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evabellasworld · 4 years ago

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I Give You My Heart

Chapter 10

AO3 Link | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

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Summary: When Riyo Chuchi’s life was threatened, Commander Fox and Jedi Knight Ava Lira and Eva Bella Young are assigned to bring the senator back to her home planet Pantora, where she will be safe from harm. But when the assassin knows her whereabouts, it’s up to Fox, Lira, Eva, and Riyo to work together and stop the assassin.

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As Fox sealed the door, Eva shuddered in fear as she sat next to Lira, holding her hands tightly. Despite not having to dread Fox and Riyo's presence, she finds herself drowning in a dimly lit room, with only two beds and a couple of drawers that were blanketed with dust.

Her stomach roared as she had only a ration bar on the way, prompting her to pull open the drawer and found packets of biscuits. Much to her dissatisfaction, there were no sprinkles or frostings, just dry and bland biscuits.

She usually loves her snacks that are sweet and savoury, such as chocolate chip cookies and snickerdoodle cookies. Eva hardly bakes nowadays since she was always off-planet, but if she's free, she and Lira would use their mini-oven that Padmé gifted to bake their favourites.

Obi-Wan and Vanya would look forward to their cookies along with Anakin, and Ahsoka. They would prepare tea to drink along and have lively conversations to distract themselves from the perils of war.

She wished for more time with Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka, but for now, she has to focus on defending the senator, whom she only met once.

“Would you like anything, dear?” Riyo offered. “A glass of water or anything?”

“Yes, please,” Lira nodded, taking a bite of her dry biscuit, not giving a damn about the taste. “We're very thirsty.”

Riyo poured them two cups of water and sat down, facing them. She watched gleefully as the twins munched on their snacks and freshened themselves up, bringing her back to her youth on Pantora, where she would stuff her mouth with hertzoggie, which was filled with coconut and apricot jam.

Fox cleared his throat, catching their attention. A child protecting Riyo from danger? What is the Chancellor even thinking? They all could get themselves killed in just a second. And it will be my fault that I didn't save them on time, as usual.

“Commander?” Eva spoke, wiping the crumbs off her mouth. “Are you okay?”

“I'm alright, General,” he replied, “Though you’ll have to watch the footage that we found.”

He switched on his hologram, displaying the footage that he collected from the building in front of the hospital. Lira and Eva watched as they both squinted at the gory sight, especially where Lip fell off from the stairs. A clone trooper getting shot at is one thing, but being shoved off the ledge made their goosebumps sprouted on their skin.

“Is she alright?” Eva asked, her voice laced with concern.

“Lip is currently hospitalised for her injuries,” Fox sighed. “Though she didn't capture him, she did help us to identify who is our killer through security, but for now, we’ll have to wait until she wakes up, if she even survived the fall in the first place.”

Lira swallowed her crackers and studied the masked figure on the footage. She thought he was tall and was bewildered that he had superior combat skills to take down Lip single-handedly. In her experience, clone troopers are capable of physical combat and blaster shooting, since she was taught by Commander Tori and ARC Trooper Minnie themselves.

Tori thought that it would be useful for the girls to hold a blaster, just in case they misplaced their lightsabers like their masters would. Playing the footage for the second time, Lira gulped down her cup of water as she watched the masked figure bump into Lip, causing both of them to land on their backs.

Grabbing her pen and crumpling notepad from her pocket, she closed her eyes and reached through the Force, only to find herself in the same building where the fight took place. The floors were made out of stone and the white paint of the walls was fading away with age, along with some cracks and stains all over it.

Lira heard a thump behind her and found both Lip and the assassin on the floor, groaning, when the clone identified the sniper rifle hanging around his chest. Before Lira could move away, Lip grabbed her blaster and pushed the trigger with her fingers, only for her weapon to kick from her clutches. “Not today, clone.”

She ran up a few stairs and watched as Lip climbed on the bannisters and punched the side of the mask, smashing him on the ground. “You’re under arrest for attempting to murder Senator Chuchi.”

“Well, well, well,” the assassin let out a chuckle, smiling underneath his mask. “Looks like I’ve found myself getting caught by a fair lady.”

Lira rolled her eyes as Lip was processing what he meant when he held her waist, and pinned her against the floor, and seized her weapon. “Oh no, you don’t,” Lip shouted as she jabbed him in the eye, only for her attack to be blocked.

“Oh, you’re one feisty gal, aren’t ya?” he needled, caressing her chin.

“I don’t have time for this,” she spat as she clenched her fist and hit him on the other cheek, only to receive a mocking laugh. “Are we going to do this all day, sweetheart? I have other things to do.”

“Like what, killing a kind politician? I won’t let that happen.”

“Is she, though?” the assassin doubted. “She’s just like any other politicians, corrupted and apathetic to everyone else around them.”

Lip fumed as she kicked him by the neck, pinning him against the wall. “Well, my love, if you want to be rough, then just say so.”

She lunged towards him but was dragged by her hips and threw her off the bannisters, causing her to land on her back. Lira jumped down and let out a blood-curdling scream as blood flowed from her helmet. Her heartbeat accelerated as she glanced at the assassin, who looked down at her. “Sorry dear,” he laughed. “I guess we’ll see each other next time, if there is a next time.”

Putting down her pen, Lira palpitated as blood leaked from her nose, prompting her to wipe it off. “Are you alright?” Riyo questioned, as she poured another cup of water for the child, pressing a wet towel on her forehead. “Goodness, your body is a bit warm.”

“I’m okay, senator,” she bobbed her head, passing her notepad to Eva. “Just a bit of a headache, that’s all.”

“Will your sister be okay?” Fox wondered as Eva handed him her notes. “She seems to be paler than usual.”

“She’ll be fine,” Eva assured him. “Besides, she jotted down whatever she saw from the footage, which will help us in our investigation.”

He couldn't believe his eyes. Everything that was written down on the notepad, was exactly the same as the report that Yves had handed him earlier. The only difference was the dialogues that she heard between Lip and the assassin. Since there was no audio in the security footage, he didn’t know what happened between the both of them but now, he learned a thing or two about the incident.

Fox could feel the sexual tension between Lip and the assassin, judging by the dialogues. From praising the way she looks, even though she never took off his helmet, to teasing her in a sexual manner, his eyes squinted as he put down Lira’s notepad. This wasn’t the first time that Lip was harassed in this manner, and no matter how much he wants to complain to the Chancellor, he can’t do anything about it, since the system is against them.

But at the same time, he was in awe that a child could manage to record everything, without missing out on crucial details. “I have to say, I'm impressed with both your efforts,” he praised. “You both found out his motives, which we admittedly find that difficult, though it was rather weak if I have to say so myself.”

“Yeah,” shrugged Eva. “Hating on politicians is a pretty weak motive, especially towards Senator Chuchi, who was reputable as the noble politician among dishonesty.”

“True. If they find politicians so rotten, they wouldn't have targeted her in the first place.”

“Yeah,” shrugged Eva. “Hating on politicians is a pretty weak motive, especially towards Senator Chuchi, who was reputable as the noble politician among dishonesty.”

“True. If they find politicians so rotten, they wouldn't have targeted her in the first place.”

“I have a feeling someone who hated her so much would have paid him to kill her and the rest of her allies as well.”

“But who would have hated me so much that they would hire someone to kill me?” Riyo butted in their conversation, much to Fox's delight.

“Cowards,” Fox answered her. “That particular person probably didn't want to get their hand dirty, so he hired someone else to do their dirty work instead.”

“But the question is, who hired the assassin?” Eva hummed, scratching beneath her chin. “And why would they target you and your friends in the first place?”

“Honestly, I don't even know where to begin,” Riyo exclaimed. “There are too many endless strings, which leads us to nowhere.”

“Well, we could start in the underworld,” Lira suggested. “It's where scums like him would hide out from authority figures.”

“A good place to start, but it won't be easy to find him,” Fox warned the twins. “After all, he got away from us twice.”

“Don't worry, we'll do our best to find him,” Eva walked towards the door. “For now, you'll have to protect the senator.”

“I will, General, thank you.”

“You don't have to address me by my rank, Fox,” she chuckled. “Just call us by our names, Eva and Lira.”

For a moment, he was taken aback. First-name basis? That's unusual. Not even Skywalker or the Chancellor would allow such things. “Of course, General,” he stuttered, leaving Lira snickering to herself.

As she stepped outside the room, Lira detected an explosive attached to the surface of the wall in front of them, making her eyes widened. “Everyone, take cover!” she yelled at the top of her lungs, causing Fox and Riyo to hide underneath their bunk.

Lira shut the door as fast as lightning and pushed Eva away from her, but it was too late. The sliding door blew up in her face, causing her to hit her head on the durasteel wall. She felt a huge pressure trampling through her skin as blood oozing from her wound, tasting her own bruise on her lip.

“Lira!” Eva whined, underneath the bunk with Fox and Riyo. The older twin coughed as she lifted the door away with the Force, revealing scratches and burn marks on her face and arms.

Eva panted as she helped her get up, hoping that she would be okay. “Come on, let's get you to the med-”

“Find the assassin,” she cuts her sister off, ignoring the throbbing pain all over her body. “I'll get the senator and the commander out of here.”

“But you-”

“Just go!” she scolded, rubbing her forehead. “I'll be okay, Evie. I promise”

Eva tightened her lips as she forced open the vent and crawled inside, leaving Lira alone with Fox and Riyo.

“Are you both alright?” Lira approached them feeling her head spinning like a top.

“Yes, General,” Fox answered, as he checked on Riyo, who was smudged. “We need to get out of here as soon as possible. Any ideas?”

“I'm open to suggestions,” Lira's croaked, holding onto the side of her torso.

“The medbay would be safe for all of us,” Riyo recommended. “After all, Lira needs to get herself patched up.”

“I'm not sure whether it's a good idea to hide out in the medbay,” Fox doubted. “After all, Riyo was attacked at a hospital before this.”

“Do you have a better idea, Commander?” Lira whooped, only to find blood on her earth-coloured gloves. Fox grumbled in frustration as he had no idea where else to go, besides the med-bay.

“Then I guess we have no other choice then,” he gave up thinking. “Let's hope the assassin isn't waiting for us there.”

“Lead the way, commander,” Riyo gave him a trusting smile.

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plumbus-central · 1 year ago

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this is just for book-keeping but i wanted to get an idea of what the families looked like in my AUs. and i hate to not post em all for reference so i'll put em in a thread here

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fycarmensandiego · 6 years ago

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My thoughts on the new show

It’s not really a proper review because how would I even do that, so here are my various thoughts, somewhat collected! (This is long as hell, fair warning.)

General thoughts:

Le Chevre and El Topo are definitely a couple. I’m so glad other people in the tag are seeing this too. My first inkling was when they were hugging each other after graduating, but it was Carmen’s comment that they only ever work together that really got me like “oh they’re gay.”

Speaking of gays, Dash Haber (Countess Cleo’s courier) is one. His voice is so gay-coded, I knew this one immediately. Not crazy about him being an antagonist (even among antagonists), but he amused me, so he’s good.

Even if they have the same names, these are different characters. The exceptions here being Carmen, the Chief, and possibly Julia. This isn’t a Tomb Raider: Legend case of putting characters in different situations and slightly changing their personalities, or even a Tomb Raider 2013 case of radically changing their personalities to coincide with their new paradigms. Chase, Zack, Ivy, and the rest are really entirely new characters that simply share their names with past characters. It’s almost as if the names are references to the past shows and games than ties to those characters.

For the most part, they even have different designs. Zack is certainly the most radical change, but even the most similar have some changes. Prof. Maelstrom isn’t nearly as stocky as his namesake, and while Dr. Saira Bellum has wild hair like Dr. Sara Bellum, it’s a strange shape as well as a strange color, and her skin is darker.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened in the franchise, either. Minnie Series from Where on Earth is apparently a totally different character from Minnie Series from the original Where in Time game. Adventures in Math changed a lot of the characters’ designs and backstories: some, like Jacqueline Hyde, still had the same core, but others, like Jane Reaction, are so different they have to be considered different characters. And then there are all the different iterations of the Chief: old white guy, middle-aged white guy, middle-aged Black gal, hologram, presumably white guy shrouded in mystery...

I will say that as a result of this, I was disappointed with Zack and Ivy. Not because this Zack and Ivy are bad characters, but because Where on Earth Zack and Ivy are my favorite characters in the franchise after Carmen, and I was looking forward to getting to see them, or at least characters resembling them, again. But, it is what it is.

I get the Kim Possible comparisons, but they’re not where I’d jump first. There are similarities: both are action shows with deliciously OTT villains (though the VILE gang wish they were as effortlessly iconic as Drakken, Shego, and Señor Senior, Sr. and Jr.) and similar art styles, and Player/Wade is a fair comparison. But I have to say I’d never have thought of that comparison if I hadn’t seen it here on Tumblr, perhaps because KP was rooted in Kim and Ron’s daily lives (Sailor Moon-style), whereas CS is rooted in its overarching plot (Chuck-style).

I do agree with another comparison: Coach Brunt and Countess Cleo, and Eartha Brute and the Contessa. I saw a post in the tag earlier today that brought this up, and while I hadn’t thought of it - probably because the Where in the World show is one of the parts of canon I’m least familiar with - it seems legit to me. I had wondered why these two were seemingly born out of nowhere, when the other three had their names and likenesses drawn from Where on Earth characters. (Shadowsan seems to me to be based on Suhara’s design and, to some extent, personality, with Shadow Hawkins’ name.) The specific theory that post espouses, that it’s a legal issue, seems possible to me. Although the World villains did appear in other Carmen media, I know WGBH and WQED own the copyright to the show, though they licensed the franchise from Brøderbund. So I have no idea what the legal tangle is behind that show, and I imagine it’s very complicated.

Speaking of WGBH: I wonder if Zack and Ivy being from Boston is an incredibly subtle reference to its location there.

I have mixed feelings about the art style. It is great in still shots, but I found it a little hard to watch as animation for very long.

I don’t ship anything – yet. Julia’s clarification of “travel partner” is certainly ripe for shippy implications, but for me there’s really not much on a personality level to ship her and Carmen at this point. (Likewise Carmen and Ivy, or Carmen and Zack.) I could definitely get behind Julia having a crush on Carmen, the way I feel OG!Jules certainly does.

As to Gray... he was plainly asking Carmen out / hitting on her when he gave her his card. But even on the way to the date, she insisted she saw him as an older brother figure. Like with Julia, I could potentially get behind it in future, but I’d have to see it developed further. There’s also the matter of him trying to kill Carmen, which I’m not crazy about... Carmen’s forgiven him since he was under orders from VILE, and his mind-erase courtesy of Dr. Bellum has given him a fresh start, but it didn’t change who he fundamentally is as a person, and that person made the decision to join VILE and ultimately to agree to kill Carmen. But I’m not totally anti-Carmen/Gray at this point.

(In re Carmen’s sexuality: I have always felt strongly that all of Carmen’s previous incarnations were ace/aro, but this Carmen? The sapphics have claimed her, and I’m here for it. I’m fine with her being gay, bi, or pan. I’m fine with her being acespec and/or arospec, or not.)

I was surprised by the violence. Scenes of literal attempted murder would never have made it in previous shows or games! In fact, a lot of the melee combat wouldn’t have. The franchise hasn’t always been totally non-violent - Ivy whacked the occasional villain around on Earth, and ThinkQuick and Stolen Drums both required the player to destroy VILE robots, the former featuring robots with personalities - but I don’t think it’s ever been shown in such detail as the combat scenes in this series. I don’t have a problem with it, exactly, but it was a little jarring.

Things I didn’t like:

The educational moments were utterly didactic. I guess you could say the same about Earth, but I feel like it integrated the education into the plot better, and it certainly made the educational moments more fun by working jokes into them. Meanwhile, this show is taking the Stolen Drums approach of info-dumping for two minutes and then moving ahead with the actual plot with no attention to education thereafter. To go back to my favorite video game (I warned y’all), fucking Tomb Raider: Legend did a better job integrating education with action. And it’s not even supposed to be educational!

Stop trying to make “caper” happen. It’s not going to happen. It’s a perfectly good word to use from time to time, as it always has been in canon, but for “The ____ Caper” to be every episode title, and for it to be used at every opportunity in the script when “theft” or “heist” or another word could have been used just as easily gets annoying. The thesaurus: it exists. Also, it’s so overused that at a certain point I started thinking of the culinary garnish instead of a crime. (And I’ve never even eaten capers. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen them in person.)

I’m not crazy about the newly established genesis of Carmen’s name. Having her grow up with no name but “Black Sheep” makes me feel uncomfortable tbh, and while I like the significance of her choosing her own name, pulling it off a hat label seems cheap. And out of character for someone as thoughtful as Carmen.

Some of the villains seemed like real cultural stereotypes. Thankfully, it was not nearly as bad as Adventures in Math, or we’d literally have had Le Chevre saying, “Hon hon hon, baguettes!” but Shadowsan and Paper Star in particular made me uncomfortable as they felt like very stereotypical “Japanese” characters. The same could be said of Coach Brunt, who while not a stereotype of any marginalized group, was definitely a bit one-note. Coach Beiste, but evil and Texan.

Cross-language misspellings. Namely, Shadowsan and Le Chevre should be Shadow-san and Le Chèvre, should they not? The omission of accent marks has always been one of my major bugaboos, and while it’s not the first time the franchise has done it, it still annoys me. Shadow-san’s missing hyphen annoys me even more, since the hyphen indicates that other honorifics could be used, and in fact, it would (if I understand correctly) be more appropriate for his students to address him as Shadow-sama or Shadow-sensei while his peers call him Shadow-san.

I felt some real misogynistic undertones to Tigress. In a show that otherwise is quite female-forward, it irked me that of Carmen’s four classmates, only one is a girl - and she’s the one who becomes Carmen’s rival. And then for that to continue throughout the series, setting her up as the mean girl to Carmen’s good girl (in many ways, the Regina to Carmen’s Janis Ian), really bothered me. I certainly don’t think female characters have to be perfect, or expect perfect representation, but it feels like Tigress’ development just was not done mindfully, and instead they let themselves fall into misogynistic tropes. It’s not like you to pit women against each other, etc. etc.

The ages and timeline confused me. Carmen seems to be in her late teens or early twenties throughout the main part of the series (I saw a post that mentioned she says she’s 20), yet she was clearly still a preteen or young teen when she stole Cookie’s hard drive. Since Cookie’s delivery is an annual event, its information shouldn’t last Carmen those several years to grow up.

By a similar token, Player seems to be the same age in the flashbacks as in the present day. As a result, he seems a little older than Carmen to start, and a few years younger to conclude. It messes me up. Not least because, not gonna lie, I want to be sure it’s okay for me to be so gay for Carmen.

Things I liked:

The references to previous canon. Along with the aforementioned names, we have:

Rita Moreno’s cameo! (Please, please, God, give us another Rita cameo and cameos for the rest of the Earth cast next season.)

Mentions of punning names. This was delightfully lampshaded with Gray’s original codename of “Graham Crackle” and the subsequent drags from his classmates. And while most of the other characters didn’t get punning names, one of the two who did was Rita’s character, Cookie Booker, the bookkeeper - or, indeed, book-cooker.

The very meta plot point of Carmen getting her outfit by stealing it from Cookie, voiced by her previous incarnation’s voice actor.

Frequent utterances of “Where in the world is...” or “Where on Earth is...”

Tigress’ name, a reference to an Earth episode where Carmen faces a new rival. I don’t know if the Duchess plotline was also a deliberate reference to this episode, or a subconscious one, but it’s so similar that I can’t think it was total coincidence.

I’m thinking “the cleaners” are a reference to the Ick brothers, the janitors from World and USA 3.0.

Carmen is ginger. I have a significant bias for redheads. (I dye my hair red and am only half-joking when I call myself transginger as well as transgender. Heaven on Earth-era Belinda Carlisle is one of my major style rolemodels.) Carmen suddenly being auburn for the first time just makes her even more endearing to me than one would have thought possible. Plus, Ivy and Zack both being redheads? Iconic.

Carmen is also gorgeous. Now, unlike some of you, I have never previously been gay for Carmen; she’s always been more of a big sister figure to me. Instead, as a kid, I was gay for TV!Jacqueline Hyde, Ann Tikwittee, and Ivy, in that chronological order. But the moment I saw this Carmen with her hair up in the trailer, I was a goner. And in her cocktail dress at the charity auction, or her black catsuit at the end of episode 9? I thirst. There were several other points as well where I was just like, “Oh my god, she’s so pretty.” Yes, darlings, I am very gay.

That choker. Most fashionable thing Carmen’s ever worn. Fight me. We love a stylish queen.

Player has a fidget spinner. And it’s only seen briefly, which to me says it’s an everyday part of his life, not something they threw in to try to seem cool... Which in turn allows me to point to something and headcanon that Player is autistic. He’s also known mostly by a username, and spends most of his time working on his special interest, and doesn’t seem to be one for socializing in traditional ways. We love an autistic prince. (Also, this makes him in some ways a male version of my girl Futaba from Persona 5. Again, iconic.)

(To be clear, especially since it wasn’t in my little self-introduction the other day, I’m self-diagnosed on the autism spectrum. So well-written characters being autistic is really fun for me.)

Player is from Niagara Falls, near where I live (I’m on the outer edges of the Buffalo/Niagara Falls MSA), while Zack and Ivy are from Boston, where I’m moving next month. Totally personal to me, but I’m so delighted. Now, granted, Player is on the Ontario side of the Falls rather than the New York side, but still. (Hell, who can blame him for not living in Niagara Falls, NY? It’s a hellhole.)

The VILE leaders stay iconic. Countess Cleo’s crush on Zack in his “Duke” guise is hilarious and adorable, and Dr. Bellum’s obsession with cat videos? Legends only.

Paper Star is generally fantastic. It’s actually too bad for me she’s a villain, because I find her super likeable. Her tendency to hum/sing to herself is also really endearing, and she’s another one who’s easy to headcanon as neurodivergent. I really hope we get more of her, and more of her outside combat and the daily business of villainery, because she’s easily my favorite of the VILE crew.

Tigress is also awesome. Yeah, the female character bias is real, but she’s def my second-favorite, which amplifies my annoyance at the aforementioned misogyny. To be honest, though, part of it may be that she’s basically Amanda Evert, my girlfriend from - you guessed it, folks! - Tomb Raider: Legend, with purple lipstick.

Zack and Ivy met Carmen while casing a donut shop. This is so delightfully silly, and I adore it. Like, who the fuck robs a donut shop of all things? I feel like it could’ve been a reference to them being fat, maybe one that was meant to be developed further but ended up on the cutting room floor? On that note...

The fat positivity is real. Zack and Ivy are still able to move around and are even somewhat athletic; the Countess crushes on Zack; and nothing negative is said about their weight (except the potential implications of the donut shop). I love this.

Carmen and Jules’ conversation. As I said above, it’s not enough for me to start shipping them, but I love that Carmen casually addresses her as Jules rather than Julia. It’s so much like when people I don’t know well call me Soph instead of Sophie, which I always love because it connotes that closeness. Moreover, since Julia’s previous incarnation / namesake was almost always called Jules, and was Carmen’s former detective partner, I feel like there’s an implication that Carmen coined that nickname and it became her primary moniker. It’s just so good, and shipping or no shipping, I really hope we get more interactions between them next season.

The voices are good... mostly. Maelstrom is definitely the one I was most impressed with, as his voice has a lot of character while still being easy to understand. Liam O’Brien was doing a great Tim Curry impression there, but much less egregiously campy and therefore more believable. Sharon Muthu was also fantastic as Dr. Bellum - not as fantastic as WOEICS!Sara’s voice actor (Candi Milo?), but then, who could be? And Kari Wahlgren’s performance as Tigress was snarly perfection.

Gina Rodriguez is a big departure from Carmen’s typically low-pitched voice, but she’s perfectly fine. I never sat up and went, “Wow, what a performance!” but I can’t find any fault with it either. Finn Wolfhard as Player is obviously cross-promotional stunt casting, but surprisingly, it’s also perfect casting.

On the minus side... Zack and Ivy. Part of it is that their accents are so ridiculous that it’s distracting (see above Tim Curry comment). Part of it is that, at least to my ears, the accents aren’t believable - I thought they were supposed to be from Brooklyn until they mentioned Boston. I actually don’t fault the VAs for this, as they both have moments where I got the sense they’d be capable VAs for the characters (and I know Abby Trott is talented as I loved her in Tales of Berseria and Nier: Automata), but rather the voice director(s) who pushed them toward those performances. I feel like if the direction had been different, I’d have liked Zack and Ivy a lot more.

That plot twist. I truly never saw it coming. I suspected that Coach Brunt was not, in fact, the one who found Carmen, but I’d actually thought it might have been Prof. Maelstrom. The extent of Shadowsan’s revelations was a big surprise to me. Kudos to the writers for pulling that off.

Conclusion:

It’s not the series I expected. It’s not the series I hoped for. But it is one that I enjoyed, both on its own merits and for revitalizing the franchise. As I said last night, it is a hell of a feeling to have new Carmen content in 2019 (that’s actually getting attention), and for it to be really good content is a relief.

If anyone else wants to share their thoughts, either one-on-one or with the rest of the community (as it were), please do! I’d love to talk more about this series and this franchise and the thieving queen of my heart, Ms. Carmen Sandiego.

#cs2019 #carmen sandiego spoilers #reviews

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jiminables · 7 years ago

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stardust

a/n: this is the first time i’ve written in a while. i was soooo inspired by serendipity. i luv jimin.

word count: 7408

|| celestial!jimin

Celestial beings have always roamed the galaxies and universes. Some enjoy traveling from one galaxy to another, whereas some enjoy staying in one particular planet. Some beings have special jobs like granting wishes for the humans on earth, and some are merely there to study just exactly how they work.

Park Jimin was one of those celestial beings. True to his title of a humanologist, Jimin loved studying humans so much. His findings were always the best source of information for the Wish Granters and sometimes even the Immigrants - the beings who decide to be with them.

His shaggy blond hair was always a mess, much like his workspace. Being cooped up nearly all day could drive someone mad, but as long as Jimin had his magnifier, pen and notebook, he wouldn’t mind. His big blue eyes would sparkle at the sight of an odd human.

Humans are so fascinating, Jimin would think to himself. His notebooks were full of everything he studied.

Jimin noticed that some humans enjoyed talking, and some just liked to listen to people talk. During the night, most humans would be drowsy and lay unconscious on fluffy bedding - and some had difficulty doing so. There were always exceptions to some of his findings, but that could be said about any species.

Never did Jimin dare to set foot on Earth, afraid that he’d be too noticeable. So, his research was only for his fascination and of course the celestials who needed it.

The oddities of their species were the ones that sparked Jimin’s interest even more. Why did some humans decorate their bodies with shiny objects and markings while others would oppose? Why did some humans oppose communication with others?

Everything was so new and foreign.

Ever since Jimin was little, he watched the other humanologists converse about the behavior of such specimens. Some of the things they stated were obviously wrong, but as a junior learning humanology, Jimin stayed back, and wrote the correct information in his notebooks.

Jimin’s curiosity only grew when he laid his eyes on one particular human. Almost every day he’d watch her from his lab, writing down her quirks and behavior patterns.

The way her hair framed her face, the way the corners of her mouth twitched a little before she smiled, and her smiles were always toothy. Boy, did Jimin love to see her toothy grin.

Her eyes were full of wonder, and they reminded Jimin of his own. She was eager to learn and see and explore.

Her writing was soothing to watch, Jimin’s eyes following each stroke of her pen. The way she crossed her Ts and dotted her Is, Jimin adored it all.

Her nonsensical wishes to the Granters would always make Jimin chuckle - she once wished for her peanut butter and jelly sandwich to have the perfect ratio of jelly to peanut butter. But because she was Jimin’s favourite human, Jimin saw to it that her wishes were granted.

Thinking back to it, there were some wishes that didn’t exactly needed to be granted. Like having perfect toast. Jimin smiled at the thought, thinking of when he begged Taehyung to grant it.

“Perfect toast?” Taehyung’s eyebrows furrowed, wondering why this wish was so important that it had to be granted.

“She was wishing really hard, Tae, please?” Jimin gave a sheepish smile, “You know she’s–”

“Your favourite human, yes I know.” Taehyung sighed. Jimin rubbed the back of his neck, his tablet to watch humans in his arm. Sighing once more, Taehyung nodded weakly, a painful smile on his face.

“You’re the best Granter, you know that?” Jimin winked, only earning himself an eye roll from Taehyung.

Y/N eagerly reached into her toaster, her fingers gently gripping the bread. Her eyes glimmered as she saw her dumb wish had come true - the middle of the toast was light golden brown and the crunch was just right. It really was perfect.

Sloppily slapping butter on her bread, Y/N was eager for her first day of classes again. She lived on her own again, away from campus this time. The serenity and peace from living by herself was unlike any other sort of meditation or yoga. A true introvert, she was.

Y/N’s apartment was full of little doodles and work papers. Spilled paint buckets stained the plastic cover on the floor, and sometimes her cat’s paws would track them in places she didn’t think he could even reach. But of course, she didn’t really mind.

The laptop on her legs showed all her classwork - and the occasional Facebook feed. Her cat, Shiro, laid gently by her lap, his tail swooping back and forth contently.

In Y/N’s eyes, she was as ordinary as they get - at least for art students. Little did she know that someone in the universe thought she was the most extraordinary specimen.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, Minseok’s name popping up.

[minseokie:] still up for lunch later? <3

Y/N held back a smile.

[y/n:] of course

She had met Minseok last semester when he bumped into her at the visual arts building - consequently, after bumping into her, Minseok had caused Y/N to stop her large box of art supplies. Paint brushes and pencils and sheets of paper flew all onto the ground. Both of them had been flustered but gathered enough sense to pick everything up albeit very sloppily and rushed.

“I’m so sorry about that–!” Minseok’s eyes blinked as his hand flew to scratch the back of his neck.

“Oh, n-no you’re fine!” Y/N assured him, struggling to keep everything in place again. Minseok stared at her for a little before blurting out his introduction.

“I’m Minseok.”

Y/N blinked at his sudden outburst, but eventually cracked the tiniest smile, “I’m Y/N.”

“Let me buy you a coffee as an apology for making you drop your supplies.” He nervously asked, returning the small smiles.

“Apology accepted.”

Jimin wondered who this boy was, and how he got Y/N to smile so often. Their lips would often touch - a sign of affection humans call kissing. Jimin’s fingers brushed against his lips, wondering how hers would feel against his.

He guessed that it would feel like soft pillows, and he hoped it would make his heart flutter. But something about seeing that boy made Jimin’s heart hurt just a tiny bit.

Maybe more than just a little.

Looking at the clock on his desk, Jimin noticed that a couple hours had gone by - he was only watching Y/N. He scratched his head and turned his watcher to another set of humans, picking up his pencil and scribbling in his notebook.

Letter after letter, Jimin’s thoughts started to wander. Y/N’s lips, her handwriting, her hair, the way her coffee is made in the morning, the way her fingers curl around the spoon when she mixes her creamer in, her her her.

Deep in his thoughts, Jimin never noticed his doodle of her. Noticing his train of thought, he placed his pencil down, his hand running through his hair.

“I need a break…” Jimin pushed his chair out, getting up to walk around his little area.

Albeit everything was artificial, Jimin’s area was specifically made to calm himself down after long days of research. He had a large balcony that looked out over the sea, soft coloured curtains allowing the breeze to ease its way in. At night, the sky would present the billions of stars.

The little sparkling lights would surround Jimin as he’d sit on the balcony, wrapped in his favourite yellow blanket. His telescope would be placed at the side, ready to spot any constellations. The happy lights would perch themselves on his skin, glowing and kissing his features.

Jimin’s hair would be laced with brilliant blue lights, his eyelashes luminous and his cheekbones shining brightly. Some lights would be mischievous, pecking his lips and his cheeks.

Night time was always his favourite.

A knock on the wall made the lights scatter away, Jimin’s smile quickly leaving his face as he whirled around.

“Calm down,” Yoongi breathed, the lights flocking to him, “It’s just me.”

“Yoongi.” Jimin was about to stand.

“Don’t stand,” Yoongi walked over, his bare feet patting on the floor, “I’ll come sit next to you.”

Yoongi was one of the celestial gods, and Jimin so happened to be one of Yoongi’s favourite humanologists. Or maybe Yoongi just liked Jimin.

“I’ve heard about your favourite human,” Yoongi held out his hand for the lights as they gathered on his finger like birds, “She’s quite the specimen.”

Jimin buried his face in his hands as he chuckled, “I can’t stop thinking about her.”

Yoongi smirked, his eyes focused on the playful lights. Moving his hand towards Jimin’s hair, Yoongi let the lights fall upon his shaggy locks.

“Why not meet her, Minnie?” Yoongi muttered, the stars on his glowing skin dancing on his fingertips.

Jimin picked his head up, his eyes curious and cautious, “Meet her…?”

Yoongi nodded, resting his body on both of his hands behind him, swinging his legs and letting the water cool his legs. Jimin but his lip, and Yoongi could see the gears turning in Jimin’s head.

“The eclipse is happening soon, so it won’t take as much energy to get you there. Besides, you’ll immerse yourself in your research at the same time as getting to know her.” Yoongi blinked.

“I don’t know, Yoongi,” Jimin shook his head, “I feel like I’d be too weird around her. She gives me butterflies…”

Yoongi gave a short laugh, watching Jimin writhe in his own nervousness.

“She doesn’t even know who I am, and you know she’s in love with someone else.” Jimin’s heart sank at the thought of Minseok, the only boy who made Y/N smile. Yoongi thought for a while before digging in his pocket.

At his fingertips was a hologram of a chart - a projected future. Yoongi held it out for Jimin to see.

“If her wishes keep going according to plan, her and Minseok will only be friends by the time the eclipse comes.”

“What?” Jimin grabbed the hologram, “Why would they cease their relationship?”

His eyes skimmed the timeline, catching on the key words that gave Jimin hope: lost interest in each other.

“They don’t love each other anymore?” Jimin whispered, hopeful but also hurt that Y/N wouldn’t smile as much anymore. Yoongi stuffed the hologram back in his pocket, nodding sadly. “Why?”

Yoongi shrugged, “Sometimes humans aren’t meant to be with the people they thought they were supposed to.”

“The universe doesn’t agree…” Jimin realized, his eyes widening as he looked up at Yoongi, nodding.

“I can get you to Earth on the day of the eclipse.” Yoongi firmly said, the lights slowly engulfing his body.

“No, wait–!” Jimin reached out, but as soon as the words left his mouth, the lights surrounded Yoongi, teleporting him away.

Jimin gripped his blanket, his eyes blinking as his head processed what was happening. Throwing the blanket off, Jimin’s feet carried him to the living space, smashing his fingers on his keyboard to access his calendar.

Two days.

Two days until the eclipse. Two days until Jimin would end up in Earth.

Two days until he would see her.

Jimin watched intently as Y/N held the phone to her ear, her teeth bubbling at her lip nervously as she spoke to Minseok.

“Minseok?” Y/N paced around her room.

“I’m sorry,” he sighed, “I don’t know–”

“The feeling’s mutual.” Y/N blurted, her heart pounding in her rib cage.

“Wait… What?” Minseok’s voice shook.

“We… both… lost our spark.” Y/N hesitated with each word, as if each one stabbed her heart.

“I–…” Minseok sighed a heavy sigh, his breathing no longer paced, “I agree.”

Both stayed on the phone, letting seconds of excruciating silence take over the room. Jimin sat in anticipation, his heart pounding as fast as theirs.

Say something, Jimin thought.

“We’ll stay friends?” Minseok questioned, a noticeable sniffle on the other line. Y/N’s hot tears started to run down her face, pursing her lips to hide the shakiness in her breathing.

“We’ll stay friends.” And with that, she hung up.

A day had passed and it was one more day until the eclipse - Y/N was still heartbroken, but Jimin didn’t blame her. Although, it did kill Jimin inside every time he’d see her randomly cry. Yoongi sat on the mattress behind Jimin’s workspace, tossing a ball up and catching it.

“I don’t know how to comfort humans, Yoongi. How am I going to talk to her?”

Yoongi laughed out loud, “Of all humanologists, you don’t know how they comfort each other?”

Jimin purses his lips, “You’re right…” He bit his lip, “Would a kiss work?”

Yoongi laughed even harder, throwing his body to sit upright, “You realize kisses are intimate, right?”

Jimin cocked his head to the side, “Intimate?”

“Only really close humans kiss,” Yoongi explained, “You’ll know when to kiss. Your heart will tell you.”

Jimin nodded, his hand gripping his chest over his heart. Yoongi tested himself on his elbow, eyeing Jimin as he sat in his thoughts.

“Are you ready?” Yoongi cautiously asked. Jimin gulped, his palms starting to sweat at the idea.

“Ready as I can be.”

Yoongi nodded as he laid back down. Yoongi blinked as he stared at the ceiling, thinking about how he’ll seamlessly place Jimin into the world full of humans.

Exchange student? No, Jimin can speak any language fluently.

Rural boy? Also no, Jimin has good social skills.

Yoongi resented the idea of making Jimin normal. No one would notice him, but then again, if the lights liked him so much to welcome him every night, then humans would too.

Right?

It was decided then. A normal studious boy who studies sociology, and with a few eye and ear catching talents. Yoongi gently looked at Jimin’s features.

Flawless skin that glowed as the lights pecked his cheeks, lips that anyone would love to kiss, and eyes that could entrance.

He had to admit that Jimin was eye catching.

Hopefully no other girls cause him problems on his trip, Yoongi thought as he toyed with the ball in his hands.

Resting his eyes, Yoongi let the ocean of blankets and pillows take him away. Only a few minutes had gone by before Jimin muttered his name.

“Yoongi?”

“What?” Yoongi didn’t open his eyes.

“Is the eclipse supposed to start?” Jimin’s voice became small, the sound of typing and writing no longer echoing in his living space.

Yoongi’s eyes shot open, shooting towards the open curtains. The moon was almost covering the sun entirely.

“God damn it, I told Jin tomorrow.” Yoongi hauled himself out of the bed, his hand gripping Jimin’s wrist tightly. Running towards the balcony, Yoongi’s lips began to glow a bright blue. His skin was luminous as he threw Jimin around, his hands cupping his face.

Yoongi’s lips planted themselves on Jimin’s before pushing him into the water. Jimin struggled to stay afloat, but the magic Yoongi had planted on him was too powerful.

As Jimin’s body dragged farther and farther down, the light from the stars began to fade, and so did his consciousness.

Darker and darker, Jimin began to sleep. His eyes closing and his heart slowing.

And then he was just floating.

Jimin’s eyes fluttered open before he shot up to sit upright.

A bed. A soft, white bed. A soft white bed next to a window with the sun’s rays peeking through.

Jimin’s hands roamed his head and torso. Hair was dry and shaggy like always, and his body wasn’t wet anymore. His body was engulfed in the sheets, as if he had put himself there. His heart began to calm down as his phone buzzed. Putting it against his ear like second nature, Jimin listened to the voice on the other end.

“Minnie!”

“Yoongi?”

“I’m pretty sure you’ve noticed by now,” Yoongi laughed, “But I’ve charmed you to act like a human. At least, mostly human.”

“I can tell. I know how to use this phone.” Jimin looked at the device.

“Now, your human body will automatically know what to do each day. It has a schedule.”

“So it’ll do what it has to do each day?”

“You’ll just know. But you have the choice to go or not.” Yoongi explained.

“What–, I mean, who am I?” Jimin asked, his eyes examining his room.

“You kept your name, Park Jimin. You are an ordinary human who goes to school and studies. You can still sing and still draw. You even look the same.”

Jimin stood in front of the mirror by his bed, examining his face and body.

Two arms, two legs, and two eyes. The same hair and the same face.

A shrieking noise suddenly came from his phone, along with Yoongi telling him to calm down. Jimin juggled the phone as his thumb quickly tapped on a button.

“An alarm is on your phone to wake you up for school.” Yoongi said calmly.

Alarm? Jimin thought, his eyes now scrutinizing the device in his hands.

“Now listen carefully, Minnie,” Yoongi paced himself, “You have only one class with her, and that’s art.”

“A class dedicated to drawing and painting?”

“Yes, Minnie,” Yoongi breathed, “You’ve been in that class for a week but she’s never noticed you, so why don’t you say hi today?”

A soft beep from his phone signaled the end of the call, and Jimin plopped his phone on the bed. His gut suddenly felt weird, as if it were telling him he had something to do.

His eyes darted to his mirror, noticing that he was still in sleepwear.

Sleepwear.

“Oh my god, I have to get dressed.” Jimin scrambled around his room, fumbling and knocking his stuff down.

It would be a great first day.

Y/N sat on her stool, swinging her feet as she drew the muse in front of her. Bone after bone of the fake elephant skull, Y/N started to wonder if taking this class was even worth it. She wasn’t drawing things she wanted to.

Sighing, Y/N left her stool to sharpen her pencil, only to bump into another student, knocking their not-so-dry palette onto their shirt.

Her eyes widened as paint dripped on his shirt, her hands frantically wiping - or at least trying to wipe - off the paint. It seemed as though, the more she touched it, the more it started to spread and just not come off.

“God, I’m so, so sorry,” Y/N panicked, the eyes of the room starting to stare, “I’m really a klutz.”

He smiled, his hand gently grabbing her frantic ones, “It’s fine.”

Y/N doubted if it was fine - there was paint all over his shirt, and white visibly at that. Her eyes made contact with his as her thumbs fiddled with themselves.

Crystal blue eyes that smiled right at hers, and Y/N felt heat rush to her cheeks. His fair skin and blond hair was soft, and somehow glowing. His eyes closed as he laughed, and it was as if nothing was around them.

His laugh, captivating in its own way. Y/N couldn’t help but wonder how she never noticed this guy in her class.

“Are you sure? I mean, there has to be something as a way for me to apologize.” Y/N’s fingers crossed.

Looking side to side, the boy just shrugged, “It’s just a hoodie anyway.” Gripping the sides of his hoodie, the boy slipped the top off, his hair fluffing just the tiniest bit.

“Jeez, I’m still really sorry…” Y/N stood in front of him, flustered. Her eyes tried oh so hard not to look, but she couldn’t help it. Broad shoulders complemented with slightly chubby cheeks, big lips complemented with perfect eye smiles.

Everything about this boy was absolutely ethereal.

“It’s fine really! It’s just paint–”

“Y/N.”

“Y/N,” the boy smiled, “It’ll wash out. Nothing that some soap and detergent can’t fix.”

Y/N pursed her lips into a weak smile, an apology written all over her face.

“I never got your name.” She peeped, making his eyes widen in realization.

“Jimin!” He smiled, “Park Jimin.”

“You’ve been so bored in that class. You really never noticed one of twenty in there?” Momo chimed, scooping ice cream into her mouth.

“I guess not.” Y/N fiddled with her spoon, stabbing it in her ice cream over and over.

“Especially one as attractive as the one you’re describing?” Momo shook her head, shoveling another spoonful. Y/N sucked her teeth, stabbing her spoon in her ice cream once more.

“Isn’t this wrong?” Y/N asked, catching Momo off guard.

“What?” Momo covered her mouth, shock all over her face.

“I just broke up with Minseok like a couple days ago and now I probably like someone again.” Her hands slumped on the table.

“Technically, nothing you’re doing is wrong,” Momo cocked her head to the side, “You guys aren’t together, and you mutually agreed to split.”

Y/N nodded, eyeing her ice cream as it began to melt, “You’re right.”

“What looks bad is getting together with this Jimin guy like right this second. It might make it seem like you had your eye on him, you know?” Momo blinked.

“So…” Y/N hesitated, “I have to wait?”

Momo shrugged, indicating it was a Yes and No question, “Wait long enough to make sure he’s not a rebound, but not too long or you might lose Minnie Mouse.”

Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed in understanding.

“When did you get this smart?”

Momo laughed, “I’ve always been smart, but it’s not like I want to be smart all the time.”

Just be friends at first, Y/N thought to herself, her fingers smudging the paint on her canvas. With her hand doing all the work for her class, her eyes began to wander in search of Jimin.

Looking over the room, her eyebrows furrowed when she didn’t spot the blond boy right away. Only when she looked harder - his hair popping out from the top of the bookshelf in the corner of the room - did she find him. Setting her paintbrush in the water and wiping her hands on her apron, Y/N waltzed her way over to him.

Coming up from behind, Y/N saw a glimpse of what he drew - the galaxy. In fine detail, Jimin mapped out all the stars and all the moons; and sitting in the middle of it all on a tiny open balcony, was a blond boy.

“You drew and painted all this?” Y/N’s breath was taken. Jimin’s head whirled around, his hand suspended in air as to not ruin what he worked hard on. When his eyes found Y/N’s figure, all he could do was smile his bright smile.

She was sure his smile was brighter than the stars.

“I did,” Jimin said, setting his pen down, “And it took me a while to perfect so now I’m just adding in extra details.”

Y/N nodded, “You’re an art major, aren’t you?”

Jimin pursed his lips and shook his head, “Nope.”

Y/N’s eyes became moons.

“I study sociology and minor in psychology. Art is just a hobby.” Jimin shrugged as he held out his dirty yet dainty hands.

His soft palms were just like cat paw pads. Pink and supple. Not only were they dainty, they were cute. Smudged with blue and black paint, Jimin’s hard-working hands were held out for Y/N to see.

“You… have cute hands.” She whispered.

“You have a cute face.” He smoothly said, making both of them blush. Y/N let out a nervous laugh.

“Hey, we should hang out, you know?” Y/N’s feet fidgeted.

Jimin shrugged with a smile, “Alright. Where and when?”

“Ah–!” Y/N pulled her phone out, “I’ll text you that part. I haven’t exactly decided on when.” Her voice was audibly shaky. With a smirk on his face, Jimin’s thumbs tapped on her screen, adding himself as a contact.

Handing the device back to her, Jimin stood from his stool, “Class is over. I’ll see you?”

Y/N bit her lip as the corner of her mouth curled upwards, “Yeah.”

Jimin sat on his window sill as the sun beat on his face. A soft fur ball named Calico - who coincidentally but also not coincidentally - was a Calico cat was held in his arms. Sleeping away as Jimin petted him, Calico’s tail gently wagged back and forth contently.

A soft buzz caught Jimin’s attention, with Y/N’s name keeping it.

[y/n:] there’s a coffee shop not too far from campus. do u like coffee??

[jimin:] more of a tea person

[y/n:] of course they have tea -_-

[jimin:] are you going to send me an address? [jimin:] i very much enjoy knowing where i’m going, wouldn’t u agree? [jimin:] =P

[y/n:] it’s just on the corner of 2nd and 5th

[y/n:] i’m sure u know where that intersection is [y/n:] u do, right

[jimin:] calm down, i know where it is

[y/n:] be there at 2

Jimin smiled as he petted his cat, bringing him to his lips before throwing himself off the window sill to get ready.

Albeit his celestial mind had no idea where the corner of 2nd and 5th was, his human body knew - and luckily it wasn’t much of a walk to get there. The smell of java and tea leaves filled his senses, the warm feeling of fresh baked goods caressing his skin.

Seeing Y/N by the register, Jimin tapped her shoulder.

“Can’t decide what to get?” Jimin piped up.

Y/N’s eyes stayed squinted at the menu, “I can’t choose, but it’s at least between the bottomless latte and the iced americano.”

Jimin looked impressed as he eyed the pastries.

“I heard both of those are the house’s favourites.”

“Trust me,” Jimin suddenly closed her eyes with his hands, “This is how you decide.”

A nervous yet eager smile spread across Y/N’s lips, “Well alright then.”

Turning her around and releasing his hands from her eyes, Jimin explains to her how to choose.

“Number one is latte, number two is americano. Whichever one your eyes land on first is what you get, got it?” Jimin held up one finger in one hand and two in the other.

Y/N quickly nodded, ready to turn around. As Jimin counted down to one, Y/N whirled around, her eyes immediately catching on one hand.

“Bottomless latte it is.”

Y/N had four small latte mugs when she and Jimin had begun to open up to each other.

“You’re super talented at art, but you chose sociology and psychology as your major and minor?” Y/N looked at Jimin with disbelief, a playful look of hurt in her face.

“I love to study people and their behaviors,” Jimin shrugged and laughed, his fingers grazing his cup, “Art is just a hobby.”

“Yeah,” Y/N sipped her drink, “A really, really good hobby.”

“What about you, Art Major?” Jimin lurched forward in his seat, “Why art?”

“I feel liberated and myself when I let go into my art, you know?” Y/N’s eyes began to sparkle, and it reminded Jimin of home.

“I can express myself without having to use words. I can be funny and weird, and happy and sad. A picture paints a thousand words, Jimin.”

“You speak with passion,” he nodded, “Art must really be your life.”

Y/N smiled sheepishly, “It’s an escape, as cheesy as that sounds.”

“No, I get you,” Jimin nodded earnestly, “I totally get it.”

Their empty plates sat between the two as they continued their conversation, their cups slowly beginning to drain.

A ring at the door made their heads turn momentarily, only to whip back around.

Minseok.

“Oh, god.” Y/N ducked her head, her heart starting to beat.

“What’s wrong?” Jimin lied. He knew what was wrong, but he couldn’t let her know that he knew nearly everything about her.

“That’s my ex.” Y/N hissed, fearful that Minseok would spot her. Jimin’s eyebrows twitched.

“How long ago did you break up then? Not too long ago, I’m guessing.”

“Literally like this week.” Y/N slowly gathered her things, finishing the last of her mug.

“Where are you going?” Jimin’s voice shook a bit.

“I can’t stay, I’m sorry. He’ll think I broke up with him because I like you,” Y/N’s eyes suddenly grew wide, “Oh no.”

“You like me?” Jimin sat in disbelief as Y/N moved even faster.

“I’m sorry, I have to go.” Y/N rushed out, leaving Jimin to wallow in his thoughts - His thoughts that raced in his head.

She likes me.

“You accidentally confessed,” Momo said sternly as she watched Y/N pace back and forth, “And it wasn’t even a real confession. You barely know him.”

Y/N’s fingers massaged her forehead and nose bridge, “I know, I know. I really messed it up.”

Momo sat with her jaw slightly open, “Of all things to say…”

“Can you please stop?” Y/N snapped, her pacing coming to a stop for a second, “How do I even fix this?”

“Well, maybe he’s interested in you, too.” Momo shrugged, staring off into space as she thought of possibilities.

Y/N stopped, placing her hands on her hips, “He didn’t seem repulsed by the idea.”

“But now you really have to figure out if Jimin is not a rebound. You saw him.”

“I realize this, Mo. But how am I even going to see if he’s not a rebound?”

Momo smiled shyly, “You’ll know.”

Trusting her judgement, Y/N sighed as she plopped down next to Momo, her head pounding and her stress levels a little too high.

“I hope you’re right.”

[jimin:] u up for coffee again?

[jimin:] just got out of class. i’m down for coffee lunch break

[jimin:] you ok? u haven’t replied in three days

[jimin:] i drew a cat for you [jimin:] i have a cat. a calico cat. named calico. [jimin:] original, i know.

[jimin:] hi

Y/N stared at her phone, and then at Jimin’s easel. She had accidentally made eye contact with him a few times during class, but Jimin being the way he was, he never said anything.

She felt bad. And she knew that suddenly distancing herself was bad. Especially without giving Jimin anything - not even a small notice.

Her thumbs suddenly began to type.

[y/n:] hey, sorry i’ve been out of it lately

[jimin:] its cause of ur ex isn’t it?

Y/N sighed.

[y/n:] honestly yeah.

[jimin:] do u think i’m a rebound?

[y/n:] i barely know you jimin

[jimin:] lol then get to know me, u idiot!

Y/N cracked a smile, her eyes meeting with Jimin’s signature eye smile.

[jimin:] i promise i don’t bite, but i don’t promise that calico doesn’t bite. [jimin:] he loves some tough lovin’

[y/n:] i’m down to get to know u

[jimin:] :) [jimin:] i’m down to get to know u too

“Does coffee tomorrow sound good?”

Y/N arrived at the shop early, taking her extra schoolwork to complete before Jimin arrived.

“You still do homework here.” A familiar voice chimed, making Y/N pick her head up from her studies.

“Minseok?”

“I see you haven’t changed much.” He grinned, his teeth slightly showing.

“Well, you know this is my favourite place to study and eat.” Y/N sheepishly said.

“I don’t blame you,” Minseok took the seat in front of her, “So what have you been up to?”

Y/N’s jaw hung open to speak, only to be interrupted by a blond boy tapping on Minseok’s shoulder.

“Sorry, but I was sitting there.” Jimin said shyly, his cheeks a little red from the embarrassment. Minseok looked at the blond haired boy, back to Y/N, back to the boy, and back to Y/N again.

Y/N nodded weakly, watching Minseok slowly stand from the seat.

“Hope I wasn’t interrupting anything,” Minseok said suspiciously, “I’ll see you again, Y/N.”

Y/N exhaled relievingly, “Jeez that was really awkward.”

“Looked like he was happy to see you.” Jimin said flatly.

“I don’t know what that was about.” Y/N said earnestly, truthfully. Jimin chuckled.

“It’s fine, we’re only friends. It’s not like we’re anything official.” He shrugged. He wasn’t entirely wrong.

Nodding in agreement, Y/N slowly packed away her schoolwork, allowing room for their food and drinks.

Words upon words flew out of their mouths, information of each other filling their brains. Jimin loves astrology, Y/N enjoys swimming. Both are fascinated by space and both have seen the Big Dipper.

Jimin loves to cook and Y/N loves to eat. All of their common interests regarding music and art came up, as well as sports and politics.

Everything was shared. Jimin even made a fake story of how his half brother ran over the mailbox when Jimin was sixteen. Of course, Y/N found it hilarious - and was completely oblivious to some of his blatant lies.

Having no real background other than knowing that one of the celestial gods handspun stars to create Jimin, and that Jimin was entirely made of stardust, Jimin had no choice but to make white lies about his human “family.”

Y/N’s heart revealed itself on her sleeve, knowing well that Jimin was no rebound for her feelings - just like Momo had predicted.

Five o’ clock was nearing - which was when the shop closes - and the two were still in deep conversation. It wasn’t until a kind barista let them know that it was closing hours that they then decided to leave.

“So, I guess I’m no stranger anymore.” Jimin smirked, his arms outstretched.

“Nope, not really,” Y/N gripped her backpack as she walked, “Especially when you tell me that you loved to swim naked when you were little.”

The story wasn’t entirely a lie. When Jimin was still fresh stardust, he loved to swim in the ocean above to see the lights that fell off his body as he swam. Clothes would trap the stardust, so he swam without them.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow in class.” Y/N bowed her head goodbye, her cheeks flooded with red and pink. Jimin waved her a tiny goodbye before walking their separate ways.

[minseok:] who were u at the shop with?? [minseok:] never seen him before

Y/N looked at the messages, not even knowing how to reply.

[y/n:] he’s in my art class

She said cautiously. Y/N decided whether or not to stop by the coffee shop, afraid that she’d run into Minseok again. Shaking her head, she grabbed her art bag and headed out the door.

Her headphones were on, the music playing as she trekked to class. The art building wasn’t too far from where Y/N resided, which she guessed was a perk to being an art major at the school.

Blue eyes met with hers as she walked into the studio, quiet music playing as classmates around her were completely their assignments. Picking the easel next to Jimin’s, Y/N quickly leaned in to whisper.

“Hey, what’s your next class?” Mischief was laced in her voice, and Jimin could tell.

He raised an eyebrow playfully, “Why?”

Y/N shrugged as she laid her utensils out, “I’m bored. Let me sit with you in your next class.”

Jimin let out a short laugh, shaking his head, “You’re something else, but I guess I’ll let you shadow.”

“I have sociology next.” He said, his eyes glued to the paper in front of him.

“Sounds boring.”

“Why didn’t you tell me Minseok was in this class!?” Y/N whispered angrily, slapping Jimin’s arm. He grabbed the spot where he was hit, a look of hurt and betrayal on his face.

“It’s not like I knew!” Jimin whispered back, careful not to raise attention, “This class has over 200 people, Y/N.”

She rolled her eyes as she sat back and crossed her arms, side eyeing Minseok and whatever the professor was saying.

Please don’t notice me, Y/N thought.

With her luck, Minseok’s ear twitched before turning his head, their eyes meeting and locking. Both of them felt the tension, and it didn’t help that Minseok saw Jimin next to her.

Feeling heat rise to her face, Y/N quickly grabbed Jimin’s wrist, dragging him out of the class and not caring who would see.

As soon as their bodies left the lecture hall, Jimin opened his mouth.

“Y/N, are you okay?” Worry was written all over his face, his eyes hurt and sympathetic.

“I–” she massaged the bridge of nose, “I need to clear my head.”

Jimin blinked before looking outside, and idea springing in his head.

“Tell you this; I’ll take you to see the sunset, and we can hang out on my roof with a couple juice boxes and watch the stars.” Jimin proposed, his wrist still in a death grip.

Y/N’s stressed eyes looked down at the boy who eagerly want to relieve her, nodding with a weak smile. Her grip loosened as Jimin pulled away, walking and leading the way.

“I used to do this when I would bury myself in my studies,” Jimin pulled Y/N up onto the roof, a cooler bag full of assorted juice boxes slung around her shoulder.

Placing herself next to Jimin, her attention was drawn to the colours of the sky. Shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow danced across the clouds, the sun becoming orange and bidding them farewell.

Blue and purple eventually took over the sky as the two watched the sky magically transform into night time. The moon greeted them from above, summoning billions upon billions of brilliant stars. The moonlight kissed Jimin’s skin, illuminating his stardust complexion. Y/N’s eyes were glued to the sky, the stars captivating her.

Jimin suddenly noticed the stars were lowering themselves, surrounding him and Y/N.

No no no, anywhere but here, Jimin thought, panic suddenly running through his veins.

“I’ve never seen stars do this…” Y/N cautiously said, holding her hand out as stars fell into her palm.

Turning her head to look at Jimin, Y/N’s eyes widened. The lights were hugging his skin, stuck on his bangs and eyelashes. Patches of stardust in his skin revealed themselves, and suddenly, Y/N had a feeling Jimin wasn’t who she thought he was.

“Jimin?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Y/N, I can explain.” He held his hand out, immediately attracting the lights to him. Stardust flew off his fingertips.

“Jimin, what are you?” Y/N backed up a little, an uneasy feeling filling her.

“I–” Jimin stuttered, “I’m not… human.”

Y/N’s eyebrows quirked up, a sarcastic face on her, “Really?”

“I won’t hurt you, I promise,” Jimin pleaded, “I adore humans, especially you.”

“You what?”

Jimin sighed, letting the lights engulf his complexion, “I was handspun from millions of stars, their dust formed together to create me. The celestial god, Yoongi, created me. He says he didn’t, but we all know he did.”

“The celestial gods,” Y/N breathed, “They’re real…!”

He nodded, “Yoongi wanted a companion so he took the stars that flocked to him and created me. I am made from stardust.”

Jimin rubbed his fingertips together, flicking the dust to the night sky and adding more stars. Y/N just sat in awe.

“When I was little, I loved to swim naked,” Jimin chuckled, “But not because I was a weird child, but because when I swam in the ocean in the galaxy, the stardust would rub off and leave a trail. I made a luminescent snail trail in the water.”

Y/N cracked a smile at the thought of a baby Jimin giggling uncontrollably because of a snail trail in the water.

“I study humans in the celestial world,” Jimin explained, his hands covered is playful lights, “Humanologist, if you will.”

“That explains why you chose sociology and psychology on Earth.” She whispered, pieces of the puzzle slowly coming together. Her eyes wandered on Jimin’s face, wondering if the stardust would rub off on her fingers.

“Yoongi put me in this mostly human body,” Jimin motioned to his stardust patches, “So I could meet… a certain human I particularly liked studying.” His voice became quiet at the end.

“You fell in love with a human while you were up there?” Y/N breathed, shock and curiosity laced in her eyes. Jimin nodded sheepishly, hoping she’d get the message.

“She’s an artist,” he started, his eyes averting from here, “I love the way she dots her i’s and crosses her t’s. Her coffee is interesting. I’ve never seen a human drizzle caramel sauce on top, making sure it’ll get on the side of the mug so she can taste the caramel first.”

Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed, “I drizzle the caramel sauce.”

Jimin pursed his lips, his head hanging a little low as he nodded. Suddenly, the last piece of the puzzle fit.

“You came down… for me.” Y/N eyed Jimin, the celestial boy sitting cautiously as he revealed himself.

“The first time I saw you was a few months ago, so when I saw Minseok, I knew exactly who he was,” Jimin tried to hide his face, “It hurt seeing you smile because of a person you weren’t meant to be with.”

Y/N sighed, “I can tell Minseok and I weren’t meant to be, either,” Jimin perked up, “The spark was lost, and most of the things I loved at first became things I hated.”

Jimin could only stare.

“At first, his little remarks were playful and cute, but after months of it, it just felt like they were rude.” Y/N rested her head in her hand.

“It seemed well hidden for a while then.”

“Oh, it was,” she nodded quickly, “Everyone thought we were fine since we kept going out on dates, but even on our dates, they were so fake.”

“You faked happiness up until the end…” Jimin breathed, astounded at the human behavior.

“I think that’s why I liked you so fast,” Y/N cocked her head to the side, “The break up was premeditated for who know how long, so my heart was long gone from Minseok.”

“I remember making that assumption when I studied romantic relationships,” Jimin blurted, his interest in humans bursting out, “You’ve already moved on in your heart and mind, so all’s left to do is break it off.”

Y/N nodded, her eyes looking at the stars surrounding them. The lights flicked to Jimin, but some made exceptions to give Y/N attention. They felt feathery and light as they danced across her skin.

It tickled.

Jimin adored hearing her giggle and laugh, especially now that he’s seeing her surrounded by the mischievous lights.

“They’re quite affectionate,” Jimin said, allowing some to perch on his hand before holding them out for Y/N, “They seem to like you, too.”

“I never thought I’d be up here with a celestial being.” Y/N giggled, taking the bunch from Jimin’s hands.

“I never thought I’d be down here with a human.”

Their eyes locked, the lights illuminating their faces in the night. Jimin’s blue eyes were sultry but also sweet, inviting Y/N to him. Slowly leaning towards each other, their noses brushed, their eyes locked on their mouths.

With a brave push forward, Jimin’s lips pressed against hers, kissing her passionately. The stardust rubbed off, and the lights shined even brighter.

The whole universe was stopped in this moment - the moment Jimin and Y/N kissed.

Breaking away, their eyes smiled at each other, exchanging giggles and sheepish grins.

Scooting closer to Jimin, Y/N nestled her head in the crook of his neck as they watched the night sky above them, and both of them knew that the gods were pleased.

Especially Yoongi.

“Jimin?”

“Yes?”

“Am I your first kiss?”

“N-no… My first kiss was a boy…”

#jimin #jimin scenario #jimin scenarios #bts scenario #bts #bts scenarios #jimin fluff #jimin angst #bts fluff #bts angst

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sending-the-message · 7 years ago

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Never Talk To People While Waiting In Line At Disneyland! by Em_Leonard

Let me first get this out of the way...

I LOVE DISNEYLAND!

I always have. The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain. Call me a goofball if you want, I love them all. As long as can remember there was always a certain rush of magical excitement whenever I talked about it. That smell of the train’s axel grease mixed with fresh popcorn as you take first steps down Main Street. Your first glimpse of Sleeping Beauty’s castle sitting bright and vibrant against the Southern California sun. The wonderful dilemma of having to choose between The Matterhorn or Mr. Toads Wild Ride. All of this comes with one caveat, the crowds. But with such great adventures about to happen, who cares? We’re all there for the same reason. Well, maybe not everyone.

These feelings I have towards the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ were ones I so wanted to share one day with my own kids. And for the most part I have. My son, who’s ten years old, is just now appreciating the “magic”. Admittedly however not as much as I did at his age. But last week I saw his excitement finally spill over as we parked the car and hopped on the tram for our annual summer visit.

In late August the crowds sometimes thin out as school seasons are beginning. This is different for us having home schooled our son since the fourth grade. We have more freedom with our schedules then most and this trip to Disneyland has become our unofficial end to summer and a start to his school year.

We all have our favorite rides. My wife and I, the Haunted Mansion (of course). My son’s favorite, surprisingly, is the Jungle Cruise. Looking back, it was a fitting place to meet them, while waiting in line for a ride with a savage survivalist theme. A boat ride where everything goes wrong and you’re attacked by all sorts of wild animals. Because that’s what they were, wild animals.

They seemed normal enough, a wholesome family of five and friendly as can be. It was the young boy, about the same age as my son that started the conversation. I hadn’t noticed that they were talking, but soon we all became locked in an enthusiastic conversation about our favorite place in the whole world. And they sure knew their stuff. Like what years the rides were built, oral histories about rides long gone. And when I heard the dad, Walter, call his daughter Ariel I knew these people were way hard core Disney folk.

Walter and Belle have been together for over twenty years and with their three kids Ariel, Donald (Don) and Woody make up the most intense Disneylanders one could ever meet.

Everything about them was branded by Disney in some way or another. From the matching mouse ear tee shirts, or the branded lanyards filled with collectable pins right down to Ariel’s pink Minnie mouse sneakers. Even the teenager of the group, Woody, wore his fair share of the Magic Kingdom flair.

And they talked about the place as if was their home, addressing some employees by their first names. Funny thing, the employees certainly didn’t respond as if they knew or even recognized them. It was nothing but confused looks in return. Maybe that should have been the first sign we could have picked up on. Or the fact they were all named after Disney characters. But we didn’t. In fact, after that first ride, we became ‘Disney pals’ so to speak.

We went on a few more rides together and it was nice, especially for my son. Since he home schools, making friends can be challenging and watching him mixing it up with Ariel and Donald was gratifying. Both Walter and Belle were nice too and were filled to the brim with all sorts of Disneyana facts . Woody however was not so friendly. He would stand there quiet and observant. But he was a teenager after all.

After a ride on Peter Pan’s flight we stopped off to get a refreshing cola and have a quick seat to rest. We sat together in the shade as we waited for the kids to finish their drinks. Meanwhile, Walter’s Disneyland stories started to become strange.

“I’m actually a lifetime member of Club 33!” Walter said at one point out of nowhere and with an infectious enthusiasm.

For those unaware, Club 33 is an exclusive, nearly impossible to get into, VIP only private club located in New Orleans Square. It was hard to swallow that he was a lifetime member and my gut instinct called this out as bullshit. But his promise of us having lunch at this exclusive club kept my doubts at bay. Maybe it’s true I thought.

“Let’s do a few more rides then head over”, he said.

I politely tried to steer in the direction of breaking away but he insisted we join them. I could see that look in my wife’s eyes. The one that’s telling me to man up and cut this cord. But hey, Club 33 is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

As we all got up to leave I noticed Walter take my son’s empty soda cup from him. He proceeded to dump the leftovers into the trash can then take the mouse ear lid and straw combo. He handed it over to Belle who placed it in her fanny pack. Walter looked at me and smiled his bright white row of teeth.

“Everything’s a souvenir” he said.

We should of left them right then and there. But we didn’t. Instead the kids began deciding which ride to go on next and being the passivists my wife and I are, we just went along with it.

My son broke out his park map to give it a look. Somewhere in the process he gave himself a nice and deep paper cut across his thumb. I didn’t notice until we were all waiting in line at the Haunted Mansion when I heard Ariel explained to my son that he should suck on the cut to stop the bleeding. I gave him a napkin to use instead. She kept insisting that he suck on the cut. I found her persistence about it unnerving. But later, within the darkness of the “stretchy” elevator, when I saw Ariel with my son’s thumb in her mouth that my unnerving turned into terror.

I was frozen in shock at what I was seeing and so was my son. She was sucking the blood from his cut. My fatherly instinct grabbed his hand and pulled it away from that little shits' mouth. She looked at us both as innocent as a porcelain doll, stoic and calm. I looked around to see if my wife had noticed but Walter was talking her ear off. In fact, everyone’s ears.

“This ride was the last one Mr. Disney worked on himself before he died” he boasted out to the annoyance of everyone in line.

I tried to corral my family so we could ride together but in the nonstop conveyer belt commotion I saw my wife ride away with Belle and I was stuck with Walter. I made sure my son was squeezed in with me. Ariel and Donald rode together. Woody rode alone.

For the duration of my favorite ride Walter proceeded to explain away details from every scene we past through. The hydraulics in the animatronics, the techniques used to create the holograms. I learned more than I needed to or ever wanted, sitting there while he systematically ruined my most favorite and cherished dark ride. But even more disturbing to me was the little blood sucker in the car behind us and my wife sitting next to god knows what to our front. We were trapped. All I wanted to do was get us the hell off this thing and away from them. As the ride finally came to an end the narrator’s warning “Beware of hitch hiking ghosts” suddenly took on a whole new meaning.

I rushed us off and asked the first employee I saw where I could find a first aid station. Who knows what kind of disease these people could be carrying and that girl was sucking on my son's fresh cut. Walter tried to steer us toward Club 33. I took my family’s hands once we were entangled amongst the crowd and changed course to Main Street.

“Keep walking, don’t look back...”

My wife understood what I was doing and went along. We walked briskly, navigating the scores of people for what seemed like forever hoping those weirdos were not behind us. Once we got to Main Street I finally glanced back and saw nothing. We lost them.

I nervously dumped gobs of first aid ointment on my son’s thumb explaining to my wife what I saw.

“You’re not gonna believe what I saw either” she replied, as I wrapped a Disney theme band aid around my son’s greasy thumb. But there was no time to discuss. We needed to make a decision.

We ultimately decided that instead of leaving the park all together, to head over to the sister property California Adventure. We did pay for a park hopper pass and those damn things aren’t cheap. Why let some freaks ruin our last day of summer? Fuck them. Plus, we were super hungry.

Once at California Adventure, we sat in the corner of the most out of the way eatery we could find and started to relax as our food digested. I told my wife about the paper cut sucking incident and she told me what she had seen. It was just as disturbing.

While on the Haunted Mansion she got a glimpse inside Belle’s fanny pack where she saw a clear plastic bag with “stuff” in it.

“What kind of stuff?” I asked.

Used tissues, gobs of matted hair as if pulled from a hairbrush, flattened out Disney soda cups, remnants of someone’s leftover fast food from the park, what looked like (to my wife) a used dry and blood crusted tampon, and to top this all off, our son’s mouse ear soda lid/straw combo that Walter had taken earlier.

We sat there stunned, almost paralyzed to even move. The only thought that came to mind was, WTF...

“Look! There’s Woody!”

My son stood up pointing at him. I turned to see his tall and hunched over lanky figure pass by in the crowd. He was alone. I quietly sat my son down and tried to make like a hole in the wall. My wife and I locked eyes again. We knew it was time to go home. But when we got up, they came into the eatery out of nowhere.

“Where’d you guys go!” Walter belted out with a giant smile full of teeth.

They took their seats blocking us in. I glanced over at Woody, sitting a few tables down all by himself and grinning like a madman. He was following us.

“What should we ride next, friends?”

There was a slight change in Walter’s voice as he spoke. Like he knew we were on to them.

“I think we’re heading home...”,

He wasn’t buying my wife’s lie.

“Home? It’s barely two!”.

We sat there, trapped again. Then an idea hit me.

I mustered up my best polite person persona and suggested another ride, Mickey’s Fun Wheel. Their kids lit up with excitement. My wife looked at me like I had five eyeballs. I just played along and tried to act just as excited.

“We can get a car all to ourselves and ride together!”, Walter was overcome with joy.

While waiting in line my wife was squeezing my hand so hard I thought she was going to break it. But I had a plan and it was nearing deployment, especially as we inched closer to the loading platform. The most important thing was to keep this family of freaks in front of us. Every time my son mingled too close to the front I’d pull him back as inconspicuous as possible keeping us together. And it was working, except for Woody, who kept lingering behind us.

There was only three groups ahead of us and my heart was lodged into my throat. If this plan didn’t work I’m not sure what we could do next. I had to execute this perfectly. The big gamble was how many riders per car, which was eight, perfect!

It was our turn next to board and I had managed to get us in the perfect position. They were to our front and therefore would board first, even that creep Woody. When the wheel turned and our gondola was ready I casually took my family’s hands. Game time.

Once the freak show boarded I pulled my wife and son off to the side and squeezed us back through the line. We quickly made our way past puzzled faced until we reached the nearest place to exit. I looked back to the magnificent wheel now starting to turn, where I saw those creepers crammed into their gondola, trapped. My plan had worked! I met Walters eyes one last time before they disappeared higher into the sky. They were pure darkness.

We spent no time getting out of there, not even waiting for the tram and high tailing back to the parking structure. Once we got into our car I let out a huge sigh of relief.

“What are you doing?! Start the damn car!”

My wife was not so relieved.

And she wouldn’t be until we were completely out of there. I started the car and backed out looking first to my son in the backseat. A feeling of anger came over me. What a shitty day for him. I noticed his band aid was gone.

“It fell off somewhere” he said.

Fitting, I thought. We drove home in silence.

It’s been almost exactly one week since our doomed trip to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’. We’ve had a few family talks about not letting things get in the way of our fun time, no matter where we are. We should not let that bizarre experience get in the way of future visits. I mean, shit happens right?

I was feeling real optimistic about everything, until I went to collect the mail yesterday. There was a plain, unmarked envelope mixed within the week’s mail. I opened it and inside was my son’s band aid along with a note written on “It’s a Small World” stationary.

It read:

“Everything's a souvenir - your friend, Walt”

#reddit #nosleep #scary #story

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