#i did most of this yesterday and slugged trying to finish it today

[asteraegis]

messy af monster fucker cryptid au comic in which alexios feeds siren!edward a gyro and now is stuck with this stupid fish for the rest of his life

[revenant-dumpster-fire]

Warm (Revenant x Reader)

Theme: Reader comforts Revenant after a somewhat brutal loss in a duos match as Revenant becomes concerned with his image.

Warnings: Mentions of mania, mentions of depression, mentions of suicide, threats of violence, graphically described violence, pain, sharp objects, borderline sexual fluff.

Reader's Notes: Revenant (Apex Legends) x Reader, reader is non-gendered in this chapter, this is getting romantic but hasn't crossed the line quite yet, reader will eventually have to be gendered (but I'll hold off as long as possible).

Writing Notes: Compliments give me fuel. Lot of development this chapter, more characters. I feel like this is increasingly revealing of who I am as a person, so I'm glad I'm anonymous.

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The Apex Games are brutal. It's a miracle these people can be suspended in death boxes and sewn or pieced back together after what happens to them. You've heard murmurs that some of the visual brutality is simulated by an AI for the cameras while the much less damaged person is imprisoned in a deathbox, but you are not so sure of that. It looks too real, and the Legends seem way too accustomed to pain and morbid destruction for it not to be. You are desensitized to a lot of gore and snuff yourself, but you've come to know the Legends just well enough to shudder when they are disemboweled in front of you. When you first started volunteering to help, you remembered being endlessly relieved the first time you saw them all return from the medical ward.

Even though you know they will likely be fine, you whimper as Bloodhound takes an apparently fatal blow from the favorites for this duos match: Loba and Bangalore. It isn't very often that random chance creates such an iconic duos pair, but it's happening today and the cameras are loving it. The cameras have been so fixated on these two that you haven't seen night or day out of Revenant. According to the trackers on the screen, Revenant is still in the game, but his teammate--Fuse--was knocked out of the match early on. Knowing those two, they likely agreed to drop hot--in an area with lots of combatants. While it's a good way to get kills, it's also an ideal way to get killed. From previous matches, you have the impression Revenant will drop hot if his teammate or teammates agree, but he won't do so otherwise. Fuse is absolutely the type to agree to dropping hot. You worry for Fuse even though you are certain he will be back tomorrow or soon thereafter, ready for more.

Loba and Bangalore have used their combined skills to gather long-range sniper weapons and considerable kills so far this match. Bangalore is able to use her abilities to create confusion and draw combatants out from cover, and Loba could create or close distances with her warp band while also gathering excessive amounts of high-level weaponry, mods, and armor to make them all the more terrifying. They pulled ahead early in the game, and now they feel unstoppable. The cameras watch as they run across Olympus' beautifully groomed grass towards the next team to victimize.

You feel like you're not doing what you should be doing. Did Revenant really just want you to watch the match today? Shouldn't you do something helpful?

You get yourself to the edge of the bed, hop up, and start to make it. It was so perfect when you hopped in yesterday, you want to try to make it equally as perfect. Your legs no longer hurt, and you feel well-rested despite Revenant's creepily watchful eyes. You take a deep breath, stretch backwards, and get to making the bed. You will have to go to your volunteer bunk and change soon. You wonder if you will have to move out of the volunteer area--even though it's small and cramped, it's been your home for a few years now. Your coworkers feel more like roommates, varying from cool but introverted to outgoing but overbearing. You like all of them, and you have the unusual standing as one of the longest-running volunteers, staying through off and on seasons to keep things functioning. You don't want to lose them, or the only home you've known for a few years.

Gunshots ring out on the television, Loba and Bangalore are taking shots at another team fight from afar. You see the symbol for Lifeline pop up as knocked, then eliminated. Caustic's name pops up next. Finally, Revenant came up as knocked, but not eliminated. You can't help but panic just a little, but Revenant apparently had a self-revive and is moving again, fleeing the area as Loba gives vicious chase trying to make up the distance from sniping. Revenant is in bad shape, he has been fighting solo for a while, and Loba knows he is practically a free kill at this point. You're afraid this is going to turn into another Loba versus Revenant fight, a favorite of the audience due to how ruthless they both are with each other. You don't like them fighting. You don't like seeing Loba be nearly beheaded or gutted, and you don't like seeing Revenant be slowly but surely tortured to death. There is no alternative ending with those two. It's always violent, and Revenant doesn't stand much of a chance at this rate. He clearly knows that.

You stare at the television breathlessly, trying to make the bed without looking away. Loba is hunting, and Revenant is unable to keep enough distance. In a last gambit, Revenant manages to break line of sight, launching his silencer into the doorway of a bunker and then intentionally running into the opposing bunker. Loba falls for it, as she makes an immediate path for the bunker with the silencer, opting to take the back door. It buys Revenant enough time to use a Pheonix Kit, a piece of equipment that restores his shields and health completely for a much fairer fight.

Hell is about to break loose.

You plop down on the bench having finished the bed, unable to look away. Loba and Revenant meet eyes from within each bunker through the small windows on each side. Loba looks infuriated at his newly rejuvenated state. Revenant's look is too intense to be smug, it truly is a mechanical malice undescribable by any other terminology. These two loathe each other. The spectators roar in excitement at another bloodbath between the lovely but deadly master thief and her mechanical antagonist, the commentators giving a short review of the last time these two met on the battlefield.

Revenant, now unafraid of the odds, immediately dashes to close the gap between their bunkers. Loba flings her warp band in his direction, landing behind him, and immediately getting two Mastiff slugs in his back. You cringe at the sight. Revenant turns to meet her fire with his Volt, but Bangalore's lobbed smokescreen fills the area before his shots meet. Bangalore had been lagging behind Loba, but she was close enough now to take shots again. You hear Loba's Mastiff take a number of more shots in the smokescreen, the Volt returning fire. Bangalore calls in her Rolling Thunder, cascading aerial bombardment all throughout the smokescreen. Revenant manages to break free of the now-fading smokescreen, trying to escape the explosives, but it was clearly Bangalore's intent for him to do so. With her well-equipped Longbow, she manages to snipe Revenant, knocking him to his knees.

Loba was soon looming over him, waiting for the camera to catch up. The crowd chants and screeches waiting for the gore. There are no microphones on the Legends themselves, but you can tell that Revenant is cursing her as she comes over to finish him. You wince, you don't want to watch this, but you feel you have to.

Loba kicks his head hard enough to knock out any human opponent, sending him to the ground. His mask is cracked open, revealing the copper lining underneath and the wiring for his optics. He stays grounded, glaring at her with an unspeakably vicious hatred. He faces his demise with just as much malice as he had moments earlier, perhaps even more. She goes in for a direct stomp, plunging the five-inch tall heel of her shoe into and through Revenant's left optic. You grimace at the horror of it, wanting to cover your face to escape the imagery. Revenant's body lurches backwards and writhes in pain, grabbing aimlessly at his face, screaming so loudly that the drone camera picks it up as his vocalizations crack and become inundated with static.

Revenant isn't eliminated. Revenant is treated differently than the human and more finite combatants. His deaths are of no consequence, so he isn't protected from them. He can just come back, over and over. So the cameras roll and he's left to suffer whenever it makes for better television. The most bloodthirsty fans have always loved this double-standard, but you are beginning to revile it more by the moment.

Loba spits on him, taking a moment to parade to the crowd her triumphant moment. Revenant's last remaining optic is dimming uncontrollably, but is still locked on her when she returns to finish the job. They lock eyes for a moment. You don't know the details--nobody does--but it's clear they have some kind of history where all the hatred stems from. Revenant looks away in acceptance of his defeat, and his neck is immediately clamped down on by her heels. With a single twist of her leg, the cracking noise of his head being forcibly freed from his torso rings out. You want to vomit.

Revenant is only now considered eliminated, his husk of a chassis lying nearly in two pieces, his head twisted perpendicular to his torso. The crowd is absolutely ablaze. Loba reaches down, tearing the scarf off his head and holding it triumphantly in the air, looking as if she just scalped her kill. Bangalore shies away from the cameras herself, she's clearly ready to move on. Loba revels in the violence, just like Revenant does, but there is something especially malicious between them.

You feel the nausea taking hold even stronger. Revenant is someone you know now. He's shown you kindness, and you've become very fond of him. You can't say you know him extremely well, granted, but well enough to feel empathy for his pain. Watching him essentially have his skull broken, eye gouged, and neck severed is a lot to take. You could literally see the excruciating pain in his body language when his eye was stomped out. They shouldn't allow it. The moment a human life is in danger they get deathboxed. Only now that Revenant's body is dead and vacated of all living code, as well as the audience thoroughly satiated, does Revenant's corpse get deathboxed. He managed to fight his team all the way to seventh place alone. Loba and Bangalore continue on, the cameras lovingly cataloging their sweep.

You get up and turn off the television, sheepishly use your new ID to leave the room, and head to the volunteer bunks. It's the middle of the day, so nobody is around. A note on your bunk reads "Worried about you! Let me know when you get back. -Sherry". You scribble back, "Sorry Sherry, had a special request I had to run, need to talk later. Text me." and place it on her bunk. Sherry is the de facto leader of the volunteers, here since day one of season one. You know each other well. She doesn't pry often, but disappearing for a night is really out of character for you, so you don't mind it this once. She will know if you're allowed to stay in the volunteer bunks or not. You gather your things, just in case, and haul them to Revenant's room. You only have a single duffel bag of clothes and toiletries to your name. It has been that way since you found yourself on the streets years ago. It's easy enough to carry, but some amount of sadness still lingers in you as you haul your only worldly possessions in a single bag. The Apex Games gives you year-round work in exchange for a place to live rent-free. The Legends who tip well basically keep you at a decent wage for the hours. So despite not having much to your name in terms of assets, you now have a bank account with enough value to move on if absolutely necessary.

You use the badge to open Revenant's door. It dings satisfactorily, and you dump your bag on the floor. You're not leaving the area until he's back. You already decided. You're in some stage of denial after watching him die, but simultaneously you cannot be in denial if he always comes back. You shake your head, the nausea fights for its throne in your gut. You grab a change of clothes out of the bag and head to the bathroom in the far left corner of the room.

As you enter, you see a mostly untouched bathroom, spare for a strangely out-of-place comb, shaving cream, an old-fashioned razor blade, and the mirror smeared opaque with dried suds--likely from the shaving cream. None of those items make sense. Not a single one. Why was the mirror so filthy? Why did a simulacrum have shaving or hair brushing tools? You consider that it might be a coping mechanism, but that doesn't explain the mirror. Whatever, you'll clean it in a second. No need to make a big deal out of it all.

Halfway through changing, you lose your battle with nausea. You don't have anything in your stomach, a fact you quickly realize as you lurch over the toilet. Just stomach acid. What a violent and terrible death. You know he feels just as a human does, it's not his fault he isn't as fragile. It's so unfair. You stand tall, having expelled the worst of it. You finish putting on your "I'm not feeling it" shirt, and make a quick orbit to the duffel and back, picking up your toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash. You clean out your mouth thoroughly, trying to fight off the taste of acid.

You finish up, leaving your oral care items behind to take your dirty clothes to the laundry room and grab some mirror cleaning supplies while there. Since you know how to fully clean down a room, you figure it is within your ability to completely clean Revenant's room. Maybe Fuse's too, these cleans tend to be quick and efficient when you perform them.

• • • •

"Hey, oh my gosh, where were you last night?" The text comes in as you're hauling the cleaning supplies to Fuse's room. It's early afternoon, you'll be done with this before it even begins to get dark.

"Hey, sorry, I had a special request. I didn't mean to worry anyone. I'm cleaning Fuse's room now." You text back, hoping Sherry will meet you here and help wrap up even faster.

"OMW" The text comes in only moments after.

After a few minutes, you hear Fuse's door open. Sherry is a petite blonde woman in her early twenties. Despite her longer, curly hair, she is otherwise not too dissimilar looking from Wattson, her favorite Legend. They have a good relationship apparently, Wattson regularly jokingly adding "request for mon Sherry" to her requests, a play on "mon cherie" in French.

"I didn't see a request for Fuse to have his room cleaned, did you delete it from the system?" Sherry was always on-task.

"Oh, sorry, no, I kinda needed something to do." You look up from changing the bed sheets, "Do you mind giving me a hand?"

"Sure, but there are tons of requests you could have taken, why make one up?" She walks to the opposite side of the bed, nabs the sheet, and looks up, locking sights on your ID.

Her shock is immediate and silent. You notice that she has noticed.

"How did you get that..." She trails off, her head clearly running at max capacity with various theories.

"Revenant gave it to me." You answer blankly. "I don't know what to do."

Sherry stares, her expression becoming increasingly appalled and concerned.

"What... what happened last night? You didn't like... "earn" that, right? I mean, you didn't trade for it, did you?" Her expression grimaces further. "Does he even have the parts for that...?"

You suddenly realize what she's saying, and wave your hands to snap her attention.

"No! Nothing like that! He sees me so often he wanted a personal lackey instead." You see her expression soften for a moment before it snaps back.

"Then where were you last night?"

"Wha--?"

"You heard me, where were you then?"

You stare at the floor, unsure if you can lie so blatantly to her. She stares at you for a moment.

"One moment you're depressed, then next thing I know you're manic, then you disappear for a day and a half. Is this some kind of new suicide plot you have? Seduce a murder robot?" She seems genuinely worried.

"I promise it's not like that! I was exhausted! I accidentally fell asleep when I brought him water--"

"Why did nobody call the paramedics? If you passed out, you should have been given a health check! Why didn't that robot call anyone?" She genuinely cared about you, she was a good friend, through and through.

"Uh, well, I kinda slept in his bed."

Her face went from worry to one of shock and morbid concern. Her knees buckled for a moment and rectified themselves as she cartoon-ishly tried to process her thoughts.

"You see, I guess he's taken a liking to me, and he saw how tired I was, so--"

"So you slept with him just so you could get a break? You should have just asked for time off! You never take it! I would have given it to you!" She was clearly upset.

"It didn't happen like that!" She had a tendency to catastrophically think, so her mind was already five steps ahead of you in the worst possible timeline. If you could stop it now, hopefully it wouldn't continue.

"Wait, why are we changing Fuse's sheets? How many robots and people have you slept with?!" she dropped the sheets at a complete loss. Too late to stop her mental train, it was already off the rails and burning in a ditch.

"Sherry! Pay attention! I didn't do anything with anybody. I just passed out in Revenant's bed, and he decided not to kill me but promote me instead because he's Revenant and he does what he wants, even when it makes no sense to anybody. I didn't even see Fuse yesterday, I just figured I'd clean his room since both him and Revenant took a heck of a loss today." You didn't often get loud, so when you did it tended to garner attention.

Sherry sighed.

"Yeah, that sounds more like the truth than my insane theory." She rests her face in her palms for a moment. "So, uh, I guess you and Revenant are friends now?"

"Subordinate or lackey is probably a better term, but he actually is nice to me! Aside from all the threats..." You trail off, wondering if he means it or if he simply is keeping up his persona.

"Well, congratulations on becoming the homicidal robot's plaything?" She wasn't wrong. Actually, her term was probably more accurate. "Please don't get murdered. I didn't get you out of that homeless shelter just to deliver you into the hands of a bloodthirsty robot with a fascination for evisceration. I'll feel so bad if you die..." She trails off, catastrophic thoughts ablaze. "Just quit!" She perks up with her solution.

"He's not going to kill me, and if he does, it's not your fault. I'm choosing to do this."

She sighs, and starts making the bed with clean sheets, unsure of how to argue, or if the argument is worthwhile.

Sherry was the one you reached out to when you heard that you could work for the Apex Games in return for a bed, bathroom, food, and basic healthcare. She picked you up at the homeless shelter, and helped forge some fake credentials on your resumé at the time. She cleared you herself, pretending as if she never met you before and calling your previous "boss" who was actually just a very confused telemarketer, resulting in getting you the place and position you have now. You've always thought she's an upstanding person; her maternal instincts sometimes getting in the way of her letting people make their own choices freely though. She felt like an older sister to you.

"Please tell me you're at least getting paid. Without the tips from the other Legends, how are you going to keep saving up?" She asked weakly, finishing up by fluffing the pillows.

"Uh, well, I haven't asked yet... I actually meant to ask if I have a room still." You answered, a bit dumbfounded you hadn't considered that before.

"What?! Did you think this through at all?" She burst, but quickly softened, "Of course you still have a room, there should be a door in the back of every Legend's room with the same kind of bunks as we have. Those are for you special folks. It has a bathroom and everything."

"Ah, good, I kinda wish I could stay with you guys, but..."

"...but your new robot-boyfriend is calling you?" She breaks her melancholy with ruthless teasing, just like an older sister. "Yeah, I'll need the space for a new volunteer, definitely."

"I figured as much. Always running on short-handed here." You're a little relieved the choice is made for you.

"So, I'm guessing you now have all Revenant requests, now and forever?" She chuckles a bit. "You somehow take the biggest demotion and consider it a promotion. I can't believe you like dealing with that guy."

You banter back and fourth, finishing up Fuse's room. It'll be nice for him to come back to a clean room, especially considering how his match went that morning. Sherry promises to come around this part of the building more to keep an eye on you, swearing she will kick Revenant's ass if he does "whatever murder-bots do". You go your separate ways, laughing at each other's stupid quips.

• • • •

There is a door at the back of the room. Sherry was right. It is intentionally made to camouflage into the wall, as well as the scanner that opens it. You hold your ID up to it, hear the positive chirp, and the door slides open to reveal a nice small room and bathroom. It's a private bedroom embedded within Revenant's. The door now freely slides like a pocket door to open and close, apparently you only need to activate it once to get access. A nice little bed, a nice little dresser, and a nice little bathroom! It reminds you of a super tiny hotel room, everything is compact but still a notable step up from shared bunks. You breathe deeply, inhaling the smell of a fresh new room. You haul your duffel bag in and toss it into a little cubby under the mattress, and boom, you're moved in! So easy!

Revenant still isn't back yet though. You wonder how long it will take for his new chassis to activate and return here. You wish so badly to know how he is doing, but it is impossible to know. You grabbed some snacks from the kitchen alongside dinner with Sherry, so you have food to stress-binge on if necessary. You figure laying down for the night can't hurt. So you hit the lights in Revenant's room, leaving it to only be lit by the rising moonlight overhead through the skylight. You sneak into your little cubby of a room, flipping the lights off as you slide the door shut behind you. You don't have any skylight, in fact, your ceiling was about 6 feet or so shorter than his, making it much more average. Granted, his room is massive, but you are happy with your tiny private closet. It is so cool.

You fall back in the bed. Soft as can be. Same as his.

Sleep takes you very quickly.

• • • •

You wake up to an inhuman screeching. You jolt up, making yourself panic further as you check your surroundings and recall where you are. You're alone in the little bedroom, the screaming is from the other side of the door, in Revenant's main room. It echoes in a uncanny valley between human despair and mechanical detune. You leap out of bed and rush to open the door to see what is wrong.

The door slides open and you see Revenant, his mask and jaw tilting in opposite directions to replicate an open mouth, revealing a disturbingly black void where his mouth would be, no headscarf, howling in some kind of agony under the moonlight. It sounds so sad, so sorrowful. The pocket door clicks as it reaches its full open position, and Revenant's eyes lock on as soon as the sound is registered. His instincts are instantaneous. His howl slowly fades as he uses up what's left in his artificial lungs, his eyes never breaking from yours. The sorrow leaves him, his jaw slowly closes, and his stature returns for a moment.

"Are you okay?!" You ask him.

He hides is face and his body motions like a person who is sobbing for a few moments, but he doesn't. He couldn't even if he wanted. He regains himself quickly, walking up to you blankly.

"Hey, uh, are you oka--?"

"Keep me warm, skinsuit." His voice shakes as he pulls you into him in an embrace.

He is extremely cold, but his metal parts start to sap your body heat immediately. He is alive. He is new, but alive. You wrap your arms around his small abdomen, slipping under the pistons that hold up his large torso. You squeeze harder than you mean to, giving away that you are genuinely worried about him.

"I thought you left." He admits shakily, still not wholly able to hide his emotions. "I didn't..." He trails off. He places his hand on your head, messing with your hair a bit, until you gaze up at him. He looks down at you in the eye and you see something familiar. Disbelief. "You stayed."

You don't have words. Words mean nothing anyway in moments like this. You squeeze him tighter and he winces a little. You realize his abdomen is probably the least protected area of his body, and even you might be able to hurt him with the wrong touch. You lean forward and bury your face into it anyway, you're pretty sure you can feel a pouch through the leather skin that acts as a stomach receptacle, but you're not sure.

Revenant's body shakes a little like he cannot hold back tears, but as a simulacrum, he has none. You hear a sorrowful moan instead that is quickly stifled. Despite his persona, he has a very human personality.

"Come, keep me warm." He pulls you away for a moment so he can move again, then grabs your wrist and pulls you to the bed. The bed he never used. "It's easier with insulation." He rips the blanket off of it, wrapping it around you both in one sweeping movement, and sitting on the edge, pulling you down with him.

Your face flushes hot red. This is unlike him. He notices, and you swear you see a little bit of a pink glow on him too. He definitely had been flush during his stunt on live TV before joining the games. Insane to think they built that functionality into a mask. He grunts and breaks eye contact.

"Don't look at me like that, I'm just cold." He pulls you into his lap before you can say anything in response. "I have an easier time cooling down with fans than I do heating up. I'd have to run really stressful code to do that and using you is so much easier."

He redirects you to face away from him, and as soon as you do he sucks you in as close to him as you can. You're practically inside of his giant, looming frame. His breath rattles a little in his artificial lung pumps. His hands grapple around your hands while holding the blanket taut, holding them in balled fists and trading his cold for your heat. His vocalizer sounds as if it's giving a deep growl, closer to a purr, almost too soft to be heard, but not quite.

His new chassis smells a little more like plastics, metal shavings, and leather than the previous one, which had been muddled with the scent of dirt, grass, and polish. It's so cold, he must have only just made it inside. You wonder how far he had to run to get back here.

His head lowers to rest his face into your shoulder. You rest your head back on his. For a moment, this creature is just the same as you. Human.

He stays there, humming and purring and enjoying the moment. His body is no longer cold at all, he is now reflecting your heat back at you and feels warm himself. You carefully turn your head and push your face into the side of his mask where his ears would be. His head perks up a little for a moment, just long enough to catch his dumbfounded expression and pinkening cheekbones before his face retreats into your shoulder again. He squeezes you close, grappling your fists as if to never let go.

You sit there for a while, until finally you feel his cooling fans click to life. He lifts his head off your shoulder.

"Thank you." He says as he releases you. He looks away, clearly trying to hide from your gaze. You don't get up. You keep staring in his direction, hoping he will give in and turn to you. But you are both stubborn.

After a long while, you stand up in surrender, but place your hand on his unclothed head, petting it once, just for good measure. His hand rises to cover his face.

"Please go back to bed, I'm sorry for scaring you." He says in an abnormally low baritone, trying to hide himself further.

You surrender. It isn't worth prying away his façade when he isn't ready. He had already shown different colors than he did most of the time. This was scary, but in an unexplored territory sort of way. You weren't giving this exploration up after a single expedition. So it is best to rest up and not overextend.

You retreat into your little closet of a room, sliding the door gently shut. The moment it shuts completely, you hear Revenant move around rapidly. He's normally so silent. You recline into your bed, happy to be as warm as you are. You fall asleep almost instantly.

• • • •

You wake up, no idea what time it is. The room doesn't have a clock, maybe a bit of an oversight on the decorator's part. You get up, lurk over to the bathroom, and start performing your daily routine. Brush the teeth immediately, get the gross overnight flavor out of it. Strip and shower, thankfully there are already towels in the bathroom. Brush your hair while still damp after trying to get it as dry as possible with your towel. Deodorant. Grab your clothes. You put on something a bit nicer than yesterday. Finally, you're ready for whatever.

You waltz over, and knock on the door to make sure he won't be startled.

Instead, you hear a surprised grunt, scraping metal, and hushed curses against the door. You quickly go to open it, thinking he may be hurt, but the door is locked. You hesitate, dumbfounded. The Legends can lock people in like prisoners if they want to. Your attention snaps back as you hear the lock disengage, and the door flies open before you can move it. Revenant faces you, somehow looking a little disheveled.

"Were you outside my door the entire night...?" You ask, still fairly shocked.

"Doesn't matter." He absolutely was. He spoke hurriedly, potentially a little embarrassed. But he recovers his slow speaking pace quickly. "I should have just let myself in, I feel like I missed a great episode. Do you know what you said last night? Some pretty exciting gibberish."

"So you were against the door all night."

"Dammit, skinsuit!" He throws his arms up and turns away from you, towering over the doorway too short for him to enter comfortably. "You should have just slept out here. You know I get bored."

"I didn't think you wanted me to, you acted like you didn't."

"Well, I didn't really care!" He cared immensely, apparently. "I just needed something entertaining to keep my mind off yesterday." He crossed his arms, and began to meander over to the computer desk.

"I'm sorry, I wish you had told me."

"I was in a bad mood, just forget about it. It's fine." He tapped away at the computer, letting out a depressed sigh. "That scene from yesterday has all of Loba's fans riled up. They're posting it everywhere." He covers his face with his hands for a moment, motioning in embarrassment. "I can't believe I let that happen. I would have been better off letting Caustic gas me earlier."

"You were outnumbered, you did the best--"

"I'm getting my damn scarf back." He refused your comforting words, flinging himself to his feet and trudging out the door in a huff. You go to follow, but he whirls around, pointing straight to you, locking you in a glare. "You stay away from Loba, understand?"

He pauses, waiting to hear your reply.

"Uh, okay, I'll try to stay away from her."

While not an entirely satisfactory answer, Revenant whips back and disappears from sight. You sigh aloud. If those two have some kind of long-running hatred for each other, it would probably be best if you didn't get in the middle of it.

You peer over to the computer. He's right, Loba standing over his dead chassis holding up the scarf is everywhere. Loba fans are absolutely enamored by the triumphant image. Revenant fans openly mourn, swearing revenge. Loba and Bangalore apparently took the win, finally fighting down the second place team of Wattson and Rampart. Sherry will be miffed that Wattson had the spotlight and win taken from her. Although, now knowing you're on team Revenant, she probably will spare you any of her rants.

You stare at the image. It makes you overwhelmingly sad. Right before that snapshot was taken, Revenant was in unspeakable pain. The scream you heard on the broadcast echos in your head. It was one born of pain: strong, violent, and sharp until the static began to overwhelm it. The screeches you woke up to last night were not the same. They were mournful: hollow, airy, and almost melodic in their melancholy. Revenant can feel great pain, but clearly has some kind of appreciation for warmth and a kindly embrace. Why didn't others see that? Why does he have to suffer so much more, just because he is a simulacrum?

You close the browser. It messes with you. The imagery makes you upset. You feel you might vomit again if you're not careful.

You're snap back to attention at a commotion outside in the hallway. You peer out in the general direction of the other Legends' rooms.

"Fuck. You." Revenant's voice is so low it could rattle someone's bones. Fuse is standing in front of him, but Revenant is speaking beyond him to Loba, holding the scarf.

"It's my trophy. I'm a master thief, I don't just give things back." Loba proudly holds it in front of her face.

Fuse tries to keep Revenant at a fair distance from her, but Loba is standing her ground, completely unafraid.

"Woah now, come on, we don't need to settle this here and now." Fuse is attempting to keep the peace.

Revenant's growls can be heard from down the hallway, a number of volunteers have stopped to avoid getting too close, and a couple Legends are peering out their doors. The extra attention is displeasing to Revenant.

"Fine, but you will regret this." He starts to back off, prepared to fight another day, but Loba is relentless.

"Not if you want anything from me. Including that source code." Only now is she content to click her heels and turn away, Revenant suddenly looking like he lost the fight.

"Geeze, mate, do you really have to be so aggressive all the time?" Fuse gasps in a sigh of relief, addressing Revenant. "And I think I come on strong--you're a whole 'nother level!" He is already beaming a smile from under his moustache again, chuckling at his own joke.

Revenant shoots him a scowl for a moment, then turns back to you and begins to come back to the room, scarfless.

Fuse keeps pace with him as you retreat back inside, not sure if you should stay out of their way or not. You instinctively dive in behind the bed, staying low as not to be seen. You hear them come around the corner.

"Wait a minute, mate, I wanted to apologize." Revenant is already in the room, turning around to face Fuse who is standing in the doorway. You stay hidden behind the bed, nearly on the floor, listening in on their conversation. "That wasn't my best work out there yesterday. I feel like if I had been there, maybe you wouldn't have, uh..." He trailed off, his point was clear. "Listen, I'll talk to her, see if I can get 'yer scarf back. I don't want there to be any hard feelings."

Revenant's breathing pattern and low growl sounds like he is about to explode, and Fuse knows it too.

"Oh hey! They cleaned your room too!" His diffuses can be surprisingly effective. "Heh, I didn't even ask and apparently they decided to be like mum and make sure it got done whether I liked it or not."

Revenant hadn't actually noticed until now. He turns to look into the room. He peers across the way, seeing the bathroom mirror is reflective again.

"You're right." He sounds surprised. You swear you can hear another sigh of relief from Fuse now that the anger is gone.

"I was told it was that runner who seems to have a bit of a thing for 'ya did it. Seen 'em around lately?" Fuse asked. "I like to tip everyone, they do such a great job and they're not getting paid."

Revenant ignores him, walking into the middle of the room, peering around. To your recollection, he had never asked for his room to be cleaned as long as you have been volunteering. His room was very dusty. Now light is shining through all the windows, the television is clear, the bed sheets fresh, the carpet vacuumed...

"Yeah, where are they?" Revenant finally asks aloud. Is that your invitation to reveal yourself?

"Um, hi, sorry." You slowly pull yourself up from the floor, revealing your truly mediocre hiding spot.

Fuse gives a surprised stare, clearly catching a glimpse of your red badge, then laughs it off.

"You picked a cute one, didn't 'cha Rev?"

Revenant turns to face him in an absolute fury.

"Listen, I'm just telling ya to play nice." Revenant gets in Fuse's face immediately, but Fuse doesn't budge and meets him eye-to-eye for his next words. "You seem pretty defensive of 'em. Keep it that way."

Those words take Revenant aback just long enough for Fuse to break away and waltz up to you.

"Cheers, thanks for bein' my mum for me." He hands you enough money for a month of groceries, so generous!

"Thank you! That's very kind of you!" You chirp back, very happy to have more for your savings. Revenant seems shocked by the genuine joy in your voice.

As Fuse walks by Revenant to leave, you hear a short exchange:

"I'll try to get the scarf. Don't go killing anybody, and I didn't see anything out of the ordinary." Fuse murmurs.

"...thanks." Revenant sounds genuine.

Fuse gives him a side-hug on the way out, Revenant leaning away to escape it, but failing. Fuse laughs at Revenant's bashfulness. Getting a thanks from Revenant is a miracle unto itself, worthy of such a small celebration. Fuse is a genuinely good person. He is universally loved by the volunteers for his generosity and positivity. A lot of people have crushes on him, and you can understand why. One swift set of finger guns at each of you and Fuse is gone out the door, closing it behind himself.

"He's nice!" You say very matter-of-factly to Revenant.

"Sure, whatever you say, little skinsuit." He mumbles, seeming a bit exhausted by all the exchanges this morning. "What did he give you?"

"Money!" You hold out quite the wad of cash. Revenant chuckles a little under his breath at your happiness.

"What are you saving up for, anyway?"

"Well, for when this gig ends, I guess." You think aloud. "I just never want to be homeless again."

"Homeless?" Revenant looks at you with concern, "You were homeless before the Games?"

"Yeah, it's terrible out there..." You trail off your own words a bit sadly, but in seeing his concern for you, you decide to end on a high note. "With everything I save, I'll make sure I always have enough to live off of, and with the experience I'll have an easier time finding a job."

"Would it help if I paid you?" Revenant asks, plainly.

"Well, yes, but you don't need to."

"You should have told me." He almost whispers. He sounds a little sorrowful again.

You walk up and give him a quick hug.

"Sorry, I didn't know you would want to."

"If you keep getting too close to me, one of these days you're going to end up in a body bag." He sneers, trying to regain his vicious demeanor.

"Sorry, just keeping you warm, boss!" You play along, for now. You release him. "I have to actually get some food, go by the medical ward for some medicine, and then I need to leave the facility to pick up some new clothes. Do you need anything?"

Revenant stares for a moment.

"I'll be here when you return, bring me something alcoholic though." He answers, studying your eyes.

"Yes sir!" You rush out the door.

• • • •

When you return in the evening, you find Revenant's chassis laying like a corpse on the bed, his headscarf back on his head. His eyes are glowing dimly, staring at the ceiling with little interest.

"Oh hey." You address him.

"Oh, hey." He addresses you back, but slower. He keeps his eyes on the ceiling.

"You okay? You got your scarf back." You acknowledge, hoping he will perk up.

"Yeah." He sounds... depressed?

You put the bag of medicine on his computer desk, along with your bag of new clothes. You walk over with the remaining bag, which has the largest bottles of rum, whisky, and vodka the store sells. It is heavy and expensive, so you carefully place it on the end table next to his bed.

"I got you a ton of alcohol. It was kinda expensive, I'll probably need to be paid back." You carefully request, unsure how he will react. He gives you a thumbs up before his arm collapses onto the bed again. "What happened while I was gone?"

"Nothing much, I just got my scarf back." He sighs.

"Well, how did you get it?"

He moans audibly.

"Fuse got Mirage and Caustic to help him. Apparently it was an absolute mess. Mirage had to make tons of fakes to play keep away with my scarf, and Caustic gassed Loba's room with... zinc chlorides...? Something like that. It set off the fire alarms, everyone had to evacuate--"

"You didn't evacuate, did you?"

"Absolutely not. Anyways, in the chaos my scarf somehow ended up with Artur and Bloodhound."

"Oh geeze, what happened then?"

"They cleaned it, brought it to me, and gave it to me folded up neatly."

"Oh. Well... that last part isn't so bad."

"They were kind." His eyes tightened with discomfort, "And they left me with this." He holds up a single crow feather, perfectly dainty and undamaged.

"Aw, Artur!" You chirped; Artur was the sweetest bird you have met, not that you have met many.

Revenant sat up suddenly, his eyes getting bright again.

"Why would they do that?" He studied the feather in his hands, like he is completely bewildered with the concept of kindness. "They didn't owe me anything." He puts the feather down in front of him on the bed, pulling his hands up to hold his scarf in his grip on the two sides of his head. "They don't owe me this."

"Are you alright? You seem to not want to accept that Bloodhound is a nice person." You wanted to feed him the answer inside the question.

He stays silent for a while, taking the feather and handing it to you.

"Artur said this was for you, specifically."

"Wait, what do you me--"

"It's Bloodhound. It's in their name." He sighs, as you recognize concern in his tone, "They know who you are, they know you're here, and they recognized your scent on me." He lays down on his back, exasperated. "I can't let more people know." You hold Artur's feather, twirling it in your fingers. "They can't know. I am not like this." He seems genuinely upset.

"You seem cold." You prompted.

"I am very cold." He responds, overanalyzing each word for their deeper meaning.

"Do you want to be warm?" You put the feather down next to the bag of alcohol.

He pauses to sit back up before answering.

"Yes, but I can never let any of them know that." He answers plainly, but seriously.

You sit down next to him and are quickly grabbed and enveloped in his cold body, pulling you deeper onto the bed and directly under him. He almost instantly rests his head on your shoulder. His breath slows to a relaxed pace, rattling a little in his chest. His vocalizer hums at a low purr, and he moves his hands to feel your pulse, one at your chest and one to your jugular. He presses in, studying your inherent tick.

The television is on in front of you, but you haven't noticed it until now. The commentators are going over the edits of the "Loba the Scalper" image they found on social media, having nothing more important to talk about before the upcoming trios match. Revenant sighs a bit in your ear, still clearly bothered by his very public execution. You wrap your arms behind you to hug his waist. He holds you tighter for a moment, clearly understanding your intent is to comfort him.

You begin to massage the leather and the mechanisms underneath, unsure of how he will react; but he almost instantly squeezes you again, endorsing your idea. As you work into his back, his eyes dim and his breath quickens and deepens at strange intervals, relating to each long, deep stroke you perform. He slowly but surely relaxes his grip on you, potentially not realizing it. His mask digs into your shoulder, possibly trying to stifle his abnormal breathing. You keep at it for a few minutes, revelling in how sensitive his chassis is. Simulacrums were truly amazing.

Revenant's body melts under your touch, his chassis making odd movements clearly out of pure enjoyment. He's completely warm now, actually turning a bit hot as his code runs trying to keep up with your inputs. You worry that perhaps his circuits are being stressed too hard, but he also seems to be enjoying it so much.

He suddenly seems to shut down. His eyes go black, his weight falls on your shoulders, and his arms dislocate and slump out of his shoulder armor. You struggle to hold up his weight, his torso must be nearly two hundred pounds alone. No wonder he needs pistons to hold it up with his skinny waist.

He roars back to life, literally growling like a beast. His hands open and stretch like talons, the tips sharpening into claws. His legs cross in front of you, and his arms cross in front of you, and they pull you up against him in a nearly-crushing manner. His talons press into your flesh where they land, causing you a minor amount of pain. More concerningly, his jaw pulls open and he immediately goes as if to bite you, pushing your neck into the void of his mouth. He doesn't bite down though. His eyes are needle-thin, and brightened to a nearly red color. You gasp for breath in complete shock.

"You're mine!-Mine!-Mine!" His vocals are skipping as his hoarse, aggressive voice practically screams. "You belong to me!" He falls silent for a few moments. His shoulders refit themselves into their sockets as he slowly relaxes and retracts his claws from you. His softer voice returns. "Mine..." he calmly finishes. His jaw removes itself from your neck and closes. "I'm sorry. Emotions load faster than logic. It's hard to control myself after a reboot."

You had been holding your breath, and finally exhale and inhale, feeling faint with fear and deoxygenated blood. You slump back in his grip, putting your hands on your diaphragm to steady your breathing. You let yourself completely melt onto the bed, allowing yourself to look up at his face, gazing down at you.

"So, that's how you really feel then?" You pant, still catching your breath.

"Only a bit." He tries to comfort you, taking your hands in his. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to scare you. Being a simulacrum is complicated. Even more complicated if you don't learn humanity while you're still human." He looks away, apparently not necessarily sure what he is missing in himself. "But I cannot deny there is truth in that emotion."

"It sounds like 'if I can't have you, nobody can' isn't off the table yet." You are slowly catching your breath.

"I would be very upset. I don't handle being upset well." His words are foreboding, but you're unsure if he is uncertain himself or trying to hide the truth. You want to sleep; you feel like you're going to have a heart attack. He squeezes your hands, noticing your weariness. "Sleep out here tonight."

You give him a weak thumbs up, fully expecting to just sleep right where you are. Revenant releases your hands, throws a blanket over you, and pulls you by your torso into a better sleeping position, up against a pillow. You throw out another thumbs up in approval. He snickers in response.

"I'm getting drunk. So sick of today. I'm going to create a scene so gruesome next game that everyone forgets about this little fiasco." He grumbles. You hear him cork something as you drift to sleep. "Have a good night, little skinsuit." Sleep was taking you rapidly.

"Thank you for the warmth." is the last thing you hear.

[violet-knox]

Third Wheel

Year 7 - Chapter 57

Summary: An unwanted guest joins your study session and Severus is less than enthusiastic about it.

Word count: 5422

A/N: I didn’t expect this update to come so late, I’m so rusty but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. I honestly cannot wait to get to the next part in this series and I wish I had the time to power through year 7. Good news is this is my last semester so once finals are over in a few months, my schedule should be a lot more predictable. 

Previous Chapter - Chapter 1 

(Y/H/C) = your hair colour

~

“Why would you invite him?” Severus couldn’t have reacted worse when you’d broken the news to him about the additional invitation you’d extended to a certain Ravenclaw without so much as consulting him first. Then again, what more would you expect from the person who’d been nagging you almost every day for alone time these past few weeks, claiming you were spending too much time out on the field and not enough time in his arms. 

“He said he’d been struggling to keep up with Slughorn so I thought, what would be the harm if he joined us?” You looked up at him with the most apologetic eyes you could muster, realizing just how betrayed he must have felt when he’d heard mention from your own lips of another boy intruding on what was supposed to be your time alone as a couple. 

“Do you know how hard it was to regain Slughorn’s trust?” His voice rose, his hands dramatically flaring about in comparison to his usual collected self. 

“Severus-” You’d stopped him in the middle of the empty corridor at the agitated tone he gave you. It hadn’t even crossed your mind the trouble he had gone through securing the empty classroom from that walrus of a man. But Severus had brought it up yesterday as if it was no big deal, like it was as easy as flying a broom on a clear and still day. You’d never imagined the situation looking as bad as it did to him when you’d invited Connor, and the more Severus went on, the worse you felt for what you’d done. 

“I was looking forward to an entire day alone with you.” He looked down at you with a frown you thought you’d never in his life cause and it broke your heart to know a choice you made upset him to this degree, the annoyance hidden in his tone making you wish you had the heart to tell Connor to leave when you got to the potions classroom. 

“I’m sorry Sev. I should have been more considerate,” you said, taking a step towards him, your fingertips gently sweeping across his hairline, pushing those long black strands away from his face. You’d love more than anything to see that frown transform into that sweet smile he’d always give you right now. “Let me make it up to you later?”

You wrapped one arm around his neck, letting the other cup his jaw as your thumb swiped his cheek. Looking into your eyes, he saw them soften, matching that gentle smile that always had his heart racing knowing, it was all for him. His own lips couldn’t help but curve to match yours as he melted into you.  

“I was hoping you’d say that,” he whispered, biting his bottom lip and eyeing yours with a mischievous look. 

“You tease!” You let out a crooked chuckle, lightly pushing both your hands on his chest, letting them rest there as he tightened his grip on your waist. Maybe he wasn’t as mad as you’d imagined after all. “What did you have in mind?”

The soft melody of your voice disappeared down the narrow hallway where he stood pressing himself closer to you, trapping you between his body and the wall. Severus let the corridor settle into complete silence, grasping onto your voice as it travelled away before responding. 

“We’ll, I wouldn’t mind waking up next to you again.” He teasingly nudged at your nose, whispering his desires to you, trusting you with his heart. He knew you’d understand, that you’d feel his desperate need for your presence weighing on his chest and eventually give him exactly what he wanted.

“That can certainly be arranged,” you whispered, pulling him closer, feeling the buckle under the jumper he wore press into your stomach. You gave him a little smirk, unable to keep your excitement down any longer. You had to tell him. There was no delaying this any longer. He deserved to know and besides, this little secret project you’d been trying to find the right time to share with him could very well help with his desperate need to spend every waking moment of the day with you. 

You nudged back at him and let out a small giggle as you both danced around the idea of a kiss neither of you would ever deny. You smiled, feeling the light brush of his breath against your lips. Weaving a hand through his hair, you tangled your fingers between his locks, gripping them tight as you held your place, millimeters away from his lips. 

Severus had no intention to give you that kiss he knew you craved, and he didn’t have to wait long before he felt your teeth grazing his bottom lip, your hands gripping him tight, pulling him flush against you. He grinned at your evident desire for him, taking a few steps forward, pressing your back against the concrete wall. You arched your back as the cold stones nipped against the thin fabric of your top, threatening to steal the heat building between you and Severus. 

You’d barely been together a year and he already knew how to take your breath away, teasing you, pushing you into his arms as you always seemed to find your heart begging for his touch. Finally, you gave in and pressed your lips against his, soft, loving moments passing by as you cherished every bit of his taste. Moans flowed through his throat like a melody the instant your lips met, satisfied by your show of defeat.

He parted the kiss just when your eagerness began to show as you dug your fingers deeper into his hair, your tongue swiping his bottom lip. You almost cursed when your excitement was cut short by his need to push your desire for him further. Well, if that’s how he wanted to play, then so be it.

“Meet me in the Astronomy Tower after dinner today?” You bit your bottom lip, batting your eyes ever so subtly as you teased him, rocking your hips and wrapped your arms tightly around his neck.

“Or,” he said as he edged forward, sure to press his chest to yours. “We could forget about potions and head there now.”

You smiled in satisfaction when you saw that twinkle of desire in his eye, begging you for your touch. “Tempting, but you know how behind I am Sev.”

And it wasn’t a complete lie. You truly had fallen behind, and Severus had taken it upon himself to book time in the potions classroom to catch you up. It was such a sweet thing for him to do, something you knew he’d never do for anyone else.

“Fine,” he sighed in defeat, taking your hand and resumed your way towards the dungeons. 

This year had barely begun, and it had already proven to be a lot more of a challenge than you’d initially anticipated. The first game of the season was approaching rapidly, and you still had so much training to put your team through (though they would claim otherwise). Severus, of course, did his best to support you without letting go of the burning need to spend time with you. At times, you wondered whether or not he’d take offense to bringing up the possibility for him to join a club or to simply expand his social circle a little more so long as he kept away from those horrible Slytherins he used to hang around before you’d come along. 

You were grateful for the kind, passionate man he was growing to be, but you couldn’t help but think back to the years he’d spent wasting time dabbling in the Dark Arts with his horrendous ‘friends’. His life surely would have turned out much darker if he hadn’t abandoned them but that didn’t mean he couldn’t find other hobbies, other people to hang around. You shouldn’t be the only person in his life he felt comfortable around.

“Hey Connor,” you greeted your friend as you walked into the Potion’s classroom, the Ravenclaw boy already setting up his station, potions ingredients laid out, textbook on the table and cauldron set atop a burner.  

You placed your bag on the table, grabbed your textbook and flipped it open to the first page of the Amortentia chapter. Keeping a mental list in your head, you made your way over to the storeroom to retrieve the ingredients you’d need for your potion as Severus went to fetch you a cauldron. 

“(Y/N) says you’re a wiz in potions,” you heard Connor try to strike up a conversation with Severus and you smiled at the idea of your boyfriend interacting in a conversation that didn’t end with him demanding his converser to eat slugs. You only hoped he wouldn’t shut down the idea of speaking with Connor before putting in some effort.  

“Did she.” Severus couldn’t have sounded more agitated if he tried. 

“Yeah, which is impressive if you ask me. Potions as never my strong suite, too much technique and precision. I’ve always preferred much more straightforward classes like Charms.” Poor Connor had brushed right past Severus’ tone, continuing his attempt at a conversation and you knew you had to hurry before Severus' patience ran thin. You’d done your best to calm him before entering the classroom, but there was only so much you could do since it had been your choice in inviting Connor that had worn his patience in the first place.

“I’m sure,” and there it was, the pessimistic reply you knew was coming. “What potion are you brewing?”

Finally, you’d finished gathering all your ingredients, huddling them all in your arms as you quickly joined the boys, setting yourself between them with Connor sitting adjacent to you. 

“Sleeping Draught,” Connor said as he turned on the burner under his cauldron. You sat down beside Severus, finding your station all set up and ready to go for you as you placed your ingredients on the table, just in time to hear Severus sneer at the simplicity of the potion Connor was brewing. You didn’t have to ask, you knew what was running through his mind right now; pure judgment and some words to describe Connor you hoped he’d never say aloud. 

“What will you brew, (Y/N)?” Connor asked, eyeing the ingredients you’d brought as if trying to figure out the potion himself. Ravenclaws always seemed to have a knack for challenging themselves every which way they could and you really did admire that, but sometimes you wished they’d pick the right time for such things. Trying to challenge McGonagall’s knowledge of Animagus’ in the middle of class like that blond girl had in yesterday’s class for instance, really wasn’t a smart move. 

“Amortentia,” you said. “It’s one of the hardest potions to make but Severus seems to think he can help me brew it.”

“It’s not as difficult as Slughorn makes it sound,” Severus spoke lazily as he looked over the ingredients you’d brought over, disappointed to find you hadn’t taken note of the advice he’d given you in class last week. “(Y/N), I told you to start with rose water, it’ll speed up the seeping process.”

“Right,” you said, kicking yourself for forgetting such a vital thing when he’d gone on and on about all the alterations he’d made to the potion, in an attempt to improve it in class. He’d always go out of his way to help you despite the dirty looks and the exchanged whisperings of ‘traitor’ comments he’d get from his own house and here you were showing less than no appreciation for it. “I’m sorry Sev, I forgot.”

“It’s fine,” he said irritably. “But maybe start taking notes in your textbook to make it easier like I’ve been telling you to do.”

Severus pulled out a quill from his bag and handed it to you before making his way to the storeroom to fetch the ingredient you’d missed. Smiling to yourself, realizing how much he’d truly tried to help you with your studies, you pulled out your inkwell and scribbled down ‘Rose water’ next to the list of ingredients.

Taking on the position of Quidditch Captain this year had taken quite a lot of work, and you just couldn’t help your mind wander during class to the various plays you’d been trying to work out the last few weeks. You’d been relying too heavy on Severus lately to take notes for you, and it wasn’t fair to him. You had to do better and start paying better attention in class. If you had, perhaps you would be spending your time snogging in the Astronomy Tower right now instead of reading this damn chapter and brewing this stupid potion all over again. 

Severus returned shortly after, swiftly taking his seat beside you and handing you the rose water. You thanked him with a gentle please forgive me smile before pouring in the rose water and turning on the burner beneath your cauldron. Making sure this time to jot down every alteration Severus suggested, you did your best to keep your mind off of Quidditch and make the most of your time with him while trying to catch up on your work. 

It wasn’t easy to get over the look of irritation Severus gave you every time Connor spoke, but the simple touch of your fingers rubbing gentle circles on his knee under the table was enough to keep him calm and push through the evening with minimal protest. And sure, he was glad you were taking notes and paying so much attention, but couldn’t you just write a little faster and speed this along? There was just so much time left in the day and if he wasn’t going to play one-on-one tutor with you tonight then the least you could do was finish your potion early and grant him some time with you before dinner. Holding on to the thought of your promise to meet him in the Astronomy Tower tonight is all he could looking forward to, convincing himself it would be worth the torture he was being put through now.  

“What the hell are you doing!?” Severus’ attention had snapped to Connor and you both froze at his sudden outburst. The air grew stiff and time suddenly passed five times slower than usual as you looked Severus wide eyed. 

“... Adding some Standard Ingredient,” Connor said slowly as if speaking to a wary mother bear protecting her cub, hovering a fist full of the herbs over his brewing cauldron. You cautiously placed your hand on Severus’ leg, gently rubbing it, silently begging him to keep his cool and tone down his theatrics. 

“You should crush it first,” he said as if Connor had missed a vital step that could lead to nothing less of a catastrophe. The seriousness in Severus’ tone was all too adorable and you had to press your lips together to keep from smiling when you could see how mortified Connor was from the storm your Slytherin boyfriend caused. 

“But the book says-”

“The book’s wrong,” Severus interrupted Connor the second he mentioned the stupid textbook filled with nothing more than old outdated recipes written by Potion Masters too cowardice to experiment and advance in their field. “It’s much more beneficial if you crush it and release its essence, it’ll strengthen the potion and speed up the brewing process.”

“No kidding? Thanks.” You were pleasantly surprised at Connor’s acceptance of Severus’ advice without even batting an eye at his teaching method. “Got any other tips for Sleeping Draught?”

It would have been an understatement to say Severus was caught off guard by Connor’s attitude; a deer caught in headlights would have had a less shocked expression on its face. Severus felt his throat dry as he tried to compose himself. No one had ever taken his help with the smile and gratitude Connor showed right now when he snapped like that, not even you. Then again, any price would likely be worth paying for knowledge in a Ravenclaw’s eyes, even if it meant the needed tolerance to deal with his temper. 

Unlike his Slytherin peers, he’d always loved having Potions with the Gryffindors, giving Lily a reason to spend time with him and of course, this year he was beyond grateful for every class he shared with you. Not once had it crossed his mind that sharing Potions class with the Ravenclaws would have likely benefited him much more, giving him the opportunity to have an actual challenging, academic conversation with someone. Connor, of course, was probably the last Ravenclaw he would have approached but if he was able to converse with him over such a simple potion, he could only imagine the type of conversation he could have with a Ravenclaw that had the mental capacity to brew potions properly.

You sat there in complete silence, wondering if either of them would notice you gone if you just got up and left with how deep in conversation they were in. It was sweet to watch them bond and you thanked Merlin Severus was actually talking so passionately with someone other than you. He finally seemed to have opened up to the idea of befriending Connor and you couldn’t have been happier. 

“Seems like you’re almost done.” Your thoughts melted away as Connor’s voice snapped you back to reality. Looking down at your cauldron, you realized the colour of your concoction had cleared, telling you it was ready for the last ingredient.

Reaching for the jar of rose petals, you dropped seven of them in your cauldron one at a time, the rosy tone of each petal seeping into the potion, darkening it as it began to take effect. Naturally, your potion was near perfection, though what more would you expect with Severus holding your hand every step of the way. 

“Just turn down the heat and let it simmer for a while,” Severus pointed out to you, packing up his things as he turned to the clock, realizing that by the time you cleaned up, you’d both have to head to the Great Hall for dinner. At least he still had the Astronomy Tower to look forward to.  

“So, what do you smell?” Connor peered over your cauldron, taking a small whiff of your potion. You set aside your ladle and hovered a safe distance over the steaming cauldron, closing your eyes and taking in the sweet scents, trying to differentiate between them. 

“Old books... freshly cut grass... ash from a burnt fireplace… and… potion fumes.” Connor gave a small chuckle at the last scent you described, unaware it was in no way intended as a joke but was indeed what you smelled every night you cuddled with Severus after your Potions class. Severus smirked as you exchanged a quick look of passion. “What do you smell, Connor?”

You took a step back and gave Connor room to hover over the cauldron instead. “New books… leather… lavender… and … the smell of grass after rain,” he said, smiling as he stepped back. Perhaps it wasn’t such a great idea to inhale such a strong potion by the look on Connor’s face. It was like a drug you could never stop taking, the scent you smelled when you were close to Severus combined with the scent of the air around the Quidditch pitch in spring had to be the most majestically addicting thing you’d ever experienced.

“What about you Severus?” You spun around and asked, mostly curious to know if he’d smell your scent.

“Must you ask?” He rose a brow at you and brushed off your question as if the answer was written in the air in front of you. Giggling, you tucked your hair behind your ear, a light blush of pink appearing across your cheeks. The look he gave you was all you needed to see to know what he desired most; you.

Severus fought back a smile watching your face light up with obvious bliss. It was amazing how well you both had learned to communicate with one another like this, the trust and bond that had built between you. He’d never felt anything like it before, but it made him feel complete and he was ever so grateful for everything you were to him.  

“I’m going to see if I can snag some empty vials,” you said as you quickly hopped out of your seat, wandering away from them, worried Connor would catch onto the spark you’d accidentally ignited between you and Severus. It wasn’t that you wanted to hide your relationship from him, but the air between him and Severus had already been so dense since the day they’d met and you didn’t want Connor to assume that just because you were dating, didn’t mean you couldn’t all be friends. Besides, they were just starting to bond, there was no need to break the harmony that was forming between you three now when it had yet to settle.

Connor turned his attention back to his own potion as you left and Severus began eying his cauldron, noticing he was practically finished as well. Such a simple potion should have been easy for a sixth year to brew, in fact Severus was sure that given the chance, he could brew it with his eyes closed in less than a half hour. He pitied Connor really, what sort of Ravenclaw could possibly perform so poorly in Potions? Then again, not everyone had grown up with a Potion’s Mistress as a mother, learning potions at a young age in an attempt to tether themselves to the Wizarding World without a wand at hand. 

Throwing all distaste for the boy you’d decided to befriend aside, he walked over to him and began instructing him on the last steps of the potion, explaining the science behind Sleeping Draught when he was asked. You’d returned to find Connor in deep concentration as he followed the scribbles Severus had drawn out on his version of Advanced Potion Making. Quietly making your way back to your cauldron as to not disturb them, you simply observed Severus and the passion that emulated off him as he tutored Connor. 

It took everything in you not to burst out in glee at Severus finally opening himself to the possibility of spending time with Connor, but knowing he’d immediately lunge away if you’d shown even a slimmer of delight, you did what you could to retain yourself. Instead, you brought your attention back to your own cauldron, looking down at the potion that had suddenly appeared almost pitch black to you with a glimmering layer of emerald green covering the surface, giving it quite the alluring look. You filled up all three vials you’d snagged from the storeroom (no need for Slughorn to know that) and reluctantly wove your wand over the cauldron, vanishing the remainder of the potion. 

“Find any more of those vials (Y/N)?” Connor asked, turning off his own burner and setting his ladle down. You leaned over his cauldron to find a nearly perfect Sleeping Draught before your eyes went back to him. You were going to say no since the less vials that went missing, the less suspicious Slughorn would be, but such a potion could really come in handy. You couldn’t really tell whether it was the stress of your N.E.W.Ts class, the pressure that had grown on you as Quidditch Captain or the sorrow you felt at the thought that it would be your last year at Hogwarts, your future and Severus’ still so unclear but, you’d hardly slept over the last month, always waking in the middle of the night, unable to fall back asleep.

“Yeah,” you said, “There’s a tone in this wooden crate under the shelves on the left.”

“Thanks.” And with that, Connor set off towards the storeroom, leaving you and Severus a alone at last. Unable to hold in your excitement any longer, you turned to Severus, smiling as if you’d found out a happy little secret he was too embarrassed to speak of. 

“So, does this mean you’ll finally consider Connor a friend?” You whispered to him, smiling from ear to ear as you leaned in just a little closer.

“I have no bloody clue what you mean (Y/N).” Severus fell back into his usual defensive self, his hair falling over his face as it would when he felt the need to hide himself from the world. He hadn’t done that to you in quite a while and it just had you giggling at the situation. Who knew Severus Snape could be so easily flustered?

“Oh come on!” You took a step closer as you began teasing him. “You like him.”

“Shut up,” Severus immediately spit out, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks, regretting his words as soon as they left his lips. Wide eyed, he looked at you, praying you took no offense to his agitated tone, only to find that smirk on your face still resting there, silently badgering him.  

“Fine,” you said, putting on an overdramatic show of annoyance as you quickly turned your back to him and looked over your shoulder just to display your taunting smile. “I supposed I’ll just go to bed after dinner tonight.”

Severus grunted in discontent at the mention of you cancelling the only thing getting him through this treacherous evening, knowing fully well you didn’t mean it by the sarcasm in your tone. 

“So,” you said as you shook one of the vials filled with Amortentia in front of him. “What colour do you see?”

Severus smirked, quickly spinning around to take a peek at the storeroom, checking to see if Connor was still rummaging through the crates, looking for empty vials before gently pulling you into his arms by your waist. “(Y/H/C),” he whispered to you. “And gold.”

“Gold?” Your cheeks speckled pink as you smiled. Is that really the colour he associated with the thought of you? How royal. 

“Of course,” he said, letting his hands slip down to rest on your hips. His eyes flickered down to your lips as he slowly began to lean forward. He really didn’t get enough time with you. 

The rustling from the storeroom followed by the creek of the door Connor closed had Severus sliding his hands off of you. He ran his fingers through his hair as he walked past you, feeling his frustration rise to a level he himself was unaware he could reach. If only he could apparate you both away right now or reach for his wand and scare off the intruder. But even if he had either ability, he knew how disappointed in him you’d be. Besides, the nosey Ravenclaw didn’t seem so bad after all. At least he had half a mind compared to those Gryffindor’s you hung around. 

You let out a gentle sigh as you pressed your lips together, your eyes following Severus as he made his way around you until he’d disappeared behind you. Turning your attention back to where you’d seen Connor approaching, you found yourself face to face with him, holding up three of his own vials.

“That man needs to organize that room better,” he said as he stepped towards his cauldron and began filling up the vials one at a time. 

You chuckled in agreement, but your mind had strayed, and it was too late now to snap back to thoughts about something as bane as potion. There was really only one thing to do now; pack up as quickly as you could, say goodbye to Connor and find a dark corner alone somewhere to enjoy the remaining fifteen minutes you had left before dinner. Looking over at Severus as you made your way back to your own belongings, you saw him zipping up his own bag, obviously with the same thought you had running through his head. 

“Here you go Connor,” you said as you passed a vial of Amortentia over to him, another to Severus and the third found its way safely in the inner pouch of your bag. “Careful with that, it’s very strong.”

“Of course. And here,” he passed you a vial of his own potion, handing one to Severus as well and like you, stuffed the third in his bag. You thanked Connor (on behalf of Severus as well as yourself) for the Sleeping Draught as he quickly wove his wand to vanish the remainder of his potion. 

“Well, we better head to the Great Hall,” you said as you sloppily put away your cauldron, grasping at every potion’s ingredient Severus hadn’t grabbed first. “It’s almost time for dinner.”

The speed you both were cleaning made Connor appear as if he was living in slow motion, just barely finished with closing up his bag as you both returned from the storeroom, grabbing your things and making your way out the door, you shouting a quick ‘see you’ to Connor (once again on behalf of you and Severus) as you left him in the potion’s classroom. 

“You don’t think that was rude of us, do you?” You whispered to Severus as you speed walked down the hall of the dungeon making your way towards the basement. “I feel a little guilty for running out on Connor like that.”

“No, no. It’s fine, I’m sure he didn’t pick up on anything.” Severus honestly couldn’t care less right now how Connor felt about their abrupt exit. All he cared about were the remaining eleven minutes till dinner he had full intention of using to his benefit, making you wish you’d never invited Connor to their late evening of studying potions together.

Once out of sight of roaming students, Severus quickly took your hand and pulled you into a nearby corridor, aware of the little time he had and immediately resumed the dance you were playing before your afterhours potions class. His lips connecting with yours, his hands found your wrists, pinning you against the wall, slowly sliding them to rest above your head. 

Always so needy and you absolutely loved feeling wanted in this way. He lived off your love for him and you’d felt the same way for a while now too. You moaned into his mouth, back arched, your chest pressing against his as you gently tugged your hands down, wanting nothing more than to feel him under your fingertips and that is exactly the reaction he was looking for. 

Tightening his grip around your wrists, he firmly held his place, quickly parting from your kiss leaving you completely unsatisfied only to leave the gentlest of kisses down your jaw and towards your neck. He didn’t bother loosening your tie and instead pressed his lips to the fabric of your collar, teasing you even further. 

“Severus,” you whined, your legs ever so slightly beginning to rub together as you desperately tried to free yourself and take from him what he so evidently was denying you. But unfortunately for you, his resilience and your weakness for his kisses kept you locked in place, having to slowly endure this torture he was putting you through. 

It wasn’t long before you found yourself whimpering at the loss of contact when Severus exclaimed time was up, picking up his bag from off the floor, stepping back from you. Never had you felt so unhinged with him before and because you knew him so well, you were sure his actions were a result of the invitation you’d extended to Connor to apparently ‘ruin your evening’. 

“So, shall I see you in the Astronomy Tower after supper?” Severus asked with a grin, his tone giddy as if he’d just found out he’d come first in all his classes. You quickly picked up your bag and crossed your arms, showing him just how unhappy your denied request for his affection had made you. But of course, you couldn’t be mad at him for that and the smile that made its way to your lips gave that away. Spinning around on your heels, you huffed in annoyance, making a bit more of a show than you’d intended, and stormed away.

“Is that a yes?” he chuckled, shouting after you, content that his point had come across much stronger than initially intended. Smiling to himself, he could only think of the events that would take place after dinner tonight as he jogged a few paces to catch up with you. 

Yup, that’s a yes.

~

Next Chapter

~

@dusk-realm @a-slytherin-sin @trashandshook @gbatesx @sneezy-s @emsdroid @leah-halliwell92 @dellightfullydeceitful @sparklingkeylimepie @nameless-sovereign @justanobodyinthisbigworld @soft-slytherin-sweetie @youtube4life10 @scarletmoon83 @fluffymadamina @sleepysnapesnake @retroillustrations

[dailyaudiobible]

12/19/2020 DAB Transcript

Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Revelation 10:1-11, Psalms 138:1-8, Proverbs 30:11-14

Today is the 19th day of December welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian and it's great to be here with you as we close another week down together and take the next step forward. And as has been the custom lately, like we’re reading a book a day and we’ll be doing that today. We’ll read an entire book in the Old Testament.

Introduction to the book of Zephaniah:

This is the ninth of the minor prophets and its name is Zephaniah. And it's similar to some of the other minor prophets in that we don't know much about who Zephaniah was. The only clues within the text is that the message from Zephaniah came when Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah. And then there's a little bit of lineage. Zephaniah was the son of Cushi the son of Gedaliah the son of Amaria the son of Hezekiah. And that little lineage may actually be a major clue because a lot of times in the Scriptures, a lot of times in antiquity, it's…it's not like an entire multiple generational description. A lot of times when you're talking about somebody or just saying, “this person who is the son of this man.” For example, my son's name is Ezekiel and if he were introducing himself, he’s a little guy so he wouldn’t be doing that, but if he were…he’d be…in antiquity he’d be saying, “I'm Ezekiel bar Brian”, right? The son of Brian. He wouldn't necessarily continue that lineage back to his great-great-grandfather unless his great-great-grandfather were significant. And in this case, it's possible that Zephaniah was a descendent of the reforming king Hezekiah, which would explain how Zephaniah was aware of his surroundings and literate and also why, perhaps is prophetic utterances would be preserved. Obviously, credibility comes if you're an ancestor of a king. The name Zephaniah means “God has hidden.” And the text states that the message was given during the reign of Josiah. So, that would put him somewhere in the middle of the 600s B.C., or thereabouts, which would make him contemporary with other prophets that are famous and biblical like Jeremiah. A lot of textual scholars believe that Zephaniah had to be familiar with at least the writings of the prophet Isaiah because there's a similarity in the language and the tone. And we have read a number…like we’ve been reading prophecies for months now. And, so, we understand that a lot of times and most of the time prophecies are targeted very specific to a very specific people for very specific reasons. Zephaniah’s a little different there, because he's…he's essentially prophesying judgment on the whole known world, including Judah, including the Hebrew people. And, so, we come across a term that we have seen elsewhere, “the day of the Lord.” and that is the theme in Zephaniah. And, of course, we’re reading the book of Revelation as well. So, this “day of the Lord” this kind of final judgment sort of idea is ever present in front of us as we continue forward. But we should understand what God wants…wanted and wants to get rid of because it's not people that He wants to destroy. It’s evil that He wants to destroy. And when people want to hold on to their evil…well…then they get what they want. They get to hold onto their evil, but God gets what He wants, and the evil gets eradicated. And, so, the people doom themselves. But as we have learned from biblical prophecy, there is a foretelling of things that…that are to come or that may come if change doesn't occur, if repentance doesn't happen. But then there's the other side of that. What if…what if you do humble yourself? What if you do return to God? And then we hear words of abundant restoration. And Zephaniah is no different. And, so, there are three chapters in Zephaniah. We’re reading from the Good News Translation this week. Zephaniah one through three.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word. We thank You for another week. We are so grateful to You for giving us the gift of Your word, and giving us the gift of each other to move through a year of life together in Your word and community. We are grateful. And, so, as we close down this week we look to the proverb and we identify the kind of people that we don't want to be. There may be people who curse their Fathers and do not show appreciation for their mothers, may that not be said of us, Lord. There are people who think they are pure when they are as filthy as they can be. May that not be said of us Lord. There are people who think they are so good. How good they think they are. Lord our only goodness, and we declare this and confess it, the only good thing about us is You. You make us good. If we are good, it is because of You. Left to our own devices we know…we know where things go. And, so, may the pride and arrogance spoken of here never be said of us. And there are people who take cruel advantage of the poor and needy, even making a living by taking advantage of the poor and needy. Father the Scriptures over…You have said over and over and over that this has no place in Your kingdom. So, may this never be said of us. And as we close this week down and prepare to move into the next week, Christmas week, we invite Your Holy Spirit to hover and permeate everything that we do and say and think, all of our thoughts, words and deeds. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is home base, and yup, it’s the website, and yup, it’s where you find what's going on around here.

And it's Christmas time around here. And we’re about to go through this weekend and enter Christmas week. Super excited about that.

Next week will be our Christmas party, our annual Christmas...well…it is our virtual Christmas party when we get to hear from each other. Looking forward to that early next week.

Reminding you of the Family Christmas album that is really the soundtrack here around the Global Campfire for the holiday season. You can stream it. Just look for my name, Brian Hardin or Family Christmas and my name and you’ll find it. You can stream it on Spotify, or Apple music or wherever. You can…you can buy it from those places as well. If you want a physical copy, like a physical CD of it, you can get that from the Daily Audio Bible Shop. But adding that into the mix of the Christmas season is…well…I mean it was intended to be kind…just to create the kind of atmosphere that we try to create here every day - serenity, peace, hope, and a relaxing exhale. And, so, check out Family Christmas.

Also, we released last week a Christmas single from Jill my wife, “O Holy Night”, one of the classic Christmas carols of all time. And I mentioned this, I don’t know, the day before yesterday or whatever, when you listen to the words to that song it brings so much context and hope into the holiday season. So, you can stream that at Spotify or Apple music or YouTube music or Google play or wherever. You can also buy it from those places. So, check those out.

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And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button in the app or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that's it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi DAB family this is Dorothy out in California with a small prayer request. I got 39 shot…Botox shots for migraines. And, you know how when you sign a waiver and you never think it’s going to happen? It happens. Aside from all the things that almost…I mean…a lot of the things on the list, the hardest one is that I lost muscle control around my eyes. I have a forehead of a 20-year-old, but I can’t use my eyes. It…it’s…I…it’s actually really hard. I can’t drive. I can only see 1 foot in front of me. Actually, a couple days ago I ate strawberries and anyway I ate slugs in my strawberries. I didn’t see em’. I washed them. I did a good job washing em’ but I didn’t see them. So it’s been…it’s been hard. God assured me before I, you know, before I lost control of both…but God assured me when this started it’s temporary. And I know Botox lasts one or two months but it’s gonna be one or two months of this. And the counter medicine isn’t working. Anyway, I have an appointment with a neurologist on Wednesday. But anyway… so if you could just please pray for me. It’s small, I know, but I love you guys so very very very very much and I love you all. Okay. Thank you. Bye. I appreciate…

Hey, it’s Val in Vegas today’s December 15th. I’m so happy to come to you guys today in the last 15th of the year. We made it guys. Through God’s grace we made it. How this year started for me is absolutely unbelievable, but the real joy and power’s in God’s love and grace for me…for all of us and how I’m finishing it. To say the 2020s has been an unusual and challenging year would be an understatement. I just want you guys to know that I am doing good. I know one thing that’s happened this year for me is I have developed a deeper closer relationship with the Lord, and it has been wonderful. I needed to be closer to him in this quarantine as it’s just me and my little dog that live together and the Lord has really shown up and showed out in my life this year. I just want to say thank you guys for all the prayers and well wishes and thoughts and just love. And please know that I am putting that right back into this DAB world. I absolutely love you guys and if you don’t mind, I’m gonna continue calling in on the 15th of every month. I’ve enjoyed being committed to that and sharing my life with you guys. I love you all so much. You have no idea. So, thank you for holding me up and for loving me and caring for me. Val in Vegas out until January 15, 2021.

Hi Daily Audio Bible family this is All the Treasures in Wyoming with an update. If you all remember months ago, I asked you guys to pray for sweet Emily who had almost lost her life and was in the ICU. She had thrown some blood clots, her kidneys had failed. I mean it was a really urgent prayer request and you guys came through and you prayed. And even more than that God came through and answered those prayers with a yes. And I got to see Emily yesterday and I got to give her a hug. And she said that she is…she sent me this text…she said that she is walking without a cane and that her brain injury is coming along slowly. She’s off dialysis for now because her kidneys are waking up. And then she said, this is all God’s plan. Maybe not mine, but I pray to him morning noon and night. And if you guys also remember we weren’t sure whether or not Emily knew Him, right? So, I just want to encourage you. When I went to see her and I gave her a hug I asked her, I said, Emily did you get the letter that was dropped off to you while you were in the ICU. And she said yes, I did. And she said I kept that letter with me. It was up where I could read it every single day in my ICU room. And when I went to the long term acute care rehab that letter went with me and it was also up in my room where I could read it every day. And it’s one of those things that reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that I could get through it. And in that letter, I reminded her…well…I share the gospel with her and told her who Jesus was but I also told her who you guys all were. I said there are people all over the world praying for you right now. And she said that that helped her get through. But I do know today that she knows the Lord and I just wanted to thank you guys again for praying. God bless you guys. And to God be all the glory

Eyes of the Dove in Sekomane Washington lifting up prayers this morning 5 AM heading to work for Harold in St. Louis and your son. And I heard another father call in and broken for your son. And my goodness it was like a chain reaction. It made me feel broken too. I instantly thought of Brayden and Rylan my children remembering when they were born and their perfect body’s and their perfect little toes, counting their totes. And as you get the report about his foot, every piece, every part of your precious son is so important. Father, I just lift up Harold and his son. Father, I ask that blood would flow. Father that his body would be…would line up in the name of Jesus that that boy’s foot Father would be healed by Your blood. We call him healed Father. I ask for Your peace, Your peace that surpasses our understanding would be upon this family. And we just put on the full armor of God on Harold God as he goes through this…this hardship. There’s so many things going on this year that he’s having to process and now this. And this is no little thing. And we ask for protection of our children Lord Jesus in every way, their minds and their bodies, that nothing would be touched, nothing would be touched in Jesus’ name. Care about you Harold. Coming around you. You’re not alone.

[jungcupid-archive]

i dare you (to never let me go)

pairing: jungkook x jimin               jungkook x taehyung (subplot)

summary:  and after all that had passed, jungkook would always be pulled back to jimin. he didn’t know why, maybe it was fate (or maybe it was his 9-year-old daughter).

chapter: 2/?

a/n: this story (along with some others) is also available on ao3 (user: we_are_bulletproof)

+

5 YEARS LATER

    “Daddy, it’s almost my birthday, why can’t you just give it to me now?” Mina said, exasperated. She glared at her father as he got ready for work. Jungkook finished buttoning up his shirt and tucked it in from the back.

    “Sweetheart, you ask every year,” Jungkook said in his I’m-a-reasonable-parent-I-swear voice, “and I say no every year. You know the rules. No birthday, no letter.”

    He fiddled with his tie one last time and gave himself a once-over before picking up his briefcase and turning around. Mina stood on his mattress, arms folded across her chest in defiance.

    “You’re the worst,” Mina wrinkled her nose in distaste and let herself fall onto the bed, bouncing from the impact a couple of times before jumping onto the floor. Jungkook mentally mourned the loss of his perfectly made bed.

    “Oh, most definitely,” Jungkook said, nodding sagely and exiting his room with Mina in his wake. “But… would the worst take his daughter out to Cheesy Cheesecakes a whole day before her birthday? Probably not. There go my plans for tonight, I guess.”

    Mina’s slow trudge down the stairs suddenly came to a stop. Jungkook looked over his shoulder to find her pointing an accusatory finger at him, “That’s emotional blackmail.”

    Jungkook blew out a breath of disbelief and fixed his cuffs nonchalantly, “So is calling me, and I quote, ‘the worst’, just so you can guilt me into giving you your letter early. Do you really think I can be bought that easily?”

    Mina paused for a moment while Jungkook flicked his eyes to the clock to make sure he wasn’t running late. She slowly followed him to the kitchen and climbed up the counter to sit on it.

    “Father dear,” she started, batting her eyelashes innocently, “you know I didn’t really mean that.”

    Jungkook snorted while rinsing his apple and then took a bite, barely stopping himself from cursing when some of the juice squirted onto his shirt.

    “Anyways,” Jungkook waved the apple around Mina for emphasis, “Since you’re not up for it, might as well take my other daughter.”

    Mina’s eyebrows narrowed in suspicion, “You don’t have another daughter.” Jungkook tutted while shaking his head and took another large bite of the apple.

    “Oh, but I do. Her name is Jimin and she has pretty brown eyes and she would never, ever think of opening up her birthday presents a day early.”

    “My name is Jimin!”

    “I thought your name was Mina?” Jungkook scratched his head, pretending to be confused and threw his apple core out. Mina hopped off the counter (almost making Jungkook scream because that’s a high drop) and sighed, loud and dramatic.

    “Daddy, do we really have to go over this again? You always called me Min or Min-ah or Minnie or something that wasn’t Jimin so I told you to just call me Mina, which is a prettier name than Jimin anyways!”

    Jungkook’s eyes softened and he smiled, “Okay, okay, I get it. I’ll take you after I get home, deal?”

    Mina grinned triumphantly and she practically pushed Jungkook out the door, “Deal! Hurry up and go to work so that you can come home!”

    “Alright. Hey, SLUG K!” Jungkook barely managed to remind Mina before she shut the door. He heard a muffled “SLUG K!” from inside and, once he’d heard Mina turn the lock, Jungkook left.

    This whole single parent thing, it wasn’t easy. Especially when he had to leave Mina alone at home. Granted, it was usually only for a few minutes before his Mom arrived and took care of her until she left to go to school, but still, a guy worried. SLUG K had originated from Stay Locked Until Grandma Knocks, just a way for to remind Mina to stay safe.

    Sometimes, he wished Mina would just stay in bed like a normal kid until she was woken up to get ready for school, but then his mornings wouldn’t be so entertaining. Besides, she’d told him that she liked watching him get ready and pretending to be his assistant. He’d had a good laugh at that.

    “Assistant?” He’d told her, “Please, you’re going to be the Boss.”

    It seemed like just yesterday Mina was crawling on the floor towards him, and now here she was, dancer extraordinaire in the 3rd grade, already making him so proud at such a young age and – no, he was not  going to cry on the bus.

    “…so I told you to just call me Mina, which is a prettier name than Jimin anyways!”

    It had been Jungkook’s fault, the changing of names. After Taehyung passed, Jungkook couldn’t stop hearing his last request over and over again, constantly. He found it harder and harder to say his daughter’s name, and eventually when Mina was 6 years old, she’d asked him to just stop calling her that altogether (not that he did often).

    There hadn’t been a legal name change involved though, so Jungkook had grown accustomed to the many “your daughter calls herself something completely different than her legal name, is this normal and do we need to fix it” phone calls from her teachers. Those were always fun to answer. Yeah, because Jungkook just loved to be subtly told he wasn’t being a responsible parent.

    Jungkook got off at his stop and straightened his tie, clearing his head of any thoughts. Today, he’d have to be especially focused if he wanted to make it back in time to treat his daughter.

    God, the joys of being an architect.

-

    Mina sat on the swings and lazily kicked herself back and forth a couple of times before coming to a slow swing. Her Grandma, Hyejung, was sitting on a nearby park bench, looking up from her book every so often to ensure that Mina was alive and well. She watched as Mina waved to get her attention and nodded when her granddaughter pointed to one of the nearby structures and started walking there. It was a cute little thing, a small picnic table perfect for kids Mina’s age sheltered by a blue roof. There weren’t any walls, just 4 poles to keep it upright so Hyejung had no trouble looking in.

    Hyejung checked her phone for any texts from Jungkook and sighed when the saw the time. He was an hour late. Sometimes, she wondered if he needed to have the image of a clock imprinted onto his retina. He always ran late for the most important events. Hyejung put her phone down beside her and had just started chapter 4 of her book when she heard footsteps fast approaching. She snapped her book shut and swiveled her head towards the noise, rolling her eyes when she saw it was Jungkook. The boy was running towards her at full speed with what seemed to be a bouquet of roses and a box of some kind. She shook her head in disbelief and stood up, waiting until Jungkook had reached her.

    “Is… she… upset?” Jungkook asked between breaths, doubled over and breathing heavy. Hyejung slapped her son’s back, making him jump upright. “Mom!”

    “What do you think? Of course she’s upset. Go to her. Now.” Hyejung sat back down on the bench and observed Jungkook approach Mina cautiously, she let out a chuckle despite herself. Some things never changed.

    Mina was practically boring holes into the table with her intense gaze. Jungkook felt a chill run down his spine but he cleared the throat and put on a brave face, nonetheless. He started with the box of chocolates, rattling it in front of Mina’s nose only for her to turn her head the other way. Jungkook coughed uncomfortably and placed the box on the table, bringing out his bouquet of roses instead. Mina took one look and scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. Jungkook sighed heavily and threw the bouquet onto the table as well. He maneuvered himself into the little structure and tucked his long legs into the picnic table somehow.

    “So, I was a little late-”

    “A little?!”

    “Okay, I was an hour late,” Jungkook admitted sheepishly, “But only because I couldn’t leave!” Mr. Monkey didn’t let me go and when he did, I stopped to pick up all these gifts-”

    “None of which I vibed with, by the way.”

    Jungkook stifled a laugh despite himself. Teaching his daughter what “vibe” meant had been the only good parenting choice he’d ever made. He quickly composed his expression when Mina stared at him accusingly.

    “Okay but hear me out. I got you something really special!” Jungkook fished for something inside of his blazer and pulled out a black snapback with MINA printed on top in bright, neon yellow letters. “You vibe with this, right?”

    Mina tried staying grumpy, but Jungkook could tell from the shine in her eyes that she was about to burst from excitement. He slowly waved the snapback in front of her face, chanting her name until she finally broke out into a smile and grabbed it, shoving it onto her head.

    “You’re forgiven! Mr. Monkey should get fired!” Jungkook grinned and pulled the snapback down over Mina’s eyes, delighted to find that it fit perfectly.

    Mr. Monkey was Jungkook’s boss. Or, the unfortunate name Mina had given him when Jungkook had brought her in to his firm once for take-your-kid-to-work day. She’d heard him singing as they passed by his office and had asked with her innocent 6-year-old face if monkeys were allowed to be kept inside the building. Jungkook had pulled Mina away as quickly as possible, trying not to collapse from holding in his laughter.

    Mina was rambling about how she couldn’t believe Jungkook had gotten her the hat and how she’d been asking for ages and I can finally twin with my friends in hip-hop class! until Jungkook interrupted her with a laugh.

    “Alright, alright, not that I heard a thank you  or anything-” this prompted Mina to lean over and peck Jungkook’s cheek in thanks, “-but you’re welcome. Now get up, little Jeon. Cheesy Cheesecakes awaits!”

    Jungkook somehow got out of the picnic table without losing any limbs and was busy dusting himself off when he heard a soft, “Little Jeon-Kim” from behind him. Jungkook did a mental face-palm and chastised himself for being so stupid. He squatted down to look at Mina, who was still sitting on the bench, a lot more somber than before.

    “Of course, baby,” Jungkook said softly, pulling her closer to him to give her a kiss on her forehead. “How could I ever forget? You’re just as much Kim as you are Jeon.” He stood up and took Mina’s hand in his own.

    “Come on, Grandma’s waiting.”

    Jungkook felt awful, to say the least. It was one day before her birthday, one day before the letter. Of course she’d be feeling a little more sentimental, of course she didn’t want to hear her dad practically claim that, for a moment, he’d forgotten about his husband. Stupid, stupid, Jungkook. It had just slipped out, but that didn’t excuse the reaction it had incited.

    Feels strange to get used to being without you, Taehyung, he thought, who would’ve thought I was capable of that?

    Mina seemed to have lost some of the spring in her step and when they reached Hyejung, she surprised him by saying, “Let’s go home. I don’t feel like going to Cheesy Cheesecakes.”

    Something withered even further inside of Jungkook. Hyejung frowned, “Mina, you’ve been looking forward to this all day.”

    “Mom, it’s fine. We’ll go tomorrow, okay?” Jungkook swiped at her nose affectionately and relaxed when she giggled. Hyejung nodded and relieved Jungkook of the chocolate and flowers.

    “I’ll just assume my lovely son has not completely forgotten me and decided to buy me these out of the blue,” Hyejung looked pointedly at Jungkook, to which he just shrugged and replied, “Hey, whatever helps you sleep at night.”

    Jungkook stepped out of the way when his mother tried swatting him with the flowers, an impish grin on his face.

    “You’re lucky you’re cute, Jeon Jungkook,” Hyejung warned, looking extremely non-threatening with her glasses slipping down her nose.

    “No, he’s lucky I’m cute,” Mina chimed in happily, shrieking when Jungkook went in to tickle her. Hyejung smiled and bid them both goodbye, promising to be at their place early tomorrow for Mina’s birthday. Jungkook waited until she was out of his line of sight to lift Mina up onto the bench and offer his back to her.

    “Daddy’s Back, now open for service,” Jungkook stated professionally. Mina hopped on and pinched Jungkook’s cheeks with her fingers. “As always, navigation will be operated by the pulling of the cheek. Keep your arms and legs on the ride at all times and enjoy!”

    Mina yelled with glee as Jungkook started jogging towards their house which, fortunately for Jungkook’s legs, wasn’t too far.

-

    “Okay, teeth?”

    Mina clicked her teeth together as she showed Jungkook.

    “A little small, but clean,” Jungkook said, poking Mina in the belly. She poked him back and handed him her toothbrush, sitting on the toilet lid while staring at her feet.

    “Daddy, I want to paint my nails. Can I practice on you first so that I can do it on myself later?” Mina wriggled her toes, looking at them as if they were the most interesting things in the world. Jungkook propped Mina’s toothbrush in its holder and wiped the counter carefully so that no water remained.

    “Sure,” he replied, tapping her head to signal he was about to turn the lights off. She walked out of the washroom and leaned against the wall. “Although, if you want, I can just paint them for you.”

    Mina slipped her hand into Jungkook’s as he closed the door and headed to her room, “You know how to paint nails? But you’re a boy!”

    “So I can’t have nice nails?” Jungkook put a hand to his chest dramatically, “I’m truly hurt, Ms. Mina.”

    The pair of them entered Mina’s room and Jungkook immediately sank into the large beanbag chair, flipping the desk lamp on as Mina climbed into his lap. It was routine at this point, reading to her every night before bed. But tonight, she stopped Jungkook before he could reach for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and just lay her head on his chest instead. Before Jungkook could ask if she wanted to read something else (like Naruto, which he’d been wanting to re-read for a while now), she spoke.

    “Was it because of Daddy?” Mina asked, voice still exuding energy. Jungkook stroked her hair, thinking back to another time. Another Jimin. No, it hadn’t been Taehyung who taught him how to paint his nails.

    “A friend taught me, a long time ago. Your Daddy refused to let me paint his nails, something about having to work in a lab and blah blah blah.”

    Mina looked up at Jungkook and rolled her eyes, “You always talk about him as if he was the worst.”

    “Oh, he definitely was,” Jungkook stated factually, “hair too soft, eyes too kind, brain too hard-wired for logic, heart too big, He didn’t want any tattoos or piercings, and he could never figure out the meanings behind my paintings. He was definitely the worst. I mean, can you believe I married a Chemistry professor?”

    “What’s a Keh-miss-tree? It doesn’t make any sense for it to be a type of tree… is it a school thing?”

    Jungkook held Mina’s head as he let out a soft light so as not to jostle it. “You’re right, it’s not a tree, sweetheart. C-h-e-m-i-s-t-r-y. It’s a branch – no, that’s misleading – a part of Science that you’ll learn more about in High School. In fact, Tae tutored me quite often in Chemistry during my first year of University. He was just 2 years older than me but he was nearly done his Master’s degree. This is going to make me look so inferior but, when we graduated from University, Taehyung had his PhD and I only had my Bachelor’s. He was a smart kid. Like I said, the worst.”

    “I like it when you talk about him,” Mina said in a small voice. Her breathing was growing steadier and Jungkook could see that she’d closed her eyes. “Sometimes I miss him even though I only have some fuzzy memories of him. He was the one who picked me, right? When I was adopted?” Jungkook hummed in affirmation.

    “He’d love to see me now,” Mina mumbled into Jungkook’s shirt.

    Oh, he would. Mina had grown into such a wonderful little girl. He was only 29, and yet he had so much to be thankful for already. Occasionally, he’d curse the universe for taking away one of the biggest sources of happiness in his life, but he knew that he’d lucked out in the end. It was hard watching Mina take so many firsts without Taehyung around to celebrate with. Mina’s first steps had been witnessed by Taehyung, but not her first dance performance, or the first time she won an award at school, or the first time she brought home a Father’s Day card.

    But Jungkook had been there, and for Mina, thankfully, it was enough.

    Jungkook carefully reached for a blanket and threw it over the two of them, not confident enough to put Mina in bed without waking her up.

    His mom called him sometimes, telling him how Mina would benefit from a second parent. Maybe a woman, this time. How their family could feel a lot more whole that way. But it was all half-hearted, because Hyejung knew Jungkook could never want that. Not a completely new relationship, not now. Besides, he’d always told her, Mina did have the presence of Taehyung in her life, in a way that even Jungkook didn’t.

    Mina had Taehyung’s letters.

+

[hey-hey-chan]

High School!Jeongin

Finally I get to write something for Jeongin omg. 

“You should totally do it.” I glared at the boy.

“No. No way.” I stated clearly throwing my lunch in my locker. The other boy laughed.

“Why?? You love to sing?” I shut my eyes.

“Dude, I really don’t so I would appreciate it if you just leave me alone, Seungmin.” The boy was the star soloist in our choir, I hated him for it. He sang every where: in school, on the streets, at restaurants, in my house, everywhere. 

“Hmmm well, y/n is in there.” My ears perked up at the name, but I shrugged it off. 

“Who cares? I never liked her anyways.” I lied. 

Y/n was an annoying girl in my science class and for some odd reason, every single year, I was her science partner. It makes no sense, how could my 3 years of high school science be cursed by her?

“Ok, whatever you say dude, see you in choir.” 

“I’m not-” Before I could say anything, the boy disappeared into the crowd of high schoolers. I sighed.

I adjusted my tie and slugged my backpack over my shoulder. Alone at last-

“Hey Jeongin!” I heard a shriek. I visibly flinched, but politely turned to the girl. 

“Hi y/n.” She pulled her hair behind her shoulder and toyed with it, a habit she had. 

It was quite obvious the girl had a crush on me. Everyone told me and I also figured it out myself, but it was so hard when she was so annoying and bothersome. She doesn’t ever leave me alone. But obviously, I’m not going to tell her to get lost so I just deal with it as quickly as possible. 

“Um, so Seungmin told me you were joining choir, is that true?” I sighed, feeling more irritated by the moment. 

“Uh, no, I don’t know why he said that. I don’t even sing.” The girl winced at my harsh tone. Honestly, I sort of wanted to make her feel uncomfortable so she would leave me alone. 

“Oh ok, just curious.” I shut my eyes and sighed. I knew why she was asking, I mean she is one of the best soloists in choir along with Seungmin. Honestly, those two should date instead. 

“I have to go to class now, so... yeah.” I didn’t say see you later because I hoped we didn’t. 

“Oh yeah! Of course! Have a good time!” She scurried away, making me feel sorry for the girl, only a tiny bit. 

“You’re harsh.” I jumped while walking into my math class. Felix was leaning against the wall with one brow raised. That guy was always weird. 

“What are you even talking about?” I sighed, laying out all my stuff on my desk. Felix plopped right next to me. “That isn’t-” He held up his hand for me to shut up. Seriously, what’s up with-

“Y/n.” 

“What about her?” What’s up with people and y/n today? 

“You’re harsh.” I shook my head, fed up with the boy. 

“How? She’s not even in this class!” I knew I was getting mad for no reason, but people were just talking in riddles today and I was confused by it all. 

Felix snorted and shrugged.

“Not even a see you later? Or a nice goodbye? What happened to Mr. Nice Boy?” I furrowed my brows. 

“How can I be a Mister and a boy?” Felix smacked me on my head. 

“Ow, what the hell?”

"Don’t sass me Mister Nice Boy!”

And this day only continued to get weirder and weirder. 

I walked to the dreadful class I hated the most, chemistry. I was lab partners with Y/n and I just wasn’t in the mood to deal with her today. 

“Hi Jeongin!” She exclaimed in a high pitch tone. I groaned internally.

“Hi Y/n.” Why doesn’t y/n like cold and mysterious boys like Hyunjin? Isn’t taht what every other girl likes?? 

“So how did you fair with the homework last night? You were struggling a bit in class yesterday.” She started, trying to make casual conversation but it was painfully obvious what she wanted to do. 

“It was ok, I guess.” I replied shortly. I didn’t want to give her too many details in case she wanted to suggest-

“I’ll tutor you if you need help!” She shouted. The whole class looked at us and I wanted to scream. Curious stares glanced our way and I wanted to fling myself out of the window. 

“Um, no it’s fine.” I said quickly. “It wasn’t bad at all.” 

That was a lie. I didn’t understand anything on the homework, it was like I was reading hieroglyphics or something. 

The girl calmed down and straightened out her clothes.

“Oh ok, just making sure. You know, just wanting to do a favor for a friend.” She added. Wow, you really aren’t my friend. 

Instead, I just smiled and thanked her. 

“Thanks y/n.” 

“And also if you ever wanted to join choir too-” I groaned, out loud this time. I was seriously fed up at people asking me to join the choir! Like is it even such a good class?

“Uh, no thanks. I don’t really sing.” I curtly said. She didn’t get a chance to respond until the teacher walked in. 

And never had I ever been happier to see the old geezer. 

Finally, the end of the day came, making me excited to lay my body down on a soft bed. 

“Jeongin!” I heard someone yell after me. I turned around, confusion writen all over my face.

“Seungmin-” The boy crashed into me before I finished my words. “What the-”

“Jeongin, you have to join choir now! Our best tenor just dropped the class! I mean, second to me of course, but we were the only two actually good tenors!” I rolled my eyes. I pushed him off of me and shook my head.

“I am not joining choir! So stop asking me, I can’t betray the robotics club like this.” Seungmin rolled his eyes. 

“Choir is a class, not a club, differences. Plus you do sing! Just please please please-” I covered my ears and groaned. 

“Shut up. You are not getting me to join! Especially since y/n is in the class, oh gosh, I would lose my mind so fast.” I blurted. “Seriously, I do not want any more extra classes with that girl.”

Seungmin suddenly detached himself from me, making me confused as to why the boy gave up so easily. 

“What, now what’s up-” I stopped speaking when I saw the familiar high ponytail and red shoes whip by me. 

“Uh oh.” Seungmin stated. I felt my world topple over when tears start dripping out from her eyes. I didn’t like y/n a lot, but I hated it when girls cried. More specifically, when I make girls cry.

“Hey, y/n wait-” I tried to grab after her, but she avoided my grasp.

“No, it’s fine. I’m sorry.” She squeaked out and then ran away from me. 

“Y/N!” I yelled once more, but she was long gone. 

Shit. Today is just not my day. 

“Well, good luck with that. Now is my cue to leave awkwardly.” 

Seungmin left me standing with my head in my hands, feeling like the most horrible person on this planet. 

The next day was weird. Science has never been more awkward than it is now. 

I saw y/n already sitting in her chair, legs crossed like they always were since our science room is exceptionally cold. 

Her hair was in a high ponytail as always and her red shoes were laced up tightly because she told me she hated when they untied themselves. 

But it’s not like I noticed every little thing about her or anything. 

I awkwardly took a seat next to her, making much noise so she would look my way.

She didn’t. 

“Uh, hi y/n.” At those words, she finally spared a glance at me.

“You know what Yang Jeongin?” I gulped. Uh oh. 

“Um I-”

“I was really upset yesterday when you said those things about me, but I’m over it now. I realized that you were always nice to me to be good to your reputation, you really don’t care what I feel.” 

My eyes widened in shock at her words.

“No, y/n, I am truly sorry about what I said and-” She held her hand up, similar to what Seungmin does.

“Save your bullshit. I’m tired of playing these games with you.” 

And then the old geezer entered the room again, and this time, I was upset to see him. 

Y/n left class quickly, fast enough for me to not be able to talk to her. 

“Wow, you’re an asshole.” I felt someone hit my shoulder and I saw Felix brush by me. I rolled my eyes at the boy, not taking his words to heart. Even though, I still felt upset when he said them. 

The day went by like a blur and soon I was being dragged somewhere by Seungmin.

“Where are we going dude, I’m not in the mood today.” The tall boy laughed at me.

“Oh wow, and I really care about how you feel Jeongin.” I groaned, but stopped once we hit our destination. No, no, no-

“No, no, no.” I flailed, but the boy held me firmly in place. “Seungmin-”

“Nope nope, you are doing this.” He shoved my in a chair, making me topple over.

“Oop-”

“Here.” He tossed a bunch of sheet music at me. “Read from measure 25, that’s where the solo is.” I got up off the ground, feeling beat up already.

“Solo? What-”

“Just sing!” I scoffed, not intimidated by the boy at all. 

“Seungmin, I’m not doing this! I really don’t sing, I’m not good nor do Iike to do it. So stop trying!” I yelled. 

I was really tired of people pulling me in every direction, but more specifically, I was tired of people forcing me to do something I didn’t want to do. 

I hated my singing, it paled in comparison to Seungmin’s. I used to be in choir when I was in middle school, but I was always made fun of for being the voice that stuck out, and sticking out in a choir is never good. 

I knew I sounded childish to Seungmin, but I didn’t care. 

“Jeongin, I know that you have some bad experiences-” I threw his hand off from my back. 

“Just leave. Whatever.” My tone oozed self-absorbed teen, but I didn’t care at this point. 

Seungmin scoffed and threw his blazer over his shoulder.

“Fine, talk to me once you start growing up.” He stormed out of the room, and somehow I lost the two people who annoyed me the most: Y/n and Seungmin. 

I groaned, sinking my in chair.

Why is high school so complicated? Why can’t everyone just listen to me and not encourage me to do things that I want to do-

Wait, what to do? I don’t want to do this, no, no.

“UGGGH.” I exhaled loudly. Did I just admit mentally that I wanted to do this? 

Then, I looked around, peering closely to see if there was anyone nearby. No one. 

I quickly picked up the sheet of music. I let out the first note which sounded shaky since I was trying to find my pitch.

“That’s do, so this note is mi, then this is la.” I soon solfeged the whole piece and then sang the solo clearly and confidently. 

“Finally, I got it-”

“Wow, it doesn’t seem like you can’t sing.” I jumped up, throwing the papers to my side. 

Once I jumped up, I saw the girl who was trying to avoid me all day. 

“Oh so now you’re talking to me?” I snapped.

 I was still upset at the fight Seungmin and I had, so I was going to say really crappy things today. She smiled at me, adjusting her ponytail.

“You’re in the choir room. I lead all the sections when our teacher isn’t here.” I felt a blush spread upon my face. 

“Oh.” I said lamely. The heat still spilled across my cheeks. Stop, why am I even blushing? 

The girl walked closer to me and suddenly I felt shy when she came closer to me. I gulped, not knowing what she was going to do. 

Then, she walked right by me and picked up her guitar. I felt even more embarrassed at myself when she did so.

She turned towards me, whipping her ponytail in her face. 

“Well, first of all, kids not in choir are not supposed to be in here. So I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” I nodded, feeling even more embarrassed. 

“I-I’m sorry.” I picked up the music and was about to leave until I plucked up my courage to say something else.

“Uh hey, by the way, I’m-” She laughed, holding up my hands.

“Don’t, I’m fine. This experience made me realize how much of an idiot I was acting like for 3 years.” I fiddled with my tie, the room suddenly feeling a lot hotter.

“Um, still I’m really sorry.” God, I was lame at apologies. Is that why I’ve never had a girlfriend?

“Ok cool, well, if you ever want to be welcomed into this room again, we’ll be happy to let you in.” Her nonchalant words made me pause, rethinking my previous decision.

“Um, about that, I was thinking... Can I still be in choir?” She froze with her guitar still in hand and whipped her head at me.

“Seriously? Even with me in it?” I felt bad, but for some reason I laughed.

“Hey, I was just really upset that day, I don’t really hate you.” She set down her guitar and walked towards me.

“I mean, I guess we need a new tenor. You’re in.” She stated. A smile of relief flew on my face. 

“Thanks y/n and I’m still-” She laughed, holding up a hand.

“Save it, I don’t want to hear it. Just make up for it by joining choir, yea?” I nodded and I turned to walk out of the door until I realized something.

“Also...” She lifted her gaze up at me.

“Yeah?”

“Can you also tutor me in chemistry? I’m failing.” 

[lirlovesfic]

The Choice

A Doctor Who fanfic

Summary: After GitF, the TARDIS brings the Doctor, Rose, and Mickey back to the estate to solve a problem involving the TARDIS herself. But when they see a familiar face, the face of someone who should not exist, they realize the problem is deeper than they thought and could endanger the Doctor’s very existence. Primary characters: Ninth Doctor, Tenth Doctor, Rose Tyler, Mickey Smith, Jackie Tyler. Genres: Romance, mystery, adventure, drama, character study, HN AU, fobbed!Nine, sick TARDIS. Pairings: Nine/Rose, Ten/Rose Rating: Adult

Warning: none for this chaper

a/n: I am currently working on editing this chapter-by-chapter, with the hopes of completing a chapter a day until I catch up with myself. As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m doing it to try to get back into the swing of writing and to build some momentum in order to finish this. Also, there have been some tiny things nagging at me for a while (grammar, punctuation, etc.) so I’ll be correcting as many of them as I can find as I go. The story will not change. In fact, most of the changes are going to be so minor that I doubt anyone (besides myself) will notice. But to keep myself on target, I’ll be posting it all here as I go, with links to the other websites it’s on. I hope you enjoy it.

Catch up: on AO3, on TSP, on ffnet

This chapter: on AO3, on TSP, on ffnet

Chapter Eighteen—London, 15 July 2007

Rose stared unseeing out the window of the bus at the drizzle of rain that had begun to fall. With nothing else to occupy her mind on the trip home, her thoughts returned to the events of the past few weeks. Her memories flitted from one to another, seemingly with no rhyme or reason.

Arriving back on the Powell Estate. Seeing her first Doctor again, only for him not to remember her. Or anything else. And be human to boot.

Her second Doctor, leaving both her and Mickey on the spaceship right after he said he'd never leave her.

Feeling lied to.

Trying to calm Mickey, despite how terrified she'd been herself.

Meeting Reinette, and for the first time in a long time feeling inadequate.

The TARDIS being sick.

Seeing that piece of shit Jimmy Stone again.

Her second Doctor leaving her here and taking off with Mickey.

Working. At a real job, not just as a lunch lady or a waitress during an adventure.

Seeing her first Doctor again.

Worrying about her second Doctor and Mickey, as they tried to find out what was wrong with the TARDIS. And him.

Not being able to reach the Doctor on her mobile.

The TARDIS being sick.

Missing her second Doctor.

Seeing her first Doctor again, after being sure she'd never see him again.

Holding his hand.

Having a cuddle.

Kissing him.

Oh Lord, kissing him…

Lost in her thoughts, Rose almost missed her stop. When she realized where they were, she jumped up and rushed down the aisle. As she descended the stairs, someone was already getting on. They crashed into one other.

"Oh my God. Rose?"

Rose stared at the short, dark-haired girl in front of her.

"Shareen?"

Shareen pulled her into a tight hug. Then she pushed her away and slugged her in the arm.

"Ow," Rose complained.

"That was for not telling me you were back!" Shareen said.

"Oi! Are you two coming or going?" the bus driver asked.

"Coming," Shareen said firmly. She flashed her travel card at the driver and then pulled Rose towards the back of the bus.

She sat down on an empty seat and yanked Rose down to sit next to her. "Why didn't you tell me you were back?" she demanded.

"Sorry," Rose said sheepishly. "But I haven't been back all that long. Only one week is all. And since then I've been busy."

"Too busy to call your best friend?"

"I've been workin' every day this week."

Shareen's dark brown eyes grew huge and round. "You've been back one week and you already got a job? That must be an Estate record. Where're you workin'?"

"The garage where Mickey used to work. So where are we goin'?" Rose asked, partially in an effort to change the subject.

Shareen named a pub they both knew on the high street. "We're meetin' Susie. We're finishin' up the last of the plans for her wedding."

"I thought her wedding was in a couple months."

"They decided to move it up," Shareen told her.

"Why?"

"You'll see."

~oOo~

"Would you like more tea, love? Or more biscuits?" Gladys asked.

John was sitting on the small sofa in the crowded lounge of Gladys and Irene's flat, a china cup filled with tea in his hand and a matching saucer precariously balanced on his knee. The room was jam packed with furniture. End tables had been placed on either side of the sofa, and two overstuffed chairs sat opposite it, with a low glass coffee table between them. There was a rocking chair, a doily covered side table next to it, the ubiquitous telly on a stand in the corner. And there were figurines everywhere, mostly of cats: cats curled up, sleeping; cats playing with balls of yarn; cats carrying kittens in their mouths. There was even one sitting on the top of a tall curio cabinet, perched as if she was reaching over to bat the occasional passerby with her paw.

"No, ta," he answered. "As much as I'd love to…"

"Oh, we know," Gladys said. "There aren't any secrets on the Estate." She gave him a knowing smile. "You need to go and meet that girl you're courting, don't you? Rose Tyler, isn't it?"

He stared at her. "I'm not—"

"They don't call it courting anymore, Gladys," Irene interrupted. "People haven't used the word courting for sixty years."

"They called it courting when I was young," her sister argued.

"And you are seventy-five, love," Irene reminded her as she patted her hand.

Gladys's eyes widened in surprise. "Am I?"

"Yes, Gladys." Irene turned to John. "Gladys sometimes forgets how old she is, bless her heart," she said affectionately.

"Happens to the best of us," John answered, thinking about his own situation. He couldn't remember his real name, let alone his age.

"Well, if they don't call it courting anymore, what do they call it?" Gladys asked.

"Seeing each other," Irene told her. When Gladys still looked confused, she continued. "They're lovers, Gladys."

John's jaw dropped. He stared at her. "Oh, we're… we're not…"

"You aren't? Well, I wouldn't worry about it," she told him. "If you aren't yet, you will be soon." She winked at him.

"Well, then you'd better get going," Gladys said. "Because if you're going to go shag, you need a shower." She wrinkled her nose and waved her hand in front of it.

"We're not—"

"And you should consider a haircut. And a shave," Irene told him pointedly. "Pretty, young thing like Rose, with that grey in your beard, you look like her grandfather."

His eyebrows shot up. "Grandfather?"

"I don't know, Irene," Gladys said, appraising him. "I think he's dead sexy just the way he is. The long hair gives her something to grab onto, and you know just how good a beard can be. The things my fourth husband could do with his beard..."

John's eyes widened, and he fought a laugh from escaping. "Ladies, it's been lovely, but I think it's time for me to go."

Outside he was hit with a blast of warm, humid air. It wasn't raining, but it clearly had been recently. The railing and the walkway overhead were dripping, and small puddles had formed in the courtyard where the pavement was uneven. Someone he'd done a job for today had said the forecast was for rain, and evidently he was right.

As soon as he was back in his own flat, John quickly showered and dressed. Afterwards he stared into the mirror over the sink. An old man stared back at him. Irene was right, he had a little grey in his beard. Since when did he have a beard? He certainly hadn't intended to grow one. Frowning, he ran a hand over his unshaven face. When had he last shaved? He couldn't remember.

And then there was his hair. His hair looked like it hadn't seen scissors in six months. Which made sense, because it hadn't. As a result, it was too short to be cool and too long to be trendy. Not that that mattered. He was too old to be trendy anyway. Either way, Gladys's words to the contrary, with his hair and his beard in their current states, he looked like hell. No wonder Jimmy had accused him of being Rose's grandfather.

Well, there was one way to fix that, he thought.

Ten minutes later he was sitting down in the barber shop around the corner.

"Take it all off," he said.

~oOo~

Ten minutes later, Rose and Shareen walked into the pub to find Susie MacGinnis had already arrived. Unlike the stylish clothes she usually wore, she was wearing an oversized red T-shirt and jeans. Her long ginger hair was pulled up into a high ponytail.

Somehow Susie had managed to grab the best table in the place, the one next to the window, and she had a huge plate of chips and a fizzy drink in front of her.

Her face lit up when she saw them. "Rose, when did you get back?" She stood up to greet them.

Rose's jaw dropped as she stared at her friend's baby bump. "Susie, you're… you're…"

"Yep," she said, grinning. "Five months gone." She rubbed her gently rounded belly. "A little girl, thank God. Don't know if I could handle a boy first time out."

Slowly the look of shock on Rose's face was replaced by a wide grin. "Congratulations!" She wrapped Susie in a big hug. When they all sat down at the table, she asked, "So is that why the wedding's been moved up?"

"Yeah," Susie said. "I still want to be able to wear my wedding dress. I tried it on yesterday and I could barely fit into it. And that's after they let it out as far as they could without adding more material. So we decided to move the wedding." She rubbed her swollen belly. "Besides, this one's not gonna get any smaller. I don't want to walk down the aisle looking like a hippo. Or I should say, any more like a hippo than I already do."

"You're gonna be gorgeous no matter what," Shareen said. "And Rob's gonna think so too."

"You're just sayin' that because you're my maid of honor," Susie said.

"Nah, I don't like you enough to lie to you," Shareen told her seriously, and then burst out laughing.

Susie stuck her tongue out her.

The door to the pub opened, and Rita walked in. Her left eye was almost swollen shut, and makeup did nothing to disguise the large bruise on the left side of her face. Shareen and Susie didn't bother to ask what had happened.

"Oh my God, Rita," Susie said, wincing in sympathy.

Shareen, on the other hand, was disgusted. "I hope you kicked that piece of shit in the bollocks."

"How are you doing?" Rose asked.

"Better than last night," Rita answered. She turned to the others. "Rose's friend John chased Chuck off, then Joe stayed with me. I'm movin' into his place for a week or so until I can find someplace else to go. We moved my stuff over there first thing this morning."

"I thought you said your brother's place was too small," Rose said.

"It's better than where I was," Rita stated. "And me stayin' with Joe, that's only between us, yeah? Only you three know, outside my family. I don't want Chuck findin' out where I am."

They all nodded, and then something occurred to Rose.

"How'd you know John was my friend?"

"Seriously?" Rita asked. "First, there was the way you were actin' with each other last night. Then there was the fact you went home with him. And third, do you even remember where you live? You know how the Estate is. Everyone knew you two were seein' each other, probably even before you did."

"Rose went home with someone?" Shareen asked her, and then slugged Rose in the shoulder again. "Why didn't you tell me? First you get home and you don't tell me, then you get a job and you don't tell me, and now you're seein' someone and you don't tell me!" She slugged Rose a third time and then sat back in her chair, crossed her arms, and scowled at her.

"I said sorry!" Rose protested. "And I'm not seein' John. Not really." She turned to Rita. "And how'd you know I went home with him?"

"Seriously?" Rita asked again. "First rule of the Estate is there are no secrets on the Estate. Plus I understand you snuck home this morning in your nighty."

"How'd you find out about that?" Rose asked incredulously.

Rita began ticking things off on her fingers. "Your mum called Bev, Bev called Rhonda, Rhonda told Beth at the market, and then Beth told Joe's girlfriend, Julie. Julie told Joe, who didn't care one way or the other but told me anyway."

Elbows on the table, Rose dropped her head in her hands. How could she have forgotten how gossipy the Powell Estate could be?

"Whatever happened to the Doctor?" Shareen asked.

"Who's the Doctor?" Susie asked.

"The bloke Rose has been travelin' with for the last couple of years," Shareen answered. She turned back to Rose. "I thought the two of you were together."

"The Doctor and I aren't like that," Rose told her.

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"Not even once? Neither of you headed to the bathroom half asleep in the middle of the night and ended up in the wrong bedroom?"

Rose laughed and shook her head. "Nope. Not even once."

"What is he, gay or something?" Shareen asked.

For the second time that day, an image of Reinette crossed Rose's mind. "Nope, not gay."

"Is he really, really ugly, then?" Susie asked. "Because I'd think that after two years even Rita's brother Joe would look good after a couple of drinks."

"Oi!" Rita protested.

"I never met the Doctor, but Keisha did. According to her, he was a looker," Shareen said. "A bit odd, but tall and well fit is what she said."

"Where is Keisha anyway?" Rose asked, trying to change the subject.

"She and her brother went travelin'," Shareen told her.

"They were gonna be back well before the wedding—" Susie said.

"Until the wedding got moved up," Shareen said teasingly. "Are you sure you don't have twins in there?"

"Oh, God, don't even joke about that!"

"I'll go order for the rest of us," Rose volunteered, and when she came back they were still talking about the wedding and the baby. To her relief conversation never returned to her, the Doctor, or John. Because she didn't know what she'd do if any of them ever figured out John was the Doctor.

~oOo~

Back in his flat after his visit to the barber, John stared in the mirror in his bathroom again, surveying his newly shaved face and closely-cropped hair. He frowned. He had a daft face, he decided, with a large nose, a receding hairline, a mole on his cheek, and overly large ears.

He ran a hand over his head. It felt odd to have almost all his hair gone, but it felt somehow right at the same time, almost like he felt more like himself in some way he couldn't put his finger on. He certainly felt cooler, which was a distinct advantage in July. Having it gone made him look younger as well. He thought. He hoped.

Too bad the lack of hair emphasized how large his ears were.

Oh well. Nothing to be done about that.

He glanced at the clock. Half four. Was that too early to call her?

Maybe, but he decided that he didn't care.

He pulled out his mobile and pressed speed dial.

"The party you are trying to reach is unavailable. If you would like to leave a message—"

He frowned again. She told him to ring her when he was done. He dialed again.

"The party you are trying to reach is unavailable. If you would like to leave a message—"

"Huh."

Maybe her phone was turned off for some reason. After thinking a moment, he decided to pick her up at her flat. After all, she had agreed to come over. If she had changed her mind, he'd just come home.

A tiny part of him, a part that he tried to ignore, desperately hoped she hadn't changed her mind.

Remembering that it had been raining earlier, he grabbed a jumper from his bedroom. He pulled it on over his head as he walked out the door.

Once outside, he crossed the courtyard and climbed the stairs of Bucknall House. Number 48, she said. Once he got to the door to her flat, he looked around, puzzled. It seemed familiar for some reason.

He knocked on the door, and after a moment he heard someone coming to answer it.

"Did you forget your key again?" a female voice called.

The door was opened by a woman wearing a powder blue track suit. Part of her bottle blonde hair was pulled up in a messy ponytail while the rest hung loose around her face, and the heavy makeup she wore did nothing to disguise that she was about forty.

Bloody hell, it was that woman who had hit on him when he had come over to fix her tap.

Her hand flew to her mouth and her eyes grew huge. "Oh my God, it's you," she said. "She said it was, but I didn't really believe it. But it is, isn't it?"

"Is Rose Tyler here?" he asked, desperately hoping he had the wrong flat.

"No," she said, and he was relieved. Until she continued. "I expected her back hours ago. I figured she was with one of you."

He stared at her. The woman was obviously completely round the bend.

"One of me?" he asked.

She slammed a hand over her mouth again. "Never mind. Forget I said that."

"Does Rose Tyler live here?" he asked.

"Oh, yeah, you wouldn't remember that, would you?" she said. "Yeah, she lives here."

"So who are you?" He realized it came out sounding like an accusation, even to his own ears, but then the whole conversation was making him feel a little off balanced.

"I'm her mum," she snapped.

He sighed. He'd been afraid of that. "Can I come in?"

"Oh. Oh, yeah."

She stepped away from the doorway.

"I tried calling her, but I think her phone is off," he said as he entered the flat. "Either that or it needs recharging."

"Her phone is never off, and it never needs recharging. I've tried calling her for hours, just hours, all afternoon, but no answer. And she always answers, or at least rings back right away. Her not calling back hasn't happened since—well, never mind about that now. Anyway, I figured she was gone again. Although she usually says goodbye these days. Unlike the first time."

She got a strange look on her face. It almost looked like she was glaring at him, but that didn't make sense. Then again, nothing Rose's mum had said or done since he had arrived had made any sense.

"Well, sit down," she ordered as they made their way into the lounge.

He sat.

The messy, overly crowded room looked familiar, from its beat up fake leather furniture to the piles of gossip magazines and cheap romance novels piled on the coffee table to the mirror hanging on the wall. He told himself it was just because he had been here before, to repair the tap. But it felt like more than that. More like déjà vu, like there was a memory there, hidden, just out of reach. He had odd flashes of a plastic arm. And the table, but a different table, laying broken on the floor.

Weird.

He shook his head to clear the images as she sat down opposite him. An awkward silence fell between them.

"Look, I'm sorry," he said after a minute or so, "but I don't remember your name."

"My name's Jackie," she said slowly, as if she was talking to a child. "And you're the—never mind. What's your name again?"

"John," he told her, wondering if being here with her could be any more awkward than it currently was. Of course, she could proposition him again, he thought. That would definitely be more awkward.

The sound of the front door opening filtered through to the lounge. Rose, John thought, feeling a wave of relief. He stood, tamping down an irrational but almost overwhelming desire to grab her hand and shout run.

As Rose walked into the flat, she could hear sounds coming from the lounge. The telly, maybe, she thought, or maybe Stuart was over. "Mum, are you here?"

"Back here, Rose," Jackie called back. "Where've you been?"

"I left a note," she told her.

"Well, I didn't see it," Jackie answered. "All afternoon I've been calling and calling. The Do—John said that maybe your battery went."

"John? Is he here?"

She walked into the room. And her jaw dropped as she took in the man who stood in front of her. Clean-shaven, close-cropped hair, green jumper, twinkling blue eyes, and a wide grin.

It was her first Doctor.

[sergeant-angels-trashcan]

Don’t I Know You

Read Part 1

brought to you in part by @jewishsuperfam

Dedicated to Stephanie Beatriz

The 99 works pretty well with the Young Avengers. Jake is proud that for the most part the squad hasn’t been obnoxiously nerdy. Sure, it’s been two days, but still. Two days is a lot for them.

He still can’t put his finger on how he knows Hawkeye, or the Wiccan kid. Maybe if he knew their real names...but there’s some sort of etiquette about the secret identities. They could look, but they don’t to be polite.  

And sure, it’s only been two days but already Hawkeye has stabbed Hitchcock for accidentally pouring out her coffee and Gina has stolen Wiccan’s eyeshadow and apparently Amy and Stature went to the same school. 

“Psst! Amy!” 

“What, Jake? I’m trying to finish my arrest reports.”

“Check out Rosa and Hawkeye.”

Amy looks. “What? I don’t see any--did Rosa just smile? No. I must have had a seizure.”

“No,” Jake lowers his voice. He’s not even whispering, he’s really just mouthing things really aggressively. “I think Rosa might be a superhero.”

“Jake, don’t be absurd.”

“No, look! Look at how she interacts with Hawkeye!”

As if on cue, Hawkeye grabs Rosa’s mug and takes a long drink from it. 

“Jake, she just really likes coffee. She punched Scully for spilling her coffee.”

“I thought that was Hitchcock?”

“Yesterday was Hitchcock. Today was Scully.”

“But Rosa let her!” Jake insists. 

“Because Hawkeye is an Avenger.”

“I don’t think that’s it.”

“Here’s to our first Centipede bust!” Captain Holt raises his glass. “Thank you to our Avenger friends for helping everything go off without a hitch.”

The squad cheers.

“All right, Jakey!” Gina shoulders her way between him and Hawkeye, who he still can’t figure out how he knows her. “We’re gonna party like it’s Billy Kaplan’s bar mitzvah.”

Hawkeye chokes next to him. “What?”

“What, you don’t remember?” Gina leans on her elbow. “Oh, silly little Hawkeye. Baby bird. You don’t remember us?”

“Party...like it’s...Billy Kaplan’s bar mitzvah...” Hawkeye drags the words out as Wiccan falls off of his chair because he’s laughing so hard. “Oh. Holy--what? That was you?”

“In the flesh, baby bird,” Gina offers her hand to Hawkeye, who looks confused about if she’s supposed to kiss it or not.

“Gina and Jake, I can’t believe I couldn’t place you!” Hawkeye shakes her head. 

“What the hell is going on?” Rosa snaps, looking from Jake to Hawkeye to Gina to Wiccan.

Billy Freaking Kaplan rights himself, wiping tears from his eyes. “Jake and I went to the same synagogue growing up. He got drunk at my bar mitzvah and threw up all over the place--”

“Which is how we met,” Hawkeye interjects. “Gina had him in the girls bathroom as he barfed up his entire life.”

“We fist bumped!” Jake remembers suddenly. “I don’t remember your name, though?”

“Kate Bishop,” she says, reaching out her hand for him to shake.

“Whaaaaaaat.”

“Kate Bishop the heiress?” Gina asks in a way that is more a demand than a question. “What the hell are you doing in spandex fighting crime?”

“Well, first of all, it’s not spandex--”

“I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you!” Jake ignores whatever going on between Kate and Gina. 

“It’s the eyeliner,” Billy shrugs. 

“But we were so tight as kids! I should have recognized you. I’m sorry, man.”

“You guys...knew each other as kids?” Rosa seems to force the words out.

“Best buds!” Jake exclaims. “Until we had an argument about which superhero is best and then I got drunk at his bar mitzvah and his mother forbid me from ever seeing him again.”

Rosa’s eyes widen slightly at this, which is her version of slightly horrified. “Huh. That’s...that’s good to know.”

“So, Billy, how have you been?” Jake fills the ensuing silence.

“Uh, well. You know. Magical. Gay. A superhero.”

“Oh, oh. Nice. Yeah. Cool cool cool.”

“You?”

“Oh, you know. A cop. Broke. Super awesome detective.”

“Cool. Nice.”

“Wow, this is hella awkward,” Gina shoves shot glasses towards them. “Let’s get drunk and pretend you two aren’t lame.”

Jake spends the next week reassuring Charles that even though Billy was his best friend, Charles is his current best friend. 

Speed and Kate, it turns out, are the ones Sarge and Charles have worked with before because Kate Bishop is (ew) a PI. She’s not a crappy hack one, though, so that’s something. 

And not that he’s keeping track (just kidding he totally is), but Rosa is avoiding the Young Avengers. She trades cases so that she doesn’t have to work with any of them. 

Not suspicious at all, Rosa. Not. At. All.

Jake has never seen Rosa look like this. He’s seen her look angry. He’s seen her mad and scary. 

Rosa looks terrifying and furious. 

Also, her eyes start to glow as she shoves up her sleeves. 

She takes off down the street towards Jake and Hawkeye at a run, only faster than any human should be able to run, jumping over cars--jumping over freakin’ cars!!! She pushes off of the roof of one of those dumb cube cars and is about a hundred feet in the air, elbow pulled back so as she comes down she lands a punch to the slug-thing’s nose.

Which explodes in a spray of green goo and something black and sticky that is probably bone.

“Hawkeye,” Rosa snaps, offering her hand to the archer and pulling her to her feet. 

“Miss America,” Hawkeye grins. “Good to see you again.”

“Shut up, nerd.”

The two move so that they’re back to back, Hawkeye nocking another arrow and Rosa putting up her fists. Star tattoos start to glow on her hands. 

“I knew it!” Jake pumps his fist. “You’re totally an Avenger, Rosa!”

“Jake, I’m working here.”

[iloveyoupittsburghpirates-blog]

I’m Keeping Things In Perspective, Pittsburgh Pirates

My Dearest Pittsburgh Pirates,

Believe me, I’m not allowing myself to get too excited. Or at least I’m trying my hardest. After sweeping the Tigers to begin the season 3-0, there were reasons to be slightly more optimistic after what the offseason made me believe. This week took that a tiny step further. A two-game series against the Twins and a four-game series against the Reds isn’t any type of ultimate test, though the Twins are in first place and were a playoff team last year. You were only able to split the series with them but that’s acceptable even at home. The Cincinnati Reds are a team that’s basically been rebuilding since the 2013 Wildcard game, but more specifically over the last two years. Last season, they were in last place and finished 68-94. You played them nineteen times. You went 6-13 with them outscoring you 84-60. Honestly, I was surprised you won six. It felt like they beat you every time. This weekend you set the tone winning three out of four and blew a 4-0 lead in the game you lost. Not that blowing leads is something to hang your hat on, but they were mostly overmatched. That 14-3 thumping on Thursday got the series off to the right start. Your offense has been the driving force behind your 7-2 start. Your .814 team OPS ranks second in all of baseball. You’re averaging over six runs per game. Seven of the eight players in your everyday lineup have an OPS over .800. Three of them are over .900. The pitching talent you have faced so far has been less than stellar but last year you didn’t rip crappy pitching. So far, you have and I welcome the change.

This offense could be something special. Obviously, it’s hard to rely on any of the stats this early but the numbers currently speak for themselves. The biggest differences from last year so far (other than JHay and Mercer having an OPS over .800) is the newest additions, Colin Moran and Corey Dickerson. They have combined for 2 home runs and 15 RBI’s. Dickerson splits of .303/.324/.576 make for a .900 OPS. That .324 OBP is a little low but that slugging percentage more than makes up for it. He has a history of being a streaky player so there are sure to be slumps in the future. I love what I’m seeing especially adding another lefty power bat to the lineup. Moran is the same way. His splits of .345/.387/.517 make for a .904 OPS. If he keeps up at anything resembling this pace, he could make the Cole trade worth it and can make this lineup top tier. That’s if Gregory Polanco keeps playing like he’s been playing and can stay healthy. I have thought prior times that he could finally breakout but I have been disappointed when he hasn’t. This feels different. I still don’t trust his ability to stay healthy, but he looks like a different player. He already has 3 homers and his 13 RBI’s leads the league. His splits of .310/.447/.759 for a 1.206 OPS are video game like. He could change this entire team. If he keeps playing like this, he will be one of the best players in the league. We saw for a few years what that can do to a lineup. But for any of that to come to fruition, he needs to remain healthy. That could determine the outcome of your entire season.

With so much praise, I feel the need to be critical. I am a Pittsburgh Pirates’ fan after all. The pitching needs to improve in both facets. The starting pitching statistically has been strong. The starters’ ERA (3.14) ranks 4th in the majors, the batting average against (.225) is 7th, the WHIP (1.18) ranks 10th, and the OPS against (.637) is 6th. Those are all much better numbers than I expected going into the season. There is an issue that needs rectified. The starters so far have averaged pitching 5.74 innings per start and that number is only that high because of Jameson Taillon. The rest of the starters (Nova, Williams, Kuhl, and Brault in place of the injured Musgrove) have rarely went past five innings and that’s not sustainable especially with question marks in the bullpen. The relievers overall numbers are bad. The relievers WHIP, the most important stat for a reliever, is 1.56 which ranks 28th in the majors. Their batting average against (.252) is 28th and their OPS against (.775) is 26th. There have been positives like Edgar Santana (0.60 WHIP) who has solidified his role as fourth in line. Felipe Rivero, George Kontos, and Michael Feliz all have elevated WHIPs but that’s due to each of them having one bad outing. The rest of the time they have been terrific. The rest of the bullpen has not. Doyydas Neverauskas has been terrible like blowing a two-run lead on Saturday that led to the lone loss in the Reds’ series. Josh Smoker doesn’t appear to be someone who should be on a major league roster and Tyler Glasnow nor recently promoted Clay Holmes can be relied on in any high leverage situations. That’s why longer outings from the starters is so paramount. You can’t pitch the same four relievers every night. You need to find better options than Smoker or Neverauskas (Schugel or Siegrist?) or you will keep getting burned like you did Saturday. Something to consider.

I mentioned Jameson Taillon but I felt it was necessary to expand after his performance yesterday. Taillon pitched the game of his life and looked like a true ace. He threw a one-hit, complete game shutout in your 5-0 victory over the Reds. He walked two and struck out seven over 110 pitches. It was a masterful performance. Combine that with his first solid start in the home opener on Tuesday (5 1/3 IP 4 H 2 ER 0 BB 9 K) and he walks away as the National League Player of the Week. After two starts, he sports a 1.26 ERA and a 0.49 WHIP. Taillon is in the same category as Polanco. He looks different. He looks like he could be stepping into elite status this year, but only if he can stay healthy. The Polanco situation is even different because Adam Frazier isn’t a bad option to fill in during a DL stint. That’s not the case with Taillon. There is no reasonable replacement. He’s the unquestioned ace of this staff and he’s one of the few that can go at least seven innings on a regular basis.  For you to be successful, he needs to make it to thirty starts this season. I believe he’s capable. I also believe that now would be the time to try and sign him to a contract extension. With his injury issues and the fact that he’s not a Scott Boras client, it could be possible to get him at a realistic rate. If you wait until after this season and he ends up as one of the best starters in baseball, it might be too late. Something to consider.

Today was supposed to be the beginning of your series against the Cubs but snow showers, in April, cancelled it. Fortunately, because it’s their home opener, there was an off day scheduled tomorrow so it will be made up then. They also play them Wednesday and Thursday before travelling to Miami to face the last place, rebuilding Marlins. The Cubs are 5-4 and hold second place in the division. They are the odds-on pick to win the division and contend for the World Series. Jake Arrieta is gone but they retooled their rotation signing both Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood after trading for Jose Quintana last year.  They still have a quality lineup, so they are your tallest task in what should be a competitive division. Miami was expected to have the worst team this year after trading away their entire outfield for prospects. They are 3-6 and should be a team you beat down, even on the road. A 4-2 week would be terrific. I’m very interested to see how this offense does against pitching like the Cubs and to see how you generally stack up against that team. It’s still early but your performance in that series could show early signs of your true potential. I’m trying not to get ahead of myself but a good performance in that series could get me more excited. Just keep doing what you have been doing and this season could be more interesting than anticipated. Good luck and talk to you next week!

                                                                             Trying To Maintain Perspective,

                                                                                                  Brad

P.S. still stands for “Plugging Something” and I still need to work on that phrasing. Another friendly reminder that the radio play podcast I co-wrote with Chris Maxwell called DEATH AT SUNSET: HARD TIMES AND SOFT DRINKS is still available on Apple Podcasts (aka iTunes), Stitcher Radio, Google Play Radio, and SoundCloud. It’s four 20 minute (ish) episodes of a noir comedy that follows P.I. Jack Dime as he tackles cases in modern day Los Angeles. Please follow us @deathatsunset on Twitter, check out DeathatSunset.com, and please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. I truly appreciate anyone who takes time to read my letters and I would appreciate it even more if you check out this podcast we are very proud of. Thank you so much!!

[dragonasheswrites-blog]

The Heaven We Didn’t Choose, Chapter 12: In Which Leaves are Crunched

...And Sans starts to realize just how lost he is.

First: Chapter 1: In Which a Child Makes a Friend

Previous: Chapter 11: In Which Dinner is Delivered

Next: Chapter 13: In Which Nothing Good Lasts Forever

Click here for the story overview.

Saturdays, Sans decided, were breathtakingly beautiful when caring for Attie.  Not quite as good as Sundays, but amazing all the same.

He was laying on his bare mattress, eye sockets barely open, looking at his phone.

“9:05,” said his phone screen.

Beautiful.

He didn’t have to go to his hot dog stand (or any of his other jobs) because he was watching Attie.  Boss and Undyne did something with the Royal Guard on Saturday mornings, so they were both occupied.  Attie hadn’t had a nightmare, so she was still asleep in Boss’s room.  It was just Sans, his phone, and a lazy Saturday morning.

He quickly crushed the thought.  He had too much bad karma for it to last-

Ding!

Aaaand there it was.  He reluctantly tapped the message notification on his phone.

Bundle of Joy 9:06 AM Hello Mistr Sans!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You 9:07 AM Hey kid

Bundle of Joy 9:08 AM Are you awake?????

You 9:11 AM Nah

Bundle of Joy 9:12 AM Okay!!!!!!

There was a long pause.  A few reckless birds that hadn’t flown south for the winter were making some kind of racket outside the window, but he decided to consider it a comforting reminder of being on the surface rather than an annoyance.  His eye sockets had started to slide shut again when-

Tap tap tap tap taptapTAPTAP

He curled in on himself, willing away the sound of tiny approaching footsteps from the hallway.

The door to his room creaked open slowly.   Painfully slowly.  He could feel Attie’s eyes on him, but she insisted on opening the door one millimeter at a time.  It was an amateur mistake; there was no way he could see the door in his current position so sudden movements weren’t a concern, and opening the door slowly made the squeaking long, loud, and obvious.  She would’ve been better off opening it quickly, hiding, then sneaking in through the open door when his guard was down.

The urge to tell her all this faded after a moment.  He just hoped she’d go away.

“I know you’re not really sleeping, Mr. Sans,” she whispered.  She whispered like Boss did: loud enough to raise dust.

He stayed quiet.

“Okay.  I’m gonna go make a peanut butter waffle like you showed me yesterday.”

“Yer not allowed t’use th’ toaster without a grown-up,” he grumbled.

“Then you should probably come and help me?”

“Not the way it works.”

He knew she was pouting.

“Hey.  Why don’tcha give me...hmm...another five minutes, then we can make breakfast.”

She made a funny noise that sounded excited, but he wasn’t curious enough to figure out how she did it.  “Okay!  I’ll wait back in Mr. Papyrus’s room!”

The pitter-patter of little feet disappeared back down the hallway.  Sans noticed that she’d left his bedroom door pointedly open.

Exactly four minutes and fifty-two seconds later, he rolled himself off the mattress.  He landed on the floor next to it with a dull thump and a clatter of bones, and gingerly pushed himself upright.  A beeping noise from down the hallway made him grin; he’d shown Attie how to use the timer function on her phone for cooking purposes, and she used it for everything she could now.

The kid herself appeared a moment later.  “Are you awake?” she asked, cocking her head at him.

“Ugh, yeah.”

“Great!!”  She bounced on her toes.

“...Let’s go make you peanut butter waffles.”

“Okay!”

Sans still felt half asleep, but he managed to get a pair of waffles out of the back of the freezer (where he’d hidden them from Boss) and into the toaster.  Attie had perched herself on the counter with the peanut butter, eating it by the spoonful.

“Attie, I’m pretty sure your mom wouldn’t be happy about you doin’ that.”

“But you’re not my mom.”

“...Fair enough.  But you hafta eat all your breakfast.”

“Okay!”

He started a pot of coffee.  The human internet was a wonderful source of information: he’d been able to find clear instructions (with pictures!!) on how to operate and clean Boss’s fancy coffee machine within seconds of searching for it.  Coffee went a long way towards improving Undyne’s mood, so he’d been getting up a few minutes early to start a pot before she showed up each morning.  It was a self-defense measure.  The idea of having a whole pot of coffee to himself, instead of sharing it with a fish-faced Royal Guard, was tantalizing.

“Can I try some coffee?”  Attie asked.  She’d started asking every morning after Undyne praised the benefits of caffeine once too many.

Sans responded as he always did: “Gotta ask your mom.  Besides, I think you’re crazy enough as it is.”

“Okay!”

The waffles popped out of the toaster and Sans put them on plates.  (He would have happily eaten his right out of the toaster, but Attie insisted on the plates.)  His little helper spread peanut butter on each waffle, then handed one to Sans.

“Bone appetit,” she said, face solemn.

“And to you.”  He saluted her with his waffle.

He finished his quickly and texted Frisk a picture of Attie, slightly melted peanut butter oozing through her fingers and onto her plate.  A good four texts in, he remembered that Frisk was actually conscious now and reading her messages, and by then he’d already rambled on about peanut butter and waffles longer than any self-respecting monster would admit to.

The advantage of having the house to himself was that Attie could take her time getting dressed.  He’d figured out last Saturday that she liked wearing strange color combinations that even he - a complete fashion heathen - knew looked bad together.  He indulged her for most of the morning until she got tired of changing clothes and wound up in a red and blue striped shirt and jeans.

“How do you want your hair?” he asked, once she was dressed and bouncing around the living room.

Attie was prepared for this question.  She pulled her phone out of the pocket of her jeans, opened a web page, and showed it to him.  “I want this one!  ...Please.”

“That looks a little complicated.  Sure you wanna sit still that long?”

“Yyyyep!”

“Okay, but you asked for it.”

The hairstyle was the most intricate one she’d asked for yet.  The picture showed a little girl’s hair braided along her hairline in a kind of circlet shape.  ‘Crown braid,’ the instructions called it.

Sans gave a mental shrug.  It didn’t look like any crown he’d ever seen, but humans were strange.

It took half an hour of pulled hair and false starts, but he managed to get Attie’s hair woven and pinned into the desired shape.  “Done,” he said, collapsing back onto the couch.

“Thank you!” she yelled over her shoulder as she dashed down the hallway to the bathroom.  A squeal told him that she’d seen herself in the bathroom mirror and either really liked his work...or was very upset.  He was willing to bet on the former, but there had been that incident with the French braid...

The smile on her face when she finally reappeared was contagious.  “Thank you, Mr. Sans!” she said.  “I look really beautiful like a real princess!”

“Uh...aren’t you kinda a princess?  I know your mom is, ‘cause her parents are the king ‘n queen.”

She tilted her head to the side.  “I don’t know.  I don’t get to go to the big parties and everything, and no one calls me ‘your highness’ or anything like Mommy.  Do you really think I’m a princess?”

“You sure look like one today.”

“Yay!!  Oh, should I wear a dress, then?”

“Woah, hey, didn’t you...uh...just get dressed?  Yeah, you wouldn’t wanna get your pretty hair all messed up changing clothes again, right?”

“Okaaaaay.  But will you at least take a picture and show Mommy?”

“Sure, kid.  I do every day, don’t I?”

Once the picture and nothing else was sent to Frisk, they sat down on the couch with their phones.  “Okay,” he said.  “Same as last week.  You pick a place and show it to me, and I’ll check with Undyne.”

Attie hummed happily in agreement and got to work.  After a moment, she handed her phone over.  “This one?”

The map app on her phone was displaying a huge wildlife refuge at the base of Mt. Ebott, winding between monster territory and the city itself like a fat slug.  “That’s...I’m not sure that counts as a park?”

“Look at the name!”

He did.  ‘Mt. Ebott National Park,’ the phone said.  “Well.  Huh.  I’ll check.  But you know there won’t be other kids at this “park,” right?”

She shrugged.  “Most kids are weenies.  The kids at the embassy are okay, but mostly other kids don’t want to play tag or wrestling or capture the human.  And they cry if you push them over, and then parents get mad.  The kids at the embassy don’t cry when they fall over; they just get back up and keep playing.  ‘Cept the really little kids, but no one pushes them over on purpose because we’re s’pposed to look after the little kids.”

“...Welp, okay.”

He texted Undyne about going to the park Attie had picked.  She texted back almost instantly with a slew of questions, but since she gave her approval he ignored those.

“Undie says we can go.  She’s busy, but since there shouldn’t be anyone else there we don’t need an escort.  We just can’t leave trash and stuff behind, okay?”

“Okay!”

“Now.  What do you want for picnic lunch?”

Attie wanted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  That was fine.  What threw a wrench in the plan was her desire to make the sandwiches, and despite how much she practiced spreading peanut butter on bread it still seemed to get everywhere.  Sans resigned himself to following her around with a wet dishcloth cleaning up as she splattered peanut butter and dripped jelly across the kitchen.

“Done!” she finally declared, brandishing two lopsided sandwiches at the skeleton hovering behind her.

“Woah-hey!  Watch where you swing those!”

“Sorry!”

The sandwiches were wrapped and packed in Sans’s inventory, along with a bag of apple wedges (the easiest snack aside from popato chisps, which Boss didn’t allow in the house), a water bottle for Attie, and as many napkins as he could fit.  By some cruel quirk of the inventory system, each napkin took up an entire inventory slot.  He reluctantly removed his trombone and stashed it in his room to make space for the blanket Attie wanted to sit on.  Hopefully they’d be back before Boss, anyways.

“Okay, kid.  You ready to go?”

“Yyyyep!”

“A’ight, then.  C’mere.”  Once Attie was secure, Sans concentrated on the map he’d been shown of Mt. Ebott National Park and took a step forward.

Long-dead leaves crunched under his sneakers, and Attie wiggled almost out of his hold.  He kept his fingers tangled in the kid’s jacket as he evaluated his surroundings.  Only leafless trees, interspersed with the rare pine, surrounded their clearing.  They were alone.

Seasonally-challenged birds aside, Sans considered the area he lived in to be pretty quiet.  Sure, the neighbors and the traffic from the nearby highway made some noise, but it was a background hum he didn’t notice anymore.

He certainly noticed the lack of it, standing there in the middle of the wilderness.  He could barely hear any sounds, actually.  He was tempted to check his hearing, but the sound of Attie’s feet kicking up leaves confirmed that he wasn’t falling down just yet; it was just unnaturally silent.  There were no birds or other animals that he could hear.  The slight breeze ruffled no leaves.  A few dry branches clattered somewhere in the distance, sounding a little like bones, but it was distant and gone in seconds.

“Can I make a leaf pile and jump in it?”  Attie asked, wiggling harder.

“Eh, sure.  But stay where I can see-”

She had already bounded off.  Sans followed at a much lazier pace.  He gave her about an hour - an hour and a half tops - before she wore herself out and needed to eat to refuel.

Eventually, Attie collapsed into her giant pile of leaves and declared herself hungry.

“Oh thank the stars,” Sans groaned from under the neighboring pile.  She’d buried him - he checked his phone - an hour ago when he’d gotten tired of helping her gather handfuls of leaves into piles.  It was surprisingly cozy…

...until little hands began shoving the leaf pile off him.  “C’mon!”  their owner said.  “It’s lunchtime!”

He spread out the blanket and handed Attie her sandwich, the apple slices, and all the napkins.  He wasn’t really an outdoors-y person, not like some monsters he could name, but he had to admit that there was something kinda pretty about this place she had picked.  The trees were varied enough that it wasn't a copy of the pine forest near Snowdin, but the atmosphere reminded him a little of his old home.  He’d hidden in that forest often enough to have an appreciation for trees in general.

“The trees are really pretty even without their leaves,”  Attia said between bites.  “Did you take pictures and send them to my mommy?”

“I took pictures, but I don’t have reception out here.  Gotta get back to town to send them to your mom.”

“Okay.”

They sat in silence for a bit longer.  Sans gathered up the trash in a bag and found - to his amusement - that once categorized in such a way, he was able to store all the leftover sandwich and apple bags and dirty napkins in a single inventory slot.  Magic was weird.

“I wish we could stay out here forever and ever,” the little girl said, sounding half-asleep.

“Oh?  Wouldn’t you miss your mom?”

“She could come out and live here with us too.  She has to go to work, though.”

“What about, uh, school?  And friends?”

“I do school from books, silly!  And I could visit my friends.  They all work at the embassy, at least sometimes, ‘cept you.”

It was a strange thing, that tingling that spread outwards from his soul at those words.  When was the last time he’d had a friend?  Had he ever?  Sure, it was just a little human kid, but...well, it made him regret not being a little nicer to the kid’s mom a few years back.  Had Frisk been this carefree and innocent once upon a time?  Had monsters taken that from her?

Had he…?

“Mr. Sans?”

“Yeah, Attie?”

“Am I your friend too?”

He leaned back onto his leaf pile and closed his eye sockets.  “Yeah, kid.  You’re my friend too.”

She sighed and laid down beside him, her fingertips tapping on his in a strange rhythm.  For once, he didn’t mind the contact.  He knew with absolute clarity in that moment that he would willingly die for this obnoxious, precocious, brilliant little girl.  Laughter bubbled in his empty chest at the thought.  There was no reason to suspect that they would ever be in a situation where that would be necessary, or would actually do any good, but that was the first thing that came to mind.

She was going back to her mother as soon as Frisk was released from the hospital, probably in a few days.  Granted, it could be a few weeks with how bad Frisk’s luck had been lately, but the fact remained that eventually Attie would go home.  She would go home to her mother and move on with her life.  Would she even remember him?  She’d only known him for a week and a half.  Sans himself couldn’t remember much from when he was seven years old, and considering what he’d gone through at that age it both relieved and frightened him.

Attie would forget him, someday.

“Mr. Sans?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re thinking too hard again.”

“Oh.  Sorry.”

“It’s okay!  I just don’t want you to be sad.”

“Uh, thanks.”

She hummed a little.  “Mr. Sans?”

“Yeah?”

“Can we go back to your house now and call Mommy?”

“Sure, if she’s awake.”

He hauled himself upright and held out a hand.  She took it without hesitation, smiling so wide her eyes squinted.

She...trusted him.  It was almost inconceivable, after less than two weeks, but she did.

Sans knew with a sinking feeling that he’d betray that trust somehow.  The thought made his shortcut a little more bumpy than usual, but instead of complaining Attie immediately demanded that he always make his shortcuts that “fun.”

“...No promises.  Now don’t you have someone to call?”

She squealed and ran off to locate her phone.

You 2:14 PM *12 picture messages sent Picnic at mt ebott

There was no response.  Was Frisk alright?  He caught himself worrying that she hadn’t eaten anything since the mac ‘n cheese, but forced the thought away.  She wasn’t his problem.

...But what if she had eaten something, and it had been poisoned?  Humans were weirdly susceptible to poison.  He curled his twitching fingers into a fist to keep them from drumming on the table.  This kid and her mom were going to be the death of him.

“Mr. Sans?”

“Yeah, Attie?”

“I can’t call Mommy.  She isn’t picking up her phone.”

“Yeah, she hasn’t texted me back, either.  Whaddaya wanna do while we wait for her?”

She thought hard for a long moment.  Sans braced himself for anything.  “Friend” or not, this kid had a downright disturbing sense of humor sometimes.

“How about we play…TEA PARTY!”

Disturbing, indeed.

By the time Undyne vaulted dramatically into the apartment several hours later, Sans had resigned himself to his fate.  He’d been forced to ‘dress up’ (in nice clothes, which meant he had to do laundry, which Attie - the little goblin - absolutely loved) and was wearing his single formal outfit: a button-down white shirt and black slacks.  Attie had changed into a flowery skirt and top, and had insisted on finding an old bedsheet to use as a tablecloth for the skeleton brothers’ stained dining room table.

What made all that worth it was the look on Undyne’s face when she realized they had raided her ‘secret’ tea stash.  Coffee may have been her one true love, but tea came in a close second.  Boss kept some on hand for emergencies.

“WHAT THE EFF?!?” she screamed, waving a spear wildly.  “SANS, WHY?!?”

“Attie wanted to play tea party.”

“Yeah!” the girl piped up, taking a tiny sip from her coffee mug.  She’d been pretty upset to find that the skeleton household didn’t have any proper teacups.

Undyne looked more conflicted than Sans had ever seen her.  On the one hand, she was known to be extremely protective over her property, which automatically included all caffeinated beverages within arm’s reach.  (And she had a surprisingly long reach.)  On the other...she had a proven fondness for Attie, and Attie was obviously happy.

To his surprise, fondness for the little human won out...this time.

“Well you’d better pour me a cup, nerd,” she said, dispelling her spear and throwing herself into the chair across from Sans.

Attie giggled and dashed into the kitchen for another mug.

“So,” the captain said, eyeing him, “You’re still alive.”

“You saw me literally yesterday morning.  Why wouldn’t I be?”

“It’s an ongoing surprise.  I thought the kid’d run you ragged after a day or two, especially after you collapsed the first time you worked out with us.”

He shrugged.  It was a fair assessment.

“You’re not half bad at this, y’know.”

“What, at tea parties?  You know me, Cap’n; never one to pass up the pretty dresses.”

Undyne took a point of HP off him with her swat.  “Don’t be cheeky with me.  No; I mean you’re good with Attie.  It’s downright weird.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” he drawled, winking.

Whatever she was going to say was interrupted by Attie prancing back into the dining room with another mug of tea balanced carefully between her hands.  It was made more complicated by the fact that she was wearing oven mitts.  Sans braced himself to mitigate the almost-inevitable splash of hot liquid, but she managed to get the mug onto the table in front of Undyne without incident.

“Thanks,” Undyne said after a gulp of piping hot tea.  “You’re becoming a real chef.  You’ll give Papyrus ‘n me a run for our money someday, huh?”

“Yyyup!  I’ll beat you both, and then Mr. Papyrus will have to be nice!”

“He’s still gettin’ mad at you?”

“No, but he yells a lot.  Mr. Sans usually sends me to a different room when it starts so it doesn’t hurt my ears.”

“...Well, as long as you’re both okay.”

All three sipped their tea in silence for a moment.

“WAIT!”  Undyne slammed her mug down on the table with a firm thud.  “I almost forgot!  Attie!  Your mom’s getting out of the hospital!”

“YAY!  ...When?”

“Tomorrow or Monday, we think.  We’re waiting on some tests; don’t think they’ll let her go tonight, someone’s being a real ass about things.  It’s stupid.  Now that she’s awake she can pretty much take care of herself.”

“Wow!  That’s great!  Then I can visit her at my house instead of the stinky hospital!”  She hummed to herself a little.

Sans shared a glance with Undyne.  “Hey, uh, kid...don’t you wanna go home?”

“Yep!  But Mommy’s still sick, right?  I always have a babysitter when Mommy’s sick or I’m sick, so we don’t get germs all over each other.”

“I don’t think germs are a big concern here.  Appendicitis isn’t contagious.”

“...What?”

“Nevermind.”  He turned back to Undyne.  “So, uh, when’s the kid goin’ home?”

“We’ll see.  Frisk might need some time to get settled.  We’ll arrange something.”  She sighed, downing the rest of her tea.  “Well, it’s been great, nerds.  Gotta go check on the Dogi; Dogaressa might be going into labor.”

She left in a whirlwind of color and sound only marginally less intense than the one she arrived in.

“Mr. Sans?”

“Yeah, kid?”

“What’s a labor?”

“Work.  In this context, it means...uh, it means she’s having her puppies.  Y’know how they’re inside her right now?”

“Yeah…”

“Well, they’ve gotta come out.”

“Oh.”  She pondered this for a long moment.  “Does that mean they’re getting born?  Mrs. Dogaressa promised that I could pet them when they get born.”

“Uh, sure, kid.”

There was a blessed moment of silence, before:

“Mr. Sans?”

“...Yeah?”

“How did the puppies get inside Mrs. Dogaressa?”

“Just...finish your tea.”

[sangennaro]

sofodevd|i

so yesterday was inaugural day of a new cycle and it took forevvver for the damn sun to set. 830pm!!! I played some Mount and Blade Warband (Floris Mod) but I am terrible at the fighting and even worse at the directing the other dudes how to fight so I got impatient after a while. When sunset finally happened (830pm!!!?!) I worked on music for 3.5ish hours and made a little thing that was kinda surprisingly Quiet Storm and I was into it for a while but after I stopped I realized the trombone part was very annoying and I think I’ll just leave that for later or never and build from scratch tomorrow.

The main takeaway from last night tho was that the studio needs to go into the basement. It’s a pretty dungeon-y basement, but p cozy as far as dungeons go. Definitely 100x cozier than the basement at the last place (Old Lady Morgan House) which was more of a Drums-Guitar-band kinda basement than a solo-studio-man place. So today I got up excited to tear everything down and move everything to the basement. I called up R----- and offered to give him some gummies if he’d help me hump the long table and the R2 wheely rack down from the second floor and he said he’d come thru in the late afternoon, so I got to work flipping the cat litter and taking out the recycling and washing the dishes and then unpatching all the gear in the bookroom and moving everything down to the dungeon. I ended up being able to do the long table myself. I also moved the led string lights that were strung up in the pre-bookroom studio room (the droopy room in the back of the house, where L---- R---- used to live and recorded a lot of music and once saw several rats all drinking out of a overturned trash can lid full of rainwater, I think?) and restrung them up in the dungeon. Also I swept the dungeon. I’d pretty much moved everything but the R2 wheely rack when R----- showed up and we did that and then we talked about how fucked up everything and everybody is while I arranged patched the whole studio back together. I think it was 830 when I finished. It was good he stuck around and talked to me about unrelated matters while I did it bc I was feeling sweaty and tired when I began and if I’d been concentrating on the task I would have prob left the patching til tomorrow, but being distracted by the casual convo allowed me to kinda half-autopilot and I got everything patched. Which is tbh a LOT of things. I love tearing down and rebuilding the studio, though. R----- and I were gonna play Mortal Kombat after that but there was Corrupted Data and it was gonna take 4 hours to redownload the game to the Switch so we didn’t play Mortal Kombat.

We were down there a long time and when I went back one last time at 9-something, to put the final piece of the puzzle in place (the wheely office chair) there was a real big slug in the middle of the floor. Didn’t seem like he was moving at all but he def wasn’t there at 830. The Angel said we should name him, so she named him Frankee. 

Some things that are different about the studio now: in the bookroom, which has a skylight, the sun was on my head and I was always totally aware of the (relative) time of day. And if there was rain it was real loud. In the dungeon, I have no idea what’s going on with the sun or sky or time and I don’t think I’d know if it was raining-- won’t hear thunder either if there’s music playing/headphones are on. And of course the main attraction is that it’s the coolest room in the house on a scorcher-- and it seems like we’re all the way in scorcher season now. It’s kind of fucked up imo that the first day of summer is officially June 20th. June shouldn’t have any spring days. The first day of June is obviously the first day of summer. I wanna buy an organite pendant with a merkaba on it to put on my wallet chain but I think it would be financially irresponsible to do so right now. I did bid 1$ for an aragonite sphere though. I think it’s 40mm in diameter. I’ve never owned a sphere before. 

I’d like to try not having any deadlines for this cycle. Instead of saying “I’ll aim to finish this much by this day” I’m thinking it should be like, “Work 4+ hours every single day (right?)” and let things themselves be in charge of when they’re finished or not finished. Also I realized that instead of thinking about doing tasks on the day whose planetary aspects seem most auspicious for that task, I will assume that the planetary Powers are in the driver’s seat, and that the naturally most convenient day that the task wants to fall on isn’t an arbitrary thing that needs a person to meddle with it. Like-- instead of thinking like “Should I [move the studio] tomorrow? It’s Friday-- does moving the studio seem like a Venus task? Is it maybe more of a Saturn task? Or maybe I should do it Monday: sink under the ground like the ever-changing moon!“-- instead I wanna think like, “I should move the studio into the dungeon. Tomorrow’s Friday and I don’t have anything else more pressing after I do the video conference appointment with my head-meds doctor. So it was Venus’ idea to move the studio. Hmm that’s interesting I wonder what Venus choosing to preside over the moving of the studio could mean...” 

Anyway I’m psyched that I don’t have to wait until 830 to do some stuff in the studio tomorrow. Also psyched to hear what everything will sound like in the new space, and exactly how hot/cool it will feel. Oh also since the dungeon is roomier than the bookroom and I was rebuilding from scratch, I was able to place everything where it could be easily accessed, so certain things that were kind of annoying to reach (ie, the mackie that guitar & bass guitar go into was squished under a table that had the dr660 and 2 reverb units on it) will no longer be annoying to reach-- in fact, I don’t think anything at all will be annoying to reach now. And I have more room to wheel the chair back away from the speaker and out of arm’s length of any knob or button or mouse, which I think will be a slightly smarter way to listen back to things.

[thisdaynews]

How Lewis Hamilton remained master to Max Verstappen's apprentice

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/how-lewis-hamilton-remained-master-to-max-verstappens-apprentice/

How Lewis Hamilton remained master to Max Verstappen's apprentice

Hamilton now has seven victories at the Hungaroring

Formula 1 has been waiting for a full-on battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen for years now. The Hungarian Grand Prix finally delivered it, and what a treat it was.

Verstappen in a slower Red Bull holding off Hamilton in a faster Mercedes, their teams fighting a strategic battle as much as the drivers were scrapping on track – it produced a race that not only thrilled in the moment, but whet the appetite for what might be to come when F1 resumes after the four-week summer break in Belgium on 1 September.

Even Hamilton was excited by the battle – which became a reality as soon as the world champion had passed team-mate Valtteri Bottas by Turn Three on the first lap and settled in behind Verstappen.

“As soon as I got into second,” Hamilton said, “I was like: ‘OK, this whole battle we’ve been talking about me and Max having we are going to have that today.’ And it was really awesome.”

Hamilton overtakes Verstappen for late Hungary win

Listen: “Hats off to the strategists, hats off to Lewis Hamilton”

What happened to the woman who beat Hamilton in go-karts?

“I was definitely not thinking: ‘Genius'”

As they slugged it out at the front, the two men were in a separate race from anyone else, Hamilton more than a minute ahead of the Ferrari of third-placed man Sebastian Vettel by the end of the grand prix.

Hamilton always looked quicker, but track position is so important at the Hungaroring, a tight and twisty track in a dusty amphitheatre about 12 miles outside Budapest.

Throughout, Hamilton rarely gave Verstappen any breathing space, and Verstappen defended with maturity and skill.

Never more than about two seconds behind, Hamilton ramped up the pressure on Verstappen as the window for him to make a pit stop and rejoin ahead of the Ferraris, then led by Charles Leclerc approached.

Hamilton closed a 20-second deficit in less than 20 laps to pass Verstappen for the lead

That forced Red Bull to stop Verstappen as early as they could – to protect against Hamilton stopping first and jumping the Dutchman that way.

That early pit stop meant Mercedes could run Hamilton longer, to give him fresher tyres for their fight in the second stint, which at that time was planned to be to the end of the race.

After that first stop, Hamilton was all over Verstappen. But after one breathtaking overtaking attempt around the outside of the super-fast Turn Four just failed to come off, he and Mercedes began to doubt that he would be able to pass.

That was on lap 39, and immediately afterwards the Mercedes strategists began to consider the idea of a second stop. It would lose them 20 seconds, but the idea was that Hamilton would come back at Verstappen like a rocket.

They analysed and discussed it for seven laps and then took the plunge, switching from the hard to the medium tyres for the final 22 laps, in which Hamilton would have to make up 20 seconds and pass arguably the most aggressive and uncompromising driver in the sport.

It was an unusually bold and aggressive strategy from a team that can tend towards the cautious – and impressively so just a week after they came in for criticism for questionable strategy in the rain at Hockenheim, their and Hamilton’s worst race for years.

Hamilton was far from sure it was the right idea.

Wolff said: “I’m happy for the strategy group as in Germany we came under fire for the strategy calls.”

“I definitely was not thinking: ‘Genius,’ he said. “Was I thinking ‘worth a try’? I have a different viewpoint in the car. I came out (from the first pit stop) with six- or seven-lap fresher tyres and at the time I was much quicker and I was like: ‘OK, I just have to keep the pressure on.’

“But then they told me we were going two-stop and I couldn’t compute how it would work.

“I thought I could make the hards go to the end so I knew he would be able to do the same. I thought pitting was going to be difficult and I hadn’t even had the chance to be thinking what tyre.

“They put me on the medium and it didn’t feel great initially and then he started matching my times.”

Over the radio, the doubt in Hamilton’s mind at the wisdom of the strategy was clear. He needed to close at a second a lap, but after cutting the gap to 16 seconds, Verstappen started doing the same lap times. Hamilton was cooling his brakes, which were on the limit, but once they were back in the right temperature window, he cut loose.

“I was thinking: ‘Jeez this is really risky,'” Hamilton said. “In the end you have to just go: ‘Go for it, give it everything. Just don’t worry if you don’t catch him. Just concentrate on putting perfect laps.'”

It was what Mercedes and Hamilton call “hammer time”. From 15.4 seconds, the gap came down to nothing in 10 laps.

“I saw his times rising and I was like: ‘I am going to catch him and as soon as I catch him I am going by, no messing around. And it was such a relief when I got by because it’s your dream.”

The drive and the win clearly made as big an impression on Hamilton as they did on those watching.

“It feels like a first (win),” he said. “I don’t know how. I’ve been doing this a long time but it feels like one of the first.”

Two men in a league of their own

Hamilton may have won in Hungary but fans voted Verstappen driver of the day

According to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s driving was “in a different dimension”.

In reality, there were two men in that dimension. Verstappen was hugely impressive, too. His pole position on Saturday was stunning, and he lost out to a faster car, driven by a great driver at the top of his game, and a bold strategy to which Red Bull could not respond.

“We were just not fast enough,” Verstappen said. “I tried everything I could on that hard tyre to stay alive. Still, second, fastest lap, a good weekend overall. Congrats to Lewis, he was pushing me really hard. I like that. We were just lacking a bit of grip. We tried a one-stop, they had the opportunity for two and that worked out well.”

Hamilton praised Verstappen for the way he had conducted himself in the heat of their battle.

“Strong competitor and great driver at his best,” Hamilton said. “It’s awesome to see the respect between us, really respectful driving and I hope to continue that.

“He put the car in some good places. I gave him space and more. If we were on the same (championship) points he may have been a lot more aggressive but there was no need for that. It was just making sure when I do finally pull off an overtaking manoeuvre it was a full sweep by.”

The respect went both ways. Afterwards, in the news conference, there was a fascinating exchange between the two men when they were asked to give themselves scores out of 10 for the first half of the season.

Verstappen took fastest lap and an extra bonus point which takes him to within seven points of second-placed Bottas in the championship standings

After Vettel had given himself a five, saying he was “not happy with the first half – I can do a better job” – Hamilton gave himself an “8.9/8.8 – if it wasn’t for the last race (in Germany) it would be a little higher.

“It has been the best start of the season we’ve ever had and one of the best starts I’ve ever had but there are areas I can continue to work on. That’s the great thing about this sport, you can always improve.”

Verstappen refused to give himself a number, saying: “I hate putting a number on it because it reminds me of school which is not that long ago. I am always quite critical, it can always be better. I am never satisfied. It has a been very positive and I’ve had good results.”

So Hamilton did it for him, pointing to the two wins Verstappen had in the three races immediately preceding Hungary.

“Last few races it’s high nines,” Hamilton said of Verstappen. “I don’t remember all the races. But he drove exceptionally and if he continues like that it will be high nines.”

Finally, the quality of their race was summed up by their former rival Fernando Alonso, the two-time champion, who retired at the end of last season, watching the race at home.

“Bravo Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen,” Alonso wrote on Twitter. “Pushing 70 laps to the maximum. More than one minute to the third, nearly + one lap and a half to the top five. Both Impressive. Thanks for the show.”

A nervous wait for Bottas

Bottas was taken out of contention by a touch with team-mate Hamilton early in the race

While Hamilton goes into the summer break with his championship lead extended and a sixth title set to be sealed long before the end of the season, his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas faces a far less comfortable month.

He is out of contract this year and Wolff is going to spend the summer break deciding whether to keep Bottas, or replace him with reserve driver Esteban Ocon.

So it was a bad time for Bottas to have a race like this. Second out of the first corner, he was fourth by the time he was heading into Turn Four on the first lap, and with a broken front wing, after locking his wheels into both the first two corners, being passed by Hamilton, lightly touching his team-mate and then being overtaken by Leclerc, who broke the Mercedes’ front wing in the process.

That led to a difficult afternoon fighting back and an eventual eighth place finish.

Wolff said: “I am so sad for him. He was so pumped since yesterday, his qualifying performance was brilliant and he was in the right frame of mind before the race.

“And then the unfortunate incident in flat-spotting the tyre, touching with Lewis, touching with Leclerc and then suddenly within half a lap all the work is gone and that is just awful for him and I am sorry for him.”

Wolff said Bottas’ future will not turn on this one performance.

“We will not be letting one race result influence our decision,” he said. “It is more about compounding all data and then making a decision on stability and great personality and a very good driver versus giving youth a chance with all the reward and risk it can bring and we haven’t done that yet.

“We will start the process tomorrow and it will not be an easy one.”

Verstappen’s father Jos finished on the podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 1994 for Benetton, 25 years before his son. Michael Schumacher won that day

Changing of the guard? Not yet, according to Hamilton, who took his 81st career win

The Verstappen fans packed the grandstands in their thousands at the Hungaroring

Read More

[bad-draft-stuff]

det. au 11

Arsé-kun: Arséne: Today's summary. Tom suggested I get a case from Sherlock, so I did. This lead to Sheepy and I busting the waitress.

Arsé-kun: Arséne: That idol showed up to pay Sherlock. Diego found that other man.. Rupel. It proceeded to be followed by Nyar being very convienient. Sheepy and Randy opted to rescue another man, Jack, from a slug. Randy suggested I write down people's names, so I'll add Okita to this. He's at the hospital, but we rarely see him.. Baldwin picked up the Jackson kids while Sheepy and Randy were out. Hansel and his sister existed. Nyar talked. Also there was a murder? Again? Of a street artist. Poor Yusuke. .. I decided to look for myself, and found it was a mess. Crow joined us for.. Some reason? He proceeded to be an enormous help, honestly. We then proceeded to the suspect's house. .. It didn't take much to find evidence, but the suspect managed to escape. We spent the day hunting, but were unsuccessful. End of summary. Sheepy: Fran: That much happened....? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Yes. There's more, but I haven't finished getting the full story. Like what happened inside the suspect's home yesterday. I wasn't present for most of it. Sheepy: Fran: Understandable. Sorry that I've been of little use. Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's fine. Sheepy: Sheepy: You have a job. Impey doesn't. Arsé-kun: Arséne: He does. He's supposed to be making backup vests for us. The last one I got from him was.. A week ago? Sheepy: Sheepy: That's my point... Sheepy: Fran: He's been much more helpful than me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You do what's asked of you, though. You earn no complains from me. Sheepy: Fran:... Sheepy: Fran: I feel like I'm not doing as much as I should... Sheepy: Fran: Not much is asked of me so I've been trying to find the cure to Cardia's poison. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Noble goal. If I need anything, I'll be sure to ask you. Sheepy: Fran: Okay, that's fine. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he enters scene, seeming a bit tenser than usual* Good morning, everyone. Am I interrupting anything? Sheepy: Sheepy: You're interrupting my life! I'm 13 now Mom, I don't need you anymore! GOSH! Sheepy: Sheepy: But actually all you missed was us trashtalking Impey. Arsé-kun: Germain: So nothing is new? That is good. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yup. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good morning or something. Arsé-kun: Germain: Thank you. No one would mind if I stepped outside for a bit, yes? Sheepy: Sheepy: Just don't let any radiation in Arsé-kun: Germain: Of course. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, have fun. Arsé-kun: Germain: I certainly will. *he takes his hat off the rack and exits* Sheepy: *Ominous!* Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's almost as if he completely ignored our buddy system. Sheepy: Sheepy: He's Saint Germain. He does what he wants. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thanks, I hate it. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good. Arsé-kun: Germain: *aaaand he's already back. when did he open the door? WHen did he close it??* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hey, welcome back. Arsé-kun: Germain: Thank you. *he's grinning. uh oh.* You may be pleased to hear that I may have a hand in starting some dr- Discord in Idea. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good. Arsé-kun: Germain: I'd like to watch it go down, but I doubt I can go alone. Sheepy: Sheepy: Who did you want to bring? Arsé-kun: Germain: To Idea? It'd be too risky to bring an outsider. Sheepy: Sheepy: So Nyar. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes. So I'll free the household of his presence for a few hours, at least. Sheepy: Nyar: You called, Fluffy? Arsé-kun: Germain: I've started drama. Would you like to watch it go down? Sheepy: Nyar: Sounds good. Arsé-kun: Germain: Then we shall go together. Sheepy: Nyar: OK. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he opens the door again* After you. Sheepy: Nyar: Thank you! *He goes through* Arsé-kun: *Germain follows, closing the door on his way out* Arsé-kun: Germain: >:) Sheepy: *Ominous!* Arsé-kun: Germain: I've sent back Apostle 27. Should the final member do their part, the remainder shall be simple for you. Sheepy: Nyar: Wow, he's fallen in ranks to be less than the amount of members there are. Sheepy: Nyar: And good thinking. Arsé-kun: Germain: It was the first number I picked. To call him anything but his actual number is accurate. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Germain: How long do we have? I'm unsure if we'll make it before the show begins. Sheepy: Nyar: No clue, let's hurry. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes, lets. If we're really lucky, we'll make it before he does. Sheepy: *Have fun!* Arsé-kun: *Scene changes to a Very Messy Room. One that's never cleaned. One that's rarely entered or exited* Sheepy: *...And sitting on the owner of the room's stomach is Hansel, talking about how sugar might help them.* Arsé-kun: 5: .. .... ..?? *and this is what he wakes up to. poor guy. he goes to talk, but his throat's, like, uberdry* ??? Sheepy: Hansel: Does that mean you want one? Arsé-kun: 5: *he nods and reaches for his water. water good. water keeps you alive* Sheepy: Hansel: Ah, good idea. They're cinnamon buns. Arsé-kun: 5: Th.. Thank you. Sheepy: Hansel: *He hands one to 5* Guinevere made them because she doesn't want me to miss out on the nice things of having a mother. I wanted to share one with you because you're always sleeping. Sheepy: Hansel:...So it might give you energy Arsé-kun: 5: Pardon?? Who did? Sheepy: Hansel: Who did what? Sheepy: Hansel: Make these? Arsé-kun: 5: Yes..! Sheepy: Hansel: Guinevere. Is that a surprise because she's always wearing armor? Sheepy: Hansel: Sometimes she doesn't. Sheepy: Hansel: She wears dresses too. Sheepy: Hansel: But she's usually wearing armor and she's really tall so I didn't know at first that she was a woman... Arsé-kun: 5: I have... Never... Seen this lady.. In all my time of being here..? Arsé-kun: 5: Her armor... What does it look like..? Sheepy: Hansel: You never left your room from what I've seen. She seemed a little worried about that but just assumed that you were shy so she never tried to pursue a friendship. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah? Armor...big, white...fancy L pattern on the shoulders... Sheepy: Hansel: The fabric for it is a little torn but otherwise it's very well maintained. Arsé-kun: 5: ... .... H.. How long has she been.. An apostle..? Sheepy: Hansel: Before I came here. She's been here before most of us... Arsé-kun: 5: what. Sheepy: Hansel: Well, she did say she's never seen you leave your room, so maybe that's why you've never seen her. Arsé-kun: 5: I... I joined to find her... And you're telling me that she has been here the entire *cough* time? Sheepy: Hansel: ? Sheepy: Hansel: I guess so. Sheepy: Hansel: Is that a bad thing? Arsé-kun: 5: Please get off of me. I feel a spot of rage coming on. Sheepy: Hansel:...*He gets off* Angry? At me? Arsé-kun: 5: Non. You are fine. Thank you for telling me. Sheepy: Hansel: ..Oh, good, I don't like it when people get mad at me. Sheepy: Hansel: Well, if you're mad at her, she could easily crush you to bits. She's the strongest of the apostles probably... and on top of that she's got a huge sword... Sheepy: Hansel:...So I'd recommend not fighting her. Sheepy: Hansel: On top of that she's extremely fast and immediately goes for the kill...I've seen her fight a few times. Arsé-kun: 5: I don't wish to fight her, either. *he starts to get off his bed, only to nearly collapse* I've only got a single target. Arsé-kun: 5: I would be willing to bet my life for the idea that she has never once used my name. I'm only a number. Arsé-kun: 5: ... Stay here, the both of you. *he frowns more. this is all that's visible from under his hood* I need to speak with your mother and the Lady. Sheepy: Hansel: ...OK. Sheepy: Hansel: I’ve never heard your name, no. If by she you mean Guinevere, I’ve never heard her call you anything but a number. Sheepy: Hansel: ...You seem unsteady. Why? Sheepy: Hansel: I think Guinevere had something she had to do today, so she’s probably wearing armor. These cinnamon buns are probably payment for me bringing her there, since the others don’t even thank me... but she can’t go until I join her, and I don’t know when she wants to go, so you have time. Arsé-kun: 5: ... Lancelot. My name is Lancelot. Sheepy: Hansel: Lancelot.... Sheepy: Hansel: Guinevere has mentioned you... laughing about how men have hit on her but they'll never have a chance because she's eternally devoted to you. She says the armor serves as proof because it's the only way she can be with you now, even if it's a silly old thing you discarded a long while ago... according to her. Sheepy: Hansel:...And mentioning you other times as well. She alternates between telling tales about the great things you've done and the actions she regrets taking that counteracted them. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... Thank you for telling me. *he starts to leave, using the wall as support* Do stay. There may be bloodshed. Sheepy: Hansel: Blood...shed... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Not from Guinevere, of course. I would never. Sheepy: Hansel: No...you could never. She'd snap you like a twig. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I wouldn't mind that. Sheepy: Hansel: Huh? Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Don't worry about it. *and he heads out.* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he's just watching in the window. he :). he >:). he's clearly waiting for something. Ominous. he shouldn't even be here, he quit, why is he here* Sheepy: *Lance, if you're hunting for Guin, follow the armor noises!* Sheepy: *She's actually pretty easy to find.* Arsé-kun: *He certainly does find her. It just takes him a bit to get there* Sheepy: *Lancelot try getting up and moving around more it'd do you some good.* Arsé-kun: *He had no reason nor motivation to. Anyway, finally got there* Sheepy: Guin: *She's mumbling to herself while looking at papers* ...And Hansel's grocery request is just "food"... He won't eat vegetables so I should find a way to hide them in what I make... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... ... Guinevere. Sheepy: Guin: Mm? *She looks over* Oh, 5. You're up. Good to see you. I was worried about you. Sheepy: Guin: Here, you should write a list of what you want from the store. I'm going later after my mission. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... That is not my name, my lady... But I suppose. Sheepy: Guin: Ah! I apologize. I don't know your name...none of us do. I wanted to talk to you, but you were always in your room. I didn't want to disturb you. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: You.. Wouldn't have. *he does take the list and pen, though* Sheepy: Guin: I hope you don't find it rude, but what's your name? It feels wrong to call you by a number. It's all I had, though... Sheepy: Guin: You know me, but I'm Guinevere. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I know that. *he scribbles something down on the list and slides it back over* Sheepy: Guin: *She takes off the helmet* And so you aren't surprised, this is my face. Sheepy: Guin: *She looks over the list* ...Your armor? I'm sorry, I can't recall taking care of any armor past the set I'm wearing. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: *he can't help but stare* You look as if you haven't aged a day, Guinevere. *and he pulls his own hood off* Sheepy: Guin: ...! But- you can't be... He's dead... But you look like him...! A very tired one, but... Sheepy: Guin:...She would've told me if you were... I've been mourning him for so long... Am I just exhausted and hallucinating...? Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Neither of us.. Have been aware of the other's identity for the last... Thousands of years! Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I thought I was hallucinating whenever I heard your voice. The Lady would say I was and send me away..! Sheepy: Guin: What?! Sheepy: Guin: No, no! I've definitely been here! Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I did this to myself to find you..! All this, and you were here the entire time..! Sheepy: Guin: I'm so sorry...I didn't know! If only I has approached you! But everyone said you weren't to be disturbed... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: But that was so I could search for you..! Arsé-kun: *Lancelot is physically shaking. He is the embodiment of pure fucking rage right now* Sheepy: Guin: I'm so sorry...I didn't know... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Neither did I, my lady. Neither did I- Arsé-kun: Germain: Hey! You two should kiss! Sheepy: Guin:?! Arsé-kun: Germain: And this is why I sent you back, dear sir! Enjoy the rest of your day! Sheepy: Guin: Saint-Germain?! ... Thank you. Arsé-kun: Germain: Quite welcome, Guin. :) Someone had to do it, and SHE wasn't going to. Sheepy: Guin:...She never told me... Arsé-kun: Germain: She told no one. It was going to remain this way until someone was permanently dead. Sheepy: Guin:....... Sheepy: Guin: I... I... I don't understand... Arsé-kun: Germain: The Lady is not as nice as you think. .. I'll tell you more later. I don't wish to be caught spreading anything. Sheepy: Guin:..... Arsé-kun: Germain: Don't let the buns get too cold, now! Sheepy: Guin: ...Thank you... *She turns back to Lancelot and gives him a hug* Arsé-kun: *Lancelot more or less melts. Not literally. This man needs affection badly* Sheepy: *And affection he shall receive!* Arsé-kun: *they're crying, the buns are going to get cold, and Germain has taken one and left* Sheepy: *LANCELOT EAT YOUR BUNS* Arsé-kun: *HE WILL, CALM DOWN* Sheepy: *BEFORE HANSEL EATS THEM but he's not here yet. he still remembers his orders* Arsé-kun: *Germain considers going home, but he should probably wait for Nyar..* Sheepy: Nyar: Hey hey hey! You've all forgotten about me, huuuh? I bet you were all so sad without me! Especially you, wimpy guy! Sheepy: Guin: Leave. Arsé-kun: Germain: There you are. Let them have this moment to themselves. Sheepy: Nyar: Mmmm, but, whether they like it or not, it'll be short and bittersweet. I can smell it. Sheepy: Nyar: I'm no future teller like the source, though. Hehehe~ Anywho! You two lovers stick together, huh? And fair warning, get buckled in because what's up next will blow your mind. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Do stay together. There may be a risk, and it would be best mitigated in a group. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah, yeah, play in traffic, don't stay safe, whatever it is. Sheepy: Nyar: And don't trust that lady any more than you trust me. I'm serious. Arsé-kun: Germain: I can agree on that. Do not. Sheepy: Guin:.... Arsé-kun: Azathoth: She's almost here. It is time to go, you two. Arsé-kun: Germain: Stay safe. Don't do anything too stupid. That's our job. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah! That advice! I second it! *He scampers off!* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he grumbles under his breath* Way to steal my thunder, you beautiful eldritch asshole. *he strides off after Nyar* Sheepy: Omnibus: ...That's unfortunate. They've already left. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Omnibus...! Sheepy: Omnibus: I see you two have reunited. I'm happy for you. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: No help from you..! Sheepy: Guin:...Omnibus, why did you withhold his existence from me? Sheepy: Omnibus: I understand you might be angry or upset. Sheepy: Omnibus: However, it was necessary for a better future that I keep you two apart for a period of time. Sheepy: Omnibus: Guinevere. You would not have become so strong without Lancelot's "fall from grace" and subsequent "death" fueling your actions. Sheepy: Omnibus: Lancelot. You wouldn't have become skilled in your forte without your burning desire to find Guinevere. Sheepy: Omnibus:...However, I did put it off for too long. Now Nyarlathotep has taken something very important from us using this as a distraction device. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: It's been over a thousand years! Sheepy: Omnibus: I'm aware. Sheepy: Guin:...There's no reason for you to have not told us by now. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: If it was so important, why didn't you stop him?! I cannot do it..! My skillset does not permit and you know it! Sheepy: Omnibus: I am incapable of it. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Lovely! Sheepy: Omnibus: Hansel is fast asleep. Guinevere was preoccupied. Philemon is the concern of the situation. Saint-Germain was an accomplice, as was Azathoth. Nyarlathotep was the perpetrator. Sheepy: Omnibus: The others aren't here. Sheepy: Omnibus: Considering that my skillset doesn't permit me, much like yours doesn't, all I could do was watch. Arsé-kun: Azathoth: And I'm still herrreee! Sheepy: Omnibus: I'm aware. At this point all you're doing is watching. Sheepy: Omnibus: You now have found each other and have an eternity to spend time with one another. Sheepy: Guin: What else haven't you told us? Arsé-kun: Aza: What else have you seen and not realized for yourselves? Take the time to figure it out. Sheepy: Guin: What have I seen and not wanted to believe? Arsé-kun: Aza: Or perhaps did not see the truth behind. Sheepy: Omnibus: This is all that I was hiding. Arsé-kun: Aza: That's cute. Sheepy: Guin: Hansel's naivety... Philemon's behavior. Sheepy: Guin: Philemon's behavior felt very wrong to me... Like I was interacting with a robot who was incapable of making decisions on little things and needed input from other sources. Arsé-kun: *Lancelot doesn't input. He's too angry to* Sheepy: Guin: And Hansel knows so little. Why did nobody educate him? Sheepy: Omnibus: That's simply how Philemon is. Arsé-kun: Aza: I take offense to that statement. Do not tell me how my child is or is not. Sheepy: Omnibus: I won't deny you know him better than I. Sheepy: Omnibus: However, that's how he is now. Arsé-kun: Aza: ... There are many things I wish to say, but none are applicable to public discussion. Perhaps we should finish this privately. Sheepy: Omnibus: Perhaps. Sheepy: Guin:....Azathoth. I can get a straight answer from you. Arsé-kun: Aza: Make it quick. I'm getting tired. Sheepy: Guin: What was done to Philemon to make him that way? Arsé-kun: Aza: Mental larceny. Sheepy: Guin:...His mind was stolen? Sheepy: Guin: And that's what Nyarlathotep stole earlier? Arsé-kun: Aza: Not all of it. Just enough to warrant his inability to function on his own. He's only of use when he can't make his own decisions, right Lady? I'll see myself out. Sheepy: Omnibus: ..... Sheepy: Omnibus: I've never said that. Sheepy: Omnibus: Furthermore, he gave it up willingly. Arsé-kun: Aza: I already stated I was leaving. Farewell, fellow apostles. And a farewell especially for you, Omnibus- Tootles! Sheepy: Omnibus: Goodbye, Azathoth. Sheepy: Guin:... Arsé-kun: *and Azathoth steps into a different dimension. that's an exit. bye* Sheepy: *OH* Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... I'm going back to bed. Sheepy: Omnibus: Good night. *She exits* Sheepy: Guin:... I, um... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Are you not coming..? Sheepy: Guin: I didn't know I could. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Please do.. Sheepy: Guin: I will then. *Guin follows!* Sheepy: *Hansel is, as Omnibus said, fast asleep.* Arsé-kun: Gretel: *she's just kinda. Looking through everything? She doesn't put any of it down upon seeing them* Bonjour or whatever! Sheepy: Guin:...! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Hansel's snoozing, but I can take a message! Sheepy: Guin: We, uh, actually didn't come in here for Hansel...I didn't know he was here. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I didn't think he would actually stay put.. Sheepy: Guin: Sorry, I've told him not to do this before... Arsé-kun: Gretel: Oh, well, mission accomplished! He got his pastry, I got to watch! Sheepy: Guin: I should've made some for you too. Arsé-kun: Gretel: I'm the fork. I'd just be wearing it until Hansel eats it! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Oh, my manners! I'm Gretel. His sister. Sheepy: Guin: Oh, right! Sorry. Sheepy: Guin: I forgot since you're always a fork. Arsé-kun: Gretel: Could be worse! Sheepy: Guin: That's true. Arsé-kun: Gretel: But hey, I'm just a fork, so go ahead and do whatever it was you guys wanted! Sheepy: Guin: I didn't mean offense from what I said. I apologize. Arsé-kun: Gretel: None taken! Sheepy: Guin: Um, Lancelot. Arsé-kun: Lance: mm? Sheepy: Guin: I understand you're probably tired, but I think it's a good idea if you go out more. ... And, while your skill with the sword is beyond mine, I think that it might be a good idea if we try training together. After what I learned today...well, you should be ready for anything. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I would like that. Sheepy: Guin: Ah! I'm glad. Sheepy: Guin:....Of course, I should return your armor and weapon. I apologize for taking them, but... I was under the impression you were dead, and it was as close as I could get to being with you, I guess. Arsé-kun: Lance: Keep them. You've had them longer than I have now. Sheepy: Guin: ...Are you sure? Arsé-kun: Lance: Yes. Sheepy: Guin: Thank you. Arsé-kun: *And so, since his bed was taken, Lancelot decides the best place to be is on a pile of whatever the hell all this crap is. New Bed* Sheepy: *Lancelot clean your room* Arsé-kun: *no* Sheepy: *Guin takes this as it's time for her to go.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Are you leaving? Sheepy: Guin: Well, you seem like you want to sleep. Sheepy: Guin: So I don't want to disturb you by staying. Arsé-kun: Lance: Why would you disturb me? Sheepy: Guin: Ah, well, this armor can be noisy. Arsé-kun: Lance: I know. Sheepy: Guin: Which could wake you. Arsé-kun: Lance: Don't know till we try. Sheepy: Guin: I suppose so. Sheepy: *Guin sits down* Arsé-kun: *Lancelot moves closer to Guin* Sheepy: Guin: *This is fine* Arsé-kun: Gretel: *she'd take pictures but she is a ghost who does not have the most* Sheepy: *Meanwhile! What's up with Nyat and Sanchan?* Sheepy: Nyar: ...I guess. Sheepy: Nyar: *He inhales sharply* ...Well, it's now or never. Arsé-kun: Germain: And we choose now. *he goes to knock on the door* Sheepy: Nyar:...Um. Hey. I'm here to apologize. I know it won't justify what I did, but... Sheepy: Nyar: ...I was selfish. I was focused on what I wanted and didn't even think about the fact I could've hurt you. Sheepy: Nyar: So, I'm sorry. Arsé-kun: *The door is opened, and Nyar is... Glomped on. Ah. It's Kazuya.* Sheepy: Nyar:?! Arsé-kun: Kazuya: I didn't think you were gonna come back, Uncle! Sheepy: Nyar: Huh...? U-Uncle? I thought you hated me...! Sheepy: Nyar: So I stayed with Saint-Germain. Naoya told me to leave the last time. Arsé-kun: Germain: Which was rude, might I add. Sheepy: Nyar:...But deserved. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: He kicked you out.. But I'll gladly let you in! Sheepy: Nyar:...Thqn. Thank you. Sheepy: Nyar: I... should explain. Sheepy: Nyar: I came for another reason as well. ... Phil. Have you noticed how he's always so stiff? Sheepy: Nyar: It's because his emotions were stolen. Before that... He hated me. Sheepy: Nyar: But isn't it my responsibility to get them back? I've sacrificed a lot, including part of myself, to achieve that. And... now I have them. I don't know how this'll go. Sheepy: Nyar: I'm giving you a fair warning that he may have a breakdown. I'm giving you a warning of what he really is. He's a selfish jerk who can't stand the thought of not being the one responsible for helping. He's an introvert who's always focused on what he can do to improve the lives of others. He likes hunting. Sheepy: Nyar:...Most importantly, he's capable of changing. I'm sure you two will be enough to change him, even if he eternally hates me. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: ... .... We can try? Sheepy: Nyar: Great! Sheepy: Nyar: Is Phil home? Arsé-kun: Kazuya: Uh... *he looks back* Naoya! Phil's still here, right?? Sheepy: Naoya: Yeah! He's...doing... something. Why? Arsé-kun: Kazuya: Have you not heard any of this?? Sheepy: Naoya: Oh, I've got suspicions. It's Nyar, isn't it? Phil said he's been told not to let Nyar in no matter what, and that he's up to no good. ... I can't get out of him who told him that, but it doesn't sound wrong Arsé-kun: Germain: Is there any rule about letting me in instead, then? Sheepy: Naoya: Only Nyar was mentioned, and frankly, I don't want Nyar in here anyway. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: You just missed, like, three paragraphs of exposition! Sheepy: Naoya: Exposition? Arsé-kun: Germain: The shortened version is an apology about behavior, an explanation of behavior, the reason for it, and the outcome. Sheepy: Naoya:.... Sheepy: Naoya: Well, I'm fine with you coming in. I guess it's not really my decision anyway. Arsé-kun: Germain: Fantastic. *he steps in, and turns back to Nyar* Whatever happened to being the worst thing that existed? You play by the rules now? I'll take that jar if you won't do it. Arsé-kun: *kaz heads back inside, too, to repeat what Nyar said. not word for word, though- that's naoya's job. literally* Sheepy: Nyar: ...You're right. I'm losing my touch. Sheepy: Nyar: I've been living around humans for too long...or maybe I'm losing it because I'm not whole. What's happening to me? Sheepy: Nyar: *He follows Saint in* Sheepy: Nyar: Work small towards the big goal I suppose. Active rebellion. Sheepy: Phil: *His face is in a potted plant* Arsé-kun: Germain: Maybe you're getting too old for this. Time to retire, get a nice ranch, herd some cattle, commit a triple homicide.. Arsé-kun: Germain: How that pot, Phil? Sheepy: Nyar: Too old!? I'm not old...! Sheepy: Nyar: Dad's older...and he's running evil organizations and everything all by himself... Arsé-kun: Germain: This job may not be right for everyone. Side effects may include going soft, nausea, heart complications, or being a little bitch. Talk to your doctor if you think this is right for you. Sheepy: Nyar: Ugh....... but what doctor would prescribe making me less of a wimp... Arsé-kun: Germain: Who cares? Sheepy: Nyar: I do!...Phil! Get your head out of the plant! I've got news! Sheepy: Phil: Phil isn't here. Sheepy: Phil: The Lady has informed me that I'm but a potted plant. Arsé-kun: Germain: Can you take a break from being a potted plant? Sheepy: Phil: What is it? Sheepy: Nyar: Don't you hate her telling you that you're just an object? Treating you like one? Sheepy: Phil: Hate? Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah...like.. ...oh, wait. Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't know what hate would feel like, unless it's what I always feel. Sheepy: Phil: I don't feel any different looking at you and lookng at a stranger. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyarlathotep, you're entirely missing your chance. It's getting too personal. Sheepy: Nyar: Ugh.... Sheepy: Nyar: ... Sheepy: Nyar: ..How do I do this... Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, you don't mind a few glass shards in your skin, right? It's for your own good! Sheepy: Phil: Ah, go ahead then. Sheepy: Nyar: *He smashes the Emotion Jar in Phil's face* Sheepy: Phil: !?.................. Sheepy: Nyar: ....................Uh. I did it right. Right? Sheepy: *Phil is wordlessly trembling. ... Shaking uncontrollably.* Sheepy: Nyar: Uh. I think I broke him. Sheepy: Nyar: Well. Time to get Dad to do it right I guess. Sheepy: Nyar: But, like, that was the only jar. Sheepy: Nyar: If that wasn't the right way.... ... Sheepy: Phil: *Hyperventilating* Sheepy: Nyar: Well, it'd be problematic. Right, Phil? ... Phil? Sheepy: Nyar:...Saint-Germain...what do we do? Arsé-kun: Germain: Factor it into our plans and move on. Arsé-kun: Germain: I've got an idea that's too human for your tastes. Arsé-kun: *What he turns out to mean is treat this event as if Phil is having a more normal, human breakdown, and to treat it accordingly. Blankets and nice music are applied. Cocoa everywhere. Is good* Sheepy: Nyar: What's this going to do? Sheepy: Phil:......*sob* Sheepy: Nyar: Eh? What's that? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you laughing? Sheepy: Phil: *sob* Sheepy: Nyar: Or...wait. Well. No. That makes no sense. Arsé-kun: Germain: Laughter would be a worse outcome, I'd think. Sheepy: Nyar: Why? Arsé-kun: Germain: Why would you think? Sheepy: Nyar: Laughter is a happy noise. Sheepy: Nyar: We don't cry. We don't feel sadness. ... At least. We didn't. Sheepy: Nyar: ...But...perhaps. Sheepy: Nyar: You can only feel sadness when you've finally found something truly important to you. Arsé-kun: Germain: Laughter can also be a sign of having been completely broken. You know this- Though I suppose it was always a good thing for you when someone else would, yes? Sheepy: Nyar: ... Sheepy: Nyar: I don't know. Arsé-kun: Germain: Concerned, are we? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you taunting me? Arsé-kun: Germain: Not at all. I enjoy seeing all these different sides of you. Arsé-kun: Germain: This one is.. Rather cute, I will say. Sheepy: Nyar: !? Arsé-kun: Germain: :) Sheepy: Nyar: I'm not...! No! This isn't me! It's just because I'm not whole! Arsé-kun: Germain: So you're missing a few masks. Didn't you do all this for him even before that? Sheepy: Nyar: Uh...! Arsé-kun: Germain: I understand. Not a word from me about this once it concludes. Sheepy: Nyar: You're giving it up that easily? Sheepy: Nyar: "Not a word"...though... Arsé-kun: Germain: Would you rather I declare to the heavens that you had a pure motive? Sheepy: Nyar: ...What, are you going to unleash your hieroglyphic knowledge on the world? That's pictures. Not words, technically. Sheepy: Nyar: And obviously not!!! Arsé-kun: Germain: The world has the rosetta stone. I'm unneeded. Sheepy: Nyar: If I'd waited a little longer I wouldn't have needed to teach you. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... I suppose that'd be correct. Sheepy: Nyar: So obviously there's evidence of me ruining the natural way of things! Sheepy: Nyar: I! Obviously! Don't! Care! Arsé-kun: Germain: I have a reply to that, but there are young ones present. Sheepy: Nyar: Or maybe it's just wrong!! Because I'm a heartless monster! I'm not losing it! Arsé-kun: Germain: Mmmmmhm. Sheepy: *Phil meanwhile seems to slowly be calming down...?* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he glances towards Phil* Has our chattering been of use to you? Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't know what's going on... Sheepy: Phil: I don't know what this is! Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyarlathotep accomplished a goal they have had since you made that mistake. Arsé-kun: Germain: Your ability to feel emotions has been returned to you. Sheepy: Phil: Goal? Mistake? My head hurts so much! Arsé-kun: Germain: But of course. It may take a small amount of time to readjust. Sheepy: Phil:...I don't like it. ...Like? ... ... I don't understand... what is liking something? How does it feel? How do I know if I don't like it? Arsé-kun: Germain: You've just shown you can tell. Sheepy: Phil: I don't know, it was just my first inclination. Sheepy: Phil: Everything is a mess. I can't think straight. Arsé-kun: Germain: Then do not. Sheepy: Phil: I just want it to stop. ... Want? I don't...want things. I don't hope for things. Arsé-kun: Germain: At a time, you did. Sheepy: Phil: What..... Sheepy: Phil: What did I want...? Arsé-kun: Germain: How should I know? I wasn't there. Arsé-kun: Germain: Sort yourself out and- Pardon my language- Get your shit together. Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't understand... Arsé-kun: Germain: Do you not? I was never aware part of your memory was busted as well. Sheepy: Nyar: Nodens, these are collections of feelings you've felt for so long. You never got rid of them. They just grew more and more until they became overwhelming. Sheepy: Nyar: And don't spout off to me about how you don't need them. Without them, you're just a prop for the show. A doll. A tool. You can't make decisions. You just follow orders. Sheepy: Phil: I don't know what you're talking about. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyar, you did just hit him in the head with glass. Sheepy: Nyar: Okay but hitting people in the head with glass isn't going to make them obnoxious. Arsé-kun: Germain: It can make an obnoxious person more obnoxious, probably. Sheepy: Nyar: Here, let's try smashing glass over his head again and then see. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyar, no! Sheepy: Nyar: It might right his memory. Arsé-kun: Germain: It doesn't work that way. Sheepy: Phil: I feel sick. Please go harass Nodens somewhere else. Sheepy: Phil:...You're very loud.. Arsé-kun: Germain: I think we've done enough damage for a single day. Sheepy: Nyar: Fine. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he gives a sheepish grin to Naoya and Kazuya* I'm very sorry for breaking your Phil-dot-exe. He will need time to finish his updates and reboot a couple of times- He's been putting off these updates for centuries. He's absolutely a computer, and who had the emoting ability of one. *he waves and pushes Nyar out* Sheepy: Naoya:...Uh... Arsé-kun: Kazuya: ... Hm... Sheepy: *Later! Something fun is happening!* Sheepy: *Specifically! It's time for a good old vampire meeting!* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... I still got an awful feeling about this! Arsé-kun: Delly: Too bad! *he pulls on Impey's braid* You and Eggy already agreed! Sheepy: Eggs: Isn't this the exact opposite of a good idea? ... But Dad goes... Arsé-kun: Delly: I already told you! I need bodyguards! Is it because neither of you have gone? Or because neither of you wear fancy suits? Sheepy: Eggs: And I'm not going to fit in. Sheepy: Eggs: I wear suits every day to work, though. Arsé-kun: Impey: Is "all of the above" a valid option? Arsé-kun: Delly: I said FANCY! Sheepy: Eggs: Yes, I know. Arsé-kun: Impey: I know, too! This is so uncomfortable..! Sheepy: Eggs: However, it'll probably be unnecessary stress for Dad... and he already has a lot going on... ... Arsé-kun: Delly: It's a meeting, not a bar brawl! Sheepy: Eggs:...I suppose so. Sheepy: Eggs: I did agree to it... Sheepy: Eggs:...We should get going, then. Arsé-kun: Delly: Remember! No letting anyone touch me unless I allow it! Sheepy: Eggs: I know. Arsé-kun: Impey: We'll try...! Arsé-kun: *they go inside! they get stared at, a lot* Sheepy: Eggs: *He slowly goes to back up and leave* Arsé-kun: Delly: What're you all looking at?? Get back to whatever you were doing! Sheepy: *If you need something to look at, there's now someone in full armor right behind Delly and crew!* Arsé-kun: Delly: ... What? What're you all looking at now..?? *he turns to look and very nearly screams* Sheepy: *Eggs accidentally bumps into that said someone without realizing they're there. He, too, gives the armored person a horrified stare.* Sheepy: Guinevere: *She takes off the helmet* ? Arsé-kun: Delly: When the hell did you get there?? Sheepy: Guin: Just now. Sheepy: Eggs: We didn't hear you following us. Sheepy: Hansel: Follow? I just followed the breadcrumbs before the birds ate them... Sheepy: Guin: Just now. Sheepy: Eggs: We didn't hear you following us. Sheepy: Hansel: Follow? I just followed the breadcrumbs before the birds ate them... Sheepy: Eggs:....Breadcrumbs? Sheepy: Hansel: I put breadcrumbs. Did you eat them? ...Are you a swan? You look like one, wearing all white. Arsé-kun: Delly: what the hell is going on Sheepy: Guin: I came here for the meeting and Hansel escorted me here because I didn't know the way. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he's kind of behind Guin.* Arsé-kun: Impey: Oh, that's fine! Lets get out of your way, then. *he moves* Sheepy: Hansel: You look like a woodpecker meanwhile. I only like swans in terms of birds but I suppose woodpeckers aren't too bad. *He's looking to Impey now.* Arsé-kun: Impey: Huh, that works. Sheepy: *Guinevere joins the rest of the group. Hansel stays with Impey and Eggs.* Arsé-kun: *Lance quickly follows her. Sorry, Hansel* Sheepy: Hansel:...Ah...they're leaving me... Arsé-kun: Delly: It's you. The tour guide. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: That's me. Hansel. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know what a vampire is but it wasn't too difficult to find this place. Arsé-kun: Delly: Maybe it's time to move venues. But who cares! Lets get moving already! Sheepy: Hansel: I like swans so I'll stay with you. Guinevere left me so I must fend for myself. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Mr. Swan. Now is not the time to stare fearfully at the ground. Now is the time to fluff your feathers and look up proudly. Show the confidence you deserve to have. Arsé-kun: Delly: You're my bodyguard for the day! Huff and puff and all that shit! Sheepy: Eggs: I regret this... *but he does follow Delly. Hansel is following him closely.* Sheepy: Hansel: ...Wheelchair man. You remind me of someone. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps my son which you just referred to as a swan. *he turns back to the people he was talking to for a moment, explaining that yes, that WAS his son, hasn't he grown up well? anyways, back to Hansel* Are you not going with him? Sheepy: Hansel: That's not who I mean. ... But. Yes. I'll go with him. The swan will guide me the right way. Arsé-kun: Mori: Then you may wish to hurry, before you lose them. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't want to get lost again, because then I'll really die this time. *He turns back to Eggs and begins following him again, mumbling to himself "Follow the swan, follow the swan~" before it turning into incoherent nonsense. At least Eggs made a new friend? A new friend who he very clearly is not comfortable with.* Arsé-kun: *Delly is very tempted to tell him to "Sing a bit louder, I can't hear you", but does not.* Arsé-kun: *and eventually, as Delly expected, people try to move in towards Delly. He does Not Approve* Arsé-kun: Delly: G-guards! Sheepy: Eggs: *I am here now! Hello don't get into his personal space!* Sheepy: Hansel:? Arsé-kun: Impey: Lets back it up a bit, folks! Arsé-kun: Delly: But not you, guide. You're okay. Sheepy: Hansel: *He pulls his fork closer* ...I'm okay. That makes me happy. Sheepy: Hansel: Thank you. Sheepy: Eggs:...I hope this doesn't sound rude, but...why are you carrying a big fork around? Sheepy: Hansel: This is my sister, Gretel. We're never apart. I love my sister. Sheepy: Eggs: Hansel and Gretel...like the fairytale? ...So that explains the breadcrumbs and the mention of the swan. But why are you playing the role of Hansel, and why is a fork playing the role of Gretel? Sheepy: Hansel: I loved my mother very much, but she didn't have food for us so she abandoned us. The swan promised to bring us to a new life where we'd have food and happiness, but Gretel starved to death because I wasn't good enough of an older brother. But I made a wish and now we're together again. Sheepy: Eggs:....Are things really that bad? Arsé-kun: Delly: Sounds normal to me by now. Sheepy: Eggs: Poverty is really that bad? Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, sometimes. Sheepy: Hansel: It was a drought. Everyone was starving. She threw us away to save herself. Arsé-kun: Delly: I recommend consuming the flesh and blood of the fallen! Sheepy: Hansel: Cannabalism is wrong. Arsé-kun: Delly: Eh. Sheepy: Hansel: That's what Guinevere told me. Arsé-kun: Delly: I guess maybe don't eat people unless you're into that. Sheepy: Hansel: I'm not. Sheepy: Hansel: It's cannabalism. Sheepy: Hansel: I'm a people. Sheepy: Eggs:...A person, singular, or multiple people in one costume? Arsé-kun: Gretel: "People" is plural, Hansel! *she sticks her head out and makes a face at Eggs* Oooh, scary ghost! Sheepy: Eggs: Guh?! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Gottem!! Sheepy: Hansel:...Is it cannabalism to eat a people then, if I'm a person? Sheepy: Eggs: Ghost...?! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Yes? Sheepy: Hansel: No, no, Gretel, not Ghost. I see where you confusion lies. They're similar words. Sheepy: Eggs: ...I don't get it...ghosts aren't real... Sheepy: Hansel: She's my sister. I told you that. Arsé-kun: Delly: The vampire says ghosts aren't real. That irony is delicious! Arsé-kun: Delly: If you don't think it exists? It probably exists! Arsé-kun: Delly: Evil squids? Yep. Unicorns? I think so. Slugs? Not sure about that one. Arsé-kun: Delly: Impey? Apparently not! Where the fresh hell did he go? Sheepy: Hansel:....I don't like slugs. They're squishy. Sheepy: Hansel: I poke at them and they leave. Sheepy: Hansel: That's how I get rid of slugs. Sheepy: Eggs: Why get rid of them in the first place...? Sheepy: Hansel: Because Mom doesn't like slugs nor squids. Sheepy: Eggs: And....Hansel, did you see where Impey headed off to? Sheepy: Hansel: ? Impey? Sheepy: Eggs: The redhead with the messy, long hair. Green eyes. Sheepy: Hansel: Mr. Woodpecker. He left after the thing caught his eye. Sheepy: Eggs: Thing? Sheepy: Hansel: The hot box. It warms you up when you're cold. ...*He pulls his fork closer* I don't like being cold. It's...lonely... Sheepy: Eggs: So you're talking about the heater. Alright. Also, you don't need to worry about loneliness right now. We're here. Arsé-kun: Delly: He had one goddamn job. Arsé-kun: Delly: One, single job. Stay with me. Well, he failed that! Congrats, Eggy, you've been promoted to Better Bodyguard! Sheepy: Eggs: Um...thanks? Sheepy: Eggs: I haven't done anything. Arsé-kun: Delly: You've stayed put! Sheepy: Hansel: Bodyguard? Sheepy: Hansel: Is it dangerous here? Arsé-kun: Delly: Not usually. I just don't want people touching me! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Arsé-kun: Delly: That's great! I'm glad to know you aren't blind! Arsé-kun: *Impey returns, not at all stealthily, smelling of old vent dust and metal. On the plus side, he's only dusty and not filthy!* Arsé-kun: Impey: What'd I miss? Arsé-kun: Delly: You left! You weren't supposed to leave! Arsé-kun: Impey: *he shrugs* Hey, someone had to fix that vent, and no one else was doing it! Sheepy: Hansel: Vent.......... Sheepy: Hansel: So now no one can get in through there. Arsé-kun: Impey: Well, yeah. Arsé-kun: Delly: What is this, a tortoise meeting? Move it! Sheepy: Guinevere: I apologize for holding things up. I had matters to discuss with your father ahead of time, but I've finished. Arsé-kun: Delly: Old tortoise meeting! *he stomps over and kinda just. Slams his face into her for a moment. not literally* Really old and dusty! Sheepy: Guin: It's not wrong, I suppose. Sheepy: Eggs: You're probably not much older than I, just based on appearance. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Dear, you can tell them. Sheepy: Guin: Should I...? Sheepy: Eggs:...? Sheepy: Guin: I suppose so. After learning that my family has died out - that past my existence, the only vampires to remain are that of the blood-drinking variant, I've concluded that I must do what I can to keep the remaining members of the vampire kind alive. Simply, I've come to offer my protection. Arsé-kun: Delly: So you smelling like old blood is literal AND figurative! *he seems impressed* Sheepy: Guin: You may have heard of me, although not in a good light. I am Guinevere, once Queen of Britain. You may hold issue with my past, but that does not change the fact that I will do everything in my power to keep you and your families safe. Sheepy: Guin: *With this, she doesn't seem to have anything else to say.* Arsé-kun: Delly: You're older than Dad is! Sheepy: Guin: Am I? Sheepy: Eggs:...*He looks to Impey. Who is Guinevere?* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... What're you lookin' to me for? Sheepy: Eggs: Guinevere? Should I know her? Arsé-kun: Impey: the whole king arthur thing? Sheepy: Eggs: King Arthur? Sheepy: Eggs: Let me think.... Sheepy: Eggs:...No, I don't recall it. Arsé-kun: Lance: *peeking around Guin* It's quite old.. It's fine to not know. Sheepy: Eggs:...Ah, that's good. Sheepy: Guin: I apologize for the interruption to your meeting. Arsé-kun: Delly: It's acceptable! Valid reason was given and old people do it all the time! Sheepy: Guin: I see. That's good. Arsé-kun: Delly: ... Wait! I hear Dad! *and he just. bolts away. good luck keeping up with THAT* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... So are we gonna get a paycheck? Sheepy: Eggs: I can't run that fast. Arsé-kun: Impey: No idea if I could! But you think we're gonna get paid anyway? Sheepy: Eggs: ...Mm? Oh, I was doing it as a favor. Sheepy: Eggs: More than that... ... No, nevermind. Arsé-kun: Impey: Hmmm? Sheepy: Eggs: It's nothing. Arsé-kun: Impey: Oh, okay! Sheepy: Eggs: *Nice! He didn't push it!* Arsé-kun: *Wow!* Arsé-kun: *and after a while, Delly re-enters the main scene, trying to copy his father's gait. He only accomplishes tripping on himself.* Sheepy: Hansel: ? Sheepy: Hansel: Ah, you're walking differently. Arsé-kun: Delly: That's what you notice?? Of all things?? Arsé-kun: *Perhaps Delly's aforementioned father, coming up behind Delly. This imposing silhouette of a man, still heavily shadowed despite the bright lights. scurry* Sheepy: Hansel: ... Ah. Your shadow can walk now. Sheepy: Hansel: Sister, how do you think he's doing that? Sheepy: Eggs: That's not a shadow. Sheepy: Hansel: You're not my sister. Arsé-kun: Gretel: Huh, what? I dunno, who cares? Sheepy: Hansel: I do. Sheepy: Hansel: If I didn't care, I wouldn't have asked. Arsé-kun: Delly: It's my Father! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. I'm happy for you. Sheepy: Hansel: I never got to experience having a dad for very long... So. I don't know what it's like. Arsé-kun: Delly: I highly recommend it! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Sheepy: Hansel: I'll consider wishing for one for Christmas, then. Sheepy: Hansel: Thank you. Sheepy: Eggs: Nice to meet you. Sheepy: Hansel: You look terrified. Sheepy: Hansel: Do you think he'll attack you, Mr. Swan? Don't worry, my sister and I can protect you. Sheepy: Eggs: Please stop pointing it out... Sheepy: Guin: Good to see you. Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... Have I not just spoken with you? Sheepy: Guin: You did. Sheepy: Guin: However, it was moreso a greeting of "you've arrived". Sheepy: Hansel: Hm. Sheepy: Hansel: Mr. Swan. If you're so scared, why don't you join your dad? Sheepy: Eggs: I'm not scared and I'm here to be Delacroix's bodyguard. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Ah. I misunderstood. Sheepy: Guin: No, I understand why. It's fine. Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he turns his gaze to Eggs and Impey* ... Fresh blood? Arsé-kun: Impey: *he's also scared. a lot of fear.* Uh, um, n.. No? Sheepy: Eggs:...?! Sheepy: Hansel: To my understanding, this is their first time, yes. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know about Mr. Woodpecker, but Mr. Swan is insecure enough to be new and unfamiliar with his surroundings. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah. They're not new vampires, they just never show up to these things! Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know what a vampire is. Arsé-kun: Delly: I thought I told you. Sheepy: Hansel: No. Sheepy: Hansel: You didn't. Arsé-kun: Delly: Oh. Okay. Sheepy: Hansel: Should I know? Sheepy: Hansel: I've heard them mentioned by Mother. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yes! Sheepy: Hansel: Why? Arsé-kun: Delly: Gee whiz, it's almost like you're surrounded by us. Sheepy: Hansel: ... But. You look human, so that doesn't help. Sheepy: Eggs: Vampires are similar to humans, except they're physically stronger and most of them drink blood. Sheepy: Hansel: Humans can drink blood too and the physical strength of humans vary. Sheepy: Eggs:...They run faster? Sheepy: Hansel: The speed of a human varies. Sheepy: Eggs: You... are overcomplicating things. Sheepy: Hansel: ...I feel as though... this will remain a mystery, much like me asking what an elder god is. Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... A vampire is not a human. We are closely related, but not the same. Sheepy: Hansel: I understand that. Sheepy: Hansel: So then. Humans are like ducks and vampires are like geese. They look similar, they both eat bread, and they act differently. Sheepy: Hansel: That's simple enough. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, that! Sheepy: Hansel: I understand now. Arsé-kun: *in the bg, impey, slowly inching away. coward mode activated* Sheepy: Eggs: *He looks to Impey for help* Arsé-kun: Impey: ????? Sheepy: *He's scared too!* Arsé-kun: Impey: *he points over his shoulder. You wanna get out of here?* Sheepy: Eggs: *YES* Arsé-kun: *Cue Sneaky Escape Attempt™* Sheepy: Hansel: Hm. Arsé-kun: Delly: At least try, you cowards! Sheepy: Eggs: I just realized I forgot something at home... Arsé-kun: Impey: I'm gonna check the vent I fixed! Sheepy: Hansel: Why? Arsé-kun: Impey: Because maybe I didn't fix it as well as I thought! Sheepy: Hansel:...Have fun. Arsé-kun: Impey: Will do! *and he drags Eggs out of scene* Sheepy: Hansel: I didn't know he lives in the vent. Arsé-kun: Delly: He doesn't! Sheepy: Hansel:...Then why are they going together? Arsé-kun: Vlad: They're afraid. Sheepy: Hansel: Of you? Arsé-kun: Vlad: It's quite likely. Sheepy: Hansel: That's unfortunate. Sheepy: Hansel: You don't look frightening. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Thank you. I don't hear that often. Sheepy: Hansel: Really? Am I supposed to be afraid? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Not at all. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Okay. Sheepy: *Meanwhile! The crunching of footsteps. Cheerful humming despite it being dark out. ... Coughing. Okita is out hunting down the man he had seen a glimpse of earlier - a knife-wielding man who had seemed like he was in a hurry.* Sheepy: Okita: Heh, it's kinda chilly out, huh? Well, guess it's just you and me, friend. And our third pal who'll be at the end of my blade once I find him. It's been a while, really. The doctor wouldn't come with, but I suppose that's a good thing. I might've had to rough him up a bit to even be able to leave if he had. Sheepy: Okita: *He snickers and returns to his humming.* Arsé-kun: Alex: ... You'd have attacked him anyway. Stop making that noise. Sheepy: Okita: Mmm? I'm happy. Is that disturbing to you, considering how I usually am? Arsé-kun: Alex: Is it a song for their upcoming death? Sheepy: Okita: ....Heh. What do you think? Arsé-kun: Alex: I think yes. Sheepy: Okita: Heheheh. Arsé-kun: Alex: But only because we're armed. Sheepy: Okita: Mh, I'd be much better off in my normal outfit. Sheepy: Okita: It's not the same without it, and I haven't trained in a while. Back me up when we catch him. Arsé-kun: Alex: At least you put pants on. Sheepy: Okita: Some days that's hard. Sheepy: Okita: And some days, it's - *cough, cough, cough, wheeze* Arsé-kun: Alex: That. Sheepy: Okita: *He coughs for a bit more before catching his breath* ... Just a silly cough, that's all it is. Arsé-kun: Alex: At least you're not a fountain of blood today. Sheepy: Okita:...Heheheh.... Sheepy: Okita: No, that'll be our target. Arsé-kun: Alex: Sounds good to me. Sheepy: Okita: Although, I suppose it'll look odd if I return covered in blood. Arsé-kun: Alex: Will it, though? Sheepy: Okita: Too bad, really. Sheepy: Okita: Yeah, I'm not going to cough up a liter of blood. Arsé-kun: Alex: That's called dying. Sheepy: Okita: Aha, exactly. That's why it'd look strange. Arsé-kun: Alex: Then I'll do it. Sheepy: Okita: Good idea. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Do you hear that? Sheepy: Okita: ...Yeah. Arsé-kun: Alex: Arm yourself. Sheepy: Okita: *He unsheathes his sword* Arsé-kun: *They move in closer.* Sheepy: *There's humming coming from their target.* Sheepy: Okita: *He casually strolls into the entrance. The only entrance - and exit.* Sheepy: Okita: Mmm? Are you having fun? Arsé-kun: Alex: *he follows Okita, holding up the rear* Sheepy: Stephano: *His eyes snap to Okita and Alex* Sheepy: Stephano: Who said you could enter? You're disrupting my creation of a masterpiece. Sheepy: Stephano: Be patient, now. You can be the first to the opening show, but it's no good to rush. Arsé-kun: Alex: ...?? Sheepy: Okita: You're killing someone. Sheepy: Stephano: Hah. Of course, people who can't be patient also can't understand my artwork. Sheepy: Stephano: Here, since you're the first to take interest. I will explain its creative meaning. Sheepy: Stephano: Death is but momentary, isn't it? *He looks back at his unfortunate victim, whose head is drooping. Yet, they're breathing. Stephano gently takes the man's chin and lifts his head, looking into their eyes* But the beauty they leave..the beauty of art. The impact of that is eternal. Sheepy: Stephano: *He digs his fingernails into their chin* Aren't you ready to be reborn? ...Haha, you should leave that face. Beautiful! Marvelous! Sheepy: Okita: Listen, if you don't want to become a piece of work yourself, let yourself be arrested and I'll be particularly merciful. Sheepy: Stephano: I'm not beautiful. I can't be...no...if I was, he'd have noticed me...! Sheepy: Stephano: Hahaha....he always found others to be more pretty. I was just a failure...he kept coming back to me, trying to make me perfect... ... well, I'll show him that I'm learning from him. Sheepy: Okita: Stop exposition dumping and come here before I turn you into a cadaver. Arsé-kun: Alex: I stopped listening. Sheepy: Okita: You're lucky. Arsé-kun: Alex: Was there anything important? Sheepy: Okita: Nah, just him babbling about his crush trying to make him pretty. Obviously didn't work. Sheepy: Okita: Now. C'mere. I'll make you pretty. Sheepy: Stephano:...You aren't him, are you? He's so talented... I wouldn't leave my body in your hands. Sheepy: Okita: I know where he is. Sheepy: Stephano: ....! Sheepy: Stephano: You need proof! Sheepy: Okita: Mm? Sheepy: Stephano: I've already heard that one once. *He growls and jabs his knife into the victim's shoulder inadvertently.* ....No! No! Sheepy: Stephano: It's ruined, hideous! How will I fix this?! Arsé-kun: Alex: Put a dinosaur bandaid on it. Sheepy: Stephano: You have no idea about aesthetics! You'll always be hideous. Sheepy: *Okita steps closer* Sheepy: Stephano: You've ruined my muse, made me lose my image! Look at what you did! You made me waste a precious model! I hate wasting models! Sheepy: Stephano: Especially you in the back! With your ugly aesthetic! Sheepy: Okita: I'm giving you another chance to come with us. Sheepy: Stephano: I won't go if he isn't with you! My teacher! Nyarlathotep! Arsé-kun: Alex: Tell me more. You've got my interest. Sheepy: Stephano: You wish to know about my teacher? Look, look upon the permanent mark he put upon me! A symbol of his acceptance! Sheepy: *He shifts his hair, revealing the gouged out eye* Sheepy: Stephano: He sculpted so many Twilight members into perfection.... Arsé-kun: *Alex narrows his eyes.* Arsé-kun: Alex: Continue. Sheepy: Stephano: ...But he always threw it away! Yet I, I will never be able to meet the level of his trashed works. Sheepy: Stephano: He never gave up on me... he kept working to make me beautiful. And yet, he couldn't, no one can. Sheepy: Stephano:...And then one day. Sheepy: Stephano: He disappeared. Arsé-kun: Alex: Shut up. I don't care about your backstory. I want to know what Twilight is. Sheepy: Stephano: Twilight... Sheepy: Stephano:...He is a member of Twilight. But he should be the leader...he is the most capable of them. I told him this...and he gouged my eye out, telling me not to insult his father like that. Sheepy: Stephano: They bring in models and make them beautiful. But sometimes they can't, so they put us in outfits to hide our shame. Sheepy: Stephano: They tell us to bring more models...but once he left, I grew tired of waiting, so I left to find models to mimic him. Muses. Sheepy: Stephano: Twilight...I do not know its purpose. It's an organisation. It's perfection, until my teacher left. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... I feel like I've got more questions than answers now. Sheepy: Stephano: What? Arsé-kun: Alex: I asked what it is. You went on about your teacher. Sheepy: Stephano: It's an organisation that shapes people into beauty, like what I'm doing. Sheepy: Okita: So they torture and kill 'em? Sheepy: Stephano: You say it in brutish terms but it's fairly accurate. Stefano: But, won't you understand? Living people are worthless. They'll always be worthless. Once they're motionless, I can make them truly beautiful! Okita: Whew, you're a character, aren't you. You feeling particularly attached to that other eye? Heheheheh. Stefano: Without it, how can I see my art? How can I see beauty? Okita: If you want to see dead bodies so bad, I'll make sure to stick you in a grave with a few other bodies of sick people like you- *cough, cough, cough, cough, wheeze* Stefano: ...? Arsé-kun: Alex: You're going to get to the graves first by the sound of it. Sheepy: Okita: Heheh, shut up. I'm not shirking my job just because of a cough. Arsé-kun: Alex: I'm going to do it myself if you don't. Sheepy: Okita: I'm waiting for you. Sheepy: Stefano: What do you want from me? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Your cooperation. *Hello, up here! He's sitting on the offensive wall that causes this alleyway to be a dead end.* At least, preferably. Sheepy: Stefano:?! Sheepy: Stefano: How did you...?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I climbed up. There's a very nice breeze up here. Sheepy: Okita: You sure do take a while. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Don't blame me. I've been ready all afternoon. Sheepy: Okita: Our poor victim is bleeding out. Where's the help, huh? Sheepy: *Sirens ring out!* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Right there. *he sighs, loudly.* I feel filthy for working with the pigs. Sheepy: Okita: Haa? Do you think I'm much better? Sheepy: Okita: That's nice of you. Sheepy: Stefano:....! Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're not them. Instant yes. Sheepy: Stefano: *He lifts the knife to the man's neck* Don't come any closer. Sheepy: Okita: Aw, I really did think my constant chattering would distract you. Sheepy: Stefano: You care about him? I'll do it. Arsé-kun: Alex: I have no idea who he is. Sheepy: Okita: I really couldn't care less. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh. Sheepy: Stefano:.... Sheepy: Stefano: *He shifts the knife to his own neck* Arsé-kun: Alex: Dibs on his head. Sheepy: Stefano: I know of others. You might be able to stop them from killing again if I tell you. Sheepy: Okita: Now, now, put the knife down. We wouldn't want to get any of your blood on our friend here. Arsé-kun: Alex: Or any of yours on him. Sheepy: Stefano: You're confusing me. You're getting on my nerves. You're a distraction. Sheepy: Okita: That's what that man says. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You ever think about doing something a bit less bloody for good artsy exposure? Sheepy: Stefano: They're easier to pose this way. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Can't argue with that, I guess. Sheepy: Stefano: This one...this one is hideous. Sheepy: Stefano: No matter what I do, he won't die. Arsé-kun: Arséne: What a shame! Sheepy: Stefano: He frustrates me. Sheepy: Stefano:...Like you calling the police! How can I work, surrounded like this?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I never made a call. Sheepy: Stefano: I don't care if you did it! I don't care if any of you did it! You're in my way! Arsé-kun: Alex: What. A shame. Sheepy: *...But he slowly lifts his hands. He doesn't see any way out.* Sheepy: Okita: You're going willingly? Then why do you still have the knife? Sheepy: Stefano:.... *He puts it down* Arsé-kun: *and finally, Adam arrives, flanked by the coppers. Just in case.* Sheepy: Stefano:...?! Sheepy: Stefano: You...y-you're hideous! Horrifying! Sheepy: Stefano: In every sense of the word, a monster! This! This is the personification of the ugliness of life! Sheepy: Okita: You aren't a looker yourself. Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm used to it. He's right, anyway. Sheepy: Okita: Oi, don't beat up on yourself. Sheepy: Okita: Instead, beat up on him. Arsé-kun: Adam: That's police brutality. *he moves in for The Arrest* Sheepy: Stefano: *He scooches back some, visibly terrified* Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm not going to hurt you. Sheepy: Stefano:.... Sheepy: Stefano:............ Sheepy: Stefano: Don't lie to me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oops, I dropped my handcuffs. *and he promptly cuffs Stefano from behind. Plan H* Sheepy: Stefano: Ah?! Sheepy: Stefano: No! I need those! My art is unfinished! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh. You already said you messed it up. Sheepy: Stefano:...I... ... Arsé-kun: Watson: *in the farrrr background* can i come in now?? Sheepy: Okita: You might want to sometime soon, doc. It's incredible they're even alive. Arsé-kun: Watson: It's amazing you're alive right now. *he hurries past Okita. time to Work* Sheepy: Okita: Hahaha...*cough, cough* Sheepy: *The victim has a strange symbol emblazoned across the entirety of their chest. Presumably that's just a tattoo. Along with that, there's various stab wounds and cuts on his body, including a stab wound on each hand. He's weakly breathing. He has the faint scent of flowers on him along with the strong odor of blood. Maybe he was around a lot of flowers earlier?* Arsé-kun: *Watson doesn't bother wondering about the weirdness. Tattoos and cologne/perfume/etc are completely normal in the holy year 2018. Instead, he does hIS FUCKING JOB* Sheepy: *Good idea!* Sheepy: Okita: Well, it's probably time for me to head back. Arsé-kun: Alex: It is. Sheepy: Okita: Haha, I didn't ask if it was. Sheepy: Okita: Well, since you agree. Sheepy: *Okita wraps his arm around Alex... only for his [Okita's] legs to go out from under him.* Sheepy: Okita: *cough, cough, cough, cough, wheeze, wheeze, cough, cough, cough. Ah, that's blood. The coughing goes on for a bit, before ending in him panting.* Arsé-kun: Alex: Is this the embrace of death? Sheepy: Okita: 'M just tired. Let's get going. Arsé-kun: Alex: That's what dying people say. Sheepy: Okita: Hahaha.... Sheepy: Okita:...Help me get back to the hospital please. Arsé-kun: Alex: Yeah, sure. It's not like I'm going anywhere else. Sheepy: Okita: Thanks. Sheepy: *The next day!* Sheepy: *The victim from before has apparently woken up, so questioning is an option if you want to bully him this close to when he woke up. Meanwhile, Sheepy wants to know the haps and Sherlock is in a pouty mood.* Sheepy: Harley: Stop playing the violin badly and also get your foot off of my leg. You're being annoying. Sheepy: Sherlock: *Siiiiiigh* A beautiful day to die, isn't it? Sheepy: Harley: Shut up. I'll make Mycroft deal with you if you keep this up. And get your foot off of my leg! Sheepy: Sherlock: Living in a dreary place of gray buildings and gray skies... surrounded by heavy fog... it's almost like we're in a graveyard, awaiting our deaths.... Sheepy: Harley: Fine! I'll go with you later to...whatever you said! Just shut up already, I didn't sleep last night and get your foot off of my leg! Sheepy: Sherlock: Huh? Really? Whatever I say?! Sheepy: Harley: If it shuts you up, yes. Sheepy: Sherlock: Great! We're going to go many fun places today! *He shifts and bear hugs Harley* Sheepy: Harley: I have a migraine! Don't breath on me, don't touch me! Stop opening your mouth! Don't talk in my presence, it makes me want to throw up! Arsé-kun: Watson: Ah, mornings. Nothing is amiss, I see. Sheepy: Harley: Don't "Ah, mornings" me! Come here and get rid of him! Arsé-kun: Watson: I would, but I'm not up to picking him up and dragging him to the kitchen. Sheepy: Harley: What help are you!? Arsé-kun: Watson: Absolutely none. *and he does a 180° turn to leave* Sheepy: Harley: I'm tired and want sleep! Get rid of him or something- stop hugging me! Your presence is making my head feel worse! Arsé-kun: A slightly distant Watson: Lupin, get your boyfriend! Arsé-kun: A very distant Arséne: How dare you make me do anything?? Arsé-kun: *arsene shows up about two minutes later* Sheepy: Harley: He's being annoying! Get rid of him! Arsé-kun: Arséne: No need to yell. *he easily picks up Sherlock* Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh! Arsene! We're going out later. You should come with us. Sheepy: Harley: I never said that we're going out. I said I would if you would leave me alone. Which you did not. Therefore, we're not. Sheepy: Sherlock: You already agreed to it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he looks to Harley. Looks back* Lets figure this out after we eat, oui? Sheepy: Sherlock: Sounds good! Arsé-kun: *and arsene brings sherlock to the kitchen. harley is free. the only cooking implement van is allowed to touch is the toaster.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Let me show you how to set a toaster on fire. Arsé-kun: Van: I can figure that out myself. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, but I'm a master at it. Arsé-kun: Van: I like being allowed to use this. Thanks. Sheepy: Sheepy: Do you? I don't know the feeling. Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's almost like you keep setting it on fire or something. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Speaking of fire, I found your lighter stash. I have stolen your lighters. Sheepy: Sheepy: Give them back before I fight you for them! Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he puts Sherlock down, freeing himself to bow to Sheepy* You'll have to find them, first. Arsé-kun: *He gives Sheepy one of his better evil grins- But not one of his photograph worthy ones.* Sheepy: Sheepy: No!! You're evil! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thank you very much. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I've had years of practice. Sheepy: Sheepy: You sure have! You're the ultimate jerk! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'll give you a hint! Under which lies under construction, you'll find your contraptions~ Sheepy: Sheepy: What. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Don't tell me a simple riddle will defeat the detective's assistant! Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm not a poet. Sheepy: Sheepy: You think I actually retain any of the poems I have to read when I do my schoolwork? Arsé-kun: Arséne: What kind of calling cards have you left as of recent? "I are stoling yur things?" Sheepy: Sheepy: No? Sheepy: Sheepy: I just state what I'm going to steal and when. Is that a problem? ...Is it supposed to be a poem? Arsé-kun: Arséne: I was unsure if you retained anything else from your schoolwork. Sheepy: Sheepy: What?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Which you need to catch up on, by the by. Sheepy: Sheepy: Listen! I couldn't care less about history! Arsé-kun: Arséne: But some things need to be known. Like when certain buildings were under construction or when certain contraptions were devised. Sheepy: Sheepy: Is my lighter a bribe for my homework? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Lighters. Plural. Sheepy: Sheepy: You're so cruel... Sheepy: Nyar: Pssshhh, you call that cruel? Arsé-kun: Arséne: No one asked you. Sheepy: Nyar: When people don't follow my orders, I torture them. Sheepy: Sheepy: Like that art guy? Sheepy: Nyar: The who what now? Sheepy: Nyar: D'you know what he's talking about, O Cruel One? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Unfortunately. He called you his teacher. It was disturbing. Sheepy: Nyar: Whaaaat. Sheepy: Nyar: I've got no clue who you're even talking about. Sheepy: Sheepy: He had bangs over one of his eyes and talked about beauty. Sheepy: Nyar: Ehhhhhhh... oh! Him! Sheepy: Nyar: He was really annoying but some guy who worked there told me he could be useful. I gouged his eye out because I didn't like the look in it. Sheepy: Nyar: It's a look I'd love on Saint-Germain but terrifying in this guy, haha. Yeah, I successfully forgot about him until now. Thanks a lot. Arsé-kun: Germain: *his head pops around the corner. he Heard That. Horrible* Sheepy: Nyar: What, you met him? Arsé-kun: Arséne: He was arrested yesterday afternoon for manslaughter and homicide. Sheepy: Nyar: Oh good, maybe he'll die so I don't have to think about him anymore. Sheepy: Sheepy: Why don't you do it? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you crazy? If I did it, he'd enjoy every second of it. Sheepy: Nyar: I am NOT getting anywhere near that guy. No way! Arsé-kun: Germain: I also refuse to do it. Sheepy: Nyar: Understandable Sheepy: *Meanwhile! Ryuu and Asougi finally get to the farm!* Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Is this the place? *He glances around* ...Wh-what a place to live.... Asougi, maybe we should...um... N-no, I guess we have to look around. Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's just a farm! There shouldn't be any big nasty creatures... Right? Sheepy: Ryuu: ...I hope. Arsé-kun: Asougi: For that reason! *he reaches back and pulls out a golf club, which he tosses to Ryuu* I brought a golf club! Grabbed this from the corner office! Sheepy: Ryuu: ........ Sheepy: Ryuu: *He inhales sharply* ...Thanks. Arsé-kun: Asougi: You're welcome. Armed myself, too. *he pats his scabbard* We should be fine this time. Sheepy: Ryuu: Hopefully. Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, where should we start, then? Where do you think a killer would hide? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Somewhere dark. Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, um, after you then. I'll be...backup. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Only if you don't take back-up to mean you backing up and away from this! Sheepy: Ryuu: Um...I'd like to, but...I won't. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Great! I won't either. Sheepy: *The two head in.* Arsé-kun: *it's very farmy. It does not smell like animal shit and nothing else, so it hasn't been properly used in ages* Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Hmm. I wonder why it was abandoned? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe they moved? Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe...but wouldn't they have sold it? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Did they not? Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, it's clearing abandoned. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Clearly. Not Clearing. Sheepy: Ryuu: Ehh...! I meant that! Sheepy: Ryuu: I-I'm good at English! It's just... *His eyes are darting around* Arsé-kun: Asougi: You've gotta do something about being so nervous! Sheepy: Ryuu: I'm sorry! This just smells of danger! Sheepy: Ryuu:...Smells? Sheepy: Ryuu:.... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Close enough. Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhh, do you think it's safe for us to check inside? I think ... let's pass. Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe we should just check around the house... Arsé-kun: Asougi: We'll do that next. Lets at least look at the rest of the barn before it gets dark! Sheepy: Ryuu:...R...right... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Look on the bright side! At least we don't feel like we're being watched! Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh...about that... Arsé-kun: Asougi: I lied! Sheepy: Ryuu: I feel a cold gaze.... ... Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhhhh... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Lets hurry it up, huh? Sheepy: Ryuu: ..Yeah. Sheepy: Ryuu: Those feathers by the ladder look suspicious. Let's go there, I guess. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Feathers... It might just be a rooster. Sheepy: Ryuu: I didn't smell any ...barn smells. Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... That's true. I'll go up and check. Sheepy: Ryuu: Should I follow? Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he steps on the ladder. it creaks. Loudly.* Uhhh.. Maybe not. Sheepy: Ryuu: I'll be here in case you fall! Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he nods and heads up the ladder. one of the higher steps breaks under his weight, but he catches himself and peers over the top* Sheepy: *There's a pile of hay.* Sheepy: *There's more feathers near it.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: ....? *he reaches out to grab at the mysterious feathers* Sheepy: *Upon Asougi grabbing at one, a loud yelp comes from inside the hay pile.* Sheepy: *That is a human yelp.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh! *he goes to step down and. forgets that step doesn't exist. gravity wins this one* Sheepy: Ryuu: Asougi!? Arsé-kun: Asougi: I've got it, I've got it..! *he's still hanging on! so allow me to correct myself: gravity WILL win this one* Sheepy: Crow: Heyheyhey! *He shoots up to his feet* You can't just go around grabbing peo- oh shoot! Sheepy: Crow: Uhhhhh....*He gets on his hands and knees and peeks over the edge* I don't think I can reach you......! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Ryuu, are you still good on that whole "catching me" deal?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I-I'll try! Arsé-kun: *Asougi drops. Here he comes* Sheepy: *Ryuu tries to catch Asougi!* Arsé-kun: *He succeeds? They're on the floor but I'll give him a B+* Sheepy: Ryuu: Guh...! Sheepy: Crow: Uhhh...you alive? Sheepy: Crow: *He hops down* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Ryuu, you okay? Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhhh...are you okay? That's more important. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I think I'm good.. Sheepy: Ryuu: That's good! Uh... Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... Oh! *he gets off of Ryuu* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He appears a bit flustered but pulls himself to his feet* Sheepy: Crow: Who are you two, and why are you here? *He crosses his arms. ... His wings are still out.* Sheepy: Crow: .......Uh? Sheepy: Crow: So you aren't murderers? Arsé-kun: Asougi: No! But there's supposed to be one around. Sheepy: Crow: I followed my gut - this place was calling to me. So, here I am. But I heard someone, so I ended up hiding. Sheepy: Crow: But apparently it was just you two. Arsé-kun: Asougi: You never followed us, did you? We felt like someone was watching us. Sheepy: Crow: Whaaaat!? Don't freak me out like that! Sheepy: Ryuu: If there's a murderer, you really shouldn't shout.... Sheepy: Crow: If there's a murderer, I'll apprehend him with my own two hands! My crimson fists! Sheepy: Ryuu: ...What's with the outfit? Isn't it hard to move around with that tail-like thing and the fake wings potentially getting in your way? Sheepy: Crow: Fake?! These aren't fake! I'm a 100% genuine fallen angel! Sheepy: Ryuu: A what? Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's, uh.. Tenshi? Is that the word? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oooooh. Is that what you're dressed up as? Sheepy: Crow: Noooo! Sheepy: Crow: Anyway, what you said was that you were being watched, right? Well, I guarantee you that that wasn't me. Sheepy: Crow: So now we're being watched. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Don't make it worse..! Sheepy: Crow: Sorry, I'm not trying to. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Is there anything else in there..? Sheepy: Crow: In what, the hay? Nope. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Then I guess we can head to the house. You sure you're okay, Ryuu? Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh...y-yeah. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe you should sit down when we get inside. Sheepy: Ryuu: I'll take your advice. Sheepy: Crow: *He, meanwhile, is glancing around, tail twitching.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: You see anything? Sheepy: Crow: Nah, not yet. I'll lead anyway. *He starts strolling forward like he owns the place, eyes still cautiously darting around.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he puts an arm around Ryuu's shoulder* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He seems appreciative.* Sheepy: Crow: *He, for once, has gone completely silent. Even his usual humming isn't present. As he passes by a particularly dark part of the barn, his eyes flick to the side and he trails to a stop. ... He throws a kick at the one who has been watching them!* Arsé-kun: *His vicious attack is met by... Getting a shoe on his shoulder. Ah. That's..* Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Do you really wish to start this? Sheepy: Crow:...! Eh!? Pops? You're here?! Sheepy: *He looks annoyed, but his tail is wagging excitedly...* Arsé-kun: Asougi: *SNRK* You're a dad?! Arsé-kun: Barok: We are not to speak of this, or I'll personally execute you both. Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh! But... Zieks-san, why have I never seen him with you until now? And he doesn't look like you with his hair... Sheepy: Crow: Eh? My hair is dyed... Arsé-kun: Barok: What did I just say, Naruhoudo? Sheepy: Ryuu: But it's just...! Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Sheepy: Crow: *He focuses his attention back on Barok before a huge grin forms on his face. He gives Barok a big hug* I've been looking high and low for you! Literally!! Arsé-kun: Barok: ... I have wondered where you were. I'd like to know how you've searched high with... *he gestures to Crow's wings* Sheepy: Crow: Ehh, I did right after you disappeared. I apparently got close to an answer because I was accused of a crime I didn't commit and thrown down here. Sheepy: Crow: I'm a popular singer now! Isn't that cool?! I get paid money and recently I learned how to pay other people money for their services. Arsé-kun: Barok: *he turns his head away and... pats Crow's head.* Sheepy: Crow: I've actually have friends other than you now, too! Tons of em! Like my band members, a bunch of the people at Old Man's studio, Old Man and the other angel living with him.... a pink haired girl who sends me cat pics...aaand a big tree-like guy! Sheepy: Ryuu: *He leans closer to Asougi and mumbles to him... in Japanese.* [Why was Zieks-san following us around? Was he...worried? Or is it something else?] Arsé-kun: Asougi: Uh.. [I'm not quite sure, so now we have two mysteries. Why he was following us, and how he knows this kid] Sheepy: Ryuu: [He looks kinda scary... but I guess he didn't follow us to kill us. Right?] Sheepy: Ryuu: [But then why is that kid here anyway?] Arsé-kun: Asougi: [I guess I'll ask.] Arsé-kun: Asougi: So. Why are you both here? I know you (as in Crow) came because you said it felt right, but Barok? Was it you that's been following us all afternoon? Arsé-kun: Barok: Yes. I'm not sure why anyone thought it was a good idea to send two inexperienced runts to do a search. Sheepy: Ryuu: So, um... you care about us enough to make sure we're safe, Zieks-san? Sheepy: Ryuu: I thought you came to kill us. Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't twist my words nor my intentions. I only followed you to make sure neither of you got into anything you couldn't handle. That would lead to legal problems. Arsé-kun: Asougi: But you didn't deny that you came to kill us.. Arsé-kun: Barok: I just did! Sheepy: Crow: Pops wouldn't kill anyone. What're you goin' on about? Sheepy: Ryuu: *His eyes are darting about. He's sweating nervously* Uhhhh...he's... Arsé-kun: *Barok seems.. Less than pleased* Sheepy: Crow:? Sheepy: Ryuu: *Oh. That's terrifying.* Sheepy: Crow: What's up? Sheepy: Crow: You look mad. Arsé-kun: Asougi: .... He... Always looks like this? Sheepy: Crow:? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he Very Abruptly changes the subject* You two have searched one place and already almost hurt yourselves. Maybe it would be best if you two stopped here. Sheepy: Ryuu: I understand. What do you think, Asougi? Sheepy: Crow:??? Arsé-kun: Asougi: I think we should still go in so you can sit down, but leave the rest to Barok. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...If that's what you think, I'll do it! Arsé-kun: Barok: .... If he told you to jump off a cliff, would you? Sheepy: Ryuu: I trust that he'd know it's safe! Sheepy: Ryuu: He's my best friend. He wouldn't intentionally put me into situations where I'd get hurt. Arsé-kun: Barok: And you'd follow him as he runs through heavy traffic? Sheepy: Ryuu: To make sure he's safe! Arsé-kun: Barok: You're an idiot. Sheepy: Ryuu: !? Arsé-kun: Barok: Your own safety comes first. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...But what'll he do without someone there to help him if he needs help? Sheepy: Crow: Just because you're buds with someone doesn't make them always right in their actions. Sheepy: Ryuu: But you made the same choice in coming here. Sheepy: Crow: But I'm a fallen angel who can handle just about anything a human throws at me. Sheepy: Ryuu:...Then why were you hiding in a hay pile when we got here? Sheepy: Crow: Because I heard you two and didn't want to initiate a fight if I didn't have to... Arsé-kun: Barok: Wise decision. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? You think so?! Sheepy: Crow: Nobody ever says that to me! Sheepy: Crow: Anyway, if there's a killer here, I should go catch him. Although, those detectives wouldn't let me help that other time... Arsé-kun: Barok: You really shouldn't.. Sheepy: Crow: Well, then, what do we do about that? Arsé-kun: Barok: I'll look. Sheepy: Crow: At least let me join you. Arsé-kun: Barok: Fine. Sheepy: Crow: Cool! I'll show you my killer catching skills! Sheepy: *Crow rushes on ahead. Crow blease* Arsé-kun: *Barok sighs* Sheepy: Ryuu:...We should follow, right? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Yeah. Sheepy: *They follow!* Arsé-kun: *They catch up to Crow! Finally* Sheepy: Crow: *He's blankly staring ahead of him* ...Pops, why do they have a horse but no cows...? Why's it in the house? Arsé-kun: Barok: .... Arsé-kun: *there is certainly a horse there. It stares at them.* Sheepy: Crow:...Y'know, I don't like horses. Sheepy: Crow: They're like cows except not endearing in any way. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I don't like them much, either. Did you know there was a case where parts of a cadaver went missing? It turned out the horse was starving and tried to eat it. Sheepy: Crow:...A....ah... Sheepy: Crow:..... Sheepy: Ryuu:............ Arsé-kun: Barok: Multiple like that. Butterflies will drink blood, too. Sheepy: Ryuu:..... Sheepy: Crow:........ Sheepy: *Ryuu's eyes are nervously darting around...* Sheepy: Crow: Like a mosquito? Arsé-kun: Barok: Perhaps? I never looked into it. Sheepy: Crow: Crow:...... Sheepy: Ryuu:...I don't like the look the horse is giving us. Arsé-kun: Barok: Perhaps we should back away. Slowly. Sheepy: *Crow backs off slowly.* Arsé-kun: *as does Barok* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Lets... Go... Somewhere else.. Sheepy: Ryuu:.... Arsé-kun: *they back into a different room. The horse doesn't follow* Sheepy: Crow:...Good. Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Here is a good place to sit yourselves down. Sheepy: Ryuu: Th-thank you...! Sheepy: Crow: Isn't splitting up how people die in these situations? Arsé-kun: Barok: We're not splitting up. They're simply sitting down. Sheepy: Crow: Okay, good! Arsé-kun: *Asougi sits down on the floor* Sheepy: *Ryuu joins him* Sheepy: Crow: So what's the plan? I came here without telling my friends because I forgot. Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't do anything stupid. Sheepy: Crow: In Rom's eyes I already have, probably. Sheepy: Ryuu: You should have told someone. Sheepy: Crow: It's kinda too late for that. Arsé-kun: Barok: Then go home. Sheepy: Crow: *He frowns* But what about you? Arsé-kun: Barok: I can manage just fine. Sheepy: Crow:...What about them? Sheepy: Crow: I don't feel comfortable with you defending them by yourself in the current situation. Arsé-kun: Barok: Fine. Sheepy: Crow: Good. Arsé-kun: Barok: *he looks back out the door. Horse is, in fact, still there.* Sheepy: Crow: Do we beat them out and drag them back with us? The killer I mean. Sheepy: Ryuu:...horse. Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's a horse of course. Sheepy: Ryuu: It's not right. Sheepy: Crow: It's watching us, huh? Like it's going to warn its owner if we get too close. Arsé-kun: Barok: I firmly dislike this. Sheepy: Crow: Maybe we should get help. Arsé-kun: Barok: I am inclined to agree. None of us have the proper experience for this. Sheepy: Ryuu: And we aren't prepared... Arsé-kun: Barok: Not at all. Sheepy: Ryuu: Then let's go back Arsé-kun: Asougi: We can give a report on what we've found, too. Sheepy: *So they begin to head back* Arsé-kun: *the creepy horse watches them through a window. stop. get some help.* Sheepy: *Crow makes like a tree and gets out of there.* Arsé-kun: *and Barok escorts the boys back to their office, looking absolutely exasperated by the time they get there.* Sheepy: Ryuu: Thank you... Arsé-kun: Barok: You're welcome. Sheepy: Ryuu: Have a safe trip home! Arsé-kun: Barok: mmmmhm. *he leaves. finally, freedom* Sheepy: *Meanwhile! Luckily for the victim from yesterday, he's still alive. And he has family who's coming to visit!* Arsé-kun: *hooray!* Sheepy: Bedi: If I'd known about the risk I would've gone with him... Arsé-kun: Merlin: So would I. I knew somethin' was gonna happen, but not this. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm surprised he didn't fight back... Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm more concerned that he lost. Sheepy: Bedi: He's not too bad of a fighter... who attacked him? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Uh. That's a good question. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I've got no clue. Arsé-kun: Merlin: It had to be someone strong. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Speaking of strong, can we get out of here as soon as possible? This place gives me the heebie-jeebies! Arsé-kun: Merlin: That, and there's a lake, and there's no way Myrd is happy about that! Arsé-kun: Merlin: He can't be happy about any of this, and no one is happy about any of this, and- Yow! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I byt my tong agahn! Sheepy: Bedi: Hm? Oh, were you saying something? Sorry, I wasn't listening. Sheepy: Okita: I haven't seen you two before, so you must be here for the new guy. He's down that hallway, third room on the left. Sheepy: Bedi: Thank you. Sheepy: Okita: Really, you should keep an eye on him. If I hadn’t been tracking that guy on his quick supply run, you’d be setting up a funeral rather than visiting your friend in the hospital. Sheepy: Bedi: Did you bring Myrrdin here? Thank you. ... Did you say you saw his attacker? Can you describe him? Sheepy: Okita: One-eyed artist with a giga crush on the guy who gouged his eye out. I say artist because he wouldn’t stop talking about art and how he was going to make your friend beautiful. Sheepy: Okita: He mentioned some organization as well... Twilight. No clue what it is, but there you go. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he gives Bedi a look most accurately described as "Why do I bother?" aka moderate annoyance. He IS listening to Okita, though, and frowns more* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lets not get involved with that. It sounds bad. Sheepy: Bedi: Sorry, did I upset you? Sheepy: Okita: Well, don't let me keep you waiting then. Arsé-kun: Merlin: What if I said something important?? *he looks to Okita* And thanks for the info! Sheepy: Okita: No problem. Sheepy: Bedi:...Huh? Then you'd repeat it, right? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I said I don't wanna stick around long. Sheepy: Bedi: I understand, but that doesn't mean they'll let him be discharged. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Didn't say he had to leave asap. I just said I don't wanna be here! Sheepy: Bedi: I understand. Then, let's meet him and then leave. Arsé-kun: Merlin: You wanna get ice cream after? Sheepy: Bedi: Sure. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Nice. Sheepy: *Bedi heads to Myrrdin's room! He's visibly in a lot of pain. His hands and chest are covered with bandages along with his shoulder and a small part of his face. Thankfully he isn't missing anything except for the comforting walls of his room.* Arsé-kun: *Merlin produces a bouquet of flowers from somewhere as he follows Bedi in* Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, that looks painful. I'm sorry. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Thanks, I haven't had the opportunity to see myself yet so I was definitely worried about whether or not I look as bad as I feel. Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're beautiful. Sheepy: Myrrdin: I feel like an art project. Sheepy: Myrrdin: An abandoned one that's half done. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, the man up front mentioned that your attacker saw you as such. Sheepy: Myrrdin: I feel stupid more than anything. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hey, it happens..! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I didn't prepare and I didn't have the energy to use magic. Arsé-kun: Merlin: How can you expect something like that? It's fine. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Because I should've at least done something to prepare just in case. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lesson learned! Sheepy: Myrrdin: In a terrible way. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He was on me in a flash... Arsé-kun: *Merlin wiggles his eyebrows* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Shut up, it wasn't like that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Was he at least hot? Was there anything positive we get out of this? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I did see a lady who reminded me of someone I loved, though. She was pretty attractive, I'll tell you that. My heart started racing a bit and- Guh! *he clutches his chest, letting out a small whimper* Arsé-kun: Merlin: And now it's time for a mid-video advertisement! Don't think about kittens! Sheepy: Myrrdin: No! I didn't see anyone attractive. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He looked like a washed up failure of an artist. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's hot to at least one person. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Not after he pins your hands to a wall with knives!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's absolutely someone's kink. Absolutely. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Not mine!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: And now that you're disgusted and disappointed in humanity, we should be back to the status quo. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I still think we should shave that tat off. Skin grows back. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That, or I'll fistfight a watery ho. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he glances towards the window, where he catches a glimpse of the lake... and something submerging. He shudders violently* Sheepy: Myrrdin: That's literally one of the worst ideas you've ever had in your entire life. Congratulations, I hate it. Let's maybe not try to remove a curse by removing the visual signs of it. Sheepy: Myrrdin: And what, thinking about her shakes you up that much? Yeah, me too. I don't think I can truly love without fear ever again. Sheepy: Bedi: *he's more focused on the window* Sheepy: Myrrdin:...You too, kid? What do you two see that I don't? If you give me nightmares about this place, I won't be happy. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, they grow big around here. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We can scratch "see a slug larger than my house" off the bucket list of things I never wanted! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm gonna make that lake a Great Salt Lake if I see that thing again! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're scaring me. A lot. Arsé-kun: Merlin: It's just a slug! Calm down! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Do you think slugs will explode if you throw them in the ocean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm gonna try that one day. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Or did I do that already? Sheepy: Myrrdin:....I. I don't know? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Gotta try that then Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't want to be here anymore. Sheepy: Bedi: That's unfortunate. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We've seen dragons! And a slug is gettin' to you? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Lake slug when I'm injured. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We're right here! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You think I'll be able to do much of anything with this? *He begins to hold up his hands before he suddenly yelps and goes to clutch his shoulder. He hisses and pulls his hand away.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Do you think I just brought you regular bitch flowers? *he tosses the bouquet over* And maybe! You shouldn't do that! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I can't help it! Sheepy: Myrrdin:...What does the bouquet do? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Increased healing, radar, the usual works. And yes, they're edible. Sheepy: Bedi: The bouquet is a quick and easy gift that rarely has much thought put into it and usually is used as a way to efficiently steal a woman's heart or an excuse to not get an actually worthwhile gift. Sheepy: Bedi: ...Unless you mean that specific one. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Wow, I can't wait to eat some flowers. Sheepy: Myrrdin: And oh, tell me more, o master of romance. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, thank you. If you insist... Sheepy: Myrrdin: NO, I don't insist- Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hospital food is lame, eat flowers. Eat some greens, Myrrd. Sheepy: Bedi: Those who understand flower language can make their feelings shown in a way that would permanently impact a lover's emotions despite the life of a flower being fleeting. In that respect, bouquets are very sweet. And bouquets can be very lovely gifts, especially if the giver has very little to spare but still buys his lover a gift. But the limited lifespan of flowers is why I see them as a bad gift. Do your feelings die off as quickly as the representation of them? Do those who walk in, buy roses, and leave without close inspection and thought truly feel that the gift is worth something? A gift from someone who doesn't care about it is simply something of- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Stop with your intentionally long-winded explanations! Arsé-kun: *Merlin yawns. Loudly* Sheepy: Myrrdin: *He looks to the flowers* I...don't want to eat these. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Then don't! Sheepy: Bedi: Some flowers can produce a healing effect. Such as- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Please. Sheepy: Bedi: -while I'm thinking about it, my brother gave me good advice when he was alive. Sheepy: Bedi: He said: "If your lover breaks up with you, eat the bouquet of roses they gave you. It gets rid of depression." Sheepy: Myrrdin: He never said that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: He absolutely never said that. Sheepy: Bedi: You're right, he didn't, but you don't want advice from me so instead I'll put words into my brother's mouth. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lucan would be proud. Also, don't eat roses, that hurts. Sheepy: Bedi: Incorrect. Sheepy: Bedi: The petals are completely safe to eat and do indeed help with depression. Sheepy: Bedi: I read it on the internet and nobody goes onto the internet to lie. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Kid, I've got news for you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: The internet is really really great! For lies! Sheepy: Bedi: Huh? Sheepy: Bedi:...people lie on the internet? Sheepy: Bedi:...that explains that one time... Sheepy: Myrrdin: What did you do. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Which one?! Sheepy: Bedi: It's embarrassing... I feel stupid and gullible now! Sheepy: Bedi: I mixed bleach and ammonia once...you may remember that. Sheepy: Bedi: I thought I did it wrong...so I followed the instructions very carefully once I recovered. ... You may remember that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I do. That hurt, you know! Sheepy: Bedi: Emotionally or physically? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yes Sheepy: Bedi: Did you think I did it to hurt you? Arsé-kun: Merlin: No. Sheepy: Bedi: I did it because I thought it'd make crystals and I planned on giving them to you. That's what they said would happen. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Which is sweet, but please factcheck! You'd believe "gullible" is written on the ceiling! Sheepy: Bedi:...*he slowly goes to look up at the ceiling* Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're how old? Sheepy: Myrrdin: And yet you still fall for that....? Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin has no reason to lie! ... but ah, it isn't there... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Why do I have to reteach you about human nature every hundred years? Sheepy: Bedi: What do you mean? Sheepy: Bedi: Isn't it positive thinking to believe that humans as a whole have gotten past lying pointlessly over these years? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Or perhaps you're simply getting forgetful over these years. Sheepy: Bedi: No. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We're never getting past that. Humankind is mischievous. Sheepy: Bedi: Why? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Why not? Sheepy: Bedi: They don't benefit from it. Arsé-kun: Merlin: They live in the present and for enjoyment. It's just how it is. Sheepy: Bedi:...It's reminiscent of how Lucan used to talk about people. Arsé-kun: Merlin: People haven't changed one bit. Sheepy: Bedi: He'd always say, "People do things because they feel like the short term happiness is worth the long term punishment. " ... Before heading in to spar even with his injury. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He was using logic to justify his stupid actions. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Exactly that. Sheepy: Bedi: I guess so. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And it hasn't changed in thousands of years. Why would it? It works. Sheepy: Bedi: It's just weird to me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Well, yeah. I can see why. Sheepy: Bedi: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're human and seeing things from our perspective. It is weird. Sheepy: Bedi: ...Yes, I guess you've been around a lot longer than me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Are we getting existential in this hospital wing tonight? Lets! Stop doing that in public. Sheepy: Bedi: Sorry. Sheepy: Myrrdin: You seem to be tiring out. Maybe you should go. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That'd be a good idea. Don't do anything stupid without me, you hear? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Oh, I'll save all of my ideas for when you come back. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Fantastic! Sheepy: Bedi: Now, what were our other plans? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Go home and let me eat that tub of ice cream. Sheepy: Bedi: I can't stop you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *yesssssss* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Have a safe trip home, you two. Sheepy: Bedi: Recover well. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And remember not to magic until you've got a full reserve! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I won't. Thanks for reminding me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Of course! Sheepy: *Bedi begins to head out* Arsé-kun: *Merlin follows, but not before grinning at Myrrdin* Sheepy: *Myrrdin gives a tired smile back* Arsé-kun: *Okay, back to characters we actually care about! Hooray!!!* Sheepy: Tom: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Arsé-kun: Arséne: -- So can someone please tell me what's going on? THESE two *he gestures in the direction of Germain's room* won't say anything, THESE two *he now gestures towards Impey's room, before looking to Delly* won't say anything, and THIS one *he picks up Tom* hasn't stopped for three hours! Sheepy: Tom: nonononono Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, what he said! Sheepy: Tom: dont look it in the eye Sheepy: Sheepy: I was kinda worried because after what happened last time he went silent for a long time. Hes never been silent for that long. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Mhm. It's been... Discomforting? But if something is agitating him, then something is happening or already has. Sheepy: Tom: it knows he knows Sheepy: Tom: twilight has faded and now everything is dark Sheepy: Tom: its so dark its so dark i cant see i cant see i cant see Sheepy: Sheepy: Use your eyes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Remind me why we're bothering? Sheepy: Tom: he knows he knows he knows Sheepy: Sheepy: We could just leave him be and he'll do this forever. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'd prefer he not do this forever. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, Tom. What do you want? Sheepy: Tom: dont go dont go dont go dont dont dont Sheepy: Tom: its so dark i cant see i cant breathe dont go Sheepy: Tom: aaaaaaaaaaaaa Sheepy: Sheepy: We don't have enough information and he doesn't seem like he'll give more. Sheepy: Sheepy: Maybe we should just sleep on it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Perhaps. Sheepy: Sheepy: If we sleep on it, we might have nightmares! Arsé-kun: Arséne: What's this "Might"? Sheepy: Sheepy: We wil have nightmares guaranteed. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Not again. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He excitedly dashes in, dragging a dazed Harley with him* Arsene, we did stuff today! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Did you? *he turns and looks at Sherlock* Welcome home, by the way. Sheepy: Sherlock: We met the legendary wizard Merlin twice! Sheepy: Sherlock: Both in the same room. Because there's two. Neither of them look like tbe disney one. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm sorry? Did you just imply wizards are real? Sheepy: Sherlock: Well, that's who the victim was. Sheepy: Sherlock:...unless he lied? Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he looks more confused than any set of math memes put together. confused math people* Sheepy: Sherlock: That's what he said his name was.... Well, he said Myrrdin but we might know him as Merlin, although that's his brother's name and he's just sharing because it makes life simpler. Sheepy: Sherlock: Also we saw Mycroft so I told him everything. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oh, how is he? *he glances at Harley* And also him. Sheepy: Sherlock: He's fine! .. Also whom? Sheepy: Harley: *Dizzy...* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Your other brother. Sheepy: Sherlock: My other brother? I have a fourt- OH! Harley! Sheepy: Sherlock: He was complaining about me dragging him around and running too quickly while doing so. After a while he was quiet though so I think he's fine! Sheepy: Sherlock: He didn't talk very much when we met with Merlin or with Mycroft, though. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Shall I remind you again this year that being dragged around in a heavy coat, in warm weather, is bad for one's health? Sheepy: Sherlock: ? Sheepy: Sherlock: Then why is he wearing a heavy coat? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Because he's stubborn. Sheepy: Harley: Let me perish from heat stroke. It's my life and my decisions. Sheepy: Harley: I don't like any of my other outfits. Sheepy: Harley: They're ugly. I won't wear ugly clothes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're an idiot. Sheepy: Harley: I'm not an idiot! *He lets go of Sherlock and huffs* I just hate ugly clothes! Sheepy: Sherlock: ? I don't pay attention to clothes... Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he pulls his phone out and sends a very quick text. it was probably pre-written. and probably to fran or watson about Harley being stupid* Sheepy: Harley: *His angry expression shifts into a grimace before he lets out a gagging noise and slowly sits down on the floor. Lies down on the floor.* Sheepy: Sherlock: I've worn the same shirt three days in a row! Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh, you shouldn't sleep there. Sheepy: Harley: Oh, just go with Sherlock alone! It'll be fun! Ah! No! It's truly awful! Sheepy: Sherlock: You just need to work harder to keep up next time. Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh, Arsene, you should come too next time! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Maybe. It'll depend on if I am working. Sheepy: Sherlock: Great! Sheepy: Sherlock: Also, Harley drank all of my water along with his so I need to make sure to pack more next time. Remind me! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Gladly. Sheepy: Harley: There's no next time. I feel my soul leaving my body. Arsé-kun: Adam: *he enters, slowly, to not slam into the door frame again, and looks down at Harley* ... Why? Sheepy: Harley: He dragged me past my limit and I'm not exactly fully recovered as it is. Sheepy: Sherlock: He wore a heavy coat in the hot sun. Arsé-kun: Adam: I repeat the question. Sheepy: Sherlock: He doesn't like his other clothes and refuses to wear them. Sheepy: Harley: You may as well trample me now because I'm not going to need this body for much longer. Sheepy: Harley: Just don't tamper it too much because your dad might want it after I'm done with it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he doesn't look up* Nyar would want it first, and you know it. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... No, and no. No one is getting it. *he picks up Harley like a football* Sheepy: Harley: Be more gentle! Hrk- *cough* Sheepy: Harley: I didn't mean to be insulting...! Ugh! *He begins struggling a bit* Arsé-kun: *Adam just sorta glances down. He's got a Firm Hold on Harley.* Sheepy: Harley: L-let go! Arsé-kun: *Adam does not. Adam instead brings him upstairs and points a fan at him, after plopping him down.* Sheepy: Harley: .......F-fine, I guess this is okay. Sheepy: Harley: ..................Sorry if I insulted you. Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm used to it. Sheepy: Harley: That makes me feel worse. Arsé-kun: Adam: But "It's fine," is a lie, isn't it? This single instance is permitted. Sheepy: Harley: No, that's not it. Sheepy: Harley: Do I insult you often? Arsé-kun: Adam: No. You insult everyone often. Sheepy: Harley: *He frowns* Sheepy: Harley: I'm being honest. Sheepy: Harley: I'm not going to lie about my opinions to make others happy. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... I'll be more gentle next time. Sheepy: Harley: I don't care if you're brutally honest to me in return. Sheepy: Harley: I act the way I expect to be treated, and it's out of my control if people decide to be nicer or ruder to me than I am to them. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Are you not meant to treat others the way you want to be treated? Sheepy: Harley: Again, I don't care if people are nasty to me. Sheepy: Harley: It'll just make my opinions more negative. Sheepy: Harley: I just don't want you injuring me because I might be needed later. Sheepy: Harley: I also recognize how quickly anyone could turn on me if it suited them. I want to drag their opinions out into the light before I'm betrayed. For example, you could easily kill me right here and now. Sheepy: Harley: We are alone. You are physically powerful and I am in a weakened state. However, you have made no move to kill me. Two possibilities come to mind: Either you wish for me to trust you so you can betray me later or you truly do mean me no harm. Sheepy: Harley: Potential motives include: wanting to form a happy life and murder being th fastest way to wreck relationships, my awareness making you unable to take the perfect opportunity, pity, loyalty to Frankenstein... Arsé-kun: Adam: ..... I... I volunteered to assist you because Father was busy. *he frowns* If I'd wanted to hurt you, I'd have done it by now. Sheepy: Harley: So loyalty to Frankenstein. Sheepy: Harley: Thank you for being honest. Sheepy: Harley: I hadn't gauged you yet, so this helps. Sheepy: Harley: If you'd simply lied and told me you actually care about me as a person after all I had just said, I would've gotten up and left, even if I am extremely dizzy. ...Ah, I expect you to treat me as you truthfully feel about me from now on, but I will notice if you're lying. Sheepy: Harley: I haven't been in this conversation with anyone before, so let me simplify it with this: Give me a reason to trust you and I will. I only trust Watson, Lupin, and Iris. It's not personal. Sheepy: Harley: I've had very little contact with you, so I don't know anything about you. I cannot trust a man I do not know. The same goes for Frankenstein. I've barely spoken to the man. Arsé-kun: *Adam doesn't respond, thinking all of this over. He understands it, but is not going to ask for details. It's not his business. Why would it be? mmmm.* Arsé-kun: *It's kinda awkward now, but quiet. It's almost nice. It's then ruined by Tom screaming. Probably.* Sheepy: Harley: Why!? Arsé-kun: Adam: I've learned the answer is "We don't know". Sheepy: Harley: I would check what's going on, but I'm feeling tired. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... I will. You stay. *he heads Outtie* Sheepy: *Tom is screaming* Arsé-kun: *Arséne was trying to nap at his desk, and has just been woken up in a panic. Thanks, Tom!!* Arsé-kun: *also he probably also screamed. there goes his dignity. oh no, he dropped it all, it's not his, it's for a friend* Sheepy: Tom: nonononono don't go don't go Arsé-kun: Adam: .... Explain. *he enters, easily skipping the last three steps on the staircase. legs for days.* ... I see no one moving. Sheepy: Tom: he's coming for you Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he's pulled out the notepad again, but hasn't fully recovered his dignity. You can't hide it* Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Mm? Sheepy: Tom: you've walked into his hands Sheepy: Tom: he has eyes everywhere Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm assuming this isn't meant to be at us.. Sheepy: Sheepy: It could be. Arsé-kun: Arséne: But we're not doing anything, so it can't be. Sheepy: Sheepy: But.....i the future? Sheepy: Sheepy: Nah. Sheepy: Tom: the first time was a surprise Arsé-kun: Arséne: Mhm..? Sheepy: Tom: the second time he expects you Sheepy: Tom: no witnesses can be left alive Arsé-kun: Adam: *what is happening* Sheepy: Tom: ................... Sheepy: Tom: ........................................ Arsé-kun: Arséne: Ground control to Major Tom, what's your status? Sheepy: Tom: wheres the horse Sheepy: Tom: horse is gone wheres the horse Arsé-kun: Arséne: Like how you didn't? Sheepy: Tom: information is a powerful thing Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he sorta sighs and keeps writing. They'll figure it out EVENTUALLY* Sheepy: Tom: i told you i told you nobody ever listens Sheepy: Tom: he can always find you Arsé-kun: Arséne: Comforting. Arsé-kun: *Elsewhere, a fair bit of time ago..!!* Sheepy: Ryuu: Is this really a good idea? Arsé-kun: Barok: Absolutely not. Sheepy: Crow: Hey, if there's anyone scary, I'll give 'em a taste of my crimson fist! Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he glances at Ryuu, as if to say "Yeah, right"* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He looks to Asougi, before looking back to Crow* Oh. You're bluffing. Sheepy: Ryuu: Good job! It makes me feel more confident already! Arsé-kun: *Barok just places a hand on his forehead. He's already 5000005% done* Sheepy: Crow: Whaaaat? I'm not bluffing! Pops, aren't I super strong!? Arsé-kun: Barok: When you actually bother. Sheepy: Crow: I bother all the time! Sheepy: Ryuu: Who do you bother all the time? Arsé-kun: Barok: Me. Sheepy: Crow: Eeeeeh?! Arsé-kun: Barok: Okay, shut up and go in first, fearless leader. Sheepy: Crow: Poooops! You're so mean! You've got such a cool kid and- M-me?! Arsé-kun: Barok: That's what I thought. Sheepy: Crow: *He huffs* Fine! I'll go in...! *He quickly enters* Arsé-kun: Barok: *he looks to Ryuu and Asougi* Go already. Sheepy: Ryuu: *He gently takes Asougi's hand* Let's take care not to be separated! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ! *:O* Of course! Sheepy: *Ryuu enters carefully compared to Crow.* Arsé-kun: *Asougi stays with him, leering around the halls, while Barok hangs back* Arsé-kun: Barok: .... [I can hear you, you know.] Sheepy: *Barok, in return, is given a concerning statement: He’s coming for you. You’ve walked into his hands. He has eyes everywhere.* Arsé-kun: Barok: [Elaborate?] Sheepy: *The first time was a surprise. The second time he expect you. No witnesses can be left alive.* Arsé-kun: Barok: [We'll see about that.] Sheepy: *Barok is met with silence.* Arsé-kun: *Barok huffs and goes to catch up. This shouldn't be hard.* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He's glancing around nervously.* Arsé-kun: *as is Asougi. He seems to expect something, but nothing is happening* Sheepy: Crow: Yea, we're definitely going the right way! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Are you sure?? Arsé-kun: Asougi: We've barely been here before.. How do you know which way is right? Sheepy: Crow: .... Sheepy: Crow: *he looks at his hands* Sheepy: Crow: My right hand forms a backwards L. Sheepy: Crow: So if my hand forms a fowards L, it’s the left way. Sheepy: Crow: It’s fine if you struggle with it! I do, too! I only learned that technique recently! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... I mean.. You're not wrong. And we did head right. Sheepy: Crow: Yes! So we went the right way! Sheepy: Ryuu: .... Sheepy: *Barok finally receives a response: Where’s the horse? Horse is gone, where’s the horse?* Arsé-kun: Barok: [I don't know. I don't see it.] *he pauses briefly, spotting some loose papers where they weren't last time. Striding over, he picks them up before hurrying after the others. Because they'll do something stupid.* Sheepy: *Information is power.* Sheepy: Crow: ...Eh, Pops, I think I’m lost... Arsé-kun: Barok: How? This isn't a mansion. Sheepy: Crow: Well, yes. Sheepy: Crow: But I’m lost... Arsé-kun: Asougi: It feels like we've been walking longer than we should have.. Arsé-kun: Barok: .... Perhaps you have been. Sheepy: Crow: Eeeeeh?! Like time is slowing down?! Arsé-kun: Barok: While that could be a possibility, that wouldn't be it. Lets keep going. Sheepy: Crow: Oh.. Sheepy: Crow: What’re we looking for again? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Any evidence that the houseowner or someone living with them is involved with a current case. Arsé-kun: Asougi: So in simple terms, anything suspicious. Sheepy: Crow: Well, alright. Arsé-kun: *while they're walking, Barok ducks into a small room so he can check his loot* Arsé-kun: *it's an employee list of some kind! The homeowner's name is close to the top. Evidence! Barok carefully folds and pockets it* Arsé-kun: *he steps out and waits. Eventually, Ryuu and Asougi wander back into view, from their original direction.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Weren't you back there? How'd you get up here? Sheepy: Ryuu: It's as though, by losing that other man, we've found Van Zieks again. Arsé-kun: Barok: You've gone in a circle. Congratulations. I found evidence while you two were being unhelpful. Sheepy: Ryuu: How did we go in a circle!? Arsé-kun: Barok: How else would you pass the same place twice? Sheepy: Ryuu: ...That's a good point..but...! Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, then, wouldn't it be imposssible for us to get lost, then? Sheepy: Ryuu: But we can't find the other man. Arsé-kun: Barok: How did you idiots lose Crow?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I'm very sorry! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Very sorry, sir! Arsé-kun: *very aggressive apologietic bowing from the both of them. they look like those wobbly lawn flamingos that go up and down* Sheepy: Ryuu: I know he's very flashy and impossible to miss, but he also moves very quickly and with little concern for others! Arsé-kun: Asougi: He's very possible to miss if you aren't looking! Sheepy: Ryuu: And he's very quiet when he wants to be! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Which is rare! Sheepy: Ryuu: Yes, he's usually extremely loud from what I've seen! Sheepy: Ryuu: Which is a polar opposite to you...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Which leads to a lot of additional questions! But now is not the time nor place for that! Sheepy: Ryuu: Like how he's like that when you're extremely serious...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: How did that happen? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he goes to slam his fist and lower arm into the wall, but stops at the last second. This is not his property, nor is it court.* Enough with the comedy act! Sheepy: Ryuu: Ah?! I'm very sorry! It's just something that crossed my mind...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Comedy is art, and I won't apologize for art. Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Asougi! You should apologize when you insult people! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Calling someone loud isn't always an insult? Sheepy: *Ryuu opens his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by a loud crash in another room, followed by a familiar scream.* Sheepy: *???: I warned you I warned you nobody listens to me* Arsé-kun: Barok: [You did say so. I concede to you.] *he frowns and storms off to go get Crow* Sheepy: *A bloodied man intercepts Barok* Sheepy: ???: *He tilts his head, looking Barok over* Well, I don't remember inviting you! Arsé-kun: Barok: That doesn't matter. *he takes out and unfolds a paper (but not the evidence he snagged. different paper), before shoving it into their face* Investigation warrant. Interrupting the investigation can result in jail time, as can assault of a minor. *he SOUNDS calm, but he's fully ready to throw hands.* I highly recommend you sit your ass down. Sheepy: Brent: ...You know. Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Anything you can can be used against you. Sheepy: Brent: You should've knocked. Arsé-kun: Barok: Didn't you hear it? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he puts the paper back away, but doesn't look away from Brent* You're very lucky. The investigation had no relevant information and was about to end, if not for your most recent actions. Unless it was not of your doing? Sheepy: Brent: My most recent actions? Sheepy: Brent: I've done many things recently. Arsé-kun: Barok: If you tell me that is fake blood, I'll highly doubt it. Sheepy: Brent: Ah, it's not. Sheepy: Brent: I'm a butcher. Sheepy: Brent: I would've cleaned up, but that kid walked in. He saw me, I panicked, and knocked over glass and he screamed. Sheepy: Brent: Because it crashed on him. Sheepy: Brent: I'm assuming you're his friend...? Arsé-kun: Barok: Unfortunately, but I appreciate your honesty. Arsé-kun: *meanwhile, Asougi just looks confused as hell* Sheepy: Ryuu:??? Sheepy: Brent: I'm willing to help however I can. Arsé-kun: Barok: Thank you. In return, your broken property should be reimbursed. Sheepy: Brent: That would be appreciated. Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... *he leans over to Ryuu and whispers* I'm so confused..! Are we supposed to know this much practical law?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I don't know... Arsé-kun: Asougi: And he's being so polite...! He's never like this in court! Sheepy: Ryuu: Scary... Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe he just hates us.. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe.... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Or is this how he really is, and the rest is an act? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Maybe! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh, or this is an impostor! Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... I can't think of anything wilder than that. Sheepy: Ryuu: .............. Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh? Sheepy: Ryuu: He's lulling us into a sense of ease but he's actually working with the culprit. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh, that's wild. How about, uh.... They're both aliens! Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, um, the flashy man did have wings at one point. Sheepy: Ryuu: Like an angel, according to him! Sheepy: Ryuu: So what if Van Zieks is the same? Sheepy: Ryuu: ......No, that's a bit too out there. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Anything could be the truth if there's any reason to it! That's what Holmes-sama said, right? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh, something like that! Sheepy: Ryuu: His brother said in response, "Don't listen to him, he wouldn't know truth if it hit him in the face"... Arsé-kun: Asougi: That seems unreasonable. How would he have a job if he was that awful? Sheepy: Ryuu: Good point. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Hmmm... Maybe they're all demons? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Sheepy: Ryuu: Even Holmes-san? Arsé-kun: Asougi: No, he's normal. Or an alien. Sheepy: Ryuu: Hmm. Arsé-kun: *Barok eventually returns, with Crow, and with his usual Resting Bitch Face. All is normal.* Sheepy: Ryuu: You're back! Arsé-kun: Barok: What an astounding observation. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Oh,it is? Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Sheepy: Ryuu: ......... Sheepy: Ryuu: Um, anyway,w e should leave. It's creepy in here. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I agree! Arsé-kun: *and they get the FUCK out of dodge* Arsé-kun: Barok: ... That was almost a complete waste of time. Sheepy: Ryuu: Really? Arsé-kun: Barok: Really. That man was not the suspect, but is certainly related. Sheepy: Ryuu: That's still progress, isn't it? Arsé-kun: Barok: No. This is progress. *he pulls out the evidence he snatched earlier* Written and signed by one Damien Byrd. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...! Arsé-kun: Barok: But, wait. There's more. There's well over twenty other names here, including a few I recognize. Sheepy: Ryuu: Ah... Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Including Fantomas. You're going to want to hand this in. *he hands it to Ryuu* Sheepy: Ryuu: thank you! Arsé-kun: *Asougi peers over Ryuu's shoulder for a peek* Sheepy: *Ryuu shows him the paper* Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... Is this some sort of attendance list? Sheepy: Ryuu: For what, though? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Hmmm... Sheepy: Ryuu: We don't have the information we need yet! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Not yet.. Maybe we can get an actual investigator to go out instead of us?? Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe we should ask Holmes-san. Arsé-kun: Asougi: And Iris-chan! Sheepy: Ryuu: Good idea! Sheepy: Ryuu: Good luck, Zieks-san! Good luck, other guy! Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't do anything stupid on the way back. Sheepy: Ryuu: We won't! Sheepy: *Ryuu leaves, presumably with Asougi.* Arsé-kun: *And Barok goes to drop off Crow, before going out. Like, out-out. Like, not for business out* Arsé-kun: *he's hitting his favorite pub. he needs a freaking beer. wine isn't going to cut it* Sheepy: Meril: ...Oh! Barok, good to see you. Arsé-kun: Barok: I'd say the same, but you're always here. *he slides onto a stool. this is His Spot, two seats down from the left.* It's unfortunate the curse even covers it's own loopholes. Sheepy: Meril: Hah, well, I've made a lot of friends thanks to it, and it's fairly comfortable. Sheepy: Meril: I also have the windows! Arsé-kun: Barok: But you can't exit using them... Yet. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, right, what'll it be? Or did you just come in to see me? Arsé-kun: Barok: Give me one of those fruity bastards. Sheepy: Meril: *He starts working on it* You certainly do have a way with words! Sheepy: Meril: In return, tell me something interesting. Preferably something I don't know! Arsé-kun: Barok: Two of the young'uns at the firm got stuck in a looping hallway.. What am I supposed to tell them, "Oh there's a magic illusion here!"? Sheepy: Meril: There's nothing you really can say! Arsé-kun: Barok: Said hallway also had a ghost horse. I didn't know that was possible until the other day. Sheepy: Meril:...Ghost horse? Arsé-kun: Barok: Ghost horse. Sheepy: Meril: How would a ghost horse come to be...? Sheepy: *Meril finishes preparing the drink and gives it to Barok. Arsé-kun: Barok: Like every other ghost. Regrets or earthly desires. I'd just.. Never even considered that it could happen. *he accepts and pays for it. no tabs we pay upfront like men* Sheepy: Meril: That's really interesting! I want to see a ghost horse eventually! Arsé-kun: Barok: If I can get some sort of visual on it, I'll show you. Sheepy: Meril: Thanks! Arsé-kun: Germain: Are we referring to the Byrd residence? *where the FUCK did he come from?* And good evening, gentlemen. Sheepy: Meril: Good evening, Saint-Germain! Sheepy: Meril: How are you? Arsé-kun: Germain: I've been well. *he joins Barok at the bar* You? Sheepy: Meril: Oh, the usual. Sheepy: Meril: It looks like a nice day outside. Arsé-kun: Germain: It is, strangely enough. Sheepy: Meril: Strangely enough? Is something going on? Arsé-kun: Germain: Not at all. It's just a strange weather day. Sheepy: Meril:...? Well, alright. Sheepy: Meril: Well, what have you been up to recently? Arsé-kun: Germain: Iiiii may or may not have started some internal fighting in Idea. *he seems proud of this* And get me the same thing he's having. Sheepy: *Meril begins preparing it.* Sheepy: Meril: Oh, good job! Sheepy: Meril: Oh, you know, I was wondering. Arsé-kun: Germain: ? Sheepy: Meril: Have you seen Merlin or Myrrdin? Arsé-kun: Germain: Personally? No. But I know they're about. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, that's good. Arsé-kun: Germain: In return, do you want to know who our pal #5 in Idea is? Sheepy: Meril: Oh sure! *He gives the completed drink to Germain* Arsé-kun: Germain: You already know him. It's Lancelot. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes, THAT Lancelot. *he accepts his drink* They're both positively livid. Sheepy: Meril: I wouldn't have expected that! Arsé-kun: Germain: Neither did we. I only found out recently. Suddenly, him only doing missions halfway across the world makes sense. Sheepy: Meril: It really does... Arsé-kun: Germain: Mhm... Oh, right, I almost forgot. I brought a friend along, if you don't mind. Sheepy: Meril: I'd like to meet him, actually! Arsé-kun: Germain: Fantastic. *and he plops Tom on the table* Sheepy: Meril: Ah, he's cute!! Sheepy: Tom: stupid stupid stupid I warned you I warned you Sheepy: Tom: you have a target on your back now Arsé-kun: Barok: ... You're much smaller than I thought you were. *he pats Tom* And I'm used to that. Sheepy: Tom: arent you concerned about your friends Arsé-kun: Barok: They won't be involved in the case anymore, if I'm able to get my way. .. But I do thank you for the warnings. Sheepy: Tom:.... Sheepy: Meril: Is he a ghost? Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes. Sheepy: Meril: Hmm. Arsé-kun: Germain: I would joke 'Get this man a beer' but, you know. That would be rather difficult. Sheepy: Meril: I haven't seen a ghost in a while. Arsé-kun: Barok: I'd say "Neither have I", but that would be a lie. Sheepy: Meril: Right, with the ghost horse. Arsé-kun: Barok: That too, yes. Sheepy: *There's the sound of the door opening. Bedi is holding it.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Good morning America! Sheepy: Meril: I was beginning to worry! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Worrying gives you gray hairs. Just look at Bedi over here. Sheepy: Bedi: ? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Don't call him gray! He's not as old as you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: However, my hair is black and there's not a single gray hair to be seen! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Are you sure? Have you checked? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Well, not within the past week. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Better check once you can do it yourself! Good luck! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You would lie and say I had them if I asked you. Sheepy: Meril: You can't check yourself- what are tbe bandages for...? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I messed up a spell and injured myself, but I'll be fine again soon. Arsé-kun: *Merlin just looks elsewhere. Oh, what's this? What's this little fluffy boy?* Sheepy: Bedi: Oh, that stuffed animal looks soft! Sheepy: Tom: hi Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm adopting this! *he goes to pick up Tom* You're so cute! Sheepy: Tom: thank you Arsé-kun: Germain: Please do not. I need to return him home. I'll be the victim of arson if I don't. Sheepy: Tom: im tom Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, we should get something similar. Arsé-kun: Barok: You can get your own ghost. Just commit homicide. Arsé-kun: Merlin: :V Sheepy: Bedi: That's not a good idea. Arsé-kun: Barok: I hope it isn't. If it was, I'd have to do my job. Sheepy: Bedi: Your job? Arsé-kun: Barok: ... I'll give you magic folk a short version. I'm a lawyer. Sheepy: Bedi: oh! Sheepy: Bedi: I know what those are! Sheepy: Bedi: They've been around longer than Merlin has. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I mean!! I guess!!! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I've been around longer than...am I the older one? Or are you? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I thought I was! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't mind being the younger one! Sheepy: Myrrdin: That makes me more attractive to ladies- *He clutches his chest* Ugh! Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he nearly chucks Tom at Myrrdin. Stops, puts Tom down. Picks up a towel and hurls that instead* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Ow! What was that for?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're already fucked up! You don't need a cardiac arrest on top of it! Sheepy: Meril: What happened? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Like he said, he got messed up~ He'll be fine. Sheepy: Meril: That's vague... Arsé-kun: Merlin: No, that's Myrrdin. Sheepy: Meril: *He appears concerned.* Arsé-kun: *Barok just raises his eyebrows and takes a sip. That's none of his business.* Sheepy: Meril: Oh, did you want a drink? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh, that'd be nice! Gimme uhhhhh, you know, liquid unicorn, hold the ice! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I want the strongest thing you've got. Sheepy: Bedi: Maybe getting drunk isn't a good idea. Arsé-kun: Germain: At least not yet, when you've got these two to deal with. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, and I'll have... Sheepy: Bedi: *He's thinking.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Eh, just gettem the usual. Sheepy: Bedi: The usual...? I have a usual...? Arsé-kun: Merlin: You mean you don't? What's this witchcraft? Sheepy: Bedi:......?! What is my usual? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Cow blasters, hold the everything else. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, alright! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Anyway, I don't have anything too interesting to report! But I did see a big slug, so that was ok. Sheepy: Meril: Slug? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Slug. Ugly slug. Why are they so ugly? Sheepy: Bedi: Slugs look soft. Sheepy: *Meril finishes Merlin's drink and starts on Bedi's after giving Merlin the drink* Arsé-kun: Merlin: They're so.. Oh, nice. *and he takes a big ol' swig. fuck yea* They're so weird looking Sheepy: Bedi: I wonder if it's squishy. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Definitely. Arsé-kun: Merlin: The only thing weird about it was it was sorta big, but otherwise? Slug be sluggin'. Sheepy: Meril: I get slugs in here sometimes. Arsé-kun: Germain: Better than anything actually harmful. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he leans forward, onto the bar, and lowers his voice a bit* Don't tell anyone I said this, but by big, I meant really big. Sheepy: Meril:....? Sheepy: *Meril gives Bedi a glass of milk and begins working on Myrrdin's drink* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I could see it from a second story window. I could have seen it from a rooftop. It was massive. Sheepy: Meril: Whaaatttt?? Sheepy: Meril: I want to see it... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Biggest lake bastard I've ever seen. I'll try to get pics for you, but... *he shudders* Thing gave me bad vibes. Sheepy: Meril:...? Arsé-kun: Merlin: But anyway! *he leans back* Knives are bad for your health! Sheepy: Meril: Knives? Sheepy: Meril:...Wait, are Myrrdin's injuries caused by a knife? Arsé-kun: Merlin: When'd I say that? but yes Arsé-kun: Merlin: But he really was exhausted from spells. That parts all true. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Would this be the event where the "artist" was arrested? The- Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yes! Arsé-kun: Germain: Ah, that makes sense. Even Nyar was disgusted. That takes a lot of effort to achieve. Arsé-kun: Germain: And speaking of, I might do like him and "forget" to not bring other people more often. I know a few people who really need a drink. Sheepy: Meril:.....*He really doesn't appear happy.* Sheepy: Meril: *He puts down the drink he's working on and picks up an empty glass. He fills it with chocolate milk and gives it to Myrrdin, accompanied by an annoyed huff* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Aw, I wanted something alcoholic! Sheepy: Meril: No. You lied, and you need to recover! Milk is good for you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Merlin, I'm being bullied! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh, poor baaaaby! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Are you betraying me!? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I trusted you!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: If I didn't say it, someone else would have! Sheepy: Myrrdin: That hurts even more! Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he's considering a response of some kind, but is unsure about it* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Hey, Bedi, do you want this? Sheepy: Bedi: -- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Great! Sheepy: *Myrrdin slides the chocolate milk to Bedi* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Guess you got it anyway! Sheepy: Bedi: But I didn't want it.. Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, do you want it? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I guess so! *he takes it and pours it into his drink. sips it* Somehow this works! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You are nasty. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Thank you! One of us has to be! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Like... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Nope! You're not the one with a fantastic man, and still sellin' your dick for money! Case closed. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Nono, out of the two of us? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I'm like, 50% more likely not to shower for over month than you. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Simply, I am more nasty Arsé-kun: Merlin: We roll in dirty river water like real men. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Unlike a certain someone who first thing in the morning always uses up our hot water! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hey, wait! Don't drag him into this! You'd use it too if you couldn't feel anything! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Maybe I stay up until 6 am before going to sleep and then miss out on the hot water. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Don't judge my life choices. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Whose fault is that, huh? Whose fault is THAT? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Uhmmm... Sheepy: Myrrdin: I've decided it's yours so it's not mine! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Bitch! Sheepy: Myrrdin: If you're older, you should be more responsible about my sleeping schedule!!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're an adult!! You can do it yourself! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're an adult! You can set bed times! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't have an authority to listen to so I do as I please. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Okay! As your older brother, go the fuck to bed! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Hmmm... Sheepy: Myrrdin: Right now? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Right now! Get right up those stairs! Begone, thot! Sheepy: Bedi: What is up those stairs? Sheepy: Myrrdin: But maybe I wanna get drunk instead! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Then here! *he reaches over the counter and grabs a random bottle, before handing it to Myrrdin* But do it upstairs! If you fall down the stairs, I call dibs on your stuff! Sheepy: Myrrdin: What?! But what about spending time with people?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I ain't carryin' you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Bedi can carry me! Sheepy: Bedi: I'm carrying Merlin. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Eat shit, Myrrd! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Wow!! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I'm hurt! Arsé-kun: Merlin: This is true! Arsé-kun: *They continue bickering, even as Merlin relents and carries Myrrdin up the stairs. During this, Saint Germain pays for his drink, and Barok lies down in a booth. He's still so, so incredibly done with the idea of being a functional adult. Rest in shit.*

[dammitimagines]

Healing Echoes

Bones x Reader Intro: The reader has been dating McCoy for a while now, but both are always busy with their work. After months without spending much time together the reader gets some tickets to a healing place and asks Bones to go with her on his day off. Words: 2054 Lyrics:333 Warnings: drinking Writer’s notes: English is not my main language, but i wanted to share my thoughts with you anyway. Wrote it after hearing Cleb Hyles cover of "Steven Universe - Like a Comet" [X] When the lyrics say “Still this is the final frontier Everything is so clear To my destiny I steer” Couldn’t help myself to thinking about some Bones romance And Caleb’s voice is freaking amazing and cute =) Hope you enjoy it! ***** Have been a couple of years since you’ve started dating the CMO Leonard Mccoy. Back then, when you accepted dating him, you knew he was going to be busy most of time on the medbay and that there would be days you wouldn't be able to speak to each other. But those little things didn’t bother you, the few moments you could have together were worth it.

This time you were also stuck on the engineering deck for two weeks adjusting the new pieces of upgrades you and Scotty got for the engine modulator. The enterprise wasn’t going anywhere until you fixed the engine, and Scotty needed you focused on the job. He knew your mind was elsewhere and it was asking for a time to rest. Scotty, as your supervisor, ordered you to take the weekend off, and gave you two ticket to go to a karaoke bar offshore to ease our mind.

“Com’on, lassie. They say that this bar got healing properties, and not only from the alcohol, I assure you that! Oh, and you should call the doctor to go with you, lass. They say it’s a very romantic place ”

“I‘ll give it a try, Scotty. Thank you.” You get back to you quarters only to find Leonard sleeping on your bed with his stomach down, flattened face on your pillow. You try not to laugh even when he’s too cute sleeping. You go to your bathroom to change into your sleeping clothes. Getting back to the bed you hear his drowsy voice calling for you, he keeps still at the same position being too tired even to open his eyes. “I’m here, Lee. Go back to sleep”

He rolls to the side, stretching his arms trying to reach you “C'mere, darlin’...” he asks with a soft lazy southern voice. You lay beside him kissing his lips softly “Go back to sleep, love” you whisper to him. “I missed you.” he embraces you, rubbing his face on your neck, with a pleased smile as he could smell you sweet perfume again. You caress his face, trying to make him go back to sleep. But he insist to stay awake to be with you, asking “What’s your plans for tomorrow, sweetheart?”

“Well, Scotty gave me the weekend off.”

“Good.” He closes his eyes again, his hand reaches yours, covering your fingers with his. There’s silence on the room for a while. Then you whisper “If you’re free tomorrow, Scotty gave me some tickets to a karaoke bar, wanna come with me?” still silence. You ask him again to check if he’s still awake. “Yeah, i need a break” he answers and hugs you tighter. Few seconds later you can hear a soft snore coming from him. Not so long after, you also get to sleep, his warm embrace is like sleeping pills to you and you really needed to get some rest.  On the next day he wakes up first, prepares your breakfast and stay with you on the bed until you wake up. “Mornin’, Y/N!” he kisses you on the lips. “Hey…” you scratch your eyes with the back of your hand, taking a few seconds to sit on the bed. “Aren’t you going to work today?” you ask, yawning. “Nah, I gave myself a couple of days off. Couldn’t get a night of sleep since that damn fungal infection spread on the botanical lab! So, what are your plans for the weekend?” he seems really energetic after a long night of sleep.

“After lunch we're going to that karaoke bar Scotty told me” you tell him like he was supposed to know already.

“Karaoke?” he lift his eyebrow, his voice seems frustrated

“Yes, you said you’d come.”

“When did I ever say that?”

“Yesterday! At night, on this very bed” now you seem frustrated

“Oh, c’mon, darlin’. I was as sleepy as a zombie last night, I wasn’t even thinking of what I said”

“But I told Scotty I’d go, I can’t just refuse this. It would be like throwing a gift on the trash”

“If you don’t wanna throw it, i can do it for you.” he teases you, but he really was up doing it.

“Lee...” your voice was serious, almost threatening

“Sweetheart, you know I’m not good at those stuff“

“No, I don’t. Never saw you singing before! And anyway, I’ll be the only one there. You don’t need to be scared! Please, Lee. If you come I’ll do anything you ask” you know how to do those puppy eyes, begging him.

“Anything?” his eyebrow raise with interest.

“Yes! Promise!” you make a sign with your fingers swearing to it, giving him a teasing grin ~ Getting near the bar, you spot Chekov with a date on the line to enter. “Oh, Y/N, Dr. McCoy! Good to see you here!” he waves from far. Bones whisper on you ear “Great, even the rookie is here to watch my shameful misery”. You pinch the back of his arm and give him the look. You go meet Pavel and after he introduces you to the alien girl he’s with, he tells you everything about the bar and about the owners’ specie “You see, they are basically humanoid-slugs that echo beautiful tunes from their antennas to communicate, and they believe that singing is a way to relieve from dark and negative energy. They use singing as healing waves even to cure from illness and injuries.” Leonard seems to be interested in something for once “As medical treatment this should be interesting” He adds.

When you enter the bar you are astonished by its beauty. It looks like a sanctuary, full of well detailed antique statues and beautiful ornaments. An attendant comes to you, asking you to follow her, you can hear her voice echoing inside your heads, and it’s like a soft melody. She takes you to a room and explains how the equipment works, there’s also a food synthesizer inside room, so you could ask anything you wanted.  

Surprisingly, you see Chekov on the room next to yours and the, he waves at you so you could see him. Bone changes into his grumpy mood immediately. “Watch it, Lee. You might be all drained by the magic echoes being this negative” you tease him. He takes a deep breath trying to calm down “I might need that drink earlier today. Why don’t you start the singing thing? So we can see how it works” he goes directly to the food synthesizer and asks for his bourbon. “Ok, let’s start with an easy one” You grab the microphone and type the song you want to try. It’s a soft melody. You close your eyes focusing on the intro, feeling the sweet melody through your ears. Leonard sits on the couch, with his glass of bourbon on his hands. He takes the glass to his mouth almost at the same time you begin to sing. The time your voice hits him he keeps still, glass on his mouth, he even forgets to drink and not even notice that he spills some of the bourbon on his own shirt. [X] - Love Like You If I could begin to be Half of what you think of me I could do about anything I could even learn how to love When I see the way you act Wondering when I'm coming back I could do about anything I could even learn how to love Like you I always thought I might be bad Now I’m sure that its true ‘cause I think you’re so good And I’m nothing like you Look at you go I just adore you I wish that I knew What makes you think I'm so special If I could begin to do Something that does right by you I would do about anything I would even learn how to love When I see the way you look Shaken by how long it took I could do about anything I could even learn how to love like you Love me like you As soon as you finish the song, you feel relieved for some reason, your back wasn’t hurting anymore for being those past weeks working on the ship’s engine. Your eyes reaches for Leonard, and he’s frozen with his glass on his mouth, he just notice the stupid pose after you look at him and giggle at the mess he had done on his shirt. You run to aid him, laughing “What happened, sweetheart?”

“I don’t know... I was stunned! Amazed by how the whole melody suited you.” his eyes meet yours, and you press your lips against his. He pulls you to sit on his lap. His arms warp around your waist. “And as a doctor, it’s my duty to ask: how’re you feelin’?” Your hands cups his face, bumping your nose on his, feeling his breath on your lips, you kiss him with a long slow kiss, feeling his soft lips on yours, reaching for his tongue. He gives in, kissing you passionately. Slowly the kisses turn into soft slow, your words passed between your lips in the middle of them “I've- never- been- better-” You take the glass of bourbon from his hand. “I guess it’s your turn now”. He puffs, still not liking the whole idea “Now that I was beginning to like the place”.

He goes to the panel, picks up the microphone. You sit on the couch drinking his glass of bourbon. “Oh, c'mon, darlin’... That’s really not fair!”  He protests with frustration on his eyes biting his lips. “You can ask another after this. Go on!” Leonard spots Pavel spying from the other room, nobody ever heard the CMO sing before, he was quite curios. “Good, I’ve even got a crowd now.” He check the list of songs, and there are lots of new pop hits he never heard of “Lee, stop complaining and choose the song already.” it comes to him an idea.

As soon as the song begins you recognized it immediately, is one of those classical rock songs from XXI century you loved to hear. He got you listening couple of times, he knew you loved that song, the lyrics weren’t hard either. [X] - Like a Comet Some say I have no direction That I'm a lightspeed distraction But that's a kneejerk reaction The first words seemed to be trapped on his throat. He was worried about Chekov on the other room and how everyone on the Enterprise would know about this next day. You wave at your boyfriend calling his attention to you, and move your finger on the direction of your own eyes signing him to keep his eyes on you, and only you. He takes a deep breath as his eyes reach yours. For that moment on he feels more relaxed, as there were only you on that whole place. Still this is the final frontier Everything is so clear To my destiny I steer This life in the stars is all I've ever known Stars and stardust and infinite space is my only home His voice was as gorgeous as his handsome face. A deep strong tone took place of those scared insecure words from the beginning. At the chorus he takes a chance to sing louder. You were melting with all that attention, his eyes on yours, singing your favorite song, and his gorgeous voice echoing on the room like he was sharing all his feelings for you. Your heart was flushed with emotions you had never felt before. Unfortunately, that moment didn’t last forever, the song ended, but your passion for that man in front of you only increased. But the moment that I hit the stage Thousands of voices are calling my name And I know in my heart It's been worth it all of the while And as my albums fly off of the shelves Handing out autographed pics of myself This life I've chose isn't easy It sure is one heck of a ride At the moment that I hit the stage I hear the universe calling my name And I know deep down in my heart I have nothing to fear And as the solar wind blows through my hair Knowing I have so much more left to share A wandering spirit who's tearing it's way Through the cold atmosphere I fly like a comet Soar like a comet Crash like a comet I'm just a comet

You’re staring at him with a big smile. He goes to you with a disappointed look “I know it was bad, don’t need to laugh at me-” he complains but you cut him off. “No, silly! I’m just in love with you!!” You grab him by his shirt, bringing his lips to yours. You both couldn’t explain but there was something more going on there, the kiss was intense, you felt a fire deep inside and a need to be with him. He tries to speak while you attack him with deep kisses “Can we- go home- now? You owe me something”  “Just one more! Please...” you beg

You choose a song to sing with him this time. He got to enjoy when you both were together doing this. That ‘last one’ actually turned into much more than ten or twenty until you notice the time, you were both sleepy. It was time to go. This was one of the most enjoyable nights you both had together on these past months. You both were laughing and enjoying each other company, as all the love you felt for the other has blossomed into something more.

Heading back to your quarters Leonard holds you on his arms “Y/N, remember when you said I could ask you ANYTHING?” You nod placing your arms over his shoulders. “Yes, anything”

“Marry me” his face was serious when those words came out of his mouth. He didn’t even hesitate while saying it. You took a minute to process what he had said, and began to laugh.

“It’s not a joke, darlin’” an one sided smile emerges on his face.

“Are you sure you’re going to waste your ‘anything’ on this?”

“Why…?” his voice was now trembling in fear of being rejected

“Of course I was going to say YES, silly!” you give him a long desirous kiss

“Good! So, do I get an ‘anything’ bonus for those last twenty songs you made me sing?” ***** Thank you for reading =)

[preciousrichard-blog]

Second Thoughts, Second Chances (Sniper/Spy)

Chapter 5: Blue Ink

AO3 Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/9419246/chapters/22002980

Rating: Teen+

Chapter Summary: Sniper isn’t the best at close combat, but he’s even worse when he has to fight himself all day. Luckily someone who understands is watching over him.

When he woke up it was dawn, but somehow, Sniper was having an incredibly lazy and comfortable morning that day. Instead of getting up ahead of everyone else and heading to the point before anyone would speak to him as usual, he curled up into the warm nest of his covers. He drew his legs up and sighed into his pillow, nearly clinging to it as he indulged in the heat that had built up under the blankets. When the last of his dreamy thoughts faded away and his eyes finally stayed open, he turned and admired the bright sunlight filtering through the window from a crystalline blue sky. The color of the cloudless expanse reminded him of Spy's piercing stare, and with it came the slow recollection of the night before that soaked into his bones and made his whole body feel weak. He touched his mouth gently, the way Spy's kisses had been, and his heart sputtered. He wondered why he felt so strangely happy, but told himself not to question it too much. Really he knew the reasons, but confound it he was just too embarrassed to admit it. He sat up, working the phrase consider becoming mine on his tongue for a short while, but rubbing at his eyes and face when no clear answers came out of it for him. He shook off the thoughts along with his covers then slipped out of bed and into his work clothing.

The base was still quiet this early, as most of the others slept in. He was grateful to be an early riser as he passed into the bathroom and began his usual routine. As he finished brushing his teeth he lifted his grayish blue eyes to his own reflection in the slightly dirty mirror. He looked at himself hard, furrowing his brow when he got closer. Spy had called him handsome last night, to which Sniper stuttered lamely in response. He was skilled without a doubt and self-reliant to his core, but handsome was the only adjective he simply couldn't wrap his head around. He squinted at himself, and traced the lines on his face with his fingers. He frowned when he pulled at the deep creases beside his mouth, noticing for once how old they made him look. Laughter lines my arse, he winced, suddenly regretting ever taking up smoking and spending too much time in the outback sun. He raised his eyebrows and spotted more slight creases across his forehead when he did, then dropped his head in a form of defeat. I'm still in my thirties and I look like a bloody geezer, he grumbled to himself before taking one last look at the mirror. What does he see in me? He thought, with a nagging question of whether he’d been lied to. He flipped open the handles of his reflective yellow aviators and slipped them onto the bridge of his nose. He felt better seeing part of his face hidden behind them, and made to open the bathroom door. He paused and considered shaving in case he saw Spy that day- then shook his head, huffing as he walked toward the mess hall.

Halfway through his eggs on toast, he lowered the newspaper he was idly reading to the sound of clicking heels. He let the paper fall to the tabletop in his hands while he took a sip of coffee from his mug. He knew who it was by the sound, and lo and behold the RED spy sauntered into the room. He didn't so much as look at the sniper as he crossed the Australian's vision, yet offered a curt "good morning" as he approached the cupboards.

"Mornin'..." Sniper said back warily, watching the man behind his sunglasses as he poured himself a cup of Sniper's coffee. "I thought you hated my stuff."

"Yes it's disgusting." The RED spy said flatly, ignoring Sniper's gaze, "But- I am in a rush." 

"A rush? Where to...?" Sniper asked, surprised at himself for pressing at all. Perhaps it was that vague resemblance to the man who shared countless comfortable conversations with him that spurred it.

Spy gave him no glance, but looked at his watch, "That's none of your business." He bit back with cold and emotionless tone. 

Sniper noted how quickly the man finished his coffee and set the cup in the sink, and figured he really must have had some important business to attend to. He lifted his newspaper back up and continued to eat, but his eyes were locked on the other in silent observance. He was the same height as the BLU, and they even had the same accent, but somehow his teammate seemed harsh and snobbish compared to his enemy counterpart. Sniper envisioned the RED spy in place of the BLU in his camper last night, and felt sickened as soon as he did. He felt nothing beyond professionalism toward his teammate that much was for sure.

"Before ya go-" Sniper spoke, "Soldier said I missed a briefin'. Mind fillin' us in?" 

The spy straightened a bit and glanced around as if to think before finally looking at the Australian for the first time since he walked in. He was giving him a confused and rather judgmental stare as he spoke. "We had no briefing." He said, "I expected you of all people wouldn’t believe a word that infantile bafoon says."

Sniper grit his teeth. "Better safe than sorry's all." He said back, trying not to sound as angry as he now definitely was. 

Watching the spy examine him for a moment then turn on his heel and leave, he pushed his plate aside and folded the newspaper. He resented that he'd been fooled into doing what was most likely Soldier's chore in the first place yesterday, and even considered "accidentally" shooting him between the eyes later as payback. But something else was bothering him, and he only got so far as to wonder how the RED spy could be such a cold bastard to him when the enemy spy was thoughtful and polite before an energetic young scout came romping in.

"Heya Snipes!" He chimed, never stopping his stride and jogging in place, "Ready to kick some sorry blue ass today?"

"I'll leave the kickin' to you kid." Sniper offered disinterestedly, a quiet thought flickering in the back of his mind that he'd probably have to kill BLU Spy at some point in the day.

"Heh yeah, I am pretty great at it." Scout continued, "I been workin' on my calves- man they are lookin' sweet-" he chattered, going into the details of his workout routine as Sniper stood to wash up. "-I bet'chu I could break one'a them boards in half like in the movies-"

Sniper offered an occasional thoughtful grunt in response to the talking he was only half listening to, and once he set his dishes on the rack to dry he grabbed the pot off the coffee machine and turned to leave.

"Oh that's right you always go out early- that's cool- I'll just finish the story later- hey nail that other scout in the head for me would ya?" Scout grinned with infuriating cockiness.

Sniper waved at him lazily as he walked down the hall. He didn't even realize the boy had been telling a story at all, and he certainly didn't intend to shoot any scouts in the head unless it was convenient. The little hooligans were too fast, a waste of good slugs, and frankly not often a priority. He opened his locker in the resupply room, and as he felt the cool metal of his weighty rifle in his hands, he wondered if he really felt invested in his job that morning. He was under contract to kill anything blue on the battlefield, and as long as he did that much then ideally nothing else was of much importance. He tensed with the physical effort of sorting his personal life away from his professional life, which he hadn't needed to do since he first signed up for the job. He’d killed the Spy just fine when they were having friendly chats and didn't feel bad about it. He wasn't about to start feeling bad now. Slinging his rifle over his shoulder he set the image in his mind of all the ways he'd watched spy die in front of him. He ignored the numbness creeping into his arms as he sheathed his kukri.

The first match began at 9 am sharp. The gates opened to the announcer's cutting voice and the red team poured out of the resupply and toward the central control point. Everyone seemed eager to get the upper hand with a first capture after the last stalemate. Sniper was less than thrilled in the cold however, and trailed behind the group, covered by the medic and heavy that brought up the rear. When he'd clambered away to his warm and dry nest at a comfortable distance, he set up shop. For the next hour, no one had held the point for more than 15 minutes at a time and the morning was beginning to look like a repeat of yesterday’s draw. 

I should'a brought me hat, Sniper thought as he took aim at a rogue blue pyro and fired. Where did I leave that thing? Ah it's still in my bloody van innit? He pulled the bolt handle and the bullet casing clattered to the floor. Maybe that fancy mongrel's whole plan is to put me off me bloody game. He loaded a round in the bolt and pushed it forward, Well jokes on him, I'm feelin' better than I have all week. He glanced behind himself at the thought of the BLU spy, but found nothing there and took aim. He muttered a quiet insult at the enemy heavy before firing, but the big man had been knocked back by an explosion at just the right moment and the shot missed. Sniper cursed himself, but reloaded with mechanical movement that took less than a second. Another casing clattered away from him. But he kissed me. He thought, He wouldn't go that far, no one's that evil. He felt his heart clench but he took aim again anyway, We're mates... We've been mates fer almost a year. He couldn't be that despicable... He fired, landing the shot on the heavy this time, and watching him topple into the snow. He kissed me. He reloaded, He kissed me four times. Wait... Three times. I think I dreamt that last one. He winced at himself. Oh for Christ's sake I even dreamt about him! What the bloody hell's wrong with me? He fired and shot the blue engineer in the shoulder as he ran back for cover. He took a deep breath and accepted that no amount of sorting would keep his mind clear until he faced the issue head-on. But that would require him to give Spy a solid answer, which he simply just did not have. 

By the next hour the blue team had pushed the reds back to the fourth point. Sniper was forced to leave his roost and make a dash for a position closer to the base if he didn't want an ass full of bullets or a rocket to the face. He was clipped by an explosion of sticky bombs that obliterated the RED pyro on his way back to resupply. He held his arm in his hand as blood oozed from between his fingers, it was something he was used to, but the pain was still enough to make him groan in agony. Pain and dying always hurt, sometimes it was even excruciating, but working with Mann Co. and TF Industries meant it would never last. Healing was always instant and death was more or less a joke.

Nonetheless, pain and losing always puts a man in a bad mood. Even fully healed and safely tucked away in his nest, the sniper was brooding about the distraction Spy's memory continued to bring him. It's all crazy. He thought, First I lower me gun to an enemy and next thing ya know he wants to start neckin'. His abdomen felt heavy with coffee and he reached for a glass jar lying sideways on a barrel. This is the best job I've ever had, why should I risk throwin' it away for some French tart who's bound to toss me aside later? He frowned, unzipping his pants and relieving himself into the empty container. And what if someone caught on, that kind’a business follows a man fer life. He screwed the lid back onto the jar and set it aside, straightening his shirt and pants before lifting his gun again, He's a lunatic, it's just askin' fer bloody trouble. He fired at the BLU soldier as he flew through the air, hitting him in the liver, but it was just enough to kill him when he impacted on the ground. Sniper chuckled darkly to himself, finding a grizzly satisfaction in watching the bodies tumble limply into the snow. 

He felt silly, thinking he'd let himself get carried away at all by the spy's advances. Sure he was attractive and lively and surprisingly kind, but Sniper couldn't possibly believe he'd enjoy being a couple. He'll probably treat me like his lady friends anyway, he silently sneered as the fighting quieted down below. Last thing I need are flowers on me doorstep or useless knick-knacks I ain't got any room for anyhow. Fancy bloody wuss he is. He glanced behind himself just in case. Frenchies are all soppy romantic types, he'll probably get all touchy n' cozy n' what have you. I wouldn't even know what to do with him. The thought was intended to deter him, but Sniper found he wasn't as opposed to the concept as he assumed he'd be. He shook his head, no, he wasn't cut out for the type of romance Spy would have in mind. He'll probably have me give up the camper! Sniper started, eyes going wide as he envisioned having to part with his beloved van. Me job, the camper? I don't even know how bloody serious that snake is. It won't work - absolutely not. He shook his head firmly and planted his foot to aim his rifle, feeling certain. I'm better off alone. He assured himself to the sting of an unhappy heart.

The next hour was the liveliest yet, as RED managed to push the blue team back not only to the middle point, but back toward their base. The reds held the second point and the odds were greatly in their favor when the engineer's sentry pushed back an enemy ubercharge just long enough to waste it. Invincibility or none, those turrets of his could turn an entire match. Sniper was feeling rather good about himself when he popped the medic between the eyes two times in a row, and he'd almost forgotten he was working when the BLU sniper switched out for a bow and arrows and took his chances in the open. Needless to say Sniper was elated to have such a fulfilling hour. He wondered though why he hadn't once seen even a glimpse of the BLU spy since the day began. It was relieving of course, yet somehow unnerving. Initially the Aussie wondered if he was up to something, but as time ticked by it became more unnerving in a different way. He couldn't be hesitating. Sniper thought, chewing at his lip, He's too proud for that. Unless... He felt uneasy at the prospect of his spacing being a sign of his seriousness about their conversation. No... That couldn't be right. It don't matter that much to him do it? He turned again toward the wall behind him; a consistent instinct to check the empty room for sneaky Frenchmen. His heart felt funny, and he wasn't sure if it was regret or fear or embarrassment or something between the three. Suddenly all of his certainty was thrown for another loop, and he found himself not knowing what to think again. 

He fiddled with the cap on his telescopic lens; pushing it closed and popping it open over and over. He mulled over the sparks he witnessed in that man's eyes when he held him against the cold wall, and the carefulness with which he spoke and moved. He contemplated the warmth of his body and the broadness of his shoulders, and then clumsily let the barrel of his rifle bounce off the floor when he lowered it. He's not so bad. Sniper swallowed, feeling something familiar well up in his chest. Good looks, good manners... Never overstays his welcome. He furrowed his eyebrows, He's never asked much of me. Even puts up with the jarate'n still comes back. He ruffled his own hair and sighed, What if we did give it a go? I reckon he wouldn't wanna be caught any more than I do. I mean... We haven't been caught once fer all the times we chat on the job. He drew up his shoulders, feeling overwhelmed with the concept of having been the object of Spy’s affection all those times. 

He's a man. Sniper gulped, feeling the fiery excitement in his nerves, A man. I never thought... Hell I never thought I'd end up with anyone let alone a man. Even if he does toss me aside... His breathing shuddered, ‘Least I can say I took the chance. He wrung his hands, This might be the only chance I ever get. He stilled, then audibly growled at himself and squeezed his fingers into fists. “I’d be bloody awful.” He whispered out loud, I have no idea what I'm doing. I'll make a moron of meself. He’s a smooth talking, experienced, good looking bastard and I’m…

Then there he spotted him, disguised as the RED engineer. He could tell immediately because the real engineer had just left to move his sentry up ahead. An instinct suddenly overcame him. He had to shoot. He didn't know exactly why, but somehow Spy's genuinely happy laughter echoed in his ears when he lifted his gun. He felt a tremble in his fingers as he lined up the sights, and hesitated to watch the man look around before pulling an electronic Sapper from his pocket. He heard blood fill his ears when the little red dot stilled on the back of his head. It was him. It was Spy. It was the man who admired his marksmanship. It was the man who kissed him. And Sniper didn't even feel the trigger move under his finger before that man's blood was sprayed across the wall, and his lifeless body fell forward. The sniper froze, chest pounding slow but hard. He kept his eye locked into his lens until blood pooled from the now blue suited corpse. The disguise had dissipated in a flash of smoke when he fell, and soon his body would vanish as the computers in the respawning room took him away atom by atom. He laid his rifle down, and lifted his palms up to question the way his fingers shivered. Finally he understood. This was true regret, even though he knew it was what Spy wanted him to do.

He jumped at the booming voice of the announcer through the speakers, declaring a victory for the RED team. Sniper hadn't even realized they were capturing the point and now they’d won. He packed up listlessly and ignored the five minute humiliation round outside. He didn't really feel like a winner.

The BLU Spy had managed to evade the humiliation round by dying just before his team's loss. He stepped out of the respawn room with a dull ache in the back of his head -typical of a 39 millimeter bullet to the brain. He rubbed the sore spot and stretched his neck, thinking with relief that the nervous kangaroo had it in him after all. He stifled a smile, glad to know the Australian could still work under such a unique type of pressure. The rest of his team materialized before him one by one looking as displeased as he expected. The pale and vaguely ill looking BLU sniper caught sight of the spy when he appeared and nearly stomped in his direction.

"Wanna warn a bloke before you decide not to do your damn bloody job hey?" He barked at the Spy, who glared at him as he lit a cigarette.

"I did my job." Spy replied to him flatly, offering no sympathy.

"Are you fucking mad? That sniper took out half our team on every bloody point and you sat around on your bloody arse pickin’ daisies!" He seethed back, "Your job is to take care'a that fucking bell-end!" 

Spy's mouth twitched with the phantom of a sneer, and he blew smoke for a moment before speaking. "Au contraire," he puffed, disinterested, "I have many jobs in which I was quite successful. It is unfortunately no fault of mine that you are not successful in yours." 

The blue sniper looked ready to lunge at the man when the medic joined them, "Herr Spy I must agree with Herr Sniper. That man was a vital target and because of him we lost two ubercharges." Although the doctor spoke softly, it was clear he was annoyed as well. 

"Again I fail to see why I must always be the one to take care of a target much easier killed with a ranged shot." Spy reiterated lazily. "Yet I’m hearing no appreciation for the sentries I alone destroyed."

The sniper made to swing at the masked man, but the doctor held him fast, giving him a disapproving look before turning him away, "I expect us to work harder next round." Medic offered vaguely as he led the furious sniper into the nearest room. 

Most of the others had filtered out of respawn during the exchange; they were no strangers to badmouthing after a hard loss. It didn’t matter much to Spy though, victories and losses were team efforts on the field, and they couldn’t stay mad indefinitely. He sighed and turned to leave when a meaty hand gripped his shoulder, turning him around.

"Good work out there son." The blue soldier grinned at him beneath his helmet, "You really saved my tail when you took out that red medic. One more second and that hippy’s guard dog would have ripped me a new behind.”

Spy recalled stabbing the enemy medic as he took cover behind the heavy, effectively costing him his kritzkrieg charge on the central point. It must have saved the soldier at the time, but Spy had run off too fast to catch it. He wished he could say he was surprised at the distaste the other supporting classes showed for his lack of intervention with the sniper that day, but he’d made an honest effort to make up for it in other ways.

"All in a day's work my amigo." Spy smiled, somewhat won over by the childlike charm of the BLU soldier’s recognition for his efforts where it was due. 

He continued to avoid the sniper during the second match of the day, and the third. He steered clear of his sight lines and left him to enjoy an uninterrupted day of shooting for once. It was the least he could do to thank him for the other night, and it would be rather awkward anyway to strike up a conversation before the man had a chance to really think about his offer. By the end of the day he chuckled at just how many kills the Australian had racked up without a certain blue Frenchman to stifle his workflow. When he crawled under his duvet that night, Spy reached over into the drawer of his nightstand and pulled out a pen and tiny notebook. He jotted down a note in blue pen and neatly tore it out, folding it and setting it at his bedside. Running through a small plan in his mind, he sank deep into his luxurious goose feather pillows. He thought of Sniper, as he often did before he slept, and fondly looked forward to the following day.

That afternoon he jumped at the first opportunity he was given to scour the highest buildings in search of his favorite back. He crept with near silent steps around corners and up stairs, stopping to carefully peak into every room with a window. He heard voices up ahead of him and tentatively crept along down the hallway with his back against the closest wall. He tapped at his watch and cloaked, listening to any words he could make out. He heard the familiar gravelly tone of the man he was looking for, but he was speaking to someone in the room instead of himself this time. Spy nearly choked when the RED pyro sauntered out of the room ahead and trudged down the hall, flamethrower at the ready. Spy froze and held his breath, pressed up hard against the wall to make himself as small as he could be. When the demonic abomination of a mercenary turned the corner, he flicked open his disguise kit. In a wisp of smoke he became that very pyro, and slipped into the room with a practiced dramatization of their body language.

Sniper turned, glancing at the pyro before turning back, "I told ya mate I haven't seen him up here." 

Spy smiled at the obvious reference to his person, but reached into his pocket and slid his balisong free, flipping it open. He could see the Sniper twitch in suspicion but drove the gleaming blade deep between his shoulders before it could culminate into defending himself. Sniper screamed, and Spy winced with that paternal type of expression that said "you tried." He grabbed the man before he could hit the ground with his full weight, and eased him to the floor. Kneeling with his pliant body in his arms he reached out, and with careful caress touched the man's cheek, fingers flinching when his bleary dying eyes flickered up to look at him. He watched, undaunted but open as Sniper parted his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Moments later the light left his gaze and Spy was sure he was gone. He smiled softly and gently closed the man's eyelids before his body could fade away.

"It's confusing the first time." He whispered, "But you've done well."

Sniper opened his eyes in the RED base, standing idly in the respawn room. His spine ached, and his mind was foggy, but he recalled the look on Spy's face before everything went dark. He had spent the entirety of last night laying in his bed, recalling his one and only kill on the Frenchman, and wondering why he felt bad for something he had been used to doing for years. But that look on his face just then- that understanding, reassuring look without a hint of regret or anger- it made him feel somehow better. He grumbled and made his way back to his nest, suddenly feeling a peculiar sense of normalcy in having been stabbed in the back at last.

Spy was there when he returned, leaning invisibly against the wall as the taller man scratched his head and sorted out his things after yet another death on the field. He stayed there, silently observing as the Aussie cursed under his breath and checked the alignments of his crosshairs after the rifle had clattered to the floor. He seemed content with them after a moment, and fired a round through the window into a passing blue down below. He checked over his shoulder as he reloaded, but saw no one there. When he grabbed the bolt handle he stopped, lowering the entire gun into his lap as Spy grinned to himself, arms folded. The sniper fiddled closely with the handle and pulled away a small paper wrapped tightly around it. Spy's smile only grew when he unfolded it and observed the contents.

Sniper stared down at the little piece of paper with the blue cursive script. He moved as if to crush it into a matted ball, but held it still in his hands before committing to any motion. The spy grinned when he angrily muttered "piss" to himself and tucked it away in his vest pocket instead. With a satisfied smile and a glow he could feel through his torso, Spy crept from the room, back to patiently awaiting Sniper's confident decision. The folded note remained in Sniper's pocket for the rest of the day, hiding away a private message

“Business as usual. ❤“

[itshummelswitch]

KLAINE | Date.

WHEN: April 26th, 2020

WHERE: Riley Hummel’s house, back room.

WHO: Kurt Hummel & Blaine Anderson

EVENT: Kurt and Blaine are getting ready and discussing going on their first official date.

SUNDAY, APRIL 26. 

 After having his trustful guard, Max, escort Blaine to Riley's that night, Kurt hasn't wasted much time to pull the submissive into his arms. Engulfing him tightly, chin tucked over his shoulder as he just held him for a little while before pulling him to bed in a guest room. There'd be time to use Riley's bigger bed later, but right now Kurt just needed the closeness with just the two of them. And they had fallen asleep like that, tangled with each other under cool Egyptian Cotton sheets as they had a lot to tackle when they woke up. Kurt having woke up first, prepared a picnic basket for lunch before making both men in the house breakfast that consisted of Belgian waffles with cut up fruit drizzled in honey, eggs, and turkey bacon which he served them in bed. Both receiving a greeting kiss as he did so, before he's climbing back into bed with Blaine and going over his plans for the date. "I was thinking we check out the aquarium?" He asks, popping a grape into his mouth from his own plate where he's sitting beside Blaine. "After that, we can go for a walk, come back here, get the picnic basket, and head to the beach. And then there's an open time slot between then and dinner which I've already made reservations for. Afterwards, I'll be tying you up for the night." Turning mischievous eyes to the submissive, knocking shoulders lightly with a grin. "Is there anything you'd like to do in that empty time slot?" 

The hug he received on first arrive caused Blaine to melt head to toe. He loved being close to Kurt like this and holding him. There was something so intimate about it. It wasn't just a friendly hug to say I've missed you, it was a hug that said 'I've been missing my other half and I need you.' Blaine stood there holding Kurt close to him as long as he could wanting to become one with the switch. He was mildly annoyed when the hug had ended but knowing where they were about to go next, Blaine could deal with it. Falling asleep should have been easy laying next to Kurt in an incredibly comfortable bed but it took Blaine at least an hour to fall asleep after Kurt had slipped soundly off. He spent most of that time drawing circles absentmindedly on Kurt's back as they lay in each others embrace. A couple of times Blaine hummed softly, humming whatever song came to mind. He could have stayed like this forever. He hadn't fallen this hard and this fast for someone before. Charlie didn't even compare to Kurt and he had all but left Blaine's mind. The following morning Blaine sat with his legs folded on the bed picking at the fruit on his gorgeous spread of food first. He listened quietly as Kurt went over all of the plans he had for them that day. Blaine would have just been happy to sit here and talk until the tying up thing happened, but getting out into the world would be good for them both. He grinned at Kurt, cutting a small piece of his waffle. There was entirely too much food her for him to eat, but he was sure going to try. "I think all of that sounds perfect." He said. "It's been years since I've been to an aquarium and it's a little disappointing I've been here like two months haven't gone to the beach yet. I thank you for correcting that grave error." He chuckled a little and popped the waffle piece into his mouth. He thought over what he'd like to do with that opening in the schedule. "Could we stay at the beach and watch the sunset before dinner?"

"I haven't sat on a beach to watch a sunset in..." Kurt has to take a moment, lips pursed as he thinks about it before shaking his head. "Ever! Because Dani and I were at the beach yesterday, but we didn't watch the sunset. So, yes, let's cross that off our laundry list." He grins, sucking honey off his thumb with a little wiggle of his hips on the bed, only to then use the provided napkin. It was such a romantic image. Watching a sunset. Very cliche, maybe, but Kurt was always living for the hopeless romantic aspect of life. It didn't matter if Sylvester would be side-eyeing him the entire time, he was going to make sure Blaine Anderson felt loved and cared for in every way possible. The submissive was learning his role so well, he deserved a time off from playing submissive the whole day and just be - Blaine. With Kurt. Not Sir. Just Kurt. Leaning over to press a kiss to the corner of Blaine's mouth, collecting some syrup as he does so before leaning away and carefully climbing off the bed to collect his empty plate. "Do you need anything else before I get dressed? Anything at all?"

Blaine smiled over Kurt blushing as the switch kissed him, catching him off guard. Maybe he could have a relationship with Kurt. Aside from the D/s relationship. That was already so strong for them anyway it couldn't hurt to add some deeper emotions to it. Blaine remembered the conversation he had had with Riley, he always went back to that conversation. But perhaps Riley was wrong. He didn't know how Blaine felt about Kurt, how he saw Kurt. "No. I don't need anything." He replied picking at the bacon on his plate. He was excited that he would be there with Kurt during his first beach sunset. Maybe this was the perfect time to tell Kurt how he felt. Everything about last night and today felt so...relationshipy, that Blaine figured Kurt must have liked him too in that way. "I'm just really excited for our date today."

"Well I hope you would be!" Kurt grins, kicking his foot up in excitement right as he exits the bedroom to carry the plates to the kitchen. Of course also checking in on Riley first, helping him select his outfit for the day, before returning to Blaine. Holding up the stolen blue cardigan, which he dances with in front of himself while approaching the bed. "We're adding a pop of blue to this outfit. Really feel at one with the aquatic life, so I blend in and the fishes may come toward us and we can get good view. That's always helpful right?" Locating the rest of his clothes, a simple pair of black pants from the previous night, an horizontal striped shirt, and of course the cardigan before he's climbing on the bed to steal one of his leftover fruit pieces, popping it in his mouth with a grin. "While I am very much a fan of you being without clothes, let's get you dressed so we can go."

In the time Kurt had left him and returned, Blaine finished what he could of the massive breakfast in front of him. He was busy fussing with his hair in the mirror trying to get it to stay down with the gel he brought with him when Kurt came back with a cardigan in hand. Blaine moved back to the bed and sat on the edge of it. He smiled as he watched Kurt went about getting dressed with fluid like movement. "I guess it can't hurt to try and blend in." He said with a little wrinkle of his nose. Kurt looked good in blue. Kurt looked good in, and out of, anything. "I brought an outfit I think Kurt Hummel would approve of." Blaine picked up his over night bag and rummaged through it to get to the neatly folded clothing at the bottom. Since they were to be outside and on the beach, he pulled out a pair of coral colored shorts and a blue short sleeved button down with small white anchors on it, foregoing the bowtie today. "We'll match." Blaine said with a large grin. "What do you think? Did I do good?"

Kurt's face lit up as he took in Blaine's chosen outfit. It was so fitting for the ocean themed date, and like Blaine had said - they would match. It wasn't even planned that way, it just happened. As if they knew what the other was thinking before a word was spoken. It was a nice feeling that was warm in his chest, that he didn't want to look too far into. Question. Analyze. But it felt amazing, and he held onto it. Refusing to let it go for as long as possible. "Oh, you definitely did good, Sweetheart." Kurt praises, stealing another kiss by invading the smaller man's space for a quick moment then pulls back as he gives a love tap against the submissive's ass, returning to his own outfit so he could change. Something that didn't take long. The styling of his hair was a different story, but they would be leaving Riley's after that and catching a ride to the aquarium at long last. Their first stop, Devil Keys Aquarium, wasn't a small space. Thankfully not many people were there, which would grant them the ability to not feel crowded and rushed to move from exhibit to exhibit. Kurt having no problem in holding Blaine's hand on their official entry, and taking to dragging him to the tide pool area first. There was more things that were in open space for them to interact with, and any excuse to encourage Blaine to hold a sea slug was fun. For this moment they felt normal. Like a proper date. Not as Dominant and submissive. But as Kurt and Blaine.