#if i got their identity wrong pardon me

[genderinvalid1]

made a lil meadowlark oc bc @yaelokre 's music has my brain in a death grip.

this is runo, hes a journal and story keeper and occasionally illustrates the stories told to him. also he has an opossum mask.

can you tell ive been fixated on the world yaelokre created for like. a month now.

i hope i can get new ohuhu markers soon to do a better ref of him and draw the other characters theyve made.

[yulin-pop]

⤷ ✧ 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲

order 84 | Scenario | Cater, Jade, Idia, Silver | gender neutral

❀ NOTE: PRETTY BOYS AHHHH, I wonder if all the characters are canonically attractive or are some characters like Ace considered mid?

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re so…”

➺ Cater Diamond

There’s a reason why Cater has so many followers on MagiCam. It’s because he has a cute face!! You’re not sure if he’s aware but he just has to be.

He does these tiny things like brushing the hair out of his face or slightly turning his head when he laughs. You didn’t really realize how pretty he was for a while. Sure, you got nervous just staring at him but now you can’t even look him in the eye.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re so hot…”

He blinked for a moment. He was in the middle of drying his hair when you said that. All he could think is “Oh wow?” He noticed that you’ve been staring at him so intensely for the past few days— maybe weeks.

But you said it straight to his face? He thought he misheard you at first but you definitely said that.

“Wow, I didn’t know you fancied me that way MC!” Admittedly it did fluster him, he was flattering in the best way possible.

“Don’t get it twisted, it’s not in the way you’re thinking!”

You’re in denial.

⊱Jade Leech

He has that certain look to him. It’s different than Floyd even though they’re identical twins. Maybe he’s not aware how MMMMMMM he is but he has to.

Just the way he looks at you can get you weak on the floor. His eyes… You noticed how his eyes squint ever so slightly when he’s focused. He’s calm under any circumstances yet so amusing in his own way. He’s the type of person you’d want to follow around just for the fun of it. And in his own way… he’s just so damn cute too.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re so cute…”

He quickly turned his head to stare at you. He’s not sure what you mean or why. It was so out of the blue. You’ve been stalking him for a while. Of course he knew and allowed it and treated it as if it was normal.

“Pardon? In what way am I… cute?” He turned his head curiously.

“Cute!” You said again.

He wasn’t sure how to feel, the last time someone called him cute was when he was a little kid. Most people would think of Jade as alluring or handsome, cute is something he hasn’t heard in a while.

“If you’re talking about my appearance, you must think Floyd is cute as well.” He says while smiling at you.

“Eh I guess so. But he’s not as cute as you.”

He moved closer, “Tell me, what else do you think of me?”

You put your hands out in front of you, as if to say stop. “Why do you have to be so close..?!”

*ੈ Idia Shroud

It’s already canon that Idia is very attractive from the character archives book and the ghost marriage event while being complete oblivious. He’s charming in his own way.

It’s hard to believe he’s so oblivious to his good looks. His smile is nerdy yet… attractive. His personality is rough but that’s what makes him so fun. Teasing someone like him is hilarious.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re so hot.”

He immediately cranked his head your direction with a baffled expression. He shook his head and let out an irritated squeal.

“Wh-who says stuff like that to somebody’s face?! Online I get it but this is IRL! Why does someone like you even think that?”

He just gets really flustered and ends up rambling about how it doesn’t make sense. But when he looks back on it, it gives him an ego boost for a few minutes and then he’s embarrassed because— it makes him happy that you think of him that way.

-ˋˏ Silver

Unintentional or not, Silver has been seeing you around a lot. He doesn’t think much of it since you’re in the same school so it’s not anything crazy but when he does see you, you’re always staring at him with this… funny expression.

Did he do something wrong? He tries to wave at you when he can but as soon as he turns his head you run away or start acting like you weren’t the one staring first.

But what were you suppose to do? Whenever you saw him, all your attention was diverted to his gentle yet sharp expression. His resting face was already so deadly, you couldn’t imagine if he were to smile.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re so pretty…”

He froze with a puzzled look on his face. This was one of the times you actually started a conversation with him instead of staring and running away and you say something so flirtatious?

“Ah…” He blinked as you gazed into his eyes nervously, “Thank you I suppose.” But in what way was he suppose to take that?

[dannyphantom-zero]

Doctor Danny Chapter 6

Danny was surprised to say the least. The last time he even step foot in a place this fancy was at Vlad's dairy palace.

"Master Bruce is this way Master Todd"

Danny waited for Jason in the sitting room.

"Would you like tea Mr. Fenton"

Danny jolted, he had been so deep in his own thoughts.

"Yes, thank you-"

"Alfred is fine"

"Thank you Alfred"

"Pardon me for asking but what is your connection to the master?"

Danny squinted thinking about it as if it was the first time he was contemplating this. Well, it was the first time.

"The way I met him was a little... strange, but after that day he wouldn't leave me alone. Like a stalker"

Alfred chuckled.

Danny blushed, "I didn't mean that his is a stalker or anything! He's been a big help to me, I think. We're friends I guess you would say"

Jason walked up to the office. There was an air of tension and Jason wondered briefly if Bruce was fuming with anger on the other side.

Jason stepped in, closing the door behind him.

Bruce was sitting behind his desk with an unpleasant look on his face.

Jason wanted to make a wise crack but the air was too suffocating. You would think someone had died.

Bruce motioned for Jason to sit down, he came out from behind his desk and sat down across from Jason.

Bruce sighed before looking straight into Jason's eyes.

"Jason"

Jason didn't like his tone of voice.

"Are you gay?"

Jason paused and replayed the tape in his head. Did Bruce really just ask him that?

"W-why? Are you asking me that?" He had never been more confused.

"So you are gay?"

Jason suddenly felt hot.

"Maybe, in my defense some men just hit different"

Bruce made a face.

"Not literally, stop looking at me like that!"

"Some men, like that Doctor?"

Jason sighed and looked at the window nonchalantly.

"Yeah I guess."

Bruce nodded.

"So now that it's confirmed, there are some things you should know-"

"You are not giving me the talk in gay edition! I am an adult Bruce!"

"Does he like you back?"

Jason groaned.

"I really don't know. I don't even know if he's into men."

"Have you tried asking him"

"I'm not doing that"

Bruce wanted to scream. Why did his children always take the hard way.

Jason glanced at the clock on Bruce's wall and jumped up.

"Crap! I have to take Danny to the hospital!"

"This conversation-" before Bruce could finish Jason was already gone.

He sighed, "why do I even try?" He muttered into his hands.

He had even gotten to the important part yet, which would be Jason's vigilante identity.

"Do you like Master Todd?" Alfred asked as he sipped his tea.

"He's a great friend, he really is helpful when he wants to be"

Alfred shook his head elegantly.

"Forgive me, I meant romantically"

Danny almost dropped his tea. "Uh, I-I don't know. I've never considered"

Jason burst in at that exact moment and Danny's face went red.

"Your gonna be late if we don't go right now!" Jason almost shouted.

Danny jumped up, very flustered.

"Bye Alfred" Danny said as Jason grabbed Danny's hand and pulled him to the car.

Alfred smiled over his tea.

Jason hopped in the car and noticed that something was wrong with Danny. He was stiffer than a wooden board.

"Danny?"

A high pitched "what?" Came out that just made Danny even more embarrassed.

"Are you ok?"

Danny managed to breathe again

"Yea, just nervous about going to work I guess"

Jason nodded.

"Just be careful"

When Danny got into the hospital he noticed something strange. Everyone seemed to be staring at him and whispering to each other.

"Daniel! There you are my good friend " the hospitals general manager said clapping him on the back.

Danny made a face like he had just stepped on a fresh pile of dog shit. This guy hated him, and he called him Daniel.

If they were friends he would've to call him Danny. This was the guy who tried to suspend Danny licence and kept saying he was just going to be trouble for the hospital.

So why was he sucking up to him now?

"We have someone who needs to speak with you urgently"

Who could be so important, that even a dick like this guy would change his tune?

Well it didn't matter, Danny was pissed off now.

"Tell whoever it is to wait, my patients need me, make sure they don't bother me while I'm working"

"You don't have a choice brat, stop soaking up being the big hero and get your ass in that office."

Danny was about to stick up his middle finger and walk away when a voice rang out from down the hall.

"Doctor! I'm so glad I caught you!"

Danny looked past his disgruntled superior and his eyes instantly narrowed.

It was a prominent businessman with lots of rumors of having shady side businesses. Lex Luther.

"You have to excuse me sir but I'm working at the moment-"

"Of course, I don't mean to interrupt your work at all. If you can perhaps take the time to meet with me after your work hours have finished-"

Lex quickly waved off the thought his a graceful twist of his hand, "but you don't have too, you might be too exhausted. At least take my card. I have so much to talk about"

Danny took the card, resisting the urge to rip it up in front of the general manager out of spite.

Still, despite the rumors Lex Luther seemed fairly decent. Danny had no time to mull it over, he had patients to treat.

Danny carefully fixed a cast for little boy.

"There you go, all done"

The boy looked at Danny sadly, "can I be the first to sign it?" Danny asked.

The boy lit up, Danny was supposed to recommend that the cast stay clean and unsigned but hey, its an important tradition.

~Your incredibly strong, keep up that fighting spirit, love Doctor Danny~

The boy showed his mom who smiled and thanked the doctor. Danny just replied with, "it's my job"

Danny was half asleep by the time he walked out of the hospital.

"Hello" a smooth voice said in his ear. Danny whipped his head around his the person in the nose.

"Oh crap I'm sorry, are you ok?" Danny asked.

The person turned out to be Lex Luther.

"It's ok, it's my fault for being too close"

"Yeah but it could be bruised, I hope it's not broken" he said as he examined it.

After a few seconds Danny realized he asked for permission before touching him.

He quickly withdrew his hands.

"It's not broken, just bruised" Danny declared.

"Thank you, I see your off from work. Can I treat you to a meal?"

Danny smiled, "shouldn't I be saying that? I did bruise you"

Lex Luther shook his head, "no, I asked to meet with you. I should pay"

Danny caved.

"I'll follow you in my car-"

"No need, I'll have my assistant drove your car, we'll ride together in mine"

Together? Why?

"Okay, wait- is that your car?"

It was a shiny black Lamborghini.

"Wow, you drive this around Gotham? You so brave. If I had a car like this it would be locked up in storage" Danny said his hands hovering over, but not touching.

Lex pit his hand over Danny's and pushed it on the car.

"It won't break if you touch it"

Danny's face felt hot all of the sudden.

"Y-yeah you're probably right" Danny said nervously as he moved his hand and opened the door. After he slid in Lex shut the door for him.

The car looked brand new on the inside too.

"This is so clean"

"I made sure it was before I came to the hospital. Doctors like things clean"

Danny laughed, "not all doctors are clean freaks, you should see my car. It's a wreck"

"Forgive me, I spoke without thinking"

Danny shook his head. "It's fine, just a little funny"

Danny didn't want to admit it but this lex guy was easy to get along with.

Once they were in the restaurant and seated Danny got his business face on.

"So, did you ean to meet with me to talk about sponsoring the hospital?"

"Not at all, I already sponsor the hospital, you could say I'm their biggest sponsor"

No he wasn't, Bruce Wayne was Gotham Generals biggest sponsor. But he could be the second biggest sponsor.

"So what did you want to meet me about?"

Lex Luther gave Danny a soft smile, "you, I want to sponsor you specifically. More specifically I'm interested in you"

Danny raised an eyebrow, "I'm not sure I understand"

"I like you and I want to start a relationship with you"

Danny wasn't sure he heard him correctly.

"Like dating? Why?"

Lex chuckled, "I wondered that myself, why I was so attracted to you. In the end I still don't have a reason. I just like you"

"D- I- I don't know anything about you-"

"Could you give me a chance?"

Danny was confused, when he spoke it sounded genuine, but his eyes were silent.

"Can I have some time to think about it?"

"Yes, of course"

They ate and discussed little things, some things Lex Luther's business had been doing and Danny's hectic hospital work.

Jason arrived at the hospital ready to pick up Danny when he saw Danny's car drove away, so he followed it.

When someone other than Danny got out Jason's mood darkened.

The man was thrown against the car hard.

"Where is he!" Jason demanded.

"What! Get away from me!" The guy said.

Jason pulled out a knife, "I won't ask again"

And that's how Jason found himself checking surveillance cameras to find what place they went to eat at.

He arrived just as Danny was walking out with a man.

"Danny, where do you live, I'll drive you home and have my driver bring your car in the morning."

"DON'T TELL HIM SHIT!" a voice hollered from across the parking lot.

Danny looked startled towards the sound, he squinted to get a better look at the person stalking angrily towards them.

"Jason?!"

Lex put an arm around Danny's shoulder and pulled him next to him.

"Who are you?!"

Jason sneered, "none of your business, come on Danny I explain on the way"

Danny made a move to go but Lex held him firmly next to him.

"Danny this man seems to have anger issues, I don't think it's safe for you to go with him"

Danny couldn't move out of lex's grip. Jason glared murderously.

"I'll be fine Mr. Luther, he's really not a bad person" Danny said as he pried off the arm.

This lex guy was strong.

"Call me lex" lex whispered in his ear. Jason had enough, he pulled Danny away from lex Luther and put him on his motorcycle.

"I promise I'll explain when we get to my place" Jason said.

Lex Luther called his associate from his burner phone, "put plan B on standby, we might need it after all"

Danny sat completely confused on Jason's couch. Jason was kneeling in front of him.

"Are you okay Danny? Did he hurt you?"

"No, he was really nice, I don't get what's making you so anxious"

Jason sighed, "Bruce has dealt with Lex Luther before, he's into some pretty sketchy business"

"That's right, I had him on my cork board as suspicious. I was going to get closer and get more information, but if it bothers you that much I can table it for now"

Jason sighed, "your gonna be the death of me" he muttered.

[hiriajuu-suffering]

Kamala aunty and the Hindu vote

Getting this out of the way, I'm voting for Kamala Harris. Biden really should've dropped out two months ago, and there's no other corporate democrat I would really endorse besides her, and not because of the identity politics. Well, sort of. If the Republican primary taught us anything, is a person of South Asian descent will continue to be the ideological punching bag of the white community.

South Asian men get deleted so hard I can't even find a GIF of Vivek Ramaswamy

How Kamala was treated the past four years by the democratic administration of Biden's was nothing short of egregious. Every impossible problem to solve she was blamed for with no tools address the root cause, and she stayed in there looking dumb like a loyal corporate employee. Now the entire system is banking on the political capital they were sweeping from underneath her to stop a literal convicted felon from retaking power and pardoning himself.

Not to mention the states where votes actually mattered 8 years ago were too sexist to put in a woman in power before, so now we're hoping a woman of color would go over better?

Candace Owens already showed how envious she is of Kamala's biracial swag with some really dumb comments.

Her black half isn't what's the issue is, because she embodies a lot more blackness than Asianness in her disposition to the American psyche. And the precedent for half black Presidents that perfectly fall within the cookie-cutter corporate democrat on policy has already been set.

It's her Asian side that might stoke the xenophobia that caused the whitelash red wave of 2016; y'know, because she's going to be subject to nearly the same misogyny Hilary was.

As an Asian-American, Kamala Harris and Andrew Yang weren't just the two candidates I identified most with, they were the best candidates in that primary, period. But they got dismissed and belittled so immensely because of the need to appeal to milk-toast whiteness. Republicans pander hard to grab minority votes, Democrats just avoid putting any minorities in significant positions influence. Don't believe me? Seen any LBGTQ+ positions in real moving and shaking positions?

The DEI stuff the right is going to criticize the entire scope and sequence of how Kamala became the candidate isn't good or fair, but it's not entirely wrong. Because of just how hollow the Democratic Party treats anyone with the poor affliction of being a minority.

There's a key part of the South Asian diaspora Biden lost exactly that Kamala herself is a part of, which makes things interesting to say the least..

Kamala does have the best policy on Israel of any candidate, but that's not saying much since her policy is essentially Obama-lite.

But that means she might lose her own identity vote on just that considering how abhorrently Islamophobic naturalized Indian-Americans have gotten in their support of Narendra Modi

I don't care how effective the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue has been at curbing Chinese aggression, the Nationalist imagery isn't a good sign for any society, really.

Especially when Muslim civil rights in India have all but evaporated. Nikki Haley wasn't particularly bad on Muslim civil rights compared to other Republicans, even as a half-Indian, she didn't buddy up to Modi (probably because he's done more to encourage gender-based violence in India than stop it), and I expect Kamala to actually get the misogynistic slander from conservative Indians because the hyperpatriarchy only comes when it comes to the opposition.

Being half Brahmin though certainly can't hurt her chances with her Hindu base, right? Well, Hindu men certainly have deeper roots in the red pill movement then we'd like to believe, and the first ones they point the finger towards are Hindu women that didn't choose them. Nikki Haley was polling better but Vivek Ramaswamy ate up her press pretty handily. Everyone sees Asian feminine beauty as valuable, but our misogynistic standards prevent us from seeing that type of ethnic image as leadership-worthy.

At least it's not Gavin Newsom. But that might not be enough for South Asian American males dissatisfied with their lot in life. Trump's message is appealing to us because it feeds into our vanity and takes responsibility off us as to why our sisters are meeting the model minority myth and we aren't. While we're not solely to blame, at least the right has some crazy narrative that explains why life didn't turn out to what was expected of us, even if that narrative twists it in a way that will end up just making us feel more isolated, because the right has the most racist women in the country, bar-none.

Well, women on both sides of the political spectrum are equally pretty racist in their courtship preferences, it's just liberal women will explain things in vague externalities and icks rather than being a sign for public restrooms in pre-1963 America.

In either case, this is a biracial black woman who was never in touch with the struggles of an Asian man, never really having been related to one even though she's an Asian woman. To a lot of Asian men, Trump is just more of what we expect of the lunacy of American politics, versus Kamala might be one of those people who actively makes us feel subhuman by being of the same race but still treating us as less than, like many desi women have been doing since biracial marriages within 1st generation South Asian Americans began getting normalized.

The normative view has to become where femininity isn't inherently more attractive than masculinity, especially so that women aren't just fit to be more educated and start making more, but actually lead society in meaningful ways.

I think if you're an AAPI in any capacity and you're not voting for Kamala Harris, you're missing the point somehow. But we're not the movers and makers of these elections, because we always reside in states that are firmly blue or red (well, at least until 2016 when Georgia did a thing). Kamala Harris's black vote definitely extends further than Biden's, but by less than makes actual sense. Can't do much worse than Biden on the Hispanic vote, but Kamala Harris if anyone is how you do that.

So if there's fundamentally just about how identity works in America, we will have a POTUS 47 in 2025. But we've learned the two decades in America has been anything fair to identity. Heck, as a Muslim teacher of a liberal arts content area in a red state I feel at the time. My supervisors won't make exceptions for me they readily make for anyone else, not that they were requirements to begin with, just because my identity bears the ugliest parts of the model minority myth. I don't look Asian enough to be Asian, and the media makes my ethnic identity look to threatening to be trusted with novel ideas, at least.

That's at least something this candidate and I have in common. Biraciality and Multiethnicity isn't well understood in our discussions of intersectionality in social and political discourse. The only people that try to make sense of it are the ones that actively try to erode the ethnic barriers enclaves self-segregate on. Kamala has had to think about that because it's a fundamental part of her identity.

I'm not voting on identity or identity politics, as the right would claim I will. I'm voting because at least this candidate has the capacity to understand me, because they're not a white, entitled, spoiled brat that tried to overthrow the government when he didn't get his way. Y'know, fundamental stuff like that.

Because I'm still American through-and-through, regardless of what my ethnic background is. What's more American than having a minority prosecutor in a liberal enclave? That's literally one of the top 5 career options every desi child is given when they think about their careers.

So yeah, Kamala2024. Bite me.

[sl-newsie]

Query: Q x 00 Agent- Ch. 2: Mrs. White

Thankfully on top of Bond’s knowledge of being a spy, I’ve also picked up on his knowledge of proper dress attire. My apartment’s closet may be small, but I’ve filled any available closet space with clothing for every kind of occasion. Tonight, I decide on an emerald green dress with a v-neck. Not short enough to be distracting, but something a nun might frown at. Paired with silver earrings and simple black flats, my appearance seems reasonable.

“Wish me luck, Cricket.” I give a wave goodbye to the gray tabby as I shut the door.

M seems to have spared no expense, because when I exit my apartment building I find a sleek black Bentley waiting for me. The driver ushers me in without a word and drives straight to the glamorous Blixen. It’s mid-evening, which has produced a decent crowd of wealthy patrons. If it weren’t for my business here I’d feel very out of place. I walk up to the host, about to question about a table-

“Ah, Mrs. White. Your husband is expecting you!” The host greets me and begins leading me down the aisle.

Husband?! Is this what Bond goes through on a daily basis? This new Quartermaster better be as nice as Eve insists, because this whole situation feels like a gag. The host shows me to a table near the back next to a window that displays a gorgeous view of the city. It’s empty, meaning that my ‘husband’ is yet to show.

“Mr. White said he was running late, but you should still order anything you like. Our special tonight is lamb and chickpea stew. Please, enjoy!”

“Many thanks to you, sir.”

I unfold the menu and discreetly begin searching the surrounding patrons for any potential threats. There are none, only a few happy drunks near the bar. I check my watch, seeing that ten minutes have passed. Is this whole thing a joke-?

“Well hello there, Mrs. White.”

My made-up name almost makes me smile. The voice that said it seems strange, almost-

I look up, and almost think the lanky man has the wrong table. His face is young enough to pass as a college bloke, almost child-like. Dark, quirky eyebrows are arched over his brown eyes, full of curiosity. Simple glasses with a black lining cover these inquiring eyes. He’s wearing a very elegant suit, though not as expensive as Bond’s. Coincidentally his tie’s color is almost identical to my dress. I’ll admit he does clean up nice for a younger fellow. If it weren’t for his disheveled brown hair I’d say he was on a first date trying to impress me.

“Hello, Mr. White. I didn’t think they’d allow anyone to have such a messy haircut. I'm even required to keep mine up.”

The geeky man seems unfazed by my comment and settles down in the chair across from me, giving the menu a good search. 

“I don’t do field work.”

My face can’t suppress a smirk. “Of course. You’re just the nerd behind the computer.”

Now I’ve got his attention because his eyes shift up to look at me, almost seeming to belittle me. “I’m the nerd behind the computer that can save your life, agent. Do you want this evening’s conversation to be effective or would you rather go down the street to the local pub to chat in a more childish manner?”

We’re left in a silent glaring battle. How does this guy have just as much spunk as Bond? I’ve not known him for five minutes and he’s already referred to me as a child. Two can play at that game.

“I don’t intend to chat with someone who’s mother still ties his shoes. Either tell me why M sent you to mock me or I am leaving.”

The man keeps a laid-back demeanor as he rises and rounds the table to lean down and whisper: “Pardon my french, love, but I’m your fucking Quartermaster and you better listen if you want to make it through your next mission alive. Do I make myself clear?”

His icy words leave me stunned, only being able to nod in response. Thankfully the waiter arrives now to save me from more arguing.

“Good evening, Mr. White. What will you be having this evening?”

“I will only have a cup of hot tea. Earl Gray, please.”

The waiter is surprised by this simple request, as am I. But he masks it well and turns to take my order.

“I’ll have a lavender lemonade martini.”

“Really, dear? I thought you might be hungry.” God this man really gets on my nerves.

“I lost my appetite,” I reply sweetly but with fiery eyes.

Once the waiter leaves looking rather frazzled, the Quartermaster gives me a skeptical look. “I see you picked up Bond’s love for alcohol.”

I shake my head and toy with the silverware. “Not in the slightest. I just really like lemonade. But if I’d ordered that you’d think I was a child compared to your choice of grown-up tea.”

He actually laughs at my small joke. “Earl Gray tea, only the best. But I wouldn’t think of you differently if you ordered lemonade.”

“Hm. So you don’t like alcohol?”

“I don’t drink on the job. Matter of fact, I don't drink at all.”

The waiter is very quick to drop our drinks off despite me trying to give him a friendly smile.

“Very mature of you. Yet it’s strange of you to only order a cup of tea in a fancy place like this. Ever been here, Quartermaster?”

The man sips his steaming mug of tea. “First, call me Q. It’s much easier. Second, no I’ve never been here. This is probably the most expensive restaurant I’ve ever set foot in.”

“So we both agree that M has exquisite taste?”

“Yes. Speaking of which, let’s get back to the task at hand.” Q pauses to take out a messenger bag he’s brought with him, then pulls out a silver necklace with a blue pendant on it. “For you, Mrs. White.”

“Thank you, dear husband,” I mock in the same cheesy tone. “If this whole dinner was to bribe me with jewelry then M obviously doesn’t know me so well.”

“Haha, we’re all laughing,” Q states dryly as his steady hands clip it around my neck. “It’s actually a disguised tracker. And this-” He pulls out a small box from his bag and opens it to reveal a pouch. “This is a sheath for one of our best non-metallic knives. Undetectable, very elegant and light weight. Which is why I named it Mrs. White in your honor.”

“Yeah, um, why the whole charade of you and me? You could’ve just said we were two old friends meeting for a chat.”

“People don’t ask questions when a married couple is involved,” Q replies lazily as he hands me the knife sheath. “It’s designed for you to wear it anywhere in order to avoid suspicion.”

I smirk. “Oh, like my bust?”

Q doesn’t even flinch. “Yes. Obviously Bond’s also schooled you in flirting, so this jewelry as you called it should suffice.”

“You’re having me model the necklace.” I raise a brow. “Would you have me try on the sheath as well?”

Q takes a deep breath. “Moving on. With the state Bond’s left the current espionage situation in, he’ll be sent to Hong Kong and you to Ireland.”

I almost choke on my drink. “You’re splitting us up? Bond and I are usually joined at the hip for missions.”

This seems to pinch something in Q. In the corner of my eye I see his eyes flick up to search my face for something.

“Figuratively or literally?”

Is this jealousy I detect? “Oh don’t flatter me. Bond never acts like that with me. He knows I put business before pleasure. So why Ireland?”

Q relaxes and takes another sip of this tea. “Closer to home. Better for us to keep an eye on you.”

My nose scrunches. “Are you saying I need a babysitter?”

“In a word, yes. You’re one of our youngest agents, which is why you’ve always been paired with someone.”

I take a good swig of spiked lemonade, then stare him square in the face. “Alright, just say it. You don’t think I’m qualified. You’re just like my last Quartermaster, who thought I belonged as a secretary. I may be young, but I am not dumb, Q. Just ask M. She knows I can go the distance.”

No matter how hard I’ve trained I never seem to control my temper. My own self-pride seems to betray me in delicate situations, and this is probably going to make Q dislike me even more.

However Q seems to take my small outburst surprisingly well. He finishes his tea and takes another deep breath. “I understand, agent. Being one who is also part of the outnumbered youth, I’m afraid our stereotyping of being under qualified only dissipates with age. But please let me finish: This time we are sending you on a solo mission under careful surveillance.”

Did- Did I hear that right? Solo mission? Bond guessed I wouldn't be eligible for those for years.

“Are you bluffing? How on Earth did I get waved for a solo mission?”

Q smiles at my giddy reaction. “I pulled a few strings. M and Eve both told me you could handle it.”

Keeping silent, I rise, move around the table, and pull in a surprised Q for a tight hug.

“Oh thank you! Thank you!” I whisper with contained excitement.

Q keeps stiff as a board, then grunts. “Um, first off, no hugging the Quartermaster.”

“Why? Are you a germaphobe?”

“I don’t do hugs.”

I partake in his request and release him, still smiling like a madman. “Ah. So how about a handshake?”

He considers this, then nods. “That’s acceptable.”

I vigorously grab his skinny hand and give it a firm shake. “I will not disappoint you!”

Q finally mirrors my smile as we begin to make our way to the cashier. “Better not, darling. I’d hate to have to attend your funeral.”

[clonerightsagenda]

i would love to hear anything more about communications director minkowski that you would care to share, it sounds like a very fun route for postcanon! 👀

It IS very fun. In lieu of writing a coherent post I just spent quite a bit of time scrolling through 3 years of discord messages for good tidbits:

Gill spent part of my day wondering “you know you’d expect Lovelace to have some Loud And Pointed Opinions about Minkowski being offered the post of Communications Director but maybe instead she’d be the first to figure out there’s no better way to dismantle the company than from the inside out” Kat If you want a job done wrong you gotta do it yourself Gill Minkowski: They… want me to be the next director… and I think I’m going to take the job. Lovelace: …actually. That sounds like an amazing idea. Minkowski: Minkowski: who are you and what have you done with Captain Lovelace Kat Careful Renee. That joke has a bit of an edge to it Gill Nobody’s getting out of post-flight quarantine without an identity crisis of some kind it seems Kate I bet Lovelace would jump at the chance to have a woman on the inside… who has a lot of practice ruining Goddard's plans. Gill Lovelace, probably: You’re gonna need your own version of Cutter’s hypercompetent Right Hand Minion, and it seems to me that the person who kept him distracted while you put a harpoon through his torso would be the ideal candidate. Lovelace: Also, it’d be fun to deface Kepler’s old office.

*

Kat was thinking about Minkowski marriage drama in the context of her voluntarily signing on to be comms director under the same contract as the last one fully aware this means everyone will try to kill her just in case she can keep everyone else safe and then having to explain that to her husband tfw your wife never prioritizes you bc she's too busy prioritizing a) dying in space b) dying on land now Gill Dominik Koudelka, maybe: it just feels like I have to get myself kidnapped by shadowy corporate goons if I want to spend time with you!

*

Kate Communications Director Minkowski 1) definitely publishes her own adapted fifth edition of the Survival Manual that’s not a joke and full of useful things and 2) mostly inspired by things Eiffel did that his justification was “well no one ever TOLD me this would happen in space!” Gill “Leprechauns are not real. Ghosts, however, are.” “In the unlikely but theoretically possible event that leprechauns are discovered at some point in the near future, disregard previous. It’s important to keep an open mind.” Kate Adaptability! Flexibility! Priorities! Acknowledgement that space is full of unpredictable and incomprehensible bullshit! The spirit of the new space age Gill Tip #1002: You may say “fuck”. Once.

*

Kat thought: re Goddard possibly having prison labor going on, maybe when they got Eiffel out of jail they just transferred his sentence to them, and Comms Director Minkowski finds out she technically owns two of her crewmates now and isn't super happy about it Eiffel: so for the next 23 years my ass is yours I guess Minkowski: I don't want it Minkowski, sifting through paperwork: why… why do I own prison laborers now? Can I pardon them? What is this news anchor voice: Goddard Futuristics stocks dipped today as new director Renee Minkowski gave the entirety of their asteroid mining staff early release, quoted as saying "Go home. The fuck." Gill Comms Director Minkowski like ok first off we’re actually giving our workers benefits Kat we'll reroute some of the money headed toward all the R&D for evil shit Gill we’re also defunding our paramilitary branches. Why do we even have those?? Kat Jacobi, raising hand: To do stuff like break into Elon Musk's Mars colony and take him out with extreme prejudice Lovelace: ok that one sounds justified actually Gill Lovelace: Can I go fuck up Elon Musk’s stupid libertarian summer camp? Minkowski: Later, I need you here right now. Lovelace: Aw, ok. ): Kate Okay project Fuck Up Elon Musk can stay

*

Kat underappreciated aspect of the comms director Minkowski concept: DC girl Minkowski finds out she now owns like 75% of the politicians on Capitol Hill. Is not sure how to stop owning them It's like feeding wild animals, they keep coming back for your money even when you try to cut off the lobbying Gill Minkowski: next time a senator shows up at my house I’m siccing Lovelace on them Kat Minkowski: Cutter had an entire budget line for funding ballot initiatives and…. wow, that's a lot. Hey Doug, what are your thoughts on felons being able to vote? Eiffel: Felons can't vote? Minkowski: …. yes?? Eiffel: Oh. Huh. I don't ever vote so I didn't notice. And I see from your expression that you don't approve of this.

*

Gill Comms Director!Minkowski: If you need me, I’ll be in a meeting. /crawls into the vents Kat Local unions still talk about the super weird HVAC remodeling the new director insisted on

*

Gill You are an astronautical engineer at Goddard Futuristics’ special projects division. You were handpicked by the special projects manager herself to work on this new prototype. The craft you and your colleagues poured untold hours of work into is commandeered by Warren Kepler, Legendary Local Douchebag, and two of his minions (an entire ship! For three people!!) to go off and babysit one of your boss’s boss’s ultra-secret pet projects, which you quietly believe is actually an elaborate fraud scheme of some kind. You rage at this. Then, you mourn. Perhaps you drink heavily. Either way, you move on, setting aside your quiet hope that the Urania one day re-enters terrestrial skies, but gradually making peace with the idea you may never see this particular fruit of your labor again. And then a year and a half later you get it back and the interior is just plastered in printer paper that looks like a brigade of toddlers just went nuts on it with their crayons. And also your boss is dead and the apparent leader of said toddlers is the new communications director. Kat Hey at least the astronautical engineering division can feel vindicated that that shuttle a few years back didn't malfunction Gill Engineer: So that shuttle didn’t malfunction and Cutter was actively orchestrating a fake explosion and cover-up. Then he sent Warren “Oh just let me fire off this prototype in a civilian area” Kepler and his goon squad up in our prototype to go fuck around with you guys some more. Minkowski: Yup. Engineer: And you killed him. Minkowski: …yes. Engineer: …did you kill him painfully? Tell me it was painfully. (Minkowski is mildly worried about how she acquires some of her new supporters) Kat Lots of long simmering resentment Kate I imagine she gets a lot of goodwill points for taking out Cutter and Kepler… imagine

*

Kat comms director Minkowski having to do tax fraud to protect her team somehow Gill Jacobi, having just another day in the office, doing taxes: god this is so dull, I hate tax season. I wonder if Minkowski’s gone and holed up in the accounting department, she probably lives for this kind of thing. /smash cut to Minkowski threatening an IRS agent at harpoon-point Kat Minkowski making Hera her own LLC so she has rights now: This is legal according to Citizens United as long as no one looks at it too closely (my dad became an LLC today so he can contract with his work after he retires. I joked he will be the last person able to vote in the household once they take everyone else's rights away but corporations are people) Gill “Minkowski Commits Tax Fraud” would be an amazing chapter title for a fic at some point though Kat Minkowski early in the mission diligently doing her taxes in space because she's a good American citizen Minkowski like 5 years later: fuck capitalism Gill That one meme image but it’s, Minkowski: You mean the game was rigged all along? Minkowski @ herself: always has been. Kate This is my strongest Minkowski belief Gill Minkowski: wow, capitalism sucks, and growing up in a Soviet satellite state was also awful. Perhaps… the true problem… is giving people the power to wholly dictate other people’s lives…

*

Kat after the story of the Hephaestus crew breaks and they're famous Eiffel gets Minkowski a funko pop of herself it has a little harpoon Kinsey i support this wholeheartedly Gill It is both unsettling and adorable. She sets it proudly on her desk at work Kat someone coming into Comms Director Minkowski's office: uhhhhh Minkowski sitting next to her funko pop: what it's got the same psychic damage potential as Cutter having a #1 dad mug on his desk and everyone's too scared to ask about it Gill Concept: Minkowski eventually being gifted the Funko Pop versions of her entire crew They’re referred to affectionately(?) as her minions Kate If you’ve been called to her office because you’ve done something Sketchy and Capitalistic, you might even prefer looking into the creepy flat soulless eyes of the funko pop rather than Minkowski’s very, very sharp and angry human ones Gill Another mental image. Lovelace, beholding her funko pop: I mean, I don’t think my eyes are that terrifying even when I’m possessed by unknown cosmic entities, but other than that, it’s a perfect likeness. Lovelace: Look, she even has her arms folded because she’s mad at the other little plastic crewmates for being idiots. I love her.

[boneswriting]

Purple Flowers ; Antonio x Reader (SFW)

art is official by netease!

shoutout to @callimaria

tags: Antonio Paganini, Identity V, The Violinist, Antonio x Reader, fluff, flowers, Robbie, the Axe Boy, Memory, Little Girl

warnings: none!

side note: the reader is depicted as gender neutral and has no predetermined attributes, other than they wear an apron. reader does have a feminine-ish nickname

word count: 1,872

The Survivor’s side of the Manor was, more often than not, nothing but chaos. There were some individuals who attempted to keep peace but other than that it tended to be a free-for-all.

Emily Dyer, the Doctor, usually made food for everyone at breakfast and dinner. Sometimes, other Survivors would lend an extra hand when she was particularly overwhelmed with her work. She had once complained to Miss Nightingale that they needed someone to help with upkeep. Yes, they were victims held hostage in a murder game, but they were still people and wanted to find comfort in the few things they had. Emily never heard anything back, so she assumed Miss Nightingale ignored her. Emily, for once, was wrong.

Mary, better known as the Bloody Queen, was quick to make use of the new Caretaker. She often sent them her dresses to be mended and such, as Nanny was adept in sewing and the likes; they enjoyed fixing clothes for the Manors inhabitants.

“Memory, my dear, would you like to go outside and help me plant these seeds?” Nanny asked, currently in the Little Girl’s room folding her clothes. Said girl was sitting on the floor playing with her plushies, looking rather bored. The second she heard the offer, though, she was quick to jump up and began tugging on the Caretakers apron.

“Yes, yes!” She pleaded. “Please! I’m so bored and I don’t have any other matches today. I may just die of boredom…”

“Don’t say that, silly goose.” The Caretaker pinched her nose, which made Memory giggle and swat their hands away. “Would you mind if Robbie joined us?”

It was an unspoken rule that Nanny was the pseudo-parents of the younger ones, specifically Memory and Robbie, better known as the Axe Boy. The 2 kids got along rather well and, in the odd chance they have a match together, they act like they don’t see the other. Nanny could also be found with Helena, the Mind’s Eye, helping her with tasks that she was unable to do. Helena would wake up each morning with an outfit neatly folded at the end of the bed. She knew it was Nanny trying to help out, as Helena tended to wear clothes that didn’t match at all. A note, printed in braille via a printer, would say the young lady’s matches for the day. Helena had no complaints, though. She enjoyed the Nanny’s help.

“No, let’s go get Robbie!” Memory agreed happily, raising her arms so her caretaker could pick her up. The Nanny did just that, balancing the Little Girl on their hip. The two navigated their way through the Manor before walking into the library. The duo didn’t know where Robbie was so they just started checking where he usually hung around: the kitchen, the library, or the garden. His reasoning was he “didn’t like to be left alone.”

Nanny looked around, seeing if they could find the telltale sack he always wore. Much to their surprise, they found the young boy sitting next to a tall and pale Hunter. From what they could see, the Hunter was helping Robbie read, their long finger guiding Robbie’s focus on the words and helping if he mispronounced anything, a smile on his face the entire time. Nanny grinned, happy that someone else was fond of the child. Even if he was dead, he was still young and deserved the education and affection he never received.

Nanny walked up to the two hunters, stopping a few feet away from them before clearing their throat.

“Pardon for Memory and I’s intrusion,” they gestured to Memory who was still sat on their hip. She was taking a small nap, it seemed. “We just wanted to know if you would like to join us in the garden, Robbie? I did manage to get my hand on some juniper seeds if you would like to help us.”

Robbie looked up from the book the other Hunter was holding before jumping up from the couch and crashed into Nanny’s torso, giving them a tight hug.

“Yes, please!” He giggled. He tugged on Memory’s foot in an attempt to wake her up. “Wakie-wakie! Let’s go play outside!” He cheered.

Memory quickly woke up before wiggling around, happy to see her best friend. Nanny quickly, but gently, dropped the Little Girl to the floor. Robbie immediately grabbed her hand and they ran from the library and made their way to the garden. Nanny watched them run with a fond look on their face, happy they could find consolation in one another despite the circumstances.

“I apologize for interrupting your time with Robbie.” The Caretaker said, turning to the unknown Hunter. He had long black hair and wore a rather dirty looking purple suit.

He gently closed the book, set it beside him, and stood up from the couch. His joints popped from the pressure they were under and he stood up as tall as he could go. He had a permanent slouch and slow walk due to his catalepsy, spasticity, and dyspepsia from his former life. Despite the limitations of his body, he tried to ignore them and enjoy what little life he had.

“It is no issue,” he dismissed, his smile somehow getting a bit bigger. “I was unaware he had a friend, but I am glad he does.” He held out a hand before introducing himself. “I am the Violinist, Antonio Paganini. With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?”

“I am the Caretaker, but everyone calls me Nanny-“

“No, dear,” Antonio interrupted. “Your name.”

Nanny, slightly perturbed, gave the tall man their preferred name. He repeated it, the action sending small shivers down Nanny’s spine. They wouldn’t deny he was rather attractive.

“Lovely to meet you. I shall call you Nanny, your name will be a secret. I shan’t speak it to another soul.” He promised.

“Thank you, Mr. Paganini.” Nanny smiled before shaking his hand. Antonio lifted their hand to his mouth before placing a small kiss on their knuckles.

“Please, just Antonio. Would you mind if I accompany you to the garden? I would enjoy the honor of getting more acquainted with you.”

After more polite conversation, the two walked side by side to the garden, lightly joking around with each other. Antonio noticed that Nanny had slowed their pace significantly and chose to walk alongside him rather than hurry on without him. It brought a warm feeling to his chest.

Some days passed and the two adults quickly started a routine. After lunch, Nanny would collect Memory so she could play with Robbie. They would go to the library where Antonio taught Robbie. The kids would immediately run off, two little partners in crime.

Nanny and Antonio had grown rather closer, too. Instead of remaining a respectable distance from one another, they now walked and sat shoulder-to-shoulder. It looked like they would’ve known each other for years if you didn’t know them.

“I kid you not, dear, with his chalice full of wine-“ Antonio, giggled, retelling a story with animated gestures. Nanny was sat beside him, clutching their stomach and slapping Antonio’s knee as they laughed. Antonio loved making them laugh. He loved any noise they made for it was a symphony to his ears. Their laugh like a brass sections part, their giggle like the violins, and their cry like soft flutes. He cleared his throat before starting again, already waving his hands in the air. “- this fool drank it in one heaving gulp before looking at the empty chalice. He looked so furious, he was convinced someone had drank all his wine when he wasn’t paying attention.

He rounded everyone in the room —I’m serious I mean everyone — and forced them to be stripped to their undergarments so they weren’t ‘hiding his damn wine’.” Nanny began laughing harder to the point where they were crying yet no noise was coming out.

“Woo- I refuse-“ They had a quick fit of giggles before resuming. “- to believe anyone that idiotic has survived as far as that baboon had!” They laughed once more before quieting down, clutching their pained stomach.

“You and I both, darling,” Antonio smiled before redirecting their attention. “Do you need to care for the plants before we return back to the Manor?”

“Oh, shit!” They shot up and went to a nearby shed to gather all the tools needed to attend to the garden they had cultivated.

Antonio watched the Nanny in content, eyes closed as he basked in the sun and swayed to the humming of Nanny. His “second life” at the Manor wasn’t quite as bad with them around. The tall male continued to daydream before checking the time. His body complained as he stood, yet he ignored it anyways and stalked over to Nanny.

“My dear, I believe it is time to stop for today.” He spoke up, standing behind them. He extended a hand, waiting to help them up.

Nanny shot him a smile that made his heart hurt and fill his stomach with butterflies. They accepted his hand before clearing their throat, a slight blush on their face.

“Antonio,” His heart sung hearing them say his name. He would almost think he was in heaven if he hadn’t sold his soul. “I wanted to give you this…”

They trailed off, presenting a small cluster of light purple lilacs. Antonio just stood still, hoping this was not a dream. Nanny continued to get more red in the face waiting for his response.

“Can you put it next to the other one in my breast pocket, please?” He requested softly, a sincere smile on his face as he bent down a little giving them better access to the pocket that held a small, dead flower.

Nanny, still red as fire, shakily placed the flower in the pocket before brushing small specks of dust and dirt from the chest of the man in front of them. A finger suddenly hooked under their chin, forcing them to meet Antonio’s gaze.

He whispered their name, making their heart flutter even more. “May I kiss you?”

A moment of silence passed by before the Caretaker jumped up, wrapping their arms around the Violinists neck and pressing their lips to his.

He laughed into the kiss before wrapping their arms around their waist, spinning them around in joy.

For once, Antonio was in control of his choices. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

[celestiall0tus]

Reawakening - Love

Table of Contents

            Chloe headed down the stairs of the school’s dormitories to the main common room. Behind her was Barkk disguised as a human girl identical to Chloe with high pigtails instead of a ponytail.

            “I’m nervous, Cheri,” Chloe said to Barkk.

            “You got this, Chloe! Don’t forget that I’ll be right with you.”

            Chloe gave a nervous smile. She took a breath and headed into the common room. She glanced around at the mix of students that mingled in their friend groups. She gulped and clutched her study book as she stepped inside. She dug her nails into her book as she looked around. A few students glanced her way, then returned to their conversations.

            Chloe sighed and found an empty area and retreated to it. She curled up in her seat and hid in her book.

            Barkk leaned over the arm of the chair. “I thought you wanted to make friends.”

            “I can’t do this. I’m so scared of messing up. Through all your coaching, I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing. That they’ll all see me as a monster too.”

            “Chloe, you have to try. Socializing is just like any skill. You need to learn what is the right and wrong thing to say through experience. You’re going to hurt people and they’re going to hurt you, but that’s all part of the process. Only then can you learn and grow and, most importantly, love.”

            “Could you help me, you know, break the ice?”

            Barkk gasped and nodded. She glanced around the room and settled on a group of students with two girls and three boys. She grabbed Chloe and dragged her over to the group. They paused their conversation as the girls approached.

            “Hello, everyone. Pardon the interruption. We wanted to introduce ourselves. I’m-,” Barrk started.

            A boy with brown hair, blue eyes, and fair skin spoke. “You’re Cheri, right? I think we have seventh hour together.”

            Barkk tilted her head. “And you are?”

            “I’m Jake. Who’s your friend?”

            Barkk nudged Chloe. “Go on.”

            Chloe gulped. “I’m… Chloe. Uh, Cheri’s twin.”

            A boy with ginger hair spoke next. “Would you ladies want to join us?”

            Barkk nodded and pulled Chloe into a chair they shared.

            “So, introductions. I’m Cheri Bourgeois and this is my twin, Chloe Bourgeois. Pleasure to meet you all.”

            Chloe hid behind Barkk as the others introduced themselves. The ginger boy was Aden. One of the girls, the one with strawberry blonde hair, was called Shannon. The other girl, who had olive skin and black hair, was Erika. The last boy who was another ginger but had a bulker build than Aden, was Nioclas. They returned to their conversation before with the addition of Barkk.

            Chloe shrunk back in her seat as she watched the conversation. She was asked a few questions, but she gave simple answers, careful not to offend. She more watched Barkk interact with everyone with such ease and how the others absolutely adored her. Bitterness struck her heart. Even if what Barkk said was true, this felt impossible. She just wanted to be good at this already. She didn’t want to worry about being seen as a monster again. She didn’t want to be a monster at all. She wanted to be good.

            The bell rang for the start of study hall.

            “Did you two want to join us?” Jake asked.

            “Yeah, Aden could use the extra help,” Shannon teased.

            Aden feigned offense and struck a dramatic pose. “How could you? Oh, my poor heart is wounded.”

            They all laughed and teased Aden more while Barkk looked at Chloe. Barkk’s heart fell seeing Chloe’s distraught eyes.

            “Maybe next time. I can’t guarantee tomorrow, but maybe in a couple of days.”

            “Cool. See you girls later?” Erika asked.

            “Absolutely!” Barkk cheered.

            The group headed off, leaving Barkk and Chloe.

            Barkk sighed and turned to Chloe. She took Chloe’s hands and lifted her up. “You did good.”

            “But I didn’t do anything.”

            “You didn’t run. You didn’t yell or bark or bite. Those were important steps. Baby steps, but important all the same.”

            Chleo smiled and hugged Barkk. “Thank you.”

            “Of course, sis! Now, let’s go. We have a test to study for and a project to finish.”

[magic-mouse-blues]

i’m glad to hear that you feel more secure—that seems like nothing but a good thing. though i must defend the tsukasa-kun of my own memory—he was always enthusiastically looking forward, but i would hardly equate that with naïveté. i suppose i’d call you more… pragmatic, rather? a slim difference, i know, but one i feel compelled to make nonetheless. though i can’t well speak for either of you. (i hate to talk about my tsukasa-kun like he’s dead. it’s that same terrible feeling all over again. tsukasa-kun, when i catch you, tsukasa-kun…)

really, i can’t well call it effort on my part. the words flow of their own accord. if anything, the effortful part of it all is trying to keep from saying even more. i can’t help but feel as though you’re one of few that could understand where i’m coming from, as a fellow misplaced soul from a home somewhat adjacent to mine. thus, i can do nothing but blabber on.

leaning on your friends for support seems as good as methods could get, the way i see it. that’s proof that you’re good and loveable in itself, right? i’m glad to know you’ve got a support system you feel comfortable leaning on. and maybe just a teensy bit envious, but that’s neither here nor there… fufu. and i don’t think there’s anything wrong with being an attention seeker, as long as your methods aren’t harmful. who are you, if not the way that you affect other people? that might be an extreme way to look at it, but it’s my viewpoint all the same. i wish you the best of luck in consolidating your memories! if i’m being honest, i have fewer memories to speak of and far more gut feelings. most of my own memories are silly little things—nene having a particular penchant for hard candies, yourself always smelling faintly of spices… such is the life of a mostly canon-compliant individual. (though i must admit, i have found myself returning to questioning a separate canon, along with the one. is it possible to be kin with myself in separate timelines? i’ll have to give it more thought.)

likewise, i hope your memory-searching with regards to your saki-kun goes well for you. i get the impression that your bond was an important one. it would be awfully cruel of the universe not to reunite you two after all that.

in any case, i find it admirable that you’re so confident in yourself. even now, a year in, i still have my own doubts from time to time—though i’ve found that those times tend to be when im feeling particularly attached to a dear friend. more than once, feelings of closeness to my dear nene have had me wondering if i was really her all along, but i’ve come to accept that as a symptom of shared childhoods. uouuiuhhhhggg….nene…… pardon me. yes, identity is always subject to change, though i think there are parts of the self that do remain mostly static throughout such phases. as such, i’d like to think we could continue to get along even if you found yourself leaning into another shift of yours. i’m not very familiar with star rail myself, but this kafka character sounds like quite the interesting individual in her own right~… and it’s quite the honor to be able to call you a canonmate. maybe not of my canon, personally, but i’ve already mentioned the comfort that’s come with speaking with a tsukasa-kun regardless. ^^

just like with his ambition, i find it quite hard to picture a tsukasa-kun who hasn’t got some kind of artistic inclination. he’s just that kind of person, i think. it’s the same with me—i think it has to do with all that we’ve got to express, being the weirdos that we are. art happens to be a convenient vessel for that. acting in my case, too—i’ve had a taste of directing here and there since my last incarnation, but in this life, at least for now, i find myself quite partial to being on stage, if only for the opportunity to see the expressions of the audience once i’ve swayed them with my performance. it truly is a feeling like no other, knowing i’ve made an impact just through doing what comes naturally… fufu. again, i could go on and on. but in short, I Love Theatre.

and please, don’t worry at all—your responses are more than satisfactory, truly. the fact that you take the time to read all that i have to say and then add your two cents makes me so very happy.

you know, i really did intend to keep this ask short. i really, truly did. but as you can tell, it seems to have gotten away from me. i’ll cut it off here if only to ease the burden faced by both of us. know that i’ll be doing my utmost to spread tsukasa-kun-itis to the world! ><

— 🎈

ALRIGHTY! TIME TO COOK!! ☆

Well, from what I remember, He never needed to leaver everything (including his own self) behind for that sweet taste of glory. Though, I wish he didn’t go down the same path I did. And pragmatic? I’ve always considered myself as more of an oddball. Hardly practical, always pursuing to make art with what stage and circus can do. Though… Considering the fact I was rather tactful with some of my words, perhaps. I had a thing for puppeteering people back then! Make them put on spectacular performances to people! I would say my desire for control is, unfortunately, still there. Though, I’m trying to carry out in healthy ways, with the wellbeing of party 2 being considered!

Also, if that is the case, don’t be afraid to ramble, dear Rui-kun! After all, it does show you value my company and you want to talk to me really badly. Like I say, it really makes me happy!! ☆ _(:3 」∠)_

I suppose I really am lucky… Having people out there who truly love ME, despite being millions of miles away. I am still in disbelief till this day. I feel that I don’t deserve it, yet I can’t help but want more? I also do my best to make others happy to deserve this affection, though it never feels enough. Of course, my parents are iffy about it, you know how they are.

Sometimes I get reminded of my past life, whenever that sort of thing happens.

And by all means, I feel it’s okay if you kinsider other kinds of ruis! I happen to be going through the same thing to, perhaps to a lesser extent… At this point I’m probably the embodiment of all Tsukasa Tenma-kind! /hj

(Also ajshsdh spices? I wonder what kind. Methinks cinnamon :3)

Saki. I wonder if she can ever look at me. Hm.

Anywho! Truth be told, ever since I cam to this world, I was naturally confident. I longed to be on stage and perform. Shyness was a learned thing for me. Either that, or perhaps stars don’t belong with the common folk… I always had trouble approaching people to hang out; I’ve been with adults and people older than me for the most part. I’m also kinsidering Gardenia by Malice Mizer! A white wolf prince residing in a dream forest with many flowers. Other than Jesterkasa, my kins have been sad dreamy people fit to be comfort characters…!

Perhaps Rui-kun had begun to wonder what it’d be like to be the actor secretly? That’s nice to think about, honestly, I’m glad you like theater! Truth be told, I’m actually infamously good in my drama club! People LOVE it when I’m the main character~! I hope it’s the same for you too!

As we near the end of my reply. PHEW WOW THAT IS A LOT! But I hope my answer is good… It’d be a SHAME if it wasn’t :(

And yes, go spread tsukasa-kun-itis through the world! Mehehehehe >:3

[bisexualseraphim]

wait you’re actually Christian but also lgbt? how does that work?

So I’ve got a bit of a funny relationship with religion — I was actually raised Iehovah’s Witness at first (yeah that’s a story to tell…), decided I didn’t like that one bit, was then raised Protestant for a while, became antitheist out of rebellion, studied religion in depth, went through a few different phases, and then finally rejoined the Church as a Protestant again.

However, I would describe myself as more of an agnostic-Christian; I do not take any edition of the Bible at face value or, pardon the pun, as gospel. I also don’t see God as some bearded old dude in the sky who loves us yet has nothing better to do other than spread disease and watch us destroy all species.

Some people might find that contradictory and I do understand that, but I personally find it a lot more productive and comforting to see the Bible kind of like Aesop’s Fables — these events did not actually happen the way they are depicted, but there are valuable lessons to be learned from them and they are personal and open to interpretation by everyone who reads them. Every Christian you meet will have a different opinion on what it “actually” says and means. You’d be surprised how many claim that Ezekiel’s descriptions of angels are “wrong” despite literally being there within the text. At the end of the day it is a book, just like any other. No interpretation is strictly right or wrong.

…Which is exactly why I despise Christians who use it to excuse their hatred. “I interpret the Bible as saying that men having sex with men is wrong.” Okay? That’s personal to you. So just don’t have sex with men as a man if you don’t want to. However, many other people don’t interpret it that way or just aren’t Christian to begin with, so for you to tell them that their identity or their personal lives are against God is cunt behaviour. You are not Christ himself, it is not your job to “save” them or whatever the fuck. Mind your business.

I just think trying to apply a magical story that was written thousands of years ago in many different languages that can be translated and interpreted in many different ways to the real world in the 21st century is pointless and can only lead to a life of misery. I mean, Hell isn’t even spoken about in the Bible the way that 99% of Christians speak of it. Dante made up most of that shit in Inferno about 2700 years after the Bible’s first ever conception. They’re literally basing their idea of Hell off of, essentially, a fanfiction poem when they tell us that that’s where us gays are headed. They don’t even actually read the text they hold so dear lmao. You’re not technically supposed to wear mixed fabrics or shave your beard or cut your hair or get tattoos according to the Bible but that always goes ignored too 🤷🏻‍♂️ You can’t do all that but then rag on trans people for “rejecting His image” or whatever the fuck. People are the way God made them, and God made trans people. Not that anyone follows the Bible to the letter anyway. That would be practically impossible. (And, as I said, not everyone is Christian and interested in abiding by the Bible.) In short, do whatever the fuck you want as long as it’s not hurting anybody else. Love yourself and love each other.

So yeah, it’s a bit of a weird one for me. I think the Bible is a very interesting story regardless of whether it’s “real” or not and many could get something out of reading it if you just see it as kind of a cool comic book or something. I find the idea of Heaven and an afterlife comforting and I value the teachings of Christ. At the same time, I am open to all other religions and their teachings. Everyone has their own perspective on who or what God actually is — or many Gods, of course — and nobody has any right to tell them that they are wrong, because we simply don’t know. I think anyone who has studied the Bible would also greatly benefit from reading the Torah, the Bhagavad Gita, the Koran, etc to open up their world view a little more.

I just think it’s such a shame that religion is often used to divide when it could instead be used to connect and relate with others. I had many Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu friends as a kid and I greatly enjoyed discussing with them our respective texts and how they differed, but were also in many ways similar. And I do admit I sometimes feel ashamed for being part of a group who so often see an ancient book as the entire meaning of life, the universe, and everything and use it to deny human rights or even fucking science.

Facts and science should always come before faith, end of story. Science is a universal truth whereas faith is personal belief. And you should always, always, when you can, be kind. “Love thy neighbour as thyself” and all that. Funny how that always gets ignored. Just goes to show that people who spread hatred have some serious self-esteem issues.

And I hate all forms of bigotry but one that especially gets on my nerves is antisemitism by Christians because it is entirely baseless and Christianity literally would not exist if it weren’t for the Jewish people. (Not that bigotry ever has an excuse but you get my meaning.) Jesus was not killed by “the Jews.” Jesus WAS a Jew and he was persecuted by — who else — the Romans. And even if he was killed by Jewish people (he wasn’t) that still wouldn’t excuse any of the horrific things done to them throughout history. Antisemitism has been a problem since Judaism first became a concept thousands of years ago and I cannot express how much it saddens and disappoints me that it’s still so commonplace today. Many people are even antisemitic without realising due to all the dogwhistling (“lizard people rule the world,” anyone?). It’s abhorrent.

But yeah. It’s complicated. To sum up: I love Jesus. I believe in Something that created us but not necessarily exactly as the Bible says. I believe most if not all of the Bible is metaphorical and therefore using it to justify treating others shittily is bullshit. I believe science should always come before faith and church should always be separated from the State. Religion is deeply personal and therefore trying to enforce your personal beliefs and values from it onto others is, at the very least, fucking rude and preachers can kiss my well-bathed arse. I believe all religions are valid and have value and, if I’m being honest, I am primarily Christian rather than anything else due to its familiarity to me. If me from 20 years into the future time travelled back here and told me I’d end up becoming Jewish or Buddhist or Hindu or something else, I’d be completely fine with that. I am always curious about the world around me and try to be as open as possible, and, above all else, compassionate. (Except to bigots and to anyone else who’s plain cruel but I don’t feel like I can be particularly faulted for that.) And I believe Christianity and the Church as an institution has a lot of issues that it needs to answer for.

I don’t know if I’ve at all explained myself well here but if anyone has any more questions my inbox is always open. (But if you come in to say anything homophobic or transphobic or antisemitic or whatever the fuck in the name of the Bible you can go fuck yourself ✌🏻)

[brightwingedbat]

7, habits; 1, personal life; 1, motivation for Tantalus? (@commanderhorncleaver)

Habits 7 - What sort of clothes do you wear? Would you make changes to your wardrobe if you could?

"When I'm out an about, I'm always in my leather armour and thick coat, prefer not having my scars on show. At least not the back ones, can't help much with the ones on my face. My hat helps somewhat with that at least, keeps my real identity from the Legions too."

"Though I do have a casual outfit I wear when going to locations I know are on the down low. Nothing fancy."

Personal life 1 - Who are your parents? Do you have any siblings? Are they still alive?

The charr snarls viciously. "You just had to get me started on those. My dam was Unglot Fearripper, Blood Legion, she died when I was still in fahrar. My sire... Clement Forktail. Left Iron for Flame before I was even in fahrar."

The bared fangs on his face shows this is something harsh in his life. "Bastard came crawling back, and that damn Tribune Brimstone chose my brother Marcus Furyclash over me for the job. He got our sire pardoned! He got fucking promoted to centurion! And they're both still alive, Marcus is even thriving as a damned celebrated hero with all the freedom of the world and I got left in his shadow, trapped in the Legion machine!" He huffs frustratedly. "Damn him all the way to hell, and the Legions too..."

Motivation 1 - Is your cause noble? Do you care?

"I don't care if it's noble, I just want everyone who ever wronged me to suffer for it. And that encompasses the entire Legions themselves. I did not deserve to go through what I did, I was just as loyal as Marcus was, and got shit all!" A growl rumbles from the Deadeye's throat. "Noble doesn't matter, the Legions ain't noble, never have been. I'll see 'em dragged down one soldier at a time..."

[themculibrary]

Fics With Titles That Start With J Masterlist

part two

Jailbreak (ao3) - justmattycakes mj/peter T, 3k

Summary: Dr. Michelle Jones knows all about soulbonds, but that doesn't make her a fan. In fact, she wrote the book on how to break them. But will her opinion change once she meets her own soulmate - NYC's favorite superhero?

James Rhodes in 8C (ao3) - what_alchemy rhodey/tony E, 5k

Summary: Tony has always known.

Jaw-Dropper (ao3) - LiquidCaliban steve/natasha E, 3k

Summary: Steve breaks his jaw during a mission and has to 'suffer' through Natasha's idea of being nice so he can heal.

Just a Blast From the Past (ao3) - InNeedOfInspiration steve/natasha N/R, 41k

Summary: Natasha watches Steve die and decides to use a time travel device from Asgard to go back in 1942 and prevent Bucky from turning into the Winter Soldier. Forbidden to meddle with the past because it could affect the future, she changes her appearance and introduces herself under a false identity. But as they grow close, Natasha finds it harder and harder to resist the charm of Steve from 1942.

Just A Memory (ao3) - justmattycakes mj/peter T, 24k

Summary: With Chitauri aliens pouring through the Breach, humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction, pinning its final hopes on Tony Stark's ailing JAEGAR program and his brilliant plan: a washed-up former Jaeger pilot (Michelle Jones) and his own eager protege (Peter Parker). Will Peter and Michelle find love - and each other - in the drift? And can these dumb kids cancel the apocalypse? Tune in to find out!

Just an Asset (ao3) - soniclipstick (veriscence) clint/phil T, 3k

Summary: Coulson is probably just being polite; it’s obvious that he prefers Thor. That’s fine. Clint is just an asset, after all. And Coulson has real friends now, he doesn’t need to waste his time on Clint.

For anonymous tumblr prompt: Phil and Thor are good friends, Clint doesn't understand.

Just Another Guy With A Bow (ao3) - myrmidryad clint/phil, darcy/steve, jane/thor N/R, 94k

Summary: Clint's life is a steady progression from point A to point B, but it's everything that happens between those points that make the story interesting. Things like joining the circus, losing Barney, finding Barney, stumbling into SHIELD, trusting Coulson, making a different call when he's sent to kill the Black Widow, and becoming part of the dysfunctional Avengers team.

Just a Rose on a Star (ao3) - road_of_ruin loki/tony T, 54k

Summary: It wouldn't be the first time Tony Stark flirted with death, but no matter what the others said, reading stories to the quarantined God of Mischief was definitely one of his better ideas.

Just a Touch (ao3) - The_Buzz bruce/tony T, 8k

Summary: When Bruce and Tony are trapped under the debris from a bomb, Bruce can't afford to transform into the Hulk without risking Tony's life. To make matters worse, Bruce is badly hurt and help might not be on the way for a while.

Just Be Me (ao3) - Daiya_Darko bruce/tony E, 8k

Summary: Bruce can’t accept the most intimate parts of himself until Tony does.

just between us (did the love affair maim you too?) (ao3) - dharmainitiative sam/bucky E, 33k

Summary: “So, guess you’re headed back to Wakanda?”

“I might,” Bucky says. “Honestly, I was banking on going back to Brooklyn. Closest thing I’ve got to home, so, just made sense. But seeing as I’m a fugitive…” He glances over at Sam with a wry smile. “Why, what about you?”

“Rhodey found a spot,” Sam says. “Some safe house on the outskirts of the city. Hasn’t been used in a few years, so, gonna head there and stay low till the pardon is official. Or try to, anyway.”

Bucky is quiet for a minute before he turns to Sam and asks, “Want some company?”

Just Come Home (ao3) - Pearl_Unplanned steve/tony T, 3k

Summary: It had been four months since Tony had last seen his Alpha. It was supposed to be a normal mission, infiltrating A.I.M. But something must've gone wrong, because they'd lost all contact with Steve, the day he was supposed to be back. He was going to tell his Alpha the second that he was home that he was going to be a father.

Only, Steve didn't come home.

(Or pregnant Omega Tony is scared when his Alpha goes missing. When they do find Steve, four months later, he isn’t alone, and the Rogers-Stark family will never be the same.)

Just Dance (It's Gonna Be Okay) (ao3) - ficbypen steve/tony E, 6k

Summary: The Avengers get body-swapped for about a month; Tony and Steve maintain their relationship through it.

just friend things (ao3) - flying_snowmen mj/peter M, 5k

Summary: Peter doesn’t bring anything up at dinner even though May is giving him some serious side eye and can’t stop looking at him with that contemplative look of hers. And then, while he’s washing the dishes and handing them to her to dry, she asks, nonchalant as she can manage, “So when did you and Michelle start dating?”

“MJ and I are just friends.”

Or, a story in which Peter and Michelle insist that they are just friends, to the belief of no one around them.

Just Keep Trying 'til You Run Out of Cake (ao3) - K_R_Closson bucky/clint M, 11k

Summary: Clint Barton sometimes has a name on his wrist. Sometimes he has a couple letters. Sometimes he doesn't have anything at all. By the time he's an adult and working for SHIELD, he figures his soulmate is a ghost. Figures he's never going to meet whoever it is.

He's got it half right.

just know you're not alone (ao3) - haveufoundwhaturlookingfor tony/sam T, 10k

Summary: Tony was settling into his new life being an Avenger. Everything was going fine, great even, and then suddenly a kid was thrown into the picture. Peter Parker becomes Tony’s world, and he’s doing everything he can to keep his son out of the spotlight. Unfortunately, some things don’t always go to plan. But would it really be such a bad thing if his fellow Avengers found out about his son?

Just Me, You, and These Shitty Cigarettes (ao3) - dabblingwithwords steve/bucky, clint/natasha, bucky/brock E, 39k

Summary: Steve Rogers is pretty sure Natasha's new roommate is trying to kill him. Which he wouldn't mind considering he's been helplessly in love with him since they were thirteen.

just say you do (ao3) - biblionerd07 steve/bucky T, 173k

Summary: Steve just wanted a job. He wasn't expecting a marriage proposal. And he certainly wasn't expecting to accept.

just won't do right (ao3) - glittercake sam/bucky G, 7k

Summary: Sam's eyebrows go up, impressed, and he reaches over to squeeze Torres' shoulder, "This is amazing, kid. Thanks, really."

Bucky sits and watches in utter horror as the pink darkens on Torres' cheeks.

Oh, he realizes.

Oh.

Fuck.

just you and me (ao3) - haveufoundwhaturlookingfor steve/bucky, past steve/tony, past/bucky/sam T, 1k

Summary: Steve and Bucky are best friends, childhood friends. Somehow, they've both ended up being single parents with daughters and shitty ex-husbands. Steve secretly has a crush on Bucky, and would do anything for him, even if it means watching his kid for the night so Bucky can go out on a date.

[lovifie]

Accidentally Kidnapping Mafia Boss Price

A.K.A. Reverse Trope Writing Prompts

masterlist - 1122 words

cw: guns, car accident

You hate your job, and part of it, is because of how much you hate your boss.

If watching "The Devil Wears Prada" taught you anything, is that working as an assistant is an exhausting, humiliating and underpaid job.

But still... is the best one you have had.

So when your boss tells you that you need to drive his car to get his dog to the hairdresser, you agree. Because out of all the disgusting things that he makes you do, driving his way too expensive car to take his actual delight of a dog to the hairdresser and waiting two paid hours while doing anything, it's really not the worst.

Taking the keys from his desk when he tells you that the dog is already in the car waiting and that you better hurry, you waste no time in taking the elevator. Three massive men, in black suits, walk out right as you enter; catching on the corner of your eye as they walk towards your boss's office.

You recognise the car immediately, only a money freak like your boss could afford it; so without even looking at the back seat, you turn on the car making the engine roar before going out onto the road.

Missing the identical car parked behind the column.

The dog must be sleeping behind, you assume when you can't hear his usual panting. You can hear his breathing, and the sound of movement. But it's the sound of a lighter that makes you look up into the rearview mirror.

You freeze when you lock eyes with the man sitting in the back seat. Blue eyes, mutton chops and a mischievous smile on his lips.

"You are not the dog." It's the only thing you can say, thankful for the red light and the fact the car is stopped, unable to look away from the mirror.

"Well, good morning to you too, darling." He says, a deep chuckle escaping his lips around his cigar.

"You- You can't smoke here, my boss, he hates-" You mumble, trying to keep an eye out for the changing street light.

"I can't smoke in my own car, sweetheart?" He asks, cocking his head as he does.

"Pardon?" You ask, turning your head to finally look at him. The massive man sitting cross-legged on the back seat, the suit obviously expensive for the way it clings to all the right parts of his muscular body.

"I think you got into the wrong car, sweetheart." He says, resting his elbow on the door.

"No, no. This is my boss's car and you are supposed to be a dog!" You exclaim, pointing at him. "Where is the dog!?"

"Are you calling me a dog?" He asks, amusement in his voice.

"No! I- I'm supposed to take the dog to the fucking groomers, not you!" You say, exasperated.

"I wouldn't say no to a grooms session." He says, rubbing his beard as he looks into the window reflection. "The light's green."

You furrowed your eyebrow, jumping when the car behind honks at you and you start driving again.

"You should probably drive me back, though. My boys won't take nicely your attempted kidnap." He says casually, looking at the back of your head. "Especially Ghost."

"Who are you? A mob?" You ask, snickering to yourself.

"Precisely." He answers with a nod of his head. "Not to sound cocky, but have you heard of the 141, right?"

And it takes a second for the pieces to fall together, Price chuckes again when he sees your eyes widen at the realisation.

"No!"

"Yes."

"Noo!"

"Yeeah!"

"You are not!"

"I am, in fact."

"You can't be!"

"Well, I am, love."

You rub your hand over your face, quickly using it to change the destination on the GPS to go back to your building.

"I- I will drive you back, and I'll get on the car I'm supposed to, yeah? We can leave this as a funny history, right?" You ask, looking at him through the rearview mirrors.

"Sounds good with me. We wouldn't want anyone thinking you tried to kidnap me, right, love?" He asks and you quickly shake your head. "You are a good girl, right? An honest mistake?"

You nod your head eagerly, trying to fight the tears back. And something about the pathetic scene playing before him must make him feel bad because he leans forward, resting his hand on your shoulder. "It's all good, sweetheart. Let's go back."

You nod again, sniffling with a lack of decorum; and when you look forward again, you can only see a black car driving beside you. You make eye contact with the driver, coming face to face with a skeleton mask.

He then moves back, letting you see the man sitting beside him and the gun he is holding. Pointing at you.

You barely have time to raise your shoulder, moving your head down, before you feel the pain on your arm. It makes you lose control of the car, driving straight into a light pole.

You hit your head on the driving wheel knocking yourself out, and the last thing you hear before going dark is the man behind you shouting.

"Johnny, you bloody muppet!"

It could have been hours by the time you come back to your senses, hearing the car alarm going off and the searing pain of the bullet wound on your shoulder.

"I said that one of us should have stayed with you!" You hear a muffled voice complain from outside the car.

"I don't need a nanny, Kyle. Besides, the three of you are a bigger threat than what the poor girl was." You recognise the voice as the man that was sitting behind you

"She managed to kidnap you, Price. I would call that a threat" A second mysterious voice adds.

"She was driving back! Was supposed to take a dog to get a haircut or something." The blue eyes man says.

"Eh, she's moving." A third voice says, considerably closer than the rest, urging you to move. You barely lift your head enough to see, coming face to face with the barrel of the gun.

"Make sure not to miss this time." One of the voices says.

"Johnny, lower the bloody gun!" The only voice you recognise says, the gun automatically lowering.

"But why, sir?" The man whines, apparently angry at not being allowed to kill you.

"Because you three dumbs dumbs just killed her boss when you were supposed to interrogate him, so that makes her both..." He says, leaning his arm on the ceiling of the car and looking at you. "our only source of information... And my new assistant. What do you say, sweetheart?"

[gantzxjoel]

REUNION.

finding the gym had been relatively easy, though leaving it had been much harder, having too much fun goofing off: seeing how many times in a row he could kick the soccer ball in the air before it fell ( 184 ), seeing if he could still climb the rope despite having fallen off his workout schedule when work had gotten busy ( he can ).

in the end, joel opts to take the soccer ball with him, dribbling it down the hall, past several other players, unbothered by their presence. “pardon me, ‘scuse me, beep beep, comin’ through.”

rounding the corner, there’s only one person in this part of the hallway, a lone woman, leaned against the wall and crying into her hands. hallway’s kinda a weird place to have a cry about it, but he supposes not everyone can grieve before they’ve even died the way he had. tilting his head to one side, there’s an ‘hey, you okay?’ on the tip of his tongue, before he sees it, the gleam of silver around the woman’s neck.

he’d know that necklace anywhere.

a smirk blossoms where concern once resided, kicking the soccer ball behind him casually, getting it out of his way. she hasn’t noticed him yet, but even if she had, it’s well documented he’s both faster and stronger.

they should know, they’ve tested it.

“chiquitita,” her body stiffens, as if on instinct. a healthy dose of fear is important for survival. not that it worked for her, but his big ol’ ego appreciates it either way. “tell me what’s wrong~”

the song falls easily from him, having sung it at her hundreds of times over the years. 

he can’t help but smile as she slowly - so fucking slowly, as if afraid of what she’ll find - lifts her head from her hands, gaze sliding over to him with what can only be called horror. 

“hey, pretty lady. fancy meeting you here, hm?”

not five hours before this, he’d pushed his way into her apartment, shoved her to the ground, and drove a knife into her fucking chest until he didn’t feel angry anymore.

then he’d gone home and slit his wrists. no note. fuck ‘em if they can’t figure out why.

“nothing to say, hm?” sucking his teeth, joel tucks his hands into his pockets, rocking on his heels. “well, shit, since neither of us died long enough to go cold, should we fuck it out? ‘s what we did last time we had a fight, yeah?”

a fight is a bit of an understatement, but sure.

brandishing one of the game-provided guns at him doesn’t do much in the way of actually intimidating him, but the effort’s nice. “don’t- don’t come any closer.” her voice is shaking. cute.

he plays dumb, tipping his head to one side, channeling his inner himbo. “or what? you’re gonna kill me?”

“seongjun, i mean it!” and yet, as he moves closer, walking until the barrel of the gun rests against his chest, she doesn’t.

“go ahead then. i deserve it, yeah? big, scary ex-husband that you’re oh, so afraid of.” joel laughs, running his hand through his hair, entirely too casual for someone with a weapon pointed at him. “shoot me. c’mon.”

the gun clicks. she was really gonna try it. damn. he’d be proud, if she wasn’t so goddamn dumb.

“give me that,” he snatches the gun from her, far more rough than he has to be. “fuck, jiho, i gave you the opportunity of a lifetime, and you manage to fuck even that up? christ almighty.”

shaking his head in only slightly exaggerated disappointment, joel moves away from jiho, looking the weapon over. identical to the one he’s got. he huffs out a laugh, looking up at her. “first rule of wielding a gun,” pointing the weapon away from them, down the hall, joel pulls both triggers, instead of just the one, as she had. the resounding boom makes her jump, trembling in fear. “make sure you turn the fucking safety off.” it’s not really a safety, but she’s not smart enough to know the difference anyway.

she’s crying again. he hates it when she does that. that’s his cue to get the fuck outta here.

“little miss’ll be back from her grandparents on monday, yeah?”

she doesn’t reply. 

“answer me.” the sob that escapes her when he smacks the wall beside her head is pretty satisfying, he won’t lie. “speak, woman!”

“yes! seongjun, don’t- she’s just a kid- please-”

“shut the hell up, my god. you think i’m some sort of psychopath? she’s four.” he rolls his eyes so hard he’s pretty sure he sees his skull for a second, “i’m on an ah…” he can’t help but chuckle a little bit, “unexpected vacation from work. i’ll be by to pick her up at 9, yeah?” 

she nods. he coos, tweaking her cheek. she’s not always so terrible to deal with. though lord help them both if she wants to try some dumb shit again.

with a grin, the man she’s so scared of vanishes all but entirely, replaced once more by the joel everyone knows, the one that made everyone side-eye jiho when she’d tried to tell them how he could be on a bad day. 

“good talk. i’ll hang onto this,” he scratches the side of his head with the barrel of the gun, unphased, “since i’m not sure you’re smart enough to know what you’re doing with it. good luck with the mission though!”

as he walks away, he hums under his breath - chiquitita once more - and tries not to smile when he hears jiho sob. a good game just keeps getting better.

[awynter]

When he pulls his hand away, it feels like a tether snapping. Like the anchor keeping Anne pinned to reality had vanished and she was left reeling. What was wrong with her? She'd never considered herself a fiend nor a desperate sort of woman--at least not when it came to men. And yet just being near him sent her mind spiraling and her heart plummeting. Everything he said sounded like melancholy, a bittersweet song that she knew she shouldn't be hearing.

She doesn't say anything, doesn't wish him sweet dreams or thank him again for his kindness. Instead, she just stares at the ceiling, waiting for her eyelids to begin to feel heavy. The stillness in the room was deafening, every inhale she took loud in her ears. Thankfully, the storm seemed to be passing, but Anne still felt uneasy. She had so many questions, so many things to say, to confess and not enough words to say them.

How was she supposed to tell him not to court Lady Sarah? What right did she have to prevent such a pairing, if its what they both truly wanted? Frustration formed tears in her eyes and she blinked them away, rolling onto her side facing Ben. She wanted to peek over the edge, to see if he had fallen asleep yet or if he was as restless as she felt. But Anne wasn't sure she'd be able to handle either one.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she let a tear stream down her cheek and soak into the pillow. She hugged her arms to her chest, begging her heart to find peace, to stop waging a war on her mind. Even with her eyes closes, she couldn't rid her mind of Ben. His smile, his voice, his laugh. His eyes. Her mind cycles through scenes, parsing through all the mistakes she'd ever made since meeting him. And just before her body drifted off into sleep, her own lips betray her and sputter a feather soft confession. "I wish you would've kissed me."

(...)

Days passed and Anne still couldn't stop thinking of that night. The gentle way he held her hand and pressed tender kisses against her skin. Thinking about it make her cheeks burn and it didn't matter how busy she got, he always managed to sneak his way into her thoughts. Even when reading, her mind never stayed focused for very long and she found herself growing almost irritated with the way he seemed to be haunting her.

A knock on her bedroom door startles her and she hurries to open it. To her surprise, the face on the other side of her door isn't Lady Pleinsworth, but instead Sarah. Anne blinked, a look of confusion and worry crossing her features.

"Miss Sarah, is everything alright?" She was almost too scared to ask, terrified of the answer the eldest Pleinsworth girl might give in return.

"Mama says I require a chaperone."

"A chaperone?"

"I have a caller, Miss Wynter. And Mama is too busy plaiting Lizzie's hair to sit in, so she said to get you." The blonde wore a nervous smile, an uncharacteristically girlish feature she hadn't seen on Sarah before. "Please?"

"In the drawing room?" Anne asked, realizing her mistake as soon as the words tumbled from her lips.

"Of course. One does not entertain suitors in the foyer, Miss Wynter." She gave the governess a patronizing smirk.

"Yes, right, of course." Before closing the door and following Sarah down the hall, Anne made sure to grab the book she'd been reading. If she were expected to sit idly and allow two young people to court, she might as well have something to pass the time. Clutching the book in both hands, she followed Sarah into the drawing room and turned to close the door behind them. But before she can turn to take in the sight of the pair, and the identity of the caller, Anne hears Sarah utter a soft apology.

"Forgive me, Mister Tallmadge. My mother was busy, so my sisters' governess will have to be chaperone today. You remember Miss Wynter, don't you?" The smile on Sarah's face was painfully sincere and it made Anne want to scream. Biting her tongue, she bowed to Ben and immediately averted her gaze.

"Pardon the intrusion, sir. Miss Sarah, I'll just be sitting over in the corner if you need me." Clearing her throat, Anne trudged over to a chair in the corner with her head hung low. She plopped down into the seat, aimed perfectly to face Ben and Sarah as they conversed. Slowly, Anne opened her book and focus on the pages, chewing at the inside of her cheek as a way to maintain her composure. But despite her determination to keep her gaze trained on the words, she found herself stealing glances at Ben from below dark lashes, her face hot with jealousy and annoyance.

It seemed his intentions had indeed become readily clear since the last time they'd seen one another. Even though she knew he didn't belong to her, it felt like a sort of betrayal seeing him carry on with his courtship of Sarah Pleinsworth. Was he serious about his relationship with Sarah? A part of her had hoped he'd merely been doing it to spite Anne, but now she couldn't be certain. It was impossible to tell. Especially when Sarah seemed as smitten with him as Anne was.

Sarah would be a better choice, anyway. Sarah had money, property, and all the position in the world that would prove to make Ben's life better. Meanwhile, Anne had nothing to offer but trauma and ill-timed comments. If anything, a marriage to Anne would be a loss.

You have no money to speak of, and your family certainly will not enhance my own. George's voice echoed in her head, his wicked smile haunting her even years later. If Anne hadn't been good enough for marriage when she'd had the world at her fingertips, what hope did she have for it now? She wasn't meant to be a wife, but Sarah was. As much as she hated to think such a thing, Anne knew they would be good for each other, if their courtship continued to play out. Ben would be happy, if this is what he truly wanted. Sarah would be happy, in all the ways a woman could be satisfied with a husband. And Anne...

Anne would be numb. She'd have no other choice. Ben wasn't hers to yearn for. It was foolish to pine over a man who's heart belonged to another. She'd been foolish enough to do it once before (though it was hard to say George's heart belonged to anyone but the Devil Himself) and she refused to be that stupid girl again. It was clear that Ben wanted nothing to do with her, and everything to do with Sarah. The safest option would be to move on, to forget about him and remind herself of the life she'd been forced to live. She'd chosen this path, with her own misguided actions. She had brought this sorrow upon herself, and yet she dared to think love could ever be in the cards for her?

Forgetting about him, however, was nearly impossible to do when his voice called out to her like a siren song, luring back into temptation with every word. And when she had to watch him flirt with another girl while her own heart splintered through her chest with guilt and jealousy.

“Would that be my reward for good behavior?”

Benjamin snorted, a hint of good humor finally returning to his mien. "Do you truly consider a man's feet to be on par with a genuine incentive?" he asked. Amused, he decided, "Well, perhaps I've been trying to impress the wrong woman all along, if that is your standard for courting."

He thought he heard her smother a laugh. “I’ll make sure to be on my best behavior, then,” she said.

Another crack of thunder followed, seething in its fury, and Anne's grip tightened on his hand. For a long moment, neither of them addressed his prior remark; in many regards, Benjamin hoped and prayed his musings were forgotten, but alas, after a short spell more, Anne softly broke the tension.

“I suppose it depends,” she whispered. “Do you intend to return her affections?”

Now it was Benjamin's turn to stiffen. "I...don't know," he admitted, gazing despondently up at the ceiling. "Lady Sarah is a beautiful girl, and by all accounts, I should wish to court her, but..."

She is not you.

Swallowing back the words, he promptly released his hold on Anne's hand and drew away, his fingertips skimming her own as they slowly cleaved apart. Rolling over onto his side, he tucked his arm beneath his head and exhaled, attempting to drown out his racing thoughts.

"I'll return you to the Pleinsworth manor in the morning," he murmured. "Perhaps by then, it will become more readily clear about whether or not I wish to reciprocate any affections." He winced. "Goodnight, Miss Wynter. I hope you sleep well."

[a-smol-cosplayer]

im back on my ‘contributing to the wednesday/wyler fandom as a whole’ here are some incorrect quotes for y'all :)

Enid: I am SPEECHLESS!! 

Wednesday: *narrating*: despite being speechless she managed to lecture me for the next ten minutes 

/

Wednesday: If you had to separate your bees from 49 other identical bees that were all equally excited to see you, how would you determine which bee was yours?

Eugene: I would take my 50 bees home and live like a king

/

Xavier: who would win a fight, Enid or Tyler?

Wednesday: I cant answer that - Tyler is my boyfriend.

Xavier:  so Enid?

Wednesday: definitely 

/

Yoko: I hate going into the kitchen only to realise im the only snack in the house.

/

Tyler: *drops keys*

Tyler: you’ve got to be key-ding me

/

Enid: MURDER IS NEVER THE ANSWER!!

Tyler: Of course not! Murder is the question 

Wednesday: And the answer is always.

Bianca: All of you are wrong. The answer was 12. This is why you all failed.

/

Wednesday: I would be the worst PR manager ever. My client would be like ‘there are rumours going around that I’m gay and a satanist’ and I would just be like ‘haha awesome!’ 

/

Eugene: drug dealer? No, hug dealer! Come here 

/

Ajax: anyone would be lucky to date me, I was called ‘a pleasure to have in class’ when I was in primary school 

/

Wednesday: in my defence I was left unsupervised 

Enid: weren’t you with Thing?? 

Thing: In my defence I was also left unsupervised 

/

Wednesday: idiotsaywhat

Enid: pardon?

Tyler: sorry?

Bianca: excuse me?

Xavier: what?!?!?

/

Enid: Yoko! Did u know that there is a rumour that you are gay!

Yoko: rumour!?!?! a RUMOUR!?!? U mean people are doubting it!?

/

Enid: can you turn the lights on?

Ajax: I don’t need to, you’re the only light I need in my life.

Enid: Ajax please I cant see.

/

Eugene: I’m a genius, I finished this lego set in 3 days!

Wednesday: so?

Eugene: The box says from 4-7 years

/

Wednesday: we’re so in sync, it’s like we finish each others-

Enid: homework

Wednesday: huh?

Enid, sliding her maths work over in tears: please

/

Enid: you were so drunk at the party last night

Tyler: no I wasn’t

Enid: actually you were

Enid: you called a taxi to take you home

Tyler: so? Thats responsible, I didn’t want to put anyone in danger by drinking and driving

Enid: the party was at your house, Tyler...

/

Enid: if a plant is sad, do other plants photo-sympathise with it?

Yoko: I chlorofeel you man

Bianca, tired as hell at 3am: are you guys fucking serious?

/

Enid: I have a boyfriend now

Wednesday trying to be encouraging: a boyfriend?

Enid: *reflexively does a panicked peace sign*

Wednesday: TWO boyfriends!?!?

/

Bianca: do you have any chicken or pork?

Waitress: no, but we have beef

Bianca: oh, WE have beef, huh? You really wanna fight? Alright, let’s do this. Kent, hold my breadsticks.

/

Enid: I changed all of my passwords to ‘incorrect’ so whenever I forget it, it will tell me, ‘your password is incorrect.’

Yoko: genius

Wednesday, already hacking into all her info: dumbass

/

Tyler: I just hid Wednesdays typewriter so she would hang out with us… how long do you think I have left to live?

Enid: 10

Tyler: 10 what?

Enid: 9

/

Enid at 3am at a sleepover: how do tall people sleep? Wouldn’t their feet go right past the blanket?

Tyler: Enid it’s 3 in the morning

Enid: you can’t sleep?

Tyler: …

Enid: is it the blanket?

/

Tyler: Awe look at you Wednesday, getting romantic with all these candles

Wednesday: first of all, I’m summoning a demon

/

Enid: *stabbing air between Wednesday and Bianca with a butter knife*

Wednesday: what are you doing?

Enid: trying to cut the angry tension between you two

Enid: it isn’t working

/

Tyler: I haven’t been this happy since-

Tyler: 

Tyler: oh, wow. I’ve never been this happy!

Tyler: huh!

Tyler: that’s bad!

/

Tyler: I really wish you would just own up to it when you make a mistake

Wednesday, calmly stirring her coffee: I prEFER it with salt

/

Xavier: *hugs Wednesday*

Wednesday: what are you doing?

Xavier: appreciating the little things in life

Wednesday: bitch

/

*playing scrabble*

Enid: I will put down my ‘A’ to spell ‘A’

Tyler: I will put down my ’T’ to make ‘AT’

Wednesday: and I will add onto your ‘AT’ to make ‘BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC’

Enid: *flips board*

/

Wednesday: What if I pour coffee into my cereal instead of milk?

Tyler, taking the coffee pot as he walks by: what if you don’t.

/

Yoko: Wednesday, someone dropped your manuscript

Wednesday: are you joking? That manuscript is my best friend and I will straight up ASSASSINATE-

Yoko: it was Enid

Wednesday: of course she did never mind then. 

/

Enid: truth or dare?

Wednesday: truth

Enid: how many hours have you slept this week?

Wednesday: uhh, dare

Enid: I dare you to go to sleep

Wednesday: I don’t like this game

/

Tyler: Wednesday Addams could slap me in the face and I’d say thank you

Xavier: i’d say thank you too

/

Bianca: theres a monster underneath my bed and its really ugly

Kent, on the bottom bunk: honestly, fuck you

/

Enid: a Z is just a sideways N

Wednesday, trying to concentrate: can you shut up?

Enid: zo

/

Enid: what are you guys doing?

Kent, Yoko and Ajax: *taking a quiz to see what kind of dog breed they are*

Yoko: important stuff

/

[after the gates mansion gets cleared]

Wednesday: Nothing good will ever happen to me again!

[twelve seconds later]

Wednesday: so far my theory has been confirmed.

/

Wednesday: Tyler annoyed me today so I told him that I can’t wait to see what he has planned for my birthday tomorrow.

Enid: but it isn’t your birthday tomorrow.

Wednesday: But there is something special about watching the colour leave his face as the panic takes over

/

Enid: you were supposed to do something about the rat in your locket

Ajax: I did

Ajax: I named him fluffy. He likes coco pops.

/

Wednesday: my boyfriend is too tall for me to kiss. What should I do?

Bianca: Punch him in the stomach so he doubles over then kiss him.

Enid: tackle him

Yoko: kick him in the shins

Tyler: just ask me to lean down?!?!?

/

Tyler: why would you give a knife to a child?

Wednesday: Enid felt unsafe

Tyler: now I feel unsafe

Wednesday: I’m sorry...

Wednesday: Would u like a knife?

/

Ajax: you’re up early

Literally everyone: ......

Ajax: you never went to sleep did u?

/

Tyler: my criminal record? The only illegal thing I’ve done is absolutely killing it on the dance floor

Tyler: hahaha just kidding, I’ve killed a man

/

Enid: why are you smiling?

Wednesday: what? Can’t I just be happy?

Bianca: Xavier tripped down the stairs

/

Enid and Tyler: You will have a hard time believing this because it never happens but it was a mistake we swear—

Wednesday: A MISTAKE?!? *gestures to the table that is on fire*

/

Bianca: Have you ever been scolded by Enid?

Wednesday: Im not scared of her

Bianca: So thats a no

/

Wednesday *doing something risky* : I am going to do this and not you or god himself can stop me 

Tyler: *Starts typing on his phone*

Wednesday:

Wednesday: ..Tyler 

Tyler:

Wednesday:

Wednesday: *panicking* Tyler what are you doing?!? What have you done?!?!

Tyler: 

Enid: *bursting through the door* wedNESDAY ADDAMS DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL--

//

this ended up being way to long congrats to anyone that made it in the end