#i wish i could just copy poses and faces but what can ya do

[siennaditbot]

Did a thing with Espio and Slushie and the metal virus stuff. This idea hit me in a place where it shouldn't have but that's how inspiration works I guess lol

A bit messy and all over the place but gets the point across. The Slushie friendship stuff might be unnecessary but I think him hearing that would make him feel better about everything.

Also I did draw him crying and bawling and wanna draw some super tight hugs but this took a long time already and those might look better when done digitally anyway. He deserves all the hugs <3

[poemsforparker]

out of the woods - matt murdock

pairing: matt murdock (daredevil) × f!vigilante!reader

summary: matt fails to keep his lone wolf pose when a new vigilante starts acting upon the crimes in his city.

content warnings: violence, wound description, blood (but it's still fluff, I promise lol), also poorly proofread bc this is my first oneshot that's this big (and I think one of my favourites already), so I probably left something behind, if you find anything, lmk!

word count: 3.3k

You knock down the last henchman with a punch. You could feel the sweat soaking your suit in the inside and your mouth had the familiar, yet hateful, blood taste from the kick that hit you earlier and made you bite your cheek. The guy who did it was specially injured.

A well known figure with horns gets out of the dark corner and runs towards you, a folder filled with documents in his hands, he swings it in the air showing it to you with a wide smile on his face.

— I got it. What we have here it's probably going to be enough to start a move against Fisk. Names, places and stuff. Thanks for your help. - you cough with his words.

— It's more like you were helping me, red.

— Yeah let's pretend it goes that way. Here - he puts the folder on your hands - can you read it for us?

— Can't you read? - he stops and scratches the back of his neck, losing a bit of his confident posture.

— I, um... My eye sight is a bit blurry from the punches. - he says more sounding like a question than an affirmation, you try not to push it too much. It's not like it mattered either way.

— Alright, let's get inside - you point your head to the abandoned building beside you - let's see what they have here.

Daredevil goes right behind you. Following your path to a dirty dusty table where you place the folder and sit down on the equality dirty and squeaky metal chair. Him copying your moves.

You read out loud to him all the information you could find, names of criminals that once worked for Fisk, people who had something on him that needed to be watched, betrayers. But the people who worked for him currently, were not in the file.

— Well, I guess we're gonna have to give some more punches. - you close the file turning your body to him. - At least we know who to punch now to get information.

— I wasn't waiting for it to have current information anyways, they wouldn't be so uncarefull. - he shrugs - Still, that's a lot of help.

— Yeah... But where do we even start? This has too many names and too many addresses, some of these people could lead us to nothing and we'd waist precious time on this, we need to get to him fast, know his next moves and be there waiting to stop him. We can't spend a week doing our lovely interviews with these bunch of jerks, he's going to have plenty of time to act already while we're having a chat with criminals.

— I wish I knew. - he says simply. He was annoyed, not with you, but because what you just said was true, even with a bunch of information you still had practically nothing. Old data wouldn't help you predict his next moves, and Fisk was always three steps ahead of you. - Maybe we should split for now. Try to do it as fast as we can. We gather back here every night, same time, share what we got and try to connect the dots. Perhaps in a day or two we manage to get something useful.

— Yeah, maybe...

— You have anything better?

— Nope. I guess that's a plan, red.

— Stop calling me that. - you giggle with his annoyed tone.

— Well, I don't know your name and "daredevil" sounds too scary so...

— I'm scary.

— Sure you are, red. - you tap his shoulder letting another soft giggle out. - See ya, tomorrow! turning your back on him, taking the folder with you on your way out, you crawl up to the building jumping above them in direction of your home.

...

Matt wakes up the next morning with his hole body aching, he's thankful the suit made by Melvin didn't let him get as shattered as he uses to be before. But still, the guys the night earlier knew how to give a punch.

His phone yelled repeatedly and annoyingly Foggy's name, indicating a call.

— Hey, buddy, what's up? - his voice comes out huskier than usual, trying not to whine too much with the pain.

— You sound like shit.

— Feel like it.

— Got what you wanted last night? Are you still getting the help from that woman?

— Yeah, we went after those guys. Didn't get much still if I'm being honest.

— Nothing yet? Matt you've been chasing information with this girl for what? A month now? Sounds to me like you're getting excuses to spend more time together - Foggy uses a very out of

tune singing voice to mock his friend.

— She is awesome and all Foggy, but I'm not playing when it comes to Fisk. We're really trying our best here. Plus, when all of this is over I could still ask her out. - Foggy can hear that Matt's smiling through the phone.

— Yeah, yeah, and you plan on doing that how? Taking her to a restaurant casually worn as that horned thing? Maybe put on a tuxedo above? - he mocks.

— I'd reveal my identity to her. - he says simply.

— Wow, your down bad buddy. That's a big move.

— She trusts me enough to know her's Foggy. I meant I don't know her name but I can feel she takes off her mask when is just the two of us, and she doesn't know I'm blind so...

— Is she hot? I bet she's hot.

— How would I know?

— Don't play that card on me, Matt. But I'm serious, are you sure about what you're saying?

— Yeah, man, on what more danger could I be putting her in if she knew who I was? She does the same things as I do. We're even in that matter.

— Does she even know a thing about you already?

— No, she doesn't. Yesterday I told her I couldn't read the papers because my eye sight was blurry. Every time I try to spill out a real thing about myself I get nervous. - Foggy let's out a loud laugh.

— You, nervous? Please, Matt, that's the best joke I've ever heard.

— I'm serious, man. It's like I'm s goddamn teenager again. It's ridiculous.

— What's stopping you, anyway?

— Beyond having much bigger stuff to deal with when I see her, such as fighting crime in New York, other than my stupid feelings? I don't know, I'm scared she won't... like me, I guess.

— Matt, are you sure you're okay? Did anyone hit your head to hard?

— I'm serious, Foggy. - he chuckles

— Alright, alright. I called you because you're late to get to the office so get your ass here quickly because we still have clients to deal with, we talk later about your secret love life. - he hangs up.

...

He had a busy day at the office, between solving out minor issues as lawyer Matt and reviewing information in his head as vigilante Matt, the day went by and the night fell.

Barely having time to even enter his house properly he already started to take off his tie and unbutton his white shirt, not wanting to waist any other second to put his suit on and get out.

Once he had his knuckles bloody and painful already, he decided he had enough. Walked to the place you said you'd meet him and waited for you. For way too long, in his opinion. When Matt was starting to get worried someone had caught you, he hears someone come in, and recognizes it to be you.

The smell of blood was strong, he could tell you were bleeding much more than usual, maybe a stab would or something worse, but definitely not only wounded by punches. You walk towards him, waddling and holding your ribs, probably fractured.

— Jesus Christ, what happened to you? - he says concerned.

— Couple more guys that I was expecting, nothing I can't take but I could've used your help, red. - you hiss at the sharp pain on your leg, where one of the bastards you fought before managed to give a deep cut with a dagger.

— Are you okay?

— Super. - Matt feels his cheeks burn over your dry answer to his dumb question, of course you were not okay.

— Sorry. - he pulls a chair for you. — Here, sit down.

— Thanks. I didn't mean to sound harsh it's just that I don't get exactly super lively when some douche cuts my flesh open.

— I'm familiar with the feeling.

— Yeah. So, what'd you get?

— Nearly nothing. But I know where he is.

— Great, yeah, we, um... Got the same information then. - he feels your heart beat race.

— What did you do?

— Please don't get mad at me.

— You know that saying that you only get to worry me, right?

— Right, yeah, um... sort of went there-

— You what? Are you insane?

— I know how it sounds, and yeah, maybe I was reckless going there, but I couldn't help it, the first guy I gave a punch already snitched everything he knew, it was ridiculous. I thought that maybe it was a sign for me to go there, some kind of-

— You shouldn't have went there alone.

— I know, I know I-

— We said we'd finish him

together, and we'll do that, right? - he holds your shoulders, bending a little since you were sat down.

— That man got my father killed, red. - your voice cracks as you get up from the chair, taking a step closer to him and ignoring the throbbing pain in your leg. - Only because he was a fair man and he wanted to do the right thing, just like you and me. - you put your finger on his chest when saying "you" - When I found out where Fisk was, I was blinded by rage and I wasn't thinking straight at the moment, I'm sorry, but we'll do it together, we'll beat his ass - you giggle, eyes still watery, but a part of your heart found comfort that at least someone else had the same goal as you did. - I promise.

He can feel your heartbeat ease, you were telling the truth. Then holds himself not to make a blind joke because of what you said, and on a maybe even more reckless act than you trying to break into a building full of security all alone and without a plan, Matt takes your lips on his. Holding you closer by your waist.

You break the kiss due to the pain on your leg over him moving you that fast. — Ouch. - you mock, trying to lighten the mood since you realized he was embarrassed.

— I'm so sorry, I don't know what got into me.

— Don't be, red. - you put your hand on his cheek, staring at the his mouth that was connected with yours moments earlier. - I kinda of wanted to do this too - this time you feel your cheeks burn, for threatening vigilantes you were looking like two teenagers. - I'm just sad I didn't see your face before I did it. - you keep your glance at the uncovered part of his face, admiring the smile showing up on his lips. - Or knew your name.

— I don't know yours. - he says simply, provoking.

— Y/n. - you say without having a second thought. - Your turn.

— Matt. Matthew. - he smiles wider and pulls your hand above his mask to pull it off.

— It's nice to meet you, Matt - you smirk.

You quickly notice his eyes weren't looking right at you, leaving you in confusion. Matt feels your breath change it's pace slightly. Realizing your confusion.

— I'm blind.

— What?

— I'm blind. That's what you're asking yourself, right? Why are my eyes traveling around instead of holding my glance on you - he chuckles.

— You read minds too, Matthew?

— Just, really good at guessing.

— I see. - this time as you knew already, Matt doesn't hold himself.

— I don't. - he laughs.

— Jesus. - you hide your face in his shoulder and laugh along.

Still touching your forehead in his shoulder, you feel him tense up and rise to look at his face.

— What's up?

— Someone's here. - he puts his mask back and his arm in front of you, turning his back and keeping you protected between him and the old table. - Did you check if you were being followed?

— Of course I did, I'm not an idiot.

— Three.

— Three what, Esfinge? You're saying stuff in riddles now?

— There's three man. Armed. Heavily. - he gulps. You could never get used to how he knew all this stuff, even more impressed now that you knew he couldn't see and was still the best fighter you've ever seen.

— Great. I'm in awesome conditions to fight, anyway.

— Get down. - Matt pulls you down in a strong impulse right before shots got fired right where you were standing.

— Holy shit.

— C'mon - he holds you by the waist to get up - he gotta get out of here.

Trying to run away from heavily armed assholes while limping wasn't exactly your first thing on the to do list today. When you open the door, a guy jumps from nowhere attacking the both of you. Matt is quick on throwing his stick-thingy on him, making him go down immediately.

— Go, go, go.

— I'm trying. - you complain, seeing the blood run down your leg like a fountain. Not a good feeling.

Matt keeps supporting your arm on his shoulder when getting up the stairs to the roof. Claiming one of the guys was up there, while the other one was following you.

Once up on the roof, the henchman that was following you long left couple floors back after you kicked him down with the good leg. Matt puts up a fight with the last one, leaving you to sit on the

floor and hold your leg not to loose any more blood.

Matt kicks the gun out of his hand, leaving him with a scared look on his face, when he tries to run Matt takes him by the collar of his shirt and drags him on a way he stays with half of his body about to fall off the building. You knew he wouldn't drop 'im. But the guy did not know that.

— Please don't throw me. - he begs.

— Tell us what Fisk's up to.

— I don't know, I swear. I'm just security to the building. He's been paying our boss to send us there to guard him. He's got a thing on everyone and if we deny him protection he'll do something. They have my daughter, please.

— How'd you get here?

— We followed the lady. - Matt looks on your direction, you couldn't see his eyes through the mask but you were sure his expression was something along the lines of "didn't you say you were not stupid?" you shrug even knowing he couldn't see it.

— But he knows you're after him, he's moving. - the guy continues - there's a van, is taking out tomorrow, 2pm, I don't know where he's going, buy if you catch him o the move maybe you have a shot. Please, finish that guy, I want my freedom again, I want to see my little girl.

— We'll do our best, sir. - Matt says softening his tone. His body getting back on being rigid when the device on the guys shoulder emitted a robotic voice that asked if everything was okay. Matt recovers his threatening tone. - Now, get the hell out of here and tell them in this little radio of yours it was a false alarm, you didn't find anyone here. If you ask for backup I swear to god I throw you out.

The guy does as he says, to scared to act otherwise. One he's gone (you could swear you'd never seen someone run so fast), Matt runs towards you, your vision this time was (really) blurry due to the blood loss. He can hear your slow heart pace and concern floods his brain. Holding your leg as strong as he could to stop the bleeding, he calls the one person he knew could help him then.

...

Claire was used with Matt's calls for help for himself. But when she got to the said building and saw another person, a girl, wounded in a equality comic suit as his (in her opinion), she can definitely say that she was surprised.

— What have you gotten yourself into? - the woman turns to you, starting to get stuff out of her first aid kit to patch you up.

— I wish I knew. - you chuckle softly. - So... How'd you meet eachother? - you say feeling your heart beat fastening, suddenly more concerned Matt actually had someone in his life already that about your bleeding-to-death situation.

— Found him in a dumpster. - she says simply. - Then it stuck. - she looks at you and smiles.

— You, ah, um... - you point confusedly between the two - Like, you two...

— Oh! No, no. - Matt is quick on saying, you feel yourself get less tense.

— Okay. - you whisper it, more to yourself, not knowing what to say next.

— This is probably gonna hurt a lot. - Claire warns you with a petty look, after riping your suit around the area where the dagger got to, she cleaned the area and was ready to stitch.

— Go ahead. - Matt can feel your nervous. So calmly and silently, he sits by your side, putting his hand on your lap with his palm up.

— Hold onto me. You can squeeze my hand if it hurts too much. - your embarrassed he can probably feel how melted you got for the way your heart went crazy but try to act normal.

— Thanks, Matt. - he smiles.

Twenty stitches. Was what was necessary to close your leg wound back. Probably one of the worse you had. After some time they left you sitting and Claire mumbled to Matt some stuff about how he should keep an eye on you at least for the night.

They both stand on each side of you for you to wrap your arms around their necks and help you get back to the first floor, leaning on them and hoping in one leg. You thank Claire for her help and Matt pays her a cab back home, leaving just the pair of you alone again.

— Great night, huh? - he tells you, still walking with you leaning on him, even tho you were not sure where was he taking you from there.

— Tell me 'bout it.

Where are you taking me?

— My place. You're staying for the night. No discussions, you're not in conditions to be alone nor even to fight again tomorrow, we can make up another plan in the meantime, tomorrow I can follow Fisk's car, find out where he is going, take some more information maybe, I don't know. But you can't come with me, not like this.

— If I wasn't depending on you to walk I'd really want to punch you right now.

— Why?

— Because that's true and I'm mad you're throwing it on my face. - you both giggle. - But seriously Matt, don't you ever get pissed off by all of this? It's fucked up how we have been chasing nothing for a month now, every time we think we have something we're back on zero mark.

— I do. - he says simply. - But we're gonna make this. We'll figure it out, right? We always do. - he stops, to give you some time before walking again.

— Right. - you face him on the suit. Imagining how things would be from now on. When you reached your goal, the first plan was getting back each to your own way, but that had changed long time already - We'll stick together after we finish him, right? - you ask him, fear clear as the water in your voice.

— You mean as Matt and Y/n? If it's up to me, of course we will, dear.

— Good. - you smile, cupping his cheek to kiss him once more, this time more passionate, full of hope and untold promises. What got you two together at first was a common goal, a common hate at the meeting of two broken souls who suffered with the cruelty of the city.

Now it was becoming something else, once the vigilante barrier broke and now you knew eachother's identities, that seemed to make things more real. Starting to digest that all of those times you fought side by side to that person were not fever dreams – as much as they looked like it. It was two people, two different lives, combined by the same objective. An instant connection seemed to show.

Undeniable for both, it would grow to be love.

...

see more fics in my masterlist

[nctsjiho]

King JiHo (Favourite JiHo moments)

Fan Video by ‘Haechan’s Children’ on YouTube

(indented text = comments added by the maker of the video) I’m 100% convinced that this is JiHo’s world and we’re just living in it. Here’s some moments that prove this <3 Enjoyyyy~~

[[N'-135] New Thangs🙆‍♀️🙆‍♂️New Thangs👍👃 | ‘영웅(Kick It)’ 인기가요 대기실 비하인드]

NCT 127 was chilling in their dressing room, backstage, waiting for their turn to perform ‘Kick It’. JiHo sat in one of the chairs in front of the mirrors, ready to get her make up done. Taeyong who was holding the camera walked up to the girl ready to interview her.

“And here we have our lovely JiHo getting ready for our stage.” He commented, earning a hum from the girl. “How are you feeling- oh? What’s that?” The camera wasn’t pointed at anything anymore as Taeyong leaned in closer to the girl then readjusted the camera again to focus on JiHo. His hand reached out to grab her chin and his thumb lightly pressed against a purple spot beneath the left corner of her lip. “Is it real?” The concern was audible in his question and JiHo nodded.

“I thought it was fake! What happened? When did you get that bruise? It looks painful.” Taeyong kept firing out questions which had both JiHo and the make up artist, who was currently working on her, laughing. “It doesn’t hurt too bad.” JiHo answered coolly, her eyes darted to the mirror in front of her and she noticed Mark walk behind her.

“Mark and I got into a fight yesterday.” Taeyong gasped and Mark snapped his head towards her after hearing his name. “What?” Both men asked shocked at the statement. “Mark hit you?” Taeyong asked once again pointing towards the bruise on JiHo’s face. “What are you talking about?” Mark stuttered over his words and turned his head to take a closer look at the bruise. JiHo didn’t say anything as Taeyong put down the camera on the table in front of them and started scolding the innocent boy.

Both JiHo and the make up artist were laughing and JiHo decided to grab the camera and point it towards both boys. “Oppa. I’m just kidding, leave poor Mark alone.” She explained, trying not to laugh again.

Johnny who had been watching everything happen had joined the group wordlessly. “Lim JiHo! You can’t joke about things like that!” The leader scolded and Mark let out a relieved gasp. “What?” She laughed at his expression. “I know we didn’t get into a fight, but I almost started second guessing myself that I somehow did do that to you.” With a hand on his heart, the panic lingered in his eyes for a few more seconds before it slowly vanished.

“You two are so gullible, oh lord.” JiHo chuckled and Johnny now settled between both boys, patting them both on their shoulders. “Taeyong you should’ve known better. If JiHo did get into a fight with Mark, we all know Mark would be the one to come out that with bruises. Not the other way around.”

She has these boys wrapped around her finger and she knows it!

[NCT 127 Talks "Superhuman", Tour, and KPop]

“What makes NCT 127 different from every other boy band?” Jaehyun’s eyes met JiHo’s, who is sitting on the front row of members next to Jungwoo. They shared a smile as Zach, the host, continues his question.

Johnny translated the question to all the other members and JiHo slowly brought the mic up to her lips. Once Johnny finished translating, the female voice of JiHo resonated through the room. “Well...” She stopped there with a nod and everyone started laughing.

After Taeyong and Johnny finished their answer JiHo grabbed her mic once again. “Just want to clarify, I’m not saying I’m the only reason we’re different, I’m just saying, if you’re calling us a boy band then of course me being a female member would technically already make us different from all other boy bands.” She quickly added.

“How does that feel? Being the only girl in a group of men.” Zach asked and JiHo shrugged. “It doesn’t feel abnormal to me. I think after knowing the guys for such a long time I just like, kind of found my spot with them and it just feels normal.” “I think JiHo sometimes forgets that she a girl...” Johnny added carefully, his voice turning a bit unsure at the end. With the boys laughing in the background JiHo waved a piece sign in front of the camera closest to her and started “acting cool” before talking into the mic with a deeper voice. “I’m part of the boys. Part of the homies. Ya know?”

JiHo sweetie, I know you wanna look cool, but all you’re doing is looking adorable. Please stop I’m gonna have a heart attack

[⚾️시티고 야구부⚾️ EP.1 라커 급습 | NCT 127 Baseball Team]

After Johnny’s joke about copying Mark(’s butt), Taeil spoke up, “Aren’t we missing someone?” “Where’s JiHo?” Yuta spun around once as if he was looking for the absent girl. “Tsk. Again, she’s late-” “Lee Haechan!” A voiced boomed off of frame.

JiHo walked in with a confident stride stopping in the middle of the room and staring straight into the main camera. “Don’t speak about your baseball team leader like that.” She said in a cold tone. “Sunbaenim, where were you?” Johnny asked. Since the age rolls were reversed, JiHo was now the oldest in the group. “I just came back from the gym as the leader of the cheerleading team who just finished practise.” “You’re also their leader?” Doyoung stifled a laugh and JiHo turned to him sending him a glare. He put up his hands in a defensive pose and took a step back after which JiHo turned back to the camera.

“Why? Don’t you believe me?” “I don’t know JiHo. It’s just that-” Mark stopped talking before being able to finish his sentence as the girl kicked up her left leg. She caught her foot with her left hand and pulled her leg up until it was next to her face, extended into a heel stretch. Her right hand was also in the air, showing of how great her balance and flexibility is. She kept the pose for a few seconds before bringing her foot back down to the ground. “Wow!” The boys gasped in surprised.

JiHo isn’t trying to be flexible, flexible is trying to be JiHo

She eyed Mark who quickly acknowledged the fact that she fit as the role of the cheerleading team. “Don’t underestimate me Markie.” The teasing tone along with the nickname sent a shiver down the boy’s spine, the other boys either oohing or being slightly scared themselves.

Why is Mark always the victim of JiHo’s teasing?? I can’t with them

[‘To You’ #3]

The whole ‘To You’ series was really sweet and emotional. So this isn’t as funny as the previous clips, but I felt like this still fits the theme so well. I also think that not that many fans have seen this before, so after this clip you should watch all 3 videos <3

PS. this isn’t the full clip but here are some of my favourite parts of Taeil’s message to JiHo

“It must have been hard right? Your position in the group is very special and it must come with a lot of pressure.” Taeil’s eyes fell into his lap, a sad smile on his lips. “But you always try to hide your hardships from the group.”

I believe what he means with ‘position’ is being the maknae of the group as well as being the only girl

“I wished that you could come to us more and open up about those things, because I know that everyone (in the group) would drop everything they were doing in a heartbeat to hear you out.” He took a deep breath before continuing.

“Haechan is the mood maker in the sense that he likes joking around and being loud, but you also are a mood maker. Just in your own unique way. You’re such a good listener and observer so you notice things other people might not. You approach members silently or make small gestures, which mean a lot, to cheer someone up. But you can also be funny and loud. I appreciate both of those sides of you.”

I’m not crying, you are ::>_<::

It was silent for a little as Taeil seemed deep in thought. “I know you don’t like to be treated in a more special way than the other members, and the older members really try not to show it. But in our minds... and in our hearts, you do have a special place. I know you are a strong person and can protect yourself just as well, if not better, than the other members, but I can’t help but want to protect you.”

“Whatever anyone says, those people who aren’t our fans or don’t understand us, I hope you don’t take their painful words to heart. Because you are just as fit to be in NCT as any of the other members.”

I’m so happy to see how much NCT cares for JiHo, not that I ever doubted that they didn’t, but seeing this was so heart-warming and JiHo’s reaction was so sweet as well as her message to Taeyong (but you have to go watch the original video for that ;-) )

[[Un Cut] Take #4 I ‘NCT - RESONANCE Pt. 1’ The Future ver. Jacket Behind the Scene]

The camera focused on JiHo who was currently doing her individual shots. She was wearing a beige oversized long sleeve that showed of her collarbones but covered up most of the rest of her body.

JiHo squatted down and tilted her head to the side to show of her jawline. The staff were complimenting her as the shoot went on.

A particular switch in poses had elicited a surprising response from one of the female staff members. “Wow~ Has she always been this pretty?” She said in awe, which caused everyone to start laughing and agreeing.

After JiHo’s shoot it was Ten and Kun’s turn. During Ten’s individual interview he brought up the event that happened before his shoot started. “I heard that the staff was surprised by JiHo’s visuals.” He chuckled. “My baby is very pretty everyone. Don’t forget that or you’ll be surprised and fall in love with her like the staff member did.”

I don’t know if I’m freaking out more because Ten just called JiHo his baby or because she called her very pretty so casually? Also thanks for the warning Ten, but I’m already madly in love with JiHo so... a bit too late for that.

[Idol Crushes? | HDIGH Ep. #xx Highlight]

“Weren’t you promoting (’Revolution’) recently?” Jae (Day6) asked AleXa who was sat next to him. She hummed. “Actually it was around the same time that NCT was promoting their music.” “Oh did you talk to them?” AleXa shook her head whilst laughing but then stopped suddenly as if she remembered something.

“She wasn’t promoting with them at the time, but I saw JiHo sunbaenim backstage.” This comment perked up Jae’s interest as he sat up in his chair. “Did you introduce yourself?” “Yeah she actually noticed me first and came to say hi.”

Diane, who was the person behind the camera gasped loudly. “Why haven’t you told us about this?! She knows you?” The small girl nodded embarrassed and then explained what happened on that day.

“She’s super nice and complimented my music and dancing. I didn’t think I’d ever been at such a loss for words as back then. I got so nervous because even though she’s really nice, she has such a strong presence? If you know what I mean?” Jae and Diane hum in understanding. “Just seeing her up close like that was so intimidating. Like she told me she was there to support her members so she didn’t have any makeup on, but she was still insanely beautiful.” Jae laughed at the girl’s dramatic explanation. “You sound like you have a crush on her.” AleXa stuttered for a second before replying. “I think I might!” They all laughed.

“Did you exchange phone numbers?” Diane asked and AleXa nodded excitedly. “We did! We don’t text each other often, but every once in a while she reaches out after a new podcast episode comes out to tell me about the parts she liked.” “Oh so she watches this?” Jae’s eyes widened. “Yeah.”

AleXa turned to the camera and waved. “JiHo sunbaenim, if you are watching this, thank you so much! I hope we can get closer someday.”

I don’t know AleXa that well, but I think a collab between her and JiHo would be so powerful!

Thanks for watching this video guys! And leave a comment on what kind of content you want to see next, byeeee o/

[remmushound]

Bay/rise 35!! @errorfreak88 @brightlotusmoon @selfindulgenz @digitl-art-monstr @dakotafinely @yarchurr @sententiously-sarcastic @sprinklestheditty

Leo didn't move as he counted down to the last number. He remained still and waited. Leonardo charged forward with all the energy of a young warrior, and all the foolishness of one too. The first to charge was always the first to fall, and that’s exactly what Leo intended to use toward his benefit. When Leonardo got close enough to potentially land a strike, only then did Leo dare move. It wasn’t for a counter attack, however. He simply sidestepped and let Leonardo pass him by, his gaze never once leaving the eager slider. Leonardo ran a few more paces before he could slow enough to stop, and then he turned and focused his energy in another charge that Leo quickly avoided.

Leonardo didn't charge for a third time. He held his sword out at his side and motioned for Leo to approach him. Leo only smiled and shook his head, copying the motion to try and get Leonardo to approach him instead. It turned into a power struggle of patience, which Leonardo quickly lost. No patience, just as Leo had expected. Young and naive and eager to fight. Leo just had to wait it out.

Leonardo was anticipating the dodge this time and stopped just before Leo sidestepped, then quickly brought his odachi swinging at the older warrior. Leo had his katana ready to meet the attack, and the only sound that filled the air was the crash of metal against metal. Blade against blade in a cold stalemate of will and war. Their eyes met in a moment of thoughtful calculation before Leonardo pulled away quite suddenly and ducked down to attempt a swipe at Leo’s ankles. Leo just barely jumped back and then both turtles returned to their quiet planning at a safe distance.

Again, Leonardo was the first to break the stalemate and charge again. Again and again he broke rank and tried to attack Leo with swift movements and quick blows. Again and again, Leo gave it the barest minimum effort required to thwart the attacks, watching as the slider got more and more exhausted with each passing moment.

From the sidelines April, still decked out in her Leonardo cheer-gear, slumped. She leaned over to whisper to the Mikey’s and Donnie. “This is a lot less dramatic than I thought it was gonna be.”

“Wish I could watch.” Donnie grumbled, his back still turned to the fight as Leo had ordered

April scoffed and nudged Donnie. “Then turn around— ain’t nobody care about that rule!”

“It’s so I can’t snitch…” Donnie said softly, daring a look back so he could address April properly.

April crossed her arms. “We’ll I got a better way to make sure you don’t snitch, because if you do…” She yanked down Donnie by the bridge of his chest until their eyes were level, “Then I’m gonna see how long a turtle can live without its shell. Now turn your ass around and be bored with us!”

April pushed on Donnie with all her might until the box turtle relented and turned around to watch the fight taking place. Leo noticed the breaking of his rule, but he didn't dare risk his focus just to correct Donnie. Not when he stood to face a fleet-footed flight risk.

Leonardo seemed to have caught on to what Leo was doing, but it was several minutes too late. His body already felt heavy from the expended energy. He could feel the muscles below his chest working to pull on his lungs and fill as much of the organs as possible with new, replenishing air. Leo smiled as he saw the younger turtle struggling, but still he didn't move to meet Leonardo. He was constantly forcing the other to come to him. Instead of doing that, Leonardo backed up to Donatello.

“I’m getting my shell kicked out there, Don!” Leonardo whispered urgently.

“What do you want me to do about it?” Donatello asked.

“You’re my second— advise me!”

“Don’t let him hit you.” Was Donatello’s advice.

Leonardo turned to him with a narrow-eyed stare. “Very helpful, Don.”

Leo cleared his throat. “Are we fighting or not?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll get to ya!” Leonardo spat in Leo’s direction, “Can I get some real advice this time, Don?”

“Don’t eat yellow snow.”

“Donnie!”

“Nardo.”

Donatello shoved Leonardo back into the standoff. Leonardo stumbled forward until his blade met with Leo, who had finally started to show the slightest amount of interest in the spar. Though Leo had twin katana, swinging completely independent of each other in a traditional and ancient technique, Leonardo’s sporadic and unconventional attacks were enough to bewilder and confuse the seasoned soldier. Leonardo finally managed to land a slashing blow against Leo’s chest before jumping back out of the katana’s reach.

Leo’s shell was tough, but it was still just scutes covering bone, and scutes bleed. It wasn’t much, but the strike was enough to cause a thin trail of blood to trickle down Leo’s chest and stomach, and Leonardo couldn’t help but eye the wound. Just a scratch, not enough to get infected and minor enough for the scratch to stop bleeding on its own. Already the flow had ceased. Leonardo gave a slight hum at the sight of old scutes that should have shed off of the shell weeks ago, and he made a mental note of pointing out the flaw when he could catch his breath. Leo, spotting his rivals lack of focus, decided to take advantage of it.

Leonardo jumped back. Leo continued to advance. The slider took off running to avoid a few paces. Looking behind him revealed that Leo had stopped, and Leonardo stopped as well, silently cursing himself for wasting even more of his precious energy on a false charge. He couldn’t keep doing this— he had to figure out some method of weakness to exploit. Some advantage that the brute of a box turtle couldn’t expect! He looked down at his odachi, and then the idea struck him like a brick. He smiled.

Leo was almost nervous when he saw the grin, but he kept his stance firm and ready for anything. Or, almost anything. Leonardo laughed before charging the hulking shinobi. He flashed his odachi as if to strike, but swung his blade too soon. Leo raised his katana to meet the attack, but then his mind started turning like the windows loading symbol as Leonardo disappeared in a flash of blue. Leo’s eyes darted everywhere he could imagine the ninja to go, but there was no sign of him. He foolishly turned back to Raph.

“Where’d he go?”

Raph shrugged.

Leo’s answer came in the form of a loud cowabunga! followed by a sudden, unexpected weight slamming down on his shoulders and knocking him to the ground. Leonardo was perched on top of him, standing on the baffled mutant’s shoulders and holding his odachi blade to Leo’s neck for a second before pulling it back and striking a pose.

“Yeah yeah, who’s your champion? Oh yeah! It’s me!” Leonardo started to do a dance on top of Leo.

It took the watching audience a moment to catch on to what had just happened before they all erupted into loud applause and cheers.

“I don’t know how he did that, but that was incredible!” Donnie shifted his glasses in disbelief, then returned to his clapping.

“Speedy Gonzales got skills!” Raph whistled.

“WOO! THAT’S MY BROTHER! GO LEO! WHOOOO!” April cried out.

“Whoop whoop.” Donatello made tired fist pumps.

The cheers of the Mikey’s melded together like clay as they roared, words blurring together into a cloud of excitement. Once the shock was gone, Leo growled and shoved Leonardo off of, grabbing the boy by the throat and hoisting him into the air. The cheers immediately turned into shouts of dismay at the act, and Donnie had to restrain the surprisingly strong April as she tried to charge her brothers attacker. Raph was upon the duo in an instant, ripping them apart and placing himself between them. 

“You okay?” He asked Leonardo, who was still catching his breath. 

Leonardo gave a thumbs up as he almost keeled over, just barely balancing himself on his knees. Leo tried to shove his way past his brother, but Raph held him back with little strain.

“HE CHEATED!” Leo growled accusingly, motioning at Leonardo while still trying to reach him. Leonardo was quick to scatter to the safety of Donatello.

“That ain’t give you no right to strangle the kid!” Raph said, then turned on Leonardo. “How’d you do that?”

“Mystic sword.” Donatello answered for his brother, “He can teleport using it.”

“Then you lied!” Leo spat, “You cheated!”

“It’s not called lying.” Leonardo said, smiling impishly, “It’s called ‘compartmentalization’.”

Everyone gasped audibly, but none louder than Leo. Leonardo smirked at the personal attack and crossed his arms pointedly.

[fellulahh]

Hey, when you have time, can we get part 3 of "He overhears MC admit she has a crush on him"? It's so good, I want to know what would happen next!

Here it is! Unfortunately I don’t think this Part 3 is as good as Part 1 and 2 but if aestheticbltch wants Part 3, aestheticbltch is gonna get it!😹

He overhears MC admit she has a crush on him - Part 3

Masterlist is here

~

Lucifer:

“Only the important bits.” He smiled sincerely. “I was hoping you’d actually stay with me for a bit.” He said, gesturing toward the tray. “Perhaps you and I can talk.”

MC bit her lip as she considered his offer. She had told Mammon she’d meet him back in the kitchen but ten minutes wouldn’t hurt, would it? “Okay...” she said slowly, eyeing up the eldest brother as she pulled out a chair.

“So is there anything else I should know? Other than the fact you’re in love with me?” He raised an eyebrow while smirking. MC’s cheeks grew red as he teased her. She helped herself to one of the finger sandwiches she made, holding it in her small hands.

“No” she stated simply, “But perhaps you could tell me something?”

“I’m listening.” He leant forward, growing serious.

“What did you think when you found out?” She asked seriously, looking at him with big eyes as she took a bite of the sandwich, placing one hand on his desk.

“Admittedly I was surprised. I didn’t think you looked at me like that. It certainly was eye opening for me.” He stated.

He stared deeply into her eyes as she considered what to say next. After not being able to form a response, she smiled at him embarrassed, “Forgive me, I’m still a little flustered.” She laughed sheepishly, looking away from his gaze.

“Don’t be.” He spoke, placing a hand on hers. Her head shot up to meet his eyes. “It was a pleasant revelation - one that I’m glad to have heard.” He said softly, making her heart flutter. “And if it’s alright with you, I’d like to try something.” He said confidently, standing up from his chair, letting go of her hand. Walking around his desk, he stood in front of MC. His eyes gazed into hers as he placed his fingers under her chin. “May I?” He asked.

MC said nothing, she only nodded - she couldn’t believe what was happening. Had she died and gone to heaven? Or better yet, hell?

Leaning over, Lucifer slowly closed his eyes as he brought his face down to hers. Tilting her head up, her heart quickened as the gap between them disappeared. She felt butterflies erupt in her stomach as he pressed his soft lips onto her own.

They lingered for a few seconds before he pulled out. He looked down at her with furrowed brows and red cheeks “Who would have thought a human like you could stir up these feelings in me.”

Mammon:

Mammon’s head was about to explode. ‘SHE LIKES ME’ he cried over and over in his mind. His eyelashes fluttered as he gazed at MC stood in front of him. He couldn’t help the sheepish grin that was plastered across his face. Every time he tried to speak, all that would come out was little huffs of air. He was completely and utterly dumbfounded.

“Are you okay?” MC laughed, beginning to get concerned.

Realising his cool facade had gone out the window, Mammon quickly cleared his throat loudly. “Y—yeah why wouldn’t I be?” He asked with a shrug.

MC raised an amused eyebrow “You finally remembered how to talk then did you?” She quipped.

Mammon shot her a look, cheeks still red. “Stop it will ya? I’m tryin’ to keep my cool.” He mumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets, turning his head to look at the floor.

“Why’s that?” She grinned, stepping closer to him. His heart started thumping as MC’s body got nearer to him. He could feel his forehead begin to grow sweaty as his mind was clouded with millions of thoughts.

“No reason.” He said casually but very unconvincingly.

She raised an eyebrow and had a smug grin on her face. “You don’t like me too, do you?” She teased already knowing the answer, closing the small gap between them until their chests were practically touching. He looked down at her with eyes like saucers. Mammon’s knees began to weaken and his heart was ready to burst.

“I—I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He denied, once again very unconvincingly. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Without thinking, Mammon placed both of his hands on her waist. “I mean yeah, I can think of worse people to be crushin’ on.” He muttered quietly.

“So you wouldn’t mind if I did this then?” MC asked before going up onto her toes to kiss him quickly on the lips. Mammon instantly tried to kiss back but she only pecked him before pulling away. Although flustered, Mammon looked at her offended with a slight pout. “What?” She laughed at him.

“You’re gotta give me more than that! I didn’t say you could stop.”

She rolled her eyes at the exasperating demon while wearing a big grin before pulling him in for another kiss, this time lasting a whole lot longer.

Levi:

MC smiled at him, her cheeks still red. “Did you...did you want to perhaps play with me? I can show you what I’ve done.” She asked quietly.

“Yes please.” He nodded, accepting her offer - a small smile creeping onto his lips.

She led him to the sofa, both of them plonking down as she picked up her discarded laptop. Beel admired the pair of them - both MC and Levi were nervous wrecks. He smiled every time he noticed Levi get flustered whenever MC glanced at him. Both of them were blushing messes as MC showed him her screen.

“I’m going to go grab some food.” Beel said contently, leaving the two of them to their own devices.

After Beel left, MC smiled to herself “I’m a little embarrassed to show you this.” She chuckled, turning her laptop to show Levi. “But seeing as you eavesdropped on mine and Beel’s entire conversation there’s no point in hiding it.” Levi went to defend himself but then realised he had no argument. “So this is you.” MC said, pointing at his Sim. “I even got your purple hair.”

“And my headphones!” Levi grinned.

“I also gave you a gaming room and put a fish tank in our bedroom - admittedly it’s a little smaller than Henry’s but it’s still there.” She laughed, her nerves beginning to relax.

Levi leant into her, listening intensely to everything she had to say. They spent the afternoon together, MC showed him how to play and before long they were practically fighting over who got to manage their sims lives - in a playful way of course.

Although neither pair spoke of their feelings to each other, they didn’t need to. They were both content sharing a laptop, stealing blushing glances at each other every so often.

Satan:

“For you perhaps - you were rather loud after all.” Satan laughed to himself “but not for me. For I too was troubled on how to fess up my feelings for you but now I know you feel the same way, I don’t need to worry.” He said smugly, placing a hand on her knee.

MC’s heartbeat quickened when she felt his touch. She gawped up at him, her eyes shimmering with curiosity as she bit her lip. Satan stared at her intensely, hand still placed firmly on her knee.

Feeling something in the pit of her stomach, she felt her body lean towards him, he copied her actions - the gap between them slowly closing. “You feel the same way?” She asked quietly as her breathing grew quicker.

“Like I said, I too found myself conflicted on how to admit my love for you.” He licked his lips, eyes staring into hers. Letting out a low chuckle, he continued, “But now that you’re here I wish I’d done so sooner.”

“How long have you felt this?” She asked softly

“Long enough.” He stated, caressing one of her arms with his hand, “All I can do now is make up for the lost time.”

MC felt her body gravitate toward Satan’s, his words putting her under a spell. “How do you plan on doing that?” She asked hypnotised, body craving for more. Biting her lip, her heart fluttered as she anticipated his answer.

Satan thought for a moment, not answering straight away. Slowly, a devilish smirk spread across his lips as he brought his lips to hers “Inviting you to spend the night with me.” he whispered against her skin before kissing her.

Asmo:

“I always knew you loved me.” He said smugly, pulling MC into his side as they strolled down the street.

“Did you now?”

“Well of course, who wouldn’t love me?”

“Sometimes I wonder why I love you when you get all big headed like this.” She laughed at him, playfully slapping his arm. He looked at her pretending to be offended.

“You’re just jealous of my confidence darling!” He cooed, doing a little pose. “I’m happy you’ve admitted your feelings though - I was beginning to tire trying to get your attention.”

“You tried to get my attention?”

“MC I didn’t start upping my skincare ritual for me!” He exclaimed dramatically, making MC laugh. “We should celebrate.” He grinned, stopping in his tracks, gripping both of her hands. “Let’s go get a drink together or better yet let’s head back home and consummate our love.”

“Asmo!!” MC raised her voice, trying to hide her smile.

“What?” He asked, “it’d be so romantic - like two star crossed lovers finally coming together.” He gushed. “Oh I can’t wait to walk in to dinner with you on my arm.”

MC smiled in admiration at how excited Asmo was. “You’re going to have to kiss me first.” She stated, “I’ve admitted my love for you, now you have to prove yours to me. I’m not going anywhere on your arm until I get a kiss from you.” She smirked.

“You speak as if it’s a difficult task!” He beamed, “Let me take you home and I’ll give you much more than a kiss.”

Beel:

“And miss out on seeing that happy look on your face?” He asked, pinching her warm cheeks “Not a chance.”

MC was dumbfounded as she felt his touch on her skin. Feeling Beel’s gaze on her, she avoided his eyes, feeling a sudden wave of shyness hit her. Her heart was beating fast, feeling overwhelmed by the events of the past five minutes.

“Hey, don’t go all quiet on me!” Beel laughed at her, holding his arms out to pull her into his body. “You are happy, aren’t you?” He asked as he nuzzled his chin on the top of her head.

She gripped onto him, mesmerised by his muscular body. “Of course I’m happy!” She giggled, “I’m just in shock.”

He pulled out to look at her quizzically. “Why? I’ve always liked you, MC. You’re the most precious thing I’ve ever met!” He beamed, showering her in affection.

“Beel, stop it.” She laughed sheepishly, cheeks getting hotter (if that was even possible).

“You’re so cute when you’re nervous.” He cooed.

“Listen you two” a voice interrupted, both Beel and MC turned their heads to look at Belphie “as happy as I am that you’ve both finally confessed your undying love for each other, you’re making me feel like a third wheel here.” Belphie chuckled “Can you take it somewhere else?”

They turned their heads again, eyes meeting. “You wanna go grab something to eat? I’m starving.” Beel asked, smiling kindly down at her.

“You’re always starving, Beel.”

“I’m going to take that as a yes.”

Belphie:

“I don’t know whether to be offended or not.” He chuckled, she looked at him expectantly and his eyes flickered to her “your feelings are a little unorthodox, yes...but I’m happy that you feel this way.” He smiled at her. “And I will happily wait until you’ve settled the conflict in your mind.” He smiled sadly at her.

“Maybe I don’t want to wait.” She mumbled hesitantly. “My feelings for you aren’t going to go away anytime soon” she hated to admit.

He raised an eyebrow at her, eager to listen to more.

“As much as I try to rid my thoughts of you, you still find a way to creep in.” She let out a single laugh, “no matter how much time I spend away from you, I’m always going to want to see you. You’re infuriating!” She joked.

He let a smile spread across his face as he watched MC begin to ease. “I’m trying to better myself.” He chuckled “You know that!”

“Yes I know that.” She let out an exasperated sigh. “That’s why you’re so annoying - I cant resist you! You make me go stir crazy, I’m not supposed to love you, I’m supposed to despise you.” She laughed to herself.

Belphie wanted to give her space but deep down he knew that if she didn’t want to be with him she would have walked away the minute he entered the room. “I know what I did was unforgivable” he started “but I am willing to do whatever I can to prove to you I’m different - I would do anything for you, MC. And if you want to take that chance I will not stop you, but if you need time I will give you it.” He breathed “I do love you, MC.”

“I don’t want time.” She turned to him, shaking her head. “You tell me you’re going to prove that you’re different but really I already know you are. You’re not the Belphegor I met in the attic, you’re Belphie. You’re the demon who rid himself of the hatred he’d felt toward humans for centuries.” She spoke, “You wanna know how I know you’ve changed?”

“How?” He asked quietly, gazing into her eyes.

“You wouldn’t have fallen in love with me.” She put simply.

Hearing her words, Belphie couldn’t help himself. He held MC’s face in his hands as he brought his face toward hers. He kissed her passionately, her arms instantly wrapping round his body.

He held her body close, an arm wrapped protectively around her waist while his other hand remained on her cheek, slowly sliding into her hair.

She pulled away from the kiss with a gasp “This relationship is completely unconventional” she breathed “but I want to be with you, Belphie.”

“Then be with me.” He moaned, pulling her back in for a kiss.

Diavolo:

He didn’t answer right away. Stepping in front of her body so he could tower over her, his hand sneaked past her waist as she gawped at him. He picked up a notepad she’d missed on her desk, plonking it on the file of folders she held in her hand. “I want to hear more about all of things you’d let me to do to you.” He smirked.

‘Oh...oh’

*later that evening*

MC found herself stood outside the door to Diavolo’s bedroom. She was surprised when Barbatos said he was expecting to see her - what did Diavolo say to him? Feeling a flutter in the pit of her stomach, she bit her lip as she brought herself to knock on the door.

Before long, the door swung open, revealing the red haired demon. MC felt her knees weaken as she looked up at the glorious prince. “MC” he breathed with a smirk “You came.”

“Well My Lord” she began, batting her eyelashes innocently, “You requested my presence and I must be submissive when given an order by you.”

He was taken aback by her response “You’re a good girl” he grinned, letting her in to his chamber “I’ll remember that.”

Her heart thumped against her chest doing flips as she felt her body melt at his words. She spun around on her heel to face him. He shut the door slowly before locking eyes. Sauntering up to her, he towered over her as he moved a loose strand of hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. “So should I call you MC tonight or would you prefer ‘the future Queen of Devildom’?” He smirked.

MC’s eyes widened at his comment, “I don’t know what Solomon told yo—“

“Solomon didn’t tell me anything - he didn’t have to. I overheard your little conversation on the phone.” He chuckled as MC blushed with embarrassment.

He looked deep into her eyes, snaking his hands around her waist. “Now tell me MC - I haven’t forgotten - what things exactly would you let me do to you? Because tonight I’m going to do them all.”

[gotmilk5101520]

Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia Watch Episode 15 Mudslinging

“The term "mudslinging" means to direct unjust insults and accusations with the intention of damaging the reputation of an opponent” Ah, so it’s what Donald Trump does everyday.

Hey, isn’t this the place in the opening where Jim and the others were standing and posing all badass and Claire jumps on that crystal like she’s Super Mario? Or like she jumped J- Never mind.

“Gunmar the Vicious”

“Gunmar the Skullcrusher”

“Gunmar!” Couldn’t they make a silhouette of Gunmar instead of showing part of his face?”

“Ow!” Bedhead Jim.

Mood.

“Give me an A!’ “A!”

“Give me an R!” “R!”

“Give me a C!” “C!”

“This is taking way too long”

“Give me an adia!” “Eh”

“What’s that spell?”

That spells Arc-adia.

“And his eye is glowing”

“And then, the dream just keeps reminding me that i’m completely way out of my league”

“Right?”

“Tobes”

“Who is that masked mole? You ever wonder?”

“You didn’t hear a word i said just then, did you?”

“Sure, i did”

“You had no problems sneaking into the Darklands when it was to save Claire’s brother, but now that Kanjigar says you’ve got to face Gunmar, you’re having nightmares about him and are freaking out that’ you’re way out of your league”

“I can multi-task, Jimbo” I can multi-task too. I can multi-task between ships.

“It’s Bill Erinstein“

“Bill moved to Wisconsin. This is someone else’s artistry”

“Someone with feminine wiles”

“What? What feminine wiles?”

“How do you even know that it’s a girl under there?”

“Uh, trust me, dude. I know woman, and that is all woman under there”

Toby is a furry confirm.

Get someone, who would look lovingly at you from across the stands like they’re Marinette and Adrien, like how Jim and Claire look lovingly at each other from across the stands like they’re Marinette and Adrien.

“Eli Pepperjack!”

“I have friends!” “No you don’t!” Then why is he a nominee if doesn’t have friends?

“Now that the play’s over, you can focus on your training full time”

“And finally, Jim Lake Junior!”

“What?” Because we need to replace the Romeo and Juliet sub plot with something to make everything harder for you.

“Our nominees will compete in a series of challenges to win your vote”

“Each nominee will propose a theme for the dance”

“I like disco!”

“I’ve got to boogie!”

“That is all” And no one did disco.

“Besides, there’s no way to kill Gunmar”

“He’s invincible”

“No, he’s not!”

“So far as we know”

“What do you know?” Okay, Mulan’s Ghost Family.

“Jim”

“Did you see my father?”

“I did”

“Did he speak of me?”

“Yeah. He wished the Soothscryer could let you in”

“But, you know, the rules are the rules”

“It’s all right, Trollhunter”

“You don’t have to lie to protect my feelings” *Cries in Troll*

“How long’s he been like this?”

“Long time”

“Maybe you should switch to decaf” Can trolls drink coffee, and like it, like ghouls in Tokyo Ghoul?

“This is the last surviving copy of his work!”

“This is the key!”

“And i’m going to burn”

*Gasp in Troll*

“Burn, baby, burn!” Yep, Blinky is the crazy one.

It was too quiet.

“This village....”

“It’s called Arcadia Oaks” “It’s on fire?” Well, it is in California.

“In this town, there is a boy”

“And this boy fancies a girl”

“A girl whose brother is being held in the Darklands”

“If the boy saves the child from the changeling nursery, he’ll want to save them all”

“And it’s my job to watch over my half-breed brethren and not let that happen” And said half-breed brethren don’t care and payed the price for not caring.

“But how could a fleshbag even contemplate such a feat?”

“This boy is the Trollhunter”

“It’s a long story. Just watch the first 13 episodes to be caught up”

“You’re afraid of a fleshbag child”

“I am not. He just shows up in my dreams as of late. Then again, his mother also shows up in my dreams too. Which is when he shows up”

“I have my own fears” “Like what?” “I fear a girl taking my staff” “Why would you be afraid of a girl taking your staff? What could she do with it? And why a girl?”

“I’m back, bitches”

“Mom, could you-?”

“Claire, could you change your baby brother’s diaper, please?”

“He’s not a baby”

“And he’s not my brother” Claire’s just about this close to tossing his ass out the window.

“This isn’t fair”

“It’s no day at the beach for me either, love bug”

“I can’t believe i have to pretend you’re my brother”

“It’s... It’s cruel”

“What’s this? Don’t... Don’t do that, seriously. Please don’t cry”

“Forget the jo-jos. Just a plain burger”

“Enrique...”

“I get it. You miss your brother”

“But i assure you, he’s perfectly fine”

“He’s trapped in the Darklands”

”How can that be fine?”

“I’ll show ya”

That’s gross. And Claire’s seen The Last Airbender and Dragon Ball Evolution and Netflix’s Winx Club and every live action remakes of Disney movies.

“Your brother is what’s known as my familiar”

“Changelings share a certain bond with them. It’s good for this little trick”

“Enrique...”

“Mi hermanito”

“I suppose this arrangement has been rather hard on you”

“I’m going to get you back”

“I’m going to find you”

“And i’ll bring you home”

*Cries in Troll again*

“Ah, Mr. Strickler” Wait, isn’t that- Oh, no.

“I hear Coach Lawrence was having a tizzy of a time teaching my class”

“Your class? Look, you can’t just drop off the face of the Earth and expect your job back”

“Actually, it’s not my job i’m here for”

“What is this?”

“WH- AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!’ So, what happens when someone gets caught by the Antramonstrum? Is it messy?

“And now, for my next trick...”

“The vanishing sock!”

“Mm! Tasty trick” It disappeared in Aaarrrgghh’s mouth.

“Hey, Mom. I’m home”

“Where have you been?”

“Just studying at the library with Claire and Tobes”

“The library closed three hours ago. Where have you been?”

“I don’t know, Mom. We took the long way home”

“I have been worried sick, and that’s the best lie you can come up with?”

“Okay, sorry! Call off the search parties!”

“I’m obviously home!”

This part is really sad and painful to watch. And the fact we don’t go in the house to see, but instead, watch from the outside and see through the windows. That’s why there were scenes with Claire and NotEnrique, and with Toby and Aaarrrgghh. It showed how Toby and Aaarrrgghh are having fun with magic trick. While Claire and NotEnrique are starting to bond for real. But here? Jim and his mom? It shows how they are being torn apart cause of Jim’s secret.

“Jim, this is what you’re wearing?”

“I wear this every day, Tobes. What else would i be wearing?” See? Jim understands he’s in a cartoon, so he has to wear the same thing everyday.

Wait you can that with the Shadow Staff? Damn Claire, you’ve been holding back.

“Where am i supposed to find a costume?”

“And what am i suppose to be?”

“Ladybug? Chat Noir?”

“Why do i care about this so much?” Mood.

“Let’s take a blast to the past!”

“Back to ancient times!”

“The 1980s!” Just forget Ronald Reagan exists.

“Okay, if you’re gonna play dirty-” Good one Jimbo.

Goal!

“Oh, no! The costume!”

Oooh. Right in the mud.

“Okay, this is gonna work”

“Oh, my gosh! It worked!” Is Toby secretly a wizard that we don’t know about?

“Here to present his theme”

“Mole Mania!”

This is gonna be like that random girl from Drake and Josh that runs up to them giggling and runs off and Drake and Josh asks “Who is she?”

“There has been a sudden departure”

“I have heard word the Principal Levit has taken an indefinite leave of absence”

“We wish him well” Yeah. “Well” in a fart cloud’s stomach.

“But he sent an e-mail recommending an interim replacement”

“Which we all support”

“Please welcome Principal Strickler!”

“Yeah! Whoo-hoo!”

“What is he doing here?”

“I thought you said he would be a fool to ever come back”

“I’m very glad to be back and excited to get started”

“But let it be known”

“With me in charge, things are going to change. From here on out, teachers can date a students parent. So long as the parent is single” “Why that son of a-” “Steve! I’m going to be your new father!” “NO!”

This episode was done dirty! Right i’ll show myself out.

Roaming Fees are the results of capitalism.

[dontasktheradiodemon]

Tide Pools (1/6/2021)

Click here if you’re like “What the heck is this about?”

Alastor and Angel Dust @sluttyspiderpolkacock (and the same adorable baby featured here) hang out around a tide pool. Angel shares (with some coaxing) some of his worries re: Valentino following this little incident, and Alastor brainstorms with Angel possible ways to keep him safe—from adjusting his contract with Valentino to fleeing Pentagram City to getting an effective weapon that could take Valentino down a peg.

And the baby eats a crab.

(This is also where Angel gets access to the holy water that he uses here.)

Alastor

At long last, Alastor had finally gotten antsy enough to pull out his bathing suit and meander down to the beach to explore it properly. He’d found a little path right next to the ocean in the shade of the estate, and it had some tide pools he’d been examining with interest.

Unfortunately, being in the shade like this and having his arms and legs exposed to the breeze for the first time in decades meant he was chillier than he’d planned on. Detached from Hell as he currently was, he didn’t want to waste his energy warming himself. He wished he’d foregone the bathing suit and kept his coat...

Something billowy covered him up from above.

He jumped up and flipped it off with a startled trumpet sound effect, identified it as a coat, looked around, looked up, and looked back at the coat. Sure, that’d do.

He pulled it on, folded up the cuffs so they didn’t dangle over his hands, tied the two spare sleeves around his waist like a sash, and crouched down to study the tide pool again.

Angel

As the damned thing flew out of his sight, Angel gradually felt the ability to breathe return to his control. Deep breaths now. He could stay with Seapup a little longer. Gently, he threaded those chubby limbs through his spindly claws and pulled him to his fluff to warm him. Happy thoughts now... little sleepy Veci burbles... waves crashing against the rocks - - -

**And a loud, sudden TRUMPET.**

Pelagios started to stir. Then, mouth scrunched up before all four eyes popped open, he began to cry.

" _OHNONONOOO!_ " Angel cooed with a gather of the orange ball into his arms, " It's ok! I'm here! I'm SORRY, MIO BAM_BINO!_ Back ta sleep? Can ya sleep? Fa me? C'mon, let's go back to sleep. " He then rolled to his side and got up to pace the room, lightly bouncing and swaying the baby Veci to try and get him to calm. " Water? Ya wanna see the water, Baby? Yeah? Ok, let's go see what the jazz band's all about, ok? "

Smiling and making faces, Angel made his way to the balcony and perched himself over the edge to give Pelagios a taste of the sea air. With a little swaying and some light humming, it seemed to work long enough for Angel to let himself peruse the view. Sea... sands... sunlight like glitter over the waves... tidepools...

" ... Alastor? " Catching sight of a figure wearing Valentino's coat almost gave him a HEART ATTACK, but piecing together the features of his local Radio Demon pulled the biggest sigh of relief from deepest recesses of his lungs. " What'cha doin' down there in... that? "

Alastor

Alastor looked up. "Oh, hello! I thought I remembered this coat! I think the better is question is what is *this* doing down here with *me*?" He straightened up. Check out that snazzy 1920s swimsuit. Complete with skirt. "I appreciate that it didn't have *you* in it this time, but how many times do you plan to assault me with this coat?"

Angel

" _As many times as it takes fa ya t' learn ya lesson,_ " he teased darkly before laughing and shaking his head, " They were both accidents! Like this one! _Say ' hi ' to Uncle Alastor ~_ " Angel then tilted little Pelagios towards him. Too sleepy to do much more than yawn, Angel wagged a finger beneath his paw to mimic a wave. " I was just, uh, swingin' around. Practicin' m'coat flingin'. Y'know, job stuff! And got a lil' carried away! "

His ability to lie was getting worse and worse. He couldn't even look him in the eye and instead smiled off into the sky.

" Suits ya, though! Just ya color an' e'rythin'. Go ahead an' keep an eye on it so it doesn't get the better a ya again, yeah? "

Alastor

"Unfortunately for us all, I'm utterly incorrigible! You'll have to spent the whole trip pelting me with clothing."

*Uncle Alastor.* He wasn't sure he liked the sound of that when it was in reference to some stranger's baby. But he endured it with grace and dignity.

"Coat flinging. Really." Do you hear his skepticism. "I suppose there's a precise technique to it, is it. Minute differences in the wrist flick that communicate different forms of sexual desirability."

Angel

" Yeah! Totally! Look. " Perfectly balanced upon the railing, Angel extended a limp wrist and an immaculately straight leg in a striking pose. " _Queer..._ " He then shifted into bent arms and legs. Reek that raw masculinity. " _Drinks nothin' but beer!_ "

In a fit of laughter, he drew his knees back together and tossed his chin to the sky. Pelagios didn't seem to find it worth acknowledging, but Angel thought he was hilarious and doing an _exceptional_ job.

" Dunno what I was goin' for, but it did _somethin'_, didn' it? Look at'cha, all cozy ~ " He then leaned over his knees with the sincerest espression since the start of the conversation. " So ya just out explorin' ? "

Alastor

Uh-huh. Alastor kept giving Angel a skeptical look. "And I suppose you do many shows where you're called upon to strip while acting as aggressively heterosexual as possible."

He perked up at the question. "Yes! I found crabs!" He pointed at the tide pool. "They look *exactly* like Earth crabs."

Angel

" I used t' be a HIT at bachelorette parties, MIND YA! " he insisted snarkily before swiveling his hips off the balcony and dropping down, a slumbering Seapup still in tow. He then walked up to the pools and copped a curious squat.

" Oh shit, y'ain't kiddin'... " Angel mused with a lean almost too far. Perhaps the scent of fresh food riled him, as Pelagios _immediately_ bounded off his chest and dove straight for a crab. Eyes blew wide and multiple sets of arms flailed in a panic to keep him from falling in and dampening his fluff.

Alastor

An announcer’s recorded voice rang out, “*And they’re off!*” Ding ding ding! A crowd roared in excitement! Alastor leaned in to watch the seapup go after the crabs. Angel can look after himself, this is way more interesting.

Angel

Angel scanned the contents of the pool with hawk - like precision. Nothing seemed too nefarious, especially not up against Pelagios happily burbling on fresh crab guts, triumphantly circling the pool on his back like an otter. He exhaled his held breath and fell back.

" Jesus fucking christ... " he wheezed, " He was OUT COLD all but TWO SECONDS AGO! " Oh he is _BEAT._

Alastor

“Look at him taking his victory lap! What a champion!” Alastor leaned forward to grin down at the seapup. “You’re a vicious little killer, aren’t you? Well done!” If he had been worried for Pelagios’s safety, he sure wasn’t showing it.

Angel

A big, grinning face! The little veci copied it as best as his his little jaws could and propelled his tail towards Alastor's perch. He knew praise when he heard it and was beginning to learn that sharing was caring. So he offered a couple legs, waving them both in his chubby paws like flags.

Alastor

"Is that for me!" He plucked the legs out of seapup's hands. "Why, thank you very much! Quite hospitable of you." He offered one to Angel and crunched down straight on the other, like some kind of freak who eats crab shells, Alastor what's wrong with you. "I hope these aren't toxic! Want one?"

Angel

Angel peered over his fluff and sat up just as Pelagios turned tail to playfully harass another crustacean of some sort. " The fuck're you - ? " He rose a brow but nonetheless took the crab leg and started taking it apart. " Ya... supposed t' eat the fuckin' SHELL? It'd be a lil easier to think you can chomp on, uh, GRASS, but crab shells?? Ya can TAKE THAT?  "

Alastor

“You’re not *supposed* to, no. But it’s very satisfying!” Crunch, crunch, crunch. Enrichment. “... I probably shouldn’t swallow it, though.” Don’t mind him as he spits the pieces back out. Never take this man to a fancy restaurant.

Angel

He laughed out loud. " Yeah? Ya THINK? " he responded through giggles, half teasing, half validating. He then pulled the meat and returned the shell so Alastor could have his fun, " Don't choke, ok? Wouldn't wanna be givin' ya ribs another poundin' so soon. "

Alastor

“Don’t lie, you’re just waiting for another excuse!” Crunch. ... Crunch. All right, it stopped being satisfying. Once the novelty and shock value wore off, it didn’t really have much to offer. He tossed the rest of the leg into the tide pool.

Angel

" Now ya just bein' ridiculous ~ " he said dramatically with a fish through the tidepool, " I can deal a beatin' whenever I want, AND get paid t' do it. I don't NEED to be settin' anythin' up fa YOU. "

He then pulled something out. A sponge. A big one. _Definitely wider than Alastor's throat._ And a big, mischievous grin to go with it. " Bet'cha can't swallow this whole ~ " he joked with a crack of his neck as if to ready himself for the pounce.

Alastor

“Sure, but it wouldn’t be a beating for *me,* would it? It wouldn’t be half as satisfying for you!”

He eyed the sponge critically. “Hm... No, probably not!” Bait not taken. That thing didn’t look the *least* bit edible.

Angel

" Kiddin'! I was KIDDIN'! " he assured with a toss of the sponge back into the pool, " Ya really thought I was gonna shove this salty thin' down ya - ? "

And Pelagios volleyed it back, saturated with sea water. It deflated flatly against the side of his head and emptied enough water to drench him with. Hello, karma.

Alastor

The studio audience laughed obnoxiously.

Smiling politely and totally ignoring Angel's plight, he said, "No, I didn't—but I'm not putting it past you to hope I'd shove it down my *own* throat."

Angel

Angel raked his wet bangs off his face and rolled his eyes. It probably wasn't very noticible, but all eight went. " Tsk, even if ya DID call my bluff, I wouldn't 'ave LET YA. I wouldn't do ya like THAT! I wouldn' even let ya SELF, _do ya like that._ "

Alastor

“I’d like to see you try to stop me!” As a reward for misbehavior, Alastor plucked another tiny crab out of the pool and offered it to the seapup. Here, kid, you earned it.

“So! I’ve been just *dying* to find out—why the delayed arrival? Didn’t you have work?”

Angel

" That was the whole joke! " Angel exclaimed with a wringing of his hair as Pelagios happily crunched the crab and started playing with the legs.

A rich, sea breeze coursed over the pools and followed the shiver down his spine. " I did, " he said simply, " Then changed my mind. Big V didn' stop me. " Basically the truth, omitting the fact that he'd _tried_ to stop him.

Alastor

“Really? The kind of taskmaster who has his employees working on Christmas?” Alastor quirked an eyebrow. “Didn’t stop you, or didn’t have an opportunity to stop you?”

Angel

He leaned back on his hands and crossed his legs, eyes narrow and subtly flickering in his direction from the sides. " ... _Yeah - !_ " The reply came in a curt exhale. " He could'a stopped me if he wan'ed to. Ya really think I could ever get the better of a brass like 'im if he 'ad anythin' t' say about it? "

Alastor

“Now, that’s a careful question. Do I think you could get the better of him if he had something to say about it? No. Do I think you could get the better of him *without* giving him a chance to say something about it and then decide what to do when you get back? Possibly.” Alastor had been wondering about the abruptness of Angel’s arrival. And he didn’t know a lot about Valentino—had never *cared* to learn much about him—but he suspected Valentino kept a tight leash on Angel’s diet, even more strongly suspected Valentino took more than his fair share of Angel’s earnings, and didn’t-even-have-to-suspect at least a couple of the gross indignities Valentino put his own business partner/lover through.

Maybe aside from a little obsession over nutrition and garden-variety unjust wages, everything was aboveboard; but it was enough to make Alastor suspicious of the idea that Valentino would willingly let his star employee go at the last minute during an extermination.

Angel

" WELL! Ain't YOU a SMA'T COOKIE! " he growled, " If ya think ya got me all figured out already, what's the poin' a askin', huh? Like hearin' yaself TALK? Get some sorta, OFF from makin' me out t' be some BITCH? " He'd twisted in Alastor's direction and raked a claw through the natural rock they were perched upon. A deep snarl twitched over the precious metal in his mouth. It was the most direct he'd been with him since arriving. And sudden, as if Alastor had abruptly shown in a secret, sacred place of his and made him scream.

" Well I ain't - ! " And he SNEEZED over his shoulder. Cold breeze, wet fur, and his high body temperature started giving him the shakes, making his beligerence anything but threatening. Brows scrunching in annoyance, he held up a finger in pause, sneezed a couple more times, and stared blankly. " ... Fuck was I? " Train of thought? _Derailed._

Alastor

Oh, hit a nerve, had he? Very sweetly, Alastor said, “I believe you were in the process of lambasting me for implying you were someone’s b[*BEEP*].” Isn’t he helpful. “Which isn’t what I meant to imply at all! Only that the fact that you *took* a liberty doesn’t necessarily imply he willingly *gave* it!”

Alastor stood, untied his sleeve-sash, and shrugged off the coat so he could offer it back to Angel. He was wet and sneezing, he needed it more than Alastor. “I don’t think I’ve figured out anything! All I know is that you plummeted out of the ceiling and that three out of the scant four facts I know about your boss are synonyms for ‘he’s a control freak.’ The rest, I can only learn from you. I didn’t want to be so *direct* with my insinuations, but I was starting to worry that if we got much more *in*direct, I’d never solve this mystery.”

Angel

Eyes glued to the rock, Angel took the coat and threw it over his entire person like a tent. " Fine. I left wit'out permission. Ok? " he muffled from beneath the thick velvet mass, " I couldn' do another night, 'specially not that one. 'Aight? Ya satisfied wit' 'at? Ya mystery solved, Prancy Drew? "

The bump started to shrink as he drew in his knees and curled into himself. He wasn't lying when he said he thought Alastor was smart, but it started to _worry_ him how _transparent_ he really was while he strived to draw an iron curtain around his occupational ( personal ) life.

Alastor

“Really? Prancy Drew? I would have gone for Sherlock Hooves, personally!” A light laugh. Ahhh, he shoulda been a comedian.

“That covers act one!” He crouched down again. “What worries me more is act two. What happens when we go back?”

Angel

" Not buppidy enough, " he replied monotonously before falling silent a few beats, " ... ... ... I dunno. I... didn' plan it. I don't even... " ~~Know if I CAN go back.~~ " I dunno. I'll... figure it out later - "

The mass grew a couple inches. " The fuck are _you_ worried about? This ain' got nothin' t' be doin' wit' you. "

Alastor

“You dare accuse *me* of being *worried*?” He planted a hand on his chest, scandalized. “Anyway, I could have asked you the same after you hauled me from the bar to your room! You owe me this one! Or I owe you one, whichever direction this thing goes.”

And Alastor was worried it *might* have something to do with him. If Valentino decided he needed to come confront his wayward worker—and if Charlie expected Alastor to be the one blocking the front door.

Angel

" They was ya exact words! " the bump exclaimed comically with a visible lean towards him, " I told ya, it didn' FEEL RIGHT t' leave ya in the middle a the hotel like a bump on a log, yeah? That's just _decency_ where I'm from. You don't gotta... "

Angel swallowed thickly as he tried to wrap his head around _whichever direction._ Was he looking to pay it forward? Simply get even in the transactional sense? The latter sounded more like him. The notion that he wanted the satisfaction in turn for doing someone a favor felt like it was _completely_ off the table, so they likely weren't going _there..._

_And his head started to spin._ " ... Ya don't gotta worry about m'boss... or my job... Ya already bought me some hours... That's... good... " _**SNIFFLE.**_

Alastor

A pause. “You’re right! *I* accused me of being worried! I don’t know how I’ll recover from this betrayal.”

Oh, no, was Angel about to get emotional? Alastor hoped that sniffle was from the damp. “Oh... don’t give me the credit, you bought yourself these hours.” He attempted an awkward shoulder pat. “Unless you mean back on Christmas, sure, although I don’t think that has much to do with this situation—” His eyes brightened. “Say now, how’s that for an idea? Go back and claim that at the last minute you got paid better to be somewhere else, give him his cut, do you think that would make all this blow over? You’d have to tell me, I don’t know him.”

Angel

Angel gasped with a violent flinch upon contact, frantically drawing the coat from over him as if he were drowning. Not being able to see Alastor coming was a mistake, but through a shot of wide eyes, Angel insisted nothing untoward happened. He clenched the bundled material in his lap and anchored his sights to it, shaking his head solemnly.

" His call tops e'rythin'. He wants me somewhere, I don't get t' tell 'im I got a better idea. It don't - ... it doesn't work like that. N - ... _no amoun' a cash's gonna fix what I did._ "

Alastor

Alastor pulled his hand back and raised them both up, palms out. Okay, no touching.

So he was more power-hungry than money-hungry. Pity. But something about Angel's reply rubbed Alastor wrong. *Fix what I did.* That sounded less like a fear caused by what Valentino was like and more like a fear cause by what Angel had done—and that made Alastor wonder whether what he'd done was something worse than simply skipping out on a shift. "And... what *is* it that you did, exactly?"

Angel

He didn't know why, but seeing both Alastor's hands up made him deal a double high - five. _See? Touch is fine! I can TOTALLY do it JUST FINE! HUZZAH!_

But his eyes stayed low, corners of his mouth twitching. It was hard to tell if he was about to burst out laughing or crying. Claws closed over his cheek and he turned his head towards the sea, as if the words he were about to say were the ashes of his soul to be put to rest.

He mumbled, " I broke outta the top story window, let the angels in, crashed 'ere. 'Splains the glass. "

Alastor

Alastor actually laughed at the double high-five. Okay! Unexpected, but entertainingly so!

And then let out another sharp bark of a laugh at the confession, less out of amusement and more out of surprise. “Well! You know how to make an exit, don’t you! Maybe you’ll get lucky and the angels will take care of the problem for you, eh? But I wouldn’t bet money on it.”

Angel

His cheeks rose in a weak smile that reached his eyes and not much else. " No... the angels wouldn' get 'im... He'd throw all of us to 'em first. Bet all our lives b'fore we even get a chance t' take a count. " ~~_Basically what *I* did..._~~ Angel winced at the realization.

Alastor

“Oh, keep your fingers crossed—who knows, maybe he had fifty meat shields and the exterminator that gets in will have a quota of fifty-one sinners to meet!” But there are no lucky breaks in Hell.

“Do you know what you’re going to do when you get back?”

Angel

" Don't matter i got _six_ to cross... he's still gonna be there, for sure... Waitin' fa me... " He pawed at the mass of hearts in his lap, raking through them, attempting to disrupt their pattern but they remained.

" ... Lookin' fa me. I don't - ... I don't KNOW. I _can't_ go back, but... What 'appens to a Sinner outta Hell too long? You're a magic man. Ya can pick up shit runnin' through Heaven, yeah?? What's it look like? " By this point, he'd crawled over the coat and put a tentative hand on the rock beside his hoof, pleading at him for an answer that'd lead to his least painful existence.

Alastor

His smile turned sad, without his noticing. “I can detect signals from Heaven. I’ve never been able to figure out how to understand them.” He sighed. “But, I do know what happens to sinners outside of Hell: same thing that happens to any soul in the mortal realm. You’d be a ghost. For now, you’ve got enough energy from Hell to sustain a visible, physical form—but over time, it will run low. Once you’re out, you’ll be another intangible spirit, detectable by the average human only as a shadow or an eerie feeling unless you find a source of energy to leech off of and study how to channel it. Maybe it would be different here instead of Earth, with so much more magic around that’s easier to absorb, but that remains to be seen.”

A vague shrug. He could ask Alexander, once he got the hang of drawing power through his radio, whether he collected power more easily here than Earth; and when Sir Pentious started living here for longer periods of time, if he ever got up to weeks, months away from Hell, Alastor could ask about his energy and whether he had to do anything to sustain it; but right now there was too much unknown.

“But visitors to Earth, angelic and demonic alike, are always on the lookout for fugitives. Usually, they’re just souls who didn’t pass over. They’re hauled in to their respective afterlives and that’s the end of it. I don’t know what they’d do with escapees.”

Angel

Angel swallowed thickly. " _I couldn' do that..._ " he whispered lowly, " _I'm too fuckin'... STUPID t' read through all that technical... spiritual... SHIT...!_ " Surely that wasn't the reason, despite how unintuitive it'd be for him. It was moreso his own frustration talking. His lack of tact. His inability to fully consider the consequences of his actions. Not to mention, REALIZE what he was doing until he'd already DONE IT. His instincts had protected his immediate future, but DOOMED him in the long haul.

" So I'd just... go back... no matter what... I can't just be ghostin' fo'ever... "

He melted into the ground, two sets of claws masking his face and wrenching through his hair. If he couldn't escape any kind of persecution, he'd take his chances with the angels... " No one... who's rumbled with the angels ever came back, huh...? " If Extermination Day was going to be his LAST, there's so MUCH he would've done ( most of which included hunting down all the people he already wanted to KILL, but nonetheLESS... )

" So that's it. Hide out 'ere until the angels find me. Take me back. Do whatever they're gonna do t' me. That's all I can do not to 'ave ta... _face 'im._ "

Alastor

“If it helps, I don’t think ghosts are given a how-to manual, and most of them get the hang of it.” But what did he know, he’d never been a ghost.

Alastor grimaced at that. “Well. No one who’s ever been executed by an angel has ever been *un*-executed. But people have survived close calls.”

He settled himself more comfortably, they were going to be here a while. “The way I see it, you have several options. One—“ ding, “—hide on Earth as a ghost. Some ghosts get away with it for centuries. Again, I don’t know if escapees are given higher priority than souls that have never left the mortal realm—but I’ve never met an imp who was *enthusiastic* about hauling in wayward souls.

“Two—“ ding, “—hide *here* as a ghost. Unless the powers that be *try* to hunt escapees on Okkylk—and if they were going to, we probably would have found out when Sir Pentious started spending nights here instead of Hell—angels and demons might never visit this planet. Why would they? It’s possible you could hide here indefinitely.

“Three—“ ding, “—hide in another ring of Hell. I have connections that can sneak sinners out of Pride. But being a sinner on the lam in another ring has its own perils, as you could imagine. I’ve turned back mid-trip if going forward meant putting myself in a position where I couldn’t walk back to Pride on my own two feet if I had to—I doubt you’d have that luxury.

“Four—“ ding, “—throw yourself on the mercy of somebody stronger than Valentino. If you happen to know any dukes who like to blow thousands on you and would be moved to tears by your terrible plight, now’s the time to dial them.

“Five—“ ding, “dye your fur, learn a new accent, change your identity, and go under cover.

“*Six—*” ding, “erase him before he can get his hands on you.

“And any of those could be combined to *great* effect with faking your own extermination. If you have any limbs you’re not fond of, all you’d have to do is toss one in a little pile of gore near where you were last seen!”

Angel

" I ain't gonna be taken by no fuckin' _IMP,_ " he grumbled, but seemed to relax some beneath the comforts of someone thinking for him when he had such shortened foresight. Slowly but surely, he started to remember who he was. " I ain't gonna _hide_ fo'ever either. I worked too fuckin' hard makin' m'name. If it'd all be fa nothin', I'd rather fuck off into extermination. "

Yet, the sternness of his words contradicted the shuddering, the fading pink of his bodily markings into the faintest grey.

" I know... some demons... but they're all either frien's a Big V's , or ain't gonna wanna make beef wit' 'im fa anythin'. Or care to if it's gonna mean they're losin' all the rest a his business. An' I'd be... in the same spot... caterin' to their e'erythin' an' if I don't - "

He stopped himself and curled up on his side.

" Madame... could... an' would, but she's got a deal wit' 'im I can't fuck with. I got a lot goin', but wit'out 'im I ain't got much t' bargain. He owns... ALL I got under contract. Everythin' but m'soul. "

Alastor

Everything but his soul. Alastor was silent a moment as he contemplated that, staring out over the ocean. Finally, he said, “Greedy. You wanted to have everything and you wanted it as fast as possible, didn’t you?” His tone wasn’t scolding.

“What are the terms of your contract? Any buy-back provisions, any terms under which it would immediately become void?”

Angel

" No... it was... slow... " he responded with an evasive weakness, " Yeah, I've always wanted t' be a star. Since I was human. But when I first dropped 'ere, I was... _fine._ Doin' what I was doin'. Workin' bars, streets, weapons. Until he showed me I could be more. An' I believed 'im when he said we was gonna be a _team._ "

He trailed off.

" I trusted 'im. Wit' everythin'. _And he wrung me the FUCK OUT fa E'ERYTHIN' I got._ There's... no way out. He 'ad me agreein' t' shit I shouldn't've. The way he talks an' the things he does... It's what he does. He can get ya agreein' t' anythin' he wants wit' just, a flick of his DAMN WRIST until he's covered all 'is bases. An' ya can't fight 'im anymore. Ya _belong_ to 'im, whether ya want to or not. 'Cause at the time he had ya noddin', everythin' just sounded... good. No fine print. It's ya whole _ass_ in bold. "

Alastor

“And who could pass up such a temptation.” It was damn foolish to trust anyone like that in Hell. But everyone had a bit of a damn fool somewhere deep inside of them, and the cleverest manipulators only needed to find the right angle from which to pry that fool into the light. “Do you have a written copy of your contract? Or was it all verbal?”

Angel

" Not me... " He picked himself up just enough to be eye - level with him. " Not... you, " he dared with an implicit confession before sitting back. " He has it. " Of _course_ he does. " I haven't even seen the damn thing in decades. "

Alastor

He didn’t react to the implicit accusation—but he didn’t deny it.

A sigh. “And I’m sure so much as *asking* to see it will raise suspicions. Not, of course, that you could ask even if you wanted to, if you can’t go back.” Damn. Alastor was sure the thing must have loopholes—*everything* had loopholes—but he wasn’t going to figure out what if he couldn’t see the thing. “What about your soul? Why *haven’t* you sold it? Does your contract stipulate anything about what happens if you do?”

Angel

" I... I don't... r'member... I don't think he thinks I got the guts. It was the one thin' he let me keep t' keep me thinkin' I stood a chance. I don't even fuckin'... know what HAPPENS or what it feels like t' not 'ave ya soul. He got me this twisted up wit'out it. Givin' it away would do me worse, wouldn' it? "

Alastor

"It would depend entirely on who you give it away *to!* And, say, whether they might let you buy it back. Mind, most 'sell your soul now, buy it back later' deals are designed to make getting out of debt practically impossible, *but.* Infernal law favors dealmakers who work in souls. In most cases, selling one's soul trumps any prior ownership claims over any other part of one's person. But you'd know better than I whether Valentino drafted your contract with a clause ensuring he'd maintain his holdings even if you sold your soul."

Every word of it was the truth—but consider the source when considering whether this was actually good advice.

Angel

He almost zoned out. It made much more intuitive sense to just KILL the bastard in place of reading between any lines. Which was what he was working UP TO before he blew it.

A grimace. " I doubt it, but then again, I don't know. Guess I'd... gotta get it from 'im if I really wanna fin' out. " He was nearly stark white. He had to keep going no matter how much harder he ended up making it on himself. Hiding would only be prolonging the inevitable. If he was going to end up going down, at the very least he had to take Valentino with him, or strongarm _some_ sort of upper hand... somehow.

Alastor

"Which brings us right back to the problem of your having to face him, doesn't it?" And even if he could get out of his contract that way, that wasn't going to do a thing to stop Valentino from coming after Angel if he was mad his prisoner was getting away. It addressed a long-term problem but not the immediate one.

Angel

He couldn't speak, only shudder. Angel had _nothing_ over Valentino. He was near certain he carried his contract on his person at all times. It was really seeming like there _was_ no way around it. Just a nod. A bitten lip and raking claws over his forearms.

" Can ya... hear what they're broadcastin' about? "

Alastor

Alastor hesitated, then shook his head. "Not without somebody opening a portal to Hell. I picked up a little trick recently that might be able to boost my power enough to listen across planes like that, but I'm reluctant to test it out in the middle of an extermination and risk broadcasting our location."

Angel

" ... Ok, wouldn' want that... " Angel replied meekly before staggering a shaky reach into the pool to pluck Pelagios from a pile of coral he was rearranging. " Later... could ya tell me? " He then sank his face into the seapup's head, clutching him dearly as he replied with vaguely confused burbles.

Alastor

"As soon as I can." He smiled wanly. "You're not the only one eager for news out of Hell."

He was cold again. He summoned up a big beach towel from indoors, and offered a second one to Angel.

Angel

" Thanks... " First things first, he could stand to feel more like himself. Angel let Pelagios down into his crossed legs and started drying his hair. So long as he was stuck, getting his mind off the situation was the best he could do, for now. Diligently he dried and out of his line of sight, Pelagios had escaped him to chew on a corner of Alastor's towel.

Alastor

He could restrain the urge to chatter for a moment. Let Angel have a second to recover.

He looked at the seapup gnawing on the towel Alastor had draped over his shoulders. And then, slowly, without looking away from seapup, Alastor stuck the opposite corner in his mouth and started chewing it.

Angel

" If I could get my hands on my contract, would ya help me figure out a way t' - " Angel slipped the towel off his head, hair a weird, frizzy mess and snorted at the sight. " Sorry, Schnookums! Took ya outta the water before you were ready, huh? " he said as he reached for Pelagios and attempted to gently ease the towel from his mouth.

To no avail. It seemed he made his choice. A tidepool rich with toys and potential snacks was second to gnawing on cotton and staring down the Radio Demon with the biggest, most impish smile he could muster.

Alastor

Ah, so it was to be a battle, was it? Alastor leaned away from Pelagios, tugging lightly on the towel as he did.

"If you get it, I can look it over." Somehow, chomping on a towel did nothing to hamper his ability to speak clearly. "I can't guarantee that I'll find a way to help—it depends on just how airtight Valentino's made his contract—but I know a thing or two about Infernal law and I have fiends in high places."

Angel

The little orange veci hopped forward, easily tugged but no less determined to win... whatever the object of this battle was to be. He was rested from his food coma and had a wake - up snack. All that was left was energy to burn. A nefarious glint in his eye, Pelagios dug in on all fours and started crab - walking to the side to tighten the towel around Alastor's neck. _Ruthless._

Angel clamped a claw to his mouth to stifle a laugh. " Thanks, I... I 'ave no idea how I'm gonna pull it off, but... " He thought a little bit as Pelagios playfully death - rolled like an alligator. " I'll get it, and uh - " A loud pulse echoed in his eardrums. He was running on sheer force of will at this point. " - worse comes to worse. Which AIN'T gonna happen. But if it DOES, er... "

Nifty and Husk didn't seem to have it all that bad. Of course, they were vastly different demons and if anyone knew how severely false pretenses could be it'd be him, but he still couldn't finish the sentence. Angel still wasn't sure if bartering his soul would be something worth resorting to.

" ... I double die. End of story. Fat Nuggets is gonna be goin' to Kyxs. "

Alastor

Alastor patiently allowed seapup to strangle him—goodness, what an inventive tike. He was going to be dangerous if he ever faced anybody who actually needed to breathe.

But his gaze remained on Angel, waiting for him to finish that sentence—*knowing* what it would be. They'd danced around the topic of strategic soul-selling already, after all.

When Angel chickened out before he could offer his soul up, Alastor was relieved. Alastor couldn't save face if he turned down the offer—but accepting it would be tantamount to directly challenging Valentino for ownership of Angel. Even if Alastor could legally finagle the transfer, there would be nothing stopping Valentino—and his allies—from going after Alastor.

There were friends he would risk his existence for. Angel *was* a friend, Alastor would concede that, but he wasn't yet on the VIP list. Alastor didn't want to have to tell him *no, I can't go that far for you.*

He placed his hand to his heart. "You have my solemn word that Fat Nuggets will not be made into bacon." His hand was immediately bound against his chest by the towel. "Oh, clever boy."

Angel

" Thanks. 'Cause if ya don't... " Angel, visage all but a void, crawled forward and gently swept Pelagios before he could make a full predatory circle around Alastor. It was clear enough to him that he didn't _mind_ being wrapped and was... perhaps a bit _entertained._ But he needed something to do with his hands. And he had to make some preparations. " ... It ain't like there'd be anythin' I COULD DO ABOUT IT. "

A knead - like rub between the fins of his head, and the Seapup started up a series of contented burbling followed by a slack jaw. " I gotta... go talk to 'em, " he said with a swipe of his things as he stood, " Ya... want any company, or should I take the lil' fella with me? " With a spare pair of arms, he dusted out Valentino's coat and wrapped the towel around his waist. " I could... leave ya with this, too... if ya liked wearin' it. It's pretty cold back 'ere and would be better to have that towel to sit on instead of the rocks, ah? "

Alastor

“Very true! The best guarantee you could get is sticking around to keep me on the straight and narrow! But that’s never entirely in our control, is it?” A wink. “Still! You should do the best you can.” The closest Alastor is going to get to saying *I’d like you not to get erased.*

“Take him, you’d get far more out of his company than I would. But I’d appreciate the coat! I was starting to get attached to it!” He stood as well, it didn’t seem appropriate to keep talking while seated. Especially since he had something a little more serious to share. “Before you go, I’ve got something else you might find useful.”

Angel

Angel rose a brow, not the least bit in the mood for some empty pep talk. Nonetheless, he gave a small smile and floated the coat over Alastor's shoulders. " Knock y'self out. Nevermindin' the extra arms, it suits ya better than me. _Nice 'n red -_ "

He cut his sing - song and canted his head. " Yeah? Ontop a some contract literacy? " His upper arms dropped to his hips as Pelagios cradled into his stomach. " What'cha got? "

Alastor

“They make for a lovely sash!” He tugged the coat back on and wrapped the extra arms around his waist again.

Once he tied them on, he turned his full attention on Angel. In what for him passed as a low voice, he said, “Now, I’m trusting you to keep this information to yourself. I’m not a dealer in contraband and I’m not looking for customers, I just happen to have a private collection. *But*, I happen to have in my possession two barrels’ worth of holy water—and I can increase that amount exponentially at a moment’s notice. If adding that to your arsenal would help you solve any of your problems... consider it at your disposal.”

Angel

He matched his drop in volume. " _Ya shittin' me._ " Though Angel knew he wasn't kidding in the slightest. Rejecting any semblence of good news was simply just a hard habit to break. " Angel weapons ain't exactly standard issue. How the _fuck_ did'ja get ya han's on _**holy** water?_ It really work like that? It really...? " A dark glint circled his eyes. " _Burn_ like acid? _Permanently?_ "

Alastor

"Would you believe *Valera?* They passed me a little kit of magical ingredients they happened to have been given but didn't have any use for. All the usual little herbs and spices, but *guess* what I found in the back and have been multiplying ever since!"

He leaned closer with a malicious grin. "I can't speak *directly* to its efficacy on sinners, because I morally object to experimenting with torture methods on humans test subjects—unless I happen to have someone on hand who deserves it, of course." Hand over heart. What a saint. "But every once in a while I'll scoop out a glass of the stuff and dunk a small demonic critter in to make sure it's still potent! And oh, yes, it burns like acid. It burns like napalm. Exactly as advertised. A little different for each creature, but never pretty."

Angel

Of _course_ he believed Valera. He believed Alastor, too. Who would've _thought_ that holy water was such a common commodity outside of Hell? ~~On second thought, that probably made a LOT of sense.~~

Angel bent an equal amount backwards. ( _The grin, the coat, the stature... a VAST difference compared to the image that flashed his mind and nearly sent him COWERING again, but nonetheless one he wasn't quite ready for._ ) A stiff exhale of his held breath and he quickly straightened up. ( _He could get used to this. He DESERVED to get used to this._ )

" Morally object t' torture experimen's on people? Never would've thought the big bad _Radio Demon_ cleaner than the _Outfit,_ " he teased with a matching lean forward, arms crossed and Pelagios thinking he's about to be handed off. _Look at those chubby little orange paws reaching for Alastor._ Angel's voice then dropped into a demonic growl. " So, ya think a couple gallons could fit a ten foot moth overlord's head? An' ya just gonna... give it t' me? "

Alastor

Oh, no getting in Angel's personal space today, all right. "The Outfit is evil for profit! I'm evil for fun! I think that puts me on slightly higher moral ground, don't you?" Studio laughter.

Baby reaching for him. Alastor automatically offered Pelagios a couple of claws to grasp on to. "Let's see, a couple of gallons is..." He conjured up two spectral red outlines of spooky floating milk jugs to hover next to Angel's head. "Should be plenty!" The milk jugs vanished. "Why shouldn't I? Once you know how to replicate it, the stuff's basically infinite!"

Angel

" _Touché ~ !_ No wonder I didn' fit in! " Pelagios let out a small SQUEAL of delight before grabbing both claws. Those four eyes sure are HUGE and soul - consumingly CUTE, but Angel playfully pouted at the comparison between his head, Valentino's, and milk jugs. " Buh - BUH! " He waved his arms through the projections and failed to stifle a snicker. " Not MY head! More like YOUR head! "

Angel then extended a hand to playfully ruffle Alastor's hair before drawing back. " Sorry, I mean, KIDDIN'! Thanks fa... the help... " he said sheepishly before drawing all four arms around Pelagios instead, just to find him very much attached. He gave him a little wiggle, but the seapup just took it as a means to wiggle Alastor's fingers. _So helpful._

Alastor

Seapup grabbed on. Alastor had a dull little burst of happiness that was quickly rolled over by a wave of old longing for a whole generation of young cousins who had once automatically latched onto Alastor’s fingers just like this and who by now were probably all dead of old age.

“It’s close enough! Most heads are about the same size!” And Angel’s was the only one available to hold phantom milk jugs next to.

Alastor automatically jerked his head back from the touch—before Angel aborted the effort himself. Alastor considered Angel’s withdrawn posture, and then the fact that they were probably going to be stuck with each other courtesy of Pelagios for at least a few moments longer; and then sighed melodramatically, tilted his head permissively, and said, “Oh, all right, go on. Just don’t spread the news or everyone will think they can get away with it.” He’d distract himself by wiggling his fingers right back, puppeting Pelagios’s arms in a little dance.

Angel

" N-no... I wouldn' wanna be doin' THAT to ya. I know how t' keep ya shit under wraps... " he said meekly before hesitantly reaching out. His hand didn't fall heavily, but light as a feather as he gingerly pushed his claws through the strands and reassured himself. _See?_ Sure was _Alastor's_ head, alright. Solid. With hair. Red hair with fading brown dye. A certain other Overlord - level demon wouldn't be caught dead with that level of inattention to his appearance. Antlers, not antennae. Ears. _Ya can stop bein' STUPID, now!_ With a ragged exhale, the last of his nerves ceased his shivering as he combed Alastor' s bangs back into place with the drop of his hand. A single, efficient movement.

Angel then stayed silent for a moment before being startled by Pelagios's jubilant squealing and animated dancing. " Ya _sure_ you don' wanna keep 'im fa a little bit? " he asked again with a gentle rub between the seapup's head fins. _Usually,_ that eased him up enough to release whatever death grip or lockjaw he had going on. " I'll come back an' get 'im from ya after I go talk to Kyxs, or ya can hand 'im off t' Valera if you see 'em. Whatever happens first. "

Alastor

His ears automatically flicked under Angel’s touch, but aside from that and his wiggling fingers he held perfectly still beneath the examination. There. Not so bad, was it? And maybe it would help Angel to relax a little.

“No no, that’s quite alright! I enjoy gently harassing small children, but I’m not terribly interested in babysitting one. You keep the kid and I’ll keep the coat.”

Angel

" Ok, say _bye - bye,_ Pelagios ~ " The seapup relaxed in Angel's hands and relented to being cupped over his shoulder with a turn towards the estate.

" _Blu - blu !!_ " he burbled with a double wave of his chubby citrine claws, lightly bouncing along with Angel's gait.

Alastor

"And a blu-blu to you, too!" He wiggled his fingers in a farewell wave at Pelagios.

Alastor made a mental note to make some discreet inquiries about how Valentino wrote up his contracts; and then he crouched down again to continue studying his tide pool.

[storytimefromthecreed]

I’ll Make a Man Out of You

“What are they doing?” Kassandra asked. Maria handed her a glass of lemonade just as Elise pulled out a seat. “Is there a battle? Should we not join?”

Before Maria could reply, Elise leaned over to rest her chin on Kassandra’s shoulder and said, “Oh, trust me, you’re going to want to see this.”

In the backyard stood the guys. Darim, Sef, Tazim, Yusuf, Jacob, Edward, Haytham, Altair, Shay, and Liam. Connor walked to and fro before them, like a lion in a cage, and he examined them closely, “Let’s get down to business, to defeat, the Huns. Did they send me daughters when I asked for sons?”

“He wishes.” Shao Jun sipped on her drink, and the table laughed. Around the table where Maria, Kassandra, Elise, Aveline, Malik, Shao Jun, and Aya. 

As Connor walked, he looked each man up and down, catching their eye. “You're the saddest bunch I ever met.” Then he began nodding ominously, “But you can bet before we're through. Mister, I'll make a man out of you.” Heading for the center of the backyard, he turned around and placed his hands up, palming touching. Then, slowly raising one foot and keeping it at his knee, Connor continued, “Tranquil as a forest, but on fire within. Once you find your center, you are sure to win.” The row of guys attempted, poorly, to copy his stance. Jacob wiggled, Yusuf sway side to side, and Edward kept his foot by his ankle. Spying their progress, Connor nodded and returned to his normal stance. “You're a spineless, pale, pathetic lot, and you haven't got a clue.”

Shay whispered to his side, “I’m scared. I don’t like how he said pale. Is he talking about me? Am I the weak link?”

“Shut up, Shay.” Sef cracked open an eye to glare at the Templar. He, Altair, and Darim were holding the pose to perfection.

“Somehow I'll make a man out of you.” Connor continued as if he’d heard nothing. The course in the backyard was made to test their limits, physically and mentally. A run to an agility course, climbing up a wall to monkey bars, crossing, and landing on the other side.

As they ran the course, Edward sang, “I'm never gonna catch my breath.”

Shay sang, “Say goodbye to those who knew me!”

Jacob huffed, closing his eyes are he ran, “Boy, was I a fool in school for cutting gym.”

Cupping her hand and raising from her chair, Aya yelled, “This guy's got 'em scared to death!”

And Yusuf tripped over the rope course, “Hope he doesn't see right through me.”

Leaping over the fallen Turk, Altair landed noiselessly to the second part of the training. Then froze when he saw the monkey bars were over the pool. “Now I really wish that I knew how to swim!”

Together they sang, “Be a man!”

Connor, watching their progress with a stony expression sang, “We must be swift as the coursing river!”

Without halting their stride, Darim and Sef leapt, their fingers gripping the bars, and crossed. “Be a man.”

Encouraged, Connor raised a hit, and sang, “With all the force of a great typhoon!”

Seeing that there was nothing to it, Liam and Haytham went next. Followed by Yusuf and Edward, Then, finally, Shay, Tazim, and Altair. Tazim and Shay took the monkey bars normally, but Altair deemed it safe to climb to over the bars and just ran across as to minimize his proximity to the water. “Be a man!”

“With all the strength of a raging fire, mysterious as the dark side of the moon!” Connor threw a fist in the air and jumped in excitement. “Time is racing toward us till the Huns arrive! Heed my every order and you might survive!” Jacob was the last to cross the bars, and landed right as Connor sang the last word. Perhaps it was because the area was crowded, or maybe his strength had given out at the last second. Whatever the reason, his toes landed on the other side of the pool but his heels didn’t. Falling into the water, Jacob splashed about. The shouts and groans of his teammates were mangled by the water in his ears. There was a large splash, and Jacob fought hard against the hand that wrapped around his arm. It was then that he realized he could stand in the pool. Staring up at Connor disapproving face, Jacob gulped. Connor pointed out of the pool, and Jacob nodded. “You're unsuited for the rage of war, so pack up, go home, you're through.” Jacob climbed out of the pool as Connor followed, dripping water everywhere and singing softly to himself, disappointed, “How could I make a man out of you?”

Head hanging low, Jacob slowly made his way across the backyard with hopes that lemonade and sandwiches would lift his heavy heart. That or Elise or Maria would give him a hug. The guys behind him finished the course and were celebrating. Then, his name was called. For a moment, his spirits raised. “Jacob!” Tazim raised a hand to wave. Then, Jacob’s mood fell as Tazim asked, “Can you toss the ball this way?”

Looking down to hide his frown, Jacob grabbed the volleyball and served it to Tazim. The ball spun in the air with a whizz, and smacked Tazim in the chest, nearly making him lose his grip on it. The backyard went silent as Connor stared. Then, the light returned to his eyes and he smiled, “Jacob, get over here!”

“Hurray!” The guys cheered as Jacob ran across the fields, arms out behind him like how he’d seen football players do. They clapped him on the back and they leapt up and down, singing in unison, “Be a man, we must be swift as the coursing river!” They ran the course again. This time, Edward, Shay, and Jacob were pushed by their brothers with words of encouragement!

“You got this! We’re so close!” Sef coached Shay.

“Come on! Can’t lose to me, Father!” Haytham chucked at his dad.

“Jacob! I believe in you!” Liam slowed down his pace to match Jacob’s.

“Be a man! With all the force of a great typhoon.”

As they reached the obstacle course, Altair coached Yusuf, “Watch your toes! Don’t let your heels hit the ground.”

“Keep light, keep light!” Edward, to show off, twisted and turned in front of his son like he was dancing. “You’re being too stiff, Haytham, have some fun, will ya?”

“Be a man! With all the strength of a raging fire! Mysterious as the dark side of the moon!”

Finally, the dreaded finale. Running without stop, Darim and Sef crossed as they had done before. Haytham and Edward followed, but before they reached the other side, they pulled themselves up as Altair had, and rested on the top. Yusuf instructed Jacob how to warm up his wrists, and Liam, as he crossed, showed Jacob how to use his momentum.  Quickly now, they all sang, “Be a man! We must be swift as the coursing river!” Jacob and Altair swung, and then preceded to cross!

“Jacob! We can do this! Together!” Altair called, hurrying.

Jacob nodded as his friends sang, “Be a man! With all the force of a great typhoon!” They were almost there. Altair landed, and his sons grabbed his forearms and pulled him towards them and safely away from the water. Now, Jacob had to do the same. His arms began to wobble, and his panic set in. This made his hands slippery, and Jacob crossed as quickly as he could.

He was nearly there, so nearly there! Crossing Edward and Haytham, hearing them cheer above them, Jacob wished he could do this, but he couldn’t! Tazim and Shay cheering on behind him, Jacob tried not to look at their faces as he was at the last bar and fell. The cool metal left his hands, and he waited for the cold water to submerge him once more.

However, he wasn’t prepared for this.

Strong arms grabbed his forearms, and Jacob opened his eyes to confirm that through the bars, Edward grabbed his left forearm, and Haytham was holding his right! Edward’s bright blue eyes stared down at him as he grinned, “Didn’t think we’d let you down again, did you?”

“Now, swing your legs!” Haytham tried to keep a straight face, but his smile twitched his lips. Being part of a team wasn’t as bad as he thought he would be.

Doing as they asked, Jacob swung. Once. Twice. The third time, he leapt. His feet hit the other side, and before he could wonder if he’d hit the pool once more, Darim and Sef grabbed him and pulled him to land. Shay and Tazim finished the course as the Kenways leapt from the bars.

Once the entire team was safe, the guys formed a large circle and began to cheer, hug, and jump! From the sidelines, the gals all melted. “Aw, ok, that was cute.” Shao Jun admitted.

“I’m just glad they’ve found some way to get their energy out without breaking the house.” Malik added, pretending not to enjoy the show. 

The backyard gate opened and in strolled the remaining members of the house. Upon looking at the scene behind them, Demetri rose a brow. “Tell me, did we miss their warm up?”

“I do wish they wouldn’t take team sports so seriously.” Aveline replied and Kassandra sat upright.

“Wait, this is for a game?” Kassandra asked and the table chuckled.

“Don’t say that in front of them.” Elise sipped her drink, “But yes.”

“I suppose now we must take our time defeating them.” Aya propped her cheek on her fist. Bayek took his place beside her and nodded.

“Can’t let all that team building all to waste. Ok ladies,” Maria rose and the table followed suit. Some cracked their necks, other rolled their wrists. “Let’s get in formation. Elise, you’re our setter?” Elise nodded. “Great, Aya, how are you spikes?”

“Between Shao Jun and I, those guys won’t know what hit them.”

“I’ll take back with Kassandra.” Aveline winked at Kassandra. “I’ve a wicked serve.”

“Then it’s settled.” Maria put her hand in the middle. They all followed suit. “Let’s teach the Brotherhood about the Sisterhood.”

[thelastspeecher]

At Midnight

Oh wow, I actually titled a ficlet.  It’s been so long since I’ve done that, lol.

Anyways, I’ve been writing here and there for this AU, and finally put together enough to post something.  So here’s when Stangie finally happens in the AU - while Stan is training at the South Pole.

(As a note: This AU is a collaborative effort, with @vulpixen, @bluestuffeh, and @nour386 involved in its development.)

——————————————————————————————

              “Hey there, Avatar.”  At the sound of a familiar voice, Stan looked over.  It was Angie.  She’d grown during the course of Stan’s training; they all had.  After all, it took years for someone to become a fully fledged Avatar.  But grown as well was the fluttering feeling Stan got in his stomach when he looked at Angie.

              The moon reflected off her dark brown hair, her tawny skin stark against the ice and snow.  The olive-green eyes that signaled to her Earth Kingdom heritage sparkled mischievously.  She walked over to where Stan stood, leaning against an igloo, and leaned against it as well, next to him.  Her breath misted in the cold air.  Stan tore his eyes away from her.

              “Blue’s a good color on you,” he finally said, looking determinedly at the snowy ground.  Angie laughed.

              “It’s much better on Lute.”

              “He’s Water Tribe,” Stan said dismissively.  Angie punched his shoulder.  “Ow.”

              “So am I,” she reminded him forcefully. “Being an earthbender doesn’t remove me from the tribe.”  She wrapped her arms around herself.  “But I definitely don’t feel Water Tribe right now.  I can’t thrive in such a cold climate.”  Stan snorted softly.  “Anyways. What’s keepin’ ya up?”

              “What makes you think I can’t sleep?”

              “The fact that yer still awake.”

              “You caught me.”  Stan sighed.  “I thought that this whole ‘mastering the elements’ thing would be a piece of cake. I mean, I got airbending done in record time!  But I just- I can’t hack waterbending!  It’s like-” Stan huffed.  “It feels like it’s supposed to be like firebending, since it involves controlling something that will resist.  But it’s not!  I’m supposed to use the gentle touch approach I used for airbending, but water has a mind of its own.  I’m either too rough or too gentle.  Finding the medium is just-”  Stan slid down the igloo.  “It’s tough, Ang.”

              “Well, I ain’t sure if I have much insight fer ya. My element is all about movin’ somethin’ that just don’t move at all unless ya force it to.  Water…it moves all the time.”  Angie’s voice went wistful.  Stan looked at her curiously.  “I had to sit in on lessons from Pa when I was a kid, learnin’ ‘bout our Water Tribe heritage.”  Angie slid down the igloo as well to sit on the snow by Stan’s side.  “Ma didn’t really have equivalent lessons, since she didn’t have as strong of a connection to her cultural heritage as Pa.”  Angie looked at her gloved hands.  “When I was younger, I wished I was a waterbender.  I knew so much more about the theory behind it, about the history behind it, about my own connection to the art.  But nope, I was makin’ lil quakes from my crib.”

              “Wait, really?” Stan asked.  Angie grinned crookedly.

              “Yep.  I could earthbend ‘fore I could talk.”

              “Wh- but- how?” Stan asked.  Angie shrugged.  “Maybe you should be my earthbending teacher.”  Angie tilted her head back to look up at the night sky.  A smile slowly spread across her face.

              “That would be wonderful.  I could hit ya with rocks all day long.”  She put a hand on the ground.  “I’ll be glad when I’m somewhere that those rocks are more easily accessible.  They’re buried under ice and snow here.  I can feel ‘em, but can’t do much more ‘n make ‘em wiggle at this depth.”  She shivered.  Stan got up and held out her hand.

              “You’re gonna freeze if you just sit around,” he said. “Come on.  Let’s go for a walk.”  Angie smiled.  She took the offered hand.  Stan pulled her up.

              “Thought you’d never ask,” she teased.

----- 

              The city was mostly deserted as they walked through the streets.  No lamps were lit, but they didn’t need any.  The full moon cast everything in a bright white light.  To top it off, the spirit lights swam through the sky.  Angie tilted her head back to look at the lights.

              “It’s so beautiful,” she whispered.  Stan’s heat did a somersault as he looked at her, shining in the night’s lights.

              So are you.  He bit back the compliment.  I can’t come on to her.  Stan cleared his throat roughly.

              “So, uh, where do you wanna walk?” he asked. Angie raised an eyebrow.

              “And here I was, thinkin’ you had some grand plan where you’d be takin’ me,” she drawled.

              “You know better than that.  I don’t have plans, grand or otherwise,” Stan said dismissively.  Angie giggled.

              “Okay, okay.  Let’s go to the ocean, then.  See if we can’t get ya waterbendin’.”

              “Uh…”

              “Come on.”  Angie grabbed Stan’s hand and dragged him away from the main part of the city, towards the harbor.  A few docked boats bobbed on the waves.  It was too early for even the earliest fishermen to have casted off, so they had the harbor to themselves.  Eventually, they came to a stop by the ocean.  Angie let go of his hand to shift into a position Stan recognized from his waterbending lessons.  “Mimic my movements.”

              “You’re an earthbender.  Unless you’re also a waterbender, in which case, you should probably tell me.”

              “Oh, hush.  I have waterbendin’ relatives, I’ve seen the various poses ‘n whatnot. Not to mention, I’ve been sittin’ in on your lessons.  I’m good at observin’ and listenin’.  Now, copy me.”

              “Getting taught to waterbend by an earthbender,” Stan muttered, but copied Angie’s stance.

              “Waterbending is strongest at night, and it’s a full moon no less,” Angie said, ignoring Stan’s mumbles.  “If there were ever a time to unlock yer waterbendin’, it would be now.”

              “…Good point.”

              “Watch the waves,” Angie said softly.  She gracefully shifted into a new position. Stan mirrored her.  He looked out at the ocean.  “They move forward and backward at the command of Tui and Yue.” Angie looked at him.  “And you, too.”

              “Pfft.  Yeah, right.”

              “Close yer eyes.  Feel the moon shine down on ya.  Spread out yer senses, allow yourself to be tugged like the ocean.” Angie turned her attention back to the ocean.  Feeling slightly stupid, Stan closed his eyes.  He took in and let out a deep breath.  His eyes popped open in shock as he felt something pull at him.

              “I felt it,” Stan croaked.  Angie’s eyes sparkled.

              “You have water.  Just ‘bout everything does.  Of course ya feel it.  Now that you know how it feels to be tugged, try it yourself.”

              “Try-”

              “Watch me.”  Angie held her arms out in front, then pulled them back, then pushed forward again, her movement as fluid as a waterbender’s.  “Pull, push.”  Stan swallowed, but again copied her movements.  “Pull, push.  Make the ocean feel the way you just felt.”

              “Pull, push,” Stan said quietly.  “Pull, push.  Pull…”  His eyes widened.  The water was responding to his movements.

              “Keep doin’ it,” Angie said gently.  Stan continued, watching in awe as the ocean flowed forward, then backward, moving with him.  “Good work!  Now, up!” Stan knew what to do without looking. He raised his arms over his head. A weak wave rose up.  It wobbled, but held its position.  “See?”

              “I’m- I’m waterbending!”

              “Of course you are.”  Stan released the water and turned to Angie.  She beamed proudly at him.  “Yer a waterbender.”

              “But you aren’t.  How come you were able to teach me to do it?”

              “I think it makes sense that I got through to ya. I know the theory of it, the movements, the history, just about everything.  But like you, my native element ain’t water, so I can come at it from a perspective closer to yours.”

              “I…I guess that makes sense.”  Stan grinned at her.  “Maybe you should be my waterbending teacher.”  Angie let out a peal of laughter.  It sounded like bells ringing.

              “No.  I managed to help ya have a breakthrough, but you’ll need an actual master.  ‘Sides, I’m s’pposed to teach ya earthbending, not waterbending.”

              “Still.  I can’t believe you got me to waterbend for the first time.”

              “There’s less distinction between the elements than ya might think,” Angie said with a shrug.  “I mean, waterbending movements have been used to develop firebending techniques.”

              “Yeah, I guess.”  Stan moved closer to Angie.  She had taken down her hood when they practiced.  A few strands of dark brown hair flew in the breeze, freed from her ponytail.  Stan tucked the strands behind her ear, smiling at her.  She smiled back at him.  “Thanks, Ang.”

              “No problem,” Angie said.  “After all, yer the reason I’m able to travel the world.”

              “I’m just your ride, huh?” Stan asked, raising an eyebrow.  Angie giggled.

              “Nah, yer more than that.  And you know it.”

              “Yeah…”  Stan cupped her cheek gently.  He lowered his face to hers.

              Their lips met.

[sherrybaby14]

Take A Bite

This is for Honey-Bee-Holly’s challenge, congrats Doll!

Prompt: “Watch it doll, I just might have ta bite ya.”

Warnings: Smutty,smutty,smut,smut.  Very slim plot.  All consensual.

Pairings:  Alright….I make no apologies. This is MCU/MCU.

A/N:  This is a reader insert. Normally I try my hardest to leave the reader’s features vague, but in this you are blue.  For all intents and purposes, you have the exact same power as X-Men’s Mystique. Your gender is arguably open for interpretation but heavily leans to you being a female!reader. (The smut is all M/F)

Inspiration:  This gif

  Shoulders back, head up, blank look, and powerful walk. If you displayed enough confidence nobody ever asked anything in this building.  

               The pantsuits this chick liked to wear weren’t your favorite, but they were part of the SHIELD getup all the female agents were inclined towards.  

               You rolled your eyes as you stepped in the elevator. Maybe next time you would pose as someone who could enjoy a little femininity in their outfits.  

               The elevator came to a stop at the specified floor and you walked out into the SHIELD branch office inside Stark Tower. The receptionist glanced up at you but didn’t stop as you walked back towards Sharon Carter’s office.  

               You sat down in her chair and flipped her blond hair behind your shoulder.  Of course, her computer was of no use.  You weren’t a tech genius and didn’t have a clue how to hack it.  But one of the great things about organization’s like SHIELD was they were so terrified of being hacked they almost always kept paper copies of the most important documents.  

               After studying the association, the last few years, you began to suspect Carter was higher ranking than she let on.  

               When you pulled open the desk drawer you felt around the hitch at the top and took out the key to the file cabinet.

               You wondered if Director Fury would discipline her if he knew she stashed a spare key in such an obvious spot.  

               You spun around in the chair towards the massive file cabinets. It took a second to pop the key in place and voila, they all opened for you.  

               A smile spread on your face, wishing you had all day to go through every inch of paperwork, but for now you needed to focus. Did they have anything on you? Did they know you existed?

               “Knock knock.” The words were accompanied by two taps on the door.

               You spun and looked up to see Steve Rogers standing in the doorway.  

               “Good morning Sharon, you’re here early.” He crossed his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.

               “It’s going to be a busy day.” You sat up in the chair. “Can I help you with something Captain?”

               You’d surveyed all of them enough to know Steve Rogers was direct and had a packed schedule himself.  

               “No.” He pushed off the door and walked into the office. “Thought I would check in on you, keep some tabs, see what you’re up to.”

               It seemed like his chest was puffed out.

               “And what are you up to Sharon? Cleaning out files?” He walked towards your open drawer. “Is it spring cleaning already Sharon?”

               You didn’t like how he kept using the name of the person you were pretending to be.

               “No sense in maintaining old records.” You smiled and kept your posture perfect, confidence went a long way with everyone. “When I make a big enough pile would you help me carry them to the shredder?”

               You stood up and grabbed Steve’s bicep, well aware the two of them had some pseudo-relationship at some point.  This was far from your first trip inside SHIELD and these people kept tabs on everything.  

               “Sharon you flatter me.” He brushed his fingers to yours. “But I want to help you with more than brawn tasks.  Why don’t you tell me how you’re pulling the files, Sharon, then I can help you sort Sharon?”

               You bit the inside of your mouth and moved your jaw, a tick of your own, not of Sharon Carter’s.  The man was making you nervous.  Were you on their radar? What were they going to do to you when they found out?  You didn’t want to display a crack in your confidence.

               “Perfect.” You nodded. “I could really use the help, but I realized I forgot to grab a coffee.  I think I’m going to head back to the lobby.  Can I bring you back something?”

               “Nonsense.” Steve reached over you, as if he were about to give you a hug, the action almost made you topple back into the chair.

               “What are you…” Before you could get the question out you heard the click of a receiver.  

               Steve stood back up again and handed you the phone.

               “Why don’t you order some? Have it delivered?” He was inches from your face with a huge grin.  “You remember how to do that, don’t you Sharon?”

               You were found out.  There was no doubt.  You were strong but strong enough to take out Captain America?  Your best bet was to find a way out of his line of sight.

               You tried to back out, but your knees hit the chair and you stumbled again.  Steve reached out and grabbed you, supporting you and you steadied yourself.

               “Watch it doll, I just might have ta bite ya.” He tiled his head to the side, his face still displaying the mischievous grin.  

               “Wait…” Your adrenaline started to drop.  This wasn’t right. You weren’t found out.  

               “Who are you?”  You blew a puff of air and put your hands on your hips.

               “What do you mean?” The person wearing Steve Rogers took a step back, losing the grin. “I’m Captain America of course.”

               “Watch it doll? I just might have ta bite ya?” You shook your head. “I’ve interacted with him a few times, he would never talk like that at work.”

               “He uses the name doll all the time.” A corner of Steve’s mouth turned up as he leaned back against the desk. “And who are you? Because Sharon Carter would never wear those heels.”

               “This outfit is an exact copy of one she wore two months ago.” You knew it was silly to get into this debate and had to keep focused. “Obviously you’re not with SHIELD or you would’ve busted me already, so can I get back to work so I can get out of here?”

               “What is it you’re looking for? Maybe I can be of some assistance.” Steve raised his eyebrows and you realized how stupid it was to even think this was the real Captain America.  None of the mannerisms were down.  

               “I work alone.” You tilted your head towards the door. “Either you leave or I will.”

               Someone walked by the outside of the office.

               “Oh hey, you two are here early.” General Rhodes stopped in the doorway. “Did you go to the gym already?”

               “Umm, yes.” Fake Steve nodded.

               Whoever this guy was, he was an amateur and you decided to have some fun with him.

               “Captain Rogers was telling about the time he saved an entire platoon during the war.  It is a fantastic story, the detail he remembers is astounding.”  Now it was your turn to give a mischievous grin.

               “Oh yeah?” Rhodes walked in.

               “It’s a long one though.” You touched Rhodes’ shoulder. “I already heard the first ten minutes and I forgot my coffee.  Captain start over for the General, would you? You’re going to laugh so hard when he gets to the part about the kitten.”  

               “I’ll bite.”  Rhodes leaned against Sharon’s desk. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard a story with a war kitten.”

               “Oh, um it’s not really that great of a story.” Fake Steve started scratching his head.

               You used the opportunity to strut out of the office.  Shoulders back, head up and into the elevator.  

               While intrigued that there was another shifter out there you were more annoyed this morning was a bust.  Plus you didn’t get the chance to close the files cabinet and put away the key, mixing that with Rhodes seeing Sharon could end up problematic if he felt like mentioning seeing her this morning.

               Odds of that were slim, but the open file cabinet would mean moving the key. It wasn’t like you didn’t know where the master one was, but that was going to be a pain in the ass to get.

               You weighed your options while the door to the elevator closed.  Sharon hadn’t done you that well today so as you let out a sigh you changed your form to another powerful blond who wouldn’t raise any flags in Stark Tower.

               Before the elevator moved a bell dinged at the door opened again.  A familiar face stepped on with you. He even had on the signature duster and eye-patch.

               “Ms. Potts.” He nodded his head.

               “Director Fury.” You smoothed out the dress Pepper was wearing, much prefer this to the pantsuit.  

               The door shut and you road down in silence for a few floors.  

               “War kittens?” He folded his arms and looked over at you. “Really?”

               “You ruined my morning, figured it was the least I could do.”

               “Come now Darling, these people don’t even know you exist.  No need to behave so paranoid and search their files.” Fake Fury turned to you. “I, on the other hand, am far too aware of your existence, but I have yet to determine your true identity.”

               “Good.” You tried to fight the smile, but it crept forward. “I plan on keeping it that way.”

               “Who are you?” Fury wasn’t even trying to sound like him. “Tell me. Please.”

               “Someone who is smarter than you.” You let out a little laugh.

               The gruff face looked offended.  

               “Sharon Carter is out of the office today and Pepper Potts is fast asleep from hosting a gala late last night.  Nobody is expecting to see them but it wouldn’t raise any questions if they were spotted.  Steve Rogers and Director Fury are both in the building, so all you’re doing is attracting attention.” You reached out and cupped fake Fury’s face as his mouth hung open.  “There’s an art in impersonation.  One you don’t understand.”  

               The elevator came to a stop on the bottom floor. You walked out, sliding your hand down their cheek in the process.  The morning was starting to pick up as the lobby filled.  You glanced over your shoulder expecting to see a dumbstruck Fury.

               Instead, there was a robust security guard with the same look, his eyes glued to you.  You couldn’t help yourself and gave a wink before turning around, putting on Pepper’s sunglasses and strutting out into the busy New York city streets.

~~~

               Wearing another’s form was like wearing clothes for you, some were more comfortable than others.  When you were alone you preferred your own self.  Since your image could transform with outfits you assumed your true form was as close to being naked as it got, but to you, clothing was just an extension of oneself and you did that often enough.

               So you stayed naked and blue, sitting cross-legged on your couch channel surfing.  It was the stereotypical New York apartment, tiny and expensive, but it was actually yours. That never stopped you from taking vacations as the rich and famous, but here in your loft, you had no problem being yourself.

Besides, if any peeping Tom looked in on you they would probably be more frightened by the blue scales than the nudity.  

               You wondered if fake Steve/Fury was blue too. If you had met under different circumstances you might have asked, but interfering with your business was no way to introduce themselves.  You sighed, giving yourself a mental kick for not closing that file cabinet.  

               The other shifter said SHIELD knew nothing about you though.  You would like to believe the shifter but they were so sloppy.  There was zero chance they gathered any real intel with their method.  You bit the inside of your cheek, confused how they found you out though.  

               A knock on the door broke your thoughts.  You popped up and in a second your scales flipped to make your appearance mimic the extra on the background of the television show you were watching.  She was tall, curvy, dark-skinned with dark brown eyes.  The outfit she wore showcased her breasts and that was exactly what you wanted.

               “Coming.” Your voice changed to mimic hers as well.

               Sometimes when you transformed into a person this beautiful you wondered what you would look like if you were just a person.  Of course, you had your preferred form that felt natural, but there was no way to tell if that was really you or not.  

               You gave up obsessing over that long ago though. You realized you were wearing the heels too and wondered if you were overdoing it for the pizza delivery guy. Then you glanced down and got another look at your breasts. You gave them a squeeze through the gold dress and decided it was worth it.  

               Plastering a fake smile on your face you flipped the black hair behind your shoulders and pushed your tits out further.  This form was hot enough you were going to get that free pizza before you even had to scam the guy.  

               “Well, you got here quick.” You yanked open the door to see a gun pointed between your eyes.  

                The form didn’t matter, you grabbed the wrist and twisted it away.  The assailant walked into your apartment and tried to smash their other arm down on your shoulder.  You stepped out of the way and let them go as you lifted your foot and kicked them in the chest, heel and all.  

                They slammed into your refrigerator with a clink. You readied yourself in a defensive stance and noticed the sound came from metal hitting metal.  

                He lunged at you, but you ducked down while the silver arm missed and through his body forward.  His brown hair swinging as he turned around and lifted his leg to kick you.  There was a black mask across his mouth and smudged liner around his eyes.  

               Your adrenaline flared when you realized you recognized him from your recon work.  It was the Winter Soldier.  The worlds deadliest assassin.  

               The two-second pause cost you as his leg swung down to your ankles, knocking you to the floor with a sweeping motion.  

               His human hand grabbed your throat and he raised his metal had to punch you, but your reflexes kicked in.  You did a kip and found yourself on your feet, then brought your foot down on the back on his neck, slamming him to the ground.

               You ran for the door, knowing escape was your only chance, but before you got it cool metal grabbed the back of your neck and pushed you forward, closing the wooden panel and slamming you against it.  

               His other hand came forward and twisted the lock, keeping you inside your apartment.  You wouldn’t give up though.  Heel and all you curled your leg up and bent the knee before slamming it back into his gut.

               “Ugh.”  He tumbled and grabbed his stomach, maybe heels were a good choice after all.

               You lifted your leg, ready to slam it down on his neck, but his hand jutted out and grabbed your ankle.  He ran forward and pushed your back against the door, effectively making you do a split while standing, one leg on the floor.  

               All this time you were so nervous about the Avengers figuring out who you were you turned a blind eye to Hydra.  No way would you be taken alive by them.  You tried to head butt the Winter Soldier, but he veered left.  

               Your hands were still free and you chopped at his side, knowing the side of your hand could be as powerful as a punch.  

               “Ouch.” He dropped your leg and put pressure on his side.

               Now you had the chance to use your forehead and didn’t hesitate to knock him down.  He stumbled and you brought your foot to his neck, pressing him into the fall so he landed flat on his back.  

               You stood above him with your heel pressed down on his neck, your fists ready for attack.  

               The man looked up at you with a huge grin and started slow clapping.

               “Well done darling.” The assassin pulled his mouth cover down. “You truly are a treasure, but I doubt someone who looks the way you do is interested in a pizza night in.  Why don’t you show me who you really are?”

               Your chest was huffing in and out.  It had been years since you had a fight like this and your endorphins were through the roof. Besides, you had some questions for the other shapeshifter.

               “Show me yours and I’ll show you mine.” You pressed your heel down harder on his neck.

               “I’m impressed you manage to keep your panties on as part of your change.” The fake Winter Soldier tilted his head to look up your gold dress.  

               He was no longer a threat, so you lifted your foot off of him and rolled your eyes as you stood straight.  

               “Of course, if you’re wearing gold maybe you prefer the company of royalty.” King T’Challa popped up from the floor.  

               He walked towards you and you fell back against the door, cursing yourself for not watching the transformation.

               “Would you like to kneel for your king?” The Black Panther leaned forward and put his arms on either side of his head as he looked over you.

               The man was beautiful, and his lips were centimeters from your face. It was your fault you missed his transformation and were intrigued, so you let your image change.

               “I prefer brains and beauty over status and fancy suits.” Your image flipped to the petite Wakandan whose brains barely fit inside her small statute.

               “Wow.” T’Challa moved his face back. “I’m not sure how I feel about a brother-sister combo.”

               You tilted your head to the side and smiled up in your Shuri imitation.

               “Well, what did you have in mind? Outside of breaking into my apartment and attacking me after ruining my workday?” You over exaggerated your blinking.

               In the midst of trying to be cute his form switched and you pressed your head against the door, shocked you missed the change again. He was much faster than you.

               “Maybe the two smartest people in the universe belong together.” Pale eyes looked straight at you since he shrunk with the latest change. “Think of the scientific discoveries.”

               Bruce Banner was never one that you paid too much attention to, but being this close to him, whether it was real or not, made you pause to study. The face was perfect.  

               The imposter used your lapse of judgment to lean forward and press his lips to yours. When was the last time anyone kissed you? Images of being on your own personal missions and using intimate exchanges to gather knowledge excluded.  Someone was actually kissing you.  

               You opened your mouth and invited his tongue to play with yours.  The way he moved into you felt better than expected and you brought your hands around his neck and pulled him in closer while you brought your leg around his waist.  

                His leg came behind you and knocked out one of your knees, causing you to slide down, but his hand was on your back and he lowered you to the floor without making your head smack.  There was no way that was possible given the properties of physics.

               The idea jarred you to reality.  This wasn’t someone kissing you.  This was Bruce Banner kissing Shuri. If he was capable of bending the laws of time and space, he was more powerful than you.  You were intrigued, and wanted to keep this going.

               Your skin flipped again. Now you were much taller, your hair had a grey streak and you made sure your outfit choice came with the signature cloak.

               The change made your partner pull away, but still Dr. Banner looked down at you.

               “Are you a wizard?” You expected him to stop the romantic entanglement now that you were male.  

               Instead, Bruce’s smile grew as he pushed back your fluffy hair.  

               “The way you change is beautiful.” His lips went back to yours.  

               Even in Dr. Strange’s body you found excitement in his touch and let his tongue slide into your mouth.  

               Wearing the suit of a man was too heavy for you. Their extra parts always felt awkward, so your skin flipped again.  This time you let your cheeks turn Scarlett.  

               Fake Bruce pulled away just in time to watch you switch.  

               “I’m not a wizard or a witch either.” Bruce placed a light kiss on your lips.  When he pulled away your eyes widened. Now Hawkeye was above you. “And as much fun as this is, I want to see the real you.”

               His change was too quick.  He wasn’t like you.  Wizard or witch this was coming to another place.  Before you could think of a way to respond his lips were back on yours. This time your interest was too peaked and you rolled over with no resistance.

               You sat up to see Clint Barton underneath you still. You tilted your head to the side and examined him, looking for anything out of the normal.  

               Anytime you took a break it was used against you and Clint’s hands were on Wanda’s shirt.  You rose your arms as he lifted the fabric from your body.  The Scarlet Witch did have fantastic breasts and you had no problem showing them off.  

               Instead of it being a show fake Clint ran his hands up them and they had real feeling.  You tilted your head back as one of his arms went behind you and pulled you forward, bringing his nipple into your mouth.

               Had anyone touched you in this way ever?  Did it matter it wasn’t you?  

               “As beautiful as you are right now, I’m certain the real you is even more charming.” Hawkeye sat up and flipped you over so he was on top of his back. “Put me out of my misery.  Show me.”  

               “I’m nobody.” You were at such odds with your identity it was almost a real answer.

               His eyes danced over you before he moved down and started kissing your neck. You moved your head to give him easier access and wished you hadn’t bothered to transform into anyone wearing clothing.

               You tried to thrust your hips against his, but he pulled away.  Now the face of Sam Wilson looked down at you.  

               “Why be someone when you can be everyone?” He grinned at you with the million-dollar smile only Falcon had.  

               “You’re not playing fair.” You grabbed the bottom of Sam’s shirt and yanked it over his head.  

               The moment gave you the opportunity to change figures again. This time while his shirt shielded his face.  

               “Agent Hill.” Sam bit a lip and glanced down your body. “I’m glad you kept the shirt off, but still not the real you.”

               His hand went to your stomach and snaked down until it got to the top of your pants.  He gripped the waistband and pulled, sending the buttons flying and breaking the zipper in the process.  Your hips picked up from the floor with the movement and he slipped them off.  

               “Regardless of the form, you feel, don’t you?” Falcon ran his hand up one of your bare legs. “This is real, not an illusion?”

               His hands got to the top of your thigh and you let out a gasp when his fingers kept moving. It had been so long since anyone touched you like this.  

               “Even though I’m touching Maria, it is still you who gets the pleasure?”  Sam ran his finger up your slit.

               You moaned, not needing the foreplay.

               “I’d like to meet the person I’m actually touching though.” He pushed his hand back down and a finger circled your entrance.  “Figure out what they really like.”

                “What about you?” You shot up from the floor and put your hand on his shoulder. Rolling so that he was on his back and you were straddling him. “Are you real? Or is this just you messing with my mind?”

                “Oh, I’m real.” A dark haired blue eyed man looked up at you. “They say ladies always go for a guy who can make them laugh.”

               “Thanks for keeping the shirt off.” You dropped your hands to his waist and started to undo the pants. “I hear Scott Lang likes to play with ants.”

                You pushed yourself up and yanked down his pants as your image flipped again.  This time you grinned down at him now in the form of Aunt May.

               “Oh, you are cheeky.” Scott looked up at you with a huge smile. “And as much as I love an older woman and this fantastic body, I’m willing to bet yours is even better.”

                Scott’s hands went to your hips and he pulled you down on top of him.  You reached behind yourself and fisted his cock.  Playing this little game was making you extra horny, regardless of form. It appeared he was enjoying himself as well since he was rock hard.  

               “Tell me, when you change shapes will the size change as well.” You squeezed his dick and licked your lips at the same time.  

               “That piece of anatomy is all mine.” Steve Rogers was now the one you were straddling.  

               He pushed you back a little and pulled his cock forward so that you were right above him.  

               “Maybe we could give these two the love story they never got.” As you lowered yourself onto him you image flipped into Peggy Carter.

               “Ahhh,” you both moaned at the same time as he pushed inside of you and you lowered yourself down at the same time.  

               Steve kept his hands on your hips, but he didn’t take the lead as you started to ride him, rocking and rolling your hips.  

               “I think Cap is a little too gentle for a girl like you.”  An arm wrapped around your waist as Tony Stark sat up, pulling your chest against his. “I’m willing to be you like it when someone else takes control.”

               Tony started flexing underneath you, using his hand to pull your body back and forth at a fast rate.  

               You draped your hands over his shoulder as your clit brushed against him with each movement, the position giving you the ability to grind down on him.  

               “Maybe you deserve someone whose out of this world.” You skin flipped again and this time you pushed Gamora’s forehead against Tony’s.

               “I’m not familiar with this one.” Tony looked surprised, but he didn’t stop moving rocking you up and down while you ground on top of him.

               The pressure was starting to build and you let out a moan.  

               “Then let’s stick to everyone’s favorite.” Again your skin flipped and the bright red curls were in front of your face.

               Tony buried his head in Nat’s chest and started licking your nipples.  It made you pick up the pace as your mouth hung open, the need in your belly growing stronger.

               Woosh! You weren’t sure how he did it, but you found yourself on your back with him buried deep inside of you.

               “I see everything, but I can’t see you.” Vision’s maroon skin was too tempting and you let out a gasp as you pulled him down for a kiss.  

               Vision kept slamming into you and your orgasm was coming.  You tried your hardest to roll your body with his, chasing after the need while you moaned and panted.  

               The movement was enough and the coil in your belly sprung free.  You cried out and through your head back. The pleasure making you lose any sense of focus. You couldn’t hold onto the image of the black widow and your skin fluttered away.

               Your partner grunted and gave a final deep thrust. You felt his cock convulse as your eyes rolled back into your head.  He collapsed on top of you and it took a moment to form any coherent thought.  

               “Beautiful.” The weight above you moved. “The most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”  

               Your eyes opened and you looked down at your blue skin. It was too late to try and hide, but you didn’t know whether to believe what was in front of you.

               “And you?” If this were his true form it made sense.

               “In the flesh.” The demigod pulled his cock out of you making a reminder of pleasure shoot to your core.  “Oh, we are going to have such fun together love.”

               You didn’t know how to respond, especially when his fingers started tracing your curves.

               “I’ve changed my mind.” Loki leaned over and looked you in the eyes.  “ Why should you be anyone when you can be you?”      

[bolbianddolanhouse]

BNHA self insert AU

Start from the way beginning here!

Chapter 32: Chill Lofi Beats to Panic To

It’s that final few weeks before graduation and I’ve slowed down a bit. I’m on track to graduate and the only final I need to worry about is the one in my hero class. Plus with my Labyrinth test coming up, training is a must and is to be squeezed in as much as possible.

-Hero class, Gym-

“Okay class today will be a little different” Aizawa announced “today Miss Palma is going to take on all of you one by one to test her agility” he holds up a timer “it will be timed, the fighting rubric is the first one out of bounds or unable to fight marks time” he motioned to Palma to step into the ring “your position Miss.”

“Thank you sensei” I walk into the circle “Who’s the unlucky first?”

“Heh, It’s Bakugo” Aizawa checked the list “step in there.”

“Remember our first time in the ring?” Bakugo reminisced “and you whooped my ass clear across the floor?”

“How could I forget?!” I get into fighting position “no holding back now, I want an honest fight.”

“I will” he sneered as he got in his position “because I’m gonna win this time!”

Time started and in 30 seconds, I got him pinned to the ground.

“...And that’s time” Aizawa clicked on the timer “great work out there.”

“Dammit!” Bakugo growled as I lifted my foot off his back “defeated again! Guess that’s why they call you the undefeated.”

“But you’ve improved greatly” I said as I extended my hand “thank you for the fight.”

“Heh, shut it American-san!” he snickered as he grabbed my hand to hoist him up.

Everyone else’s fights ended under a minute, proving my power and agility.

“Last fight, Shinso” Aizawa announced “please enter the ring.”

“Oh Hitoshi, Hitoshi” I sighed “it’s been a while since we tussled.”

“Heh sure, a while” he laughed “guess last night was a while ago to you huh?”

“HEY! Watch it!” I blush and get in position “lest you want to get ya ass beat in more than one way.”

“Oh?! Is that a promise?” he gets in his position “I’d love to see you try.” Once the timer clicked, I dashed forward and try to get close enough for the copy. “Hey here’s a concept, What color is your underwear?”

“Check your bedroom floor” I said without missing a beat, knowing his plan to get me in his control.

“Too clever of an answer” he tries to dodge my attacks, barely evading “okay then riddle me this, Kiss me.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me in.

“That’s my line!” I shake myself loose “getting bold are we?!”

“I learned from the best” he smiled “isn’t that right?”

“Why of cours-” I froze in place, I fell for his trick!

The class gasped “I can’t believe it!” Momo broke the silence “she’s finally going to be defeated, after so long.”

“Come on Palma-san!” screamed Kirishima “you can snap out of it!”

“Yeah! Fight your way out like you aways do!” Mina stood up to chant “Palma-san! Palma-san!” Most of the class followed suite.

“END HER REIGN SHINSO KUN!” Mineta and Kaminari screamed “SHINSO KUN! SHINSO KUN!”

“Why don’t you come here and give me a kiss” Shinso commanded her “before I send you out of bounds.”

The chanting increased as I got closer to him, just before kissing his cheek, I broke out of the brainwash and slapped him. “HA! Didn’t think I’d do that huh?!”

“Dang it, so close too!” he rubbed his cheek “you play a very sneaky game kitty.”

“Look at this kitty!” I lifted my shirt and a bit of the front of my pants to fully flash my breasts and part of my crotch, away from everyone else’s eyes. He freezes in place, at the mercy of my command. “Why don’t you walk toward that line?” I pointed to a line and he walked right up to the edge “Oh this so much fun! Do that little cat dance Hitoshi!” he does the dance and I pull down his pants to show everyone is cat boxers “When I kiss your cheek, take one step forward and you’ll be out of my command.” I kiss his cheek and he obeyed the last command before realizing what just happened.

“AYAH! How could I give in like that!” he turned red as he fumbled to pull up his pants “I knew you’d embarrass like this too!”

“Hehehe aw I’m sorry I went a little over board with the commands” I put my hands together “forgive me? please Hitoshi?”

“I can’t stay mad at you!” he got soft and hugged her “you’re a little cutie, kissy wissy baby wayby cuddle bug! Yes you are!”

“Hitoshi!” I blushed “this is so cringe! Please sensei, what was my time for that?”

“2 minutes and 24 seconds” he checked the clip board “and that makes Palma-san the undefeated streak record holder!” he clapped and everyone did the same “for 3 straight years, no defeats nor forfeits in any of our sparring training.”

“Aww thanks yall” I said as Shinso let go “though you didn’t defeat me, I’ve seen you improve greatly with every spar, thank you for constantly improving yourselves despite the high chance of defeat.” 

We did more training and the locker room talk was a buzz. “Hey Palma-san” spoke up Jiro “what was with that dialogue with Shinso?”

“What do you mean?” I said as I took off my shirt.

“It was awfully” Jiro was making a suggestive face “flirtatious, even for one of your iconic taunts.”

“I’ve just upped my taunting is all” I took off my shoes and tossed them into the locker “I had to or it would’ve been hard to evade his questions.”

“How did you know he does that little dance?” asked Uraraka.

“I can see his window from my window very clearly” I chortle “the things he’s not aware of at 3am!”

“Don’t hide it Palma-san” Momo said as she turned to face me “it’s clear that you and Shinso have a thing for each other.”

“Yea, I mean, you two have been awfully close since you woke up from your condition” Jiro stated “and I don’t know what kind of friends casually kiss and do baby talk like that.”

I felt all the girls’ eyes on me as I stopped buttoning my shirt and got visibly sweaty “It was just a kiss on the cheek no big whoop!”

“Oh yea? If it’s nothing, kiss one of the other boys on the cheek” Mina crossed her arms “kiss Bakugo on the cheek, you’re all buddy buddy with him! do it.”

“You know what, I will!” I huffed as I finished getting dressed “I’ll walk out there, get his attention and give the most platonic cheek kiss you’ve ever seen!” The girls hurried to see me do the thing. I spot him along with the other boys that were talking to each other about something “HEY BLASTY!”

“YEA?!” Bakugo yelled back.

“IMA GIVE YOU THE MOST PLATONIC BRO PECK OF YOUR LIFE!” I matched his energy as I stomped toward him.

“I’D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY!” he growled as he squared his shoulders.

As I bumped his shoulder and leaned in for the cheek kiss, I chickened out and growled “OH! I can’t fucking do it!” I stepped away from him “I’m a big ol’ softy and I can’t just kiss some dude I don’t have feelings for.”

“Urm, what-” Tokoyami tried to call me out of our escapades.

“Shut ya beak Toko!” I squinted loudly at him, then shifted my gaze toward Todoroki “Shoto! set me on fire! do it!” I got in a T pose.

“I can’t set you on fire, you have a date with Shinso later.” Todoroki bluntly said and the girls immediately squealed.

Shinso stepped forward, blushed and defeated “They interrogated me too” he sighed as he held my hand “it’s all true, we’ve been dating for nearly a year now and I wanted it to be a private matter but I guess I was also a bit heavy handed on the flirty taunts.”

“Yea, can’t believe everyone had to find out this way” I squeezed his hand “I guess the word was going to get out eventually.”

“I ship this so hard!” Hagakure squealed

“Please don’t-” Shinso and I started to say but was cut off by another squeal.

“Your ship name is the Control Duo!” she hopped and clapped “because you can control anyone with your brainwash and you can control anything and any quirk with your telekinesis and copy! The perfect combo!”

“That’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said about our relationship ever” Shinso and I said in sync “do you see why we kept things secret?”

“They even synchronize! Why aren’t we like that?” Kirishima said to Bakugo.

“Ugh, want warp outta here?” I groaned

“Yes please! I just wanna eat in peace.” Shinso said as we did our little ‘chest bump to teleport’ thing to warp us to the classroom to get our packed food.

“Man I wish I had a girlfriend that’d transport me out of situations” Kaminari sighed “they’re so lucky to have fallen for each other, they oddly make a cute couple, don’t you think Iida-kun?” he turns to where Iida was standing but he wasn’t there. “What the? where did he go?”

Iida was at the 2nd floor of the school, looking out of the window to see the couple eating under the tree in the patio. “What does he have that I don’t” he sighed in defeat “she’s too good for him, my turn will come next!”

Time passes and it’s 2 weeks before graduation, preparations to move out were on their way for the couple.

-Hero Dorms, Sunday evening-

“Shinso, what’s with the boxes?” Iida said as he passed by Shinso’s room and stopped “move out day isn’t until 4 days before graduation.”

“I know but I’m getting my stuff ready because, well” he motioned for Iida to come in and close the door “Don’t tell anyone but I’m moving in with Ita in this nice house in a protected community.”

“What?” Iida whispered

“Yea it’s hard to believe but it’s a great place and it’s close to where I’m going to be placed to work” he stuffed his books in the propped up box “she offered me to co-habit with her in July and of course I said yes. We officially move in the day after New Years but I’m getting a head start on packing so I can have things ready to go.”

“So what about the days leading up to the move in?” Iida questioned 

“We’ll be staying at my parent’s house until then” he placed the last book in the box “they’ll finally meet her! And then we’ll be living together” he sighed “I can’t wait to just wake up in our shared bed and have her next to me, every morning, forever.”

“Forever? Are you planning to marry her?!” Iida chopped as he asked.

“Marriage? Nah, I don’t like putting labels on us” he scoffed “we’re just forever partners, besides, we haven’t had that talk yet so who knows.”

“Right, well I’ll leave you to your packing” he turned to leave “I wish you the best on your move in.” Once he got to his room, his mood changed drastically. He wasn’t nice and patient Iida, he was jealous and bitter Iida. “How could she not ask me? I’m never going to get my chance if he moves in with her! I’d never disrespect her like that, I’d marry to proclaim my love for her!” he mumbled to himself “She deserves better, she should be with me!” This resentment grew and grew as the days went by until finally he couldn’t contain it anymore.

-Move out day, Sunset-

“Oh wait Hitoshi” Palma stopped walking before remembering what she’s been meaning to do “I need to invite Tenya.”

“Alright, I’ll wait for you in the commons area” Shinso said as he saw her stamper off to Iida’s room.

She knocks on the door “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Ita”

“Come in!”

She opens the door to see a nearly cleared out room “Oh dang, you’re almost done” she closes the door behind her “wanna take a break and come with me to the carnival at the school?”

“The carnival? Oh the intel one!” he exclaimed “I’d love too, let me just put on my shoes.”

“Cool! I got my little squad of you, Mimi, Jin, Hitoshi ready to go and-”

“Wait, it’s not just us?” Iida stopped reaching for his shoes.

“Well, no, I wanted to go as a group so I can have one last high school memory with yall before I leave to take my exam in 2 days”

“Then I won’t go if Shinso is going too” 

“Why? What’s wrong?” she got suspicious “you’ve been distant lately, did something happen?”

“It’s just that” he tightened his fists “you’ve been hiding things from me like you don’t trust me! How can you call me your friend, chosen family, if you don’t tell me everything?!”

“What are you talking about?!”

“About you and Shinso moving in together!” he raised his voice “do you not trust me with that?”

“How am I supposed to tell you anything if you’re always busy?!” she clapped back “you’re my friend and I won’t disrupt your time to get things done to tell you something because I want us to converse about it when I tell you.”

“Well, then maybe we shouldn’t be friends!” he exploded whatever he had pent up.

“Tenya what are you-”

“Put some respect on my name! Last name to address me Palma-san!” he loomed over her with anger in his eyes, clearly not himself.

“Let’s talk this out, please tell me what’s wrong” she pleaded “this isn’t like you and I’m scared, talk to me.”

“There’s nothing to be said here!” he turned to finish packing “leave or I’ll throw you out.”

“I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s wrong!”

“You’ve always been the disobedient one” he picked her up, opened his door and tossed her out like rag doll before slamming his door closed. The noise got the attention on everyone in the hall and commons room.

“Palma-san!” Tokoyami rushed over to her side “are you alright? what happened?”

“I don’t know” she was in shock “Tenya just threw me out of his room when I tried to talk things out.”

“That doesn’t sound like him” Shoji said as he picked her up “I’ve never heard him yell like that to you, what did you say?”

“I just asked him to come with me to the carnival and it escalated from there.”

“Babe” Shinso said in a monotone voice

“Yeah?” she responded and froze in place.

“Stand up and come here” he commanded as she walked into his arms “I’m going to take care of things here, don’t worry about us.” He commanded her until they were at the carnival. Palma couldn’t enjoy herself because the argument was still fresh in her mind. “Hey, don’t sweat it babe” Shinso comforted her as they rode the ferris wheel “give it time and I’m sure he’ll own up to what happened.”

“I hope so” she loosened up and sighed “because I don’t get why he got so hostile” she put her head on his shoulder “thanks for keeping me together.”

“No problem love” he rested his head on hers “soon we’ll have better days, together.”

-Labyrinth test day, End of the school day, Hero Wing-

“Oh this just in class” Aizawa paused his lecture to see the text on his phone “Miss Palma passed her exam, unscathed.” The class exploded in cheer and sighs of relief. “She’ll be back tomorrow before the end of the school day to take her exam, please contain your congratulations until she finishes her exam tomorrow” Aizawa puts his phone back on the table “now back to what I was saying...”

Shinso peers behind him to see Iida staring at the empty desk between them, that was really bothering him, especially since Iida hasn’t apologized. After class, Shinso confronted him in the hallway.

“Iida-kun, may I have word with you?” Shinso got his attention by blocking his way.

“What can I do for you?” Iida fixed his glasses, glaring back at Shinso.

“You can start by apologizing to Ita” Shinso crossed his arms “you have some nerve to treat your friend like that.”

“How can you talk to me about her when you knew I loved her first” Iida clenched his jaw “she was mine and you took her away from me! I don’t even see why she’d choose you over me!”

“You hurt her because of her choice?” Shinso raised his voice “she told me you made it clear that you’re friends and nothing more.”

“She’s the literal love of my life” tears formed in Iida’s eyes “I had plans with her, I was going to tell her how I feel but it’s hopeless now” he takes slow steps forward “I’m a better man than you! She deserves better!” He shoves Shinso.

“Why hurt her then?!” Shinso regains his balance “I won’t fight you Iida-kun, but she has made her choice and as her friend, you should respect that!”

“Easy for you to say” Iida huffed “you’re the one that’s going to wake up to her everyday!” he throws a heavy punch to Shinso’s shoulder, escalating everything into a full blown fight. They didn’t get away with this, though, Nezu and Aizawa had them separated until graduation since it was their first offense and very close to graduation. Everyone knew about the fight by the dinner time, including Ita. When she came back and did her exam, she was terrified of Iida and even more confused on why he’s like this now.

-Graduation day, in the intel dorms-

“Look at us!” Mimi exclaimed as she watched me smooth over my now short, curly hair “in our country’s traditional wear, we did it!”

“I’m just excited to final be not be responsible for those twinks!” I joked “can’t wait to just live my wildest, domestic life with Hitoshi.”

“To think we’re going to be living in the same community” Jin said over his garment fastening “what adventures are going to await us after this!”

We finish getting ready and portal into the auditorium to get to our seats. After a lot of speeches, awards came next.

“May all of our graduating international students come up to the stage?” Nezu announced and waited for everyone to get on stage “these students came from far and wide, away from family and are graduating at the top hero school in Japan” the crowd applauded “but one of them has stood out the most, they’ve excelled in everything they’ve been given and went beyond plus ultra to help their fellow student. Not only that, but is a top 3 in their program!” Nezu motioned for Midnight to bring out the plaque “It’s none other than Itati Palma from the United States of America, Bear tamer, Commanding Officer and Talented young lady.” The crowd roared with cheers and clapping as she received her award.

“Oh geez, wow thank you UA and thank you to my fellow international student for their hard work, we did it!” I look at my plaque and smile “I have something to confess, I’m here not by choice, but by duty. I was nearly killed in my home community because I didn’t want to see my friends or teachers hurt by organized crime. And with no hero culture to save us, I put my life on the line when I should’ve fled. I’m not a hero and I’m not an agent, I am bravery that ignited the duty in the hearts of many to continue the fight back home. I work hard for them so when I do return home, we could finally put a stop to the terror that oppresses us.” I scan the room “I want all of you, future heroes, agents and business moguls alike, to make the promise that you’ll continue your fight to spark the will and bravery to make our community a safer place to live, thank you!”

More talking and naming us one by one for our diplomas later and we were finished. I saw a whole lot of that button tradition happening and cringed at the fact that I got some before. I spotted Iida walking toward the parking lot and ran after him.

“Ten- Iida! Hey!” 

“Hm? Oh Palma-san” he said flatly, like he wasn’t excited to see me “you cut your hair.”

“Yeah, it’s what I do after completing something” I peer over his shoulder to see his parents and brother talking to other parents “oh sorry if I was interrupting your family time but I just wanted to say that I hope you have nice holiday and to not be a stranger and text or call me every once in a while.”

“That won’t be necessary” he turned to leave “we aren’t friends anymore, I thought I made that clear.”

“Oh I see” my smile disappeared and my heart ached from his words “maybe fate will-”

“Good bye Palma-san” he said without looking at me and walked toward his family to leave.

“Bye” I weakly waved him off but it was in vain as he just fully ignored me.

“What a jerk!” Jin exclaimed behind me “like what is his problem?! Can’t even say good bye to you like a decent human? I swear I had a bad feeling about him.”

“You okay babygirl?” Mimi put her hand on my shoulder, I didn’t respond “let’s forget him and go for a nice smoke sesh.” She carried me to Shinso and we all smoked before having to part ways until we moved in.

The days rolled by slowly, even though I was very comfortable with Shinso and being under the same house with his family, I still was hurt by all things Iida said. I know it was wasn’t like him to say all that and pick fights, it felt like it was all my fault and I didn’t know what I did wrong. Shinso was there to make me forget about all my worries and refocus on the now.

-Move in day-

“...and here’s the keys to the place” my caseworker hands over a ring of labeled keys “oh before I forget! An update from home.”

“Oh cool, um Hitoshi, will you-” I started to say but Shinso knew what to do.

“I’ll be upstairs, setting up the office space” he rubbed my back “come up when you’re done.”

“What a considerate one you got yourself” the caseworker waited for him to be out of earshot “but anyways, it looks like nothing has changed but they’ve stopped spreading their territory. Its massive but still away from your family, but just in case, we’ve put your family under a no travel lock.”

“Oh that’s not good” I worried “how come?”

“With all the activity, we can’t have your family traveling outside the upstate county in case of targeting” she pulled up photos “they’ve targeted that boy you were with, we’ve lost track of him but we’re not sure if he died or escaped. Last sighting was him running in the middle of the night with just a backpack, trying to train car jump. We suspect he caught a train heading to Los Banos.”

“To El Rancho county?! How long ago was this?” I was perplexed by that part as he doesn’t like rancho anything.

“3 weeks ago, but his family didn’t put a missing persons report on him” she sighed “I think they encouraged him to run away from the violence.”

“I believe that” I said as I looked at a security camera quality picture of him jumping onto a box car “I hope he’s alright then.”

“We do too, and that completes our update” she gathers the pictures “I’ll get out of your hair to continue moving in and such.”

“Thank you so much, I hope I hear soon from you” I handed back the picture. They left and I headed up to where Shinso was “Hey, need help with the desk?”

“Nah I got it” he said as he looked up from the printed instructions “everything okay?”

“Yeah, everyone’s fine. It’s just that my family can’t come see me for a while” I sighed deeply and crossed my arms “and one of my friends ran away from home to escape the violence, I just hope they’re alright.”

“Aw babe, come here” he stands up and brings her in for an embrace “life hasn’t been fair for you in a while but I’m here, don’t worry about the big stuff. You’re here, safe and very much loved.”

I buried my face in the crook of his neck “You’re right, I can’t keep worrying myself like this, I love you.”

The weeks turned into months, things back home didn’t get better nor worse and I felt myself have something missing from my life. But I really couldn’t figure it out.

-Downtown Sumida, after work-

“My legs are killing me!” Jin groaned “honestly, who’s idea was it to enable the quirk suppress field when my job relies on my quirk?!” we all sit at the local tea shop for some boba “but I’m happy we can finally hang out after weeks of just work.”

“Yeah SPEAKING OF WHICH! Did you tell Hitoshi about your admittance?” Mimi perked up “I nearly forgot you applied for the local university!”

“I did and he wasn’t very supportive” I recalled everything he said “we got in a fight over it because he doesn’t like the idea of me being so busy with academics that I’d hardly have time for us. He’s cooled off since then but he’s upset that it’ll change our already busy schedule.”

“Oh I’m sorry he’s being like that” Mimi said as our order came “are things okay with you two?”

“Not to air out our troubles but things aren’t that great” I stab the straw into my drink “he doesn’t want to do the things I suggest nor compromise, we had a future plans talk and he doesn’t want to marry nor own a house but kids are a maybe. Plus on top of all that, he’s been very sexually needy, it was fun for like 4 days but I can’t have him eating me out every-time I lay on the couch or rip my pants off to do me on the kitchen counter when I come home from work!”

Mimi and Jin looked at each other “So what are you going to do?”

“I’m gonna go to college and deny him of unwanted sex” I took a sip “and if he really cares, he’d respect my wishes! Because I want to do things worth-while and our idea won’t launch itself!”

“I love that, you’re making your own happiness” Jin takes a sip “also I can’t believe you’re going to make our silly little high school project into reality.”

“It’s not silly! That little robo dog is still functional after all this time!” I exclaimed “the only thing silly about it is that 3 teenagers made it out of thrift shop electronics and scraps for an A minus!”

“I’m still salty at sensei for that” Jin crossed his arms.

“Point is, we have the potential to make it into a small security companion company. With the increase of working heroes with families, this could be the mediator for their security” I put my hand over theirs “and I’m so happy to have at least you two in support on this venture. Even if there’s a chance we’d flop.”

“I hope we expand big enough to have one of those cool low rise buildings as our headquarters AND have a staff!” Mimi started to get excited “So that way things run smoothly, even if we’re not always there.”

“Woah one step at a time Mimi!” I giggled “for now, lets focus on step number one, credentials to start such a thing.”

“To us, and the future of our success!” Jin raised his drink.

“TO US!” we dinked drinks and laughed.

I got home later with slight dread that Shinso was going to say something about being out a little past than promised. “I’m home.”

“Babe!” Shinso walked up excitedly to me as I closed the door “okay so I know I’ve been sorta a jerk to you about your future plans and we haven’t really pushed past it” he held my hands as he explained himself “I’m just a little afraid that you’ll get lost in your studies that you’ll be rushing yourself to get to other things, so I got something to ground you back on whats important.” He leads me to the living room and points to an open box on the coffee table “take a look.”

I peered in and saw an orange tabby with a leather collar looking back at me and meowed. “You got a cat?!” I nearly lost my shit in excitement.

“Yup, I adopted him from the shelter near my work” he walked up to me “he’s a little over a year old, has all his shots, no quirk and no name until I picked him up” he picked up the cat and flipped the metal tag for me to read “look.”

“HIS NAME IS BISCUIT!” I gushed and almost cried “Hitoshi! We’re pet parents, I’m literally crying!” I cry with a smile and pet the cat’s head.

“I thought you might like him” he chuckled as he kissed my cheek “he’s the new edition to our family...along with Muffins.” he said as he caught a glimpse of the little robo dog manually adjust the thermostat.

In that moment, a sort of forgot all the rough patches and re-aligned myself to be the best so I can give a good future to my expanding family.....nothing will go wrong, right?    

-Chapter 32, End-

<Previous - Next>               

[sailor-cresselia]

HEISEI GENERATIONS FOREVER

I’M GOING TO CRY

OKAY?

I’M GOING TO FUCKING CRY.

Spoilers for Kamen Rider Heisei Generations Forever below the cut.

also this got really long. Like. 3.8k words long. I am SO SORRY, Mobile Users, I know read mores don’t always work. Just. SCROLL.

20 MINUTES IN AND MY HEART HAS ALREADY BEEN BROKEN MULTIPLE TIMES.

Memories coming and going for everyone - just - just!

Sougo as a smart, smug, asshole.

Tsukuyomi as a ditz.

Then! Then!

Sento and Ryuuga saving a kid from Another Double – who’s design I LOVE, btw.

But Grease and Rogue leap out over the crowd. They remember, when they shouldn’t. When no one should remember them.

When Kazumi Sawatari and Gentoku Himuro shouldn’t remember each other. Shouldn’t be able to become Riders at all, because here they never were exposed to the Nebula Gas that the Rider System requires.

Gentoku forgetting, returning to the stiff, formal, son-of and assistant-to the Prime Minister.

Misora remembering – the cafe’s a bar, and then she forgets. Again.

YA SURE KNOW HOW TO KILL MY HEART, TOEI.

The kid – Shingo – being found by Sento… who doesn’t get the chance to transform. Who looks… he looks like he’s been brainwashed.

A boy who ‘draws Riders to him’. Him and Sougo go to Fuumen – FUUMEN!

TOEI YOU ARE ACTIVELY HURTING ME. Because Another Double shows up… and it turns out. It turns out Shotaro gave the owner of the Fuumen ramen cart the Double Ridewatch to hold onto for him.

And now we’ve lost Geiz, too.

Nobody remembers Sougo – and smartphones don’t exist. Not enough that a small child would know about them.

The first episode of Kuuga airs tomorrow.

Just- hng. Some part of the brainwashed Sento holds out enough to send the Machien Builder to find Ryuuga. To find his partner.

But when he and Sougo get to where he and Tid are.

Tank and Tank.

Just one word.

“Transform.”

And he attacks.

AHAHAHA YESSSS! Ataru points out the “Same Actor Issue” with regards to Kouhei Takeda having played both Otoya and Kazumin THANK YOU I was hoping that would happen. I didn’t think it would but THANK YOU.

IMAJIN NO. No ominous comments about how ‘it might not end well’!

...Shingo. Shingo… Tid brought you here from the past, didn’t he? From the day before Kuuga aired. That’s why you don’t know what a smartphone is. He brought you forward from your little brothers birthday. And you met him here – where he’s 18, and contracted with an Imajin, in order to meet Riders.

I don’t even know these two and my heart’s breaking for them.

...was. Was that Ataru in Another Den-O?!

Okay, yeah, Sento was faking being brainwashed. No surprise there.

BIG surprise that Ataru contracted in order to meet Riders… because he wanted to escape from reality. He’s not worried, because it’s all just a delusion.

Because his older brother disappeared the day he was born. His brother Shingo.

Whoops.

Ataru latched onto Den-O SO HARD that he summoned an Imajin into his world – his world, where Riders are fiction. And that Imajin is trying, but he’s reached his limit. And Tid cares not for what world he’s in, as long as it’s correct.

...it makes sense that sento isn’t torn up about being fictional like sougo is. he’s already been there – twice, even. sento kiryuu was made up in his own world, and no one from the new one remembers he exists. this is nothing new to him.

…

OKAY FOR THE RECORD. I wrote that BEFORE the scene in the rain.

But…

It doesn’t matter if it’s reality or fantasy. They’re Kamen Riders. They do what must be done.

Don’t worry, Sougo. You’ll understand.

Riders always do, in the end.

Also, the bugster virus grunts stand out so badly against all the other mooks. Waste Yummies, Dustards, Ghouls, Inves, numberless Roidmudes, Ganma, Bugsters… It’s. Actually really nice seeing all of these old suits in action. I can’t even say why, but. I really enjoy that.

… Kazumin’s out.

… … Ataru’s had enough of a world with Riders. He’s done. There’s no such thing, after all.

The contract is complete.

The Riders are gone now. But the mooks might not be.

Be careful what you wish for.

Hey there, Woz! Been a while!

Hey there, Sento. Glad you found your kouhai… and that you didn’t blank out when you two left Ataru’s house.

Because I was right. Shingo’s been pulled out of time.

That’s what Imajin are all about, aren’t they? Changing time. (I have not watched past the first two episodes of den-o but that’s the impression I’ve gotten from hearing about it. Shush.)

And Ataru can’t have a brother that went missing if the brother never went missing in the first place. Which is where Tid, the Imajin, and Another Den-O come into play.

Sure, The World of Ataru is ‘reality’ from one perspective, but The World of Riders is reality from it’s own perspective, just like The World of Build. Sento, you’ve done this, don’t dismiss the world you live in now as fiction quite so easily.

(Tsukasa will be disappointed in you. … if everyone else doesn’t beat him up first, for some of the stunts he’s pulled.)

So… since the Double watch came from Ataru’s world, it can act as a link to there from the Rider’s world.

Actually, I really like how much of W they’re working into here. I know it means we most likely don’t get a W arc, but still. Fuumen, and the watch being handed over by proxy – namedropping ‘Sho’. Another W has three faces – Cyclone, Joker, and CycloneJoker. Cyclone’s eyes light up when he uses the tornado attacks, which is a great nod to both how he’s using one side, and to how Philip’s half lights up when he speaks. I mean, the green tornados alone are neat!

(I didn’t think I’d missed the lens-eyes, because they’re creepy, but come to find out, I had! Huh!)

THING IS. I’m a LITTLE pissed about THIS. I get you haven’t been given much to do today, Woz. And I ADORE all of the W references. But the Library is PHILIPS domain. It’s his to explore – his, and Wakana’s, and those who he allows in. Sokichi Narumi, when he was just a tool for Museum, when he got a chance at freedom. When he got to be Philip. And Shotaro. His Partner. Who saved him from himself in there – When the library was BURNING because he was losing himself to Fang, when he was terrified and lost and this is where he is supposed to be.

… Sorry, I have a LOT of W feels, and this movie is hitting a LOT of them right now.

… Basically, Woz, I tolerate you now, but this is December 2018 you, who I tolerate a lot less. Get out of there.

OH, THIS IS INTERESTING THOUGH.

The book is labeled Masked Rider Den-O. Not Kamen Rider. The series has been writing it as ‘Kamen’ when using the roman alphabet since W.

Before that, it was translated into English whenever it was written like that. So it would be accurate to have Masked Rider Den-O, but not, say, Masked Rider Fourze.

Huh. Nice touch.

~Archival footage from Den-o!~

... Woz how did you get that rail pass out from the library?

(Philip would LOVE to know, that seems like it would be a REALLY handy trick, if he could bring even just. Like. Segments of a book, or pictures, or some such. It’d be SO MUCH EASIER to show Shotaro stuff that way, instead of having to copy it out onto a whiteboard.)

… A lot of the time, Another Double sounds like two people speaking in unison.

… can two people be one Another Rider? Could Tid have. Like. Fused some dudes? This is. A valid question right now.

I mean, we never did find out Who Another Double is.

! !! !!!

LUNA!

THIS IS FINE.

(It’s not fine, but only because I hate the Luna memory)

!!! !! !

AH. So. That’s. ONE way to have things happen out of order. Have a watch shoved into your chest after seeing yourself as that Another Rider.

Ataru latched onto Den-O SO DAMNED HARD that he summoned an Imajin, warped time, and became Another Den-O.

Kid… That’s brutal.

Purple Imajin’s lost hope… but Sougo says that they’re not alone.

Tid shows up at the site where the Arcle was found. At the tomb of the first Kuuga. That… if this is the world of Ataru, that shouldn’t exist here.

But he uses the Arcle – still worn by the first Kuuga – to make the Another Kuuga watch.

That’s terrifying, but makes sense. The watches only need the power of the rider, after all. Doesn’t matter which version of the Rider, as we’ll see in Hibiki months down the road and two weeks ago.

TID OW WOAH DUDE

I MEAN

You’re a bad guy but! I’m sorry for you right now! That looks OBSCENELY PAINFUL.

And VERY Time Mazine sized.

Enough to knock Sougo’s Time Mazine into the Another Denliner… which crashes upon arrival in December 2018, scaring ‘Everyday Schoolboy Sougo’ spitless, while carrying Tid as we have known him to this point. Also of note: Another Den-O is posing like Momotaros. That’s a nice touch.

Oh! Hey! I just realized! I like the Purple Imajin’s speech and all, and the exposition’s great, VERY in line with Den-O, but I just realized.

Sougo’s at a point in time where he hasn’t been born yet.

I doubt this’ll do jack all to history, but still. It’s kind of funny.

(Also, hey, Toei, you couldn’t have remembered that Rider used to start in January back during the Fourze and Faiz arc? You had Faiz disappear during an episode that took place in February, thanks to an event in, like, November. I’m still salty about that.)

Cut to 2018.

Sento and Ryuuga step into Tid’s vault.

(brb, snorting with laughter at the bugster stuck in an idle animation on the floor)

Sento’s already altered the world once, and nobody should have remembered him. But one idiot was stubborn enough to remember him. So… who’s to say that can’t happen again? The world has never made sense. Science and physics, chronology and sequence, reality and fiction… all of that went out the window ages ago, as far as he’s concerned. So why not mess around a little more?

Rabbit and Rabbit!

Cross-Z Magma!

““TRANSFORM!””

(cue Build fight music)

I love my boys.

I also love the two busted time mazines basically piggybacking off of each other.

A train whistle sounds.

Oh, Tid. Of course they keep coming back.

You’ve got someone who knows them pretty well right by your side.

AHAHA YESSSSS

YOU’RE FACING THE WRONG WAY BUT YESSSS

‘Sup, Momotaros?

Oh, hold on-

‘Sup, Team Den-O?

Like beats Like. It takes a Rider’s power to defeat an Another Rider.

And the base of ‘imajin’ is imagine. To think up, to dream.

Or, in some cases.

To remember.

Urataros, if you and Ryotaro are going to use the line “Ai to Seigi to” I expect SOMEONE to do a Sailor Moon pose! SOMEONE NEEDS TO!

She is the senpai for EVERYONE HERE. She’s from 1992, after all, Mr. 2007.

Okay, sorry, Moon Fan comments aside.

Sougo gets it now. It doesn’t matter anymore if they’re real or not.

Because here? In this moment? They’re real enough.

I’m willing to bet that under that mask, Sento’s grinning, because he can tell that his junior’s caught on.

Misora – kind, sweet, Misora – guiding civilians to safety, even though she’s a civilian herself… wondering where Sento and Ryuuga are.

They’re a bit busy elsewhere… but Kazumin and Gentoku? They’re available.

Welcome back, Kamen Rider Grease and Kamen Rider Rogue.

Cries for help from two young boys – the right age bracket for right now.

Level Up!

Kaigan!

Welcome back, Kamen Rider Ex-aid and Kamen Rider Ghost.

Two men in their late teens, early twenties.

Cyclone! Joker!

Welcome back, Kamen Rider Double.

A man in his mid-to-late twenties… possibly with his sons, who are wearing the two latest belts. His inner child calls out.

The startup sound of the Arcle

Welcome back, Kamen Rider Kuuga.

A crowd.

Hanamichi! On STAGE!

Welcome back, Kamen Rider Gaim and Kamen Rider Kiva.

A crowd – larger, with more varied ages.

Hii, hii, hihihiii~

Welcome back, Kamen Rider Agito, Kamen Rider Ryuki, and Kamen Rider Wizard.

Three adults.

Turn Up.

Welcome back, Kamen Rider Blade, Kamen Rider Faiz, and Kamen Rider Hibiki.

Change Beetle

Welcome back, Kamen Rider Kabuto, Kamen Rider Decade, and Kamen Rider Fourze.

UCHUU KITA indeed.

Ta To Ba! Ta-to-ba TaToBa!

Welcome back, Kamen Rider OOO and Kamen Rider Drive.

“Ankh…”

Toei don’t break my heart like this. He caresses the hawk medal. Don’t do this to us.

“Let’s go, Mr. Belt.”

“Okay! Start your engine!”

Hi, Krim. Nice to see you again, too. Ah, man, Shinnosuke’s voice is so subdued.

They didn’t have the same type of partnership, but both Eiji and Shinnosuke lost their partners. This is. Right. This is right, for now. It’s something.

Now. Time to fight.

Momotaros doing his own theme song.

Emu bouncing into the air.

Takeru floating – they’re letting him have powers, letting him have the forcefields that he’s going to prove he has when he shows up in the episode that aired the day before this takes place. To the point of TAKERU CAN MAKE TELEKINETIC TORNADOES THAT IS SO FUCKING COOL! (Further vindication! Takeru gets to be spooky!)

One on one my rear end, Gentaro. Rocket on.

Drumsticks and kicks laced with fire from Hibiki and Haruto, before they and Shinji all set a crowd of mooks alight in a wave of fire.

Shinnosuke getting to use the tires on Type Speed’s boots for once… before… Start up. Clock up! The three speed demons – him, Takumi, and Souji – knock the crowd of mooks aside.

Swords and claws slice through one group, thanks to Kouta, Eiji, and Kenzaki – wait, hang on, his given name is Kazuma? I thought that was his surname?! UGH it’s the Banjou and Ryuuga thing all over again, but before it happened, you know what WHATEVER.

Shouichi and Wataru blasting apart mooks with inherited powers.

Tsukasa on his own… because of course he is.

Likewise for Yusuke.

Sento and Ryuuga struggling against Another Double… but Sougo got that watch earlier today. >:)

Like beats Like.

Er, Woz, this is not the time to IWAE. We’re. We’re in a movie. This. Isn’t in the show, save it for- oh, wait, you weren’t there the first time he used Double in show, were you? Haaaa… fine. I’ll allow it.

...I’d really missed Sougo flubbing the catchphrases. “Tell me about your crimes.” It’s. Close. You’re. You’re almost there. You got the pose better than you did the phrase, anyway.  

Another Double is a bit closer, though, since he thinks you’re half-boiled. And did Shotaro’s stressed out forehead pinch – even though Sho’s usually in civilian form for that, and wearing his hat, it still scans. (HNG MY W FANGIRL HEART.)

Maximum Time Break!

Hahaha! Another Double explodes three times. Once to separate in two, once each for a cloud of green and black smoke for each respective half, and then two massive fireballs. That’s glorious.

Tid, I get that you’re a movie villain, but why are you this dead set on getting rid of the Heisei Riders?

“Where’s Tsukuyomi?!”

“Still fixing the Time Mazines!”

And she’s so FRUSTRATED about it!

Good thing Sento built all of his equipment. Oh man, he’s going to have a field day with this thing. Be careful, you might not get both of them back.

CASE IN POINT. SENTO’S JACKED A TIME MAZINE TO FIGHT ANOTHER KUUGA.

And looks like Geiz didn’t just go to fight Tid when he was in 2000. He made the Kuuga watch from the first Kuuga’s body, same as Tid.

Clever. Like I said. Doesn’t matter which version of the Rider. As long as it’s the same power.

Armor Time!

Kuuga!

It didn’t take long to take Another Kuuga down with that much brute power behind the attacks.

Sorry, Ryuuga, but Geiz just isn’t that excitable. No high fives for you. (I’ll give you one!)

Sento must be absolutely beaming under there.

And Sougo does the thumbs up.

HEY REMEMBER HOW I WONDERED IF TID FUSED TWO DUDES TO MAKE ANOTHER DOUBLE?!

THIS IS WORSE.

THIS IS MUCH WORSE.

Step. Away. From. The. Child.

Let him go.

TID HAS ISSUES.

But! Getting everyone out in to one of The Quarries means.

BIIIIIKE FIIIIIGHT!!!!!

Kudos for the Bakusou Bike jingle, and Faiz’s bike pretty much being a drill. Press F to pay respects for Kabuto’s tires. Wonder how many of those he goes through in a month.

Shotaro, Philip, not breaking out the Revolgarry this time? You did back in Taisen Grand Prix!

...Where are Drive and Hibiki?

Oh, wait, nope, there they are, along with Ryuki.

YESSSSS Ryuuga and Geiz in Geiz’s Time Mazine!

AND LIGHTING IT UP WITH BLUE FLAMES TO KNOCK “ANOTHER KUUGA TWO; CREEPER BOOGALOO” DOWN TO EARTH. Literally.

Twenty Rider Kicks. Straight to the face.

(Okay, technically it’s 22 kicks, since Double is, by necessity, both Shotaro and Philip, and Den-O is presumably Momotaros and Ryotaro.)

And the final three to hit? Zi-O, Build, and Kuuga.

Yesssss.

(Also Gentaro looked so awkward standing with the Drill Module still active. Because DRILL. On the LEG.)

We get a montage of two brothers, growing up together, as fans of Kamen Rider. Mirroring a montage of one boy growing up alone at the opening.

And the speech between Senior and Junior – Sento and Sougo.

Yeah. They were Riders. They always were Riders. The laws of time travel aren’t nearly as rigid as you think, Sougo.

As long as someone remembers. They’re still there.

Why should anything have to change that?

Final notes. Whoever made this movie must love W SO MUCH. Because in the end credits, there’s a montage of shots from every season since Kuuga. It shows the riders themselves, as civilians, their base forms, and their final forms.

The slide for W has two variants. The first has CycloneJokerExtreme at the top, CycloneJoker at the bottom, and Shotaro and Philip preparing to transform in the center. The second – the center photo moves to a different expression from the same exact scene – the same SHOT – Shotaro and Philip looking at each other and smiling. It’s from episode 49. When they were reunited.

There’s some nice care for all of the slides, actually, but most noticeable to me…

The Fourze slide has four pictures –  Fourze base mode, Gentaro in front of an explosion, Fourze Cosmic States, and Gentaro and Ryusei. The last three? Are all from the same episode. The one where Gentaro GETS Cosmic States.

Drive has two ‘variants’ as well – in a similar manner to W, actually. The first time, there’s Chase, Shinnosuke, and Gou together, Shinnosuke and Kiriko – from the last episode, no less, as they’re saying goodbye to Krim, and Drive (Type Speed) leaning against the Tridoron. Really puts that “Let’s go, Mr. Belt” line RIGHT BACK IN THE FEELS ZONE, there doesn’t it? Well, the shot of the three riders morphs to the same scene, but all three of them in their armor. THAT is where they show Type Tridoron. I believe that was the first time we heard Spinning Wheel, actually.

Ghost manages to have all three of it’s Riders on a cliff – in civilian form, but still.

Ex-Aid has Emu’s first transformation – both before he activates it, and in his Level One form right after. There’s the first transformation into Hyper Muteki. But his Base Mode shot, for Level Two? Chronos about to get a Gashacon Breaker to the face.

Gaim features both Kouta AND Kaito in all but one shot, which is the one with Gaim on a horse. The others are Kouta and Kaito in Beat Rider attire, Gaim and Baron while the Woman of the Beginning looks on in the background and… Gaim Kiwami Arms versus Overlord Baron… in the final moment of their last fight.

As for OOO? Well, we’re clearly not getting an answer from Toei as to what his official final form is any time soon. Not with Shirtless Episode One Eiji, and TaToBa OOO on a RideVendor as two of the shots. The other two? One is PuToTyra. And the other is TaJaDor… with Ankh right beside him, Greeed arm on display. (Eiji’s final form is Ankh’s Boyfriend and you can’t stop me from believing that.)

I don’t know enough about the other seasons to know how heartbreaking a lot of them are, but. Well.

Over in Kuuga, that’s a transformation in the snow.

Ryuki has a wide shot with thirteen suits.

Blade as a shot with four riders, and one with Blade and Chalice in the water.

I’m not really happy with their choices for Build. Build RabbitTank deciding that he’s going to take Ryuuga with him, Sento and Ryuuga on the bike – at the end of episode one, so they both look awful, Sento in the opening, of all things, and what is quite frankly a terrible shot of Build Genius. They had a lot more to go off of here.

Especially since at least Zi-O has an excuse for poor selection. A close up of Zi-O’s face, a shot of him on his bike on a bridge from the opening, a slightly battered Sougo transforming – not even his FIRST one, mind you, it’s from the wrong angle for that… and OMA ZI-O. I know we weren’t even fifteen episodes in, he didn’t have Decade yet in the timeframe it takes place, but still. STILL.

But I might do a compilation post of all the ending cards, because there was clearly care put into… well, all but the last two, really.

So! In Conclusion!

Not as bad a movie as I was worried about!

There were a lot of nice touches, and I’m pretty sure that at this point, they were working towards un-doing the whole ‘riders were never riders’ situation. Especially given the time placement of this film.

The present day sections take place on December 3, 2018 – literally one day after the first episode of the Ghost arc aired. It was released on December 22, so… about when Sougo was shot into the future by Decade, and the day before he Did The Thing with his belt.

Ghost was allowed to transform. “Oh, right… I’m a Kamen Rider…” And, of course, Decade was there. As Decade.

The next Legend Rider to appear wasn’t until February – with Ryuki, who would never have been a Rider in the first place, regardless of Time Travel interference. He’d already had his adventures undone at the end of his season. After then, every Legend Rider is still a Rider.

As long as someone remembers.

[lk-47]

Walk-Ins Welcome

DJ Paul - Alright / I'm finna drop you off to get your nails done / I'm finna go get a shapeup / I'm comin' back here to pick you up at 6 o'clock, so make sure you be on time man / I got a lot of shit I gotta do later / And don't be in there arguing with them dumbass bitches 'bout that social media shit too / I know how your ass .. oh, hold up ..

Put the, put that weed in your purse / Put the weed ..fuck, Black Haven. Anyway, I told you I'ma be back here at 6 o'clock / Make sure you on time, don't argue with the bitches and tell 47 I said Holler at me man / I got some beats for her / Tell her to call me back! / Mafia! Nail Tech - Nah / uh-uh No, no / put them over there cus .. / nope, you can sit her over there / I'ma take that one right there / Listen-no, I-I can't talk / ugh / listen .. Guhl, I can't with you today  I can't with you today I got these walk-ins comin' in And it's been hectic all day  If you gon' talk, then sit your ass down Get your nails done and pay / okay If not, call me tomorrow I can't with you today .. (Yeah ho!) Guhl, don't you see that sign? It say, "walk-ins welcome" Appointments on my line Nail trap’n Cinderellas I'm 'bout my coins, I'm 'bout that bag El guapa mia / my hashtag Don't get me started / you know Just how I feel 'bout that ho You shoulda been left that nigga If you know just like I know I'm gettin' mad all over again Look what you done Ooooh .. Nail Tech - “Excuse me Will you please pay attention because you just messed up that one.” Guhl, I can't with you today I can't with you today I got these walk-ins comin' in And it's been hectic all day If you gon' talk, then sit your ass down Get your nails done and pay / okay If not, call me tomorrow I can't with you today .. (Yeah ho!) 

Acrylic 

The sound of the world

Walk in and smell the Acrylic Walk in and smell the Acrylic Me and my crew counting digits Me and my crew counting digits

Wooo wooo there go the cops Pull up / bddrrr / right on my block Officer officer what have we done I got my card / put down your gun I’m not the criminal you and I know It’s no coincidence how you come show Up in my hood / up to no good

Walk in and smell the Acrylic Walk in and smell the Acrylic Me and my crew counting digits Me and my crew counting digits

I need a full set Can you airbrush his name? Quick color change if he drives me insane Here comes the plug / bought 2 DVD’s A few pair a panties for me and my niece Still buy my Polo from anonymous looters The booster is cooler than all of the shooters Up in my hood / doing the greater good Most of the mamas round here live alone It’s kinda rare to see two parent homes X and O chains / fierce to de bone You learn quick how to make it on your own My auntie sells candy from her windowpane Do what we can, to make us a name Up in the hood / we keep it all good, uh

Walk in and smell the Acrylic Walk in and smell the Acrylic Me and my crew counting digits Me and my crew counting digits

White tees 2 for 10 I get my hair from Mr. Wen Extension cord across the hall Is how we keep the power on Brown gel, spades game Tax time, they all claim Up in my hood Proud to say it did me good, uh

Walk in and smell the Acrylic Walk in and smell the Acrylic Me and my crew counting digits Me and my crew counting digits 

Tic Boom

Tic / Boom Mi nuh really care wo mi bump into Bulldozer / Mek room Write dat pon fi mi tomb

Don’t care if they assume Only stop to collect / then I resume You sleep / I goon Yuh nuh wah test who’s badder than who

Dey click my pics and zoom Chanel on the floor of my hotel room They wish they all had my legroom Another deal, it ain’t even noon

Tour Dior / or sit by the pool I can do anything except lose Nah wen yuh seh / it’s when I choose This is a bomb you can’t defuse

Tic / Boom Mi nuh really care wo mi bump into Bulldozer / Mek room Write dat pon fi mi tomb Tic / Boom Mi nuh really care wo mi bump into Bulldozer / Mek room Write dat pon fi mi tomb

Televise this dress It’s an Alaïa / show some respect Sitting / no armrest Get in / I’m what’s next

Incoming texts from the vets   No hate here / I’m blessed Mild manned No stress I’ll never let a broke ho get she vexed To wake to walk with di rest Abstract / Fearless Mi sey what’s pon my chest Di gyal dem try but dem dare nuh test

Tic / Boom Mi nuh really care who mi bump into

All in ya face like whoa Air max / cornrows Got that Bruce Leroy kinda glow Mi ongle pop mi head inna fi di dough Said I only pop my head in for the dough I never stay long got places to go See me on the scene / bitch say hello I get that bag then I want more I am the show / the name will grow I C O N I C, Ho Let me R E mind you bro Dey all wanna be cus I am goals Came from the dirt so I stay low F A B and so ghetto Dey copy and paste such a no no You birds might nuh wa cross dat road cus

Tic / Boom Mi nuh really care wo mi bump into Bulldozer / Mek room Write dat pon fi mi tomb 

No Reload

I say No my nigga I say No / No Reload

Grew up in a house full of women They ain’t need no nigga Never seen em borrow shit They had they own figures OG said they’ll give you money ‘Fore they give you game But when they come around here I treat them niggas all the same I say No I say No, No Reload If you want another feature for the road No Reload If you tryna get a meeting that’s a no No Reload If I switched that number up and you ain’t know / No Reload

I say No my nigga I say No / No Reload

In the crib, making beats Listening to Keedy Black Thinking bout what my old work did behind my back But I ain’t missing out on nann / cus I’m the best he never had Only time I double back is when a loop is in my track I say No I say No, No Reload When they try to come back you tell that ho No Reload Just send that ass packing down the road No Reload And when they ask you how you know? You say ... My ace in a hole

I say No my nigga I say No / No Reload

Konnichiwa 47 touched down in Tokyo Tell the Dj have my shit in mono and stereo

I say No my nigga I say No, No Reload 

Post That

Hit that pose Take that flick Check yo angle Post That shit

My bitch will get on the ground Just to make sure the light is found The way she make them angles hit She like Bill Cunningham with that shit I mean that shot Richard Avedon to make me look like a Don I got / so many pieces Bitch why not Have me a photo shoot right on the block I put two lanes on gridlock So I could sit in a fierce squat Spent big money on the wrist watch Highlighter on Tiptop Catch me in mid-air, Click They only made two pairs, Click Get into this hair, Click I do this shit with flair, bitch

Hit that pose Take that flick Check yo angle Post that shit

Galliano, I’m in Galliano, bitch Photo me pronto I’m in Galliano

Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum Grab your lens / cus here she come Frame by frame, glossy lips Must I remind you I’m that bitch Elongated / sophisticated Covergirl, bitch we made it Every feature soft to the touch I make all your boyfriends blush Then I let them have it As I sit in custom fabric The say you are what you eat So I wear karats and make cabbage, uh Andrew Donsunmu Make me pretty in my Mui Mui Now serving come and grab it Tanjee banjee just like New New, uh

Hit that pose Take that flick Check yo angle Post that shit

I’m in Mugler I’m sitting in Mugler, bitch Tape down your toupee I’m sitting in Mugler

Hol’up Hol’up Hol’up Hol’up

I’m Herb Ritz with the shit Gone’ Diddy crop that bitch Annie Leibovitz Gone’ Diddy crop that bitch

I’m Herb Ritz with the shit Gone’ Diddy crop that bitch Annie Leibovitz Gone’ Diddy crop that, uh

Hit that pose Take that flick Check yo angle Post that shit 

Let’s Go Get Stoned / Portier’s Vibe 

Ooou Oh yeah, yeah

Said my baby She won’t let me in Unless I gotta fat blunt, yeah yes And a bottle of gin

All I’m asking All I need Is a little of your time

Open up the door baby I got some real good good this time Hey ...

Let’s go get stoned Oh, Let’s go get stoned 

Girl Blunt 

This shit is a Girl Blunt I only smoke Girl Blunts

I suggest you don't try me I'm real unstable when I'm off that YG, uh Haffi tell they friends don't mind me I stand 5'3 and I'm real feisty, uh What I need / pretty nigga / palm trees Got my own money bitch, it's nothing you can buy me / Nope Crooklyn baby we could take there And if they want smoke we can put it in the air, yeah

This shit is a Girl Blunt I only smoke Girl Blunts

What you said What that mean I don't know Top shelf / bitch I'm on the honor roll Hot fire Make yo nigga stop and roll That booty oou she jiggle like a jelly roll / damn Chocolate, I'm lookin edible Running through the money bitch / I feel incredible Invite me to your party But I never go I be to caught up with that bank roll My dude real hood / mouth full of gold Real real hood / durag on Ambitious nigga, damn he got going on   He just graduated college ‘bout a week ago You can work at CVS Long as you don't keep me stressed Cus I need a nigga that's just, yes I'm not with the disrespect Miss me with the indirect Smoke em like a cigarette / puff pass

This shit is a Girl Blunt I only smoke Girl Blunts 

Roll Call 

What’s the pledge (repeat)

Stroll! Roll Call!

Start it off with a roll call Que’s be my road dogs AKA’s walking round with they pink and they green on Deltas be elephant walking Zetas be live when they talking Shimmy shimmy ya / shimmy yay with the Kappas In my black and gold I throw a blade like a Alpha Roll Call!

Campus full of homies Got me feeling like Zeus When I’m with my crew And they all Greeks Got my niggas turned up With they middle fingers up Fuck the police When my hitta gotta got a problem We don’t call on them We just hit up the LB’s What's up / Shut up

Going on tour It’s gonna be cool The only way that you invited is if you HBCU Historically Black I wear that on my sleeve 47 I just got an honorary degree

Roll Call!

Start it off with a roll call Que’s be my road dogs AKA’s walking round with they pink and they green on Deltas be elephant walking Zetas be live when they talking Shimmy shimmy ya / shimmy yay with the Kappas In my black and gold I throw a blade like a Alpha

Thurgood, Ms. Rashad, Dr. Ann, Mr. King Tell em one mo’ gen Ms. Badu, Sean Combs, Chadwick, Taraji P. Tell em where we been Southern U dolls I see ya Bethune Cookman they wanna be ya Drumline always there when we need em Howard Homecoming where we meet up

We going on tour Come bring a friend Shawty if you ain’t connected Sorry you can’t get in Historically Black I wear that on my sleeve 47 I just got an honorary degree

Roll Call!

Start it off with a roll call Que’s be my road dogs AKA’s walking round with they pink and they green on Deltas be elephant walking Zetas be live when they talking Shimmy shimmy ya / shimmy yay with the Kappas In my black and gold I throw a blade like a Alpha

Roll Call! 

Kid Chocolate Radio 

You are now tuned in to WHNIC radio Where you always know, who’s in charge

That was Roll Call our number two song on our top 9 at 9 by Leikeli47 / Heavily requested by our brothers and sisters on the yard ..

Speaking of the yard / I wanna give a shout out to Professor Jenkins / Uh, I heard she broke her back at halftime / She called to let us know that she's fine and well, and she wants to give a shout out to everybody that sent her cards / Somebody tell Miss Jenkins to stay off the field, next time

Listen, everybody traveling south down Broad st right / There is an accident on Lombardy / so please be safe while you're going down there by The Fan / Tryna take the shortcut down the southside ..

But right now we about to get into the number one spot. Ah, we can't get rid of this girl. Leikeli47, with Top Down on WHNIC Radio.

Top Down

Protector of my heart Captain of my soul Never made me regret Giving up control Don’t have to be afraid Of the ship sailing away Even through bad weather Our anchor stays in place I'm a love you

Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up (Thinking of you) I can’t get enough I can’t get enough I can’t get enough (Win or we lose) I’m not giving up I’m not giving up I’m not giving up (I'm a love you) Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up (I'm a love you)

Patient with my pride You move it all aside Never had a lover So careful and kind Ain’t much that I need Rather be caught up In your rhapsody And I don’t mind I don’t mind cus I'm gonna love you

Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up (Thinking of you) I can’t get enough I can’t get enough I can’t get enough (Win or we lose) I’m not giving up I’m not giving up I’m not giving up (I'm a love you) Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up (I'm a love you)

I get real real happy every time I see you It’s funny how these niggas wanna be you, uh I found my equal Calendar set for the steeple Til death do us part / you know how we do, uh And when they see you Just know that I ain’t too far behind Matching air max / seat reclined, uh Defensive line and I play my position To the fullest Fuck around and get a few yards took'n It’s Brooklyn

Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up (Thinking of you) I can’t get enough I can’t get enough I can’t get enough (Win or we lose) I’m not giving up I’m not giving up I’m not giving up (I'm a love you) Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up Top down Bottom up (I'm a love you)

Hoyt and Schermerhorn

In the dark on the train whispering, I love you Can’t nobody see the smile upon my face Pulling up to my stop / and you tell me don’t move You ask me can I call in sick today The doors close and I sit in your lap and kiss you You tell me my voice is medicine to your soul The brakes make us move back and forth just like we’re dancing It’s nothing like love on the train when the doors close

Oh we’re riding all the way Downtown to Uptown You got me all the way As long you’re down Ride with me all the way This train is love bound Ride with me All the way

Looking out the window the lights are flashing Tunnel vision / All I can see is you Passengers congregating for our union I’m hoping that they have what we have too

Oh we’re riding all the way Downtown to Uptown You got me all the way As long you’re down Ride with me all the way This train is love bound Ride with me All the way

Uh Never thought in my dreams / that I would meet the one You can count on me If your friends ever run No trade clause Take this team to number one My homie / my lover My best friend / my sun Shine on 'em baby In ya Calvin Klein on 'em Style on em bae U gotta couple miles on 'em While they play catch up We playing dress up In the Maldives Listening to the Killer Bees Hair blowing in the breeze Thinking back on memories when I would take the E Top my job I had in Queens You would always meet me At 61st with the weed and / I cherish the ground we on right now You always held me down I loved our meetings in the hallway In my old building I lived right across from RJ Trust you like I trust Mike 4th quarter in the paint So happy my rite now Will forever be my always We riding all the way

Oh we’re riding all the way Downtown to Uptown You got me all the way As long you’re down Ride with me all the way This train is love bound Ride with me All the way 

Iron Mike 

4-5-6 when it leave A nigga top dollar in the streets Shake it shake it like a money tree A nigga top dollar in these streets

This that young Brownsville Mike This what working hard sounds like In that hood all damn night / Just hit 12 o’clock on that bike This that go way past go Feel that beat through that floor This that direct disrespect if you ever cross that road This that ..

Album number two Project number ten And I’m not / I’m not I’m not even through Just got my second wind When you / when you see me boppin through Keep it very zen Would hate to put you in a child’s pose Heat it up like Bikram All my cars got big rims Pinky ring / big gem Running in my own race That sound like a win win Outchea balling / Big 10 They use me as a template Cuh dey know that guhl got all dat sauce It’s finger licking 

4-5-6 when it leave A nigga top dollar in the streets Shake it shake it like a money tree A nigga top dollar in these streets

This that young Brownsville Mike This what working hard sounds like In that hood all damn night / Just hit 12 o’clock on that bike This that go way past go Feel that beat through that floor This that direct disrespect if you ever cross that road This that ..

Rarely interviewed /  And that hardly ever seen If you wanna get a view You gone need to buy a seat Al Haymon ringside I peek in from time to time Don’t engage in small talk Cus you ain’t bout to waste mine Dis-activate my face time Focus on my waistline Offensively coordinated Loved at the same time I suit up at game time Bitch pronounce name right Hall of fame’r in the hood A bitch I’m a walking highlight 

4-5-6 when it leave A nigga top dollar in the streets Shake it Shake it like a money tree A nigga top dollar in these streets

This that young Brownsville Mike This what working hard sounds like In that hood all damn night / Just hit 12 o’clock on that bike This that go way past go Feel that beat through that floor This that direct disrespect if you ever cross that road This that ..

Droppin

Tee Tee / that’s my sister OG / that’s my cousin Just talked to my brother Told him that I loved him Made it from the bottom Beef no problem All they ever ask is when my New shit droppin

They watching They watching everything I do They all chasing Can’t run a mile up in my shoes Tell me later That ain’t my problem / that’s on you I’m flying private I’m walking right up with the crew

We land I take my nephew to swapmeet / white tees Then it’s to the studio to produce my beats Sitting in the shop, Acrylic on my nails getting harder then gel I got a story to tell

Tee Tee / that’s my sister OG / that’s my cousin Just talked to my brother Told him that I loved him Made it from the bottom Beef no problem All they ever ask is when my New shit droppin

I’m the Baby from the dumpster Brenda was my momma Free lunch in the summers Now I’m stacking commas Fake bitches still envy I don’t need that drama I too damn busy outchea chasing numbers Ponytail poppin Cocktails in the cockpit Boys insist on hanging on while I explore my options I tell them to stop it They search but they can’t top this The hustle I don’t knock it Cus I’m about that profit

Tee Tee / that’s my sister OG / that’s my cousin Just talked to my brother Told him that I loved him Made it from the bottom Beef no problem All they ever ask is when my New shit droppin 

CIAA

The guns go bang bang My neighborhood gang bangs These kids with no name Seen their families slain, yeah Guns and cocaine These lions with gold chains Hunt they prey Knowing good and damn well they pray And u ask me how could this be? I will tell you how....

After I run these streets After I run these streets oh After I run these streets After I run these streets oh After I run these streets After I run these streets I tell ya what u wanna know After I go get what I’m owed

Picking up from the laundromat New money from my old pack I gotta enterprise citywide I know my angels working overtime Cus they tried to kill me Tried to take me down Drown me in the river Put me in the ground But I can’t stop No I won’t stop It ain’t in my nature I keep it in my socks I show em ..

After I run these streets After I run these streets oh After I run these streets After I run these streets oh After I run these streets After I run these streets I tell ya what u wanna know After I go get what I’m owed

Another day, another dollar, another cent Took me a hunned times try'n /  before I rose out the cement, yeah Cleared out my karma For my sins, I repent A lot of free throws before I came up off the bench I / went at afraid / had to pitch my own tent Cus /  being broke and poor man Just wasn’t my intent So, no I can’t stop But I won’t stop It ain’t in my nature I keep it in my socks I show em ..

After I run these streets After I run these streets oh After I run these streets After I run these streets oh After I run these streets After I run these streets I tell ya what u wanna know After I go get what I’m owed 

Talkin’ to Myself 

Talkin to myself Talkin to myself Sometimes I just be talkin to myself Voices in my head Voices in my head Tellin me I just need to get outta bed and .. Wake up! Wake (repeat) Eh’body talkin Eh’body talkin Nothing really coming out It’s just eh’body talkin It’s fire in the water It’s bugs in the bed We don’t need to be shot up to be filled up with lead Pour it down the drain Pour it down the drain I wish I could just melt you and just pour you down the drain Fuck you mean you don’t care? Them babies over there We need to be proud / be loud Gone let em hear I just be ... Talkin to myself Talkin to myself Sometimes I just be talkin to myself I hear them voices in my head Voices in my head Tellin me I just need to get outta bed and .. Wake up! Wake (repeat) Wake up! 

Bad Gyal Flex

This is a bad gyal flex When I come, I come to collect This is a bad gyal flex Hang it up, disconnect This is a bad gyal flex When mi campaign dey reelect This is a bad gyal flex Run up you might get wrecked

No one cyaan test Middle name, architect They never know what to expect You accept what I reject

Coo pon dat bwoy I might mek him my toy Send him home / bunk mi res Tell his mumma I’m di best

Sumody tell mi sey yuh dida talk bout mi It’s no surprise that you chat bout we Cuyah she gwan like she so nice eee Get that red out ya eye fore you come try me

Sumody tell mi sey yuh dida talk bout mi It’s no surprise that you chat bout we Cuyah she gwan like she so nice eee Get that red out ya eye fore you come try we

This is a bad gyal flex When I come, I pick up the check This  is a bad gyal flex Hang it up, disconnect This is a bad gyal flex When mi campaign dey reelect This is a bad gyal flex High class / no respect

Water more than flour Das wah mek mi work round the hour Billboards on towers On time even during rush hour Mi came to empower Grab fi yuh tits stand taller Wine like no tomorrow Carry go bring come Don’t bother

Sumody tell mi sey yuh dida talk bout mi It’s no surprise that you chat bout we Cuyah she gwan like she so nice ee Get that red out ya eye fore you come try me

This is a bad gyal flex When I come, I come for respect This is a bad gyal flex Hang it up, disconnect This is a bad gyal flex When mi campaign they reelect This is a bad gyal flex Run up you might get wrecked

Had ah dream mi guh ah far No it’s fi mi name they calling DJ kip de bashment going on an on

Had ah dream mi guh ah far No it’s fi mi name they calling DJ keep de bashment going on an on

So I can flex

This is a bad gyal flex When I come, I pick up the check This is a bad gyal flex Hang it up, disconnect This is a bad gyal flex When mi campaign dey reelect This is a bad gyal flex High class / no respect  

Full Set (A New Style) 

Now moo that .. Lemme give her some / Lemme give her some bundles .. The same / bundles / that she's been having / past weeks! Let me give her a New Style ..

New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo A new cut / A new color A new cut / A new color

Put ya thumb up bitch You ain’t goin my way No more free rides That’s done I say Take court, any sport I’cuh run all day Right hand to Sham I’m a ball my way

"Category is" Are the words I pray Hold church on the catwalk all day Bring it to you every ball And I don’t show face Clocked in on time Need all my pay

Chewing gum, Chewing gum, Chew Why would I say what I can just do Chewing gum, Chewing gum, Chew No money on the scene? / Bitch that’s my cue Uh, I carry Looking for a young Iverson to marry Watching my calories I'm a Plant-based ho all about her celery salary

New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo A new cut / A new color A new cut / A new color

I’m from the hood hood We don’t back down We wish a nigga would would Block boys with the good wood If he loyal hold it down like you should should

Now Serving High maintenance Chase nothing but greatness Barely seen in places / and never in no ones face bitch So that phony shit y’all save it Fo yo skully be on that pavement Cus big bucks and Benz toy trucks Are the only thing that I play with Don’t try me, try luck Putcha in the cloud wit all the shit you can’t back up Nike airs coming in by the Mack truck On all ten I got my mother f*ck'n checks up, bitch

New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo New Style / New hairdo A new cut / A new color A new cut / A new color

Blacker than an all white party Came to make you move your body

She needs some oil sheen.

In My Eyes In my eyes / you’re a king In my eyes / you’re a queen Beautiful lives / lost in spring The wind blows away our dreams In my eyes / I am god Cause He lives in my heart Scriptures in the stall Vines on the wall Psalms in the air just in case a nigga fall Father forgive me for I do not know it all But the life you chose for me had me living off the wall Sometimes on floors Singing through the halls And Billie Jean never came clean through it all Daddy’s maybe was a welfare baby Now I’m lighting up the streets, and that’s on me In my eyes / there’s a war Pick a side / what are you fighting for In my eyes / only blood can clean The stains of life That I wear on me I’m leaving, come with me There’s more for us to be

[ellie-bee242]

My Heart Bleeds For You-Part 4

Howdy, howdy. Hope you’re all taking care of yourselves cause I’m sure not lmfao

This chapter is looooooong, just to prepare you.

Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5

Chapter 4: Feel It Still

Song rec: Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man

Word count: 7,247 words guys. This thing is fifteen pages long in a word document. It’s a BEAST okay?

Warnings: swearing, PG-13 Make out at the end there. (also possibly a few spelling/grammar errors. I tried to proof read but it’s currently 2:30 in the morning where I live.)

The whole next day Mitch found himself glancing around for (Y/N) whenever he had a free moment. He even found himself watching her when it wasn’t a free moment.

Like when he was spotting for a new client as they bench pressed. He found himself watching her move around the gym, checking on some of the members, making sure they were alright and smiling as she talked to them. Because he was so distracted Mitch nearly missed it when the guy’s arms suddenly gave out on him.

The only reason he even noticed was because he’d been loosely holding the barbell in his own hands just in case this exact thing happened and he could keep it from crushing the guy, so when his hands were suddenly yanked downward his eyes shot to the client and he lifted the barbell with a grunt seconds before it came down on his client’s chest.

“Thanks.” The guy breathed quickly.

“Yeah. Next time will you listen when I say you shouldn’t press that much at the end of your work out?” He reprimanded lightly. The guy nodded sheepishly and Mitch set the barbell back on its hooks to keep it up. “Alright, done for today. Hit the showers and then we can schedule you for another session.” He instructed. The guy nodded and got up to head to the locker room and Mitch looked around for (Y/N) again.

“She’s starting a beginners yoga class.” Elle supplied helpfully. “I’m not doing anything at the moment, I’ll go schedule your guy so you can drool if you want.” She teased.

“Fuck you.” He grumbled. He’d learned the day before that Elle was pretty laid back and had a dark sense of humor, so he knew she wouldn’t take it personal.

“Mmm you wish, but you’re not my type sweet cheeks.” She taunted.

“I’m aware, I have a dick when you’d rather I have-”

“My goodness wait till (Y/N) finds out how dirty your mouth is.” She interrupted.

“What? She curses.” He frowned.

“I know. She’ll find it hot.” She grinned. “And for the record, I like sausage just as much as I like clams.” She joked. “You’re just too thin for me. I like bulky guys and curvy girls.” She explained.

“Good for you then.” He nodded, not knowing what else to say to that.

“Anyways, are you gonna go drool or not?” She asked.

“I can’t go into the room just to watch her.” He huffed.

“Sure you can. You have the new guy excuse.” Elle shrugged.

“The what?” She sighed at his question.

“The new guy excuse. You’re still the new guy so you can just use it as an excuse, say you wanted to check things out in your free time, see what her yoga class was like.” She explained.

“Uh....huh....” He said slowly.

“Are you gonna or not?” She asked. He glanced at the doors that led to the room where (Y/N) said they did yoga. Elle snorted and shook her head. “Get moving, I’ll handle scheduling your client.” She laughed, making a shooing motion at him.

“You’re so damn bossy.” He huffed.

“I know. Now march.” She pointed. He flipped her off before heading towards the doors. “Love you, too, newbie!” She called after him.

He slipped into the room and stayed back in the corner. He still caught (Y/N)’s eye the second he walked in and when he looked up at her she smiled at him in greeting.

“Okay, so my name is (Y/N) and I own New Dawn Fitness. Some of you are new members and some of you are just new to this class. Welcome to all of you.” She greeted. “A couple things to keep in mind during this class are the following. One, this is a beginner’s yoga class so it’s okay if you can’t hold the pose for the whole thirty seconds. It is also okay if your pose isn’t one hundred percent perfect. Tip two segues from one. Do not try and achieve a perfect yoga pose the first time. Your body has limitations and if you push them you could really injure yourself. You will achieve these poses eventually. It’s a gradual process. Trying to bend your body to the pose perfectly the first time would be like trying to squat a hundred pounds when you’ve never squatted anything before. I cannot stress enough to not rush your own flexibility.” She insisted. She looked around to judge the faces of the class and seemed satisfied enough to continue. “Three. I will be walking around the room as you hold your poses. And while I told you not to strive for instant perfection I will ask to adjust you if I think you need it.” She told them. “And that’s all for now. Let’s begin. Follow me through this first pose.” She placed her feet together on her mat and placed her palms together as if she were praying.

Slowly the class followed her lead and watched as she raised her pressed palms up above her head before leaning to the side. They followed and stayed like that for about fifteen seconds before (Y/N) slowly straightened up and then leaned to the other side.

“Move slowly, there’s no rush.” She said softly when she saw a few people quickly snapping from leaning to one side to leaning to the other. After holding that for fifteen seconds she straightened again and lowered her hands back to her chest, smiling. “Good. Well done. That was a greeting pose and a little bit of stretching added in. I’m sure you’ve all heard of Downward Dog, which is the next pose we are going to do. Ah, ah, don’t get ahead of me. And remember move slowly.” She reminded before re-positioning herself on her mat. She knelt down and then went to all fours before she slowly raised her backside into the air as she slowly exhaled.

The class copied her movement and Mitch watched as (Y/N) turned her head to look at them.

“I’m going to walk around, I want you all to keep holding this pose.” She said as she got to her feet and leisurely walked between mats.

“Hi, Stacy right?” She asked a girl who nodded, which Mitch thought looked slightly odd while her head was upside down. “Stacy, is it okay if I adjust your leg?” She asked.

“Sure.” The girl agreed.

“Alright, I’m going to grab your ankle and move your legs a bit closer together.” (Y/N) said as she knelt down and did just that. “There. Great job.” She complimented before moving around the room. She tweaked a couple more people before she walked back up to the front.

“Alright, everyone can stand up and face me.” She waited as everyone eased out of their poses and got back to their feet. “Next we’ll be doing a pose called the Cobra Pose.” She got down on her mat and inhaled as she placed her hands in a push up position. Then she exhaled as she rose up onto her hands while keeping her legs flat on the mat, her toes pointed. Once again the class followed her movements and soon the whole room looked like people imitating seals.

They held for thirty seconds and then (Y/N) told them the next pose.

“The Extended Puppy Pose.” She grinned when people laughed. “I don’t come up with their names but at least these ones are easy to pronounce.” She joked as she got on her knees and then leaned her torso down. Her arms spread out flat in front of her and Mitch found himself staring at her ass without thinking.

“Keep your arms aligned with your shoulders if you can.” He heard her say distantly. He was too focused on the perfect curve of her body.

He couldn’t really focus on the actually class after that, he was just blatantly staring at (Y/N) as she stretched and twisted her body in front of him. He nearly groaned at one pose that looked similar to the puppy thing only she had sat back on her legs, sticking her ass out further.

Before he knew it she was standing up and telling the class how she looked forward to seeing them again next week. They all rolled up their mats and (Y/N) came straight towards Mitch with a teasing smile on her lips. He was already learning to like hate that smile.

“Enjoy the class?” She asked when she’d reached him.

“Yeah it was interesting.” He nodded.

“Yeah? Which part?” She asked.

“The poses. They looked like they’d really stretch out your body.” He replied.

“Oh? You sure it wasn’t the fact that you could stare at my ass with half of those poses?” She asked teasingly.

“I could? I hardly noticed.” He lied blatantly.

“Mmhmmm. Sure. Then that groan I heard from you was just you expressing your sympathetic discomfort at how the pose ‘stretched me’?” She smirked.

“How do you know I was the one that groaned? Could have been one of your students.” He muttered.

“They were all women. The groan I heard was distinctly male.” She snorted. He didn’t have a good comeback for that and her grin widened. “Ya know, those weren’t even that great. If you want to check out me and my flexibility you should look in on the advanced yoga class.” She teased.

“I don’t know if I could physically handle that.” He admitted honestly before he could stop himself.

“Oh?” She was having real fun now.

“So anyways, our date tonight,” He said quickly to change the subject. It didn’t do anything to wipe the shit-eating grin off of (Y/N)’s face but he chose to ignore that, “do you want me to drive you or am I going to meet you there?” He asked.

“How about you follow my car in your own, because we’ll only have two hours after the gym closes and I’d like to play at least two games.” She suggested. “So we can just leave after the gym closes.”

“Sounds good. Do you want to get dinner afterward?” He asked.

“They have delicious pizza and burgers there actually.” She smiled. “We can just eat there if that’s okay.”

“Yeah, whatever you want.” He nodded.

“Well it’s your date too.” She pointed out.

“And I’ll be happy just being in your company.” He smiled, and she flushed as she looked at him.

“God, you can’t just do that.” She pouted.

“What?” He asked.

“Go from straight faced grump to blinding me with your cute smile.” She huffed.

“My cute smile blinds you?” He grinned.

“Yes.” She admitted.

“You think my smile is cute?” He asked next.

“Well yeah, that along with the rest of you.” She grudgingly admitted.

“I’m cute?”

“Mitch I swear to god. You have to know that you’re insanely attractive.” She said with a roll of her eyes.

“Am I?” He asked, just to mess with her. He wanted payback for her teasing him about him looking at her. She huffed out a sigh and narrowed her eyes at him.

“I see what you’re trying to do. You’re not slick.” She insisted, pointing a finger at him.

“What am I trying to do?” He was smirking now.

“Ya know what, I have paper work I have to get done if I want to close and leave on time. See you tonight Mitch.” She smiled before leaving the room. He watched her hips sway back and forth as she walked out.

He was so screwed, he just didn’t know it yet.

After the gym had closed for the night Mitch went to the locker room, showered quickly and got dressed. Then he went out to wait for (Y/N).

Just as he got into a comfortable position leaning against the wall near the women’s lock room the door opened, and he had to straighten up. When Elle stepped out from behind the door he relaxed a little.

“Sorry for the false hope. She’s almost ready, she just needed help with her hair.” She grinned. “She looks gorgeous and if you don’t tell her tonight, I’ll know. And I’ll kill you.” She warned seriously. Somehow he didn’t doubt she would.

“I’ll be sure to tell her.” He promised.

“You better. I’ll know. Treat her right, too. I’d say I’d kick your ass if you messed with her, but she can take care of it easy. So for the sake of your nose and your junk, don’t treat her bad.” She pointed a finger at him. “Cause if you do, I get second dibs on shoving my foot in your ass. I have the perfect pair of stiletto heels to wear when I do it too.” She smirked.

“I’ll remember that... Unique threat.” He nodded.

“Good. Now have fun and show her a good time. But not too good.” She added.

“Are you her mother or something?” He snorted.

“I love her, and I’m very protective of my loved ones. That’s not a bad thing.” She shrugged and flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Anyways, I’m out. Remember everything I said.” She sang as she strode past him towards the door. He shook his head at that crazy chick and focused back on the locker room door when it opened again.

When (Y/N) stepped out into view Mitch’s eyebrows rose in surprise. Up until that point he’d seen her in sweats or leggings, tank-tops, and ponytails with a clear face. She looked appropriate for a gym setting, and she’d definitely looked cute. Now though...

Now she looked gorgeous, just as Elle had promised. Her hair was down, with softly styled waves framing her face and she had on light make-up. She wore a tasteful charcoal top with a sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves tucked into the waistband of a flouncy burgundy skirt. The hemline reached her mid thigh and then the rest of her legs were bare until his gaze hit the ballet flats covering her feet.

“Wow.” He complimented when his gaze returned to hers. She smiled bashfully at him. “I feel severely under-dressed now.” He looked down at his white Henley, jeans, and sneakers and chuckled nervously.

“No, don’t feel bad, you look great.” She insisted.

“I look like a bum, people are going to see us walking around together and be like ‘oh look at that beautiful girl, she’s so sweet to help out with the homeless’.” He joked. She giggled and shook her head at him.

“More like ‘wow she really scored a good date’.” She corrected, walking over to him. “Can I take your arm?” She asked. He offered his arm out to her and she wrapped her own around it.

“Do you have to lock up?” He asked.

“No, Elle did that before she helped me with my hair. I only need to lock the front doors which I can do when we leave.” She smiled.

“Alright. You’re ready to go then?” He asked and she nodded eagerly. They walked to the front doors together and he waited for her to lock up before offering his arm to her again.

“Thanks, but we’re going to separate cars.” She reminded him. He shrugged.

“I was going to walk you to your car and then go get mine.” He explained.

“Still, it’s a short walk.” She pointed out.

“Fair enough.” He conceded. He watched as she chewed on the corner of her lip and he grinned before offering his arm out again as they walked towards the parking lot. This time she put her arm through the loop of his without complaint. “So I’m following you over?” He clarified.

“Unless you know where Neo-Bowl is?”

“I do not know where Neo-Bowl is. I’ll follow you.” He chuckled and she nodded before opening her purse and digging around for her car keys. She unlocked her car and Mitch grabbed the handle before she could, opening the door for her.

“Thanks.” She smiled. He nodded and then closed the door behind her once she was seated inside. He strolled over to his car, got in, and started it quickly before pulling out of his space and following (Y/N)’s car out of the lot.

Mitch parked in the space behind (Y/N) and got out as she did.

“How late do the parking meters go?” He asked.

“Three more hours, but don’t worry I have tons of spare change. I always seem to accumulate a bag full.” She smiled to assure him.

“I can just go get some quarters, I don’t want you to use-”

“It’s like two dollars.” She snorted. “Chill.”

“But that’s money you can save-”

“Mitch. You’d be doing me a favor, this much change gets real heavy after a while.” She smiled. He heaved a sigh and waved her on. Her grin widened and she quickly put five quarters into his meter. “There, it bought us two hours and fifty minutes. Now let’s go inside. Can I take your hand?” She asked. He offered it out with a small smile and she took it before she led him into the squat little bowling alley a few buildings down.

He opened the door for her and they were both hit with the sudden dissonance of music, the sounds of bowling balls crashing into pins, and people half shouting in order to be heard over it all.

“Lively place.” He noted.

“Yeah, it’s the best bowling alley in the city.” She smiled as they walked up to the counter.

“Hi, welcome to Neo-Bowl. How many games would you like to play?” The clerk asked.

“One to start.” (Y/N) piped up. Mitch dug into his pocket for his wallet and and handed over the money when the clerk told them the total.

“Shoe sizes?” He asked next. They each gave their size and the guy went to the rack to search for them. Mitch turned to (Y/N) and looked down at her feet.

“Do you have socks to wear?” He asked suddenly, just realizing it could be a problem.

“I’ve got a pair in my purse.” She assured him.

“Here you are.” The clerk said, placing the pairs of shoes on the counter in front of them.

“Thanks.” They each grabbed their shoes.

“You’re on lane six, have fun.” He told them.

“Thanks.” (Y/N) beamed at him before heading to their lane. Mitch frowned at the guy’s starstruck expression and followed after his date.

“What do you want your name to be?” She asked.

“What do you mean?” He asked. “My name is Mitch.” She laughed and shook her head.

“I meant on the scoreboard. It’s this thing I like to do. Sometimes I put my name as Wonder Woman, or Supergirl, or Leia, or something.” She shrugged.

“Oh.” He realized. “Uh...... You pick for me and I’ll pick for you?” He offered.

“Ooo that sounds fun, deal.” She grinned and thought for a second before typing in a name for Mitch while he changed into his bowling shoes. “Okay, no peeking at your name. But come choose one for me.” She grinned as she got up to switch seats with him.

He looked over at her as she took off her flats and pulled her balled up socks out of her purse. He thought about it for a moment and grinned, typing his idea in quickly and hitting enter.

“Are we gonna look together?” He asked.

“Are you finished?” She asked back.

“Yup.”

“Then sure.” She grinned and they both turned to the screen over their alley.

“Grumpy Cat?” He scoffed.

“Hermione. Aw thanks.” She laughed.

“I was trying to compliment you, and you gave me Grumpy Cat. That’s so not far.” He huffed playfully.

“Hey! I happen to think Grumpy Cat is extremely cute.” She defended. He gave her a look and she laughed. “And it totally fits.” She cackled.

“Just for that you get no mercy.” He warned her.

“Bring it.” She challenged with a smirk. “You’re up first.” She motioned him forward. He went to the bowling ball racks and chose one that reminded him of the color of her eyes before going back to the lane and lining up his shot with his pins. He stepped forward, swung his arm back and then let the ball fly.

It rolled seamlessly down the lane and hit the between the front two pins. He got seven down total on his first try.

“Oh no.” (Y/N) laughed.

“Oh yes. Fear my bowling power.” He smirked as his ball came back up. He grabbed it and knocked down two more pins. He smirked at her.

“Don’t get too cocky yet. You have yet to see me bowl.” She pointed out.

“Please, give me your best shot.” He swept his hand out in front of him, gesturing for her to proceed. She narrowed her eyes and chose a bright multicolored ball from the racks and stepped up to the lane. She shook out her hand before placing her fingers in the holes and walking forward as she swung her arm back. She let loose her ball and it rolled quickly down the lane. 

It hit the pins a little to the left side, but ended up knocking down six before it fell down to the tracks that would bring it back.

“Eh.” Mitch made a tilting motion with his hands and (Y/N) huffed indignantly.

“My turn isn’t over yet. You’re going to regret doing that here in a second.” She grabbed her ball and lined up with the lane.

“I’m sensing a bit of competitiveness.” He teased. She ignored him in favor of swinging her ball and letting it roll down the lane. It knocked down three of the remaining pins easy and the fourth wobbled dangerously, wiping off Mitch’s playful smirk in the process. They watched in anticipation and he blew out a relieved sigh when it stayed standing.

“You haven’t seen competitive yet.” She warned.

“Bring it on.” He spread his arms wide in challenge.

“So.... I’m supposed to fear your bowling power?”

“Shut up.”

“Just-.... Just, real quick. Tell me, what’s the score up there says, I can’t see it, I’m too busy laughing. Tell me.”

“Grumpy Cat’s total score is one hundred and eight. Hermione’s total score is eighty two.” (Y/N) grumbled through clenched teeth. She’s wasn’t actually mad, she was just trying not to smile because Mitch was unfairly cute when he was smug.

“Now who has to fear who’s bowling power?” He smirked.

“I demand a rematch.” She declared. Her stomach growled loudly at her and she flushed, grateful that it couldn’t be heard over all the other sounds. “After we get a pizza or burger.” She tacked on.

“Deal, I’m starving.” He chuckled. “What do you want, I’ll go order it and you can play in the arcade that you’ve been eyeing for the last two frames while I was kicking your ass.” He grinned.

“I can’t believe you got a turkey. I still say you rigged it somehow while my back was turned.” She accused, half joking.

“I swear that I did not magnetize the pins and ball or any other slanderous thing you think I did.” He teased. “I’m just that good.”

“Mmmhmmm.” She hummed sarcastically.

“Why do you doubt my skill? You just witnessed it!” He laughed.

“My score would have been just as high if you hadn’t started distracting me half way through the game.” She huffed.

“Distracting you?” He scoffed playfully.

“Yeah! Distracting me! You’re a dirty cheater.” She decided.

“How was I distracting you?” He demanded, grinning in the face of her righteous anger.

“You-... You like-.... And your pretty face! And your forearms!” She spluttered.

“My what now?” He asked, genuinely confused. “How the hell are my forearms a distraction?” He demanded.

“They’re all muscle-y and then you pulled up your sleeves and-.... Gah!” She threw her hands up. He laughed at her inability to put to words just how attractive and distracting he was.

“Ya know what..... I’m just gonna get some food.” She pouted before marching in the direction of the concession counter. He followed and quickly caught up to walk beside her.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry I distracted you.” He grinned, clearly not sorry at all.

“Brat.” She grumbled as she stepped up to the counter. He chuckled and turned to look at the menu.

“Hi, what can I get you?” The young girl smiled brightly as she walked over.

“Can I get a bacon cheeseburger with a side of your cheese fries and a cup of ranch to dip it in?” (Y/N) asked.

“Would you like bacon on the cheese fries?”

“Sure, why not.”

“Alright then.” She quickly typed it into the register before her and then turned to Mitch. (Y/N) swore the girl’s bright smile kicked it up at least a kilowatt.

“And for you?” She asked.

“I’ll have the same burger, please.” He requested.

“Cheese fries as well?”

“Nah, we can share right?”

“No way, get your own.” (Y/N) laughed.

“Okay, damn, I guess I’ll have some bacon cheese fries too. And the ranch.” He added. His date rose a brow at him and he shrugged. “It sounded good.”

“It’s divine.” She insisted.

“Awesome.”

“Okay, that’ll be twenty three sixty two.” the cashier said quickly. (Y/N) went to dig into her purse but Mitch had his wallet pulled out and was handing the girl the money before she could even reach her own billfold. “Can I have a name to so I can page you when your order is ready?” Mitch quickly gave his name and she typed it in alongside their order. “Thank you, it shouldn’t be more than twenty minutes.” She smiled at them as they stepped away.

“I could have paid.” (Y/N) pouted.

“You can use your money for arcade games while we wait on our food.” He reasoned.

“Promise?” She demanded.

“Promise.” He grinned.

“Then let’s go. Can I take your hand?” She asked. He chuckled and turned to face her.

“Okay, how about this instead. As long as you don’t plan on doing anything violent, like punching me or anything, you have my express permission to touch me whatever way you want to. That sound good?” He asked.

“That’s pretty.... General. What if I wanted to touch you in a perverted way?” She questioned.

“How so?”

“What if I wanted to grab your ass?” She shot out. He grinned.

“Go for it.” He shrugged. She shook her head. “Like I said, as long as it’s nothing violent, you can do whatever.” He shrugged. “I’m a guy, I’m seriously not going to discourage you putting your hands on me.” He teased. She thought about it for a moment and then took his hand to lead him over to the alcove that housed the arcade games.

“Okay, then the same for me. As long as it’s not violent, you have permission to touch me when you want.” She shrugged.

“And what if I wanted to grab your ass?” He asked.

“Depends on the situation.” She shrugged.

“Elaborate.” He requested as they stopped in front of a pinball machine.

“Well, if we’re, say, walking down the street,” she placed fifty cents into the coin slot and then started playing, “and you decide to suddenly grab a handful, I’d have to say no thank you. But if we were kissing or something, sure, you can cop a feel.” She shrugged. “Over my clothes of course.”

“Of course.” He had to smile at her clarification.

“I wouldn’t want you to mistake me for a floozy.” She joked.

“I’d never.” He said seriously. She glanced at him and smiled. “Okay I have a scenario, for what I think is an ambiguous area.” He said after a second.

“And what scenario is that?” She asked as she pressed the buttons on the sides rapidly.

“If you’re, say..... Half bent over a pinball machine, and your ass is out there, can I grab it then?” He asked with a smirk. She looked up at him and flushed before focusing back on her game. She shrugged after a second.

“I guess.” She decided and rocked back on her heels a bit to push her backside out just a fraction more. Mitch grinned at her invitation.

“Good to know.” He said before walking over to a claw machine, leaving her to stare after him, startled he didn’t actually touch her. She forgot to look back at her game and the loud WAH WAH WAAAAAH sounded seconds later when her pinball fell between her unmoving flippers. She abandoned the machine and walked over to where Mitch was and failing to grab up a little keychain from the pebbles at the bottom of the machine’s case.

“This is just sad.” She said after his third attempt failed miserably at even grasping the trinket.

“Think you can do better?” He challenged with a smile.

“I know I can.” She bumped her hip into his side to nudge him out of the way and put fifty cents into the machine. She easily maneuvered the claw into position. “The key, young padawan,” she instructed as she pressed the button to send the claw down and they both watched it pick the keychain up and raise it into the air. It carried it over to the hole and dropped it down the chute. “Is to not want it so desperately. If you place all your hopes and dreams on the thing you’ll weigh it down and it’ll slip out of your grasp.” She teased as she bent down to retrieve the little keychain from behind the flap. She held it out to him with a triumphant smile.

“Keep it.” He told her. “Also that’s some deep advice for a claw game.”

“You’re not upset that I won it instead of you, are you?” She asked. He shook his head quickly.

“I was trying to get you for.” He chuckled.

“Oh.” Then it really hit her and she melted. “Aww, that’s sweet. And cheesy.” She teased, bringing the keychain to her heart. “And that advice works for life as well as the claw game.” She added.

“Mitch, your order is ready. Mitch, your order is ready.”

“Hopefully our cheese fries are cheesier.” He joked. “Grab us a table, I’ll go get the food. What do you want to drink?” He asked.

“Medium Lime-On Twist please.” She requested before she went and sat at an empty two-seater table. Mitch came over a minute later, setting her drink and then her basket of food in front of her.

“Thank you.” She smiled. She waited for him to sit down and then they both chowed down.

“So do you still want your rematch after we eat?” Mitch asked her between bites.

“Yes.” She nodded.

“Alright, then let’s make it interesting.” He grinned.

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“I mean, if you win, I’ll....... Do one thing you say. Doesn’t matter what it is, I’ll do it.”

“What if I told you to streak down the street, screaming your head off?” She asked.

“Okay, nothing illegal, otherwise anything else is game. Tell me to bow down at your feet and call you the supreme bowler, whatever.” He chuckled.

“Ooo, thank you for the lovely idea.” She grinned devilishly. “Okay, and what if you win?” She asked.

“You’ll go on another date with me.” He shrugged.

“Already planning the second date.” She gasped, pretending to be scandalized. “How forward. This one hasn’t even ended yet.” She teased.

“What can I say, I like to plan ahead.” He joked. “Do we have a deal?” He asked.

“Definitely. I can’t wait to make you bow at my feet.” She grinned.

“Only if you win.”

“When I win.” She insisted. “I’m more than properly motivated this time.”

They were seven frames into their game and Mitch had a lead of ten points. (Y/N) however, was set on winning by any means necessary and so she decided to cheat enhance her chances.

Just as he lined himself up with the pins and prepared to swing the ball Mitch felt a delicate hand smooth it’s way up over his spine from his lower back to his shoulder blades, and he froze.

(Y/N) moved her hand from between his shoulder blades to his actual shoulder and placed her other hand on top of the first before resting her chin on his shoulder just shy of her hands. She lifted her hand and combed some of his hair away from his ear before leaning forward to whisper to him.

“Don’t blow it.” She grinned as she felt him shiver. Then she pulled away from him. She watched him bowl his ball and it didn’t even make it half way down the lane before veering toward the gutter. She grinned, utterly gleeful. She didn’t bother him during his second attempt and he only got four pins.

He narrowed his eyes at her as she passed him, and she put on an innocent expression as she grabbed her ball from the return. She made sure to wiggle her ass at him as she lined up with her lane and heard his groan. She smirked to herself before taking a breath and letting her ball go.

It rolled seamlessly down the lane and she got a strike. She squealed and jumped in the air happily before raising her hands and turning to him. He smiled for a second before remembering they were competing. Then he huffed out a breath and swiped a hand down his face. His ten point lead was just knocked down to four.

“Your turn.” She sang, going to sit at the table.

“Stay.” He demanded, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at her.

“Yes, sir.” She mock saluted him as she plopped down in her chair. He grabbed his ball and stepped up to the lane. (Y/N) just happened to drop her newly acquired keychain and accidentally kicked it under the table. “Shoot!” She exclaimed, jarring Mitch’s focus as he looked back at her in concern.

He was met with the sight of her on all fours, ass in the air, as she reached under the table to grab the trinket. He swallowed hard, watching the hem of her skirt rise dangerously high on the backs of her thighs for a second before she eased back out from under the table with her keychain gripped in her hand. She looked up at him and frowned.

“Haven’t you gone yet?” She asked. He huffed and turned back to the pins, trying to focus. But all he could see in his mind was that damn skirt, taunting him, promising what would surely have been a great view if she had leaned just a little farther forward. He swung and within two rolls his ball was once again in the gutter, causing him to let out a curse.

“Aww, poor Mitch. Performance issues? Don’t worry it’s okay.” (Y/N) cooed.

“You’re a little fucking vixen.” He accused as he went to grab his ball from the return.

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.” She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. Which may or may not have pushed her cleavage up more prominently. He glanced for a second before cursing and glaring playfully at her.

“It’s not going to work.” He warned.

“What’s not going to work?” She asked, pushing up from the table and walking over to him.

“Oh, no. You got sit down.” He demanded, stepping back when she got too close. She pouted, looking hurt.

“I just wanted to wish you good luck.” She frowned. He sighed, he couldn’t say no to such a cute face.

“Fine. No funny business though.” He ordered.

“Cross my heart.” She made a little x with her finger over the top of one breast and his eyes followed the movement without his permission. Then she came forward and squeezed up against him in a hug. “Good luck Mitch.” She said sweetly before pulling away and skipping back to her seat.

“I’m going to fucking need it.” He muttered to himself as he turned around and made to swing. He remembered the feel of her chest pressed up against his just before he let the ball go and cursed, knowing without having to look that it went straight into the gutter. Just like his mind apparently. (Y/N) squealed internally with pride as she jumped up to take her turn.

Her first roll knocked down nine pins and Mitch kissed his lead goodbye. She was skipping over to the ball return when he remembered how she said his forearms somehow distracted her last time. He leaned against the table and yanked up his sleeves quickly before casually folding his arms over his chest.

As expected, (Y/N) smirked back cockily as him and he flexed his arms. Her eyes lowered and watched his arms move while a blush crept up to her cheeks. He smirked and she glared at him.

She snapped her head forward and glared down at the pin. She channeled her sudden sexual frustration into her swing and watched with a vicious sense of victory as it sped down the lane and smashed into the only remaining pin, the force of her roll causing it to practically shoot into the back gutter.

She spun around and smirked at him.

“Last frame. Good luck, champ.” She teased as she sauntered back to her seat.

“Vixen.” He accused with no real venom. She grinned.

“I’ve decided what I want when I win.” She called before he could properly line up his shot. He turned to her and rose an inquisitive brow. “A kiss.” She smiled. “And not a little peck either. An actual kiss.” She could practically see the gears turning in his head as he thought of it. “Anyways, you can bowl now.” She said, jarring him out of his thoughts. He huffed and shook his head to try and clear it as he turned back around. He swung and let go, and they both watched with bated breath as his ball rolled down the lane. It veered at the very last second and hit only one pin.

Mitch dropped his head back to stare at the ceiling as (Y/N) giggled like a maniac. He wondered how the hell she’d gotten in his head so easily. Normally he could complete any task near flawlessly despite distraction. But this girl.... She practically unraveled him just to wrap him back up, around her little finger.

(Y/N) watched her date walk over to the ball return and decided to give him the last half of the frame to try and redeem himself. But because he was expecting her taunts, when they didn’t come it threw him off even more. He only got two more pins.

He huffed out a breath and walked back to his seat to get a good view to watch as (Y/N) destroyed him.

She grabbed her ball, lined up her shot, and watched the ball roll into the pins. She knocked eight of them over.

Her second roll caught the last two, securing her a spare and a fifteen point lead for her win.

As he watched her do a victory dance, Mitch decided there were worse ways to lose, and worse people to lose to.

“Congratulations.” He chuckled. “Your prize is ready to be redeemed whenever.” He grinned.

“Mmmm, I think I’ll sit on it.” She decided, twisting the hem of her shirt around an idle finger. It had come untucked from her skirt somewhere between the second and third frame of their second game.

“Just ask whenever you decide to cash in.” He told her as they both started changing back into their street shoes. She took his bowling shoes once he got them off and smiled before he could protest.

“I’ll return them. You can just head out to your car.” She said before heading over to the counter. He didn’t argue, he just walked outside and leaned against the hood of his car to wait for her.

She came out a moment later and looked up then down the street before smiling at him. She paused as she passed a car, frowned, and then doubled back.

Mitch watched her reach into her purse and pull out her coin pouch. She stuck a couple coins in the stranger’s meter before heading over to him.

“That was nice of you.” He noted. She shrugged.

“They don’t bother with tickets this late, they just go straight to towing.” She said as she stepped up in front of him. They were quiet for a second, neither wanting to be the first to say good night.

“Thank you, for tonight. I had a really good time.” (Y/N) smiled up at him.

“I’m glad. I had fun too.” He returned her smile. She stared up at him for a second before she suddenly pushed up on her toes and pressed her mouth against his. His hands instantly went to her hips and he kissed her back without hesitation.

She dropped her purse in favor of wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him closer and deepen their kiss.

He groaned softly when she bit his lip and his fingers sunk into the soft fabric and skin at her hips as he pulled her flush against him. He swept his tongue across her bottom lip and she opened her mouth to him easily. One of his hands moved from her hip to her back and then down over her ass and (Y/N) laughed lightly against his lips as she kissed him. He grinned and gave it a squeeze, making her pull back to laugh again.

He used his unoccupied hand to cup her cheek and bring her face back to his for another kiss. The bubbling playful mood quickly changed to simmering heat as their lips moved with each other.

Mitch sucked lightly on her lip and (Y/N) moaned softly. That small sound nearly drove him insane, and he quickly flipped their positions so he could grab her thighs and lift her onto the hood of his car.

They both groaned when she wrapped her legs around his hips and used that leverage to pull his hips to hers.

His fingers had just slipped under her shirt in order to feel her skin when someone walking by across the street called out to them.

“You’re not supposed to eat her!”

The two broke away panting and if (Y/N) wasn’t already flushed from Mitch’s kisses she would have been from that comment.

Mitch cleared his throat and lowered his hands back to her hips.

“Sorry.” He apologized.

“What for?” She asked. “I started that.” She reminded him with an easy grin. “And I sure as hell enjoyed it.” She added. A small smirk stole across his mouth.

“Good. I enjoyed it too.” He replied.

“Yeah, I felt just how much you enjoyed it.” She teased, feeling nearly high she was so giddy.

“That, I probably should apologize for, huh?” He chuckled awkwardly.

“If I minded I would have pushed you away.” She pointed out as she carefully slid off of the hood of his car. She leaned down and grabbed her purse from the ground before looking back up at him.

After a moment she reached up and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “Good night, Mitch.” She practically sang as she walked to the driver side door of her car.

“Good night, (Y/N).” He said, watching her get in, start up her car, and pull away from the curb.

[danceclubcrickets]

Alright, well, I’ma get 2018 going by running with this moment of confidence and stupidity I am in right now, and posting a story of mine here. 

This is just a quick little excerpt with two of my characters, Reid and Cori. I just thought I’d like to prove that I do in fact have characters that I write stories about, and I don’t just sit around making up names and saying that these characters, like, TOTALLY EXIST, y’all, and I have SO many stories for them, but idk I left them all in Canada or smth

I don’t really like my own writing style, tbh. When I read it back to myself, it just sounds like “this character did this. this character felt that.” and I don’t really know how to improve it that much, so hey, advice-givers, give it if you got it. I’ve been trying to read well-written stuff, and learn from it without copying it, but idk how well I managed to pull it off, lol.

(Just as an aside, the fact that New Year is mentioned is purely coincidental. It’s just canon that at this point in the story, Reid doesn’t speak to Cori for a long time and then they reunite sometime in the dead of winter basically)

So here it is, a short bit about a guy and his skeleton friendo, and a pretty good summary of what most of my writing is like (i.e. poorly-written angst and h/c). Enjoy—I’ll be off to the side, steeping my bones in regret. XD

The Last Person Expected

“Cori, can you stop clicking, please?”

Cori mumbled an apology for her nervous habit and stuffed her hands in her pockets, the sound of her finger joints muffled by the fabric of her winter coat. She had four layers of clothing on underneath, as well as a face mask pulled up to her nasal bone—her usual cold-weather attire. During the Winter, she often got asked if skeletons get cold, and she had to repeatedly explain that yes, they do, but not as much as people with skin, and she mostly just wears layers so she looks slightly less skeletal.

Today, it was to cut down on the number of Grim-Reaper-related remarks, because these were not the remarks she wanted to hear while out on a mission of charitable goodwill. (“Ghost of Christmas Future” also seemed to be a favorite, even though the holiday had come and gone, and while she understood the comparison, she hated that she was perceived as terrifying and gloomy.)

The Clarendon family had the tradition of heading into the more run-down parts of Chamber City–the parts that the Clarendon parents tended to serve in volunteer medical clinics—and handing out “Basics Bags,” containing things like razors, combs, toothbrushes, first aid, and other essential items. They did it whenever they could, but they always made sure to at least do so after the holidays were over, after the cold weather had truly set in, but most of the other well-wishers and do-gooders had vanished.

This was the first time that Cori had participated since she became a skeleton. Her mom, Vera, hummed thoughtfully and set the radio to scan for a station. “I thought you enjoyed doing this every year,” she said to Cori.

“Yeah, that was before I looked like this!” Cori gestured to her face, and even though it was half-hidden by fabric, her point was clear. “Now I terrify small children.”

“Well, fortunately, Corsiva, it’s not about what you look like,” Vera replied. “It’s difficult to be too terrified in the face of a person giving you a gift, right?”

Cori leaned her skull against the car window, fogging it ever-so-slightly when she exhaled. “You underestimate the superstitious public.” She figured her mom was just trying to cheer her up with that question, but the attempt fell flat.

Sure enough, when they got to their first street, a mother and a child both cringed away from her as she handed them a bag. She smiled, then realized half her face was covered—so she simply struck as non-threatening a pose as possible, laid the bag on the ground, wished them a nice day, and walked back to her mom’s car.

“See, told ya,” she muttered.

“It’s okay,” Vera said with a hand-wave. “You’re still starting off the new year by doing a good deed, no matter what you look like.”

And so they went, parking on the numbered streets and walking down the named ones to hand out Basics Bags. Cori got mixed reactions as the days went on—some people were thankful, some were rude, some cracked jokes, and some didn’t say much of anything at all.

Cori saw a lot of people her own age, and while they tended to just be grateful and say “thank you,” it still surprised her just how much of her generation seemed to not have a roof over their heads. She used to think that handing out these bags was making a significant difference in the world, and it was probably making a significant-ish difference to those people specifically, but now it made her wonder.

Toward the end of their second-to-last road, she spotted a young man sitting in front of a pile of black trash bags. His head was down and his legs were crossed, hands laying limply in his lap. He didn’t stir as she approached, and didn’t wake until she addressed him directly.

“Excuse me, sir,” she said as quietly as possible, and his eyes sprung open immediately. He leaned back and looked around a little before his eyes settled on her. She held a bag out, leaning forward and doing her best to look friendly. “My family and I make these bags every year and give them out. Would you like one?”

His eyes widened in shock, or perhaps disbelief. Oh good, Cori thought, I’ve scared another one. Great. Wonderful. “It’s okay, I’m not as scary as I look,” Cori sighed, trying and failing to keep the resignation out of her tone. “Can I just leave this here with you?”

He didn’t say anything, but his eyes narrowed a little, like he was trying to figure her out—an expression she was not unaccustomed to seeing. “It’s a Basics Bag,” she explained, and her face mask slipped off her nasal bone as she looked down. She didn’t bother fixing it. “It has a lot of useful stuff in here—first aid, shaving cream and a razor, a spare toothbrush, a roll of quarters for laundromats and—”

“Cori?”

“Huh?” She hardly heard him, because she was talking and his voice was very soft, but she was certain she’d just heard him say her name. She stopped talking and lowered the bag to her side.

“Cori,” he murmured again, even quieter this time.

“Um… yeah.” Cori’s metaphorical stomach dropped. She hadn’t expected to encounter anyone who knew her. “Do I know y—“

Before she could even finish the word, she realized who she was talking to. Her jaw fell open, and she dropped the bag she was holding. Even though his clothes were tattered, he was covered in dirt and grime, and he had lost a lot of weight, his face was unmistakable, and she couldn’t believe she hadn’t recognized him sooner. She felt like she’d been struck by lightning.

“Reid?”

She sank to her knees, putting herself at eye-level with him. The sidewalk was damp, and murky pavement-water soaked right through her pants and onto her kneecaps. It didn’t matter. The only thing currently mattering was the fact that Reid Blackburn, who she hadn’t heard a peep from in nearly a year, was sitting in front of her, in a state she never would have expected to see him in.

Reid cast his eyes downward. He seemed… afraid? Perhaps just hesitant. Maybe embarrassed? Cori reached out to try and hold one of his hands in an attempt to comfort him, momentarily forgetting his fear of touch—he yanked his arms away and gave a soft whimper, refusing to look her in the eyes, seemingly bracing himself. Cori’s head swam with shock, confusion, fear… mostly confusion.

“Reid,” she asked gently, trying to hide her growing panic. “What are you doing here?”

He said nothing.

“How long have you been out here?”

Still nothing. His brow furrowed and he bit down on the inside of his lip.

Cori tilted her head to the side. “Are you okay?”

And with that, whatever energy was keeping him upright seemed to vanish, and he caved in on himself, quietly sobbing.

Cori leaned back on her leg, feeling slightly frantic. “Okay, um… I think we should… hm. My mom is just up the street… she’s waiting for me to come back. How about you and I go talk to her?”

Reid shook his head, shrinking further and folding his arms across his chest.

“Well, I can’t let you stay out here.” Cori planted her palms on the ground and looked up into Reid’s face. “You can at least come have dinner with us, right?”

Reid kept his head down, but he did at least meet Cori’s gaze, and tentative relief swept across her face. “Right?” she repeated.

Finally, he spoke. “I don’t want to intrude.”

“Oh my g- …Reid, it’s not an intrusion. I am not about to just leave my best friend alone in a pile of garbage,” she said, a slight tremor in her voice, as she reached out and took Reid gently by the wrist. “You are coming with me, and I am not taking no for an answer.”

The fact that Cori called Reid her “best friend” took him off-guard, and his eyes welled up anew. He flinched when Cori touched him, but didn’t pull away, and Cori sprang up and helped him to his feet.

“Come on,” she said, motioning to an SUV in the distance. “That’s my mom’s car, just there. Let’s go talk to her.”

Reid sniffled and scrubbed at his eyes, still not speaking, allowing himself to be dragged along by the arm as the two walked back to the car together. Cori could feel him quivering in her grip, and her jawbone was clicking from the force of holding back all her questions. How did this happen? What even happened, for Reid to get to this point? Why didn’t he ask her for help earlier, like he did the last time they saw each other?

Where are his brother and sisters?

Click, click, click. Questions for another time, perhaps.

When they got to the SUV, Cori raised a gloved hand and tapped on the window.

“Ran out of bags?” Vera asked as the glass lowered.

“Actually, uh, it’s… not that.” Cori gave Reid’s arm a light tug, bringing him within view of her mother. “Do you think Reid can stay for dinner tonight?”

[evenstevensranked]

#19: Season 3, Episode 15 - “The Big Splash”

Louis surprises everyone by joining the diving team, but then surprises no one by only doing cannonballs. This eventually leads to Louis reevaluating the future he envisions for himself. Should he remain a class clown forever? Or should he start taking life more seriously? Meanwhile, Ren’s on a mission to win “Best Smile” in the yearbook.

We start our episode with Tawny, Twitty and Tom (oh wow I just realized that all of Louis’ friends names start with the letter T lol) sitting in the stands at a school dive meet. Louis told them to go, yet he’s suspiciously nowhere to be found. Until a mysterious hooded guy walks out with LJH’s team, dramatically takes off the hood and… yeah. It’s Louis. Louis is apparently good at diving according to Twitty and Coach Tugnut (“Stevens, you don’t stink so bad!”) but he decides to squander his talent for laughs instead by doing cannonballs. It’s so cringy. Not only because doing cannonballs at a dive meet and soaking the entire audience & judges is beyond immature -- but, because his cannonballs are so fake lol. There’s the initial surface splash, and then an immediate second one that looks like a freaking nuclear bomb. Unless we’re all watching this from the perspective of Shallow Hal and Louis is actually 600 pounds, it makes no sense. I know it’s just for the lulz... but still. The gang gets a kick out of it.

We cut to the subplot where we see Ruby rushing around and tallying people’s votes for yearbook superlatives. Ren finds out that she’s a lock for “The Big Three” -- Most Likely to Succeed, Most Intelligent, and Best Personality. Is it just me, or is Best Personality a little debatable? (No offense, Ren.) Monique asks who’s in the lead for Best Smile and Ren gets salty when she finds out it’s some random chick Kelly Kerwin. Sooo, now Ren is determined to beat Kelly for Best Smile, as if she doesn’t currently hold the title for literally everything else. Seriously, girl. Let some other people get their time to shine. Dang. 

After school, Ren lets the cat out of the bag to Steve and Eileen about Louis joining the diving team. Steve is beyond excited and tells Louis he’ll try to make it to the next meet. Clearly, Louis does not want his family to attend and witness his latest goofball stunt. 

Next, we get a time-lapse of Ren being her own personal dentist in the bathroom before school because god forbid she doesn’t win Best Smile. It then cuts to Ren having a smile showdown at school with Kelly. This is the second time in the series where we get that annoying sepia, cowboy standoff thing. This cliché never works for me, ever. This goes on for 1 minute and 14 seconds which might seem like a short amount of time, but my god does this scene crawl by. Definitely the lowest point.

Steve decides to attend Louis’ next dive meet and brings his boss, Mr. Kupchack, along with him. Oh, boy. Tugnut compliments Kupchack’s fancy blazer and he responds “Thank you. It’s the finest Italian suede” and all Tugnut can say is “.........too bad.” HAHA. Of course, Louis gets up there and does another massive cannonball, completely soaking the audience... Including Mr. Kupchack and his fancy Italian blazer. Steve is livid and rightfully so. 

Louis’ guilt is starting to sink in... 

At home that night, Steve has a serious talk with Louis. He tells him that he was incredibly proud before the meet, (hence why he brought Kupchack along) only to be disappointed yet again. Louis tries to brush off his immature decisions by saying “I’m a kid. That’s what I do. I have fun.” But, Steve poses the question “It may be fun now… But where are you gonna be 10 years from now?” This really resonates with Louis. It cuts to a dramatic shot of him looking at a crap ton of “Class Clown” trophies later that night. Uh… When did Louis get all those trophies?! Where does he keep them? They don’t really let us see lol. It seems like they have their own private display room! Do schools even give out trophies for prestigious accomplishments such as “Seventh Grade Class Clown”? That’s the real question here. Anyway. This fades into a daydream Louis has of a 10 Year Lawrence Jr. High reunion.

As a kid, I always thought 10 years was too small of a time jump. Especially because Louis imagines Tom married with two kids and another on the way. But, 2017 marked the 10 year anniversary of my own middle school graduation. Now I'm 24 and a recent college graduate. Not to mention a lot of my friends are already getting married, having kids and starting their careers of course. So… Looking back at this as an adult, it's actually pretty accurate.

I love how since Twitty is a musician, they had to give him a ponytail down to his freaking butt.

I’d also like to point out that Tawny is a fashion designer, wearing rope lights as part of her outfit, and talks about spending time in Rome. Was Disney Channel under the assumption that clothes featuring rope lights are a high fashion ~Rome~ thing? Exhibit B:

Louis’ daydream is so depressing... but I absolutely love it. He basically imagines himself as a total screwup man-child. He can’t relate to his accomplished adult friends because he never grew out of being his middle school jokester self. It’s too real. You just cringe the entire time because everyone is trying to have a mature conversation and Louis is literally incapable of doing so. One by one, they all become annoyed by Louis’ antics and make up an excuse to leave. Twitty’s the only one left in the end and asks for Louis’ email to keep in touch. We reach the final straw when Louis says: “It’s kommanderpoopypants@laughsat.net..... With a K.” OHHHH GODDDDDD IT’S SO BAAAAADDDDD. I just wanna die of embarrassment. Twitty is fed up at this point too and peaces out. Louis snaps out of the daydream and whispers “No...” to himself -- clearly deciding against a future like that. 

The moment Twitty lost all hope. 

That whole sequence is definitely the standout moment of the episode for me. Not because of how funny it is (like you might imagine a standout Even Stevens moment to be), but because of how not funny it is. It’s something we’ve never really seen on the show before. I think taking a peek into Louis’ potential pathetic future was so great. It’s almost like they expanded on what they started in Uncle Chuck. This profound moment segues back into the pointless Best Smile drama. I think it’s kinda interesting how Louis’ plot is very existential here and Ren’s is very superficial. I wonder if that was intentional or not. 

Since Ren was so desperate to win and forced herself to smile non-stop, her facial muscles end up getting stuck in a rather disturbing grin lol oops. She’s scheduled to sing the school song at the dive meet in 5 minutes. This somehow leads to Ruby giving Ren a makeover to “distract from the mouth.” She also gives Ren the brilliant advice to cut through the steam room on her way to the pool. The end result is the long lost sister of Pennywise. Ren, The Singing Clown: 

Hiya, Georgie!! (No, but really. She looks terrifying.) 

Even though he wishes Louis would take it seriously, Steve still goes to the meet to show support. Kupchack also makes another appearance because his first-grader son (Played by Hayden Panettiere’s little brother) wants to see “The Cannonball Kid!”

Louis has built up a name for himself apparently. There’s a massive crowd there to see him! I would imagine these are the same kind of people who stand right next to the log flume ride at amusement parks just to get soaked while fully clothed for whatever unimaginable reason. 

You can see that Louis is under a lot of pressure to either give in to the weirdos in the crowd and give them the cannonball they want -- or to take the first step towards seriousness and do an actual dive. In the end, his decision to do a real dive is so admirable!!! I love it so much. But, naturally, when he emerges from the pool and declares “You know what? From this day forward... Let it be known: I am not a clown” we see that he’s standing there as naked as the day he was born. 

I was going to ask why Louis is the only team member who wears trunks instead of a speedo... but I guess this is the reason why, haha. He needed to wear something flimsy so it could fly right off of him later I guess? lol. I’d also like to point out Tawny’s freaking FACE: 

Um... okay, gurl. I always thought it was weird how she (along with, like.. 50 other people) saw her future boyfriend naked in public like that.

Anyway, Louis scurries off embarrassed and that’s it! The “final minute” bit is Ren coming home from school with a copy of the yearbook already??? She won The Big Three... and the last minute honor of “Best Class Clown.” It’s like Louis and Ren swapped stories in the end. THAT’S WHAT YOU GET, REN! That’s what you get!!! This is also the second time we see Ren wanting to achieve perfection in the yearbook and having it totally blow up in her face. 

I love this episode. It was actually the one I was most excited to rewatch while I was organizing my list. Since Louis is my favorite character, this one obviously gets a lot of “personal favorite” points for me. As I mentioned, it isn't even necessarily funny. As soon as Louis does his first cannonball, I get kinda depressed actually lol. The reason I'm ranking this one higher is because I just really love the plot-line and this more serious side of Louis which is seldom seen this prominently. In contrast to Uncle Chuck though, this episode spins the depressing factor into a positive and leaves you feeling optimistic about Louis’ future. You get the sense that he’s actually going to finally make an effort moving forward.

This episode would be even more effective if they actually aired it in production order!! “The Big Splash” is #320 in production. “Model Principal” is #319 — Ya know, the episode where Louis acts like an actual clown and singlehandedly turns the entire school into a circus??? Yeah. They decided to place that episode 3 episodes after this one. If “Model Principal” aired the episode before “The Big Splash” — LIKE IT WAS MEANT TO — it would’ve been so much better. We would’ve seen the height of Louis’ ridiculousness followed by the sobering episode where he decides to knock it off. The episodes leading up to “The Big Splash” in production order are all next-level zany Louis stuff. The few episodes that follow don’t include too much over the top stuff from him, so it would all make total sense. Instead, we get a really solid episode for Louis’ character development, later followed by a total regression of that development. Curse Disney’s f’d up schedule! WHYYYY?!?!?!

Thanks for reading!!

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope you all had a nice holiday. I took a break for Christmas, so yeah. I was actually so mad that the Christmas/Hanukkah episode wasn’t next on the list. It would’ve been perfect timing to review it last week. Oh, well. That episode is really good and deserves even higher than #19 ;) 

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