#i AM going to watch let there be carnage now i think. hehe

[alien-enjoyer]

home alone so i watched venom instead of doing anything useful . watched venom because of malevolent . yes i was comparing the two the whole time but also i can recognise them as separate things with separate themes. a rare win for media literacy. might watch let there be carnage next. tonight? maybe. idk. it’s only 8:43 pm (now 9:07pm by finishing the post) . ivegot thoughts about similarities and differences. might drop them first. yeah theres up to date malevolent spoilers in here oopsie

venom is very much an action movie. venom the character has more autonomy than john to fit. venom and eddie speedrun their trust like literally they beat up some guys in their shitty apartment and then immediately go on the SICKEST car chase ever and eddie trusts venom to do all sorts of crazy shit even though hes only known him for like 3 seconds. he’s very open and accepting the fact theres an alien sharing his body he literally only freaks out about the aliens on the lift with that poor doctor who deserved way better. like someone who would remember her name. so not me. eddie’s like “ha this might as well happen ellemayo” because he’s got nothing to lose.

then again it could be argued that arthur also has nothing to lose but his approach to the whole “theres a spooky eldritch horror sharing my body” is far more sensible. investigative reporter vs private investigator is really not that different so it must be something else . arthur is a mostly sensible guy where eddie has been kicked out of several jobs before so maybe thats it the point is this is what happened. but . john isnt really sharing arthur’s body. he’s taking it. but as a trade, he’s much more passive, has much less autonomy. a lot of this is balanced out with him being their eyes; arthur is the one doing all the action, john’s basically just a narrator with a character arc.

but malevolent isn’t an action podcast, it’s about choices, and hope, and humanity. venom is about cool guys having a fight. and looking awesome. so that all makes sense. john is NOT the heavy hitter, the action-taker (with exceptions in part 40 and 43), this is due to the fact no one can hear him apart from arthur. arthur is the one throwing basically all of the punches. whereas in venom, venom is the more action-heavy half. eddie is more than capable of taking care of himself too, but he would be so so so dead without venom be fr.

but the format of venom as a film is that you cant fit a character arc like malevolent’s in an hour and 20 minutes. or whatever however long it was idk. so eddie had to be cool with venom from early on. or they wouldve had to make that the plot of the whole movie, which you just cant do, because thats not visually interesting and this is marvel we’re on about. it all comes down to format and themes. limitations.

malevolent is a podcast. you cant do action scenes in podcasts. not like you can in movies at least. and in movies you cant really have heartfelt moments because we’re here for cool explosions not the spooky and the freak talking to each other with emotional maturity for extended periods of time. you couldnt turn malevolent 43 into a movie. arthur is dead and mostly unmoving on the table the whole time. theres like one thing that could happen in that movie that would be interesting to watch and then john gets trolled about it anyway. and if you turned venom into a podcast it’d just be unreadable noise.

[johannstutt413]

(requested by mathmaticalknight) Dusk burns Nian’s movie collection, Shaw is the most upset

Ifrit was walking down an empty hallway, minding her business (like she usually did!) when she heard a voice from a painting. “Hey, Ifrit. Want some ice cream?”

“Shit, is my Oripathy getting worse? Starting to get hallucinations.”

“No, it’s not a hallucination.” Emerging from that painting, stunning the Sarkaz for a moment, was Dusk. “I want your help with something. You get to burn things, and have some ice cream, and I am finally free of some cursed information.”

She thought about it for a minute. “Will Silence find out it was me?”

“I won’t tell her.” Which wasn’t an answer, but the answer was obvious. No need to waste time on that.

“Hmm…Alright!” Ifrit turned around. “I’ll go get my flamer. Where are we doing this?”

The painter swirled her brush, drawing an image of the Sarkaz’s room. “We’ll get your flamer together, and then I’ll take you where the fire should be.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be rude and shit?” She asked, stepping across the threshold.

“Me? Who told you that?” Dusk watched her gear up, checking the time on the wall clock in the room. “I just don’t have time for idiots.”

Ifrit smirked, brandishing her weapon. “Same. Let’s get smoking.”

“Right this way.” The Dusk flung some paint at the normal entrance/exit to the room, creating another portal opening to a closet lined with film reels..

“Another dorm?” The Sarkaz gave her a look. “This isn’t the library, right? I have books I need to turn back in; if the library burns down, I’ll have to pay for those.”

The painter shook her head. “No, nothing like that. These are Nian’s films. I want them destroyed.”

“Oh…hehe. I think Silence will like that, actually. Alright, keep your distance! Professional at work here!”

“Did you hear something, Saria?” Nian’s voice could be heard through the wall. “Could’ve sworn I heard a voice in the closet.”

Dusk hissed. “Fire!”

“With pleasure!” FWOOOSH!!!

“Hey, wait, is that smoke?” As the portal closed, the Nian pulled the door open. “Shit, Saria! Fire!”

Before the Vouivre could even pull the fire alarm, Shaw burst into the room and began spraying water into the open door. “Firefirefirefire! Evacuatethearea! Howdidthishappen isthisacloset?”

“Yeah, I don’t know. I heard voices, and then there was a FWOOOSH!!! Next thing I knew, there was smoke. Door’s been shut the whole time.” Who could even…ohhhhh that cunning little-

“Fuckingarsonists,” Shaw swore, catching both Defenders off-guard. “WhenIfindout whodidthis I’llgetthem oncommunityservice forthenext fewmonths.”

Saria looked at the carnage before nodding to herself. “Ifrit. Definitely Ifrit.”

“Iknewit! Thankyoufor youassistanceI’m sorryaboutyour filmsMissNian.” The Zalak had a purpose, though, as ironically a fire lit behind her eyes.

“Eh, it’s fine.” Nian chuckled. “If Dusk thinks those are my only copies of those, she’s got another thing coming. Oh, by the way, how’d you get here so fast?”

The fireslayer tapped her helmet. “Wheneversomeoneshouts ‘Fire!’ PRTSmesssagesme directlythroughmy helmettheDoctor setitupforme it’sreallyhelpful.”

“Huh. Cool. Well, I won’t keep you any longer. Go get her, tiger!”

“Have to admire the dedication,” the Vouivre noted as Shaw left to exact hydraulic vengeance before taking her suspect into custody. “You have those films somewhere else?”

The smith shook her head. “Nah, those were my only copies, but I don’t really care. It’s about making them more than keeping them, you know? The memories, not the recordings.”

“But you’ve said before the memories fade over time,” Saria observed.

“Yeah?” Nian shrugged. “So does everything. Life is ephemeral. I don’t to leave something behind…I just want someone to witness me before I’m gone, and now that I have you, why would I need films and shit?”

The warden stared at her for a moment before bullrushing her, catching her in the tightest hug she could. “And I’ll be here for all of it. ‘Death do us part’ and all.”

“Good.” Normally, the Nian might’ve had some kind of clever response, something to bounce off of the moment with to move them onto the next.

Honestly, though? She’d stay in the Vouivre’s arms for hours, given the time.

Meanwhile-

“-She’s after me!” Ifrit ran back to the painting she met Dusk at originally, turning to face behind her, flamer readied. “I dunno how she knew, but she’s chasing me like one of the Lab dogs!”

The painter emerged, arms crossed, nonchalantly leaning against her painting. “And?”

“And?! It was your idea! Get me out of this!”

“Hmm…” The Dusk sighed. “Alright. Get in.” She created another portal for the child.

The Sarkaz didn’t hesitate…which made Shaw’s job much easier when she arrived on the scene and found that her quarry had been painted into a corner, literally. 

The corner of one of the ship’s briggs, to be more precise.

[racebox-of-higgars]

Christmas Kisses - sprace oneshot

It may not be Christmas anymore but I’m still gonna write it 

Crossposted on Ao3 at Racebox_of_Higgars 

Enjoy! 

“I think I’m having a feeling,” Spot groaned, flopping down onto Jack’s couch. “Make it stop.” Jack looked up from his painting, frowning at Spot.  

“How did you get in my house?”  

“I picked the lock,” Spot said simply, as if it happened every day.  

“As you do.”  

“Yes.” Jack narrowed his eyes slightly, then shook his head. Today was not the day for questioning things.  

“What feeling?”  

“Fuck if I know.” Spot gestured at the air in front of him. “ Racetrack! ” That only made Jack even more confused.  

Spot, he didn’t really do feelings. He would always bottle them up and ignore them until they became anger, which was far easier to deal with than whatever it was before. That earned him his reputation as the kid with the anger issues, which suited him just fine. It meant no one messed with him, or people around him, and as long as they were okay, he was happy.  

“You got a problem with Race?” Jack asked, turning completely away from his painting. He was invested now.  

“Yes! No! I don’t know.” Jack grinned, finally catching on to what Spot was getting at.  

“You like him, don’t you?” Spot screamed into the pillow and Jack snickered.  

Jack loved Race. Not in a romantic way, but Race was pretty much his little brother, and he would do anything to make Race happy. He had seen Race fall in love too fast then each time they would leave and he’d watch Race fall apart, each time losing another part of himself. Slowly, it had worn Race down, and though he didn’t let it show, he was always hurting. Every time he got into a new relationship, he would keep his distance, trying not to get too close Every time he would get his heart broken. Jack never liked any of Race’s boyfriends, but he liked Spot.

“So what do I do about it?” Spot asked. “Do I ask him out, or do I like stab him?”  

“You ask him out, dipshit!” Spot screamed again.  

“What do I do?” Spot sat up slightly, looking a Jack, and he actually looked worried. God, he was whipped.  

“Ask him on a date.”  

“What kind of date does one ask Racetrack fucking Higgins on?” That was a good question. Thankfully, Jack had known the fucker since they were basically fetuses, and therefore knew exactly what he would want.  

“Take him to the ice-skating rink, then get hot chocolate together and watch a Christmas movie.” Race was a sucker for Christmas, and it being just weeks away now, it was perfect timing. “If you’re feeling bold put up some mistletoe. He loves that shit.”  

“Race loves Christmas, right?”  

“Yup. If your house isn’t decorated he’ll fly through there like a glittery rainbow tornado.” Spot smiled at that. He could practically picture it, and he felt the blush creeping up his cheeks. “Dude, you’re fucking whipped.”  

“Shut the fuck up, I’ll still kill you in your sleep.” Jack just smiled and turned back to his painting.  

“Enjoy your date.”  

Spot knew what he wanted to say, but actually asking Race out was a whole other story. They were in the library together, a usual hangout spot (hehe get it), when it was cold, and Race was rambling on about some new thing he had grown obsessed with and Spot had listened diligently, completely enraptured by Race’s excitement. His sparkling eyes lit up with a childlike glee and a grin spread across his face as he looked out the window.  

“Spotty, look!” He cried. “They’re turning on the Christmas lights!” Race was entranced by the lights, almost like a child, but Spot wasn’t watching them. Spot was gazing at Race. He watched as the colours flickered over Race’s pale skin and the rainbow of lights reflected off his eyes. God, he was so in love with this boy it hurt, and if he didn’t get at least a date with him soon he was pretty sure he’d combust.  

Plans went out the window.  

“Go on a date with me?” He blurted, screaming internally the second it left his mouth. Race turned to him, shock written all over his face.  

“What?”  

“I-uh-I wanted to know if you, maybe, wanted to go on a date with me?” Spot stammered out, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. Race smiled, somehow wider than he had when he was watching the lights.  

“Really?”  

“Yeah.”  

“Yes!” Race rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, like he always did when he was excited and Spot couldn’t help his smile.  

“Alright, uh, I’ll pick you up at 7, is that okay?”  

“Yeah.”  

“Oh, and wrap up warm,” Spot added, thinking about how cold it was likely to be on the ice later. Race nodded.  

“Okay, I’ll – uh – I’ll see you later?”  

“Yeah, see you.” Fuck yes!  

In Which Race Is A Third Wheel  

Racebox of Higgars:  GAYSGAYSGAYSGAYSGAYS!!!!

Mom:  Do you really need that many exclaimation marks?  

SantaGay: GAYSGAYSGAYSGAYSGAYS????

Mom: Don’t encourage him  

Racebox of Higgars:  GAAAAAAAAAAAYS!  

Mom:  What do you want?  

Racebox of Higgars:  SPOT ASKED ME ON A FUCKIN DATE!!!!

SantaGay:  HELL YEAH!  

Mom:  Finally

Mom:  It’s only taken him nine years.  

SantaGay:  what are you doing?  

Racebox of Higgars:  i don’t know, he wouldn’t tell me

SantaGay:  oooh, a man of mystery  

Mom:  Be safe.  

Racebox of Higgars:  i always am

Racebox of Higgars:  OH FUCK WHAT AM I GONNA WEAR

Mom:  Did he give you a dress code?  

Racebox of Higgars:  no, he just said dress warm

SantaGay:  black skinny jeans, that cream turtleneck you literally never wear, your fancy black coat, doc martens, a lil bit of eyeliner  

Mom:  Jack, you have fashion sense?  

Mom:  Why do you never dress up nice for our dates?  

Racebox of Higgars:  o shit

Racebox of Higgars:  thanks gays  

For the fifth time, Race examined himself in the mirror, scrunching up his face. Something was missing from his outfit. He had to admit, Jack’s taste was good (the eyeliner was amazing), but something was still missing. He rifled through his drawers, eventually pulling out the silver chain Spot had bought him when they were 14. It was simple, plain, but spoke volumes.  

Race had only just come out as trans. He was slowly swapping out his wardrobe for more masculine clothes, and they were going through his old jewellery.  

He held up  a necklace with a small owl charm at the end, grimacing. He hated that necklace. It wasn’t anything against it particularly, but more to do with how feminine it made him feel. He hated it.  

“Y’know,” he began absent-mindedly, “I used to love this necklace, but now I can’t stand it. It makes me really dysphoric for some reason, which sucks since I love wearing jewellery and stuff, but I can’t wear most of this.”  

“You can get more masculine necklaces,” Spot answered from where he was sitting at the foot of Race’s bed.  

“Well, yeah, but I can’t really afford it.” Spot frowned. “I don’t get any money at the moment, and I can’t work.”  An idea slowly formulated in Spot’s mind.  

“Race, I got you something,” Spot said sheepishly. Race turned, brow furrowing.  

“It’s not my birthday, or Christmas. Why?”  

“It ain’t much, but you were saying about it the other day and then I saw it and thought of you.” He held the box out to Race, who took it tentatively.  

“This isn’t gonna explode or anything, right?” Spot laughed, but shook his head. It reminded him of their prank war a month or so before, which only ended when Spot had broken his nose.  

“It shouldn’t do.”  

“Alright, good.” Race tore into the packaging with a newfound fervour,  dropping it to the floor because he was a firm believer that gift-giving should always be carnage, no matter what the occasion, then opened the lid of the box. Spot watched nervously, suddenly thinking that this was probably a bad idea, but Race’s face cracked into a grin.  

“You bought me a necklace?” He said incredulously as he carefully lifted it out of the box.  

“Well, yeah. I was out with Hotshot yesterday and I saw it in a window and it reminded me of the other day. If you don’t like it I can take it back I jus-“ Spot was cut off by a weight crashing into him, and arms wrapping tightly around him.  

“I love it, thank you.”  

Since then Race had kept it in pristine condition, carefully making sure it didn’t rust or otherwise get dirty or break. He carefully lifted the chain out of the box, much like he did all those years ago, and fastened it around his neck. Looking in the mirror, he smiled. It offset the outfit perfectly, matching with the silver buttons on his coat and just providing that extra little touch to the outfit. He took a quick photo and sent it to the group chat.  

In Which Race is a Third Wheel

Racebox of Higgars sent a photo  

Racebox of Higgars:  GAYS DO I LOOK OKAY  

SantaGay:  damn bitch  

SantaGay: if i wasn’t dating davey and you weren’t like a brother to me id tap that  

Mom:  He means you look good.  

Mom: He’s right, you do.  

Racebox of Higgars:  thanks gays  

Racebox of Higgars:  OH FUCK HES HERE  

Spot shuffled slightly outside Race’s door, flowers in hand. Were flowers too much? Fuck it, it was too late now. Race opened the door and Spot’s breath caught in his throat. Oh god, Race was gorgeous. Spot’s eyes slowly glanced over Race, taking all of him in, from stylishly messy curls, to his bright eyes rimmed by just a little bit of eyeliner to make them stand out, to his breathless smile, to the necklace at his throat, to those criminally tightly jeans, and Spot needed to stop staring.  

“Christ, you look gorgeous,” Spot breathed, still hardly able to take it all in. A blush crept up Race’s cheeks as his eyes skirted over Spot.  

“You can’t talk, you’re-“ he gestured wildly at Spot, “beautiful.” Spot had been called a lot of things, hot, sexy, handsome, but never beautiful. It surprised him, he loved the sound of it on Race’s lips.  

“I bought flowers,” Spot said, holding them out. “I hope it’s not too much.” Race smiled taking them from him.  

“Cyclamen,” Race pointed out with a smile, taking them from him. “You remembered?”  

“I’ve been doing some research into flower symbolism,” Race said, half hanging off the end of his bed. Spot looked up from his homework.  

“Yeah?”  

“Yeah. It’s actually pretty interesting. It’s weird to think that plants have so much  meaning . Like, take hyacinth flowers. Apparently they were created when two Greek God’s were fighting over one guys love  and one of them got hella jealous so fuckin killed the guy cus if he couldn’t have him no one could. The other one created the flower from his blood.”  

“That’s fucked up.”  

“I know. It symbolises rebirth now.”  

“Huh, but the guy wasn’t reborn?” Race shook his head. “Fair enough. Do you have a favourite flower?” Spot asked, partly out of genuine curiosity, partly out of hope that someday he’d be the one buying Race flowers.  

“Cyclamen,” Race answered easily. “They symbolise love and tenderness.” Spot smiled. Of course Race would like something like that. He was a hopeless romantic at heart. “Do you have one?”  

“Not at the moment. I’ll have to do some research and get back to you.”  

Spot liked lavender roses – blossoming romance.  

“Of course I remembered. I, uh, I had some lavender roses put in too.”  

“Your favourite,” Race recalled. “Blossoming romance, right?” Spot nodded, embarrassed. Race smiled. “I’m gonna go put these in some water real quick, wanna come in?”  

Race couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he carefully organised the flowers in the vase. Spot had remembered the offhand conversation three years ago. Not only had he remembered, but he had gone out of his way to get the specific flowers Race loved. The blush on Race’s cheeks darkened slightly, doing a little dance as he placed the vase on the coffee table.  

“You’re wearing the necklace,” Spot pointed out. Race rubbed the back of his neck.  

“Yeah.”  

“You still have it?” Spot was genuinely surprised. That had been eight years ago now, and yet the necklace still looked like it did the day he bought it.  

“Of course I do. I’ve kept everything you’ve bought me over the years.” Spot laughed.  

“Even the stuffed dinosaur?”  

“Especially the stuffed dinosaur.”  

“You’re gonna think it’s stupid!” Spot cried, a blush creeping up his cheeks. Race laughed, holding Spot back with one hand as he clutched the wrapped gift in the other.  

“Nope!” He answered, popping the p. “I’ve never found anything you’ve bought me stupid, why would I start now?” Spot groaned and backed off slightly, rubbing a hand over his face. Race eagerly tore into the paper , throwing it onto the pile left by Spot. He grinned, laughing. “I love him!” He said, pulling the blue stuffed dinosaur against his chest and wrapping his arms tightly around it. “I shall name him Steeb.” Spot shook his head, laughing. He had genuinely thought Race would hate it or think it was stupid. Race had been going through an obsession with dinosaurs, and of course he was always a sucker for stuffed animals, and thus Steeb had been bought.  

“Steeb?”  

“Yup!”  

Race pulled him into a tight hug, still laughing. “Thank you.”  

“Where are we actually going?” Race asked as they walked outside onto the freezing street. Frost coated the grass, and their breath hung before them, pockets of heat suspended in the cold air.

“It’s a surprise,” Spot said simply. Race forced his hands into the pocket of his coat to shelter them from the cold.  

“You know I don’t like surprises,” he mumbled.  

“Yes you do, you just say you don’t to try to get me to tell you shit.” Damn Spot and damn the fact that he knew Race better than anyone.  

“You brought me ice skating?” Race asked, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet.  

“Yeah, Jack said you used to go a lot as kids.” Race grinned, kicking off his shoes and replacing them with skates, lacing them up tightly. Spot copied him, putting their shoes and bags into lockers.  

Race quickly made his way onto the ice, gliding like a pro and kicking off with a small spin, just to test it out. Spot got onto the ice and promptly fell on his face. Race, however, was lost in the moment, gliding and spinning and twisting, then leaping into the air. Spot watched in wonder as Race closed his eyes, lost in his movements.  

Race closed his eyes when he danced. Losing himself in the music, he would just close his eyes and let it take over. It would decide his movements for him, and he would follow along. Spot stood in the corner, mesmerised by the boy in front of him. A small smile crept onto his face as he watched Race. It was rare for Race to let Spot see him dance, so he took any moment he could. Watching Race, it was like he was made for this, with the way his body moved so gracefully, so purposefully. Spot loved every moment. No matter how hard he tried (not that he was trying), he couldn’t tear his eyes away.  

“Spot!” Race said excitedly, opening his eyes and pausing the music. “You came?” Spot smiled.  

“Of course I came, dumbass. I wasn’t gonna miss this.” Race bounced on the balls of his feet excitedly.  

“I’m on in half an hour. Just going through some basic stuff now to get ready.” Spot scoffed.  

“You call that basic?” Race ran a hand through his curls, damp with sweat.  

“I mean yeah, compared to what I’m doing in the show.”  

“What are you doing in the show?”  

“You’ll have to wait and see,” Race said with a wink.  

“Ever the cryptid.” They stood in silence for a moment, then Spot had to break it. “You’re not binding, right?” Race’s face fell and he subconsciously crossed his arms over his chest. “C’mon, you know it’s not good for you. Can we take it off before you go on?”  Race shook his head.  

“I don’t have anything else to put on.”  

“I brought a sports bra, could you change into that?” Race hesitated for a moment, before nodding. Race always struggled being safe when binding, so when he had events like this, Spot would always bring a spare sports bra and one of his hoodies for Race to change into. Just in case.  

He handed Race the sports bra.  

“I have a hoodie for you to wear after,” he said, handing him the hoodie too. Race smiled as he went into the bathroom to change.  

“Thank you.”  

“Spot!” Race cried, skating over to his side and offering out a hand. “Are you alright?” Spot shook himself out of the memory and took the hand, shakily getting to his feet. He immediately slipped again, but Race caught him, laughing. “You can’t skate, can you?” Spot shook his head. “Why did you bring me ice skating if you can’t skate?”  

“Because I knew you’d like it.” Race took both of Spots hands in his, so they were facing each other, then he slowly began skating backwards, locking eyes with Spot.  

“Thank you.” Spot tried his best to mimic Race, and soon they had a steady speed and rhythm going. “By the end of tonight I’ll have you skating on your own.”  

“I doubt that.”  

“Bet.”  

Race won the bet.  

“Wanna go get hot chocolate?” Spot asked. “Not the shitty watery stuff they serve here, we’ll go and get the good hot chocolate from the library.” Race rubbed his hands together to try to regain some feeling in them and he nodded.  

“Hell yeah.”  

The library’s café was a big reason why they always hung out there. They’d found it while studying one night, and it had slowly become ‘Their Spot’ over the years. All the staff knew them and their orders, and always greeted them with a smile. They knew all the staff by name too.  

“Thanks for this, Race.” Spot said, setting his books down on the table. Race smiled, setting his bag down on an empty seat.  

“It’s alright, don’t worry about it.” He glanced around. It was a cozy, quaint place. Squashy armchairs surrounded tables and the whole place was filled to bursting with old wooden bookshelves. Towards the back was the café, a large chalkboard with all the prices hanging above it. “Wanna grab food and stuff before we start working?” He asked, gesturing towards the café. Spot looked up, and nodded.  

“Yeah sure.”  

“I’ll pay,” Race said as Spot reached for his wallet.  

“But-“  

“No buts, I’ve got it.” Race tapped his card on the reader and took his mug of hot chocolate, laden with sprinkles, whipped cream and marshmallows back to the table. Spot sat down shortly after him, lifting the mug to his lips. Race took that moment to admire Spot, backed by the sunlight streaming through the large windows. His brow was furrowed slightly as he concentrated on his mountain of a drink, and the contended smile on his face brought out his laugh lines.  

There was whipped cream on his nose.  

Race burst into laughter at the sight of Tough Guy Spot Conlon with whipped cream on his nose. Said Tough Guy Spot Conlon looked up, brow furrowing more in confusion.  

“Is something on my face?” He asked.  

“There’s – there’s whipped cream on your nose,” Race said through laughter. Just to make Race laugh more,  Spot attempted to lick it off. He loved watching Race laugh. It was the most magical sound in the world to him.  

“Boys, can you quiet down a bit,” a waitress asked, “this is a library.” Race pressed his mouth shut to muffle his laughter and Spot wiped the cream off with his finger. That was the beginning of their library ‘study sessions’.    

They settled into what had become their corner of the library, curling up in two opposite armchairs, setting their drinks on the table. They had chosen a spot right next to a large window so they could watch people go about their days on the streets beneath them. Sometimes they would make up ridiculous stories about the people walking by, just to make the other laugh. Often, it would turn into a competition about who could come up with the funniest story. It would reach the point where they were howling with laughter, tears streaming down their faces, and the library staff would shake their heads fondly as they told them to quiet down.  

“Thanks for tonight, Spot,” Race said, a small smile on his face.  

“It’s not over yet.”  Race tilted his head. It had already been one of the best nights of his life, how on Earth was this not the end? “We’re gonna go back to my place one we’ve finished these, get takeout, watch a movie.” Race grinned.  

“A Christmas movie?” He asked excitedly.  

“Even better – a crap Christmas movie.” Race’s eyes lit up and he wiggled a little in his chair with excitement.  

“Oh my god, you are the best.” Race was obsessed with Christmas movies, but the shitty, cheesy ones that you laugh at because of how unbelievably  bad  they are, and Spot was his long-suffering companion who had put up with this bullshit for nine Christmases in a row now.  

“Can we watch a Christmas movie?” Race asked, draped over Spot’s lap. This was their first Christmas as friends, and Race was going to make it a good one.  

“Which one?” Spot smiled down at Race, automatically starting to run his fingers through his hair.  

“I dunno, something super cheesy. The kind so bad you have to laugh at it.” That was Race’s favourite kind of me. Probably why he enjoyed the Twilight Saga. Not because he actually liked the films (Edward was an abusive douche, he had physically fought someone on that before, and he would do it again), but because it was so easy to laugh at how unbelievably shitty they were.  

Spot nodded, opening Netflix and putting on some shitty movie.  

Neither of them actually watched the movie though. Spot was distracted by Race’s soft smile and how peaceful he looked. Race was distracted by the feeling of Spot’s hand in his hair and Spot’s arms around him.  

It had been a while since Race had been in Spot’s apartment, (they usually preferred to hang out at Race’s, he had a bigger TV for movie and game nights) and he looked around slowly. It wasn’t a big place, but it was still nice. He had a large, squashy sofa, plus an armchair, a coffee table that clearly had been cleaned recently. In fact, the whole apartment had that smell like it had been cleaned just a few hours before. Had Spot cleaned for him?  

“Do you want tea or coffee or anything?” Spot asked from the kitchen.  

“Coffee would be good,” Race answered, getting comfy on Spot’s couch. Spot set to work making it as Race glanced over the takeout menu. Then, he had an idea. “We should build a pillow fort!” Spot turned to face him, one eyebrow raised, a bemused smile playing on his lips.  

“A pillow fort?”  

“Yeah!” Race’s smile dropped slightly. “Unless you don’t want to. We don’t have to-”  

“Of course I want to.” Spot set the coffee mugs down on the table, plopping down next to Race. Race’s eyes lit up when he saw the mugs.  

“You still have those?” He asked excitedly.  

“Of course I do.”  

“Spot look!” Race exclaimed, pointing at a shelf. Spot put down the mannequin hand he was turning into a middle finger and turned to look at Race, who was holding up a matching mug set. They were plain white, except for black lettering. One said ‘his bitch’ on it, while the other said ‘his slut’. “They’re for gays!” Spot laughed, looking at the price tag.  

“And they’re only like, $3.” Race’s eyes lit up with mischief, the way they always did when he had a stupid idea.  

“We’re absolutely gonna buy them, aren’t we?” Race said.  

“Obviously.” Spot took them from Race and paid for them.  

Later, Spot handed Race the mug reading ‘his slut.’  

“Why am I the slut?” Race said indignantly.  

“Come on, we all know you’ve slept with like, half the guys in the school.” Race’s face fell a little.  

“You don’t mind, do you?”  

“You sleeping around?”  

“Yeah.” In truth, Spot did mind, but he wouldn’t say that. The only reason Spot had an issue with it was because of his  huge  crush on Race. But he supposed he had no reason to be jealous, it wasn’t like Race was his.  

“No, I don’t mind. It’s your body, you do what you want with it.”  

“Sometimes I worry if I’m doing something wrong. If, I dunno, whoever I end up dating doesn’t like it.”  

“Have you ever dated anyone long-term?” Spot asked, more out of curiosity than anything else. Race shook his head.  

“Nah. There’s people I’ve seen for a couple months or so, but never longer than that. They realise I’m fucked up and leave.” Race laughed bitterly, trying to add humour to the situation.  

“You’re not fucked up.”  

“Mhm, that’s not what they think.” Spot took Race’s hand in his.  

“Look at me.” Race hesitantly met Spot’s eyes. “You  aren’t  too fucked up. There’s no such thing as too fucked up to be loved.” Race blinked back tears.  

“Thank you.”  

“It’s alright, now shut up and take your slut mug.” Race laughed.  

“You do realise it’s gonna have to stay at your place, right? No home will let me keep this.”  

“We can keep it for special occasions.”  

They curled up together on the couch. Spot reached for the remote and started flicking through Netflix, putting on a shitty movie. Both pretended to watch the film, but they were both too focused on the close proximity. Both wanted to make a move, but neither knew the right moment. The distance between them was painful.  

Slowly, achingly slowly, Spot reached an arm around Race’s shoulders. Race wiggled slightly, getting comfy, before relaxing into Spot’s side, resting his head on Spot’s shoulder. Warmth spread from every point of contact, and he couldn’t believe he’d spent nine years missing this. He had spent so long pining for Spot, but never worked up the courage to make a move, instead throwing himself at any other guy who would take him to try to distract himself from his helpless crush, but nobody gave him the same feelings as Spot did. Spot was it for him, he had known for the last nine years, and he knew it now.  

Spot was screaming inside. Race was right here, in his arms, and he wasn’t pulling away. They were on a date, and it wasn’t painfully awkward. Since meeting Race, Spot had hardly dated anyone. He had a couple flings here and there, but none lasted long. None could hold a candle to the brightness of Race. Nothing could compare to the warmth in Spot’s chest he felt around Race, or the safety and comfort he hadn’t felt before, but with Race it seemed so easy. Everything was easy with Race.  

Race took the moment to look around the room. In the corner, there was a photo frame, with 9 photos in it. He looked closer at it, and realised it was one of the two of them together, each one taken a year after the one before. The first one was taken when they first met, before Race had come out, before he had cut his hair. The second one was just after he had cut his hair. He still remembered each one being taken.  

“Spot, can we take a photo together?” Race asked, fiddling with the ends of his hair.  

“Why?”  

“I like having photos with all my friends, I like keeping the memories.”  

“Sure. You want a selfie or are we gonna make someone take it for us?”  

“Should we get someone else to take it?” Spot nodded. “Can you ask them?”  

“Alright.” Spot took Race’s phone and walked up to a middle aged woman walking by. They spoke briefly, then Spot came running back, throwing an arm around Race’s shoulder. Race grinned, looking at the camera, wrapping his arm around Spot’s waist. A few seconds later, the woman gave them a thumbs up, and Spot ran back to take the phone back. Spot handed the phone back, leaning over Race’s shoulder to look at them.  

“Are they good?” Race nodded, smiling.  

“Yeah, really good.” Spot backed off slightly, wrinkling his nose.  

“Your hair got in my nose.” Race frowned.  

“Sorry. I’m gonna cut it shorter at some point.” Spot tilted his head.  

“Really? How short?” Now Race was gonna do a special trick called lying to avoid outing himself.  

“A bob, so around my chin length.” Spot smiled, picturing it.  

“Yeah, that’s gonna look good.”  

“You think?”  

“Yeah, it’s gonna be good.”  

Race pounded on Spot’s door, wiping the tears from his eyes.  

“Wha- oh.” Spot opened the door, face scrunched up in annoyance, but softening when he saw Race. “Oh, Racer, come in.” Race came in, sinking down onto the couch, fiddling with the strings on his hoodie.  

“Can I crash here for the night?” He asked, voice breaking. Spot’s brow furrowed with concern as he crouched down in front of Race.  

“Yeah. What happened?” Race hesitated, before pulling his hood down, revealing his messily chopped hair.  

“I cut my hair. I just- I couldn’t look at myself with long hair anymore. I got kicked out.” Spot frowned.  

“What do you mean you couldn’t look at yourself with long hair?” Race’s breath hitched and his heart hammered in his chest.  

“I-uh-I'm trans. I couldn’t deal with the dysphoria anymore. It hurts too much.” Spot’s eyes softened and he wrapped Race up in a tight hug.  

“It’s alright. I don’t care. Do you have a new name and pronouns you want me to use?” Race rested his forehead on Spot’s shoulder, trying to keep from crying.  

“Could you call me Antonio? I mean, I’ll still go by Racetrack and everything, but Antonio for my real name. And he/him pronouns.”  

“Sure, Antonio,” Spot said, trying the name out on his lips. Race’s face split into a grin at the use of the name.  

“Thank you.”  

“It’s alright.” Spot reached up to touch the choppy hair. “Now how about I sort your hair out?”  

“Please.”  

Race ran a hand through his freshly cut hair, examining it from all angles in the mirror, and he smiled brightly.  

“Thank you,” he said, turning and wrapping Spot in a hug. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”  

“Why don’t we update that photo we took last year?” Spot suggested, and Race’s eyes lit up.  

“Could we?”  

“I don’t see why not.”  

Spot threw his arm around Race’s shoulders, just as he had a year ago, and Race wrapped his arm around Spot’s waist, and they both wore matching grins as they looked into the camera. The woman taking the photo gave a thumbs up and Spot ran to take the phone. They looked at the photo, then back at the one from the previous year.  

“You look happier,” Spot commented. Race smiled.  

“I am happier.”  

“You kept those photos?” Race asked, nodding slightly to the frame. Spot tore his glance away from Race momentarily to look.  

“Of course I did. They’re my favourite pictures.” Race smiled, settling back on Spot’s shoulder. A blush rose in his cheeks as he felt Spot press a kiss to his hair, then his hand replaced his lips, fingers slowly carding through his curls. Race hummed contentedly, wrapping an arm across Spot’s stomach and leaning into his every touch. Now this, this was something he could get used to.  

The credits rolled, and by that point it was well past midnight. Race slowly sat up, regretting the loss of contact with Spot.  

“I-uh-I should go,” he said, moving to stand.  

“I’ll walk you home?” Spot offered.  

“Are you sure? It’s cold out.”  

“I’m sure, c’mon.”  

Somehow, the street was even colder than when they had gone out before, but neither of them seemed to mind. A snowbank piled up on one side, and Race struggled to contain his grin as the idea formulated in his mind.  

He knocked once, twice against Spot, playing it off as an accident, before shoving Spot into the bank. He erupted into laughter, but maybe it was too soon, as Spot grabbed his coat on the way down. Both of them shrieked as they landed in the snow, Race landing on top of Spot. They breathed heavily, making eye contact for a moment, faces flushed, but whether that was the cold or something else was anyone’s guess. Just as they had been staring long enough for it to become awkward, Spot finally made his move. He leaned in, like he had been longing to for years, holding the back of race’s neck and gently pressing their lips together. Electricity sparked through his body and he couldn’t quite believe he had spent years missing out on this. One of his hands subconsciously moved to tangle in Race’s hair, who tilted his head slightly to deepen the kiss. The world around them seemed to melt away, and all that mattered was them, and this.  

“Fucking fags!” A voice yelled next to them. Spot was about to shake his head at Race, tell him to leave it, but Race was already on his feet.  

“Hey! What fucking century are you living in? So what I happen to be dating a man, please inform me of how I’m hurting you by loving him.  

“It’s against God’s will. You’re digusting,” the man said, rounding on Race.  

“No, I’ll tell you what’s disgusting – discriminating against people who have done  nothing  to hurt you, just because of a fucking book that was mistranslated. Wake the fuck up. People fall in love, they don’t hurt you by doing that, they just do it.”  

“Fuck you!” The man spat, turning to walk away.  

“I bet it’s fucking tiny!” Race yelled after him, turning back to Spot, who looked at him in amazement. “Sorry about that.” Spot shook his head, taking the hand Race offered to him and pulled himself to his feet.  

“That was amazing,” he said honestly, smiling.  

“I just- I couldn’t let him just  say  that y’know? I mean, I’ve heard shit like that for years, but I wasn’t gonna let him say it to you.”  

“It’s nothing I haven’t heard before.”  

“That’s not the point.” Spot leaned up to kiss him quickly.  

“Either way, that was wonderful.” Spot had never seen Race angry like that before. Not when the Delanceys had constantly torn him down, not when he moved from foster home to foster home, not when he had gotten detention just for trying to use the right bathroom. But one homophobic comment and he had gotten furious like Spot had never seen before, and god Spot didn’t think he could possibly love Race more.  

Race smiled, hesitantly lacing his fingers with Spot’s as they walked the last few blocks to Race’s apartment.  

“Your house wasn’t decorated,” Race commented.  

“Yeah, I haven’t gotten around to it yet.”  

“I’ll come over tomorrow and help you decorate.” Spot didn’t get a say in it. Race was gonna deck that apartment out in so much glitter and coloured lights it would be like a very gay tornado had gone through and left parts of itself all over. Not that Spot minded. He would take any opportunity possible to spend time with Race. “I expect you up early.” Spot’s face dropped. “I’ll bring coffee,” Race added, solely because he knew coffee was the only way to bribe Spot into getting out of bed before 10am.  

“Alright, I’ll be expecting greatness. It better live up to the expectations Jack’s given me.”  

“It’ll be worse, I promise,” Race said with a grin.  

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”  

They slowed when they reached the door to Race’s apartment, lingering a moment before Race unlocked the door.  

“Uh, thanks for tonight, Spotty. I had fun,” Race said, running a hand through his hair. He didn’t really want the night to end, but at least he would see Spot tomorrow.  

“Yeah, so did I.” They shuffled slightly, neither wanting to end the night. “Are we- are we gonna do this again sometime?” Spot finally asked.  

“Are you kidding me? If we’re not doing this like, weekly, we’re doing something wrong.” Spot chuckled a little, before looking up. He laughed, seeing mistletoe hung in the doorframe. Race’s eyes widened, before he looked at Spot, blush rising in his cheeks.  

“Do you wanna-” Race’s question turned into a squeak as Spot crashed their lips together, pulling Race close. He was gonna take every damn opportunity to kiss Race that he could. He had already missed out on nine years, he wasn’t gonna lose any more.  

Slowly, they broke away, neither wanting to, but both knowing they had to. Their faces were flushed, eyes wide.  

“I’ll, uh, I’ll see you tomorrow, or would it be today now?” Race asked.  

“Technically today.”  

“I’ll see you later today then,” Race said with a smile.  

“Yeah, I’ll see you later.”  

They kissed quickly once more, then Spot disappeared down the street.  

In Which Race Is A Third Wheel  

SantaGay :  did you guys enjoy my surprise???  

Mom:  I told you not to.  

Racebox of  Higgars :  YES!

[hysterialevi]

An Alternate Ending - A Batjokes fanfic

(I just had to write this after playing episode 5. Also, it’s been a while since my last Batjokes fic, so I hope you guys enjoy!)

Author’s note: I was tired as hell when I wrote this, so forgive me if there are any errors. I don’t have the energy to check it lmao

From Bruce’s POV 

ACE CHEMICALS

Sitting on the floor across from one another, both John and I withered in the aftermath of our vicious battle as we twitched in pain, neither of us the victor nor the loser. There was a deathly silence looming over us like a shadow watching you sleep, and the longer we went without saying a word, the more that silence was filled with the rapid pounding of our hearts.

...What...what happened to him? I asked myself as I glared at John. How the hell did we get here? And how did I not see this coming until now?

Well...I supposed I did, actually. Now that I thought of it. I knew all along that this day would arrive eventually, whether I was ready for it or not. I had just been too stubborn to admit it. I didn’t want to admit it.

I mean, ever since the loss of Lucius, I had felt more alone than ever. Even though Alfred and Tiffany were at my side, there was always still this unsettling emptiness in the air that I could never get rid of -- that would never stop clawing at my thoughts...until John came into my life.

He understood me like no one else ever had. We had a connection I’d never experienced before, and to have someone who I knew I could trust completely -- no matter what -- it drew me like a moth to a flame. I was so desperate to have one person I could truly relate to in my life, that it blinded me from the storm that was coming. And even now, after all the people John had killed, after all the carnage he caused...there was still this flicker of hope within me saying that it wasn’t too late to save him. And I believed it. 

I didn’t care what “Joker” called himself. He was still John Doe to me.

Inhaling deeply through my nose, I immediately caught the sickening stench of blood that clouded the entire room along with the smoke lingering from John’s pistol, causing me to cough weakly. I knew Alfred was going to have a heart attack once he saw me in this condition, but at the moment, all of my attention was on the man in front of me. We both waited to see what the other would do.

After a number of futile attempts to get back on his feet, and remove the Batarang from his palm, a defeated chuckle escaped John’s bloodied mouth and echoed off the walls in a desolate manner, adding to the eeriness. He grinned at me.

“I guess...I guess that’s it,” he sighed, struggling with every word as a familiar glint sparked in his eyes. “I really wanted to be a hero, you know? ...But I--” he groaned in frustration, “--I just...can’t.”

I dragged a hand down my face and remained silent in response, hoping that would end the conversation. But John only continued.

“...I know you used me,” he growled, grimacing at me. “I know...I should hate you for that.”

John’s grimace softened into an expression of compassion as he leaned forward a bit. “...But I don’t, because...I h-had such a good time with you, B-Bruce...!”

He took a moment to regain his strength, letting out a series of coughs as I stayed quiet, simply waiting for him to talk. A frown curled on his stained lips.

“Did...did you ever...” John paused in hesitation, “...did you ever think of me as your friend? Like...a true friend? Someone you actually...c-care about?”

It was difficult for me to find the right words to say -- considering the current state my mind was in -- but before I could even reply, John had already added something else.

“Did you ever think of me as...more than a friend?”

That caught me off guard. I blinked for a few seconds in confusion, processing what John had just asked me.

“W-what?” I said.

“Geez, do...do I have to spell it out for you, Bruce?” John pushed. “I’m asking if,” a cough, “--if you ever saw me as...a lover. Y’know, like I used to see Harley...before you showed me how to be good.”

I stuttered, unsure of how to react. “I...I don’t know. Is that how you see me, John? I mean, I already asked you once back at the Stacked Deck, but you said no.”

John’s shoulders slouched. “...people can change, Bruce. And boy have I changed a lot since then.” 

He let out a mocking laugh, scoffing at himself. “To think, I used to believe Harley was the answer to...to everything.That she was my better half. My soul mate. The love of my life. No...I was just a toy to her. A pawn. She never cared about me. Never showed me true compassion. Not like the way you did.”

John went to put a hand on my shoulder, only to let out a screech of pain when the Batarang restrained him.

“GAH!” He shouted furiously, slamming his other fist down. “You and your...your goddamn CODE! Why couldn’t you have just left me alone? Why did you have to bring our friendship to THIS?! I’m not the one who should be pinned to this table, Bruce! It should be Waller! And Tiffany! They’ve killed people too! Why am I your main target? I thought...I thought you were on my side. I thought we were friends...!”

Before I answered, I tore my cowl off and tossed it to the side, no longer able to bear its stuffy confinement. But that only seemed to intrigue John more.

“Ah,” John said in a more relaxed tone upon seeing my face, “...and there he is. The man beneath the mask...or is it the other way around? I can never remember...hehe!”

“What are you talking about, John?”

His calm state vanished at the question, and was suddenly replaced anger as he lurched forward.

“You tell me!” John yelled. “You’re the one with two identities, buddy. One minute you’re a caped vigilante who only cares about justice -- and the next, you’re a handsome, like, super handsome billionaire who only cares about...well, me. I just don’t get it!”

John took a deep breath, cooling down slightly as he slid further on to the sleek floor. 

“...it used to be so easy with you, Bruce. It was always black and white. Never grey. But ever since I’ve discovered who Batman really is, the world’s gone fuzzy. I can never tell which face is the mask. Is it the one with the glowing eyes and pointy-ears? Or is it the one with those beautiful, unmistakable blue eyes that I could just...drown in? The ones that light up my entire world, and tell me everything’s going to be okay? ...Well? Which is it? What does Bruce Wayne think of Joker...if that’s who I’m even talking to anymore?”

I tried to sit up a little, grunting at the sudden pain that stung my torso. 

“I’m Bruce and Batman,” I corrected. “Just because we wear different clothes doesn’t mean we’re different people. I may not act the same with both identities, but underneath all the charades and all the secrets...it’ll always be me. And I can honestly say that, regardless of which mask I’m wearing, I’ll always care about you, John. No matter what. You said it yourself. We’re two threads in the same stitch.”

John wasn’t entirely satisfied with that response. “But how do you care about me? What is this between us? Is it love? Or have I read the signs wrong again? Please, Bruce...please don’t be another Harley. I don’t know if my heart can take another kicking...!”

Still clutching my wounds, I slowly crawled towards John and clumsily placed a hand over his, our faces now only mere inches apart as he watched my every move.

I looked John directly in the eyes, heavily leaning against the table for support as I gently caressed his cheek.

“No, John. You haven’t read the signs wrong. I...I love you. I always have. I just never found the right moment to tell you.”

For a while, the other man only gaped at me, his mouth hanging open as a single teardrop rolled down his face, and cleared a trail through the dirt and blood that stained his skin. 

“You mean...” his voice trailed off in shock, “you mean I was right?”

“Yes,” I said with the best smile I could manage. “You were right.”

Contrary to what I was expecting, the news seemed to upset John even more, and he turned away from me as more tears began pouring out.

“I’m happy to hear that, Bruce, I really am,” John wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve, letting out a sniffle. “B-but what are we going to do? The GCPD...they’ll take me back to Arkham! They’re gonna lock me up again! We’ll be separated! How is that supposed to work? What am I supposed to do without...you?”

I brought John into a tight embrace and let him rest his head on my chest, just like when I found him back at the abandoned carnival.

“Don’t worry,” I comforted him. “I’ll come visit. I promise. You won’t be alone there.”

John snickered. “You sure you can’t just throw a few more punches at Cobblepot again? I didn’t get a chance to record it last time.”

I laughed. “No, John. You saw the havoc that ensued once we put our heads together. The last thing you need right now is more fighting. Like I said, I’ll visit as often as I can. Count on it.”

He pouted. “But Bruuuce--”

“--Pinky swear.”

A toothy grin instantly spread across John’s face at that, and his entire expression lit up with joy. He held up his pinky, smiling at me.

“I just can’t say no to you, Bruce.” He crossed his finger with mine. “...All right. Pinky swear. Now you have to come visit me.”

“Of course.” I agreed, glancing over at the Batarang still stuck in his hand. “Oh, erm...we should probably get that out.”

 John followed my gaze, the pain coming back to him. “Oh! Right. Yes, please.” He wriggled it a bit. “Y’know, you’ve got one hell of a throwing arm on you, Bruce. It’s stuck in there good. B-but before you get it out though...”

“Yeah? What is it?”

Out of nowhere, John suddenly gripped my shoulder and yanked me forward, crashing my lips into his as he smothered me into a kiss. For a minute, my eyes were wide open due to the surprise, and my entire body felt frozen, but once I warmed up to it, I felt my arms wrapping around the clown and pulling him closer, never wanting to let go as we stayed in each other’s hold.

For a while, both of us completely forgot about Waller or Tiffany...or really anything else that was going on. We didn’t give a damn about the chaos currently erupting in Gotham, or the war between the GCPD and the Agency, and we certainly didn’t think about getting out of here. Right now, all we cared about was each other. Just the two of us. One moment of peace all to ourselves for us to savor. Others may have called the situation crazy, but to me, it was perfect.

Breaking the kiss briefly, John looked up at me and chuckled with delight, his old self starting to resurface.

“You...are one messed up guy, Bruce Wayne,” he said, pressing the bridge of his nose against mine as he smiled ecstatically. 

“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

[rexylafemme]

this precious time when time is new

things come full circle all the time. ruben touched down in nyc on saturday. micah and i trekked to laguardia to get him, laughing on the way about how ridiculous we all were in the bay, how we bet our lil ruben looks more grown now, seasoned, hehe. the last time micah, ruben, and i were together was for the full pisces supermoon in late summer, september 2015--the night before micah would move back to nyc, our last full night at our house all together. a month before ruben would leave, two months before i would leave. this time, ruben arrived in time for the virgo full moon, pisces’ opposite, in late winter 2017, the coldest, snowiest week we’ve had.

that last night together in september, we drove to alameda beach armed with paper, some stones, herbs & flowers, gifts & letters from ex-whatevers & poem drafts to throw to the ocean, ruben’s signature drink: fireball whiskey (ew), a blunt, some candles, a mini speaker. all the trappings for a spell for letting go, for saying goodbye. bitch better have my money on in the car ride there, our heads hanging out the window, boisterous--our anthem for that year (/always), being broke, undervalued, and continuously doing too much work for too little or free, retail and retail and food service and gigs and workshops and unofficial art modeling and freelance writing and recording and plans that kept falling through. now we were in the home stretch. we laid down our blanket, we set out our herbs, our stones, our candles. we sat in a triangle, wrote silently for awhile: what we would surrender to the bay, what we would leave there, what we couldn’t keep or hold anymore. also, what new journeys we needed new strength for.

we went around and said some words about what we’d written, said some sentimental stuff about each other. poured out some fireball, passed it around til it was gone--so sickly sugary & spicy like melted/liquefied big red gum, coating yr mouth and throat. we stuffed our losses in the bottle and walked to the shoreline. we fumbled trying to figure out a way for all three of us to hold the bottle while we threw it, haha. the moon hung to the left of our viewscape, leaving a moving trail of yellow on the water as we watched the bottle bobble away. i walked into the water alone up to my waist--feeling grateful, trying to absolve myself of this place and all its failures, looking up at the moon and asking it my questions about what next and help and please don’t let us lose this. hearing micah and ruben laugh from the sand, smiling to myself with love for them, sighing and crying a little. no turning back now, can’t hold onto everything, nothing is forever, and then it was over, the night. tomorrow everything would be different. just one more chip off an already broken heart. 

“nothing’s changed!” micah exclaimed laughing as we stood propped against the subway doors on the Q train to brooklyn. ruben and i fake-fighting, the bates motel norma and norman faux-codependence theatrical game we’d play-- we all go a little mad sometimes, there’s a cord between our hearts, etc. the three of us hugging and giggling. after almost two hours of traveling from queens to flatbush, we wound up at micah and sharmin’s for game night. i was in the middle of a two-week marathon of insomnia and ptsd nights, so i was feeling raw/cranky/crazy/depleted/negative and was waiting for my affections to catch up with the present moment. ruben! friends! games! you don’t wanna go home and write by yourself, rex, you fool. it’s saturday night! but knowing when i’m like this, at night i get all weird & doubtful & dark, but reminding myself to just be myself, relax, remember what’s good, no pressure, if you need to leave, you can. and you might even enjoy yourself. and of course i didn’t wind up going home til 2am, spent and full, as suddenly the future hit--clocks springing ahead to 3am for daylight savings.

but before that, sharmin’s friends arrived trickle by trickle until there were about ten of us.  uno, jenga, slapjack, drinks, snacks, bullshit, taboo (team names: beyonce v. solange, and ruben and i were on the solange team, the weirder, low key underdog, and we won), stories, music, nintendo, laughter, newness, familiarity. it felt so nourishing to be in a room full of working class folks, folks from queens and bk, and ruben & micah: the two down suburban qts, home people--that easiness and fluency that comes with not having to explain yourself, everyone just getting it, breathing room & shared experiences.  micah and i trying to explain all the wild connections between the people in the bay and the people out here. how i met sharmin, tanya (& tres tho only briefly), and jesse through black brunch organizing in 2014 when i was visiting home from the bay. learning sharmin and jesse both were from my qnz hood and knew my childhood bff ro through other organizing avenues. jova and reuben knew sharmin, too, and tanya and tres, jova having told me tanya and i needed to know each other way before this meeting bc of our poor white femme nyc/nj lives. later, when i moved home and jova was so right about tanya and me, and someow tres & tanya had known micah round the way (?!?!?!). and before that, when micah first moved back to nyc, he called me to talk about some amazing femme he met at the club--something that never happens for us--being so enchanted or even pursued at the club (partially bc we never even bothered to go), and as he described her, i was like, “wait, is her name sharmin???” hehehe, clearly micah can’t get enough of catty witches from queens. explaining the connections between all the ex-friends-&-lovers, too--nyc, the bay-- disenchantments & the chaos and the relief that it was all over. happy to be laughing about it now. ending stories. we have no past, we won’t reach back; keep with me forward all through the night.

origin stories. apparently, the first night ruben moved into our 668 apartment, micah and i were hosting a big party. i laughed and apologized retroactively, but it so sums up where we were at at the time. ruben said it helped him integrate tho, he felt welcomed and i remember being so thrilled to introduce him to everyone. realizing how much the three of us got each other through those two years--all the drama, all the marches, the confusion, blowouts, heartbreaks, housing scares, bad jobs, the nights, the mornings--waking up with glitter on our faces, splayed eyeliner, party carnage, or just waking up to work & life fatigue, big breakfasts, sitting in the sun on our stoop year-round. so much we shared and still a lot of room for things we couldn’t say and didn’t have to. but, how home the three of of us felt to each other then, and now, and how we extended that sense of home to others--sometimes guests sleeping over in every room of the house except the kitchen, our place a safe zone on march routes, multiple sets of people staying with us through rocky times, the big meals we’d host when i was working at  farmers’ markets & the spice shop simultaneously, pooper cat game nights, the trigger warning performance series + parties we threw out of the house. talya called our place the gay frat house (tho i have to say in defense that it was quite clean). leo sun/leo rising/leo moon trio. so familiar, so sweet, so effortless, so open. our little clubhouse, our little family. remembering is good if you don’t let it be the fear in you.

i think we felt lacking then, i think we felt we couldn’t get our footing or find somewhere where we belonged-- but looking back, we created what we didn’t have and we invited other people into it. all the adult misfits. we got burned by being open indiscriminately and it made us shrinking violets by the end, but we’re blooming again now. riding that bloom wave.

at one point the other night, i overheard sharmin say to a friend, “aren’t they so cute? they’re such teen boys over there.” as we were sitting in a corner doing our thing. and that was always true of our vibe-- our bond full of youthful, long-lost brother feels. but, soft, feminine boys, & sometimes we’re not boys at all. 668 40th st, living one up from hell, we’d joke, which maybe is what gifted us that mythical queer fountain-of-youth gene where we look 17 forever. young leos. after long days of work + grad school madness (me) or undergrad madness (ruben), in between assignments, projects, art, meetings, shifts, we were always watching movies from our childhoods, making forts, running around in our underwear, making art on the floor in the living room, doing drag, playing board games, talking shit, pushing each other around and wrestling and cuddling and teasing each other, holding hands and being protective of each other when we had to. our intimacy--so easy & necessary & good & a balm from the bad intimacies we got lost in at times. we grew together: we all taught each other things and challenged each other, especially through our differences. bb ruben had never met a trans person before and micah and i were like “well, here we are!” and both of us so different in our trans-ness. we were all so inviting & open to excavating each other so we could be better at honoring who we all were.

and in new york now, finally living here on my own terms, regardless of the obstacles: housing scares and failures, the last of the bad intimacies (i hope), and family, i am thinking of who i was before. the sense of un-belonging that’s had me leaving new york over and over, the pain of lineage that had me craving escape, craving to be someone else, craving to leave them all behind. while simultaneously always trying to make sense of the people i come from so i could make sense of myself: the grief i never let go of, the contradictions, the violence and the nourishment of us. how all of this and my own self within it--freakish, theatrical, full of shadows, so of them & yet so so other--had me always searching. the people, the others: i was always looking for and the ones i always found. there were the inexplicably lovable yet destructive ones who reified all of the patterns in me i was always trying to leave behind, and then i finally did. bye. and then all the people who were so new; whose influence, paired with my own, allowed us to make something from nothing-- magic, create beauty from old tragedies, whether we spoke of them or not. cosmic people, like ruben and micah, the pretty, sweet boys. boys who weren’t afraid to cry or to touch or to admit to love and fear and failure and wanting. and the three of us, whoever we are and will be, knowing our love was/is strong enough to withhold our leaving, being apart, and all of the transformations that would flush out of walking away, of change. that there would always be a road back. paths that cross will cross again!

and ruben is still here until saturday, so my sentimentality is running away with me. blame it on my wild heart. hehe.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 53

of ghosts, memories, and little sisters

Burns: "You did not recognize her name?" dia: *she shakes her head* Burns: "Hmm...Hang on." *removes a book from his shelf: "The Gold Demon". The name of the author has been worn off on the book* "I haven't read this since college." dia: ......*slight shudder* {dia: *frozen on the spot, staring at the carnage in front of her*} {FD: *small laugh* "Surprising. Didn't think I could do that so easily."} {FD: *keeps laughing a bit*} Burns: "Dia? ...Dia!" dia: ....!!! *snapping back to reality* sir? Burns: "You zoned out...Something on your mind?" dia: just.....remembering the past.... Burns: "Find what you need from the past, and get back to the present, okay?" dia: ....understood. Burns: "Now, did your past answer any questions about who that woman was, and what information we can get from her?" dia:...sadly no. i dont know who that woman is. -elsewhere- atsushi: O-O;;; *Montgomery has set down a cup of "tea"...which is bubbling...And burned a metal spoon* atsushi: ._.;;;;;;; Montgomery: "One cup of this, and you'll be healthy in no time." atsushi: .____.;;;; *gulps and takes a small sip*.... -KO- atsushi: X-X Montgomery: "...Huh. Maybe I didn't add enough jalapenos and havaneros." Montgomery: *leans down, slaps his face lightly* "Hey, wake up." atsushi: uhhh... WAH! BAKED BEAN BREAD!....huh? Montgomery: "Inhale. Can you breathe now?" atsushi: a little bit...yeah. Montgomery: ^^ "See? I knew my recipe would work. You may thank me now." atsushi: *ahem* ...t-thanks, lucy. Lucy: "...You're welcome." *puts a hand on his forehead* "Your temperature seems to have gone down a bit..." -elsewhere- Shotaro: *in a school uniform...Mana's school uniform* mana: still kept that thing, huh? Shotaro: *nod nod* "I like the skirt! My legs feel all swishy with the wind!" *sways back and forth* mono: .... Shotaro: "??? Mono? What's up?" -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: "Here's your lollipops." hinata: yay! Mr. Tsubaki: ^^ "And don't take the bandages off until those cuts heal. And watch where you're running next time." hikage: okaaaay. -at the 8th- miwa: yo! akitaru! long time no see! Akitaru: "Hey there!" *waves* "How's it going?" miwa: doing good. sorry about missing the meeting a few days ago, some stuff came up. padma: *adjusts glasses* perhaps you'd like to fill us in on the details? Akitaru: *nods* "Everything okay?" padma: yes. everything's fine. miwa: so what happened during the meeting? Akitaru: "Well, lot to cover on that one...after what Giovanni did to my members." miwa: *tenses* ..... let's just start from the beginning, ok? padma: .... Akitaru: "The leaders of other Brigades came to discuss how to move forward investigating the 3rd. I am sending a few from the 8th to the 7th for additional training. And we have a new engineer." miwa: i see....hey, maybe sayu can join the training? might help her build muscle, haha! padma: *sweatdrop* you and your spur of the moment ideas... Akitaru: "..._Are_ there people you want to join in on the training? Maybe Benimaru can fit in a few more..." miwa: well, i did just suggest sayu. true, she doesnt have ignition abilities, but she's got a lot of heart and determination. Akitaru: *nods* "Okay. Anyone else you want involved in the training?" -outside- shinra: oh cool, seems squad 0 is here today. Vulcan: " 'Squad 0'?" shinra: they're an unofficial brigade, kind of like the A team? there's their commander, Miwa, the captains Padma and Misora, their sister, Nayumi, their medic, Serina, and- ???: BIG BRO SHINRA!!! *GLOMP* shinra: HURK- h-hey sayu. sayu: >u< Vulcan: "...'Big bro'?" shinra: ...oh! th-that's just a nickname. sayu: yeah, but i do have two actual brothers. they're twins, actually!........wait. big bro shinra, who's the shirtless guy? Vulcan: "Vulcan. I'm new here." *cleans grease off his hands, holds out one* sayu: nice to meet you, mr spock! i'm sayu! Vulcan: -_-;;; "Not that kind of Vulcan. Vulcan. You know, god of the smith?" sayu: hmmmmmmm....... like fresh prince? shinra: *sweatdrop* she sure is a riot, eh? Vulcan: -_-;;;; "Hilarious...Yo, Sayu, how about you and Big Bro tend to the stray behind the cathedral..." sayu: ouo? -elsewhere- Hibana: *holding ice pack to her head* -elsewhere- Higan: *in a tux* naho: finally getting a job? Higan: "More or less. I'm seating people at a fancy event..." naho: ah. lavender: all set? *in a dark purple cocktail dress* Higan: *smiles* "You look lovely." lavender: thanks. ^^ -elsewhere- Meme: *pouts* mio: is something wrong? *worried* Meme: "Just grumpy. Did not sleep well..." mio:.....want to watch funniest videos? Meme: *nod nod* *yawns* "And have a coffee..." -elsewhere- miwa: a fake base, huh?.....*sigh* doesnt surprise me that bastard giovanni is working with the hoods.... Akitaru: "And a fake Giovanni gets arrested, while the real one is hidden..." miwa: damn him...well, we'll do everything to bring him to justice. Akitaru: "I know you will...In the meantime, let's find these Hoods. Maybe talk to one of them for more info?" padma: seems as good an idea as any. Akitaru: "...You up for this, Miwa?" miwa: yeah. -elsewhere- Akutagawa: -\\\\- *trying to busy himself at work* Q: OuO ~? Akutagawa: "...Q, please take these papers to be shredded." Q: okaaaay. -elsewhere- Mori: "Higuchi, a word with you." higuchi: *tense* s-sir? Mori: "Are you feeling well?" higuchi: of course i am, why wouldnt i be? Mori: "I will be direct: I have reviewed your sparring reports, and your reaction time has been a bit off." higuchi: i hadnt noticed. Mori: "Numbers don't lie." *hands her a report* "I think you may need to take measures to get your mind in focus." higuchi: like what? Mori: "Take care of your health. Meditate. Don't overwork yourself." higuchi: noted. Mori: *smiles* "Good. I would hate for something to happen to you." higuchi: ....right. Mori: *nods* "Now, I have re-scheduled your sparring session with Akutagawa. Instead, you will go with Kouyou for a bit of R&R." higuchi:...r-right. 7.7 Mori: *smiles* "You're dismissed." -elsewhere- Rin: *reading a manga...and crying* Q~Q shura: there you are. i was lookin all over for you! Rin: "Wh-What?" *wiping his eyes* "Sorry...Was taking a reading break." -elsewhere- Victor: owo "...I have a request." maki: ya? Victor: "I'd like to observe the training at the 7th." maki: oh, sure! nozomi: ah... Victor: *claps* "Yay!" *looks at Nozomi* "Will you be here at the 8th?" nozomi: of course! i'll do my best! karin: i know you will, kiddo! ^^ .... *glares daggers at victor* Victor: .w.;;;; *backs away from Nozomi* "A-Are you staying at the 8th, D-Doctor?" karin: yeah. nozomi: ??? Victor: *thumbs up* "Super! I'll go back now." *runs* nozomi: ??? d-did i do something wrong? karin: ah, its alright kiddo. ^^ -elsewhere- Benimaru: *laying out knives* -elsewhere- Yukio: *reviewing case files* seiya: seems todo was a teacher of seals back in the day. Yukio: "So, he would know how to break them, too..." seiya: makes sense. Yukio: "Look up his students. Let's get files on them." seiya: right. Yukio: "Any reports from Kyoto?" adrian: they're investigating the matter as we speak. Yukio: "...Have you heard from Rin?" adrian: still training! Yukio: "...Maybe that's why he hasn't called." -elsewhere- Kid: *hug from behind* stocking: hehe~ Kid: *kiss on the cheek* "Need some help?" -elsewhere- Black Star: *screaming--then hits a wall* soul: O-O; Black Star: "...I missed." *falls down* sayaka: he was wearing a helmet so....good news. kilik: ouch. Black Star: "And the helmet worked! Now, let's get a refund..." -elsewhere- atsushi: so that's what all happened... Kyoka: *glaring* Dazai: :3 Dazai: "So, she gave you tea...And you feel a little less sick?" atsushi: yeah, actually i do. *smiles a bit* Kyoka: *slams a cup of tea down in front of Atsushi* atsushi: um... ._.; Kyoka: "Drink my tea. It'll be even better." atsushi: um..ok... *sip* woah! this is really good! Kyoka: ^^ "Yay." Dazai: *pouts* ("None for me...?") -elsewhere- Vulcan: "Okay...That takes care of prep work on Yuu's room." shinra: looks great! im sure he'll like this... Vulcan: "Hope so. Yuu always had simple tastes: just somewhere to sleep, enough food to eat..." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Where are the 8th people staying?" fang-hua: havent figured that out yet... Tsukiyo: "The inn is still available--shouldn't have too many rooms filled. Maybe they'll bunk with others...Maybe one will bunk with Benimaru..." ^\\\^ fang-hua: i doubt that. Tsukiyo: "Let a girl dream~...You going to help them with combat training?" fang-hua: yep. Tsukiyo: "Glad the Commander picked the best, then! Give them what-for in training!" -elsewhere- Poe: ._______. *staring at the phone* karl: O^O~? Poe: *pokes the phone* "...Is no one going to call? I-I thought I did the right thing. Give flowers (admittedly, to her father), then get a call?" karl: *crawling up onto his shoulders* Poe: ^^ *pet pet* "I guess...its just not happening." -elsewhere- Chuuya: *vacuuming* -elsewhere- Rino: "GET AWAY!" *takes a can of soda out of her grocery bag, throws it* "BEAT IT!" blair: mreow! so rude! >n< Rino: "??? Oh, sorry. Usually there are weirdos who follow me, try to get into fights, so I have to land the first punch or toss the first can of--...DID THAT CAT JUST TALK?!" blair: oh right! *poof* ta-dah~ Rino: o\\\\\o "...I'm high, aren't I?" blair: nope, you're right on the ground level. Rino: "...So, are you a cat or a human? A feline sapien?" *walks around, just staring at Blair* "How did you transform?" blair: magic of course~ Rino: ^^; "Right...Of course...I'm Rino" blair: the name's blair~ -elsewhere- Hyde: *holding a can of paint* "Now let's see what this looks like when dropped from the seventh floor!" julian: please dont. Hyde: "But think of the colors! The paint just smashing along the sidewalk like some gorgeous Jackson Pollack!" julian: or it could land on some unsuspecting civilian and get us into serious trouble -_-; Hyde: "But we got money! That means we can do anything!" *tosses down the paint can* -Wilhelm scream- Hyde: owo;;;; "Dare I look?" -elsewhere- Belkia: "And now we are handcuffed! All I do is use the key to unlock us and...And...Aaaaaand I forgot where I left the key..." otogiri: -_-; at least you had the decency to cover yourself before we got here. naho: it's in the fishtank! ayami: .////.;;; Belkia: "Okay!" *moves his hand with Ayami attached to it to the fishtank--* "...That's not going to work, is it?" -elsewhere- Jeje: *sets down two bowls of ramen* -elsewhere- Yumi: *mapping out a location* marie: *looks* Yumi: "That seems to be the prime spot: low traffic, good table views, decent drinks." marie: you're sure this will go well for me? Yumi: "Part of setting a good first example is finding a good location that puts you at ease. But most importantly--" *pats her shoulder* "--put your comfort first." marie: *smiles* thanks. ^u^ Yumi: *smiles* "You're welcome. Got your outfit planned?" -elsewhere- Karim: "Doing alright?" dia:....i'm fine. foien: you've been tense. much more than usual. dia:...it's not your concern... Karim: "Just asking...No point dealing with a problem alone if others can help you." dia:....it's nothing. *walking away* ruby: *pouts* Karim: *sighs* "That didn't go anywhere..." -elsewhere- FD: "Well, I lost this bet. What's the payment?" yana: y'know. im somehow inclined to know that you're bluffing. FD: ^^# "Whatever makes you think that~?" yana: i should know, after all....*taking her glasses off....revealing purple eyes, similar to fyodor's* i'm already an 8th of you. FD: "...You got to pull that card on me? That's cheap, Yana." yana: hey, facts are facts. *shrug* FD: "..." *chuckles* "At least you inherited my cleverness." yana: ^u^ -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *knock knock* ???: just a sec! -atsushi looks through the peep hole- atsushi:  ....... O___________________O;;;; Akutagawa: *holding a basket* "..." atsushi: O-O;;;;; *backing away slowly* Akutagawa: "..." *knocks harder* atsushi: *ducks under the futon* (thinking: please leave please leave dont let him get in i dont wanna diiiie!) Akutagawa: *knocks harder--and the door flies off the hinges* o____o;;; "...Oh. Sorry." atsushi: Q_____________Q *trembling* Akutagawa: "...Man-Tiger. You are ill still?" atsushi: TT________TT (thinking: kyoukaaaaa where are yooooou?!) Akutagawa: "...I brought you a meal." *sets down basket on the floor...pushes it forward with his foot* atsushi: ...... *drops a coin in front of him* *it lands heads*. dammit...... *peeeeeek* o.o Akutagawa: .\\\\\. *waves* "...You look less...sickly." atsushi: um....thanks? i think? Akutagawa: "...I made this meal. I cook well. I mean, I have been told I...cook." atsushi:...... *stares at the basket* *inside are sandwiches, fruit preserves, a salad, and a small cake for dessert* Akutagawa: "...Eat. Please?" atsushi: is it poisoned? Akutagawa: "No, that would be cowardly of me. When I defeat you in combat, I want you at full strength." atsushi: oh....um....thanks....i think? Akutagawa: "...You are welcome." *sits down* "Eat." -nom- atsushi: (thinking: this isnt that bad....as soon as he leaves, im gonna have to gag myself just to make sure im not being drugged...) Akutagawa: "...Eat more. You are very scrawny. I want to see more muscle on you." atsushi: *sweatdrop* what are you, my mom?...wait, why do you even care? Akutagawa: "...Because I want you at full strength to fight you. That's all. No other reason. Obviously. None. Nope." atsushi:..........um.....ooookay? Akutagawa: "...You have a little something..." *reaches at Atsushi's cheek* atsushi: oh. *wipes it off* Akutagawa: .\\\\. "...I could have wiped it off for you." atsushi: its fine, im not a baby, haha. ^^; (thinking: WHY ARE YOU BEING SO CASUAL YOU STUPID TIGER IDIOT?!) Akutagawa: "...Ha ha. Yes, that is true. You are grown up." atsushi: yeah...*awkward cough* ..... >->; Akutagawa: "In many ways..." *clears his throat* "Ahem...May I have a glass of water?" atsushi: um, sure. *goes to get one, but keeping an eye peeled in case akutagawa makes a sneak attack* Akutagawa: *sitting with hands on his lap, watching Atsushi going into the kitchen...* *waves* atsushi: ^^; (thinking: KYOUKA PLEASE GET HOME SOON AND SAVE ME!) -elsewhere- Higan: "I think that went well." *taking bowtie off his tux* "Enjoyed the show?" lavender: yep. *smiles* mind helping me with the zipper? Higan: *smiles* "Of course..." *takes the zipper, carefully pulling it down* "Like this?" lavender: ah, yeah. Higan: *slips the dress off her, kissing the top of her back* lavender: ah~ Higan: "I like the red..." *touches the fabric* lavender: thanks, ah~ =////T ~<3 Higan: "Is that okay?" *keeps a hand along her hip* lavender: yes~ Higan: *kisses along her neck* "Good...I think you have excellent choice in lingerie..." lavender: why thank you~<3 Higan: *lays a hand over her stomach, sliding up to her chest* -elsewhere- Hyde: *splattered in paint* Q~Q kranz: what did you learn from this now? Hyde: "Paint gets in everywhere. _Everywhere_." -elsewhere- Kyouka: *sitting in the office...stomach growls* .\\\. kirako: hungry? Kyouka: *nod nod* "Atsushi did not leave food before leaving the office." kirako: want me to order something in? ^^ Kyouka: *nod nod* "What do you like to eat?" -elsewhere- Tachihara: *steps into elevator* gin: .... Tachihara: "Yo. Going up?" gin:...*nods* Tachihara: *presses the button for his floor, steps back as doors close* "..." *small snort-laugh* gin: what? Tachihara: "I thought you would be...going down." gin: *glare* Tachihara: "LOL. Come on, the joke was kinda funny, right--" *BANG* gin: !! Tachihara: "...Did we stop?" -the door opens- gin: i..i think so. -seems they arrived on kouyou's main floor...- Tachihara: "??? This wasn't where I wanted to go..." gin: maybe take the stairs then? Tachihara: *pouts* "Fine...I guess walking will get me more coins." *pulls out his 3DS* gin: *sighs* -_-; -elsewhere- Tool: *sets out the finger paint* "Have at it." -elsewhere- atsushi: ._.; Akutagawa: "Thank you for finishing your meal." *stands* "Now you will be more fit and strong to face me the next time we battle." atsushi: right... you know, even though you are trying to kill me....but you arent really all that bad....sometimes. Akutagawa: "...Thanks?" atsushi: .....you probably have lots of stuff you need to do right now so, i'll let you get to that then. Akutagawa: "...Yes. I will leave now." *stands there* atsushi: .....um....you're still standing there. Akutagawa: "...So I am. Goodbye." *opens a door and enters, shutting it behind him* atsushi: that's my room! Akutagawa: *from inside* "...I like it. Good feng shui." atsushi: thanks, but the exit is the other way. Akutagawa: "..." *spots one of Atsushi's shirts on the floor* "..." atsushi: *opens the door* the exit is tha-........... o_______________________________o;;;;; Akutagawa: *has Atsushi's shirt to his face, inhaling* .\\\\\\\. atsushi: o____________________________________O;;;;;; *slowly closes the door*................. (thinking: WHAAAAAAAAT WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!?!) Akutagawa: *pokes his head out of the room* "May I keep this shirt?" atsushi:..............why?! Akutagawa: *now standing right in front of Atsushi, leaning closer and closer* "They say that if you inhale the scent of your enemy, that trains you to recognize their every location--to anticipate them--to _feel_ them in your very soul up to the moment that you can predict their movements. I want to inhale your scent, so I am consumed by that bloodlust..." atsushi: o__________________________o;;;;;;;;;; Akutagawa: "..." *takes off his jacket, and his shirt...* atsushi: UM O-O;;; Akutagawa: *hands his shirt to Atsushi...he is now just in his pants* "There. I will take your shirt. You take mine. That is fair to see who is better at sniffing out the other." atsushi: .... >->;;; dont you need your jacket though? *hands the jacket back to him* Akutagawa: "...Yes. It is quite chilly at this hour, especially without a shirt." *shirtless but with his jacket now on* atsushi: yeeeah... ._.; Akutagawa: "...Good night, then." *takes Atsushi's shirt and makes for the door* atsushi: ...... (thinking: ok, first thing tomorrow, find someone in the mafia to return his shirt.......) Akutagawa: *steps outside...looks down at the shirt...something wet falls onto it* Q_Q "...What is wrong with me?" -later- Akutagawa: *re-enters the Mafia HQ* higuchi: ryuno-..... o////o um.... Akutagawa: "Hello. I have returned." *holds up Atsushi's shirt* "I took this." higuchi:....eh? ._.; Akutagawa: "The way to defeat your enemy is to know them, intimately. I will do so." higuchi:.....right. 7-7;;; -morning- Black Star: *snore* tsubaki: morning. ^^ Black Star: "H-Huh?" *opens his eyes...smiles* "Morn--*yawn*--ing." tsubaki: *smiles and gently kisses his forehead* Black Star: ^\\\^ "Thanks." *kisses her cheek* -elsewhere- Kyoka: *poke poke* atsushi: *yaaawns* mornin kyouka....!! kyouka! Kyoka: "Yes. Morning. Are you hungry?" atsushi: yeah. there's a quick errand i'll have to run too at some time today. seems the laundromat gave me someone else’s shirt by mistake, haha ^^;;; Kyoka: "??? That's odd of them. Along the way, can we get more cereal?" atsushi: *nods* -and so- atsushi: *looking around, spots someone*....!! *sneaks over there while kyouka is otherwise distracted* Tachihara: *playing his 3DS* "GODDAMN YOU, PITFALL!" atsushi: *taps his shoulder* excuse me, could you return this to akutagawa? he left it at my apartment. *hands him the shirt and walks away* Tahichara: "???" *looks at the shirt* "...The heck did you get Akutagawa's shirt? Why was he shirtless at your apartment?" atsushi: *has already left* Tachihara: "..." *light bulb over his head...still not lit up* "..." *shrugs, shoves the shirt into his backpack and keeps playing 3DS* "Now, getting my Meow Coupons..." -elsewhere- Vulcan: *tosses a metal ball into the air* shinra: is that a new prototype? Vulcan: "Yep. It saps the oxygen around a fire to put it out, with an additional option to extinguish with foam. Start a fire in the middle of the floor--I'll show you." shinra: ok. *does so and steps back* Vulcan: "So...Just have to press the button on the ball..." *does so* "...and toss!" *does so, the ball landing at the fire* "And when it detects the flame--" *The ball starts rattling...it's overheating...* shinra: oh oh shit!! *ducks* Vulcan: O___O "TAKE COVER!" *hides behind table* -elsewhere- higuchi:....hmm? Tachihara: "You seen Akutagawa around?" higuchi: he should be in the training room, why? Tachihara: "Got to return his shirt to him--" higuchi: EH?! his shirt?! where did you get this?! Tachihara: "The tiger at the Agency handed it to me." higuchi:..............why would...he have.....this?...... wait.....last night......ryunosuke had _his_ shirt........dont tell me......are they....an item?!?! O_O Tachihara: "..." *light bulb still over his head...not turning on* "...'Item'? Like, at a grocery store?" higuchi: *whispering something to him* Tachihara: "..." *light bulb turns on--* o____o *and explodes* "HOLY. SHIT." higuchi:.......... TTuTT excuse me, ive become terminally ill and need to go home immediately.... Tachihara: o_____o "...I need to look at two girls doing stuff to reaffirm my fragile male ego." gin: .... *PUNCH* Tachihara: "FUCK!" *holding his face* "WHAT'S WRONG WITH WHAT I SAID?!" -elsewhere- Kid: *asleep on the couch* stocking: *smooch* Kid: *his eyes open...he smiles* "Wake-up call?" stocking: yep~ ^^ Kid: *reaches up as he sits up* "Best there can be..." stocking: hehe~ Kid: *sits up, hugs Stocking* "How long was I sleeping?" -elsewhere- higuchi: *laying face down on the ground* ........... TT__________________TT *glooooooom* Chuuya: *knock knock* "Yo. You there? What's going on?" higuchi: just waiting for death.... Chuuya: Q_Q "...Well, he isn't here right now...Want to talk about it?" higuchi: ..... TT_TT ryunosuke..he....he....*hic* Chuuya: "??? He hurt you in battle practice?" higuchi: not physically........he and the weretiger......might be......seeing each other! *cries into the ground* Chuuya: "...Oh. Huh. That actually answers a few things, like why Akutagawa is so fascinated by that Tiger..." *light bulb* "OH SHIT! You're attracted to the Tiger?!" higuchi: ................................................*faceplant to the ground* no! Chuuya: "..." *second light bulb* "Oh! Akutagawa? For real? ...Okay. _Now_ a lot more things make sense why you're...with him so often...I'm sorry. Have you talked with him?" higuchi: i cant face him like this.....im going to die here..... TT_TT Chuuya: "..." *pat pat on the shoulder* "You're not going to die here...You can't. Come on, sit up. Let's get you some tissue." higuchi: *sniff* *hic* TT~TT Chuuya: *takes out his handkerchief, offers it to her* "It'll be okay..." -elsewhere- Hibana: "Hello, Rino. Hello, Cat Woman." *beat* "...Wait, what?" blair: hello~ gabriella:.... .-.; are you one of kotatsu's friends? Rino: "Nah, she's Blair. She's a cat." hanako: kitty! -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *lies down in bed, holding Atsushi's shirt* "..." *sniff* -knocks- Akutagawa: "???" *puts the shirt under his pillow, goes to the door* "Yes?" gin: you ok? Akutagawa: "..." *small smile, nods* -elsewhere- Chuuya: *sets down water* "Come on, drink..." higuchi: *slams glass down* gimme a nuther...*hic* Chuuya: ._.;;; "...Had enough?" *pushes pretzels to her* higuchi: dun *hic* dun micromanage me! i'll 'ave had enough when i *hic* when i shay i've 'ad enough... Chuuya: *sighs, sips his wine* "...How long have you been attracted to Akutagawa?" higuchi: it's *hic* been sooooo long i *hic* lost track'a count...a'time. Chuuya: "Was it because you two were partners out in the field?" higuchi: i gueeesss.... and he's shoooo hooot. *hic* y-y'know shometimes...i-id even touch maself thinkin 'bout him. *hic* Chuuya: .\\\\\. "..." *takes long sip of his wine* "...So...Um...You, um...are attracted to that kind of guy?" higuchi: maaaaybe....why d'yoooou care? Chuuya: "I mean...Akutagawa kind of has a cliche look? Look around for some other hot guy who dresses all in black?" higuchi: like who? Chuuya: "Hmmm...I think I saw a guy around town. Glowering, kind of quiet. Had on a cat hoodie." higuchi: i dunnooooo..... Chuuya: "I mean, just sitting here getting drunk and crying won't get Akutagawa interested in you. But at least you can get out there and meet people, get laid, maybe find someone who likes you back." higuchi: *hic* m-maybe.... mafioso: maybe you should follow your own advice, nakahara! Chuuya: *smashes a beer bottle and holds it at the Mafioso* "I AM STILL IN MOURNING AND WILL STAY THAT WAY UNTIL I DIE!" mafioso: woah! chill out dude! O-O;; Chuuya: *grumbles, pushes the Mafioso back* "Sit your ass down and don't talk until we're done drinking." *turns back to Higuchi* "Sorry about that..." higuchi: *face down on the table* zzzzzz Chuuya: -_-;;; "You're done...Yo, bartender--put it on my tab. I got to get her home." *picks her up* -elsewhere- Emine: *face-down in bed* setsuna: busy day today? Emine: *nod nod* "Tutor." setsuna: oh? Emine: "My brain is tired from studying...I have a headache." setsuna: aww. you did your bad deed today? Emine: *nod nod* "I made sure to..." setsuna: *smiles and hugs* Emine: "..." *hug* -elsewhere- Maitre'd: "May I help you, ma'am?" marie: just waiting on someone. Maitre'd: *nods* "Who should I expect to lead you to your table?" marie: *looking around* Akitaru: *pant pant* "S-Sorry...Ran over as fast as I could." marie: *smiles* Akitaru: "Wow, you look great." *smiles, sits* -elsewhere- higuchi: zzzzz higuchi's sister: thanks for bringing her back. Chuuya: *quietly closes the door* "No problem. Sorry about that...Let her know I'm pulling for her." higuchi's sister: *nods* Chuuya: "I'll head out. Night." rain?: .....*soft smile* Chuuya: "...Rain?" -no one is there- higuchi's sister: nah, its clear out. Chuuya: "...R-Right..." *still looking around* "...Um..." -elsewhere- lana: ?? *looking at the card on the flower vase* hmmm? Card: "Thou wast that all to me, love, / For which my soul did pine— / A green isle in the sea, love, / A fountain and a shrine, / All wreathed with fairy fruits and flowers, And all the flowers were mine." lana: ....*blink* oookay? *At the bottom is a phone number* lana: .....*dials it* h-hello? Poe: owo; *small squeak* "H-H-H-Hi..." lana: oh! so you're the one who left flowers at my apartment? Poe: "...Yes." lana: *smiles* that was really sweet. the poem was a nice touch. (thinking: even though its kinda confusing ^^; ) Poe: owo "R-R-Really?" lana: yeah. Poe: "...iamsohappytohearthat--" lana: ^^;....um...you still there? Poe: "YES! Sorry. I just...Um...Do you like tea?" lana: sometimes, yeah. Poe: "Maybe...tea? With me?" lana: oh. i'll have to check my schedule. Poe: *nod nod* "Okay." -elsewhere- Izuku: *falling from the roof of a building* ("Okay...I know this looks bad...BECAUSE IT IS!") o____O -something reaches out and catches him- Izuku: "???!!" tsuyu: *caught him with her tongue* <hey> Izuku: QWQ "Tsu! You saved me!" tsuyu: <just doing my part. cant have you dying now.> Izuku: *holds onto tongue* "Y-Yeah..." -elsewhere- ???: *walking around the school* .... Anya: "??? May I help you?" ???: oh, i was just looking for the locker room. Anya: "Oh, it's this way. Are you in gym?" ???: no, but i just wanted to know just in case. Anya: "...In case of what?" ???: in case i do have gym, what else? Anya: "...So, you're new here? Which class are you in?" ???: actually, im starting school in september, like everyone else. Anya: "Oh. I'm Anya, by the way." ???: anya? that's short for anastasia, right? Anya: o_o; "...No. Just 'Anya.'" ???: i see. well it's a common name where i'm from, so i guess i got confused, haha. Anya: "And you're from...?" ???: someplace cold.... *small glance at a door that reads 'records room'* ... Anya: "Greenland?" ???: nah, but that's not many people's first guess. so congrats on deviating from the norm on that. Anya: "...Thanks? So...What's your name?" ???: .... *smiles and shaft head tilt* just call me yana. Anya: "...Huh. 'Anya' and 'Yana' are anagrams of each other." yana: huh, i didnt notice that. y'know, i think we're gonna be great friends. ^^ Anya: "...Okay." ("GET ME AWAY FROM THIS PERSON.") yana: well, here's my stop. glad we had this conversation. ^^ *walking away with a small smirk on her face* Anya: ("What was up with that girl?") kohaku:..... -elsewhere- FD: *reviewing a class schedule* "Hmm...Why didn't Yana take dance class like I recommended to her?" *pouts* -elsewhere- gin: ryu? *knocks on his door* Akutagawa: "!!!" *scrambling around, calling from inside* "Y-Yes?" gin: you feeling any better? Akutagawa: *pulling up his pants* o\\\\\o "Y-Yes." ("WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!") gin: just making sure... Akutagawa: *puts on a shirt--Atsushi's, opens the door* "I-I appreciate that...I think I will shower." gin: oh, did tachihara give you your shirt back yet? the weretiger returned it. Akutagawa: "...He did? ..." Q_Q gin: oh, so you got your shirt back then? Akutagawa: TTuTT "I guess so..." -elsewhere- Vulcan: "One coffee, please." nozomi: *already working on it* Vulcan: "...How do you feel about being in the 8th, Nozomi?" nozomi: it's nice. almost like home....*sad smile* Vulcan: "..." *looks around* "...Lot more organized than my home ever was..." nozomi: *nods and looks at a photograph* is this your family? Vulcan: *nods* "Dad. Granddad." nozomi: ah, i see...you must have been close to your father, huh Vulcan: "Learned all I know about engineering from him and Granddad." nozomi: ah....i guess we're alike in that sense... Vulcan: *nods* "I'd say so...Bet you picked up a lot of lessons from your family." nozomi: *she nods* my father and dr itou taught me just about everything i know....my father was trying to find a cure for the combustion phenomenon... Vulcan: "...That'd be helpful." *thinks of Lisa* nozomi: it would have been.....*sad expression* Vulcan: "...We're the next generation, trying to improve upon what our parents did." nozomi:...*nods* i'll do my best! Vulcan: "Ha ha! That's the spirit." -elsewhere- ???: "Higuchi? You awake?" higuchi: mhphh...mrnn... "Akutagawa": *dressed like a prince, holding out his hand to her* "I am here to awaken you." higuchi's sister: sis? you up yet? higuchi: ryu...*smooching her pillow* "Akutagawa": "Be my princess, Higuchi..." higuchi: of course, ryu~ -curtains open, letting in the sunlight- higuchi: *SCREEEECH!* higuchi's sister: OI! GET UP! higuchi: TT~TT ???: "She in or what?" higuchi: eh-eh?! WHO IS IT?! Dazai: "Howdy." higuchi:.... *rolls over and covers herself with the blanket* *muffled groans* Dazai: "??? Hey, come on--I need to talk with you..." higuchi: whaaaaat is iiiiiit? TT_TT Dazai: "I got a lead on what Mori has been up to." higuchi: ?? *looks up* Dazai: *holds up a slip of paper with an address* "This hospital. He keeps getting mail from there." higuchi: ?? well, he was a doctor... Dazai: "And getting medical records from an OB GYN?" higuchi: ??? huh? Dazai: "Such as ones related to, let's see--one new expecting mother tied into the True Cross Academy..." higuchi: why would he..... *lightbulb, but not the truth* that. bastard. Dazai: "I'll just leave you the list of names of women he's been looking into..." *hands her the envelope* higuchi:....*shivering* Dazai: "...Hey. I need you on this. You up for this?" higuchi: *nods* Dazai: *looks over her shoulder* higuchi: just what are you planning, mori... Dazai: "Lots of women...That name looks familiar." *points at one* higuchi: *squints* -elsewhere- Dr. John: "..." *shudders* veronica: something wrong, melinda? Dr. John: *weak smile* "Just got out of a meeting." veronica: everything ok? Dr. John: "It's...alright." *starts sorting files...shaking a bit* veronica: .... -elsewhere- Relan: *collapses in bed* "My muscles..." T~T shinra: *pats his head* Relan: "How do you guys train this hard? -elsewhere- Chuuya: *icepack to head* "Higuchi...needs to stop drinking." kouyou: *worried expression* Chuuya: "She was in a bad place last night..." kouyou: *listening* Chuuya: She...had an expectation that didn't pan out." kouyou: oh? Chuuya: "...She thought something would be a bigger deal than it was, so she's trying to get over a love connection that wasn't going to happen." kouyou: how unfortunate... Chuuya: "You ever go through that? Maybe you have some woman-to-woman advice you can give her?' kouyou: ........perhaps that is a good idea... Chuuya: *nods* "I guess she's taking the day off from work?" kouyou: *nods* she called in sick... Chuuya: "Same for me, I'm afraid...I used to be able to drink more than this." kouyou: oh, chuuya....*huuuug* Chuuya: -\\\\- "That's not necessary..." -elsewhere- Dazai: *stares at Atsushi* "He...took your shirt?" atsushi: it was kinda weird, and a bit creepy and i dont know why he would do that! Dazai: "..." *grins* atsushi: ?? what? Dazai: "He wanted a collectible~" atsushi:....i dont follow? Dazai: "Something of yours to keep close to him..._really_ close." atsushi: he mentioned something about 'wanting to track my scent'.....wow that is creepy! even for him! Dazai: "No kidding...You think he had...other motives for getting your scent? Maybe he...likes the way you smell?" atsushi:....yyyeeeah im pretty sure he hates my guts. Dazai: "But I heard someone once say love and hate are two sides of the same coin." atsushi:....i still dont follow? Dazai: "...He wants you. Badly." atsushi:.... *gulp* that sounds bad. Dazai: "In bed." atsushi: he wants me to sleep? yosano: *facepalm* Dazai: "...Naomi. Explain to him." naomi: 7w7 *whispers* atsushi:..................................................................................EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!?!?!?! O////////////////////O;;;;;;;;;; Dazai: "Now you know! Kind of reframes things, huh?" atsushi: im not sure how to feel about that. he still tried to kill me. Dazai: "I suggest a restraining order." yosano: and invest in better home security. Kunikida: "Don't let in weirdos." -elsewhere- Mori: *reviewing files* -elsewhere- Belkia: *massaging his wrist* otogiri: have you learned your lesson now? Belkia: "Probably not--except to keep extras keys around." otogiri: -.-; -elsewhere- Arthur: *packing his suitcase* "...Should I bring the mace?" -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "I'm home." kim: hey! ^^ Jacqueline: *takes off her jacket--she has ink stains along her shirt* kim: yikes, did a pen explode on you? Jacqueline: *sighs* "That raccoon...He was chewing on them." *takes off her shirt* kim: oh jeez. Jacqueline: "Not sure detergent will get it out..." *pulls a shirt out of Kim's dresser* -elsewhere- Akitaru: "..." christa: ^o^ Akitaru: *smiles* "Hey, Christa. How are you?" christa: hiya! marie: ^^ {ami: papa!} Akitaru: "?!" *sits back a bit, slightly startled* marie: everything ok? christa: *head tilt* O^O~? Akitaru: "...Christa just reminds me...of my daughter." marie: ....oh... Akitaru: "It's...How is Christa doing?" marie: she's doing good. hard to believe she's 2 already... Akitaru: "Time sure does pass by quickly...got to value it." marie: *nods* Akitaru: "...You're doing a good job, Marie." marie:....*smiles* Akitaru: "She has a good role model. Are you happy?" marie: of course. ^^ .....*sad smile* her birth mother....passed away. i ended up taking her in. Akitaru: "...I bet you think about how to tell her...when she's ready." marie:...*nods* -elsewhere- Black Star: "Rice is almost done." tsubaki: *smiles* -elsewhere- Jun: *humming, as he makes lunch meals for tomorrow* takuto: zzzzz... Jun: *finishes the meal, then turns to Takuto* "..." *pulls sheet over his shoulders* takuto: =w= Jun: *finishes washing the dishes, looks at Takuto* -elsewhere- Mikuni: *in a Thompson sisters cowgirl outfit* metsu:..... Mikuni: "Can you believe someone gave these away to the thrift store?" *tugs on waistband* "Jeans are a bit tight, though." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, eating an apple* -later- atsushi: im home! Kyoka: "Welcome." *has set out bowls of rice* atsushi: jeez, today was busy. Kyoka: *sets down the stew* "Oh? How so?" atsushi: well.... just been busy. Kyoka: "Ah. Then you should rest after dinner." *sits down* "Take a bath." -elsewhere- Takehisa: "And be sure to eat well during your training." tamaki: will do. Arthur: *nods* "Dragon meat is a hearty meal." Relan: O~O shinra: riiiight. *sweatdrop* Takehisa: "You'll need to be at full strength in combat, as it will exhaust you..." -elsewhere- Chuuya: *sips more coffee* "Okay...That should shake off the last bit of the hangover." mito: *leg nuzzle* Chuuya: *smiles, pets Mito* "Hey. I'm sitting upright now." mito: ^w^ Chuuya: "Remind me not to try to beat out Higuchi in a drinking contest..." mito: *purrs* Chuuya: *continues petting* "...I'll have to get you new toys, soon." mito: *tiny yawn* Chuuya: *small scratch under her chin* mito: =w= Chuuya: "Good kitty..." -elsewhere- Patty: *wrapped in toilet paper* "Mummy!" stocking: ^^; liz: ^^; Kid: "..." *grabs the toilet paper* "Not symmetrical." *tugs, spinning Patty around* Patty: D: "WAAAAAAH!" -elsewhere- Konro: *tending to plants* "Should be good herbs for dinner." kabuki: *nods* Konro: "Careful with the fire sage, though: you'll need to wear gloves or you'll feel irritation on your fingers." kabuki: *nods* Mr. Tsubaki: D8> *panting in fox form* Konro: -_-; "And don't _eat_ it until I remove the spice from it..." -elsewhere- Burns: "Status report." dia: the flame human that appeared has been pacified. Burns: *nods* "The remains from the human?" -elsewhere- Anya: "I'm home." tsugumi: welcome back! Meme: *waves* Anya: "Are the new students always stopping by the school?" tsugumi: i guess so, but that's mostly with just the local students. considering im from out of death city, i started with everyone else during the spring roster. just imagine how many new students will be joining as soon as the school year starts proper. Anya: "Hmm...She had a bit of an accent to be a 'local student.'" ao: oh? Anya: -_-; "Yes. I couldn't place the accent. Maybe Eastern Europe?" tsugumi: maybe? mio: she could have moved here before hand. Anya: "I guess so..." *slight shiver* tsugumi:..*pats her back* -underground- yana: so that's where the records room is. now all i need to do is find a way inside. FD: "Do you want to try sneaking in, or do you know someone who has access?" yana: lets say, i left a little friend there~ *has a remote control out* FD: "Neat. What's it do?" yana: with any luck, gets us access to the records room. FD: "Good work. How long before we get access?" -elsewhere- Sakuya: *snoring* lilac: zzzzz naho: *smiles and puts blanket over them* Sakuya: *small yawn, as he pulls the blanket up more along Lilac* naho: ^^ lilac: *hug* zzzz Sakuya: *protective hug* -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: *looking around new office* "..." louisa: *bringing in a box* i managed to get most of your things from the moby dick. Fitzgerald: "...'Most'? Did you retrieve...the photograph?" louisa: it was the first thing i got. *puts it on his desk* Fitzgerald: "..." *stares at the photograph* "..." T_T louisa:...*pats his back* Fitzgerald: "I will make this up to her...I will do the right thing." louisa: i know you will. *smiles* Fitzgerald: *sniff, sighs* "Well, until then...I must earn more money." -elsewhere- Medusa: *shivering* neian: zzzzz Medusa: ("Those hallucinations...What is happening to me?") -elsewhere- Dr. John: *staring at a family photo* "..." sachiko: those your relatives? Dr. John: *nods* "My parents are in the back." sachiko: ah. *nods* Dr. John: *smiles at Sachiko* "How is Izumi?" sachiko: doing great. she's starting classes at the DWMA next month... Dr. John: "Oh? That is really good! Is she excited?" sachiko: *nods* Dr. John: *sad smile* "She'll learn a lot there...Did Spirit say he was okay with her going through that training?" sachiko: i think so. Dr. John: "Then I'm sure she'll be fine." -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *enters battle simulation* -training dummies begin their attack- Akutagawa: *pinches head off one dummy* "Increase difficulty." -several more attack- Akutagawa: *hit in the face, growls--swirls black energy around one dummy's limb, snaps it off to beat the other dummies* -BREEEN BREEEEEN- -a red 'WARNING' flashes on screen- Akutagawa: "?!!! What on earth?" -a new training dummy appears; a tiger- Akutagawa: "...No..." *steps back* tiger: *ROOOARs and charges* Akutagawa: *backs up, panting, shivering* "N-No!" *summons Rashomon around him, sending it at the Tiger* -KO- -stage complete!- -the tiger just lays there...- Akutagawa: "...No..." *runs to it* "No!" *gets down beside the Tiger* gin: ryu! *goes into the training room* Akutagawa: "Wake up...Wake up, damn you!" gin:... *SLAP* RYU SNAP OUT OF IT! Akutagawa: *stunned...his eyes are full of tears* "...There's something wrong with me." gin: its ok ryu. it's not real, see? it's just a training dummy. Akutagawa: "...I wanted it to be real..." gin: ...... Akutagawa: "In so many ways...and I am confused." gin: .....do you need to see the medic? Akutagawa: "..." *taps his head* "Something else." gin:....i'll see what i can do... Akutagawa: "Th-Thank you..." *lies down* -elsewhere- Bon: *grumbling* -elsewhere- Assi: "Got the last of the dishes washed!" chie: good job. Assi: ^^ "Happy to! One of the few things I'm okay at..." Zuno: "??? Wait, don't we have more to finish?" Assi: -_-; "We did them already." -elsewhere- Kid: *sipping tea* Kid: *sets out cake* -elsewhere- Yukio: *opens drawer full of his glasses* "Hmm..." *puts on a pair* "I'm about ready." kyouko: hey. do your best today, ok? Yukio: *nods* "I try. Good luck today." -elsewhere- Rin: TT_TT "My allowance is being eaten up by candles..." *sets out more on rooftop* shura: well then who's fault is that? Rin: >_<# "I'm trying my best, damn it! Maybe I need a better teacher!" shura: *glaaaare* Rin: "So why don't you actually help me figure this out? Like, I did the *poof* trick--but I end up burning the entire candle rather than just the wick at the top." -elsewhere- Giovanni: *flips a switch* "We are here..." guruna: ~? Ouo *It is dimmy lit...There are a few photos on the walls with x's crossed out over people's faces...including of Vulcan's father* -elsewhere- Bon: *washing his hands at the kitchen sink* ("...Dad...What the hell...") juzo: ..... *walking* Bon: *spots Juzo...follows* juzo: *entering the elevator* Bon: "?!" ("Where did that come from? Was that a key?") *pressed button on the elevator* -ding- Bon: *carefully exits so not to be seen* -in the keep lobby, several people lay unconscious- Bon: "?!" *checks the vitals on one person* "What the hell happened?" -the door to the keep opens slightly- juzo: ........?! mamushi?! Mamushi: "..." *her hand is over the jar...* juzo: MAMUSHI STOP! Mamushi: "Juzo...You know the story of the Blue Night?" juzo: ....yes....my brother, takezo, died then... Mamushi: "And did you know...that because of that night, the son of Satan was born?" juzo: what?! Mamushi: "Mephisto was assigned to eliminate the child. Instead, he made a deal with True Cross to spare the child--and he conscripted Suguro to help in deceiving us." juzo: ?! do you even have proof? Mamushi: "Ask Todo." juzo: ?!?! -BOOOOOOM- todo: ah, mr shima. it's been some time since we saw each other last. juzo: !!!! so then _you're_ the one responsible! Bon: "?!!!" *runs forward, but he is still far from the site* todo: seems i am. you did an excellent job, miss hojo. you always were my favorite student... Mamushi: "..." *ignores Todo's words, her hands moving to open the top of the jar...* "True Cross cannot be trusted with this object...Suguro cannot...We will protect it..." juzo: MAMUSHI NO! HE'S TRICKING YOU!! Mamushi: "Suguro has tricked you!" *removes the top of the jar...* juzo: !!! Bon: "Seal!" Mamushi: "?!" *Bon's seal pushes back Mamushi* todo: oh? suguro's son? here to play 'dragon'? Bon: "I'm not letting you leave with the Eye!" todo: hmm, like father like son, it seems. mamushi, if you would. Mamushi: *inhales deeply, as the snake begins to appear...its mouth opens as it rushes towards Juzo* juzo: *chanting to summon a barrier seal* -several members of the myoda have arrived to investigate- myoda member: !!! it's todo! myoda member 2: mamushi! what are you doing with the eye?! Mamushi: "Taking it where it can be kept safe from True Cross's machinations." *the snake tail whips around at Myoda members* juzo: !!!! todo: i believe it's time we took our leave. juzo: WAIT- Bon: "Why weren't any of you here more quickly?! Why weren't you--" ???: "We saw all." Bon: "??? ...Dad?" Tatsuma: "..." *weak smile* "Nice hair." myoda member 3: oh shit. Bon: >_<#### "YOU STUPID BASTARD! WHERE WERE YOU?!" tatsuma: ^^; i'd love to stay and chat, but right now, i have to go after mamushi. *begins walking away* Bon: *grabs Tatsuma's wrist* "Is it true?" tatsuma: ?? Bon: "You knew about the Blue Flames? What Mephisto did?" shura: oh shit... tatsuma: ...... Bon: "Answer, you old fool!" tatsuma:...well, it's a secret, haha. listen. things are a bit hectic, so try and get some rest for now. *A hand rests on Tatsuma's shoulder* tatsuma: ?? shura: eh?...O-O w-when did he-?! Rin: "Bon. Back off." Bon: *growling* "I am not done talking to him! This old fool hid everything from us! He shouldn't be in charge! He's just some crazy buffoon who doesn't know how to do anything! Who can't just get out of people's ways! He is and will always be a screw up!" tatsuma: .... Rin: "Apologize to your father." Bon: "...What? No! I'm not done--" *POW* shura: !!! 'scuse me, coming through. Rin: *holding up his fist* "You take that back, Bon! You don't just insult your old man! You don't know how much time you have--" Bon: "SEAL!" *Rin pushed back* Rin: *growls, flames appearing* "Cut that shit out now!" shura: for fucks sake- RIN! Rin: "..." *extinguishes his flames* "...Just get out of my way. I'm not done talking to Bon-" shura: *HEADBUTT* Rin: "AHHH! Damn it!" shura: did you forget what they said? if you lose control, they'll kill you! Rin: "..." -3- "Just trying to teach Bon a lesson. He started it..." shura: still, cant have you screwing up and getting put down. you still have a special someone to go home to, am i right? Rin: -\\\\- "Low blow, Boobzilla..." shura: ...........*chanting something* tatsuma:.... 7///3///7;;; Rin: "??? What are you--?" -a brace around rin's tail begins to hurt. bad- Rin: .________O *HOWLS IN PAIN* shura: i'll handle this one~ ^w^ Bon: *glares at Rin and Tatsuma* tatsuma: you know ryuji.....that woman.....she's got a tush just like your mother's. Bon: "...I want to punch you so badly." -elsewhere- Yohei: *opens door to the fridge* medea: ..... Yohei: "...Yo. Want a drink?" medea:.....water please. Yohei: *pours her a glass* "Here you go. Feeling okay?" -elsewhere- Chuuya: "Yo. Feeling better?" higuchi: yeah. Chuuya: *small smile* "That's good...You were pretty hammered." higuchi: ....i didnt....do anything _too_ embarrassing...did i? Chuuya: ^^; "No, not at all. But do rehydrate..." higuchi: doing that. Chuuya: "How was the day off?" ("...'Touch myself while thinking of him'...Yikes.") higuchi: it was.....alright. Chuuya: "??? Did you need another day off?" higuchi: i think.....i can manage....i kind of have to...still have business to take care of... Chuuya: *nods* "Need any help?" -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "..." atsushi?: *smiles* Akutagawa: "!!! T-Tiger?" atsushi?: *hug* Akutagawa: .\\\\. "Wh-What are you doing?" atsushi?: *smiles and gazes at him lovingly* ryu... Akutagawa: "...Atsushi..." -smooch- Akutagawa: o\\\\\\\\o "..." >\\\\\\\< *tentative smooch* atsushi?: hehe~ Akutagawa: "...Are you laughing _at_ me?" atsushi?: no. you're just...so cute, you know? Akutagawa: .\\\\\. "I...don't know. I don't think another man has ever said I was 'cute.'" atsushi?: *smiles and hugs him* i love you... Akutagawa: "Wh-Wh-What?! I-I-I am supposedly to destroy you!" gin: ryu? Akutagawa: *eyes snap open* ._______. "...What?" gin: are you ok? Akutagawa: ._________________. "...Weird dream." gin: ................. .___. uhhhhh....>->;;; Akutagawa: "???" *looks around* "What?" gin:...i'll just go now. *exits the room* Akutagawa: "???" *looks down* o\\\\\\o "WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?!" -elsewhere- atsushi: O-O;;; Kyoka: "???" atsushi: nothing, just a sudden feeling of unease. Kyoka: "...You are slouching in your seat." atsushi: *getting up* O-O Kyoka: "...Any better?" atsushi: yeah. thank you. Kyoka: "Good..." *stares at his face* atsushi:...what? Kyoka: "Nothing." *lays a hand on his cheek* atsushi: ?? Kyoka: "...You look awful. Get some sleep." -morning- Rin: *tossing, turning...whimpers* -phone rings- Rin: *his hand moves, trying to grab at something--finds the phone* -it's madoka calling- Rin: "??!" *answers* "M-Madoka?" madoka: hey rin, how're you doing? Rin: "...I'm in pain..." madoka: ?! what happened?! Rin: TT~TT "Shura pulled on my tail!" madoka: oh no. that's not very nice! Rin: "I-I was just trying to knock some sense into Bon..." madoka: *listening* Rin: "He got into an argument with his dad, said he didn't care about him, and I...just remembered Dad." madoka: ....rin.... Rin: "...Like, he just was so angry at his dad...and his dad's all old but a good dude..." *whimpers, as he shifts in bed* ("My tail...") madoka: *listening* Rin: "But Bon is angry because he thinks his dad is...Don't tell Yukio this, since it's being investigated, but he thinks his dad is the traitor." madoka: !! Rin: "So...things in Kyoto have gotten worse." madoka: rin....i really wish there was some way i could help, but i dont know how... Rin: "...Getting to talk with you is a start." madoka: *smiles* i wish i was able to come over there and hug you. Rin: "...If you had a key..." madoka: hmmm... *lightbulb* maybe i could talk to your dad? Rin: "O-Okay." *smiles* "Tell him 'hi' for me?" madoka: *nods* i will! Rin: "Love you." madoka: love you too. ^^ -elsewhere- Hyde: *flips over a bed* -elsewhere- Vulcan: "Think you're packing enough?" *Victor is packing--his suitcase is already ripping at the seams* -elsewhere- Hyde: "No, no, no!" licht: whaaat? Hyde: *grabs Licht by the collar* "WHERE IS MY DOG TAG?!" licht: it's right on your neck, you shit rat -_-; Hyde: "..." *looks down* "...Oh." *looks up* "Next you'll tell me my glasses are on my head." licht:.... romina: *cough* kranz: *sweatdrop* licht: someone has to, besides. *poses* im your guardian angel. Hyde: ^\\\\^ "Yes, you!" *jazz hands* -elsewhere- Shima: "So...aside from bruised egos, everyone okay?"' shiemi: i think so? konekomaru: bon still hasnt left his room... izumo: jeez.... unagi: *staaaaare* Shima: o____O "Um...Maybe I should check on Bon..." *backs away* izumo: ??? what's gotten into him? konekomaru: who knows.... -elsewhere- Kid: *hangs his new painting* "Hmm...Not quite even..." stocking: need help? Kid: *nod nod* "Please." -and so- stocking: better? Kid: *shiny eyes* "You are divine!" stocking: aww, hehe~ *phone call* -_-; freaking work calls....yeah?....oh hey......wait for real?!....*sigh* alright then....ok.....*hangs up* *sigh* duty calls. Kid: *pouts* "You'll be away long?" stocking: not sure. Kid: "Well, be safe out there..." stocking: of course. *kisses him* -elsewhere- Vulcan: "I'll give you a ride. You all packed?" shinra: yep! sayu: all set! tamaki: *nods* Relan: "As ready as I'll ever be..." Arthur: "Let us ride the dragon to our destination." Vulcan: "...Right. Where's tall guy?" Victor: "Coming!" -and so- Arthur: *looks at flights* shinra: man, it feels like so long since we were here last... tamaki: first time in november, then again earlier this year... Relan: "I'm not really familiar with things around here..." shinra: we'll show you around. *smiles* ah, there's the 7th's base now....hellooooo? *No one is inside...then Shinra feels something touching the front of his neck* ???: "You're already dead." shinra: O-O;;;;; Benimaru: "..." *lets go of Shinra with a slight push* "This was your first test." *walks ahead of the group* shinra: *gulp* sayu: cool! fang-hua: so they're here? Tsukiyo: *waves* Konro: ^^; "I see the Commander has welcomed you all..." Arthur: *smirks at Shinra* yu: .////. shinra: TnT fang-hua: come on, we'll show you where the training field is. Arthur: "Ha ha...Stupid Shinra--" *BONK* Arthur: X___X fang-hua: alright. those with ignition abilities will go with the commander. those of you who dont, follow me. yu: o-ok ma'am. sayu: hey, arent you the lady from the training camp? fang-hua: yes, yes i am. ^^; sayu: cool! -and so- shinra: *focused* tamaki: *hella focused* Arthur: *bandage on his forehead, holding his sword, staring at Benimaru* Benimaru: "You have to be focused at all times. Your enemy depends on you leaving a gap--" *starts to move his hand* tamaki: *taking stance* shinra: !! Arthur: *shifts hold on Excalibur* Benimaru: *his hand moves...to the back of his head, as he scratches* "--that let's them attack when you drop your guard." tamaki: *charges forwards* Arthur: "?!!" Benimaru: "..." *holds up two fingers* tamaki: *jumps* HAAAH! Benimaru: "You left yourself open..." *Fire emerges around Benimaru's hand, forming a blast that approaches Tamaki* tamaki: *mid air rolls and lands* shinra: !! *dodge* Arthur: *the blast just passes by his face* o~O; Benimaru: "Attacking head-on. What was that supposed to accomplish?" tamaki: i thought that would work? Benimaru: *flicks her forehead* "I could see you coming right at me." tamaki: owie! TT^TT -on another field- Relan: Q~Q fang-hua: even though you're in a brigade, fighting with ignition abilities isn’t the only method of combat. physical combat and use of weapons are also viable tactics. Relan: "...I was good at running away from fights..." fang-hua: true, having a good escape plan is a good idea, but there are times where that isnt an option. sometimes you have to fight back in order to get stronger. in body and in mind. Relan: "...I'm not good at landing a punch. I'm not sure I know _how_ to punch." fang-hua: well that's why we're here. *4 scarecrows have been set up* these will be your targets. *demonstrating on one scarecrow* kick. punch. chop. three basic attacks. Relan: *approaches one scarecrow* "..." *soft jab at the head* fang-hua: that's a good start. just keep that up. *smiles* Relan: "..." *jab jab...a bit harder jab...small kick* "..." .w. -elsewhere- kabuki: *observing* Konro: "How do you think they're doing?" kabuki: seems they're doing quite well. *smiles* shinra: phew... Arthur: *rotating his arm* "Quite a workout." tamaki: so hungry... TT_TT Benimaru: "We have a meal waiting for you, then you will bathe your sore muscles and get sleep." shinra: ...?? victor? Victor: *wave wave* " 'Ello!" tamaki: *already going to get dinner* reimi: i worked extra hard on this one. Victor: *whispers to Shinra* "I want to talk with you--later." tamaki: it looks sooooo good! shinra: owo;;;; Arthur: "Yeah! I can't wait to dig in..." Victor: *puts finger to his lips and goes to sit to the meal* Relan: O~O "...What was that about?" tamaki: thank you for the food~! shinra: im not sure. but i have a bad feeling about it. Arthur: *picking food off Shinra's portion* shinra: D8< Benimaru: *flicks Arthur's forehead* "Stop that. Reimi, please give Shinra a bit more food." reimi: *nods* Relan: *eating slowly* TTWTT "Tasty..." shinra: ...hey, did you do something with your eyes? they look different. reimi: OwO;;; must be the lighting! Arthur: *holding his forehead* "???" kabuki: excuse me, mr.....victor? was it? Victor: "Victor Licht, yes." kabuki: ah, you dont look like someone from the 8th... Victor: "I transferred from Haijima to join as forensics scientist--and I think the 8th is the best brigade ever!" Konro: "..." kabuki: i see. *looks at konro* Konro: "..." *returns to eating his meal, staring intently at Victor* Victor: owo;;;;; -elsewhere- Vulcan: "Yo, Doc--can you take a look at this?" *holding the magnetic orb* karin: woah, neato! Vulcan: ^^ "Thanks. But I can't get the response time how I want: the magnetic field goes off 0.2 too late after detecting the fire." -elsewhere- shura: -_-; well that was an awkward conversation.....they _are_ similar...how?....hey stocking.....just-... O-O wait a minute. stocking: hey. madoka: ^^; shura:...... *JAWDROP* stocking: i can explain. Rin: *hobbling around the hall* "Darn stupid tail hurts..." *pouts, not noticing...* madoka: !!! rin! *hug* Rin: QWQ "Madoka!" *hug* stocking: aww. shiemi: ?? eh? k-k-kaname? O.O izumo: how?! stocking: well, long story short, she's joining you guys on the kyoto mission. izumo: SHE'S NOT EVEN AN EXORCIST! stocking: true, but- madoka: m-mr pheles gave me this. *shows a true cross pin* i've been made an honorary exwire for the course of the mission... Rin: "You are?!" *grins* *squees* "...But don't get hurt out there, okay?" madoka: i'll do my best! Rin: *giddy* "I know you will! This is so awesome! How are you? How's Dad and everyone?" madoka: they're doing well. izumo: 7-7; shiemi: ^^; it'll be nice having another girl to talk to, right izumo? izumo: i-i guess, b-but just as long as she doesnt mess anything up. Rin: "Let's find you a room! And wait 'til you try the food here--it's so tasty!" -elsewhere- Dazai: "Busy day of work ahead of you!" atsushi: *nods* Dazai: *pulls out his notepad* "Let's see...One shoplifter hitting up multiple convenience stores, one missing cat, six missing person reports--" -elsewhere- Mori: *opens a package...inside are vials* elise: what's that for? Mori: "Research." *The vials have labels: I. Higuchi. G. Akutagawa. M. Kosaka, etc* elise: ah. Mori: *smiles at Elise* "I will have some meetings soon. Have you had lunch yet?" elise: yep. when's the new punching bag getting in? Mori: "Soon-ish." elise: yay! Mori: "And you'll get to play with her, too. I'm sure she will be more fun than that stick in the mud..." elise: yay! Mori: "Now, how about you get ready for your nap?" -elsewhere- Kid: *making his and Stocking's be...* "Oh! The cupcakes!" *heads back to the kitchen* -elsewhere- Mifune: "Tea's ready." -elsewhere- Shouto: *reviewing clipboard* "We are introducing new students?" ochako: yep! Shouto: "Hmm...I wonder what they are like. Can't judge by names alone...Some familiar last names." ochako: who knows. ^u^ Shouto: "...You're excited about this?" ochako: yep! new faces means new friends! maybe! Shouto: "..." *small laugh* ochako: ^u^ Shouto: "I suppose that is the more optimistic way to look at this." -elsewhere- Rino: "How's it going?" mikami: well. ^^ Rino: "Glad to hear...Need any help?" *she's wearing a cat t-shirt* -elsewhere- Relan: =\\\\\= "This feels better..." *lays back in bath* shinra: ah.... =w= Arthur: *rubbing his wrist* "If this is the Day 1 workout, not working forward to tomorrow..." shinra: how was today for you, rel? Relan: "I think I can throw a punch better now!" *tries punching at the air a few times* "H-How was that?" shinra: woah! that's really good! Relan: ^\\\^ "Thanks...How did your training go?" shinra: getting better. *leans in* u///u Relan: o\\\\o "Um..." *leans back a bit...even as his hand reaches for Shinra's cheek* shinra: *blush* Arthur: -_-;;;; "I'm clean enough." *stands up to leave* shinra:...*small chuckle* this brings back memories... Relan: ^^; "No kidding...I-I still feel shy..." shinra: *smiles* Relan: "H-How about you? You don't...seem so shy." shinra: well, i guess its easier when your with someone you love. *smiles and holds his hand* Relan: o\\\\o "I-I love you, too..." shinra: *smiles and smoooooch* tamaki: *streeeeetch* Tsukiyo: "Been awhile, Tamaki--how's it been?" tamaki: eh, same old. >->; Tsukiyo: "??? What, still having that bad-luck trouble?" tamaki: -_-; yes. yes i am. thought it isnt as often... Tsukiyo: "You try some good luck charms?" *taps a necklace she's wearing* "I got this one to deal with bad love luck..." tamaki: i remember getting on from sister yanase. i think i still have it....back in my room....shit....wait, love luck? .////.; Tsukiyo: TTWTT "I'm still alone...Benimaru has his girlfriend..." tamaki: g-girlfriend? since when? Tsukiyo: "Since you all fought those fake doppelgangers. It's the talk of the town--just taking bets now when he pops the question and she pops out a kid." tamaki: e-e-ehhhhh O///O oh...oh my. well who is this person? Tsukiyo: "Oh, he's with Kirei." tamaki: sister yanase?! ./////. oh my. Tsukiyo: "I know, right? Blindsided by that..." *pouts* "She's with hottie commander now..." tamaki: *thinking hard*.....their baby would look so good. Tsukiyo: -\\\\\- "Yeah, they'd be adorable..." tamaki: yeah......*imagining her own babies with arthur* O/////O WOAH WHERE DID THAT THOUGHT COME FROM?! Tsukiyo: "..." *smirks* "You thinking about your future babies, Tamaki~?" tamaki: >////>;; n-no! Tsukiyo: "Hee hee...I won't tell a soul...Now, while you're here, if you need anything, just ask. I can drop it off at your room." -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *exiting the building* gin: ready to head home? Akutagawa: *nods* "You?" gin: *nods* Akutagawa: "Okay..." *starts to move* "...Wait..." gin: ?? Akutagawa: *turns around* "...Thought I felt something." higuchi: ......ryunosuke? may i ask you something? Akutagawa: "??? Higuchi? Hello. What did you want to ask?" higuchi: *gulps, tears in her eyes* are you and the weretiger together?! Akutagawa: "..." *brains stops working...heat coming off his head* X\\\\\\X gin: ryu! get a hold of yourself! *shaking him* higuchi: SO IT'S TRUE THEN?! D8> Akutagawa: "I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?!!!!" higuchi: are the two of you in a relationship?! Akutagawa: "YES! OF COMBAT! BECAUSE I WILL DEFEAT HIM AND PIN HIM TO THE GROUND!" gin: phrasing. higuchi: i know that but.....are you together...romantically? Akutagawa: .\\\\. "...No?" higuchi: .....do you.....like him? Akutagawa: D: "I-I-I mean...I-I just...think about...Um..." higuchi:.....*tears falling with a broken smile* ahahahaha......so is that the case then?.....its ok...im not angry....i know...how to handle this... *collapses to her knees and gets down on her hands* GIN PLEASE GO OUT ON A DATE WITH ME! gin: ?!?!?! .///.; Akutagawa: "...What?" higuchi: if i cant be with you, then i'll go for your sister! >-< Akutagawa: "..." *turns to Gin* gin: ....h-higuchi, are you feeling ok? higuchi: NEVER BETTER! 8D Akutagawa: "Ooooookay...I think we need to get you home, Higuchi..." gin: easy now. higuchi: TTuTT Akutagawa: *guides Higuchi* "Let's get you home..." -elsewhere- Montgomery: "Oh, Weretiger...There you are." atsushi: hey lucy. i was just heading home. *smiles* Montgomery: "Oh...Well, so was I. To my home, that is." atsushi: .....well, since we live in the same apartment building....did you...uh...want to walk home together at all? Montgomery: "...Very well." *follows* "...Did my tea cure you of your cold?" atsushi: yeah it did. thanks. ^^ Montgomery: *smirk* "Told you so. My tea is a cure all..." *jabs Atsushi's shoulder* atsushi: ah, hehe. ^^; Montgomery: "So, it's you and that Demon Snow girl in your apartment?" atsushi: kyouka. and yes. just the two of us. Montgomery: "...Oh." *scratches her cheek* "...Does she keep your place clean?" atsushi: we both do. *smiles* im glad she's ok now. she's like a sister to me. Montgomery: "O-Oh? That's...awfully close..." -\\\- atsushi: i guess. but then again, i didnt exactly know what it was like to have a family until recently... *covers mouth* im sorry! i didnt mean- Montgomery: "It-It's fine...At least you have a family. I'm happy for you. Really." -___- atsushi: say, did you want to come up to our room for dinner? Montgomery: ._.; "...I wouldn't want to impose. After all, I don't know how much food you have..." >_< atsushi: well, um....maybe we could get lunch together some other time? Montgomery: "?! Oh, so now you _don't_ want me over for dinner?!" *pouts* atsushi: i-i didnt mean that! i...uh...you did make a point that we might not have much... ._.;;; Montgomery: "I WAS BEING POLITE! THEN YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO SAY--" *imitating Atsushi's voice and mannerisms* " 'No, really! I insist! P-Please come! We'd love to have you--" *back to her usual demeanor* "SO LET'S GET TO YOUR PLACE RIGHT NOW AND HAVE DINNER!" atsushi: OK! OwO;;;; (thinking: kyouka please dont murder me) Montgomery: *takes his hand, leading the way* "And hurry up! I'm hungry..." -elsewhere- Black Star: "Is everyone home?" naho: i think so. tsubaki: *nods* Black Star: "Good--then that means no need to worry about anyone being out past curfew..." *bolts the door* himawari: ... Black Star: "??? Himawari? You hungry?" himawari:....a little... Black Star: "Then I'll whip something up for you! Maybe Sham would like a meal, too..." himawari:....not...for that.... Black Star: "??? 'For that'? What, is he not doing okay?" tsubaki:....*small slice along her arm, offering it to himawari* himawari: *licks* Black Star: .______.;;; "...Tsu?" tsubaki: better now? himawari:....*nods* Black Star: .______________. "...I guess we need to get more blood donations, or--" Belkia: "I'M STARVING!!!" *leaps at Black Star* Black Star: "HOLY SHIT!" *tackled* -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *sleeping on Yu's bed* yu: hmm? oh hey there lil guy, where did you come from? *pet pet* Mr. Tsubaki: ^W^ *small fox click sound...nuzzles* yu: ^^ Benimaru: *walks by* "??? Is the fox giving you trouble?" yu: no sir. he's really fluffy. kirei: ^^ Mr. Tsubaki: ^w^ ("It's good to get attention...") *closes his eyes* -elsewhere- Wes: *checking his metronome* -elsewhere- Arthur: *stretches as he lies down* "Sleep will be good..." -elsewhere- madoka: *nods* im ready. shura: alright. *has several targets set up* madoka: *summons bow and takes aim at the targets* Rin: *watching the attack* shura: wow, nice. madoka: *focused* Rin: *claps* "Yay!" shiemi: *watching*... (thinking: miss kaname's really good in combat...) Rin: "Good work, Madoka!" madoka: ^///^ *smiles* Rin: *smiles* "It'll be great having you out in the field--you're going to be a big help after the snake priestess escaped." madoka: i'll do my best! shiemi: *weak smile* Rin: "??? Shiemi? How's it going?" shiemi: i'm ok! i'll just go tend to the patients........*dials a number on her phone* -it leads to voicemail- shiemi:....*sigh*...*hangs up* -elsewhere- Yukio: *phone on silent, as he files a report* -morning- Akutagawa: *yawn* gin: morning. hope you dont mind omelet again... Akutagawa: *nods* "That is acceptable." *sits down, yawns* "I slept deeply..." gin: *smiles* that's good to hear. Akutagawa: "How did you sleep last night?" *sips his tea* gin:...pretty well. Akutagawa: *smiles* "That's good. You do look rested." -elsewhere- Tachihara: *stretches* ???: zzzzzz -a random prostitute is asleep in the bed- Tachihara: "..." *poke poke* lady: *yaaawn* ya? Tachihara: "It's morning. Get up." lady: alright, jeez. *streeetch* Tachihara: *walks to dresser, takes his wallet* "How much?" lady: $35, hun~ Tachihara: *hands her $40* "I don't think you can make change like that, so keep the tip." lady: aww, thanks sugar~ *smoooch on the cheek and winks* Tachihara: ^\\\^ "Later...If you need the shower, feel free." -elsewhere- Kid: *snoring* stocking: *licks his earlobe* Kid: *eyes break open* "Wh-What?" stocking: morning, kiddo~<3 Kid: *shiny eyes* "You're home!" *hug* stocking: yeah. *hug* i just had to drop someone off on a mission. but im home now~ kirika: 'bout time. he cried himself to sleep, you know. Kid: o_____O "I DID NOT!" *spots pillow that is wet* "..." *tosses pillow away* stocking: *sighs and hugs him* Kid: ^\\\\^ *hug* stocking: its ok. im here now... Kid: "And we have catching up to do! How was the mission?" -elsewhere- Montgomery: *exiting her apartment* naomi: morning neighbor~ hope we werent too loud for you. Montgomery: "...'We'?" Tanizaki: Q~Q naomi: 737~ Montgomery: o______o "...Okay. No, you weren't loud..." *shudders, locks her door* "I have to get to work. Have a good day." -elsewhere- Benimaru: *holds up a gong--and strikes it* "Wake up..." shinra: WARK! O.O IM UP! Arthur: *leaps up in his boxers, sword in hand* "Bring forth the dragon!" Relan: *falls out of bed* "OW!" Benimaru: "..." *stares at Shinra* shinra: rel! you ok? D8 tamaki: whaaaat what is it? *in a unicorn kigurumi* Benimaru: "You have practice in one hour. Get breakfast and get ready to fight." *stares at Tamaki's outfit* "..." *walks away* Arthur: o\\\\o "BRAVE UNICORN! Let us go into battle! I will ride you to victory!" Relan: "I'm fine...What happened?" shinra: morning. that's what happened. tamaki: O///O G-GET OFF ME! >////<# Benimaru: *smacks Arthur in the forehead with a stick* "Down. Down." Arthur: X____X -elsewhere- Vulcan: "Maki, I'm almost done with the new weapon..." *tosses a collapsible metal rod to her* maki: ooh, neato. Vulcan: "The bottom of it has a flame pop out of it, which you can control for combat--or for flight. I call it the 'Broomstick.'" maki: ....kickass. Vulcan: "Start easy on it--I don't know how high you can fly on it." *wipes grease off onto his shirt* "...Damn." karin: he wanted to call it the 'boom'-stick, but that one was already done, haha. Vulcan: ^^; "I'm not one for originality..." *takes off his shirt* "Doc, how's the mech going?" -elsewhere- Black Star: *bite marks along his arm* -____-;;; *tosses a blood packet into a cooler* naho: sorry about last night. q.q Black Star: "It's fine. People get hungry. Hunger makes people do...things. Like biting people's arms..." naho: hehe ^^; Sakuya: "I guess we better stick to 'frozen dinner' for now..." *sips on a blood packet* -elsewhere- Giriko: *deep inhale* anna: O^O~? Giriko: *looks at Anna...smiles* "Sorry, kiddo...Just thinking about your...sister." anna: *seems she wants up* Giriko: *picks her up* "Like getting higher, huh?" -the door opens- arachne:.... Giriko: "...Arachne?" arachne:...*wipes tears as she takes a hold of anna* -a young lady enters the room- malaria:.....h-hey...dad. 7.7; Giriko: "..." Q~Q "..." *sniff* *waves Anna's hand at Malaria* "H-Hi..." anna: ^u^ malaria:...so this is my sister, huh? arachne: *nods* Giriko: "...This is Anna...Evangaline...This is your sister..." malaria:...*smiles slightly* hey kiddo. anna: eevee! eevee! Giriko: *sobbing* malaria:...hehe. *picks her up* arachne: *holding her daughters* Giriko: *big hug* -elsewhere- Yohei: *patting Toru's back* toru: *hic* =3= Yohei: "It'll be okay...Just let it out..." *rubs along his back* -elsewhere- atsushi: zzzzzz ???: hey. atsushi: hmm? -he's the only one in the room- atsushi: ???? *shrugs* *Text message light on his phone is blinking* atsushi: ??? *looks at phone* *Message from Kunikida* [busy work day. need you to keep an eye on dazai. don't let him do anything stupid(er than usual)] atsushi: *nods and gets up to get changed* ???: dont forget your grocery list. atsushi: ah, right. *puts that in his pocket and heads out*...... o.o wait....who the hell? *looks around. no one.* 0-0; Kyouka: *still asleep* "Zzz..." atsushi: *nudge* kyouka? time to wake up. Kyouka: *swings her arm up* "Nfff..." atsushi: .....*TICKLE ATTACK* Kyouka: o\\\\\o *swinging her arms, giggling* "St-Stop! This is t-t-t-tortuHA HA HA HA!" atsushi: success! Kyouka: =_= "Mean." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "What's on their training agenda today?" fang-hua: looks like an obstacle course... Tsukiyo: "Neat! I bet the Commander laid all kinds of traps." Victor: *suddenly pops up next to Fang-Hua* "But Shinra and the others will handle them!" fang-hua: GAH! O-O Tsukiyo: *ducks behind Fang-Hua* "Wh-Where did _you_ come from?" Victor: "The 8th! And I know even more difficult obstacles you should add to this course..." fang-hua: ^^; t-thats ok, really. Victor: *pouts, puts away bag of cartoonish-looking bombs* "Fine..." -3- Tsukiyo: "..." *whispers* "Dude is obviously evil." -elsewhere- Chuuya: *whistling* higuchi: morning. Chuuya: "Oh, hey! Feeling better?" higuchi: i think so. 7///7; Chuuya: "Well that's good." *smiles* "Happy to have you back at work." higuchi: well, cant be distracted now, right? Chuuya: "..." *nods* "Yeah...That's a challenge." -elsewhere- Yumi: "How did it go?" lord death: it was a success! huzzah! Yumi: *smiles* "Good. I would like a report." -elsewhere- Gopher: *tossing a ball at the wall* kirika: *got the bat out* ok, lets do this shit. kotone: *has the catcher's mit* Gopher: "Okay...Keep your eye on the ball!" *prepares...throws--* kirika: *glint* -KRRRACK- -right onto the roof- Gopher: *blink* "..." *summons wings* "I'll get it!" kotone: ....*light pout* -elsewhere- Jun: "Another vampire attack...Where did this one come from?" yumikage: around port town train station. Jun: "Let's head out that way, pick up clues." yumikage: *nods* hyakuya: .... -elsewhere- Shima: "Man...Dad and bros are pissed, we may have a traitor around..." madoka: that sounds pretty bad. izumo: that's because it is bad. unagi: *staaaaaare* Shima: *whispers* "And I keep feeling like someone is staring at me..." madoka: o.o~? Shima: *whispers* "Help me! I think someone is going to hurt me..." -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: "21...22...I'm three dollars short." -elsewhere- Mori: *loud screaming* kouyou: ?? Mori: "I stubbed my toe!" TT~TT kouyou: how unfortunate. Mori: "And that stupid new secretary still isn't here yet..." kouyou: give the dear some time... Mori: *grumbles* "What else can go wrong?" -elsewhere- Anya: *walking back with groceries* licht: oh look hyde, it's your girlfriend. Hyde: O\\\\O *punches Licht's arm* "Dude, not so loud!" Anya: "L-Licht! H-Hi..." licht: hey anna. Anya: -\\\\- " 'Anya'--" Hyde: "Her name is Anya!" *smiles at Anya* "May I help you with your groceries~?" Anya: "...I'm fine." *smiles at Licht* "And how are you?" licht: as well as always, an angel is always fine. Anya: *swoons, falling back into Hyde's arms* "As you wish~" Hyde: .\\\\. *catches her* "..." *pushes her along towards her destination* romina: *in a red whale suit* well aint they just an entertaining bunch? julian: *in a pink whale suit* i suppose so... Anya: .___. "...Are those people in whale suits?" licht: yes. they're with us. Hyde: "Yo, help Anya with her groceries..." -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "..." *looks outside* -fairly nice weather out today- Akutagawa: "..." ("Maybe a walk...") *stands and exits the building...* ???: just this for today Akutagawa: "???" -atsushi was purchasing something from a street vendor- Akutagawa: owo;;;; *sneaks through shadows towards street vendor* atsushi: *walking back to the agency* ???: be on your guard. you got someone tailing you. atsushi: ?!?! *turns to look* *No one is there* atsushi: aaaah! who are you and what do you want from me?! -no reply- atsushi: *running back* Akutagawa: *following in the shadows* ("Where is he going...?") -he went back to the agency building- Akutagawa: "..." *pouts* ("I should have talked to him...") -phone rings- Akutagawa: "???" *looks at the phone* -its a text- Akutagawa: *reads* -text from tachihara; yo akutagawa, where u @?- Akutagawa: [out for a walk] -elsewhere- Montgomery: *sighs* "Slow lunch hour..." -elsewhere, at school- Meme: *humming while writing a note* girl: *writing a letter* 'dearest mother, father, and brother. death city is just as i imagined it to be and then some. i look forward to beginning my school years here. perhaps i will meet our other brother here as well, as he did say he was living here now.' *she smiles* Meme: *glances* "Pardon me? I forgot to bring more paper..." -elsewhere- Giriko: TTwTT "I'm glad you're back..." -elsewhere- Kid: *holding his head* -elsewhere- Benimaru: "I said dodge." *launches another fire blast* -elsewhere- Akitaru: "Any updates from our trainees?" -elsewhere- Anya: "Well, thanks for dropping me off..." romina: aint a problem! Anya: "...The whale suits are cute." licht: it was kranz' idea. Anya: *smiles at Licht* "Really? I thought it may have been yours..." licht: i helped. Anya: "I knew it!" *pats his shoulder* -elsewhere- Vulcan: TT_TT -elsewhere- Ranpo: *spinning a top on his desk* atsushi: im back! Ranpo: "Did you bring back novels?!" Dazai: "Food?!" Kunikida: "Your paperwork?" atsushi: got everything right here. i even got extra urinal cakes. dont know why. Kunikida: "...Okay, that's an odd detail." ._.; atsushi: yeah, a voice in my head told me.....am i sick? Kunikida: "?!!!" Dazai: "...Did the voice tell you where I can find that special someone?" Ranpo: *pulls out notepad* "Did it tell you under which floor board is the sound of the beating heart?" atsushi: uhhh....nooo? ._.; Kunikida: "But you shouldn't be hearing a voice...Perhaps the doctor should check on you." -elsewhere- Sid: *checking security codes* -something watches from a hole in the wall- Sid: *taps keypad, opening a safe in the wall* yana: ?? Sid: *removes a set of files to reach for a small box, opening it to drop in what looks like a stone...* yana: oh? *Sid's phone rings...He locks the stone in the box, then locks the safe again and departs* -elsewhere- Free: "I'm back..." eruka: hey free. *smiles* Free: "Yo." *holds up bag* "Got the ice cream and the rest on your list." eruka: thanks. ^^ Free: "Feeling better?" -elsewhere- tsugumi: there's a new student living in the dorms now! Anya: "Oh?" tsugumi: yeah, she came here all the way from virginia! mio: then again, people come here from all over the globe, you and i included... Meme: "And Anya..." Anya: -____-;; Meme: "Did she move in okay?" tsugumi: i think so. seems she's used to the death city way of life already. she's even sending out messenger bats! Anya: "...That's not creepy in the least..." -elsewhere- Chuuya: "Anyone up for a drink?" -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, watching the 8th* "???" -elsewhere- FD: *asleep at his keyboard* *snoring* zoey: *asleep with her head on his lap like a dog* yana:...that's f*cked up. FD: *snort* "H-Huh...?" *spots Yana* "...Yo." -morning- Rin: *yawns, exiting his room* madoka: *yaaaawn* morning... Rin: *smiles, waves* "Morning...Sleep okay?" madoka: yeah. mrs suguro let me borrow some sleeping clothes. Rin: "...Surprised she wears anything when sleeping..." madoka: ^^; Rin: "Glad she's looking out for you, though. How's training?" shura: *looks shocked* they are similar....how the fuck....how are they like that? *muttering* Rin: "??? Um...Shura? What's up?" shura: IDIDNTDOANYTHINGIMFINEOKAYJEEZ!! madoka: o,o; -elsewhere- Kid: *tossing in bed...* stocking: *hug* Kid: *eyes break open, as he makes a loud gasp...he sees her...he steadies his breath but shivers* stocking: shhh, its ok... Kid: *nod nod* "S-Sorry...A dream..." -elsewhere- atsushi: seems we have another pre-class today. Kyoka: "Oh. What is on the agenda?" atsushi: just more looking around. ???: also your friend kunikida has a birthday tomorrow, so make sure to get him something. Kyoka: "Very well. It will help to know where all classes are..." atsushi: right. Kyoka: "...Is your mind on something else?" atsushi: we need to pick something up for kunikida's birthday. Kyoka: "Oh. Forgot." Montgomery: *walking through the hall* ???: look alive kid, your girlfriend's outside. atsushi: e-EH?! o////o Montgomery: "Yo, Tiger!" atsushi: good morning lucy! Montgomery: "Hey." *looks at Kyoka* "...Snow Girl." Kyoka: "Doll Girl." Montgomery and Kyoka: *stare* atsushi: so, are you coming to classes with us today? owo; Montgomery: "Yeah, got roped into it. Wonder what my homeroom is..." -in class- girl: ..... Kyoka: "???" atsushi: *listening to the lesson* Montgomery: *writing a note...* Teacher: "That led to the arrest of the head of the crime family..." atsushi: *writing down notes* Montgomery: *sighs, staring at the wall* "..." Teacher: "And who knows who took over the crime family?" atsushi: *raising head* the former head of the port town mafia. Teacher: "Correct! Your name, please?" atsushi: atsushi nakajima, ma'am! -silence- atsushi:.....*sweats* Teacher: o__o "...Aren't you..." atsushi:....*ahem* *sits back down* carry on. ._.; Montgomery: *whispers* "They seemed...surprised." atsushi: *trying to focus on studying, embarrassed* Kyoka: *whispers at Montgomery* "Stop bothering him and study yourself." Montgomery: >___< -at lunch- girl: excuse me....i heard you tell fortunes? Kana: "Indeed." girl: do you think there is a chance of me finding love in this town? Kana: *holds out two cards* "Choose." girl: *she picks one* Kana: *holds out...the Lovers* girl: the lovers card! Kana: "Fortune smiles upon you." girl: *beaming* how will i know what they look like? Kana: "Be observant of the signs.” girl: i shall! Kana: "Good luck with your endeavors. Beware of false signs..." girl: *nods* Kyoka: *eating* =w= ???: you've been doing a good job, looking after her. atsushi: (thank you, mysterious voice in my head) ???: you've gotten used to it, i see. atsushi: (well, i've had all sorts of crazy shit happening to me this summer? so why not add schizophrenia to the list?!) ???: im no stranger to sarcasm, kid. Montgomery: "You going to finish those fries, Atsushi?" atsushi: oh, um. did you want any? Montgomery: "Yeah..." girl: *staring at her glass, observing the tea leaves* Kyoka: "??? Is the tea that good?" girl: hmm? oh, yes. im just doing some tea leaf reading. Kyoka: "...I never get to do that." girl: hopefully by doing this, i will be able to find love in this town. Kyoka: "Oh. You're one of those." girl: oh? one of what? Kyoka: "Love-obsessed teeny-boppers." atsushi: kyouka! D8 girl: eh? Kyoka: *sips her own tea* =_= Montgomery: *suppressing a laugh* atsushi: ^^; dont mind her. she can be blunt, but she's actually really nice. Kyoka: -_-# "I am positively delightful." girl: ^^;....ah! something's coming up! girl: a notebook... 'ADA'. atsushi: ah! right! we have to get kunikida his gift! girl: may i accompany you? Kyoka: "...???" atsushi: um...sure? i guess? Montgomery: "..." Kyoka: "..." Montgomery and Kyoka: "We're going, too." -and so- Kunikida: "...Shouldn't you be in school?" atsushi: classes finished up for today. girl: *glances at the notebook* !! Kunikida: "...Why are there more of you students now then the ones who left?" *counts Atsushi and Kyoka...then sees Montgomery* "Oh, you're here, too." Montgomery: -_____- girl: .////. Kunikida: "??? Why is there another student here, Atsushi? Who is she?" atsushi: she's a new student at the school. Kunikida: "So, you're bringing your new friends to work now?" atsushi: well. girl: i insisted sir! .////. Kunikida: "...'Sir'? Who are you?" girl: just call me rowena. ranpo: atsushiiii did you bring snacks? oh, did ya add another girl to your harem? atsushi: IT'S NOT A HAREM! D8> Kyoka: "..." *pulling out a knife* Montgomery: >\\\\\< "Shut your stupid face, Detective!" girl: i have no interest in this boy. mr kunikida though.... *small blush* ranpo: wait a sec, something seems familiar here.....hmmmmm....hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......*glasses out* oho! so that's who she is! rowena: eh? ranpo: yeah, she's none other than- *The door slams open--crushing someone* Poe: "RANPO! The new book--it is finished!" ranpo: dude, i was in the middle of something! rowena: ??... !!! Poe: "But what could you be in the middle of that is less important than...than..." *spots Rowena...and drops the book on the foot of whoever he crushed with the door* atsushi: *YELP* OW! kirako: O.O atsushi are you alright? Kyoka and Montgomery: *glaring at Poe--Kyoka has a knife, Montgomery has taken a stapler from Kunikida's desk* Poe: *ignoring them* "R-Ro-Rowen-Rowen-a-a-a-a-a?!" rowena: brother?! atsushi:....wait what? Kyoka: "???" Montgomery: "!!! Is this like a soap opera?" ranpo: yeah, i was about to say she's poe's lil sis.....*stares at poe* ya ruined it. ya ruined the moment, moment ruiner. atsushi: *looks* huh, they do look kinda similar...sorta. Poe: Q~Q "It-It's not my fault, Ranpo! She's my sister! Of course I'm going to greet her." *beat* *looks at her* "Hi." rowena: i heard you were in the city, but i didnt think i'd see you this soon. how's karl? Poe: owo "Well! I left him at work with his new friend--" --Elsewhere-- Jacqueline: "I'M GOING TO KILL HIM!" --Elsewhere-- Poe: "...She likes him." rowena: oh? where are you working these days? kirako: *already getting the tea out* Poe: "Library. You're starting school here?" rowena: *she nods* -elsewhere- Bakugo: *his arm is in a sling* -____-; mrs bakugo: who did you piss off this time? Bakugo: "He tried to take my lunch money...If you think I look bad, you should see how he looks." -elsewhere- Relan: *kicking at the scarecrow* "Take that! And that! And that!!!" shinra: you're doing great! Relan: .w. *turns, looks* "Thanks! I think--" *the scarecrow bounces back, knocking down Relan* fang-hua: careful, there's rebound on those. shinra: rel! are you ok? Relan: *stunned, nose bleeding just a bit* "...Yeah." shinra: *giving him some tissues* Relan: "Thanks..." *smiles at Shinra* "At least I didn't cry this time..." shinra: *smiles* im proud of you. Relan: "...Okay, now you're going to make me cry." ^^ tamaki: ugh, get a room. shinra: *glares at tamaki* -elsewhere- atsushi: so miss, rowena? what brings you to start classes at the DWMA. rowena: i've been hoping to expand my horizons beyond the schoolings of my tutors. im also hoping to learn more on literature and the occult. ranpo: wow, she really is like her bro. Poe: ^^ "So proud." rowena: ^^ i've been staying at the girl's dormitory. still unpacking my belongings. i was actually planning on visiting you once i settled in. anything new happen to you recently? Poe: "Aside from working at the library? Well, I worked for a guild for a bit. Capture a few people in my book--" yosano: -_-; rowena: ah yes, i think you mentioned this 'guild' in your letters home. ranpo: wait, people still write letters? Poe: "IT IS A DELICATE ART!" atsushi: *sweatdrop* Poe: *ahem* "Sister, were these people kind to you?" rowena: *she nods* the boy though...ive started to notice an aura around him. atsushi: a what now? Poe: "Oh, you're picking up on something?" rowena: perhaps you've been hearing something? atsushi: i have been hearing a weird voice in my head...why? rowena: oho! it just so happens i brought this with me! *pulls a small ouija board from her bag* atsushi:.....what is that? Poe: "Ouija board. Rowena is very good with them." atsushi: ._.; (thinking: is their whole family like this?) Kunikida: *closes the blinds, turns off the lights* rowena: is there anyone here? -the planchette moves to 'yes'- Kyoka: "Ooooooo..." atsushi: are you going to kill me? -it moves to 'no'- Kyoka and Montgomery: *sigh of relief* atsushi: just who are you? - 'O-D-A-S-A-K-U' - atsushi: odasaku? Poe: "??? Huh..." Kunikida: "!!!" rowena: is that all you wanted to know? atsushi: yeah.... -after finishing the session, and poe and rowena left- atsushi: odasaku....who even is that? Kunikida: "...God." atsushi: are you telling me im having religious voices in my head? Kunikida: "You don't know the name of the former head of the Mafia?" atsushi: O_O;;;; Kunikida: "Well, that's not who Odasaku was." Montgomery: *falls out of her chair* "THEN WHY DID YOU SAY IT?!" atsushi: so who was this person? Kunikida: "A Mafia hitman...and Dazai's friend." atsushi: ...oh....where is dazai right now? Kunikida: "Out on an errand..." atsushi:.....should i tell him? Kunikida: "...Gauge how he's feeling. I think this will be a bit much for him..." atsushi:...*nods*....i think...you and this odasaku would have gotten along well. Kunikida: "???" atsushi:....*shakes head* just a feeling, i guess. *The door is kicked open* atsushi: ?! Dazai: "Hello!" *he has a hand print on his face* atsushi: O-O; DID YOU GET THE DOLL?! Dazai: "Nope! This hot woman was really into me! Then I suggested the suicide pact and she slapped me! Best day ever!" atsushi: *sweatdrop* *facepalm* odasaku: glad to see his eye is doing better. Dazai: "So, what's up?” atsushi: how's your eye? Dazai: "??? ...Fine? I mean, I should buy some drops..." *blinks* atsushi: .....well, its getting pretty late now. Dazai: "Eh, not that late. Bars are still open..." atsushi: ....im not really of drinking age. Dazai: "Hmm...Guess I got paperwork to finish anyway..." *sits at Kunikida's desk* -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "Where to next?" higuchi: we had some vagrants hiding out in one of our storehouses. mori asked us to clear them out. Akutagawa: "Doesn't sound too difficult..." *walks ahead of her* higuchi:...*inhales, then sighs* Akutagawa: "...It's still on your mind." higuchi: ryunosuke? Akutagawa: "What you had asked me...about any attraction I could have for you." higuchi: ..... Akutagawa: "I'm sorry that at this time I cannot reciprocate." higuchi:....right...*frowns* Akutagawa: "...Can we still work together?" higuchi: of course. that's what partners do, right? *faint smile* Akutagawa: *nods* "I will watch your back..." -elsewhere- Benimaru: "You were less horrible than yesterday." shinra: thank you....i think. kirei: i brought over some daifuku for everyone. Arthur: *bumps all over his head* X___X shinra: OuO thank's ma'am! Relan: *nods* "Thank you..." kirei: ^^ *small fox following...* shinra: ?? hey lil guy. Fox: ^^ *nods* -elsewhere- Chuuya: *sips* gin: .... Chuuya: "??? Something on your mind?" gin:.....made plans for later today. Chuuya: "Good plans?" gin:....you could say that. Chuuya: *smiles* "Glad to hear. You seem so busy with work all the time." gin:...*phone buzzes* that's my cue to go now. later. Chuuya: "Oh. Well, see ya..." Q: one shot'a whisky please! Chuuya: "?!!! Oh, no you don't!" bartender: *hands a refil of wine to chuuya, and gives Q one shot of orange juice.* Q: TnT *sips* Chuuya: *nods* "Thank you." *slips a $20 tip* -elsewhere- Bon: *tossing stones over the pond* madoka: so this is the inari shrine? konekomaru: *nods* madoka: wow! *taking pics* Rin: "Neat! Um...Can we take pictures here?" izumo: its fine. its a popular tourist destination, after all Shima: "Who all works here?" -elsewhere- Kid: *sets down a milkshake with two straws* stocking: hehe~ Kid: *smiles* "I know it's corny..." stocking: still, it's adorable. just like you~ Kid: ^\\\\^ "I added the crunched chocolate, too. And homemade syrup..." stocking: *smooooooch~* Kid: "!!!" *smooch* stocking: love you~<3 Kid: "Love you, too..." *sip on milkshake* -elsewhere- Belkia: *hanging upside down in a strait jacket* "...Okay. Lower me into the pirhana tank." -elsewhere, in the middle of the night- Dazai: "..." *sips his water, looking at the sky* -looks like rain soon- Dazai: "...And me without an umbrella..." Chuuya: *walking around the corner* Dazai: "...Chuuya?" Chuuya: "..." *doesn't look at him, but stops walking* "..." Dazai: "...You look shorter." Chuuya: "...You're still an asshole." Dazai: "...Want a drink? Chuuya: "..." *feels raindrop hits his nose* "..." -soon, the raindrops start falling- Chuuya: "..." *hunches his shoulders...shivers* Dazai: "...Get inside. Come on. I know where the good stuff is that Kunikida hides..." Chuuya: "..." Dazai: "..." *pulls him inside* -inside the building- Dazai: "Pull up a seat!" Chuuya: *lies on the couch* Dazai: "..." *sighs* "Sit up...Brandy will help you out." -everyone else has gone home for the day- Dazai: *pulls out Kunikida's bottle, pours two for him and Chuuya* "...Rain's coming down hard." Chuuya: *takes the glass* "Always does." Dazai: "..." *sips* "...Hey. Remember that night, when the building lost power?" Chuuya: "...Could see the stars all throughout town." Dazai: *sips* "It was pretty. Never got to see that in cities..." Chuuya: "...That was a different time." Dazai: *drops himself on the couch, leaning back* "Doesn't have to be..." Chuuya: "???" Dazai: *holds a remote, presses a button...and little bits of light appear on the ceiling* Chuuya: "???" Dazai: *smiles* "Star projector. Wanted to use it tomorrow to torture Kunikida." Chuuya: "...Shut up and look at the stars." *sips the brandy* Dazai: *smirks* -elsewhere- -a small mouse is roaming through the DWMA records room- yana: lets see what we got here.... ???: "Akane, come on! That's not fair!" yana: hmm? -the small mouse hides out of sight- akane: oho~ jealous much? Clay: "Not even! I just don't think it's fair to me when I have to do more of the work..." yana: ... Clay: "Can't you take this shift? What kind of date do you even have?" akane: family obligations. Clay: "..." *sighs* "Fine. Go. I'll take over." akane: i'll pay you back then. *smiles and exits* Clay: *grumbles, sits at desk...taps his fingers* 5-L: *observing* Clay: *pulls out a file* "Don't know what Sid intends to do with the stone...But if the witches knew about it..." yana: *raises a brow* Clay: "They'd lose it...A stone that transmutes..." yana:....hmmm.... Clay: *sighs, leans back in chair--and falls out* "Ow!" yana: *snickers* Clay: *looks around* "...I hope no one saw that..." yana: hehehe... <what a yutz> -elsewhere- Konro: "How was training?" kabuki: they're improving, little by little. Konro: "That's good to hear...Who do you think is coming along the most?" kabuki: they all are, in their own ways. though young yu and miss kotatsu seem to have the most experience. Konro: "While Shinra, Arthur, and Relan have a bit to go..." kabuki: *nods* miss hirano as well. Konro: "Hmm...Is the Commander pushing them too far?" -elsewhere- Kyoka: "Odd experience." atsushi: ....not sure how all i feel about today... Kyoka: "It is a weighty responsibility. Sleep may help present answers." atsushi:...ok... *laying down, feeling drained and numb* ..... *staring up at the ceiling* Kyoka: "...Good night." *turns off the lights* atsushi:....night......*still staring up at the ceiling, watching as car lights drive past the window, casting lights on the ceiling* ...... Kyoka: *crawls into her bed...* "Zzz..." atsushi:.......*glancing over at his calendar* <"Kunikida's Birthday" is marked on the calendar> atsushi:....*glances up* atsushi:......*drifting off to sleep* -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *snores* gin: *entering the house, quietly* Akutagawa: *asleep on the couch, turns over* -dazai's apartment- Dazai: =w= *pushes the door, enters* "Sleepy bed time..." -no reply- Dazai: *collapses on bed, hugging his pillow* "So soft..." -morning- Sakuya: *making pancakes* naho: can i have rabbit shaped? OuO Sakuya: *smiles* "On it!" *starts molding one* Higan: *yawn* -elsewhere- Chuuya: *looking up at the ceiling* "..." mito: *laying on his chest* zzzz Chuuya: "..." *pets Mito* "Be nice to see stars again..." mito *purrs* Chuuya: *smiles* "..." ("I miss you, Mito...") -elsewhere- Arthur: *bruised and bloodied* x___x tamaki: D8> Arthur: "He's stronger than he looks..." @~@ "How did he block with just his bare hands...?" shinra: years of training i guess. Arthur: TT~TT "Merlin was born old and aged backwards, so that when he was my physical age he was already of immense power...Why can't I..." Relan: *whispers* "He thinks...Merlin is a real person..." *facepalm* shinra: i think he might have special needs....maybe. Relan: "...I shouldn't be making fun of him, then..." Arthur: *sits up* "...Maybe...*groan* some food..." -elsewhere- Bon: *sitting alone* konekomaru:....bon? i got you some taiyaki. Bon: "...Thanks." *takes it...slowly eats* konekomaru:....you ok? Bon: "...What the hell was Dad thinking?" konekomaru: im not sure.... Bon: "I feel like I should have seen this coming..." konekomaru: maybe he has a reason? Bon: "A reason to hide all of this from me? From you?" konekomaru: ....i dont know. Bon: "...Next time I talk with Dad...I'm finding out what he's hiding." -elsewhere- Poe: ^^ karl: ouo~? Poe: "Guess who's back, Karl?" karl: o.o~? Poe: "Rowena!" karl: OuO *tail wagging* Poe: "And we'll be meeting for lunch! And you're coming!" *claps his hands* karl: ^o^ -elsewhere- Stein: "How are you feeling?" patient: better now. *streeetch* Stein: "Good. Appendicitis is no fun. Glad we got to you in time." *holds up appendix in jar* patient: =u= *faints* Stein: "...Huh. Most people like seeing their infected organs removed." -elsewhere- Hyde: *juggling balls* -elsewhere- Kid: "...Where did my suits go?" kirika: dont you have like, 7 billion? *wearing one of said suits. with one of the sleeves ripped off* Kid: "I have 888, all of which are missing, and you just happen TO BE WEARING ONE OF THEM WITH THE SLEEVE RIPPED OFF!" kirika: relax, they're being pressed. Kid: "...Oh. ...I assume symmetrically?" kirika: yeah yeah. Kid: "...Thank you. I am sorry for yelling at you." kirika: eh, im used to it. Kid: "...I...don't think you should be..." kirika: nyeh? Kid: "I mean, yelling at someone is...rude. And it was unwarranted for me to do so." kirika: i guess...then again, i do mess with you a lot. but that's just the kind of person i am, i guess. *shrugs* Kid: "I didn't grow up with siblings...Maybe such antagonism and teasing is something I would have been used to if I grew up with one." kirika:......yeah....i guess.....then maybe you wouldnt be such a hardass either~ Kid: "...I suppose not." ^^# -elsewhere- Anya: "Hmm...Where is it..." ao: looking for something? Anya: "I must have lent it...I had a pen that someone borrowed..." ao: oh? what does it look like? Anya: "It has a bear topper...White." ao: oh, a polar bear? Anya: "I...suppose so." -elsewhere- Black Star: *passes out sodas* -elsewhere- Benimaru: "...Do you think I'm being too difficult on them?" fang-hua: maybe just a smidgeon. Tsukiyo: *snort* " 'Smidgeon.' You sound like an old person..." Konro: "Maybe direct the lessons...?" fang-hua: me? o.o; Tsukiyo: *nod nod* Benimaru: "It may help. Get Arthur to wake up--he's been passed out." Tsukiyo and Konro: ("Because you keep clubbing him in the head...") -_-;; -elsewhere- -pop pop- atsushi: happy birthday, kunikida! Kunikida: *has a party hat put on him by Dazai* "...I said no parties. Why did you allow this, Brat?" atsushi: well, we all wanted to do this. Kunikida: "...Thanks. I'll take a present now." -elsewhere- Giriko: *holding out muffins* -elsewhere- Meme: *looks at 3DS* "What you have on there?" -elsewhere- lana: *sorting files* *someone rings the hotel bell* lana: yes? may i help yo- Higan: "We'd like a room." lana: ah, right this way. -elsewhere- Hibana: *picks up the bed* gabriella: *vacuuming under it* Hibana: "Really got to teach our little princess not to roll cereal under the bed..." -elsewhere- Mori: *puts on his doctor's coat* elise: come oooon we're gonna be laaaate >n< Mori: "I'm hurrying~" ^^ *follows* "Ready?" elise: ^u^ *nods* Mori: "We'll finish our errands--but first, I needed to--" ???: HEY BOSS MAN! maaay have crashed your car. Mori: .____.;;;;; "...What?" naoya: *chewing gum* yeeeah, driving isnt my strong suit. Mori: "...My beautiful car!" Q~Q "HOOOOW?!" naoya: long story short, i suck at driving. *blowing a bubble* whups. Mori: *turning red* "...I am GOING TO PULL THE MONEY FOR THAT CAR OUT OF YOUR ASS!" naoya: and maybe you can pull your head out of yours. elise: *snickering* Mori: "HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME LIKE THAT! I COULD FIRE YOU!" naoya: seems you could use all the help you could get after the robo incident. or would'ya rather send be back with the black lizard? Mori: "..." *grumbles* "Just...Just get back to work..." naoya: *shrugs and does so* -elsewhere- Sakuya: *looking under the sink* "Yuck...Looks like pipe is breaking..." tsubaki: i'll call a plumber in then. Sakuya: "Good plan. I--" Belkia: "I can fix it!" -elsewhere- Emine: *his feet are sticking up...out of the backyard* -elsewhere- Iida: *rotating his shoulder* mama iida: how are you feeling, tenya? Iida: "Sore. Work-out was a bit more than expected." -elsewhere- Yumi: D: "Shiori! shiori: ^o^ *covered in peanut butter* Yumi: "...Okay, first--" *takes out phone, snaps pics* "Second, I'm figuring out who let you get into that. And third, bathtime." shiori: ^u^ Yumi: *picks up Shiori* "Ugh...And I'm going to need to put my clothes in the washer..." -elsewhere- Dazai: =w= "So much cake..." yosano: *has tucked kenji in* Kenji: *smiles in his sleep* Kyoka: *sipping punch* -u- odasaku: glad to see dazai didnt try to piggyback ride anyone this time. atsushi: i guess. ^^; Kunikida: "You say something?" atsushi: hmm? just thinking. ^^;; Kunikida: *nods* "..." *opens his notebook* atsushi:....*notices dazai exiting* dazai? Dazai: *freezes, looks over* "...Wha?" atsushi: heading out? Dazai: "Well, I didn't want to be the guy who's the last to leave the party..." atsushi: ah....going anywhere in particular or... Dazai: "Just...off to see someone." atsushi: ....is this a private thing or....? Dazai: "... No..." atsushi: did you want me to go with you? Dazai: "...Whatever." *starts to leave* atsushi:......*follows* Dazai: *leads him...to cemetery* atsushi:...... odasaku:....... Dazai: *approaches tombstone* "...Hey." atsushi:....*stomach drops* -Sakunosuke Oda- odasaku:.... Dazai: "Lying down on the job, huh?" atsushi: *just standing there* Dazai: "Ha ha...J-Just kidding...Sorry I didn't get here last week. Things get crazy..." atsushi:....*shaking slightly* Dazai: "...Crazy that I feel like you're here right now...But that's just my protégé back there--" *thumbs at Atsushi* atsushi: *tears falling* Dazai: *looks back* "??? ...Atsushi?" atsushi: !! *wipes eyes* d-dont mind me... Dazai: "..." *smiles, pats the tombstone, as if putting a hand on a shoulder* "See? He'd be lost without me." atsushi: ..... Dazai: "...I miss you. I'm sorry." atsushi:....*hug* dazai...i think....he's proud of you. Dazai: "..." *sniff* atsushi:.... odasaku:....*pats dazai's shoulder*....*small smile* Dazai: *slight shiver at the touch, turning around* "???" -its only atsushi there- Dazai: "...Weird..." atsushi:..this...*gulp* this a friend of yours? Dazai: "...The best." atsushi: ....ah... Dazai: "..." *pulls out a small set of flowers...* atsushi: .... Dazai: "...Hey, Atsushi. You hungry?" atsushi:...a little... Dazai: "Let's go to a diner..." *pats the tombstone* "Until next time..." odasaku:...*smiles* you're doing a good job, dazai. atsushi:.....*follows him, looking at gravestones. including one that reads 'Mito 'Rain' Kosaka'* Dazai: *stops at that one* "...He's hanging on, Mito." atsushi: ?? Dazai: *pats Atsushi* "Come on..." atsushi: ..... *follows* -elsewhere-