#i think i had an off brand one from wherever but the idea was the same

[veryspecificnostalgia]

magna doodle

original release: 1974

[0310s]

take a picture, it'll last longer! (leehan) ᯓ★ 

members: leehan x gender neutral reader

genre: fluff, established relationship

wc: 1.2k

summary: a photobooth, too many options to choose from, and a naughty lover (spoiler: it’s not you).

a/n: once again... thank you to @dollvrse for implanting this idea in my head... you literally have the best ideas. i went utterly insane imagining this scenario, so i had to churn out this fic for the sake of my mental health. enjoy!

 𓉞⋆｡˚☁︎｡⋆

“Leehan, Leehan, a photobooth!” you gasp and nudge your boyfriend of one month. The singular photobooth is tucked in a cozy corner of the street, right beside a homey cafe. A peek under the curtain shows it’s unoccupied—lucky! “Hurry up, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” You tug at Leehan with your intertwined hands without waiting for a response; your lovely partner seems happy to be dragged along, either way. 

Sliding the curtain open, you quickly usher Leehan into the photobooth. As expected, the interior is compact, just enough for a pair to squeeze in and take photos. It’s honestly been quite some time since you’ve entered a phootbooth; you’ve never had a particular interest in these sorts of gimmicks. But now, you have something to commemorate and you want to be reminded of through photographic means—so here you are. 

Still, this is no time to peruse the photobooth interior. The last time you visited one, all you needed to do was to take your pictures and the machine would churn out everything else for you. Now, there are a plethora of options to choose from—too many, in fact, that you end up feeling momentarily paralyzed. “Okay, what are we feeling today? Two poses? Four poses? Eight poses? And there are… uhh… ten layouts we can choose from? There are way too many options... I’m getting confused!”

“We can probably just go with the regular four-photo strip.” Leehan’s voice is low and melodious as he answers you. “And pick the ocean design. The fish look cute there.” You nod and go with it, not wanting to waste any more time on deciding. As you pull out your wallet to feed the machine a couple of bills, Leehan beats you to it and fishes the photobooth some of his own money. Before you can even protest, Leehan sends you a little smile. “My treat.” How could you ever be mad at him with that smile of his?

You’re cut off from your daydreaming about how wonderful everything about Leehan is when the screen sounds, indicating you should get into position. “Okay, first pose!” You come up with many poses, but none of them seem right. Leehan proves to be unhelpful because all he’s doing is gazing at you with a fond smile on his face. “Leehan, maybe stop looking at me and help me out?” 

“I can’t help it. You’re just too beautiful,” Leehan tells you, “my eyes go wherever you are.” At this, your face burns with embarrassment. You’re about to tell Leehan to stop joking around when the photobooth shutter goes off with a loud sound.

At this, both of you turn to the screen, watching as the timer ticks down for the second photo. “Leehan, you just ruined our first photo!” you complain, but your boyfriend remains smiling. “Listen, buddy, this is a collaborative effort. Let’s think of a pose for the second photo. Come on, please?”

Leehan laughs to himself at how cute you are for taking this so seriously. “Okay, fine, fine,” he finally gives in to your pleading. “Come here.” Bringing you closer, he wraps an arm around you. His hand on your waist is a warm brand against your skin, and you ignore the shiver that goes through you. But when he tightens his hold, you instinctively giggle. 

“Leehan, not this pose, I’m ticklish there.” You try to wriggle out of his grasp, but he just pulls you in closer until his body is pressed right against yours. He’s facing straight at the camera, but you can see the corner of his lips curling up. You suddenly have an foreboding feeling that he’s up to no good—then he gives your waist another squeeze, right where you’re most ticklish.

“Ahh!” You squeal, thrashing in his grip. Leehan, devil that he is, laughs at your plight and starts to purposely tickle your sides to get a reaction out of you. He’s too strong—you’re subjected to practically the worst (and most evil!!!) tickle attack you’ve ever experienced in your life. As you wriggle around in an attempt to escape, the shutter goes off once again: two shots gone down the drain, two more to go. “Kim Leehan, if you don’t stop teasing me-” you begin to warn him, but you lose all train of thought when you notice the position you’ve ended up in.

Leehan’s got both arms wrapped around your waist. You can literally count the number of lashes your boyfriend’s got—it’s unfair how he’s got these pretty, long doll lashes that ghost his cheekbones every time he has his eyes shut. You’re so close that you can feel his breath on your lips as he looks down at you with an unreadable expression on his face. Your eyes trail down his gorgeous doe eyes, to the slope of his straight nose, to his plush, kissable lips—wait, what?

Your thoughts are all but interrupted as Leehan leans in and steals your breath with a tender kiss. One hand shifts from your waist to your cheek, gently cradling your face in his palm. His other hand remains on your waist, drawing you nearer, and you practically melt into his strong arms. Trailing your hands over his back, you sigh into the kiss as your pliant lips move against his. You’re so absorbed in the kiss that you don’t hear the camera go off another time. You feel so safe in his arms, and kissing him makes you feel lightheaded with happiness—happiness that you’re this close to him, someone you care dearly for, and that you’re able to share this intimate moment with him.

When you finally pull apart, you’re panting for air. Leehan is staring at you with a similarly dazed expression, eyes glazed over. You’re looking into each other’s eyes for a quiet moment, sharing equally shy glances. Leehan’s got that expression where he’s suppressing a wide grin, his dimples peeking out. That’s when the final shutter goes off, and you’re snapped out of your stupor—then you suddenly realize what you actually came here for. “Leehan, the pictures!”

“Oh. Right.” Leehan looks positively unapologetic. “I forgot." You clearly both did. A whirring sound comes from the machine, and you both turn around to see the finished prints drop out. When you step over and hold up the photo strips, you gasp with shame. 

“Oh my god!” The first photo is you fuming at Leehan while he looks at you longingly. The second photo is a blur of arms, but you can distinguish both your bright smiles as you flail around—yours out of ticklishness, and Leehan’s out of pleasure at your misfortune. 

The third photo is one that makes your cheeks flush a fiery red. Leehan and you are wrapped up in a kiss—nothing R-Rated, but still utterly humiliating to have been captured in a phootbooth no less. You look down to the fourth and last one, and here, you’re both gazing at each other with bashful smiles on your faces. The most embarrassing thing about it all is how because of the design Leehan's chosen, it looks like you're making out in a sea of poor marine creatures who most likely did not consent to watching a private show.

As cute as this is, you probably can’t display this in your room. “Jesus, these are ruined. We should take them again,” you exhale, already regretting the amount of money you’re spending on some silly, unimportant photos. But Leehan stops you, taking the photo strips from you and surveying them carefully. 

“What do you mean? I think they came out great.” Leehan pauses, considering his next words, carefully monitoring your reaction. Then what he says next stuns you: “... We look like we’re in love.”

Your heart clenches at this. It’s true—you and Leehan look like you’re in your own little world. “We do,” you concede. “Okay. Let’s keep this.”

[ratedfleur]

i'm happy that u saw it. anyways, here the two ideas that I sent (which didn't reach u ☹️ fuck u tumblr)

GP! Reader and Bully! Karina

- reader is a scholar on a prestigious in whick Karina’s family owns. And Karina having the influence and power, she always plays on rhe weak which are the scholar. She decided to make Reader her new victim, but little did she know, something will happen that will make the tables turn

GP! Reader x Model! Wonyoung

- Reader is a CEO of a well-known brand and Wonyoung has been dying to be one of the models to endorse it. And Reader saw this opportunity to make a deal in which Wonyoung can't decline

THERE YOU GO! I was having this huge stress bcs of school (ph edu system sucks) and ideas of my ults like this would come to my mind. I knew I had to send it to you since you're really great in writing and you are able to get the idea easily. I was occasionally checking tumblr for ur updates and I was really worried, hopefully, this ideas would reach you 🙏

- 💙

i'm super into the first idea like ... scholar!y/n and bully!karina just makes so much sense ?! i just see it happen so smoothly once you step foot into the university, you would've caught karina's attention when she saw you in the office as she was getting off the hook of the head mistress– her mother.

seeing that there was a new goody two shoes in town, karina made sure that you would be in every step of the way that she walked. karina always liked to corner you whenever you were sent on errands by the professors– the teaching personel always liked to send you on their errands because you were quick on your feet.

while you were sent on errands, karina always made sure to give you a little something or an obstacle of some sorts. minjeong, aeri, and yizhuo were always there when you ran your errands, their sick smile would be on their faces as they bothered you as you went to wherever the professor sent you. ever since you arrived, your new found friends warned you of a certain group in the university grounds that you should avoid at all times; karina, minjeong, aeri, and yizhuo. but you couldn't avoid them with how often they would follow you around, even after school hours.

it took a month before karina became the one who always tormented you around campus– yes, around campus. she would follow you around as if she was your little minion but she'd make snarky remarks from behind you, teasing you about your dirty hello kitty backpack, pulling on your cutesy ponytail that you decorated with a bow, and even in the lunch room where she'd always trip you over, making you land on your food tray on the ground. 

it only took a few more silly teasing from karina and her friends before you handled things your way. 

one day, your new appearance in school made brows raise as you walked through the halls with your head held up high, uniform all wrinkled up with a few buttons undone, you had made your makeup all messy and dark– nothing like the old y/n would've done. even karina raised her brows when she saw you with her own eyes after yizhuo told her all about your new image.

karina was making her way out of detention when suddenly a hand pulled her wrist, making her curse as she faced whoever dared to tug on her hand. her brows raise when she sees you standing in front of her, you both share an intense staring contest as karina stares you down. she scoffs, "you think you're something else now that you had a little makeover huh?" karina smirks at you.

she was about to speak once more until you slapped her cheek which made karina see red as you forcefully pulled her into the nearest janitor's closet, forcing her on your knees as you reached for something under your skirt. karina was busy spewing random words as she got up, bullying you about the move that you just pulled not until your hand revealed a long and thick cock as your other hand forcefully pushed her down on her knees as you forced your cock into her mouth.

 karina gagged as her nose reached your pubes as you pulled her head up and down your cock, her hands and nails frantically scratch your upper thighs as she tried to get off of your cock. "look who's the loser now, huh? you're the loser now, karina yoo. look at you all over my cock like whore." you smiled as you stared karina down as her eyes teared up, her makeup was getting ruined with how hard you were handling her mouth. snot, tears, and saliva was covering her face as you fucked her mouth, you didn't care if karina was crying as she gagged all over you, what matters is that karina would learn her lesson to not mess with you any longer.

📝: omg sorry this took so long ueue i hope this makes up for it though! and truly, the ph edu system really does sucks ass talaga! (╥﹏╥) i really hated studying under that education system huhu kayanin, 💙 anon!!

[wosoamazing]

Leah's Return

Part 6 - Fire on Fire Series

A/N: Sorry this one is short, updates may not be as regular in the next few weeks bc Uni is getting a little hectic... (I know I posted one yesterday but I don't know if I 100% like this so I'm just getting it out)

The game today was the one Leah expected to be making her return, it also was the game your parents had decided to come to. There was some irony in that, as your parents were most likely going to ruin a night that was meant to be fun and celebrate the return of Leah. However you ignored the fact they were there, not even looking for them in the stands before the game started.

At 61 minutes Leah was subbed on and the reception was great. The game finished amazingly with Arsenal beating Reading 6-0.

-

As soon as the whistle blew you ran up to Leah and hugged her.

“You did amazing! I’m so proud of you,” you told her as you patted her on her back, “I have to go speak to them now, but I will see you later,” she nodded as said something along the lines of thank you and good luck before you walked off.

You quickly found your parents in the stands and walked up to them.

“Look at you two playing the supportive parent role”, you said as you greeted them, seeing how they had brand new Arsenal Jerseys on which had your number on them, and to top it all off they had Mum and Dad written across the back.

“Y/N, respect please,” You Dad beckoned,

“I’ll decide how I treat you when you tell me the real reason your here,” you pointedly said

“Can we go somewhere else?” He asked.

 “No we are doing this here,” “Well, your father and I are giving you one last chance before we cut you off, you can decide, but there won’t be anymore chances, we will buy you whatever house, wherever you want, and we will pay for all your expenses whilst you study, all you need to do is quit.” 

“No,” you reply, looking at her dead in the face.

“No?” They both questioned, expecting you to put up a fight. 

“No, I’m not giving up the thing I love. Just to fulfil your wishes and your distorted reality. You didn’t raise me anyway so you cutting me off won't do much harm,” you walked off, and made your way into the locker room, quickly having a shower before you jumped in your car and headed home, to start getting ready for tonight, at least tonight you could drink and forget about it all.

_____

It was later that night and your plan to drink and forget it all had definitely not worked, you hadn’t actually drunk at all, knowing all too well it wasn’t the best idea at all to drown your sorrows but you also felt like shit. You couldn’t believe they came all the way just to cut you off, clearly having no respect for the date that was steadily approaching in two days. You just wanted to go home, however as you were meant to be going home with Leah you didn’t know if that was an option, as this was her night and she should have fun, however as you looked around the bar you noticed Beth and Viv together, so you decided to ask them if they could take you home.

“Can you take me home? I know it’s really early, but I’m just not feeling the best and I don’t want to make Leah leave early.” “Of course, we were thinking of heading off now anyway,” Viv told you and Beth rolled her eyes.

You were sitting in the back seat head resting against the window, when Beth asked if you were okay, and you mumbled a small ‘yeah’ before small soft tears started to roll down your cheeks.

Both women followed you into your home but you didn't question it, you were honestly expecting it, however you just ignored them and walked into your room.

You were scrolling on tik tok when the fifth edit of your parents and you from the game showed up on your screen, with the caption saying how supportive your parents were. Before you could even think you flung your phone out of your hand and it hit the wall

You threw your phone across the room as hot angry tears started to flow down your face.

“Hey, what's going on?” Beth asked as she opened the door, “are you okay?”

“No, but that doesn’t matter, sorry if I scared you, I threw my phone, I didn’t want to see another edit or post of me and them from tonight. People are saying they are supportive, but they aren’t, and I mean I did have my aunts but it’s still different. Knowing your parents are literally throwing millions of dollars at you so that you do what they want. Knowing they disapprove of what you do so much that they would do that. It’s fucked, and it’s fucking unfair,” you took a deep breath before more tears started to stream down your face, “I’m sorry.”

“It is unfair. It is a fucked up situation and you have nothing to be sorry about,” Beth said as she walked up to you, and wrapped her arms around you. You practically collapsed into her, needing any form of comfort. “Should we call Stina?” She questioned

“No,” you had called Stina enough over the past few years, tonight was date night and you weren’t going to interrupt her night, “oh you can go if you want,” you said as you tried to pull out of her arms, getting the sense that she didn’t want to stay.

“No, that's not what I meant. I just didn't know if you would want your best friend or not?”

“No, it's okay, and you're one of my best friends now too,” you admitted, shortly after hearing a sniffle, looking up to see some tears had fallen from Beth’s eyes.

“You’re a fat softy you know that, right?” you told her before pulling her in for a massive hug.

You spent the rest of the evening on the couch with Beth and Viv watching a movie.

[herefortheships]

More interesting info. from an interview with Jay Prychidny, editor for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Lip synching to Richard Marx's "Right here waiting" was pretty much Michael Keaton's idea! Betelgeuse was supposed to verbally say those words to Lydia, something like "I'll always be here waiting for you". We owe the serenading scene to both Michael and Tim; Prychidny doesn't make it very clear if that was mostly Michael or Tim, but it definitely came from them.

Depending on how that was shot, it could have come off as stalkerish/creepy, but also as romantic and even sad because Betelgeuse is letting Lydia know he will always be waiting. That entirely depended on how the scene was directed, but especially coming out of the couples counseling scene with the Babyjuice and all that... I feel there was definitely a risk of the moment coming off with a darker vibe. Having Betelgeuse serenading Lydia to a love song instead, that was definitely the right choice. Not only did it elevate the scene, it also sealed the tone as romantic! It ended up coming off as Betelgeuse's own brand of romance, attempting to be romantic for his lady and let her know how he feels, and I LOVE Michael and Tim for that. It also ended up becoming one of the most memorable scenes in the movie.

Here's the excerpt from the interview:

With Beetlejuice, how much material did you have to play with there? How many options did Michael Keaton give you?

In terms of line delivery, it’s not like Michael was giving different line options, but frequently, what you get back is not what was in the script. So you read the scene, you know what they’re going to shoot, and then you get the scene back, and sometimes it could be almost nothing that was written on the page. Catherine [O’Hara] was the same way too. They worked through the script. They figured out amongst themselves what works for them and how they can make it better. How can you change it? How can you do something surprising?

For example?

One perfect example is when Michael does the lip sync of Richard Marx’s song. “Wherever you go, whatever you do, I’ll be here, right here, waiting for you.” That was written as a dialogue scene between Lydia in the attic and Beetlejuice down in the model. But they didn’t shoot it. They just got to set, like, “Oh, we don’t need to do this dialogue.” Instead, they just sang the song. They didn’t know if they had the rights to it. There were no options. On the page, he said something like, “I’ll always be here waiting for you.” I think that just gave them the idea of like, “Oh, that sounds like that song. Let’s just do the song.” They lip-sync and grab a guitar. All of this is happening on the fly.

(*Sentence bolded by me)

[not-ur-boy-toy]

Hartbreak Ranch Chapter 1

AN: FINALLY Chapter 1 of Hartbreak Ranch, I really hope you enjoy it! (btw I'm bad at explaining plots so apologies :,) )

Plot: Shawn is a famous model on his way to a new photoshoot. However, he finds himself getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. Luck just has it though as he finds himself staying with the Hart family, finding himself being drawn to a certain Bret Hart.

TW: Foul language, Alcohol mentioned

Word count: 3.6K

Next >>>

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Blond hair flowed freely through the wind as the bright, cherry-red Ferrari 308 drove down the desolate Arizona road. Music blared from the car as it raced through the empty route. The driver of it didn’t have a care in the world as he held a phone to his ear, his free hand on the steering wheel.

“Diesel! Trust me here, I’m doin’ fine, I know where I’m going!”, a laugh rang through the car, as the man spoke, his grin large as he kept his eyes on the road. 

“I know you know where you’re going, Shawn... But you’re in the middle of nowhere” the other voice rang through the phone before continuing, “You’ve already said you’re taking a ’shortcut’ but I just don’t think It’s a good idea!” the voice argued back, trying to reason with the stubborn man.

Shawn rolled his eyes before a soft huff left his lips, he was used to his bodyguard being overprotective, they always traveled together! Wherever Shawn went, a 6’10, hunk-of-a-man followed him. But not this time. The young 30-year-old man wanted to travel by himself! He knew the area reasonably well… maybe just enough to get him to the closest town and ask for directions. But Diesel didn’t have to know! 

“Diesel, Hun, Big Daddy Coolio, I’ll be fine, I’ll be there for Ramon’s photoshoot with what's-his-face…” Shawn hummed to himself, rambling softly to himself as he tried to figure out who he was working with again. Before he could even figure out the guy’s name, Diesel’s deep voice rang through his phone again.

“You’re working with Kid, Ramon’s toyboy or whatever.”

“Riight… That guy, yeah, I won't miss it, anyway, gotta go, phone is gonna die, Byyee!” And just like that, with a small click, Shawn hung up the phone before Diesel could say goodbye. He carefully tossed his phone to the empty passenger seat before adjusting the thick, black sunglasses on his face, humming along to the music on the radio. It had been a glorious drive so far. No traffic, the sun was hot, there were no clouds in the sky… and there was nobody to annoy him- other than Diesel every 15 minutes. 

It was definitely a perfect drive, yet there was one small problem. Fuel. Shawn’s trusty lady was running low, and the next gas station was a good 50 miles out, but there was a small town coming up in a few miles. It was a risk to turn off into the town. There was the chance there was no gas station in the town in the middle of nowhere. But there was just a nagging feeling, something that just drew Shawn’s attention to this town. It just seemed to call his name, and who was he to ignore that feeling? Shawn stepped on the gas, dust blowing behind the wheels as he sped up, going way past the speed limit before he reached the town that seemed to hypnotize him.

Shawn wasn’t sure what he was expecting when he drove through the town. He was used to the luxurious life, like main cities from New York to Los Angeles… but this was beyond different. It was small, tiny, barely anything compared to what he was accustomed to. There wasn’t anything branded, no hotels with infinity pools, no Prada stores, nothing! There was barely anything in this town other than small boutiques, a few restaurants and a few small businesses, as well as a few houses.

“There has to be a gas station in this place…” Shawn mumbled to himself, trying to distract himself away from the feeling he had awhile ago.

Driving around aimlessly didn’t seem to get Shawn anywhere, there wasn’t a gas station in sight, and his car didn’t have enough fuel by the sounds of it as it seemed to hiss and moaning from his beloved Ferrari. However, what Shawn didn’t expect though was the sight of smoke appearing from underneath the hood of his car. He hadn’t realized how hot it was in this place. 

“Shit, Shit, SHIT!” Shawn gasped out, quickly pulling up to the side, and turning off his car. He scrambled to get out of his car with urgency, slamming the door shut. Shawn quickly moved to the front of the car, lifting the hood with a slight hiss of pain from how hot the metal was and how smokey the engine was. He drafted away most of the dark smoke with a small cough before moving back.

“Son of a bitch!” he hissed out in anger, kicking his car slightly with his black leather boot. Oh, how Diesel was right about taking this shitty shortcut. He could see Diesel’s smug face in his mind, which pissed him off more. He hated being wrong. He couldn’t stand it. Rubbing the stubble on his face in frustration, Shawn paced in circles in front of his car, kicking slightly at the dirt on the floor. What the fuck was he supposed to do? Shawn’s blue eyes glanced around, looking at the almost empty street, seeing a few people staring his way before looking away as he looked at them. They weren’t gonna help, clearly. Shawn grunted slightly before slamming the hood down. He had to figure something out, but calling Diesel was not one of them. He could try to find a mechanic, but it meant he had to leave his sweet, beloved Ferrari behind for now… with a reluctant, annoyed huff, Shawn grabbed what he needed from his car, his phone, wallet and keys, before starting his walk to find a mechanic.

Instantly, Shawn knew he was out of place as he walked down the street. He was dolled up in his finest clothes, that being a white, open-shirt bought from Polo Ralph Lauren, khaki brown pants from the same place, his favorite Gucci belt in black and gold and finally his favorite pair of black leather boots, ones with a small heel. Of course, he had a few accessories, like a gold watch and matching earrings. He wouldn’t leave the house without them! This was one of his more ‘casual’ outfits, something he would wear to go shopping in New York. But being in this town? It looked like he was overdressed and everyone walking by gave him a second look. Now, Shawn loved the attention. He loved having people’s eyes on him. People would even say he craved it, but the looks he was being given now, it was more looks of judgment. Shawn mindlessly messed with his shirt, trying to flatten down invisible creases, trying to distract himself from the looks. A mechanic couldn’t be too far away.

A few minutes' walk eventually turned into a 15-minute walk into the town. He had passed more small shops including a bakery (which looked heavenly, from the strawberry cakes that looked freshly made to the croissants that Shawn would have loved to buy), a few cafes, a general store and even a liquor store which he kept in mind. Luckily, he had eventually found the town's repair shop. It looked like an older building, the corners of the building being rusted, yet a new sign in black and neon pink stood out on the building, reading out ‘Hart & Co. Auto Repair’. Loud country music was blasting, and the smell of oil and rubber burnt Shawn’s nose slightly, something he definitely wasn’t used to. As he entered the small shop, he noticed a pair of blue overall cover legs underneath a truck and humming coming from the person. He glanced around the shop, trying to spot anyone else in there, but no one else was in the small space, not even a customer. Shawn cleared his throat, trying to get the person’s attention, but it didn’t seem to catch the guy's attention.

“Excuse me? Hey” Shawn spoke up, moving closer, yet there was still no response. “Hey!” he continued in a louder tone, which seemed to catch the person’s attention.

“Shoot, hold on!” The mechanic yelled out from under the truck, finally rolling out from under the truck. The man who rolled out was quite young-looking, younger than Shawn, and had a baby face. He had blonde hair up to his shoulders and bright blue eyes. Of course, his sun-kissed skin was dotted with some splotches of oil and some sort of grime, and the blue jumpsuit he wore was covered in oil and dirt. Shawn looked at the name tag the other wore, barely seeing the name ‘Owen’ under an oil splotch.

Owen carefully stood up, wiping his hands on a cloth he had in his pocket before smiling at the man in his shop and holding a hand to him.

“Hi! Sorry about that. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long. I’m Owen. What can I help you with?” Owen asked, his voice surprisingly soft and surprisingly, not an Arizona accent either.

Shawn eyed up Owen’s hand beneath his sunglasses before looking back at the man’s face before taking off the shades. He gave Owen one of his charming smiles before speaking.

“No, not at all, just got here actually,” he began, licking his lips slightly before continuing, “I need help with my car- Obviously-, It broke down a few streets back, smokin’ and all… and no fuel” Shawn explained as he watched Owen lower his hand.

Owen looked slightly hurt about the man not shaking his hand, a pout on his face slightly. He hummed slightly before grinning and nodding.

“Should be easy! Luckily, it’s been a slow day, so let me put my truck down and we can go grab your car and tow it with the truck,” the mechanic agreed eagerly after his slow day.

By the time Owen and Shawn had towed the cherry-red car back to the shop, Owen had realized it wasn’t exactly the easiest job… It was a newer car, one he had seen no one in the town drive before… but he wasn’t gonna let this new customer down! Owen had lifted the hood of the car, already knowing it would take a few days to fix from the parts he could see, knowing it would take a few days to order parts… and then a few additional days to actually fix it. 

“So… How long are you here for, Mr?...” 

“Michaels, Shawn Michaels… and I was only coming here to fuel up. "

Now that was an issue. Owen pulled a face, wincing at the thought that he’d have to give this guy bad news.

“Well, Mr. Michaels, I… I uh, suggest you plan your stay here for a few days, I don’t have parts for a car like this,” the mechanic explained, as he glanced over to Shawn who stood nearby with his arms crossed.

“A few days? You have to be kidding me, right? Fuck… Diesel is gonna kill me!” Shawn groaned out, pacing around. “Shit, there’s a decent hotel nearby… right?” he asked, raising a brow as he looked over to Owen. 

Owen winced again. Even more bad news to give the guy…

“Well… There’s a motel nearby… but it is a good 45-minute drive from town.”

Shawn ran a hand through his long, wavy locks in frustration. His day couldn’t get any worse. First, his car breaks, and now the closest place to stay is too far away for him! Diesel appeared in his mind again. That annoying, smug face. Shit, he needed a drink… or something stronger.

Owen could see the annoyance on the guy's face. He truly felt for him. He had a soft heart and couldn’t stand to see a customer disappointed.

“But! If it helps, you could stay at my family ranch for a few days? I can keep you updated on your car and you won’t need to worry about how you’d get back to my shop!” Owen offered. The family ranch had enough space to help the guy out for a few days.

At the sound of the ranch, Shawn instantly hated the idea. He imagined the place being muddy and just plain dirty! However, it meant he would have somewhere to sleep, and he wouldn’t have to worry about trying to get back to this hellhole, which was now his nightmare. He took in a deep breath, trying to calm his annoyance.

“I… I suppose it isn’t a bad idea…” He muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, “... Yeah, fine. I’ll stay at this ranch of yours.”

“Let me close up and we can be on our way then!”.

It was common sense to not take a stranger's offer to stay at their house, but what was there for Shawn to lose? He could simply tell a small lie to Diesel, just saying that he’s spending the night at a hotel… And the day after say he was stuck in traffic and then tell him his car has broken down, just to calm the man's nerves. That and Owen just seemed so… sweet. His personality was so genuine and that was so rare to see in Shawn’s life. Yeah, he had a social life as a model, but most of the people he had met never seemed genuine. The only ones he got that feeling from were Hunter, Chyna and Diesel. Shawn truly felt as if Owen did want to help him out. 

Owen hadn’t taken too long to finish locking up. It did leave plenty of time for Shawn to have a quick look around the place. He quickly noticed that Owen was clearly a family kind of guy. There were plenty of pictures scattered around the workroom of Owen with different people, some he assumed to be his parents, others he assumed were probably his brothers and sisters, and maybe even some aunts and uncles. There were even a few pictures of a few kids- one that looked like a younger version of Owen- In some snow. But either way, it was a big family. 

The ride to this ranch was rather quiet. Yeah, there was some small talk, such as where they were both from which Shawn found out that the man was actually from Canada, which was ironic. Another question had arisen as well, the question of Shawn’s job.

“So… You’re a model? I would have thought you were an actor or something,” Owen chuckled.

“That’s sweet of you, I did want to be one, but modeling? Being all dolled up, partying… It’s the life!” Shawn grinned out, not mentioning the bad side of the job. 

“Ah, so you get paid to be pretty and to party… I wish life was that easy” Owen joked. He knew his older brother, Bret, hated that lifestyle. He was always talking about working hard for a good life, which Owen had to agree with. But the thought of partying every so often sounded like a great time. When was the last time he, Jeff Jarrett, Davey and Brian went out for drinks… It had been too long.

“I wish it was that easy,” the model started, “Strict diets, working with people you might not like with… The list is long, but the positives do outdo the negatives in my eyes”. The downfalls of being a model were clearly a touchy subject as Shawn’s grin seemed to disappear. The excited glint in his eyes after the compliment disappeared. Owen knew not to push further on that.

Owen hummed in response, nodding his head slightly, “Well, we’re almost here”.

Seeing a rather rustic house in the distance after seeing cactus after cactus was rather refreshing. The place looked rather peaceful in Shawn’s eyes. It had its own charm to it. The wooden fences that seemed to carry on for ages were cared for, the wood seemed almost new, even if grass tangled and vined itself around the posts. A sign soon came up as they drove along the side of the property. Shawn eyed it up, raising a brow as he saw the name ‘Hart Ranch’. Very creative. 

Entering the beginning of the ranch, Shawn could already see a few animals around in different pastures. There were a few horses, even cows… It reminded Shawn of an old photoshoot he did, one which he enjoyed a lot. He got to dress up like he was a cowboy, the hat, boots and even chaps, the whole shebang! Hunter and Chyna were there as well and they looked amazing in their getup… even if Hunter’s horse he had to ride kept stealing his hat. A small, reminiscent smile graced his face.

The house seemed to grow as they traveled down the long, dirt road. From a while back it looked tiny, something that an old couple would live in. Yet now being so close to it, he noticed how huge it was. It must have been handbuilt, there were uneven grooves in the woods of the walls and fences in front of the house, something that showed how much hard work was put into it. There were even some stone bricks that decorated the oak wood. Bright, fresh vines climbed through the maze of bricks in the house, adding more color to the home. This must have been built years ago, even before Shawn was born. 

Owen and Shawn exited the truck. Owen helped his guest by grabbing the large bag that they had lugged into the truck before they left.

“I’m not too sure who will be in… I know my Ma will be in, my dad will probably be working with Bret, my older brother, somewhere on the ranch… probably fixing something” Owen laughed, “and my sister Diana will be probably looking after the horses… So it should be luckily quiet for you, just for now at least”.

Quietly, Shawn followed Owen up the steps to the patio before opening the screen door, which had a beautiful panel at the bottom that had been engraved by hand into a tree, and entering the rather cool home, the door closing with a soft bang. The home was decorated with even more pictures than what was at the auto repair home, some that were in black and gray, their corners torn and frayed from age which confirmed Shawn’s thought of the place being handbuilt, while others were newer and fresher. There were a few shoes scattered around by the front door being in different sizes and styles, some being boots, some were flats and even a few heels. Owen placed down Shawn’s bag by the oak stairs that stood in front of them before moving into the large, spacious room to the right of them which Shawn slowly followed after.

“Ma! I’m home! I have a guest!” Owen hollered out into the rather silent home, the only noise he could hear after was the sound of the cicadas that buzzed louder. Owen continued to walk towards the kitchen, which Shawn assumed it was. 

Instead of following the young man, Shawn looked around the cozy looking living room. There were a few brown leather couches that surrounded a fireplace, a few blankets were carefully and almost lovingly lined up over the top. Handmade throw pillows laid untouched in the corners by the arms of the couches, embroidery were neatly laced throughout the rather soft looking material which had quotes such as ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘Welcome to our happy place’. It was rather sickeningly sweet to see, yet it seemed to suit the home rather well. A large, thick cow rug of brown, black and white laid underneath an oak table, a mug left on a coaster, clearly left and forgotten by accident in the clean house. Bookcases lined the back walls of the living room, full of leather bound books of different colors and sizes before more newer kids books littered between well used and loved books. Finally, Shawn noticed more family pictures, one of a whole family that was framed above the fireplace in front of a different house. 

Shawn wasn’t the type to get homesick. He had a pretty close relationship with his mom, but that was it. He’d phone her every so often. But even in his parents home, there were barely any photos of them as a family, as Shawn grew up, the pictures dwindled down until there was nothing new. Seeing these pictures though, it tugged at Shawn’s heart, the feeling of homesickness being more apparent. He quickly shook his head, trying not to get sentimental.

The perfect distraction eventually came, pulling Shawn out of his thoughts as he heard the front door open again. Shawn glanced over his shoulder, his eyes landing on a taller man. Now, Shawn may not have been the type to be homesick, but he was the type to be a hopeless romantic, and when this guy walked into the house? Shawn could feel blood rush to his cheeks.

The guy had curly, deep brown hair that reached his shoulders. His skin was tanned much like a god, the sheen of sweat clung to the man's brows and neck. His eyes were a dark, melted chocolate color that held warmth in them. And his outfit? Shawn was loving it. A black cowboy hat sat upon his head like a halo, his blue, checkered shirt hugged around his strong, muscular chest perfectly, his jeans hugged oh-so-perfectly around his legs. This man was something Shawn wanted and needed.

Silence filled the room as the man stared down Shawn, staring down his outfit before looking around the living room. It was an awkward silence, one that Shawn could tell that this guy was trying to figure out who Shawn was and why he was just standing there. 

Before Shawn could even speak, the mans low voice filled the room, “Who the hell are you? What are you doing in my home?”.

[sabi0229]

GUYS I HAD THE MOST SADDEST FREAKING DREAM 2 NIGHTS AGO

Be prepared for whatever summery of my dream is

I have no idea how this happened

⚠️ death, su!c!de ⚠️

plz don't hate me for this I just wanted to share...

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Okay so Darius our beloved boy he.....well he k!lled himself and Brooklynn along with Kenji find him and Kenji is giving him CPR until the ambulance arrives and presumes he's dead and Brooklyn and Kenji start sobbing and the paramedics take him away and there are cops like asking if there was a note left behind to make sure it was on purpose and they didn't find anything and they were like maybe he had it on him and so the cop radio the paramedics and I was like check if there's any like note or something and then they like look inside his jacket and tape to like the inside where his back is really multiple letters for everyone and each one has a name on them and so the paramedics said that they'll meet them at the wherever they go to drop off the dead bodies and give them the letters so Brooklyn and Kenji come get theirs and they read theirs and they just start sobbing and then they go to the Bowman's house and they tell Brandon and mom who someone gave her the name Simone and I really like that. They tell them and they give them the letters and then the next day they tell the camp fam hey come meet in Colorado we have something to tell you so the next day they all meet up and wondering what's going on and they're just like we're going to give you the letters first but be freaking prepared and of course they start crying also I forgot Kenji has darius's phone and in Ben's letter it's Darius tells him something to like take his phone and enter the passcode and then there are two videos one specifically for Ben and then one for everyone and Ben watches the one specifically for him and of course he's more like them those depressed out of everyone and I'm just like why.

And so like maybe 2 weeks later everyone is preparing to clean out darius's cabin his family's there the campfam's there and Ben's kind of acting secretive

And brand finds these huge well not huge but big boxes just full of stuff and it's labeled Ben stuff and they're like at least five to ten boxes then brand comes down with like one box he's like dude why do you have so much stuff in his cabin and he just like goes oh we had some sleepovers whenever I visited from college and brand goes you don't need 5 to 10 boxes just for a visit and so and just starts being his little paranoid self and goes you know also Kenji and Brooklyn and Simone they are in like upstairs area so it's just brand Sammy yas and Ben. Yas comes up to Ben and says what's wrong we won't judge or anything and he's like it's not that easy to tell you and so he whips out darius's phone and then goes to the video made for him and plays a specific part and turns out they we're secretly engaged!! so like big plot twist even I wasn't expecting that I actually woke up and was like what the heck

So that happened and he didn't want to tell anyone but mostly Darius didn't want to tell anyone they just wanted to keep it secret for themselves and so he doesn't know how he's going to tell darius's mom and Kenji and Brandon's just like wait a minute my brother was engaged and he didn't tell me this how could he we always used to gossip and then it like skips to the funeral where it's playing darius's video to everyone and everyone is just like full on crying

And while they're they're walking up to the casket Ben has one hand in his pocket and in that hand he's holding the ring that he gave to Darius and it's just like so sad I don't know why my brain decide to do that dream but I was just like devastated

But this dream also made me think that should I make a fic of this? Idk

Also why did I dream this

I had another weird dream....and it way more weird than this one

[oddaesthetin]

drunk, awkward, in love — han hyeongjun

“you’re my dream girl” fluff

—

it was stupid. both of you knew it was stupid, but the two of you also knew nobody would ever attempt to stop you. stupidly weird things like this were simply just your thing. everybody knew that.

hyeongjun had just come back from tour, and you from a family trip. it was an intrusive idea that both of you decided to do anyway—buy different brands of beer from wherever place you two got back from and taste test all of them. it was all his idea, but you weren’t gonna say no, so, really, who cares? gunil.

now, here’s the two of you, drunkenly half-laughing, half-trying to keep the vomit from coming out of your mouths, in your apartment, at exactly 2am. the apartment’s a mess. some throw pillows in the kitchen, a bean bag on the coffee table, the tv playing lovable by kim jongkook, and, for reasons unknown, a printed photo of jooyeon’s face on the wall.

you stopped laughing and immediately sat down as soon as you felt the need to hurl again. hyeongjun, while extremely concerned, is still laughing. with claps and pointy fingers and all that. you did that to him earlier, too, so that’s what you get.

“hanging in there?”

“yes.”

is what you were going to say if you didn’t just gallop your way into the bathroom to barf. the laughing stops, and for a moment, you thought it was just hyeongjun being considerate—until you heard a loud thud. you exit the bathroom after you’re done fixing yourself, only to find your boyfriend lying dead drunk in the middle of your living room. with no spare energy, you quietly walked and lay down next to him, staring at the ceiling for a good five minutes before he was crawling his way over to rest his head on your stomach.

“did you have fun?” he asked quietly.

you hummed and played with his hair. “honestly wouldn’t ask for anything better. i’d do this again, even with the puking part.”

you heard him laugh. “i’m glad. i enjoyed it, too.” though almost soundless, he felt you reply with a hum again. not too long after, he continued. “we should probably clean your place up.”

“wha—? that’s what you’re worried about? i thought you’d be more concerned about the beers we have left.” you pointed to the three unopened beers and chicken leftovers on the floor. “i know i am, i mean, not to sound alcoholic.”

he laughed again, his head shaking on your stomach. “well, i am, too! but i thought you were already drunk.”

“no i’m not. i’m just resting. all the puking got me hungry again,” you said with a hint of defensiveness. “you’re the one i’m worried about. are you sure you don’t have to come to practice tomorrow?”

you felt him shake his head. “it’s rest day.”

then it got quiet. another five minutes was spent staring at the ceiling until you got bored and took a peek at your boyfriend’s face. his eyes are closed, but if it weren’t for the small smile on his lips, you would’ve assumed he fell asleep already.

“what are you thinking? don’t think too deeply. that’s the kind of thing old people do when they’re already drunk. we’re obviously not.” the last statement you said so flatly.

“i was just thinking about how you’re my dream girl.” he said it so casually. too casual, actually, as if he was embarrassed to say it. it didn’t help that he got up too quickly after that and went to the beers. you remained lying down, trying to process what you just heard. it was one of the rare moments where you didn’t know how to play it cool. hyeongjun rarely conveyed his feelings this directly, and now you were torn between reciprocating the thought or changing the topic so he wouldn’t keep feeling embarrassed.

thankfully, you didn’t have to decide.

“you’re so red all over, oh my god,” your boyfriend said, giggling.

you felt the heat rise up to your face once more. you reached for the nearest throw pillow and threw it at him, which he easily caught. “shut up. you caught me off-guard. what was that anyway? i hope you didn’t just say that cause you’re drunk.”

he chuckled, a beer now in his hand. he lied down once again next to you and offered the can he was holding in the other. with you probably too shy to even look at him, you couldn’t see the soft expression his eyes bore.

“i wouldn’t just say it.” with the usual unsure expression gone, he said it softly but surely. “i don’t know…it just felt like something i needed to tell you.”

you playfully kicked one of his feet. “and you decided the perfect time was right after we drank enough to wreck the apartment?”

“well, timing isn’t my strong suit either!”

you both giggled. a second later, you sat up. “i’ve always had a crush on you, too.” you looked at him, resting your chin on your hand. still feeling warmth spreading through your chest, you gave him a smile. “i don’t mind where or when you say it. i like it when you’re random and honest, even if we’re surrounded by chicken bones and vomit… i’d call you perfect, too.”

the two of you laughed again in unison. “ahh, i also appreciate how you make saying these things easy.”

surrounded by the ridiculous chaos of the night, a quiet understanding settled between you. you both had this unspoken connection for so long, filled with small moments of shared laughter, knowing looks, and quiet comfort. but tonight felt a little bit different.

as he watched you fidget with the throw pillow, trying to play off your own reaction, he felt a quiet relief. as per usual, he knew you’d understand him even when he didn’t know how to explain himself.

he glanced over at you again, his gaze softening as he took in the way you rested your chin on your hand, giving him that playful, affectionate smile. he shifted closer, his hand finding yours and giving it a gentle squeeze, as if to say everything he hadn’t yet figured out how to put into words.

the apartment was still a mess, and neither of you was exactly sober, but none of that mattered. here, in this simple, unpolished moment, he felt more certain than he ever had.

loving wasn’t always about grand gestures or perfect timing for the both of you. sometimes, they’re just these messy, awkward, and absolutely stupid moment that makes your relationship perfect. and you thank the stars that both of you had the same understanding of that.

—

© oddaesthetin 2024

[rottenpumpkin13]

I just had the thought that Sephiroth likes to bite and gnaw on things like pens, pencils, and markers when he is bored or doing paperwork.

This leads to everyone hiding pens, pencils, and markers where Sephiroth can't find them, such as in the vents or other, similar odd places.

In Turn, Sephiroth seeks out and finds the writing utensils.

And round and round the cycle goes, like a never ending game of treasure hunt.

Fluff be upon ye .・゜-: ✧ :-

• Not even Sephiroth knows why he does it⏤he's oblivious to the possibility that it could be an anxiety response, or an involuntary, self-soothing gesture. All he knows is that every pen he owns is indented with teeth marks, and each pencil in his desk is chewed beyond saving, and even other supplies like rulers and highlighters are spoiled by tiny teeth marks.

• It's an inconvenient habit, especially when someone asks to borrow a pen, but Sephiroth doesn't concern himself over it much. So what if Genesis complains that the nice fountain pen he lent Sephiroth now has a dent the size of a canine tooth near the top? Sephiroth can simply buy him a new one. So what if Angeal scolds him for biting the eraser top off the pencil he gave him? It still writes, it's perfectly usable.

• Genesis and Angeal, in turn, have learned that there is no place for them to hide their office supplies where Sephiroth won't find them. Angeal can't stand lying to him whenever he asks to borrow a pen, and Genesis knows that Sephiroth will go out and besmirch someone else's good pens anyway, so what's the point?

• They decide its time to do something the day Sephiroth's naked hands reveal that he's been using his fingers as substitute whenever writing utensils aren't available. The sight of faint bite marks, purple splotches and red knuckles break their heart.

• Angeal thinks it's covert anxiety, Genesis is sure that he's trying to soothe himself when his mind wanders, either men know that Sephiroth needs something to distract his mouth while he's working. Angeal reprimand's Genesis's suggestion to gift Sephiroth teething toys, but he's sold on the idea of candy.

• They look duly out-of-place buying out the local convenience store's entire stock of chewing gum, taffy and hard candy. They look even more odd fussing and arguing over which flavors Sephiroth will like best.

• They stock up Sephiroth's office when he's away on an assignment, filling his drawer with a neat row of gum packs, placing lollipops in his pen-holder, and littering any open space with hard candy. They make sure to make it look as if Sephiroth himself had bought the sweets, haphazardly thrown them wherever, and forgotten about it.

• The end result is positive. They're pleased to see Sephiroth with a lollipop in his mouth whenever they swing by his office, or chewing gum as he furiously as he writes things down. It's a win-win situation⏤all of their pens are spared, Sephiroth's biting habits have ceased, and if he has more sweets in his diet now, so what? He deserves to indulge.

• Genesis and Angeal make sure to keep his drawers stocked, going down to the convenience store once a week and picking out all of Sephiroth's favorite candy. They think he doesn't know where it's all coming from, that he's blissfully unaware of how much they care for him and can't stand to see him taking out his anxiety on his poor fingers.

• Sephiroth, in turn, finds it hilarious that Genesis doesn't know where that expensive red quill pen came from, or when he marvels at how his favorite gel pens seem to never run out. He thinks it's sweet how excited Angeal is when he finds a pack of brand new pencils in his desk drawer, and tries his hardest to remember when he bought himself an electric pencil sharpener shaped like a plant.

• They will never find out it's him, and Sephiroth will forever be grateful for their caring gesture.

[coraniaid]

trick or treat!

This is another opening scene to a fic I never finished.

This one goes back a couple of years. It was going to be a Dawn POV Season 6 AU in which the Scooby Gang break Faith out of prison early. Never really quite worked out exactly what I wanted to do with it beyond that premise: I had several ideas, but I never settled on how they'd all fit together.

But looking back at it now I think the intro isn't too bad, even if it's a bit rough in a few place.

The thing you have to keep telling yourself is this: Dawn isn’t real.  

Not properly real.  Not the way she used to think she was; not the way everybody else is.  See, until a year or so ago, she was just this mystical glowy ball of energy, floating about aimlessly somewhere in the universe.  She didn’t have a mom.  Didn’t have a big sister.  Didn’t really have much of anything, as far as she knows.  She can’t even tell you what that was like: she doesn’t remember any of it.  Maybe being a big green ball of energy didn’t feel like much at all.

Then last summer some stupid monks had cast a spell, and suddenly everyone remembered things a little differently.  Suddenly the Slayer has a sister; which meant that Buffy Summers had a sister.  Not a brand new sister either: all of a sudden Buffy had had a sister ever since she was just a little girl.  Suddenly an ancient mystical force that had existed since before the beginning of civilization was five foot tall, fourteen years old and in serious danger of flunking geography.

(And now, about a year later, she’s back to not having a mom again.  Or a sister.  That’s ironic, she thinks.  It's something, anyway.)

The point is, none of this happened quite the way Dawn remembers it.  It didn’t happen the way anybody else remembers it either.  She wasn’t really there, whatever the monks made people think.  Whatever they made her think.  She isn’t really real.

But she does remember it.

Dawn remembers meeting Faith for the first time almost three years ago.  She’d showed up the same month Buffy had come back from wherever she'd run off to in LA.  (Buffy had never told Dawn where she’s gone or what she’d done while she was there.)  That had been a bad summer.  Maybe worse than the months when Mom and Dad had gotten divorced; worse than the months before they'd all moved out to Sunnydale in the first place.

At least then, when things had gotten really bad -- all those shouted arguments late at night, lingering and smoldering on into the morning only to reignite the following evening -- she’d had Buffy to talk to.  To protect her.  To tell her that none of this was her fault.  That even when she heard her name, it wasn't really her they were talking about.  That Mom and Dad were fighting about boring grown-up stuff, like money or whose parents they’d go to visit for Christmas or the long hours Dad kept spending at the office.  She knew they still loved her, no matter what, because her big sister told her it was true.  And she'd known that whatever happened to their parents she’d always have her sister.  At least, that’s what she remembers thinking when she was too young to know better.

That summer though, she’d found out she was wrong.

It all started the night Mom found out about the Slaying.  The night the cops came looking for Buffy, talking about a murder.  The night Buffy had staked a vampire right in front of Mom.  The night they’d stopped being able to pretend.

Dawn had been upstairs, at the time.  Faking sleep.  At least, that’s how she remembers it. 

She remembers voices drifting up from the kitchen below.  Mom shouting at Buffy that she was crazy, that she had to go to the police.  Buffy raising her voice too, angry and frustrated.  Not backing down.  Dawn hadn’t heard what Mom said next.  She’d only found that out later.  She’d just heard – and felt – the kitchen door slamming shut in response.  She'd lain in bed for what felt like hours afterwards, with a pillow pulled over her head, just like she was a little kid again.

It was only much later, by chance, that she found out what Mom had said.  If you walk out this house, don’t even think about coming back.

Afterwards, when Buffy had gone, she’d crept back downstairs.  Found Mom still in the kitchen, head in her hands, staring at the door.  And maybe Dawn was kind of furious – even not knowing what her Mom had said yet, she’d had a premonition that some sort of line had been crossed, that she wouldn’t see Buffy again for a while – but Mom just looked so sad, sitting there by herself.  Worse than she ever had during the divorce.  Like she didn't know what to do.

So Dawn had bitten back whatever it was she’d been planning on saying, whatever she'd thought about saying in Buffy's defense, and just reached over and given her mother a hug.  They’d just stayed there, together, waiting to see what happened next.

(Except, of course, she hadn’t done that.  She hadn’t been there at all.  It hurts, now, to think that she hadn’t been there.  Not in real life.  That Mom had had to go through that summer all alone.  Just like Buffy had, out in LA.  She hadn't been there for either of them.  She couldn't have been.  She wasn’t real.  She's never really been real.)

Nobody had really thought Buffy was going to come back.  Not her friends -- clever, funny Willow and brave, reliable Xander -- and not her Watcher, stuffy old Mr. Giles.  And not Mom. That had been the big secret they'd all danced around for months.  Growing quiet whenever Dawn came into a room, looking at her all sad and serious.  Her sister was gone, their faces said, and she wasn't ever coming back.  They just hadn’t had the guts to say that to her face.

But Buffy had come back, eventually. Proved them all wrong. That was what Buffy did.  That time, anyway.  That time she’d come back.

And then – only a couple of weeks later – a new Slayer had arrived in Sunnydale.  Staked a vampire right outside the Bronze, made a big impression on all of Buffy’s friends, and invited herself back to Buffy’s house for dinner.  And that’s how Dawn remembers meeting Faith. 

Faith had been in the house for all of five minutes when Dawn realized she was probably the coolest person she was ever going to meet.  Way cooler than Xander.

And obviously Faith was, without even trying, immediately infinitely cooler than Buffy.  Her sister might have fought demons and dated a vampire and saved the world a few dozen times, but was still, at the end of the day, just Buffy.  Just her big sister: not as cool or as smart or as funny as she'd like to think.  Kind of a pain, if anything.

She was such a loser, and Dawn had missed her so much.   Buffy had proved her wrong too, when she shown up outside the front door that morning at the end of summer.  She hadn’t thought she was ever going to see her again.

She’d been so worried.

And now Faith was here, and everything was going to be okay.  She wasn't going to let anybody hurt Buffy again.

Yeah, right.

Dawn actually met Faith for the first time in her life earlier this afternoon.  Less than a week after Buffy’s funeral.  The doorbell rang, Dawn went to answer it, and there she was, looking just like Dawn remembered.  Maybe a little older, maybe a little less cocky.  But still Faith.  Still the girl who was supposed to have been Buffy’s replacement.  Still the girl who had come to their house for Christmas one year and had come back to hold a knife to her Mom's throat the next year.

And maybe Dawn isn’t real, maybe she isn’t supposed to be here.  But Faith’s not supposed to be here either.  She's a criminal.  She's a murder.   She's evil.

Faith’s meant to be in prison.  Where she belongs.

(And Buffy’s meant to be alive, but she…)

“Hey, kid.  I--”

Dawn had slammed the door in Faith’s face before she could say anything else.  Before she could lie to her.  Maybe she'd fooled her the first time, with her shoplifted leather jackets and her stupid lying stories and her five by five bravado.  But Dawn's not going to let her fool her again.  She’s not a dumb kid anymore.

(Later that night, when Dawn's let her guard down a little, Willow and Tara let Faith in.  Let her sleep on the couch in the living room, let her stay right in the house.  In her house. Buffy’s house.  As if she can just come back here and take over Buffy’s life after what she tried to do.  After what she did.)

Traitors, she thinks.

Sure, Dawn knows the arguments.  She’s heard them all plenty of times.

She knows that Willow had tried rebuilding that Buffy robot, but it was too badly damaged after the right with Glory.  That Willow and Tara can use magic to create the illusion of Buffy patrolling, but that the magic can’t make it physical.  That sooner or later the vamps are going to figure it out.  That the Hellmouth is still here, and they need a Slayer to watch over it.  And unless another Slayer was called, after Buffy -- which neither of them seems to know for sure -- that means they need Faith.

That's why they'd spent the summer casting spells and hacking into police computers, messing with her records to get Faith's sentence reduced to almost nothing.   That's why Dawn met her again (for the first time) today.  Because Angel says Faith is good now.  That she can be trusted.  That's she's going to protect them all.

She understands the arguments.

But that doesn't mean she has to like it.  It doesn't mean she has to accept it.

You don't belong here, she thinks that night, staring down at Faith's sleeping form suspiciously from the top of the stairs.  You were never supposed to be here.

But that's the thing though, isn't it?

Dawn was never meant to be here either.

[quartzhearted]

great tree moon, year xx.

[ SECOND CORRESPONDENCE W. KINGDOM OF BRODIA. ]

Hi, honey,

It's been a little bit since my last letter---and let me tell you, there sure have been some new things here at the monastery. I swear it wasn't that long since I last talked to you, but maybe it has been? Time's a hell of a thing, ain't it.

A handful of moons ago, it was almost like some kind of mass exodus; a bunch of people disappeared, then came back after some time passed. Apparently it's a normal thing, but... it's really strange? I remember seeing something-or-other around the monastery asking for participants, I think... I don't know. It's all a little hazy. Apparently I could have gone, but there was too much to do and I decided against it. Lots of people came back with real bad sunburns.

I've got a pal, Lambert---he's the guy that consensually punched me, remember him?---and he'd gone off to wherever it was. He came back a completely different person. I'm talking new look, new attitude, new lease on life. I really wonder what happened to him over there, but I haven't had the chance to ask him yet. Baby, if you met Lambert, I know the two of you would catch on like a wildfire. He's fantastic!

Speaking of pals, I've made a few more since I last talked to you. One of my favorites is this guy named Matthias---I mean, guy's like an alternate me! He's huge, got short, orange hair, axe guy, and he's a mean fighter. When we first met, we did it the warrior's way. Ended in a tie, and that's while he had a problem with his leg! He's a lot more deadpan-looking than Lambert is, but he's his own brand of feisty. I hope I get to talk to him more; I think we've got some things in common.

There's a new wind blowing at the monastery right about now, and lots of people are getting involved. Heading out on missions, picking up odd jobs, or getting hired for real jobs, and that's just a few things off the top of my head. Hell, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I picked up a job. It was... well, there'll be some instant portraits in here. You can figure it out from those. Damn near gave Diamant a heart attack.

I hope my birthday wasn't too quiet. I assume it'd have turned into a day of mourning, given how things went with Alexand... but I'd much rather people drink and be merry like they always did. I was finally able to take Alcryst out to drink, and Diamant took me out to drink. And that's not even mentioning all of the neat gifts I got; this dragon squirt Nils gave me a dragon warrior charm! And Lambert gave me a sword. A really nice sword! I think I'll hang the charm off of it... but then it might break. So what should I do? You were always good about practical customization, so do you have any ideas?

A girl I've never seen before gave me a stone for my birthday. It was pyrite, so she has to be from Brodia, right? Because why else would she give something like that to me...?

Also, Lapis said something interesting to me when she gave me her present. Something about being newly-included in people that are worried about my health and somesuch. Very weird.

That's probably enough yapping from me for one letter. Like I mentioned, I've put in some instant portraits again---me in uniform, me working at my other job, Diamant is there in one of them, and a few random ones of people I've met. Being here has really helped me talk to people my age and people not my age. It's a real blessing.

I think about you every morning, afternoon, and night, my dearest. Even if you still don't believe this is real... that's all right with me. All I worry about is if you're healthy and happy. Hopefully Diamant and Alcryst have been writing you as well, but if they haven't, I swear that I've never seen them shining brighter or living healthier. They're doing just fine, and so am I.

Write me soon, sapphire. Even if it's just one word, it's one word from my loveliest gemstone.

Signed,

Morion, Professor of Axe, Sword, and Authority at the Officers Academy

[gamesception]

Sception Reads Cass Cain #21

Ghost / Batgirl #1-4 Words: Mike Kennedy Pictures: Ryan Benjamin Additional Work: Randy Emberlin, Howard Shun

One impression I used to have that going back to look at ~all~ of Cass's early appearances has forced me to reconsider is the idea that she didn't appear outside of her own books very much. While later on that is more the case, early on she does have a fair few guest appearances and cross overs, including in this bit of non-canon dual publisher cross promotion with Elisa Cameron, aka Ghost, a Dark Horse character with a solo that had been running since 1995.

The miniseries pits long time Batman villain Harvey Dent against brand new Ghost antagonist Malcolm Greymater - a (fictional) confederate general turned zombie libertarian corpse reanimator - in a conflict over Greymater poaching some of Dent's employees (ie reanimating goons that Dent killed). Babs, Cass, and Elisa get caught in the middle and are forced to work together after following separate threads of a bombing by Two Face and bodies stolen by Greymater only to be sold off into unsavory employment after failed reanimation experiments.

I don't want to go through the whole thing with a plot summary - it's four issues of non-canon stuff after all. But as a stand alone story it works fairly well, worth a read if you're a fan of early Cass. In particular there's solid characterization of Harvey Dent and what it's like to work for him - pretty bad actually. You can see why he'd get upset at someone trying to poach his guys, working conditions for goons in Gotham are terrible, if word got around of better conditions in Arcadia (Ghost's hometown) or wherever else then Batman's villains could easily find themselves suffering a labor shortage. The mere idea of that is funny enough to me that I can't help but like this little mini series, and it's an idea I'd love to see brought back. Goons On Strike - now there's a solid idea for an ongoing Gotham event crossover.

Anyway, Ghost/Batgirl is definitely a higher fantasy story than we usually see from Cass, at least back in the early days, but there's a focus on the individual lives and humanity of the underlings working for the villains that's very grounded and down to earth. That fits in really well next to the "street level" focus of Cass's early solo title. As for the book's cross-promotional function, it does make me curious about Ghost, though probably not enough so to go back and look at her solo title. I like her villain here, but Malcolm Greymater and his crew seem to be more or less exclusive to this crossover? Comicvine is telling me he maybe appears in a single issue outside of this, so that's kind of disappointing.

So setting aside the story, how's our girl in this? Well, first of all, she's being drawn by new hands. In costume she's mostly fine.

Sleek and spooky, glossy black. The details of her form are sometimes lost in the darkness, which loses some specificity in the action panels, but in a way that mostly works aesthetically. My only real complaint here is that her facial expression doesn't really show through the mask. You don't get a sense of what she's thinking or feeling in costume, she's just this dark angry spooky form, not so much a person or a character. As I've said in the past, though, that's as much or more a criticism of her costume design as it is of how any particular artist draws her in it.

It's also worth noting that, as with Cass's early pairing with Azrael, her costume contrasts very nicely with Ghost's. White with round hood and billowing cape vs. Cass all black and pointy. Aesthetically it's a great fit.

Out of costume, though...

I don't know. Just doesn't quite look like Cass to me? I know, I know, comic character facial features don't have the same specific canon as their costumes do, different artists have different styles so characters will look different, and there's definitely a stylistic element here that isn't gelling with me. The overall shape of the head is too thin, maybe, making her look a bit older than she should, where I'm used to Scott's more rounded face, stronger jaw, bushier eyebrows, shorter, poofier hair.

Scott's style, at least at the time, also just packs in more emotional expression, which is absolutely critical for a silent protagonist.

By contrast Benjamin's Cass, when she's not in costume, is often just standing a bit behind Babs with a sort of blank, neutral expression while Babs interacts with other characters or the audience for her.

...

Which also kind of brings us to the writing for Cass here. Ghost / Batgirl is probably the best example yet that silent Cass was a mistake, because yeah, the creators of this book just do not know how to convey her character to the reader without words. The first image starts with Cass looking out over the wreckage of a bombing, and of course there's pseudo noir internal monologue all over it, because how else do you start a bat-book, only Cass can't narrate so Babs provides the narration even though she isn't even in that scene.

Babs goes along on the adventure mostly so the writers have someone who can talk for Cass, or even in some panels quite literally talk over Cass.

Cass is an intimidating physical presence in costume, but in this book she functions more as an extension of Babs than as a person in her own right.

...

It's not all bad, though. In particular there's this one bit introducing an additional ability for Cass that makes perfect sense with her backstory and yet sadly I don't think is ever mentioned again in a canon Batgirl story:

Cass gets poisoned, but she survives, and recovers remarkably quickly, because she has a natural resistance to many poisons and venoms built up from repeat exposure to tiny amounts when she was a child, because of course that's something David would do. You could just imagine little Cass and David having drinking contests to see who could take the most poison before passing out, or even sneakily poisoning each other as a little game of escalating pranks.

...

So yeah, overall a nice little stand alone series with maybe not the best depiction of Cass, but one that is illustrative of why the major change to have her start speaking, while I still don't like how it was done, was probably for the best.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1256: The First Wonderful News of the Brand New Year (Persona X SSBU)

It was bright, calm, and beautiful morning in the city of Shiyuba. The citizens are seen walking around the sidewalks and across the road, the multiple sounds of car' engines and a few horns are heard, the smell of hot, freshly coffee begins to suffice in the air, and our two newly proposed couple, Ren Amimaya and Makoto Niijima, are peacefully sleeping together upstairs at Ren's old bedroom.

Last night, an hour after the arrival of the brand new year has begun and everyoneof their friends head back home for the rest of the day, Ren convinced Sojiro to let him and Makoto stay the night at the café alone together.

And really now, what better way for the two to celebrate this wonderful ocassions than to make passionate love with one another for hours on end till they eventually knocked out sleep? The funny thing about all of this is that it was Makoto who suggested the idea to Ren beforehand. She has slowly, but gradually been showing off her adventurous side more often these days, than she's willing to admit. Not that Ren minded. In fact, that makes him attracted to her even more than he dos the day he first fell for her and ten times more beautiful in his eyes. But speaking of observing beauty.....

Ren: (Finally Wakes Himself Up with an Arm Stretch and a Yawn Before Smiling at his Fiance Laying Right Next to Him) Good morning, beautiful.

Makoto: (Starts Wakimg Up as Well by Letting Out a Cute Sounding Yawn) Good morning, Ren-Ren...You had yourself a good sleep?

Ren: (Puts on a Satisfied Smirk on his Face) Oh yeah. Especially after all the work you made me have to do to you all night~ (Lightly Smacks Makoto's Covered Rear) Hope you had as fun as i did.

Makoto: (Giggles Ticklishly by the Light Rear Smack Before Letting Out a Sigh of her Own) I did, very much so~ This was the one thing I thought for us to celebrate the new year and a successful proposal, believe it or not. (Starts Smirking a Bit) That being said~ Come here~

Ren: Huh- Woah! (Suddenly Gets Pulled into a Very Loving Hug and is Now Chuckling Ticklishly by his Fiancé's Kisses) Geeheeheez, Makoto!~ At least warn a guy before you get all snuggly and happy like that~ Now that I mentioned it, this might be the happiest I've seen of you yet. Cute.

Makoto: (Giggles Softly) Sorry, I can't help myself. We're gonna get married real soon!~

Ren: (Chuckles Some More) Hey, no need for apologies! I'm just as excited as you are right now. There's gonna be a lot of planning to do that's for sure.

Makoto: I'm certain we'll have plenty of help along the way. Which reminds me, we gotta head to the Smash Mansion today and tell everyone there the news.

Ren: Sounds like a reasonable plan to me. (Turns to his Buzzing Phone Sitting on the Dresser Next to his Bed) They're probably blowing up on my phone right now as speak. But first! (Hugs Makoto Back) Few more minutes of cuddle time?

Makoto: ('Sigh') Alright. Five minutes. (Starts Snuggling onto Ren's Warm Embrace) After that, it's off to the mansion to start the new year off.

Ren: Roger that- (Winks at Makoto)

Makoto: (Mrs. Amimaya.....) (Smiles Lovingly While Blushing) (It has a nice ring to it already~)

Six and a Half of Cuddling Later.......

Makoto: (In the Showers) Ann wants us to share the wedding service with her and Shiho-san?

Ren: (Standing by the Restroom Door) Yep! Says it would save Momma Peach from spending too much money on us. Does that seem like something you'll be okay with?

Makoto: (Smiles Softly) Yeah, I don't mind. Could be fun. Do you think we'll share the same honeymoons as well?

Ren: Probably. Here's hoping wherever it is, isn't too expensive to go to.

.........................................................................

Ren: (Standing in Front of the Bathroom Mirror, Combing his Hair) So how you feel about Futaba being our DJ?

Makoto: (Standing Outside and by the Restroom Door This Time While Raising an Eyebrow in Confusion) Futaba can use the turn tables?

Ren: No, but she has been wanting to play on one for a while now and claimed to memorize almost every hand movement the DJs make on TV. (Puts the Comb Down to the Side and Picks his Tooth Brush From a Cup) She even try to turning Sojiro's old record player set once before she got caught red handed and had to clean around the café for three weeks tops.

Makoto: (Giggles Softly) Kudos for her finding unique ways to practice at least~ She's hired.

Ren: (Raises an Eyebrow While Blushing his Teeth in a Muffled Sounding Voice) You sure you wanna do that? She'll have the after party sounding like alien space ship after a while.

Makoto: It's gonna be fine, Ren. All I want is for her and everyone invited to have themselves a fun, good time. Hopefully not too much to where it leads to chaos and destruction down the line, but...('Sigh') Fingers crossed for that too I guess.

Ren: Alright, she's hired. (Gargle Mouthwash in his Mouth Before Spitting it All Out in the Sink in Front of Him) We should probably hired a few bodyguards while we're at it.

Makoto: Way ahead of you, Mr. Niijima~

'Door Opens'

Ren: (Sticks his Head Out of the Opened Restroom Door While Snickering at his Soon to be Wife) Did you just called me Mr. Niijima just now?~

Makoto: (Smiles Sheepishly) I just wanted see how it sounds is all~ You like?

Ren: (Starts Nodding a Bit) Not too shabby I must admit. Which do you prefer our last names to be now? Niijima or Amimaya?

Makoto: (Crosses her Arms While Thinking) Hm.....I've been a Niijima for all my life and I'm still proud of being one to tis very day......(Smiles Sweetly) But I'm really, really, really, really, REEEALLY loving how "Mrs. Amimaya" sounds, so I'll go with that one instead~

Ren: (Chuckles Lightly) Amimayas it is! You're adorable~ (Starts Kissing on Makoto's Cheek) You know that?~

Makoto: (Giggles Ticklishly) And you're still as handsome as they come~ Now go and get dressed already!~

A Few More Minutes of RenGetting Dressed Later

The newly proposed couple are now seen walking down the stairs together, hand and hand, when they suddenly Notices two familiar faces down at the café.

Sojiro: (Smiles Brightly at the Duo While Standing Behind the Bar Stand) Well, look who finally decides to show up?~

Dark Pit: (Simply Waves at the Two While Standing in Front of the Bar Stand, Drinking a Cup of Cofee He Ordered) 'Sup,, lovebirds.

Ren/Makoto: Pitto-san!~ (Happily Sprints Over and Hugs Their Favorite Moody Angel Together) Happy News Year!~

Ren: Heard you guys had one hell of a party from the other side.

Dark Pit: (Shrugs) Yeah, it's what you expected most of our gatherings would go, except with more dancing.....(Starts Blushing a Bit at the Thought of Receiving Mutliple Kisses From his Girlfriends After the Countdown Was Over) and kissing. Everyone was missing you guys like by the way. What's up with that?

Ren: Wait. Our Witch and Goddess Mom didn't tell you the news last night?

Dark Pit: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) I...think so? They were crying the whole night, I could hardly understand either of them. Why, Is that news of yours' that big or something?

Ren: (Playfully Shrugs) Wellllll, it's nothing enormous. Just that-

Makoto: (Already Has a Very Excited Smile on her Face) WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!~

Dark Pit: I'm sorry- (Eyes Widened in Complete and Genuine Surprise) What!?

Ren: (Snickers at his Soon to be Wife) Makoto, you could've at least let me play into this bit a little longer.

Makoto: (Smiles Sheepishly) Sorry~ I still couldn't get over wonderful that night was~

Ren: ('Sigh') I know. I'm excited about it too, hon. (Kiss the Top of Makoto's Forehead Before Turning Back to his Angel Brother) Your future sis in law speaks the truth, bud. We're finally getting hitched in the future. We haven't decided the date yet. Or...much of anything besides the last name and who gets the DJ spot.

Dark Pit: Holy crap, this is actually happening......(Shakes his Head a Bit as He Starts Coming Back to Reality) Okay, so....who propose to who exactly?

Makoto: Me~ Shiho-san and I planned propose to our respective partners months prior as we went jewelry shopping together. ('Sighs in Pure Relief') It was so nerve-wrecking just by thinking about it beforehand, but I'm so glad I've pushed through in the end. (Hugs Ren's Arm) Now I can finally live the rest of my life married to the man I love so much, as Mrs. Amimaya!~ (Happily Kisses Ren's Cheeks Again)

Ren: (Chuckles Ticklishly by Makoto's Kisses Again) She's been like this all morning, it's adorable~

Sojiro: (Smirks While Whispering Something to Pitto) You should've your brother the moment Makoto proposed to him. Poor kid was crying his eyes out, asking if marrying him was really a good idea or not.

Dark Pit: (Turns to Sojiro) And you didn't think of recording and send it to me afterwards!?

Ren: (Gives Pitto a Deadpinned Look on his Face) Pitto, can't you go one day without using to something to blackmail people with?

Dark Pit: (Shrugs Again) Hey, my life would significantly be more boring I I stop now. (Smirks a Bit) Still, congratulations, you two.

Makoto: (Smiles Brightly) Thank you!~ We're planning on tell the others in the family the news as well if you like to some with.

Dark Pit: Sure. (Tosses his Dimensional Ring and Have it Expanded Into it's Giant, Transporting Size Midair) I was planning on coming back there anyways. (Turns Back to Sojiro) Wanna come along too, Uncle Sojiro?

Sojiro: Can't. I just opened up the café the moment you came here. You three can go on ahead without me.

Ren: If you say so. We'll bring you something nice back later on! (Waves Goodbye to his Coffee Dad as He Follows Pitto Into the Ring)

Makoto: (Happily Waves Goodbye to Sojiro While Walking into The Ring as Well) Have a good day, Uncle Sojiro, if you don't mind me calling you that for the foreseeable futuuuuure!~

Sojiro: (Watches the Giant Ring Spins Around and Disappears into Thin Air with a Sincere Smile on his Face) I don't mind that at all., kid.

'Door Open, Bell Ring'

Sojiro: Hm? (Turns to See Sae and Tae Rushing Themselves into the Café with the Former Covered in a Few Kiss Marks on her Face)

Sae: Sojiro, were Makoto and Ren here just now?

Sojiro: Yep, you just miss them. They left to visit the Smash Family at the mansion before you two came in here.

Sae: (Snaps her Finger a Bit in Disappointment) Figures. I was hoping we could congratulate them both of them on the successful proposal.

Tae: ('Sigh') Even more so considering we've missed seeing it happen in person last night....

Sojiro: Work got you both in a bind last night, didn't it?

Tae: For the most part. (Rests the Side of her Head onto her Girlfriend's Shoulder) They got my poor Empress here to near exhaustion all night, so I had to keep her company~

Sojiro: (Starts Smirking at Sae in Particular) Ahh, so that explains the kiss marks on your face then, Ms. Prosecutor?~

Sae: (Eyes Widened a Bit Before Turning Away From Sojiro) I don't believe that's any of your business, Sojiro-

Tae: You've guessed it, boss man.

Sae: (Bashfully Glares at Tae) T-Tae!?~

Tae: (Casually Shrugs) What? It's the truth, isn't it? It's my duty as your beautiful, doctor of a girlfriend to take care of my beloved~ (Gives Sae Another Kiss on the Cheek)

Sae: (Starts Blushing Some More by Tae's Affections) A-And I appericate that very much~ (Starts Pouting and Pointing at a Smug Looking Sojiro a Few Feet Behind Her) T-That still doesn't mean he gets to know about it though!!

Tae: Hey, there's no shame in telling him a little a bit about our business for today. Especially now that it's the- (Happily Pumps her Fist Up in the Air) New Year, baby!!

Sojiro: (Chuckles Lightly) Now that's something we can all make a toast to. (Walks Back Behind the Counter) I'll make you two drinks, on the house.

Tae: (Smiles Brightly) Much appreciated, Sojiro-San. (Turns Back to her Girlfriend) Let's savor this day of freedom while we, yeah?~ (Gives Sae Another Kiss on the Cheek While Making her Way to the Stand) WOOOOO!~

Sae: (Sighs with a Small Smile on her Face) You are so lucky that you're cute yourself right now, doctor~ (Follows Behind Tae)

Meanwhile at the Smash Mansion's Dining Hall...........

The Dimensional Ring transported our trio on the hall's stage, where most members of the Smash Family are seen partying beneath them.

Ren: Good to see that they're lively as ever.

Makoto: (Raises an Eyebrow in a Bit of Confusion) Is this an after party of sorts?

Dark Pit: Yep. It started a few minutes ago. The last party was so good that they decided to throw another for good measures. I get their attention.

Pitto nods at the DJ at the other side of the stage, silently telling him to turn the music off. The Dj, in question, did what he was requested which in turn, Instantly causes everyone in the room to start complaining and even booing at this sudden notion.

Dark Pit: (Walks Over to the Microphone and Speaks on It) Alright, everybody SHUT UP! I have the floor here!

The room finally goes silent thanks to Pitto loud, demanding voice echoing the room.

Kyoko: (Happily Waving at her Boyfriend in Front of the Stage While Standing Next to her Girlfriend, Misako) HIIIIII PITTO-KINS!~

Misako: (Smirks at her Boyfriend) We love you, babe!~

Dark Pit: (Snaps his Finger and Points at his Two Girlfriends in the Crowd) Right back at your, babes! But that's beside the point. Guess who finally decides to show up? (Presents Ren and Makoto to the Crowd)

Ren: (Steps in and Speaks on the Microphone Next) Yo, what's up, my peeps! HAPPY NEW YEEEEEAR!

Crowds: (Cheers For Ren and Makoto in Rejoice)

Dedede: Boy, where in the hell were y'all two been last night!?

Kamui: We were missing you both like crazy!!~

Ridley: (Angry Shakes his Fist at Ren in the Background) YOU OWE ME FIVE BUCKS!

Makoto: (Speaks on the Microphone Next) We're so sorry we made you all worried all night! There's a perfectly good explaining for why we-

Ren: MAKOTO PROPOSED TO ME LAST NIGHT AND I SAID YES!!...(Turns to Makoto with a Sheepish Smile on his Face) Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Makoto: (Smiles Back at Ren While Gently Patting his Cheek) It's okay, we're even now. (Gives Ren a Peck on the Lips)

The crowd stare at the couple in surprised andd silence for a few seconds before they erupted by to cheering in rejoice once more, sounding even louder than it they were previously.

Dark Pit: (Claps his Hands While Making his Way Back to The Microphone) Yes, yes. This is truly an amazing news to discover today. I'm surprised myself.

Toon: (In the Crowd) Hey, wait a minute!

'Record Scratch'

Toon: Ren, did you say...Makoto was the one who proposed to you?

Ren: Yep. Even planned for it and everything.

Ness: (Eyes Widened in Horror)

Dark Pit: Heheheheheheh.......Ahahahahahahaha!

Hades: (Sighs While Pinches the Bridge of his Nose) Look at what you two have rot?....

Dark Pit: (Takes The Microphone Off the It's Stand and Continues to Speak on it With a Very Evil, Shit Eatting Grin on His Face) YOU'VE GUESSED RIGHT, FOLKS! While you were all so confident that your Ren-Ren her would make the first move, I was the only person in this equation, SMART ENOUGH to pick the other side.

Viridi: (In the Crowd) You being smart is debatable at best!

Dark Pit: Shut up! My intelligence doesn't matter in the conversation. What does though is that I'm the only one in the room who chose wisely. (Slams Down a Silver Bucket on a Nearby Stool) So step right up and PAY UP! All of y'all who participated, come on!

The collective groans of those who part take in this bet, begins to surface as they reluctantly make they're up to thr stage in a line.

Dark Pit: (Turns his Attention Back to his Girlfriends While Pointing at Them) Girls, get your makeups ready. We're going shopping today!

Kyoko: (Happily Squeals While Jumping Up and Down and Clapping her Hands) Shopping Spree on the New Year, I can't wait!!!~

Misako: (Smirks at Pitto) Look at you calling the shots up there~ It's a date!~

Yoshi: (Walks Over to the Place his Cash into the Bucket) First day of the year and you finally managed to win the a bet for once. I'm happy for you, man.

Dark Pit: Much appericated, my good dinosaur. (Gives Yoshi Fist Bumps Before Watching him Walk Off)

Hades: (Walks Up to the Stage Next, Dumbfounded) I don't believe this. The first bet I've lost in eons and it's to you of all people. This has GOT to be a fluke of some kind.....

Dark Pit: Uh-huh, sure. Or MAYBE lady luck wasn't on your side for once. Now, cough up the dough already!

Hades: (Groans in Defeat as He Drops his Money onto the Bucket) You won't get so lucky next time, my boy. (Walks Away) That, I can promise you.

Dark Pit: (Rolls his Eyes) Whatever you say, Hades.

Ren/Makoto: PITTO!

Dark Pit turns to see the soon-to-be married couple now glaring at him.

Makoto: You guys betted on us this whole time!?

Ren: (Raises an Eyebrow) You seriously thought I couldn't propose Makoto myself?

Makoto turns to Ren in silence with a deadpinned Look on her face.

Ren: What? I wanna know.

Dark Pit: We've been betting between you guys for like what? Three to four years now? Everyone was so convinced Ren would make the proposing move, but I had a feeling you love Ren enough to do it yourself, so I chose the opposing side: You, big sis.

Ren: (Shrugs) Can't argue with that logic. I'd probably do the same if I was in his sandals.

Makoto: ('Sigh') I'm very touched that you think highly of me, Pitto-san, but don't you think these bets you all been making are starting to run stale at this point?

Dark Pit: Yeah, definitely. (Starts Grinning Victoriously) But my losing streak has finally come to an end now that I WO-

?????: PITTOOOO!

Dark Pit: (Instantly Recognizes Three of Certified Moms' Voices a Few Feet Behind Him Before Letting Out Defeated Sigh) Nevermind. That ship has now sunken...

Hades: (In The Background) Ha!

Bayonetta: (Gives Pitto, Stern Motherly Glares Along with the Others) Young man, I thought we raised you better than to participate in these silly betting games.

Peach: Especially against your own family!

Pit: (Gets on the Stage Along with his Girlfriend, Viridi and Kirby) Yeah, Pitto, family always comes before betting money.

Viridi/Kirby: (Nodding in Agreement) Mmhmm.

People in the Line: (Turns to Pitto) YEAH!

Peach: (Comically Glares at the Others in the Line) Don't you "Yeah" him! This goes for all of you as well!!

People in the Line: Aww......

Dark Pit: HA!

Palutena: (Notices the Amount of Cash Raising Up on the Bucket, Most of Which are Fifty and Hundred Dollar Bills) You know, this amount of money could be enough to cover most of the expenses for two weddings-

Makoto: A wedding, actually. Ann wants to share a big one with us together, if that's okay with you-

Peach: (Beams Herself with Excitement) That would ve perfect!~ (Happily Claps her Hands) We could have ourselves the most beautiful conjoint wedding ever!~

Dark Pit: (Couldn't Believe What He's Hearing Right Now) Oh come on, aren't we already rich enough to pay for all of one ourselves?

Palutena: (Turns Back to Pitto) Honey, most of the stiff for the wedding here here almost cost large amount of fortune, even more so than what we could afford alone.

Bayonetta: (Immediately Gives Pitto the Sad Puppy Dog Eyes Along with Palutena) Pleeeeeease let us use the bucket of money for the conjoint wedding, darling?~

Palutena: It could benefit us all~

Peach: (Puts on the Sad Puppy Dog Eyes as Well) And Makoto and Ren-Ren are a part of our Smaah Family after all~

Makoto: (Follows Pursuit on the Sad Puppy Eyes Madness Along with Ren) And you DO love us very much~

Ren: Right?~

Pit: (Starrs Doing the Sar Puppy Dog Look aa Well) We'd really appericate it a lot if you take one for our happy family~

Kirby: (Does the Puppy Dog Eyes as Viridi Picks him Up) Poyo Poyo~

Everyone in Line: (Starts Doing the Puppy Dog Eyes as Well) PLEEEEEEEEEEASEE !?~

Dark Pit: ('Groans in Pure and Uttee Annoyance and Defeat') Alright, alright, FINE!! You win! You can have the money for the wedding expensives. (Turns Away While Blushing a Little) Hope it helps out or whatever.....

Everyone cheers once again in rejoice..

Ren: (Puts on a Satisfied Grin on his Face While Giving Pitto a Thumbs Up) Arigato, little bro!

Makoto: (Smiles Brightly at her Soon to Be Little Brother in Law) I knew you have a big heart~

Dark Pit: (Rolls his Eyes Again) Uh-huh. There goes that shopping spree plan.........

Misako: (Appears Right Next to Pitto on One Side) I wouldn't be so sure about that if we're you, babe.

Kyoko: (Appears on the Other Side with a Bright, Reassuring Smile on her Face) We can still go shopping together even if we're able to buy a few things. Our allowance came last night.

Misako: (Puts on a Reassuring Smirk on her Face) And for being a thoughtful boyfriend as you've always been, we'll treat you to something nice afterwards, on us. Sounds good?

Dark Pit: I don't like either of you to spend too much on me, but sure I guess-

?????: Not so fast!

The trio turn their attention to Princess Zelda walking up the stage, with Mewtwo and Owain following her behind.

Zelda: We need to have ourselves a Smash Meeting first.

Misako/Kyoko: Smash Meeting?

Dark Pit: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) For what exactly?

Zelda: (Gives Pitto a Sisterly Like Glare) For all the bets that's been going on around here! It's been getting out of hand and i think it's high time we put an end to this once and for all!

Peach: (Happily Cheers for Zelda) Atta girl, Zelda dear!~ Show 'em whose boss!~

Zelda: (Happily Waves Back at Peach) Sure thing, Momma Peach!~ (Turns Back to the Trio with the Same Stern Look on her Face She Has Previously) Now then, off to the living room we go. (Turns to Everyone Else in Line) That goes double for the rest of you too, let's go!

Everyone in Line: ('Groans in Annoyance and Defeat')

Zelda: Less 'ahhing', more moving, people! No time to waste!.

And so, everyone who participated in the bet and a few others in the past along with it, reluctantly follows Zelda and Co to the living room to their first Smash Family Meeting of the new year.

Dark Pit: ('Sigh Heavily') It's not even the afternoon yet and this year already sucks......

Misako: Oh don't be such a drama queen, DP. It can't be that bad. Can it?

Kyoko: Only one way to find out.

Dark Pit: Unfortunately....

Kyoko: (Pouts at her and Misako's Dark Angel) Hey, none of that negativity nonsense, mister. It'll all be over soon just you wait.

Missko: Yeah, what she said.

Dark Pit: ('Sigh') Yes, ma'ams.

Makoto: (Watches Half of the Crowd Walking Out of the Halls) Well, that's one way to spend the rest of the morning.

Ren: (Casually Shrugs)There's never a dull moment in this wacky family. I'm glad we can take breather for no-

'A-HEM'

Ren's eyes starts to widen up in fear as he slowly turns to see his new family (Palutena, Bayonetta, Pit, and Viridi) are now staring at him, in a menacing like fashion.

Ren: Uhhhh....(Smiles Awkwardly While Waving at his Family) G-Good morning, you guys.

Ren's family slowly begins to approach Ren with each step they take.

Ren: (Steps Back) H-H-Hold on now! Let's not do anything rash he-

Ren's Family: (Launches Themselves Onto....).RENNYYYYYYYY!~

Ren: Goddammit, no!

Ren tries running away....only to get hug tackled one by one before heading straight to the stage's floor.

'THUD'

Ren: (Winces a Bit in Pain In Multiple Arms Around) God, would it kill any of you to warn me before doing this!? I'm desperate here.

Bayonetta: (Already in Tears Along with Everyone Else) Well, excuse us for missing you like crazy all of last night, young man!!~

Palutena: And to hear that you're finally getting married with the girl of your dreams.....('Sniff') How else are we supposed to react!?~

Pit/Viridi: (Starts Snuggling Up on Ren) CONGRATULATIOOOONS!~

Ren: Thanks, really. I'm never gonna get out of this, am I?

Pit: ('Sniff') Nope! There's no escaping.

Viridi: You're gonna stay here and hug whether you like it or not, so DEAL WITH IT!~

Ren: ('Sighs in Defeat') Yeah, I figured you'd say tthat. Love you guys.

Ren's Family: WE LOVE YOU TOOOOOOOOO!~

Ren: (Wonces Some More) Ack! H-Hey! Easy on the hugging!!

Makoto: (Giggles a Bit While Watching a Sweet Family Bonding Moment Unfolds in Front of Her and Peach) Good to see some things hasn't change around here.

Peach: (Giggles as Well) Of course! The year maybe new, but our love for one another will never go away. (Turns to Makoto) How do you feel now that you've finally proposed?

Makoto: (Sighs in Satisfactory Before Smiling) Amazing....Don't I'll ever be any happier than this right now. (Turns to Peach) Thank you again for your words of encouragement last year. And please, take all the time you need to get everything accounted for and ready. The last we want to do is be any more a nuisance-

Peach: (Immediately Gives Makoto a Very Loving Hug) Don't say that! You two are not nuisances any one of us, Makoto Niijima, and you never will be~ (Gives Makoto a Soft, Determined Smile on her Face) We'll make this the best wedding you and your friends will ever have in your whole lives, so just leave everything to us from here on out, okay?

Makoto: (Heart Begins to Melt in Genuine Happiness Before Nodding to this Request) Will do, mom. (Gives Peach a Peck on the Cheek, Making her Giggle Some More in Return)

Peach: Okay!~ (Points Over to the Hug Pile in Front of her and Makoto)nNw how about we join in on the hugfest over here? Something tells me our dear Ren-Ren needs all the love he can get right now~

Makoto: (Smiles Brightly) You don't have to tell me twice. Let's go.

@bestpony666

@caleb13frede

@princekirijo

@decibelcoatl

@ma-lemons

[the-fluffiest-trainer]

[An audio recording is attached.]

Hey, Professor!

Yes?

Can you take a look at some strange items? I meant to ask when we met up before, but then...

Of course. What do you have?

First, this... I don't know what it is. Plate? Slab? Kind of looks like a cutting board, except it's so cold all the time. There's writing on the other side, here.

Hmm. Let me see... "Two beings of time and space, set free from the Original One"? That sounds like Sinnohan myth. What's it doing on this– no, it couldn't be...

What is it?

It could be a Plate. That is, a relic of Arceus. Do you mind if I take this, and consult with the Professor who taught me when I was young? Professor Rowan of Sinnoh... he would certainly know better than I.

Uh, sure. I... didn't really want to carry it around anymore either, the thing's heavy.

Wherever did you get it?

Talia – the gardevoir on my team – sensed it under the snow of Route 17 and dug it up. I... didn't see exactly where. I was in Talia's pokeball at the time.

You were – Alright then. That's a first. Well, I can take this off your, er. Hooves? Was there something else?

Yes actually, I got this from a pelipper delivery not long ago. No note, no indication of who it's from or why they sent it, nothing.

Very strange... I'm afraid artifacts are far from my specialty, so I don't think there's much I can tell you here. There's something about this bottle, though, it feels... ominous, somehow.

My absol friend, Osha, said the same thing. She couldn't give specifics, only that it might be dangerous to open.

[There is a faint popping sound and a rush of air.]

Fluttershy! Urgent news, I'm afraid, of the friendship sort, if you would be so kind as to– Is that the prison bottle?!

The what?

[The audio cuts out very briefly, and a video continues from the same place like the camera was turned on suddenly. The view tilts up to show Professor Sycamore across a table in the Anistar hotel lounge, then shifts over to look at Hoopa hovering in the air nearby.]

The bottle with my power in it! Made by that fucker, the what's it called, the Chosen, back when I was brand new to this world. Give that to me!

[Before either Fluttershy or Sycamore can do so, Hoopa sends one of his floating arms swooping down to try to grab the bottle himself. However, just before touching it, the hand seemingly bounces off of thin air. Hoopa frowns, but cannot seem to push it further.]

I can't even touch it? Damn Zygarde and their curse! Who thought balance was such a good idea anyway? Balance is boring. Fluttershy, do be a dear and just pop that bottle open for me, would you?

I'm... not sure I should? An absol has said not to, so certainly not without knowing more. Now, you said there was a friendship issue you needed my help with?

...Yes, fine. I have, uh...

[Hoopa looks down, as embarrassed as his impish face can show.]

I may have... misplaced... my friend Ari.

Misplaced? How does that happen?

How do you think? He ran off! He– Are you taking notes? Is that a sketch of me? Honestly, Professor, keep that up and people might think you've never had a mythical pokemon drop in on your student meetings before.

Anyway, Fluttershy, we were over in Cyllage City and Ari saw some broadcast on TV about a weird floette, and he just booked it north and left me behind. He even took off the ring of mine that he always wore so I can't just yoink him back again.

It sounds like you know where he went? North of Cyllage... that would be Geosenge Town, right? Oh no, you don't think... was that the one?

I think so. Or at least, he clearly thinks so.

This is not a good time to be barging into Lysandre's lab in Geosenge. I need to talk to Twilight again. She's there. With luck, she can intercept him outside and convince him to stay put a little while, at least until things settle down there? Oh, this is not what anyone needs right now...

[Fluttershy reaches out and scoops the prison bottle off the table, back into her bag.]

Professor, I'm sorry, but I think I need to run. Keep the Plate. Come on, Hoopa, let's go see if Twilight knows any more.

[Video ends.]

[dracarialove]

📄 F it, I'm posting my finished fics here, too 📄

Heartfelt Holidays

*Check the 'heartfelt holidays' tag if you haven't read chapter 1

[Chapter 7: A Grand New Year]

Sonic convinces Knuckles to throw a New Year's party on Angel Island, promising to make sure the event goes safely and smoothly so they can enter a new year with all their friends.

"We should make trips out here more often!" Sonic rhapsodized as he nudged Tails and gave Knuckles an elated grin.

The three of them were sitting together on the steps of the Emerald Altar, chatting and reminiscing under a dull sky while the Master Emerald glittered atop the stone platform. The clouds beneath the floating island were dropping flakes of snow into the ocean, making Knuckles' post a pleasant hangout spot compared to the icy earth.

"You really enjoy disturbing my peace, don't you?" asked the guardian with a smirk.

Sonic winked mischievously and lightly smacked his friend's arm with a closed fist. "You bet! This is the dream team right here!"

He threw both arms around Tails' and Knuckles' shoulders and continued, "And what better way to keep our friendship strong than by keeping each other company on the prettiest place in the world?"

The young fox spoke up as they looked out past the ancient ruins, "Even on a dull day, this island thrives with natural beauty. Partly thanks to you, Knuckles, guarding everything to ensure its safety."

"Heh, yeah..." One large mitt removed Sonic's casual grip, awkwardly brushing off their compliments.

As his expunged hand instead pulled back to cup his chin, the blue hero looked back to Knuckles, his eyes brightening. "Taking it all in makes me think how awesome a party thrown here could be! Maybe better than anywhere else."

Catching on to Sonic's implication, the echidna's smile dropped and his brows raised. "Now, hold on, don't start thinking that! You can have your celebrations wherever else you like, but I don't want to turn Angel Island into some party destination... especially when other people might not respect the land."

"I get the concern, Knux," Sonic started, "but we're coming up on a brand-new year. You know what that means? New experiences, fresh adventures to come, chances to make more friends – a clean slate for future endeavors!"

"I'm not understanding why that means I should be inviting people to celebrate on my homeland."

Tails jumped in, "Like we said, Angel Island is beautiful! It's the best place to cleanse your soul of all the bad experiences you had over the year and be excited for the good memories you'll make."

"Plus," Sonic added, "already being outdoors means it's perfect for a fireworks show!"

"Fireworks going off over my island?" One of Knuckles' brows pulled down in agitation. "No way! That's guaranteed to be disastrous!"

"Okay, okay, how about this..." The Blue Blur scooted closer to his stubborn companion and pressed his palms together in a pleading gesture. "We can make sure no one disrespects the island while they're here – if they do, they get kicked out, no second chances, no party for them. And we'll only set the fireworks to go off over the ocean so none of the sparks fall down on us. Eh?"

"Hmph..." Not completely sold on the idea, Knuckles crossed his arms and looked away from Sonic.

Tails also scooted closer and balled his fists with determination. "You can trust us; we would never let anyone harm your home! Please, Knuckles? It would be a night to remember, for sure!"

The redhead trailed his gaze back over to his begging teammates, studying their hopeful smiles and excited eyes. The pure optimism of their speeches, coupled with the animated swish of the pilot's twin tails, ultimately cracked the shell of his staunch resolve. He sighed deeply and allowed a tiny smile to play at the corner of his mouth.

"Alright... I'm putting a lot of faith in you two-"

"Yes!" Sonic interrupted, pumping his fists into the air. "You won't regret it! I'll even do most of the legwork for ya, so leave the preparations to me. But I do have a suggestion about the invites..."

Knuckles mentally braced himself for the idea his speedy friend would undoubtedly pressure him into, steeling his expression for the worst.

***

Shielded from the falling snow by the tall walls and slate-colored ceiling of her downtown nightclub, Rouge and her stoic companion, Shadow, had comfortably hidden themselves away in the bat's private lounge.

Unseen by her patrons – as he preferred it – the black hedgehog rested in the singular cushioned chair that he'd unofficially claimed as his own, sitting casually with one foot propped up on the opposite knee and holding a heavy glass filled halfway with a mix of whiskey and soda.

Rouge was standing in front of the maroon loveseat, adjacent to his chair, holding a dress in each hand. She hovered one in front of her body, looking down at the long navy gown while Shadow took a swig of his drink and eyed it, as well.

"I can't believe it's the end of the year already!" she exclaimed, posing her form behind the dress before looking up at him. "This is the best time for parties, you know. People go nuts for the idea of a fresh start, so they really let loose."

"Does that mean you'll be hosting another event?"

"Hell no!" She tossed the navy dress onto the loveseat, then held the black knee-length piece against her figure. "There are so many other clubs for me to patronize! This week, we're going out!"

Shadow nearly choked on his next sip, but succeeded in holding it back; swallowing the stinging drink before clearing his throat and challenging her claim. "We?"

"Yes, we!" she snapped, furrowing her brows at him. "If I don't have to go alone, I won't, and I'd much rather you be around."

He was almost impressed by her confidence, and actually impressed by her candidness. She was bold about wanting to spend time with him and showed more candor than he could muster.

The woman's stern expression turned into one of haughtiness as she faced away from him and brattily primped her curls – a recurring action when she was feeling dramatic, he noticed.

Her voice rang out in a sassy tone, "At least be gentlemanly and pretend any party is worth it as long as you're with me."

The command made Shadow chuckle, surprising himself when it came out almost strongly enough to be considered a laugh. "So, you wish I was the romantic type, do you?"

Rouge tossed the dress to join the other and turned back to him, shoving one fist against her hip. "That wasn't my point. Although, I am convinced you're capable of much more compassion than you let on. And I think you like me more than you'll ever admit – which is clearly a lot. Can't blame you, of course!"

She smirked and gave him a wink, making the hedgehog shake his head at her and reply, "You're really arrogant, you know that?"

"Pft!" Turquoise eyes rolled in dissent. "Whatever!"

Then, from the other side of the curtain, they heard the gruff voice of the lobby bouncer shouting over the club music. "Rouge! I need to speak with you!"

The ivory bat pulled back the purple curtain enough to be seen and inquisitively asked the tall wolf, "What is it? Something urgent?"

"There's someone here to see you, waiting at the door. He won't come inside, just asked for you to meet 'im."

Puzzled and curious of her visitor, Rouge looked over her shoulder at Shadow, who shared a mutual expression of perplexion. The bouncer accompanied her to the front entrance, standing guard beside her while she opened one of the double doors.

Surprise washed over the bat's face as she stood across from her long-time rival; Knuckles held two colored sheets of paper, seemingly unfazed by the thin layer of snow collecting atop his crimson locks.

"Knuckles...!" she said with fascination, visibly taken aback by his presence. Then the corner of her lips curled upwards, and her tone gained a tinge of slyness. "How unexpected."

The echidna let out a swift, shallow sigh, then held out the plain white paper. "I'm inviting you to my end-of-year party. Don't ask why-"

"Why?" Rouge interrupted, grabbing the paper and smiling mischievously at him. "A sudden change of heart? Or are you finally warming up to me?"

His expression tightened, irritated at having been interrupted and being asked the very question he didn't want to answer.

She knew how to frustrate him, easily and severely, but he refused to give the thief the satisfaction of watching him get annoyed and flustered at her teasing.

Instead of lashing out – as his impulses desired – Knuckles sighed a little more deeply, holding eye contact with Rouge so she wouldn't feel a sense of superiority over him.

"If you must know, Sonic insisted I invite you. 'Give you a chance,' as he put it. Now, where is Shadow? Sonic told me he's been here a lot lately."

Ignoring the black sheet of paper in his other hand, Rouge upped her devilish cadence and replied, "Hm, of course Sonic would run his mouth about that... don't tell me you're jealous!"

Knuckles' unoccupied mitt balled as he attempted to hold his composure, involuntarily blushing at the accusation that he would care about how or with whom she spent her time. "I'm not, you vain bat! Just tell me, is he here or not?"

She looked over and opened the door more, revealing that Shadow was standing next to her. His proud posture and neutral expression the same as they always were, he stood quietly and waited to hear what Knuckles wanted with him. And as the guardian slipped back into his normal demeanor, the second invitation was handed forth.

Awkwardly, Knuckles repeated his earlier line – even though Shadow had certainly already heard it being said to Rouge. "I'm inviting you to my end-of-year party. Let's consider it somewhat of a fresh start, shall we? We'll enter the new year with a clean slate, and hopefully a better acquaintanceship going forward."

The words sounded scripted, and Shadow assumed if he'd planned this celebration with Sonic, that the blue hedgehog had no doubt given him a line to say.

Though, the more stolid being respected the redhead for not using the word 'friendship' – a title which their relationship hadn't ever worn, and a term he was tired of hearing from every overly-friendly person he met. Therefore, Shadow nodded silently at his offer, lowering the paper after briefly scanning its contents.

Not a moment after getting the Ultimate Lifeform's answer, Knuckles turned to Rouge again and said quickly, "There is a condition I won't be budging on: since this party is happening on my island, I won't be accepting misbehavior from any of the guests." He pointed at her. "That includes you. So, if you plan on screwing with me or causing a scene, you'll be promptly uninvited."

Slightly offended at his confrontation, the ivory bat opened her mouth, but had her words instantly cut off by Shadow's voice. "We understand the guidelines and won't be starting any trouble." He then looked at her and tacked on, "You want the parties you attend to go well, don't you, Rouge?"

The pretty jewel hunter shot him a glance of indignation, not loving his coaxing tone but being forced to accept the terms if she wanted to celebrate a new year on the beautiful Angel Island as an invited guest.

So, she held up her right hand and plastered an innocent smile on her muzzle, saying, "Of course. I promise to be a good girl."

Knuckles sensed a bit of sarcasm in her voice, but not enough to tell him that she was outright lying; rather poking more fun at his insistence that she not be her sneaky, dramatic, or thieving self.

He didn't think it was much to ask and felt she was being far too flippant towards a reasonable request, but refrained from stating his thoughts out loud.

Instead of saying goodbye, he gave each of them a nod and turned to leave, reaching for his Master Emerald stress ball to squeeze on the way home. Rouge closed the door as he left and immediately turned to her partner, the innocent smile replaced with a cheeky grin.

"We should bring Omega along," she suggested. "Even if he's not invited, what's one extra guest on such a huge island?"

Shadow smirked and crossed his arms, then nodded in agreement. "Good idea."

***

On the last day of December, after the sun had set and darkness fell over Angel Island, Sonic and Tails met up with Knuckles to start preparing the area just outside the ancient shrine.

The young genius began setting up transportable lighting fixtures around the grass while their team leader got to work tying up bundles of colorful balloons and placing them at the bottom of the altar's steps.

Knuckles himself tapped his foot anxiously on the stone slab as he watched them, trying to push away the doubts and show faith in his friends to keep their promise.

Soon enough, after a section of the ground had been sufficiently lit, guests started to arrive – those who were able to fly or catch a ride to the floating landmass. Among the first cluster of attendees was a group holding various instruments, who approached Sonic near the foot of the altar.

A light brown mink asked, "Hey, Sonic, do you want us to set up now?"

His green eyes lit up and he gestured to the grassy spot by the steps. "Yeah! Right here would be great. Thanks for doing this, guys – I owe ya!"

Surprised by the appearance of a band he hadn't personally invited, Knuckles walked down the stairway to where his cheerful friend stood, looking curiously between him and the musicians. "Sonic, what is this?"

"Oh, I invited some friends who know how to play music, just to liven things up." The hedgehog was grinning, clearly enthused, as he casually pointed one index finger at the sky. "I wanted to put in a little extra effort for this party; I mean, we already don't have any food, so why not make up for it with music? I told ya, 'leave the preparations to me.' I'm pretty much the host here, so you can just relax and enjoy the show."

Knuckles' guarded resolve softened, and his tense shoulders lowered at Sonic's offer to take the burden off of him. A violet gaze stared appreciatively at the speedster before his mouth curved into a smile. "Thanks."

The band started playing upbeat music at Sonic's request, incorporating instruments that would also be used for low-energy tunes later in the night.

More guests showed up, steadily occupying the celebration's designated area and being greeted by the Blue Blur while Knuckles watched from his seat on the stairway.

He looked over at Tails resting boxes of fireworks in a pile near his plane, then trailed his eyes over to the open sky past the edge of the island. Through the dimly lit darkness, he spotted a long figure coming into view, approaching and seeming to sway as it moved.

Squinting and leaning forward, the echidna soon recognized the figure as the members of Team Dark – all three of them, being brought to the party destination by their flying co-leader. Upon seeing Rouge, he felt some of his unease return, and stood up, deciding to retire to his post by the Master Emerald.

'Just in case...' he thought to himself.

The attendees chatted and danced in groups, filling the grassy area and making the nighttime party livelier while the dark indigo sky glittered with thousands of stars.

Elated guests Amy Rose and her young friend Cream started handing out sparklers from a collection they'd brought, which prompted Sonic to offer up glowsticks and wearable glow-accessories; meanwhile, Tails unloaded the fireworks and got to work setting them up near the island's edge. Team Dark landed and Rouge's eyes immediately stuck to the box of bright party favors in the blue hedgehog's hand.

Shadow and Omega stood assessing the scene as she smoothed out her dress – a sparkly silver skin-tight gown with shiny gold trim – and they both silently judged the people waving around bright crackly sticks. Rouge left their side to approach the host, who was wearing three necklaces glowing white, yellow, and green.

"Hey, Blue, give me some of those!" she said, a certain shine lingering in her eyes when she neared the box.

"Rouge! Sure, there's more than enough to go around!" replied the enthusiastic hero, holding the collection out towards the bat and letting her take what she wished.

Gloved fingers quickly snapped up a few of the necklaces and bracelets, then she turned back to her team while Sonic continued to make the rounds. Shadow's attention was back on the treasure hunter when she said, "Look, guys – accessories!"

He hardly had the chance to raise an eyebrow or snidely insult the glowing rings before Rouge invaded his space to snap a red one around his neck. It dangled in her grip for a moment before settling into rest on his chest fur, adding a bloody hue to the white hair.

"It's so you," the lady commented, giving him a devilishly sly glance. "Looks amazing!"

He rolled his eyes while her teal gaze was still on him, but the Ultimate Lifeform couldn't fight the little smile that formed at her compliment. She stepped towards Omega and held up a green necklace, then asked, "Want one, Omega? It'll add more color to our night."

"NEGATIVE. TINY TUBES ARE UNNECESSARY." Mechanical sounds whirred as his torso turned and tilted to face Rouge. "I CAN PROVIDE COLOR."

With a sharp click, followed by a monotonous hum, Omega's wrist cuffs started to gleam, rotating steadily above his hands to create a shining swirl of gold and silver. Rouge grinned and put the green necklace on herself.

"Wow, I didn't know you could do that!" She added the aqua necklace on top of the other before putting on the purple bracelets, staring at the robot's wrists. "I'm still learning so much about you boys."

"I HAVE MANY ABILITIES YOU ARE UNAWARE OF." The factual statement was as close to playful as Omega could get, and still Rouge understood the banter through his even tone.

She chuckled and responded, "Then we should hang out more!" before Shadow casually urged them to find a decent sitting spot in a more comfortable and less-crowded area.

Once Sonic had finished handing out the glowsticks, he rushed over to Tails, who was grabbing lighters from his plane. "Hey buddy, what time is it?"

The young fox picked up one of his gizmos and tapped on the screen; it lit up a bluish-green color with boxy black lines that showed numbers down to the second. "Almost midnight. About one minute to go!"

"Perfect!" Sonic chimed, then zipped near the center of their grassy venue to address the guests. "Hey, everyone! It's almost time for fireworks, so get cozy and look out at the sky!"

He pointed towards where the sparks would be going off, giving a quick glance over the crowd before looking over at the musicians. He signaled them with a nod and a thumbs-up, prompting them to switch the tone of their instrumental from energetic party music to softer, cheerful tunes. Then, the Blue Blur joined Tails by the setup of fireworks and grabbed a lighter, the two of them watching the seconds tick down.

He held one flat palm to the side of his mouth so everyone in the audience could hear him clearly. "30 more seconds and we'll be in a new year!"

There was a spattering of hoots and claps while clusters of attendees waved their sparklers and glowsticks, eager to see the display. And soon Sonic was addressing them again, this time getting everyone more involved. "Count down with me, guys! 10!"

Dozens of voices shouted in unison, "9!"

Atop the altar, Knuckles stood with both mitts cupped beside his mouth, putting power into his voice to make it carry with theirs. "8!"

The members of Team Dark all exclaimed at different volumes. "7!"

Amy and Cream shook their sparklers and bounced excitedly. "6!"

Sonic and Tails unanimously lit some of the fireworks. "5!"

They then jumped back a bit in preparation. "4!"

Tails smiled at his best friend with a white-yellow gleam dancing in his blue eyes. "3!"

Sonic grinned back. "2!"

"1!" the entire crowd shouted, just as the fireworks shot out from their tubes.

Different-colored beams of smoky light streaked into the sky and away from the island, exploding into orb-shaped specklings of white, red, turquoise, and orange.

The colors mixed into each other briefly before more pops rang out with the release of fresh fireworks, bursting new hues and patterns against the dark backdrop before the previous sparks dissipated.

"Oooooh!" the audience cooed in wonder, awestruck at the bright lights and sharp crackles rippling through the sky.

Some people started to cheer and holler praise at the show while the host and his right-hand man lit more. Pleasantly surprised by how beautiful it was, Knuckles calmly smiled and conceded – silently – that Sonic was right about Angel Island being the best destination for this tradition.

Though, he didn't know if he'd want to do it again the following year. For now, he simply enjoyed what was in front of him. On the ground, Amy let Cream have her sparkler, and the girl exuberantly traced patterns in the air while Cheese flew around them and sung in their baby-like voice.

And Team Dark sat comfortably on a small hill at the edge of the crowd, Rouge between her teammates and cupping her bent knees with both hands.

Omega commented, "WE HAVE ACHIEVED, AS YOU WOULD SAY, A BRAND-NEW YEAR. CELEBRATION SUCCESSFUL."

"Agreed, Omega," replied Rouge, delighted as she leaned against Shadow's shoulder. Teal eyes shimmered beneath sparkly gold makeup. "What an incredible view!"

Even the Ultimate Lifeform was content enough to smile.

The End

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🎶

Send 🎶 and I will pick out a song from my playlist that I think would suit our muse’s dynamic

[ Valentino ]

Gonna go ahead and still do the how they currently are, a song for plotting, and a song Val listens to to think about him. I sure love making things Overcomplicated!

Song That Fits Them Currently:

Val keeps causing fights because he's scared of losing Vox, so he fights with him partially to push him away. Vox manages to get him to snap out of it pretty easily, but he's very good at crying and throwing a tantrum when things don't go his way.

What you crying about, baby? Are you getting lazy? Clear blue sky but it rains all the late fees Did you get the payment? We had an arrangement We don't wanna watch the news, we just read statements Yeah, do you wanna party? Malibu Barbie Are you gonna pack that shit up when it all comes tumbling down? Do you wanna party? Malibu Barbie Are you gonna pack that shit up when it all comes tumbling down?

So go and pitch your fit, no one gives a shit Better off if you just get over it

I'm going crazy Little tiny Hollywood baby Brand new Mercedes I've been at the crib going crazy Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-whoa-oh Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-whoa-oh

Song I Would Like To Plot For:

I REALLY WANT TO PLAY WITH THEM WHEN VAL TRIED TO KILL HIM. The scene is always so much fun to write and I love the idea that Vox's dicks are what saved him from getting murderlized.

I wait in intermission I remove inhibition I don't speak, nobody's listenin' It's not safe to seek the attention I won't sink, I won't wallow In this dream that I have borrowed So don't lead, I won't follow There's no sense in waiting for tomorrow

'Cause I'm hollow, hollow, hollow, hollow Hollow, hollow, hollow, hollow

I move in all directions I don't need any protection And this beast is interjecting And this soul can't help but connect it And I'm ill with all that I know 'Cause it shows what little I know I want sacred, I want final And I'm seeking it wherever I go

Song Valentino Listens To To Think Of Vox:

Val recornizes that his feelings for Vox are dangerous and he feels stupid for how much he loves him. He loves him so much that it hurts him sometimes. He hurts himself over it and it causes fights between them.

Hey, tell me what you want me to say You know I'm stupid for you Hey, can you come-a-come out and play? You know I'm stupid for you

I'm color-coding my moods, you're yellow, I'm natural blue Let's get together and be green like my insides At least I'll match your eyes, jealous and hypnotized Let's match our faces and be equally in love

Hey, tell me what you want me to say You know I'm stupid for you Hey, can you come-and-come out and play? You know I'm stupid for you

Let's trash our whole afternoon, reciting recycled news Until we melt and go back to your hotel room I'll be your new favorite tune, I'll be your black cloud by June But only when you miss the rain like I miss you

Just double dare me And I promise now That I'll stay It's not like you're married, but I still got carried away