#if i can;t scream and kick and cry about these things on a daily basis WHO EVEN AM I

[vv3spa]

Chuck please tell me more about homelander and moyear . Please 🥺

AAUGHH FINALLY some good anons. grips you by the shoulders god i fucking RANTED SO MUCH SO I'M PUTTING IT UNDER THE CUT. i hope you can enjoy my hyperfixation ramblings

i dont know if you know anything about homelander, but he is a fucking nightmare!!!! probably my most problematic fave. i'm glad i haven't gotten flamed for liking him (yet), but i just find the insane atrocities he commits just... genuinely compelling. he's so fucked up but insanely complex. it's really interesting to see how he is literally just a product of society, not to get all joker on you. he was "bred" and raised to be an icon, a symbol, but he grew up trained to be a weapon rather than a caring hero... his mommy/daddy issues are funny and all what with the milk, but it HURTS sometimes. he just wants to be loved!! he wants NOTHING MORE than to be loved. he tries to convince himself over and over he doesn't need people, but fuck he just wants them all to like him but he doesn't know HOW TO PEOPLE or be LIKABLE without a script to read from or without someone holding his hang along the way. he did not ask to be like this but it's all he knows how to do............ still doesn't excuse the murder, intimidation, manipulation, or anything else he's done throughout the series. he's godawful. homelander doesn't give a fuck about the atrocities he commits either because someone will just clean it up for him. he's a raging manbaby who wouldn't know responsibility if it punched him in the face. and i love him for it. he's BEYOND fixing but honestly whatever's wrong with him is so much funnier.

funny thing is about morryear is that i really don't have a lot actually plotted for them. I JUST think they're a cute couple... mo is a lot more extroverted and a people person while buzz is more reserved. it's the adhd/autism ship of the century. mo thinks buzz's vibes are chill and likes to hang out with him, tease him a little and laugh it off, meanwhile buzz just kinda gets into his head about it like 'ahh what did he mean by that...😳' i think any real advancements made towards romance or anything beyond that would have to be done by buzz, who has a lot more confidence than mo. the tables turn when mo's laughing and being bubbly when buzz leans in for a kiss or holds his hand, INSTANTLY shy and puppydog eyed (something that also makes buzz insanely weak for mo... he's got those sad eyes so hard but they're sooo cuteee). mo's stupidity makes buzz so baffled that someone could lack so much common sense, but he finds it endearing. correcting him and watching mo get all defensive or embarrassed makes him chuckle. neither of them really think to call their relationship anything for a while... obviously insanely in love, but they're a little scared to ask each other out.. they just kinda run around being head over heels so much that it makes izzy and darby roll their eyes. buzz cares so hard for his man... mo can be irresponsible as hell and so buzz makes it his mission to make sure he's eating properly (something mo fails at) and is taken care of, as well as getting his fuckin work done. in contrast, mo likes to see buzz relax. he likes it when he gives up on that super formal attitude and demasks and can be vulnerable in front of him, be a little silly and show mo a side of himself that he hardly lets see the light of day. he's clearly just.. so yearnful for tenderness and softness since his life is usually so hectic and military, mo likes being able to be there and help him relax. especially when buzz is an extra cuddly mood!! you know mo is so touchy.

OKAY THAT'S ALL I'M GONNA SAY FOR NOW I WROTE TOO MUCH. i hope this all fills your brain with much stimulation as it did for me to write it. 😁😁😁😁

[nobodies-png]

I see some poor anon lost their best friend and I lost my mother just recently. May I request some hc's of how the organization members would (at least try to) comfort someone who has lost someone dear? It's okay tho if you don't want to ^^ - M

 awe, sorry to hear that, nonnie ! and sorry for replying to this one so late too, hope 2020 brings you a lotta joy and happiness ! 

Xemnas : 

A part of him can relate to that feeling, even if he doesn’t understand exactly why or how. Nonetheless, Xemnas would simply listen to every word you had to get out of your chest - but if none come out, he’ll gladly stay by your side in absolute comforting silence. Sometimes, peace and quiet to calm the mind can do more than endless words of encouragement. And he’d be too awkward to just go and give you a hug, so the only thing he can do is offer you his company, along with time and a safe space to get your thoughts and feelings in order.

Xigbar :

One would expect Xigbar to take you to some whacky adventures so you can distract yourself from those negative thoughts and feelings - but he’s also dealt with his fair share of loss and he’s found that facing the facts and coming to terms with them helps more than idle and mindless fun. Of course, it takes time to gather the courage and stability to do so - but if you ever need a reality check and some down to earth advice for something this serious, Xigbar’s your guy. Honor the past and cherish the good memories, but dont dwell so much on them. Don’t let them hold you back !

Xaldin : 

Hands down, Xaldin s u c k s at comforting people, specially as a Nobody and his complex relationship with f e e l i n g s. What is he supposed to say in these situations ? Hell, even giving you a pat on the back is hard for him. Like, is it okay for him to do so ? What if you start crying ? ? Because of this, he can only say he’s a good listener, maybe give you some general words of advice here and there. However, he wouldn’t be against cooking something for you - a nice warm meal followed by a good rest is usually what he does whenever he has a bad day. You’re even welcome to steal from the cookie jar and brag about it to Demyx and Axel.

Vexen :

As a scientist, it’s very easy for Vexen to detach himself from emotional situations and come up with a straightforward and cold reply to your loss. It’s the way he deals with things that require a heart, after all. Brain = good. Heart = confusing. Easy peasy. Of course, when he realizes that this method clearly doesn’t work and that you’re about to smack him, Vexen would feel a b i t guilty and offer to help in a different way. It’s very easy to let yourself go after losing someone and accidentally adapt some unhealthy habits - this is where he comes in, helping you make a schedule so you don’t end up oversleeping, skipping meals or avoid being active.

Lexaeus : 

Lexaeus is also a silent listener, it’s just kinda how he rolls. But unlike Xaldin who struggles with it, Lexaeus is good at comforting others without the need of words. Definitely one of the very few people in the organization that would hug and hold you for as long as you need, not caring if you stain his coat with tears. His aura and willingness to protect others can make anyone feel safe with him, so you’re in good hands. Lexaeus would even give you one of his little puzzle toys, in case he can’t be around. They might be small, but they sure help a lot to distract you for a while and remember that he’s got your back. 

Zexion :

Zexion might be emotionally constipated due to his status as a Nobody, but he’s no stranger to the negative emotions of the human psyche. If you reach out to him, he’d be willing to help - but you gotta keep in mind that he’s still a kid at heart and hasn’t found the proper way to cope and deal with his own feelings. Still, Zexion makes up for his lack of knowledge when it comes to comforting with his extense collection of books ! He’d recommend you things to read, both literature you two could discuss as a past time and articles about dealing with loss and grief. He’d also make use of his powers to create illusions you might enjoy if you’ve had a particulary rough day.

Saix : 

Saix doesn’t comfort, at least not so openly like other members. His approach is pretty much the aftermath of Vexen’s idea to give you a schedule - so long story short, Saix is the one who’d enforce and make sure you follow it. Which means he’s gonna be on your ass most of the time and as annoying as that might sound (Demyx feels so bad for you because of this) if you squint really really hard, you’ll notice that he does care about your wellbeing. “You have to keep on moving” he’d say, while sending you into your 6th mission of the day, which simply consists on taking care of a few heartless and some general recon. You’ll also find that most of your reports have been already filled out, but hey, don’t ask him.

Axel : 

Another awkward guy - Axel has trouble comforting friends, but damn if he’s not going to try. The way he speaks is more than enough to cheer you up, or at the very least give you back that passion you had prior your loss, it’s like he sparks a fire in you ! You just gotta go all out, ride all of this out and. Cry, scream, feel everything you gotta feel and then kick back with people you can trust, eat some ice cream with them. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and held. Axel would totally invite you to join him, Xion and Roxas to their whacky adventures around Twilight Town.

Demyx : 

Very obvious, but Demyx would encourage you write a song about it. It’s what he does to sort his feelings out, figure out what feels right in the end. And besides, learning how to play an instrument is always fun - you also got the best (and only) music teacher in the organization ! If that’s not your cup of tea, then you can try any other artistic outlet. Dancing, writing, etc etc. Demyx is fully aware that fortnite dancing at 3 am is not going to fix his problems, but it sure helps him stay grounded and remember that life is not as serious as we make it out to be.

Luxord : 

Luxord is very polite, so he won’t pry into your business - but the second he notices little changes in you like that permanent tired expression or the way you sigh a little too much on a daily basis, he’d invite you over for tea, subtly give you an excuse to talk to him and vent should you need it without being too invasive or forward. If you still can’t or refuse to open up, Luxord would take you for a walk around Wonderland or another colorful and fun world, giving you some advice in the form of his cryptid ramblings. When a door closes, another opens - and if there aren’t any, then you just have to open a window, get some fresh air and a new perspective.

Marluxia :

Marluxia can also relate to that. Surprisingly, he’d be very gentle, asking if you’d like to share some happy memories you have with that someone. Maybe even set up a small makeshift “shrine” in their honour, of course covered with their favorite flowers. He’s just happy to help you, listening to you reminisce and remember them with a smile on your face. It’s very shocking to see this side of him, given how flamboyant and eccentric he can be - but those passing encouraging smiles Marluxia gives you whenever he sees you are a great comfort.

Larxene :

Larxene is… Not the best choice if you want to be comforted. Her method is an extreme version of Xigbar’s, she’ll simply offer a quick “deal with it” and a hard “grow up and accept it”. While she might be impulsive and very emotional Larxene is actually a very logical person with a good understanding of her own feelings. What you can learn from her is that everyone needs to ultimately find their own way of coping and dealing with grief, no one else can tell you how or when to feel a certain way no matter how good their intentions might be. Take the good advice, but don’t depend on others for everything. Your way might be unconventional, but as long as it’s not hamrful for yourself and you’re aware of your limits, it’s good enough.

Roxas :

Roxas doesn’t know what to do, at all. So he’d simply ask about what YOU want to do now. How would you like to deal with these feelings and such. He’ll be there right next to you, even if you just wanna cry and sleep it off or if you want to distract yourself and never speak about it. Roxas is there, holding your hand all the way and making sure you know you’re not alone. Like Marluxia, he might also ask about the person you lost, just out of curiosity. And then maybe internally facepalm because oh shit, what if you don’t want to talk about it. The way Roxas worries about you, stuttering apologies and awkwardly explaining that he simply wants to make you feel better is so endearing that you can’t help but feel safe and sound.

Xion :

Xion would simply take you to Destiny Islands, to watch the waves, feel the sand and the sun on your skin. She wouldn’t ask at all, instead explaining that this is the place she goes to whenever she’s feeling confused, lost or just a little under the weather - and now, she wants to share this with you. You don’t have to say a thing, Xion doesn’t need to know your pain to realize that you just need a friend and a shoulder to cry on. Someone to rely on. The two of you would just spend the afternoon picking up seashells, exploring the island and relaxing. She’ll gladly listen if you have anything to say, but it’s okay, you’ve done enough. Let her take care of you now.

[nocturnal-jeon]

𝚕𝚊𝚍𝚢𝚋𝚞𝚐 𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚜 ➛ 𝚍𝚊𝚍!𝚓𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚗

You and Jimin were homebodies. As much as you hated to admit it, a quiet day indoors away from prying eyes was a lot better than going out. If you went out, Ae-min might get tired and you’d have to go home or you would run out of her favorite snacks. 

Now that your daughter was two, she beginning to show her very distinctive personality that constantly had her father doting on her every chance he got. Ae-min was a daddy’s girl, there was no question about it, and honestly, you didn’t mind. Sometimes she would only want to cuddle with her dad, but as you watched them with a smile on your face, the small portion of jealousy trying to cloud your mind got silenced because damn, you couldn’t believe how lucky you were. 

Due to the fact that the Park family loved to stay indoors, no one would go grocery shopping, so you would cook meals with what you had in the cabinet, just adding items to the long and rapid-growing grocery list on the fridge. 

It was maybe just past three in the afternoon and you and Jimin were moving around the house, trying to get things done while Ae-min was napping in her room. You stood at the sink scrubbing the small pink spoons Ae-min would only agree to use whenever she ate. She was a picky little thing. 

“I really don’t want this day off to end,” your husband whined behind you. Turning your cheek to look at him over your shoulder, you snickered and turned back around, rinsing off the vibrant utensils. “I know, Jiminie,” you said, resting the clean dishes on the rack beside the sink. “Come cuddle with me,” Jimin whined further. Quickly drying your hands on the towel resting on the counter, you turned around to see Jimin sitting on the couch in the living room, arms spread wide.

Cute, you thought. 

With quiet feet, deathly afraid of waking up your daughter, you walked into the living room only to let out a gasp when Jimin pulled you onto his lap. Without any time passing, his arms wrapped firmly around your waist as he pulled your body deep into his. Smelling his natural scent, your stressed body began to calm down as you practically sank into his touch. 

It was silent, but it was comfortable silence. You and Jimin didn’t need to talk. It was just the comfort of knowing that you were in each others arms for the moment that kept the silence peaceful. With his soft plump lips, he placed a kiss to your temple, shutting his eyes to enjoy the silence. 

The silence lasted for a mere five minutes before the wails of your daughter filled the apartment. You couldn't help but let out a chuckle. It was such a bizarre thought that you and your husband could share a moment of silence together. “Let’s go be parents,” Jimin mumbled as he followed you down the hall, causing you to smirk. Gently pushing open the door, you saw Ae-min seated on her bed as her small little fists rubbed her eyes. 

“That wasn’t much of a nap,” you said with a frown as you looked at the bright pink clock hanging on her wall. It had only been thirty minutes. “You just wanted to be with daddy, huh?” Jimin cooed as he scooped the toddler up, kissing her red, full cheeks. “I hungry,” the toddler whined, rubbing her tummy. Jimin laughed sweetly, imitating her, in turn, causing her to let out her high pitched giggle. 

“I have to go grocery shopping, so we’ll just go buy some food so mommy can make you something to eat,” you said as you looked at your daughter, who nodded before breaking into laughter when her dad’s ringed fingers began to tickle her. Smiling to yourself, you walked over to her closet to pick out clothes for her to wear for the day. You picked out black jeans and a white hello kitty t-shirt, thinking it would look cute on her. 

You turned around and saw that Ae-min was now standing beside her father, tugging on his shirt as he held her plushies over her head playfully. You watched for a minute as Ae-min bonded with her favorite parent before interrupting. 

“Baby, come get dressed,” you said. The laughter stopped as she turned to look at you, her face turning a tomato red as she crossed her short arms across her chest. “No!” Though her voice was cute, her attitude surely wasn’t. You sighed. 

“Ae-min, you can’t go to the store in your pajamas. Aren’t these clothes cute?” you said as you held them up for her to see. Stamping her small foot, she shook her head harshly. “I don’t wanna!” she whined, stamping her foot yet again. You looked up at Jimin with eyes begging for help. He was her favorite. Maybe she would listen to him. 

Bending down to her level, Jimin rubbed her back. “Don’t you wanna wear that cute outfit, ladybug?” Jimin asked in a soft, gentle voice. Pushing his hand away, Ae-min threw herself onto the bed and began to cry, kicking her legs and flinging her arms around. This wasn’t a new sight for you since tantrums had been a trend in the Park house, but since Jimin was away a lot, he didn’t see any of the tantrums. 

“Park Ae-min,” you said firmly as you stood beside the bed, hands on your hips. She wailed and screamed and whined, messing up the sheets on her bed. You turned to Jimin who looked horrified, never having seen this side of his little ladybug. Motioning to the door, you let Jimin follow you out of the room as you closed it behind you, letting out a deep sigh. 

“She’s been going through some phase or something,” you began as you pinched the bridge of your nose. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Jimin asked, gazing at you. You shrugged. “You’ve been busy with the comeback,” you simply said, removing your hand. “You need to tell me these things,” Jimin scolded, eyebrows furrowing as he looked at you in disbelief. The angry look on his face combined with the screams of your daughter practically pushed you over the edge. 

“Well. She needs lunch so you can make her that. She’s probably overtired, so good luck getting her to eat anything you try to give her. You think you can handle the stress of your career and the stress of Ae-min going through her terrible twos?” you irritatedly exclaimed, causing Jimin’s eyes to widen. 

“Then go ahead. Get a taste of what I deal with on a daily basis while you’re gone. I’m going to the store.” And with that, you turned on your heels and stormed down the hall, leaving Jimin in shock. So much just happened in the last five minutes and he didn’t know where to start. 

And when he heard the front door slam shut, a part of his heart shattered. He didn’t know you were going through this alone. Suddenly, he felt selfish for having been gone so many weeks out of the month, leaving you to deal with the ladybug who frequently had tantrums. 

Taking a deep breath, Jimin opened the door to Ae-min’s room and saw that she had calmed down a bit, but was still crying a little. It broke Jimin to see his ladybug crying. “Ladybug, do you maybe want to go back to bed?” he asked in a soft voice as he approached her. She shook her head quickly, her arms finding comfort crossed across her chest. “Can you please get dressed? For me?” Jimin asked with a cute pout, hoping that would coax her into putting on the clothes. Once again, her small little head shook, her black hair flapping about. 

Jimin thought for a moment before slowly sitting next to her on the bed. 

“Do you wanna see videos of daddy dancing?” he asked in a hopeful voice. When she was younger and screaming and crying, he would put on one of his fancams and she would fall into a trance, watching with wide excited eyes. But now that she was more mobile, he would project it onto the television and they would do the dance together. 

Ae-min seemed to think, too, before, to Jimin’s delight, nodding. 

Jimin took his phone out of his pocket and sat up on her bed as she crawled onto his lap in her adorable onesie that Hoseok had bought for her. Curling her body up, she rested her head on his stomach and fit her body comfortably between his legs, watching as he found a fancam they hadn’t watched yet. 

He pulled up the most recent ‘Boy With Luv’ fancam. He hadn’t even seen it yet. And as he held his phone out in front of him, Ae-min watched with wide eyes, a small smile on her face as she saw her uncles and her dad perform beautifully. And they watched five more fancams. But at the end of the fifth one, when Ae-min didn’t shout “Next!”, he peered down to her only to see that she was sleeping. 

Smiling to himself, he went to the camera app and took a few selfies with her sleeping figure before slowly and gently removing himself from her onto to tuck her in securely. Stroking her hair, he placed a soft kiss to the skin before exiting her room. 

He heard rustling in the kitchen and walked in to see you putting food away in the cabinets. You turned your head to look at him, but you turned back around without saying anything. “Can we talk about what just happened?” he asked as he leaned against the wall, watching as you put the milk in the fridge. You knew you were being stubborn. The adult thing would be to talk it out and you knew that. With a quiet sigh, you nodded and put up the last of the things before sitting across from Jimin at the dinner table. 

“It’s stressful without you here,” you said, beginning the conversation. Jimin remained silent, wanting you to vent. “And there are sacrifices I need to make in order for you to do what you love everyday. So if that means not telling you about the most stressful part of parenthood and sharing that unnecessary stress, then so be it,” you explained, fiddling with the ring on your finger. 

“Y/n, I can make sacrifices, too. I don’t want you to sacrifice your happiness for mine. I can make changes with my schedule so I can be home more with you and Ae-min and we can share the workload,” he said, voice gentle as he reached across the table and held both your hands, to which you gave a reassuring squeeze. 

“Jimin, remember when I told you that your happiness trumps all in my world?” you asked, cocking your head to the side. He nodded. “You are happy when you’re at work, Chim. I know you are. And you don’t need to worry about Ae-min and her tantrums when you’re away,” you pressed, making Jimin know that you weren’t going to backdown.  

He let out a soft, airy sigh. 

“But besides Ae-min, I’m rarely here for you, baby. I know it can be stressful with her and you don’t ever have anyone to vent to or to help you out,” he pointed out, rubbing the skin on the back of your hand. You shrugged, giving a sad smile. 

“We never said it would be easy.”

Frowning, Jimin stood up and pulled you into his arms, rocking back and forth with you. “You’re doing an amazing job,” he whispered as he stroked your hair. You scoffed. “She hates me. She only ever asks for you,” you admitted, pressing your cheek into his chest to better hear his calming heartbeat. 

“She loves you, y/n. I know it,” he soothingly said before kissing the crown of your head. “You’re doing great. Ae-min is lucky to have you.” You smiled at that. Validation. That’s really what you needed. You weren’t a bad parent. 

[ohlookitstomorrowff]

15 Questions 15 mutuals 🖤

Thank you @alwaysholdingout t for tagging me. I always forget to do the thing when I’m tagged in these sorts of posts, but this one was fun and I appreciated it.😂

1. Are you named after someone?

My first name, no. My middle name is Margaret after both my Nan’s.🤗

2. When was the last time you cried?

I’m not prone to outwardly showing my emotions, a blessing (as my mascara stays intact) and a curse (people mistake it as me being cold and unfeeling)😂😩. However, I do have a tendency to get upset at the most ridiculous of things and yesterday I happened to cry at the fact I couldn’t find the remote - which mysteriously found its way into my bed despite the fact I know I sat it on the bedside table! 💁🏼‍♀️

3. Do you have Kids?

No. 🧛🏻‍♀️

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Mate, I’m Scottish, it’s practically ingrained into us from childhood. 🤡

5. What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Please don’t think I’m a terrible person when I say clothes🥺, I love clothes and a great way to talk to a girl is to ask her where she got that cute outfit...😏😘

6. What’s your eye colour?

Blue. 💙

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

I love scary movies and I’m the little, fat gal down the front who screams (loudly) when the door opens. 👻🙋🏼‍♀️

8. Any special talents?

I can parallel park...🚙👍🏻

9. Where were you born?

Glasgow. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

10. What are your hobbies?

Obsessing over fictional lesbians who break my heart, writing and reading fic about them. 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩💔 I also love to shop, like seriously a trip to Asda or Tesco can take me hours...🙃

11. Do you have any pets?

I have three fish and two shrimp who converse with me on a daily basis. 🐠🦐

12. How tall are you?

5ft 4”. 👩🏼

13. What sports do you play/have you played?

When I was younger all I did was play football, I don’t really get the chance now but sometimes my Brother and I go and have a kick about. ⚽️Now, I try and go swimming every day. 🏊🏻‍♀️

14. Favourite subject at school?

School was a terrible experience for me and I stopped going after I was fourteen 😳 but I did enjoy English and despite the fact that I have no talent for maths I did like my first year maths class as I had a crush on my teacher. 😅 Definitely a weird experience but I am grateful for it as it helped me come to terms with my queerness!🙌🏻🏳️‍🌈

15. Dream job?

I literally have no aspirations at the moment💁🏼‍♀️, I’m hoping to go back to college and do hairdressing as it’s about the only thing I’m good at and enjoy. 💇🏼‍♀️ But I think being a published author would be cool...🤔

Tag yo self if you want but I’ll tag some lads anyway:👽

@bloodlilyvamp @gcatrdbloomay @elphabashepard @tears-wont-dry-on-their-own @acciohardbroom @emerald-thropp @chipperdyke-blog @justsmileandn0d @flyingsalem @forever-in-a-day @deafmess @galinda-fiedd @splish--splash--sploosh @halerazer @darthvaderkid

[issabeauty1-blog]

Love Untraditional

IT was a few days before Thanksgiving 2018. This would have made 2 maybe 3 Thanksgivings that I spent as a single female. Not that the prior 7-8 years was any different, but my heart was healing from an unexpected breakup. Let me explain. Nathan was supposed to had been my everything. I mean, he was an amazing man. He gave me everything I thought that I needed. I felt protected (and we all want to feel protected). He stood about 6 feet 5 inches, dark chocolate complexion. Although he was lacking in certain anatomy of his body and looks, he made up for it in his intelligence. He showed me things that I had never seen before and always made me feel secure about my extra rolls. He encouraged me and wasn’t afraid of my strong demeanor. If I could say one thing that I least liked about him it would be his non-emotional disposition. I hated that! He was extremely egotistical and cocky on top of that. I guess I partial to blame when I bragged about how good he was in bed. Things began to change when he had to relocate for work. His career was always very important to him. I give him that, he was a hard worker and good at what he did. Although his job bounced him around from state to state, we always managed to see each other once a month….at least. Then the visits started to become far in between. And when we did see each other, if we weren’t having a petty disagreement, we were humping like rabbits. And it didn’t help much that his Caribbean background caused for lots and lots of alcohol. And of course alcohol sometimes leads to things we aren’t so proud of like exploring weird, in the closet desires. And then BOOM, after his mom passed he hit me with the ultimate betrayal. He told me that he had been seeing other women the whole time we’ve been dating! The whole damn time. Now at this time of confession, we were kinda sorta broken up. I just took a quick flight to see him because his mom had passed. He continued on about how much he still loved me but was currently in a relationship. That he had told her all about me and that she was okay with us still being together. This nigga must have been on dog food. Needless to say, I declined his offer. And although I declined his offer, somehow I just couldn’t let go. I did all sorts of foolish things that we as women sometimes do. I stalked his social media, I tried to make myself present places that I knew he would be. I made idol threats just to start an unavoidable argument. I called him from several burner numbers just to hear his voice or maybe I was just hoping to catch him at a weak moment. But the weaker I got, the stronger he got and the quicker he got over me. So finally, I allowed myself to be heart broken for the first time in my life. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and to admit that this man had hurt me deeply. And instead of being revengeful and plotting on how I was going to hurt his ass back, I just spent several days crying. And before I knew it, I was over him and I was over being in love!

So time went on and I felt it was time for me to start dating or fucking again…However you look at it. I started reaching out to those fuckboys who I knew wanted to be with me at any cost. But when the time came, I backed out. I do value my goods. After being so disappointed by the men I seem to attract, I started to believe it was me. That God had forgotten about me in the romance department. I felt myself being desperate and joining online dating sites just to get attention. Tinder was the most accessible, since it was free and everybody was swiping right. I found myself always swiping right but never finding Mr. Right. I met this one man who I had been chatting with for over 2 months. A nice looking guy from Philly with a calming voice and an average personality. He was nice to talk on a daily basis. He would send me pictures everyday. As I waited patiently, he finally sent me the infamous dick pic. And it was impressive. So I finally decided its time to meet. When I finally got the courage to meet with him, we decided to have our first date at the movies. We met outside the theatre and I call myself gonna sneak up and surprise him. But he had the surprise. From a distance he looked just like his pictures. He was dressed nice and casual. Low hair cut with deep waves. This man turned around and gave me the biggest smile. WHERE THE FUCK ARE YIUR TEETH??? All I saw was pure darkness!! How could he think that it was appropriate to meet me for the first time with no fucking teeth! Like bruh… I didn’t know if I should run, scream or kick his ass for wasting my time! So he asks for a hug and I give him a church hug with a gentle pat on the back. I didn’t want to get too close to feel any sort of bulge. We go inside the theatre and I immediately ask for several drinks. He ask me if I was nervous and I replied no, but I was thinking I just want to drink until my vision was blurred, lol. After the movie we went to dinner. He asks where did I want to eat and I’m looking for the most expensive restaurant in Boca Raton. But since it was so late, we ended up going to Juniors. He orders a burger, fries and onion rings. When they brought our food it was enormous and I’m sitting there waiting to see how he’s gonna eat with no teeth. And he had the nerve to ask the waitress for some pickles…Lol. She gave him pickle spears and he began sucking out the soft center. GROSS!! He has been fumbling with his food for about 30 minutes and yet to take a bite. I know he’s hungry so I excuse myself and head to the bathroom so he can scarf down his food. Hope he don’t choke I remember thinking. Before he could pay the bill my Uber was pulling up. Needless to say I didn’t see nor speak with him again.

After being shamed by my sons, my grandma and friends I vowed not go on any online dating sites again. And for the many months to follow, I keep a fresh pack of batteries. It’s now the holiday day season and a lot has changed. I’m a new grandma, new job and a new look on life. I remember cooking the day before Thanksgiving. I had just finished my first bottle of Moscato and the holiday blues is starting to set in. I grabbed my phone to text Nathan but stopped myself. Good girl!! But instead, I refreshed my Tinder page. After a few swipes right, I came across a match with BG. Now BG profile really caught my attention. He was from NY and grew up in Baltimore. He was a single dad and owned his own business. So we began to chat. We chatted all that night and even Thanksgiving day. For some strange reason, I really wanted to meet this guy before wasting my time. And he wanted to see me also. So we agreed to meet after dinner at my community pool house. I freshened my braids, threw on a cute t-shirt and some shorts. I walked across the parking lot to meet him. He pulled up in a bumble bee. It was clean and he looked nice driving it. He parked and I got in. His pictures didn’t do him justice. It was no coincidence that I was strongly attracted to him and him to me. We sat in his car and talked for hours. It was like we knew each other before. After that night, he immediately text me asking for a real date and I quickly accepted. He picked me up the next day and we headed to the beach. Sounds nice enough until he mentioned it was a “clothing optional” beach. Upon arriving to the beach, all I could see was wrinkled old nuts and tits. It was people from all walks of life. I couldn’t believe he would take me here on a first date. We set up the chairs, the tent and undressed to our swim attire. He went to the water as I stayed behind since I can’t swim. After awhile he encouraged me to get in the water. It was fun I must admit. He held me tight promising not to let me fall. After swimming we headed back to the tent. He dusted the sand off my body. The tent was big enough for us both to fit inside comfortably, so we laid down. He spread the blankets down. I started to complain that my skin was dry after getting out the water and he had baby oil…OF COURSE HE DID. He asked me real gentleman like if he could give me a massage! And ladies we all knows what comes next after he plays the massage card. I changed my Pandora station from Maxwell to R. Kelly because I knew this was gonna be good. His hands were so strong and warm against my trembling skin. Mind you, it has been close to two years since I’ve let a man get this close to me. I laid on my stomach and he had definitely done this before, probably a few times that week alone. He rubbed me slowly yet deep enough so it seemed like a massage. But it was more than that. It was erotic and sinful and I loved it. He worked his skillful hands to my hips. He asked me to spread my legs so he could oil my inner thighs, I obliged. I was so nervous yet so turned on at the same time. I closed my eyes tighter and tighter as he explored my body. I give it to him, he played it very safe…looking for any signs of him crossing the line. But I gave him an all access pass. He then started to gently tug at the strings that held my bikini bottom together. At this point, it was no turning back. Not that I wanted to. I assisted him in untying my bikini. His hands quickly found them back between my thighs. He seductively found himself rubbing the outside of my pulsating vagina. He then took what must have been his middle long finger and with an unexpected thrust, it slide inside my pussy full of juices. It must have felt just as good to him as it did to me because I felt his body moan. I then felt something warm dripping on my leg. And just like that, this man had ended my two year draught.

[sabineelectricheart]

Guest-House [Pt. 4]

Summary: Dimitri awakes to a surprise.

Rating: T - Suitable for teens, 13 years and older, with some violence, minor coarse language, and minor suggestive adult themes.

Words: 1755

Notes: So the plot thickens. I hope you like it.

Chirping of birds. People talking while they walk by. The cable car passing on the street below. Dimitri wakes up to those sounds. He feels terrible. Last night he had a nightmare. A very bad one.

It was usual, of course, that he has unpleasant dreams. He had them for years, reliving his bad experiences and traumas, as well as the frustrations and anxieties he is thrown on a daily basis due to his inability to cope with himself. What makes last night’s dream rather unusual was the person he dreamt about.

He dreamt someone was taking Byleth from him and ghastly murdering her with a butane blowtorch as he could do nothing else but watch, just like those psychopaths did with his stepmother. He gets chills when he remembers it.

As his sleep becomes calmer and he manages to stay unconscious until early morning, he has some time to consider why would he have such a nightmare with his landlady. It was likely that Sylvain drilled him about her last night, and he merely remembered it, but he does recognize that he might feel a little too strongly for her if he has that much ease imagining her in place of his stepmother.

He has not much time, nor mental bandwidth, to reckon with such, as the man’s attention gets caught by the open window. He distinctly remembers setting up the radiator before he fell asleep, and he always remembered to close the window when he does that, lest he wastes the guest-house’s gas so needlessly.

Sitting up straight, he also notices he is not wearing a shirt. That is strange because he always wears a full set to bed, ever since he was but a little boy. He strokes his bare chest and looks around the room. Then, when he looks to his left, he sees a girl. A girl with green, messy hair and pale skin, facing the wall and sleeping peacefully.

Pacing around the room, Dimitri tries to remember what happened last night. He was not that drunk, was he? He does have a rather strong and particularly unpleasant headache, but that is nothing new in his life. He remembers clearly everything that passed last night, to the moment he turned off his lights and rolled around to sleep. He could not have blacked out after he got home, that is unheard of.

Dimitri has so gone up in his mind that did not notice the slight movement on Byleth’s body, but when he sits down back on his bed, debating whether or not to wake her up, he notices that the landlady turned her head, now facing him, even if her eyes were obscured by the matted hair.

At this, the blond man puts out his hands and removes the rebellious strands from the girl’s face. Swiftly, as if it burns him, he pulls his hand back as his fears are confirmed. It is her, it is undeniable that this woman is his landlady. The strange girl in his bed is the woman he is in love with.

Dimitri freaks out. What happened?

A knock resounds from the bedroom door. Sylvain walks in. His eyes are sleepy and he is wearing only his pyjama bottoms, despite Jeralt having chewed him out again and again to keep a shirt on at all times. With his eyes half-closed, he falls down on Dimitri’s bed. Right on top of her.

“Goddess gracious, what’s this?” The redhead mutters with his face in the covers.

Dimitri immediately pulls his friend up and shushes him. The skirt-chaser’s amber eyes widen when he realizes that there is someone else in the blonde’s bed.

“Who’s that? You didn’t take anyone home last night, did you? Byleth’s gonna kill you if you did.” The redhead chuckles.

Dimitri shakes his head and points Sylvain’s head closer to the figure with a smooth movement of his arm.

“No way!” The foolish man celebrates. “Nice job!”

Dimitri pushes Sylvain back.

“No, not nice job, Sylvain. I don’t know what happened last night! I went to sleep and when I woke up, Byleth was here.” The blond whispers in panic. “And that’s not also considering the fact I had a nightmare. I don’t want anyone here while I’m dreaming, and I certainly do not want her of all people.”

Her hands move and Sylvain gets up.

“I don’t know what happened either, but I do know that you really should confess to her. There is a reason she is in your bed, Dimitri. People do not do those things for the laughs or sport, regardless of what you think of me.” Sylvain says and makes himself scarce.

Probably to tell Ingrid and Annette, Dimitri guesses.

Before the young man can concern himself with any of that, Byleth opens her eyes. She looks up to the blond man, who suddenly feels very naked, for he has not put on clothes and he is very aware of that now. He pulls up his legs and puts his arms around them.

She sits up and push his knees down with a frown.

“Don’t hide from me.” Byleth says, resolutely.

Dimitri blushes, trying not to stare at the woman, but he fails miserably. His icy blue eyes glide over her body, also rather exposed. Her long, unblemished legs, her feet hidden under the covers, her wide hips, her generous breasts, her thin shoulders, her strong arms. The man takes in every single piece of her absolutely delectable body, to the point he is ashamed of himself for behaving like a boar in heat. He cannot help himself; she is absolutely beautiful and he is not alone in thinking that.

“Stop that.” She chides him once again, breaking his train of thought and worsens his feeling of shame.

Byleth climbs over the large man and walks to his closet.

“Do you feel any better?” The woman asks, while putting on one of his sweaters over her skimpy pyjama top. It was rather big, ending by the middle of her thighs, but convenient to cover her body as intended.

Dimitri stares at her, confused about her sudden question.

“What… What do you mean?” He asks with a hoarse voice.

She turns around to face him.

“Well, with the nightmare…” The landlady trails off, her voice getting softer with every word.

Dimitri melts under her caring look. He wants to ask how she knows of them, but all he can manage to do is nod. She sits down on his long legs and place her hands on them. He feels the cool feeling of her touch spreading through his legs, but he does not move.

Byleth, despite her parentage, is a daughter of the south through and through, her body always runs cold. He prefers it so; it feels refreshing every time he manages to sneak a hug or a touch from her.

She points up. “My suite is directly above your room. I can hear everything that goes on in here.”

His face paled. “Everything?! For the last four years?!”

The landlady nods.

“Goddess gracious…” The stunned man breathed out. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

She shrugged. “I thought you’d feel embarrassed about your nightmares.”

You’d be right about that, Dimitri thinks with no small dose of irony.

“Besides, if I had you change rooms, I wouldn’t be able to hear you struggling with your sleep, and then I wouldn’t be able to help you when you clearly need me.” The woman weighed.

“So, that’s what happened? You heard me and came down to help?” He asks, not knowing whether he feels shamed or flattered.

Byleth nods once more.

“Pretty much, but it was worse than usual. I tried everything I normally do but you just wouldn’t calm down.” She caresses her still-painful wrist. “Eventually, you grabbed my wrist and wouldn’t let go. So, I climbed in bed next to you and you finally fell asleep. I know it’s inconvenient, and I’m sorry if I scared you when you woke up, and if I made you uncomfortable with the whole thing.”

Dimitri shakes his head, dismissing the notion. It was all his fault, she was only kind enough to lose sleep on his account, to help him wake up, which he was pitifully unable to do, as it stands. Goddess knows how many nights she spent restlessly just to take care of him.

Furthermore, he is relieved, of course, but also a little disappointed. It might be selfish of him, but a little piece of him had hoped that something had happened, that he would be able to stake a claim to this woman, even if fleeting.

Something did happen, the needy boy he carried in his heart thinks. She could have just sat at his bed, kicked him until he woke up, but she did not. She stayed, last night and many others before. Like Sylvain himself said, people do not do those things for a laugh or out of sport.

“No, no, it’s fine.” He responded, averting his eyes. “Thank you, Byleth. I’ll see you at breakfast.”

The green-haired woman takes a deep breath, as if she was going to say something but gave up half-way.

“It’s no problem, I’ll have your sweater washed and pressed.” She elected to say.

“Thank you, you can give it back whenever you’re ready.” He responded, rather chilly.

“I know you usually don’t want to talk about your nightmares, and we’ve all always respected it.” Byleth starts hesitatingly. “Me, my parents, Lord Fraldarius, and even the other cubs, we never brought it up before, we never asked anything about them, to preserve your privacy, but this one seemed so bad…”

Dimitri pauses and remembers what Sylvain had said. Should he tell her? He could always just play it off as caring for a friend.

“Yeah, I, uh…” Dimitri begins, rather unsure about himself. “Well, you see, I dreamt about the attack. Those memories are what usually plagues me in my sleep. The thing about yesterday is that… I don’t know, it might be because of the booze or because you were here with me, but I dreamt that, instead of them murdering my stepmother, they were killing…”

He breathed out, steeling himself for the unavoidable backlash.

“They were murdering you. There was nothing I could do, there is nothing I can ever do about it. All I did was cry and scream… I thought I was going to lose you, Byleth, and I can’t… I just can’t stand the thought.”

*_*_*_*_*

Guest-House Masterlist

Fire Emblem Masterlist

Three Houses Masterlist

[sparklingichigo]

BEACH VACATION

Part 10 

The next morning, Beel is the first one to wake up and so is Ichigo. He is now preparing himself to try on the hotel’s gym, afterall he did eat lots of food yesterday and he has to burn it down. 

Ichigo: Oh? You’re going to the gym?

Beel looks back and sees Ichigo sitting on his bed, she has just woken up. 

Beel: Ah, you’re awake! And yes, I’m going to the gym, wanna come?

Ichigo: I guess so, I also need to burn those food from yesterday 

With that the two left for the gym with leaving a note for Belphie just in case he’s looking for them. Once they arrived Beel and Ichigo do some stretches before doing anything to prevent any cramps or injury with Beel’s guide. 

Beel: No, go lower

Ichigo: What? Lower

Beel: Yes, lower 

Ichigo: Oh Gosh, this is my limit! 

Beel: Really? Okay then, don’t force yourself! 

After stretching they finally try on the gym equipments, of course Beel instantly goes to the harder section since he’s used to it, meanwhile Ichigo puts on her earphones and plays music as she uses the treadmill. As she was doing so, she receives a phone call from Reika and Solomon all at once. She answers them both and creates a group call.  

Ichigo: Yo? 

Reika: Are you gonna check out the gym? I really want to check them out, I heard it’s really big. 

Ichigo: Oh, I’m already here with Beel actually. 

Solomon: Is that so? Can I come too? 

Ichigo: Sure, the more the merrier. 

Reika: Ah, I think I’ll go and get some snacks for you guys, did you guys have breakfast? 

Ichigo: Unfortunately not... 

Ichigo: Hey Beel, Reika’s buying food for us! What do you want?!

Luckily, Ichigo is loud enough that Beel hears her. 

Beel: Oh I’ll have a sandwich, five of them. 

Ichigo: He wants five sandwiches 

Beel: Oh and if it’s too expensive I’ll pay her back! 

Ichigo: and he’ll pay you back if it’s too expensive 

Solomon: Five sandwiches?! I can’t barely finish two! 

Reika: Screw that! I’ll just buy a big bread that we can share! 

Solomon: Hey that’s a good idea! 

Ichigo: Nice save! 

Beel: Who are you talking to? Are you done calling them? If you keep that up you might slip off that treadmill. 

Ichigo gives a sheepish grin as she hears Solomon and Reika clowning her, 

Solomon: Oh? Guess someone is caring 

Ichigo: That’s rich coming from someone who left their lovers in their room to suffer 

Solomon: He’s still asleep! What am I supposed to do huh?!

Reika: Whatever, I’ll just go buy the food, I’ll buy you guys drinks too okay?

Ichigo: Thanks a lot Reika^^ 

Reika: Alright, let’s all hang up, we can’t have Ichigo slipping from the treadmill [chuckles] 

Ichigo: you- 

But before Ichigo can even finish both Solomon and Reika hang up. Meanwhile Reika is on her way to the nearest convenience store to buy some food and drinks. As she walks she passed by Solomon’s room she hears Asmo’s loud cry from the room. 

Asmo: Solomon! My head hurts a lot! Can you get me my meds?

Solomon: What meds?

Asmo: My hangover painkillers! Just get me those! The pain is too much!! It’s on my make up bag! 

Solomon: Okay, Okay I’ll get your medicine. 

Luckily Solomon is fast enough to get the medicine and gives them to Asmo, he also helps his helpless lover to drink them. 

Asmo: Goodness, I’m not drinking ever again! 

Solomon: You said that after Diavolo’s birthday party yet here you are. It’ll pass away, don’t worry 

Solomon gives Asmo a back hug as the avatar of lust smiles at the hug. 

Asmo: Thanks a lot, but I hear you’re going with the girls to the gym right? 

Solomon: I am 

Asmo: Well go on then, I’ll just sleep this off and it’ll fade away. 

Solomon: You sure? Don’t you want me to stay? 

Asmo: Just go with them, I’ve been way too clingy [giggles] 

Solomon: [chuckles] Alright then 

Solomon gives Asmo a kiss on his forehead and goes on his way to the gym, as he gets out he finds Reika eavesdropping on the door. 

Solomon: What are you doing?

Reika: Oh I just heard Asmo screaming so I just want to make sure he’s okay... 

Solomon: Sure... 

Reika : Is he okay though?

Solomon: Not currently but it’ll pass. You’re going to that convenience store right? I’ll go with you

Reika: Really? Okay then

Meanwhile in Ichigo’s and Reika’s room, Satan just woke up and find his girlfriend missing, she did left a note for him but like father like son, he’s just as worried as Lucifer on a daily basis. He drops everything and gets out to find her. Back at the gym, Ichigo finally takes a rest by recording Beel’s progress as he requested.

Ichigo : you’re doing great Beel!

Beel: Really? How’s the progress compared to the ones back in devildom?

Ichigo : Well... since devildom’s equipments are for demons it might have a different feel to it, right?

Beel: Yeah, this thing is surprisingly lighter for me, guess it doesn’t count

Ichigo : Of course it does! You work out right? Even if its lighter or easier it’s still progress

Suddenly they hear a ruckus in the entrance, the two of them leave the equipment and see Reika arguing with Mammon

Mammon : Geez, human! Watch where ya going!!

Reika: Says the one who bumped on me!

Solomon: can’t we just enter? Peacefully? Gosh!

Mammon and Reika : Fine....

The three of them finally enter the gym with Beel approaching Mammon and giving him a tour

Mammon: Of course I know about the gym, the great Mammon knows everything!

Ichigo : you barely use our gym, stupid!

Mammon: I’m not stupid!!

Meanwhile, Reika is using the treadmill while Solomon uses the biking equipment. It felt like gym class with Beel as their coach ngl. As they were trying on the equipment someone enters the gym, this time in a hurry. Reika and Ichigo who are using the treadmill looks at the entrance confusedly, Solomon gets off the bike curiously to see who’s coming, Beel and Mammon are too occupied to even notice the rush and loudness coming from the entrance. 

Ichigo: Satan? Since when do you even work out? 

Satan: Oh, I’m not... I’m looking for Reika honestly, I’m glad you’re here too. 

Ichigo: Didn’t she left a note to you saying she’s coming here with me and Solomon? 

Satan: Exactly why I’m worried. 

Ichigo: Me?

Satan: [frustrated sigh] Solomon 

Solomon: First of all, you’re talking about the big gay in this room who’s dating your brother, you think I’m that untrustworthy that I’d steal your girlfriend/ cheat on your divalicious little brother? 

Satan: You’re sus obvi 

Ichigo: Even if he is, he helps us in so many things 

Reika: Yeah, he has helped us a lot, remember? Except for cooking that is 

Solomon: [offended] Hey! 

Satan: I’m watching you Solomon, if you try anything... 

Solomon: [rolls eyes] Tsk. What’s with demons and them overthinking stuff. Even Asmo isn’t that possessive over me yet this blonde son of- 

Satan: I dare you to finish that sentence, Solomon. 

Solomon: [smirks] Son of Lucifer 

Satan: That’s it! Square up you- 

Ichigo: [sigh] If you two ever start I’ll use my pact to send you back to your room and kick you out of the telepathic chat room. 

Solomon: He started it! 

Ichigo: Alright. 

Ichigo kicks Solomon out of their telepathic group chat causing the sus sorcerer to beg for her forgiveness, this now leaves Satan looking fearful as ever. Well appearance wise he’s calm and collected as ever but inside he’s freaking out. What if this second powerful human uses her pact against him! Now that’s not good... 

Reika: Don’t send him back.... 

Ichigo: Fine, since you told me not to

Mammon: That’s why keep your emotions in check yall. Sh*t happens when you’re emotional. 

Ichigo: Huh, for once you used your brain, congratulations Mammon [claps sarcastically] 

Mammon: Be grateful I’m on your side pink human! 

Ichigo just gives him a victorious smile before going to Beel’s side to check on him. 

Ichigo: How’s teaching him going coach? [Teasingly] 

Beel: Quite easy, right Mammon?

Mammon: Why is this barbell so heavy! How many did you put?! 

Beel: As you can see I put two of them since you asked to and bragged about how strong you are compared to humans. 

Ichigo: Did you just use sarcasm against him?

Beel: No, I’m just telling the truth. 

Ichigo: [sighs in relief] Oh Thank Diavolo... 

Mammon: If he uses sarcasm hell is gonna freeze. 

Back at the treadmill area, Solomon and Satan are still glaring at each other. For some reason Satan is annoyed by Solomon’s existence while Solomon is offended because how could this oh-so genius demon thought he’d even hurt his boyfriend’s friend? That’s just ridiculous! Reika who’s between them just sigh. 

Reika: Are you two done? Can’t I rest peacefully without you two arguing in your heads?! 

Solomon: Tell that to your BOYFRIEND! 

Satan: Well maybe if you’re not such a SUS son of a b*tch then this wouldn’t even happen! 

Ichigo hears the two boys shouting and is annoyed more than ever, Beel and Mammon are feeling the same thing, it’s supposed to be a vacation, why are they arguing? 

Mammon: So much for a stress reliefer vacation huh?

Beel: Yeah... I wish they’d get along... I thought they can bond through their hobbies like how Satan bonds with Ichigo during her first days

Mammon: Poor Reika... she gotta deal with their bs

Ichigo: I know right... I’ll just call her here. 

Beel: Good idea! 

Ichigo approaches them but holy frick! Satan’s green aura is too strong that it burns to be near him. 

Ichigo: What the heck?! Why are you burning me?!

Satan: Ah my apologies, it tends to happen when I’m pissed, just don’t go near me. 

Ichigo: Then move! Come on, Reika, just stick with us 

Reika: [nods] 

Reika finally joins Ichigo with the others leaving Satan and Solomon by the bench. Ichigo helps her bring her bags and puts them near hers on that bench, despite that Satan and Solomon followed them. Ichigo is this close to explode, luckily Reika told them about the snack. 

Reika: So, I bought you guys snack, a snack that we all can share^^ 

Ichigo: Hey thanks a lot! 

Beel: Ooh that’s such a big bread! 

Mammon: Hey don’t eat them all! 

Reika: Don’t worry, there’s plenty for everyone^^ 

Reika divides the bread equally to them. Beel of course as he said earlier pays her back, 

Beel: Here I’ll pay you back. 

Reika: oh thanks Beel! 

But as Reika takes the money Beel was stopped by Satan who looks at his blonde brother confusedly. 

Satan: You could’ve told me and I’ll pay for it

Reika: My money is enough for this, there’s no need for that... 

Ichigo: [whispers] Just accept the money, who knows you might need it 

Reika: But fine if you insist. 

Reika takes both of their moneys, since Satan has covered them Ichigo smirks and said, 

Ichigo: Then I shouldn’t be paying since Satan has COVERED all of our debts~ 

Mammon: Really? Yes! 

Satan: You-

Solomon: Serves you right for flexing on your money 

Ichigo: And this is why I hate you people... can’t you guys stop asking for fights?! 

But the two of them are not listening and it ends up being a physical fight, it’s so intense that Satan accidentally bumps on Reika causing her to fall. Luckily Ichigo is there to catch her. 

Reika: I’ll be at the dance room if you guys need me... 

Reika leaves the area going to the dance room. Ichigo sighs at this. It’s been two days of their relationship and Satan is out here stressing his girlfriend out?! Blessing has left the chatroom. Beel and Mammon is also upset by this because they expect a peaceful trip to relief their stress from school and anything but nope, a certain rage of a demon decides to destroy it. 

Mammon: This is why we can’t have nice things huh?

Beel: Yeah, let’s go to that cafe downstairs. I’ll treat you milkshake 

Mammon: Yes please, hey pink human! You coming?

Ichigo: I’ll accompany Reika, you guys go on^^ 

At the danceroom, Reika uses her ironically holy playlist and somehow summon the angels from above. Simeon and Luke hear her calls and appears in front of her. 

Simeon: Did something happen? 

Luke: Yeah, did those demons do something to you?

Reika: I’m just in a really bad mood, you guys don’t mind staying here a while right?

Luke: Of course! We’ll accompany you as long as you need! 

Ichigo: Hey, you guys mind if I enter?

Luke: Ichigo!! There you are! I’ve been trying to call you for our baking session but you’re not answering [pouts] 

Ichigo: My apologies... you’re calling the wrong number kiddo, you’re supposed to call me with my human number not my DDD number... 

Luke: Oh right... the human world trip... how could I forgot! 

Simeon: Hey, Ichigo, nice to see you again. 

Ichigo: [nods politely] It’s mutual. 

As Reika dances to relief her emotions, Simeon, Luke and Ichigo sits at the corner. 

Luke: Did those demons do something to Reika? I swear if I find them I’ll borrow Michael’s sword and cut their heads off! 

Simeon: Now, Now... ^^ Ichigo, mind telling us what happened? 

Ichigo: Trust me Simeon, I’m just here for a vacation we all are but it’s been just two days but Satan and Solomon decides to fight again, as you can see. 

Simeon glances up and sees Satan and Solomon arguing like no one’s there. Oh Lord... have mercy on them. 

Simeon: Oh my, I don’t expect Satan to actually fight Solomon, I thought they’d actually bond through books and magic... 

Ichigo: Exactly, I thought they’re gonna get along. They do get along back in devildom and our school RAD but here it’s just another level. 

Simeon: Did something trigger him? 

Ichigo: Let’s just say Satan is anxious about Solomon being around Reika since they’re now together 

Luke: Reika is dating a demon?! Nuh uh! I’m fine with you guys being friends with demons but dating one?! As your guardian angel I reject this idea! They might corrupt you! 

Ichigo: You didn’t say that when I told you I have a crush on Beel.. 

Simeon: [chuckles] Beel and Barbatos has a special spot in his heart since they don’t bully him like the others 

Luke: As he said! Beel is a very nice demon! Not like a certain BLONDE son of a- 

Simeon: Language^^ 

Luke: Sorry but he’s pissing me off!! 

Simeon: I know, I know... [sigh] well since they’re demons what are we expecting... 

Ichigo: Yeah... What are we expecting huh? 

Suddenly the music stops with Reika approaching them curiously.

Reika: Hey what are you talking about?

Ichigo: Stuff...

Luke: Yeah like a certain demon that needs to be drenched in holy water this second! 

Simeon: Luke! 

Luke pouts as he continues to listen to everything Reika said, she told them what happened. Solomon has helped them a lot yet Satan is like this so it confuses her a lot, he was never like this but ever since they’re together he’s just a raging ball of chaos. 

Simeon: ^^ Well maybe it’s just the first phase of dating. They end to be very clingy^^ 

Luke: They do?

Simeon: At least that’s what I saw

Reika: I see..

Ichigo: Well guess we just gotta put up with it [sigh] 

Suddenly they hear a knock from Beel, Ichigo looks back and sees Beel waving at them cheerfully. Luke is the first one who stands up and goes to the door. 

Luke: Beel! 

Beel: Luke! 

Simeon can just stare at them with a fond smile, they’re like best friends already while Ichigo is holding down her squeal because the sight is too cute. 

Beel: Hey I found this awesome restaurant when I was treating Mammon milkshake, wanna check it out this afternoon?

Reika: A restaurant? I guess we could... 

Ichigo: I’m going if you guys are^^ 

Beel: Great! You coming too...Solomon....?

Solomon: I guess... if this raging ball of chaos stop being triggered over my existence 

Satan just scoffs at the comments but doesn’t say a thing. Simeon watches this with an awkward smile on his face. Guess Reika and Ichigo are right, Satan has turned into a raging ball of chaos. 

Solomon: While you’re at it, can I take Asmo too? He hasn’t eaten breakfast too.. 

Beel: Sure! The more the merrier! 

Ichigo: But for now, let’s clean ourselves... we’re nasty! 

Mammon: Yeah, let’s do that.... 

[notes-the-newsie]

Backstory 2

Warnings: Mention of Death, Mention of Abuse.

Word Count: 3959

This one is going to be a little more sad then the last one. I’m sorry but I hope you all are enjoying her backstory so far! I am going to be getting more into her present time soon which means interacting with the other newsies and all. I hope you enjoy! ~ Sky

When I’se woke up, I didn’t know what was going on. Everything was blurry and I couldn’t hear anything but a ringing in my ears and a faint tappin’ noise. When I’se tried t’ sit up it felt like someone had stabbed me in the stomach. So instead of trying again I just sat in my bed thinkin’ ‘bout everythin’ that had happened. All I could think was that this was all my fault. That I could have done somethin’ t’ stop ‘em. I just kept sayin’ it out loud “This is all your fault Rose. You are useless” Tears started t’ roll down my face and I kept sayin’ that one phrase t’ myself. Suddenly that once faint tappin’ noise started to get louder and louder. I looked over at my window to see what the tappin’ was and sittin’ there was a boy. He was a tall and slim boy with bright emerald green eyes, brown hair and looked around the age of 10. He startled me so I jumped back into a corner of my bed and winced in pain realizing that I’se really shouldn’t me movin’. I looked at the boy with a confused look and he motioned me t’ come t’ the window and open it. Afraid of what might happen if I didn’t, I’se quickly went over t’ the window and opened it. The boy came in t’ my room and looked around not saying a word t’ me. After a few minutes of silence the boy said “What was youse sayin’ earlier?” I look at him confused. And he said “Ya know before youse opened the window. When youse was lyin’ on y’r bed.” Realizing what he was talkin’ ‘bout I looked up at him and said quietly while putting my arm over my stomach “I said… it was all my fault.” He look at me with a confused look. When he went look into my eyes, he saw the bruise between them and my nose. He took a quick step closer t’ me. I got so scared he was gonna do what my folks did I’se jumped back and quietly screamed. He was just as startled as I was, as he slowly started t’ back away from me, he got this look of realization on his face and once again started to slowly move closer t’ me. At this point I’se was shakin’. When he got over t’ me he put his arm ‘round my back and lead me t’ the bed and sat down with me. We just sat there while he held me in his arms; he made me feel so loved like someone in this world cared ‘bout me. “Hey kid,” He said with a warm and comforting smile, “I’m here for ya.” I looked up at him with a surprised look and said “Why?” He said, “Well ‘cause we’se friends now.” I was in such shock. I finally had a friend. One person who would care about me. I hugged him and started to cry. And he sat there holdin’ me and not hurtin’ me. That was a completely new feeling for me. “Hey kid, whats your name?” he asked. “Rose” I said with a slight smile. “Well its nice t’ meet ya Rose. I’m Noah”

Noah and I sat in silence as I laid with my head on his shoulder still cryin’. “Hey Rose, if youse is comfortable, youse want t’ tell me what happened” he said in a gentle and calm voice handin’ me a cloth to while away my tears. I looked up at Noah and nodded my head as tears rolled down my face just thinkin’ ‘bout what happened. So I’se told Noah my whole story. By the end of my story, Noah was red with anger. And I wondered to myself how could someone I’se just met or anyone at all care ‘bout me so much. Lost in my thoughts I’se didn’t realize that Noah was stomping towards the door of my room. Ready to go out and face my parents for what they did t’ me. “Noah no!” I yelled as he was opening the door. I grabbed his arm just in time t’ stop him from doin’ somethin’ stupid. I pulled him back into the room and glared at him like he had two heads. “What was youse thinkin’?!” I said in a surprised and angry tone. Noah just stood there and stared at me. I didn’t know what was goin’ through his head. But I’se needed t’ figure it out before he gets himself killed. Noah still red faced with anger said “What your folks did t’ ya… that just isn’t right! They’se shouldn’t have done that t’ ya you’re just a kid. You don’t deserve t’ be treated that like that.” With the same amount of fury and pain in my heart I said “You’re just a kid too Noah! If youse had gone out there youse could have been badly injured or even killed. They’se a lot bigger and stronger than the both of us. We can’t do anythin’.” A single tear rolled down Noah’s face. I’se could see how conflicted he was. I knew that if he could do what he wanted he would storm through the door and fight tell he drops. Be he knew that if he went out there and he lost the fight, then my folks would come in here and hurt me even more. So Noah stayed and he didn’t fight my folks. But he made one promise t’ me, he promised that he would always be here for me. And that if I’se ever needed him, he would be there at my window in a heartbeat.

For the next 9 years Noah would come t’ my window every night t’ talk about our days. Most nights he would bring me food ‘cause he knew that my folks didn’t give me much. If I’se was havin’ a bad day Noah would come inside and sit with me in bed in silence. Now I’se know just sittin’ in silence may seem a little weird but the connection Noah and I had was so special, loving and strong that we didn’t need words t’ comfort or make each other feel better. We just needed t’ be together and in each other’s presences t’ feel better. One night when I’se was 13 my folks was beat on me ‘cause I’se got sick from the cold weather. They’se beat me so bad I’se didn’t even have the strength t’ get out of bed t’ open the window for Noah. But Noah found a way t’ open the window and get inside. As soon as he stepped inside he ran t’ me layin’ in bed. He could see all the dark purple and blue bruise runnin’ up my arms and neck. I’se tried t’ hold back my nasty cough and sniffles ‘cause I’se already knew how much Noah worried ‘bout me on a daily basis especially when he saw that I’se had a lot of bruises. But I’se couldn’t hold ‘em back. They caught Noah by surprise. The minute I’se started t’ let out my coughs and winces of pain Noah had a panicked look on his face. Drownin’ me in questions ‘bout what happened he had went in t’ a state of protectiveness. “Noah” I said “Youse don’t have t’ worry ‘bout this. This has happened t’ me before and look I’se still here.” All Noah did was stare. Then without sayin’ a word t’ me Noah climbed out the window and was gone like that.

For the next 2 days, I’se didn’t hear that familiar knockin’ on my window. I didn’t have the embrace of my best friend, my only friend. I was so angry. So many thoughts ran through my head. How could Noah just leave me? Why would he just leave without sayin’ a word t’ me? What did I do wrong? Why did I ruin the only good thing I had in my life? Then that one dreaded thought came into my head “This is all your fault Rose.” With the strength I’se had left in me, I got up and walked over t’ my window. Placing my forehead against it, I cried. I cried for hours. Cryin’ ‘bout how I chased away the only person in my life who cared ‘bout me. I heard a loud pound; I’se didn’t know where it was comin’ from so I back away from the window burying my head into my legs protectin’ myself from my folks hurtin’ me again. The poundin’ turned into a slow knock and I picked my head up t’ see what was happenin’. I’se turn t’ the window t’ see Noah standin’ there with that wonderful goofy smile on his face. I’se ran t’ the window and opened it as fast as I can. Fallin’ into Noah’s embrace, I felt that feelin’ of protection and love again. The protection and love I’ve longed for, for those 2 days. Noah stepped back to say somethin’. However, before he could say it his once goofy smile was wiped away from his face. He look at me and saw that I’d had gotten worse. Not that I’se had gotten sicker. He saw the amount of bruises I’se had all over my arms and neck. He took my face in his hands t’ look at what had happened t’ it. I’se had a black eye and broken nose, blood still dried ‘round it from when my father kicked me for coughin’ t’ loud. All Noah could think of doin’ was just hug me. He took me in his warm embrace and guided me t’ my bed. He looked at me and said “Rose, I want t’ say I’m sorry for not tellin’ you where I was goin’ 2 days ago. I didn’t mean t’ make youse upset. And I know youse were sick and that your folks were beatin’ on ya for it so I wanted t’ get youse somethin’ special. I’se know it ain’t much but I worked day and night t’ get enough money t’ buy this for ya.” As he said that, he pulled out a beautiful cotton handkerchief with my name sewn into it. “Noah. This is beautiful,” I said starting t’ tear up. “But why did you do this? Youse could have used that money for yourself, t’ buy yourself a good meal.” Noah smiled “I did this ‘cause Rose believe it or not but youse is a good person and you deserve so much better then what you have now. So I’se thought that I would get this for you to show you and remind you that someone cares ‘bout you. That you are loved Rose no matter what anyone says.” He wiped away my tears and all I could do was hug him. I’se just sat their huggin’ Noah until my tears ran out. I couldn’t thank him enough. I couldn’t be more grateful t’ him. It might just seem like a little cloth that most folks blow their nose into. But to me this little piece of cloth symbolized the love that someone felt for me. It will always remind me of the one person who cares and love me. Noah.

Noah and I had a special thing we would do every night. Now it might seem a little strange at first but it was our tradition. Every night before he left we sat on my bed and finish our food. Then he would help me into bed and cover me with my blankets. Noah would sit on my bed and say “Rose you are loved. You are cared for. And I will always be here for you. Now goodnight and sleep with the angles.” On nights that my folks beat me a lot Noah would stay with me tell I’se would fall asleep t’ make sure my folks wouldn’t try t’ hurt me during the night. He knew I did not want him t’ risk being caught but he wouldn’t leave until I’se fell asleep.

One night 3 years later, he did something different. While Noah was helpin’ me into bed, he said “Rose let’s run away t’ Manhattan.” I look at him like he was insane. ‘Cause he was. With the most serious look I’se ever seen on his face he said “Come on let’s do it. We’se can run away and escape this place. Your folks won’t be able t’ find ya in Manhattan. Youse can start a new life where you don’t have t’ constantly worry ‘bout if youse is gonna get beat tonight or not. We’se can run away at night when your folks are sleepin’.” The more I thought ‘bout it the better it started t’ sound. T’ finally be free of this place. Finally be free of the torture that I’ve endured for 9 years. Free t’ live a life with my best friend and t’ not have a care in the world. I sat up in the bed and said, “I’m in.” The joy on Noah’s face practically lit up the room. He’s told me that he had been wantin’ t’ do this for years but he thought that I’se was still t’ young to run away and it was t’ much of a risk.

So the night came. The night I’se would finally have my freedom. My folks were especially cruel this night. They left me with a limp from kickin’ me so hard in the stomach and legs. Noah knocked on the window with a smile wider than ever. He knew that tonight would be the night I would be safe. Tonight would be the night he would be able t’ finally give me the life I’se deserve. So I’se climbed out the window carefully with the help of Noah. Before we started to leave, he handed me a newsboy cap. I looked at him with a confused look and he said, “This is how we’se is gonna make money. We are gonna have t’ become newsies.” I didn’t argue with him. I took the cap, put my handkerchief in it, pined my hair inside it, and put it on my head with a playful smile on my face. So we ran. We ran and ran until we saw the Brooklyn Bridge. In the moment, I felt so free, like I could fly right through the sky. Then all of a sudden, the other pair of footsteps behind me stopped. So I stopped without turnin’ around and said with an immense amount of excitement in my voice, “Awe come Noah we’se is almost there. See there the Brooklyn Bridge!” “Rose” Noah said with a fearful but protective voice.

I turn around t’ see what he was doin’ and all I saw was somethin’ I could only imagine in my worst nightmares. Noah on his knees being held by the hair by my father who had his brass knuckles on the other hand and my mother with a smirk youse could see from miles on her face. I went t’ run at them and t’ fight them but my father said, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you sweetheart unless you want to see you little friend get hurt.” With him saying that, I slowly backed away and said, “Don’t worry Noah I’se will get us out of this mess and we will go live our lives in Manhattan just like youse said!” My mother laughed, “Oh my sweet and naïve Rose, when this is all over you will never see the light of day or this boy ever again.” She kicked Noah’s side. “Stop!” I yelled. “Please don’t hurt Noah. He did nothin’ wrong. It was… it was all my fault.” I said defeated and sad. “Rose just forget about me” Noah said, “I’ll be fine. You go live your life. You deserve it Rose. You may not know it but youse has helped me through many things these past 9 years. Youse helped me grow and you’ve shown me what it’s like t’ have a true friend who cares for you. Please don’t go back t’ that awful life. You don’t deserve it you deserve t’ be love and not cared for by some jerks who beat you every day just for who you are.” My father kicked his back making him fall; hit is face on the ground, and wince in pain. “Oh wow that’s so sweet boy,” my mother said. “But you’re wrong. No one loves you Rose. And no one ever will. If you go t’ Manhattan you’ll just come crawling back to us, beggin’ us t’ bring you back in.” My mother said with an evil cackle. My mother started to move closer t’ me and try and grab me but Noah grabbed her leg t’ make her fall. For that, my father kicked him straight in the stomach. Noah let out a cough and said “Run Rose run!” I was in shock of what was happenin’ all I could was just stand there. “Now!” Noah said before failed attempt of tryin’ t’ block my father’s foot on connectin’ with his stomach. “But Noah I’se just can’t leave youse here. I can’t, I just can’t,” I said as tears rapidly flowed down my face. “R-rose please.” Noah said as blood dripped from his mouth. I took one last look at Noah and ran. Ran out of sight of my folks and hid. I look up from where I’se was hidin’ t’ see my best friend bein’ kicked and punched by the people who have tortured me my entire life. I could see the blood he was coughing up and that was dripping from his nose. I wanted t’ go help him. I wanted t’ save my best friend, my only friend from the torture I have endured for so many years.

My father gave one last powerful kick into Noah’s stomach and walked away from the bleedin’, barely breathing boy. Once I’se saw my folks were gone, Ise ran over t’ Noah and laid his head into my lap. “Noah…. Noah I’m so sorry. I’se didn’t know this was goin’ t’ happen. I’se didn’t know they’se was following us. This is all my fault. None of this wouldn’t have happened if I’se was more careful. It all my fault.” I said with tears drippin’ on Noah’s blood matted face. He lifted up this hand, held my face in it, and said “R-rose none of this was your fault. This w-was the risk that I was willin’ t’ take… for you. I d-didn’t care what happened t’ me, all I’se cared ‘bout was gettin’ you t-t’ a better place away from those horrible people.” With tears runnin’ down both of our face’s I just held Noah in silence for a minute until I said “Noah please don’t leave me. I need you. Youse is my only friend. The only person who loves me and cares ‘bout me. Please don’t leave.” Noah was coughin’ up more blood every minute. I knew I’se didn’t have much time with him left. With that I started to cry out for someone t’ help. Someone to come save him. “H-hey, hey R-rose its ok. S-stop callin’ for help, your p-parents might hear ya and come back.” He said and before he continued I said “But Noah I need someone t’ help you. T’ fix ya up” He weakly laughed and said “R-rose its t-t’ late for me. But it’s not t’ late f-for you. Youse can still have life. A life of freedom and a life free from the abuse of your parents.” I looked down and cryin’ some more said again, “Noah youse just can’t leave me not now. I’se still need you.” He wiped away my tears with his blood-matted fingers wiping some of it on my cheek. “R-rose y-youse don’t need me. Look how far y-youse have made it. You’re about t-t’ cross the Brooklyn Bridge to a new life that is all y-yours. That’s all you R-rose not me.” He said with a weak goofy smile on his face. “Noah youse helped me here. This all happened ‘cause of you. I am where I am t’day ‘cause of you. ‘Cause of everythin’ youse has done for me. Just please Noah don’t leave me.” I said with a sad and desperate tone. Noah’s eyes started t’ close. “R-rose. You are loved. S-someone will always care for you. Y-you will live a wonderful happy life.” He said smiling. Coughing up more blood, he said “Rose I will never leave you. I will always love you and will always here for you kid.” With that, Noah took his last breath. I held him as I felt him take his last breath. I just sat there and cried hugging his lifeless corpse sayin’ “Noah no. Please come back Noah please.” But he never woke up. I cried holding him. I gently set him down before talking one last look at the only person who loved me in this horrible world. And I looked at the Brooklyn Bridge and stood up. “I love you Noah” I said before walking towards the Brooklyn Bridge. I didn’t wipe away my tears. I didn’t wipe away the blood on my face. I just walked.

I walked and found an alleyway and collapsed on the ground and screamed out in agony. I heard footsteps coming towards me so I put my arms up in defense afraid of gettin’ soaked. “Hey kid. Is everythin’ ok? I’se heard ya cryin’ from across the way.” A boy said with a gentle tone. I look up t’ see a tall boy with beige pants, a blue button up, blackish brownish vest, a gray newsboy cap similar t’ mine, and a white cloth-like satchel around this shoulder. I whipped away my tears and nodded. “Youse got any home kid?” He asked. I violently shook my head no. He extended his arm to help me up and I flinched away. “Hey don’t worry Kid I’m not gonna hurt ya. Youse must have been through a lot.” He said lookin’ at my face with covered with tears and Noah’s blood and my own. I slowly reached my hand to the boy’s. As he was pullin’ me up, he said “The names Jack Kelly. Youse got a name kid?” He asked with a gentle smile. “M-my name is…..” I stuttered not wanting t’ tell Jack that I’se was a girl afraid of what might happen t’ me. “Well youse got a name kid?” Jack laughed. “M-my name is Notes.” I said with a shaky voice. Jack said with a happy smile on his face. “Well Notes welcome t’ Manhattan. Youse can stay with the rest of the newsboys in the lodge house.”

Well and that’s my story folks. Who knows what will happen next. I’se don’t even know. I’se know my story ain’t a happy ending. I’se wish it were sometimes too.

I hope you enjoyed Note’s backstory everyone! From here on I will try my best to make a chapter of the story from where the About Me left off. I really do hope you guys enjoyed and thank you so much for reading! I will try to post soon! ~ Sky

[courtneybella-blog1]

Education!

Education: Success lows and highs

As a young female writer I want my voice to be heard in different forms i.e. poems, novels, articles, speeches and blogs. I have a university degree in English literature and film studies because I enjoy reading, writing and exploring education. I graduated last winter from London south bank University and the whole experience was overwhelming, emotional and happy at the same time. All my life I have been told I wasn’t good enough by teachers and bullies at school. Recently I have been feeling low moods and depression because once again I don’t feel like I’m good enough because I have tried to get a job but still haven’t succeeded. Applying for jobs and writing cover letters and CVs is the easy part but not being able to get interviews is the hard part. I have been on less than 10 interviews today and I have been rejected from all. I’m either overqualified for reception jobs or underqualified for high paid jobs.

 Interviewer’s tell me I’m too young to work or I’m too nervous or have low confidence within myself and the most popular phrase is I need more experience and perhaps take on voluntary .As a young female in Britain today I feel misplaced everyday walking past the crowds of people rushing and catching a train or bus just to get to work on time. I’m always wondering when will it to be my time to work and gain the skills too. I need to feel like an adult and pay my own bills and purchase my own things instead of signing on at the job centre plus. The job centre makes me feel like I want to throw up every time I go there because the workers there undermine me for having a degree and not being able to get a job fast enough. I start shaking and I feel anxious so my brain shuts off and the room around me gets smaller meanwhile my chest is closing in on me. My work advisor is giving me homework assignments to find work and telling me to come in everyday meanwhile stress kicks in. My stress causes for me to get rashes, boils and my hair starts falling out and all I want to do is scream I cannot even pass the interview in order to get a job

It’s unfair that I studied for many years and still cannot get a decent job in a school, library, university or work for a media company which I’m really passionate about. I feel alienated from society because I barely have any friends and I’m single too. I cannot socialize in the real world without getting out my house and actually meeting new people. I have recently booked an appointment for counselling due to my depression and social anxiety. I don’t know who to talk to or confine in so I need to talk to someone about my failures and past and how it’s effecting my daily life. I spend hours and hours on my laptop everyday looking for work or talking to work agencies who invite me in for registration. I register with them and they promise within 2-3 weeks I will get a job but still no progression. I call and email them but still no reply or sometimes they will reply back and say my CV needs to be tailored more or my references haven’t been processed yet so it’s causes delays. Overall still no luck and now I feel like 2017 is not the year that I will shine. I look at my uni mates on social media via Facebook talking about job promotion and going on holiday and I end up feeling disparaged because I wish I was in the same boat as them. I have realised the world is full of rejection and nothing is easy but we have to keep trying as much as we can until we succeed. 

I feel like due to my dyslexia it stops my brain from functioning properly and during job interviews sometimes I mix up my sentences and I’m not clear either. Honestly being dyslexic does not make you less smart than the 30,000 students in your university. As a dyslexic student some teachers would knock my confidence by telling me I wasn’t intelligent enough to complete my SATs test. From the age of 8 and upwards I was made to feel like the other because of my academic progress being a little bit slower than other students around me who were favoured by teachers. I used to get bullied in primary school which made me less confident than other students. Children at school would be condescending towards me specifically due to my dyscalculia. I felt alone, unworthy and isolated from everyone and now that cold feeling is coming back to me.

I remember teachers often saying your a slow learner its ok or you need to read books that are easier for you to manage. There were times when I felt bullied by the teachers and students which makes everything harder. It feels like your draining in failure and sometimes as a person you are so ashamed of your poor academic performance that you hide it from your own family. Now I’m embarrassed because I’m jobless, penniless and I feel like nobody is willing to give me a chance to even train and employ me. I want other students to know they are not alone in this and that there is a way out. A student can succeed through hard work, determination, dedication and patience. Sometimes you work so hard and you still do not get the prefect result or job but you have to wait on God's right timing and his rewards. Patience is the key to great success and real success. You do not want to end up with money alone it’s important to love what you do because without love your dreams won't feel like you are flying it will feel like you are walking through life.

If you want to dream big and dream huge then it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of life. You do not need the prefect grades to make it in life all you need is knowledge, common sense and wisdom. As you can clearly see this world trains us to study for whole of our lives but at the end of the day by the time we finish with education we do not remember half of the things we learnt and it doesn’t benefit us when we are unemployed either. This world is built for capitalists to control Marxists through slave labour such as working your whole life doing to many hours whilst getting less pay. This is the time where I have realised maybe I might have to pack up soon and leave just to find work in other countries because I cannot possibly be unemployed for another year.

Lastly anyone out there who feels like there failing in school or finding a job isn’t possible right now just don’t give up. Sometimes getting grades isn’t good enough even though it’s an amazing feeling to succeed in school. I remember opening my letter and looking at my GCSE results and being amazed at my wonderful grades to then opening my first sets of A-level results and crying because I didn’t do as well as I was supposed to. Grades does not define who you are! A teacher can only try and determined your life between 9am until 3pm. They do not know you on a regular basis and they do not know your hidden talents.

A work place cannot define your life because they don’t know your knock backs or your personal growth. As a writer I have focused on finding my own voice amongst the billions of writers out there and honestly writing this article makes me feel free knowing someone else will read it and actually take it in like absorbing the sea. If your feeling low right now as a young person trying to find your feet in the world well you are smart, determined, focused and you are a champion do not let anyone rule you. The world is competitive and society teaches us to compete with each other like a race but everyone is running in their own race. We won’t accomplish what everyone else is accomplishing because everyone’s path is different. After all we weren’t all designed to be the same instead we are similar as humans but also different which makes individuals unique.

Don’t let anyone define you just because they believe there beneath you and of course ideology plays a huge part in terms of controlling people. Many successful people in the world have dyslexia or they did poor in school and trust me everyone has their own struggles too. Some people successful entrepreneurs are wealthier than their teachers and school mates who might have possibly put them down. Also remember no job is beneath you so if you find a quiet part time in the library and you are happy with it then smile until something better comes along. If you find yourself working as a receptionist or as a customer service assistant then smile because at least you are growing and building skills as an individual. If you find yourself stressed, overwhelmed and depressed because life isn’t going your way and you cannot find your feet than seek help from work advisors, therapists and anyone who can help and guide you in the right way.

I will not give up on my dreams even though it seems easy to quit too. My own focus right now is to try and apply for my masters whilst trying to find a part time job. I’m even afraid and hesitant to do my masters. Recently people have told me my degree doesn’t mean anything anymore or its doesn’t apply to a job advertisement especially when I apply for recruitment consultant which clearly say, NO EXPERIENCE  but anyone with any degree can apply. I have been turned down my many schools, offices, shops, libraries, media companies. Also even my own university rejected me when I applied for a one year’s paid internship as an engagement student officer.

All I wanted to do was get a job as soon as possible so I can help my mum with the bills and ease some stress off her. I feel guilty for being unemployed and now it’s really starting to affect me. I hope this article makes people realise that the working world is challenging and it’s very hard to get into but we cannot give up. We are the VOICE for the younger generation and it’s time to be heard. We aren’t quite as a mouse but we are roaring loud as a lion. We all need to work in order to earn money and buy a house, car and purchase stuff too and especially when we get married and have children a lot more expenses comes along the way. Lastly I appreciate all of the rejection and knock backs because in five-ten years from now the world will know me as a motivational speaker, writer, film maker and teacher to inspire people of all ages.

[splattershotsundae]

Better Eight Than Never--- Chapter 27: Lego my Eggo

~This chapter contains spoilers for the lego movie, but if you haven’t seen it by now you probably don’t care.~

“What the fuck is a lego?” Hachi asked, sitting down on the couch.

“Please don’t use that language when my parents are around...” Toda said quietly, then started to put the movie into the player. “They’re little plastic building block toys, the bumps on top help hold them together when you stack them. The humanoid-like ones are called minifigures, or just minifigs."

“Oh, that artificially created stuff.” She nodded. “Like some of your cups, and the bottles.”

“Yeah, that stuff.”  He said, then grunted and sat down in a chair. “Ready?”

“I suppose.”

Toda nodded, then started the movie, though… something was different about this one. It felt so three dimensional.

“Wait wait, did people draw this too?” Hachi asked, leaning forward a little.

“No, this is CGI.” Toda said, paused, then added. "Computer animated; they make virtual models of things on a computer and make them move a little bit at a time."

"Hm..."

This movie was moving much faster than the other one, there were already so many things to keep track of- did that guy just make birds out of the ground?  How? She gave Toda a bit of a confused expression, but he wasn’t paying attention to her. Wait, they just skipped ‘Eight and a half years’!? That was… She used her mask to calculate... 3094 shifts! That was such a long time, how could they just skip through all of that like it was nothing? At least they’d shown Simba getting older in the last movie! “Toda, what happened?”

“Hm?” He asked, looking toward her.

“What happened to the other guys? One of them got kicked into a chasm!” She exclaimed. “Wait, is the other guy on the television? Why?”

“It’ll all be explained.” He reassured. "Just keep watching."

“What’s a taco?” She asked.

“A taco is... well, it's meat, cheese, and vegetables inside a crunchy tortilla shell thing." A brief pause, then. "And tortilla is like a flat kind of bread."

“What are those things following that lady on the street?”

“Cats...” Toda said, sounding a bit irritated. "Small furry animals that some people keep as pets, they’re a bit hard to come by."

“I thought you squids didn’t sing while you worked.”

“We do in movies.”

Hachi sighed and slumped. This movie didn’t make any sense… The main guy, the construction worker, was just as he was supposed to be, following the rules, living a perfect life. Wait, he spotted a person in the ruins. Yeah, that’s right, report her.-- Wait wait wait, this person was a pretty girl, and he was getting distracted. “No no no, don’t break the rules...” She said quietly. “You’ll get in trouble…!”

It was hopeless, he tried to chase after her and instead fell into a rather painful pit. She cringed as he slammed into surface after surface, and then weapons. How was he even alive? And immediately once he’d landed he began to break the rules yet again. “WHY?” She demanded.

"It's for the sake of the story." Toda said with an amused expression on his face.

She was going to reply when a strange sequence of images flashed across the screen, and the protagonist woke up in some sort of prison facility. Her attention began to wane, but she yelped in fright when the person initiating the interrogation spun his head around to reveal another face. “AAHHH!” She screamed, then fell off the couch. Toda’s resulting chuckles made her scowl in frustration.

"That's one of the cool parts about them being based off the toys, you get to do stuff like that and it's not that out of place; some minifig heads do have two faces on them." He said.

“Yes, that’s very cool.” She muttered sarcastically.

“Sorry...” He mumbled, then turned his attention back to the TV.

What did he care? He’d just been making fun of her…

{“I’m not an evil mastermind, just ask my friends!”} Said the protagonist.

{“Oh, we did.”} Replied the officer.

Hachi paused a moment before sitting up and looking back up at the TV. Everyone that he’d been talking to earlier… didn’t even care about him.

{“Wait, does he work with us?”} {“A bit of a blank slate I guess.”} {“Everybody’s something and Emmett is… nothing.”}

She felt a twinge deep down in her chest. Did anybody even miss her back home…? Oz cared that she’d been left behind, right? Did anybody else even know she was gone? They couldn’t contact her… but had they even tried to? She wouldn’t be surprised if her mother had no idea she was going to die up here, it wasn’t like they even talked since she’d moved out… Her gaze dropped from the screen. Orion had turned out to be a backstabber... what about everyone else? Her hands clenched into fists and she stood up, running into the entryway. She took a few deep breaths, then sank to the floor and hugged her knees, trying to keep the tears from coming back. She didn’t need to cry two shifts in a row…

Eventually the sounds in the other room stopped, and she heard Toda unevenly hobble over to where she was sitting. “Hachi? Are you okay?” He asked.

“Go away.” She snapped.

"O... okay. Sorry… Should… Should I get Bato to come up?” He continued, in a horribly meek fashion.

“… Yes.” She croaked, a little mad at how weak she sounded.

“Alright.” He replied. She listened as he brought out that little phone and tapped quickly on the screen. “Okay, he’s coming.”

“… You have friends, right?” Hachi asked.

“Um...” Toda said slowly. “Yeah, of course I do. Why?”

“What would you do for them?” She continued. “What would you do if… for a random example, we took one of them underground, into a place you’d never even heard of. What would you do?”

“… That’s… a big question...” He said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “I mean… I’d try to get them back, of course… I just don’t know how.”

“… The pink one is Simon, right?” She asked. “Why… do they use ‘they’ pronouns exactly…?”

Toda inhaled sharply. “Well… That’s… a bit of a big question.” He glanced over his shoulder for a second, then sat down nearby. “See… um… your gender and your sex are not the same thing. When you hatch, you're 'assigned' a gender based on your sex, either boy or girl. And for some people, that's it, that's what feels right to them... but for others, it doesn't. Like, for example, someone who was assigned as a girl at birth might actually feel like a boy, or vice versa. But that's not the only way it works; gender isn't just two options, although some people-" He glanced towards the dining room again irritably, "-Like to try and insist that it is. It's a whole spectrum; some people might feel like something in-between the two, or something completely outside of that binary, or not like any of it at all. And that's all valid.”

Hachi thought about this for a second. “Those people must be pretty few and far between…”

“Not as few as you might think.” Toda said firmly. “Just because you’ve never heard of them doesn’t mean they don’t exist.”

“How many are there?” She asked. “Fifteen?”

He snorted and shook his head. “Fifteen probably doesn't even cover how many is in just this one city."

She froze. “… One city?… How many cities are there?”

“Um...” Toda paused, then pulled out his phone. “Hold on… There’s at least… 1,500,000 cities in the world.”

“… H… How many people are in this city…?”

“Last I heard there was around 37 million, why?”

Hachi opened up the calculator again, putting in an equation.

37,000,000 X 1,500,00 = 555,000,000,000,000

Five hundred trillion people!?!? That couldn’t be right!!! That how could there was what how why

“Hachi?” Toda was asking, gently shaking her shoulder. “Hachi, are you okay?”

She found herself laying face-down on the floor, she must have fainted. “… You can kill me now...” She said.

"... What?" Toda asked.

"I quit. I'm done." She continued. "That's it, that's too many. I... I-I… We’re all doomed, we stand no chance.”

"... Um... the 37 million count aren't all inklings, you know." He said. "Mostly inklings, I think, but there are other people living in this city, too. Like Jellyfish, and Shrimp, Tuna--"

"E... E-Even if th-that's... true, y-you said that there w-were at least a million cities, and.. I-I tried t... to do the... the m-math..." She stammered, so caught up in her conclusion that she couldn’t even understand what Toda said next. Her tentacles began to writhe in her hat as she felt herself break down. “I-I'm already dead, we've l-lost already we're going to be wiped out that's itwe'reallgoingtodiethere'snothingleftI-I-I-I"

“Whoa… H-Hey, take it easy...” She heard Toda say, a hand resting on her shoulder.

“T-Take it easy!?” She demanded, balling her hands into fists to keep them from shaking. “Y-You're the one who has it easy! Y-You're the one who has 'microwaves' and-and-and 'movies' and-and you can afford to spend all day fighting FOR FUN! Y-You don't have to worry that on a daily basis it's going to be the day you fuck up and die, you don't have to worry about a cave in, you've never been down there in an outage, y-you haven't seen what it DOES t-to people! We're DOOMED." She scrambled to her feet, then fumbled with the front door’s lock in an attempt to get it open.

"Hachi!” Toda yelped, grabbing her arm.

"Let go of m-me!" She snarled.

"Hachi, stop, you have to try and calm down.” He said.

"Why should I listen to you!?" She snapped as she tried to pull her arm free. “I’m doomed, I don’t care what happens anymore!”

"No, you're not." He said quietly but urgently, his grip on her arm quite firm. "But if my parents catch us like this then we'll both be. We could both get in trouble, especially if they see what you really are. Please, take a moment to calm down before they get suspicious!"

She paused, looking him in the eye. She almost felt like she could stay. Maybe she would actually survive if she stayed up here… in the world of squids. The last of her kind. What sort of existence was that? She had a chance to save all of them if she went back home… if she told them they were outnumbered. “… Tell Bato I say goodbye.” She said softly, then lashed out her leg twice, kicking him once in the leg, and once at the groin. He let go immediately and crumpled into a ball on the floor, looking very in pain. She almost felt bad, but she told herself it was the only way she could escape. She undid the lock, and ran out into the hall. She’d done it, now she just had to take the elevator down to the lobby, and she’d be free. For real this time. She smashed the down button on the elevator, just in time for the doors to open and reveal…

Bato.

That’s right, he’d been coming up to check on her.

For a second, the both of them were motionless, though Hachi’s brains felt like they were churning at mach speed. When she’d tried to escape last time, Bato’d beaten her to the lobby, there must be another way down. She turned her head a little, and her mask locked onto the word ‘stairs’ on a door a short way down the hall.

There we go.

She barreled toward the door, grabbing the handle and flinging it open as fast as she could. She heard Bato calling after her, but she wasn’t about to slow down now. The stairs were concrete, and went back and forth to head downward toward the bottom floor. Even running this far had left her back screaming at her, she didn’t have many choices to progress onward. She ran down the stairs, skipping as many as she could, though the momentum caused her to slam into the wall whenever they reached a switchback.  She couldn’t let it get to her, she had to escape, no matter what. Her entire species depended on her. They might not care about her, or even acknowledge that she existed, but they needed her!

She kept up fairly well, but it was on the third floor landing that her back finally gave out on her, sending her crashing to the floor and smacking the mask against the floor.

[Error: cloaking transmitter offline]

Of course…

“H-Hachi!” Bato called, she could see his feet coming into sight out of the edge of her vision, and then felt him pin down her arms. It was all over… "What... why are... what's going on?" He asked her between gasps.

She shudder, then she sobbed, unable to hold back any longer. “J-Just kill meee-eee...”

"... What?" He said, sounding startled. He knelt down beside her, still holding her arms. "Why do... what... Hachi, what's the matter?"

She sniffled, then turned her head away from Bato and had her tentacles pull her hat down over her eyes so he couldn’t see her mask. "Y-Your kind o-outnumbers... U-Us a m-mi-’ She stopped to gasp for air. “-llion t-to one... Th-There's no hope."

"Where did you hear that?" He asked.

"S-Squid-hat" She said. “T-Toda.”

“Toda? Calm down a little, alright? Then you can try to explain what happened...” Bato reassured, rubbing her arm.

“There’s no point, w-we’re all d-d-d-dead already...” She sobbed.

"... Hachi, I'm completely lost here." He said quietly. "I don't know what happened. What did he say exactly?"

She took a deep breath, trying to get her thoughts in order. “H... He said th-that there a-are 37 m-m-million p-people in this city... A-And there are e-easily a m-million... c-cities… That’s t-t-trillions o-o-of you… N-No army w-we can manage can take a-a-all of you on, w-we'll die t-t-trying."

"... Oh..." His grip tightened on her shoulder a little. "Okay... yeah, there are 37 Million people in this city, and there are hundreds of thousands of cities spread out over the world, but there aren't 37 Million people in every one of those cities. There aren't nearly that many people in the world, believe me; I'm pretty sure Inkopolis has the highest population of people in the world right now, and by quite a bit too. There are only a few billion people in the whole world."

“’O-Only a few billion’” She muttered. “H-How can you say that s-s-s-so easily, this c-c-city alone outnumbers my people!”

There was a long pause. “How many octolings are there?”

Hachi swallowed. By now what further harm could she do? She pulled up the last update she’d had on the Octoling population count before she’d been cut out of the system. “… There are 636,752... That's all of us. Children, elderly, my defective ass... I-it's all in that number..." She sobbed. "And we're all going to die." 

"... Wow..." He said, trailing off.

"... The domes are breaking down." She said slowly. "And we can't come up here... There's nothing we can do. What’s the point?"

“Maybe... maybe they figured something out while you were up here? Or they're close to figuring something out? You never know." He said, sounding reluctant.

"... They don't know how many of you there are..." She whispered.

"I'm... I'm sure they have some sort of plan for if they get outnumbered." He tried.

"Just stop." She replied. "I'm not alright." She turned to look at him, tentacles snaking out to lift the hat and the mask up so she could look him directly in the eyes. "You're just saying that so I'll go back upstairs with you. It's not happening. I either go home or I die."

He held her gaze, then looked away with a sigh. “We can’t let you go home. And you’re not dying either.”

“I know...” She sniffled, tentacles wiping away her tears.

“Wait, how did you get your mask?” Bato asked, frowning.

She glanced away. “… I pretended I went to the bathroom when you made breakfast. The domes have locked me out of the mainframe, I’m not t-telling them anything...”

He nodded a little, still frowning, then said, "I don't suppose I could ask you to give it back anyway? After yesterday... well, you remember what happened. And anyway, you can't really just walk around with that thing on, even with your tentacles hidden it'd still be too much of a giveaway; it's too different from anything we have."

Her tentacles wrapped around her mask instinctively. “Bato, this mask is a huge part of my… life, my… culture. It’s… I shouldn’t have expected you to understand… My entire life is saved on here… Every picture I’ve ever taken… A log of every shift I’ve worked, it’s everything I have left… let me have this one last piece of myself… I swear, I can’t contact home, let me keep It in my pocket...”

He stared at her for a long moment, then sighed. “Fine. You can keep it in your pocket. But you are going back up there."

"I don't like Toda, and I hate his parents, you aren't making me go up there." She scowled. "And what are you going to do if I don't, anyway?”

“Well I could probably drag you up there, that would hurt a lot.” He pointed out. "But we don't really have a choice; you can't stay at my place again, my Moms are getting suspicious enough as it is."

"If you take me back, I will take off my hat in front of them." She threatened.

"That would be more dangerous for you than it would be for either of us." He told her. "We could always say we didn't know."

“You think I care anymore?” She scoffed. "Either way the sirens would hate you for letting it happen."

He sighed, rubbing his forehead, "Look, if there was another option right now, I'd consider it, but there really isn't. You can't come back to my place, and I don't think the twins are up to watching you tonight either, and it's really too late to be making that trip anyway. It's late enough you could probably tell Toda's parents that you want to go to sleep and they'd leave you alone."

She paused for a moment. “… I kicked Toda where it hurts, I’m not going back up there.”

"... You what?" He frowned at her.

"I had to get him to let go of me." She continued to mutter. “Another reason I can't go back."

"You don't have a choice." He told her again through gritted beak. "We'll come up with some excuse."

"Would you like the same treatment? I'm not scared of you." She huffed.

"And nor I of you," He replied, glaring at her a bit.

She grunted, then started to sit up. “Then let's go a round, see who comes out with less bruises! It’ll be just like back at the soldier academy!"

“I didn’t go to a soldier academy.” He said, keeping her arm firmly held behind her back. “Besides, your back is still hurt.”

“I don’t care!” She snapped, then tried to pull her arm away. However, his grip was firm, and her other arm was secured as well.

"Hachi, just give it up, please.” Bato said with a sigh. “As much as I wish there were, there isn't another option, you HAVE to go back up there."

"Stop! Being! So! Damn! Nice!!!" She shouted. “Insult me for fucking once!”

"I don't think I could come up with anything good enough, you've already set the bar fairly high." He said.

“So you don’t have any insulting customs either? How boring do you even get, you disgusting casserole masher!?” She demanded.

"You see? That's what I mean." He said, almost like he was trying to hold back any sign of amusement.

“How will you get better if you don’t try, huh!? Hit me where it hurts!” She said.

He sighed a little, shaking his head. "Fine, if you insist, beluga breath."

“With feeling, you blasted bobfin!” She huffed.

He rolled his eyes. "You know, I'm pretty sure most people up here wouldn't ask to be insulted like this, mudfish mouth." He commented.

“Back home I wouldn’t have to grubby fingers.” She pointed out, letting her tentacles take off her mask.

He raised an eyebrow. "So you all insult each other on a regular basis, then... twisty tentacles?"

She nodded a little. "Yeah, it's normal you moldy cricket, and thanks for the compliment."

He chuckled a bit.  "I'm trying my best here, you little worm."

She couldn’t help it, she laughed quietly as well. “I’m not sure what I expected from a dimwitted hogfish. I need one of my hands.” She waggled her mask using her tentacles.

He chuckled again. "I told you that you set the bar pretty high." He hesitated for just a second, then let go of one of her arms, grip still firm on the other. "You'd better not try anything, little miss cod."

"Well I don't feel comfortable with you putting your hands in my pockets, vile teuthida." She replied, taking the mask and replacing it with the sunglasses.

"Eh, fair enough. Can you stand alright?" He asked. “You ah… simple-minded goldfish.”

"I.... I don't know. I fell hard, my back hurts as much as if I looked at your ugly face." She said, straying away from name-calling.

He sighed a little, shaking his head, "Just as it was starting to get better, too. Whatever happened to taking it easy, huh?" He slowly started to stand, though he was taking it slow enough that he wouldn’t hurt her. It was strange, the lengths he’d go for an enemy… If they both hadn’t been dragged into this situation, would they even be enemies?

“I… I panicked.” She said, managing to stand, though she felt a little bit of ink trickle down her back.

"I'll take a look at it again once we get back up there." He told her as he kept her upright.

Hachi groaned. "I never said I'm going back up there… But I am..."

"Yes, yes you are." He replied.

She glanced at him, then feigned a horrified expression. “Ahhh, my eyes! It’s unbearable!” She said, breaking into laughter by the end of it.

He laughed a little as well. "Hey, you're not exactly easy on the eyes either, I hope you know." He said as he began to take her to the 3rd floor elevator. “You got an apology yet?”

“I’m working on it...” She admitted. “We were watching a movie… And I sort of want to finish, even though it’s a bit… strange.”

“Oh? Which one?”

“The ‘lego’ movie. You… want to join us?”

“… Yeah, I think I would.”

Saturday: Blackbelly Skatepark Sunday: Flounder Heights A failure Monday: Camp Triggerfish  Picked up a new ‘friend’ Tuesday: Rainmaker I need a break… Wednesday: Break Did not get a break. Thursday: Real break. We’ll just have to train extra hard tomorrow. Friday: Kelp Dome Saturday: Game on

Bato and Toda are Knitter’s characters

Hachi and Simon are Shuckle’s characters.

Splatoon belongs to Nintendo.

Please consider liking or reblogging if you enjoyed, it’s nice to know we’re doing things right.

Shuckle has a patreon if you would like to provide additional support!

[<PREV] [INDEX] [NEXT>]

[jintheawkward]

one, two, three, jump

pairing: 2seok (Seokjin | Hoseok)  words: 3745 summary: Hoseok found himself trapped on the top of a 70m tall platform and it was all Jeon Jungkook’s fault.  

ao3

All the screeching and creaking of the cabin sounded much more horrifying than the special effects that had echoed through the walls of the haunted house Jungkook had once dragged him into. Hoseok had almost passed out from screaming his lungs out that time before a very flustered ghoul had had to escort him out. So it wasn’t an exaggeration by any means to say that he currently felt like he was about to die from a panic attack. And then he would actually die for real because that’s what happens when you jump from seventy meters, attached to a cord or not.

As the old shaky lift, which had definitely seen better days, was slowly squeaking its way up the jumping platform, Hoseok prayed to all the saints to either make it out alive, or to let his end be quick since his pain tolerance was even lower than his drinking stamina which on the scale from one to ten was already a poor 3.

Honestly, he should have known better than making any bets with Jungkook whose existence was solely based on winning and making the rest of the world suffer. However, forcing Hoseok to use his bungee jumping voucher he had won in the dance fest raffle last month (and had sworn to never use) was a whole new level of cruelty. If there was any justice in the world, Jungkook would at least wake up with a giant zit on his forehead the next day.

“You okay?”

Being at his wits end, Hoseok nearly forgot about the other man, who was taking a ride up with him up to relieve his colleague from his shift. Yoongi, as the nametag on his black staff T-shirt read, had wearily slumped down in the corner with a furrow between his brows as soon as they had entered the lift. There was something unsettling about the fact that this person was supposed to be in charge of his safety later.

Since Hoseok didn’t trust his voice enough, he just nodded in response.

Yoongi glanced at him briefly, obviously not buying it at  all. “There’s no need to be nervous.” He looked like he was about to add something more, but opted for silence instead.

Soon enough, the lift came to a grinding halt, reaching its final destination and Hoseok’s first stop to hell. The loud thumping in his ears got even louder, while he stood rooted to the spot with his eyes shut close and hands clutching at the door, his legs refusing to make a single move and step out of the cage just as his instinct of self-preservation kicked in.

“Hello, and welcome to BH Top!” Someone called out friendly, but Hoseok’s current state of mind didn’t allow him to even lift his head, not talking about reciprocating the greeting with the same amount of cheerfulness. The tone of their voice, however, altered with the following words. “Thank God you’re here, Yoongi, I’m starving.”

Launching himself off the wall and leaving Hoseok behind, Yoongi let out a scoff. “When are you not, hyung.”

“Well, I’m sorry my body isn’t able to survive only on litres of black coffee and sarcastic comments like someone else’s.”

“Is that why you are always broke? One day, hyung, you will have to sell your kidney on the black market to satisfy your bottomless stomach.”

“Luckily enough, I will still have the other one. And possibly another pair in reserve if you keep annoying me,” said Yoongi’s co-worker, not going down without a fight and letting the younger man had his final word. “Okay, I’m going for lunch now. I will send Namjoon up in a bit, since Taehyung is going to be done for today soon too.”

“And where is he now?”

“Napping like a baby.”

“Taehyung? Napping?

“I refused to give him any sweets since he always gets even more jittery.”

“Being trapped with him in close space up in the air, I’m not quite sure which one of these is worse – Taehyung high on sugar, or on the contrary, Taehyung deprived of it.” A pause followed. “Tell Namjoon to hurry up.”

“Hopefully he won’t hurt himself in the process of doing so,” sighed the other man.

There was a sound of footsteps coming in Hoseok’s direction, and when Hoseok dared to crack his eyes open, a pair of sneakers with rosy shoelaces came into a view.

“Is everything alright? Do you need any help?”

Knowing that having a conversation with someone else’s laces was just plainly rude, Hoseok looked up at the stranger and if he wasn’t already holding on to something, he would flop down right on his butt. The man in front of him was breathtaking with his soft black hair falling into his shiny eyes, and a mouth straight from lip gloss commercials.

“Huh, no, I’m fine. Totally fine. Super fine. Super-duper totally fine,” Hoseok faltered a reply, suddenly remembering again where he was.

“Doesn’t seem so. Are you scared?”

“A little.” What a big fat lie.

“It would be okay even if you were scared a lot,” the guy offered him a faint smile, and be it any other day, Hoseok wouldn’t hesitate to come up with a time-proven pick-up line.

He drew in another shaky breath, realizing that the weird wheezing is actually coming out of him.

“Okay, I might be terrified to the extent where I think about my parents, the trip to Hawaii that I’ve never had enough money to realize, and about how embarrassing it would be to start crying now,” he laughed, even though there was nothing funny about the whole situation.

“You wouldn’t be the first or last one, so don’t worry about spilling some manly tears. Like, it’s completely normal to feel this way, to be afraid. Afterall, we’re having this conversation more than two hundred feet above the ground, which is quite overwhelming.” A pat of encouragement landed on his back when he groaned at the number. “But I can assure you that it’s completely safe and nothing will happen to you. Dozens of people per day jump at our place, and we have quite a lot of regulars. Moreover, all of us here are properly trained and licensed…”

The handsome instructor was going into more details about some statistics, safety locks, equipment and more numbers, which Hoseok tuned out because he was too busy going through all the possible scenarios of how this could go wrong. He was too young to leave this place for good, he hadn’t achieved anything yet, and now he was supposed to just painfully die?

“Look, I can’t force you to jump, because in the end it’s solely up to you. If you don’t feel like doing it, just don’t. There’s no shame in that,” the man said, his voice reflecting the perfect amount of affability, comfort and professionalism that probably coaxed people into trusting him with their lives. Hoseok would prefer for this warm angel to send him to death rather than the sardonic grim reaper who was resembling a snake the way he was yawning now. “I’m going down right now, so you can join me - it wouldn’t mean you’re less of a man or anything like that.”

“N-no, no, I have to stay and get done and over with this. You know, I’ve lost a bet and if I chicken out in the last minute, I won’t stop hearing the end of it.”

A look of sympathy and understanding flashed over the instructor’s face. Maybe he too had to deal with stupid friends on a daily basis. “Would it help if I jumped with you?”

“WHAT?” Hoseok exclaimed, his voice going at least an octave higher. “Is that even possible?”

“Sure, couple bungee jumping is quite trendy these days. We’re not a couple, of course, but you know… I could jump with you. That’s if you want me to.”

This time, Hoseok tried to keep his calm, swallowing the squeal tickling his throat. “And you would really do that?!”

“Well, my shift is over and I can’t wait to get something to eat. Actually, it’s the quickiest way down, so…” The instructor simply shrugged like he just had been asked to simply raise his hand.

“Okay, okay, cool.” There was nothing cool about Hoseok not only committing a suicide, but also sealing the fate of an innocent man who would otherwise have beautiful babies in the future. Or he may have already had a cute family? Jesus Christ, was Hoseok about to kill someone’s father?

A cough interrupted the train of his thoughts, the instructor clearing his throat and watching him with slight amusement. He motioned to the lift cage where Hoseok had decided to spend the rest of his life. “How about trying to get off first?”

“Give me a minute, maybe two?” Hoseok laughed in a way that should have been nonchalant but even to his ears, it sounded strangled and nervous. “Aaah, I don’t think I can do this.”

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. Take as much time as you need. You have a whole day.”

“Actually, …”

“Yoongi, shut up.” When the instructor snapped at his colleague, there was a warning attached to his words.

“Yeah,” Yoongi nodded and Hoseok found his forcefully penitent face funny. “Look, you made it all the way up here in that tremendous lift, which is already an accomplishment since that crappy thing is the real adrenalin adventure here. Like, the way down in that box is much worse.”

“What Yoongi is trying to say is that you’ve already come so far that it would be a pity to give up now.”

All of sudden, an echo of shouting cut through the air.

“HOBI HYUNG! ARE YOU UP THERE? IF YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE JUMPING, JUST FORGET IT AND COME DOWN. BUT HURRY UP! IM GETTING HUNGRY”

“SHUT UP, JEON JUNGKOOK!” Hoseok screamed in reply because what terrible person could think about his own stomach when his hyung was about to do the dumbest thing in his life and land flat on his face after a fatal fall.

Only Jeon Jungkook, that’s who.

“HYUNG, ARE YOU OKAY?!” This time, it was Jimin, the ever so sweet Jimin who unlike Jungkook at least had the decency to sound worried.

“NO!”

“Your friends?” Mr Angels-carved-my-face leaned over the railing.

“Not anymore,” Hoseok huffed, steeling himself for that one step forward. “Okay, I’ll just… Ah, no, it’s shaking.”

“It’s not, that’s fear messing with you. Here, hold my hand. I’m Seokjin, by the way.”

Despite his initial hesitation, Hoseok reached out, gingerly taking the offered hand in his and before he could make any sound, he was pulled out by a lean but strong arm. Then, a soft smile with crinkled eyes and a little hand squeeze soothed his trembling heart for a brief moment but it started to act crazy again once Hoseok focused on the man in front of him, drinking in all the beauty one can possibly possess.

“See, you made it. It wasn’t so bad right?”

Don’t look down.

That’s the golden rule for everyone with acrophobia. And everyone with a common sense would follow it.

Nevertheless, Hoseok was always a creature of emotion rather than of reason which is probably why he completely forgot about his fear of heights and did the most stupid thing he could possibly do.

He looked down.

And decided to lose the last piece of his dignity because, screw it, who cares about pride when coming face to face with Death?

“GODDAMMIT, IT’S SO HIGH, I HATE IT, I HATE IT, I HATE YOU JEON JUNGKOOK!”

“Calm down,” said Seokjin in a way that was both firm and comforting, not wincing a bit even though Hoseok was probably crushing all 27 bones in his hand while bursting into tears. Rubbing little circles on his back, Seokjin nudged him slightly to wear the prepared body harness that was currently lying at his feet. “Whenever you feel like stopping and not jumping, speak up.”

“Except for when you’re already hanging in the air – then you will have to suck it up.”

Seokjin, skillfully putting on the other harness, didn’t even bother to open his mouth this time, however, his silent frown probably carried the same amount of authority as his voice did since Yoongi licked his lips in what seemed like a regret.

“Right, ‘shut up, Yoongi’, I know.”

When Seokjin looked away from Yoongi back to Hoseok, he sighed as if ready to take care of another baby.

“Stop crying,” he said and wiped the tears on Hoseok’s face with his thumbs. He proceeded to tighten all the straps and buckles, pulling and checking on each one of them.  “Now, do you know what colors are burgers?”

“W-what?” Hoseok stuttered, glancing up at Seokjin through his glassy eyes. Okay, he might be the one having a panic attack right now but Seokjin actually might have been losing his mind. Was it the result of the thinner air up there?

“What color are burgers?” Seokjin repeated, fighting back the laugh and falling silent for effect afterwards. “Burgundy.”

Somewhere behind them, Yoongi grunted disdainfully, most likely rolling his eyes too. “Oh my god, hyung, you will make that poor guy cry even more.”

Truthfully, the joke was atrocious.

Even Hoseok’s father would rather cut his tongue out than being caught telling a terrible Dad joke like that one. And that already said something since his old man’s sense of humour was painfully bad and corny.

Nevertheless, lame or not, Seokjin sacrificed his image to put him at ease, for which Hoseok was grateful. So he smiled politely because that was the least he could do.

“Here, all set up,” Seokjin said and patted the harness. He looked up at Hoseok.  “I realize I didn’t even ask for your name.”

“Hoseok. But Hobi is fine.”

“Nice to meet you, But Hobi. Now, see that spot over there? The red zone?”

There was no need for Hoseok to check where Seokjin was pointing – afterall, he had been avoiding even glancing in that particular direction this whole time on purpose.

“You mean the one that kind of juts out and has no railing at the end,” he peeped.

“Yeah, exactly. How about we try to slowly reach it. You know, to get used to the view.”

A nervous laugh escaped his mouth. “I quite like it here.”

But once again, slender fingers were already wrapping around his wrist, pulling ever so slightly at his arm. Hoseok started to believe that it must have been some kind of magic that made him go pliant under Seokjin’s touch, following him blindly like a sheep.

“See? Pretty right?” Seokjin asked with a smile dancing on his lips as they came up to the edge. “The view is the most beautiful early in the morning, when everything is calm and silent.”

Hoseok didn’t really share the same excitement. “I can’t look there. I feel like throwing up everytime I realize how high it is.”

“You don’t have to look if you don’t want to. You can have your eyes closed the whole time.”

“Okay,” replied Hoseok with resignation, trying to calm down the jitters.

“What do you call a group of killer whales playing instruments?”

“I have no idea.”

“An Orca-stra.”

“That was really bad.”

Hoseok didn’t try to hide anymore how embarrassing and awful Seokjin’s old man jokes were since the instructor didn’t seem to really care, enjoying them sincerely on his own.

Once he stopped making the weird squeaky sound which Hoseok with amusement realized was the other man’s laughter, Seokjin fixed his eyes on him.

“Now, are you ready?”

“Aaah, just a moment, please,” Hoseok whined, breathing so rapidly it became hard to tell when an inhale ended and an exhale began. “Uhu, why am I even doing this. Mooom!”

“Come here. Right there. Fine, now, put your arms around my waist,” Seokjin said patiently, while stepping forward and carefully drawing Hoseok closer, which left the latter one speechless and staring wide eyed at him like an idiot.

Seokjin’s s hands were warm and calloused, yet soft and gentle. Everything about Seokjin was very soft and gentle to the extent that Hoseok only wished to burrow himself in all of that and die blissfully in peace.

“Great. Okay, I’m going to hug you, if that’s okay with you.” There was a little stammer in Seokjin’s voice as he cleared his throat. An odd feeling settled in Hoseok’s stomach and it spread a little when he noticed the red coloring Seokjin’s neck. “Um, you can lean on me. In case you feel like it.”

He chanted a quick series of yes yes yes in his head before embracing Seokjin more tightly, burying his nose in the cotton T-shirt which smelled faintly of sweat, deodorant and jasmine.

What kind of guy smells like a freaking jasmine?

When Seokjin raised his arms and put them around him, Hoseok couldn’t help but noticed how perfectly they fit together.

“Oh god, thank you for doing this. Like, if we survive this I’m going to pay for both your lunch and dinner,” Hoseok murmured into Seokjin’s shoulder, his words coming out a bit muffled.

Seokjin chuckled at that, the bubbly sound vibrating against his rib cage and directly blessing Hoseok’s ears. “I’ll take you up on that offer. Though, you have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

“Alright, people,” Yoongi grumbled to catch their attention. “Since it seems like you’re all ready, I’m going to count to three, and then on the jump part you’ll, well, you’ll jump. Any questions?”

“No,” Hoseok offered a quick but meek answer in fear he would change his mind. With his eyes shut, he firmly pressed his face against Seokjin’s chest and locked him in a more suffocating hug.

“One…” Yoongi gave off the impression of a sloth-like person, but damn, even his counting was frustratingly slow, each vowel drawn out like a sticky chewing gum. “… two… th-“

“Ah, wait, wait!” A voice cried out with a hint of hysteria creeping in. Wait. His voice.

“Whenever you’re ready,” Seokjin hummed and he began to rub his back soothingly when Hoseok mustered the courage to peek over the edge of the platform, the remaining confidence vanishing into thin air when met with the wide lake stretching underneath them, the clear water sparkling in the noon sun.

“What did the late tomato say to the early tomato? ... I’ll ketch up.”

“Jesus,” Hoseok sighed in surrender. “Fine, uh, fine. Start counting.”

“One.”

Jungkook was a dead man for sure. Large doe eyes or not, for the sake of his own health and sanity Hoseok wouldn’t spare that demon seed.

“Two.”

It’s not like this is the perfect timing to have this kind of thoughts, but while Seokjin was unbelievably broad in the shoulders, the man had a slender, wasp waist - the finding of this adorable yet sexy contrast had Hoseok short of breath and his head spinning.

“Three.”

Dad, Mom, noona, Mickey, I love you.

“JUMP!”

He let out a murderous shriek when he lost the ground under his feet as Seokjin squeezed him and took the leap, both of them diving in the air as if going into a tailspin. His scream died in his throat, the strong pressure silencing him and the wind swallowing all the sounds around.

As soon as the first wave of shock had subsided, a strange mixture of sensation and fear washed over Hoseok as they were flying down, falling headfirst. However, before he could marvel in the feeling more, they were launched in the air by the spring force as the cord pulled back on them.

As if the abrupt yank unscrewed an invisible cap, all the emotions that had been bottled up inside him made their way out in the form of inconsolable and never-ending yells and shouts of fear and hysteria. Dangling like a rag doll in the wind, he screamed and screamed until his voice gave out.

A hand came up to his head, gently stroking his hair. Not stopping with the caressing, Seokjin rested his chin on top of his head. “Hey, it’s okay now. It’s okay.”

Hoseok was aware of the wet traces left on his cheeks, as well as of more tears pricking at the corners of his eyes and his runny nose. Nonetheless, he leaned against Seokjin and breathed in the delicate flowery smell that seemed so familiar and calming now. He didn’t think Seokjin would care about the disgusting evidence of Hoseok’s mental breakdown staining his T-shirt that much, but Hoseok knew a perfect dry cleaner’s if the other man eventually did mind.

“The last thing I think about now is food, but I guess, I owe you a lunch, if you still feel like eating. I definitely am not,” Hoseok croaked once he found his voice and the rope stilled enough for him not to go mad again. If he put his imagination into work, it was almost like swinging on the tyre back at his parents’ house.

“Meet me few times more and you will realize that words like ‘lost appetite’ aren’t in my vocabulary,” Seokjin said meaningfully, while getting childishly excited. ”Moreover, there’s nothing better than fresh air and exercise for a starving stomach.”

“If I knew there would be a hot instructor to jump with me, I would voluntarily replace Hobi hyung,” said Jimin, his mouth unconsciously forming a little sulky pout as he eyed the couple fooling around few steps in front of him.

Seokjin, as the instructor introduced himself, was now telling one of his too many cheesy but in a certain way funny jokes while furiously flapping his arms. It only resulted in Hoseok playfully nudging his hip, the wave of their laughter immediately filling the air.

Life wasn’t fair and Hoseok was a lucky bastard who’d just scored a sort of lunch date with a gorgeous human being that was way out of his league, no offense. Jimin couldn’t help it but kicked a pebble on the pavement.

Meanwhile, Jungkook shrugged and took a loud slurp of his tea, the ice already melted thus the drink getting too warm and disgusting for his liking. A mischievous grin tugged at his lips which released the straw in a seemingly lazy manner. “There might be another stunning dude up there. Wanna bet and jump, hyung?”

“Screw you, Jungkook.”

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS 121

someone give these kids a fucking break

[[cont from part 120]]

 Patty: "..." *looks down at the ground* "..."

liz: patti?

Patty: "Sis..." *looks up, tears in her eyes*

liz: !?

-elsewhere-

???: "You loose woman. You insult me."

tamaki: *groans*

???: "You have a lot of nerve to model yourself after me."

tamaki: what? hello?

*a giant cat's eye, on fire, looks down at her*

tamaki: GAH!! *panting* ......

*there's a cracked mirror from this underground mall, reflecting her image back at her*

tamaki:.........*winces* o-ow.....*weeps* i never....asked for this.....

*in front of her is a mannequin, knocked down, with a jacket on it*

tamaki:.....*takes the jacket and puts it on* t-takeru?

*outside...is a bloodbath...it looks like someone exploded in here*

tamaki: takeru? takeru?! take-

Takeru: *collapsed, back against the wall, bleeding out...his right arm is severed*

tamaki: !!! h-hold on! w-we'll stop the bleeding-

Takeru: "Tamaki...Stop. I can't move...I can't feel my leg...Is it gone?"

tamaki: *looks*

*it looks like his foot was taken off...*

tamaki:....w-we're getting you out of here-

Takeru: *laughs* "No...I'm too big to carry. You need to go on."

tamaki: dont be stupid! t-there's people still waiting for you!

Takeru: "...Tamaki...I'm glad you witnessed...You can tell the others what I did...Mom...Dad...Patty...Hajiki...Honda...Hito...I wish I could see them...and the farm..." *crying* "I'll have to be satisfied here...a potato in the dark..."

tamaki: you're not a potato, you're human, dammit!

Takeru: "..." *he's not moving...the jacket he has on looks lifeless...*

tamaki:...no....i cant....let someone else die.....i cant.......why cant i do anything?

*chittering*

tamaki:....

*a horde of Zom-fernals emerges...including a headless Hajiki*

tamaki:.......*flame tails, dead eyes* .....

Zom-fernal!Hajiki: *tongue slaps out as it lets out a roar, rushing at Tamaki*

-elsewhere-

Petra: "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust--"

*SHOT*

Petra: "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust--"

*BANG BANG*

Petra: >_<# "ASHESTOASHESDUSTTO--"

Takigi: *bang bang at every Infernal* "I'm up to 14."

Petra: "THIS ISN'T A COMPETITION, YOU JERK!"

Takehisa: *curves one bullet to take out 5 in a row* "...Ratomu."

soldier: what the hell are these things??

Takehisa: "If I hazarded a guess, these are the reanimated remains of fallen soldiers and explorers, controlled by that one Hood with the ability to resurrect the dead as multi-core Infernals. Only she didn't bother combining them again--how odd."

Takigi: "ODD?! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU FREAKS IN THE 8TH ENCOUNTER ON A DAILY BASIS?!"

zom-fernal: GUOOOOO!!!

Takigi: "!!!" *shoots at it*

Petra: *hides behind a pillar, clutching her book* "D-Damn..."

Takigi: "...Hinawa. Have you kept Maki safe?"

Takehisa: "..."

{Takehisa: "Maki, get in front and block the oncoming attack."}

{maki: got it!}

{*the fireballs come at Maki, looking like screaming skulls*}

{maki: HYAH!}

Takehisa: "Of course I have. I've positioned her as our human shield to cover us."

Takigi: "... ... ..."

*Takigi's brain imagines something completely different*

Takigi: "YOU'RE TREATING MY SISTER LIKE A PIECE OF MEAT?!!!"

Petra: "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, FOCUS ON US NOT DYING, YOU TWITS!"

zom-feral: *charges at them*

Petra: *screams, tries to crawl away--*

Takehisa: *fires at the Zom-fernal*

Takigi: "Shit!" *grabs Petra by the habit, shoving her behind the pillar*

Petra: "WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GRABBING!" *shoves him*

Takehisa: "Please, focus."

Petra: "I WAS JUST SAYING THAT TO YOU!"

Takigi: "It's your fault! How dare you talk about my sister in such prurient ways!"

Takehisa: "???"

-BWOOOOOM-

*a flame engulfs the entire station--and those still there--*

Takehisa: "?!!!"

petra: w-what the hell?

Takigi: *has dispersed the flame with just the swipe of his hand* *looks around...there are charred corpses everywhere*

petra: what- what did you-

Takigi: "I used my pyrokinetic ability. Duh. Shouldn't you be used to this kind of thing..." *staring at the remains*

petra: actually, im a newer recruit. the 8th needed more nuns, so i joined along with rita.

Takigi: "That's it? No better reason for throwing in with these weirdos?"

petra:.....

{young!petra: grandpa, could you show me the clock again?}

Takehisa: "Even with this shield, I can't see through the remaining flames--"

*a giant metal hand wraps around his neck, slamming him into a nearby pillar*

petra: captain!!

Takigi: *fires shots at the giant man*

???: FOOL! do you have any idea who i am?!

-WHACK-

petra: GRK-

*Takehisa is swung at Takigi and Petra, crashing into them*

Takehisa: *tries to get up, scurries away behind a pillar while firing*

Takigi: "Run!"

???: GRAHAHAHA! YOUR PUNY BULLETS WONT AFFECT ME, SURFACE TRASH!! FOR I AM THE INPENETRABLE, IMPERMEABLE, IIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRROOOOOOOON!!!!

Takehisa: *firing more shots* "I thought only dumb knights like Arthur shout out their names..."

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *slices an Infernal apart--then sneezes--and his swing slices through another one*

-elsewhere-

iron: BWAHAHAHA! your shots are nothing more than a mere mosquito bite to me!

Takehisa: "Incredible--our bullets did no damage to their skin or armor."

Takigi: *shielding against Iron's flames* "Get behind me--I'm not done interrogating you about my sister."

petra: *holding her forehead* nghh...d-damn...

Takehisa: *gulps* *keeps firing at Iron*

iron: HEHEHE! THAT TICKLES! UROOOOOGH!!

-elsewhere-

*a corpse lies on the ground*

shinra: *panting* (come on shinra, get it together! now isnt the time to panic!) *peeks from behind an old snack booth* (are they still alive?)

*it doesn't look like anyone is moving...*

shinra: *tries to steady his breathing*

{Konro: *eyes closed in meditation...then he opens them* "Shinra, your breathing is a little shallow. Something on your mind?"}

{shinra: yeah, you could say that...}

{Konro: "That's fine--every thought you have is something you can't ignore. In the battlefield, you can't afford to ignore anything. But rather than push away these thoughts..."}

{shinra:.....}

{*an image comes to Shinra's mind, a feather, like the kind when fighting Sho--*}

{Konro: "Touch it, like a feather..."}

{shinra: !!}{Konro: "??? Something wrong?"}

{shinra: n-nothing...just thinking...}

{Konro: *smiles, nods* "Well, back to work?"}

{shinra: y-yeah...}

*something is near Shinra...*

shinra: !!!

*it's a centipede crawling on his shoulder*

???: "Found you."

shinra: YOU!!

*something slashes through the snack booth, tossing candy bars everywhere--a pincer, that moves to stab at Shinra*

shinra: GRK-

*the pincer keeps slashing at Shinra...it's dark in here*

shinra: SHOW YOURSELF, GIOVANNI!

*The good doctor steps out, lit by a broken ceiling lamp*

Giovanni: "It is good to see you again, Shinra Kusakabe."

shinra: you had your hand in this, didnt you?

Giovanni: " 'A hand'?" *laughs* "Shinra, I put my entire body into all that I do."

shinra: *CHARGES AT HIM*

Giovanni: *BLOCKS*

shinra: you piece of shit, we arent just going to sit back and let you turn this planet into a sun!

Giovanni: "Oh, I'm sure you won't--not when there's still your brother to retrieve."

shinra: *growls* WHERE'S SHO?!

2nd Company Soldier: "Kusakabe!" *runs towards Shinra* "Thank goodness I found--"

*STAB*

shinra: !!

*it's...a bug's leg that stabbed into the Soldier...and it's coming off of Giovanni!*

shinra: what...the hell even are you?

Giovanni: "I am the next step in evolution."

Soldier: *screaming*

soldier 2: what the hell is that?!

soldier 3: oh hell no, i did NOT sign up for this bullshit!

Soldier 4: *fires shots at Giovanni*

Giovanni: *leaps, crawling on the ceiling like a roach*

shinra: look out!

Giovanni: *stabs a pincer into Soldier 2's neck*

soldier 2: GKR- *collapses*

Giovanni: *sends his pincer at Soldier 3--*

-BLOCK-

shinra: *GLARE*

Giovanni: *laughs* "I see my new eyes can't keep up with your legs."

shinra:...everyone, get to safety!

Giovanni: "Worry about your own safety." *something slithers out of Giovanni's neckline*

shinra: ????!!!!

Giovanni: "How do you like my coremata? Found in numerous insects, it detects pheromones released by humans. It helps me predict human movements and even emotions."

Giovanni: "MARVELOUS, IS IT NOT?! THESE INSECTS, THAT ARE REALLY ALIENS FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION--"

shinra: im not here to hear about your scy-fy channel original feature lectures!

Giovanni: "Hmph." *strikes with more pincers*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *stands atop a mound of Zom-Fernals* "As your monarch, I will protect you, my subjects!"

heckler: you alright?

Heckler's Assistant: Q_Q "We need to retreat!"

Arthur: "..." *STUNNED* "And now, as your king--I must abandon you." *runs away*

heckler: D8

Heckler's Assistant: "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Zom-Fernal: *stares, confused as well* "WAH?"

heckler:...soldiers, im giving a new order; RUN FOR YOUR LIIIIIIFE!!!

Heckler's Assistant: "?!!! EEEK!" *picks up a shovel, slicing the Zom-Fernal's head off*

Zom-Fernal's Head: -_____- *lands in a soldier's hands*

-elsewhere-

Giovanni: "How disappointing--you fell into our trap. If you were my student, you would've seen this coming."

shinra: *kicking at him*

Giovanni: "You still can't even land one hit on me--" *strikes a pincer--*

*SLICE*

Giovanni: *screams, retracting his sliced pincer*

shinra: what?

Arthur: "Fear not, Demon--the King has returned."

shinra: how did you get here so fast?!

Arthur: "I cut ties with my subjects and abandoned them like so much dead weight."

shinra: SOME KING _YOU_ ARE!

Arthur: "They're probably fine."

-elsewhere-

Heckler's Assistant: "THAT MOTHERFUCKING LITTLE TWIRP!" *slamming a shovel against another Zom-Fernal*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *looks* "...Wait, it's him again?"

shinra: he's a persistant son of a bitch, that's for sure

Giovanni: *chuckles* "Well, well...This just improved my situation."

-elsewhere-

Takehisa: *BANG BANG BANG*

iron: UROOOOOGH!!!

Takehisa: "Takigi, Petra, get back--"

-SLAM-

Takehisa: *groans, slammed by Iron into another pillar*

Takigi: "Unbelievable..." *tries to get in front of Iron*

iron: HUUUUOOOOOGH!!

Takigi: *swings his arm, dispersing Iron's latest blast*

Takehisa: *uses the distraction to fire more shots at Iron's shoulders*

iron: BWAHAHA! useless! useless useless useless useless!

Takehisa: "I'm surprised--they're bulletproof."

Takigi: "Really? What was your first clue? Either your aim is bad, or you're slow to figure that out. Or maybe it's your eyesight. After all, you couldn't see how unqualified Maki was for the job you recruited her for."

Takehisa: "..."

petra: !!! how dare-

-PRSSSSST-

iron: MARTENSITE!

Takehisa: "That's it--a 3rd-generation..."

petra: captain?

iron: FOOL! this suit isnt the _only_ thing made of iron!

Takigi: "Yeah, like that thick head of yours..."

iron: WHAAAAAT?!

Takigi: "I said you probably have nothing between your ears except scrap metal, you dumb, stupid neanderthal."

iron: YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT, LITTLE MAN! MARTENSITE!

Takigi: *ducks*

petra: i think his ability is heating up iron and then cooling it down, increasing the toughness.

Takigi: "Incredible--Hinawa, I do not understand how the 8th gets dragged into facing such freaks and monsters!"

Takehisa: "Fighting monsters is part of firefighting."

Takigi: "ON WHAT PLANET IS THAT 'NORMAL' FOR A FIREFIGHTER TO FACE THIS--THIS THING?!"

petra: this seems fairly average by death city standards.

Takigi: "NO ONE WAS ASKING YOU, SISTER!"

iron: TAKE THIS! UOOOOOOGH! *FLEXES*

Takigi: "?!!!" *tries to dodge*

Takehisa: "Maki knew what she was getting into when she joined the Fire Force." *BANG BANG BANG*

iron: FUTILE! MY BODY IS INVINCIBLEEEE!!! *flexes more*

petra:....i really didnt need to see this today. -_-;

Takigi: -______- "Hinawa...How dare you subject my sister to all of this. I don't know what she sees in you."

Takehisa: "??? What do you mean? She saw an organization committed to protecting the lives of others."

Takigi: "Bullshit! I know Maki, and she is not someone who gets her hands dirty in a fight! She's my sister, and she is a sweet, gentle girl who would never get involved in this kind of a mess!"

Takehisa: "..."

{Arthur: "SAVE ME FROM THIS OGRE!"}

{Viktor: "SHE JUST SMASHED A HOLE THROUGH THE WALL!"}

{maki: WHO ARE YOU CALLING A GORILLA OGRE CYCLOPS!?!?}

{Vulcan: *filming this* "Oh, shit--she's going to do the pile-driver..."}

{Takehisa: "... ... ..." *staring*}

{Takehisa!Vision Maki: *bishie sparkles--as she wrecks Arthur*}

{Arthur: *PAINFUL SCREAMS*}

Takehisa: "I assure you: there is _nothing_ gentle about your sister."

Takigi: "?!!! ARE YOU CALLING MY SISTER SOME ONE-EYE GORILLA CYCLOPS?!!!!!"

petra: they _are_ related....

Takehisa: "Uncanny."

Takigi: "Firefighters are supposed to save lives--but all the 8th does is rush into battle half-cocked! You just put people's lives at risk!"

Takehisa: *flinches*

petra: the 8th may have their odd quirks to them, but at least they arent whiny pretty boys with sister complexes!

Takigi: "?!!! H-How dare you! And I have a girlfriend!"

petra: somehow im inclined not to believe you.

Takigi: *swipes his hand, shielded off another flame* "With all due respect, Sister, you and the rest of these 8th Brigade Barbarians can go fuck yourself--and stay away from my family!"

petra: WHY DONT _YOU_ STOP BEING A CLOSEMINDED BRAT AND PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS?!

Takigi: "Fuck you! You in the 8th just care about fighting, fighting, fighting--"

Takehisa: "That's not true at all."

Takigi: ??!!

Takehisa: "Yes, many of us are battle-hungry...We've had to see those close to us die. But there are those of us who have other goals. Look at Petra. She wants to put the dead to rest. We may have different reasons for being here, but we are united by the common cause to protect others. That is what the 8th is for. And you should know that."

Takigi: "...I know. I know you lie. You are animals. You resort to violence. Have you seen how the other brigades treat you misfits? If you didn't have Hibana covering your ass, if you didn't have those culturally backwards Asakusa savages with you, you'd be the laughingstock of this city. A bunch of misfits in some dilapidated cathedral because you--are--all--a--bunch--of--animals--"

iron: RGGGGGGGH ENOOOOUGH! YOU _DARE_ IGNORE ME?!?!

Takehisa: "?!! Move!" *pushes Takigi and Petra back*

iron: TAKE THIS! MARTENSITE ULTRA!!

Takigi: *shields from flames again* "Even your opponents are monotonous. I was right to take Maki away from this hellhole."

petra: well arguing among ourselves is getting us nowhere, we need a plan.

Takehisa: *studying Iron's body* "...Right. I'll keep shooting at it." *BANG BANG BANG*

Takigi: "That's a plan?!"

iron: FOOL! I AM INVINCIBLE!!

*SWIIIIIIIIISH...*

iron: *SCREAMS OUT*

Takehisa: "...Well. Your body may be--but not your joints. Obviously those would be weaker as you strengthen the rest of your body."

Takigi: "... ... ...OH, COME ON!"

iron: *ANGRISH*

Takehisa: "I suspected so earlier, so I focused my shots on your joints until they weakened. You are finished, you villain."

iron: THIS IS NOT OVER! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF IR-

petra: oh shove off. *walks away*

Takigi: "This was so stupid..."

iron: DONT YOU WALK AWAY FROM ME!! RRRRRGH! *SCREAM-CRYING*

Takehisa: "...You're a looney."

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *tail whipping zom-fernals* ashes to ashes........return to the great flame.....ratomu....

Zom-fernals: *one falls, and another rises...*

Takeru: *not moving...*

tamaki: ....*tail whip*

*footsteps*

tamaki:......*glances*

*More Purple Smoke goons, their heads covered with hoods, stand at the end of the tunnel...*

tamaki: oh....so there's more of you, huh?

Purple Smoke: "...Wait...Where is Orochi?"

tamaki: who?

Purple Smoke: "...No...No, no way. She would've defeated someone like you. Where is she?"

tamaki:....over there....a little over there too....she went out pretty badly...hehe... *looks at them with a broken smile, her eyes dull and lifeless*

Purple Smoke: "..." *shoots a scorpion flame tail at her*

tamaki: he....hehehehe....

*The tail stabs at Tamaki--but disperses upon contact*

Purple Smoke: "?! Flame-proof skin? Is it a shield?"

tamaki: .....

Purple Smoke: "Well, if fire won't avenge Orochi..."

tamaki: *lunges at him*

Purple Smoke: *throws off his cloak, scorpion tail aimed at her*

tamaki: *CLAWS AT HIM*

Sasori: *dodges, before delivering a fist towards her face*

tamaki: *she hardly even flinches*

Sasori: "?!" ("What the hell is wrong with her?") *strikes his scorpion tail to her back*

*someone flies by--his head colliding into Sasori's ribs*

Sasori: *coughs up blood--before he's knocked into the tunnel's wall*

Honda: "I AM HERE--"

tamaki: ??

*CLANG*

Honda: *his head is stuck in the tunnel's wall* "--TO HEAD-BUTT HOODED SCUM!"

Akitaru: "Tamaki!" *running up to them*

hito: juggernaut! *runs over to takeru*...he's passed out.

iris: *opening her medkit*

Vulcan: "Jeez, Tamaki...Impressed you're still standing."

tamaki: .........

Akitaru: "Good work, soldier--but you need to sit this one out and recuperate."

Vulcan: *takes out his own med-kit for her*

tamaki:.....i couldnt do a thing.....i did all i could....but i still failed.....

Honda: *has dislodged himself from the tunnel...his forehead still marked up* "Juggernaut...Sister Iris, how bad is it?"

iris: his leg and hand are gone, but he's still breathing...

Honda: "Oh dear..."

*suddenly, something shoots out of the tunnel--aiming for Hito's head*

hito: *dodges, half of her bangs getting sliced* shit!

*it's the scorpion's tail, swinging wildly before--*

Akitaru: *grabs the flame tail with gloved hands* "Jeez!"

Sasori: "WHAT DID YOU DO TO OROCHI?! SHE IS NOT SO WEAK TO FALL TO SOME SCRAWNY NAKED FREAK!"

Honda: "Hmph. Little boy, the Hoods are too weak before the power of a united Fire Force. Now go cry home to Mommy."

tamaki: why do _you_ care?

Sasori: "BECAUSE SHE BEAT ME, AND I WILL BEAT YOU!" *swings his tail--but Akitaru is not letting go* "You! Commander Obi! You are on our hit list, so I might as well end you now!"

Akitaru: -_-; "Lucky me..."

Honda: *steps up--*

Vulcan: *holds out an arm* "Hang on, sir."

Honda: "???"

Sasori: "What can some flame-less gorilla do against the power of the Hoods?!" *striking at Akitaru*

Akitaru: "I think I can handle some scrawny scorpion..."

Sasori: "ONLY THE KNIGHTS WILL LIGHT UP THE SHADOWS OF THE NETHER!"

*Sasori engulfs Akitaru in flames*

Akitaru: *completely on fire*

Honda: "!!!"

Vulcan: *checks his watch*

hito: !!!

Sasori: *cackling* "Now your body and soul will dissolve into the ashes, returned to the earth--"

Akitaru: "..." *marches forward, while on flames*

Sasori: "?!!! St-Stay back!" *shoots tail after tail at Akitaru--*

Akitaru: *dodges each one--before a giant flaming hand wraps its fingers around Sasori's neck*

Sasori: "GRK!"

hito: !!!

Akitaru: *loud gorilla roar--before he slams Sasori's head down on--no, _into_ the pavement*

Honda: O_O

Purple Hood 2: *has been standing back this entire time* "..." *drops their knife, and runs like hell* MOMMYYYYYYY!!!

Honda: "HEY, YOU--GET BACK HERE!" *leaps*

hito: h-how is he-

Vulcan: *stops his watch* "I see the new jacket worked, sir!"

hito: *sweatdrop* the 8th is really something else....

Akitaru: *pulls off the jacket, still on fire* *pants, wiping sweat* "Y-Yeah, it worked--but it's so hot under that! Can you install some cooler interior lining?" *spots Tamaki* "..." *takes the other jacket off under the still on-fire one, and drapes it over her*

tamaki:.....it's all my fault....hajiki died.....takeru's hurt.....i....i cant protect anyone.....

Akitaru: "Hey...You're alive, aren't you?"

tamaki: WHAT'S THE POINT IF PEOPLE DIE PROTECTING ME?! *she's shaking*

Akitaru: "..."

Honda: *calling into his radio* "All members of the 2nd and 8th--this is Honda. I am ordering an immediate retreat."

-elsewhere-

ritsu: ah, such sweet little babies, soon, the infernal parade to hell will be paying death city a little visit, fufufu~<3

-elsewhere-

rita: *following viktor, running*

Viktor: *panting* "Y-You know what? I used to _hate_ running! The kids at school always made fun of how I moved in PE! But you know what? IF IT MEANS I DON'T DIE, I DON'T GIVE A FUCK IF I RUN LIKE A CHICKEN!"

Zom-fernal: "RAWROOOOOOO"

rita: >~< *glances ahead* !! WASCH AOU!

Viktor: "HMMM? WATCH OUT FOR WHAT?!"

-WHAM-

Zom-fernal: "RAWWWWW--" *stops dead in their tracks...and turns around, walking as if in a trance*

Viktor: *groans*

tamaki: ........

Vulcan: "Oh, hey, Viktor. Welcome back."

rita: !!! *signing* <oh, thank goodness you're all alright!>

Viktor: *inhales* *gently pushes Tamaki aside* "...COMMANDER! OHANA IS DEAD! THE ENTIRE SQUAD IS DEAD! ONLY RITA AND I SURVIVED! OH GOD OH GOD--"

hito: *SLAP* GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!

Viktor: "... ... ...Hey, is that a heat sensor? Gimme!" *takes it from Vulcan* "Hmm...That's weird. It's almost like the Infernals--"

Akitaru: "We're calling them 'Zom-fernals.'"

hito:...(i wanted to call them 'hollow infernals...')

Viktor: "--are forming a pattern-- ... ... ...They are using the Zom-fernals to bring Death City down to the ground!"

Vulcan: "What?!"

-elsewhere-

shinra: HYAAAAAH!

Giovanni: "Incredible! Notice the dexterity my insectoid enhancements have provided me! This is exhilarating! Thank you so much, Kusakabe, for making this experiment such a lively experience--"

Arthur: *swings Excalibur at Giovanni's head*

Giovanni: *retracts his entire head into his coat*

shinra: SHUT UP AND JUST DROP DEAD YOU ABOMINATION OF NATURE!

Arthur: "I refuse to agree with the demon--but cease your prattling and depart to the hereafter, you inhuman miscreant."

shinra: what he said! minus the calling me a demon part.

Giovanni: "...Arthur Boyle."

Arthur: "???"

Giovanni: "Have you found your parents yet?"

Arthur: "!!!"

{Arthur: *tied to a chair*}

{Giovanni: "What does the 8th know?"}

{*a woman with flame tentacles lingers nearby...*}

shinra: ARTHUR!

Arthur: *his eyes are blank*

shinra: DAMMIT ARTHUR SNAP OUT OF IT!

Giovanni: *shoves Arthur into Shinra*

Arthur: *muttering* "Wrench...Octopus...Mom. Dad--"

Giovanni: *bends over*

shinra: *grabs arthur and ducks for cover*

*PFFFFFFFFFT*

shinra: *covers his face with his shirt collar* please tell me he didnt just do what i think he just did!

Giovanni: "If you mean I modified my renal glands to expel a 100-degree Celsius quinone spray like the Asian beetle? Yes. Yes, I did."

shinra: .... WHAT. the actual FUCK?!

Arthur: "Dr Pepper. Squirt. Mountain Dew..."

shinra: ARTHUR YOU ARE NOT HELPING RIGHT NOW! *SLAP*

Giovanni: "There is no cause for alarm. All will make sense once the Pillars are united."

Arthur: *stunned*

shinra: and what's _that_ supposed to mean?

Giovanni: "Come now--don't play dumb. You already know the Preacher infiltrated the Church so to turn the Earth into a new Sun."

shinra: .....*remembering iris crying* *RAPID KICK*

Giovanni: *head smashed into the pavement*

Arthur: *frozen in place*

Giovanni: *muffled* "Fufufu~" *lifts his head* "You humans...You are on a bullet train to self-destruction anyway--so why not add some fuel to the fire?"

shinra: do you ever stop talking?!

Giovanni: *releases more arms--that pin Shinra into the wall*

shinra: GRK-

Giovanni: "It matters not: soon you'll understand, just as Sho did..."

shinra: *eyes widen with anger*

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: hey maki! ^^ thought we'd come by and bring you lunch.

maki: thanks.....

Meme: "It is so easy to get lost in here!"

maki:....*looking at the '8' sigil* .....

Anya: "??? An infinity pin?"

maki: -_-; no, it's an 8.

Meme: "Oh...A going away present?"

maki:.....

*the 8 starts blinking*

tsugumi: ??

maki: !!! *gets up and starts heading to the door*

tsugumi: maki?

Sushimasa: *stepping to the door--*

maki: sushimasa! got a lighter?

Sushimasa: *stepping to the door--*

maki: sushimasa! got a lighter?

Sushimasa: D8 "WAIT--"

Meme: "..." *hides under the desk*

-cue the sprinklers-

Anya: "EEEK!"

maki: *runs out the door*

Hiraoka: *trying to get out of the water-path* "What the hell?!"

tsugumi: maki!

maki: my team needs me!

Danro: *steps out, eyes shining red, like a monster summoned out of their cave...and it's raining outside* "MAKI!"

mio: oh shit.

Danro: "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

maki: back to my team.

Danro: "WHAT?! YOU CAN'T! I FORBID IT!"

maki: they need my help!

Danro: "IT'S TOO DANGEROUS!"

maki: im not a child anymore, i can handle it!

Danro: "YOU'RE GOING TO DIE!"

tsugumi: JUST STOP THIS, BOTH OF YOU!

Danro: "...Tsugumi? What are you doing here?" *holds out his hand to block the water sprinklers from hitting her*

tsugumi: we've seen maki in action, and she's really strong and brave. and she's really happy with the 8th, so why cant you stop being so close-minded and try and understand maki's feelings?!

Danro: "Look what happened to her brother! Or her mother!"

tsugumi: and they're still alive, arent they?!

Danro: "And what happens when that one mission goes wrong?!"

tsugumi: i understand that you're scared, you're her father, but it's also a father's duty to support their children, right?

Danro: "Even when the child could get hurt?"

Anya: "You have to have faith in her to be smart enough to survive it!" *still soaking wet, hair covering her eyes*

Danro: "But...she's my baby girl..." T___T

tsugumi: yes, but she's an adult now, and you have to learn to see that.

Danro: "..."

{Danro: *looking under the couch* "Where's Maki..."}

{little maki: *giggles, hiding behind a curtain*}

{Danro: "Or maybe...under the rug?" *lifts up the rug*}

{little maki: hehehe}

{Danro: *looks* "Wait--when did the curtain grow feetsies?!" *runs over*}

{little maki: *squeal* >w< *laughter*}

{Danro: *picks her up* "THERE'S THE BIG GIRL!"}

Danro: *flooding tears* TT~TT

-elsewhere-

shinra: WHERE THE HELL IS MY BROTHER?!

Giovanni: "Shinra, how uncouth. Sho is so much more obedient...I'm glad Haumea has trained him well."

-RAPID KICK-

shinra: WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!?!

Giovanni: *knocked into a pillar* "H-How fast..."

-RAPID KICK x2-

shinra: TELL ME WHERE HE IS!!

Giovanni: "Ow--ow--Such speed...Well, if you won't come voluntarily--"

shinra: just shut the fuck up already!

Giovanni: "Fufufu~ 'Tell me where he is!' Then 'Just shut up!' The capriciousness of youth--so unfocused."

shinra: get out of my damn head!

Giovanni: "...What?"

shinra: quit using your stupid bugs to put thoughts in my head!

Giovanni: "... ... ...Ha. Ha ha. Ha ha ha. ... BWA HA HA HA HA!" *shaking with glee*

shinra: w-what's so funny?!

Giovanni: "I did it--I bloody did it! I formed an Adora Link through my insect-body modifications!"

shinra w-what's that supposed to mean?!

Giovanni: "The Adora Link--the ability to tap into the mind, body, and soul of someone with the Adora Burst!" *snatches at Shinra*

shinra: *jumps back* but, you dont have the adora burst!

Giovanni: "Fool! You can forge an Adora Link by having the Burst--OR BY SEEING ADORA YOURSELF, WITH YOUR OWN EYES!"

shinra: (does that mean that konro-)

Giovanni: "But nothing, not even that dumb expression on your stupid face, matters--soon, this world will be burned to the ground! Humans are the fuel to feed to our new sun! PRAISE THE PREACHER!"

shinra: im getting real sick and tired of your bullshit, birdbrain.

Giovanni: "HOW DARE YOU! I AM A BUG-MAN!"

shinra: in that case im the exterminator!

-elsewhere-

Takigi: "I told you it was this way! But nooooooooo, you didn't believe me at all!" *glares at Petra*

-footsteps can be heard-

rita: !!!

Petra: "Rita!" *runs up to her*

rita: *signing* <are you ok, petra?>

Petra: <I hit my head--but I'll live. Are you okay? Are you hurt?>

rita: <im fine.>

Akitaru: "Hold up, Viktor--they want to blow up Death City?"

Vulcan: "Wait, didn't the Kishin already try that?"

Viktor: "I mean, kind of? Only this is with fire. Death City will form a fire-pit--a test-run, for blowing up the planet. They'll try to replicate these fire-pits everywhere around the world until they can crush the ground into the center of the earth." *pulls out a piece of chalk*

hito: you keep chalk in your pocket?

Viktor: "Doesn't everyone?"

hito: ...

Viktor: *draws onto the wall* "This map shows where the Zom-fernals are congregating. They are forming a conical shape, which will act as a drill to push the explosion further _up_, to maximize damage."

Petra: "...LIKE GURREN LAGANN?!!"

hito: ....*sweatdrop*

Akitaru: "How do we stop this?"

Viktor: "We'd need to re-direct the flames--but I don't know where to!"

Takigi: -^- "Fortunately for you half-wits, I have memorized the Nether's many paths."

Viktor: "Oh, that'll be really helpful! Now we just need a 2nd-generation!"

Takigi: "Then it's a good thing I'm here--"

Viktor: "Who doesn't have a broken arm that makes his motions almost completely useless."

Takigi: O_O#

Viktor: "And unfortunately Lieutenant Hinawa's abilities are more about precision than the kind of wide-range attacks we need--"

Takigi: "HA! Yes, he is indeed useless!"

Takehisa: O_O

*BEEP BEEP BEEP!*

Vulcan: "!!! Shit! The Zom-fernals' heat signatures are on the rise--they are getting ready to blow up the Nether!"

hito: !!!

Honda: "Then we must begin!"

Viktor: "Well, that's a shame, because the one person who could help us is Maki..." *looks at Takigi* "Oh, wait. I forgot. She's no longer here because she was transferred out of the 8th."

Takigi: "... ... ..." O_O;;;;;

Petra: *STAAAAAAAAAARE*

Akitaru: *STAAAAAAAAAAARE*

iris: congratulations, you've doomed us all.

Takigi: "NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO CAST ASPERSIONS, SISTER!" *grabs Takehisa* "Lieutenant Hinawa, you must save us!"

Takehisa: "No. I'm useless."

Takigi: “WHAT?! ARE YOU MAKING FUN OF ME?! I ALWAYS KNEW YOU BASTARDS IN THE 8TH WERE NOTHING MORE THAN A BUNCH OF HOLIER-THAN-THOU--”

iris: !!

Takigi: “--MUSCLE-BOUND, INCOMPETENT, UNLUCKY, ILL-TEMPERED JACKASSES!”

*there is dead silence*

Akitaru: "...Detective."

Takigi: "?!!" *turns around slowly*

tamaki:.....

iris: *GLARE*

Akitaru: *glaring*

Petra: *tapping a lead pipe into the palm of her hand*

Akitaru: "Our job is protect lives--which is what is saving you from being a greasy smear on the wall right now, you preening show-boating little twirp."

-buzz-

lisa: vul, the witch is en route.

Vulcan: "Lisa! We got the signal back--awesome! Thanks, babe!"

???: sorry im late!

-it's maki!-

Takigi: "Maki?! What the hell are you doing here?!"

maki: my duty, for your information.

Akitaru: "Glad to have you here! You know what to do?"

maki: yeah, i heard over the transmitter.

Akitaru: "No times for delays, then!"

maki: right!

Viktor: "Stand right there, Maki!"

maki: *gets into position*

Vulcan: "Heat rising...2 minutes and counting."

maki: *inhales*

Takigi: "Maki, this is foolish! Listen to me! Why are you doing this?!"

maki: im a firefighter, it's my responsibility to use this power to protect people.

Takigi: "No, you're not--you're just some pyrokinetic being used by a fighting squad! And...I can't let you get hurt!"

maki: i dont need anyone's permission but my superior officers, last i checked, that's not you.

Takigi: "No, I'm just your brother! Doesn't that mean anything?!"

maki:...this is about what happened to mom, isnt it?

Takigi: "Goddamn it, Maki--just think what could happen! You want to be like that?! Hospitalized?"

Viktor: "Um..."

maki: and how did you get those bandages, tripping down the stairs?

Takigi: "I had no intention of dealing with a suicide bomber--which is my point! I'm a detective, not some grunt on the frontlines!"

Viktor: "UUUUUUUM..."

maki: look, i know the risks, but if it means i can save everyone, then those are risks im willing to take.

Viktor: "Well...Maybe not _everyone_."

maki: what are you saying?

Heckler's Assistant: "Look, sir--they're up ahead! We're saved! Hi, everyone! I'm so glad we're not going to die--"

Viktor: “Even if Maki can redirect the explosions' flames, there's nowhere to vent them out of the Nether. We either send them up to destroy Death City or keep them here. So, the flames are going to be concentrated here, meaning we’re all going to die by being burnt to a crisp.”

Heckler's Assistant: QwQ;;;;;;;;

Viktor: "...So...Yeah. Sorry."

Everyone: "... ... ..." *LOUD PANICKED YELLING*

Viktor: "I mean, we may not _all_ die! Look at Tamaki! She'll probably survive, what with her high level of flame resistance! Isn't that good, Tamaki? Ha ha ha ha..." TwT

tamaki:......................

Heckler's Assistant: "WELL, WHAT THE FUCK DO WE DO NOW?!"

maki: leave it to me! vulcan, keep track of the heat signal and let me know when it arrives!

Vulcan: "On it! You got 55 seconds!"

maki: commander!

Akitaru: *nods* "You got this--do it! Iris, get the non-pyros to shelter!"

iris: right! this way!

Takehisa: "Um...Tamaki? You need to, you know, move."

tamaki:....

Viktor: *mumbling to himself* "Vent the flames...need the layout...Where do you send them..."

Takigi: "I already told you, I memorized the layout--so just send them down deeper!"

Viktor: "We're already pretty deep down, Detective, so how about you-- ... ... ...GEOTHERMAL CLIMATIZATION!"

maki: just tell me which way to send them!

Takigi: *sets a hand on Maki's shoulder*

maki: ??

Takigi: "Maki, focus on directing flames down, and I'll direct them through corridors."

maki: right.

Vulcan: "3 kilometers incoming!"

-elsewhere-

lisa: !!!??

Yuu: *grabs the table at the outdoor radio desk* "An earthquake?!"

tsugumi: w-whats going on?

lisa: maki, can you hear that?

maki: how could i not?!

Yuu: *looking at a digital map* "You got heat incoming! What's going on?!"

Viktor: "Maki! Redirect the fireball's wind trajectory first to protect structural integrity!"

maki: got it!

Danro: *standing still next to Yuu and Tsugumi* "..."

-BOOOOOM-

Danro: "!!! No!"

*underground, debris falls towards Tamaki*

tamaki: *looks*

Akitaru: "Tamaki! Move!"

maki: *cycling the flames*

Akitaru: *covers Tamaki, the debris knocking him*

maki: *spiralling the flames, before sending them into the floor cracks*

Takigi: "Down and to the left, then make a U-turn."

maki: got it!

Viktor: "Not through the floor! It'll crack beneath you!"

maki: i cant stop now, it's a fire fighter's duty to protect people, and this city!

Viktor: "..." *gets down on all fours, hands on the cold floor* "Earth? It's me, Viktor. I'm gonna need you to take just a bit more heat..."

Takigi: *gulps*

Viktor: "Maki! Send the flames into the ground itself!"

maki: HAAAAAA!!!!

-FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM-

ritsu:....why isnt anything happening?

*something hot and bright is heading towards her...*

ritsu:....oh. well that's not good.

*FWOOOOOOOOM*

maki: *panting*

Danro: "What's happening? REPORT!"

iris: she- she did it!

Takigi: "..." *lets go*

maki: mission successful.

Akitaru: "Ha! The earthquakes stopped, too!" *his head is bleeding, as he brushes off dirt and debris*

-maki laughs and does a little victory dance-

tamaki:......

tsugumi: yeah maki! i knew you could do it!!

Danro: *standing tall...because his hands are slammed down onto the table for support*

tsugumi: yes! uncle danro and i heard the whole thing!

maki: wait, dad?!

Yuu: *staring, as Danro's hand has smashed his radio* D8

lisa: ._. so _that's_ where she gets it from....

Danro: "Maki...Are you and Takigi okay?"

maki: yeah, we're fine, a few scratches, but other than that, we're good.

Danro: "...This mission is over. Tell Obi and Honda to evacuate."

maki: commander-

Akitaru: "RAWR!" *friendly punch to Takehisa's shoulder*

Takehisa: "Ow."

Akitaru: "You have a good eye for recruits, Takehisa! Maki saved us!"

Takigi: "...Maki. What are you going to do?"

maki: rejoin my brigade, obviously.......awkward sibling hug?

Takigi: "..." *sighs* *pat pat*

maki: *pap pap*

Takigi: "...Your arms are thick."

maki: *pinches him*

Takigi: "OW!"

maki: that's payback for what you did at dinner, jerkbutt.

Takigi: "Hey, just stating facts! Maybe ease up on the weights!"

maki: *laughing*

Takehisa: "..."

iris: she did it, captain!

Takehisa: "Of course she did. She was made for this kind of work."

-elsewhere-

Giovanni: "How upsetting. I had thought everything would be on fire by now."

shinra: HYAAAAH!!! *charges*

Giovanni: *bug legs scurry him away* "Wait, you still want to fight?"

shinra: arthur!

Arthur: "..." *stands up, swaying as he moves*

Giovanni: "Aw, what's that little flame going to do--"

*all trace of Arthur's presence disappears as the lights in the Nether go out*

shinra: ?!

Giovanni: "Eh?"

*a streak of light goes down diagonally, slicing through Giovanni*

shinra: !!!

*the lights come back on, Arthur behind a bisected Giovanni*

shinra:...arthur? are....are you alright? *shaking slightly*

Arthur: "Die." *brings Excalibur down over and over again in the lifeless body of Giovanni*

shinra:...arthur...stop it. stop it! *PUNCH*

Arthur: "?!!!! ...Nirvana?" *looks around* "...No, no, this is Hell." *looks at Shinra* "...Hence the devil."

shinra: ......*he looks concerned*

???: *giggling*

shinra: ?!?!?

Giovanni: "I see...I was so fixated on Kusakabe that I underestimated you, Boyle."

Arthur: "..."

shinra: *looking around, trying to find the source of the voice*

Giovanni: "You suppressed your presence so my pheromones couldn't sense you at all! Mindless--truly nirvana! Fufufu...I won't make that mistake again."

*bugs explode out of Giovanni's "corpse"*

shinra: !!!! *jumps back*

Arthur: "?!" *swings Excalibur* "It's a plague!"

*bugs bite at Shinra*

shinra: shit!

*in the confusion, a head on bug legs scurries through a crevice in the floor*

Arthur: "I found him!"

shinra: *looks*

Arthur: *holds up the lower-half of Giovanni by the ankles*

shinra:.....damn....is he even human anymore?

Arthur: *looks in the pants* "... ... ...Nope."

???: *cackling*

shinra: !!!

Giovanni: *his voice echoing* "Today's experiment gave me what I want: proof that the link to Adora has been established. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you two again soon."

shinra:.....let's go...

-elsewhere-

iris: *praying*

Honda: "Security sweep is done--they vamoosed."

Akitaru: "Thanks..." *looking at body bags*

Petra: *praying*

rita: *praying*

hito:....so much death....damn those hoods...

Honda: *inhales* "How did the Hoods predict this?"

Akitaru: "That's what we need to figure out."

Honda: "If not for Oze, this would have been far worse."

maki: .....

tsugumi: maki! *waving*

maki: !!! tsugumi, hey-

tsugumi: *TACKLE HUG* you did it! you really did it!

maki: haha, yeah, we did, didnt we, bro?

Takigi: "..." *nods*

*footsteps are heard*

maki: *looks*

Danro: *towering*

maki:...dad, im going back to the 8th, and you wont change my mind this time.

Danro: "...I have no intention to."

maki: ??

Danro: "What you did today...saved this city."

maki:......

Danro: "I am so proud of you."

maki: *tearing up* dad....

Danro: TT~TT "Maki..."

maki: *HUGS*

Danro: "URK! Ha ha...Quite a grip." *pat*

tsugumi: .......*smiles*

Takigi: *rubs the back of his head* "Well, this got mushy. Did you bring Maki here, Squirt?"

tsugumi: she came here herself, i just brought uncle danro.

Takigi: "How did you convince him?"

tsugumi: i just talked to him, and we reached an understanding after a little while.

Takigi: "...When did you get so mature?"

tsugumi: a lot can change in a few years, i guess.

Takehisa: "General?"

Danro: *wiping his eyes* "Oh. Hinawa. I haven't seen you in some time."

Takehisa: "..."

maki: !! oh *salutes* captain....you wanted to talk to my dad about something?

Takehisa: "Yes--a transfer back into the 8th."

tsugumi: well?

Danro: "Really? You're asking this now?"

Takehisa: "Sorry, I don't read social cues very well--was I interrupting something?"

maki: ^^;

Danro: "..." *sighs* "If I say 'no,' what will happen?"

Takehisa: "I anticipate the soldier will keep lighting the fire sprinklers."

maki: <3<;;

Danro: "She is a fire-cracker, isn't she?"

Takehisa: "Yes, she is."

-elsewhere-

komori: *tending to takeru's injuries*

Takeru: *has an oxygen mask on but is not moving*

tamaki:......

Medic: "Lost arm, lost leg...Likely will have more amputations needed to remove dead skin and muscle."

tamaki:..........*trembling*

Honda: *steps up* "Cadet Kotatsu...Thank you for saving Noto's life."

tamaki:......takeru.....hajiki....they gave so much up to keep me alive.....i couldnt save them......why? why was i given these abilities when i cant even save one person?

Honda: "Because sometimes it takes more than one person to make a difference. And yet that one person, on the battlefield, can make all the difference--and it is about being ready for when that moment comes."

tamaki:.............

Honda: "And I'm happy we did not lose a good soldier like you."

tamaki: *whimpering*

-elsewhere-

maki: *hands takehisa the '8' sigil*

Takehisa: *pops it into a laptop*

Takigi: D8

maki: relax bro, oubi's explaining everything to dad right now.

Takigi: "This is just sneaky!"

Takehisa: "We are the investigative unit to oversee other Fire Force companies." *looks at Takigi* "In a way, we are detectives, too."

Takigi: "Don't flatter yourself, Hinawa!"

maki: we fight crime with fire, i'd totally watch that show!

Takigi: "Tch--like they could find someone to play you with big enough--"

tsugumi: *stomps on takigi's foot*

Takigi: "EEEEE! ...Eyes."

maki: whatever i guess.

Takehisa: "Anything that caught your attention?" *points to the contents of USB files*

-elsewhere-

ritsu: *sewing herself back up*

Haumea: -___-# "Let me understand this..._How many_ Purple ones went up in smoke?!"

purple smoke grunt: Q_Q;;; please have mercy, lady haumea!

ritsu:.....*take's the grunt by the head....and holds them to her chest* there there, you did the best you could, sweeties.

purple smoke grunt:.....this would be kind of hot if your guts werent falling out.

ritsu: oh! how embarrassing!

Haumea: "RITSU, FOCUS! This was supposed to bring this city down to its knees--and all it did was cause a mild earthquake! And where the fuck are Sasori and Orochi?!"

ritsu: orochi's....out of commission....and sasori's in the training room.

Haumea: -_____-### "Oh, I'll 'train' him alright--then you--" *points at the grunt*

-elsewhere-

kagu-tsuchi: sasori, please, calm down-

Sasori: *punching the wall* "Goddamn it, goddamn gorilla, goddamn it, Orochi..."

kagu-tsuchi: i realize you are upset, but getting angry wont fix it-

Sasori: *flings a barbell towards her head*

*CLANK*

Sasori: "!!!"

kagu-tsuchi: !!??

Charon: *standing up--the barbell having just knocked off his chest like a pebble* "..." *DEEP INHALE*

Sasori: *tries to run--*

Charon: *small step--*

Sasori: *gets flung off the floor and into the ceiling--before gravity takes effect*

kagu-tsuchi: charon! a-are you hurt??

Charon: *lets out a cough* "Still recovering." *holds his chest* "That shouldn't have felt like anything at all."

kagu-tsuchi:.....t-thank you.

Charon: "You're--" *coughs, falling to one knee*

kagu-tsuchi: ah! c-charon!

Charon: "I just need to lie down."

kagu-tsuchi:....*holding his hand*

Charon: "...Can you help me there?"

kagu-tsuchi: j-just tell me which way to turn.

-elsewhere-

Denki: "Then the ground went--SHHHHHHHK!"

jirou: yeah, that was crazy.

Mina: "I wasn't here when the Kishin thing happened--was it like that?!"

jirou: oh yeah, i totally forgot that was a thing.

Denki: "We even sure that's really a thing? What about that video 'The Kishin was an inside job'?"

jirou: kaminari, you cant just believe everything you see online. -_-;

Denki: "I'm not saying I believe it--just that it's good to be open minded."

Sero: "Uh huh. This is how people get tricked easily."

mineta: dudes! did you see this site 'realdeathcitynews'? apperantly mr eraserhead has a kid!

jirou: SHUT UP MINETA!

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *sips tea* "Death, you really need better security in the basement."

lord death: i'll say.

Mephisto: "I can't stand those cretins--hard enough having a good curriculum, but Exorcists can't keep up with whatever those pyros are doing."

lord death: *sigh* how's felisia?

Mephisto: "...Actually, not well. She had a bad reaction."

lord death: what happened?

Mephisto: "A few hours ago, she felt something--like what she described like feeling pain in a phantom limb."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "She's already at the hospital..."

stocking: i think she brought patti with her too....

Kid: "For the best...God, this is a nightmare."

stocking:.....

Kid: "After what happened before down there..."

-elsewhere-

Dr. John: "We're tending to as many as we can, Huang--how are the pyro's?"

kayako: busy.

asako: we're doing everything we can to keep the press at bay.

Dr. John: "There's press outside. You know what to do."

blair: *salutes and gets to work*

Ann Terveau: "We demand to be let in!”

cameraman: is...is that a pumpkin, what?

Ann: "??? Get a close-up!"

-BWOOOOOM-

Ann: "EEEEK!"

Reporter: "GAH! It's in my mouth!"

Cameraperson: *covered in glitter* ._. "...Is it my bachelorette party? Again?"

-elsewhere-

Hibana: *kicks in a door*

Rino: -_- "It has a knob, you knob."

hanako: mama!

Hibana: *scoops up Hanako* "Hello, darling~" *kiss*

hanako: *laughs* ^w^

Hibana: *hug* "So happy you're safe. You want to see Aunt Iris tomorrow?"

hanako: can we?

Hibana: "Of course! Anything you want."

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: *helping maki pack* im glad you're returning to the 8th, maki.

maki: yeah, anyway.

Anya: *looks out the window*

Meme: "I know things aren't great right now--but I'm sure they're happy to have you back!"

maki:...thanks, for everything, tsugumi.

tsugumi: that's what family's for, right?

Anya: "..."

Meme: "..." *looks away*

mio: well...im glad you patched things up with your dad, at least.

maki: yeah...it feels like a huge weight's been lifted.

Takehisa: *sitting in the Matchbox outside* "..."

Kana: "..." *stare*

misery: *staaaaaaaare*

Takehisa: "..." >_> "...I am waiting for Maki to finish packing."

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *huddled up in bed* ........

Arthur: *outside her door* "..."

rita:.....<do you think she's ok?>

Arthur: *shakes his head*

rita:......*knocks*

Arthur: "?!"

-the door is unlocked-

Arthur: "..." *steps inside*

tamaki:......

Arthur: "...Hey."

tamaki:....*responsive mumble*

Arthur: "..." *sits on her bed*

tamaki:........

Arthur: "...I'm happy you aren't dead."

tamaki:.......i wish i was.....

Arthur: "...Don't."

tamaki:........

Arthur: "Tamaki, I can't...lose again...someone..."

tamaki:.....im sorry......*weeping* im sorry.....

nozomi: *knocks* tamaki?

Arthur: *looks*

tamaki:.....

nozomi:...*enters* tamaki? it's me, nozomi.

tamaki:.....nn....

nozomi:...*looks at Arthur* how is she?

Arthur: *shakes his head* "Can we stay here? I think she needs it..."

nozomi:...*nods* if you want to talk to us, we're here, ok tamaki?

tamaki:.......fine....

Arthur: "..." *sits across from her and Nozomi*

-elsewhere-

Mr. Noto: *holds his head*

mrs noto: *packing* <you'll take care of things while im away, right?>

Mr Noto: <I-I'll do my best...>

-elsewhere-

Danro: *walks into the mansion*

madoka oze: *HUG*

Danro: "UMPH! ..." *hug*

madoka oze: takigi told me everything.

Danro: "I figured as much--sorry, brass was all over me after Obi's stunt."

madoka oze: oh jeez.

Danro: "You know how it is...Wish you were there to put them in place."

madoka oze: yeah, i would have given them a good what for.

Danro: "..." *looks at photos on the mantle* "...Takigi has hated Hinawa ever since he was drummed out. And I haven't trusted the 8th since Maki joined."

madoka oze: and now?

Danro: "...They're craftier than I thought. And maybe having Maki there wouldn't be a bad thing."

madoka oze: well, the fruit doesnt fall far from the tree, i suppose.

Danro: "...Pretty tall tree."

madoka oze:.......

Danro: "...I wish I could've seen them down there. They have your skill set."

madoka oze: and a heart of gold like yours.

Danro: =\\\\\\\\= "Oh, you..."

-elsewhere-

maki: ......

Takehisa: "Maki."

maki: yeah?

Takehisa: "...It's been a long day. You hungry? I'm too tired to cook and..."

maki: it's getting kind of late.

Takehisa: "Take-out? Or drive-thru? Or..."

maki: ??

Takehisa: "I'd...like to get dinner. With you."

maki:..... owo eh? like...a formal dinner?

Takehisa: "Yes, that can work, too. I'll just need to get dressed--"

Akitaru: *around the corner, overhearing* O__O "..." *looks to others* "He is not going to dress badly for this!"

maki: it's kind of late, and you said you were tired, right? maybe tomorrow night works?

Takehisa: *nods* "That is more than acceptable. Meet at 5?"

maki: sure. sounds good.

Takehisa: *nods* "Excellent. I will see you then. Get some sleep."

maki: see you then........(wait.....DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!?)

Takehisa: *walks around the corner--and is immediately pulled by multiple people into Akitaru's office*

karin: holy shit you actually did it, you absolute madman!

Akitaru: "I can't believe it--after all this time!"

Takehisa: "... ...What did I do exactly?"

karin: you asked maki out.

Takehisa: "... ... ...What."

iris: yeah, it's been kind of a 'will they or wont they' situation from day one.

Akitaru: "Even back when we first moved into the cathedral!"

Takehisa: "... ... ...I think I just realized something: I blacked out and have no memory." *looks at Karin* "Who are you?"

karin: *cheek tug* oh dont you pull that psuedo-amnesia trick on me, mister!

Akitaru: "He's just nervous for his big date!"

Takehisa: *screaming internally*

-elsewhere-

Tachihara: "So, what the hell was the earthquake about?"

gin: hell if i know.

Hirotsu: "Best not to think about it--for now, we're on patrol to see what occurred."

-elsewhere-

Poe: Q_Q "Herman warned about these things..."

Lucy: *pours a cup of tea* "I know, I know--but we're here."

Ghost: *stares at Atsushi*

atsushi: full house, huh?

Poe: *shaking slightly* "Actually, not so much this week--Wilson and William took a vacation to another haunted house in Friendship, Maine." *sips*

atsushi:...huh, i didnt think that ghosts _took_ vacations.

ghost girl: you learn something new everyday i guess.

Ghost: "Hey-Hey-Hey!" *pokes Atsushi* "Guess where a ghost goes on vacation?"

atsushi: poe just said-

Ghost: "MALI-BOO! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!"

atsushi:...haha. ^^; but why are you all here?

ghost librarian: well, the barrier between the world of the living and world of the dead is particularly weak in this area.

Ghost 2: "I blame the shinigami."

hippie ghost: hey, sometimes stuff like this happens, and you gotta just go with the flow, fam.

Poe: =\\\\=

Ghost: "We're just glad he didn't knock this place down after Wes left!" *hug*

odasaku: i guess poe and lucy still dont see me, huh?

ghost woman: afraid not.

Karl: *paws at the air where Odasaku is*

librarian ghost: that's because you're projecting yourself into the living world rather than crossing the border, one foot in, one foot out as it were.

Ghost 2: "...What is it like on the other side?"

odasaku: well, it's kind of like a huge apartment building, sorta.

teenage ghost: i remember i woke up in a grassy field.

Ghost 2: "...Wait, so you have roommates?"

odasaku: 5 kids actually.

Ghost 2: ._.;

-elsewhere-

Shinra: ….

Relan: *pats his back* "You'll find him."

shinra:..y-yeah....

Relan: "Did you find out anything from Giovanni?"

shinra: ....

-shinra explains what happened-

Relan: *shivers* "Creepy. But he said Sho is still out there to entice you."

shinra: and the adora link.....

Relan: "Do you think he was lying about that? It's a little incredible."

shinra: i cant say...but there is that time i heard konro in my head....i wonder.....

Relan: "??? There's some link--er, connection between those events? Have you talked to him about it?"

shinra: i dont know. maybe tomorrow i'll see if i can head to asakusa and talk to him.

Relan: *nods* "The commander is also doing a debriefing tomorrow."

shinra: hmm....

Relan: *rubs his injured arm* "..."

-morning-

Patty: *asleep in the hospital hallway...her eyes are red*

liz: ......

Dr John: *sips coffee* "...Mrs. Thompson-Evans? Can I get you anything?"

liz: got any breakfast?

Dr John: *smiles* "The cafeteria is downstairs, Level 2. They're just setting up."

liz: thanks....could you keep an eye on patti for me?

Dr John: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: "..."

tamaki: ......

Arthur: "...I think we should eat something."

tamaki:.....im not hungry....

Arthur: "Neither am I--but we still need to."

tamaki:....im not feeling good....

Arthur: "...Water?"

tamaki:....nn....

Arthur: "...Okay. I'll get some water. I'll be right back, okay?"

tamaki:.......

Arthur: *walks to the kitchen* "..."

nozomi: how is she?

Arthur: *shakes his head* "She doesn't want to eat, doesn't seem to want even water. I figure, if I bring a glass at least..."

nozomi:....*hands him a granola bar* maybe she'll take this?

Arthur: "Hmm. Nutritious, compact, easy to chew...It is a good foodstuff. Thank you--I'll try."

-elsewhere-

Axel: "Man, man, I can _not_ with earthquakes!" -~-

Yafeu: *sips tea*

preston: i was actually using a massage chair so i didnt feel a thing.

Asher: "Lucky you--I was trying to sleep." *picks out cereal in the cafeteria line*

lei-lei: sorry im late guys, there was a huuuuge crowd outside the DWMA.

hibiki: media goons.

Kanin: "It's really bad...What is it all about?"

genny: something about 'hoods' from what i heard.

Asher: "... ... ..." *eats cereal quietly*

Saria: "Izumi, how were things at your mom's hospital?"

izumi: pretty busy. she's probably going to have a late shift tonight.

Saria: "Aw...I'm sorry."

Asher: "Is it because of the 'Hood' thing?"

izumi: ??

Asher: "Like, were people injured and sent to the hospital because of those...whatever they are?"

izumi: i-i think so? the official reports are blaming it on a cave in, though.

Monica: "Sounds like some classic cover-up bullshit from the military." *grabs a muffin off Zeke's plate*

Saria: ._____. ("Why are they sitting here now?")

zeke: D8

izumi: yeah, mom isnt too happy about it...

Kanin: ^^; "Isn't that a little conspiratorial, though?"

amelia: speaking of conspiracy, we still have that murder mystery to solve.

Yolanda: *to Monica* "I heard it was a giant Balachko--the three-headed beast of fire and ice."

zarya:.....?

Kanin: "Oh, right--our 'guest' has been rather...impatient."

*screams are heard from the boys' locker room*

hibiki: i actually found the chick's address, so we can look into that.

Duncan: "So we're doing this after school?"

genny: guess so.

-elsewhere-

shinra: commander?

Akitaru: "Hmm?" *looks up from his desk*

shinra: mind if i give my report?

Akitaru: "Sure..." *takes some forms off his desk, locking them in a drawer before he grabs a pen* "Go ahead."

-shinra explains what happened with giovanni-

Akitaru: *shudders* "What I learn about all of these missions? Bugs creep me out much more than before."

shinra: yeah....on a side note, could i request permission to visit asakusa?

Akitaru: "??? You think it has some link to Konro?"

shinra: it wouldnt hurt to ask, right?

Akitaru: "Good point. Well, I approve--head out!"

*there is some noise outside the office*

shinra: ??

*the door...falls down...not opened--it just falls down with a kick*

Hibana: "And here, sweetie, is where Shinra talks with his commanding officer. He usually speaks to Shinra in grunts."

hanako: wow!

iris: ^-^;;;

Akitaru: -_-### "Shinra, get going to Asakusa--"

shinra: right. ._.;

Hibana: "??? Asakusa? I had to head over there for a medicine drop."

hanako: can i play with hina and hika too?

Hibana: "Yes, you can--just don't repeat the words they say."

hanako: ok!

Akitaru: *pats Shinra on the shoulder* "Take one for the team, son."

shinra: TTwTT; will do, sir.

Hibana: "Come along, Shinra--we have a lot to discuss. Also, Commander? Fix your door--it's flimsy."

Akitaru: "... ... ...I think I'll go bother Takehisa for a bit."

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: so how did it go, maki?

naho: yeah, that was a pretty big award ceremony!

*she has set a giant plaque with Lord Death's symbol on it onto a table*

Maki: ^^; "I was really nervous, but Lord Death has always been polite when I've run into him."

tsugumi: yeah.

Naomi: "And you looked spiffy in the formal uniform. So, what are you up to after lunch--back to work?"

Maki: "...Well..."

naho: ??

Maki: "I have the afternoon off, so I was going to shop for a new outfit before dinner."

tsugumi: did uncle danro invite you to dinner again? well, you did patch things up-

Maki: "No. I mean, yes, we did--but it's not a family dinner. I'm going with the Lieutenant--"

naho: EHHHHH??!!

Naomi: O_O

Maki: .\\\\\. "Wh-What?"

naho: you mean mr hinawa asked you on a date!!??

tsugumi: gagantous!

Maki: "It-It's not that at all! I was tired, he said he didn't feel like making dinner, so he invited me out, then I said it was too late, so he said 'How about tomorrow?' and I said yes-- ... ... ... Oh, God, it is a date."

Naomi: "...Girls, we know what to do?"

naho: we are going shopping, duh! we got to help maki look her best for tonight! do you know where you're going to dinner?

Maki: "I only know it's something formal?" *holds her head* "Do I do my hair? This can't be a date, right? It's just a commanding officer being friendly--Oh, that sounds weird! This isn't like the books..." >~<

naho: naomin, call the doc! she's an expert on stuff like this, isnt she?

Naomi: "The most fashionable of them!" *dials Yosano*

yosano: yello?

Naomi: "Doctor? It's Naomi. We have a friend who needs help getting a new outfit for a date--"

Maki: "Is it a date? I don't even know..."

yosano: ....come to my place, ASAP.

Naomi: "On it!" *pulls out her wallet, removing her brother's credit card* "Waiter! Bill!"

-elsewhere-

Konro: *grabs a fishing pole and bucket* "See you all later!"

Tsukiyo: "Bye, Captain! Avoid the sea basses!"

Konro: *calls back, smiling* "It's a river, so not a problem!" *turns back...frowning*

???: .....

{Jonah: "Follow him--and eliminate him."}

{???: understood}

Konro: *reaches his shack...looks out the corner of his eye as he takes his pole and drops the lure into the water before sitting* "..."

-step step step-

Konro: "You're quite confident, to make your footsteps so easily heard."

???: .....*takes out blade* die.

Konro: *doesn't move...*

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "Stay on the walking path, sweetie!"

hanako: okaaaay.

shinra: *looking around* (looks like they're setting up for the summer festival season...)

Hibana: "You've been agitated since we left the cathedral--excited about something?"

shinra: hmm?

Hibana: "The gorilla had mentioned this was going to help you find your brother?"

shinra:....i think so...

Hibana: "Some friendly advice--don't expect the Asakusa people to just open up immediately. As a separatist group, they aren't exactly the most forthcoming when asking them questions."

shinra: funny you of all people should say that.

Hibana: "?! Okay, smart mouth--fair point. But I would hope I've changed for the better..." *punches his arm* "I have you and Iris to thank for that."

shinra: *rubs his arm* y-yeah.... (ow)

hanako: mommy, who's that?

Hibana: "?! Hanako, get back!"

???: *looks up* ??

Konro: *takes the opportunity--delivering a palm strike to the Assassin's jaw*

-CRUNCH-

???: *SCREAMS*

Konro: "Kah!" *moves to deliver another strike--then coughs up blood, falling to his knees*

shinra: mr konro! *runs over to him*

Hibana: *trips Shinra*

shinra: OOF-

Hibana: "Think like a scientist for a moment--let's watch and determine just why the Lieutenant ran off on his own and is with this Hood..."

Konro: *not moving*

assassin: damn you! *lunges*

*SLICE*

-SPLURT-

Konro: *looks up, as the Assassin's guts spill out* "That's called playing possum, jackass." *wipes his mouth--before grabbing the Assassin by the head and kneeing him in the face*

hanako:....mama...that person isnt moving anymore......

Hibana: "...No, they are not." *holds her close*

shinra:....*ahem*

Konro: *looks up* "??? Oh, Dr. Hibana, Shinra. I should've sensed you there earlier..."

hanako:......

Hibana: *frowns* "This isn't a medicine delivery, Lieutenant. You want to explain why the hell you're hanging out with some Hood?"

Konro: "...Yes, I do owe you an explanation. Just let me clean up this mess." *points at the Hood* "..." *just kicks some dirt on top of it, and sits down* "Have a seat!"

shinra:......

Hibana: "THAT'S NOT CLEANING UP!"

-later-

Konro: *sets out tea*

hanako: thank you mr konro....may i have sugar with it?

Konro: "Um...I don't usually bring some--sorry!"

hanako: oh...*frown*

Hibana: *pats her head*

Konro: "So, Shinra, you finally want to talk about Adora?"

shinra: *nods*

Konro: "I figured as much, after I heard about you meeting with Burns and Arg about these lovely emblems..." *taps the scar on his nose*

shinra: so then...you've seen it...adora?

Konro: "Yes...I saw myself in Hell."

shinra: ??

Konro: "It was during the Asakusa fire years ago, before the 7th was formed, when that Demon Infernal gave me the Ash Disease..." *heats up the fire under the tea kettle...*

{demon: *growls*}

{Benimaru: *knocked out on the ground*}

{Konro: *steps up to the Demon--*}

{demon: f...ool.....}

{Konro: "?! The hell you call me, you little shit?!" *assumes a battle stance*}

{demon: *grins and matches his stance*}

{Konro: "?!!" *swings his fist*}

{-PUNCH-}

{*both of their fists collide at the same spot*}

{Konro: "?! ..." *sweeps his leg--*}

{-KICK-}

Konro: "It was like a funhouse mirror--that demon matched every move--"

Hibana: "A doppelganger?"

shinra: like, a mimic?

Hibana: "A little more complicated than that. This is having someone who is just like you, only from elsewhere. It's said with a doppelganger, you and it can't exist in the same space--or one of you will die."

Konro: "Which means, this thing may have been from elsewhere--from Hell."

shinra:......

{demon: *cackling* foolish! foolish!}

{Konro: *panting* ("I guess...if I have to go out...I'll go out in flames!) *charges up his arm--which bursts into flames* "I don't care if I have to die--as long as Asakusa is safe. If you were really my double, you'd promise the same--but because you're just a mindless puppet, I know you won't, so I have to stop you!"}

{demon: kekeke...KEEEHAHAHAHAHAHA}

{Konro: *roars, as he swings his fist--*}

{-SLICE-}

{Konro: *screams, his face sliced by the Demon's horn*}

{demon: KEHAHAHAHAHA FOOLISH FOOLISH!}

{Konro: "I'm not even close to being done!" *slams his fist into the Demon* "CRIMSON MOON!"}

{The Moon: *giggling, as the sky turns red...*}

{demon: SKREEEEEEE}

{*KA-BOOM*}

{*Asakusa explodes, buildings shatter, the world looking as red as blood before a flash of light...*}

{Konro: *falls to his knees, panting...he sees his arms turning gray and black* "..." *holds back a sob...before he looks up to the Moon--* "?!!"}

{*it's a giant eyeball*}

{*the ground is littered with monstrous skeletons, black flames that have no warmth...*}

{Konro: "What...the hell?!"}

{???: "Yes, it is."}

shinra:......

Konro: "..."

Hibana: "Hmm...To go to Hell just to save your home...That's some strength."

Konro: "Nothing special, doctor--just a responsibility."

shinra:....*his hands are shaking*

Konro: "Shinra...It is an awful sight. If you're trying to find your brother, it...I..." *his eyes roll back into his head, before he collapses*

shinra: !!!

Hibana: "!!!" *tosses Shinra her phone* "Call Huang." *moves Konro, opening his eyes to check*

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *sitting in a corner table* .....*poking her breakfast with her fork* .......

Arthur: "..." *brings his tray over to her*

tamaki:.....*glances at him, then back down at her food*

Arthur: "..." *pokes at his own meal*

Akitaru: "..." *sighs* "Arthur. Tamaki."

tamaki: *looks up at him*

Arthur: "Sir?"

Akitaru: "This can't go on like this--it's been a day since the mission, and I can't have my soldiers suffering like this. I'm taking you off of active duty."

tamaki:......

Arthur: "You cannot have the Knight King--"

nozomi: you arent being fired, it's just a little vacation.

Akitaru: *holds up a brochure*

tamaki: ....?

*"Enjoy the wonderful Asakusa summer festival!"*

nozomi: it sounds fun, doesnt it?

Arthur: "...They will have sword fights?"

nozomi: at the very least, a change in scenery will be good for you.

Akitaru: "So pack up--you'll be heading over."

-elsewhere-

Yoh: *wearing an ankle bracelet, standing on a Los Angeles street corner* ._.; "..." <How did I get myself into this mess...>

{Yoh: "I keep telling you, I didn't take any delivery!"}

{cop: dont play dumb with us, punk!}

{Yoh: "??? You can't hold me here indefinitely! I know my rights!"}

{???: easy there...}

{cop: miss katy!}

{Cop 2: *rests a hand on Cop 1's shoulder, playing 'good cop'* "My apologies for my colleague--you know how stressful this line of work can be...Officer Syth, what brings you here?"}

{katy: orders from the boss. *hands them a paper*}

{Cop 2: *looks over Cop 1's shoulder* "...?! What the H?"}

{Yoh: *also looks over their shoulders--having already broken the handcuffs that kept him tied to the table* "Yeah, what is this?"}

{katy: yeah, from the background check- .__. HEY!}

{Yoh: "..." *takes Katy's hands* "Hi, I'm Yoh Hinoki!" *smiles*}

{katy:... *sweatdrop* i was just about to say that.}

{Yoh: "Yes, but you haven't mentioned that I am of an acclaimed house of a superlative martial arts practice known as--"}

{cop: yeah yeah yeah, big whoop.}

{Yoh: -_-; "So, Officer Syth, this says I have to help with an investigation?"}

{katy: yes.}

{cop: wait, so we're just letting this random kid off the street help with a police investigation??}

{Yoh: "Will I get an award?!" *has already removed Katy's handcuffs and slapped them onto Cop 1*}

{katy:....how about we release you from prison?}

{Yoh: "That works, too! Then I can go see my sister in Death City?"}

{katy: very well.}

Yoh: *talks into incom on his collar* "I don't see anyone..."

-elsewhere, in a walk-in clinic in Los Angeles-

Physician: "I know learning you have a Quirk can be intimidating..." *gets down to eye level to the child* "But it can also be a wonderful opportunity."

child: *shaking*

mother: b-but how is this possible? neither my husband or i even _have_ quirks! so how does my child-

Physician: "Ah, that's the problem of this century--even in families with no history of Quirks, we're seeing them develop. Let's review the x-ray to see the toe joints..." *looks for the x-ray* "???" *calls out to a clerk* "Could I get the x-ray?" ^^;

clerk: coming right up, doc.

Physician: "From what I remember, your child has two joints in the pinky toes, right?"

mother: y-yes.

Physician: "Then this is quite a conundrum--having two joints is supposed to mean no Quirk. I did hear from a colleague about one boy who got his Quirk later in life, but that's the exception that proves the rule I guess..." *looks at the child with concern* "Hey...Do you know other kids at school with Quirks?"

child: w-well timmy can teleport, a-and sumire's able to make flowers.

Physician: "Do they like their Quirks?"

child: i-i think so. t-they're pretty popular now.

Physician: *nods* "That tends to happen. And I think I can understand why you're scared--this is a big responsibility for a growing young adult." *leans down into the potted plant on the windowsill, taking out a bit of the dirt* "But if you put in the work and practice..." *reshapes the dirt in her fingers into a tiny superhero statue with a cape* "You can do something to help people."

child: .....

Physician: *checks her watch* "Darn...I have to go. But I'd like to do a follow up in 2 weeks. Please schedule with the front desk, okay?"

mother: o-of course doctor....

Physician: "Dr. Smith. But call me Summer."

-elsewhere-

*in a warehouse, people are packing bullets and syringes...*

Distributor: *speaking Chinese* <We got it. Thanks. Tell us when the next subject arrives...Okay...Okay, bye.> *hangs up*

???: <so? how'd it go?>

Distributor: <The clinic found another one--she'll be bringing them over in two weeks.>

-elsewhere-

Konro: *groans...wakes up* "...???"

kirei: you're awake.

Konro: "...!!! That assassin--" *moves to get up*

priestess: dead.

Konro: "G-Good..." *holds his head* "I need to see the Commander..." *can barely stand*

priestess: you need to rest. young kusakabe already went to fetch him.

-meanwhile-

shinra: commander shinmon? it's me shinra-

*a sword passes through the curtains, aimed at his throat*

Benimaru: *sips sake* "I'm happy to see you. What brings you here?"

shinra: QxQ;;;;;

Hibana: "I told you it would be better to wait for him to exit...We dragged back your lieutenant from the river."

{Hibana: "Lift with the knees!"}

{shinra: why arent _you_ helping out? i've seen how strong you are! >3< }

{Hibana: "Aw, thank you! But I'm helping you get stronger. The opportunity to lift a big strong man will add some muscle to those bones~"}

{Konro: X_X }

Benimaru: "And now he's injured. Why didn't you help him? How do I know you two didn't knock him over the head?"

shinra: do you really think we'd do that sort of thing? -_-;

Benimaru: "Didn't she work with a witch to make fire ants?"

Hibana: -_-# "One time--ONE TIME!"

Benimaru: "Also, your movements are still slow and sloppy, Kusakabe."

shinra: o-o;

Benimaru: "So, if you have a few minutes, let's spar." *gets up*

-elsewhere-

Huang: "I'll be out. Hibana called for a favor."

asako: oh?

Huang: "She said something about a patient with a similar case to that Kusakabe kid..." *slight shudder*

asako: commander?

Huang: *steadies herself* "N-Nothing." *grabs her medical bag* "I should be back this evening."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "So where is this place?"

hibiki: well...ever heard of 'gravure models'? -_-;

Asher: "???"

Duncan: "..." .\\\\\\.;

amelia: so that's what she's doing now?

Axel: "Do they know we're showing up?"

hibiki: *shrug*

Asher: "...No, seriously, what the hell is 'gravel modeling'?"

hibiki:....*whispers*

Asher: "... ... ..." *frowns* "I preferred what I thought it was."

hibiki: this is the place.

*looks like the building is up ahead...*

Security Guard: *sitting on a chair, reading the newspaper*

hibiki: *ahem*

Security Guard: *doesn't even look up* "Yeah, how can I help you?"

hibiki: yeah, my cousin forgot their lunch. *holds up a bag*

Security Guard: *still not looking up* " 'Kay. Which office number?"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "Welcome home! I just got a call from the caterer and-- ... You look like this would be a better discussion after you get some sleep."

sachiko: *slumps face first onto the couch and groans into the pillow*

Spirit: "..." *tucks her in with a blanket*

sachiko: i could hibernate for a century.

Spirit: "Let's try for 10 hours." *smooths her hair*

sachiko: =w=

Spirit: "One smooch before bedtime~?"

sachiko: *holding his hand*

Spirit: *gentle rub before he kisses her hand*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *looking at the door* "This the office?"

hibiki: yep. *knocks*

???: "Just a moment!" *the knob shakes a bit before the door opens*

hibiki: ._.;

Asher: -_-

Duncan: O\\\\O

Receptionist: *smiles* "How can I help you?" *she's in a tank top and short shorts*

hibiki: is marylin in?

Receptionist: "Sure thing, sweetie!" *screams to the back* "MARYLIN! YOU GOT VISITORS!" *turns back, quieter again* "Who is asking for her?"

amelia: we're investigating a murder.

Receptionist: "... ... ..." ^^; *leans forward to Amelia* "You look a little young to be a police officer, kiddo!" ^^;;;;

amelia: we're not police officers, we're DWMA students.

Receptionist: "I see--and what are you studying--" *looks at Hibiki* "...Say, you ever consider modeling?"

hibiki: -_-; i'll pass.

Receptionist: "Worth a try~" *hands a business card*

*there is a crash heard in the back*

hibiki: ??

Receptionist: "??? Marylin?" *walks to the back*

Asher: "..." *follows, gesturing to the others*

-the others follow-

Receptionist: "?!!!"

Duncan: "EEP!" *hides behind Amelia*

Asher: "Enough of this..." *transforms their arm, smashing into the door*

*Inside, a ghost is chasing Marylin around the room*

marylin: STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME! MARGE! CALL A FUCKING EXORCIST!! >~<

Jonas: "Don't you recognize me, Marylin! It's me, Jonas--" *arms stretched out to hug her*

marylin: *SCREAMING and throwing things at him*

*the items just pass through him*

Asher: "...We really should've told him to stay at the school."

Jonas: "Oh, it's you kids! Talk her down!" *dodging, even as the items just pass through him anyway*

amelia: miss marylin, did you kill mr atkinson?

Marylin: "Kill who?! What the fuck are you talking about?!!"

Jonas: Q_Q "You don't even remember me?!"

Marylin: "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS THING?!"

amelia: jonas atkinson. his ghost, anyway.

Marylin: "... ... ...Oh, now I remember." *smirks at the ghost* "You dumped me. Well, how you missing this~?" *poses*

Jonas: Q\\\\Q

Asher: "Oh, she totally murdered him."

Marylin: "I DID NOT!"

amelia: do you know who did?

Marylin: *shrugs* "I heard he had a heart attack--"

Duncan: *reading a report* "It was an acetaminophen overdose, laced into his sports drink. Wouldn't be hard for you to get that drug--it's over-the-counter."

Marylin: "...Do I look like I know what acey-ta-minnow-whatever is?"

Duncan: "Then how do you explain the hair sample we found in his locker?"

Marylin: "... ... ..." .\\\\. "Well..."

{Marylin: *sneaks into the boys' locker room* >_> <_< "..." *shoves a letter into his locker, runs...*}

Asher: "??? What letter? None was found..."

marge: damn, that has to be some old ass hair.

Duncan: >_>; "I may have been lying there..."

Marylin: -\\\\\-# "Jerk-off...But yes, I left a letter begging him to take me back, so why would I do that then kill him? If anything, whoever you want stole my letter to make me look like the killer!"

Jonas: QwQ "You wanted to get back with me--"

Marylin: "MARGE, EXORCIST! NOW!"

hibiki: well damn, that leaves us back at square one.

Receptionist: "Marylin, don't you think you could find it in your heart to give them more information? I mean, you did sneak into the boys' locker room--didn't you see anything odd?"

Marylin: "??? No? I just shoved the letter into his locker...But I did smell something weird."

amelia: like what?

Marylin: *shrugged* "I thought it was just gym socks, but then I started smelling it when I... *ahem* started going to industry parties..." >_>; "It's called 'sour diesel.'"

-elsewhere-

Lucy: *sets down meals* "Here you go, Aya!"

aya: thanks! *eating the spagetti*

Lucy: "And given the day and time, Kunikida has his usual--"

Kunikida: "Chicken salad sandwich." *takes it* "Thank you, Lucy."

Lucy: "You're welcome." *walks back to the kitchen*

Kunikida: "Aya, how are classes?"

aya: out for the summer.

Kunikida: "I see...Then that means you'll have plenty of free time for tutoring."

-elsewhere-

Denki: "Then I can go *FWASH* and send an electric discharge to blind my opponents! I just need someone to make the shades that block out all light!"

jirou: why not bring this up with the support department? i could use some new equipment myself, actually.

Denki: "Great idea!"

Mina: "??? But if you have shades that block out all light, how would you see?"

Denki: "...See?"

eijiro: hey bakugou, maybe you could get something to help protect your hearing?

*there are fast footsteps that sound like they are running up to them*

Bakugo: "...Wow, you actually had a good idea. Congrats."

eijiro: ^w^

*then a SCREECH is heard, as someone comes to a stop in the hall*

Mei: "DID SOMEONE SAY SUPPORT DEPARTMENT?!!!"

jirou: how did she-

Mei: *up in Jirou's face* "EXCELLENT HEARING!"

jirou: ._.;

Mei: *pulls out measuring tape, wrapping it around Eijiro* "You're not ticklish, are you? Shoe size? Inseam? Waist? Height?"

???: hatsume-senpai, please wait up!

Mei: >w> "Whoopsie--sorry, I left you behind! LET'S TRY THE ROCKET SHOES ON YOU TO KEEP UP!"

student: .___.; erm...

Mina: "??? Oh, is this a newbie?"

student: ^^; nice to meet you all, my name's Suzuki. Shikarou Suzuki. *he bows*

Denki: *leans back* "Hey, careful with the horns!"

Bakugo: "Antlers, doofus."

suzuki: sorry about that, they're still growing. ^^;

Mei: "I was showing Shi-Suz around when I heard you saying 'SUPPORT DEPARTMENT,' and my alarm went off. See?" *holds up a blinking emergency button labeled 'Support Department Emergency'* "Shi-Suz, watch and learn how to take measurements, as they are very important in the support group. Pikachu, please hold Angry Bomberman still."

Bakugo: "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!"

Denki: "Eijiro, hold his legs." *grabs Bakugo by the arms*

suzuki: oh! *taking notes*

Mina: *stares at Suzuki's head* OwO "...Horn Siblings..."

suzuki: eh?

Mina: *points to her horns*

Bakugo: "STOP THAT! THAT--HA HA HA HA--"

suzuki: oh! i see. a-actually mine are antlers. ^^;

Mei: "I see--ticklish. Hmm...Need to adjust your measurements on the biceps."

Mina: "Have you met your teachers?"

suzuki: i have. mr power-loader's been very helpful, and miss aranya's really smart.

Mina: "Aranya, the costume designer? She has such pretty costumes!"

Mei: "Lift him up."

Bakugo: "PUT ME DOWN, OR YOU'RE DEAD!"

-elsewhere-

*Mana's phone chirps with a text message*

mana: ?? *looks*

Text Message: [hey, sis--guess where i am] *it's a photo of Yoh--in handcuffs with Los Angeles police officers Katy and Mandy*

mana: D8 [WTF??]

Yoh: [oh the officers are saying i'm blowing my cover. aren't they cute tho?]

mana: [WHY ARE YOU IN LA]

Yoh: [i was on my way to death city then suspected of transporting illegal substances] *attaches a pic in front of a West Hollywood drag shop*

mana: [WAT]

Yoh: [weird right? anyway i'm helping the police then can keep traveling]

-elsewhere-

Anya: *looking at a map* "..." *sighs*

tsugumi: what's up?

Anya: "N-Nothing! Just reviewing some little looked at places, probably not of interest to you since you are probably busy with whatever Maki had contacted you about..."

tsugumi: ??

Anya: >\\\>; "Nothing." *rolls up the map* "Maybe I'm just homesick."

tsugumi: maybe we could visit your home country?

Anya: *grabs her hands* (╯✧ ∇ ✧)╯ "You mean it?!"

tsugumi: OvO sure?

Anya: "!!!" *lets go* "I mean, it's not big deal if you refuse." >_>;

tsugumi: ^^; no, i think it's a great idea.

Anya: "..." *inner squee* "I will begin packing!" *pulls out four suitcases* "This should be enough for daily wear."

-elsewhere-

Hyde: *staring at a history book in the library...and crying*

jackie: can i help you?

Hyde: "?!! J-Just reading up on European history! That's all! Ha ha ha..." QwQ;

jackie: ?? ok?

Hyde: *ahem* "Do you have more information on the pre-founding origins of Yngling?"

-elsewhere-

Justin: *asleep on the couch* "Zzz..." *looks like he's been busy cleaning*

oriko:...*puts a blanket over him*

Justin: *small groan* "Ma..."

oriko:.....

Justin: *small shudder before he calms...*

-elsewhere-

Mori: *looks at the skyline from his office*

kouyou: you called?

Mori: "Please, sit."

kouyou: *takes a seat*

Mori: *sits at the head of the table...there are four other than the two occupied* "It has been some time since Ace's demise."

kouyou: indeed. *looks over to chuuya*

Chuuya: *frowns*

Mori: *gestures to another seat* "And I am still saving one for our departed Dazai..." *smirks*

Chuuya: "..."

Mori: "With our other two executives not present, we can't very well replace them. But I had someone in mind to take Ace's seat."

miura: *adjusting her glasses*

*the doors open*

kouyou: *looks*

*Hirotsu enters*

elise: hiroshi?

Hirotsu: "..." *approaches, but does not sit* "Hello, everyone."

Chuuya: "..."

{Hirotsu: "While Mori is incapacitated, I will carry the burden of the Port Mafia on my back and keep the unity strong."}

{gin: ....}

{higuchi: i couldnt think of a better person for the job, sir.}

{Tachihara: "Think you got the stamina for this kind of thing, old timer?"}

{Hirotsu: "It's not a matter of 'can' or 'can't'--some things are about responsibility."}

Hirotsu: "I am humbled by this invitation, sir..." *takes a seat*

kouyou: congratulations.

Chuuya: "Your presence is appreciated."

Hirotsu: "..." *nods* "Well, then, I'm ready to begin."

-elsewhere-

NOS4A2: *checking the Internet* "Hmm...Destro?"

tomura: oh him? he's the one who founded the 'meta liberation army'.

NOS4A2: "...I'm processing this information. Checking for real name..."

-name; Chikara Yotsubashi-

NOS: "Yes...Yotsubashi. I remember meeting."

tomura: oh really? how long were you in that box, exactly?

NOS: "That's a loaded question--especially considering temporary moments for diagnostics...Is disco still a thing? If not, before that, about 30 years."

tomura: ah.

TWICE: yeah! disco fever! GET WITH THE TIMES, GRAMPS!

NOS: "...I suppose I have some catching up to do. This will take some time..." *plugs the ethernet into his head...then removes it after 3 seconds* "Jeez, that took forever. ...What are Pogs?"

-elsewhere-

Agate: *looking at paintings in a museum* "...This is nice, Doctor."

remina: ugh, i told you, you can call me remina if you want! >3<

Agate: "S-Sorry. Remina. ... *sighs* I feel restless. It has been some time since my last fight--and repairs. I feel much better--when can I compete again?"

remina: i'll have to check with schedules.

Agate: -3- "I can check them--I am practically your PDA. You have a lecture tomorrow morning, lunch with the lab director about funding, spin class in the afternoon--"

-elsewhere-

Child: *gasps* "Why didn't you tell us you got your Quirk?!" *walking along the Venice Beach Boardwalk near Los Angeles*

boy: *bites his lip*

girl: were you scared we wouldnt like you anymore?

boy:...*nod*

Child: "..." *soft arm punch*

boy: !

Child: "That's what you get for thinking we wouldn't like you anymore, silly!"

*some bodybuilders are doing tricks and poses on the Boardwalk*

girl: some grown ups may think it's weird, but what do _they_ know! you're still the same timmy, right?

timmy:.... Q~Q t-thanks....

Child: "Hee hee! Hey, Dad gave me some money for ice cream--want some?"

*someone is following them...*

girl: .....hey! whoever's following us, you better stop or i'll scream for the police!

???: "D'aw, isn't that cute, sis? She's going to scream for the police!"

???: what is she, like? 5?

girl: im 6 and a half!

???: "6 and a half! LULZ! But seriously, nah, gurl, we're not here for you." *picks the girl up by the collar*

*meanwhile, someone in a hoodie and swimwear bottoms is walking along the beach*

girl: *SCREAMS*

timmy: s-stop it!

???: "Sis, take the brat..." *tosses the girl over the boardwalk*

Hoodie: "!!!" *suddenly, sand accumulates along their legs...*

girl: EEK!

*a pair of giant rocky hands catches the girl, a tattered hoodie floating away, revealing a rock giant*

Rock Giant: *looks up at ??? and ???*

???: what the F?!

???: "...Sis, grab the brat!" *pushes the other boy over the ledge*

*pushes the other child

Child: "GAK!"

timmy: no, stop it! *shaking*

???: *grabs timmy by the arm*

Child: *grabs onto the plank, holding on, screaming*

Rock Giant: *puts the girl on their shoulder* "Hang on, please."

girl: dont let omar fall!

Omar: "I'M NOT GOING TO FALL! I'M--"

*Omar falls*

Omar: Q____Q

Rock Giant: "!!!" *dives at Omar*

???: *takes Timmy by the other arm* "Ready, sis?"

???: you got it!

timmy: *SCREAMING*

*The siblings' legs charge up with glowing energy before...*

Rock Giant: *catches Omar, looks at the siblings--*

???: *smirks* "TTFN!" *salutes before--*

???: *tosses their sibling and Timmy into the air*

girl: NO!

???: *leaps up--and seems to ricochet off of Timmy before Timmy and ??? are pulled towards them*

timmy: *crying*

Rock Giant: *sets down Omar and the girl* "Call the cops." *running through up the beach to the street*

-elsewhere-

Distributor: <The info was good: the kid's been captured. Thank the good doctor for that.>

-elsewhere-

-in the DWMA, a radio signal is picked up-

???: hullo? anyone read me? over?

Auntie: "???" *picks up the radio* "This is the DWMA. Over."

???: ah, so the old thing still works, that's good to know, over.

Auntie: "Who is this?"

???: this is Janine McBride, from australia, over.

Auntie: "Down under, eh? That's a long way to be calling Death City..."

janine: well, i managed to find my dad's old radio, and i wanted to see if it still worked. lo and behold, it does! over.

Auntie: "I see. This is a line for emergencies to reach the DWMA, though. Over."

janine: i see. well, if it means anything, there have been magical creature poachings in the area. over.

Auntie: *taking notes* "That's pretty big. Coordinates? Over."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "Well, that was a bust."

hibiki: now what?

Axel: "Maybe that 'bitter octane' thingie can lead to something?"

zeke: yeah.

Duncan: "It was called 'sour diesel.'" *searches online for it* "... ... ..." *turns phone off* "Well, I have to clean that off my phone."

Asher: "Pft. Child."

hibiki: ....you ok?

Duncan: "Fine! Just...fine. ...FBI doesn't track those online searches, right?"

hibiki: i was talking to asher.

Duncan: T___T

Asher: "...Fine. Why?"

hibiki:...just checking.

-elsewhere-

stocking: haaa....holy hot damn that was good.

Kid: *wipes his mouth* "I hope so..." *slowly kisses up her stomach before cuddling with her*

stocking: *shivers and hugs him* mmm~<3 you sure know how to please me~ 7w7

Kid: *strokes hair away from her face* "I aim to please~" *kisses her softly* "I'm so glad you had time today..."

stocking: yeah. we should have a weekend away, all to ourselves. *walks her fingers up his chest and boops his nose* boop~

Kid: "Tee hee..." *nose nuzzle* "I would like that so much. We would have a lot to do while we're away..."

-elsewhere-

Magaki: "Any plans for the Occult Club over the summer? I heard those NOT students were investigating the ghost's murder..."

rowena: i was hoping to visit the winchester mystery house! *shiny eyes*

alice: that does seem to be an interesting topic.

Magaki: "What makes the house a 'mystery'?

rowena: it was built by sarah winchester, widow of the owner of the winchester rifles. mrs winchester was convinced that the ghosts of all who had died from a winchester rifle were haunting her, so the house was built upon constantly with fake doors, staircases, and various other oddities in an attempt to confuse the spirits, and construction continued until mrs winchester died in 1922!

Magaki: "...Didn't I see a documentary on this? I think it was called 'Saw'?" [Narrator / Present Mic: "MAGAKI DOES NOT REALIZE 'SAW' IS A WORK OF FICTION!"]

alice: ....

Poe: "Rowena? I have a surprise for you..." *holds out an envelope*

rowena: ??

*inside the envelope are plane tickets and a B&B reservation*

rowena: *SHINY EYES AND GASP*

Poe: "Enjoy."

rowena: *hug* oh thank you, edgar!

Poe: *smiles* "I hope it is to your liking!"

-elsewhere-

Meme: "Yngling?!"

tsugumi: yep!

mio: holy cow!

Anya: =_=; *standing with a set of luggage* ("...Why did I think it was just Tsugumi that would be going with me...")

Meme: "Do they let tourists in? What kind of passport will we need? What language do they speak?"

ao: hoho, this should be interesting.

Anya: *forced smile* "Quite..." *ahem* "First of all, you have to be on your best behavior. That means no ugly tourist behavior. Yngling is a respectable city-state with proud traditions--"

mio: could we get, like, diplomatic immunity?

Anya: "Wait, what? What are you planning to do that would require diplomatic imm--"

Meme: "The castle has funny guards with goofy hats, don't they? Can we be arrested for poking the goofy-hat guards?"

Anya: "No poking the guards!"

-elsewhere-

*the phone at the Mjolnir residence rings*

marie: yes?

Auntie: "Hello, Miss Marie--got a second?"

marie: yes? what is it?

Auntie: "I got a call on the secured radio line from someone about magical creature poaching in Australia..."

marie: oh goodness!

Auntie: "Think you can pop on over?"

marie: i'll be over as soon as possible.

Auntie: "Need any backup? Or a babysitter?"

-elsewhere-

shinra: so...hows things?

Benimaru: "Fine. What, is the 8th interested in my personal affairs now, watchdog?"

shinra: OwO;;; t-that's not what im trying to imply! i mean, we are allies, right? good to keep in touch, yeah? ^^;;;;

Benimaru: "..." *stops in his tracks* "Do you think people trust your group? After what happened in the Nether?"

shinra: eh?

Benimaru: "Don't you find it odd that your teammates in the 8th escaped unscathed, while members of the 2nd were killed or hospitalized?"

shinra: ....i wouldnt say completely unscathed...

Benimaru: "...Sorry. Just saying how I fear outsiders will see what happened. Your division has been in the center of a lot of controversies. How do you earn back trust you may have lost?"

shinra: .........

???: "Here, the door slides like this--"

*FWAP*

shinra: *looks*

Arthur: "S-Sorry..."

shinra: it's goo- ARTHUR?!

Arthur: "Devilman?"

Benimaru: "Hipster samurai and black cat?"

shinra: when did you get here?!

tamaki:..............................

Arthur: "The commander assigned us here for R&R&T: rest, relaxation, and training."

shinra: *looks at tamaki*.....i see...

tamaki: *her eyes are dull* ......

Benimaru: "..." *looks around* "...Get inside. All of you." *shoves Shinra and Arthur*

shinra: h-hey!

Arthur: "?! Sir Shinmon, why are you--"

Benimaru: *shoves them into the tea room--then spots Tamaki* "...Over here. Walk. Move."

tamaki: *staring up at a beam* .....................

Benimaru: "..." *pulls her over* "Okay, you three stooges--I taught you, and you come back here with your tails between your legs--or whatever the equivalent is for Kusakabe."

shinra: hey!

Benimaru: *death glare* "Why didn't you succeed in the Nether? What was missing that stopped you from taking down the Hoods?!"

shinra:.....

-shinra explains what happened-

Arthur: "...Shinra exaggerates. I was totally winning--"

*SLAAAAAAAAAP*

shinra: oxo

Arthur: @~@

Benimaru: "I see my training was a waste if you couldn't dodge." *shifts his hand at Shinra--*

shinra: *DODGE*

Benimaru: "..." *pulls back his hand* "Better." *looks at Tamaki* "...I notice you didn't have much to share."

tamaki: *still staring up at the beam*................

Benimaru: "..." *looks up at the beam* "...Nah, not sturdy enough for your weight."

shinra: .....

Benimaru: "...Kotatsu. What do you want?"

tamaki:.....*shaking*

Arthur: "..." *holds her hand*

shinra: she's been like this since the nether....

Benimaru: "You know what we do in these situations in Asakusa?"

shinra: ....

Benimaru: "We keep busy. Be ready at 7 AM tomorrow. Wear comfortable shoes."

shinra:......alright...

Arthur: "..."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: *in front of the 'schedule' board, moving index cards around--and moving ones labeled 'Shinra,' 'Arthur,' and 'Tamaki' to a new 'Vacation' column...the index cards even have little doodles of the three on them* *sighs* "Okay--Relan is still recovering but can take over Shinra's patrol if I had 2 more to go with him...Dang, this is harder than I thought..."

karin: what's up?

Akitaru: "Hey, Doc--could I get some advice? We're stretched thin, and I'm trying to figure out who can substitute for the three in Asakusa and our convalescing soldier."

karin: hmmm, we got lisa and yu, right?

Akitaru: *moves their cards to a column* "Right. Lisa's firepower is incredible. How is Yu handling the new equipment?"

karin: i think he has a handle on things now.

Akitaru: "I'll pair them with Relan. The Lieutenant and Maki still got their shift--assuming dinner isn't a fiasco."

-elsewhere-

Asher: *sips on a milkshake* "...Thanks."

hibiki: no prob.

Asher: "Haven't been here before...It's nice." *looks out the window at the street...looks like traffic has picked up*

hibiki: ...so...how's stuff with you?

Asher: "..." *shrugs* "Not great? Better to not go back for a few hours."

hibiki:......how bad is it?

Asher: "..." *looks away* "It'll be fine. Just wait until everyone is asleep. Then I won't have to talk to her."

hibiki:......

Asher: "Better than..." *gestures to their eye* "It's fine. Just...fine. She'll probably be drunk and asleep anyway."

hibiki:.......do you really think it's ok to keep living like this?

Asher: "...Better than the alternative." *rubs their wrist*

hibiki: ........

*something drips onto the table*

Asher: *wipes their eyes with the back of a hand*

-elsewhere-

[nobodies-png]

modern!au is a CONCEPT. bless y'all. could u do some hcs for modern! roxas, ventus, vanitas, xion, and sora + having a disney marathon w/ their s/o? like what movies they pick, do they sing along, r there snuggles, what snacks are brought, etc. (pls feel free to add any other details u want. i love lil details.) (this might've sent once already, my page refreshed. if so, sorry!) hugs & kisses!

o this is such a wholesome prompt, thanks for sending it !

Sora : 

You’re looking at the Disney King himself. He knows a shit ton of movies and almost every song in existence so you bet your ass he’s gonna sing. And you’ll probably tag along too, his enthusiasm is just so contagious - hell, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know the lyrics, just sing whatever you want to the rhythm of the song with him ! 

He’ll b e g you to watch Big Hero Six and the Lion King movies with him. After that, you can choose anything you want but just p l e a s e let him watch those, they’re his absolute favorites. Also, remember to keep some napkins around cause Sora will cry no matter the movie, the messages just hit d e e p and he’s just a softie. Just snuggle with him for a bit and pat his back while he just stutters about how cool the movies were, he’ll eventually stop with the waterworks. 

You know what ? Sora probably has a lot of Disney merch. If you guys are having a disney marathon, you’re gonna do it properly. He won’t hesitate to prepare his entire house just for this movie night - building a pillow fort in the living room so you two can chill comfortably, hoarding a lot of snacks and like a thousand popcorn bags, wearing his Stitch onesie (and probably lending you his Winnie the Pooh onesie if you’re up for it !) 

Like the whole concept could feel childish, but not to Sora ! He grew up with Disney and he holds those movies very dear to his heart, so he’d be so happy to know that you’re willing to pull an all-nighter with him ! You’re never too old to enjoy these things.

You know Sora would suggest inviting absolutely everyone, but he won’t complain if you wish for a more intimate date. That’s fine with him too ! The two of you would have such a fun time and then pass out in the pillow fort at like 4 am. 

Vanitas : 

You know those people who are like “Pffft, Disney is overrated” ? That’s Vanitas right there. The guy looks like he’s fueled by kicking puppies and being a generally mean jerk - but you know better than that. Vanitas has zero knowledge about Disney cause he was never interested in cartoons as a kid so he simply assumes it’s bad. It’s up to you to show him the real deal.

At first he’d be against the idea of having a marathon. The guy can barely pay attention to class or hold a normal conversation and you want him to just sit there and watch movies ? U n b e l i e v a b l e. Are you singing ? Please stop, no singing allowed in this house, no he doesn't want to be part of your world, plEASE SPARE HIM - Accepts in the end just to avoid doing homework. He’d let you pick whatever movie you want, but if he were to choose, he’d probably go with the Lady and the Tramp, Treasure Planet or any Pirates of the Caribbean movie. 

No one will be able to wipe off that shit eating grin off your face after seeing Vanitas go from constantly talking over the movie, critizicing everything, teasing you for being so childish to just being dead silent, completely absorbed in whatever movie you two decide to watch. Feel free to catch him off guard with a smooch here, he’ll probably have a hard time processing what the fuck you just did cause holy shit did you see Hercules beat Hades' ass?

If you introduce Vanitas to the whole conspiracy theory about all Disney movies being related, you better be ready for 3 hours of him just rambling about the posibilities. Now THAT’s something that interests him. The movies would just be background noise as you two just talk away into the night, probably in the kitchen while preparing some weird food combination cause you two ran out of snacks. 

If you expect Vanitas to admit that he was wrong and that Disney was, in fact, something pretty cool then you better sit down, honey. The closest thing you’ll get is him just stubbornly saying that “he wouldn’t mind spending more time with you, watching movies for kids.” 

Ventus : 

Ventus is a casual fan. The type that just knows the old 2D princess classics because he grew up with them, but just slowly lost track of what the hell Disney was doing. Like he probably didn't even get to see the Princess and the Frog - But's all good cause he's eager to see your favorite Disney movies !

If you make him choose a movie to watch, he'd go with the safe choices. Stuff that he knows like Snow White, the Little Mermaid and Cinderella. I can see him loving Pocahontas, Moana and the Three Musketeers, though.

If you want to pull an all nighter to watch as many classics as you can, he won't stop you and he'll try to stay awake with you (and pass out a little after midnight, lmao) - but he'd insist on taking breaks cause looking at a screen for over 6 hours straight can't be h e a l t h y.

Ventus would gladly cuddle and snuggle with you - and he'd also love to sing along, but the poor dude doesn't really know any of the lyrics. Solution ? Just put on those good subtitles and there you go ! He'd love to sing Aladdin's A Whole New World with you or just any duet. You two would get so into it that your neighbours would propably have to knock on the walls a few times so you'll lower your volume.

If you ever mention your favorite (s) disney character(s), you can totally expect Ventus to show up one day unnanounced with a plushie of them, just for you. Consider this his way of saying thanks ! And also apologize for passing out so early - he'll make up for that inviting you to yet another movie night with him.

Roxas :

Another casual fan, but the complete opposite of Ventus. Roxas never got into 2D Disney as a kid and he's more into the 3D additions like Brave, Coco or Frankenweenie. He's also that type of controversial fan who actually enjoyed the liveaction remakes of the old classics.

But don't get him wrong, he's still a r u t h l e s s critic. Roxas gets bored pretty quickly with movies that have such obvious and bland plots and twists that he can see them coming from a mile away. I see him being more of a Pixar fan, just quoting Shrek in his usual deadpan voice on a daily basis. Roxas' brain in a 1000 heartless fight : "and they don't stop coming and they don't stop coming and they-"

If you want to watch movies with him, prepare to discover Roxas' more sassy side - the guy just can't hold back all these funny remarks and jabs at Disney Fairy Tale Logic™. "Oh good for you Gaston, trying to send your crush's father to a psychiatric ward just so she can pay attention to you is SUCH a powermove. You should've dated Lefou instead -" "Do you think Ariel's daughter was born with a mermaid tail or legs? Imagine the monstrosity -".

In the end you two wouldn't even pay attention to the actual movies, since you'd be too busy mocking and impersonating every character and just rolling on the floor laughing your asses off. Your snapchat and instagram stories would be filled with videos of each other doing dumb stuff, calling out all the tiny mistakes as if you two were CinemaSins.

In the end, this Disney Marathon would just turn into a weekly movie night where you two just watch everything and anything. Sometimes it's fun and goofy, and sometimes you two actually get into the plot and discuss all the h i d d e n lore. Roxas would feel super special to have this little new tradition with you.

Xion :

Xion is the definition of a Disney Princess. She absolutely loves every princess movie and you bet your ass she screamed when all of them appeared in full 3D during Ralph breaks the Internet. Like she's a natural romantic and a dreamer at heart, so all the fairy tales just get to her, always tearing up during the climax of the movies.

Ironically, most of her favorite Disney movies aren't princess related : Aristocats, Peter Pan, Tangled and Brother Bear. Xion is that type of person who just points out all the similarities between her friends and the characters. Like Kenai and Kods's bond remind her of her and Roxas' friendship with Axel, Saix reminds her of Randall from Monsters Inc, Kairi is totally Lilo and Aqua is Nani - You get the idea !

Even if you suggested the idea of a Disney Marathon, Xion would just plan the best course of action and take the lead almost immediately. She's just so excited to be able to spend this night with you that she wants to make the most of it ! Snacks ? Check. Netflix and other sites to see movies ? Check. A shit ton of blankets and hot cocoa ? Check. The perfect partner ? Check.

Xion would do her best to not break out into fullblown singing - mostly out of respect for her roommates and neighbours, but you'll definitely hear her hum along and mutter the lyrics under her breath. And if the song is catchy enough, she'd love to pull you in for a dance !

At the end of the night, you two would be exhausted but content. Probably giving up on seeing all the movies, just listening to a disney playlist on Youtube while you two do stupid and silly Buzzfeed quizzes like "What Disney villain are you based on your aesthetics" and such. Xion has trouble sleeping, so you'll most likely end up falling asleep on her first. She'll stay awake till sunrise, taking a few sneaky selfies with you peacefully sleeping by her side.

[lifewith2loopykids-blog]

Bullying - a parent's feeling of helplessness and despair

Our beautiful 8 year old son is full of fun, he loves getting involved and joining in activities and his greatest pleasure is to make friends and make people laugh.

He was diagnosed with ASD in July 2017, something we were expecting as he is a very sensory little boy and a diagnosis for which we spent years battling so we could get him the appropriate support.

In the classroom environment he copes well and excels academically. However, he really struggles socially, despite all his efforts (or possibly, partially, as a result of them).

We didn't have a diagnosis when he started school but he was already under the care of a paediatric consultant as well as Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language and school had been provided with all the relevant information.

Even so, he did not receive any support at the school, the Senco informed me that he was fine, just spirited. It transpired that she was clueless, just lazy!

The bullying started in the December of his first term in Reception - so his very first term in school when he was 4 years of age - a wonderful introduction to school life!! At least that is when we were first aware of it.

He arrived home from school with two huge scratch marks down his back, the result of the boy who was standing behind him deciding he didn't like him and was going to hurt him - just like that. They had been practicing their nativity play in the hall and, prior to the scratch, there had been no interaction between them. And so it began....

Over the next few months he would come home, almost on a daily basis, having been punched and/or kicked, covered in scratch marks, bruises or grazes and his glasses were broken on numerous occasions. All the action of one boy and the little posse he was rounding up.

How my son felt about his day was dependent on whether this boy had hurt him or not. The only good day he had at school was when this bully, T (who was in my son's class) , was off ill.

I was constantly speaking to his (ineffective, chocolate teapot of a) class teacher who took absolutely no action. Her response was to tell me that my child needed to calm down and learn boundaries.

I was desperate, my son was being hurt yet his teacher was doing less than nothing to help support him. I wrote numerous emails and letters to the Head Teacher and was constantly told that things were in hand.

In the March, my poor little boy was really struggling. He wouldn't talk about school (other than to tell me what he had eaten for lunch), he started bedwetting, having nightmares and crying out in his sleep.

His appetite was affected and my wonderful, bright, enthusiastic little boy was now sobbing on the way to school, saying that he didn't want to go.

I was full of despair and didn't know where to turn. I had spoken to school on so many occasions but nobody could shed any light on what was occurring. His class teacher would raise her eyes to heaven when she saw me coming - that's how little she cared and lacked respect about the whole situation, she just wasn't bothered.

This went on for weeks and I was at the end of my tether. How could I help my boy if I couldn't find out what was going on??

I am so lucky in that I have an excellent, caring, supportive friend whose son was also in my son's class. He told his Mum about something that happened on the playground.

One lunchtime, my son, C was playing on the playground when he was approached by T and two of his little gang. They proceeded to tease C and push him around and then T told the others that they should pull C's trousers down.

So two of these little monsters pulled my son's trousers and pants down in the middle of the playground. My child was pleading with them to stop and screaming for help but none came.

My heart broke for my little boy, he must have felt so alone and helpless and nobody came to his aide.

I sat with him that night and asked if something had happened at school "No, Mommy". I asked if something happened on the playground with his trousers "No, Mommy". I then told him that I had heard something happened with three boys (let's call them Tom, Dick and Harry) and that they had pulled his trousers down.

He then told me "No Mommy, Tom said to do it, Dick only thought about doing it but didn't, it was mainly Harry and Tom that did it".

My heart broke. I held my child and tried to comfort him as best I could. I told him that I would be going in to see the head teacher the next day as that should never have happened to him (or any other child). I stayed with him as long as I could before he needed to sleep, which he did that night for the first time in weeks.

I went downstairs and sobbed for my son. He had been carrying this by himself and trying to cope with it all and I have never felt so useless and worthless as a mother. I didn't protect my child.

The next morning I saw the head teacher. When I told him what happened, his response was "We have adequate supervision on the playground at lunchtime" (yeah right, and where were they all when my son was screaming for help?). His action with the bully? He took the positive reinforcement approach and the following Friday, T was given praise at the weekly Praise Assembly. What kind of message did that send my son? Needless to say, my son started the following school year in a different school.

Fast forward a few years and my son was now in Year 3, the first year on the Key Stage 2 playground. Around April time, his behaviour changed.

He would always struggle for a while after he came home from school, something I believe is quite common with children on the spectrum. They have been trying to act "normal" all day, to not stand out, holding all their anxieties and stresses in so that by the time they get home, they're like little pressure cookers needing release.

I was used to this and understood that he needed that time. However, around April this behaviour intensified and the upset and meltdowns were reaching new levels. He started wrapping himself up in his sheet when going to sleep, literally winding it around his head and body so that he resembled a little Mummy. Every night I would have to unwind the sheet from around his head terrified that he would smother himself in his sleep. He was obviously craving that sensory input.

I tried to decipher what was going on but was getting nowhere. He told me that school was "brilliant" or "perfect" and no other details were forthcoming.

I called into the school, spoke to the Senco and the Parent Liason, but they didn't know of any issues. His class teacher said he was coping brilliantly in the classroom and seemed happy and settled so whatever was going on was happening on the playground.

This went on for weeks and, again, I felt helpless and in despair that I couldn't find a way to help my son.

One Sunday morning, as we were leaving his football training, I got a phonecall from a Mum of a boy in his class. He had told her that C had been the target of two boys for a few months and they had been bullying him, physically and verbally for all that time.

I burst into tears, partly in relief that I finally knew what was going on and I could finally take some action to help him.

When we got home I asked him if anyone had been hurting him - "No Mommy". Then I said, what about 'X'. I asked if X had been hitting him "Yes Mommy", had he been punching, again Yes, tripping him up "no Mommy, not really", pushing him to the ground "yes", saying mean things "yes".

I then asked who this person played with and we went through the same questions for each of those children. I told C that I would be going to speak to the parent liason the next morning.

As it happened, she wasn't available so I asked to speak to the head teacher. She was very busy with overseas visitors who had just arrived in the school but she took the time to see me briefly.

I filled her in on everything that had been happening and she told me that she would deal with it personally that day.

She phoned me that afternoon to inform me that she had spoken to the two main culprits and they admitted what they had been doing. Both boys were shocked that they had been found out as they knew that C wouldn't tell 😢

She had spoken to the boys' parents and also made a note of what transpired in case there were any future incidents.

I spoke with C and let him know what had transpired and pointed out that within 24 hours of my finding out about the bullying action had been taken to stop it and help him. I explained that my job was to keep him safe but I can only do that if I know what is happening.

He looked at me and said "Mommy, why are you crying? You are making tears come in my eyes". I held him and told him that I was upset because he had been trying to deal with this all by himself and that upset me because he has so many people who will help him.

I am hoping that our little boy will realise that he can turn to us when things happen so that we can help. My job is to keep him safe and I will always strive to do my best to achieve that. Any bully will face the wrath of Momma Bear 🐻