#hmm I should probably break into a store and take him

[wakanai]

Hdgsjshshsj look at this Nikolai plush I found

Heugh. Beautiful. Nothing wrong with him all Idk what you mean-

The only thing wrong with him is that he isn't in my house :)

[joelswritingmistress]

You Scare Me, Professor: Chapter 29

Summary: The reader is taking graduate classes at a local university in the wooded upstate New York. She is drawn to her professor, Dr. Joel Miller, though she is also inherently aware that he has something dark about him that she can't quite put her finger on. As the reader's attraction grows deeper, she has to decide whether to endure the danger or run away as fast as possible.

Pairing: Professor Joel Miller x f!reader

Tori and I met up on my lunch break the following afternoon. I filled her in about the mishap with James the night before and she visibly cringed.

“Ouch.” She made a face. “That was a bold way to shoot his shot.”

“I felt so bad,” I admitted, “I still feel bad.” I twirled a French fry in ketchup and popped it into my mouth.

“Did you tell Joel?”

I nodded. “The night before I had gotten a card that was left on my car with no name. I thought it was this creepy guy Trevor from class.”

“Who’s creepy Trevor?”

“He's just this brown noser type of guy. I saw him lurking behind the building one night when I left and then he, like, popped out of the library stacks at me out of the blue.”

“Red flag, red flag.” Tori made invisible check marks in the air with her finger. “What if he's the lady killer?” That's what the papers and news outlets had branded the person responsible for the two dead women.

“Lately, I think everyone is the lady killer.” I huffed a laugh and shook my head. I changed the subject. “Are you and Derek doing anything for Valentine's Day tonight?”

“We’re going to see an early movie and then going out for cocktails and some apps.”

“Sounds fun.”

“Where’s Mr. Gold Coins taking you?” She asked with a laugh as she forked a bite of chicken from her salad, “Paris?”

I laughed. “We’re going to a place called Lake Kora.”

“Where's that?”

I shrugged and reached for the second half of my turkey wrap and took a hearty bite.

“You didn't Google it?”

I shook my head and continued to chew.

“Do I have to teach you everything?” Tori eyed me and began typing away on her phone. “How do you spell it?”

“L-a-k-e,” I began, smirking at her as she flicked my hand.

“Smartass, I know how to spell ‘lake'. What about the second part?”

“K-o-r-a.”

Tori eyed her tiny screen and began flicking her finger until she seemed satisfied. “Hmm..”

“What?” I arched my neck and she turned her phone part way.

“Looks nice.” She scrolled through photos. “Is he going to put, like, rose petals all over the bed? Feed you chocolate covered strawberries?”

I nearly spit the bite of my sandwich out and the two of us began laughing, drawing looks from other customers in the little sandwich shop.

“Sorry,” Tori whispered with a hand up, still chuckling as she took a sip of her iced tea to compose herself.

“Maybe we can double date some time soon,” I suggested.

“I gotta get a feel for this guy,” she nodded in agreement and poked around through her lettuce in search of a crouton. “What's going on next weekend?”

“His sister is getting married. We’re going to Vermont for the long weekend.”

Tori raised her eyebrows. “Wow.”

I nodded. “I was nervous to go but I met her recently and we hit it off, so..” I shrugged.

My friend pointed her fork in my direction. “If this guy ends up breaking your heart, I'll break his neck.” Tori paused, “Well, I’ll get someone to do it because I probably wouldn't be able to.”

I have a closed-mouth smile. “I hope this is all what it seems; because I'm totally caught up.”

“I know you are.” She nodded, “I've never seen you like this.”

“I know.” I ate another French fry and sipped on my Diet Dr. Pepper. “It's a little scary.”

Tori gave a genuine smile. “I guess life should be about taking chances.. and following your heart.” She raised her styrofoam cup, “To the next step?”

I tapped my cup against hers. “To the next step.”

The ride to ‘up-upstate’ with Dr. Miller late that afternoon had me excited for the weekend ahead. We took the truck, loaded up with snacks and even stopped at a little hockey store to purchase two pairs of ice skates. I couldn’t wait to go ice skating. It had been so long since I’d been but I was sure I’d pick it up again - like second nature.

“Want a coffee?” Dr. Miller motioned to a little shop beside the hockey store, “Or hot chocolate?” He grinned and took my hand when I nodded. We wandered into the shop and the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans hit me like a wave.

My eyes scanned a chalkboard with an endless array of choices. There were your typical French Vanilla flavors and Hazelnuts. And then the list trickled down to pistachio, white chocolate almond, blueberry and peppermint mocha.

“I’ll do a medium black coffee with a shot of espresso,” Dr. Miller ordered. “And a package of the chocolate covered espresso beans.”

When I spotted a banana mocha chocolate espresso, I was sold. Half hot chocolate, half coffee with the sweetness of the banana. Sign me up.

Dr. Miller smiled at me and gently squeezed the back of my neck as I ordered. I leaned into him and our hands found one another’s again after getting our orders and walking out.

“I can’t wait to get up there,” I told him when we got back in the car. I sipped my drink after giving the entrance to the cup a gentle blow and then set it in the cup holder. When Dr. Miller reached for my hand again, I squeezed his. I loved how he had to touch me at all times - whether holding my hand, squeezing my neck, or resting a hand on my knee as he drove.

He popped open the little bag of espresso beans and then reached over, prepared to place one in mouth.

I accepted, purposely sucking the pad of thumb for an extra second and Dr. Miller smiled at me. I almost giggled, thinking about Tori’s comment about the chocolate covered strawberries but I just grinned and looked out the window, relinking my hand with his.

Honestly, I didn't want the car ride to end. Until it did, and the A-frame lake house we would be staying in came into view.

Okay, I'm ready for the car ride to end.

The frozen lake stretched out, what looked like, for miles as he pulled down the long, rocky driveway.

Dr. Miller pulled the truck up beside the house and I got a glimpse of a hot tub on the front deck. He turned to glance at me and I couldn't help but smile.

“Come on.” He nodded his head toward the cabin and opened his door.

I eagerly trailed him up to the rental property. Neither of us bothered to grab our belongings yet. The sting of the cold weather felt refreshing on my cheeks on the short walk to the front door.

Dr. Miller punched a code into a little black box beside the door and a silver key popped out as the front of it opened.

“Do you own this house, too?” I had to ask, but he smiled and shook his head.

“I know as much about it as you do.” He slipped the key into the lock and opened the door, pulling me inside by the hand as he flipped on the main lights. It was like something from Pinterest or “hashtag cabin” on any number of social media outlets.

An oversized television sat above a stone fireplace to the right. A small collection of couches and chairs faced it, only split up by a shag throw rug. Above it hung a giant rustic chandelier. Overlooking the living room area was a loft that was accessible by a winding staircase and beneath the loft, straight ahead, was a cozy, modern kitchen with low ceilings.

“What do you think?” Dr. Miller put his hands on my shoulders from behind, and I reached up and placed one hand over his.

“I think we should stay here for a week.”

“Or two,” he added.

“Or two.” I nodded in agreement and looked over my shoulder at him. “Thank you. This is amazing.. again.”

“Let's get our bags.”

I followed him back to the car and he carried as much as he could, leaving me with just the ice skates that I set down on the couch in the living room area. We unloaded the little bit of food we’d brought up for the short stay and then towed the suitcases up the windy stairs to the lofty bedroom.

“Feel like some dusk ice skating?” Dr. Miller asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

“Is it safe?”

“I've been checking the weather all week,” he explained, “It's been in the teens and twenties.” Dr. Miller nodded, “There were some people out there when we drove up. Should be frozen solid.”

“Well, then, I can't wait.” My hands fell down into his and I bent at the hip to kiss him firmly on the lips. When I slowly dropped to my knees in front of him, working at the buckle of his belt, Dr. Miller looked down at me with a half, closed-mouth grin.

He sighed and arched his hips so I could shove his pants down to his ankles before closing his eyes as he stood back up. “Alright,” he agreed with a second deep breath.

“Unless you want to get right out onto the ice..” I teased.

Dr. Miller opened his eyes again and looked down at me. “It'll still be there in five minutes.”

“Five?” My hand wrapped around him now and I took him partway into my mouth. I guessed longer.

He groaned and smiled with his eyes closed. “Maybe three.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

@untamedheart81 @suttonspuds @cesspitoflove @michilandcof @grogusmum @morallyinept @akah565 @brittmb115 @magpiepills @poodlebae @gobaaby-blog-blog @mermaidgirl30 @mandijo17 @shotgun-shelby @itscatrodriguez-thepearl @macaroni676 @acciowolfstar1 @smolbeanzzz @sarcasm-theotherwhitemeat @bandluvr97

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Francis Drake Main Story

This is simply a fan translation and is not intended as a replacement for the game.

This is a rough translation, so expect several inaccuracies and mistakes. I'll add the screenshots later.

After that, the seasons changed, and a year had passed.

Mitsuki: "Phew, what do you think, Mozart?"

Jean: "Are you satisfied with how it turned out?"

Mozart: "Hmm."

Mozart smiled at Jean and looked around the beautifully polished music room.

Mozart: "It looks like you cleaned every detail meticulously. Not bad."

Mozart: "I appreciate your help. Thank you, Jean, Mitsuki."

Mitsuki: "Hehe, yay! It's nice to be praised by a clean freak like you, Mozart."

Mitsuki: "Well then, I'll go clean the other rooms."

Carrying the cleaning tools, Mitsuki left the music room with a smile.

Jean: "........."

Mozart: "Jean, is something wrong?"

Jean: "Mitsuki still occasionally cleans Drake's room, right? I wonder if, deep down, she's still waiting for him to return."

Mozart: "Could be."

As the two contemplated, Shakespeare appeared.

Shakespeare: "A year has passed since then. Sir Drake was quite the stormy character."

Shakespeare: "He was like the Flying Dutchman, endlessly sailing while wishing for destruction."

Shakespeare: "Forgive me for overhearing your conversation."

Jean: "What's this 'Flying Dutchman' you’re talking about?"

Mozart: "It's a ghost ship legend among sailors. There are operas based on it."

Mozart lightly recounted the story, and Jean nodded slightly, perhaps reminiscing about a year ago.

Jean: "I see. It's just like him to leave after causing a commotion."

Shakespeare: "In opera, the Dutchman sailed alone, and the maiden threw herself into the sea to show her love."

Mozart: "Shakespeare. You're not wishing for Mitsuki to have a tragic story like that, are you?"

Shakespeare: "Of course not. But it was a bit insensitive to compare them."

Shakespeare: "Will Mitsuki's story return to normal, or is there still a climax waiting ahead in the future?"

(The cleaning was finished in no time.)

The room, which will probably never be used again, was always tidy because I occasionally cleaned it.

I sat on the bed, lost in thought.

(A year has passed since then.)

My life returned to normal after Drake disappeared.

The only thing that changed was that Karen later started working in a nearby store. They hired her because they were short-staffed, even though she's just a child.

------------Flashback-----------

Karen: "They treat me like family."

Mitsuki: "I'm glad you found someone you can rely on."

Mitsuki: "If you ever need help, just let me know."

Karen: "Thank you, sis. I won't do anything bad anymore. I won't lie or break promises. I'll live a proper life so that people can trust me."

She said that and smiled.

---------Flashback Ends--------

I still frequently ran into her as she moved on with her life.

While thinking of her, I suddenly look back at myself.

(The people in the mansion aren't saying anything, but I'm sure they're worried about me.)

(Karen is taking a new step forward, but I...)

I'd been standing still because I didn't want to forget my love for Drake.

(Drake still has my heart.)

In loving him, I experienced sparkling excitement, sadness, and even pain that could shatter a heart.

Through the suffering of love, I found the strength to believe.

No other love has ever hit me with such full force.

Maybe I stepped into this room to retrace those marks left by that love, but...

(This love will never start again.)

(I have to keep these feelings in my heart and live without Drake.)

In that way, I would be able to step into the future without causing worry to everyone. However, I feel like I am betraying both my feelings and Drake.

------------Flashback-----------

Drake: "If it's really important, even if you're apart and even if you can't meet, those feelings won't change and will remain just as strong."

Drake: "You should be proud that you have many important and irreplaceable things."

Drake: "It's your life. No matter how you choose to live, it won't be a betrayal."

---------Flashback Ends--------

(----!)

Those were the words he gave me when I revealed my guilt about returning to my world.

Even now, his words and smile still reach me.

Mitsuki: "You're right, Drake."

(These feelings won't disappear. They won't betray me.)

(Rather than being consumed by guilt, I will cherish these feelings.)

I will keep my feelings for you in my heart.

Mitsuki: "I won't betray this love."

A few days later, I remembered what Drake had said when I came to the Seine River.

------------Flashback-----------

Drake: "I just had an idea. Why don't we throw some bottled messages in the ocean next time?"

Mitsuki: "A message in a bottle? The one where you put a letter in a bottle and throw it into the ocean?"

---------Flashback Ends--------

I smiled back at Drake in my memory and took a bottle from my bag.

(Even though this isn't the sea, this place is the most memorable one for me.)

Inside the clear bottle was a letter I wrote to Drake.

(Even if we never see each other again, I hope my unchanging love will reach you someday.)

As I was about to throw the bottle with my endless wish—

???: "Heh, a message in a bottle? I've received something similar before."

(Huh?)

Someone smoothly snatched the bottle from my hand and chuckled.

Startled by the familiar voice, I turned around in disbelief.

Drake: "Look, a palm-sized ocean given to me by a cute little fawn. Beautiful, isn't it?"

Mitsuki: "Drake!"

Drake was smiling as he held the letter and bottle I had given him.

Mitsuki: "Drake? Is that really you?"

Drake: "Haha! The one and only Captain Drake."

Drake: "Believe me, Mitsuki."

Mitsuki: ".........."

Happiness and the desire to meet again flooded over me, and I jumped into his arms.

Mitsuki: "I believe you, I believe you. It's really you!"

Mitsuki: "I've wanted to see you for so long."

Drake: "Yeah, me too, fawn."

When I raised my head, beyond my teary vision, Drake's aquamarine eyes reflected me.

The longing that had filled my chest was replaced by an overwhelming sense of happiness, and my world lit up again.

Mitsuki: "I never thought you would come back."

Drake: "Ah, about that..."

Drake: "Well, I was left behind in a stupid way."

------------Flashback-----------

Galileo: "It looks like you found a place to stay other than this trip."

Galileo: "I'm going on ahead alone. You can dream for a while until I destroy this world."

Galileo: "Francis Drake, the pirate who moved the world. If you want something, steal it."

---------Flashback Ends--------

After leaving through that door a year ago, Drake and Galileo seemed to have continued their journey. However, after returning to their hideout, Galileo left Drake behind and closed that heavy door.

(Galileo brought Drake back?)

Drake: "It's a bit annoying to be set up like that, but I didn't back down."

Drake: "Pirates take everything they want. That's what we do."

Drake: "That's why it wasn't like me to not lay a hand on the most wanted treasure."

Drake lightly shrugged his shoulders and cupped my face, looking at me with intense, piercing eyes.

Drake: "You're the one I want the most. I want to obtain you as much as I want to destroy the world. You're my ultimate desire."

Drake: "That’s why I came to steal you."

Mitsuki: "Drake."

Drake: "I love you, Mitsuki."

(Ah, I can't resist him anymore.)

Even though he left behind this love in me, he appeared again and stirred my heart.

I love him, even though he's cruel.

Mitsuki: "Yeah, steal me, Drake. I love you too."

(I could finally express the words I never had someone to tell.)

(To Drake...)

Drake: "Mitsuki."

His face slowly moved closer to mine, and our lips touched, overflowing with emotions beyond words.

I hugged Drake's chest again, and his arms embraced me in return with a force that felt like I might truly be taken away.

Drake: "By the way, little fawn. Who is this message in a bottle for?"

Mitsuki: "Fufu. Well, he already received it."

Mitsuki: "To my beloved pirate, the only one in the endless sea."

With my luggage in my arms, I turned around at the gate and looked at the mansion.

Parting is always bittersweet, so I decided to bid farewell at the entrance.

(I came to the mansion from the Louvre Museum in the 21st century and met everyone.)

(I'm here right now, thanks to everyone's support.)

I cannot thank each and every one of them enough for understanding my feelings and decisions.

(Okay, Mitsuki, don't cry.)

I blinked my eyes to stop the tears and put on a smile.

Mitsuki: "I'm off."

With these words, I bid farewell to the many memories I had made here and turned my back on the mansion.

Then, before I knew it, the person of my chosen destiny stood before me.

Drake: "I'm here to pick you up, Fawn."

Mitsuki: "Drake."

Drake: "Did you forget something at the mansion? Anything unfinished or left undone?"

Mitsuki: "I'm fine. I'm just feeling a little sad."

Drake: "That's understandable."

Drake: "Should I give you a hug? Don't worry, I'll take care of you in their place."

Mitsuki: "I'll pass for now."

Drake: "You sure? Well, maybe later then."

(He says such things so casually.)

I took a deep breath and quietly suppressed my racing heart.

He looked at me for a moment and then extended his hand, just like before.

Drake: "Miss, how about a boat date with me before we leave?"

Drake's boat glided gracefully along the beautiful Seine River.

I couldn't help but gaze at him as the wind mischievously tousled his tied-up hair.

Drake: "Honestly, I thought you might hesitate about betraying everyone in the mansion."

Mitsuki: "The old me might have felt that."

Mitsuki: "But now, even if we're apart, I know my feelings for them won't disappear, so I'm okay."

(He made me realize this.)

I left the mansion to set off on a journey with him.

I've decided to follow him through that door and into a world I have yet to see.

------------Flashback-----------

Drake: "I want to live in this world with you and make you happy, Mitsuki."

Drake: "I want to make you happy with my own hands because that's what matters most when I think of you."

Drake: "But..."

(He's hesitating.)

Mitsuki: "You're concerned about leaving Galileo alone, aren't you?"

Drake: "..........."

Drake: "Man, you're pretty sharp."

Drake looked slightly embarrassed and sighed.

Drake: "Galileo's got his own thoughts, and he left me behind."

Drake: "Thanks to that, I reunited with you. But it's not a fair deal if I'm the only one benefiting."

He lowered his gaze for a moment before looking at me directly.

Feeling a bit nervous, I returned his gaze.

Drake: "I don't want to owe anyone anything. If someone does something to me, I'll do it back to them."

Drake: "Pirates get everything they want; that's our way of life."

(Yeah, that's who you are.)

He was the kind of person who would boldly set sail into the endless sea.

Drake: "I said I'd go with him on his journey, and now I've betrayed him."

Drake: "I'm planning to go against Galileo's intentions and chase after him through that door."

Mitsuki: "Okay."

Drake: "And you, Mitsuki. You're coming with me."

(Huh?)

I stopped thinking for a moment after hearing the exact opposite of what I was prepared to hear.

(Is he saying he won't let me go?)

I stared at him blankly, and Drake, who had a faint smile on his lips, quickly turned serious again.

Drake: "What Galileo and I are doing—our desires—might contradict the hopes you believe in, but..."

Drake: "Even if you say you don't want to, I'll still take you away."

Drake: "A year apart was enough to make me ache with longing. I don't want to let you go anymore."

Drake: "You can blame me if you want. Just think that being loved by me is the end of your luck, and let yourself be stolen."

(Drake...)

I couldn't simply be happy with the fact that he wanted me.

(If Galileo, like Drake, has time-traveled with despair in his heart, then the two of them may be plotting something that will drastically change the future of this world.)

If that happens, what will I do?

Mitsuki: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you wherever you go."

Drake: "Mitsuki."

Mitsuki: "And I'll see with my own eyes what the two of you are thinking and what you're trying to do."

Mitsuki: "I'll choose the path I believe in."

(I might end up facing Drake again at that time.)

(Still, by confronting him head-on, I will uphold my feelings for him.)

A love without lies or deception.

Drake: "Ah, as expected."

Mitsuki: "As expected?"

Drake: "You're still going to chase after me."

Drake: "I believed you would say that, Mitsuki."

(Believed me?)

Drake's word "believe" resonated in my heart as strongly as the words "I love you."

He smiled at me defiantly, almost provocatively.

Drake: "Mitsuki, shall we continue the bet from that day?"

Mitsuki: "Sure."

I nodded without hesitation anymore.

---------Flashback Ends--------

Drake: "What are you thinking, Fawn?"

Mitsuki: "Huh?"

Drake: "You were looking a bit distant."

Mitsuki: "I was just thinking about when I decided to go with you and our endless journey."

Mitsuki: "And also the outcome of our bet."

At the end of this journey, we might see countless futures of destruction, but among them, we might find even just one hopeful future.

(Even if we don't know what the outcome will be, this bet is a promise that we will be together forever.)

Holding onto the promise of no betrayal, I smiled and looked at him.

Then he squinted his eyes as if reflecting my feelings in a mirror.

Drake: "Hey, Mitsuki."

Mitsuki: "Yeah?"

Drake: "In our bet, I wish for the world to be destroyed, but..."

Drake: "I'm starting to think it wouldn't be so bad if you won."

(Does that mean...?)

Even Drake, who once wished for despair and the world's destruction, is showing a glimmer of hope.

Mitsuki: "Yeah. Even if I win, I'm sure there's a future you'll like waiting for you."

Drake: "I hope so."

In the depths of Drake's heart, there is still a dark, frozen sea.

(I will continue to shine the light by your side.)

Until the end of our never-ending journey.

Drake: "Hey, but that doesn't mean I'll give up halfway, okay?"

Mitsuki: "Hehe, I know. Both the bet and the journey are far from over."

Mitsuki: "So, will you steal me all the way to the ends of the sea, Mr. Pirate?"

Drake: "----!"

Drake: "Ah, geez, if you're going to say such cute things out of the blue, then I'll have to retaliate."

Mitsuki: "Huh? Kyaa!"

Just as I thought he was only putting a hat on me, I felt my body lift as the boat rocked.

Draco: "Captain! Heave-ho! Heave-ho!"

Draco, flying in from somewhere, chirped overhead as if cheering.

With me on his lap, Drake flashed a mischievous smile.

Drake: "Yes, Your Majesty. As you wish, I will steal you to the ends of the earth."

Drake: "You're the woman of my destiny. The greatest treasure I found while I was wandering endlessly."

Drake's eyes shone like a clear sea filled with radiance.

At this moment, there was no shadow of a despairing sailor, only eternal love.

Mitsuki: "I will follow you from now until forever. No matter what happens, I won't betray you."

Drake: "Yeah, I believe you won't betray me."

Drake: "You make me believe that."

Drake: "I love you. Even if the world falls apart someday, I want to see the future you believe in."

Mitsuki: "Hehe, isn't that contradictory?"

Drake: "Yeah."

We playfully touched noses and laughed together.

Drake: "Well then, shall we go? To the beginning of our grand voyage."

Nobody knows what lies ahead on this journey.

Still, I'll go anywhere as long as it's with you.

(We embraced, believed, and endured love even when betrayed.)

(You are my destiny.)

Previous Part ╎ Masterlist ╎ Romantic End

[hoshibatake]

FREEDOM – Reality and Freedom/Chapter 2

Previous chapter

<Several days later. In the fictitious city “FREEDOM”, Hokuto’s district>

Mao: “This place is so calming. There’s lots of empty space～. Though, there’s still a bunch of talking dinosaurs wandering around.”

Mao: “In any case, it’s the perfect spot to escape reality for a while...♪”

Hokuto: “What are you talking about? This is not the time to be loafing around.”

Subaru: “That’s right! Our fans are waiting for us!”

Subaru: “It’s time for a concert! Concert, concert, concert～☆”

Mao: “Calm down, will you? Listen. We’re running on fumes here.”

Mao: “It’s been one calamity after another, so we should take a rest for now…”

Hokuto: “Just think of it as a trial to overcome. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

Subaru: “Yeah, yeah! We can’t just stand here doing nothing, or we might worry the fans by making them think we’re going on a break.”

Hokuto: “Exactly. And we have to make up for Yuuki’s absence too.”

Mao: “That’s true, but～…”

Mao: “*sigh* Can we really go on like this?”

Mao: No, it’s a truly impossible situation.

Subaru: Nice one. You replied to your own question☆

Hokuto: Can you really say that he replied to his own question, given that it was posed by his avatar, who is practically a separate person?

Subaru: I think so. Their data was based on us, after all.

Subaru: Hmm. But since they do have their own will, does that make them separate people after all?

Subaru: What is your verdict, Isara Mao-sa～n who is in charge of explaining stuff?

Mao: Does it matter? What’s more important right now is the problem that the virtual Trickstar is facing.

Mao: Lately, their efforts have been leading them nowhere.

Mao: Fires have been breaking out during their concerts, and their concerts are attracting fewer and fewer people, outside of their core fanbase. Ever since Makoto left, they’ve been handling things in a sloppy way.

Mao: Honestly though, I never would’ve thought Makoto would suddenly decide to go solo.

Mao: Even if it was caused by a bug, I was convinced he'd have rejoined right away. And he’s been coming by Trickstudio noticeably less as well.

Mao: I wonder where he’s holed up and what he’s doing～

Subaru: Don’t you think Ukki～’s probably got some kind of plan?

Mao: I’d like to hope so…

Mao: Looking at our avatars reminds me of the way we used to be, though. Back when we were a bunch of nobodies at Yumenosaki who no one was paying attention to.

Subaru: Oh, yeah… I remember Ukki～ doing a bunch of things to help us.

Subaru: Like using his internet skills to pull our background music from the school server when it wouldn’t play on its own. Or making sure everything was in order for our concerts, or helping in setting up the stage.

Subaru: And the fans loved the way he always seemed to break the tension. Because of Ukki～, we were able to hold concerts without worrying about things going wrong.

Hokuto: That’s right. And when Isara was unable to attend because he was too busy with his Student Council work, he would function as an emergency brake for Akehoshi, since he’s prone to recklessness.

Mao: I feel like you’re just as likely to act recklessly, though.

Subaru: Exactly. Ukki～ is my and Hokke’s emergency brake☆

Subaru: I’m so used to having him around, that now that I’m watching the virtual Trickstar perform without him, it makes me a little sad.

Mao: Yeah. It makes me realize all over again that we really need all of us.

Mao: Only all four of us together are Trickstar, after all.

<The next day. Shopping center>

Subaru: ...Mom, why are you stopping in front of the general store?

Subaru: They’re selling clothes for dogs? Hmm～, but I feel like Daikichi doesn’t really like wearing stuff like this.

Subaru: Plus, it’s kinda manly to walk around in the rain without a raincoat.

Subaru: You found something that’s perfect for him, you say? Let’s see…

Subaru: Ahaha. What’s this? It looks like the kinda bib Kintarou¹ wears. It has “Daikichi²” written on it. It looks so cool～

Subaru: Even if he doesn’t wanna wear it out on walks, he might put up with it if it’s just for a photo. It’s half price too, so let’s get it♪

Subaru: While I was in school, you were busy too, so we didn’t get to go out together like this a lot. I’m happy we can go shopping together on weekdays now.

Subaru: It’s quiet everywhere, so we can take our time looking around the shops. The privileges of being an adult～☆

Subaru: ...Huh? Over there, isn’t that…?

Subaru: Wait a sec, Mom! I see a friend of mine!

Subaru: He～y, Ukki～!

Makoto: Whoa, Akehoshi-kun…

Subaru: I’ve finally run into you. I feel like I haven’t seen your face in ages.

Subaru: Uhm… That lady standing next to you must be your mom, right? Your eyes look almost identical.

Subaru: Thanks for always taking such good care of our Ukki～☆

Makoto: Ahaha… I think that’s my mom’s line.

Subaru: Hmm, what’s up, Mom? ...Those cleaning supplies?

Subaru: Oh, you’re right. Hey, Ukki～’s mom! It’s probably better not to buy that cleaning brush!

Subaru: They’ll tell you it cleans really well, but the maintenance of the brush itself is a pain in the rump, so you’ll have to buy a new one in no time flat.

Makoto: I see. You’re pretty well-informed, huh?

Subaru: Heheh. Actually, my mom bought it once after falling for their slogan: “Even the most stubborn dirt will vanish before your eyes.”

Makoto: I see. Thanks for that helpful information. Both me and my mom lack a lot of life skills.

Makoto: ...Hm? You want to chat a while with Akehoshi-kun’s mom, Mom?

Subaru: Oh, right. The two of you have never properly met before, have you?

Subaru: Of course, of course. Me and Ukki～ will go wait on that couch over there.

Subaru: Later, Mom. Take your time chatting with Ukki～’s mom☆

Makoto: ...They seem like they’re having fun chatting.

Subaru: Yeah. It’s a little strange～. We’ve known each other for so long, but our parents have hardly even met before.

Subaru: Though I guess it’s no wonder, since my mom has distanced herself from the world of idols.

Makoto: Akehoshi-kun…

Makoto: ...But that might change in the future, right? She didn’t seem bothered about talking to me, after all.

Makoto: And she’s laughing with my mom as well. Maybe they’ll hit it off and become friends as moms.

Makoto: That would actually be a relief. Even to this day, I still worry sometimes about whether she’s actually managing to live well now she’s on her own.

Subaru: Ahaha. Ukki～, you’re such a worrywart☆

Subaru: I’m actually more worried about you, though.

Makoto: …?

TL notes:

Kintarou is a figure from Japanese folklore. He looks like this.

大吉 Daikichi’s name means “great fortune/excellent luck”. 

Translated by me, proofread by Altea (@icaruswasthesun on Twitter)

Next chapter

[h-didanart]

So, they were lost.

Probably?

Maybe.

Yeah, they were lost… Probably.

Hunter stared at the people walking by and at the buildings.

They were not anywhere near a town last they remembered. Then again they did kinda play tag a couple minutes ago. But then again he was pretty sure they had just been going in circles around the campsite. But but then again—

“We are lost, end of story,” Harvest cut through his thoughts and doubts, “but believe me I understand your worry,” she nuzzled against his faceplate.

Hunted grumbled, glaring at the building right in front of the bush they were hiding at.

They didn’t even know which town this was! None of the buildings were familiar, and its location in the forest just didn’t make and damn sense! None of it made sense!

He hid his face in his hands as he whined. Harvest sighed in sympathy, snake form coiling around his scarf in comfort.

It was a few more minutes of back and forth reassurances before Bloodmoon left the bush. They’d need to find a map and from there estimate the distance to their camp.

Easy.

Easy.

Town maps were easy to spot, it wouldn’t take them— Hunter stopped walking.

He was staring at a building. It was a store, and the store had a window, and the window had shiny rocks.

Both twins stared at the rocks, looking at all the pretty colors that they had. Purples, and oranges, and browns, and- ew- green, and red… so many reds… He looked at the reds, capturated by the prettiness.

And was startled when they bonked their head against the glass. Stupid glass. They should break it. No wait, they were banned from breaking glass for a week. Wait didn’t they need to do something first anyways?

Harvest cut through his thoughts again, helpful as always, “Find the town map, locate this odd trap”

“Yes,” Hunter nodded, looking down at his hands, “map, find,” he nodded in determination, “got it!”

And so they turned to run in a random direction, looking down alleys and dodging the people around.

It didn’t take long for them to come to halt again, however; though this time at Harvest’s petition.

Hunter looked down at her, confusedly watching her slither out of his hood and shift to her form that looked like him.

She stared down a side street before looking at him, “do you smell that?”

He tilted his head, sniffing at the air, it smelled slightly like food.

“It smells like food,” they crossed their arms. Harvest took ahold of their shoulders.

“Not just any food, but sugary treats”

Ohhhh, candy?

The younger nodded, “only candy smells as good,” they shook him slightly, “we can indulge in… uh,” they frowned trying to think of how to rhyme, they shook their head after a moment, “eat sugar, let’s go!”

Well… hmm, candy did sound good at the moment, and Father wasn’t around to scold them for going against their current punishment.

Hunter looked back at Harvest who was humming eagerly and looking at him with a smile.

Eh, screw it. They weren’t in a rush, besides he too missed the taste of sugar in his systems.

He smiled back at his twin, whose expression brightened even more.

They both ran down the side street, giggling mischievously. This was gonna be fun.

[sakumz]

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

₊˚ʚ ᗢ₊˚✧ ﾟ. [ s. ritsu x gn reader ] ft. rei

warning❗: slight ooc

genre 𑁍 : fluff

____________________________________________

" rei-chan? " upon hearing his childhood nickname, he turns to the source of the sound, that means you.

currently holding a basket of grocery in your hands. rei had to turn to try and spot ritsu, who's currently at the candy aisle, probably picking out candies or hiding from him. rei gave you a sheepish smile. thank goodness the queue is still long, ritsu can take his time so rei doesn't have to stand like an idiot at the cash register as he waits for his brother to come.

" grocery shopping in the morning I see? " rei starts, trying to make a conversation as he prays for ritsu to come back sooner.

" yeah! mom forced me out with a list... you're not out here alone, are you? "

" I'm with ritsu. "

ritsu... the younger sakuma brother, you couldn't help but let a smile come up to your face as you recalled the last time you two hung out. it was at the school library when you tried to study with him, only for him to knock out the moment he sat down.

" speaking of which, do you mind bringing him back here? he's taking a tad bit too long picking out candies. " hearing the request, of course you agreed.

going from aisle to aisle, finding the candy category. there you spot the raven haird boy, crouched down, humming to himself.

" ah, y/n. what a coincidence, shopping for candies too? " ritsu says as he turns to look at you, his hands full of sweets.

" that's a lot of candies no? and no I'm not here for candies, I got my own errands to run. "

" it's not all for me, gonna give some to suu-chan for being so kind to me and mikarin. restocking our secret candy stash, you know. "

letting out giggles from his response, he couldn't help but smile too.

" we should go back to rei-chan. " pulling the boy from his position and taking him to his brother, ritsu wants to scream when he spots his brother.

" say, can we walk y/n to their house? I don't think I can survive a long 30 minutes with just you, " ritsu says to rei as rei let's out a sigh.

it's a dream come true that his brother even came with him all the way to the grocery store, they haven't spoken alot besides the exchange of good mornings. well at least walking you back to your house and then their dorms take at least ten minutes, he still has time to talk to ritsu a bit at least.

" yeah sure, " rei replies, looking over you as you paid your grocery.

ritsu quickly takes a bag from you, since they're gonna send you home, might as well help carry you and he doesn't have much to carry. rei offering to take your other bag so now you're walking with the sakuma brothers, side by side and you're holding nothing but your phone and wallet.

" come on, not talking to each other again? what happened? " you tried to break the silence, ad you three continued your walk home.

" anija. "

" hmm rei-chan? he did something? "

" no, wait... you've been calling him that since childhood, and you've never given me a nickname like maakun. he used to call me ricchan. "

" is that why you're not talking to rei? "

" there's favouritism here and I hate it. "

rei laughs upon hearing his brother's statement, making the two of you turn to look back at him.

" ah that was good, if ritsu doesn't love his big brother anymore its good to know there's his favourite person loving me more. "

" that's not quite true, " you say as ritsu pouts.

" so you prefer him over me? I thought I was your favourite, " ritsu fake cries as he shook your shoulders.

" well if you asked who I'd rather marry, it'll be ritsu. thought rei might be better for domestic purposes. "

" gasp, I can cook... "

" yeah your food does taste great but the appearances... what if one day I mistake your great cooking for garbage on a plate? "

" stop bullying me, anija back me up! "

" hahaha, whatever you say ritsu. "

as the three stop by your house, wave you goodbye and its just the sakuma brothers walking back. ritsu looks over to rei and sees the smile that never seem to go away eversince they exited the dorms together.

" why are you so happy? " ritsu asked.

" I got to spend a little time with you. "

" even if we never talked till y/n came? "

" seeing you, is enough for me. well its good you're still working hard and you're healthy, you've made plenty of good friends, people you can rely on. but don't push yourself too hard, if you ever need a hand to hold, I'll give you mine. "

" nah, there's still y/n's hand that I can hold in moments like those. "

" are you two lovers or something? " rei stares at ritsu as ritsu winks at him.

" that's a secret, " little did rei know, they're not lovers.

[landofzero-archive]

Nagisa Ran - A Nice Day to Have Every Once in a While Chapter 1

Writer: Yuumasu

Season: Winter

(Location: Arcade game center)

Nagisa: …… This is the game center?

Jun: That’s right~. Isn’t it lively?

Nagisa: …… On stage, I’m often exposed to loud noises and bright lights but…

…… This feels different. It’s like I’m drowning in waves of electronics.

Jun: Hmm. Are you getting overwhelmed? Do you need to take a breather?

Nagisa: …… No. I was just overwhelmed by experiencing such an environment for the first time.

…… I’ve gotten used to it, so I’m fine now.

Jun: If you say so. If you start feeling bad, don’t hesitate to tell me okay~? If something happened to you I’d get put six feet under.

Nagisa: …… Of course. It would be sad if Jun died. I’d be sad… as would Hiyori-kun and Ibara.

Jun: Haha, what about those two~? Well, I’ll be stubborn and keep living. There’s still a lot I wanna do.

…… Hm? Could that be Anzu-san?

Nagisa: …… Makoto-kun’s here as well. …… Ah, they noticed us.

…… Anzu-san, Makoto-kun. Good afternoon.

Makoto: Good afternoon~. You’re with Nagisa-san today aren’t you, Sazanami-kun?

Jun: Yep. That one next to you… Heeh, it’s just you and Anzu-san, huh?

So I guess that means you two are on a date this time♪

Makoto: Huh?! A date?!

Nagisa: …… Jun, what do you mean “this time?”

Jun: I’ve happened to witness Anzu-san and Yuuki-san walking with each other a few times—

At some point I overheard Trickstar say they’d take turns walking Anzu-san home.

But this location? And it’s just the two of you? …… You see what I mean?

Nagisa: …… I understand what you’re saying.

Makoto: I-It’s nothing like that! Nagisa-san, please don’t look so convinced with a smile like that!

We were on set together today and decided to hang out and have some fun afterwards~

Jun: Ahaha, I’m kidding♪ Thank you for your hard work.

Nagisa: …… Anzu-san, is something wrong? Is there a game you want to play with the four of us?

Makoto: Ahh. The dance game back there in the corner seems to be two v two.

I talked a bit about playing it with everyone the next time we all went to the arcade. If it’s okay with you guys, why don’t we play it together?

Jun: Sounds good~, I’m in! What about you, Nagi-senpai?

Nagisa: …… A dance game? I’d like to try.

…… I’d also like to team up with Anzu-san.

Makoto: With Anzu-chan?

Nagisa: …… Yes, if that’s alright with Makoto-kun. Jun and I already dance together frequently.

Jun: Even if we danced together, it wouldn’t be anything new. What do you think, Anzu-san?

Nagisa: …… You’re nervous that since I’m your partner you’d only drag me down?

…… It’s fine if you do. That’s why I’ll be there to support you. Isn’t that what cooperation is about?

Jun: Wow, you always say the coolest lines.

Let’s work together and do our best, Yuuki-san.

Makoto: Yep! Let’s do our best, Sazanami-kun!

(1 hour later)

Nagisa: …… This is the first time I’ve played something like this, but it’s very fun.

…… Most importantly, Anzu-san seemed like she was enjoying herself despite being nervous at first.

Makoto: Haah, I’m tired… Nagisa-san is so impressive, you didn’t even break a sweat.

Jun: For that guy, this kind of exercise is like a warm-up for his shoulders.

It sucks to end with a loss so why don’t we find another game and wrap things up on a high note?

Makoto: I agree. But what to do next…

…… Speaking of, Eden did a collab with a fighting game didn’t they? Why don’t we play that?

Jun: Ah! I completely forgot, that game was the reason we came here in the first place.

I was so busy that I procrastinated on checking it out and time passed so quickly… Then when I told Nagi-senpai that we should check it out soon—

He said he’d never played at an arcade here before, so I took him here.

Nagi-senpai, what do you wanna do? Are fighting games alright?

Nagisa: …… I’d rather not. I want to look around the arcade some more.

…… Anzu-san, can you accompany me? It’s a large store so I’d probably get lost easily without help. Hm?

…… In the meantime, you want to take a picture of me looking around the arcade for the Feature Live?

…… Alright. Do as you please.

(10 minutes later)

Nagisa: …… This floor is full of glass cases with stuffed animals trapped inside.

…… Anzu-san, are these “crane games?”

…… I knew it. In the past Hiyori-kun had given me a stuffed animal before saying “I got it from a crane game.”

…… I see. This is…

………

…… I also want to get Hiyori-kun a present, but I don’t know how to play this. Do you know how to, Anzu-san?

…… Could you play as an example? Thank you– I’ll observe it as a point of reference.

…… Hm. So the arm moves once horizontally and once vertically, and you can use this button to decide the position.

……? The position was correct, so why didn’t it lift up a stuffed animal?

…… Hmm. So there are tricks depending on the prize, just aiming straight above won’t guarantee you’ll grab the prize.

…… I understand the gist of it, so let me try now.

………

…… I was able to grab the stuffed animal, but it fell along the way. The claw couldn’t bear the weight…

…… It’s more complex than I initially thought. How interesting.

(A while later)

Nagisa: …… I got two stuffed animals with chains at once. I didn’t know that could happen.

…… Alright. I’ve played all the crane games around here, let’s see what other prizes there are…

…… Huh? Ibara?

Directory | Next

[floofweaver]

Mismatched, Misunderstood

I don't know if I'll finish this in time before the event ends because my muse is fighting me and motivation is saying no, but I'm posting what I have done so far in case anyone is interested. If I do end up finishing the fic, I'll delete this post.

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

Ugh, definitely not him. Swipe left. Ooh, this guy’s cute. Swipe right. Nope, not another jock. Swipe left. Cute, but doubt he’ll match back. Swipe right. Not a football fan. Swipe left. Hmm, cute blonde dude. Damn, look at those muscles. Must be a bodybuilder of some kind. Swipe right. Swipe left.

Placing your phone down with a sigh, you take a sip of your coffee and relax as the warm, sugar-filled drink fills your mouth. It’d been nearly six months since your break-up with Orion. Dating for you had been rough; as had life in general. Certain textures on your tongue or your hands could lead to feeling nauseous. Too many sounds overlapping each other or loud noises all at once could lead to headaches. Socializing was made difficult by many aspects. Like the fact anything you enjoyed usually stuck around tenfold. Some people would watch a show and then move on when it ended. But for you, some shows or movies stuck with you. They became part of you. It was hard finding other people like that to make friends with, let alone dating.

Orion had felt like the perfect match. He showed interest in your artwork, your favourite media, and even indulged in your plushie hoard. Anytime he saw you eyeing a plushie while the two of you were out and about, he’d nudge you or tease you about it. You’d act like you didn’t know what he was talking about, of course, but later on in the day when the two of you returned home; you would then burst out in glee with your feet tippy-tapping away while you held your latest plush to your chest he just gifted you. The exact same plush you were eyeing in the stores earlier.

Little did you know that the gifts were almost always well-timed; meant to distract you from finding the truth. The truth that you discovered months ago that led to the breakup. It was a simple accident, really, but everything fell apart that day. You and Orion were just doing typical apartment cleaning on the weekend, like always, when he suggested you pull up your music playlist on his phone; which was connected to the apartment living room speakers. 

You pulled up YouTube and navigated to your profile, where you had your playlists set up and organized. Today felt like a “✨Hype Up!✨” kind of day, so that was the playlist you went with. Upbeat tunes were always perfect for cleaning. Or rather, dancing while cleaning. And singing. While cleaning… You were just about to press play when the message came through. 

Your heart stopped and you froze. Layla. Layla was messaging Orion again? You felt like you had just been punched in the gut. Layla had been Orion’s ex-fiancee and they hadn’t seen each other in years. Or… so you had thought. Several minutes of silence went by and when Orion finally noticed you hadn’t moved or started the music, that’s when he had come into the living room. You had anxiously asked him if it was a mistake, and that’s when the truth spilled. You were a “terrible lay” and he only tolerated you out of pity. In fact, if it weren’t for him, you probably would’ve killed yourself after Riley’s death, right?

It’s not Orion’s fault that he cheated on you. With his ex-fiance. And a co-worker. And… a married woman. Honestly, you should feel so lucky he chose you. So lucky, in fact, that he started throwing things at you. And yelling at you. At first you were frozen, overwhelmed by emotions and the fact that your relationship that you loved so much was founded on lies. The specifics are a blur, too painful to remember every detail. But at some point during that day, you packed what you could into your car and broke up with Orion. Left him right then and there at the apartment you two previously shared. You ended up staying with a close friend for awhile. It was meant to be temporary, but Sam didn’t have any complaints about hosting you.

Your thoughts about the past were interrupted and you were promptly brought back to the present by the sound of your phone going off. Fly Like An Eagle was playing and you immediately knew it was Sam Wilson. Good ol’ Sam. Thanks to your brother Riley, you had gotten to know Sam. You met Sam through the Department of Veterans Affairs when showing up to volunteer to help war vets with trying to integrate back into society. Sam was a bit of a tough love kind of guy but he was there for you when Riley didn’t come home and he was there for you during your breakup with Orion.

“Hey Sam. What’s up, birdbrain?”

“Ohhh, so it’s like that, is it? Where you at, songbird?”

“Avoiding your dumb face by sipping coffee at The Compass Cafe.”

“Yeah, well this dumb face is missing you down at the centre. Could use your help with today’s luncheon if you’re up for it.”

“Hmm…. Nah, I think I’ll mope here for a few more hours. Maybe they could use my broken heart for a new recipe.”

You were trying to be sarcastic, but Sam could read you well even over the phone. You heard him sigh and let out a soft chuckle. 

“I think they’ve got coffee darker than that, doubt they need your broken heart for any of it. How ‘bout you come down here and tell me about this whole Tinder thing you’re trying out? Then we can go out for burgers and watch TV til we pass out?”

A soft smile was brought to your lips at Sam’s offer. Always the good bro, just like Riley. Oh, he’d let you mope, but not for very long. And not without threats of taking you out on his morning jogs.

“Okay, okay fine. I’ll meet you there, but promise me no morning jogs? I’m okay, Sam, I promise. Just feeling a bit skeptical about the Tinder app and dating in general. Riley had it easy because women would just fawn all over him, but his weirdo sister with a plushie pile rarely gets guys to look twice at her.”

“Alright, Eeyore. Just get your butt down here or I’ll find a way to steal a pair of Falcon Wings to come get you myself.”

You laugh at Sam’s response and end the call, promising you’d be at the centre soon. Tossing your trash on the way out the door, you left the café and crossed the parking lot. Once in your car, you started playing your latest playlist - “☀Hope☀”. It was the playlist you listened to in order to boost your mood and keep your head out of the clouds. As the music started to play, you pulled out of your parking spot and headed out of the parking lot to head for the Veteran Supplement Support Center.

[twilightmalachite]

Timbres of Heaven - Two For One 1

Characters: Hinata

Translator: Mika Enstars

JP Proofreader: ksts

"—Huh? Father’s calling me…"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Spring

Location: Stairwell

Halfway through the next week, noontime. Inside the ES building’s emergency stairwell…

Hinata: —Huh? Father’s calling me…

Hello, what is it? …I’m doing well~. ‘Cause I’m all done with work today! ♪

And you? …I see, on lunch break, huh?

Ooh. So have you seen Yuuta-kun’s sunscreen ad?

…I see. The reason you called me was because you had a message for Yuuta-kun, huh?

Yuuta-kun doesn’t reply to you, right? Though if it’s marked as read, he probably has read it~.

So, what do you need me to tell him?

…Ahaha, it impressed you so much you bought the sunscreen? You must’ve visited a bunch of stores to collect all the novelty items that came with the products.

But you’re holed up in an office all day, aren’t you, Father? What use do you even have buying so much sunscreen if you can’t even get a tan~?

I know. That’s just how happy it made you, huh? ♪

Hinata: …

Umm… Father. Um, this is just between you and me, but…

The person there in the ad actually isn’t Yuuta-kun.

…Yeah, it was me pretending to be Yuuta-kun.

Ah, you don’t have to apologize! “I apologize for still not being able to tell you two apart”… Come on, don’t beat yourself up over it.

I mean, it would be bad if you could tell us two apart. The advertisement here is supposed to promote Yuuta-kun, after all! ♪

…Yep. Both the agency and the client agreed to it. And Yuuta-kun too, of course.

It’s risky to talk about it like this, since nobody but those involved know of it, but…

Even so, I wanted to tell you the truth, Father.

Since if Yuuta-kun heard your praise, he’d probably just sulk and go, “See? He can’t tell us apart~.”

…And, I wanted you to know that I’m doing my best, too, in my own way.

Ah, please don’t post anything on social media or mention it anywhere, got it!! It’s a promise between men!

Hm, what about me? …”Thanks for taking care of Yuuta for me”?

Hinata: “You both are doing so well”… You move me to tears, sniffle, sob!

Just kidding, that’s a fake cry, but ♪ …Thanks, Father.

…Ah, yeah! Thanks for going out of your way to reach out to me!

I’ll see ya, byebye~!

Hinata: (…Aaa~h, I told him.)

(Even though I knew I would just put a damper on Father’s happy feelings.)

(But, I’m glad I told him the truth. I want Father to know who we are now.)

(Aaalright! I’m gonna practice for Timbres of Heaven so I can have good results!)

(Today… Should I go over this page? A scene where Amane monologues his feelings for the heroine—)

“…You’ve been following us around, ever since you were little.”

“You back then were so cute and adorable. I wanted to protect that smile of yours.”

“But, it’s different now. It pains me… to see you smile at others.”

“I’m greedy. I can’t bear seeing the smile I had wanted to protect being shown to someone else.”

"Because, to me, you are someone special.”

…Hmm, something like that? I tried adding in some melancholy like Yuuta-kun suggested. These types of dramas are tough…

Oh, it’s Anzu-san. Hello~!

I did well? Thanks~! ♪

Wait, Anzu-san?! H-How long have you been standing there?

…You were going down the emergency staircase as exercise when you heard my voice? So you were quiet so you wouldn’t interrupt my performance?

You’re over considerate as usual… But, thank you for being thoughtful.

…Why am I practicing here? Well, it’s quiet here, so I’m able to concentrate~!

I have the dialogue with Yuuta-kun part down pat, but… I’m not confident yet in my monologue, or the conversation scene I have with the heroine.

So I practice here whenever I’ve got the time. I don’t wanna hold him back at the audition after all!

But, since I don’t have an actual partner to practice with, it’s hard to get the timing down right. It’s like shadow boxing~.

…Hm? You’ll help me practice?

I see! You have the script data, huh? Thank you, it’s a great help~! ♪

Which scene should we have a go at… Here, how about this one! The scene where Amane draws close to the heroine!

Are you ready? 3, 2, 1… Action! ☆

“…What do you think about Neiro?”

“An ill-tempered cute little brother you just can’t hate? Fufu, that’s how I feel as well.”

Hinata: “Well then, let me ask you… Between me and Neiro, who do you like?”

“…You can’t say “both”. I’m begging you, be honest with me… Don’t dodge my question.”

“Him or me. Who do you choose? —Tell me, Anzu.”

Hehe, Did your heart skip a beat hearing me use your name? Well it’s boring to just call you "heroine" as scripted, isn’t it? ♪

Come on, come on, focus~. You’re gonna help me out ‘til the end of this scene, right?

[ ☆ ]

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[yesyourstalker]

Neta: mahi can I ask you a favor?

Mahi: yeah?

Neta: tomorrow before you come in to work can you walk my daughter to the train station?

Mahi: no

Neta: please

Mahi: noooo I'm sorry your daughter is mean and I have to open tomorrow I don't want to wake up even earlier than I have to. Why can't you do it?

Neta: I have to head over to the other store to check up on the baristas. I have to wake up early and I have no time to walk my daughter to school and I don't want her to walk alone because there's weirdos around here.

Mahi: can't you get Baja to do it. she likes Baja.

Neta: I thought about asking him, but no.... she'd probably convinced him to let her skip school. I can't have that

Mahi: *sigh* I'll do it for 50 bucks and 30 minutes added on to my hour lunch

Neta: fine. Just make sure she makes it safe for school, make sure she gets on the train. Don't let her skip, She will try to convince you to do it The train station is only like 45 minutes away. Here's an extra 20 bucks for the train and breakfast, buy some donuts Candi has been craving donuts for the past week.

Mahi:*sigh* if she makes fun of me once I'm leaving her

_______________________________________________

Neta: ..*snoring*......*snoring*........

Alarm: BEEP BEEP BEEP

Neta: uhhh fuck....*sniff*.......

Text

Neta: hey Stefan, I'll be there by 9am

Stefan: I'll see you there

Neta: hmmm *yawn*....*huff*

Ikkan: You're up early..... It's 5:00 a.m.

Neta: yeah I have to head up to the other mall. I have to be there for barista training..... Sorry for waking you up

Ikkan: it's fine I have to leave in an hour anyway, I might study some more.

Neta: ok.....[kiss] good luck on your final exam babe I know you'll pass

Ikkan: hmm

Neta: crab cakes you up?

Cirrina: *sleeping*....hmm what? what is it?

Neta: Mahi is going to walk you to school they'll be there at 6:30 ok?

Cirrina: nooooo I can't let everyone see me with them! I can go by myself I'm not a baby anymore

Neta: Be nice. I know you're not cici but I don't feel comfortable with you walking out when it's still dark out alright. I worry.

Cirrina: fine.... If they try to talk to me I'm ditching them

Neta: Don't be difficult crab cakes. Get ready for school.

Cirrina: *humpf*

Text

Cici: change of plans

Maria: wht? We're not ditching?

Cici: we are I will explain it to you when we meet up. Just wear your uniform and pack your other clothes in your weapons bag.

_______________________________________________

Mahi: *yawn*.....*huff*........ .

Baja: morning Mahi You're up early. Don't you have to go work at 7:00?

Mahi: I have to do this stupid thing for my boss. Why are you up?

Baja: I'm always up at this time. I usually just go jogging. You want to join me sometime maybe. it's good for you

Mahi:.......no......

Baja: oh.....ok.... Well if you ever up to it I'm always up at 6:00 every day except Saturday. That's my break day

Mahi: yeah yeah I get it. You live a healthier lifestyle than me. I get it bye a

_______________________________________________

Neta: hello?

Stefan: are you here yet? I'm here. My apprentice is here. My other employee just showed up

Neta: You hired another employee?? We just needed one

Stefan: technically she is not an employee. She is my assistant but she will be supervising the shop as well

Neta: well the store is a couple ways away. It should take me around 4 hours since there's no traffic so you're just going to have to wait

Stefan: very well I suppose I can wait............*sigh*............ Toguni......

Toguni: Yes sir

Stefan: Make me a flat white please

Toguni: Yes sir with almond milk?

Stefan: Yes, of course. Take a note When you start to recognize regulars I would advise you to remember their orders. Not only does it save time, but it also builds a relationship between you and your customers.

Toguni: yes sir

Stefan: uh hmm... Pacifica

Pacifica: Yes sir?

Stefan: I want you to set a reminder for the of construction of the lounge area I'm tied between modern rustic or brutalism? What do you think?

Pacifica: I'm more of a brutalism type it person

Stefan: Toguni... What do you think?

Toguni uhhhhh..... I like the wood finish it would go well with the concrete walls and floor...... Maybe add some plants. It would be good like instead of just brutalism and they could be eco brutalism

Stefan:. ............*inhale*...............................*exhale*.............................*sip*.............*sip*........hmm

Toguni: did I-.......... Did I say something wrong?......

Stefan: It's perfect, genius, amazing. Pacifica!

Pacifica: I put it in order for wood panels and several tubs of concrete sir.

_______________________________________________

Mahi: *sigh*........ Cirrina!! Come on! Hurry up I don't have all morning!

Cirrina: I'm right here Cod!

Mahi: ...... ....... what's that thing?

Cirrina: it's a cello I have orchestra this week

Mahi: All right, whatever let's go

Cirrina: yeah do you mind walking behind me? I don't want people to think I'm with you or anything

Mahi: nope. I'm standing right next to you like my boss wants me to do

Cirrina: *ugh* ....*huff* what ever...... Just leave when I'm at the train station

Mahi: Neta said I can't leave until I see you get on the train so.....

Cirrina: well I can just tell him that you did. You don't need to be with me!

Mahi: hmmmmmm nah I need to make sure you're safe

Cirrina: You're only doing this to annoy me

Mahi: am I? I can't tell

Cirrina: Ugggg fuck off!

Mahi: hehehehehe Cirrina! You can't go ahead of me. I have to keep my eyes on you just in case.

Cirrina:....*huff*.............hey guys

Friend 1 (Pinta) : hey Cirrina.......is that the cute Tetra you were talking about?

Cirrina: obviously not, look at them.

Mahi: .........................

Friend 2 (Nina): how come your dad isn't here. Isn't it his turn to stay at the train station hehehe

Cirrina: ew Nina, stop. He's literally old, He has some stupid word thing. he has his employee walking us today.

Friend 3 (Maria): so what's the plan we can't get on the train?

Cirrina: instead of the train station we go to the manhole. We tell them that we go to underground school and we go through the manhole and wait till they're gone.

Friend 1: That's the plan?

Friend 2: You think that's a good idea?

Cirrina: I think so

Mahi: what are you guys whispering about

Cirrina: we're talking about our bra sizes. Why are you so invested Weirdo?

Mahi: *eh*.... alright......sorry

Cirrina: alright we're at the train station. See ya

Mahi: now I just need to wait for the train

Friend 1: yeah the train is underground

Mahi: huh?

Friend 2: yeah the train is underground.... We don't go to school with a surface dwellers

Friend 3: could you imagine. *Ugh*

Cirrina: You're doing too much Maria ........yep! So you can go now. Bye. We're heading out to school

Mahi: alright, Open the hatch.

Cirrina: what?

Mahi: Open the hatch so I can climb down with you guys and make sure you get on the train?

Cirrina:(glaring)........................................................ fine

_______________________________________________

Stefan: what would you do if I give you a work uniform

Toguni: uhhhh Wear it.......

Stefan: what would you wear?

Toguni: ...................... What you give me?

Stefan: ..... What do you wear on a regular basis?

Toguni: black shirt, a jacket........some jeans and...... shoes

Stefan: would you be able to pull off corset?

Toguni:uhhhhh

Stefan: Pacifica put in an order for a male corset what is your size?

Toguni: I usually wear a medium for space but I can fit in a small......

Stefan: what is your shoe size?

Toguni: 7.......

Stefan:.............. Take off your jacket............. Okay turn around do a spin full 180........ok.......ok..... I can work with this. Pacifica put it in order for 3 blazers, 3 vests, 4 blouses and 2 pairs of slacks and 4 pairs of dress shoes all in the color scheme we addressed earlier.

Pacifica: right away sir they will be arriving in an hour. Do you still want me to order the corset

Stefan: order 5

Toguni:.hmmmmm

_______________________________________________

Friend 1: Cirrina

Cirrina: we'll hang around in octavo valley for a while. Their turf maps open around 8:00 so we can stay there and then head up after

Friend 2: *ugh* we can't go around octavo valley

Cirrina: what's wrong with octavo valley?

Friend 2: oh my god don't be like that.....you know exactly what I meant. We had plans and everything we were going to wahoo world first

Friend 3: we also wanted to go to mahi-mahi we bought our bathing suits and everything

Cirrina: All right! Okay, let's just get on the train and we'll figure it out! I know my way around this place. You guys are being such surface dwellers

Mahi: so when's the train showing up?

Cirrina: it shows up when it shows up *pff*

Mahi: ok..... It's weird because the only school in this area down here is a cuddleton high. Last time I checked you girls aren't in high school

Friend 1: why are you so invested in what school we go to? Are you going to follow us or something? Don't you have like a job or a life?

Mahi: listen I'm just doing what my boss tells me . I'm not trying to get fired because I lost his daughter all right.

Cirrina: You don't give a shit. You're just doing this to be an assho-.........…hi daddy!

Neta: hi crab cakes! I'm just calling in. Did you make it on the train safely?

Carrie: yeah I'm on the train right now heading to school and everything. How are you? Are you at the mall yet?

Neta: yeah I made it here quicker than I thought. Have fun at school okay? Please don't get into another fight

Cirrina: I won't.

Neta: alright sweet heart.

Cirrina: ok love you bye daddy!!

Neta: bye. I love you too carb cakes

_______________________________________________

Neta: alright... she's safe........so........... Why am I here?

Stefan: well first I need a consultation about the lounge area

Neta: well uhhhhh I was planning on just making it look like the bottom floor you know just.... With couches and chairs and tables and stuff.

Stefan: what do you think of an eco brutalist design?

Neta: oh........uhhhh I mean the lounge is a loft area. It's not a separate room entirely..... so it still kind of has to flow with the original design of the store but.................uh..........

Stefan:..........................................

Neta: ................... do you have any reference photos of what you have in mind?

Stefan: certainly of course. Pacifica!

Pacifica: here you go

Neta: thank you.... Pacifica..........ehhhhhh oh...um ............. Make the wood a bit darker and the concrete black........ with.....warmer lighting. The pictures you're showing me look pretty.............. Sterile.. .

Stefan: hmmm............ I guess you're right........ Pacifica.

Pacifica: editing the order now sir

Neta: is this why you called me here? I thought I was going to train Toguni. Also, I hired an interior designer. Aren't they supposed to be here too?

Stefan: I got rid of them. I told him they're only allowed to work downstairs. They're not working up here.....*heh*.... No.......This is my vision!...........This is my space!!

Neta: I understand that, but you know it doesn't hurt for them to help

Stefan: no!

Neta: ok.

Stefan:............. Thank You for your understanding..............*sigh*........... Anyway.............. I'm so sorry. Do you want coffee? So rude of me to not ask you that. Hahah

Neta: No, I'm fine I-

Stefan: Toguni make me a vanilla macchiato! Sugar free!

Toguni: Yes sir!

Neta: ok.........I guess I'll have one cup coffee

Stefan: yeah about that....... We need to go over the menu. I would love if you sampled some of our pics

Neta: just give me one second... I need to make a call

_______________________________________________

Cirrina: welp We already missed the train to school anyway so you can go now bye ......

Mahi: I could go but I could also call your dad and tell him the truth........... Looks like I don't have to call him. He's calling me

Cirrina: shit

Mahi: hey Neta

Neta: hey Mahi Cirrina's on the train right?

Mahi: uh... what?..... I'm sorry shitty signal. I can't hear you..... You're breaking up! Sorry......................so..... How much are you going to pay me for not snitching?

Cirrina: .... I'm not paying you anything!!

Mahi: All right, I guess I'll just call your dad back and I'll let him know that you and your little friends never got on the train and you're planning on ditching school so........

Cirrina: Cod fine. ................I only have 15 bucks

Mahi: 15?.........hmmmm..... I don't know.... Doesn't seem like a lot

Cirrina: 20... That's all I'm willing to give

Mahi: ... ..............nah ... Taking money from 15-year-old girl doesn't seem right.....

Cirrina: then what the fuck do you want-

Mahi: hold up..... Hello

Neta: can you hear me now?

Mahi: yeah, I can hear you

Neta: You walked her the train station?

Mahi: yep, they're on the train and they're at school. I'm heading off to work right now

Neta: All right good. Thanks for doing this for me Mahi glad I can trust you with this

Mahi: all right......... I decided not to snitch so I guess you owe me now.

Cirrina: what do you want?

Mahi: The tidal wave music festival is coming up in the summer. I need two all access passes for 1 day......... You think you can convince your dad to give you two of them for free? I know I can get them with a big discount and everything but you know it's still expensive and I have bills to pay....

Cirrina:............... fine.... I can see what I can do........

Mahi: alright.... I guess we have a deal

Cirrina: All right, how about this? I can give you two access pass for 2 days and you walk us to the train stop every Friday for a months so we can ditch school.

Mahi: ..........alright fine.

Cirrina: Good.

_______________________________________________

Stefan: okay, so this is our mint mocha iced cappuccino. Really taking that flavor of mint. I feel like this is going to be a great seller during the summer. Ironic because this was our holiday blend.

Neta: ok.....sip.... it's good it tastes like mint

Stefan: Great! Now I want you to sample caramel latte and salted caramel latte. This menu is going to be all specialty drinks some come from my holiday menus and the others were limited time releases. Caramel latte is the standard, but the salted caramel was only served during the fall via 2017.

Toguni: here you go sir.............. I'm so sorry

Neta: It's fine. It's not your fault.............sip...........sip......... Yeah..... I like both of them. They're very good. Very caramel flavor. Yep

Stefan: All right. Perfect Pacifica

Pacifica: adding that to the menu sir

Neta: I'm heading to the bathroom

Stefan: This is your 3rd trip! we haven't tried the apple crisp macchiato that was a on our fall collection for 2019 that was a big hit.

Neta: You've already given me 20 cups of coffee and several varieties of creamer that is the equivalent to 5 jugs of water and 4 laxatives for me. Let me go Okay Let me go to the bathroom Cod damn Feels like I'm being tortured

Stefan: very well I guess we have to wait another 15 minutes...... I don't understand what his problem is. We've been drinking the same amount of coffee and we're perfectly fine. Right Toguni?

Tonugi: uh huh We really are sir......(Discreetly pouring two cups of coffee down the sink)

Stefan: some people just don't appreciate this art form. .......hmmm ..... Pacifica remind me to order a commission with that one artist who painted a mural for my house. Toguni would you be able to stand still for a portrait?

Toguni: uhhhhh I-I don't know

Neta:.ok I'm all better for now why don't we take a break from coffee sampling Toguni Do you know how to use the register?

Toguni: yes sir.

Neta: All right did you watch all the videos about sanitation?

Toguni: yes

Neta:safety?

Toguni: yes

Neta: and your benefits?

Toguni: Yes sir I did

Neta: all right You don't need to call me sir by the way just call me neta (clap) I think I think we're done for the day. I'm going home This has been *burp* excuse me An experience I gonna go to the bathroom

Stefan: Wait, I need your opinion about uniform

Neta: just give him everything and he can pick and choose what he wants to wear that day Oh my COD can I go now I feel like I'm going to be sick Again

Stefan: fine. What do you think?

Toguni: I think that would be fun to do. Different look every day...... free clothes is a perk too

Stefan:..... Great! At least someone is being optimistic thank you Toguni.

Toguni: is he going to be okay?

Stefan: he's just being dramatic

_______________________________________________

Mahi: Good morning!

Candi: You're an hour late what were you doing that was so important!! It's literally a Friday!!! This is our busiest day! What kind of manager is fucking late while everyone else is here on time?!?!

Mahi: hi Candi... You want a donut? I got one with the dried shrimp on it just for you.

Candi:...................................... thank you *eating*

Mahi: You're welcome! Here I got you one too Vinny hope you like strawberry

Vinny: I do actually. thanks

Mahi: All right, let's start the day

Text

Mahi: Im planning to go to the tidal wave music festival you want in?

Umishi: I don't have the money for that :(

Mahi: it's fine I can get you in. I'm blackmailing a 15-year-old

Umishi: I have several questions

Mahi: too bad

_______________________________________________

Ikkan: hey I passed my exam I'm going to be graduating next month. My parents and Noji are going to be staying over at my place You need to help me set up the guest bedroom.

Neta: That's great honey, I'm so happy for you [kisskisskisskisskisskisskisskisskisskiss]

Ikkan: hehehehehe ok...ok....I also bought you ginger soda and Pepto pill like you asked you okay?

Neta: yeah..... just.... Just a little stomach ache is all come here sit with me on the couch for a while Maybe celebrate later with some takeout

Ikkan: Neta you're shaking. Are you okay what's your glucose level?

Neta: 60 I checked I'm great fine I'm amazing I feel fantastic. I just had really really strong coffee and several cups a lot of cups of coffee I only had one panic attack and I only threw up twice so I'm fine I'm fine I'm good i'm amazing

Cirrina: Hi Dad, I'm back from school. My friends are here, put some pants on.

Neta: i never took them off

Friend 2: hiiiiii Mr V.

Cirrina: Nina I swear to Cod

Ikkan: hey cici

Cirrina: hi ikkan

Ikkan: wait Cirrina why are you wearing your swim top? Where's your uniform?

Cirrina:..................... Well.....

Friend 1: we finished our rehearsal early so mr. Luminelli let us leave early. I got our mom to pick us up and take us to mahi-mahi

Neta: oh that's nice of Mr. Luminelli Tell your mom I said thank you

Cirrina: alright.......... I just came here to get an extra set of clothes I'm staying over at pintas for a slumber party

Neta: okay sweetheart. Have fun.

Cirrina: bye love you

Neta:bye sweetie they definitely skip school

Ikkan: You're going to ground her?

Neta: no let her have her fun I've skipped school before and I turned out fine

Ikkan: your heartbeat hasn't slowed down for the past 15 minutes......*sigh*..... Let's just have a quick visit to emergency

Neta: noooo I'm fine I'm just anxious. It's just anxious and I'm fine. I just had a little too much to drink

Ikkan: It's just a quick visit just to make sure you're actually okay

Neta:................

Ikkan: we can get takeout after

Neta:.................ok....... Can I have the bathroom first?

_______________________________________________

Mahi is also blackmailing @fish-at-fish-fish-resort

Toguni was found in a box by @conkreetmonkey

Umishi is still concerned about the concerning text @catastropic

[omegasmileyface]

The Forest, the Trees, the Fire I: CATALYST

Chapter 2

Here's chapter 2! Most updates will be Tuesdays and Fridays, this one wasn't late on purpose hehe. Authors: @attackradish, @ectolemonades, me. Artist: @/crunchysart

For the full characters list, word count, content warning, and a directory to all the currently available chapters and related content, see the Table of Contents!

full summary: The world outside of Amity Park has learned about the existence of ghosts, and the time for first impressions has arrived. The delicate public consciousness could be disrupted by the slightest ripple. Danny Fenton is being ripped apart from all sides, and when he finally breaks, the ripples will be very big indeed.

warnings: none for this chapter

words: 2121

AO3 link

first chapter

next chapter

===

October 2, 2006

Tucker was already on his PDA— Florence— by the time Danny sat down for lunch. "It looks like the outside world is finally getting with the program on the whole 'ghosts existing' thing. I'm seeing ecto opinion pieces now that don't even spend half their length shouting about how they're not crazy!"

"Ooh, fun!" Sam unzipped her lunchbox to reveal it was full of crackers and some kind of fruit spread. Tucker dipped a finger in the spread to taste it and his face immediately scrunched up. Sam ignored this. "Maybe we'll see some new forms of Evangelism come out of all this. Mix up the American Christian playing field a little."

(Danny tried a taste too. It tasted sort of like blueberry, but way more bitter. The kind of stuff that grew in nature preserves and wasn’t sold in stores. Not bad.)

"Eh," said Tucker after a hearty swig of soda, "if they do appear, they'll just stick to one tiny area like every other Bold New Jesus Cult that's popped up in the last few decades. I've been thinking we should make some kind of blog about ghosts. We're experts! The rest of the world is gonna want to hear from us." He swooned in his spot at the lunch table. "Maybe we could even sell merch…"

"Hmm. Well, I think it could be good! No, not your newest business model. Calm down, Henry Ford."

Tucker pouted.

"The whole… public getting used to ghosts thing. I mean, it's gonna be a sensitive time for the public consciousness, since what people hear now is going to shape how they feel about ghosts forever, but… the more people hear about the dirty details, the harder it will be to hide stuff like the torture devices and whatnot." Sam hummed. "Though, it hasn't stopped the CIA before…"

"Oh! Conspiracy jar." Tucker held out his hand.

Sam rolled her eyes and handed him two quarters. "It's true, though."

Danny started tapping his foot. "What if it ends up being a bad thing?"

"Oh, so you were on earth for the conversation! Glad to see you, space cadet."

"Yeah, whatever." Danny took a bite just because he knew talking with his mouth full would annoy Sam. "Honestly, I was pretty cool with the thing we had going on where ghost things stayed in ghost land and the only people who bothered to interfere were the Guys in White. And UW Madison, I guess. What if it gets all… publicized? What if there becomes some kind of ghost fighting bureaucracy?"

The ghosts didn't even have a bureaucracy for themselves. Danny would know! Not that he could tell his friends about his involvement in ghost politics.

Tucker shrugged. "We might get money or college credit or something for our ghost fighting, then. Health insurance, even."

"No, Tuck, we're high schoolers. They'd probably just make us stop doing it."

"Oh," said Sam, "I thought you wanted to not have to be responsible for keeping the town safe."

"Duh!" Danny leaned onto the table. "But it's not that simple. It's like when you don't want to do the dishes, but you can't just let somebody else do them because they won't clean them correctly and that's just not worth it."

"Can't relate."

"No idea what you're talking about."

Danny huffed. "They'll probably do it wrong. Professional ghost fighters might try to take ghosts into custody instead of sending them back, or completely ignore why the ghosts came in the first place, or not understand what kinds of fighting are cool and what kinds are just straight-up evil."

Tucker smiled. "Ahh, you're afraid the humans will fight like humans."

"No! …Yes. I guess. And while help would be nice… I just feel like it wouldn't be worth the scrutiny. Generally speaking, the dead don't want to hear the living's opinion on them."

"Well, it's a good thing a lot of ghosts aren't dead, then," Sam said.

Tucker put Florence back in his bag. "You've both got points. From what I've been reading, there are people who are trying to push for ghost laws in other states, using the Dairy King thing as some kind of warning. 'They're already hiding among us! Quick, invent new kinds of bigotry, before it's too late!'"

Ew. Couldn't get one news story without it making things harder for him, huh?

Sam growled. Like, genuinely growled, as much her human throat could. "Well, if that's the case, maybe we couldn't trust America with such important knowledge of life and death just yet."

Danny rolled his eyes.

"Tucker," she continued, "maybe your info blog idea wasn't so bad."

Tucker reached out for a fist bump. Danny obliged.

"Hey, losers!"

And right on queue, it was time for Act II of lunch.

"Good evening, Dash," Tucker and Sam said in unison. Clearly, they'd been rehearsing that. Dash was taken aback for a second. He shook it off.

"You're all gonna be on my team in laser tag, right?"

Great, another permission slip Danny had missed. "Laser tag?"

"Yeah. On Friday. Keep up, Fen-fun-in-the-sun."

Sam tilted her head. "Dash, no offense, buddy, but if you don't like us, don't you want us on the opposite team? Not yours?"

"There is no opposite team. It's ghost laser tag. It's, like, a sponsored field trip by the GIW or something. Either way, students won't be targets. If I want an opportunity to tackle you when nobody's watching, I need you on my team."

Ghost laser tag? What did that even mean? Would they have ecto-weaponry? That couldn't be safe. Danny hoped he could skip out by getting detention or something.

"What a tantalizing offer. I bet teams are randomly assigned anyway."

"You'd better hope they are!" Dash turned his gaze directly onto Danny before backing away dramatically. "I'll see YOU on the field, Fenton. Better catch you carrying on the family legacy."

Tucker took his head out of his bag once it was safe. "…What did he even mean by that?"

Danny just sighed. That said it all, really.

===

"Ghost child, did you really not think to get me a gift for my birthday?"

"Skulker, you don't have a birthday."

Skulker ignored him. "Well, you're lucky that I got something for myself!" He brought out some absolute doohickey of a weapon, gleaming chrome in the turquoise moonlight. Those tubes couldn't serve any logical purpose, could they?

While Danny was questioning his understanding of Euclidean space, Skulker lunged forward and a part of the weapon flew off, angled right for his head.

Danny just barely swirled his body out of the way in time. "Hey!"

Skulker dove. Danny fled. The chase was on.

"What could you possibly want from me this time?"

"What do you think? I want my prize!"

Danny shouted to be heard over a swarm of missiles. "Oh, so we're back to hunting me for sport, then? Maybe stop trying so hard to damage the goods!" He spun around and aimed some sticky ectoplasm in Skulker's general direction.

"Nonsense!" Skulker turned his suit invisible. "If you can't avoid these attacks, your pelt's no good anyway."

Danny concentrated on his ghost sense and dodged a grapple from his left just in time. "Y'know, maybe it's for the best. If I'm hung up in your lair somewhere, I don't have to go to laser tag!"

Skulker halted his onslaught and smiled. "Laser tag?"

Danny huffed. "Yeah, my class is doing this ghost laser tag thing on Friday. My parents heard about it somehow, and they won't let me miss it. They think it'll help me 'prepare myself to join the family business!' or whatever."

Skulker continued to smile.

"Um. Sorry. So, laser tag is like a—"

"I know what laser tag is! As a matter of fact, ghost child, I'm a big fan of laser tag."

Danny sighed. "Of course you are."

"It is a shame that I cannot join you. But since I cannot, you are going to be my laser tag champion this Friday."

"Your what? Oh my God."

"If you will be representing me on the battlefield, you're going to need to have some skill! Beginning shooting practice!"

"No—" Danny caught a small ecto-gun automatically. "Huh. I didn't even know these came off your suit." He was shot in the side.

"Get gunning, boy!"

Just after Danny tore off invisibly to find somewhere to trap Skulker, one of the shots hit an apartment building and an alarm started blaring.

Danny returned to visibility to check it out. Why would an alarm go off from some brick siding getting shot with a low power ectoblast? Was somebody hurt somehow? There weren't any windows or anything there. Could it have ricocheted and hit someone?

Then a van screeched to a stop in the parking lot, and it all made sense.

Just like always, when the GIW filed out of their clown car, they aimed at Danny first. He shielded against most of them, but when one shot went a little wide, it hit the same building and exploded on impact, weakening a couple of the bricks. These blasts were much stronger than the shots he and Skulker had been playing with.

First things first, he darted back over to Skulker to capture him. The ghost didn't complain. Better to get captured for now than to have to put up with a government chase all the way back to the portal.

Danny dared to look back at the hunters below him. "There! Fight's done. That means you don't have to shoot anymore, right?"

They continued shooting. Wow, just like his parents!

Danny tried to go for an escape through the ground, where they couldn't see him or reach him, but they managed to aim for him anyway. When he came back up, the ground was full of new potholes. Even one of the manhole covers was ruined. Did they even think at all before firing?

So he took to the skies instead, hoping that there would at least be less collateral that way. Sure, he got shot in the foot (ow) and in the shoulder (ow) and almost got locked into one of those stupid ectophobic nets, but he made it home nonetheless.

The alarm was still audible, and Hemlock Ave. probably had a few thousand dollars in repairs. He couldn't wait to hear at school tomorrow how this was his fault for playing tag.

===

Spooky, Scary, and Scientific: What do Ghosts Mean for Me?

4 Oct. at 11:00 AM

This time last month, you were thinking about what to cook for dinner and when to go return that DVD. But now ectology has entered the mainstream, and the same thing is on your mind as everyone else's: death!

Well, not the sad, existential kind of death thoughts. More like… "Is anybody I used to know a ghost now?" "Would I still recognize them?" "Was everybody wrong about Heaven?" "Will I become a ghost when I die?" It just feels like we all know so little about ghosts.

But I've gathered as much research as I could find from the top ectologists, and I'm going to help you make sense of it too. If you want philosophy, this isn't the blog for you. But hopefully, going in with the right scientific knowledge will make the emotional parts easier!

Let's start with a pretty fundamental one:

Are these ghosts really the spirits of the dead?

Interestingly, as much as a lot of them look like they could have been human once, we don't have any proof that humanoid "ghosts" come from the souls or identities of real humans. In fact, it's looking more like ghosts, which form out of invisible concentrations of ectoplasm in the air and ground, just take after humans because they're the best source of emotional energy.

That's right, emotional energy is a real thing! Since our brains work via patterns of electric pulses, those pulses can imprint the same patterns into ectoplasm and cause it to act in ways it normally can't. See Fenton 2003 for more info on that.

Ghosts are just functional forms of ectoplasm, and have no ability to relate to humanity or have emotions of their own, so it seems they take forms like ours to gain more access to human emotional energy. I wouldn't say they do this on purpose, but then, it's tough to say ghosts do anything "on purpose", since they just automatically work toward their goal. It's just how they function!

Some are capable of doing this in really complex ways, actually. It's very interesting! So let's talk about…

How many kinds of ghosts are there?

[read the rest of the post on kristenscorner.blog]

[bacchicly]

19 (or more) Kisses Deep

For @darcyfangirlsfrequently

Ship: Garvez (of course)

Summary: It's Luke's Birthday and surprises are in store...a sweet little ficlet for an amazing Garvez writer and all round awesome Darcy! Happy Birthday, Eh?

Words: 1400ish (not all mine - some belong to Leonard Cohen)

🎵🎶…takes you down….to her place by the river…🎶🎵

"So just so I understand, son…" Rossi's eyes twinkle as he raises both his eyebrows and his glass in a mock toast. "...you are doing all this as a surprise for Penelope to celebrate YOUR birthday? I am not criticising - but I have never seen anyone concentrate so hard on making crustless cucumber sandwiches in my life." 

At the mention of Penelope, Luke can't help but break into a sheepish goofy grin. Rossi is right - it is crazy.

🎵🎶…and you know that she's half-crazy but that's why you want to be there 🎶🎵

Luke wipes his hands on the "Kiss the cook twice - I'm Italian!" apron the older agent passed to him wordlessly about an hour ago when he first invaded Rossi's kitchen with a large cardboard box of groceries, a "Best of Leonard Cohen" CD, and a "thank you" bottle of scotch. 

🎵🎶 And just when you mean to tell her that you have no love to give her - 🎶🎵

The lyric seeps its meaning into Luke's brain - dissolving his smile - and prompting him to grab his beer and take a long pull… no wonder he can't convince Penny he honestly loves her.  Poets. Bah.  Always making things so complicated.  Give him the Beatles any day over this dross "With a love like that you know you should be glad." Simple.  To the point.  Poetry. Why does she adore this dumb Canadian crooner anyways?  

"Hey.  Watch your mouth you chuckle-head, no speaking ill of the Lord Byron of Rock'n'Roll. We had some very interesting conversations in '77, I'll have you know."

Luke didn't even realise he had spoken aloud.  

🎵🎶 Then she gets you on her wavelength...And she lets the river answer that you've always been her lover 🎶🎵

"Sorry.  I didn't know you knew him personally."

"Don't worry about it.  What you should worry about is those scones - they are smelling like they might be just about done."

Luke's eyes widen in slight panic, sets down his bottle with a thunk, and spins to check on the oven where his strawberry streusel scones have been cheerfully baking for the last 19 minutes. He sighs with relief when, after yanking open the oven, it's clear from the delicious smell, the perfectly browned tops, and Rossi's chuckles - they are perfect.  

"Use the oven mitts!" says Rossi as he tosses a red quilted pair at Luke - who naturally grabs them out of the air and tugs them on grinning.  

"Yes, sir!"

Luke pulls the pan of scones out of the oven.  Breathing in deeply and he grins like an idiot to himself as he carefully moves the toothsome wedges to the cooling wrack.  He even starts to hum…

🎵🎶And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind, And then you know that you can trust her...For she's touched your perfect body with her mind 🎶🎵

Hmm maybe there is a reason why Penelope likes this guy so much…

The song ends and another starts - low and slow - and Luke turns back to the cucumber sandwiches.  He'll finish them and then start on the pinwheels - cream cheese and maraschino cherry - and then do some apricot chickpea curry endive boats to round out the table.  

🎵🎶 If you want a lover -I'll do anything you ask me to 🎶

He should probably pre-boil the water too so that he can warm the tea pot just before she arrives too.  

🎶🎵…If you want a partner, take my hand, or If you want to strike me down in anger…🎶🎵

Ok...yes. Maybe...maybe... this guy does know a thing or two….chuckling over the memory of Penelope storming at him over something or other.

🎵🎶 Here I stand. I'm your man. 🎶🎵

Luke's hands still as the next lines wash over him.

🎵🎶 If you want a boxer...I will step into the ring for you 🎶🎵

Yep.  Definitely knows a thing or maybe nineteen.

🎵🎶 And if you want a doctor...I'll examine every inch of you...If you want a driver, climb inside...Or if you want to take me for a ride...You know you can! I'm your man. 🎶🎵

He shivers at the thought of examining every inch of her…of insides… of rides…

This had better work.  It's his last Hail Mary.  If, after today, Penelope is not willing to give him a chance… a real chance this time....

…well, that will truly be the end of it, won't it? 

His heart rebels at the thought and the song echos the frustrating truth: for him? There will never be an end.

🎵🎶…And I'd howl at your beauty...like a dog in heat...and I'd claw at your heart...and I'd tear at your sheet...I'd say please (Please)...I'm your man 🎶🎵

His hand tightens around the handle of the knife he was using to slice off the last cucumber sandwich crusts.  Why doesn't she get that this is it for him?  That she's it for him.  That he's…he's…her man?

🎵🎶 If you want a father for your child...or only want to walk with me a while across the sand - I'm your man 🎶🎵

Oh Hell.  True.  All true.  All desperately outrageously frustratingly gloriously true.

The song pulses under his ruminations - pulsing and pleading - begging for any crumb… weirdly strong in it's subservience…

🎵🎶 I'm your man 🎶🎵 

The final cords swell and ebb away… and in the beat between tracks he-

"Newb-Luke-Birthday Boy???  What are you doing here?"

Luke's head snaps up and he stares.

It's like thinking of her has summoned her.  

She is wearing the outfit she was wearing the day she met Roxy - all oranges and yellow sunshine  …the day he knew he was a goner….. and just like she always crashes into his life - awkwardly sweetly infuriatingly - she is here early and is carrying some giant box of something or other.  And as usual… he's not ready - caught off guard - consumed…but can't help but grin like an idiot as his heart starts to do it's joyful Penelope-wiggle-of-joy.  

Damn.  I'm HER man.

"What am I doing here?  What are you doing here?  ROSSI?!?!?"

The older agent appears behind a sputtering Penelope and then with a too-innocent too-indulgent too-self-sastified curl of his lips - the pompous ass that is David Rossi shugs into his coat, turns on his heel, and jangles his car keys in the universal sign of "I'm going out".

Penelope is now the one spinning on her heel - echoing Luke's "Rossi!" but her boss cuts her off.

"You're both very welcome.  Now be good, kids. Help yourself to anything you can find. I'll be back at midnight.  Lock up when you leave and don't turn into any pumpkins!"

The next song is well begun now and they watch helpless as Unit Chief David Rossi literally waltzes out on them - shamelessly adding his baritone to Cohen's bass… "...take this waltz, take this waltz! With its very own breath of brandy and death!"

Penelope spins back to Luke - but slowly - gathering her thoughts. 

Why is he here? He wasn't supposed to arrive until much later.  She was supposed to decorate and everyone was supposed to arrive and then Matt was supposed to swing by with him on the way home from a birthday dinner with "Uncle Luke" and they were all going to jump out and yell surprise and Emily had ordered a cake and…. Well apparently something else is happening… those Sneaky Mc Sneakertons!

"Luke?  What's going on?"

"I…I…I think…"

🎵🎶 There's a concert hall in Vienna...Where your mouth had a thousand reviews 🎶🎵

"...I think…I think our team is as tired as I am of waiting." 

And with that Luke puts down the knife, pushes himself away from the counter, crosses to his bambi-eyed love, takes the box and set it on the floor, and then draws her into his arms, their eyes lock, their hands clasp, and their lips tingle as they sway into a kitchen waltz.

🎵🎶 And I'll dance with you in Vienna...I'll be wearing a river's disguise...The hyacinth wild on my shoulder...my mouth on the dew of your thighs 🎶🎵

They move as though they have always danced…always will dance…close and smiling…Penelope tilting to smile up at him…Luke tilting his head to breath her in…

🎵🎶 Oh my love, oh my love...Take this waltz, take this waltz...It's yours now, it's all that there is 🎶🎵

And they come to a stop and finally finally their lips meet in a slow deep kiss filled with promise. 

When they part - Penelope's eyes are closed and she is so so still…

"Pen?"

And with that Penelope can't help but twinkle up at him and lean in to whisper…

"Apparently you're Italian and I am supposed to kiss you twice."

And so…she does.  

…although they hardly stop at two.

🎵🎶 There ain’t no cure…there ain’t no cure… there ain’t no cure for love. 🎶🎵

[quillyfied]

Things I’m noticing on this rewatch, which I’m hoping to take slow and ponder on but we will see how it goes, PART ONE (obviously major Good Omens season 2 spoilers throughout, specifically for S2E1):

- Angel Crowley’s hair is so bright and curly! The shade feels more like his new post-apocalypse ‘do, which I find curious. New hair is obviously still much darker but it’s that more unnatural shade of red that could be very bright indeed under the right lighting.

- Aziraphale trying to soften angel Crowley up for his warning by complimenting the colors of the nebula first. People pleaser already, I see.

- The opening: that bit where they separate. They’re on the wrong sides. Then they move past each other to the right sides. Then they separate backwards to the wrong sides again, and that’s when the bridge between planets behind them breaks apart. Pretty obvious visual representation of where they end the season, but I do have to wonder about the emerging “they swapped again” theory and if this back and forth motion could be pointing to that.

- Initial analysis about Maggie: cute as a button, blonde, runs a shop of antiques not particularly useful or lucrative in the modern world, formal style of writing, accommodating to the people around her (perhaps to excess), vintage aesthetic all the way around: immediate thought is that of course she’s a mirror to Aziraphale the same way Newton Pulsifer is. Let’s see where it goes.

- I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THIS SPY EXCHANGE ON THE BENCH BEFORE SHAX SHOWS UP. Also why aren’t we talking about Shax more??? She’s a delight! The way she’s absolutely befuddled by how humans outdo her at her own job, the weird strained but sort of mentor/mentoree and also informant relationship she has with Crowley, how she is also probably one of the best dressed in Hell without the smell and blemishes and obvious animal aspect…she’s fascinating and I can’t wrap my head around her. Is she supposed to be a dragon? I could deffo see dragon.

- “What’s the point of it all?” Oh Crowley. So correct.

- His hair matches her dress. Significant that they match??

- Half rations of what???

- The correction of the peas. I weep. Has the air of all the times Neil has probably been corrected about it on tumblr and elsewhere for the bread in the book XD

- There are a lot of Statues of Liberty in Nina’s coffee shop. Why??

- Initial analysis about Nina: cool, collected, blunt, friendly but not familiar, hipster vibes, popular store and business model without being a model business owner, seems like she has it all together but has a pretty big lingering anxiety in the form of a controlling relationship: perfectly fine mirror for Crowley, like Anathema Device. Continuing to see where it goes.

- John Hamm’s befuddled face is the highlight of his performance for me, bc he has such a commanding gregarious menace for playing Gabriel and it’s weird to see it replaced for just…gregarious :P

- I know this is a horrifying moment but can we take a moment to just appreciate the comedy of Aziraphale seeing Gabriel’s whole bare bottom before realizing whose bottom it is? Gosh and the hug. So awkward. (THE JIGGLE)

- John Finnemore also excels at writing idiots. Jimbriel has John’s fingerprints all over it. The conversation is golden.

- This conversation with Michael makes much more sense now tbh but. Want to talk about it in full later, when we have all the information.

- I’ve noticed it since we got promos but: Jimbriel using the angel wing mug and Aziraphale using the blue teacups just…strikes me. Could be because he’s having tea and not cocoa. But still. Hmm. Interesting.

- Aziraphale’s immediate panic over knowing what it’s like to be close to a person. Hmm. Yes. Quite. (And a moment to enjoy Gabriel, even in some pretty extreme amnesia, knowing Aziraphale is safe and will help him. Not so much warm fuzzies over GABRIEL knowing that as it is Aziraphale getting to HEAR that from someone who should by all accounts not feel safe with him at all. Guardian instincts being validated. This won’t backfire.)

- Listen maybe it’s just because I watched the Barbie movie the night before I watched GO2 but all I’m thinking when seeing Jimbriel is that his Kenergy is off the charts. And I know that basically just means he’s at peak himbo performance but Kenergy feels more appropriate right now. More introspections there later, I think.

- Formulating a thought about the box, about how it has very prominent double red arrows and “this way up” on it…and the instructions were on the bottom. Something something Heaven/Hell Gabriel/Beelzebub symbolism?? Foreshadowing for The Final Fifteen Minutes, maybe for season 3 itself????

- “You’re funny. I love you.” UH HEY JIMBRIEL. JIM CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT. GUYS CAN WE JUST. DISCUSS THE LAYERS OF THAT. Not here, obviously, but at some point.

- The thing about writing an idiot is that they have exactly the wrong intelligence for the situation at hand. It makes them very funny. Even more so when their intelligence actually happens to be helpful.

- THE FLYYYYYYY

- Muriel!

- Oof. Sexy Bentley animations.

- “Now that I’m not reporting to Heaven” INGRAINED BEHAVIORS THAT NEED ADDRESSING, PERHAPS?

- I feel like we don’t talk about “six shots of espresso” enough. I realize it’s been like two days and there’s a lot going on but SIX. SHOTS. OF. ESPRESSO. CROWLEY. It expressly does not calm him down. Oh hey instrumental Bohemian Rhapsody!

- I paused just to fully take in the affronted look on Crowley’s face at “naked man friend” XD

- Crowley downs six shots of espresso in one go and then comes face to face with the exact being of his worst nightmare. No wonder he blows a literal lightning gasket.

- Aziraphale knows about Shax. Interesting.

- Ask him properly? Interesting turn of phrase. And Crowley leaps in immediately between them. Of course he does. Ask him properly meaning be threatening about it this time, I suppose?

- I. AM. DUSTING. ITS YELLOW. HHHHHGK.

- Crowley solution: get rid of the problem, run from it. Get away from it. Aziraphale solution: confront the problem, solve the problem, go charging into the helping of the problem. Hmm. Interesting.

- The whole “our exactlies are not the same exactly” IIIIINTERESTING.

- “I thought we carved it out for OURselves.” “SO DID I.” Y’all I cannot WAIT for the parallel gif sets. This conversation, the bandstand, the sidewalk, and The Final Fifteen Minutes. Phew. Knockout parallels.

- That was a surprisingly petulant lightning strike tbh

- Michael and Uriel sniping at each other. Somehow love it. BUT ALSO. This conversation has so many damn LAYERS now!! Heck!!!

- The floating armchair. Heck yeah.

- The distance between Muriel and the archangels, the way they talk down to her so thoroughly…heck.

- Like how the Resurrectionist matchbox has the skull and crossbones but also the Bible verse on the side. The two halves of the sign, brought together.

- MORE FLIESSSSSS

- Beelzebub’s tactic for trying to get Crowley to help find Gabriel is…interesting. I might have to make a whole separate post to analyze this scene. The matching chairs, the determined way Beelzebub’s pursuit of the hunt isn’t immediately suspicious, the flattery, but most importantly, it’s getting its own bullet point:

- The way Beelzebub shares the bit about Extreme Sanctions and how that is enough to flip Crowley’s Protect Aziraphale switch. He’s on the hook, because now there are actual stakes.

- I wonder, though, at how I didn’t immediately catch that Michael saying “anyone found HELPING him” was said. Anyone caught helping Gabriel. Why would helping an archangel be cause for Extreme Sanctions?? Surely it would be a good thing for anyone, even Aziraphale, to have kept a vulnerable Gabriel safe all this time. I’m chalking it up to first time watching excitement and sleep deprivation but huh. HUH.

- Anyway, back to Beelzebub; they immediately offer a reward to Crowley, a carrot instead of the stick. And Duke of Hell is on the table. Interesting. Weird. And their wording is anyone “involved in the affair.” Very slightly different context. Wouldn’t give away that Heaven is indeed on a manhunt (angel hunt?), but not for the exact reason you would expect.

- I wonder about the temporal implications of being erased from existence. And how this very serious and apparently mythological mode of punishment is coming back in season 3. Hmm. Hmm hmm hmm.

- Also Beelzebub’s “report to me first” I SEE YOU NOW

- Nina and Maggie’s lock-in is…hmm. The “no judgement” about drinking thing strikes me as something someone with a very religious upbringing would say to a friend who drinks. Bit clunky, lot condescending. Interesting way to get to a segue.

- Good old fashioned lover boy better have an amazing comeback next season XD

- LOVE seeing the onscreen effects for the text messages, love the way they’re like crumpled up notes, love the immediate energy that brings to this already suspicious relationship. Sigh.

- I knew “I’m back” had petty marital bickering energy from the trailer but I HAD NO IDEA HOW MUCH.

- Also brief moment of real sadness for how this is a rehash of “angel, I’m sorry, whatever I said, I didn’t mean it. Good? Yes? Get in the car.” Just smoothing over the rough patch so they can move on rather than. Yknow. Talking about it and fixing it.

- Also notice how the apology dance doesn’t actually involve saying “I’m sorry.” It’s more an admission of the other person’s intellectual or moral superiority. Which is. Funny! But also. Sad!

- Jim. Jim you were just outside earlier. Jim please.

- I notice the “little” miracle is done over the portal to heaven. Hmm. I thought at first maybe Jimbriel’s latent archangel abilities were at play but I much prefer the “together Crowley and Aziraphale are super powerful without meaning to be” interpretation, because it makes The Final Fifteen Minutes make SO much more sense.

- The miraculous plume is pink <33333

- The inherent comedy of “nobody will notice a thing!” *BLARING ALARMS* XD reminds me of “he’ll have an enormous hellhound with him! He’ll be easy to spot!” *cut to Dog* from season 1 :P

- Okay, final thoughts on this first rewatch: yeah the foreshadowing and scene-setting is impeccable. Great energy. Loving it! Picking up on so much more tiny hints and clues! Missing God’s narration but it really says a lot, actually, that She isn’t there anymore. No Agnes Nutter book for guidance, no scriptural references to necessitate God’s voice being present…different flavor.

Okay! Might do episode 2 tonight, as well, but I have Things to do first! We will see!

[friendlyfox34]

Bambisitter Mia’s Daycare: Promising Problems

*At the daycare, it was 3pm in the afternoon. Bambisitter Mia and Baby Bambi were both watching tv together.*

Baby Bambi: Hey Mia?

B.M: Yes Bambi?

Baby Bambi: Can Bambi please go to the playground with his friends?

B.M: Of course Bambi. Go ahead.

Baby Bambi: Thank you.

*Baby Bambi leaves to the playground to play with the other kids. However, when he got there, he saw Baby D. Dave and Baby Expunged sitting in the sandpit. They both seemed to be upset.*

Baby Bambi: Guys what happened? Why do you both look upset?

Baby Expunged: Dave promised he wouldn’t knock over my sand castle.

Baby D. Dave: And Expunged promised he would let me have a turn with de bucket and shovel.

Baby Bambi: Wait, so Dave is mad because Expunged would not let him have the bucket and shovel?

Baby D. Dave: Yes..

Baby Bambi: And Expunged is mad because his sand castle is knocked down.

Baby Expunged: Yes, and he promised he wouldn’t do that.

Baby D. Dave: Yeah, it should’ve been my turn for de bucket and shovel.

Baby Bambi: Bambi should probably get Bambisitter Mia to come here. She’ll know what to do.

*He walks back inside to call B.M for help. Mia decided to come outside and help.*

B.M: So, let me get this straight. Dave, you’re upset because Expunged promised he would let you have a turn with the bucket and shovel, right?

Baby D. Dave: Right. He nevah gave it to me…

Baby Expunged: You knocked down my sand castle!

Baby D. Dave: You started it!

B.M: Okay okay boys, let’s just try to calm ourselves down.

Baby Expunged: Hmph!

*Baby Bambi gently taps on Mia’s shoulder.*

Baby Bambi: Mia, Bambi is curious now.

B.M: About what?

Baby Bambi: What is a promise?

B.M: Well, a promise is like an agreement to do something you’re told to do. It can be about a specific thing or action.

Baby Bambi: Hmm, sounds interesting. But what happens when you break a promise?

B.M: If you break a promise, it will also mean breaking the agreement you’ve made.

Baby D. Dave: Yeah, like what Expunged did.

Baby Expunged: You did too, Dave.

B.M: Hey, I know something that’ll make you feel better.

Baby Expunged: What?

B.M: How about I get you two a milkshake?

Baby D. Dave: A milkshake? I love dose!

Baby Bambi: Yeah, Bambi too!

Baby Expunged: I can go for that.

B.M: Alright. So three milkshakes?

*Baby Badai comes out of the slide.*

Baby Badai: Make it four!

B.M: Oh hey Badai. You want a milkshake too?

Baby Badai: Yes, it sounds weally good wight now.

B.M: Alright, so four milkshakes, one for each. Any flavors you four like?

Baby D. Dave: Vanilla.

Baby Bambi: Chocolate.

Baby Badai: Stwabewy.

Baby Expunged: Banana.

*Mia takes out a notebook and pen to write everything down.*

B.M: One chocolate, one strawberry, one vanilla, and one banana. Okay! I’ll go get them right now.

Baby Badai: Tank you!

*Mia heads out the door with the notebook in her hand. She hops into her vehicle and drives off. On her way to get the milkshakes, she started wondering to herself.*

B.M: Hmm, something tells me I should get them some more toys too. I think they deserve it. Besides, they have been really good kids, and I think it’ll be nice to give them more toys to play with. Hmm, yeah, I promise myself I’ll get them some gifts.

*She heads her way to the toy store. When she got there, she steps out of her vehicle and goes to the door.*

B.M: Time to get some new gifts for my best kids.

*But, when she was about to open the door, it was locked.*

B.M: Oh, okay. I guess I won’t get new toys after all…

*She then gets a better idea.*

B.M: I know! I’ll go buy them some video games!

*She steps into her vehicle again and drives off to the game store. She gets out of the vehicle and goes to the door.*

B.M: I suppose a few games wouldn’t hurt.

*Again, the door was locked. She notices a sign on the door and reads it out loud.*

B.M: “Sorry, we are officially closed until the end of the month”? What does that mean? I need to get the boys some better gifts!

*Meanwhile in the daycare, the four boys were watching cartoons on the tv.*

Baby Badai: …I wonder what Mia is up to.

Baby D. Dave: Yeah, she’s taking quite a while.

*The front door opens up, and Mia comes in with the four milkshakes in a drink holder.*

Baby Bambi: Oh hey, Mia is back!

B.M: Hey boys, I got the milkshakes!

Baby Badai: Yay!

*The four boys each take their milkshakes. Mia throws the drink holder away. She thinks to herself again.*

B.M: I don’t get it, how come the stores are closed today? …Well, at least I still got the milkshakes.

*Feeling stressed and a little sad, Mia sits on the bean bag chair. She felt bad because she had broken her own promise to get better gifts for the kids. Baby Bambi notices Mia’s sad expression.*

Baby Bambi: Is Mia okay? She looks sad?

*The three other kids looked at her and immediately felt bad when they saw her sad face.*

Baby Badai: Oh, she does. Puhaps it was someting we did?

Baby Expunged: Or she’s upset about what happened in the playground?

Baby D. Dave: No, de playground ding was an old-ah problem.

Baby Expunged: Oh yeah.

Baby Badai: We should pwobably ask her.

*The four kids go to Mia, who still seemed upset.*

Baby Bambi: Mia, what’s the matter?

B.M: Oh, it’s nothing guys…

Baby D. Dave: Are you sure? You’re not smiling.

*B.M let’s out a soft sigh.*

B.M: Alright alright, you got me. I was gonna get you some more toys to play with, but the toy store was closed.

Baby Expunged: Oh, that’s fine.

B.M: Not only that, but also the game store.

Baby D. Dave: Da game store?

B.M: Yeah, because I know you guys love to play games.

Baby Badai: But we always play with you.

B.M: I know, but you four are the best kids I’ve ever met and I just thought it would be nice to get you some gifts.

Baby D. Dave: Da milkshakes are nice gifts dough.

B.M: Yes, but I couldn’t find anything better than just the milkshakes…

*Her eyes turn watery from all the guilt.*

B.M: I.. may have broken my own promise!

*The kids gasp.*

B.M: I’m so sorry!

*The boys felt very bad for Mia. They hate seeing their babysitter feel sad.*

Baby D. Dave: Well, de milkshakes are a nice gift.

Baby Expunged: And we appreciate you wanting to give us something better.

Baby Badai: But we alrweady have someting that’s the best gift we’ve evuh had.

B.M: W-What would that be..?

*The kids hug her.*

Baby Badai: It’s you!

Baby Expunged: You’re our best gift!

*Mia’s smile comes back and she hugs the kids back.*

B.M: Thank you boys. I love you.

Baby Badai: We wuv you too, Mia.

*The kids continue hugging Mia, ending the episode.*

[t0kidal]

Return From Origins Part 5

________________________________________________

( Hello! Today, we’re going shopping

Masterlist ) 

________________________________________________

“mMnn!” 

“Iruma-sama, it’s almost done, please hold on a little longer.”

Iruma was getting fitted for a new wardrobe and Sullivan opted to take everyone as a fun family outing.

He was probably a little apprehensive about the measuring tape.

Meanwhile, Sullivan and you deigned to wait for Opera and Iruma outside in an adjacent drawing room, looking at different designs. 

“I think a good pair of shorts and shirts would be good for him..” you start. “He also needs long socks and shoes, such will be perfect for practical uses like hunting and staying warm without over heating.”

‘Hunting?’ yeah, the demons servicing you are a little confused but brush it off as a Sullivan’s daughter thing. (All the strong demons are already strange on the regular.)

“Mou~! I want more cute clothes for the coming Summer! Imagine! Our cute little boy in a sailor suit!”

“Hmm, he’s still a baby right now though... maybe it’d be better to stick with mid weight onesies? We can still get some spring showers and he’s not quite old enough to maintain his body heat...”

“W-why don’t we move on to an ensemble for the Ms?”

~~~

Now, it probably wasn’t the best idea to come out into the public, but Balam managed to concoct two perfumes, one for now (gentler) and one for as he grows (stronger). As for you, it’s been about a month, some wilder habits are hard to kill off but you’re adjusting alright. The real issue, however, was whether or not your eyes would ever go back to being normal looking. They haven’t yet, but masks and veils should provide a temporary remedy till they do.

As part of your reappearance to society, shopping was a critical necessity; especially as your get up of Opera’s spare clothes, a delicate veil, and long untamed hair, due to just how much there was (and unspeakable damage), didn’t really pair well.

“Welcome, Lord Sullivan.” Ah, you were here.

“Hi Hiii~! I’m here to get a wardrobe tailored for my daughter here~!”

“Understo-“ they’re cut off as they get a glimpse of your ensemble. “…”

You rub the back of your neck.

“Would you like for us to call for a hair dresser as well? My colleague runs the boutique next door.”

Sullivan looks to you.

“That would be nice, thank you.” You took the liberty to respond at that.

~~~

Fresh cut, fresh wash, fresh clothes, you looked…

So damn good.

Absolutely drop dead, on my knees, step on me please, gorgeous.

Opera and Iruma shared the same starry eyes expression as Sullivan took the opportunity to snap some good transformation photos.

“Mmamamama”

“I’m here Iruma.” Opera gives your look a nod of approval and a satisfied ear twitch as you take your son.

“We look pretty good, don’t we, Irumamamama.”

He giggles his baby giggle.

“Why don’t we break for lunch now? I feel refreshed but also a little worn, we’ve been busy.”

Hours of shopping and hours of grooming will do that to you.

“Fufufu~ as you wish~! I hear there’s a nice sweets shop nearby.”

“I meant food first, Su-… Da-… Father.”

“Huuu~ C’moooon~ just this once~?”

“My Lady is right Master, we ought to eat a proper meal and then have desert. Besides, you already ate so many chocolates on the way over, did you think I wouldn’t notice?”

“Hmph~.” He pouted…

~~~

“Kalego-kun? What are you doing here?”

“Hng!” You swear you could see him age a couple centuries just by hearing Opera call him.

After a lovely lunch, which felt so relaxing not having to catch it yourself, you relented to your father’s (it still felt a little odd referring to him as such) begging and went to ‘King’s Sweetery’.

Iruma was calm in your arms but you could see how he gazed with so much wonder at the colorful storefront.

Unlike your former schoolmate as he struggled to maintain a gentler heart rate.

“Opera,” you decide to spare the near death demon, “would you please stop Father from buying the whole store? We don’t need Iruma getting any cavities now.”

Opera absolutely knew what you were doing but obliged all the same, especially since what you said was true, Sullivan was discussing what appeared to be a contract with a very distraught looking manager.

“As you wish, my Lady.”

“…”

“…”

Once Opera was out of earshot you hear Kalego breath a sigh of relief before recomposing himself and staring stoically at you with crossed arms.

“… He’s… oddly well behaved.” Great start, Kalego.

“Well, I’d say it’s because he’s mine but… we both know otherwise.”

Iruma, chose that exact moment to stare curiously at the stern demon.

“Would you like to say ‘Hi’? Iruma?” You start to step closer to Kalego, a smile forming on the exposed half of your face.

“Tsk, are you sure that’s a good idea?”

To be honest, not really. It didn’t take a scientist to know that Kalego as a person took to children like oil to water, and vice versa. But… you wanted to ensure that, with your slow assimilation to society, Iruma would have an easier time with his current support and more.

Plus, unlike most babies, Iruma was a special case.

“Gaah!” He cooed sweetly.

“… what are you looking at?”

“Wuuuuu aaah! Ah!”

And to your surprised, Iruma makes as though he’s reaching out to Kalego, before settling and slowly mimicking the grumpy demon’s stern expression.

“Wuuu.” Like a little growl escapes his lips, till it’s followed by a giggle.

Needless to say Kalego wasn’t all too thrilled and his frown deepened.

“It’s not polite to mock others,” with much hesitation, Kalego reaches out a finger… and pokes his cheek.

“Wuh!” Pouts Iruma.

“Heh…” Kalego smiles, not entirely malicious, but catches himself after the look you give him and coughs to clear his throat.

“I am, Naberius Kalego.” He gently offers his hand to shake. (Very professional)

“Wuu..!” Iruma, very cutely places his own hand into Kalego’s.

“There’s a good boy, Irumaaaa” you tickle him and follow his cute giggles with little kisses.

“Hmph, now are you satisfied?” Stern once again you see.

“Yes yes, much appreciated, Kalego.”

“Kalego! You gotta try this!” Hm? Oh! It’s Shichiro. “I bumped into Opera-senpai and Sullivan-sama and we got a great deal o- Oh! Y/n! You’re here too! And is that Iruma?”

“Yes, look how cute he looks in his new clothes!”

“Adorable~! You’re looking good as well! That hair cut suits you!” It’s promptly ruffled by a large, gentle, hand.

“Thank youuu, Shichiro. Did you come out with Kalego?”

“Well, I was just out and about when we happened to come to the same shop and opted to spend the rest of the time catching up.”

“And speaking of catching up,” says Kalego. “I’ll catch up to you later Shichiro, I need to go before that fiend comes by-”

“Oh? Is that my dear Kouhai?”

“Hng!”

~~~

Kalego could not catch a break. He just wanted to go home and enjoy the wine he just bought, instead - and while he enjoys his colleague’s company - he’s now in a sticky situation, named Opera.

Opera was a menace. 

But you... 

If it weren’t for that veil he might’ve assumed that you had never changed, humble, willfully, fearfully, strong.

But the eyes that stared back at him just two weeks ago don’t lie, rather, they say too much.

You’re back now, yes, but for what reason? A whim? It sounded like a whim. Going off the rails could’ve been a whim, though you might insist that it wasn’t. 

Course, the child in your arms suggested some truth to that.

‘Who was the father?’ he quickly shut that down. It wasn’t any of his business after all... but how could you fall into such a situation? who was the scumbag to sire this child and leave you alone with him? Another ‘Returned’?

And ‘Iruma’, small, blue, soft, ‘Iruma’, how would you raise this boy? Would he turn out like you? Strong? Insecure?

‘Lovely?’

Tsk, he was having a lot of useless intrusive thoughts today... The wine by his side would be a surefire remedy for such.

Yet, despite the scornful thoughts in his head, his heart felt something... odd shift watching you interact with your son.

A similar odd from when you went to school together.

~~~

Shichiro observed his colleague get lost in thought, a strange occurrence but yes, even the great guard dog of Babyls could get distracted. It’s something he tries to do when being talked at by a certain senpai but had never succeeded at before.

Not that he blames him, he knew that Kalego missed you too. Your absence had a strange effect on everyone, especially as you succumbed to your evil phase and went off grid. 

It was almost evident that demon society at the time, when the strong ran rampant through the halls and the weak cowered or ran away, was to blame for your transformation.

Given that you decided to take in such a squishy child as your son, it only made sense for your return, and your hope, that things were different. 

‘But thank the demon king that you were back.’ He smiled behind his mask as he reached out and began to stroke your locks, the familiar, and unfamiliar, texture soothing him with a moment of peace from his thoughts. 

‘I missed you just as much.’

You were strong, humble, wild and so full of life; it caused his heart to swell and his eyes to grow wide in wonder each and every time you shattered the expectations set for you. Even in Babyls, even returning now. 

~~~

(Sorry i went a little off grid myself there. and Thank you for reading this far! I hope you enjoy the next part! that is, right after I write the Next chapter for The Alef!

Hope you have a good one!)

[seitmai]

As always many thoughts

He could picture you curled up on his pillow drooling, and it made him smile. But you had to do everything this week without his help, and that made his smile falter. He always tried to alleviate some of your stress by holding Rose when she fussed or walking around with her until she fell asleep. Mostly he was just in love with being a dad and wanted to spend as much time with his daughter as possible.

Bradley loves nothing more than being a dad and husband

It didn't seem to matter where he was standing, Indigo was always nearby, but her questions were pertinent. She seemed like a bit of a teacher's pet, which had never been his style, but to each their own.

I don't like Indigo and Bradley doesn't seem to either, at least her being a teachers pet lol

"Come here," you whispered, picking her up at daycare after work and giving her kisses. "Your godmother is coming over for dinner, and I want you to be on your best behavior. No pooping," you told her as you pushed her through the parking garage in her stroller. She simply laughed at you in response, which was not a great sign.

Oh no, definitely not a good sign 😅 she's probably gonna poop even more out of spite and because it's fun haha

While you tried to drive home, your headache just got worse, and you really didn't now how you were going to handle making dinner. Perhaps you should just start taking some cold medication as a preventative. It wouldn't hurt anything. You changed direction to make a quick stop, because a snack sounded nice, too. Maybe you could coax Rose to go to bed right after Nat left, eat some candy and pass out yourself. At least Bradley wasn't at home to stress you out. Recently, he seemed to put you right on the edge of irritation a lot of the time, and it was nice to get a bit of a break.

Hmm interesting symptoms 🤔

You were pushing the stroller down the last aisle in the drug store when you saw something which made you freeze in place. "No," you whispered, palms starting to sweat along with the rest of you. The vague awareness that you still never got your period after Rose was born washed over you. As soon as you got back from La Jolla, where you were pretty sure Bradley pulled out, you started back on the pill again. But there was no way for you to tell if you were ovulating.

I'm glad she finally caught up to what I've been speculating for chapters 😅🤭

Then her eyes widened briefly when she what you'd purchased at the drug store. But she didn't say a word about the pregnancy tests, and you didn't have the energy to mention it or try to make an excuse.

There was an unspoken deal made right there 🤝🏻

"I figured as much. You've got to keep this little love bug fed and played with and read to all on your own." She sat down on the couch with your daughter in her arms. "I don't understand how something that looks like Bradley can be so adorable. Logically, it doesn't make sense to me."

Never change Nat, never change 😂

Burping Rose and reading her bedtime story were two things your husband readily volunteered to do, but you fumbled your way through both tasks as your heart beat a little faster. You were about to take a pregnancy test. It wasn't that you didn't want to get pregnant again, you just didn't want to get pregnant again right now. Not while your firstborn was still so young, and not when you hadn't been feeling like your normal self again yet. The idea of two babies to care for was also so daunting,  you found yourself close to panicking.

This is already a tough situation and Bradley been so far away isn't helping either...

What were you going to do? Bradley would most certainly be pleased if it was positive. He indicated he that he couldn't care less if you were on birth control at all. If the test was negative, you wouldn't even tell him about it. You'd simply take everything out with the trash, and he'd never see it. Unless Nat said something. But you didn't think she would. Especially since you didn't metion any of this to her. That would be breaking girl code. But she was his best friend, so you weren't sure.

1. Bradley would be ECSTATIC

2. I feel like Nat would not break girl code even for Bradley, she might ask some things that direct Bradley to investigate or something on his own but she would ever rather a girl out 🙅🏻‍♀️ I feel this in my bones!

The fact that this candy bar tasted so good to you was becoming alarming. You could eat about ten of these in a row right now, no problem.

Mood

You desperately needed to stop with the junk food and lose more weight, but you were starting to worry that there was a reason for this as you did some quick math. If you got pregnant in La Jolla, you would be about nine weeks along by now. You almost choked on the chocolate. That was practically the end of the first trimester. Maybe there was a reason you were so fucking bloated.

Yeah my guess is, it's not bloating 🫣

It was also important that he hit the gym again, or maybe go for a long run. The last few times you'd ordered pizza for dinner, he came home and inhaled half of the pie like it was nothing. When he looked in the mirror, there was definitely some more weight hanging around his middle.

YES!! Dadbod Rooster!!!!👏🏻

One dark brow quirked up over her blue eyes. "From your wife?" He nodded slowly, voice deep and raspy when he spoke again. "Yeah. Hopefully my daughter, too." Her gaze lingered on his face as she backed away from him with a soft laugh. "I'll be looking for you at the bar later."

She gives me the ick, please read the room!! She said it herself: his WIFE (& daughter)!! Like for real, get a grip this is embarrassing 😒🙄

Then she was off and running, leaving Bradley squinting into the setting sun and her retreating form. When he picked up his phone, he realized he missed your call again. 

Nooo!!! This is giving me really bad vibes 🥴

Aim for the Sky Part 28 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: You start to realize there could be a reason to worry when your exhaustion won't let up. Bradley is so focused on what's happening in Texas, he doesn't even realize he's missing out on what's happening at home.

Warnings: Angst, adult language, body image, DILF Roo

Length: 3200 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

Aim for the Sky masterlist. This was written to accompany my series Is It Working For You? along with a bunch of my one-shots and other series, but it can be read on its own! Check my masterlist for the reading order.

Texas in August was hot as fuck. And the humidity left Bradley wishing he could jump in a pool. There was no cool, coastal breeze. There was no temperate climate. It was gross. It had him vowing to never move from San Diego for the rest of his life.

"How did I live in Virginia for so long?" he grumbled, getting dressed for his first day on base. He had the air conditioner blasting in his small room in the barracks, but he was still sweating at seven in the morning. He considered texting to see how you and Rose fared overnight without him, but it was even earlier at home, and he didn't want to wake you unnecessarily. 

He could picture you curled up on his pillow drooling, and it made him smile. But you had to do everything this week without his help, and that made his smile falter. He always tried to alleviate some of your stress by holding Rose when she fussed or walking around with her until she fell asleep. Mostly he was just in love with being a dad and wanted to spend as much time with his daughter as possible.

"Shit," he muttered when he checked the time, realizing he needed to get out of here before he was late. As soon as he stepped outside, the heat had him convinced he would sweat through his khaki uniform before he got to meet the rest of the recruits. Well, other than the ones he'd met at the bar the previous night.

LTJG Brooke Jeffries, call sign "Indigo", came to mind right away. It was no wonder how she'd earned her moniker. Her eyes were the most shocking shade of blue he'd ever seen. She tried to buy him a drink before insisting he meet several of the other aviators who were part of the program over at the pool table. Bradley stayed for a little while, careful not to let a single one of them buy him a drink. In fact, he only had the one beer with his dinner which would go directly to his expense report. The last thing he needed was one of them trying to get the upper hand or complaining that he was playing favorites.

With no clear idea of where he needed to go, Bradley wound his way along a few corridors before finding the classrooms. The facility was a lot smaller than those of North Island or even Oceana, but the rigorous training protocol at this particular airbase held a lot of promise. He was almost shocked at times that he'd been selected to decide who would advance to Top Gun.

"Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw!"

Bradley turned toward the voice and was greeted by a few Admirals. After some saluting and some chitchat, he was led to the appropriate classroom, the presence of superior officers silencing everyone in attendance. There were some more introductions before he was given control of the group, and if he was sweating because of the heat a few minutes ago, now it was because of nerves. Shit. He wanted to be as successful as possible in this role.

"Good morning. I'm Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw, and I'll be spending this week observing you in the air as well as reviewing the extensive files that have been compiled for each of you. Out of three dozen aviators in attendence, a maximum of eight will be invited to join the training program at Top Gun in September. I look forward to working with you."

He could feel piercing blue eyes on him as everyone stood, adjusting their flight suits as they headed out to the tarmac to get started. Before making his way up to the tower for the duration of the day, Bradley took a few minutes to identify each aviator and answer some questions. It didn't seem to matter where he was standing, Indigo was always nearby, but her questions were pertinent. She seemed like a bit of a teacher's pet, which had never been his style, but to each their own.

Then he sent them up in the air individually and in groups so he and the admirals could take some notes as a group. It was obvious even very early on who the standouts were. After just one day, there was very little question who would be joining him in San Diego.

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

You felt terrible. Almost like you had the flu. But every time you checked, there was no fever accompanying the constant exhaustion. Of course Rose decided this week would be the opportune time to have a blowout diaper every hour all night long, leaving you in a state similar to a zombie at work.

"Come here," you whispered, picking her up at daycare after work and giving her kisses. "Your godmother is coming over for dinner, and I want you to be on your best behavior. No pooping," you told her as you pushed her through the parking garage in her stroller. She simply laughed at you in response, which was not a great sign.

It wasn't even hot out. It was beautiful weather, especially compared to what Bradley was enduring this week. Yet you still felt unbearably hot, and you had a headache. "Maybe it's a good thing we didn't go with him," you mused as you situated Rose in her car seat. "You'd be poopy and sweaty, and that's not a combination that I really feel like dealing with at the moment."

While you tried to drive home, your headache just got worse, and you really didn't now how you were going to handle making dinner. Perhaps you should just start taking some cold medication as a preventative. It wouldn't hurt anything. You changed direction to make a quick stop, because a snack sounded nice, too. Maybe you could coax Rose to go to bed right after Nat left, eat some candy and pass out yourself. At least Bradley wasn't at home to stress you out. Recently, he seemed to put you right on the edge of irritation a lot of the time, and it was nice to get a bit of a break.

You were pushing the stroller down the last aisle in the drug store when you saw something which made you freeze in place. "No," you whispered, palms starting to sweat along with the rest of you. The vague awareness that you still never got your period after Rose was born washed over you. As soon as you got back from La Jolla, where you were pretty sure Bradley pulled out, you started back on the pill again. But there was no way for you to tell if you were ovulating.

You grabbed some pregnancy tests and went straight for the registers, freaking out inside before you remembered to double back for some cold medicine just in case. Your fingers were shaking as you used your credit card to pay for everything, including two candy bars. The cashier was making a fuss over your daughter, but the sudden loud ringing in your ears was preventing you from formulating a coherent response. You grabbed your items and rushed back outside.

When you got home, Nat was already there, and tears stung your eyes when she walked across your driveway to help you carry everything inside. "How's my sweet Rose?" she asked, picking her up gently from her car seat and peppering her cheeks with kisses. Then her eyes widened briefly when she what you'd purchased at the drug store. But she didn't say a word about the pregnancy tests, and you didn't have the energy to mention it or try to make an excuse.

"I'm thinking of making spaghetti for dinner," you told her, settling on the easiest combination of pasta and store bought sauce.

"I didn't want you to have to cook for me, so I brought some hot sandwiches from the diner," she replied. "One roast beef and one turkey. You can pick the one you want, because I like both."

Your mouth was instantly watering, and when you opened the bag on your kitchen counter, it smelled so good, you could have kissed her. "Thanks for getting these," you said, quickly unwrapping both sandwiches and pulling out plates. "I'm really tired this week without Bradley here."

"I figured as much. You've got to keep this little love bug fed and played with and read to all on your own." She sat down on the couch with your daughter in her arms. "I don't understand how something that looks like Bradley can be so adorable. Logically, it doesn't make sense to me."

You snorted, cutting both sandwiches in half to share them evenly. "He insists she doesn't look anything like him."

"Oh, he's so full of crap. I mean, he's lucky your kids will also look like you, because you're beautiful."

You didn't miss the way she used the plural of the word, and you felt your anxiety spike again as you cleared your throat. "Do you want to sit in the dining room? Or at the kitchen island?"

"Whichever is easier," she replied, giving you a lingering look before shifting her attention back to Rose.

You knew it was better to take a pregnancy test first thing in the morning, but after Nat left, you couldn't stop looking at the packages on the kitchen counter. Since you bought several, you didn't see the harm in taking one of them before bed. What's the worst that could happen? You'd stay up all night in a state of nervous energy? You were barely getting any sleep this week regardless, so why not just take it?

Burping Rose and reading her bedtime story were two things your husband readily volunteered to do, but you fumbled your way through both tasks as your heart beat a little faster. You were about to take a pregnancy test. It wasn't that you didn't want to get pregnant again, you just didn't want to get pregnant again right now. Not while your firstborn was still so young, and not when you hadn't been feeling like your normal self again yet. The idea of two babies to care for was also so daunting,  you found yourself close to panicking.

You had to leave Rose in her crib to cry for a few minutes before she fell asleep, because you couldn't wait any longer. Not only did you want to pee on the stupid test just to see a result, you also felt like your bladder was going to burst if you didn't go now. You made a beeline back to the kitchen where you grabbed the boxes and your candy bars before running to your bathroom.

When you tore into the foil wrapper, you accidentally cut your finger. "Damn it!" you gasped, wrapping it up in toilet paper before you got the test ready with your other hand. You didn't know what to think as you finally let your bladder feel so much better. Chances were strong you'd need to take an additional test in the morning if you wanted to double check a negative result. You knew your hormone levels would be stronger then.

"This is pointless you whispered to yourself as you put the test on the counter and set a timer on your phone. You snatched up the candy bar, ripping the packaging open with your teeth and climbed into the empty bathtub to wait. The chocolate tasted delicious. Just as good as the sandwiches Nat brought. You wrapped the toilet paper tighter around your finger when you realized you could smell the metallic tang of blood in the air.

What were you going to do? Bradley would most certainly be pleased if it was positive. He indicated he that he couldn't care less if you were on birth control at all. If the test was negative, you wouldn't even tell him about it. You'd simply take everything out with the trash, and he'd never see it. Unless Nat said something. But you didn't think she would. Especially since you didn't metion any of this to her. That would be breaking girl code. But she was his best friend, so you weren't sure.

You took another big bite of your candy bar and thought about how long it took you to get pregnant with Rose. It was too easy to recall all of the months where you had yourself nearly convinced that it was never going to happen. How much anger and hurt you felt, wanting something your body just wasn't letting you have. And your daughter was perfect. She really was. But now you were scared for a different reason, and you only had yourself to blame for being so horny when you forgot to take your birth control pills away with you.

The fact that this candy bar tasted so good to you was becoming alarming. You could eat about ten of these in a row right now, no problem. You desperately needed to stop with the junk food and lose more weight, but you were starting to worry that there was a reason for this as you did some quick math. If you got pregnant in La Jolla, you would be about nine weeks along by now. You almost choked on the chocolate. That was practically the end of the first trimester. Maybe there was a reason you were so fucking bloated.

When your phone alarm sounded, you carefully chewed up the last of the candy as you eased yourself out of the tub to silence it. Your movements felt like slow motion as you unwrapped your finger to find just a small cut before tossing the toilet paper in the trash. You turned to look at yourself in the mirror, pausing to examine your expressionless face. And before you even looked down at the test on the counter, you knew what the result was.

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

Being in a different time zone than you was annoying as hell. Bradley missed a call from you last night when he passed out as soon as he got back to his room after hitting the gym and taking a shower. Once again, he was afraid to call or text you too early and wake you this morning. Besides, he had to be in the tower soon to discuss some of his frontrunners with the admirals since he only had two more days before he flew back to San Diego. At that point, he would start planning the training exercises he would implement with these aviators come September.

Two pairs of Super Hornets were working through a dogfighting scenario when the radios in the tower crackled to life with voices. Once again, Indigo and Rex seemed like the top prospects for permanent roles at Top Gun. "They look really good," Bradley mused, scanning their list of accolades. "They're at the top of my list."

"Agreed," one of he admirals replied. "They are both a bit ruthless in the air, but they get the job done every single time."

The fact that it sounded like they were talking about Jake from five years ago almost made Bradley laugh, but that was probably the energy he needed to bring back with him. He could work some of the ruthlessness out of their systems.

"Who else do you think would fit with the program?" the other admiral asked, and Bradley was pleased to find that his notes and thoughts on all of the aviators were met with respect and agreement. His shoulders loosened, and a rush of confidence filled his veins. He'd been trying not to acknowledge how much this new role was filling him with anxiety. There was the fear of failing at his job, but he also wanted to be successful for his own personal growth. At the end of the day, knowing he was leading a well rounded team was important to him.

It was also important that he hit the gym again, or maybe go for a long run. The last few times you'd ordered pizza for dinner, he came home and inhaled half of the pie like it was nothing. When he looked in the mirror, there was definitely some more weight hanging around his middle. When he texted you, asking for some new pictures of Rose, you told him you were still at work but needed to call him as soon as you were done. He had about an hour, so he got changed and turned on his This is what a gym playlist should sound like, Bradley playlist that you made him so long ago, and he started a long run.

You were so much better at making playlists than he was, it was laughable. However the summer heat here was not laughable. Nobody else looked as beet red and sweaty as him. Maybe he was just conditioned for San Diego at this point. He wasn't really sure, but by the time he put a few miles in, he doubled back toward his barracks. When he sat down on some concrete steps at the side of the building, he held onto his phone, ready to answer your call whenever it came.

He was mopping his forehead with the hem of his UVA tee shirt when the door behind him swung open. 

"Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw."

Indigo's voice was now familiar to him from several conversations and the comms in the tower. "Lieutenant Jeffries," he replied as she stepped past him, also dressed for a run. He simply couldn't understand how these people weren't always pouring sweat.

"I meant to ask how you're enjoying Texas."

Bradley laughed and set his phone down on the step between his feet as she stood on the cement before him. "I'm ready to go back to San Diego and escape the heat. Not sure how you all manage here."

She smiled and ran her fingers through her jet black ponytail. "It's not so bad. I'm from Virginia, so it almost feels familiar." Her eyes slid down to his chest, reading his shirt before continuing to his left hand. "You went to UVA?"

"Yeah," he replied with a nod. "I grew up between Norfolk and Virginia Beach."

Her vibrant eyes lit up. "What a small world, Sir. We would definitely have a lot to chat about. After I run my five miles and hit the shower, I'm heading to the bar with Rex and the others. You should meet me there."

Bradley's brow furrowed as he examined her face. She was young. He knew exactly how young from poring over the individual files all week. Her expression held no trace of uncertainty, like she was expecting him to agree without question. She was one hell of a self assured pilot, but he wasn't going to start playing favorites.

"Thanks for the invitation, but I'm waiting for a phone call."

One dark brow quirked up over her blue eyes. "From your wife?"

He nodded slowly, voice deep and raspy when he spoke again. "Yeah. Hopefully my daughter, too."

Her gaze lingered on his face as she backed away from him with a soft laugh. "I'll be looking for you at the bar later."

Then she was off and running, leaving Bradley squinting into the setting sun and her retreating form. When he picked up his phone, he realized he missed your call again. 

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

Bradley, please focus on your family. One more chapter of him in Texas, and then we'll see what follows him home. Thanks @beyondthesefourwalls

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