Vortigern let her go and then glanced over at his brother. Uther was barely hiding his jealousy at that moment. "You know if you'd quit with your tirades around her, maybe she'd trust you more."

Uther doesn't return the look, "One must show strength, not weakness."

"Strange how everyone has a different point of view on what weakness is." Vortigern states before inquiring, "So is there anything else I need to know about?"

"No, it's just a Masque, this party I mean. Nothing to worry about." Uther mumbled out whilst staring blankly at Vortigern.

Vortigern feels a twinge of terror at the cold blankness of Uther's gaze before coughing, "Ahem well, I think I should be getting ready for the party."

"Yes that would be a...good idea." Uther muttered out simply before walking off in the opposite direction of his brother.

Vortigern couldn't help but wonder why Uther seemed so, distant this time. Especially so after Morgen hugged him. It was only a hug after all. Surely it was nothing to be concerned with. At least he could only hope so.

Meanwhile Morgen and Mina were enjoying the open road with Anna and Elaine along for the ride. Morgen enjoyed their little game of I Spy whilst waving to the village folk and stopping occasionally to help anyone in need. Wanting to be a good example to the girls after all, and to be a kind person overall. She kept noticing the same group of horse riders following their carriage overtime. Realizing they may likely be the bandits Barrcus had informed her of seeing in his future sight. Eventually her concerns would become realized, as the bandits waited until a particular stretch of wooded road to attack the carriage. Meanwhile the two Horsemen had FINALLY made it to the veil to open a portal through it.

"Took ya long enough." Strife noted in exasperation.

Death only growled at him in response.

"How long do you think you can keep it open?"

Growling again Death shouted, "NOT LONG!"

Once Despair, Dust, Mayhem, and Strife were all through the portal Death created, Death had to be pulled through himself by his younger brother. Strife watched him a bit concerned as he worked to catch his breath.

"Need a minute?"

"Yeah....that would be...appreciative right now..." Death expressed between deep breaths. Strife placed a hand on his shoulder still, and Death only shrugged him off with an, "I'm well. Let's just keep moving."

Strife shook his head before saying, "Alright whatever."

From there the two continued riding on. Soon finding a secluded road without pavement, and with seemingly no travelers on it. Strife however noted his elder brother's paranoid gaze searching the woods surrounding them.

Finally after a long enough silence he groaned, "Ugh....dude."

"Hmm?"

"Stop it!" Strife demanded.

"Why?" Death inquired cocking his head at him.

"You're freaking me out!" Strife urged him.

Death remained simple with his questions, "How exactly is this freaking you out?"

"I dunno you're making me paranoid. What with all that looking around like something's gonna happen. It's like you're expecting a fight."

"Seriously?" Death asked once again in a simple tone before continuing with, "What am I supposed to do about that?"

"Stop acting paranoid! Seriously man when you're paranoid I am. We all get paranoid whenever you do. As you only get like that when you're absolutely sure something's gonna happen."

"If you don't keep quiet, something will." Death growled lowly in a threatening tone before calming enough to explain softly, "Just look at the ground, and you'll see why."

"What am I looking for?"

"Just look." Death implored quietly.

Strife did so rolling his eyes, only to find horse tracks around them. None of which came from Despair or Mayhem, "Bandits."

"Yes, that's why I've been looking around. Now shush so I can listen for them." Death whispered to him.

Strife nods at that, "Right.", then begins to palming Mercy at his waist.

Before long they began hearing a cockney accented man saying something rather interesting, "Well well well, looks like we've got ourselves a Princess here. Wonder what we can do with that? Bet he'd probably pay a pretty penny for ya."

A female voice spoke up with an irish sounding accent, "Do your worst gentlemen, you won't get passed me."

"Oh, so she's got some fight in her, wonder what else she's got." The man snidely stated with a smirk.

Course Death and Strife have come to witness this, and Death has chosen to comment on it, "So what seems to be the matter here?"

"None of your business fellow traveler."

Strife however retorted, "Seems to be, you're in our way."

"We'll move this alongside, you don't need to worry about this."

"Right don't worry about it eh? Brother?" Death bade.

"Way ahead of ya bro." Strife remarked, drawing Mercy with lightning speed.

"We gonna have a problem here?" The man asked both brothers.

"I guess we will." Death mumbled before he and Strife descended upon the bandits.

Death unhooked Harvester from his belt, leaped off Despair, then began cutting bandits down. Strife pulled out Redemption in the meantime. Then whilst taking some bandits out with Mercy, used Redemption to take out the main one's kneecaps.

As the man attempts to crawl away, Death came up to him, "Oh no you don't."

After being picked up by his collar, the man begged of Death, "Wh-who....w-what are you?"

Strife shook his head, "Just some good samaritans passing by. What about you though? You gonna be a body? Like my brother other here wants to see? Or you gonna apologize to this young lady, and be someone living?"

"I'm sorry! Eh please call off your dogs!" The man begged looking at the woman.

"They are not of mine or the King's. Who am I to order them what to do?" She says a bit coldly.

"You may be one of the few people I actually like. Huh." Strife mused aloud.

"Well what do you think?"

"Hmm I dunno, has he had enough?" Strife checked with both Death and the woman.

"Like I said, I have no orders to give you. As you are not servants to me. Therefore I leave it to you good sirs." The lady states matter-of-factly.

"Well I guess the other person I would need to ask is you. So what do you think brother? Let him walk, or kill him?" Death tendered almost menacingly.

"Hmm....1....2...." Strife began.

The man, realizing what was happening, tried to scurry away. Failing miserably to do so as Strife counted down further towards ten.

"7.....8.....9 10!" Strife shouted before firing off at the man, killing him.

Once the man lay dead, Death could hear what sounded like little girls crying. He also heard another woman speaking softly, likely trying to calm them.

Sighing he muttered under his breath, "Shit.", then looking to Strife, "Brother would be so kind as to check on who's crying?"

"Right." Strife responded before heading up to the carriage door. Quietly knocking he called out softly, "Hello, anybody in there?"

A scottish accented woman responded, "Aye stranger, meself and two little lassies 'ere."

"Alright.", then after grabbing some chocolate from a side pocket on his belt, "Have you been good for the nice lady in there?"

The woman calls out to him, "Forgive em sir, they're still quite scared ye see. Being as young as they are. But they are nodding and I'll confirm they've been good and quiet in 'ere with me."

"Ok think they are deserving of a candy bar?"

"Oh of course. I'm sure it'd go a long way in helping calm them down too. Bless ye sir, both of ya out there." The woman replied to him.

He hands it over through the door and is surprised by the two little ones hugging his arm as they take the candy.

He's left stuck there for a moment and looks at Death, "Uh bro, need a little help here."

Death only shook his head, "It's best you leave my brother alone. Lest you hurt yourselves by accident."

Course he heard one of them reply with a sniffle, "We're being careful mister."

"Ok then, brother?"

"Yeah I'll keep my uh....'toys' locked up real tight." Strife remarked.

The woman from inside finally opened the carriage and Strife found himself being hugged by both little girls once they were out. Now they just clung to his legs.

"For crying out loud."

"Heheh, had to expect that one coming." Death stated snidely.

Strife looks up, trying to resist the urge to pat both their heads. Meanwhile Death inquired of the short and stout red head that left the carriage with the girls,

"Are you alright miss?"

"Oh I'm fine, I'm mainly worried about me mistresses. Her especially." The red head stated going up to the Princess.

"Oh Mina, please I'm fine. Not even a scratch on me." She replied calmly.

"That's only because they needed you alive. What use is a corpse in a ransom? She had every right to worry for you." Death retorted.

"Well I may not seem like much sir, but I indeed can hold my own." The woman proclaimed.

"Morgen, you don't know much in offensive spells. And ye've not wielded a proper blade in...." Mina began.

"I am more than capable of handling a few bandits. Not that I don't appreciate the aid we received, but still." Morgen insisted.

"May I take a look at your staff?" Death inquired of her.

Morgen cocked her head but allowed him to see it. After a bit of observance he noted that there wasn't much in terms of power for this staff. An indication of the wielder's power level. He also was surprised by the thin blade on the inside of the staff.

Course the thinness of the blade was also amusing to him, "In case you were caught off guard?"

"I was a knight some time ago. Sadly my order was....retired, so to speak." Morgen informed him.

"Hmm....may I ask, why are the four of you out on these roads? You'd think you'd be safer in a castle." Death questioned her.

"I'll not lie about you being correct on that last part. But we're out here because I like to check on the people every now and then. Make sure they are well and all."

The girls then piped up in unison whilst finally releasing Strife, who'd begun losing circulation in his legs, "And we just wanted to come with her."

Death glanced their way then back to Morgen, he did this a few times, as if searching for something then finally posed another question, "Are these yours?"

"Oh no. They're my Cousins." Morgen explained.

"Oh. Well then that's a bit interesting." Death noted before looking at Strife.

"Well you know how Fae are. Who knows they could be her seventeenth cousins." Strife remarked as he rubbed at his leg muscles.

"I assure you, they are my Uncle's only children." Morgen insisted.

"Seriously? I thought you Fae got down and dirty every single day of the week." Strife said confused.

"First off, stereotypes. And second off, that's more like your Satyr friend." Death retorted.

Morgen cocked her head at that, "And this friend is...who exactly?"

Both brothers replied, "Puck."

"I'd be concerned normally by such an answer. But he's been on his best behavior today at the castle. Wouldn't be surprised if Uther invited him to the party after the self portrait he painted." Morgen explained simply.

Strife's eyes widened, "Huh. Well then, nine times outta ten he's gonna be playing. May as well go say hi to him."

"Actually you may have more time to converse than you think. Considering that you did aid us. I'm sure the King and my Uncle would be glad to reward you in some way." Morgen replied.

"Well we were just interested in getting to the party that's it." Death simply stated to her.

"Will Mina here be attending?" Strife asked attempting to flirt that direction.

Mina however answered for Morgen this time, "First off lad I'm a maid. I won't be doing much beyond working the kitchens. Secondly, I do have someone in my life thank ye very much."

After the cold rejection Strife mumbled out, "Must be a lucky bastard.", then as a spider began crawling up his back...., "EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

As Mina began snickering, Death just looked at him confused and annoyed, "Serves you right casanova."

Meanwhile the spider somehow was unharmed and crawled up Mina's body before settling on her shoulder. From there it gave her a sweet little nuzzle. Death then suddenly took notice of it and inquired cautiously, "Is that you're pet?"

"Hmm? Oh no. This one is controlled by the man in me life." Mina replies stroking the spider. And Death is surprised again by the spider suddenly getting all giddy.

"Ooooooook then." Strife remarked slowly backing away in concern.

Death looked down at the ground in front of the carriage, noticing tracks of horses heading away from it. That and the cut harnesses on the ground indicated quite clearly what had happened.

"Well.....the horses have gone wild. We can use our steeds to pull the carriage along, if you wish." Death explained to Morgen.

"That'd be a help. Thank you. I wish we could find the horses, but that may not be a fruitful search. Especially not with the amount of time left before the Masque." Morgen contemplates.

"Oh so you're heading there now?" Death questioned.

"Yes, I am the Princess after all. I should probably be there to get ready." Morgen replied a bit snidely.

"Uhmm...you mind giving us some assistance? Me and my brother here would like the attend." Death told her as Strife continued to stare at the spider on Mina's shoulder.

"Of course. As I told you before, Uther and my Uncle would be happy to reward you I'm sure." Morgen stated.

"Great, sounds cool. Uhm I'll be in the carriage. D...Argh!", Strife began before Death elbowed him, "Ahem, my brother will be outside. He doesn't really like cramped spaces that much."

"It's not the space it's the company, for the most part." Death said.

"Perhaps you'll permit me to ride out with you, for directions and all?" Morgen inquired.

Strife then realized something and asked, "You're royalty, you didn't drive this yourself did ya?"

Morgen's eyes widened, as she clearly began remembering something, and she then started looking around frantically, "Oh dear, I hope he's alright."

Death cocked his head simply, "Who?"

"The captain of the guard was our driver. I heard screaming when the horses took off, maybe they dragged him along!" Morgen exclaims in minor panic.

"He's indeed with the horses." Death expressed just as simply before telling Strife, "Brother, let's hooks the horses up and get these ladies over to the castle as soon as possible."

"What about the captain guy?"

"The horses will eventually slow down, allowing him to get his footing again." Death replied before working with Strife to hook up their own steeds.

Despair sat perfectly still and gave no fuss as Death hooked him on, Mayhem however was a different story. Attempting to kick Strife in the head, and biting at Death. Only stopping when getting kicked himself by Despair. The two horses then shared an annoyed growl between them. Course during all this, a certain rodent was getting slightly shoved about. Only revealing himself by accident with a scared whimper after the two steeds growled. Death of course heard it all the same.

"FUZZBALL?!"

Fuzzball shook inside the saddlebag he was hiding in, scared even more now. Course he only really began to shake when Death angrily threw open the bag he was in.

"What are you doing HERE?!" Death demanded of the rodent.

Fuzzball whimpered even more and shrunk down in his fear, course Strife couldn't stand it anymore and grabbed Death's shoulder, "Bro chill out dude."

Death growled before grabbing Fuzzball with one hand, he could feel just how badly the little ball of fur was shivering now. "Do you know how dangerous this mission could actually be?!"

Fuzzball covered his ears with his little paws terrified, whilst the two girls were now huddling against Mina again.

Strife gripped his shoulder tighter, "Dude look around for a moment."

Death looked around for a moment at last and recognized the girls were currently scared of him now. As was poor Fuzzball. Grumbling quietly, he marched up to the girls and bent down to their level. From there he handed over Fuzzball, "Do you think you can keep an eye on this one for me?"

The girls looked at him from behind Mina's skirt, and Anna asked him, "How come you yelled at him?"

"Cause he's not supposed to be here." Death told her gently.

Elaine then spoke up, "Is it because you have a dangerous job?"

"Well.....to say the least." Death replied.

"We get it, Daddy always leaves us with Cousin Morgen when he's going somewhere scary." Anna stated as she swayed around like most kids her age do.

"My job is far more...horrific. Let's just say it would give you nightmares. And Fuzzball here is...way too fluffy for my work."

The girls then take Fuzzball and begin cuddling him. With that Mina takes them inside but points out, "So I imagine with these steeds we'd be traveling very fast then eh Horsemen?"

Death froze at that and looked over at the horses, realizing too late that he forgot to cloak them in any glamour spells. As best he could, he came up with the following excuse, "Uh.....we use this camouflage to scare off any bandits...heheh..."

"Really now? And how is that supposed to work if they attack ye anyways?" Mina probed.

"Well it's supposed to be a deterrent. Would you attack the Horsemen?" Death insisted to her.

"I get that part, but how could it be a deterrent when it failed as such? Given that the thieves attacked anyway." Mina explained.

"Heheh....it's because I'm not wearing Death's mask. It's far scarier." Death smugly stated.

"You mean far edgier?" Strife corrected him even more smugly.

Death turned his way with a death glare, "Riiiiiiiiight."

"If everyone is quite finished, shall we finally head out?" Morgen requested.

"Yes let's." Death stated before putting a glamour spell on the horses whilst pretending to do the opposite and muttered, "Since it didn't work this time."

Morgen looked at him curiously as Strife hopped into the carriage with the ladies. Morgen then got into the driver's seat. Or rather attempted to before Death lent her a hand, "Here, let me help."

"Ah thank you." Morgen replied before taking his hand.

Death couldn't help but note how....powdery her hand felt. Sure it was soft as any royal's would be, but he hadn't expected powder. Usually a royal would use hand lotion or something, not that. It actually reminded him of the feeling of porcelain the more he thought about it.

Finally after rubbing his fingers together in confusion he asked her, "Uhm...what's that on your hands?"

"Hmm? Oh the powder you mean? Oh just some makeup powder. Why?" Morgen inquired.

"You'd expect lotion."

"Ah yes, well.....I have my reasons sir." Morgen explained simply whilst the spider on Mina had migrated to watch the two of them. When Morgen mentioned the powder, it seemed to try and get closer to her. It looked as though it was trying to search for something. Course it's stealth failed as it crawled up her body, causing Morgen to jolt a bit. She glanced at the spider only to find it looking all adorable at her. She patted the thing gently and watched as it ended up with a bit of powder on its head.

#Darksiders Fandom #Darksiders Fanfics #Darksiders OCs #Darksiders Arthurian Tales Revisited #Death #Strife #Despair #Mayhem

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