#i believe that there is a branch of actors who might not even be too confident

[russell-crowe]

one day i might actually write an essay on russells relationship with masculinity and (over-)performing masculinity in his search for his own identity during the 90s till about the mid zeroes

[billconrad]

Fearful Writing

    Evolution provided our minds with a healthy sense of fear. For example, we learned not to touch fire, say mean things to big strong people or walk near a cliff. Those people who did not have this healthy sense of fear were eliminated.

    Since those early days, our world has advanced, which added to our list of things we know about and must fear. Did you know it is possible for a meteorite to wipe out all life on earth? That is a pretty big thing to fear.

    Let’s start this article with a good scare. What is the most (safe) fearful activity a person can experience? How about a Halloween amusement park? A person walks through dark rooms, listens to scary noises and suddenly, an unseen hand reaches out. Boo!

    How about a less than safe experience? A person walks around an abandoned building, hangs from a tree branch, or drives recklessly. All terrifying experiences, but not too scary to read. Bob waked near a cliff. And nearly fell off! Ohhh. Scared me to death.

    So, let’s write something terrifying (that is not graphic). A person walks up to Bob, and they reveal his social security number, address, bank account balance, daily schedule, and family member names. This experience would be frightening in real life because this mysterious person knows so much.

    Let’s take this situation a step further. The mystery person tells Bob a personal detail he never revealed. Can this person read minds? Now, let’s push this situation over the edge. “Bob, that scar on your leg. I cut you on your eighth birthday.” What the heck? How did that happen? Time travel? Is this person related to Bob? Now, the push beyond insanity. The mystery person reveals that they could have harmed Bob in the past. This means that Bob is entirely at this person’s mercy—the worst possible fear.

    You can start to see the problem. This text is not scary at all, but we would be terrified beyond comprehension if this occurrence happened in real life. Somebody that can time travel and injure us in the past? Wow, there is absolutely no defense. Yikes! This might even be the absolute scariest concept that a writer can create. Yet… I cannot imagine anybody reading this article would give it a second thought. At best, a 2 out of 10?

    I am trying to convey that expressing fear in a written format is challenging. Movies provide images conveying emotions and frightening scenes with action, gore, and surprise. Audiences see fear in the actor’s expressions and hear their screams, which helps them connect with their fears. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

    Written stories must take a different approach. The author first connects with the reader through character development and plot building. Readers become comfortable and form emotional bonds. Only then can an author dramatically write a scary scene, hoping readers relate to this fear. This effort might require one or more chapters of build-up to achieve.

    What are some great techniques for creating written fear? Umm. I am still figuring this out. Sorry. My best approach is to do a great job of connecting with readers and slowly building suspense. Do my readers experience a good scare? Probably not, but I can confirm that my characters have a thousand times more drama than my humble life.

    For example, in one scene, two characters climb up a cliff and nearly die from falling. I have certainly never done that. I believe I successfully connected with readers in these chapters, but most people would understand that an author cannot kill off the two main characters in the second chapter. So… Not a lot of fear. Bummer.

    All emotions are challenging to convey in written form, and fear is no exception. I do my best to keep readers in suspense, but I must bring them back to a comfortable setting to continue the plot. Why? I don’t particularly appreciate reading suspenseful novels or watching horror movies. Yes, that is fear taking the driver’s seat.

    You’re the best -Bill

    September 7, 2024

    Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:

    Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.

    Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.

    Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.

    Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.

    These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Mystery 101 Officially Cancelled

This might not be a complete shock, but for fans hopping for at least one more movie to tie up the major cliffhanger in the last film that aired two years, it's never gonna happen. Hallmark let us know by a response on a Facebook post. That's right, on Facebook. The initial post was a response to a fan asking if they were ever gonna make an eighth movie. How professional. It was then copied and pasted a few more times as a response to fans asking it there would be more. That's how they let fans know that their second most popular and watched mystery franchise is over. Of all the new mysteries launched only one has managed to get a sequel.

Hallmark has never let any of their fans know about any of the cancellations of the mysteries series. The only reason we know certain franchisees have been canceled is because the actors have let us know. They still haven't told fans/viewers/readers yet that their publishing branch has closed down. Not unusual for this network even after the regime change. Some might speculate that it's because Jill Wagner has made some films for the GAC channel, but let me just remind everybody she has not signed a contract with them. Wagner does have a new show coming out, but it's been two years since she's been in anything Hallmark related. And there are many actors who have done films for both networks who are still doing Hallmark movies. Like Cameron Mathison, Cindy Busby, and so forth. Of course this is a network that had to be reminded by fans that Alicia Witt was a staple in their holiday movie lineup after not making a film with her for two years, so much so the actress asked whats up and they were like oops. I hope we'll get another holiday movie with Alicia Witt, but I won't be holding my breath. I think that era is over. I did have a glimmer of hope that we might get a final movie, they resurrected the 'Murder She Baked' franchise by rebranding it the 'Hannah Swensen Mysteries' after all. If they could resuscitate that dead corpse then why not. Of course it took them nearly two years to make a second Hannah Swensen movie, airing this summer I believe. I guess it's just more important to revamp the 'Aurora Teagarden Mysteries' franchise with a prequel movie after eighteen films. Wonder how those ratings will be. Maybe we should be happy 'Mystery 101' is done, we can just stop the last movie before that ending. If it did come back we might be suffering with the be careful what you wish for syndrome. I can see them killing off Amy. While so much improvement has happened over at Hallmark with the regime change, some stuff still says the same. Like poor communication with the viewers. Some folks might say they don't have to tell us anything, but Hallmark isn't exactly a normal cable channel. It has a loyal fanbase that have stuck with them through thick and thin. They make countless movies with actors that they know their audiences love, it's a thriving community. Is it too much to ask for them just to be upfront and honest instead of making fans hope for two years that a franchise will continue, and then one day just randomly say it's over in a response to a Facebook post that's reminding viewers to watch a 'Mystery 101' marathon. Well, at least we now know officially that it's not coming back. Hallmark's social media has been bombarded by people who aren't happy, and they were trending on Twitter with folks upset over this. Maybe they'll hear the outcry and go ahead with one more movie. Don't hold your breath people, it's not happening. I don't see it, just like I don't see Hallmark doing any more movies with Jill Wagner. They'll constantly air her movies, just not make a new one with her.

Here's a link to the Variety article.

[venusiancarbondioxide]

chapter 24 of surrender on no sides, in which there is some kind of conclusion. you can click here to read it on ao3, or just read below the cut. your pick.

The only way to end this is somewhat obnoxiously. Sorry about that. It’s not what I had planned; it’s just the way the cookie crumbled. So actors, exit stage left. Tech crew, start dissembling this set. Don't burn anything, but take everything apart to its smallest pieces. Burning would be a bad idea. After all, you know how it is with manuscripts and burning, right? Or maybe not. Don't worry. If you don't know, you'll learn soon enough. Oh, and while I'm talking to you, come on. Follow me. We're heading out of the theater; we should have a real conversation. 

I normally don't do fourth wall breaks. Or acknowledge the damn thing at all, unless I'm writing something for Pathologic. But here, it's come to this. If you know me, you might not be surprised. If you don’t, I know you’re surprised. If you know me very well, I think you might be flabbergasted. It's just the nature of this kind of thing. 

A quick introduction for the uninitiated: Hello. I'm Delaney. Nice to meet you. This is a story I started writing when I was 18, during my senior year of high school. Now I'm 23, and I have a degree and a full-time job and a place all my own, which is to say that things have changed quite substantially since chapter one. I've changed. You've changed. Even the setting's changed. Look at this, we're no longer in a theater at all! We’re in a cute little lunch room in an office complex. It's empty except for the two of us. We've got lots of windows to look out of, but it's a gray, drab sort of day. It rained, is raining, and is going to rain—all three are true at once. Wanna sit down?

I want to sit down. My feet are killing me. I'm in my favorite spot, the booth in the back left corner. I’m the sort of person who likes having their back to a wall. You can sit next to me, across from me, on the table, wherever. If you're not a fan of booths, there are plenty of other tables to choose from. I'll move. And hey, you know, you don't even have to sit at all! You can walk around, make yourself something in the kitchen, whatever you'd like. If you're hungry but don’t feel like cooking, I have food I'm willing to share. Not a drink, though. You can get whatever you want in the kitchen, but this peach passion fruit refresher is mine. I paid a very honorable $3 for it. 

Once you're comfortable, let's get back to the point. This story has problems. You've likely noticed several if you've made it to this point. If you're a fellow author, you've likely noticed several dozen. If you're me, you've got a number of mistakes that's not quite infinite, but far too high to count. To fix what needs to be fixed, this story would need to be broken down until it's no longer itself. There are too many problems for it to go forward on its own power, and too much to say to leave it as it is. Thus, it's come down to me ending things like this, in a way that's unfashionably direct. The story is over. The ending isn’t something I can string into an order that makes sense, but I know one thing about it for sure. Ready? 

This story ends happily. 

Because you see, there was this thing I was trying to communicate when I started writing it. Sure, it came off an intellectual branch, a split from canon and some extrapolating how things would change if I switched out one Kageyama brother with the other, but this story had a heart to it. When I first started writing, I truly believed that love was possible no matter what. That no matter how bad things got, the situation could be endured and that you would be loved and cared about. I was very earnest in this belief and determined to prove it by showing it to you. Love as not just possible, but permanent. Always within reach. Romantic, platonic, familial—it could all be there. It would all be there. Love existed. 

Now, let me be honest: that's not entirely true. Not all wrong, mind you, but not all right. You can be genuinely unloved—funny that I didn't know it then because by that point, I had survived it, but I didn't. I was oblivious; I'm still oblivious now, but less than I was. So I can say for sure that there may be a time in your life where no one loves you at all, or worse, where no one loves you in a way that matters. They'll love you, but not enough for it do you any good. 

I'm going to tell you that situation is survivable. Not just survivable, but worth living through. And I'm also here to tell you that love is coming down the pike, no matter which way you look at it. To be human is to love, no matter what form that love takes, and so no one can avoid it for very long. You’re going to love someone some day—chances are that you already do. Somebody's going to love you, too. Pinkie promise. I know it's true because I do, but someone else will. It'll be great. 

And I can tell you that life is worth living. No matter what. I haven’t believed in that the entire span of time between chapter one and now, but I believed it at the start and I’m here believing it at the end. Even when it feels too difficult to bear, life can be survived and enjoyed. It's worth it to stick things out and see life through. It's too interesting to give it up. Even the unloved life is worth living. And don't get me wrong, it's very preferable to be cared about, but there's a certain kind of independence that comes from surviving something wretched all on your own, the sort of situation where anyone who can help you doesn't want to and anyone who wants to help you can't. There's a freedom that comes from that. You don't even have to love yourself to feel it, and to carry it with you when love comes around again. Personally, I always keep it with me. I just didn't know I had it until I was rummaging through my pockets. It was hiding between a stick of bubblegum and my chapstick. 

So, this is the end of it. Life is worth living. Love exists. All things can be survived, and not just survived, but worth surviving. Even if the story is ending like this, I'll say that I don't regret writing it: every failure here has taught me more lessons than ten successes somewhere else. Considering all the ways I've failed in this, I can now consider myself quite an educated woman.

And I'll always be here, if you need me. Sitting in this spot on this overcast day, with food to share and words to say. You can stop in at any time. Hell, I might need to come in once or twice, just to remind myself that what I'm saying is true. But I'm here. I'm always here. I love you. I hope it does you some good. 

If you don't want to, you don't have to love me back. 

[carolinemillerbooks]

New Post has been published on Books by Caroline Miller

New Post has been published on https://www.booksbycarolinemiller.com/musings/in-search-of-meaning/

In Search Of Meaning

The woman on Facebook said I didn’t understand her comment and accused me of being sarcastic.  I thought I was engaging in subtle teaching.  She needed to see what she’d written made no sense and that blaming others for misunderstanding her wasn’t kosher.  The person who sends the message is responsible for its clarity.  My nudge enflamed rather that pacified, however.  I might as well have written she was writing drivel and moved on.  Recent discoveries in the animal kingdom suggest mammals and birds have language skills. While not advanced, they can combine ideas. A bird can caw both a warning and advice to its neighbor. “A snake hides beneath your branch so come here.”  Humans can do more than cobble two thoughts together.  They can express complex ideas. Complexity invites errors, of course, because words carry emotion as well as information. Science abandoned communal language in favor of mathematics for this reason. The symbol for Pi, (π,) rarely enranges an individual.    Whether the brain is engaged in emotional or logical thinking, it is an inventive machine. It uses the senses to shape our world, giving us snippets of information that may differ from what dolphins and trees require, but which keeps us safe.  Prediction is its primary function.  “If I fall from this branch, the snake concealed in the autumn leaves below will eat me.”   Ironically, the organ on which we heavily depend is a mystery to us.  Why, for example, does the dying brain continue to function after the heart has stopped?  In its final moments, it floods its tissues with the same gamma rays that produce dreams or hallucinations, conjuring blissful scenes, if near-death survivors can be believed.  Are these visions intimations of heaven?  If so, why do dying rats share the same gamma experience?  Unsurprisingly, one question begets another. When a person falls into a prolonged catatonic state, where does consciousness go? Science has made some progress in this direction. They’ve learned these comas have to do with antibodies that alter receptors that bind glutamate…disrupting how neurons can send signals to one another.  As scientists learn more about our biology, they may discover how to restore somnambulists to full consciousness. But will we ever learn where these dreamers have been?  Sigmund Freud devoted himself to exploring the unconscious, that world to which the afflicted may have escaped. Mainly, that part of the brain regulates bodily functions.  Conscience is unnecessary to keep our hearts beating, for example. Even so, stress can pierce our hidden mind’s armor. We may suffer inexplicable breakdowns or possibly go mad. Sometimes artistic or spiritual revelations explode from the same murky depths like bursts of fireworks. Several years ago, I commented on Barbara Ehrenreich’s book, Living with a Wild God.   In it, she described a moment when the heavens opened and poured into her.  A non-believer, she didn’t rush to the nearest church to bend a knee before its altar. Nonetheless, the experience did give her pause. Having had a similar one, I, too, was forced to pause.  Had I stumbled upon an alternate form of consciousness?  Was the mind, like the elevator of an infinite department store, capable of opening its door on many levels? So much of what we think we know is ephemeral.  Yet in our hubris, we dare to pursue a multiverse of our making, one where we are both omniscient and omnipotent. I refer to Artificial Intelligence (AI). With it, we explore meta-worlds where no human thought has gone before.  Optimists see AI as a plane of good intentions. One day, they imagine,disease will be no more.  One day, even death shall die.  Not everyone is sanguine.  How will this tool fare in the hands of bad actors, they wonder.  Creating ethical standards is a necessary step, but then… few rogues will care about that. And who should create these standards? Russia? Saudi Arabia,? Perhaps North Korea could suggest a shining path. At a crossroads in a giant step for mankind, AI poses many questions. My choice would be to move slowly.  Paraphrasing a line Robert Frost’s famous poem, ”Before I built a Universe, I’d ask to know about the rules, who was being admitted or barred, and to whom it was likely to give offense. * Our species has wandered the planet for 200,000 years, yet we have no agreement on the meaning of good and evil. Linguistics is a weak vessel for this purpose as it can both clarify and disassemble. No wonder even the most sincere stumble.  Whether language informs our brain or the brain informs language, or the process is some endless loop between the two, I do not know.  What’s certain is that communication is difficult and words are incapable of judging the worth of their cargo.  Whether we convey truth, ignorance, or lies rests with our intentions and much of that lies in our unconscious.   Language does manage to communicate, though.  Mostly, it reveals information about ourselves.   *Adapted from Rober Frost”s “Mending Wall.”

[huntrolli]

Happy bones coffee nyc

#Happy bones coffee nyc plus

It's a win win, you get an amazing coffee and you support an awesome place. Happy Bones also serves a selection of awesome sweets to go with your drinks! Make sure to try Underwest Doughnuts. With amazing, unique and delicious flavors you won't be disappointed and your taste buds will thank you.įinally, another great thing about Happy Bones is that their prices are not bad for NYC! I have seen way higher prices for a drink that does not taste even half as good. I also love supporting local and small business. It was perfectly chocolatey, made with steamed milk and melts in your mouth! A friend who is a hot coca connoisseur told me its one of her favorites she has had in the city so far (and thats a big deal). Hot Coca: For all you non coffee drinkers out there (I used to be one!) this hot coca is a must. The amount of espresso to milk ratio was good and it was hot, but not so hot you had to wait twenty minutes to drink it (i've been there too many times at other coffee shops). Latte: There are many easy ways to mess up a latte believe it or not, but thats not an issue for Happy Bones. he honey lavender latte is a special treat.Cappuccino: I have actually gone to Happy Bones a few times now because I really enjoyed how good the cappuccino was! It’s very smooth, rich and kept leaving me wanting more (hence why I went back) This Tribeca spot is owned by actor Hugh Jackman and founded with a big heart: 100% of the profits go to the Laughing Man Foundation, which Jackman created to support educational programs, community development, and social entrepreneurs around the world. Laughing Man Coffee Co.: 184 Duane St., Manhattan Top it off with some trendy merchandise and high-quality espresso, and you have the perfect pick-me-up while touring downtown. Here, you’ll find a coffee menu of just the basics, and an industrial space with a few tables. This shop in Little Italy may be minimal, but it's definitely a must-visit when in town. There's also comfy seating to lounge out on as you sip. This trendy cafe-slash-event space serves up deliciously unique concoctions using their signature coffee blends. Chillhouse: 149 Essex St., ManhattanĬhillhouse in the Lower East Side prides itself on self care, with wellness-based drinks and an in-house nail salon and massages. If that's not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, the towering shaved ice bowls should do the trick. Fun flavors include marshmallow, red velvet, and taro. Ask for a latte with foam art, and you’ll get an adorable bunny design atop your beverage. Sweet Moment in Chinatown is practically made for Instagram. Flush with natural light and adorned in greenery, Devoción offers a pleasant retreat from the streets of Brooklyn. While there are locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Williamsburg branch is a personal favorite. Any coffee place that opens at 7:30am is a friend of ours A quick walk away from the office, Happy Bones is the perfect pick-me-up before a midday meeting.

#Happy bones coffee nyc plus

Devoción Café: 69 Grand St., Brooklynĭevoción is a sustainable cafe with Colombian roots and delicious brews. They have a stylish space and great coffee plus the banana bread (above) is seriously delish It’s a tiny spot so you might have a little trouble getting a seat, but hey, that’s NYC living for ya Happy Bones. Try crafty espresso drinks like the Paris Fog latte (made with Earl Gray tea and lavender). With a library-like interior and comfy leather seating, Ground Central is a great spot to decompress after a long stretch of sightseeing. There are several locations around Manhattan (including the Financial District and Midtown), and each comes with unique murals that portray the Empire State. Ground Central is wholeheartedly devoted to its New York theme. Ground Central Coffee: 2 Coenties Slip, Manhattan Unsurprisingly, they also make a great flat white. Situated in the middle of all the Williamsburg action, Sweatshop is near an abundance of shops and restaurants. With a mural out front that declares “Don’t Look for Love, Look for Coffee," this Australian espresso bar is the epitome of Brooklyn's trendy coffee culture. Sweatshop: 232 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn This gorgeous space drips with arrangements and plants, and they serve beautifully crafted flower lattes (think rose and lavender) adorned with actual petals. European style is totally apparent with their little matching blue and white tableware. French food fills this beautiful little joint. Located in Midtown East, Remi Flower & Coffee is less of a coffee shop set within a floral paradise. Maman is easily one of the best coffee shops in NYC. Remi Flower & Coffee: 906 2nd Ave, Manhattan

[nightswithkookmin]

Yall must have Jungkook mistaken for your friendly neighborhood clown. Lmho.

You are gonna ignore that he's said, openly said, things felt awkward with Taehyung because Tae became reserved at one point- lemme guess, they think that was scripted?

I hate Tuktukkers.

Hybe does little in aiding in the break down of their relationship. Be it as it may, now they are in a good place and both of them are TRYING. That's all that matters.

Tae has always been invested in how their dynamic is perceived by the public, and LIKE JIMIN, he's always made that effort to present a wholesome image and impression of their relationship on camera- to an extent. that man ghetto sometimes chilee.

I just think he got tired of being the one, the only one putting in the effort. It takes two to tango. It really does. Jungkook invited him for a drink, he turned him down didn't he? And what did he do too?? He extended an olive branch, fell on Jimin to facilitate a conversation between him and Kook.

But imagine if Jungkook had decided not to go meet him for dinner that day? I mean they probably might have had a different version of that Soop conversation off camera regardless. Probably. But still.

Tae wants yall to know they are good. More than good. "We used to be close." "And now?" Are you saying we are not close now? The fuck Jk. Know what I mean?

He's said it himself, he loves to showcase his chemistry with the members. And with Kook i feel there's extra motivation to want to showcase their bond- because they've had a stinky ass reputation in the past couple of years. Cough cough.

Even now, some people don't believe them. Some people think all they doing is fake and for the cameras. That's how bad things got.

Don't know what is at the root of their issues. Their shippers blame it on Hybe of course. Big bad homophobic hybe orchestrating the demise of the most popular ship in Kpop- how ever did they sell the merch. * cue dramatic fainting*

Or maybe it's just them. One or both of them felt uncomfortable with the gay theories? Parents and friends showing them the XXX Tae Kook barely legal porn of minors and asking them if it's true etc- may be that made one of them uncomfortable branching out of bangtan and making friends with Actors and Actresses and other non kpop celeb friends who are lowkey condescending towards kpop idols? We'll never know.

Or may be its one of them dating someone else and all that tuktuk conspiracy theories getting in the way. WHO KNOWS.

All I know is Jungkook has boundaries and he tries to instill it with all the members but especially those closest to him- v and min- because the closest people to you are the ones who so often breach your boundaries.

Jk saying V became reserved- well that's V having boundaries too and enforcing it against him.

V is very vocal about his boundaries and he doesn't hesitate to enforce it even against Army. Get out of your imagination, poison needles, deciding to love the members in private etc.

All those are expressions of his boundaries and limits to fans.

He's said he doesn't like to be stalked and followed by saessangs and he doesn't like his friends and family being dragged into all of this. Certainly doesn't like to share his intimate friends with the members as Suga has called those friends unicorns because bts barely see those friends of his.

Jk has his too. He may not be as vocal about it but his actions speak louder than his words.

Tae may have the reputation of communications king, fan recruiter fairy- like RM says, if you want millions of views use Tae in your gcf.

He's by far the most popular member of BTS. It's his looks yes but he's a charming guy by far hands down. Personally, it's his personality for me- all of it, the good and bad and just his ravenclaw hufflepuff hybrid personality. I'm sold.

Like he says, he's fit for PR the most because he has a truck load of ideas he can implement to make the group much more popular.

He's a fan service king true and true and his wing man is Jimin NOT JK...

He and Jimin have a lot more in common than you'd think- in terms of drive and ambition and achieving goals.

They are born idols and are on the right path.

But that's not necessarily Jungkook.

They are different personalities after all.

Some people thrive under the spotlight, some crumble.

But Jungkook, HE TRIES.

Being an idol means you put up with a lot of shit and the fan is always right- i hate it but it is what it is. Quite similar to that whole 'the customer is always right' mantra.

There's a lot of his autonomy he's given up to be this idol. Whether he thinks it's worth it is up to him and a conclusion only he can arrive at.

He's nearly packed off these streets to go be a dancer once hasn't he?

Tae and Jimin is where they've always wanted to be. Hell dude said people mocked him when he said he wanted to be a singer. Asked him to get well and BTS made his dream come true.

Jungkook is living the dream, whether that's HIS DREAM is for him and him alone to answer.

Whether being bundled up with six other people all through out his career is something he deems ideal is totally up to him.

Jimin have made it clear THAT'S FOR HIM. HE'S SAID SEVERAL TIMES HE WANTS TO BE WITH THE MEMBERS FOREVER and didn't even want to be separated from them physically until recent times.

Has that been Jungkook from day one?? NO.

Even Hobi had said merely occupying separate hotel rooms gave him a sense of relief and independence from the group setting being bundled together all the time.

Jungkook has craved that sort of individualism and independence from day one. Even said at one point he wanted to try a solo career.

They are in separate boats heading in the same direction. Yall shouldn't force them all into one boat. That's how the boat sinks.

The members decided they wanted this color, I wanted something different.

He understands fan service is a necessary evil. Sometimes he's up for it, sometimes HE'S NOT.

If he wants to feed any ship HE FEEDS THEM WITH HIS CHEST.

WHY THE FUCK CAN'T ANYONE THEN RESPECT IT WHEN HE'S JUST NOT IN THE MOOD FOR IT???????????

I don't like how easy everyone dehumanizes him and strips him of his autonomy reducing him to nothing but a ship prop.

It's gut wrenching.

Makes me sick in my stomach.

It's how someone told me 'how can you have boundaries about 'this topic' when you talk about your vagina so openly on your page."

Same way i can wear short skirts and post my nudes online but say no to anyone who ask me for nudes and sex.

And no, you are not allowed to rape me either just because my skirt is short😊

As a JK fan I wish NO ONE SHIPS HIM WITH ANYBODY if shipping him means he'd be stripped off of his humanity and dehumanized.

Sometimes I see anti's point in hating shippers. Some of us are nuts.

If Jungkook doesn't want to hold Tae's hand, it's an opportunity to respect his boundaries NOT DRAG HIM FOR FILTH AND FORCE YOUR BIAS ON TO HIM.

If he doesn't want to post Tae Kook, no he's not shy, having cold feet, or being held by the balls by Hybe- he just don't wanna.

SAME GOES FOR PJMS.

JIMIN IS NOT A CHARITY CASE.

Vmin may every now and then seek validation from Jk for whatever reason but WE should learn our place and our boundaries.

They are both putting in effort to do damage control to their reputation and Tae just seems particularly motivated. I would be too.

Jk wasn't shy saying we used to be close, he should feel motivated to go out of his way to let yall know they is good now. They both played a part in ruining their ship, only them can fix it. Period.

Please allow them to flaunt their bond and chemistry. When they take a step back too respect it and don't act weird. WEIRDOS

[lovecolibri]

I'm actually more inclined to believe if there was a third spin off it will actually be in Boston. And thats why you dedicate a whole episode there. I also think the cast has been supportive of her because the knee there would be a fan backlash. I dont think it will last long because we have Buddie interactions coming and they knew they needed to just buffer her maybe for a week or 2.

Also think they could be plucking her for another show. Like how Ryan came in for one the. They were like we need you on 911 instead.

Okay, so that was absolutely my first thought too since we have Eli there that's a known face that we associate with Chim (where he's been a good friend and mentor), that will get to be more known in this episode, but that has little enough screentime overall that you wouldn't need to know anything about 911 to start the spinoff, as I mentioned in this post. Now, apparently someone (LS co-showrunner maybe?) mentioned if they did one, they would want to do it in Florida, so that's made me reconsider a bit, plus I don't think they've already got it in the works or we might have heard already that FOX greenlit the filming of a pilot episode. But I don't actually know how ANY of this stuff works, so definitely do not quote me on any of this.

And you're right it could be actors supporting each other, they could all genuinely be friendly and enjoyed working together, we just don't know. 🤷‍♀️ And I think the backlash *may* die down after we get Madney, when we see Chim back at work, and when we see Buck in the room (OMG he is IN THE ROOM Y'ALL!), however that is also entirely dependent on how much she is in the episodes, and how much of that time is spent flirting and interacting with Buck. Because the casual viewers HATE her already since on top of her character being brought on to make Buck cheat, and on top of the 700 interviews, viewers have BEEN tired about not getting to see storylines for the characters they watch the show for, our main characters! And now, L after ONE episode and a couple of scenes is already suffering from "girl eating crackers" disease.

NOTHING she does is going to be liked by the general audience, especially not all the Facebook moms in their 30s who project onto Buck's love interests and imagine their husbands were gentle and kind and loyal and caring and great with kids like him. Because now, she is The Other Woman they all live in fear of that makes their husbands "feel alive" again. She could rescue a kitten from a low tree branch, she could save a child from certain death, she could stand in the background of a shot doing literally nothing, and people are going to hate her for it. I honestly don't know why they thought this wouldn't happen, it's literally the only response you could get out of this mess 🤷‍♀️

So who knows! You could be right and they are going to pull her for another project, they could be working to fit her into a Boston spinoff because they could easily incorporate her whole cop family KR and AK threatened us with being introduced too, IDK. But I DO know, that if they try to put her on a spinoff as this character, it's dead in the water before it started, OR if they pull her to a new show as a new character, many fans will still be pissed about seeing her face and won't want to watch her even if she's doing something else, at least not right away. They'll just be happy she's going and wish her good riddance.

[weirwoodking]

who do you think will be on the throne at the end? is there a chance it will be a woman? do you agree with the theory that bran will be king in the north bc he symbolizes winterfell? idk if i see dany on the throne bc i don't feel like she belongs in westeros, i think she would be better off with a throne on the other side of the narrow sea but i really don't know what i'm saying

It’s very hard to make predictions for ADOS, because we don’t have TWOW yet. So much can change about the story and the characters in one book, thematically and narratively. Think of how much the plot was influenced by just that final Bran chapter in ADWD. 

But, here I go anyway.

My short answer is: no one. (And no, I don’t mean Arya)

Let’s get into it.

Part 1: How the Show Tainted Everyone’s Brains

Obviously, a lot of people care about the Iron Throne plot. Sometimes too much. I do believe that this is mostly because of how much the HBO show changed everything about the story to make the Iron Throne seem like it was more important than anything else. Like promotional posters of all the actors each sitting on the throne, the name of the series itself being changed to “Game of Thrones”, actors getting asked in every interview “who do you think should get the Iron Throne?” as if it’s the last cupcake at a birthday party that everyone’s fighting over, the final episode was titled “The Iron Throne”. The marketing for everything was “it’s the fight for the Throne!” up through the eighth season. It made the object itself become a huge pop culture symbol.

It almost felt like the show was trying to make it seem like the goal of the Night King (a character not in the books) was to sit on the Iron Throne! The show portrayed it as if the Others were just a little distraction that needed to be dealt with so the characters could get back to arguing over the Porcupine Chair. However, in ASOIAF, it’s the exact opposite. The Porcupine Chair is what’s distracting the characters from the real conflict, the Others.

It’s almost comical how that has somewhat transferred over into the fandom, the “game of thrones” is what’s keeping everyone from focusing on what really matters, the “song of ice and fire”.

Part 2: GRRM’s Quote

It wasn't easy for me. I didn't want to give away my books. Every character has a different end. I told them who would be on the Iron Throne, and I told them some big twists like Hodor and "hold the door", and Stannis' decision to burn his daughter. We didn't get to everybody by any means.

-George R.R. Martin

So, he “told them who would be on the Iron Throne”. Something important about this quote is that he doesn’t say who. And, of course, the Iron Throne gets destroyed at the end of the show anyway. Show!Bran doesn’t really “end up on the Iron Throne”. Show!Dany does. George never said that who “ends up” on it in the books is who ends up on it in the show. He’s said that the Shireen thing and the Hodor thing will “happen very differently” in the books anyway. And, of course, another major part of that quote is “every character has a different end”.

I don’t think that who sits the Iron Throne last is necessarily going to be the ruler of Westeros at the end. For example, Cersei (or Aegon) may be the last person to sit the Iron Throne. Or even Euron (however, even though his goal is to rule post-apocalyptic Westeros as a god from the Iron Throne, I don’t think he’ll actually get there). If wildfire is hot enough to melt iron, I could see the throne being destroyed during whatever fiery shenanigans go down with Cersei and JonCon in TWOW. I think it would be fitting for the fight over the throne to end in the next book. ‘Cause the winds of winter are coming, baby, and it’s gonna be time to start dreaming of spring.

Part 3: The Weirwood King

The idea/theory of Bran becoming King has been around for a long time, long before the HBO show even started airing. This is because of the Celtic myth of King Brân the Blessed, whose name means “Blessed Crow” or “Blessed Raven” in Welsh. Other than the obvious connection with the name, Brân the Blessed’s story involves a magic cauldron that can bring the dead back to life. 

In the myth, Brân’s head is cut off and continues talking (think of how Bran’s most powerful aspect is the magical powers of his mind), because in Celtic mythology the head is believed to be where the soul is.

Celts had a reputation as head hunters. According to Paul Jacobsthal, "Amongst the Celts the human head was venerated above all else, since the head was to the Celt the soul, centre of the emotions as well as of life itself, a symbol of divinity and of the powers of the otherworld." (source)

Catch that? “Otherworld”. There is another myth (Irish, specifically) called the Voyage of Bran, in which the title character goes on a quest to the Otherworld. The Otherworld is a supernatural realm in Celtic mythology. It is also where the sidhe (a.k.a. aos sí) live. Remember, the sidhe are what George has said the Others are inspired by. In Irish mythology, the Otherworld is called Tír na nÓg, Mag Mell and Emain Ablach, in Welsh mythology it’s called Annwn, and in Arthurian legend it’s called Avalon. Fun fact, “Avalon” was the title of the novel George was writing when he had suddenly had the idea of a scene in which a young boy and his brothers see a beheading and then find a litter of direwolf pups in the snow. And so ASOIAF happened.

I’ll leave that there, and try not to go down the great big rabbit-hole of Celtic (and other cultures) mythology connections in ASOIAF. The takeaway is: ASOIAF has been influenced by these myths.

I do believe that Bran is going to be King. Not just because of his ties to this mythology, but also because of symbolism in his own story. The most notable one being…

Under the hill, the broken boy sat upon a weirwood throne, listening to whispers in the dark as ravens walked up and down his arms.

[...]

The singers made Bran a throne of his own, like the one Lord Brynden sat, white weirwood flecked with red, dead branches woven through living roots. 

[...]

His father and the black pool and the godswood faded and were gone and he was back in the cavern, the pale thick roots of his weirwood throne cradling his limbs as a mother does a child. 

- Bran III, A Dance with Dragons

Bran is also the only one of the Stark kids who still thinks of himself as royalty:

What was he now? Only Bran the broken boy, Brandon of House Stark, prince of a lost kingdom, lord of a burned castle, heir to ruins.

- Bran III, A Dance with Dragons

Bran is the heir to Winterfell. It doesn’t matter if Robb named Jon his heir in his will, the will was written under the pretense that Bran and Rickon were dead.

However, Bran doesn’t have any connection to the Iron Throne. It’s far more likely that he would sit on a weirwood throne, because of, y’know, everything about his story. So, if Bran was King of the Seven Kingdoms, I don’t think it would be on the Pincushion Stool.

If Bran is king of the realm, I do think there would still be a separate Lord/Lady of Winterfell, but I do think that there’s a possibility of a Pevensie siblings ending, where all the Stark kids would rule together as the Lords and Ladies and Winterfell.

Something that I’ve never really seen talked about regarding the idea of Bran becoming King of the Seven Kingdoms is the religious differences between the North and the southern regions of Westeros. Of course, the show didn’t deal with this at all. For fuck’s sake, they had Cersei blow up the Westerosi verison of the Vatican and face no backlash. It was so laughably absurd how Show!Cersei’s destructive reign was shown to have like… zero impact on the Seven Kingdoms. 

In short, I’m not too sure that the Kingdom who is majority Faith of the Seven worshippers would react too well to a weirwood-tree-Old-Gods-warg-wizard-king. I mean, when Janos Slynt finds out Jon is a warg he calls him a “thing”, a “creature”, and a “beastling that is not fit to live”, and wanted to execute him not just for being a turncloak but for being a warg as well. And Jojen warns Bran of these things, saying that his own folk may want to kill him if they know what he is.

But… all of that anti-magic attitude might not matter after night falls. 

Part 4: Winter is Coming

I believe that the Long Night is going to be very devastating for the Seven Kingdoms.

Martin is a big believer in making things have meaningful, permanent consequences in his stories. I don’t think that an apocalyptic event like the Long Night is something that’s just gonna get dealt with in a quick snap and have no lasting effect.

A lot of people are going to die. I don’t mean main characters, I mean people that would not survive a normal winter and sure as hell won’t be prepared for this one. Westeros’s food stores have been severely depleted by the War of the Five Kings, and we’ve been told multiple times in the text (particularly AFFC and ADWD) that feeding people during this winter is going to be extremely hard.

Besides that… the whole, uh, invasion of the eldritch ice beings thing might have a bit of an impact on the realm. 

I won’t go into depth about how the Seven Kingdoms will be affected by the Long Night, ‘cause we really have no idea. But, however it all goes down, I do think it will have lasting changes for the people of Westeros. The impact that it leaves may make the concept of Bran being a wizard-king more acceptable. “Oh, well we’ve just seen zombies and winter elves, so what’s too surprising about a magical greenseer warg king?” I think that Westerosi culture becoming more aware and accepting of the existence of magic is the only way that Bran could become the king of the whole realm. The Westeros at the end of the series is not going to be the place that it was at the beginning.

Part 5: Dany: A Home, Not a Throne

To sum up my thoughts on our dragon girl, I don’t think Dany will end up on the Spiky Toilet. I don’t want Dany to be on the Spiky Toilet.

Now, my personal speculation (which a lot of people disagree with, which is fine) is that Dany will never see King’s Landing before the Long Night. I personally don’t think that Dany will ever meet Aegon or Cersei. I don’t see there being enough time in the story for that. Yes, GRRM said that there will be a second Dance of the Dragons, but he also said that the second Dance does not have to involve Dany. He may have originally planned for it to be Aegon and Dany, but probably not once the Meereenese Knot happened.

The Meereenese Knot is what Dany’s ADWD plot is referred to as. GRRM did not intend for Dany to stay in Meereen as long as she has, but because of his “gardener” style of writing, that’s where the story led him. GRRM has said that one of the hardest parts of writing the Meereen plotline (which involves Dany, Barristan, Quentyn, Tyrion, and Victarion) is trying to find a way to cut the plot knot he accidentally got himself stuck in. He has said that Tyrion and Dany will meet towards the end of TWOW, which means that Dany will most likely be spending a large portion of her story with the Dothraki. That part is a completely blank page, but I believe that Dany will meet Tyrion possibly ¾ of the way into the book, and sail for Westeros at the end.

I won’t write a full meta about this here (because that’s not what this post is about), but to summarize my prediction: Aegon VS Cersei is going to be the battle in King’s Landing, a battle which will destroy the city. Dany (who has already rejected sailing for the Throne multiple times) will still be stuck in Essos, dealing with everything she’s still got going on, and will sail for Westeros at the end. Not for the Throne, but to go North for the real fight (remember that Marwyn is also on his way to Meereen to tell Dany that they need her).

Because Dany's purpose is not to fight for the Iron Throne, it’s to fight the Others. Dany (fire, light, and life) VS the Others (ice, darkness, and death) is the main thing the title refers to:

“Well of course the two outlying ones, the things that are going on north of the Wall and Daenerys Targaryen on the other continent with her dragons are of course the Ice and Fire of the title, the Song of Ice and Fire.” 

- George R.R. Martin, 2016

One of the most important excerpts that shows us where Dany’s story is headed is this:

That night she dreamt that she was Rhaegar, riding to the Trident. But she was mounted on a dragon, not a horse. When she saw the Usurper's rebel host across the river they were armored all in ice, but she bathed them in dragonfire and they melted away like dew and turned the Trident into a torrent. Some small part of her knew that she was dreaming, but another part exulted. This is how it was meant to be. The other was a nightmare, and I have only now awakened.

- Daenerys III, A Storm a Swords

Dany has a short prophetic “this is what I was meant to do” dream. Dany could possibly have more dreams about the Others in TWOW, visions that will make what Marwyn has to tell her more believable. It’s not like that dream was the only one Dany has had that alludes to the winter threat, Dany has had visions about this since book one:

The red door was so far ahead of her, and she could feel the icy breath behind, sweeping up on her. If it caught her she would die a death that was more than death, howling forever alone in the darkness. She began to run.

- Dany IX, A Game of Thrones

Anyway, there’s just a lot more foreshadowing in the plot that this is what Dany is meant to do. I think adding in another conflict into her story once she leaves Meereen would make the story feel bloated and would severely fuck up the pacing.

I don’t think Dany will ever see the Iron Throne. The themes of her story have never been about her wanting the Iron Throne for what it is, but for what it represents to her. It represents the possibility of a home and of feeling safe for the first time in her life, what Dany truly wants. I think that it’s absolutely fine if Dany never sees the Throne or sits on it, and that it makes more sense for her narrative arc if she discovers that she can find a home somewhere else, not necessarily where she thought it would be. 

Part 6: Final Thoughts

So, in conclusion, I don’t really give a shit who ends up placing their ass on the Forbidden Laz-E-Boy, I care about the War for the Dawn. I care about seeing the characters I’ve followed for the past five books coming together to fight the real conflict of A Song of Ice and Fire. Also, even if we do get a Scouring of the Shire-type post-climax for ASOIAF, it doesn’t matter. People don’t see the Scouring of the Shire as the climax of Lord of the Rings, they see the climax as Aragorn leading the forces of good against the forces of evil and Frodo and Sam throwing the One Ring into Mount Doom. Whatever ending resolution comes after the climax of ASOIAF, it doesn’t change what the climax is.

"Do you think your brother's war is more important than ours?" the old man barked.

Jon chewed his lip. The raven flapped its wings at him. "War, war, war, war," it sang.

"It's not," Mormont told him. "Gods save us, boy, you're not blind and you're not stupid. When dead men come hunting in the night, do you think it matters who sits the Iron Throne?"

"No." Jon had not thought of it that way.

- Jon IX, A Game of Thrones

TL;DR:

My prediction: Cersei will be the last person to sit the Iron Throne, which will be destroyed in the Wildfire of King’s Landing. After the Long Night devastates the Seven Kingdoms, Bran will become the King of this new Westeros that has been majorly affected by the return of magic. Also, it would be real nice if Dany found her red door.

God I hope my rambling made sense

[salenakingston]

Mystery March Day 21 - One of Us

(This is by far the most involved prompt I have done for Mystery March, and so I hope it turned out alright. There will be some more detailed author’s notes at the end of the writing, as there’s no possible way I can fit them all here before it. Just let me express how much of an inspiration you all have been! ENJOY!)

I said, even if I told ya

It all started with an idea, as most every work of art does. Concepts were put in place, branching off from that one base idea. From there, others came together to help get this little project off the ground. Characters were fleshed out, just as the world they lived in where. The team worked hard on everything planned, a true passion project.

When the first video dropped, we were all invested. We fell in love with the characters, story, and music. We couldn’t wait to see more, and despite all the time having to wait, it has always been worth it. Great works take time, and even with a team as dedicated as this one is, they fueled our own passions with previews, updates, character and worldbuilding, merch, and as of the most recent video, a branch into another medium to further tell their story. Their group continued to grow, bringing on more talented individuals, including voice actors.

Fours videos under the belt and one more still to come, they pour their heart and soul into this series, though they are not the only ones who do so. There’s a theory in our world known as the ‘multiverse.’ It is said that all these universes living side by side with one another create everything that exists. Can the same not be said for this team and all the fascinating works of art that came out of this one little series of four videos?

They've been looking for you and only you

It’s a tale of three friends and their dog, all stemming from a terrifying incident inside a cave. One lost their life, one lost their memory, and one lost their arm. What of the last member of their group? He lost his identity. Karma for his trickery would come back to haunt him. Guilt came to consume another, and the last to make it out alive was left wondering what was even going on.

Revenge fueled the one that came back, determined to get back at the one ‘friend’ that managed to cut his life short, and reunite with the love of his life. What started with a chase through a mansion led to the appearance of a tree woman searching for the trickster. The ghost refueled hijacks a truck, gunning down for the familiar van he once drove for all of them.

The woman catches up, shattering the glass wall protecting those in the front seat. The ghost blows the back tire that causes the van to crash. Two encounters branch from this point, one shrouded in the past, and another in the pursuit of revenge. Blonde and blue-haired humans nearly falling at the hands of their captors.

But they survive.

The dog’s true form revealed, the battle commences, blood spilling. As one disintegrates, an opening is left over for a familiar evil to take hold. White became black, demonic nature taking over the once noble being. The three friends left being the ones to bring him free of this grip. What are they to do? It’s all left to be seen...

Darkness is my signal

Not too much is known about this blonde, though despite the change to his physical appearance, there are parts of what defined him that have not changed. He’s had to adjust his lifestyle, but seems to have made the most of his new life. He may have even found some comfort in a bit of an unusual source. Anything to keep him from the self-isolation he seemed content to bring upon himself because of his condition.

So what are you to me, what are we to you?

The cave incident plays out like normal, there is one major change in the timeline of events. The blonde is sent tossed over the cliff along with his best friend, the entity that caused all their problems still trapped inside his body. When the ghost reformed, his anger was washed away at the sight of his friend suffering the same fate, or so he believed. Once free, it was nothing but a rough struggle to hold onto sanity, not just for one of them, but both.

One to keep calm, helping his friend to try and stay lucid.

The other fighting the terrifying entity inside him for control, while changing his body to fit the demon’s needs.

The blonde won, but at what a cost? Green skin covering his body, feet and hands sporting yellow-tinted claws. The posture of his own feet changed, causing him to have to learn how to walk all over again. A tail with a tuft of orange hair, and two large wings attached to his back. Last of course, were the horns on his head, and the blacked out eyes with amber pupils. He was in despair over the turn of events.

At least he had his best friend to help him. He wouldn’t have been able to do this without him. Well, this, and the series of events that came to follow. The two were eventually united with their final friend, but their not-dog wasn’t convinced of the blonde’s mind. It didn’t matter that he didn’t act like a demon, as he still looked like one, accepting the pain brought on him.

Drastic measures were taken to ensure freedom of the ghost, no matter how unnecessary it was. Adjustment takes time, and a good talk was what the four of them needed.

But are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

What seemed like a simple task, well maybe not simple, but one that was plausible spiraled into a long drive across the country in search of a cure for the ghost’s condition. All it took was one ingredient: werewolf blood. Seven weeks after the start of their trip, two were starting to lose hope, the last of their trio determined as always. A blur running across the front of their van was enough to bring their hopes back up, chasing down what looked like a big wolf.

To just miss it. It seemed like another dead end for their search.

Until the blonde was all alone.

The wolf jumped out of the shadows, teeth sinking down into flesh. Were it not for the arrival of the kitsune, who knows what would have happened. The injured one was brought back to his friends, patched up, and taken in for proper treatment. A headache marks the night of the full moon, a night when werewolves are said to be forced to transform. What will happen for them? Most left to the whim of try blue ghosts deemed as blueberries. We shall see where their questions and actions take this new werewolf and his friends.

Tell me, are you one of us?

Said, are you one of us?

Tales of legends are passed down, but come from a place of truth. Those that speak of a king gifted a sword with a beautiful, glowing, purple gem just before the silver of the blade. This is a gift from the Lady of the Lake, and one not to be taken lightly. It comes as a surprise when the weapon turns out to be sentient, and the two not always getting along.

Sometimes the king can be a little harsh on his partner.

And sometimes the sword can refuse to work in situations where his help would be greatly appreciated.

They must learn to work with one another if they hope to overcome the obstacles placed in front of them. The question is can this be done, or will they continue to bicker with one another?

I know that this sounds crazy

An unfortunate case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time causes the members of the separate mystery solving groups to be body swapped with one another. A kid stuck with adult hunters that deal with magic, as well as otherworldly dangers, and an adult stuck with a bunch of kids that seem like they may be in way over their heads. The ultimate goal is for the two groups to come together, and find a way to swap the souls in each body back to their original home.

Easier said than done.

One gets to learn the truth of a horrifying incident, something that tore friends apart, and damaged the people of their group beyond some repair. A kind heart is offered to them despite all this, helping to try and ease the burden even if he has nothing to do with them.

The other sees first hand what kind of trouble a group of kids can get themselves in. His own problems arise, and in typical fashion, does not wish to push them onto anyone he’s been stuck with. It’s a little harder to convince some of this new group of the world he has seen, and learned from; but, if there’s one thing he can do, it’s to still help those around him, and lend a hand when a mystery comes along their way.

Two outsider perspectives looking in, and it’s a matter of what adventures they will have before and after they come together again.

Waiting for this moment, can you see me?

A whirlwind of emotions, pushed only further at the hands of abuse, a blonde is left to flee from his own home to try and preserve himself. He fled through the states, ending up at another corner of the US. His mind might have been broken, but that didn’t stop one person from becoming the most important in his life, nor the three that came to follow from their union. The haunts of old were constantly clinging to him, no matter how careful he was so that none could find him, and even when those fears returned, he never let them get in the way of his family. There was an understanding between them.

But all that fear came crashing back when one single letter was hand passed to him by his former friend’s father.

Even terrified out of his wits, he found the courage to pack up some of his family to return to his old home. The past came back in full force, as well as the reveal of a curse that only seemed to have the power to vanquish. The people that treated him the worst came back to him for help. The same blue-haired girl who’s father delivered the father nearly brought the end of three children with her partner in crime. The wraith that made his life a living hell came back trying to act as if there was something he could do to make up for what he had done.

And the demon that caused all this to happen in the first place was now roaming free...

'Cause I know that you're out there

Almost as if the reset button had been hit, the blonde wakes up thrown into the past, a time when his best friend was still alive, but… it wasn’t the same. The blonde was still the same one from the future, and new friends that his past friends would know nothing about showed themselves. How was he meant to be like his old self when anytime he looked at the purple wearing man, all he saw was the vengeful ghost out for his life?

Events aren’t meant to play out the same way, and they don’t. Despite this, some things can not be changed. The demon still found his way to the same host, though what he chose to do was different. Even with all the chaos, at least the one man didn’t lose his life.

And he gets a front row seat to what his blonde friend had to go through in the future he once came from. It hurt. Emotions still rang high, even if the circumstances are not the same.

This darkness is my signal, come and find me

Sometimes the past can be changed and have one new timeline play out, but what if that same man from the future was now thrown into multiple iterations of the same events, each one spent trying to make it a perfect outcome for all four of them? Well… after a few rounds it didn’t matter if he got to be part of their ending. All that mattered was fixing things for the other three. That was his assigned duty.

Death ended each try, waking the man back up in his bed, whether that be at the hands of someone else, or himself. He just needed more time, plan, and make sure he got it right. He could do it, he was determined to do so.

No matter how much it was tearing him apart.

And when enough was finally enough, it was up to the three left to try and convince him that even with pain, they could continue on with their lives. He didn’t have to keep fighting anymore. He could take an ending that hurt, but one they could heal from, rather than spending so many years trying and trying, all to end with a repeat.

As having to remember all of that hurt.

Are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

What started out as just another night of sleepwalking led the blonde to the steps of a very familiar mansion. Fleeing from an unseen threat caused him to swallow his fear, taking the first step inside. There was no greeting this time, save for the slamming of doors behind him. The only light provided was a light purple of three candles, lifted by the only hand he had. A journey up a flight of stairs and down the hall, coming to a plaque with his name on it.

Entrance strangely granted to him with the twist of a knob from a hand that wasn't there.

The night spent in a bed, waking up to find he had become a prisoner. It seemed death was what would come to him, whether it be at the hands of his former best friend, or by his own. After all, there was a reason his room was on the second floor. Revelations come to light with the appearance of a certain green arm… wearing a familiar, black wristband.

Friendships ruined, for another reason than before. Another friend found searching for him. Both started for selfish means, but it was selflessness that sent him back into the house, even though an evil from the past threatened them once more.

Tell me, are you one of us?

Said, are you one of us?

It’s not everyday that some dive into the past of these character’s lives, but what would happen if one young, scared blonde came across an ancient tree? One that was alive in more ways than one. A strange feeling washed between the two of them, a bond made from the day the blond fled into her woods to hide from the one hunting him. He came to her more than once, and yet every time he did, she sought to rest his soul.

And soon, the tables had turned. Now she was the one in need of rest, though she did not realize it yet until she got the same comfort she once gave to the blonde. His pack adopted her, and he took care of her rot. Names of a powerful thing to these beings, and they knew each other by that power word.

This was not the end of their story. The three friends and dog were reunited, of course the blonde being the one to decide to choose the home where his wooden friend resided. There’s no denying that he was still healing, but he found the courage to try and seek it for himself. The bluenette grew curious about the tree in their backyard, and the final finds an outside source to try and round his curious status.

Are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

The once ghost only turned out to be half deceased, but the hatred still remained. Whether he liked it or not, the blond was at fault; but, he had a plan. One that was sure to fix everything. Find the true cause of their misery, proof that he was just as much a victim.

It was a plan that split their group apart. The dog chose to go with the man on his search, while the bluenette stayed with their half dead friend. The hunt is on, but who’s to tell how the story is to go on from here. Will they each succeed with their goals? We shall see.

Are you one of us?

Said, are you one of us?

The ghost finds himself in the company of others like him. Not ghosts, but skeletons from various worlds. The logistics of how this came to pass is a mystery, though he does not seem to find these details too important. Separated from his ‘friends,’ he finds new ones in this strange group of individuals. They seem to naturally bounce off one another, though some still have trouble catching the ghost’s triggers to his anger. Thankfully, most situations involving this aren’t left to fester.

Their local hang out at Manny’s place is full of stories, interactions between these liked characters. Some funny, some more serious. Whatever the case may be, even if he’s not in the same place as most other ghosts like him, he’s found a place where he can fit in.

Are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

A prince and a noble of green came together, an unholy union that was meant to lead to a prosperous life. Perhaps, but only for one half of that pair. Concerns were dismissed, comfort was sought by an evil man from the one he supposedly loved, and the other tried to find what little comfort there was in his constricting hold. It took the support of two outside his kingdom, and two strangers that wormed into his life to stand up to the terror in his life.

And yet… even with their help… and his desire to lend his help in return…

It wasn’t enough.

A life ended, but the king came back. He was not about to give up on the kingdom he always poured his heart and soul into. Years he seemed to be alone, though one by one, four beings came into his company. He still had those that aided him in life, but now he had more to add to his family. A pink rabbit, golem, a purple imp, and a dark girl with a skull marking. Each had their own story, and a place with him.

And he would see to their safety as much as anyone else in his kingdom.

Tell me, are you one of us?

Said, are you one of us?

Some characters are unique to the world, not all always branching off the main four. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some made with connections to them in mind. Each is special, and built with as much care as anyone else…

Whether it be a cousin to the blonde, gray with orange highlights rather than the way around, a darker aesthetic, but still similar style to his cousin. A tattoo pattern along his left arm.

A green haired ghost, one met when the group of friends were out together. Something seemed about ready to suck her inside, the ghost reaching out to save her. She seemed to stick with them since.

A young woman dressed in red, blue, and brown. Golden pearls hang from her neck, and a black shawl wrapped around one shoulder. A brown cat accompanying her and group at times, and one that seems to have a power of her own hidden just underneath. 

Are you one of us?

Some characters branching off the core four, and even some of those that were created as their own entity for this series chose to build their stories and characters with one another. Their worlds cross over to one another, relationships naturally build, and so too do the special elements and plots to separate them from one another. Each one of them is equally unique.

Whether it be from the multitude of different colored ghosts, each of them centered around their own story and emotions.

A blue-haired girl with one strand that is lighter than the other. A snowflake twinkled in her left eye, and a roller derby team she has been dedicated to for years counting on her.

The same mechanic, though with more visible scars to the incident in the cave. So much love and care to give, even to those in other worlds, even if the gray faes take a little too much pleasure in bringing him grief.

A black robed king, living far beyond the grave, glowing locks of hair flowing through the air. He’s been seen before, but this one on another plane, a chance to interact with others outside his grown family.

Are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

This amazing group of people, as well as many others come together over a series we all love and cherish. We create our own works of art, but not without credit to the original source. From this point and on, we only seem to grow as a collective, continuing to create as we wait, and surely even after the series comes to a close, it will hold a special place in our hearts. So long as we are all here, we shall continue to spread our joy over mystery skulls animated, supporting one another, no matter how small or big someone may be.

We extend our open arms to one another, and to those new to this fandom...

“Said, are you one of us?”

-----

(Author’s Notes: Seriously, this fandom has been an amazing inspiration, and I’m so happy to be able to take part in Mystery March. There was no other good prompt to really do this for, and I thought this would be a clever way to give tribute to the many amazing people and ideas/stories they have come up with. I tried to keep things short and vague for some, as there are some things I don’t want to give away, so you can check them out if you haven’t. I know there’s no possible way I could get everyone, but I tried to get as many as I’ve fallen in love with and not repeat anyone twice (even though I think I broke that rule twice). Again, thank you all so much, and I hope you enjoyed this.

Credits: (In order of appearance)

@mysterybensmysteryblog, @heilos, @artsyfeathersartsyblog, and the rest of the amazing team!

@lottafandoms (Vampire Arthur)

@ectoimp (Demon!Arthur) / @providentially-demonic (The Devil and the Dead Fic)

@askmysteryskullswerewolfarthur (Werewolf Arthur)

@heilos (King Arthur)

@phantoms-lair (Mirror’s Gaze Fic)

@braveskyered (Knights Fic)

@pi-cat000 (Time Travel Idea Fic)

@thefandomcassandra (The Future Fic)

@tyigra (House of Strays Fic)

@hecallsmehischild (Rest Nestling/Explain it like I’m a Tree Fics)

@neversleepagainau 

@atomi-cat (Boneheads)

@ask-twoyearsafter / @kanaiekla (The Cruel Irony of a Prophetic Love Fic)

OC’s: @nerv0usm3chanic (Lucan), @binaconfusa (Frog), @lauritanaomystery (Laurel)

RP Blogs: @splatterlewis, @lamentinglewis, @frenzys-furnace, @bluescarfvivi, @punsandfuturekingsmen, @diviinc​)

[soundsaboutrighttumblr]

Okay, meta of the scene in ep 5 between Shu Yi’s Dad and Shi De.

Shame on me, because I have to digress at the very beginning even, because that piggy back scene reminded me of something Sam said in an interview, and that is that Yu’s body felt soft to the touch, like a cat’s, and that it is totally a good thing. In the way he molds himself to Shi De’s back, and later slithers off him into the bed, I must say, I totally see it, what he means, and I am loving it. He’s probably very good at winding himself out of your hold when he doesn’t want to be there, and fitting himself to every part of your body when he wants to. Bendy, non-resistant, viscuous, long, warm limbs, I can just imagine the morning stretches. And yeah, I would totally try to pet him, even at the dangers of scratch and bite.

Back to topic:

That scene with Dad. I laughed out loud several times, it is amazing, but also heart wrenching and a psychological roller coaster of course, but I loved how the acting toed the line between serious and comical at times. How Shu Yi’s Dad seems so much like Shu Yi in some moments, when he angrily stalked over towards a wide-eyed Shi De – with Shu Yi on his back-, or later the end of the scene, his impulsive face journey, and how you can see where Shu Yi got his bearings and mannerisms from. Great choice of actor, great acting, I laughed so hard.

On to the psychological ride that is this scene:

So, we’re still digesting the piggy back ride with Big Cat Shu Yi, and there he comes, Dad, dorky and enthusiastic and overbearing, already in Shu Yi’s apartment, with food and presents, but so happy to see his son.

And he comes face to face with a doe eyed, clumsy looking, caught in the act-mannered Gao Shi De, and of course that phallic symbol in Dad’s hand has to be broken for effect (You know, the phallus shaped snack that Shu Yi really likes, that Shi De will take to him later?).

And the music and all plays into the comedic aspect, but also into the role that Shi De takes on here, which is to a point calculated, I believe. It’S the playing weak he will be accused of later. He still tries to win Dad over by playing a more submissive role, not offending his pride, but allowing for his authority, still trying to maybe appease him for Shu Yi’s sake, to make him maybe come around without having to play hard ball.

Dad prowling over menacingly, shushing him, only to take the shoes… yeah. Laughed. His priority is his son, even if he is misguided about what he needs to protect his son from. A thought: The relatives, not the love of his live. But, of course, that is easier said than done, because Dad, too, is entangled in family and corporate webs.

But first things first, Shi De takes his big cat to the bedroom, and this time the statue and rabbit on the window can look on, because nothing scandalous is happening, the snow globe with the Statue of Liberty seems gone, no more freezing American secrets to disturb, it seems.

And is this the look of a man wo just decided that he wants to marry the one sleeping in front of him, again, and over once more? Yes, it is.

It is also the look of a man, who decided to try and win over his fiancé’s dad once more, because even if he knows Shu Yi will stand at his side against him, the happier future he wants for Shu Yi would be with Dad on their side, because despite it all they are close, so close they share mannerisms and face journeys.

So, he showers, in Shu Yi’s space probably owned by Dad, washing off past mistakes, preparing to be his best self when meeting Dad downstairs again. Also? Making Dad wait for him, what a power move, Shi De is capable all right.

When he finally comes down to meet Dad, he takes on the role of a more submissive junior again, polite and respecting authority, because he is the one who asks something that Dad thinks it is his to give, and thus hehas the disadvantage, or at least wants to appease Dad by making him feel that way.

He plays along Dad’s rules, apologizing for breaking a promise that was a set up from the beginning, and he knows.

He presents the documents of his ‘worthiness’, humbly apologizing for them to be lacking in Dad’s eyes. Dad keeps eating, not paying back any of the respect he is shown, still to caught up in his entitlement.

Dad’s remark of it being the betrothal presents is meant to ridicule Shi De’s efforts and love.

Shi De gives him one last out, when he overlooks the tone, and just says yes. You can see it as my dowry, being totally honest and unoffended, as a move of power.

And Dad falls into his trap, out of arrogance, out of underestimating Shi De. Ridiculing something, that is not his to judge, laughing. Entitled: You are never getting into my family.”

Edit: for further intricacies about dowries and betrothal presents in Asian cultures, go here a post by @noona96n​ that gives more sense to it. I’ll leave my take before reading here nonetheless, because the gist is there, lol. But that reading of the beginning of the scene with the documents and the dowry and dad’s entitlement makes more sense. 

And that is when Shi De changes course.

Leaving the submissive pose behind, sitting down at the table, an at least equal partner at the bargaining table.

And what he says, that he can let Shu Yi into his own family, because they are accepting him with open arms? It is a strike that is powerful, proving that equality, if not superiority.

It reminds me of when Shi De said in their first encounter after America, that he will accept the deal, because he knows Shu Yi will never be happy without his father’s approval.  Dad should have seen it then, maybe he did and forgot, and underestimated again.

Shi De is a psychological menace when it comes to bargaining and debating, and don’t you make the mistake to underestimate that. Now they are playing hard ball.

Because he brings Shu Yi’s happiness into it, something he knows is something Dad cares about deep down, even if he is misguided how it should look like. It also plays into parental duties and responsibilities and being a good parent, supporting your child and accepting and loving him for who he is.

He appeals to Dad’s guilt over that, all the while putting him in his place, because he, Shi De has that love that loves Shu Yi unconditionally and wants what makes him happy, he has parents that will love him and may take Dad’s place if he does a job that is lacking.

t’s also a hit to Dad’s fear of losing Shu Yi, that he admitted to in the bar, when saying not only daughters can leave their families. He treatens to take Shu Yi away into a new family.

Shi De builds himself up as Dad’s equal here, with a love that is true for Shu Yi, and also one that chooses Shu YI’s happiness. He’s saying, if they are to be competitors for Shi Yi’s love, Shi De might just come out winning, so Dad should rethink his course.

And Dad realizes then, that he has underestimated Shi De, he has leaned back in his chair while Shi De leans forward. He’s not laughing anymore.

Shi De is very confident in enunciating the syllables, leaning forward, no cowering in his eyes any longer. Everything about his posturing is dominant now. Demanding respect, not asking for it any longer.

So much that Shu Yi’s Dad is backed into a corner, offense his only defense: Are you threating me?

Now it is Shi De who is laughing. What a terrifying opponent in a negotiation. Business man and alpha males through and through… ah, alpha, wasn’t that the project that Shi De… anyway.

Shi De’s reaching out an olive branch, trying to soothe the situation for politeness sakes. All instruments in the psychological engineering of that scene.

And Dad has to give that credit, even if he gives it the tone of an insult.

“You played weak before.”

I am not sure if he means Shi De portrayed himself as weaker than he was, or if he meant play dirty. In any case, he misjudged Shi De. Edit: I think it means playing dirty. Which dad has done, too. Edit’s Edit: Although @noona96n post on the japanese subs ead in me into an iterpretation of playing weaker than he is again... I am torn. both, both is good.

And Shi De again pretends not to hear the tone, just takes it as face value, not letting Dad getting personal. But also, Shi De delivers a lethal blow:

Reminding Dad again, that yes, Shi De played that game for Shu Yi’s happiness, thus having the moral higher ground, but also reminding him that yes, he chose to play the game that way, dirty if he must, with all the capabilities he now proved to have, and that he is not afraid to sacrifice on personal levels, or his pride, to get what he wants, which is ultimately a happy Shu Yi.

Also reminding him of the emails, how dirty he COULD play, leverage that Dad until now maybe thought he still had, but that Shi de now holds over him.

You can see how Shu Yi’s dad doesn’t have anything to set against that. So, he just turns to an insult, trying to put Shi De down again.

But Shi De twists it in his mouth, taking it as confession, just to rile up Dad. Then calling him Dad/Father-in-law, to remind him that with how things are looking now, this is the foreseeable outcome of their future, one where Shi De gets his way and Dad doesn’t.

Edit: @noona96n‘s post on the japanese subs and marriage and family in Asian culture led me to believe that Dad’s scolding of calling Shi De an ungrateful creature/child, as if he was in fatherly position to do so, made Shi De trap him with the question, if he had accepted the marriage/Shi De as his child, and he calls him Dad. I also think that Dad was really impressed by Shi De’s negotiation Skills, and maybe because of that slipped up like that... For those interested, sometimes we have interesting conversations in the comments and notes, lol.

I correct myself; I think that was the lethal blow, lol.

And Dad can only turn to blind rage, lashing out with anything that comes to mind. How the incident in the company still might cost him that future with Shu Yi. Hm. Sus.

You know, the incident, where someone maybe paid a lot of money to destroy/test Shi De’s company and future, by stealing the title alpha, ahem, project alpha from him, only for Shi De to rebuild what alpha means from the ground up, out of his resources, to present it to Dad’s company? Yeah, am I getting this right? Metaphors and all?

Anyway, Shi De has his capabilities and team and support to trust he will resolve that matter, so he is not in the slightest intimidated by that veiled threat.

He concludes by turning back to politeness, thanking Dad for his criticism/warning and paying back some respect to his authority, by bowing and promising to not let him down. Being the bigger man and all.

Then he steals the food Shu Yi likes, that Dad brought, out from under him. Because he CAN.

Yeah, that frustrated face journey by Dad is everything.

But. Maybe someday, when he gets over his pride and anger, he will even be impressed by his future Son-in-law, because yeah, Dad just met his match on a psychological scheming business war-fare level. He got his a... handed back to him.

He HAS to see how that will be good for Shu Yi to have in his corner, eventually.

Edit: After reading @noona96n ‘ post on weddings and family in Asian culture, I believe that interpretation fits the beginning of the scene better, but I do think once Dad rebuffed Shi De’s ask to marry into the family so harshly, Shi De really went into ruthless negotiation mode, to prove to Dad who thinks him unworthy of his world, that he can scheme and negotiate with the best of them, it is not a negotiation of Shu Yi’s future as much as they are pithing their negotiation skills against each other, and I believe Shi De succeeds in impressing Dad, which leads to Dad’s slip up in scolding him like achild, also maybe letting slip he knows of the stolen project, even though everyone has signed confidentiality agreements.

[lovee-infected]

Macaroon anon I love you and how can I resist writing for such a great idea? I really wanted this piece to take place as Ciel was stuck in twst in my previous au but since I mentioned dorm leaders there it couldn't be really done...Rip

A twisted path ✨

~ Black butler x twisted wonderland ~

Feat : Mey-Rin , Bard & Finnian

Poor trio stay away in shock of not only his unexpectedly loud shout but also...eh...his appearance .  Are they wrong or does this guy really look similar to master Ciel...?

Coming conscious still with his eyes closed , he hears some sounds around him:" He dead ?-""No I don't think he is, his chest is still moving" "Anyway what's this body doing hear at Phantomhive's mansion? If he's been stabbed or something it's going to be troublesome," "Na I guess this dude's just been really drunk y'all. Also...what's with the clothes ? Could it be that he's somewhat of an actor from nearby theaters ?" "Aye? Since when are the designs this messed up...- I guess we'd better get rid of it before mister Sebastian returns, maybe burry hi-"

Riddle freaks out as he hears this idiots wanting to burry him alive and immediately wakes up screaming at them to stay away.

Riddle on the other hand gazes upon what he just faced: a red haired haired maiden wearing a pair of glasses, a yellow haired boy with green pupils and a rather buff man with a toothpick in his mouth staring at him. " Ah- He a'live ! Man ya gotcha be more careful with drinking," the buff man chuckles. Riddle suddenly feels highly unsafe: Who are these people? And where am I? He's read NRC's maps enough to know that such a building is surely not a part of it , come along it's weird people. Was he kidnapped while asleep...?He pulls up his staff and starts threatening them with it , wanting them to immediately introduce themselves and explain what he was doing here- wherever it was-

Finnian tries to calm him down with a soft smile and a friendly attitude, but Riddle is strong at his point: He wants answers.

When he sees them all trying to calm him down with no explanations he gets mad : "OFF WITH YOUR HEADS!"

...What ? Wait-maybe try again:"Off with your-Heads!" ...Why isn't it working? Riddle stays still, the magic collars have to be around their neck but- they are not...?? There must've been a mistake: " Off with your heads - Off with your HEADS - OFF WITH YOUR HEADS DAMN IT-"

Mey-Rin, Finnian and Bard stare at their angry guest shouting nonsense and getting as red as a tomato, what is wrong with this guy..?

Riddle is furious and confused , what's the matter ? Is his magic blocked the same as that time Beans day?  He doesn't know , and he doesn't like it

Riddle starts shouting at them asking what they've done to his magic and the poor guys just go...Huh ? Riddle keeps on getting redder and redder as if he's about to explode . He starts threatening them from reporting them to the head master to giving them to the official policies for kidnapping and neglecting his picture 

Finnian then decides that maybe it's better to leave him to mister Sebastian and so : Picking up a huge branch and a striking it to his head , savage

Riddle passes out immediately whoops- maybe Finnian should have been softer-

They stay there gazing upon their... masterpiece . Finnian might have even broken his skull - Good god , what should they do now ? They must wait until mister Sebastian arrives ; But where is he now ?

Feat : Suma & Agni

"Pssssssst- Agniii...I guess he finally woke u-" " M- my prince , y-you sure that it was a good idea too bring a total stranger out of nowhere to our home ? I'd greatly appreciate it if you be more ca-"

Argh...what is with all noises around him ? He's told Ruggie a million times not to let anyone in his room whole he's taking a nap even if it's gonna be the grim reaper ; what are these brats doing here?

Leona rambles under lips and with a push he's awake : " Oi , you'd better know that I don't like having my naps ruined,"

Suma gasps at the sight of him being finally awake and tries to offer his unwanted guest a welcome hug which Leona rejects- Poor Suma

Leona isn't yet realizing what actually is going on , from not knowing that this isn't his room to the fact that he's now at more than 100 years ago in a whole different world ; ironic

Leona orders them to take this annoying conversation out of his room just to face Agni's locked expression : "Your room...?"

Taking a better look , Leona finally gets that this probably isn't his room and these people surely aren't from NRC

Sounds get echoed through his brain and he feels a small ache inside it . He rubs his head ...why does everything feel so strange ? Something is different ... could it be that he's still sleepy or..? Wait a second - Why can't he shake his tail ?

He immediately looks back to see if he's sit on his own tail but faces a terrifying scene : There is no tail . Is it cut off ????

and a newer fact flashes his brain : There are no ears either . But then how can he still here the sounds ? "P-please don't be", he begs . His hands shake as he brings them up to touch both sides of his head ; wishing not to find what he is looking for . And they are ! Human ears !A mild shiver is sent down his neck and he rushes to the mirror on the other side of the room just to face this nightmare with his own two eyes

He stares at the mirror with his eyes wide open and mouth as if he is going to shout . No...

Oh...nevermind . He has to calm down ; it's nothing but another fancy dream . He'll soon wake up and these will be all gone . Leona tries closing his eyes and cursing , wanting to wake up to sanity when he opens them again

Surprise : Nothing's changes . Two crappy brats still staring at him . Agni is now a bit suspicious but Suma on the other hand is really motivated : " Ahh~! Sorry if it's strange to sleep in the streets and wake up in bed- I just saw you laying there in a death like slumber and couldn't help but to bring you along ! Also , haven't we met before ? I'm pretty sure that I've seen your face somewhere before... Don't you happen to be from India ? "

Agni is really stressed out and keeps warning the young boy : " My prince ! He's now all conscious and fine , then I'd lead him out of he-"

"Prince , huh ?" Leona wasn't ever really interested in visiting ally kingdoms back at his home town so he barely got to meet any other princes , hm but to think that this cherishing child is actually a prince...man , the world has really changed

But he has no time for such games now , he has to find Ruggie or anyone else who may lead him out this insanity and return him his ears and tail

He asks for where he is - else than Suma's mansion - and the answer doesn't really do any help either . Where on the bloody hell is London ? And if these people found him laying in the streets when the heck did he even get here ? Well , doesn't really matter now , but where is NRC ?

Suma and Agni probably don't know where NRC is and Dire Crowley ? Suma wonders if this guy was the one who fooled him to buy a sick elephant which died a week after in india , but Agni is sure that neither him nor his prince have ever met a single soul named this

Leona is getting more and more pissed off wasting time chatting with these idiots so he takes his way out , ignoring Suma's begs for him to stay for lunch at least

He freezes just at the second he opens the exit doors and gazes upon the streets : Horses? carriages ? 19th century's clothing ? How long have these people been stuck in this lack of technology?

He feels like he now really needs to make a phone call but searching his pockets he finds both of them empty...those brats stole my-

He was close to getting hit by a carriage when someone shouts at him with a : " OUT OF WAY YOU SON OF A-"

He is now ready to get in a fight but a sound cuts him off : " LEONAAAA HELLP-!!!!!!" , this extremely annoying sound...what the heck is he doing here and : WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL HAS HE DONE NOW !!!????

Feat : Lau & Ran-Mao

Business tip nu 1 : Always keep calm , even if you end up losing all your magic powers in the surface without the possibility of returning to your original form or knowing where in the damn world you are : K-e-e-p-c-a-l-m

Thankfully , Azul's dope nature avoids him from going crazy during his stay in this...non-Twisted wonderland world

He had heard of theories explaining the possibility of other world's existence ; countless ones indeed . But to end up in one of them without any preparations ? He wasn't planning on that

Well nevermind , that cannot be helped now . let's look for a better way

Lack of facility , cultural deprivation and severe corruption ; is this how humans are ? No wonder the sea witch called them Poor unfortunate souls...

Enough with these people , he must now ignore all other disadvantages and take a look into beneficial sides of it...If he has ended up here , in this world and into this spot of the city there must be something linked to magic nearby ; even if he's surrounded by all these foolish people who haven't ever even seen real magic by their own eyes

Just as he's looking around , something catches his attention : a strange smell . Thanks to his family he's pretty good at following smells to their source and knowing what exactly they are : it's the pungent smell of Opium

He follows the smoke to its source and arrives to a bunch of stares going underground . A board is place next to the stares with something written on it :  Opium Den

Azul isn't one to believe in superstitions but he is sometimes interested to take ambitious  steps ; life sometimes brings you worthy surprises

Entering the shop , someone slightly grabs his arm . He turns his head to face a young, beautiful lady pulling his sleeve softly , eyes empty of any emotions . Without saying a word , Ran-Mao grabs his hat and coat and Azul thanks her , seems like he took the right path

His vision got a bit blurred as must of the air is filled with smoke , not that he isn't used to such atmospheres

" Why welcome to my place , sir . How may we service you today~ ? " a sound says from other side of the room . Azul turns back to face the source of all these smoke holding that young lady from before close , could she be her right arm woman or something ? She seems pretty obedient for one , which is nice

Azul introduces himself and takes a seat . He isn't going to get to his main point at the very first seconds ; he needs to make sure that he's come to the right person . He introduces himself as a businessman from a far away city , came to explore more of business tactics here in London . He offers Lau a small chat toward that , wanting him to give him more information on business if possible and return , he'd be given similar information about Azul's home town

While being considerably great at it , Lau isn't really interested in wasting time talking about business , all he ever cares in some sort of entertainment in whatever he does . Still , he agrees of playing this fake role for a short time . Although he knows that Azul isn't here for this either...

A few minutes pass and they both know that Azul doesn't really care to know how much a pork costs and either is Lau , so takes a serious step himself : " I see you're a man of business , Mr . Azul . I wonder what I you may be able to offer me in return ," Azul clarifies that he would get interesting information if he gives Azul good ones ; everything is clear and equal . "Then , I'm afraid that I've got not much to offer ," Lau sighs , but a small smirks appears of his lips : "But what would you say about some tea ? And maybe a small talk ? "

Lau isn't like others out there and that's pretty recognizable to Azul , but it doesn't make him the right person to trust either . He is continuing this conversation in hope of Lau leading him to the right person he is looking for , someone worthy of a greater contract . Lau lets out a sad sigh feeling sorry that he can't do much help , but he knows that who may do : A well-known friend , serving years working as a right arm man . Talented , well cultured , big on all issues including business : "I'm sure that you'll like him ,"

Well perhaps this thing's starting to work out for him : " Then by all means , lead me to this mister you speak of , Mr. Lau~" "With all pleasure . Bring him his coat and hat , sister " , Lau orders . Pleasure is always his first priority , but nothing would ever break rules of a contract ; He gives , he receives . Even taking him to Sebastian is counted but , he's already thought of that . This young man seems quite entertaining and when he first stepped into his shop Lau was expecting him , a spacial guest

Lau doesn't really care about superstitions , but still enjoys his ambitious steps  . This guy had came to him just as expected and now , something about him tells Lau that getting him to Sebastian will bring him as well newer faces to meet...what an entertaining day it would be

Feat : Tanaka

Jamil is... about to lose his mind . Caught in a whole other world without a meaningful explanation of how he ended up here or why . Magic doesn't work and there is no certain way to scape this situation and make a return to NRC . But the worst thing about it remained certain : He is caught with Kalim

Why in the bloody hell does he always have to be hooked up with Kalim ? Parents forced him into it at childhood , headmaster orders to it at school and now , the world suddenly decides to abandon him together with Kalim ? If it's joke , that's a pretty lame one . Why does he have to live in the shadows of Kalim being the unworthy dorm leader ?

Now lost in the streets , not knowing where to go or who to contact , what a wonderful way to start a day

Kalim isn't liking it at all : dirty streets , loud and short tempered people , street fight and drunk men everywhere , the smell of death filling the air , this is horrible . Kalim is well aware of poverty and deprivation lasting for so long and even remaining until the very present day , but traveling back in time and space to face one of the most terrifying levels of it just isn't his thing . He feels sorry and odd at the same time : Is this how life behind of the walls of his royal castle looked like ? He wishes he could help it . He probably could if he was any linked to NRC right now

He keeps on telling Jamil how poor they look and wonder if there is a way to help...The world Kalim knows has elegant and colorful nights and days but this world...was all caught in a dead gray mist

Jamil doesn't say a word because he doesn't want to listen , Kalim can keep on daydreaming but he has to find a way back a.s.a.p . They can't leave Scarabia just on their own and everyone (including Kalim's Dad) must be really stressed out by now . He continues to look , but there isn't really anything helpful around them . People yelling at each other and smoking the shit out of themselves . Young ladies flirting as young men offer them a carriage ride and tourists staring at each and every building like they hadn't ever seen a place to live inside as if they've been living in a cave so far , huh

Jamil can no longer take it next to Kalim and eventually goes feral : " WOULD YOU JUST SHUT UP !!?" He has no control over his words now , he's nervous , furious and freaked out . If he were to compare his mood to something similar he'd say the time he overblotted , just that he had his magic back then

Now Kalim as well gets into a fight with him . What the hell does this have to do with him ? Jamil has to calm down and be realistic unless they'll never find a way out ! Jamil states that if he grew up just enough to realize how terrible their current situation is , he would've had something better to do than showing mercy over some bunches of street rats

The two of them keep on arguing until someone cuts them of : " Hohoho young men ! What's with all these loud sounds ?"

They stop and turn back to face the source of this old , chill voice . Facing a tall , old man dressed in all black clothes which high-leveled servants would wear and a monocle , giving them a soft , calm smile

" Aa- nevermind grandps ! It wasn't like it seemed we were just talking ! Right Jamily ? " he says , putting a hand on Jamil's shoulder and giving a big , wide smile . "H-hey... don't call me that..." , Jamil doesn't like Kalim acting this chill ; but it is embarrassing to see that they actually called attention

"Hoho , better . Now tell me young men , could it be that you have a trouble ? You look awfully down ," Tanaka asks ; sounding just like a grandfather guiding his grandchildren

Kalim takes a look at Jamil , wondering if it's right to do what he's thinking of and Jamil in return , nods as a yes " Well sir , there you see we actually don't belong here yet to another-" Jamil cuts him off before he could mess the whole thing up : " -Another state , indeed ! We came here for some sort of a business trip and were supposed to be on our way back home by now but sadly , ran into thieves . Our families must be really worried for now and I doubt them being sure of us being hooked up here . We lost everything and have no way to contact anyone we know... only if someone nice enough could be found to help us with it right now ," Jamil dropped his head , trying to act as natural as possible . Kalim wants to remind him that this isn't right to lie someone who is trying to help them yet he wonders if he should let Jamil take care of this now , after all he was much of a worthier leader than him to be honest...

" That's so sad to hear dear boy , I'm sure that young master as well would've been really frustrated if he were here ," Tanaka replies . Oh ? Young master ?  Jamil is now interested . Wherever this man came from , it can't be somewhere cheap , Jamil could tell . Leading them to a mightier source would be a better thing than just laying in the streets waiting for some miracle to save them right ? " Young master , you say ? " Kalim asks . " On the second thought , how about me introducing you to my master ? You're not much older than him I suppose , he as well needs to have more friends like you good men  ," Tanaka says with a sweet smile . " That'll be so nice of you um , Mr...? " Jamil asks " Tanaka is fine young boys . And you? "  " Jamil Viper ," " Kalim al Asim ! Glad to meet you Tanaka sir ! " Kalim says , bringing his hand for Tanaka to shake . Tanaka shakes hands with both of them and Jamil decides to make the process a bit faster : " I look forward to meeting this young master you say , Mr. Tanaka . It's always great to meet more men of culture ," Jamil sneakers . " Then by all means , follow me young men ," Tanaka says . With a sound of pop and some smoke , the tall man shrinks into a chibi version : " Ho , ho , ho ," " What the-!!!" Kalim panicks , no magic and yet this dude can shrink all of a sudden huh ?

" Ho ho," chibi Tanaka says before turning back and going to another direction . " I guess we should follow him," Jamil says . Kalim agrees and then , they're both following the chibi old man to the Phantomhive's mansion . Unaware of the two eyes watching them all this time : " Hihihi ~ they're quite interesting ,"

Feat : Grell Sutcliff & Ronald Knox

"Come oooon Ronald~ Shake your lazy ass and bring her along already..." " Oi senpai , that's mean ! This one's quite heavy-" "JUST SHUT UP AND DO THAT ! Don't you know it's rude to question ladies too much ? " " F-fine then , but at least give me a hand ! Have you even checked if she's dead !? " Heavy ? Dead ? She...? Vil isn't born to be disrespected like this . AND NOT A SINGLE SOUL GETS TO PULL HIM BY LEG WHEN HE'S ASLEEP

Vil immediately starts shouting at the Blondie , threating him that he'll regret it if he doesn't let go of him now . Ronald and Grell almost have a heart attack at Vil's chicken like screech which makes them jump

Vil snads up and glares at the two shinigamis : A really ugly female like one all dressed in red and a small blondie brat which looks like...eh..Azul ? Well nevermind ; doesn't matter now

What should he begin with ? Where he is ? Who these potatoes are and how they didn't recognize him being the leader of Pomefiore ? How perky they were to move him while asleep like this and ruin fabric of his overly expensive unforms ? Too many things to do

" Ah you're too loud ! My ears...Such an unexpected shout to hear from a man this hot I'd say..." Grell giggles . Vil's eyes widen , well of course he is beautiful but to be praised like that ? Ew , this is more of a insult ...

Vil decides to ignore Grell and get to the main point : Who they were and what they wanted . Grell smirks before preparing to give a 5 hour long opera show of shinigamis' romance but Ronald locks him on that point : They are shinigamis , they collect souls of the death , they had grabbed Vil because he looked a bit like the woman they were just going to collect yet didn't pay enough of attention to notice that they made a mistake , so they can all leave since they've got nothing to do with each other

Just before Ronald could get away Vil grabs him by collar , asking where they've brought him to . Grell clears that they just moved him by 30-40 meters from where they found him so it can't be really counted as bringing him to somewhere . Vil refuses to believe , wherever he is , it's way further than Pomefiore dorm or even NRC's accessable area ; that can't be . Vil threatens them one more time : " You refuse to tell , you'll end up dealing with the headmaster ," Grell and Ronald probably don't know who the headmaster is but Grell tries to take advantage : "Aaa? Is he one into punishing type ?" Vil is slowly getting annoyed by how weird this red one sounds to him ; To be honest he acts like an impatient porn star or something...

That's it , he's calling Crowley but uh , where is his phone ? Did he lose it ? Impossible . He'll never forget such an important thing to bring along ... Did these brats dare to steal his pockets....!? Vil asks them to give his phone and wallet back : now " Sir , you may like to know that human money brings no good for us and also , I'm afraid that I don't really know what you may mean by phone? " Ronald mumbles (Remember that phone isn't yet invited at their time ). Why don't this guy just let them go take care of their business ?

Vil hates it when people dare opposing him and doesn't ever take that lightly...who do these two think they are ? " Where is Night Raven College , answer or you'll face unpleasant consequences..." Is Vil challenging Grell ? Then Grell's more than ready to see what this human may have up his slave to speak to a shinigami like this : " And what may the consequences be...?" Vil gets tired , a small spell and this red ass bitch would be nothing but a toad , " I tried to warn you , you should've listened..."

Ahem , hello ? Magic ? Why isn't it working ? " Pffffffftttt- Lmao are you high or something man ? You just woke up !You'll be a great actor though I swear- You can drown in all that nonsense ," Grell laughs . " Well then hottie , I'm afraid we've got to go , see you when it's your time ~ " Grell turns to leave but Vil grabs him by collar . No one is leaving until they explain what the actual heck is going on : this place , the magic , everything

Grell on the other hand enjoyed flirting , but can't take being acted to like this . He pushes Vil back and gives him a psychotic smile , bringing up his chainsaw : " Wouldn't it be amazing if I cut those rushy tongue of yours at once ? fewer words , more of a male charm ," "Oh ?" magic may not work here , but they're not all Vil has got , he can still give this bitch guy a lesson without them : " Oi you two , this isn't really gonna workout-" Ronald mumbles but it's too late now -

Feat : Undertaker

At least he wakes up to a more suitable scene , or it seems so - His body couldn't move freely inside of this cage-like space . Is this a cuffin...? He has experience with them from his freshman year but to end up in one of them again ? Could it be that Crowley is planning on another fancy event like their first time ? Boy , he didn't like it anyway . He knocks the door trying to open it but if seems too heavy to be moved . Damnit- , he hears footsteps from the outside : " Someone there ? Why can't I open this ??" A sudden screech from out and the door slides open : " Ah thank yoUWAHAAAA- !!" Idia screams at the sight of the creepy stranger's smile at him ; he wasn't expecting this . Also , this place doesn't look like the mirror hall ? Who is this guy and where is this place ??

" Hihihi you weren't that dead I see , why waking up so soon though~ ?" , Undertaker giggles in his playful tone . Idia needs too many things to be explained to him but he just doesn't have the time , Crewel will burn him in acid if he gets any late for his class again and he doesn't care how weird his current situation is , he has to go

He gets out of the coffin and rushes to the door but Undertaker stops him there telling him not to show up out there so carelessly , which clearly confuses Idia . " Your hair...It is quite fascinating that curses remain strong even as magic gets blocked..." Undertaker adds . Idia is used to people judging him for his family misfortune but this one seemed quite...odd . He decides to ignore it and leave

" ~ Okies then I warned you , but you'll end up needing a real cuffin in a few minutes pwahahaaa-" , Undertaker burts into laughter and Idia leaves

" creepy ass old ma-" , Idia nags slowly before freezing as someone screams really-loudly right into his ears " HAIR ON FIRE , HIS HAIR IS ON FIRE !!" Before Idia can notice what is going on he's gained tens of gazes to himself , why are these guys all dressed so strangely...

" M-mummy is that a monster ? I'm scared..." " Stay away from our children you hellish creature ! " Idia freezes , critiques coming one after one : Demon , monster , Satan , Death . One option left : Run

Idia now has to run for his life , this world just isn't his thing : not at all . Even if it weren't because of being chased by a group of angry humans , do you think that he could last for even one day in this old fashioned zone ? No technology , no phones , no robots , no gummy bears , no wifi- He'd read about how different the world was before the invention of media and couldn't explain how thankful he was to never have to handle a second in the past world because he wouldn't last there for more than an hour- well he wasn't right about never ending up there but , he was 100% right about not lasting for more than an hour

Now there , he is running like he never has , begging his feet to help him this time out of any other time . Angry people screaming and bringing fire and weapons to destroy the evil

He tries to contact any possible source for help but : No magic - no internet . RIP Idia

Meanwhile Undertaker is chilling at his shop , his mind running over the cursed boy and now listening to the sound of the frightened people because of him , how pathetic , If only he had agreed to hide his hair through a safer way...sigh he should have listened to advises coming from someone who has been living within humans for years by hiding his identity as a shinigami as as his eyes... " My my , humans aren't the only fragile creatures I see..." creation can seem disturbing to him sometimes , and that's the best part with it

Back to Idia , he is slowly running out of breath . Well maybe this is the point where he has to give up ? He has long lived as a loser , bastard , procrastinator and wasted almost each and every second of his life ; well perhaps except Ortho , that was a nice work of him . Wish he was here too say goodbye .  He isn't sure if his prayers would be accepted or not but it won't hurt trying : " Good gods who're told to be somewhere up there , I know that I wasn't best that I could be and I won't try to excuse my sins ; just please let it end fast, Ame- " he forgets his prayers as his guardian angel is standing just a few meters away from him ; oh have gods sent an identical twin - human version of Leona for him to be saved ? Well whatever now , he has no time if he's the original furry or not : "LEONAAAA HELLP-!!!!!!"

And yes , he is the original one ! He curses as he sees the population after Idia , what the hell is wrong with this world ? Idia hides behind his back and Leona tries to take control before they end up burning the two of them together : " You people , chill ," " Why you defending that creature ? He a a misfortune ! A demon !" others shout at this words in agreement . Leona laughs it off . He says that Idia is way too dumb for a demon and even if he is one , he's the type to scream his ass off when someone says "hi" . Idia doesn't know if Leona's defending him or not but he doesn't dare saying a word . Leona seems too busy dealing with the crowd and slowly , the argument topic switches from Idia to Leona ; who isn't afraid of punching some faces . The argument slowly takes over and no one (even Leona) realizes Idia sneaking into an alley saving his life . He feels a bit guilty for leaving Leona on his own but he'll be fine , hopefully

Thankfully the alley is deserted and he finally lays down to catch his breath , still panting heavily . He almost got killed today and can't get over it , but things were getting a bit comforting : "Meow~" several cats show up from the corners and Idia puts on a small smile . A white kittens comes closer and allows Idia to touch and comfort him . Idia wonders , how does their lives as a cat here feels ? do they as well get as scared as he was just now?  . A few minutes later when Idia -and his cats- were chilling someone steps closer to them  . Before Idia gets to run away , a tall , black and familiar face shows up and gives him a pretty calm smirk : " My my , I see you as well adore cats, could it be some part of our hellish natures ?"

"...J-Jade...?"

Feat : Ciel Phantomhive & Sebastian Michaelis

Let us be honest , it isn't going to be that bad for him , is it ? His current lifestyle at Valley of the thorns is nothing less than London's late 19th century , just maybe it had more of a natural theme . Well , no technology can be good news since he never really get used to it after all . London's atmosphere as well seem to be just his thing : Sometimes savage but calm , filled with tea parties and great ceremonies , an interesting back ground toward the royal family and in summary , Malleus's ideal theme

Well maybe except some things : 1) HORNS-ARE-GONE . His family treasure , the great heritage that proved him coming from the all great and respected Draconia family , now is gone 2) No need to mention that there is no sight of his fairy ears either- 3) Having his magic lost in this unknown world , he is now nothing different from a fragile human being , just as weak , just as empty , just as disgusting . Oh but our prince isn't totally left on his own here...

Unexpectedly , Phantomhive's mansion is serving a mysterious guest today , even though Ciel was against letting strangers inside the house . Sebastian insisted on being aware of the importance of hospitality as the Queen's watch dog , specially with special guests

Everything seems odd to Malleus , this world , this time , this people and...this master and butler . He is no fool , not even the foolishest of these humans would treat and cater strangers without wanting something in return , therefore he needs to keep his guard up . They shouldn't be aware of his actual identity even if they look deprived of any magic

Ciel is feeling awfully uncomfortable , who is this man ? And what the heck about him might have caught Sebastian's eyes ? This greedy demon wouldn't easily be impressed , so what could it be ?

Sebastian insists that it's how he should learn to treat everyone else if he's willing to be well remembered after death ; he pronounces the last word in a pretty deep , dark tone . Making it clear that how he'll finally die in a sarcastic way which teased Ciel

He decides not to have any argues with Sebastian on that point since he can act pretty cocky with stuff he gets stubborn over , so let's see what he's hiding up in sleeve this time . Though Ciel is suspicious of other stuff as well , this Mr... -whatever he is since he doesn't give them a name- looks like a pale - greenish version of Sebastian . Could he be another demon..?

Malleus refuses to give them a name due to possible risks , yet he has to admit that he's being taken care of properly . The room he's given isn't as big as the one in his castle , but is still considerable for something a stranger would be given . Other than that , anyone else he's met here so far seemed to be pretty chill , oh except this tiny child with a blindfold and he gets to be called young master ? He has to admit that he's impressed . To be in control of all this property when you aren't yet even tall enough to pick your favorite book from the shelf on your own

And there is another guy who is really...how to explain , is it some feeling of deja Vu or he really does look like Silver ? The guy is always talking to the snakes just as Silver talks to the birds and animals . If it weren't because of difference in eye color , perhaps Malleus wouldn't believe that he wasn't Sliver himself . " Your stay won't last much longer master , your friends are on their way here , says Donne ," Snake tells him . Malleus doesn't really know how to feel about him but his words comfort him for some reason...

Ciel says that he needs to check on the trio since they've been calling him all day so he heads to the front yard , leaving Sebastian and Malleus alone

Sebastian offers him some tea and Malleus of course sees no reason to refuse . Sebastian doesn't sit beside him because it's arrogant of servants to sit beside the guests , so he remains stood up . He doesn't bother starting a conversation with Malleus and he does know how to get him to speak . Malleus doesn't mind answering to...some of his questions . How he likes it here in London , if he needs anything else during his stay , but the last question made his eyes widen : Does he do feel any uncomfortable under the terms of not being able to use his powers ?

Malleus doesn't answer , he pretends that he didn't hear him and stares at the window . He is hoping it to help him ignore Sebastian , but what he sees isn't any better :  Isn't that... Rosehearts laying there...??

Malleus has to go , not only because of getting rid of Sebastian at this point but to also check on his ally if he's alright or not :  Did the butler know he too was here all the time ?

Sebastian just knows what was going on in his mind and wants  better answers . Malleus stands up to leave but Sebastian takes grabs his arm before he could do anything : " No need to rush . We still have a lot to talk about , Mr. Draconia ,"

♦♥♠♣

Note for Idia's part : I was actually planning on Idea having his hair as well gone because , well , no magic no hair ? But that seemed too unfair for him lol

[dragonrajafanfiction]

Yamata-No-Orochi (Part 1) Uncle Caesar

We’re finally getting to the tail end of the Story Quests. Thanks for reading this far if you have. :D I’m so happy writing this, I’m just plugging story beats out like a happy like choochoo train, but this took a bit of thought.

This scene does not appear in the novel, manhua, or the game, however, it logically sets up a conflict that should have been there had the MC had real relationships with the characters and actual agency in the story. 

Enjoy!

It was about 9 am in the morning when Caesar got you out of bed and dressed you up as usual. He didn’t choose anything too casual or too sexual. He chose a yellow pleated skirt, a simple cotton white blouse and warm navy jean jacket, and knee high waterproof boots and invited you out with him for the day.

“Where are we going?” You had asked him.

“Just out shopping. Whatever you like. You’ve had a hard time. So it will be good for your mental state to get out and not be shut in feeling sorry for yourself.” He replied. But his eyes are not sunny, but clouded, like the sky over Tokyo.

So you spent the day shopping after breakfast, mostly for clothes and shoes. But Caesar took you to a toy store and insisted you buy something to play with. “You never played as a kid right?” He had asked you.

“No… not really. I liked to watch movies.” 

“Pick out a game. Anything you want.”

He didn’t accompany you shopping for the toys. He stood outside, smoking the cigar with his umbrella, not minding the rain. You were concerned about Kaguya but the disturbed weather was disrupting a lot of the internet access around Tokyo and the umbrellas provided physical disguise against searching surveillance cameras. Caesar didn’t mind being out, and while you shopped, he was keeping watch.

You spent a long time pacing the shelves, back and forth until finally you settled on a Sailor moon action figure. You pick it up and smile at the signature phrasing. “In the name of the Moon, I will punish you!” You could still hear the words clear in your head.

You come out with your single doll in the small bag and you put your two fingers in a V-shape over your eye playfully, just like the heroine in the Anime.

Caesar grinned broadly, but the sadness did not leave his eyes. 

You’d spent so much time in the stores that the sun  was already going down. “I’ve made reservations for dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Won’t Nono get jealous?” You snort.

“Not at all. She knows she has all my heart in her hands. But it's important to talk to you. You gave a starheart to Ruri Kazama last night. That means he reached you, right?”

“Yes, but … he’s the lead member of a yakuza group and he’s kinda out of my league.”

He waved the cigar in his hand airily. “It’s good for a young woman to raise her station through marriage in any case. But in your case, I don’t think any man is out of your league. If you think he is above you, then that’s a good thing. There are not many men like that. Much less, a man like that who you’d find attractive enough to grant a star-heart.” 

You laugh. “You sound like an old Uncle playing matchmaker.”

“I know and I hate it, but I’ve given it a lot of thought.” He grimaced. “I thought you would be good for Lu Mingfei, but he’s a stable European Hybrid who grew up in a stable household. You’re a wild thing of the White King. You’d never be a good match.” Caesar mused. “Ruri, on the other hand, knew more about you than you did about yourself. You seem to understand each other well. You clicked at the Takamagahara Club. I was pretty pissed about that but now… not so much.”

You’d walked until you reached the historical luxury district. There were restaurants here that were passed down generation to generation for hundreds of years. They survived both World War I and World War II. The bricks and mortar were older than Anjou.

He reached over your head to open a small glass door. Inside, you saw only an old Japanese man behind a counter, who looked at you through his craggy face. You figured that this place was by reservation only simply because it was so small. “Let me guess? You bought out every table in this place?”

“That’s right. Lu Mingfei helped me with the Japanese.”

“Is he doing alright?” You ask.

“Yep. He’s got that girl wrapped around his little finger.”

“That’s kinda messed up.” You say, recalling your last conversation with Chance about Izanami using Izanagi’s feelings to further her own ends.

“Well, hopefully it will turn out to be genuine.”

You shake your head smiling. “You really are an Old Uncle.”

Caesar pulls out the chair for you and you sit. “Don’t worry about ordering anything. Everything here is good.”

A waitress came and poured sake into saucers from a black bottle and you remember that you promised Caesar to have a date over Sake and this was it. You can’t believe you forgot about that but given everything that was happening it was understandable. It was more incredible that Caesar actually remembered.

Once the sake was poured, Caesar raised his saucer and you joined him in a toast. “A toast to the best damn freshman I’ve ever met.”

“And a toast to the fearless friend of justice!”

The sake was good, not quite sweet but full of the aroma and taste of rice in the alcohol.

“I want to discuss your future at Cassell after this. It’s unfortunate to say, but once this mission is over, even if I’m alive at the end, I won’t be able to shield you from the school board or anyone else.”

Your eyebrows raise. “Oh? The Gattuso heir admitting that he can’t protect a lady? Did I wake up in an alternate universe?”

But Caesar didn’t laugh or crack a smile. “It’s the official policy of Cassell College not to admit anyone with unstable blood, like yours. My family pursued Chu Zihang because they suspected him of being of poor bloodline. Had they succeeded, they would have sent him away on an island, far from human civilization. I was able to vouch for him at his trial and foil their plans, but I won't’ be able to help you if you run afoul of them because after this mission, I’m graduating, MC. I will go back to Italy and marry Nono.”

Your expression falls and you feel a trapdoor has just opened underneath you. You were still heartsick over losing Chance. But Caesar was your support staff you could lean on. Without him, you would have given into despair long ago. How could you stand on your own now? You would find a way surely but you hadn’t expected to part from him so soon.

He stares at you now and you understand the cloudy look in his eyes. “I want to make an arrangement with you. For your safety. But it will take you far away from me. So I don’t like it. But I feel it's the best for you. If you agree, then… alright.”

“Alright,” You echo. “Let's hear it.”

“We talked a little last night about how Ruri Kazama wants the Devil Clan to join Cassell and replace Hydra as the Japan Branch. But Ruri Kazama does not want to stay at Cassell and run the Devil Clan. His dream is to become a Kabuki actor and singer. He also mentioned that he recently lost his lover, and cannot help but feel extremely lonely. When he feels very lonely he looks for the loneliest girl and keeps her company. I think you can tell what I’m getting at.”

“Yes, we’re like mirror images of each other now.” You murmur. “So I will join the Devil Clan until Ruri can get them settled with Cassell College and then leave the Clan and Cassell to be a companion to Ruri Kazama?”

“You’ll be safer, and happier, with your own kind.” Caesar said, gloomily

You let out a breath. “But you’ll miss me.”

“I already do.” He reached for a cigarette and pulled it out. Old places like this didn’t mind smoking.

“Thank you for thinking of me. Of course, it really depends too on how well we get along.”

“You don't just give out star-hearts. Pursue him. I think it’ll be nice.”

The plate of artfully crafted fresh sushi was carried to you. Even though you have seen so many wonderful things in Japan, you continue to marvel at the creative ways they put rice together with fish and vegetables to make a bright and colorful display. Even the heads of the prawns served as a splashy centerpiece, their antennae waving slightly like bright orange fountains.

You eat in silence for a few minutes. Neither of you are adept with chopsticks so you just use your fingers. 

Finally Caesar broke the silence. “Can you tell me something? You mentioned Ruri Kazama would have to fight another lion. Who is this other lion? I saw that there is a mystery contender that also received a star heart.”

“He doesn’t have a name. I just call him Z, and he’s followed me my whole life. He won’t give up easily.” You lower your eyes and your chewing slows.

“Also a hybrid?” He glances at you, his blue eyes suddenly clear and sharp.

“Yes. The strongest hybrid out of all of Black Swan Bay.”

“Your old boyfriend.” Caesar looked out of the glass door at the front of the store.

“We were never really boyfriend and girlfriend. He trained me to fight. He’s specifically told me not to fall in love with Ruri Kazama.”

“Any particular reason why?” Caesar balanced the cigarette on his fingers.

“He says he knows how that story will end.” You look at him seriously. “He’s possessive and very jealous. It might not go well for Ruri if we end up together.”

“If you’re not boyfriend or girlfriend, what does he care who you end up with?” He put the cigarette between his lips and inhaled.

“I don't know.”

“What will happen if you defy him?”

“I’ll probably die. He’s the one who has guarded my life. My guardian angel. He says that he has known how to keep me alive from the very beginning. If I don’t do what he says, then he probably won’t keep guaranteeing my life.”

Caesar’s eyes narrowed and you saw the killer aura rise in his eyes. “Where can I find this Z person?”

You shrug. “He’s a mysterious thing. All these years and I still can’t figure him out. He just… has a lot of control over things that happen. Like everyone is a puppet on a string and he’s the ultimate puppetmaster. Even Chu Zihang couldn’t help but notice how fortunate it was that we ended up in the backyard of Genji Heavy Industries to hide. Or how the fortunate earthquake I caused managed to assist you in battle. He was the one who took me down to the Genji Elevator and showed me the deadpool even though Chisei Gen didn’t know about it. He was the one who told me to cause the earthquake that saved Lu Mingfei in the elevator.”

Caesar leaned forward. “So is he our ally?”

You lower your voice. “I think your purposes align. He views you as no competition to him. He only gets annoyed at my love interests. Since you are not pursuing me, he couldn’t care less what you do. But I’m telling you this, because if you do send me away with Ruri, it could have consequences both for Ruri Kazama and you.”

“A love triangle?” His eyebrows raise.

“Yes.” You chuckle. “I guess you could call it that.”

Caesar lets out a breath and a puff of white smoke. “Just when I thought I had it all figured out.”

“You almost did.” You giggle freely.

“I do have one ace in the hole. If I can guarantee your life, then that will free you right?”

“But I’m dying as an unstable hybrid… I…”

“Yes but so is that Uesugi girl. The documents in that folder said that the Black Swan Bay children only lived to age 20 and at that age they inevitably turned into deadpool. Erii was created as a dying ghost, the same as you, by the same people that created you. You’re both alive, but you are 18 and Erii is 21.”

You gasp, suddenly breathless. Z’s words to you, that the key to your survival is in Tokyo, come roaring back.

“If I can figure out the secret to how they’re keeping her alive, then you won’t need the Z person.” Caesar smiles, but it’s challenging, snarling.

“You’re kidding! You’re not seriously considering competing with Z!” You always felt that Z, deep down, was a killer, who taught you to be a killer. What Caesar was doing was a dangerous thing, putting himself in the line of fire of someone who wouldn’t hesitate to arrange his death the same way he had arranged everything else.

But Caesar was always like this, running headlong into danger and saying, ‘I’ll figure it out when I get there’. And appealing to fear would never dissuade him.

“I’m not competing for your heart, only your freedom. I don’t like men who threaten the lives of women. There’s actually more I can say, but given your position, I’ll keep it to myself.” He was still smiling that deadly smile, staring out the door as though seeing an unseen person.

“Oh… my god…” You sigh. “Well, if anyone could do it, it would be you.”

Your appetite significantly diminished. You felt cold and anxious. You wondered what Z would say if he ever appeared to you again. You wondered if Z would ignore Caesar, or if Caesar would simply disappear without a trace, as though he never existed.

You left the restaurant and Caesar pulled you close, one hand over your narrow shoulders. “You’re afraid of him. Aren’t you?”

You don’t answer, not even with a nod.

“That makes me more curious. Stay close to me then. That way, if he wants to keep you, he’ll have no choice but to show himself.”

[night-fallz]

Fanfic idea: Adrien Agreste as a player/badboy

No Miraculous AU:

(Adrien’s backstory)

Chloe and Adrien were dating when they were in their early teens

Chloe cheated on Adrien a few months after his mom’s death with a model that Adrien was working with

This causes Adrien to make a promise to himself that he won’t ever fall in love again and if he believes that a girl is using him even the slightest, he’s gonna make her feel what he felt when Chloe broke his heart. A lot of pain and embarrassment

Because there are no miraculous in this story, Gabriel Agreste is a better father. He tries to be there for Adrien but Adrien pushes him away.

Françoise Dupont High School

This is gonna be an elite private school. I mean a supermodel, the mayors daughter, and the children of famous chefs/actors attend that school so why would it be a public school. So to be able to attend the school, you’d have to have a lot of money and a bit of internet fame.

Marinette’s backstory

Marinette was bullied in her previous school so she she decided to be homeschooled for her freshman year before transferring to Françoise Dupont High School at the beginning of her sophomore year

Françoise Dupont High School accepts Marinette because her family owns one of Paris’s most famous bakeries with locations all over the world. She has a brand called MDC where she designs for many famous people.

Jagged Stone was the one who discovered her talent and helped her grow her influence

Jagged calls her honorary niece which again helps her with her influence

She doesn’t have many friends so she models her own clothes and is pretty good at it

She has a lot of Instagram followers and she might start a YouTube channel soon

She tries to keep her connections and fame lowkey so people don’t use her

Lila Rossi’s backstory

She’s gonna be one of Marinette’s closest friends

When she transfers to Françoise Dupont High she tries to become friends with Adrien but she gets intimidated by everyone and starts lying

Adrien calls Lila out in front of everyone and embarrasses her in front of everyone. Then Chloe makes a snide comment about it and it gets worse

Marinette stands up for her and they soon bond and become good friends

Plot (kinda)

(Part 1)

Marinette is tired of her old school. Her whole life, she’s been bullied. So when middle school ends she tells her parents that she wants to be homeschooled.

Her parents agree and during summer Marinette decides to focus on herself and learn how to be more confident

The bakery business is doing amazing and they’ve gotten multiple offers to have branch out. This caused them to become one of Prius’s most famous bakery

Jagged Stone heard about the bakery and how good it is, so he decides to try it out. Him and Penny soon become close friends with the Dupain-Chengs

He learns that Marinette is a designer and falls in love with her style and commissions from her, this kickstarts her career

Throughout Marinette’s freshman year, she’s flooded with commissions and becomes to get her name known

Jagged convinces her to go to Françoise Dupont High so she can make friends and learn more about the business and stuff

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Part 2)

Her first day of school at Françoise Dupont High and Chloe gets jealous of her. Chloe vows to ruin her life (no one at the school finds out about her being kinda famous until later)

Marinette sits next to Alya and they hit off.

Alya is already together with Nino and they are the only people who Adrien considers friends.

Adrien tries to get with Marinette and teases her often, which makes Chloe jealous

Chloe spreads a bunch of rumors about Marinette and Marinette doesn’t notice it

Adrien begins to doubt Marinette’s intention and he yells at her. This caused them to stop being friends. And because Alya and Nino are closer to Adrien than Marinette, they take his side and Marinette is left alone all over again.

For the following week, Chloe makes snide remarks about Marinette and Adrien agrees with a lot of them. Adrien also begins to tease Marinette in a harsh way, unlike the friendly way before

Marinette ignores them and tries to become friends with other people

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Part 3)

There’s a new student coming and everyone is talking about her. Françoise Dupont High just doesn’t accept anyone after all. Especially during the middle the year

Lila arrives and tries to become friends with everyone

She knows that this school is elite so she lies so that she can make friends

Adrien immediately doesn’t like her so he comes up with a plan to get her to stop lying

He embarrasses her in front of everyone by calling out all her lies and even going as far as calling her “a desperate whore who wants attention”

Chloe laughs, agreeing with him and humiliates her even further.

Marinette comes to school late and sees everyone surrounding Lila and she hears all the disgusting things they’re saying about her and stands up for her

Adrien says something like “Of course your defending her. After all, both of you are desperate for attention”

Marinette goes off on him and she takes Lila into a secluded classroom and asks her is she’s okay and what happened

The beginning of a friendship

In this story, Lila is not a psycho. She only lies because she felt like she had too. Everyone knows that the students in Françoise Dupont High are crazy rich. And she felt like they wouldn’t want to be friends with her. When Adrien and Chloe humiliate her in front of the whole school, she develops a hatred for them (and rightfully so). She finds a friend in Marinette and they become very close. Lila is a very loyal friend in this story and she will have an actual story line that she will follow.

Now, would anyone be interested in reading this. Because I’m not gonna start writing a story where no one will read it. So if you can, please leave a comment or something and tell me what you think of this AU

[catsandstrawberries]

Rogue Firebender 2

Pairing: Firebending! Jeon Jungkook x Firebending! Fem! Reader (slight Jimin x Taehyung) 

Summary: The order has given you a mission to take down the firebird but when Jungkook gets involved your plan might take a turn for the worst. 

Warnings: Enemies to lovers, death, blood, talk of consent, oral sex (m rec.), rimming, swear words, switch! reader, switch! Jungkook, as always Jungkook is a bit of an asshole.

Word Count: 6.5K

A/N: Damn I went off on this one, hope y’all like it. 

Based on Avatar the Last Airbender

Part 1 

A hard shove pushes me to the ground. The skin of my knees collide against the hard concrete, and I feel my skin rip and warmblood ooze from my joints. With my wrists tied behind my back, a gag around my mouth, and my feet tied together, there really was no escape. Fire nation guards and citizens around me openly gasp as they stand in the courtyard in front of the palace, surprise paint across each of there faces at the sight of me, captured. I was caught.

Jungkook places a rough hand on my shoulder as he stands directly behind me, his voice lifting above the crowd.

"I have caught the rogue firebender, she is now a convict of the fire nation."

Jungkook pulls me to my feet and roughly drags me forward by my bindings. I turn my head slightly and make eye contact with him. The red and gold specks in his eyes darkening as he catches my stare on the black and purple bruise I gave him under his left eye. A smirk lifts my lips and he pinches my ribs in a warning, he's a good actor.

"The rogue firebender is now a prisoner of Fire Lord Ozai."

Confusing? How did I, the rogue firebender who refused to go anywhere near the fire nation, suddenly get dragged in as a prisoner? Let me start from the beginning.

My feet softly hit the ground of the marbled palace floors, insignias of a single flame hanging from banners of red and black. The bleak sky of midnight shielded me from the rotating guards and as quietly as I could I sneaked into the corridors, passing room after room until finally reaching him. I slowly lifted the pane of his window, slipping my body through and surveying the room. There wasn't a lot between the four walls, a mattress was pushed in the corner with a nightstand next to it, a bowl of water sitting on the wood. A lump laid on the mattress, covered in a pile of wool blankets. His body splayed out in a starfish manner and drool poured out of his mouth, his nose scrunching up as he rolled his head to the side. I grumbled in annoyance at the sight in front of me, how is he still annoying in his sleep?

I quietly stepped towards him, and then with a solid jump hopped onto his sleeping body, my hand covering his mouth before he could scream and my other hand holding his left wrist down before he could firebend. My legs tightened around his waist so he couldn't throw me off. His once closed eyes now screamed in confusion and hints of anger. I didn't blame him. The last time he saw me he thought I would willingly turn myself in, oh how the tides have changed.

A wet muscle slid against the skin of my hand and I pulled away in disgust,

"what the fuck Jung, did you just lick me?!"

He glared at me,

"What are you doing in the fire nation (y/n)." I shrugged and wiped my hand against Jungkook's chest, avoiding his scowl and the way his solid chest felt underneath me.

"I need a favor." 

He laughed, his shoulders shaking while his lips lifted manically.

"Are you kidding? You have sex with me, run, and then you expect me to do you a favor? I don't think so little rogue."

I frowned and roughly pushed against his chest with both hands,

"No. I don't think you understand little boy." Jungkook snarled at the hit while I got off of his chest.

"Everyone in the four nations thinks I'm dead because you told the fire nation you pushed me off a cliff, I've stayed hidden for your sake because I knew what Ozai would do to you if he found out I was alive."

I examined my nails calmy before looking back at him, he sat at the edge of his bed, his legs spread open and his eyes glaring daggers at me.

"You're going to catch me, and bring me to the fire lord as a prisoner." Jungkook's eyes suddenly widened, and he was in front of me in a second.

"I don't know what game you're play-"

"No games. I'm just blackmailing you."

Jungkook opened and closed his mouth, an inner fight of right and wrong expanding in his eyes.

"Think about it, and meet me in the woods north of the castle tomorrow at midnight."

Jungkook stepped forward to stop me, grab at my arm, but I was too quick and I sent a flame at the bowl of water by his nightstand. Smoke filled the air and provided the perfect cover as I escaped through the open window.

~

My legs swung back and forth as I sat atop the tree branch connecting to the oak. The oak tree is one of the hundreds that littered the western woods, and under normal circumstances, I would despise sitting 60 feet high in the air, but it gave me the best cover if I needed to make a quick escape or hide from benders.

Every time I come in contact with Jungkook heights have to be involved. First a cliff, now tall tress, great.

I whipped my head to the left at the sound of a cracking branch, my eyes examining the ground for any sign of life.

A minute passed and nothing emerged from the path, my shoulders slumped in defeat at the thought of him not coming.

"Great hiding spot."

A short scream escaped my mouth as my body fell backward and almost fell to the ground if not for the hand that wrapped around my wrist.

"Hey, little rebel."

"You're a fucking idiot Jung."

"I could drop you right now."

"I could burn that pretty little face of yours."

"Aww, you think I'm pretty."

"Does little boy like being complimented?"

Jungkook pulled me up with a grunt and I clung to a different sturdy branch next to the one he was sitting on.

"Stop calling me that, you know I'm not little."

I smirked in pride, despite the blush spreading on my face from thinking about him, down there. "If you would rather compare penis sizes than focus on the task at hand, go ahead."

Before Jungkook could answer I started climbing down the tree, stepping from branch to branch while Jungkook followed me down.

"What exactly do you hope to accomplish (y/n)?"

Once my feet hit the solid ground I let out a sigh of relief, twisting my feet in the dirt and watching as it morphed under my weight.

"Well, I am a war criminal. So, you are going to tie me up, bring me to the palace, and give me to Ozai as a gift."

I crossed my arms over my chest while he took a step closer.

"You had me at tying you up, but what if we do that in private." Jungkook pulled me closer by a loop on my pants.

"Jungkook, think about it. I can't stay gone forever. If you bring me in now you won't get in trouble."

Jungkook looked at the ground, his flirting aura melting as his tongue prodded at the inside of his cheek.

"He's going to kill you. At least tell me you have a plan."

I did. But I still couldn't trust Jungkook. His loyalties were still to the fire lord.

"Don't worry about it."

"I don't want you to die." His answer was automatic, his eyes pleading as he made eye contact with me.

"Is that a yes?" His hand softly pressed against my right cheek, his thumb stroking the skin under my right eye.

He leaned forward and I tilted my head up, our lips meeting halfway in a mold of warmth. That was the only way to describe it, warmth. I forgot how safe it felt, being held in Jungkooks arms with the distraction of his lips that tasted like strawberries on a summer's day.

He pulled back slightly and muttered barely above a whisper,

"yes." Both of his hands cradled my face and I tugged on the fabric at his chest, pulling the two of us closer. Our tongues collided in a brutal battle of dominance and I held back the whine threatening to escape my lips at the way he groped my ass.

I pulled away and shoved him to the ground. Dust sprouting around him while I climbed on top of his lap,

"I'm gonna punch you now."

"WHAT!" Jungkoook suddenly flinched away while a chuckle left my throat.

"If you're going to bring me in it needs to look believable. I would never go in without a fight."

Jungkook tried to pull away from me but I grabbed at his chin, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth as I searched for the perfect spot. Jungkook let out a low whine and I whispered into his ear,

"don't worry, I'll be gentle."

"no, No, NO! (y/n)!!"

~

Jungkook grumbled while he cradled his face, a blue and purple bruise blossoming like a flower in spring.

"I can't believe you punched me."

"I can't believe you expected me not too." Jungkook pulled the rope tighter at my words and I winced while he sarcastically replied,

"sorry." Daylight was currently breaking and Jungkook was working on binding my wrists.

We sat in calm silence, the wind and chirping of the creatures of the woods lighting our ears.

"Why did you leave that night?" I tensed at the question and glared daggers at him,

"how do you still not get it?" I seethed. Jungkook glared back and pulled me closer by the bindings,

"if you wanted to escape so bad, why come here now? You know he's going to kill you, you should've come back with me when you had the chance."

"Oh, so you could flaunt about how you caught the Rogue Firebender" I mocked, "well good for you, the outcome is still the same."

"You're an idiot who doesn't think things through," Jungkook grumbled as he moved to tie my ankles. "You're clearly desperate if you have to ask me for help, and won't even tell me what you're planning," I swore my face burned red with anger, but there was nothing I could do. I bit my tongue to hold back the remarks and secrets that were screaming to come out. Not today.

"Remember when I spit on your face?" Jungkook scowled at the memory, "yeah it was disgusting."

I fought down the smile quirking its way up my lips.

"That was the best moment of my life."

Well, now you're all caught up. Here I am, being publicly dragged towards the nation's capital, surely about to die.

Not today.

Jungkook staggered in his steps as a fire nation general approached us. Blonde hair swept across his head and an expressionless emotion painted on his face like a canvas.

"What are you doing Tae?"

General Kim Taehyung was critically acclaimed for being the strongest lightning bender in history. He rose in ranks quickly due to his ability to redirect and cast lightning as if it was as easy as breathing.

"I was ordered to bring the rebel to the dungeons while you explain the situation to the fire lord."

Jungkook barely flinched beside me, but I could tell he was nervous. The way his grip on my arm tightened for barely a millisecond.

Tae placed a hand on Jungkook's shoulder, his eyes glowing as if a lightning storm was trapped inside them.

"Remember, I outrank you, Kook. Get going."

~

The door to my prison cell slammed shut behind us. The metal walls trapping us from the view of any passerby's.

"I'm going to kill you." Tae stalked towards me, pulling out a knife from behind him,

and cutting my ties.

"You go to Jungkook?! The plan is already unstable as it is, any mistakes and we're dead." Taehyung lectured, my ties and gag falling to the ground.

"When do we attack?" I asked, rubbing at the sore skin of my wrists.

"The invasion happens tomorrow." My eyes widened in panic and I strained my voice in a silent shout.

"Tomorrow! I thought I had at least a week to do recon?!"

Tae shrugged and flipped the knife in his hand.

"The air benders have agreed to aid in the invasion and the order feels if we don't strike now they will pull out in fear of fighting." My eyes widened in shock at the news,

"the air benders joined? That's incredible! I thought they were still in hiding?"

Tae shrugged, his eyes falling to the ground and a fond smile spread on his face,

"not all of them." His smile quickly vanished while he turned his sight back to me.

"Are you ready, for tomorrow?"

I opened my mouth to respond but Tae cuts in-

"I know we can beat him, but I'm worried about him. (Y/n), Jungkooks the second in command, he's young and loyal to a fault. We might have to fight Jungkook too."

A shattered breath escaped my lungs, this was a thought I had refused to believe. Maybe that's why I went to Jungkook instead of Taehyung to capture me.

"I know there's good in him, he just needs to see the truth first."

Tae nodded and then held up his forearm, my own tapping his.

"Tomorrow." He spoke,

"We kill the Firelord."

~

Meditation was not my strong suit. Sitting in silence with nothing but my thoughts to entertain my mind was basically the equivalence to jumping off a plane into a shark-infested active volcano.

But, I felt the occasion called for some 'inner-peace.'

Especially since my mind was running wild. My plans had made a complete u-turn, and the order hadn't even told me directly. I bit my tongue in annoyance, my eyes still squeezed shut as I sat criss-cross on the hard floor. The order was made up of a group of all benders, willing to restore a balance where all benders could live in harmony and equality.

Tae and I were given the task of taking down the fire lord, and in a few hours, we were going to kill him.

"Hey, little rebel."

A frown tugged my lips down but I kept my eyes closed,

"what do you want?" Jungkook chuckled at my question and I heard shuffling around me,

"can I not visit my favorite girl who just so happens to be my prisoner?"

I snorted at his words, "first of, not your girl. Secondly, how did you get in here without getting caught."

He hummed and I felt him get closer to me,

"Namjoons a buddy of mine."

Kim Namjoon. In charge of all prisoners and executions. Lucky for me he just so happened to be apart of the rebellion, if only Ozai knew how many of us were within his palace. Hidden within his ranks preparing to strike.

"You seem to have friends in high places."

He didn't respond verbally and I used the silence to bask in the meditation headspace, releasing a breath that relaxed my shoulders and eased my mind.

My eyes suddenly blinked open as my senses felt him, and the sight was something to be seen.

Jungkook sat directly in front of me, his warm breath coating my face as he sat in nothing but a pair of loose pants, shirtless.

"Why aren't you wearing a fucking shirt?" I growled in annoyance attempting to hide the blush threatening to curl onto my cheeks.

"I think the better question is" Jungkook leaned forward, whispering into my ear before tugging the lobe between his teeth, "why are you wearing still wearing yours?"

I fell back and glared at him as I leaned on my elbows,

"What makes you think I'd ever fuck you again?"

He shrugged and I glared at him, hating the wave of confidence that poured down him in waves.

"Because you might never get to fuck me again after tonight, and I'm willing to make it worth your while."

Before I could protest Jungkook was crawling on top of me, his forearms supporting his weight while he grinned down. My heart was ready to explode out of my chest, this all felt odd, It felt wrong. Maybe because my conscious was acting up and I knew I was going to betray him.

Instead of kissing me his lips started to attack my neck, his lips fluttering against the sensitive skin, sucking and biting wherever he could. His lips met the skin under my ear, sucking it while a broken moan left my mouth. "So sensitive baby."

His hands trailed down my body and he rid me of my shirt and pants, biting his lip while my body was exposed.

"You're so intoxicating, fuck." He groaned, his lips meeting mine in a swirl of passion, hot breaths colliding with one another. When his tongue finally met mine it was no longer a dance but a brutal battle that I was losing. His tongue practically invading my mouth and exploring every nook and cranny.

"I bet Taehyung didn't touch you like this." It took me a moment for his words to register in my brain, but when they did I practically fumed with annoyance at his jealousy.

"Are you fucking kiddi-ah." My head fell back as two of his finger speared through my vagina, twisting and turning with the help of my slick until reaching the spot that made my toes curl and my vision blur.

"Don't think I didn't see him walk out of here princess."

I glared at him while his eyes sparkled with mischief, "hands and knees baby."

I tempted telling him no, telling him that being jealous of Taehyung was ridiculous (I'm pretty sure Tae had a thing going with an Airbender anyways) and that I was going to hurt him in the end.

At my hesitance, Jungkook eyes darkened and he forcefully moved me into a hands and knees position, pushing down at the curve of my back so my ass would stick higher in the air.

"You're so fucking annoying." He growled, his fingers twisting inside me, pulling out only to push all the way back in.

I leaned my face on my hands, unbashful noises escaping from my lips. His fingers suddenly pulled out of my pussy and dragged backward, circling the rim of my hole that no one had ever touched.

"Jungkook" I whined at the new feeling my but wincing away from the newfound feeling until a harsh smack from his other hand hit my left cheek.

"Stop moving." He growled, while my mind stuttered in a haze as he started to grope the spot where I could feel the burn of a handprint. His long thick fingers clouding my brain while his thumb swirled my rim.

"Do you want me to eat your ass baby?" I nodded wordlessly, whines escaping my mouth at the way Jungkook's voice had dropped an octave.

"Beg for it."

My mouth processed before my brain could,

"please Jungkook I want it so bad. I want you to make me cum until I see stars. Please please." Tears started to form in the corner of my eyes and my body shook at the lack of pleasure.

"Good fucking girl." I heard him whisper just as a warm wet muscle circled and invaded my hole.

Feral noises escaped me as my ass grinded back into his mouth, his tongue getting even warmer as he practically made out with my ass. Sticking his tongue in and out, fucking me as if I wasn't being pushed to my limits. As if his tongue wasn't overwhelming enough he started to fuck me with his fingers. Three digits sticking inside and pulsing in and out, curling and making v like motions.

"Fuck!" I shouted, gasping while his thumb started to circle my clit, roughly bringing me to my release.

"Kook, fuck, I'm so close" I muttered between pants as his ministrations doubled until I was creaming around his fingers, my eyes squeezing shut-in the bliss of my orgasm.

I took a few steadying breaths to ground me to reality, but at the sound of his pants falling to the floor and the feeling of his dick probing my vagina my mind snapped back to reality.

"Wait!" I wince as I turn to him, my eyes wide and panicked while he stares at me strangely.

"I don't want to."

I meant for it to come out firm but it comes out soft, and unsure. Jungkook's eyes soften and he's nodding, working on pulling his pants back up.

"I'm-"

"It's okay." Jungkook chimes in a gentle smile lifting his face and despite the fact he's butt naked he looks so genuine and soft. "No means no."

A breath of relief escapes my lips, and determination suddenly sparks in me as I eye his very hard friend. My hands fall to his wrists and I stop him before he can lift his pants up.

"Let me help you."

His big doe eyes widen in shock as my fingernails trail lower and leave gentle scratches in its wake.

To be honest, I stopped Jungkook because I knew I would have to face the Firelord, and I knew how rough Jungkook could be. I didn't want to fall victim to being unable to walk.

But that didn't mean I couldn't help him.

On shaky legs I lean up on my knees, pushing his hips down until he gets the hint I want him to sit. His eyes are hooded as he watches me eye his dick. It's just as I remember, long and curved, and it seems to throb under my ministrations. I grab at the shaft, twisting my hand and raising it up and down while my other hand cups his balls, pinching and groping at the skin.

"Stop teasing" Jungkook groans roughly, his voice cracking with pleasure.

"Beg for it." I mock, repeating the same words he had used earlier. I smirk at the way Kook gawks, his eyebrows raising then furrowing in frustration.

"No" as soon as the snarl leaves his lips my hands are off him. "(Y/n)," he whines in protest, and my shit-eating grin just won't stop growing. "Only good little boys get what they want." Jungkook throws his head back with a whine and it would be a lie to say that wasn't the hottest thing I've ever seen. The way his adam apple bulges as he breaths, the sweat pouring down his thick neck.

"(y/n)," he whines and my eyes snap back to his own that are wide and teary. "I want you so bad, you're mouth, hand anything." I smirk in satisfaction but pause when he keeps going, "I want you to call me a little slut and to suck my balls. I want you to keep going after I cum and punish me when I'm all sensitive, I want you to make me feel good."

...

My jaw drops, completely unprepared for the spew of words from him. My expression must have been apparent because Jungkooks teary-eyed face suddenly quirks up in a smirk,

that little fucker.

My hand wraps firmly around the tip of Jungkooks penis and he recoils back with a cry, my fingers twisting and turning as the squelching sound fills the room.

"Good because you're going to be sobbing when I'm done with you," I state firmly, my eyes never leaving his as I open my mouth and fit as much of him inside me. One of his hands cards through my hair, pushing my locks to the side but not tugging and pulling in a controlling manner. I glare up at him while I start to suck, moving my mouth up and down despite the fact my gag reflex starts to work up.

My fingers start to rub at the spot my mouth can't fit, playing with his balls, and a sudden determination fills me when he makes a high pitched sound I've never heard before.

Taking a breath through my nose I started to sink lower and lower until my nose is pressed flush against his pubes. Jungkook's whine is a drug, pure novocaine that excites me and leaves me wanting more.

But I can't stay there long because my head is starting to spin from the lack of air, and with a final suck I pull back, my mouth focusing on his tip, my tongue dragging a long strip from the base to his head.

"Don't stop I'm close." He pants, sweat pouring down his chiseled chests while my nails mark crescents into whatever skin I can find. Mutters of praise pass through his lips but I'm too focused on sucking his dick as if it was my last to hear him.

With a broken gasp his hand tightens on my hair, my mouth pressing tighter against his skin as ropes of cum string down my throat.  

I gulp it down as best as I can but some still escape from the corner of my mouth, when the bursts stop I pull away and take a grounding breath.

"You're amazing" Jungkook whispers as he pulls me closer to him, his eyes drooping shut-in exhaustion while he bear hugs my naked body to his. Sweat and the smell of cum infuses the air and we lay in silence with nothing but the sound of our ragged breathing.

Jungkooks fingers start to trace comforting circles on my stomach and my body melts into the floor like putty. His gentle humming fills the room and suddenly his fingers are ghosting over my burn on my abdomen,

"I won't let him hurt you."

Those are the last words I hear before my mind drifts and my body falls asleep.

~

When I wake up the entire world feels dizzy, my eyes are shaking and my hands struggling to hold myself up. For a minute I think I'm dreaming because my legs feel so unsteady and the world won't stop spinning. That's when I realize something,

the ground is literally shaking. I get dressed quickly, anticipation, and fear running through my veins as I imagine what is to come. It isn't until after I'm dressed when I notice Jungkook is gone and I barely have a moment to think about him before the door to my cell is being opened.

Kim Namjoon peaks his head in and gives me a firm nod which I return, and then he's gone. Running down the hallway to release more prisoners wrongfully jailed by the fire nation.  

I take off running, ignoring the sound of explosions that erupt in the distance. My feet carry me towards the exit to examine the damage of the palace, and when I finally hit the light I'm startled that I don't fall to the ground in shock.

The city that the palace overlooks is being overwhelmed by benders, flames, and earth and water spiking in different directions as the faint scream echos in the back of my ears. The palace guards are nowhere in sight, most likely occupied with the invaders of the rebellion. What shocks me the most is the people flying in the air with gliders, benders who I've never seen in my life. Ever since I was born Airbenders have been in hiding, and now to be fighting alongside them brings a smile to my face.

Speaking of airbenders, ones flying straight towards me.

In a panic I look down at my fire nation clothes and hold my hands up in surrender, "I'm on your side, I'm apart of the rebellion." A boy who looks my age lands in front of me, the air bending underneath him with a whoosh as he closes his orange and brown glider. His robes of yellow and orange sway in the wind and he steps forward, light on his feet as if he was the embodiment of a feather.

"Are you (y/n)?" He sounds too young for this war.

I nod and the boy takes a step forward, "I'm Jimin. Tae sent me. He's caught up helping a group of earthbenders, he refused to come with me until they were safe." Jimin starts to grumble near the end, talking as if he was annoyed at a child, and I suddenly know this is the Airbender Tae was talking about earlier.

"You should go help them," I speak up and Jimin gives me a nod,

"I will, but he wanted me to give you a message. Don't face the Firelord alone, wait for Tae." At those final words, Jimin turns swiftly as the airlifts him, his glider opening as he soars back towards the city.

In a feeble attempt to rid my anxiety I shout out the first thing that comes to mind, which just so happens to be the stupidest.

"Don't die!"

Guilt pours through my body in waves and I clutch my chest to stop the rapid beating of my heart. Tae is like a brother to me, but I can't listen to him. I can't wait, like I said, doing nothing was never my strong suit.

I race back inside the palace, my feet guiding me to the throne room where Ozai resides.

I'm about to turn the corner to the entrance of the throne room when I spot soldiers, I count quickly in my head, 6. Taking them on headfirst wouldn't be a smart option. I rack my brain for an answer, my eyes whipping from left to right, and then I look up.

The rafters.

Because the fire nation palace was inhabited by fire benders, the air was a crucial component to being spread evenly through the floors. The more air the easier it was to bend. If I could fit in the rafters I would be able to crawl into the throne room undetected.

"You never listen, huh?" I whip my head around to find Taehyung panting from running. His lip is bleeding and he holds his side in pain, but the worst part is he looks exhausted. The physical isn't the problem, we're all trained to push past our limits, but it's the mental that tears at my heart. The way his eyes darken from all the death he's seen, my breath catches in my throat,

"is Jimin-"

"He's okay, thank God." Tae leaves it at that, peaking his head around the corner to assess the situation. "I'm surprised you didn't run in there hell blazing. Do you have a plan?" He muses, and I scoff. "Actually I do. But I need a distraction." Taehyung clicks his tongue then gives me a look,

"I'll be back, don't die." He mutters and I watch in confusion as he runs out in the open.

"Quick, airbenders are attacking the front and we need to fortify the palace." The soldiers hesitantly follow Taehyung, and I grumble under my breath when I remember he's still in a fire nation clothes, he's still seen as a general.

I jump up and haul my upper body into the rafts, using my bending to help lift me up. Once I'm safely in the crisscrossed pattern, I start to crawl forward past the hall and into the throne room. I stay as silent as possible, watching as the room fades into pitch blackness, the only light illuminating the room coming from a wall of fire behind the throne.

And there on the chair of bones and tears sits the most hated man in the four nations, fire lord Ozai. He looks the same as when I remember him, lifeless eyes peering into breakable souls, ready to tear and rip at any insecurities. He leans back in his chair as if his nation isn't being invaded and I bite my tongue in frustration at the confidence that oozes from him. I want to kill him.

Without looking down, I jump to the ground. A glare on my face as I land 6 feet away.

"Rogue fire bender." He says in amusement and I frown, his voice has changed. A long time ago when I was still a general, his words held fear over me, as if his mouth spewed weapons that I couldn't overcome.

But now, he was nothing but a power-hungry man.

"Your reign as fire lord is over Ozai. Your city is overrun with the rebellion, your soldiers are dying in the streets or converting to overthrowing you. Step down now." My eyes narrow and my voice lowers, "or I'll kill you."

A moment of silence falls between us, and then Ozai's head is falling backward's, his long braided black hair swinging as he cackles, laughing and snorting while I stand my ground.

"As long as I am alive, people will always follow me, because fear wins."

I take a steadying breath and my stance changes from a powerful gaze to a fighting stance, my heart no longer beating out of fear but out of determination.

"Then I'll have to kill you." Ozai looks at me with amusement,

"you underestimate me, rogue. Kings always have pawns in their corner." The world seems to stop as Jungkook emerges from the shadows, his eyes downcast, and his hair blocking his face from me. "Jungkook, kill her."

Jungkook hesitates, and just when I think he's realizing the truth, a flame is sent straight towards my face. I jump out of the way quickly, my hands burning with a need to fight, to bend, but nothing comes out.

"Jungkook stop!" I shout, evading the attacks and dissipating the fire sent at me. He attacks with ferocity, playing on the offensive while I do nothing but defend.

I don't know why it's so hard. Maybe its because this is the exact room where I got my scar, and imaging hurting Jungkook the same way Ozai hurt me doesn't sit well.

I jump forward, gaining ground as I evade the flames and slide under his bending until I'm face to face with him, the two of us blocking and throwing punches at each other.

"I am not the enemy," I growl out, and then I see it. The good in his eyes begging to come out and be revealed to the surface, "Jungkook?" I mutter. Then a burning pain erupts through my body as his foot connects with my stomach, right on my scar.

I'm sent flying across the room, my frame rolling until I hit the wall with a smack. My body immediately curls in on itself from the pain and a broken sob escapes my throat as I struggle to breathe.

"Very good." Jungkook stands a few feet away from me, and I watch as Ozai stands behind him, his shadow overcoming the boy.

"You've always been like a son to me Jungkook. Because of that, I will allow you the honor of killing her."

Jungkooks answer has my blood boiling with rage,

"Kill her?"

Ozai shrugs, "kill her, burn her, cut off her head and hang it outside the walls for all I care. She is the sign of the rebellion, her death marks the end of this silly revolt."

I hate him, but he's right. My life is meaningless except for one thing, I have one task. I need to kill Ozai. I can't die like this. I struggle to sit up, my arms shaking with my body weight as my dry mouth opens, and my voice cracks.

"Kill me if you want, but you will never kill us. There will always be people who stand up against injustice, your reign is ending Ozai, with or without me."

Ozai's face screwed up in a snarl, "my patience is waiving Jungkook." Jungkook turned towards me, the same doe eyes I had met so many times before, "you know what the right thing to do is." I muttered, unsure of whether or not he heard me. Jungkook looked torn, standing there. Why is he so fucking useless when I need him the most?

"Fuck you, Jeon!" I jump to my feet, ignoring the way my body screams in protest and fire a flame at Ozai. He snapped towards me, rage burning in his eyes as he deflected the attack.

The robes around his shoulders fell, now shirtless he pulled back and harshly punched the air, large balls of flame flying my way. I swirled my arm in a circle and the flame evaporated in front of me.

Jungkook suddenly runs in front of me, his arms outstretched as tears threaten to fall in his eyes.

"if you ever cared about me you won't hurt her!"

Ozai sighs and holds his head down, his nose scrunching up in disappointment, "I had so much faith in you Jungkook. Now it looks like the King will have to kill off some of his players."

Jungkook pushed me behind him and suddenly the fire was spewing from him, kicks and punches all thrown in aim of Ozai.  

I needed a plan, and fast. If only Tae were here he could electrocute Ozai, but I'm sure Ozai knows how to redirect lightning.

Kook suddenly got blasted and skidded backward towards me,

"get up I have a plan." I pulled Jungkook to his feet, the two of us standing back to back while Ozai stalked forward.

"Do you mind sharing this one?" He asked, his voice gruff while I side-eyed him,

"remember the fire whips the man used the day we went into the village, I need you to subdue his arms and legs, but be careful of his mouth he can still breathe fire."

"What are you going to do?" His question irked me and I growled out annoyed. "don't worry about it." I shot a flame at Ozai, the two of us turning so we were shoulder to shoulder.

"I hate you," I mumbled, while Jungkook sighed dreamily,

"I love you." My eyes widened in shock and I turned to Jungkook but he was gone, running off with fire whips forming in his hands. My heart stuttered, but I ran back into action, distracting Ozai by sending a wave of an inferno at him. Red and orange flames lighting our skin. Once Jungkook had trapped the first hand, I got closer, kicking Ozai in the jaw and burning the skin on his arm.

I held my hand close to my chest, feeling the surge of energy spike as Ozai struggled and fought his bindings. Blue sparks started to emerge from my hand and overcome by the power, I looked at Ozai, red no longer highlighting us but electric blue.

"You might be a King Ozai, but I'm a fucking Queen." I pushed the palm of my hand against his bare chest, the sparks burning his ribs and causing his skin to smoke.

Once Ozai slumped to the ground, his body pale and not breathing, I felt myself collapse. The power-draining my life energy and my ability to stand. Jungkook caught me before I hit the floor, his warm hands brushing the hair out of my face,

"that was one hell of a plan." He chuckled and I smiled at the humor.

"(y/n)!" The door suddenly flew open and Tae ran in, his eyes scouring the area. First settling on Ozai, then rushing to my side.

"You did it." He said in amazement and I nodded in pride and exhaustion, we did it.

"Jungkoo-"

"I'm so sorry." Jungkook held me close to his chest, his eyes burning with pain. "I hurt you, and I'm an asshole, and I should have listened to you from the beginning."

"All of that is true." I joked, a gentle smile working its way up my face. We did it.

~

Jungkook stood outside the tent, pacing back and forth and I watched in amusement as he had yet to notice my presence. With a clearing of my thought, Jungkook suddenly whipped his head towards me, "what did the order say?! Did they approve of you killing Ozai?" It seemed so odd, it had only been two days after his death and everything was moving so fast.

"They asked me to be the new fire lord," I said in barely a breath, my own brain struggling to process my words. Jungkooks' face immediately broke out in a smile, his arms circling me in a hug and spinning me around in a circle with a laugh. "That's incredible! You have to say yes!"

I nervously looked at the floor as he put me down, "really?" He smiled softly and gently stroked my check,

"I couldn't imagine anyone else (y/n)." I leaned into his hand and let out a blissful sigh.

"Aww, my little rogue isn't so little anymore." Jungkook placed a sloppy kiss on my cheek and then laid his head in the crook of my neck."Queen (y/n) doesn't have a bad ring to it." His hand suddenly grabbed my ass and pulled me close, but with a giggle and a gentle shove I pushed him off.

"C'mon Jungkook. We still have to meet with Jimin and Tae." Jungkook shrugged, his hand interlacing with mine,

"they should just fuck already."

"Agreed." I hummed while a coy smirk played on the boy's lips,

"you know who else should fuck?"

"Jungkook!"

Taglist: @rebeccawoodrow​ @gee-nee​ @koochiekoo​ @justzeera​ @ggukkieland​ @plsky​@busansgloss​ @justinseagoll​ @topthis808​

[random-mha-thoughts]

Bully Part 2 (Bakugou x Reader)

Pairing: Bakugou x Reader

Genre: Crack, fluff, slight angst, Baku-having-feelings-and-being-soft (bc that's totally a genre)

Sequel to Bully (part 1)

Word count: 2,319

Tags:  @yuki-osaki @liviitehe @iamsoftsodonttoucheume-blog

a/n: This ended up being longer and slightly more emotional than I expected.  Seems like I’m following the trend of getting the BNHA boys to say what’s really on their minds (I’ve already done this for Todoroki in case you were wondering), so Baku will be ooc and soft here.

This came out later than I intended because...let’s just say I was having a mental breakdown over a really long and really naughty Todo fic here and I ended up calling my little cousin and crying and laugh-crying and shaking and losing my collective mind because none of my friends would know what I was going through.  And I was in no headspace to write fluff afterwards, she had to force fluff headcanons into me to go back to normal.  Yall should thank her.  Enjoy~

None of us had any idea how or why Bakugou suddenly started acting this way.  Apparently, he was completely normal until I walked in.  All I did was open the door to the classroom, my gaze just so happened to land on Bakugou, and suddenly I heard loud stomps towards me.

I held out a defensive hand, ready to shoot out branches at him if he got too close.  "Bakugou-" I threatened.  And he did the unthinkable.  He gripped me in a choke hold around my shoulders and neck.

Actually, no.  He...hugged me?

My clenched fists and the hush that fell over the rest of the students told me this is the first time all day he's done something out of character, something I definitely wasn't expecting.  We hadn't talked since I almost jumped out of a window last week.  This entire week, he was ignoring me.  I was preparing for the day he would finally confront me, and I pictured it would be an aggressive encounter.

This is far from anything I'd imagined.

I never ever thought this porcupine-head could even show affection, that he even has a single gene of softness in him.  Yet he was embracing me tightly, nuzzling his face in my neck.  The shock of it all made me freeze up and cast a sideways glance at Midoriya, who was just as freaked and confused.

"Get off, Bakugou, what are you-"

The boy lifted his head up, his scarlet eyes softened into fondness and a gentle smile on his lips made the rest of my words catch in my throat.  This entire expression was foreign to all of us.  His face can look like that?

"I missed you over the weekend."

My jaw dropped.  HIS VOICE CAN SOUND LIKE THAT??  The smooth and sweet honey tone was way out of character for him.

But like hell I trusted any of this.

I wiggled my arms up to push his weight off me.  "I don't know how you managed to become such a great actor," I succeeded in separating from his vice grip, "But if you think disorienting me like this can be some sort of revenge, you're sorely mistaken."

Bakugou tilted his head, resembling a sad puppy.  "What do you mean?"

I straightened my uniform.  "Nice try, I know you're just acting so you can, like, throw me off the building or something."

That seemed to hurt him, his jaw gaping open before holding my face in his calloused hands.  "I'd never do that to you."

I quickly swatted his hands away, wary that he was about to blow my face off.  "Don't. Touch. Me."

The boy froze in place, then rubbed the back of his neck.  Regret seeped through his eyes as he stared at the ground.  "I'm sorry, about everything."

A strange warmth rushed through me.  Something about how genuinely vulnerable he looked shook my entire being.

"I just...really wanted you to give me a chance all this time, but I went about it the wrong way."  He encased me into another bone-crushing hug.  "But I want to make up for it."

I felt a thud in my chest,  probably from fear that he might hurt me.

At that moment, the teacher walked in.  "Alright everyone, take your seats."  He noticed Bakugou's position, gawked for a second, and cleared his throat.  "Uh, Bakugou, let go of (L/n) and take your seat."

"I dare any of you extras to yank me off, I'll blast you into next week!"

He's back, kind of?

Nobody made a move to do anything, they were all frozen by the sight of Bakugou clamped onto me like a koala.

"I'll survive...somehow," I assured them, unsure myself how exactly I would do that.

For the entire rest of class, the boy clung onto me.  He had taken over the seat of the person who normally sat on my left and scooted the chair over so he can stay attached to me.  Though I reasoned for him to hold onto just my arm (since he wouldn't let go no matter how many times I asked), he hugged my waist with both of his arms, face buried in my neck.  I was just glad he left one arm for me to write notes with.

If this was just an act, he did a splendid job of keeping it up.  I thought he would've given up after an hour or two, but he stayed like that even after lunch until the end of the day.  Anytime anyone would even walk past us, he would glare at them until they scurried off.

It was super weird at first, but I got used to the arrangement somehow.  I hate to admit it, but I even felt comfort by his warmth.  His breath tickled my neck as his solid arms held me in a vice grip.  I found myself hoping this wasn't acting, and thanking whatever miracle made this happen.  This was never going to happen again, I might as well enjoy it for now.

.

"Back off, you damn Deku!"  He bares his teeth at the cowering Midoriya, still attached to me at the hip.

I sigh, finally fed up with this whole ordeal.  "Midoriya, I'll handle this, I'll call later."

The poor broccoli boy nods and scampers away from us.  Bakugou insists on not letting go until I'm home safe, even when I repeated that I live in the opposite direction as him.  He won't even let Midoriya near me.

I lead us both over to a bench outside of school.  I'm still not convinced that this isn't an act, but I might as well try to talk to him after the incident last week.  "Get off," I order, scooting over to one side of the bench.  When he doesn't obey, I add, "I wanna talk, so I need to see your face."

After a brief moment of hesitation, he eases off my body, rolling up to sit facing me with a leg propped up on the seat.  A dumb smile is on his face.

God, that still freaks me out.  I stare at him calculatingly.  He hasn't said a word to me the whole day, only barking at other students as he holds onto me.  I want answers.  "You're sure this isn't some stupid revenge plot to get back at me?"

He shakes his head, propping his arm up on the seat and resting his head there.  His wordless, lovestruck stare probing me.

I sputter, "Why are you acting this way then?"

"I like you."

I almost choke at his quick response, my chest throbbing again.  "S-Stop looking at me that way, I can't take you seriously!  I admit, it's freaking me out!"

"My feelings freak you out?" he says sweetly, brushing the side of my face softly.

I slap his hand away, "You don't have feelings for me, just drop the act already!"

His smile disappears.  "It's not an act, I'm being serious."  Hurt laces his voice.

I cross my arms over my chest.  "Yeah, well, it's very hard to take you seriously when you've been a heartless, pompous, mean jerk for all of middle school."

Bakugou's eyes downcast and his arm falls into his lap.  "I...I don't know how else to show how I feel."  Raw emotion drips from his eyes as he bites his lip, almost like he's gathering his thoughts.  "I act like a jerk because...  I just feel so pressured.  Everyone expects so much of me just because my quirk is so strong."  A dark chuckle emits from him, "Even my mom has ingrained it in me that I need to be strong so I don't burden anyone with being weak.  So I've been projecting my frustrations onto everyone else.  Deku is just the easiest person to pick on because he's the weakest person, he has no quirk!  And I'm just self-centered because I have to tell myself that I'm strong or else...I might slip.  Call it an inferiority complex, I guess."

I won't lie, I didn't go into this expecting a therapy session.  Part of me does sympathize with him, but the rational side of me is still skeptical of this entire monologue being an act.  I wouldn't put it past him for thinking up such an elaborate plan in a week.  And none of it excuses him for telling Midoriya to kill himself.  "Not that I don't believe you, but so what?" I blurt out.

He grabs my hand in both of his, eyes fully emotional and staring into mine.  "I like you, (Y/n).  I see how kind you are to everyone else, how you've stayed by Deku and supported him this entire time.  I admire you.  You're the kind of person who I know would become a great hero because you always know just what to say to people to make them feel better, not to mention you're so badass too.  And...in a way, there's something in me that wants you to care about an idiot like me, too."

Tightness tugs in my chest.  Damn it, he needs to stop being so emotional, I can't handle it.  "I want to help you, Katsuki, but what you said to Midoriya crossed a line.  I can't overlook that."

His head drops onto our joined hands and his body starts shaking.  "Damnit!" he grits out, "I can't believe I've done so much wrong that the person I like can't even forgive me."

I shut my eyes, not wanting to see him cry.  "Katsuki-"

Bakugou's head snaps up and takes my head between his hands.  "Do you even have the smallest feeling for me?"  His red orbs swim in tears.

A soft spot in my heart persuades me to gently rub the wet trails off his cheeks.  "I'm...not sure."  I won't lead him on, I really don't know how I feel anymore.  It's that I hate him, I don't like the things he says or does.

"Help me, (Y/n)," he practically begs, "I'll become a better person, I promise, but I need you to guide me, please."

This sudden magnitude of emotion other than anger disorients me.  Is this something he's kept locked away somewhere in the recesses of his mind?  I absently nod in agreement against some of my better judgement.

His shaking form steadies as he stares me down quietly.  "Can I...kiss you?" he whispers out of the blue.

My lips slightly part and my eyes widen as he leans into me, softly pressing his mouth against mine.  Our kiss is innocent, as if time just stood still and washed a warm glow on us.  My stomach flips weightlessly, and I gently grip one of his wrists to ground me.  He pulls away just for a moment, letting us linger in the moment and sensation of one another.

His eyes flutter open, facing me with the same loveliness he's showed me all day, before confusion suddenly dawns on him, and then his cheeks color red and he pulls away, almost retreating to the other edge of the bench.

I blink, not sure what just happened, but the tumbling in my abdomen still present.  "Uh...Bakugou...?"

The boy doesn't even want to face me.  "Did I really just do that?" he mutters to himself, the raspy growl that's more characteristic of him returning.

My heart sinks.  "Do you-?"

"Hey, don't look so upset," he glares at me before flushing again.  "I...somehow...know everything I did...  It was me...but it wasn't...really me."

"But everything you said-"

He growls and crosses his arms over his chest, looking away from me.  "Everything I said was true!  I just... I'm surprised I did it, and I was such a pansy about it."

I roll my eyes.  He's back, for real this time.  "Well, if that's the case, I won't hold you accountable-"

"Wait," Bakugou sighs, running a hand through his hair.  "I stand by everything I said, even the whole...thing...about you helping me."  It almost hurts him to say it.

I fold my arms over my chest and stand up.  "You don't have to force yourself to be good if you don't want to.  Things can go back to the way they were."

"I don't want it to!" he yells.  "I'll work at being less of an idiot if it means...that you'll...go out with me."

I examine him, all red-faced and uncomfortable, unable to look me in the eyes.  "I'm not gonna go easy on you."

He stands up and finally garners the courage to look at me again.  "I'm willing.  I'll try hard, I promise."

After thinking it over a moment, I relax my figure and place a kiss on his cheek.  "That's your reward for consciously admitting that you have a problem."

Bakugou's eyes bulge out of his head and I have to suppress my chuckles.  "Will there be more rewards?" he mumbles.

"Only if you really try."  I lean forward, catching him off guard and finally letting out a small fit of laughter.  "You know for most of the day, you were hanging onto me like I was you handbag, now you're shying away from me."

He scratches his burning neck.  "Hey, that wasn't me."

"It was a you that probably showed your deepest darkest wants," I tease, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Sh-Shut up, don't be so smug about it!"  He lightly shoves me away, digging his hands into his uniform pants pocket.  "You're the one asking for it because you liked it, stupid."

"Ah-ah," I hold up a finger like a teacher reprimanding a kindergardener.  "First thing is for you to stop calling people names."

He groans.  "Fine.  (Y-Y/n)."  His cheeks color all over again.

I slip my hand in his and his blush intensifies.  "Was that so hard to do?"

"Shut up," he mumbles softer this time.

He's a fixer-upper, he's still got a lot to learn, but hopefully, he'll get there eventually.