#i totally forgot to mention on the last time i drew his outfit

[todayisafridaynight]

the only real major difference between rgg and y7 arakawa's wardrobe is how he wears his coat + bling and the scarf but it's such a difference

[myhockeyworld87]

Nervous Regrets - Tyler Seguin - Part 19

Word Count: 3614

POV: Tyler

Warnings: language

Notes: Sorry this took so long, it was suppose to be posted yesterday and what can I say, things got hectic. It’s the holidays and unfortunately that happens more than I’d like. Hope you guys enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday if you’re in the US; and that you got lots of Black Friday shopping done. As always feedback is welcomed. Peace Love and Hugs All! Also I posted this from my phone, because I still have internet problems, I’ll get the keep reading in there later when I can put it on my laptop.

TYLER’S POV

You had no idea what had gotten into you the day before, but as you drove to the airport the entire day replayed in your head. An overwhelming need to make (Y/N) yours had just overcome you. Deep down you knew she wasn’t leaving, that she would never cheat on. All you can say is that when you saw Jamie’s hands on her baby bump you lost it. Speaking of Jamie, you owed your friend an apology; so, as you boarded the plane, you took a seat beside him.

Jamie, raised his eyes at you; as you sat down. “Look man, I need to apologize for yesterday. I was a complete ass.”

“You think?” It was a deserving response. “Wanna talk about it?”

“I don’t even know where it came from, just know it wasn’t you.” You blew out a breath. If you were going to talk to someone about it; it might as well be Jamie. “I don’t like leaving her, you know?” He nodded, though said nothing. “I’ve been scared to death ever since the accident. Like I’ll just wake up one day and she won’t be there.”

“Tyler…”

You stopped him. “Let me finish. I know yesterday it was completely irrational, but when I saw you touching the baby; I just snapped. And not that you would ever take (Y/N) from me, I know you wouldn’t do that, and neither would she. It’s just someone could you know.” Jamie gave you that glare, the one that said you couldn’t be more wrong. “I know, I know. It sounds crazy.”

“Yes, it does. That woman is crazy about you Segs. She just lights up when you’re in the room.” A smile touched your lips as you thought about coming up behind (Y/N) and wrapping your arms around her. She truly did glow when that happened. “And you know I’m teasing when I say, I’m going to take her away from you.”

“I know and its fine, it truly is.”

“As long as you know I’m just kidding with you.” You did. It was other people you worried about. That she’d go back to work and some high-profile client would whisk her away; or she’d meet some guy at the damn coffee shop or something. Someone who was probably way more deserving of her, than you were.

“I was a damn wreck last night.” A quizzical look crossed Jamie’s face. “You know, when (Y/N) and I were.” You shrugged giving him that you know what I mean look.

“Woah Seggy, I don’t need to hear about yours and (Y/N)’s sex life.”

“Don’t worry I’m not giving you all the details or anything. It was just….nevermind.” Why you were even confiding in Jamie about any of this, you didn’t know.

“Just tell me Segs. You know you can tell me anything.”

You hesitated, then decided this was one of your best friends and well you needed to hash this out. “It’s a bit embarrassing.” Dropping your voice down to a whisper you said. “I cried. Like full on sobbed.” Jamie looked at you, no judgement in his eyes; just concern. “We were in the middle of…it. And I made her promise to never leave me. Then I lost it when she did.”

You could see Jamie struggling with finding the right words to say. “Look man, I’m not going to pretend to know what you’re going through, because I can’t. What I can say, is that it’s normal. Segs, you guys have been through a lot. I mean like a lot of shit. It’s not surprising that you’re feeling this way. I think things are just finally catching up with you.” When you didn’t say anything right away, Jamie continued. “You know, she’s finally going to games and doing stuff with all the girls. The two of you officially moved back in together, in a new house. It’s kind of natural that your mind would be waiting for the shoe to drop per se.”

You let Jamie’s words absorb into your brain. He was right, everything had been going so well; you just figured something bad was bound to happen. But there was something more, something that was off or missing. “Maybe you’re right; I am waiting for the something to go wrong.” Replaying the events of last night again in your mind, something stuck out; that overwhelming need for her to promise to never leave you. It hit you then, you knew exactly what both your mind and heart needed to be confident in your relationship with (Y/N).

“Oh no, I’ve seen that look before. What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking I just solved all my problems.” Jamie waited for you to continue. “I’m going to ask her to marry me. Like officially ask her, with a ring and everything.”

“Well it’s not the craziest thing you’ve ever said to me; and she did agree to the house. Which I never thought would happen. So, what’s the plan?”

“I don’t know. I just decided that was the answer.” You’d made mention of marriage before, she’d always said you needed more time; but after yesterday, you didn’t think that time was much of a factor anymore. “Well I need to get a ring first.”

“Well, that shouldn’t be hard; you’ve been looking since you met her.” It was true; there would be times a couple months after you started dating that your eye would be drawn to rings in the jewelry store. You actually had one in mind; though you didn’t know if it existed. It wouldn’t take much to contact your jeweler and see if it could be made.

“You’re right, I do know what I want. Ok, so let’s assume that part’s done. When do I do it, Thanksgiving, Christmas?” Christmas would be far off, but you could have all your family there; you knew (Y/N) would like that.

“Do you know nothing of women? For as many as you’ve dated in your life, I would think you would have somewhat of a clue.” You gave him a look, now was not the time to be talking of all the conquests you’d had in the past. Not when you planned on spending the rest of your life with the only woman that mattered, (Y/N). “You can’t ask her on a holiday. Women want it to be something special, a day that’s only for them. That they can gush to all their friends about.”

Jamie was right, you needed to make this special for (Y/N). You wanted it to be a day that you told your children about. “Ok, you’re right Chubbs.” A plan started to formulate in your mind. “I think I’ve got an idea.” The rest of the flight you and Jamie mapped out the perfect proposal. All that was left, was to set it into motion.

Conveniently you were headed to Toronto, so you were able to snag an appointment with the Jeweler when you landed. By the end of the meeting, he had the ring of your dreams down on paper. If it turned out half as well as what he drew, it would take (Y/N)’s breath away. The biggest problem now, was that it wouldn’t be done for a couple weeks. Which meant, that with your schedule; you wouldn’t be able to propose until the first week in December. While it was somewhat disappointing to wait that long; you felt a weight lifted off of you knowing that plans were set into motion.

It was hard to contain your excitement when you facetimed (Y/N) that night. “Hey baby, how was the first day back to work?”

“Exhausting. I forgot how many interruptions happen during the day at the office. I seriously got more done working at home.”

“Awww, I’m sorry hun. I’m sure everyone was just excited you were back.” She chuckled a bit at that comment. “You know I missed you when I left today. I think I got used to you being at home.”

“Honestly, I missed being there. And I miss not being there in Toronto with you and the family.” There was a frown on her face. You knew she would’ve traveled to Ontario with you, if she hadn’t been off work so much. “How is everyone? Did you tell them I missed them?”

You had told them much more than that, but (Y/N) didn’t need to know that. “They’re great. They all miss you as well. Mom went crazy and bought a bunch of baby clothes. They probably won’t all fit in my suitcase.”

“Oh my god, show me.” Switching the camera around on the phone, you took each outfit out of the bag letting (Y/N) see them. “Awww, that’s so cute…Oh I think that one’s my favorite…No, it’s definitely that one. I’m going to send her out a thank you card tomorrow for them.”

Camera facing you now, you told her, “Babe, you don’t have to do that. You know she’s in her glory buying these things. She also said she mailed you something called a Boppy. It’s some kind of pillow for you to sleep with. I told her that was totally unnecessary as you have me.”

She laughed, the sound was music to your ears; it made you long to hold her in your arms. “I totally wanted one of those.” You frowned at her words. “It’s for when I’m like super pregnant. You probably won’t want to touch me then.”

“I doubt that. I want to touch you all the time. I can only imagine how sexy you’re going to be all round with our baby inside you. I’m not going to be able to keep my hands off you.”

“Oh stop, you’re just trying to make me feel better.”

“I’m not. You have no clue how fucking much it turns me on.” You were being one hundred percent sincere with her. Even now, though her bump was small, it was a huge turn on for you. Thoughts of (Y/N) being heavily pregnant with your baby, just sort of made you want her even more. “Oh and before I get to turned on, Cass and Candance are thinking of coming down to visit in a couple weeks; if you’re ok with it.”

“You don’t need to ask me to have them come.”

“Yes, I do, it’s your house too.”

“Well our house is always open to your family. I love having them here and this time we’ll actually be able to do things; as long as work doesn’t get in the way.”

She seemed down on work today. You knew it was only her first day back; but you found yourself saying. “You know, you can always quit, if you want.” It was never a topic that you’d brought up with (Y/N); though you hoped she knew it was an option.

“You think I should quit?”

From her tone you couldn’t tell if she was upset at you for suggesting it; or totally intrigued by the idea. “Look, only if you want to. I know you like having your own money and all; I guess I’m just thinking down the road, you know when the baby is born. Are you going to want to go back to work after that?”

By the look on her face, she was truly grappling with that question. “I mean we haven’t really talked about that yet. But I would like to stay with the baby at least a little longer than the six weeks the company gives. But you could be right, I may not want to go back at all.” She was thinking some more. “I have a hard-enough time leaving the dogs with a sitter; I don’t know how I’ll be leaving the baby with someone. Oh, fuck this is a problem.”

You laughed at her. “Well you wouldn’t be leaving the baby with a sitter all the time. I’ll be there from time to time. Look babe, you don’t have to make a decision now. Just know it’s an option. You can quit whenever you want. As for the money situation, we’ll work that out. Just think about what you want to do. You’ve got options.”

“I know and thank you, for loving me and letting this be my decision. Did I tell you yet how much I love you?”

“I’m pretty sure you haven’t mentioned that just yet. But I love you as well and miss the hell outta ya.” If she quit, she could be here with you now, or at least the next trip that you’d be making here. It would now be an idea you’d push for whenever you got the chance.

“I miss you too. It’s weird being in this house alone. Especially since we only got to spend a couple nights here together.”

“Awww, is someone lonely.” She shook her head yes. “I wish I was there babe. This long road trip is killer, but I know how we could pass the time.” You wiggled your eyebrows suggestively at her through the phone.

“Tyler Seguin, you’re incorrigible.”

“And yet you still love me.” She rolled her eyes at you, but was smiling the whole time; that was until you saw her wince in pain. “Babe are you alright? Is it the baby?”

She laughed then and some of the tension you immediately felt subsided. “Only this baby.” She turned the camera at Gerry, who had evidently jumped up on the bed and was now sprawled out across her legs. Gerry looked as happy as could be. “His nail dug into me. When’s the last time you had them trimmed?”

“What, is that suppose to be my job now?” In all honesty, you couldn’t remember the last time.

“No worries I have appointments for them this week, so I’ll have it done then.”

Since the opportunity presented itself, you said. “See hun, it’s a full-time job just taking care of me and the dogs.” It couldn’t hurt to plant little seeds here and there, about quitting work.

“Trust me, I know it is. But on that note, you have a game tomorrow and I still have work.” You frowned at her, it seemed like the two of you just got to talk; you weren’t ready for her to hang up just yet. “Make sure you call me tomorrow before the game.”

“You know I will babe, but do you have to hang up just yet? Can’t we just fall asleep together on the phone like old times?” When you had first started dating and would be on a road trip, it was something that happened almost every night.

She snuggled down into the covers of your new bed, then held the phone close to her face. “I think I can manage that. As soon as these three decide where they’re going to sleep.” You watched the dogs settle down, then settled yourself under the duvet.

“You’re so beautiful (Y/N).” It was true, you’d always loved seeing her like this; no makeup, hair in disarray, just lying in your bed. “I love you so much.”

“I love you more.” She blew a kiss at you through the phone, then closed her eyes. Soon the sound of her even breaths lulled you to sleep.

In the morning, when you woke, the phone was buried somewhere in the sheets and it took a minute to find it. You went to morning skate, then met up with the family for lunch; where you all mostly talked about your upcoming engagement. They wanted to know every detail, which was difficult since there was still an enormous amount of planning to do. It was your mom who pointed out one huge flaw in your plan. “Have you asked (Y/N)’s dad if you can marry her?” Your face must have given away your answer, for in her next breath she said. “Oh Tyler, how could you forget something so important?”

“It wasn’t like I forgot; I just haven’t done it yet.”

“Oh please, don’t try and fool us. You forgot, plain and simple brother.” Why did Cassidy always have to point out your mistakes?

“How am I going to ask him?”

“I would start with, ‘Can I marry your daughter?’ but that’s just me.”

“You’re such a smartass, Cass. What I meant was when am I going to get the chance? I’m on the road for the next what seven days; then her parents are on some trip that they won or something. I’m cutting it close on time.” Their blessing was important, not only to (Y/N) but to you as well. “Do you think it’s something you can ask over the phone?”

“If that’s your only option, then I think that’s what you should do; and soon darling. I’m sure you’d planned on them being there as well.”

Your mom was right, you had planned on her whole family being there; along with your friends. “Then it looks like I’ll be making a phone call later.” After the game, you found yourself pacing back and forth in your hotel room; while everyone else was out grabbing a few beers, your family included. This was the most nervous you’d been in a long time. It was kind of like being in a game seven, with a tied score and you have a penalty shot coming up. No pressure there. All sorts of thoughts ran through your head. Should you ask both her mom and her dad? What if they said no? Which would be a totally valid answer after everything the two of you had been through. There was only one way to find out.

Hitting the facetime button on your phone, you waited patiently as the call connected. “Tyler, son, how are you?” Mr. (Y/LN)’s faced popped up on the phone all cheerful, which you took as a good sign.

“I’m doing well Mr. (Y/LN) and yourself?” God you sounded so formal, but then you supposed this was a formal occasion.

“Oh I can’t complain. Great win tonight, I’m surprised you’re not out celebrating with your family.”

“Yeah, I actually wanted to speak to you and Mrs. (Y/LN) before that.” A bead of sweat ran down your face, and you swiped it away.

“Everything alright? Nothing’s wrong with (Y/N) or the baby?”

“Um, no sir. They’re fine. I just got off the phone with her actually and she said everything was great.” The conversation with (Y/N) had been short, since you claimed that you were going out with your family.

“Good. Hold on one sec.”

It took all of fifteen seconds for (Y/N)’s dad to find her mom, though a lot longer for them both to be seen on screen. “Tyler, so good to see you. How’s everything?”

“Oh it’s great Mrs. (Y/LN). How are you?” You were stalling, but then wasn’t it polite to at least make a little conversation with them first.

“We’re doing well. I talked to (Y/N) today. She said the house is simply gorgeous. We can’t wait to see it.”

“Yes, it’s really nice. You’ll have to come up soon and see it.”

“Oh we’d love that, maybe we can plan something for when we get home from this trip.” That timing would be perfect for what you had planned.

“Well speaking of that, it’s kind of the reason I’m calling. You see I wanted to do this in person and all; but given that I’m out on the road now, and you’ll be leaving soon, I didn’t know how to make that happen.” Finally, you stopped pacing and sat down on the bed. “Ummm…I don’t know how to say this. Look, I know I’m not the first choice you’d pick for your daughter, but I love her more than anything in this world. And I know I haven’t proven that in the past, but I plan on making up for that for the rest of my life.” Maybe you should’ve practiced this beforehand, because you weren’t sure you were saying all this right. “What I’m trying to ask is….Would you be willing to give me your blessing to marry your daughter? I mean I don’t even know if she’ll say yes, but nothing would make me happier than if she did. I really want us to be a family and I’m promising you now that I will do everything in my power to make her the happiest woman alive.” You realized you were babbling a bit on that last part, but you wanted them to know how important (Y/N) is in your life.

“Well, it took him longer than I expect.” Mr. (Y/LN) was looking at his wife when he spoke, but then he turned towards the phone. “You have our blessing son.”

“Welcome to the family.” Mrs. (Y/LN) added. It all went much smoother that you anticipated, especially with (Y/N)’s mom.

“Thank you, thank you so much.” You hadn’t realized that you were crying until your hand went up and swiped at a tear.

“So, do you have a date when you want to ask her?” This from her dad, as her mom was wiping away tears as well.

“Actually I do, and I’m hoping your whole family will be there.” You spent the next several minutes explaining the elaborate engagement you had planned for their daughter; and at the end of the conversation, you were ready to start the next phase of your plan in motion.

[chemicalmagecraft]

The Gamer Hero, Deku Chapter 30

A/N: I initially forgot that the HP-related stat in The Gamer was VIT and not CON when I first started writing this chapter because I had DnD on the brain. How embarrassing would it have been if I hadn't caught that?

xoxoxo

I looked at my newest text boxes as Aizawa-sensei talked.

Through repeated meditation, your VIT has increased by one!

By raising VIT above 100, two random skills have been created!

The skill 'Healing Grace' has been created through VIT rising above 100 and having a healing skill with a level of 95 or higher!

The skill 'Immovable Object' has been created through VIT rising above 100!

The skill 'Purity of Body' has been created through VIT rising above 100!

Through repeated meditation, your STR has increased by one!

I'd actually got them on the way to school so I could go to my work study, which was pretty lucky. My VIT had been pretty close to the hundred-point benchmark after that ridiculous +15 to all stats, so naturally I'd had my Mantra set to level it up for the past few days. And now that I had the skills, I'd probably be trying to get my STR up. It wasn't as high as VIT was, but it still wasn't that far off so I'd set Mantra to level it unless I was Meditating, when I would switch Mantra to something else and use Meditation for STR. Mantra's benefits had improved slightly as it leveled up, so it might even happen within the month!

I closed the text boxes after I was done reading what the skills did. Purity of Body was the standard improved version of the previous benchmark's skill, nothing much to comment on there other than the fact that it probably synergized well with Damage Reduction because it improved my HP. Immovable Object was... I suppose it was good and I could definitely find uses for it, but it looked a little unwieldy, too... It was a powerful barrier spell, but the barrier got a lot of its strength from being rooted, completely immobile. Even after turning the skill off the barrier would take a few moments to dissolve, leaving me immobile unless I could brute force my way through it... which I could probably do if I wanted, but not without using up more MP. At the very least I was already halfway through puzzling out how to use Item Enchantment to combine it with Imaginary Architect, which would give it a lot more versatility (though I doubted I'd get much EXP if at all for it if I only used an enchantment derived from it...). The barrier would be immobile even in midair, though it thankfully made me immobile relative to Earth and not truly immobile so I wouldn't fly off every time I used it.

I noticed, though, that it reminded me of Illusion Barrier in a way. I couldn't tell too well without actually using the skill, but it felt like it drew on the same underlying dimensional... thing... that Illusion Barrier tapped into, though in a different manner. Instead of creating another layer of reality using its fabric, it seemed like the barrier would gain extra stability by being rooted to it. Though maybe 'rooted' might not have been the right word for it...

The best skill, though, was Healing Grace. In addition to increasing the rate at which my HP naturally regenerated, it also enhanced the effects of any skill I had that was even remotely related to healing. That was amazing, especially with how my current objective (even if I hadn't gotten a quest for it) was to heal Iida's brother. And that wasn't all Healing Grace enhanced. Regeneration, Meditation, and Mantra also healed for more now, though it seemed that Super Regeneration, being a Quirk and not a skill, didn't have the same benefits. It didn't seem to do anything for the MP regeneration effects on Meditate and Mantra, and while I couldn't check it as easily I assumed the same could be said for the rate at which it trained my stats. Not that I cared that much, it was already good. And that wasn't even mentioning its active effect, which let me sacrifice HP to further increase how effective my healing skills were at healing others. HP that it caused me to regenerate at an increased rate. I would have to be careful with it, but just skimming a bit off the top of my very large HP bar to improve my healing and level up Healing Grace faster seemed like a good idea.

Okay maybe I was overhyping Healing Grace just a little, but it looked pretty good. Plus the fact that it modified Mantra meant that it was passively gaining EXP with Mantra, even if it was only a little.

"Remember, you're not allowed to wear your hero costumes in public without express permission from a hero you're studying under," Aizawa reminded us. We were waiting for our transportation at a train station, and Aizawa-sensei was using it as an opportunity to give us some reminders. "And make sure you keep track of them, don't just leave them lying around." He glared at me. "Speaking of... Midoriya, you're the only person here without a costume case. Where is it?"

"I have it in my inventory, sir," I told him. "I figured that since I would only be allowed to take it out when I'm allowed to use my Quirk anyway, I might as well make it easier on myself."

"I suppose that's fine, then. And everyone, remember to mind your manners. Now go, your transportation should be here soon."

"Yes, sir!" everyone said before we went our separate ways. I noticed Iida walking away alone, so I walked towards him.

"Iida!" I said. He stopped. Kacchan and Uraraka walked up behind me. "Just remember," I said. "If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can talk to me."

"Me too!" Uraraka added.

"Again, I'm probably not the best person to talk to, but I'll totally listen if you want," Kacchan said.

I smiled. "We're friends, okay?"

He slowly turned around. "Of course." With that, he resumed walking to his train. I followed him. "What are you doing, Midoriya?" he asked.

"Sorry, I think my train is this way too."

He glared at me. "Did you plan this?"

I raised my hands in defense. "I swear I didn't! My train is just this way."

"I suppose so."

"Good luck on your work study, though," I said. "And be safe."

He nodded. "You too, Midoriya."

xoxoxo

I stared at the little map that Yagi-sensei had given me, comparing it with my minimap as I walked down the street. "So this Gran Torino guy even made Yagi-sensei nervous... I wonder what he's like."

"I can't say what he's like now, but when I knew him he was nice, though very... severe," Shimura told me.

"So like Yagi-sensei's version of Aizawa-sensei?" I asked.

She made a noise a bit like a verbal shrug. "Kind of, but not exactly."

"Well I can't wait to see him."

"Speaking of, why did you choose to go here?" Honenuki asked me. "You have us, so it's not like you really need his instruction on how to properly use One For All. No offense to him, of course."

I shrugged. "Yagi-sensei said that he was heavily DEX-based, and I've been meaning to work on my mobility anyway. Plus I didn't want to just brush him off, if he knows about One For All and All For One." I paused. "Hang on, were they just the two halves of that saying? Why did I not notice that before?"

"That was the last time my brother and I agreed, actually," Ichigo explained. "A few years after he forced Power Stockpile on me, we had a confrontation. He had continued to use his Quirk, called Power Theft then, for his own selfish gain, while I had just found out I could give my Quirk to someone else." He chuckled wryly. "We actually used One For All and All For One as a bit of a shared catchphrase when we were kids, so we agreed to split it in half, as it were."

"That's... kinda poetic, actually. Thank you for telling me." I stopped, seeing that I was in the right place. I looked up from the note. "Huh. This... is the right place, right?"

The place was... this might sound bad, but it looked a little run-down. Yagi-sensei mentioned that this Torino guy had come out of retirement to teach me, so it was probably just that the building was old. The doors looked fine, though, so I hoped that it was just that the outside that was worse for wear. I knocked on the door, waiting to be let in.

A few minutes passed, so I knocked again. And again I was met with silence. "Excuse me," I said loudly. "I'm here for an internship?" There was definitely someone there on my minimap. I asked my elementals, and they told me the person was just... laying there, covered in ketchup and sausage links. "I'm coming in, excuse me!" I decided, then opened the unlocked door. If I didn't know the old man was alive and the things under him were ketchup and sausages, I probably would've thought he was dead. It didn't help that the lights were off and there was a shattered plate on the floor.

Get Off My Lawn

LV 92

Torino Sorahiko

Though I was pretty sure the dead didn't have titles. "Hey, are you okay?" I asked.

His head shot up. "I'm alive!" he shouted.

"Yeah, do you need help cleaning up? You appear to be covered in ketchup." I didn't want to assume it was a test or prank, in case he actually did slip while carrying a plate of ketchup-covered sausages. "If you'll allow it, I have water magic and can summon paper towels with my Quirk."

"Oh, thank you, young man!" He got up shakily, leaning heavily on his cane. He was definitely wearing a hero outfit, regardless of his current state. I didn't think anyone would wear a yellow cape and a domino mask casually, at least. "Who are you?"

I pulled some paper towels out of my inventory. "I'm Midoriya Izuku, from Yuuei. I'm here for a work study?"

He took the paper towels and started wiping himself off. "Oh. Who are you?"

"Midoriya Izuku."

He smiled at me. "Toshinori?"

That was Yagi-sensei's name, so I guess he knew I had One For All, at least... "Um, any help, guys?" I asked the past bearers.

"Maybe try reading his mind?" Hikiishi suggested. "You can do that, right?"

"Sora, why?" Shimura sighed.

"Where's your costume?" the old man asked once he finished wiping himself off. His bearing had shifted, and he looked a lot more serious. He wasn't shaking anymore. "Put that on and fire One For All off at me."

I opened my inventory and dragged the costume case over to my equipment screen. Just like I'd hoped, it autoequipped my costume for me, and it even put on a little button that looked like it would let me autodequip my costume and pack it back up for me (hopefully returning my original clothes with it). I'd have to check if it actually did that, but it was cool nonetheless. My hero costume appeared on my body with a rush of air. I stretched, checking the changes to the outfit. It looked mostly the same, but I could already feel that it was easier to move around in than my old costume.

"How'd you do that?" Torino asked.

"Did you get any information about my Quirk?" I asked him.

"It's called The Gamer and it gives you powers like a video game character, specifically an RPG."

I nodded. "I have an inventory power, which is what I used to get those paper towels for you. It also has an equipment menu, and I just equipped my hero costume."

"That makes sense, I suppose." He got into a fighting stance. "Now hit me with your best shot. One For All only."

"Um... Can I do something first? If I throw a blast of One For All, it'll probably cause property damage."

"What is it?"

"I have a spell that... It's a little hard to explain but basically I can use it to let us do as destructive training we want without worrying about property damage, by basically putting us in a temporary pocket dimension."

He nodded. "Do that, then."

I placed my hand on his shoulder and dragged us both into an Illusion Barrier. Then I turned around and punched at the door. "LIMIT BREAK!" I shouted as the blastwave wrecked most of that wall, as well as the street and the building on the other side. "I am very glad I used Illusion Barrier," I said as I shook off my hand. It didn't hurt too bad, but after using One For All at 100% it was a little tingly.

"Well there's your problem, kid," Torino said. "Well, I can see another thing that you should be mindful of, too, but you've got one main problem. I know a bit about video games, you know. Watched a few YouTube videos on some RPGs when I decided to take you on, too. Plus I watched your performance in the sports festival as well. You're thinking about One For All like a limited resource or a super meter to draw on when you need a big attack, but that ain't just what it is. Think about how Toshinori uses One For All, I'm sure you've seen him use it before."

I nodded and put some ideas about what he meant in the text chat for the past bearers to give their thoughts on. "I think I get what you're suggesting."

"Good." To my surprise he jumped around the rest of the room, zooming between the floor, three remaining walls, and even ceiling. He landed on a nearby table, breaking it, and grinned at me. "You wanna put it into practice?" He pulled out a stopwatch. "You have three minutes to land a single hit on me, using only One For All. Starting now." He clicked it and started jumping around again. He was using his Quirk, Jet, which let him shoot powerful jets of air from the bottoms of his feet. He darted in for a punch, and I dodged backwards, tapping into One For All. Really, it was so obvious that I would've hit myself if I had time. It was basically what I did for Elemental Aura already, just using One For All instead of elemental magic. I felt a feeling like lightning running all over my body as I jumped. I sailed clear out the hole that was the broken fourth wall, still keeping my eyes on him.

He bounced a few more times before shooting straight at me. I stood my ground, concentrating more One For All in my arm. When he was close enough that I was hoping he couldn't dodge the attack, I punched in his direction. It was a textbook Texas Smash, sending a powerful shockwave in Gran Torino's direction, but he managed to dodge to the side with his Quirk. He shot at me again, but I dodged out of the way first. "I see what you did," he noted. "You saw me bouncing around the room with blinding speed and decided to get me out in the open, where maybe I'd be a bit slower." He grinned. "Changing the environment to your advantage or your opponent's disadvantage. Good. Just remember that it might not always work. After all, you're the one on a time-"

I didn't let him finish that, trying to blindside him by charging at him while he was still monologuing. He still managed to shoot upwards before I hit him, but I had anticipated that and used Weird Flex (that might have been cheating slightly, but it was less of a magical or Quirk-related skill and more of a literal skill that just happened to get enhanced by The Gamer, like Sword Mastery) to pivot so that I could push off the ground with my hands. The ground cracked with the force that I used pushing off of it, and I shot into Gran Torino foot-first. He grunted, stunned, and I punched off the air a few times to get on the opposite side of him so I could catch him before we hit the ground.

Your level has increased by one!

I was already pretty close to a level up before that fight, so even though it wasn't much of a fight the EXP was still enough to level me up.

"Sorry if that was a little too hard," I said when we landed, then pulled out my Quirk healer license. "I can heal you, if you're hurt."

He grunted, got up, and rubbed his stomach. "Thanks, kid." He chuckled. "You really showed a lot of promise there, kid," he said as I healed him. "It only took me a little prodding to correct how you use your Quirk."

I smiled. "Yeah, and we didn't even touch on my other Quirks."

He raised his eyebrow. "'Other Quirks?' Plural?"

"Sorry, did Yagi-sensei not mention that?" I asked. I raised my hand, switching Skeletal in. Oof, my costume wasn't looking too good after that giant blast... I was already going to use Mending after my demonstration, but still... I tensed my arm, activating Skeletal. White armor calcified along my hand and forearm, forming something like a gauntlet that destroyed the remains of that sleeve and glove. "The Gamer evolved the ability to copy Quirks during the sports festival. I got the Quirks of the past bearers, as well as a few others, as quest rewards from a quest related to the sports festival." I deactivated Skeletal, causing the bone armor to retract back into my skin, and fixed my costume with Mending.

"Well, practice with those new Quirks of yours for now." His demeanor lightened. "I'm gonna go get us some food!" He walked away.

"Um... Let's go inside first so I can drop the Illusion Barrier first?" I suggested. "I don't think I'm allowed to just drop us out of a pocket dimension in the middle of the street."

He looked at the carnage we'd made, then around at the lack of people on the street, and chuckled. "That sounds about right. No use scaring the civilians." We walked back inside. "Who are you, again?"

I broke the barrier. "Midoriya. Should I just practice with my Quirks and magic until you're back?"

"Sure. But who are you, though?"

I sighed. "Just go, please."

"Goodbye, Toshinori!" He said with a smile as he walked out the door.

"Goodbye," I said. The second the door closed I activated another Illusion Barrier, leaving my elementals on the other side so I would know when he came back. I'd recently gotten a new setting for Illusion Barrier, but I decided against using it quite yet and just made another skeleton barrier. "Practice with my Quirks. Got it." I activated One For All again, getting that electrical feeling again. It reminded me of using Lightning Aura, actually. Which made sense, given how close what I was doing was to Elemental Aura.

That gave me an idea, but first...

I jumped, putting all of my strength into it. I immediately regretted that, as using One For All's full power to jump seemed like it was slightly overkill seeing how high I flew. Luckily I had I Burn on, so I'd absorbed all the energy from how hard I hit the ceiling, an impact hard enough that I lost some HP from it even with my Physical Endurance and Damage Reduction. And then I absorbed the negligible amount of energy I got from punching through a cloud a moment later. Speaking of which, I looked at the building...s I just destroyed from the giant hole in the cloud I was above. It was so far away that even with Hawkeye I could just barely see the largest chunks. I didn't actually expect it to work, so I was pleasantly surprised when I felt them when I reached out with Singularity. "The range it has is ridiculous, if it can do that," I muttered. I yanked, pulling those chunks upwards. "It doesn't even feel like I'm straining it..." I did notice my regeneration dropping a few points as I pulled the chunks up to me, but it was amazing how much power I got out of Singularity.

I turned off Singularity as I dropped below the cloud headfirst, switching to grabbing the chunks that had just flown past me and into the clouds with Blackwhip. I made a barrier enchanted with Immovable Object above my feet and braced on it to stop the building chunks. I strained at their momentum for a second, then jumped with half the power I had used before once the pull from the chunks abated. As I hurtled downwards I looked around the town I was above. I saw a few important landmarks: a tower, a square with a fountain, an important-looking building that could've been town hall, and the train station I'd arrived at. I double-checked that I was still in the Illusion Barrier, because this would be really bad otherwise...

I raised the amount of One For All I was using and swung my hands, trying to hit the four targets with the building pieces I was carrying with Blackwhip. My aim was a little off, but considering the fact that I was throwing around giant chunks of rubble I was fine with the result. Plus, they had all ended up crushing some skeletons that had spawned. I'd read in an article of tips for heroes Yagi-sensei had shared in one of his classes that in general a hero should try to not throw stuff at people if they can avoid it because they can typically hit harder than whatever they can pick up and it lowers property damage in general, so while that was fun I wasn't planning on making a habit of throwing buildings at people.

I let myself fall after that. I'd lost some of my momentum when I'd thrown the buildings, but I was still coming in fast. I could probably just use Float to stop falling, but I decided to try to tank the landing instead. It'd be great for I Burn, for one. I switched in Skeletal, giving myself some extra armor over the areas that I'd be landing on, and used Earth Aura to provide some shock absorption. I landed in a textbook three-point landing in the middle of a throng of skeletons, triggering an OFA-overpowered Earth Burst as I did that basically caused a miniature earthquake.

"Ow," I said despite the fact that it only took off a small bit of health that I gained back almost immediately. "Deadpool was right, those are hard on the knees..." I got up, turning Skeletal off and Mending my shredded costume again. I was standing in the middle of a crater with giant cracks radiating from it. I noticed dust pouring into one of the cracks. "Hello," I said as the skeletal samurai spawned. "It's nice to see you again." I could've probably just flicked it to death with One For All, but I decided against that.

The skeleton charged and swung at me, but I blocked it with Skeletal armor. I trapped the sword as I glanced off my armor by forming spikes of bone around it, then switched in Magnetize without switching Skeletal, Copy, or I Burn out. I could feel that the efficiency dropped when I used Magnetize on the sword, but not as much as the last time I tried it. After Magnetizing the sword, I slapped the skeleton's armor, giving it a dose of Magnetize too, and pressed the sword to it. I snickered when the skeleton tried futilely to pry the sword off of its armor, even though Magnetize wasn't as strong as it could've been.

It glared at me, despite not having any eyebrows. I somehow got the message that it wanted me to take our fight seriously.

"Okay, sorry." I put the palm of my hand up to its chest. "I'll take this seriously now." I switched out Magnetize and Copy for Explosion. I had an idea I wanted to test, so I created a hole in the bone armor on my palm for Explosion to work. I gave my hand a bit more One For All than the rest of my body and triggered a blast. I was forced to take a step back from the recoil as an explosion like a shaped charge blasted a hole through the skeleton's armor. It was armor-piercing, sure, but just like when I tried chopping bits off of the other skeletal samurai it only shaved off some HP.

"I guess sometimes finesse just doesn't compare to brute force," I muttered. True, I could've taken it down with hits like that, but it would take way longer than just encasing it in ice with Half-Cold Half-Hot and throwing it into a building with Blackwhip, which I did. This time the skeleton didn't drop anything, which hopefully wasn't because I encased it in ice before killing it.

I got a message from my elementals that Gran Torino came back, so I went back to his house in about a second using Sonic Embodiment. I placed myself about where I thought the floor was before I turned it into a crater, then dropped my Illusion Barrier. Thankfully, dropping out of Illusion Barrier in a position where something was there in the real world didn't do damage to anything and just caused the two objects to move if possible until they weren't inside each other, so even though my aim was off and my feet were clipping through the floor I just shot up until I was standing.

"Ah!" Gran Torino, who was carrying some grocery bags, shouted when I appeared out of nowhere. "...Who are you, again?"

"Sorry for startling you, Torino-sensei," I said. "I decided to train in my Illusion Barrier, which was a good call because the first thing I did wrecked this building."

"That's nice, whoever you are." He yawned. "I'm tired. I think I'm gonna go to bed after I put these away."

"Oh, I thought you'd want to spar some more..." I said.

He handed me a bag full of packages of frozen taiyaki. "That's nice, kid. Wanna help me put away the groceries?"

"...Did you only buy taiyaki?" I asked. Observe told me the other grocery bags only had taiyaki in them, too... It was a good thing The Gamer meant I didn't need to eat, I guess...

"Don't be silly, Toshinori!" he said with a goofy grin, then produced a lollipop. "I got this for you, young man!"

I took the lollipop. "Thanks, I guess..." I put it in my mouth. It was green apple, not my favorite flavor but at the same time it wasn't my least favorite flavor. He probably picked it because of my hair... I checked the fridge when I put the taiyaki in the freezer. He had a wide variety of food, a lot of it healthy but also a lot of sweets, too. I guess he just really felt like getting taiyaki. I felt his gaze on me while I checked the fridge. Maybe he was testing me by showing fake signs that he was senile?

"Good night," I told him when we were done putting the taiyaki in the freezer. "I think I'll train a bit more before I turn in for the night. I'll try not to stay up too late, though." That was kind of a lie, but one could argue that because The Gamer made it so I didn't have to sleep I technically couldn't stay up to late...

"Good night, Toshinori," he said with a grin.

xoxoxo

A/N: So yeah Midoriya already has experience enhancing his entire body at once with magical energies, so I figured we could skip the whole "I'm a taiyaki" bit and get straight to the Full Cowl with only some light scolding to jumpstart him.

Elemental list: Midoriya: Halitus, Dune, Rayne, Blaise, Juniper, Mifuyu, Raimon, Iggy, Sonia, and Claude Bakugou: Pyra and Leaf Tokoyami: Corvo Uraraka: Nebula and Ion Hagakure: Lucy Tsu: Bubbles Aizawa: Charlie and Cassiopeia All Might: Seth O'Scope

[mochilici0us]

One New Message | jjk (4)

➳ 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: angst, thriller, stalker au

➳ 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Skye realizes she has to deal with a ruthless stalker when the messages she’s constantly receiving are getting more and more threatening. A stalker that makes her recall memories of the past she swore she would never rake up again

➳ 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 2,5k

prologue, part one, part two, part three, part four

April 2013

''Skye can you pass me the milk please?'' my father kindly requests while we enjoy our breakfast. They enjoy to be exact. I can hardly take part in their conversation, my mind is away.

My eyes can't stop following her skinnier, exhausted figure moving from the kitchen to the dining haul and serving breakfast.

Something's up these days, she avoids eye contact with me at all costs, we haven't even talked properly. She's acting cold towards me just muttering a few weak goodmornings and goodnights. Yeah, those are the only words I've exchanged with my ''best friend'', not even a little talk to catch up with each other's news.

''Ruby can you fetch me some honey?'' my mother yells so that Ruby listens from the kitchen. A few seconds after she appears holding a jar of honey. Even her walk is stiff, I'm genuinely concerned about her health.

''Here you are'' I'm sure she can feel my burning gaze as she leaves the honey on the table and finally after a week our eyes meet.

Shit, she looks so pale, dark circles under her red eyes, chipped lips, I can even practically see her facial bones. To my surprise she doesn't look annoyed or angry. She just glances at me tiredly, as if she had quit living.

My piercing gaze on the other hand is anything but calm and sympathetic. She's clearly sick, something's eating her alive and instead of sharing her concerns with me she stays away?

Our eye contact lasts only for a few seconds but it's strong enough to show my restrained rage.

She realizes it immediately, averts her gaze and leaves like the coward she is.

''This weekend I'm leaving on an unexpected business trip'' my father announces and takes a sip of his coffee right after

''Again? You were on a business trip last week'' my mother fires back

''Do you think it's up to me? For your information I'd rather stay home and relax with my family''

''I don't mean it's your fault I just...''

''You make me feel terrible every time I have to tell you about a businesstrip. I can't talk to my family without restrictions anymore Christen''

''Ok I'm sorry don't get mad'' my mother lowers her eyes and apologises quickly before my father gets more angry.

Sometimes I admire my dad. He's so manipulative but not in a bossy way, he always prevails upon my mother with sensible arguments, voice laced with sweetness.

He's so diplomatic, no doubt he has built such a great career

''Darling why are you not eating?'' my mother remarks as I fiddle with the spoon. The bowl of granola cereals is untouched.

''I have no appetite. I have to go to school anyway, I'm late'' I pretendto study my watch and stand up

''Do you want me to come with you?'' my father suggests

''Nο it's ok I can walk''

''Skye are you sure everything's ok?'' I hear my mother's voice as I head towards the living room to grab my backpack.

''I'm fine mum I just didn't sleep well. See you later''

As I'm about to exit alone Ruby appears out of nowhere. Her body posture screams nervousness.

''You didn't eat your breakfast'' she speaks quietly biting her already chopped lips

She's been avoiding me for a week and now she pretends to be a thoughtful friend. She made me feel depressed, cry myself to sleep thinking what the hell I did wrong and now she plays dumb?

I just stay still without answering, my intense eyes glued to her wandering ones. She doesn't even dare to look at my eyes.

She clears her throat ''Here''she takes a fresh hand-made sandwich out of her pocket and extends her hand. I eye her hand without moving an inch.

''You can eat it instead. You look like a sceleton'' I spit my venom and walk out of my house without sparing her a glance.

It was too late when I realized what I had said.

''I love spaghetti but my mother never cooks. My dad says she cooks terrible but that's a secret'' Grace's friend Lisa whispers and pretends to seal her lips. She's so cute.

''Don't worry your secret is safe''

She nods and digs into her food again. Under other circumstances I wouldn't have cooked but today Susan picked up both Grace and Lisa so I couldn't disoblige her. Her puppy eyes gave me enough courage to get up and cook even though I'm still in a cast.

The three of us are sitting in the dining table and enjoying my home-made bolognese spaghetti. I was never good at cooking, I couldn't cook to save my life to be exact but I had to learn how for Grace. So I practiced and practiced till I reached my goal, I didn't want to become the new master chef, just learn how to cook some basic things so that Grace eats home-made food. In the beginning I would constantly fail but practice makes perfect.

''Eat your veggies as well girls'' I gesture at the bowl of salad.

They both nod like good girls and do as I say. They're so freaking adorable. Lisa has short black hair with bangs and chocolate brown eyes. She's small but taller than Grace. She comes by often, most of the times I pick her up from school as well since Grace and her are classmates.

Her favorite foods are spaghetti, steak with baby potatoes and vegetable fried rice. Let's not forget my signature fruit smoothie which I always serve with vanilla frosting cupcakes.

We always sit and eat together, exchanging news, telling jokes. I really enjoy their interactions, they look like two tiny dumplings.

"What did you do in school today?" I ask intertwining my fingers

"We drew our dream gardens, mine has a huge swimming pool" Lisa hurries to answer

"Mine has a plenty of colorful flowers and a big telescope on the center to admire the stars. And the Sky. Sky as we say Skye" Grace jokes shyly, puffing her flushed cheeks. Lisa bursts into a laughter once she gets the joke.

"Good one Grace" I wink at my little sister who resembles a puppy waiting for a praise.

After a while we're finally done with the food. I really missed cooking and eating my own food, Susan cooks pretty decently as well but I was craving so bad for some of my spaghetti.

''Did you enjoy your meal girls?'' I eye the empty plates

''Yeah!''they both cheer

''Go to play now while I prepare your fruits''

The two small kitties obey and walk towards the room wiggling their small butts. I can't help but chuckle at them.

My eyes land on the dirty dining table as I sigh disappointed, washing the dishes is definitely the worst part of cooking and eating. No matter how much I enjoy preparing food and trying new recipes, the process of cleaning after is terrible. I'm going to wash the dishes later I think and slowly proceed to my big kitchen to cut fruits for the girls, my hands holding the crutches tight.

Being on my feet isn't the best idea whatsoever but tomorrow I'm having my cast removed so my ankle is pretty much healed.

I go for strawberries, bananas and pears and also pick two colorful bowls.

As I already mentioned tomorrow I'm having my cast removed. My stomach twitches in anticipation. Will he be there? Two weeks have passed but I still find myself thinking of him before sleeping even though the picture of him is blurry and distant. Just a memory, a distant picture of him is enough to keep me up at night...

I brush away these thoughts and throw the fruits into the bowls, adding some honey on top and voila! A quick and healthy sweet fruit salad.

"Girls come on" I yell and wait for the two little ones to arrive, trying to distract my mind from unwanted thoughts.

What I know for sure is that tomorrow is a big day....

"You're finally able to walk again, I'm so happy'' Susan cheers and hugs me tight as we exit the hospital. Unfortunately I didn't have my cast removed by the pretty doctor, he didn't even appear to be exact.

Disappointed but not suprised

The young cute nurse was there though, she recognized me and even greeted me, I was THIS close to ask about him but my pride didn't allow me.

''How are you feeling?'' Her hand strokes my back

''Weird'' I respond eyeing my healed ankle ''I was used to walking on crutches''

Indeed last 2 weeks I would only walk using my crutches, they had become a part of my routine. I certainly feel better now though, well-rested,healthy, ready to return to reality.

''Let's go, I'm treating you to brunch.. There are so many things we have to catch up on after''

''W-what do you mean?'' I stutter scared because I have a feeling that I already know her answer

''Shopping therapy of course''

Oh no...

''Susan are you kidding I just removed my cast''

''Sweetheart you know I wouldn't drag you along unless I had a reason. Next Tuesday is Yoongi's birthday party, we have to get our outfits''

''Yoongi's birthday...'' I scratch my sculpt looking at her sheepishly''I totally forgot, I'm sorry''

''It's ok, you're coming anyway''

''What about-''

''Taehyung's gonna take care of your sister don't worry'' she cuts me off as if she had read my thoughts

I nod, it's rude to deny the invitation

''Yoongi's friends are really handsome and some of them are single so don't think you're getting off. We have to find a cute outfit for you as well... now let's eat'' I roll my eyes but agree rubbing my stomach that hasn't stopped rumbling and finally get in her car .

''It's stunning'' I examine the purple midi dress Susan's holding. The material is silk, it appears glamorous, expensive and the embellished straps detail completes the look.

''Should I try it on?'' she hesitates

''Of course, purple looks amazing on you'' That's true, the contrast between her ginger hair, green eyes and the purple colour is definitely unique. Purple flatters every single of her characteristics.

''Let's find something for you'' her eyes wander around the store

''I gained weight these days so I should go for something baggy''

''No Skye, you should go for something sexy yet sick that emphasizes your cleavage. Your boobs got bigger, thankfully'' she whispers the last word and rolls her eyes

''Susan'' I whisper yell covering my breasts with my hands ''Did they?'' I rethink my friend's comment. Indeed I've noticed a slight development. This whole weight gaining story had a positive result at least.

Once I realise where my hands are and how the rest of the customers look at me probably thinking I'm a horny pervert I instantly lower them and grab the first dress I lay my eyes on.

''This one is perfect yes'' Susan practically runs towards me ''It's very elegant and the lace detail makes it sensual. You're definitely trying it on''

I take a closer look at the dress I picked out on random. It's certainly cute, off shoulder, midi, black with lace but tight as hell

''Isn't it way too tight? I think it's gonna accentuate every single bloated part of my body''

''Try it out you have nothing to lose. Besides the party is in 5 days, you have plenty of time to search for a dress''

''There's no way I'm going through this again. It's either today or I'm coming wearing my Pjs'' I announce and make my way to the fitting rooms determined. I can hear Susan mumbling a few curses, probably blaming me for being grumpy and stubborn.

''Excuse me'' an assistant approaches us

''There's only one fitting room available. I'm afraid you have to wait for a while''

''No problem, Susan you go first''

''Are you sure?''

I nod and sit in the comfortable blue chair that matches the rest of the decoration and furnishings of the store.

This showroom is excellently designed, the minimal yet eccentric blue décor casts an air of originality as the majority of stores follow a consistent pattern. No wonder it's Susan's favorite showroom, modern decor, excellent service and the clothing here is feminine, figure-friendly just like the dress I'm holding.

I'm so absorbed in gaping at the interior decoration that I don't notice my friend standing in front of me.

''Hey, earth to Skye'' she wiggles her fingers in front of my face

''Sorry'' I take my time studying her figure. ''I really like it. It's ideal for your body type and the colour is gorgeous''

The violet silk dress looks perfect on her, the semi tight fit shows up her toned silhouette, the swarovski embellished spaghetti straps together with the V neck flaunt her beautiful collarbones.

''I think it looks lovely too'' the cheerful, helpful assistant comments

''Yeah I like it'' she stares at the mirror

''You can use that fitting room'' the girl gestures at an empty room smiling. How are they always so kind and happy?''It's free now''

''Thank you'' I smile back and give a long sigh standing up from the soft chair.

Reluctantly I undress myself and wear the cute midi dress. It's tight but not as much as I expected. Well it's not that bad after all, I still need Susan's opinion though and a closer look in the big mirror. A few seconds later I'm out and heading for the mirror.

''Wow'' Susan talks ''It looks... stunning''

The dress hugs my body flawlessly, emphazising my curves. The off-shoulder design is very cute but sexy at the same time because my cleavage is shown off perfectly and I'm not even wearing a push up bra. I never thought I'd look that attractive in a dress.

''It fits you like a dream. You're definitely buying it'' Susan insistsand the assistant agrees

It's elegant yet sexy. Sexy in a non provocative way since it shows off only the right places.

''I think I'm getting this one'' I finally decide and Susan winks excitedly

''Hurry up we have to go for heels as well''

''Heels? Ha''  A humorless laugh leaves my lips

''You're laughing? What are you planning to wear with this dress then?'' she crosses her arms.

Her question catches me off guard but I act cool ''Flats? I don't care, anything but heels''

She laughs sarcastic lifting a shaped eyebrow ''Flats? If you plan to wear flat shoes on my husband's party I inform you that you're not invited''

I simply pout, my eyes pleading for mercy

''Come on Skye it's a party, a bussines kinda party you don't have to walk or dance. You can deal with heels under these circumstances I'm sure''

''Okay'' I sigh defeated meeting her gaze. There's no point in agruing, she's right I need heels with the apparel I chose.

''Hurry up then'' she scolds and enters the fitting room.

Have I mentioned how much I hate shopping with my best friend?

[this-is-a-podcast-fanblog]

PENUMBRA LIVE

I just got home from seeing Juno Steel and the Train From Nowhere Live, and I have SO MANY EMOTIONS AND THOUGHTS AND THINGS I WANT TO TELL YOU GUYS 

so full reaction under the cut. Obviously, massive spoilers for the live show, so don’t read if you plan on buying the recording and want to experience it for the first time that way. 

Something you guys should know: AS I WROTE THIS, Alice Chuang (whom I met at the show) DM’ed me on Twitter and we have been chatting back and forth for a while now, I am LITERALLY TEXTING ALICE CHUANG AS I WRITE THIS. 

Okay. Holy cow. First of all, the obvious: the show was amazing, the actors were all crazy talented, the energy of the crowd was great, I had a fantastic time and am so happy I went. The music, sound, and lights were really cool, minimalist, but conveyed the show tone beautifully. 

And THE COSTUMES!! Not sure who picked them, but they were perfect. Joshua had the same trench coat/white shirt/jeans combo from the last liveshow, but for Dahlia Rose he wore a lacy white blazer that also had pink flowers on it. It looked very good on him and his face when Juno says “You bought me clothes?!” was hysterical. Engstrom and Valencia were elegant and totally creepy. M Sutherland had a red and grey suit and waistcoat; he also had eye makeup but it was a little more subtle. Valencia was in a gorgeous shiny red dress and lounge singer black gloves up to her elbows. Those were all cool, but nothing is EVER gonna top Noah’s Nureyev outfit, which was a pair of black pants, white shirt, black tie, and a black and white striped corset with the tie tucked into it. You may be thinking, “oh, HG, that just sounds like a waistcoat” nope!!!! It was like actually a corset! He also had killer eyeliner. For most of the show he wore a black blazer, but as Duke Rose he wore this crazy glittery golden blazer covered in sequins. It was gaudy and he rocked it, it suited Duke so perfectly! 

Those four made up the main cast, but there were two other actors - first of all, Kate Jones, obviously, as Miasma. She had ghostly white makeup and covered her face and head with a white shawl. That, plus the fact that the lights turned red whenever she stepped on stage, made the perfect creepy vibe. She had a lot more lines in this than the original - Juno would refer to her voice in his head a lot, and every time, she came out and said something creepy. She was on a little raised stage behind the rest of the cast so she was glaring down at him and it was just asdggkfj;fldj a it was so cool. 

Then there was another cast member I totally did not anticipate - Melissa DeJesus (Quanyii) played the Ruby7! She also worked props, so when Juno was talking about Nureyev’s coat, she held it up, when the bell rang during the card game she rang it, and she also played Miasma’s assistant pointing the gun at Nureyev (it was a cardboard rifle, they also used it when Juno had to shoot out of the car). For the Ruby7 she held a steering wheel and stood in front of Joshua and Noah making the car noises into a microphone or with a whistle. Also she had a necklace shaped like a license place that said “Ruby7″. It was such a cute way to show the car, which some of you may remember was something I was speculating wildly about when I first bought the ticket. Every time Nureyev mentioned how great the Ruby7 was she would vamp and at one point she blew him a kiss and he blew one back it was so adorable.

i’ve been typing for a half hour and I haven’t even gotten into the actual show yet

Before the show even started, there was amazing energy. I bought two posters from Kat Buckingham, who was working the merch stand, found a great seat, chatted with the people sitting near me, and just felt the excitement. There were so many amazing costumes, and like a third of people were wearing ear cuffs with chains in honor of Peter (I was among this number). Kevin Vibert made some announcements about emergency exits and whatnot, and then the lights dimmed. There were two curtains on opposite sides of the performance area, Joshua and Noah FLIPPED OPEN the curtains on different sides and just did this power walk to the mics in the middle while all of us audience members screamed and cheered for a solid minute, it was glorious. 

Almost immediately I noticed a change to the script - they added a subplot about an additional Martian artifact Miasma had stolen, called the Key of something I don’t know how to spell, which apparently locks away any concept, like locking away sound around a person (this was revisited during the assassin bit). When Nureyev mentioned the key Juno said something like, “Wait, I don’t think that’s how this is supposed to happen” which was a cute way to acknowledge the changes they were making. Then he started mentioning some Season 2 stuff (”I dreamed I only had one -” “We all  only have one life, detective!”) and Nureyev cut him off and then launched into a recap of the events of 2Murderous2Mask. He brought up audience members to reenact it, and it was really funny and I loved it a lot. 

One of my favorite changes was that a couple of times when Juno was internally monologuing, Nureyev would be there too. At one point Juno acknowledged it like, “I do this thing where I just talk, and usually it’s just me.” Nureyev was really energetic, Noah got super into those parts and would take the mic down from the stand and be gesturing and hopping around while Juno watched. They also went into a lot more detail about the Throne of Arkuthusis (I probably spelled that wrong) and Samantha Carthwright (now called Sammy), who was played by an audience member. Juno explained that anyone who sat in the chair could have infinite knowledge and people would ask them questions. Nureyev then asked the audience member a bunch of questions in different accents which A.) was really funny B.) was crazy because apparently Noah can do an insane range of accents C.) cute because Juno just let him do it for a while before cutting him off. It had a very “petulant married life” vibe when Nureyev shared Juno’s monologues, and I’m not sure if it was supposed to be some significant commentary that Nureyev was “in Juno’s head” or just fun staging. Either way, I loved it. 

For the card game, there were a few changes. Engstrom asked Juno if he knew how to play Rangian Street Poker and Nureyev-as-Duke said “Don’t say no!” through his teeth right as Juno said “nope.” and then an explanation followed. After a while Juno lost track and got annoyed and before Engstrom could get mad back or explain the whole thing again Nureyev-as-Duke covered Juno’s mouth with his hand and then when he pulled his hand away he fucking caressed Juno’s cheek with his knuckles while Juno glared at him and the audience went feral. 

Hey by the way Noah Simes? Is just fucking incredible like his mannerisms as Duke were so over-the-top but amazing, when he reverted back to Nureyev there was an IMMEDIATE shift just in the way he talked and the way he stood, like with Duke everything was all exaggerated and he drew out all the “you’s” (So in the phone call he basically went “See youuu SooooOOOOnN!!! :D”) but then for Nureyev he was a lot more reserved, and he had this smug little half smirk for most of it. Just like, what does it feel like to be that talented, wish I could relate. 

They didn’t actually play cards, but Noah did rip a piece of paper to be the dueling wargoats card. Even so, the tension was strong and you could feel the suspense even if (like me) you knew exactly what was coming next. Also, I forgot to mention, there were a lot of sound effects! When Juno heard someone’s thoughts (he heard Valencia’s and Nureyev’s a few times) that would be a voiceover, the train noises were all played, gunshots, etc. The assassin wasn’t actually shown, but you could hear the voiceover for that as well. 

You’re all probably wondering: THE DOODLES. They were actual crumpled balls of paper that Juno pulled out of Nureyev’s coat; later when they were back in the hotel room, Nureyev took off his jacket and said he was going to bed (Noah just kinda stood there with his eyes closed) and Juno threw one of the notes at his head and literally went “Nyeh” as he threw it. We all laughed for quite a while. 

Jupeter jumping through garbage chutes was great, Noah sort of pushed Joshua and then they pantomimed jumping down - but apparently I’m supposed to believe that Peter backflipped into the garbage chute, from the way Noah gestured, and I’m HERE FOR THAT, he’s just that much of an extra bitch. (Nureyev was very much an extra bitch throughout this entire show, as you know if you have ever listened to The Penumbra Podcast).

The whole getaway chase was awesome. Not sure if I mentioned this yet, but they had one mic that could be taken away from the stand and walked around, which is how they did the phone calls, the person on the other end of the line would stand off to the side with the wireless mic and perform like that. Once Juno, Nureyev, Valencia, and Engstrom got on the train they did all of those lines, but a nice new addition to the script was Valencia threatened Juno with a gun and Nureyev pushed Juno slightly behind him with a hand on his chest (actually I can’t remember if this scene happened here or in the casino, suffice it to say it happened and it was gay and wonderful) and said basically “if you even so much as warm his skin” and followed that up with a threat, I forget exactly what. Then when Nureyev pumped the brakes of the train he grabbed Juno and pulled him to one side, and Valencia and Engstrom’s actors left. 

For the tight room they ducked into to hide, Noah and Joshua sort of pressed together back to back and tilted the mic stands so they were still able to talk into the mic. There was a great line where Juno said something like, “Is there a reason why you keep shoving us into tight spaces together?” and then they got out and Noah took the wireless mic and went up to one of the curtains on the side of the stage, then he sort of fell through with a shout and Juno was locked in the room with Valencia. She took the other wireless mic and circled him, which was soooo creepy and really cool, especially with the moody lighting they had over the whole scene. When Juno pretended to faint Joshua just like,,,, threw up his arms and dropped to the floor in the most dramatic swoon possible it was great, and when Valencia died she fell through the curtain on the side of the stage and someone caught her. 

The showdown with Engstrom was tense and great. M Sutherland has a great presence and because he’s really fucking tall he seemed very menacing next to Jupeter (especially earlier when they were in their crazy suits and he was just all polished). With his suit and beard and eyeliner he sort of looked like a younger president Snow ala The Hunger Games, perfect villain vibes. Nureyev did the whole pin-him-by-the-arms thing as Juno described it in his monologue and oh god Noah did the most PERFECT fox smile throughout the whole thing, but what’s weird is I can’t actually remember how Engstrom’s death went?? I assume he fell through the curtain but I just,,, genuinely can’t remember?

Right after that they seemed to have a technical issue with the train sound effects so Joshua and Noah adlibbed it for a few seconds, then it started working again and they grabbed each other’s arms and did the whole jump-off-the-train thing. When Juno asked where the Ruby7 was, Melissa DeJesus came out with her arms tied in ropes, I guess to show the car had been captured and then BOOM KATE JONES AS MIASMA. She’s so scary and intimidating, and her voice sounds even cooler live than on the show. 

Then!!! The gun is pointed at Nureyev!!! and oh god Noah’s face in this scene first he looked a little panicked, but then resigned, and the lights went BACK AND FORTH BACK AND FORTH from regular to Juno’s monologue, and this super scary layered clip of Miasma saying “I will have what I want” played and oh god it was just so totally incredible and I loved it and by that point I was aware the show was about to end but I never wanted it to, I wanted to sit there and watch this forever, and I knew I couldn’t which made me a little sad. 

and oh wow wow wow...

then we got to the part where they got in the car, and Juno had his monologue, and Nureyev was watching him for the whole thing with the sweetest loving smile on his face, and then he told Juno not to give up on him yet and then Noah and Joshua reached into the space between the microphones and took each other’s hands, so they were holding hands and the crowd went WILD. Obviously this episode didn’t have a kiss, but the ROMANCE of that moment was just PEAK it was so freaking phenomenal, and when Miasma said the whole “There it is, your final resting place,” they didn’t even look at it, for a while they were just looking at each other for a few long seconds, and then they both turned to look at the tomb and they just stood there holding hands looking ahead all resigned and determined, and then the lights went down and it was over. 

(the cutest thing about the whole hand holding though was Noah kept glancing over like either he was trying to show Peter’s intense desire to hold Juno’s hand or else he wasn’t sure when he was supposed to grab Joshua’s hand and he was trying to make sure they did it at the same time. Either way it was sweet and looked really good.) 

They did the curtain call, I screamed so loudly for each actor, and then anyone who wanted to meet the cast went and lined up in the hallway outside the theater. The staircase by this hallway was also the staircase into the bar, so all the bar and restaurant, so all the restaurant patrons were very baffled to see the Penumbra-goers in our cosplays, (and me wearing the pride flag around my shoulders.) While I waited to meet with the cast I got to chat with Kat Buckingham! I also talked to her when I bought merch, and I told her I thought she was talented - she said “I bet YOU’RE really talented!” and I almost cried, then she told me I was free to DM her, also encouraged me when I told her about my podcast, and was all around just the sweetest. 

The cast were at a table, sort of like a convention, and we just went down the line and got our stuff signed. I got to talk to all of the actors and they were SO! VERY! SWEET! I hadn’t thought at all about what I was gonna say, so I just kind of mentioned whatever. I told Noah that I write Jupeter fanfiction and said, “So that means I have your voice in my head a lot”, and he said like “That’s... somewhat unusual to hear, as I’m sure you can imagine.” I told him he was really talented and he signed my poster and was very friendly, thanked me for coming even though literally I was thanking him because HOLY FUCK HE WAS SO AMAZING. Also, Kate Jones asked me what my shirt said (it said “I am too emotionally attached to fictional characters” and thought that was cool. 

I told Joshua, Sophie, and Kevin that this podcast inspired me to start my own podcast, and they were so incredibly encouraging and supportive about that! Joshua asked if I had fun (as if I could have not had fun!) and thanked me for coming - like both of these amazingly talented stars of this hit show are thanking me for coming to see them, that’s so humble and kind and ugh I just stan this cast so much. @rudzik-art made some amazing artwork, which I turned into prints to give to Sophie and Kevin, and they really loved it! Sophie even signed both my poster and the one I got for Robin, even though their rule said only one item per person. Then they both thanked me for coming, and I headed out to catch my train home.

Overall, this show was phenomenal. There was only one thing in the whole production that I disliked: they took out the “It’s not polite to tell someone his gift means nothing to you” line, and I’m not really sure why, because that line forms a lot about the characters? But artists’ choice, of course. Personally, I would have loved to see it, but the pacing was just as good without it. 

I’ve been looking forward to this for so long, and now that’s it’s over I’m experiencing some pretty strong post-show depression, not gonna lie. I just want to come back and see it again every night for the rest of my life, even though that would not be good for the cast. I want to go out and make art and share my work and maybe someday inspire someone anywhere near as much as this inspired me. 

TL;DR THE LIVE SHOW WAS FUCKING INCREDIBLE. 

If you weren’t able to make it to either live show and you have some questions about it, feel free to send them to my inbox!

[twoidiotwriters1]

Starcrossed Losers II (Josh Wheeler xReader)

A/N: Loving this thing already, seriously hoping to keep the constant of posting two chapters every week lmao

Words: 2,766

Warnings: Swearing ig

Previous Chapter // Next chapter

Of course. Of course, it was this guy.

Eli fucking Cardashyan, or as I liked to call him, the goblin under the bridge that always copied my answers on every test since we were thirteen. Just like Josh, Angelica and Wesley, I knew Eli from a while back. He wasn’t exactly popular but everyone knew him as the school’s “wanna-be”, I thought he would be dead by now, I’m glad to see I was wrong.

But I can’t believe he’s got the mall for himself. Even worse, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. The mall was neutral territory, everyone could go and hang out with their friends, so the most logical thing is to say everyone had the same right over it. And is Eli Cardashyan the one who gets to have it all for himself? I call bullshit. This kind of situation is what leads me to believe that there is really no god.

“This is who we’ve been scared of?” Angelica complains, “A light breeze could kick his ass!”

“I thought it was gonna be Hoyles,” Wesley adds in a mix of disbelief and disappointment, “this is... Who is this again?”

“It’s Eli,” sighs Josh, he walks towards the bike and examines it, then lets out a childish laugh, “it’s fine, He’s a knock-off Baron Triumph”

And yes, obviously he was. Eli could be an idiot sometimes but he wasn’t a murderer. He went off on his (honestly weird as hell) speech until Josh cut him off.

“Who else is with you? Where is Sam Dean?” Eli scoffs.

“Do I look like her publicist?”

“Sam’s not here?” 

“I’m sorry, it’s just me and my girlf, Mavis” He answers with a smirk.

Josh and I share a look, I shrug and mouth a ‘sorry’, Josh shakes his head, telling me not to worry about it.

“You have the entire mall? You?” asks Angelica.

“Right?! How did that even happen?” I ask in frustration. Wesley mumbles a ‘chill, girl’ that I decide to ignore.

Eli went on and on, and to be honest I think I only understood like fifty percent of what he was saying, part because I wasn’t listening, and part ‘cause the boy has a wild vocabulary. Josh and I looked at each other in annoyance and I knew he was feeling as done as me with the conversation. When I was starting to think this day couldn’t get any crazier, the real Baron Triumph made his entrance.

We all hurl up at the doors and Eli pulls out a set of keys from his pocket, desperately trying to open them.

“Faster, he’s almost here!” says Josh.

“Get your own mall, this one’s mine” Eli grumbles.

“Are you twelve?” I reply, “We’re on the same side here!”

“We’re finna get eaten out here...”

“Not helping, Wesley.” 

“Got it!” Says Eli. The other boys pull him aside and practically rip the chains from the handles, “Hey!”

Josh pushes me inside hurriedly before entering himself. The others soon following after. I hear the door slamming shut and I look over my shoulder to see Eli running behind us; we’re all safe.

We reach one of the halls and Josh stops in awe, it takes me an extra second to stop completely cause I’m still wearing my skates, but when I do I’m just as amazed as him. Behind me, I hear Angelica talk.

“There’s power and air conditioning...”

“Everything is so... clean”

“Still smells like cinnabon”

“Am I still alive?” I look over at Josh, “You sure I didn’t die when you hit me this afternoon?”

“I didn’t hit you that hard,” He replies, still looking around like it was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

“Solar panels on the roof!” Eli sings, “This is an island of paradise in an ocean of poop.”

“What a fancy allegory,” I snicker.

I’ll allow myself to remember, I don’t do it as often as I’d like...

-Flashback time-

What? You thought I wasn’t going to do this? C’mon, I’m a lonely child. All I have are my memories of the good ol’ times, so you’ll be forced to relive them with me. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. (I do, but I don’t wanna brag about it).

“We should go to my place, there’s nothing to do here...”

“Maya, for the last time,” I look at the girl standing next to me, “we told Alex we would meet here.”

“I know,” She whines, “but Hoyles is here and that guy gives me the creeps. I heard he tried to have sex with Ashley Miller while she was completely wasted”

“Sounds like Hoyles,” I nod in agreement, “but we can’t scatter everytime we run into them. We’re not little kids anymore, he can’t hurt us”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” She points to the opposite corner, Hoyles and his gang are terrorizing a freshman and the people around does nothing but move away.

“Can you belive that?” I start to walk towards them but Maya grabs my arm tightly, “What?”

“Don’t be stupid,” She rolls her eyes, “don’t even try to stop them, seriously, they won’t stop and you’ll get harassed.”

“It’s a freshman!” I insist, “Hoyles is like three times his size! You can’t expect me to do nothing”

“Listen,” my friend raises an eyebrow, “Y/N, those guys are crazy, please...”

I look back at the boys and realize they’re no longer there, I turn to her in defeat.

“I just really hate bullies, okay?”

“Let’s face it, we don’t have the ability to stop them all.”

“To stop what?” 

I quickly turn around and see the person I’ve been waiting for: Alex, my best friend since childhood. My mood switches instantly and I shrugg it off, already starting to forget.

“Just the usual dumbassery,” I reply with a chuckle.

“Hey loser,” Maya adds, “you’re late.”

“Yeah, I know” Alex nods awkwardly, “lost track of time again, sorry.”

“What was it this time?” I ask, “youtube or the comic?”

“Youtube,” He smirks, “vine is honestly a national treasure.”

“Sure,” I snort, “too bad is dead now.”

“Those who are great live the shortest lives,” He replies with his ‘wise old man’ voice.

“So,” Maya hops between us and puts her arms around our shoulders, “you want to look around?”

“I wanna go see the skates,” Alex adds, basically vibrating, “they have a new model and I wanna try them on.”

“The skates place, then,” My friend nods and pulls us with her.

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

A loud bang brings me back to the present and I remember why were we hiding here in the first place.

“This way, quick!” Eli tells us before he starts running. I move fast since I’m the only one with wheels on her feet. And soon most of them are behind me. Eli presses a button on the keychain he has, and the metal curtain lifts up enough for us to get in. “Go under, we’ll be safe in here...”

As soon as Josh, Angelica and I get in, the curtain comes back down.

“What the hell?” asks Josh.

“I’m not sharing my kingdom with you, sheep. No one busts into Eli’s mall. And don’t even try to escape.”

“We weren’t trying to escape, you brainless leprechaun!” This is unbelievable, I swear, I just want out of this day, “We’re running away from the monster that's on your side! You won’t make it on your own against Triumph, he’ll find a way to get in and eat you”

“Every door is locked or booby-trapped.” A laugh distracts us from the discussion and I see Wesley next to Eli... on the other side.

“Booby,” He chuckles. He’s been smoking, so you can’t expect him to behave.

Eli groans. Josh steps closer and smirks.

“Wesley Fists lead the state in sacks last season. Take him out, Samurai.”

“To fight someone so obviously inferior would be dishonorable.” He raises a brow. Eli shows us both of his middle fingers.

“Great,” I throw my backpack on the floor and walk away from the curtain, “this is only getting better and better...” 

“One punch, Wesley, come on,” Josh insists, “one punch.”

I let out a sharp breath and sit on the bench a few feet away from them to take off my skates. As useful as they are, I’m starting to feel sore and they’re not the most comfortable thing to wear after a few hours of running. While I’m doing so, another memory comes to mind and I’m unable to stop it.

Where was I? Oh, right...

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

“I think these are more you’re style,” I grab the bright, lime-green pair from the right shelf and hand them to Alex, he laughs and examines them for a moment like he’s actually considering the idea.

“I mean, they wouldn’t match any of my outfits but they’d totally be catching everyone’s eye.”

“Isn’t that the point, though?”

“Obviously,” He shakes his head pretending to be offended by the question, “though I think I’ll have to pass this time. I already made my choice.”

He shows me a pair of white-colored ones.

“Dude, are you serious?” I grab the skates and raise them to his eye level, “These are the most boring pair of skates ever”

“Now they are,” Alex moves my hand slightly so he can see my face, “but I bet that you can turn them into a masterpiece”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Please, Y/N don’t play dumb, you know I love your drawings”

I blush at his reply. Sure, I like drawing but I’m no Van Gogh at it. The best thing I ever drew was probably a worm.

“You’re telling me you’d spend your money on the newest model of skates just to ruin them with your best friend’s nonexistent skills?”

“To me, their value would go up by a thousand if they had your drawings in them.”

“Jesus, get a room!” Maya exclaims beside us, she’s sitting on a small chair, trying random pairs of skates out of pure boredom.

“Shut up!” We both respond quickly. 

He looks at me and I’m pretty sure he’s blushin but I can’t really look at his face cause I’m too embarrassed to do so.

Oh, right. I forgot to mention that I had a crush on my best friend, didn’t I? No, I wasn’t avoiding this topic. I thought it wasn’t important anymore. And it isn’t! I promise it isn’t. Alex is gone, and with him so are my feelings.

Yes, you can laugh all you want cause I was one of those basic idiots who fell in love with their best friend just cause he treats me like any decent human being should. Can you blame me, though? Compared to Hoyles and his team of dickheads, Alex was a fucking teddy bear. 

And the worst part? I’m pretty sure he liked me back. 

We never made a move.

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

A loud scream makes me drop my broken skates and I run back to were Angelica and Josh are.

“What the fuck...” I whisper, clinging to the curtain.

“What the fuck is here with us?” Angelica is the first to ask what Josh and I were wondering as well.

“Ooh, a ghoulie witch,” Eli steps closer, lowering his voice, “once upon a time, she was a normal girl who liked hanging out at the mall. But now she’s got mad powers, and she will fuck your shit up. She is unkillable and she is hangry.”

“There is no such thing as witches.”

“Well, a few months ago there weren’t mutant squirrels or ghoulies either.” Adds Angelica.

“That’s right. And when the witch eats your intestines like spaghetti, you’ll think: I never should’ve dissed king Eli...” He walks backwards and leaves us here with fuck knows what.

“I swear every time he opens his mouth I feel like I’m having a stroke,” Now that I don’t have my skates on, I realize Josh’s taller than me. I barely reach the tip of his nose.

“Don’t worry, I’ll convince him to let you out.” Wesley says, “I’mma go full Gandhi on his ass. Hunger strike.”

“Easy there, we don’t want to traumatize him for life” I reply dryly.

Angelica and Josh step back from the curtain and I follow them. We sit on the bench and I look at my skates, cursing under my breath. Josh notices and gently nudges my side with his arm.

“Sorry about that. We can find a new pair somewhere around here if you want.”

“I hope so,” I kick them and they slide miserably on the floor, the wheels almost fully worn out, “I really liked them.”

“You used to skate a lot? Before the nuke,” He asks in curiosity.

“Not at all. I didn’t even know how to use them,” I laugh lightly, “my best friend used to, though. He promised he would teach me one day but... things didn’t go as planned.”

“Is he..?” He leaves the question open but I understand perfectly what he’s trying to say.

“Fuck, no,” I feel a shiver going down my spine just by thinking about it, “we wanted different things, that’s all. He had a plan and I had another. Alex wanted to leave town and travel around the country now that we’re free to do whatever we please. I just wanted to find my sister.”

“And where is she?”

“She turned into a ghoulie, so I... I took care of it.”

“Shit,” He whispers, passing a hand through his hair and looking a little pale, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Again, I’m not gonna talk about this stuff with someone I just met.

“Did I ever meet your friend?” Maybe Josh can tell I don’t want to keep going with the hard topics, and I appreciate his effort to respect that.

“Dunno,” I shrug, softly massaging my feet, “He’s Alex Murphy. Bit taller than me, cool guy...”

“Oh, him,” He nods, then adds, “I have no clue of who that is.”

I laugh louder this time, giving him a gentle push.

“Dumbass,” I shake my head, “anyway, after Alex and I went our separate ways I decided to learn on my own and I think I did pretty well, they’re quieter than cars and definitely easier to control than skateboards.”

“Oh, so you’re still not over that?” He raises a brow, a smirk growing on his face.

“Well, I’m not the one running over innocent people on the street.”

“It was an accident! I wasn’t watching where I was going. I was too busy trying not to get killed by the jocks”

“You sure? Cause so far all I’ve seen you do is nothing but the opposite. If I may give my humble opinion, it's not something very smart considering you’re alone.”

“I was doing well until today,” He sighs.

“I believe you, Wheeler,” I eye him up, “you're not like I'd pictured.”

“Really?” He smiles, “What did you imagine?”

“Kinda like those boys who pretend to be all grown up,” I reply, scrunching up my nose, “the ones that can’t be caught having fun or they’d lose their cool, like some sort of bitter old man in the body of a seventeen-year-old boy...”

“Okay, okay! I get it,” Josh laughs, raising his hands in defeat, “jeez, thanks for the compliments”

“I am complimenting you!” I exclaim, “I’m saying I was wrong and you’re not what I thought you were”

“You did think I was, though”

“Well, at least I had an opinion on you,” I scoff, “I’m sure you didn’t even think of that after we did our school project, I probably just stopped existing in your world or something...”

“Of course not,” It was his time to act offended, “every time I saw you on the hall after our project I made sure to wave at you, remember?”

“How kind of you”

“What can I say? I’m a real-life gentleman.”

I laugh again and pull my shoes out of my bag to put them on.

“Is that the reason why Sam Dean fell head over heels for you?”

The effect was immediate. Josh’s shoulders tense and his smile disappears, he clears his throat and looks anywhere but me.

“Uhm, I don’t really know if she...”

“It’s alright,” I add promptly, “sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad”

“I’m not sad,” He shakes his head, “it’s just that I keep thinking... maybe things could’ve been different if I had said something sooner, you know?”

Trust me, Josh. I know.

Taglist.

@letsbloodmagic 

[steve0discusses]

Yugioh S4 Ep 11: Rafael’s Lian Yu Experience

Ah, lets tune into Yugioh where Duke has decided to do some off-roading in the worst car and in the worst place.

Ah yes, the normal interaction you would have with a desert and your expensive vintage car. Duke has been struggling since he became a protagonist to stick to a defining trope. Now that Serenity is gone, and now that they aren’t watching a duel for Duke to be a downer about, I guess his only other tick is that he sucks at driving?

Again there was a perfectly serviceable truck back at the RV but they just really like to put miles on this car (which doesn’t have it’s lights on I believe, which...good job, Duke).

And he just launches these two inexplicably out of the car. Because Yugi might be losing his whole damn soul on the other end of this desert, but we will have cartoon shenanigans, damn it.

It really does look like Dukes looking through the wrong side of his binoculars here...that extra level of Duke.

Speaking of extra level, hows that horse thing going? Where Yugi is riding a horse for the first time in his entire life?

Because, apparently the show has decided that Yami should be really good at horses (????????). He can’t read any Egyptian, he doesn’t have any memories of his Pharaoh life, he can barely use magic, but apparently, he can game a horse. Only problem, is that this art team of high octane vehicle enthusiasts seems totally unaware of how horses work---I’ll just show you. This scene GOES places, and I will absolutely record it so you can watch it in it’s entirety in a separate post.

(see more horse under the cut)

The horses leg didn’t move the entire slide down the mountain y’all, he just stuck one hoof in front of him and power-slid down a freakin cliff like he was wearing horse Wheelies.

What the Hell?

Anyway, welcome to our new dueling platform.

You wouldn’t believe it, but it’s on a very tall thing. I know, in this show? They’re dueling on a tall thing? Whaaaaat?

This is a hilariously weirdly perfectly cylindrical land mass 10/10.

So Rafael’s whole deal is so freakin weird.

Rafael’s a weirdo. I was ready for Alister, since Alister introduced himself in a Maximilian Pegasus suit, but I just wasn’t expecting Rafael to be the weirdEST youknow? Of the three? Like he’s up there with Arcana and the band-saw ankle-slicing machine. Just a really choice human being who makes really good decisions.

God bless this artist’s obsession with edgy cargoes.

Anyways, another fun fact about Rafael is he gets more and more jacked with every single frame it feels--his muscles are like the quality to go fight Cell, but all he does is play cards.

Also he’s obsessed with justifying mass murder on a global scale so...he seems a little bit like an X-men villain in that way, except he’s...just a normal ass dude who got really buffed.

Rafael needs a reason to want to destroy all humanity--that’s really the big dilemma that the writing crew was given, but the way they got there...was a lot.

Lets dive right into it, starts off kind of normal, run of the mill “gotta cleanse the world yada yada” and then just starts somersaulting down a steep hill like in Princess Bride.

First of all, the show decides to reveal to us the entire story via a Rebecca google search, and then, once we’re like WTF? we get to hear it in it’s entirety and it is way weirder the second time.

So um...this Titanic cruise ship.

Yeah. I know. That’s a lot of Princess Peach dresses.

(welcome back, glass of OJ that every child on this show drinks with every meal)

Honestly there is no greater curse in this show than being rich. If you’re a rich dude you are SCREWED. Some force of nature is going to come for you just at any possible moment. You will get abducted....MANY TIMES. You will lose your parents, repeatedly. Your wife will die shortly after marriage. Some asshole will walk up and just remove your eyeball and replace it with a magic golf ball. You will never be the best at cards. Just never be rich in the Yugioh universe. It is better to be dead.

Speaking, of dead--just did a Rebecca-brand google search--do you know how many people fit on an average cruise liner?

It’s more than you think.

Woooooooooooooooooooooo that’s about 3000 people! Just nonchalantly! (and yo, I went mid-range, some cruise liners carry like 6000)

We passed so many 69′s just now!

Now there is some weird issues with this episode where Rebecca was like “The only survivor was Rafael” and then later, Rafael mentions his family is still alive--kinda sounds like the translation shenanigans are back at it, where the English version is desperately trying to keep people from dying, but like, the Japanese version drew a 600 ft tidal wave that ate up this cruise-liner like it was a bathtub toy made of paper.

But sure, maybe some escape boats made it out safely from a catastrophe that is 800 times worse than the Titanic. Sure they did.

PS History Channel got into a weird trend in the 00′s where they used to do these series of rogue wave horror stories--do you remember those? Anyways, one of my friends got super spooked by rogue waves and had it as one of her top ten fears. At the time I was like “lol you’re not gonna get rogue waved on a cruise are you kidding?” But then again, maybe she watched Yugioh and this episode scarred her for life?

Especially since this crazy traumatic experience was followed by three years of being stranded on an island and going COMPLETELY insane. Like not just...partial--Rafeal has absolutely no grip on reality anymore. Like, at all. He’s on another plane from most other Yugioh villains.

It’s like Lord of the Flies but there’s only one person in it. The Lord of the Fly.

This is a kid’s show.

Anyways, on the island, Rafael got hella jacked. So there was that one plus. He did eventually become a very huge person in his adulthood, although he did get a Mokuba haircut for a little while. This honestly says more about Mokuba’s hair routine than anything else.

He also spent some time seeing his lost family members as these three cards that he likes to pray to. Occasionally they fall into the ocean and he has to dry them off. Rafael lived a kind of boring weird life cycling between hallucinations and staring into the ocean.

The show didn’t bother to tell us what Rafael was eating or explain how that outfit lasted 3 years. But, they did describe that after 3 ENTIRE YEARS, Darts decided to just start harassing him.

Which...OK...and then there was this next sequence

I mean this was the only interaction that Rafael had in three years so maybe he forgot that getting drowned by people who harness the power of the ocean isn’t like...good behavior?

Anyways, back in the real world, in the city and wearing his hot topic grunge vest well into his early 30′s, Rafael decided that everyone just...deserves to die. Traffic sucks. Cities sucks. There’s too much crime. Everyone should be dead. It was very strange and sudden twist. You go from having all the money in the world, to no money, and then back to all the money and it’s like “Central heating SUCKS! KILL EVERYONE!”

Then Rafael made this mention of his family that has to be a translation thing.

Those guys have got to be dead. I mean this is Yugioh. There were no survivors. I’ll be very surprised if they pop up next episode, I’ll even dock them off the Death Count if they never died, I am that certain they won’t still be dead in this upcoming arc. They have clearly been replaced with paper cards. Like I wouldn’t be surprised if their souls were somehow inside these particular cards he carries.

I didn’t cap it, but to walk on the island you walk across a glowing oricalchos bridge and it was very goofy.

And then these guys showed up, reminding me again that they are still on this show, because tbh, I completely forgot.

I kinda miss when they were the weirdest people here and I just thought Rafael was another boring guy in handlebar muttonchops.

Anyway, it’s a short update today. I’m a little behind on things in other places, so that’s fine by me. I keep hoping that soon I’ll be back to doing like 2 of these a week. Especially since I recently decided to start blocking twitter and other places I’ve been wasting a little too much time on, maybe then it’ll funnel my efforts to here? We’ll see. Next episode we’ll find out how long all of these guys wearing jackets in the desert are faring.

And here’s a link to read these from the beginning.

[bard-llama]

That Wild Blue Yonder Ch 3

Read on AO3

First Chapter | Previous Chapter

When Jaskier woke, it was dark outside and he felt groggy in that weird way where he wasn’t really tired anymore, but he also didn’t feel awake. He yawned expansively and rolled himself out of bed. After a shower and some breakfast, he felt a lot more alive, but he was also kind of convinced he’d had a really intense dream.

This wasn’t Narnia. Wardrobes didn’t just lead to magical worlds.

But it wouldn’t hurt to check, right?

Jaskier hummed to himself as he leisurely walked down the corridors of the somehow-still-hot castle. Wasn’t stone supposed to insulate? Why was it still so muggy and hot inside?

Well, Jaskier told himself, if it was real and there was a magic world through the closet, then he could go somewhere nice and cool. He skipped around the corner and stopped abruptly in front of the stairs he’d fallen down before. He preferred not to repeat that bit of the dream/potential cool new reality. His shoulders ached with the memory of busting through the wooden wardrobe door.

Which was why the sight in front of him was so disappointing. The wardrobe was there, but the door looked good as – well, not new, because the whole thing looked really, really old, but it wasn’t broken. If it was real, the door should have been broken.

Mood suddenly sullen, Jaskier pulled the door open with more force than necessary. He took a deep breath and then pushed the hangers aside.

It was real. He felt like he might cry at the sight of the stone castle on the other side of the passageway. Mood immediately restore, Jaskier wiggled through the passageway and rolled into a cartwheel when he emerged on the other side.

“Madeline~” he called. “It’s Jaskier! From last night! I’m so glad it wasn’t a dream!”

There was a high pitch squeak from the next room and Madeline’s voice called out, “hold on.” After a few moments, she emerged, looking surprisingly put together considering she was followed out by a woman with long hair who was wearing clothing that was much drabber than Madeline’s.

She curtsied to him, and walked quickly past him until she disappeared from view. Jaskier turned to Madeline with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. “So who was that?”

Madeline rolled her eyes and waved him into her room. “That was Genevieve, and dammit, before you interrupted, I was soooo close to her saying yes.” She dropped onto her bed and sighed dramatically. “She responds so well to my flirting, but I don’t know if she’s just that shy or if I’m seeing things.”

“Well, how long have you been flirting?” Jaskier wandered over to her actual wardrobe – why did she have another in a separate room, anyway? – and started looking through her clothes, holding a few dresses up to himself consideringly.

“Three years.”

“Wow.” Jaskier blinked and turned to her, a long sleeveless off-white dress in hand. The fabric of it was soft and he couldn’t stop running his fingers over it. “You’re sure she knows you’re flirting?”

Madeline shot him a long suffering look. “I gave up being subtle after the first year.” She shook her head. “Why is dating so hard?”

“Amen to that.”

Her brow crinkled. “A-what?”

“It’s – eh, nevermind. Just a way to say, ‘I feel ya’.” Jaskier held up the dress. “This is so soft. Can I try it on?”

Madeline blinked in surprise, but shrugged. “Go for it. Do they not have satin in your world?”

Jaskier shrugged. “They totally do, I’ve just never worn it, I guess. But I’m definitely gonna start!”

He shucked his t-shirt and skinny jeans and pulled the dress on over his head. Madeline laughed when he got stuck, but she got up and helped him until he could stand in front of the ornate floor length mirror. Jaskier grinned at himself – he was still very clearly masculine, with his chest hair on display from the bias cut neckline, but the hem of the dress fell just above his ankles and there was a long train attached to the dress. He picked up the train and spun in place.

“What do you think?”

Madeline grinned. “Better with make-up, I think.” She laughed at the way his eyes lit up and dragged him over to her vanity. The makeup she had looked completely different from what Jaskier was used to, but Madeline handled the brush expertly as she drew it through the paint and applied it to his eyes and lips. “There. Perfect!”

Jaskier fluttered his eyes at himself in the mirror. He looked downright ravishing, if he did say so himself.

“Oh! I forgot to tell you! Time passes differently in my world! Even though we hung out all afternoon yesterday, only a few hours had passed in my world! Isn’t that crazy?”

“Seriously? So what does that mean? For you, I mean.” Madeline asked.

“Well, I was thinking. What if I went out and really explored your world? Like, if a whole day is only a few hours, then I have tons of time!”

“Hmm,” Madeline tilted her head in thought. “You don’t exactly fit in, though.”

“I mean, I could just be really eccentric?”

“You’re not old enough for that.” She tapped her lip in thought. “Artists are always peculiar. Most actors travel with a troupe, but you play music, right? You could be a bard!”

“Ooooooh!” Jaskier leaned forward in excitement. “That sounds awesome. I just get to go around singing all day? That’s the dream! But, uh...I don’t really write my own music. I mean, I write lyrics, but like...parodies, you know?”

Madeline shrugged. “It’s not as if we’ll know your music, will we? Just maybe try to avoid mentions of your technology. Speaking of which…” She turned an expectant look on him and he made her wait for a bit before grinning and reaching for his discarded pants.

“Okay,” he pulled his phone out of his pocket. “If this works, you’re watching my videos first.”

“Deal. Show me how it works!”

“Okay – shit. There’s no signal. I didn’t even think about internet.”

“What’s internet?”

“It’s like – these satellites are in orbit and – somehow that means I can watch youtube videos?” He shook his head with a wry laugh. “I honestly don’t how it works, I just know what it is.” He pursed his lips in thought. “If it’s just internet, I wonder if my laptop will work with an ethernet cord?”

“I have no idea what that is, but yes. Worth a shot, right?”

He returned Madeline’s grin and got up. “Okay – wait, shit, the whole reason I didn’t have my phone yesterday is because there’s no damn wifi here. But, maybe if we’re close enough to my MiFi, it’ll work?”

Madeline gave him a blank look. “I’m not so sure we speak the same language anymore.”

He laughed. “No, hold on, c’mere. We gotta get close to the wardrobe. The MiFi has to be in my world, but if it’s close enough, maybe my phone in this world can use it!”

He bounced with excitement and tugged on her hand to get her to follow him. It took longer than he thought to get a signal – Madeline got bored and started painting her toes on the floor – but finally, he pulled up his youtube channel.

“Okay, let’s start with Ye Olde Toxic.” Jaskier clicked on his most-liked video and mouthed along to the song.

Madeline’s face morphed from confused and kind of horrified to absolutely enamored as the video went on. “You absolutely have to perform this stuff here. I need everyone to experience this.”

Jaskier laughed brightly. “You’re right – everyone should experience me.”

She punched his shoulder with a chuckle. “Show me more.”

They spent the morning crowded in front of Madeline’s wardrobe, holding his cellphone high to try to get the best signal possible until they got tired of sitting on the floor.

“Can we go into town?” Jaskier asked, eager to truly see this magical world. And also to see a monster. He really, really wanted to see a monster.

Who wouldn’t?

“Not dressed like that, unfortunately.” Madeline frowned. “But I think I might have something that will work for your bard persona.”

“Yessss! Can it also be soft like this?” He swirled around in the dress one last time and almost tripped over the trail. “And maybe not as long.”

“No no, I got it. I have the perfect look for you.” Madeline’s smirk was not at all reassuring, but Jaskier figured she knew her world best.

He was less sure when he actually saw the outfit. It looked nothing like either Madeline or that girl Genevieve’s clothes. He wiggled, testing how he felt. The pants were loose, tapering in towards his ankles, and Madeline had dug out boots that fit him from somewhere. He was wearing an embroidered silk shirt and a blue jacket with red design details. “I like it!” He declared, turning to check out his ass in the mirror. Jaskier unfastened the first several buttons of the jacket and made sure some of his chest hair peeked out. He’d been told it was one of his best features – after his face, his voice, and his hands, of course – and he enjoyed showing it off.

“Actually, you should wear the doublet closed. Otherwise you’re showing off your underwear.” Madeline ruined his fun by pointing out.

“So?”

She raised her eyebrows with a laugh. “All right then. Let’s go!” She nearly ran to her bedroom door, but then she stopped and held up a finger. “Uh, I perhaps should have mentioned. I’m a Countess. This is my castle.”

“Oh. Okay, so you’re important?”

“Not really,” she scoffed. “I basically have all the responsibilities of holding a title and running and estate, and the only benefit is getting invited to all the good parties. Which, okay, is a pretty good bonus.”

“Ooooh, you should bring me to the next party!”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Let’s see how you do around people, first.” She turned the door handle. “Anyway, um, my household staff definitely know about you. Not sure where they think you came from–”

“Through the window, naturally,” Jaskier waved towards the window which had no convenient trellis or other architectural ladder up the wall.

“Sure. Anyway, I think I should be your patron.”

“What?”

“All artists – well, all good artists – have patrons! It’s how the arts are funded! Nobles with money to spare invest in an artist, and in exchange, we get something – commissioned art, a private performance, you get the idea. What do you think?”

“I mean, sure, I guess? What would I have to do?”

“Just perform.” She smiled. “Since I know the truth about you, this is a good excuse for you to be around my estate. And it means you’ll be able to eat while you’re here.”

“Oh. Yes, I would like that.” His stomach grumbled. “Maybe soon on that food?”

Madeline nodded. “Let’s go into town and eat that the tavern. That way you can be around people and watch them while you eat.”

“Sounds good to me!”

Epilogue

[mobius-prime]

163. Sonic the Hedgehog #95

Okay, I'm calling it. Whoever drew up the initial plans for that cover has one hell of a webbing fetish. Spaz, Harvo, whichever of you it was, I'm onto you.

Enemy Mine

Writer: Karl Bollers Pencils: FRY Colors: Frank Gagliardo

Sonic the Hedgehog, as one might imagine, is immensely relieved to be out of school for the day.

*sigh* Oh, Geoffrey. You were just on the cusp of being an actually likable character, and then the power went to your head. Have you forgotten that not only did Sally reject you quite a while ago, so you have absolutely no recourse for being so weirdly protective of her time and space, but that Sonic is literally her childhood best friend whom she prefers to spend most of her time with? At this point you're literally just being a dick for no good reason. I wouldn't be surprised if Sonic has tried to visit her multiple times ever since being confined to Knothole, only to get the same response each time, and afterwards, Geoffrey would just so happen to neglect to mention the attempted visit to Sally. Oh, I'm sure he'd justify it to himself as just making sure she's not distracted from her royal duties, but we all know the real reason why he's continually turning Sonic away like this.

Back in Robotropolis, Eggman has brought Snively out to see Colin, and Snively acts genuinely happy to see his father once again, though we know it's just an act. However, a few blocks away, every Overlander on the street finds themselves scared half to death as a rampaging Kodos, foaming at the mouth and yelling incoherently about losing the sword, bursts from the very pavement below and begins swinging his greataxe wildly. Eggman immediately recognizes Kodos, and dispatches some shadow-bots to chase him out of the city, only furthering his carefully crafted image as a protector of Overlanders against the "furry menace."

Within Knothole, Sonic happens upon Tails' abandoned bookbag in the dirt on his way home, with his internal monologue telling us that he should have recognized something was wrong right away, but at the time only figured he was helping Tails out by retrieving it. He returns home, unenthusiastically replying to his parents' questions about his day at school and skipping out on dinner in favor of lying in bed musing. After a moment's thought, he realizes that he can't stand hanging out in Knothole and doing nothing any longer, and so under cover of darkness he sneaks out, intending to head to Robotropolis to hopefully help the unwittingly-imprisoned Overlanders there.

Basically everything Bunnie ever does only cements her position as one of my favorite Sonic characters of all time, to be honest. Also, I forgot to mention it last issue, but her new outfit is ridiculously cute and suits her super well. She and Sonic make their way to the city and do some aerial reconnaissance, and are stunned at the sight of the Overlanders seemingly peacefully living their lives within the city, unmolested by Eggman's nefarious plans. With no real way to "rescue" the willing citizens of the city, they head back, but on the way happen upon a scene neither of them would have expected in a million years.

Back in Robotropolis, Eggman calls Snively to his HQ, ready to reveal to his nephew finally why he hasn't roboticized everyone in the city yet. He gestures to something offscreen, of which all we can see is a pair of robotic boots, and Snively wipes away a tear of admiration at whatever he's seeing… this can't be good. Meanwhile, Hope goes to bed after her fright last issue, mentioning to her grandma that she saw a robot that looked like an animal, and Agnes reassures her that there's probably a good explanation for it, though she begins to wonder to herself if that's true after all. Within the forest, Sonic and Bunnie leap into action against Kodos, since he seems to be clearly the crazier of the two combatants in front of them. In his rage, Kodos grabs Bunnie and throws her into Sonic, dazing her, and Sonic, with his previous failure to protect the king from injury still fresh in his mind, insists that Bunnie head back to Knothole without him, which she does angrily since she doesn't want to be left out. Sonic tries to use his speed to fight against Kodos, who is still screaming nonsense about the sword, clearly addled out of his mind by something, and when Sonic tries to dodge he falls straight into a web spun by Uma Arachnis herself, becoming stuck and unable to evade Kodos' next axe strike. However, just before he's cleaved in two, Uma leaps in while her enemy is distracted and knocks him cold.

ARE THOSE SPIDER EGGS? Okay, no. No, no, nope, not doing this. I am not prepared to watch Uma Arachnis become the mother to a thousand tiny spider Mobians crawling all over the place. It's just not happening. I'm moving into the next story now. Goodbye.

When Destiny Calls

Writer: Ken Penders Pencils: Ron Lim Colors: Frank Gagliardo

Knuckles is having an extraordinarily bad day. The Chaos Syphon has only accelerated the growth of his powers, and now he finds himself on the floor in the Southern Tundra, overwhelmed by agony. Athair and Tails teleport in, and Tails is horrified to see his friend in pain, darting forward to try to help. However, Knuckles warns him away, and suddenly the image of the Floating Island appears before them.

Tails is transported to the island by Athair, and finds Knuckles inside some kind of facility there, sobbing on the ground and begging for the pain to stop. Honestly, it's painful to watch even as a reader - I know I won't stop going on about how awful Gala-Na is, but this is her fault. Well, I guess technically a lot of it is Locke's fault, but damn, at least he cared to some degree about protecting his son from suffering. Meanwhile Gala-Na was, again I stress, totally ready and willing to abduct and torture a teenager to soothe her own fears about his relation to Dimitri. Tails rushes over to Knuckles, again stating his desire to help, but Knuckles, seemingly not recognizing where he is or who Tails is, punches him square in the jaw before releasing another uncontrolled blast of energy, knocking Tails out. Athair teleports Tails away once again, and brings him straight to the lair of… Merlin Prower! Hey, remember him? We've only ever seen him a small handful of times, as just a lonely old wizard watching over his nephew from afar, but now he's angered to see Tails unconscious and injured, blaming Athair for what's happened. Athair insists that the world now needs "the Chosen One," because again, remember, that's what Tails apparently is in this universe, but Merlin says that it's not Tails' job to save the echidnas from their own hubris.

Well now! This is an actually interesting tidbit of information here. How exactly have the Ancient Walkers come to the brink of death, since they're essentially deities? I suppose those answers will have to wait…

[cruesixxlover1991]

Slice Of Your Pie

Ch. 2 Red Hot

A/N: Hey you guys! Sorry it’s been awhile since I posted a new chapter. It was a super crazy busy week at work and by the time I got home I had no energy left to post. I also realize I forgot to put a summary of the story for chapter 1 as well, my bad you guys. If anyone wants to be added to the taglist for this story, please send me an ask. Now, enough of me babbling, let’s get on with this crazy love story.

Word Count: 3k

Triggers: Mentions of drug use and drug overdose, and language.

Summary: Veronica “Ronnie” Halliwel is a 22 year old rhythm guitarist who has been lookg for a new band ever since her last band ended after the tragic heroin overdose of their lead singer, Marie Dawson. She returned to work at her local Denny’s to make ends for her and her daughter, Alannah. Her luck changes when her uncle, Mick Mars, infamous guitarist for Motley Crue, comes to Ronnie with the offer of a lifetime: To become Motley Crue’s new rhythm guitarist. Ronnie jumps at the opportunity and also happens to catch the eyes of a certain bass player, who instantly falls for her insane beauty and absolute I don’t give a fuck attitude. Ronnie finds herself drawn to Nikki as well, but what she doesn’t know is the crazy road of decadence, chaos, and sex, drugs, and rock and roll that Nikki takes her on? Join Ronnie on this crazy journey as she finds true love amidst the chaos of her rock and roll lifestyle. Even if that love may very well end up being the death of her.

Taglist:   @beachystars @putbloghere @riverhaim1980 @nikkisixxwiththebass

@kat-976

1983

I was barely able to sleep that night due to my mind racing with excitement at the thought of meeting with Uncle Mick and the rest of the Crue the next afternoon. What if the rest of them didn't like my playing? Finally after awhile, i pushed the covers aside and got out of bed, knowing that sleep just wasn't going to happen. I grabbed my guitar and made my way to the living room. I quietly started to strum the chords to one my old songs, Misery Business(I'll be using Paramore songs for the She-Wolves). I close my eyes and let the music take me over. I start remembering performing this song for the first time and let myself smile at the memory.

Flashback, Whisky A Go-Go 1978

My heart was beating crazily in my chest as I sat in front of the vanity in my dressing room at the Whisky, getting ready for our first performance ever as a band.We had played at parties and smaller venues but nothing to this extent before. We had been putting up fliers all over the sunset strip all week, hoping to build a decent crowd for tonight. I looked over at Lyssa, watching her twirl her drumsticks in her hand and bounce up and down excitedly in her chair as she grinned at herself in the mirror. I always loved Lyssa's high energy, it was the first thing the drew us towards when looking for a drummer. A little bit further down our lead guitarist, Samantha, sitting there with a serious expression on her face as she plucked some chords on her guitar. Marie, our lead singer and my best friend, was sat right next to me, putting the finishing touches on her winged eye-liner and smirking at her reflection. We heard a knock on the door and turned our heads and told them to enter. Our manager, Beth Greene,(Did y'all see what I did there? Lolz) poked her head in the door and smiled at all of us, "Girls! Five minutes to show time!!!" We all stood up, Samantha and myself grabbing our guitars, Lyssa still twirling her drumsticks, and Marie smirking at herself one last time in the mirror before we all walked out of the dressing room and towards the stage. We all walked to our respective spots on the stage, taking in a deep breath as Marie tapped our set list to the side of the amp, walking back to her microphone, "Hey LA!!! Are you ready to rock and roll??? We are The She-Wolves and this song right here is called Misery Business!!!" The crowd went crazy as the lights come on and Samantha went into the beginning riff of Misery Business and Marie began to sing the lyrics:I'm in the business of misery, let's take it from the top

She's got a body like an hourglass that's ticking like a clock

It's a matter of time before we all run out

When I thought he was mine, she caught him by the mouth

I waited eight long months

She finally set him free

I told him I couldn't lie, he was the only one for me

Two weeks and we had caught on fire

She's got it out for me, but I wear the biggest smile

Whoa, well I never meant to brag

But I've gotten what I wanted now

Whoa, it was never my intention to brag

To steal it all away from you now

But God does it feel so good

'Cause I got him where I want him now

And if you could then you know you would

'Cause God it just feels so

It just feels so good

Second chances they don't ever matter, people never change

Once a whore, you're nothing more, I'm sorry that'll never change

And about forgiveness, we're both supposed to have exchanged

I'm sorry honey, I passed out, now look this way

Well there's a million other girls who do it just like you

Looking as innocent as possible to get to who

They want and what they like, it's easy if you do it right

Well I refuse, I refuse, I refuse!

Whoa, well I never meant to brag

But I've gotten what I wanted now

Whoa, it was never my intention to brag

To steal it all away from you now

But God does it feel so good

'Cause I got him where I want him now

And if you could then you know you would

'Cause God it just feels so

It just feels so good

I watched his wildest dreams come true

Not one of them involving you

Just watch my wildest dreams come true

Not one of them involving

Whoa, well I never meant to brag

But I got him where I want him now

Whoa, well I never meant to brag

But I've gotten what I wanted now

Whoa, it was never my intention to brag

To steal it all away from you now

But God does it feel so good

'Cause I got him where I want him now

And if you could then you know you would

'Cause God it just feels so

It just feels so good

Marie belts out the final note and the crowd goes even wilder and begins to chant out our name. I couldn't believe how amazing this felt. I had never felt anything close to this performing before and it was absolutely addicting. It was from that moment forward that I knew that this would be my true calling, what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. I knew that nothing would ever come close to the absolute thrill and rush of performing in front of a crowd, the vibe and energy were absolutely unreal. We all looked at each other and smiled as we began our next song, Crushcrushcrush........

End Of Flashback

I smirk as the memory fades and I place the guitar down on the couch next to me. That was without a doubt the greatest night of my life, next to the night Alannah was born of course. . I will never forget the rush adrenaline going through as we performed that night. It was the thing I had missed the most, that rush and feeling like your on the absolute top of the world and nothing could bring you down. There was absolutely nothing that came close to it. I grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and laid down, finally feeling relaxed enough to sleep. I remember as I was finally slipping to the dark abyss of sleep having a feeling that tomorrow would absolutely change my life forever and I couldn't wait to go on this crazy new adventure and finally fulfill my dreams of becoming a rock star. I expected the journey to be crazy but nothing could prepare me for the absolute insane train-wreck of debauchery and decadence that motley crue would take me on. Especially a particular bassist, who would become not only become my best friend but would eventually worm his way into my heart and become the love of my life as well. And this here, is where our love story truly begins.

The next day couldn't go by fast enough for me. It felt as if time was purposely going by slowly just to screw with me that day. It also didn't help that it was a particularly slow day at the diner for once, which was really unusual for a Friday afternoon. I kept drumming my fingers against the counter top, staring at the clock as it tortuously moved ever so slowly. It had been over thirty minutes since my last customer had left and I was bored out of my mind. I mean, a girl can only clean the same tables so many times before she loses it, right? I jumped up when I heard the bell on the door go off as a customer walked in. It was an elderly gentlemen. I walked over to him, got him sat at his table, handed him a menu, got his drink order, an walked away to give him time to decided what he wanted. I brought over his coffee, put in his lunch order, which was a turkey sandwich and bowl of chili, and waited for our cook, Lauren, to complete his order. Once his meal was ready I brought it to him and offered to refill his coffee. He sat there and read the paper as he ate his lunch. Once he finished, he paid his bill and left me a generous ten dollar type, which totally made my day. Once I cleared off his table and brought his dishes to the back to be washed, I looked up at the clock and it was finally time for me to get off work and go pick up Alannah from school. I smiled to myself as I walked to the back, hung up my apron and walked out the back door to my car. I remember the car ride to pick up Alannah being a blur as all I could think about was how my excitement rose the closer I got to my meeting with the boys. I picked her up from school and rushed home so I could change and start getting ready.

I rushed up to the apartment door to unlock it, rushing inside and to my bedroom to change out of my work uniform. I chose a cheap trick crop top, black skinny jeans with rips in the knees and doc martens as my outfit. I fixed my makeup in my vanity mirror and put my hair in my signature ponytail. I smile at myself in the mirror, loving how my look turned out. I walk out to the living room and check on Alannah, seeing her working on her homework at the coffee table. I grab my keys off the side table by the couch and look at Alannah, letting her know it's time to go to the meeting. She jumps up from the floor and starts following me to the door. We get in the car and head to the studio. My heart started beating wildly in my chest from the excitement I felt. I couldn't stop smiling the entire car ride there. This was an absolutely amazing opportunity and I planned to take full advantage of it. I squealed to myself as we pulled into the parking lot, my excitement overwhelming me for a moment. I couldn't believe the moment was finally here. I grabbed Alannah's hand and walked into the lobby of the studio, going to the front desk to find out where we needed to go. I let the pretty brunette receptionist know my name and she immediately called upstairs to let my Uncle Mick know I was here so he could head down to the lobby to come get us. We waited a few minute until we head the ding of the elevator and looked over to see Uncle Mick making his way towards us. We both got up and ran to him so we could wrap him up in a hug. It had been a couple months since we had last seen him and we had missed him dearly. He chucked and looked down at us "God it's so good to see both of my girls, I have missed you guys so much!!!!" We finally let him and he put his arm around my shoulder as he lead me and Alannah up to the studio. We made idle chat and caught up with one another as we waited for the elevator to take us to the proper floor. The elevator finally stopped and we made our way out as the doors opened.

We followed Uncle Mick as he lead us through the hallways to motley's studio. We kept walking fora few more minutes until we finally got to a door that said: Motley Crue recording in Progress. Uncle Mick opened the door and we walked in the room, the other three band members stopping their conversation and turning around to face us. . I saw smiles appear on all of their faces as they looked me up and down, especially Nikki, bassist and primary songwriter for the band. Uncle Mick introduced me to each member, starting with Vince, who tried to wiggle his eyes suggestively as I shook his hand, than Tommy, who had the biggest smile on his face and exuded the most amazing energy. I instantly loved his vibe, it reminding me of Lyssa's insane energy. God, those two would be perfect for each other if they met. Last but certainly not least, we finally got to Nikki, who had the biggest smirk on his face as we walked his way. I finally took the time to get a good look at him and my god, I couldn't believe how absolutely gorgeous he was. His black hair was teased to absolute perfect, sticking up in every direction, black liner lined his gorgeous emerald green eyes, he wore a black leather jacket with leather pants and a black shirt that Fuck on the front of it. To say that I was awestruck would have been the understatement of the fucking century. I remember him taking my hand in his and bringing it to his plush pink lips so he could place a soft kiss to the back of it and winked at me as Uncle Mick introduce us, making a soft pink blush rush to my cheeks. Looking back at it now, I should've known than and there that he would be trouble but by god I just couldn't bring myself to care. All I knew is that the moment I looked into his eyes, I was absolutely done for and there was no going back. We all talked for awhile getting to know one another a little better, Alannah sitting in the corner coloring in the coloring book Mick had set up for her. After awhile, we all decided to start jamming and grabbed our instruments while Vince walked up to the mic. We had decided to play Red Hot a song of their new album. Uncle Mick took a minute to show me the riffs and we both began to jam together, Tommy joining in on the drums and Nikki following right behind on his bass. Vince began belting the lyrics into the microphone:

Fight for the black shark

See what evil brings

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Love from a shotgun

License to kill

Can't you see we're out for blood?

The kids scream in fright through the night

Loving every bite with delight

And we blow out our minds with your truth

And together we stand for the youth

Red Hot, red hot

To the top, we are

Red hot, shout at the devil

We've laughed at your wars

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Run with the pack, now

Always ask for more

Can't you see we're out for blood?

The kids scream in fright through the night

Loving every bite with delight

And we blow out our minds with your truth

And together we stand for the youth

Red Hot, red hot

To the top, we are

Red hot, shout at the devil

We've laughed at your wars

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Run with the pack, now

Always ask for more

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Red Hot, red hot

To the top, we are

Red hot, shout at the devil

We've laughed at your wars

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Run with the pack, now

Always ask for more

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Uncle Mick wailed out the final guitar riff as Vince belted out the final note. We all looked to each other and smirked. Our frist jam session together had been absolutely insane and we could all fee the chemistry between us. I had never felt anything like it, even when I was with the She-Wolves did I feel this type of magic. I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. It was the moment I knew that I had finally found my band after having searched for so long and it was absolutely amazing. I remember looking around at all the guys and locking eyes with Nikki once again and smiling at him. He plastered his signature smirk on his face, put down his bass and began walking over to me. Once he reached me he wrapped his arms around me in a hug and looked down at me and said, "I know I speak for myself and everyone here when I say welcome to the band Ronnie Halliwel." My face broke out in a huge smile and I wrapped my arms around him and just kept shouting "Thank you. Thank you guys so much! I'm so excited to work with you guys!!!" I grabbed Alannah and swung her around in my arms, I hadn't bee this happy in so long. I couldn't believe my luck. I looked around the room one more time and locked eyes with Nikki once again. I smiled to myself and looked away. I couldn't wait to begin this crazy adventure and also to get to know Nikki better as well. Something told me he would be a huge part of my journey. Little did I know how right that would turn out to be.

[estrxlar]

The Ghost Of You

06 - Too Little Too Late

Chapters songs:

Yam Yam: No Vacation

Numb: Men I Trust

4EVER: Clairo

—

Sugawara

Hey, I won't be riding the bus this morning. My father is visiting and I have to spend the morning with him I'm guessing. I might be available after school, though. So if you wanna walk

Yeah, I'll let you know. I hope everything with your dad goes okay.

Okay. See you later then.

Yeah, you too.

—

One last message from Sugawara is received, before I close the messaging app, and turn off my phone. I wasn't quite ready for what was to occur this morning: seeing my dad. You would think I would be happy about it, or at least be a little excited. But really, I couldn't be more stressed. All my father has ever done is criticize my talents, my behavior, and almost everything that has to do with me being me. Every time he comes to Japan, which isn't a lot, it's the same lecture all over again about what I'm doing with my life, and where I'll be when I'm older.

But at least two or three more hours of sleep. Might as well take advantage of missing a day, right?

—

    As I stretch out my arms under my sheets, a knock on my door is heard, followed by my mom's soft voice. "Y/n, your father is getting you today. I'm off to work, okay? Make sure to feed Astra." Her tone is low and worry full, but I wouldn't blame her. Surely your ex-husband coming back shouldn't be so easy.

   "I know, mom. Thanks. You have a good day," I say back to her, hearing her footsteps slowly disappear. That's my queue to begin getting ready. What I wear consists of something simple: a thin white shirt, a sage green sweatshirt on top, and jeans with white sneakers, which is something safe. I wouldn't want him to begin criticizing me by starting with my outfit. And as for my hair, I wore it the way I always did.

After a few moments of getting ready, I stand up in the mirror, making sure my personality wasn't showing on the outside. I hated that this is how I had to think of myself when around my parents, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. As suspected, a few minutes later, a message from him appears informing me he had gotten here.

—

Dad

Hey! I'm outside, come quickly so we can grab something at that small cafe you love.

Okay, I'll be out there in a second.

—

Nothing baffled me as much as him being so normal about this situation did, but there wasn't much I could say to him. I could only imagine how many questions he would ask me, or if he would even care about the important things, like if I was going through anything.

Reaching for a basic shoulder bag, I say my farewell to the cat, and make my way downstairs. Once I reach the front door, I take a deep breath and open it to reveal the usual view, except an expensive car stood in the driveway, with a smiling man inside of it. I smile back, easing that he didn't look pissed as fuck. After that, I locked the front door and walked towards his car.

Hesitantly, I pull the handle and step into the front passenger seat. "Hey, Dad." I greet him, meanwhile closing the door. "How've you been?"

"Hm, I've been just fine. What about you?" He begins to pull out of the driveway, and soon enough, we're on the road. "There's much to talk about."

I nod, as he states the obvious. "Yeah, of course."

This is awkward.

My hands begin to fidget, popping and stretching my fingers while he drove on the road, saying absolutely nothing. That was until I asked something to fill the empty space between us. "How's work been? I heard you got a bunch of promotions."

"It's been like always; normal. But yes, I have gotten promotions. I guess I've exceeded the limit, though. So.. what about you? You're still on your whole band-thingy?" He clears his throat, turning into another street: the same Suga and I would walk. "Your aunt says she's excited to work with you."

My aunt, AU/N, was my blueprint. She was my father's little sister, and she had a hell of a lot of money. One time when she was younger she slipped in dog pee at Walmart and sued them 50,000$. Since she was a musician, and far more successful than my band, she decided to start her label, signing many small bands like mine. And so, since I had a connection, my friends and I decided to sign with her during the summer after we graduate. We'd have to move to New York in America, but that was just fine. Because moving meant we could establish a good career and attend college as well.

   "I'm excited too. You know, to move and all." My eyes take mental images of the portrait outside today. Trees were finally growing leaves again, and grass as well; spring was around the corner. "Why the sudden visit? Is there a conference being held in Miyagi?"

My question seems like have made him uneasy, for his fingers began making small beats on the steering wheel. In no way did I mean to be so sudden, but an answer to my asking was necessary.

Thankfully, his response isn't a shout and rude remark, but a simple explanation that frankly made me feel better about his stay. "I'm most likely not gonna be able to see you before you graduate, so I wanted to spend a day with you. I know I said I'd drop you off at school after breakfast, but I thought we could hang out longer.

Is that okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine."

—

To my surprise, the drive wasn't as short as I thought. A total of thirty silent minutes felt as if it was an entire hour. Once we arrived at the small cafe in the plaza, the both of us got off the car and glanced at each other, beginning our way towards it.

    I had a certain idea of why he'd picked this spot for us to eat at. When I was younger, I'd spent lots of time here doing whatever I was up to, and usually with one of my close friends, (not that we're close anymore.) To be completely frank, it came to me as a shock my father even paid attention to how much I adored this place. The light lavender concrete walls and cutesy pots with succulents and house plants. Not to mention its colorful m decorations, far more improved than when I was a little kid. Still, it drew Moku, Oikawa, Iwaizumi, and Toruku to make it our number one hang-out spot from the ages of 8-14, even if it wasn't as attracting as it is now.

As we enter, the small bell at the top of the door rings, and we're greeted by a young girl at the counter that surrounded many baked goods. "Welcome!" She says, meanwhile packing up an online order. "Is there anything I could help you guys with?"

"Two coffees, please." My father replied, holding up two of his long, worn-out fingers. 'Coffee? I mean, I guess. Not that I cared or anything. I honestly preferred the tea with the little peaches in it— what was it called?' My father's voice cuts off my thoughts. "And a fruit lemonade for her. The coffees are for me; long hours!"

   'That's it!' I said to myself internally, briefly smiling at the worker while she wrote a few words down. And soon enough, we're told it'll take only a few minutes. Still, it baffled me my father even remembered such a little thing I loved when I was a child.

   What a try-hard.

   The two of us find a corner table for two, and he pulls out a chair for me to place myself. I do so, as my father does the same. Then, a long-awaited conversation begins. "How did you know I liked this place?"

   He straightens his collar, saying, "You never stopped talking about it when you were little."

  "And the drink?"

  "I just remember how many times it appeared on my taxes from this place, that's all." He chuckles, leaning onto his arm along with stroking his sharp beard. "Why do you ask?"

  Without thinking, I answer sharply, looking down at the wooden patterns on the table. "Why do you think? I didn't think you'd paid attention," I say to him, quickly looking up for a rude remark.

   He effortlessly sighs and keeps the situation unproblematic. Although, I wouldn't have minded diving deeper into the reasoning of his absence. "I did sometimes. Sorry."

  I tell myself to leave it at that, to leave it at 'sorry', but I can't. I can't not say something. "Can I ask you something? And I want a valid answer, not excuses. I know you wanted to have a nice time but this is the most I've talked to you in the past year so I'd rather get straight to it than poke around the elephant in the room."

  In the corner of my eye, I see him nod, giving me an okay that I could rant. Well, more like calmly let out my feelings. "I just— I don't understand what happened. After you and mom got busy, it was a total blur. I'm not asking for you two to get together again, and I never questioned why you split up either. I'm simply asking why you guys forgot you had a daughter, that's all."

    Not more than a split second later do I realize how rude that sounded. But too bad, I wanted to know. A few silent seconds slide by while he seems to be thinking of an answer, and explanation. Then, the sound of footsteps coming towards us, signaling our beverages had arrived.

  "Two coffees," the young lady mumbles, setting them in front of my father as he smiles. "And a fruit lemonade!" She exclaims. The pink-tinted drink makes waves in cold glass in her hand once it's set down. "All set. Is there anything else I can get for you two?"

   We shake our heads lightly.

   "Alright then! Enjoy!" She beams, then happily walks away. Ever since I was younger, I never understood why the store wonder daughter was so nice. But I'm guessing it lasted throughout the years, or else she wouldn't treat customers so gently.

Father slowly lifts the drink to his lips, and enjoys his cinnamon roast, while I feel my back aching from the perfect posture I perform around him. "Ah, carry on, Y/n. What is it that makes you so upset? The idea your mother and I did all we could to give you a better life, or is it that we picked ourselves up and became better people?" His manipulative tone comes in, sending mixed signals. But I could see where he was coming from completely.

"I just wish you two had taught me what it's like to be a proper parent. Instead, every time I would try getting your attention, you would always look away, and send me off to do something else." I feel my hands squeeze my thighs under the table, as I look up and down at my father with a silent yet harsh tone, "all I wanted was to admire you and learn what was so interesting about sitting in an office working for another person. But that's changed now, right? Because you've maxed out the level of superiority now that you've not done a single other thing."

"Y/n—"

"The fact you worked endlessly doesn't bother me as much as you criticizing me does. It truly hurts me that you attempt to steer me into another direction every time you visit when you haven't even been to at least seven of my birthdays. I wouldn't be surprised if you forgot it, either. You would judge who I hung out with, what I liked to do, everything. You even judged the way I handled my best friend dying, yet didn't think to send me to therapy. Toruku's mom is the one who took us to get help, not you. Why do you do it? Why do you think it's a good idea to bring me down? You've never been there for me, so you don't know me. You never will, father. You'll never know who I am."

A trembling hand reaches for my drink quickly, as I sip from the thin black straw in silence, taking in as much as I can. And all he can do is sit quiet, still processing my explanation.

That is until he speaks, finally. "I'm— I'm sorry."

"It's too late for that."

He nods.

The straw twirls between my fingers during the spinning memories of spending more time with my friends than my parents that ran through my mind. But it's whatever, right? I did just fine raising myself. At least that's what I told myself. Truth is, I needed people. I needed to grow with others on my side. It wasn't any wonder that I felt so lonely when I was younger. I'm dependent, yet independent.

Before getting up from my seat, I make sure to down the rest of the cold lemonade I had in my hand and grabbed both my hood and small bag. "Can we go now? Please."

"Sure. We can leave."

—

After getting home, I can't help but immediately let a few tears escape my eyes. The fact two words were all my father could say made my blood boil and my bones stiffen, especially since it was the last time I would talk with him in person before I graduate. Maybe I could meet him before he goes back to Korea, but I'd rather not. Not after leaving it at that.

The doors slam still echoed through the house, while I sat against the front door, crying in my lonely arms. No car to leave, and no one to hear me except a sleepy cat. While I do so, every thought of ever healing the hole between our relationship entered my thoughts, and the never-ending process of realizing I can't fix it hurts just as much as the pain in my chest.

Throughout the blur of water in my eyes, I make out the image of a white figure lying across my feet. I look up briefly, wipe my eyes, and stroke Astras back. Her soft, thin hair glides between my fingers, giving me a realization that I wasn't completely alone. No, I wasn't. I still had old friends and family that supported me, other than my father.

Right now, I had to think about the things that were important to me. The things that would help me grow, not look back at my regrets. Maybe the purpose of his visit was a sign from the universe, telling me to get over my past because my goals are too close for me to hesitate.

I needed a break from today. A nap, possibly. I don't think I'd be going back to school anytime soon, so I might as well rest a bit. That's exactly what I need, rest after a long week. After all, the weekend was just around the corner.

I slouch up the stairs with the chunky cat in my hand. By the time I reach my room, both my pants and shoes are in the other, and I'm ready to knock out between messy blankets.

—

'Ring!' My phone makes alarms under me, sending vibrations through the pillow my head rested on, making my eyelids quickly open. A hand snaked for the device, bringing the bright screen up to my face. It was no other than the band group chat.

Xanax sluts

Giki

Guess who just got invited to a party

Toruku

Us

Giki

No me but I asked if you guys could go and they said we can bring whoever

Toruku

Bruh

Who is hosting it

Giki

Some chick names Miya I know. She's a third-year and seems like a stuck-up little bitch but she's actually pretty cool.

Hikishi

Omg I love her she's so sweet

Me

Oh I know who you guys are talking about she's the girls' volleyball team captain

Giki

Yeah

Anyways she said you guys could go

Hikishi

When

Giki

Uhh

In like

An hour?

Me

HUH

GIRL IM NOT READY FOR A PARTY TN I JUST GOT IN THIS ARGUMENT WITH MY DAD 😟

Giki

Oh come onnn just slap on a dress or something and we can go

Hikishi

WAIT YES IM SO BORED

Toruku

Will, there be alcohol

Giki

No

Toruku

Will there be drugs

Giki

No

Toruku

Then this isn't a party-

Giki

Come on she's my friends and I promised you guys would go plus she's super popular so everyone's gonna be there AND she's rich

Toruku

And who's driving us

Hikishi

You mf who else

Me

Fine I'll go but you guys better not do anything to cause attention, if there's gonna be snobby people then we're most likely to be looked down on

Hikishi

I'm so excited yayy

Toruku

What are you excited about there's no drugs or alcohol

Hikishi

Cause this is the first party we're going to ever since last month

Toruku

Oh yeah

Giki

Mhm it's like this back to school party

Toruku

Giki if this is a kids party I'm gonna slap the lesbian out of you

Giki

ITS NOT YOU TOUCH-DEPRIVED TWINK

Me

See you guys in an hour ig

Hikishi

Oh-

—

Mom

Going out tn

Ok. Are you staying at anyone's house?

Maybe. Idk yet

How did it go with your dad

It went fine

Good baby I'm glad

Tell me when or if you get to someone's house

Ok I will love you

—

Happy that my mother didn't make an argument, I sigh, checking the time. It seemed pretty dark outside, so it had to be around eight or nine. And quickly after, I decide it's best to begin getting ready, again.

—

Please note chapters, it means a lot. I work endlessly on these making sure they're perfect for you guys. Have a good rest of your day, and I hope you take care of yourself. Love you lots!!

- estrxlar

[higuchimon]

[fanfic] Rewards of Losing:  Chapter 7

“Dark Healer?” Mizael hadn’t ever heard about that before. He shook his head, looking to Chris, expecting to see him as baffled. Instead, the older Healer looked more thoughtful. “Well?”

“I’ll have to do some research,” Chris said at last. He patted one of the blooms near him as he rose up. “But I’ll be in touch. Do you know when you might see that Healer again?”

“This weekend. We’re supposed to duel.” Mizael wondered now if Yuuri would even show up. He felt like a strong, true duelist, regardless of how cruel he might be. Being cruel wasn’t unknown in duelists. Some of the best ones were ruthless on the battlefield.

Chris nodded. “I’ll see if I can get back to you before then.” With a flick of his fingers in dismissal, he headed away. Mizael had seldom seen him this sunk in thought.

Dark Healer. It didn’t feel right at all. To think of that Yuuri as one did, but the concept itself sent chills all through him. He glanced back at the flowers, but didn’t ask. He wasn’t sure if they’d be able to tell him anything else.

A check of the time told him it would be best if he started to get ready for his dinner. Perhaps he would be able to ask Marufuji something about it – or Kei. Kei might know; Cats kept secrets behind their teeth often.

“Frostflame?” Ryou shook his head. “What are you talking about?” He knew the name. He knew what it meant. But the very idea was unthinkable. Those in Academia weren’t allowed to be Frostflames.

His power turning inward, transforming from the blazing cleansing flames to frozen ice? No. He would never, could never let that happen.

“Exactly. Only those who are of the highest strength can survive the process. I believe that you could.” Kei nodded. “And it might happen.”

Again Ryou shook his head. “No. I’m a Firestarter. I’m not going to do that.” He would be more willing to entertain the notion of adding XYZ to his deck than to be a Frostflame.

He focused on that instead, pulling the card packs from his pocket and setting them down on the table. Kei eyed them in amusement.

“Did you know that there are some D-Gazers and Duel Disks built for Cats? They’re rare but you could buy them.”

Ryou tensed. “I’m not going to.” He wasn’t sure of how often he needed to say that he wasn’t going to do anything for this Cat.

He opened one of the packs and flipped through the cards. Nothing Cyber Dragon related there – for which he found himself profoundly grateful. That wasn’t what he needed right now.

Also on the table rested Cyber Dragon Nova. Kei nudged it with his nose. “Nova likes you already,” the Cat observed. “He would like to be in your deck.”

“I’m a Fusion duelist, not XYZ,” Ryou snapped the words off. “XYZ is my enemy!”

Kei regarded him once more. “And why do you say that?”

Ryou tensed again. I didn’t mean to say that! What was it about this creature that made him want to open his heart up completely? To tell him things that he’d never even thought of, let alone told anyone else?

That sort of trust and bond was only supposed to exist between Healers and Firestarters. This might be a Healer Cat but he wasn’t Ryou’s Healer, not at all!

“Because it’s true,” he said at last. He wasn’t going to deny it. What could a Cat do, anyway? He wasn’t going to change his mind and he could leave for home if he needed to. “I’m only here for a short time.”

“And you intended to turn more of our duelists into cards,” Kei observed. “So that is why.”

Cats clearly weren’t stupid. He’d have to watch that – more so than he’d been. He regarded his cards again and started to sort through them, and told himself that it wasn’t because he didn’t want to see those gleaming gray eyes staring back at him. Why did the Cat have Shou’s eyes? Eyes that cut into him and made him wonder why he did his duty?

“I told you before. That’s going to stop. You don’t want to do this.”

Ryou ground his teeth together. “I don’t have to listen to you. I’m a warrior of Fusion.”

“You are a Firestarter. I am your Healer Cat.” Kei pointed out. Ryou stared harder at the next set of cards. This one held Cyber Dragon Drei – he could see where that would be useful in an XYZ deck. He set that one aside and looked through the next.

If Kei said anything else, Ryou made a point to ignore it, keeping all of his attention on the cards instead. They made more sense. They didn’t tell him things that he didn’t want to hear.

Then the Cat nudged him again. “It’s almost time for you to meet Mizael. You should get ready.”

Ryou’s eyes darted to the clock. The Cat was right; he had roughly an hour to get ready. That would be more than enough time. Then he jerked his gaze back down to Kei.

“How did you know about that?” Kei hadn’t been there when he and Mizael arranged that dinner. So far as he was aware, Kei hadn’t ever met Mizael.

Though what the Cat did when he wasn’t around Ryou, Ryou had no way to know. For all he was aware, the Cat lived with Mizael.

Kei only chuckled, eyes sliding away. “I have my methods. But does it matter?”

It probably didn’t. Not right now, at least. Ryou hurried off to get ready, hoping the Cat wouldn’t be there when he came back.

Kei shot another glance at the flytrap on the table as Ryou departed. It could not look innocent but if it had possessed a face, then it most certainly would have done its best. His tail lashed a trifle. He wasn’t going to destroy it. The flytrap was what it had been grown to be, through no fault of its own.

But that didn’t mean he had to like it. This flytrap would relay to its creator his visit. Whether it revealed Ryou going to dinner with Mizael he couldn’t be sure of. Nor could he be sure of Yuuri’s reaction. He didn’t know the Dark Healer, after all.

Nor did he especially want to. From the moment that he’d set eyes on the other, he’d wanted nothing more nor less than to ensure Ryou never went near him again. Normally he didn’t care which other Healers his Firestarter associated with. He trusted Ryou to know his own mind, even this early in their relationship – the one that Ryou insisted didn’t exist.

He would learn. He would not be able to stop himself from learning. The bond hadn’t truly begun yet – that did need Ryou’s agreement, and Kei wouldn’t accept it if Ryou didn’t choose to do so freely. But he knew it would happen. Ryou felt it like he did, no matter how hard he denied it.

For now, though, he leaped up into Ryou’s chair, curled himself into a ball, and slipped into a quick catnap. The next step was all up to Mizael.

Mizael stood outside the restaurant. He’d tucked his D-Gazer and Duel Disk into his pocket, just in case Marufuji wanted another duel. He remained more interested in the dinner and potential conversation than dueling, at least right away, but he liked to be prepared for anything.

A tingle swept over him and he looked up to see Marufuji Ryou approaching. The other wore a casual outfit in dark blue, darker even than his own hair, that made Mizael’s heart skip a beat or two. He’d seen plenty of people who were attractive. Marufuji Ryou seemed in a class by himself.

“Hello,” he said, forcing the word between his lips. What he wanted to say was how in the world did Marufuji turn so attractive! It shouldn’t have been possible by any reasonable metric and yet there he stood, elegant and amazing.

He’s courting for a Firestarter. I wonder if he’s - He tried to wrench his mind away from the intruding thought as Marufuji drew closer. He didn’t even know if Marufuji would be attracted to him.

But he knew that he was attracted to him. He’d always known where his choices resided, for as long as he could remember. He considered himself lucky in that aspect.

“Hello,” Marufuji replied with a polite tilt of his head. His gaze flicked away from Mizael for a few moments, as if searching for something or someone, then returned.

Mizael dragged his mind to focus on the matter at hand. “I made us a reservation Let’s go in,” he said, turning towards the door. Marufuji fell into place next to him, still giving little darting looks everywhere. “Is something wrong?”

Marufuji regarded him. “I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s wrong.” He considered for another few moments, then shook his head. “It’s nothing to worry about.”

Mizael wasn’t quite certain if he believed him, but he wasn’t going to push it hard. It was probably something to do with Kei. The Cat had entered Marufuji’s home and it wouldn’t be a great stretch to think they’d spoken. Marufuji probably wasn’t one to spill what he’d consider secrets.

Their restaurant, the Silver Wind, catered almost exclusive to Healers and Firestarters. It boasted a great deal of both traditional and modern food and drink, at a reasonable price, and the atmosphere encouraged relaxation, with clear lighting and dozens of small tables scattered throughout the dining area. It worked well for courting of every type and getting a reservation, especially on short notice, was worth the cost.

Though Mizael reminded himself consistently that he wasn’t poaching and this had nothing to do with courting. Considering it as a romantic venue wasn’t so bad, of course, even without knowing what Marufuji’s tastes were like. A hint of friendship and mutual duelist respect certainly helped. Though the thought of what it might be like to have such a strong Firestarter appealed to him in ways that he tried his very best not to think about too much.

Marufuji ordered yakiniku with grilled vegetables, and Mizael ordered shiitake yakitori. He’d always rather enjoyed the taste of meat and mushrooms grilled together, especially the way that they served it here.

It took a short time for their food to be brought to them and in that time, Marufuji watched the room around them. There was a sense of caution there, as well as absolute fascination. As if he’d never taken the time to watch other people in a long time.

“So what was it like back in your hometown?” Mizael asked. “I’ve lived in Heartland my entire life.” He shrugged; it was a nice enough place, but when one had known it all their days, one often wondered what the rest of the world was like. Someday he would find a way to see it all.

Marufuji glanced back at him. “I don’t remember munch. I left Shinokawa when I was about eleven years old to enroll at – school.” If Mizael hadn’t been paying attention, he thought he might have missed that little breath of a pause.

“Oh? I studied at Diamond School myself. Graduated about two years ago and I’ve been working at the card store ever since.” He wrinkled his nose. “Going pro never interested me. They’re not enough of a challenge.”

“I graduated two years ago as well,” Marufuji said, his eyes lightening a little. “I’ve had – odd jobs since then. But being a professional duelist wasn’t ever my goal, either.”

Mizael nodded. He couldn’t see how this man would ever be happy in that sort of situation. He thought he could do it – Marufuji had the necessary ruthlessness of temperament one needed to succeed – but certain other aspects of it, such as needing to please one’s sponsors consistently? The way the crowds could quickly turn on one at the first sign of weakness? Those points he couldn't be sure of, not with how little he knew him.

“Did you go to Clover or Spade?” He didn’t ask about Heart School. He’d never known anyone who attended Heart. It was rumored to be for the beyond elite – for duelists who had no peer in this world. He wasn’t sure of how true that was, but those were the rumors that he’d heard.

“Neither one. It’s one of those small schools. You’d likely not have heard of it.” Again he shrugged. “What’s it like living here all the time?”

A place so out of the way that they’d never heard of it, along with the inhabitants not having used XYZ or having heard of Healer Cats. Mizael wondered exactly where it really was. Shinokawa – he would have to look it up.

“I imagine it’s like growing up anywhere else. I’m used to it.” Mizael tapped his fingers on the table in thought. “I can introduce you to some of my friends if you like. Kaito’s almost as good as I am at dueling.” His lips twitched. “He plays a dragon deck as well. We argued all the time when we were kids about who was the true dragon master.”

One sapphire-blue eyebrow quirked up. “Oh? Did you ever decide who it was?”

Mizael smirked. “I am, of course. It took a long time before it got into his head, though.” He leaned back in his chair, thinking. “There’s also Christopher Arclight. He has a professional duelist for a brother and he’s one of the best teachers I know. He could give you a few pointers if you’re looking to incorporate XYZ into your deck.”

Marufuji turned his head away. “That I won’t do.”

“Did you find anything interesting in those packs?” Mizael wasn’t going to push. He didn’t see any spirits around Marufuji at the moment, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t one. Sometimes they chose to stay hidden and even he couldn’t change that.

“One or two,” Marufuji answered, resting a hand on the table. Mizael subtly admired it; long fingers, quite strong, with a few tiny scars here and there. When he turned his hand over, Mizael caught his breath at the sight of a long pale scar right over the palm.

Before he could restrain the words, he blurted out, “What happened?” He almost reached for it, but Marufuji pulled his hand back and turned away so Mizael couldn’t see the scar.

“An accident when I was young. It taught me several lessons.” His lips moved into an expression that wasn’t entirely a smile but came very close to being one.

Mizael stared relentlessly at him. He wanted to know what it was; what lesson could possibly have resulted in such a scar? He knew that he couldn’t force Marufuji to tell him, but perhaps – perhaps -

“I was seven,” Marufuji said at last thoughtfully. “I attended a – very remote school in the mountains, before the one I later went to. I had to climb to get there. There were thorns in the path along the way and I knew I shouldn’t have put my hand in them. But I did it anyway.” His lips thinned in an expression not quite amusement. “My parents told me that I Sparked before I could walk. I don’t remember not being a Firestarter. I thought I could just burn through anything. But those thorns – they were bred specifically to protect the school. They’re resistant to as many things as the Healers could make them - including fire.”

He closed his hand around the scar. “I think I was luckier than I can imagine.”

“They didn’t have any Healers there?” Mizael wondered. His own Healer instincts itched to heal that scar away entirely. He wasn’t sure if he could, but he wanted to.

Marufuji chuckled a little. “This scar is what was left after the Healers fixed the wound. It was the best that they could do.”

That told Mizael exactly how deep the original wound had been. Even a low powered Healer could heal a simple thorn scratch. But without a Healer’s power, Marufuji might not have ever been able to use the hand again. That would have been a terrible fate for someone as talented in dueling as he was.

The server brought their food and for several minutes nothing else was spoken of between them as they enjoyed the meal. Mizael savored every bit of it, including the cool green tea he’d ordered, and cast about for something else they could talk about. He wanted to ask if this could be considered a non-courting date – a romantic date – but the words refused to slide through his lips.

I wasn’t this nervous when I asked Kaito out! But there’d been no need to be nervous then. He and Kaito knew one another almost from the cradle. They knew everything about one another and they’d dueled each other more times than he could count before they’d even started at their respective schools. Diamond School and Clover School weren’t the kind of rivals that Clover and Spade were, but they did duel against one another now and then and Kaito and Mizael were the ones who did so most often.

Maybe he should get Kaito over here and introduce them. He already wondered what Chris would have to say to him.

“What sort of deck does Yuuri use?” He asked, recalling that he would be having a couple of duels against him in just a short time.

Marufuji shook his head. “He’d never want me to tell you that.” But he did seem amused as well. “But he’s even better than I am. You won’t defeat him very easily.”

All that did was make Mizael even more eager to duel Yuuri. He toyed with checking the cards he had in the shop and seeing if he had anything in particular to negate Fusion decks. The thought was tempting, indeed, but he suspected it would be more interesting to see what Yuuri’s full potential really was.

Notes: Yakinaku is thin sliced grilled beef. Firestarters have high energy needs and tend to eat a lot of meat.

[womenofcolor15]

Tyrese, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, T.I., Luda & More Pay Their Respects At George Floyd’s Memorial Service In Minneapolis

Several celebrities made their way to Minneapolis to pay their respects to George Floyd at his memorial service. Tyrese, Tiffany Haddish, T.I., Ludacris and more celebrities were in attendance. Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy. More inside…

Thousands came out to pay their respects to George Floyd – the Minneapolis man who was killed by white police officer, Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on the back of his neck for nearly nine minutes. The killing was captured on video and it instantly went viral, sparking raging protests across the nation.

Yesterday, a memorial service for George was held at North Central University in Minneapolis for his family and friends to honor the 46 years he was on this earth. George was a father, brother, a son, an uncle and friend to many.

Members of Congress were in attendance, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, Rep. Ayana Pressley and Rep. Joyce Beatty. They were seen sharing a moment together as they prayed over George Floyd’s casket.

Several musicians and actors also came out to pay their respects. Tyrese, Tiffany Haddish, Common, T.I., Tiny Harris, Ludacris, Kevin Hart, Will Packer, Master P, and Marsai Martin.

During the service, Tyrese was trending on Twitter over his outfit choice:

It is 84° today in Minneapolis and Tyrese got on a trench coat! pic.twitter.com/hwTOoI3EoL

— Drew (@DJJustDrew2) June 4, 2020

That nigga Tyrese in there looking like Conspiracy Brotha pic.twitter.com/fleMlkCzbj

— I’LL SLAP YO AZZ JUS CUZ OF SLAVERY (@WhattUpJT) June 4, 2020

LMFAO if there’s ONE thing Tyrese know how to do, it’s to stay relevant. I love the niggatry. pic.twitter.com/AieHCAZSL1

— SAZÓN PACKET (@B00B00_TheFool) June 4, 2020

Tyrese is wearing a hat in church and none of those elders snatched it off?

— A Tribe Called Chris (@ChrisPaulComedy) June 4, 2020

Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a moving eulogy where he talked about the struggles of the black community.

"George Floyd's story is the story of black folks," Rev. Sharpton said. "Because ever since 401 years ago, the reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed of being — because you kept your knee on our necks."

“Man comes out of a single parent home, educates himself and rises up and becomes the President of the United States, and you ask him for his birth certificate, because you can’t take your knee off our neck.”

Al Sharpton delivers the eulogy at the memorial for George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/khjyIqBMkQ

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) June 5, 2020

“I know why George was calling for momma,” he said. “Maybe he was calling his momma because at the point he was dying, she was stretching his hands out, saying, ‘Come on George, I welcome you where the wicked will cease from troubling, where the weary will be at rest. There’s a place where police won’t put knees on your neck, George.’”

Rev. Sharpton also announced plans for a march in Washington, D.C. that's set to go down on August 28th, which is the anniversary of the original March on Washington in 1963 when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

"We need to go back to Washington and stand up — black, white, Latino, Arab — in the shadows of Lincoln and tell them, 'This is the time to stop this,'" Rev. Sharpton said.

Watch his full remarks below:

The audience held a moment of silence that lasted 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time former police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee in the back of George's neck.

Rev. Sharpton asked attendees to observe an 8 min and 46 second long moment of silence — the time that Officer Derek Chauvin had his knee pressed into George Floyd’s neck. Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, and actress Tiffany Haddish joined him on stage. #GeorgeFloydMemorial pic.twitter.com/O1h6BOFFeu

— Aaron L. Morrison (@aaronlmorrison) June 4, 2020

During the moment of silence, Rev. Jesse Jackson, standing, cried out “I can’t breathe” at least twice. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

— Aaron L. Morrison (@aaronlmorrison) June 4, 2020

After Rev. Al Sharpton gave the eulogy, he started naming the celebrities in attendance, naming, Kevin Hart, Ludacris, Tyrese, Will Packer, and T.I., but failed to mention Tiffany Haddish. Someone reminded Rev. Sharpton that he forgot Tiffany and he joked that he “disrespected” her. Check it below:

Did they really stop the service so Tiffany Haddish could get a shout out?#GeorgeFloydMemorial pic.twitter.com/ZMcXaV3Szs

— Tony Clements (@TonyClementsTC) June 4, 2020

Twitter felt a way that Tiffany made the service about her when it should have been focused on George:

Why we making this about a Tiffany Haddish? She’s not talking, y’all are. Celebrities show up to protests and funerals for a cause that’s gained international momentum but give the ppl you don’t like more clout by-what are we doing, really?- are we canceling this one? I’m tired

— B.true (@idkidcidgaftf) June 4, 2020

The way celebrities, including Tiffany Haddish have centered themselves at George Floyd's memorial. Chile.

— Arrest Breonna's murders (@HarrietCarried) June 4, 2020

This Memorial is hurting my spirit. To this song choice, down to Tiffany Haddish feeling the need to be shouted out, and to celebs being shouted out in general. That’s not what this mans life was about. Get to the point of his life and how we can do better, not s/o celebs

— Lara Jean (@TiyahTirvana) June 4, 2020

I’m confused. Why are these celebrities getting a shout out at George Floyd’s memorial service? I don’t care or need to know that Tiffany Haddish & Tyrese are in the building. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

— Alaxa Amelie (@AlaxaAmelie) June 4, 2020

After the backlash, Tiffany hopped on Twitter to respond:

"It's crazy—all these people came to see my brother. That's amazing to me, that he touched so many people's hearts. Because he's been touching our hearts."

George Floyd's brother remembers him at memorial service: https://t.co/SqNdEYjfAP pic.twitter.com/DaG00wAQzb

— ABC News (@ABC) June 4, 2020

George Floyd's brother and Ben Crump - the family's attorney - also spoke during the memorial service:

"It's crazy—all these people came to see my brother. That's amazing to me, that he touched so many people's hearts. Because he's been touching our hearts."

George Floyd's brother remembers him at memorial service: https://t.co/SqNdEYjfAP pic.twitter.com/DaG00wAQzb

— ABC News (@ABC) June 4, 2020

FULL SPEECH: Family attorney Ben Crump delivers impassioned speech at George Floyd memorial.

More coming up on @NBCNightlyNews. pic.twitter.com/HEVFpAVcOF

— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) June 4, 2020

Rapper Common - who's rumored to be dating Tiffany Haddish - was spotted at George's memorial site following the service:

And while I was there, @common made an appearance. He’d been in town for an event with elected leaders and local grassroots organizers. It was his first time visiting the memorial site, so he took a moment there. He also was nearly mobbed for pictures with fans. pic.twitter.com/AT50ZVISfm

— Aaron L. Morrison (@aaronlmorrison) June 5, 2020

Meanwhile in Brooklyn...

“My family is a peaceful family. My family is God fearing… So let's do this another way. Let's do this another way."

The brother of George Floyd appeals for peace - as he stands at the makeshift memorial in Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/LCCFXochYN

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) June 2, 2020

Terrence Floyd - one of George's brothers -  hosted a vigil in Brooklyn where thousands turned out to pay their respects.

Thousands at George Floyd memorial in Brooklyn chant “You Are Not Alone” as his brother Terrence takes the mic. pic.twitter.com/fWVc2Vh5H5

— JOSH RUSSELL (@jruss_jruss) June 4, 2020

Terrence Floyd, brother of the deceased George Floyd, leads a protest march over the Brooklyn Bridge, Thursday, June 4, 2020, in New York. Totally peaceful on a sunny day, the group left Cadman Plaza Park in BK for Foley Square in the downtown. /me @AP #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/5mPRAmvtE1

— john minchillo (@johnminchillo) June 4, 2020

Mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife Chirlane McCray were late for the vigil and folks were not happy about it:

De Blasio and Chirlane McCray arrive 20 mins late. Crowd boos and chants “De Blasio, go home” when he walks across the stage pic.twitter.com/H1J62mm69o

— Rose Adams (@rose_n_adams) June 4, 2020

On June 9th, a private service will be held in Minneapolis, which former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to attend. Additional services for George Floyd will be held in Raeford, North Carolina, on June 6th and Houston, Texas, on June 8th. Floyd’s family has accepted boxing legend Floyd Mayweather’s offer to pay the costs of all the memorials.

Photos: Aaron L. Morrison

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2020/06/05/tyrese-tiffany-haddish-kevin-hart-ti-luda-more-pay-their-respects-at-george-floyd%E2%80%99s-memor

[sharonisantisocialimagines]

I Am Human - Part VI

Pairing: Jared x reader Summary: He’s one of the two main actors. He’s 28, sexy, charming and funny. She’s the new girl on set. The new assistent from a foreign country. And she is only 20 years old. She is also the one who stole his heart in milliseconds, just by being herself.  Jared Padalecki and (Y/N) (Y/L/N) are what you like to call starcrossed lovers, two fitting pieces of a puzzle. But we all know love is not easy. So what happens if their age difference becomes a problem? Can (Y/N) keep working for Jared when feelings get involved? And what secret is she hiding from him? Warning: None

I Am Human Masterlist

He hugged her. He pulled her in the tightest embrace she had ever experienced. His arms clung to her as if she was his source of life as she buried her head in his warm chest. His scent was comforting. She felt safe. For the first time since her move she felt as if there was someone who really cared. 

Sure, she had Emily. Emily had become her best friend, but she was just that. Her best friend. There was a feeling of safety only family members and your own four walls could provide. But with Jared, with Jared she felt as if she could feel at home again. 

“Thank you for trusting me.” 

He whispered in her hair and squeezed her impossibly closer. She inhaled his scent and calmed her nerves, the butterflies in her stomach going absolutely nuts at the closeness. 

“Thank you for staying.” 

It was such an intimate moment, Jared thought about kissing her. He knew he could either make the moment perfect, or ruin everything he’d built up over the last few weeks. He didn’t want to seem as if he waited for a weak moment, so he decided to put his feelings in the background one more time. Their embrace was interrupted by Jared’s phone going off. She mentally cursed the device as Jared parted from her to pick it up. 

It was Jensen. 

“Dude, where the fuck were you last night? I woke up with a hangover that could’ve killed me!” 

Jared swallowed empty. How could he possibly explain to his friend why he spent the night at (Y/N) without making him think something dirty?

“(Y/N) and I decided to watch the latest Harry Potter and I fell asleep.” 

“When we got back? It was already past midnight!” 

“And? I wasn’t drunk and couldn’t sleep! She lives just four floors beneath us, it’s no big deal!”

Jensen had completely forgotten about their encounter yesterday, so Jared explained how you had met in the staircase and how things continued from there. He wasn’t exactly lying to his friend - he just didn’t tell him the whole truth. 

“Listen, I don’t want to know about your Harry Potter sex games. That’s not why I called. Danneel texted me earlier and asked if we wanted to come over for dinner. She’s invited some friends and told me to come and bring you.” 

Jared thought about the offer for a moment. Their shoot would end around six, they could drive straight to Danneel then. Thanks to her shooting a movie in Vancouver she had a temporary apartment, where Jensen slept 90% at the time.

“Sure, sounds great. And tell her I bring (Y/N).”

(Y/N) head snapped up at the mention of her name and she shook her head furiously. She knew, whatever Jared had just agreed to wasn’t something she would like.

“You guys together now?”

Jared smiled almost dreamingly at (Y/N) who scooped Luna up into her arms as she tried to attack Jared’s feet.

“We’ll talk later, alright?”

He could almost see Jensen smile as he hung up. Even if he couldn’t understand Jared’s emotions, he supported his friend and only wanted to see him happy. As expected, (Y/N) was the opposite of happy as Jared told her about their plans.

“Jared! I’m not famous, I don’t belong there! I’d be totally left out!”

“I’d never let you be left out. Danneel said I could bring someone with me, and I really want to bring you! You’ll love her!”

It looked as if he couldn’t stop the little safety lies today. But he knew Danneel wouldn’t mind him bringing someone. Especially not someone as likeable as (Y/N).

“Okay, I’m not stressing out. Totally not stressing out. Luna, how do I look. Can I go like this?”

Luna didn’t even move from the spot on (Y/N) bed, even as she did a little twirl for the cat. After the third mention of her name, she let out a high meow which was the best she would get out of her. The high waisted jeans and the tight blouse complimented her curves, and the boots seemed to make her legs even longer than they already were.

Jared picked her up right on time, complimenting her on her outfit. He couldn’t exactly tell her how the skin-tight jeans drove him almost crazy and how her cleavage was to kill for, so he hoped the word ‘beautiful’ was a good enough description for how she looked.

Jensen was already with Danneel as they arrived, and he introduced her as his girlfriend. She was absolutely gorgeous and so so nice! She instantly grabbed (Y/N) arm and showed her the whole apartment, introduced her to her other friends (there were only three others) and pushed a glass of juice in her hand. She happily started telling you about her movie and how she met Jensen on set of Ten Inch Hero. She’d never admit it to Jensen, but she loved this movie way more than she probably should.

“So, are you and Jared dating? He’s never brought a girl with him when we hung out.”

(Y/N) cheeks turned red as she took a long gulp of juice, as if this would save her from answering the question. She almost choked as Jared appeared behind her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Are you scaring (Y/N) away already, Danni?”

“No, I was just wondering if the two of you were dating!”

Definitely not afraid to say what she thinks. Danneel owned a confidence (Y/N) could only dream off. Jared only laughed at Danni’s words and pulled (Y/N) closer to his side, his fingers caressing her upper arm almost as if he wanted to calm her down. He could feel her tense shoulders and her wary expression that told him she really didn’t feel comfortable here.

“No, we actually aren’t. I’d be lucky to call her my girlfriend, though.”

Jared was definitely not helping with his words. He wanted to calm her down? That was definitely not the right way. He should stop talking and take a step back, that was the only thing that would calm her down now.

“She looks like a keeper, I agree!” 

She winked and off Danneel went, leaving you alone in the awkward position to say something to Jared. Thanks. 

Danneel and one of her friends had prepared tacos with chicken, beef and vegetables for everyone. All in one, it was a wonderful (and awkward) evening, and Jared stayed true to his word. Not once did he leave her side (only when Danneel ran off with her), whereas he also rarely removed his arm from her. He either held onto her waist, guided her along with a hand on her back or put his arm around her shoulder. Her heart had no chance to calm down, not even as they left Danneel’s apartment.

“Thanks for coming with me.”

Jared said, grabbing onto (Y/N) hand. Jared watched her reaction, ready for any kind of rejection to follow. But she only sent him a surprised look before looking at his hand. He spread his fingers, and as if it was the most normal thing, their fingers intertwined with each other as they walked down the flight of stairs to the exit. A warm shiver ran up her arm and throug her body as the butterflies went crazy in her stomach. Snow had begun to fall outside and both smiled wide as they noticed the dark streets slowly getting covered in the white powder.

For a moment, (Y/N) forgot who she was with and parted her hand from Jared’s before twirling in the snow and trying to catch some of the flakes on her tongue. She laughed and giggled like a little girl, and Jared watched her, totally captivated. Snowflakes stuck in her long hair and her cheeks turned a beautiful pink from the cold as he walked closer to her.

“It reminds me of home, you know. I love snow.”

She grinned and Jared couldn’t help it but smile, too. She was beautiful.

Without thinking, he softly grabbed onto her waist and pulled her closer. A look of determination ran over his features as he looked into her eyes before closing the gap between them and pressing his lips to hers.

Fireworks exploded in Jared’s body and his body heated up at the sensation of finally being able to kiss her. Her lips were even softer and fuller than he had expected, and he already missed them as the thought of pulling away from her crossed his mind. Before the kiss could get any further, (Y/N) carefully pulled away from him, dropping her head but leaving her eyes closed. She slowly drew her tongue over her lips and then sighed. She sighed as if the next words she was about to say pained her more than a knife ever could. The moment she raised her head and Jared got to look in her deep eyes, he knew he wasn’t going to like what she was about to say. She bit her lip before she started speaking. 

“I… uh…” A dry chuckle left her lips. “I can’t do this. I… I mean…” she struggled with her words as her eyes looked at everything but his face. “Look, I-I’ve been played with enough over the last few months, I really don’t need this right now.”

“What?" 

What was she talking about? He had waited for the longest time to kiss her and even though he tried to prepare himself for every kind of reaction - anger, rejection, disgust, fun - he had not expected this. 

"Jared, you’re what? 28?" 

Jared nodded his head, not knowing where (Y/N) was going with this. 

"I’m so much younger. Why would you even look at someone like me? You’re an actor, women lie to your feet. You could have everyone you want, so this is obviously just some kind of joke to you." 

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or cry right now. Did she really think so little of herself, that she thought Jared was playing with her? What had happened to her for her to expect something like this? He had no idea how to react to her words, but the only thing he seemed to be able to do was to laugh. A deep, hoarse laugh left his throat as he cupped her jaw again and pulled her lips to his. He kissed her as if she was made out of glass. Soft, slow - putting as much emotion in it as he could. He parted the kiss after just a few seconds. His free hand wrapped around (Y/N) waist as he leaned his forehead against hers. 

"You really need to change the way you look at yourself.”

[otabekismybff]

Shall We Selfie? (Chubeka)

Pairings: Otabek Altin/Phichit Chulanont, Leo de la Iglesia/Guang Hong Ji Rating: T Words: 2274 Summary: Otabek is intrigued by the outgoing Thai skater, Phichit Chulanont, but he never expected him to come talk to him. Or for him to ask for a selfie with him. Is this the start of a new friendship...or something more? Prompt:@barbiesemken (posted at end of fic)

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It was how he skated that first drew Otabek to him. His song was “Shall We Skate” from The King and the Skater. From what Otabek had heard, the musical was banned in Thailand, so by skating to it, Phichit Chulanont was making a powerful political statement.

Brave. Strong. Admirable.

Like Otabek, Phichit came from a country with few skaters, so they both represented their country to the world. Phichit skated with pride for his nation—and to draw interest for new Thai skaters. Not to mention he looked like he was having so much fun on the ice.

In contrast, Otabek's performances were all filled with concentration, determination, and extreme focus. He wasn't anything like the Thai skater, so perhaps that was why he found him so refreshing.

Otabek envied the unique quality of his skating. How he moved as if he were inviting everyone to join him.

But never in Otabek's seventeen years did he expect such an outgoing skater to want anything to do with him.

They were at Skate America in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. All the performances had finished for the short program, and Otabek was taking his time packing up his gear. Skaters milled around him, some chatting excitedly with each other, some existing in their own world. Phichit Chulanont was surrounded by people, as expected.

A twinge of envy shot through Otabek's chest. No one ever talked to him—well, JJ had last year, but he had no interest in befriending that narcissistic man.

Otabek focused his attention on checking his bag. The voices were drifting away as skaters left the room. He would be the last to leave as usual. Ever since Otabek was a child, he'd been taught to say goodbye to people when he left a room—it was the polite thing to do. But he knew if he said that, no one would care, so better to leave last and avoid the awkwardness.

He stood up, ready to make his exit, only to find the Thai skater standing right in front of him. Wide, dark eyes blinked at him, like a curious cat. “You're from Kazakhstan, right?”

Otabek froze, unable to find his voice. An obvious question, so how come he couldn't answer? He must look really stupid right now.

“I'm from Thailand. We small countries should stick together, huh?” Phichit beamed, then held out his hand. “Phichit Chulanont.”

“Otabek Altin,” he managed and shook his hand. The two were almost the same height, Otabek just slightly taller.

“I saw your short program,” Phichit said, his eyes lighting up. “Your quad Salchow was amazing. I can only do the toeloop, but I'm hoping to add more quads next season. Also, your outfit was very interesting. It made me think of a gingerbread man.”

“You actually understood that?”

“Huh?”

“Most people have been calling it a pirate costume, but I don't know how they got that.” Otabek shrugged.

“No way. Those colors are totally gingerbread. Hey, can we take a selfie together?”

Normally Otabek would say he had no interest and walk away, but Phichit was smiling so wide. He looked so happy to be talking to Otabek. No one had ever made him feel like this. Like his attention was desirable. “Sure.”

“Great!” Phichit lifted his phone and leaned in close to Otabek. He made a peace sign and snapped the picture.

Otabek shuffled his feet awkwardly. “How did it come out?”

“Perfect! Thanks so much. I'll see you tomorrow.” Phichit waved and rushed from the room.

Otabek chuckled. What an interesting guy.

…

Bzzzzz! Bzzzz!

Otabek pulled out his phone. Instagram. He forgot he even had the app. The screen popped up, then the picture of him and Phichit.

Below, it read:

Selfie with the handsome Otabek Altin!

The screen faded to black. Handsome? Phichit Chulanont had called him handsome? It was online so that didn't mean anything, right? But if it did...

Otabek tried not to think too much about it. Getting his hopes up would only lead to disappointment. Of course the extroverted Phichit Chulanont had no interest in introverted Otabek. They were as opposite as two could be. Not compatible in any sense of the word.

And yet...Otabek couldn't take his mind off him.

…

Second place at Skate America. Otabek narrowly missed gold. Still, he displayed the Kazakhstan flag with pride while the cameras flashed. To his disappointment, Phichit didn't make the podium, but he'd made fourth place. He still had a chance to make it the Grand Prix Final.

Afterwards, Otabek walked around the arena, his gaze searching, searching, but Phichit was nowhere to be found.

He didn't see him at the exhibition later either. Disappointed, Otabek trudged behind first and third place, Leo de la Iglesia and Guang Hong Ji. The two were chatting animatedly, but Otabek wasn't paying attention. His gaze flitted about the room. Still nothing.

Then Phichit rounded the corner. His eyes lit up and he waved.

Otabek lifted his hand to wave back, only to be interrupted by Leo and Guang Hong excitedly waving and rushing over to hug Phichit.

Too good to be true. He should have known. Otabek made a beeline for the door, and stepped out into the chilly autumn air. He needed to find his coach and—

“Otabek!”

He whirled around to see a breathless Phichit running towards him. “Hi,” Otabek said lamely.

“Hang on.” Phichit panted, hands on his knees, until he caught his breath. Then he straightened up and smiled wide, his cheeks flushed. “Sorry, I waved at you earlier, but I guess you didn't see.”

“Ah, I...” Otabek lifted his hand, then dropped it.

“Oh, so that was a wave!” Phichit exclaimed. “I wasn't sure since you rushed away. Anyways, congrats on taking silver. Your free skate and your exhibition piece were amazing!”

“Thank you.” He wanted to tell Phichit that he did well too, but his throat suddenly went dry. The memory of Phichit's captivating free skate came back into his mind. Phichit had shown the same enthusiasm as in his short program, and their free skate outfits had the same color theme—blue and white.

“So, I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with me?”

Otabek blinked, not sure he had heard correctly. “Come again?”

Phichit smiled shyly, holding his hands together behind his back. “Dinner. Aren't you hungry? I was thinking about trying a Chinese restaurant near the hotel. They're open late on Sundays.”

Dinner with Phichit? A date? It couldn't be. Why would Phichit ask him out? But from the way he was standing, the flush to his cheeks, the caption on their selfie: the handsome Otabek Altin. Maybe, just maybe it was possible.

Otabek cleared his throat. “I'd love to.”

Phichit beamed. “Great! Is ten okay? I want to go back to the hotel and shower first.”

“Yeah, ten is fine.”

“Perfect! It's the Dragon Moon Cafe two blocks from the hotel. I'll, uh, see you then then.” He chuckled. “Then then. English is so funny sometimes, huh?”

“Yeah.” Otabek couldn't think of what else to say. It didn't matter though because Phichit rushed off a moment later. Otabek decided he might as well go back to his hotel room and shower too. He wanted to change into better clothes at least. Date clothes.

…

Butterflies fluttered in his stomach as Otabek walked to the restaurant. They were half the good kind of butterflies and half the bad. He wanted this date to go well, but he worried he might say the wrong thing or come across disinterested. He'd often been accused of not caring or not seeming like he was enjoying himself. It was all thanks to his difficulties with expressing himself.

He really needed to work on his image. Maybe leather jackets would help? If people thought he was cool, it might help him act that way. Oh well. He'd worry about that later. For now he had to walk up to the host stand and ask the lady if Phichit had already arrived.

After he described Phichit in detail, the hostess directed him to a table behind an elaborate folding screen decorated with flowers.

He rounded the corner...and instantly felt very stupid.

Phichit wasn't alone. Leo and Guang Hong were there too. At a table for four. Of course, they were his friends. Phichit should have told him this was a winners celebration...and not a date.

“Hey, Otabek!” Phichit called and patted the seat next to him.

Otabek sat down, and picked up his menu. He couldn't even look at Phichit. Was it possible to die from embarrassment?

“I'd say we all have a big chance of making it to the Grand Prix Final,” Guang Hong said cheerfully.

There was a pause, then Leo's voice sounded. “But three of us are competing at the Cup of China, so it'll be difficult for us all to get in.”

“If Phichit takes gold, it would be possible.”

Phichit chuckled. “I'll try my best. You two better take silver and bronze though.”

“Of course!” they chimed together.

“Otabek.” Phichit elbowed him.

Otabek lowered his menu to stare at him. “What?”

“Is everything okay?” Phichit looked so concerned. It made Otabek feel bad about his behavior.

He pushed his menu to the corner of the table and attempted a smile. “I'm fine. Just wanted to make sure they had what I wanted.”

“Oh, you can read Chinese?” Guang Hong asked.

“Uh...” Otabek glanced at the menu. It was indeed entirely in Chinese. The English ones were at the other end of the table. Wow. He'd reached a new level of idiocy. “I—I need a smoke break.”

Even though Otabek did not smoke at all, he dashed for the front door before the others could say a word. The cool air was welcome this time. It relaxed him a bit, but it couldn't cure the crushing disappointment in his chest.

Why did he ever think he deserved Phichit's special attention?

He pulled out his phone and looked at their selfie again. Handsome. Did the word really mean nothing? And Phichit's cheeks look a bit flushed in the photo. Was he really not blushing? Otabek couldn't believe how much he had misread the situation.

“Otabek.”

He jumped and glanced over at Phichit, who had managed to appear silently for once. “Ah, sorry. I...I don't smoke actually.”

Phichit nodded. “I figured.” He stepped closer to him and leaned against the restaurant wall. “So, are you going to tell me what's bothering you?”

“It's stupid.”

Phichit's face lost all traces of humor. “I won't think it's stupid. If it's bothering you, it's serious to you. So it's serious to me too.”

Otabek didn't know what to say, so he kept silent.

“...was it my fault?”

“It—” The words got stuck in his throat.

“I'm so sorry. Whatever I did. It was just me being stupid, okay? Tell me what it is and I'll never do it again. Was I talking too much? Not including you enough? Or were you mad that I asked you if you were okay in front of the others?”

“No, none of that.” Otabek was surprised that Phichit was worrying just as much as he was. Even though he wasn't interested in Otabek, he did care about him. That made Otabek feel a little better.

“Then what?”

“I...I thought this was a date.” Otabek looked down at his feet. Would Phichit make fun of him? He was such an idiot.

Phichit burst into laughter.

Otabek about died on the spot. He didn't think Phichit would actually laugh. He dared to glance at Phichit, but he didn't look mocking. He just looked happy. Huh?

“Let me explain myself.” Phichit held up a hand. “This is a date. At least I wanted it to be one. That's why I asked you out.”

“But Guang Hong and Leo...”

“...are together.” Phichit grinned wide. “It's a double date. You've been on those before, right?”

Actually he hadn't. But he was so relieved he could barely process the information. A date. Phichit did ask him out. Phichit liked him. Him. “Why me?” he couldn't help but ask. “I'm basically your total opposite.”

“That's what I like most about you,” Phichit said, grinning. “I can't really explain it, but your quiet, reserved nature carries a certain intensity to it. And the way you skate. My heart was pounding the whole time and I couldn't look away. I knew I had to at least try talking to you. Other skaters said you weren't very friendly, so I thought you might just ignore me, but I got the sense that you were interested in me too.”

“How could you tell?”

Phichit chuckled. “Don't worry. I'm not psychic. I've just gotten really good at reading people. Though, I will say you're quite a challenge. Maybe that's part of why I'm so curious.”

“Do you think I'm handsome?”

“Duh. I even put you were handsome on Instagram. Did you read the caption on our selfie?”

“I did.”

“And you thought I'd lie about that?”

“No. It just...it seemed too good to be true.”

Phichit touched Otabek's arm and stepped closer. “You look so mature, but you're really new to this, aren't you?”

“I'm working on it.”

“I'll help you.” Phichit closed the distance, and kissed Otabek on the lips.

Phichit was warm, his lips soft. Otabek ran his hands across his shoulders and then down to his waist to pull him even closer. A tongue darted into his mouth, and he played around with it.

Phichit chuckled, his breath tickling Otabek's lips. “You're a fast learner.”

...

NOTES: Based on the prompt by @barbiesemken: “Phichit asks for a selfie and Otabek doesn't know how to say no to his smile? XD”