#im fine just a bit busy with my internship and actual job on the side shsjxn

[hyunpic]

Hi! I’m sorry I was in class when you answered my other ask and then I got sidetracked and well-

But I’ve been okay! Things have been a bit overwhelming but bearable. How have you been Vilma?

(Also sorry I haven’t dropped by in awhile, I’ve missed talking to you though!)

-🥀

im sorry things have been overwhelming. here’s checkpoint of (◜◡◝.) for some peace of mind

[ifmywishescametrue]

omg now im jealous about all of the breaking up and making up stories!!! they're all so wonderful but is it okay to ask for a steve/tony one? i know you've made one inspired by ts (amazing) and this time, maybe they meet/bump in a coffee shop? idk angst potential but also hopeful/happy ending aahhh. your stories are amazing esp ivy!!! thank you! <3

thank you so much!! it ended up being more cute than angsty, but I hope you like it!

Steve's pencil drifts idly across the page of his sketchbook with no end vision in mind. He's killing time until Nat shows up, which could be anywhere between the next five minutes and the next two hours with her vague text that simply said running late. When he looks up to reach for his near empty coffee cup, he freezes with his hand in the middle of the air.

At first he thinks it might not even actually be him. Tony's hair was never quite this well styled before, always a tangled mop on his head that sometimes fell into his eyes. Steve used to spend hours sometimes running his fingers through those wild curls while Tony slept on his chest. It's been tamed since then, cut shorter and held into place by some type of product. The facial hair is new, too. He remembers a time when it would always come in patchy and uneven, and Tony would pout as he shaved away the latest attempt at looking older than he was. The eighteen year old boy in oversized hoodies and stained jeans he met years ago has been replaced by a man in a well-pressed, expensive looking suit with a leather briefcase, like he just stepped out of a boardroom a minute ago. From what Steve has read about his life since they broke up, he probably did.

Steve stares without fully meaning to and for much longer than he would have if it was intentional. He watches him order his drink and smiles when the barista’s eyes widen at what he knows is an overly complicated order, wondering if Tony ever did finish his quest to find that perfect combination of syrup flavors, sugar, and cream that only he would ever like.

He catches the double take when Tony notices him there, right as he’s taking his first sip of the iced drink, and the cough when he chokes on it is anything but subtle. Steve looks away with red cheeks and tries to pretend he wasn’t staring, but it’s a futile effort. He can’t say he minds, though. Not when it means Tony walks over to him and unceremoniously drops himself into the chair across from him.

His mouth forms a familiar smirk, and he says, “You seem to have a staring problem, Rogers.”

Suddenly, Steve is nineteen again, falling hopelessly in love with the boy in his introductory chemistry class. It felt sort of like fate at first when they were paired together for the final project, and Steve remembers thinking that his chances were shot to hell when Tony sat down next to him and said those exact words. He never was any good at being discreet.

Back then, for that first time, all he could manage was a stuttered apology in response. But eventually it became their thing. Something just for them that no one else could ever understand. When Steve would watch him from across the room at parties, because he knew how much Tony loved having his eyes on him, and Tony would saunter over with that same smirk and those same words, there was only ever one reply.

“Guess I just really like what I see,” Steve says, and Tony’s face splits into a grin that matches Steve’s own. He’s still beautiful, even if it’s different now. Less softness to his appearance and more defined edges and sharp lines, but heart stoppingly beautiful nonetheless. He doesn’t quite say as much, but he does comment, “You do look good, by the way. Different, but good.”

Tony’s smile softens into another familiar one. It’s his smile for compliments, when he’s thinking self-deprecating thoughts that he won’t voice. Instead he’ll turn the attention back around, shifting the spotlight.

“So do you. The good part, but not really the different part.”

Steve runs a hand through his hair, contemplating if not looking different contributes to the good or not. He should look different somehow, shouldn’t he? After two and a half years not seeing each other in person and what feels like a lifetime’s worth of heartbreak in between then and now, he should look as changed as he feels. As changed as Tony looks now, like he’s someone new entirely. He’s pretty sure the t-shirt he’s wearing now is one he owned back then.

“Thanks,” Steve says anyway, for lack of anything better.

Just before it has the chance to fall into awkward silence, Tony says, “I didn’t know you were in New York these days. I would’ve called or something if I’d known.”

Steve raises an eyebrow. “Would you have?”

“I don’t know, maybe. I would’ve thought about it, at least. You know, stalked you online, found your number, dialed and hung up a few times.”

Steve laughs, fiddling with the straw wrapper from earlier to give himself something to look at other than Tony. “I moved back last year. Thought about calling, but I figured you were busy. Didn’t want to waste your time.”

It’s only a partial truth. He did think about calling when he came to Brooklyn after his year-long internship in London ended, but he didn’t want to know what Tony would say if he did. If he would have some sort of transparent excuse to avoid seeing him or if it would be an outright rejection.

“I would’ve made time for you,” Tony says, so painfully sincere that Steve has to look up again to meet his eyes.

He wonders if Tony is thinking of that last fight, if it’s a purposeful or coincidental reference to some of what Steve said. It was by far the worst fight they’d ever had, all over the phone with an ocean between them and so many things that Steve still wishes he could take back. Accusations flew on both sides until the entire thing was blown so completely out of proportion, yet impossible to reel back in. He should have just hung up the phone before it went that far. Before he could tell Tony that he always felt unimportant compared to everything else in his life, which was sometimes true but entirely unfair. Before Tony could say that Steve talked about Peggy in the same way he used to talk about him, and he didn’t have to finish the thought for Steve to understand the implication.

“Are we talking about it?” Steve asks.

Tony shrugs, feigning casual, but just the corner of his lip is between his teeth in that way that means he’s nervous and trying to hide it. “I guess that depends on what this is.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, we said back then that maybe it was just bad timing. You were in London, and I was in Boston until graduation, and it was always going to be a bit of a mess, but there was always that someday chance, right? So maybe this is someday, and we talk about it, and try to get it right this time,” Tony says. “Or maybe that was just something we said and didn’t mean, and I ask you about your life, and you ask about mine, and we talk and laugh and pretend that we’re friends again for the next half hour or so before we go our separate ways.”

It’s an easy choice, really. If there’s one thing that Steve’s sure of, it’s that it’s always been him and always will be.

“I don’t want to go separate ways,” Steve says. “The first time was hard enough, and I never really moved on. I got better, but I don’t think I’ve been more than just fine in a long time.”

Tony nods slowly, “I kept thinking you would call, you know. Back then. I thought you would call and tell me that it was a mistake and it would be okay again, but you never did. Although, I guess I could’ve called, too.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“For the same reason as you, probably. I couldn’t risk it if you didn’t want me again. Couldn’t risk getting back together just to break up again, either. We weren’t exactly the poster children for making long distance work.”

“We were terrible at it, weren’t we?”

Tony’s smile is tinged with the pain of the past. “It’s kind of funny because I remember thinking that it might be a good thing for us when you told me about London. Can’t get sick of somebody if they’re not always around.”

“You thought I would get sick of you? You never told me that.”

“Why would I?” Tony laughs. “Just put all my insecurities on display like that? Come on, Steve, that doesn’t sound like me, does it?”

Steve laughs with him briefly, “No, but I could’ve told you back then that it wasn’t possible. Told you that I wanted you around all the time and I missed you every second you were gone. I might’ve even stayed if you had told me. I was thinking about it, you know? I almost turned the internship down. Probably would’ve if you’d asked even once for me not to go.”

“It was your career. I never would’ve asked you to give that up for me.”

“There would have been something else. Another job somewhere closer to you.”

“I still wouldn’t have asked,” Tony says. “And I would have told you to go if you’d said you were staying.”

Steve knows that, which is why they never talked about it much before he left. Tony pretended to be happy for him, and Steve pretended to be happy for himself, when really it already felt like the beginning of the end. A year apart is longer than it seems, and it didn’t take more than a few months to realize it.

“I never…” Steve starts, trailing off when he doesn’t quite know how to finish the sentence. “There was never anyone else. Not while we were together, and never with Peggy.”

“I know. I knew back then, too, that you were never that kind of person. Jealousy’s just a real bitch sometimes.”

“There’s really not been anyone since, either,” Steve adds, and Tony’s mouth quirks into a half smile. “I mean, a couple of people here and there, but nothing like what we were.”

“There’s not a whole lot out there like what we were, is there?”

Steve smiles, leaning back in his chair, “No, there’s really not. But I do remember reading a rumor that you got engaged.”

Tony groans, and it’s so much like he used to sound when he was nine pages deep into a ten page essay at three in the morning that Steve has to laugh.

“Don’t you dare laugh. That rumor haunts me, Steven,” Tony says, belied by a grin that he seemingly can’t control. “Do you know how I found out about my supposed engagement? When my mother called and asked why I hadn’t told her I was planning on proposing.”

“So I’m still the only person you’ve ever proposed to,” Steve teases, just for the way he knows Tony will get indignant about it.

“How many times do I have to tell you that one didn’t count?”

“You were on one knee, you asked a question, and you had a ring. All the boxes are checked, sweetheart.”

“It was a blue raspberry ring pop, and you ate it,” Tony argues. “Not to mention that I actually asked you to marry me someday in the distant future. That’s not a proposal.”

Steve laughs again, thinking about that day in the middle of their living room, just a few weeks before Steve got the call that would take him to London and change everything. It was almost like a joke, and for anyone else it would have been. Not for them, though, because Steve remembers the look in Tony’s eyes when he dropped down in front of him, spur of the moment and impulsive like almost everything was back then. He remembers how it still felt like a promise, even if it wasn’t the real thing.

“But I said yes, which I think technically means we’re still engaged.”

“Absolutely not,” Tony scoffs. “It’s going to be a production when we get engaged. Elaborate and planned and romantic as hell.”

“When, huh?” Steve grins.

Tony’s cheeks pinken a touch, but he doesn’t take it back. He reaches for Steve’s hand on the table. “Yeah, when. Is that alright with you?”

Steve threads their fingers together, holding on tight. “That’s alright with me.”

[notnctu]

through the lens ❀ l.jn

❀ lee jeno x fem!reader ❀ genre - slow burn, smut/mature content, fluff (romance?), slight angst ❀ details - photographer!jeno, model!reader, college!au, shy!jeno but he aint shy in bed, strangers to fuckers!au ❀ word count - 8k (this is the longest thing ive ever written) ❀ warnings - nude modeling, swearing, oral (f/receiving), some sweet love makin’ ❀ brief synopsis - jeno asks you to model for his internship project, but little did you know, it was going to be a nude photo shoot.  

❝ jeno was too shy to hold eye contact, but he stared at you endlessly through the lens. ❞

❀ a/n - hihihi this is author doie❀ ! im bad at writing smut so pls dont hate me ah ha lol i tried my best i also dont model/do professional photography so really apologize if i butcher any terms lmaoo the only thing i am is that im in college and im shy

Jeno had applied to almost a hundred internships and almost close to none returned with an offer, even after a whole month of waiting. He absolutely needed to start building his portfolio before the beginning of his senior year of college. The embarrassment of possibly graduating without any experience loomed over the desperate boy. 

Photography had been more than a hobby to him, to the point where he wanted to take it seriously. His parents weren’t the most supportive of an Arts major, but that couldn’t stop him. Jeno saw the best through a camera lens. He had a special eye for beautiful moments and the impressing urge to capture it forever. 

It was too late to change his major, if he wanted to graduate with all of his friends. If he wanted to be successful, he had to act on it now. 

The swoosh! of a new email startled the sleeping boy. He stared at the brightly lit screen, reading the words over and over again to make sure it was real. Jeno was so enthralled with excitement that he scrambled out of bed to wake up his roommate, Jaemin.

He shook him so violently that the sheets fell from Jaemin’s warm body. “Dude! I got an internship!” He spoke with incredible glee, a wide smile couldn’t leave his face.

Jaemin groaned and had to hold Jeno by the shoulders to halt the boy from causing the room to spin. “Why--What is going on?” He dazely rubbed his tired eyes to blink at his giddy roommate.

The screen blinded Jaemin as it was shoved too closely to adjust. “Whoa--,” he pushed it away and shut his eyes, “--repeat what you just said one more time.” Jaemin held a finger up and Jeno grabbed it, jumping onto his best friend’s bed.

“I got an internship. Someone got back to me.” Jaemin returned the same excitement the moment he processed his words. He shot up in bed and hugged his friend tightly. 

“Wo-w, dude! Congratulations!” The two boys hurried on their feet to cheer together. There was no concern for the rest of their housemates, only celebration that roared throughout the entire night.

+

Truthfully, Jeno had no recollection of applying to this studio. It could have been a random link on a job scouting website, but he couldn’t be more grateful. An internship was long overdue and Jeno had been itching to get some recognition for his craft. 

“Hello, I’m Lee Jeno.” He bowed slightly at the receptionist, who had a stern stare that made him feel vulnerable. The first thing he noted about the office: white and minimalistic. 

Jeno’s specialty was landscape photography. His aesthetics consisted of black and white filters, city lights, dark mood lighting, and background commotion. He enjoyed capturing chaos the most, a scene where more than one thing was happening. The only reason being that there was more to look at. 

“Nice to meet you. The name is Lee Taemin, but you can call me what you please.” A young, lean man strolled his way towards Jeno with a wide grin and his hand for him to shake. Taemin was slightly shorter than him, but his stylish, expensive boots made up for his height. He had to be only a maximum of five years older than Jeno as Taemin appeared relatively youthful. 

Taemin’s firm grip pulled Jeno along inside the studio. A small gasp escaped from Jeno which earned robust laughter from the older man. “I hope you can break out of your shell soon. There is no room for timidness around here, Mister Lee.”

“Please, you can call me Jeno.” He smiled, quite awkwardly at the beautiful man. 

The tall glass windows, the concrete, gray floor, the white doors that lined the hallway, had to be all too predictable. Jeno envisioned this is what high class must look like. It was the pristine, bright feeling and the smell of vanilla that lingered distastefully. There was chatter behind the closed doors --- mainly directing, and high praises. 

The only off-put was that photographers worked behind closed doors. From the few studios he has visited previously, photographers often worked in open spaces due to lighting fractures or the ability to roam more freely. 

“I’m actually very ecstatic you signed up for the internship, since you do seem a bit on the younger side.” Taemin gestured toward the sofa in the middle of his massive office. Jeno sat across from him. Water was already placed on the glass coffee table that separated the two. A laptop was opened to face Taemin.

Jeno slyly rubbed the condensation from his palms on his jeans. Taemin’s stare bore deep into the shy boy, who had to break eye contact from time to time. “I know.” Jeno chuckled nervously, “thank you for getting back to me. I was really hoping to gain work experience through mentorship.” 

Taemin nodded at everything Jeno was saying. His face being completely expressionless. Jeno sipped his water to regain moisture in his dry throat. Taemin was more intimidating than he was anticipating. “Sounds great. Happy to have you here. It might be a small business, but the experience is worth investing in. Every photographer who has come in and out of my building has found their forte. Let’s say, it’s eye opening.” 

“That’s exactly what I was looking for actually.” As scared as he was of this mysterious man, he really enjoyed the comfort the environment radiated. 

Taemin leaned forward and squinted at the screen. “I noticed in the portfolio you sent that you don’t have any portraits or any people, in general, in your photos. Do you have any works with people? Since this is a studio of fine art nude photography.”

Nude. Jeno practically choked on the last remaining spit he gathered. Taemin acknowledged the boy’s shocked reaction and tilted his head curiously, “you did know that I specialize in contemporary fine art nude photography, right?” Unfortunately, Jeno did not. 

Jeno cleared his throat, “yes, of course. I wanted to challenge myself.” He had to lie, there was no other way to cover up his disbelief. This internship was the only hope left for him to gain something. Though, even the thought of shooting a naked body made him anxious.

He hated how timid he was. His friends and family say otherwise, mainly for the reason that Jeno automatically lit up behind a camera. In all honesty, he hid behind it. It was the only safe place that Jeno knew what he was doing. However when it came to real life situations without it, he lacked the confidence to be himself.

As ironic as it was, he hated being seen. He liked to be the background character in his own life, because the main character took too much of a toll. It could also be his deafening insecurities and lack of self esteem, but Jeno didn’t mind not being the center of attention.

“You like a challenge?” It was more of a statement rather than a question. Jeno caught a glimpse of the twinkle in Taemin’s dark eyes. “Then for your first task, I want you to show me that you can take on this role.”

Jeno scrambled for his phone to jot down notes. “Send me an emotional portfolio, model of your choice. They could be a friend of yours that you feel comfortable seeing naked. It must include a variation of headshots, full body, and body details. It must also be raw and unedited photos. I want to see if you have the eye for the art to capture these types of images.”

“When would you like it by?” He stammered, completely winded at the sudden project that unloaded on top of him. 

“Next Friday, and you’ll present it to me here in person. Feel free to use this studio if you don’t have a place of your own with equipment. All you need to do is book a room with the front desk. Any other questions?” The sound of the laptop shutting caused Jeno to look up at the brilliance in front of him. He needed Taemin to help him succeed. 

“Why do you take nude photography?” 

Taemin was unable to stop the laughter that erupted into the room. “I don’t run a pimp business or sell soft core porn, if that’s why you’re staring at me so funnily. What I make is an art masterpiece, it has nothing to do with physical features or desires. It’s the pure emotion that clothing distracts from. Clothing conforms the model into an aesthetic, and while that works for editorials, it won’t be a consistent thing here.” 

Jeno nodded understandingly. Overwhelmed and lost at words. He was unsure what he had gotten himself into. Where was he going to find a model on such short notice on such lewd conditions? He was really going to need to step out of his comfortable zone, in his photography and social skills. 

Taemin stood up and extended his hand once more. “I take pride in my art, so I hope you, too, start finding that in your own.” 

+

Jaemin held his stomach from the endless laughter, tears welling up in his eyes. “Nud-Nude photography? And you didn’t know?”

“Jaemin, keep it down.” Jeno whispered and cautiously peered around at the few people flooding into the small lecture hall. “I don’t want everyone in our club to misunderstand and think I’m some creep.”

His best friend straightened up in his seat and placed his hand on Jeno's slumped shoulder, “first of all, you’re a complete idiot for not researching. Secondly, it’s an art form. If you really got yourself a shady, rated R internship, I would’ve told you to drop it instantly.” 

His spirits were slightly lifted, but he was still struggling with who he should ask to model for him. As much as he’s already seen of Jaemin, being his roommate, he honestly would rather leave the rest to imagination. Jeno wasn’t purposefully searching the room for a candidate, but he could not stop his eyes from drifting.

He spotted the most attractive side profile that sat two rows below him. He shook his head to make sure he was seeing her correctly. Peering around, he looked for another possible face to shoot. But oh god, how she caught his eye every time she even slightly moved.

You smiled happily with your friends by your side as your club’s executive board members introduced this year’s goals and events to attend. It had to be the smallest amount of alcohol still running in your system that caused you to giggle every time guys tried to turn around and hit on you.

“Why don’t you focus on our club members instead?” You smirked at the smug older boy, who had poorly attempted to grab your attention. “I think this information is important to you. These events could help you develop your social skills to be much better.” Your voice was barely above a whisper, but your girl friends scoffed by your side.

He got up in disbelief and quickly walked out of the room. There was a brief pause at the sudden movement, but the announcement carried on per usual.

Jeno impatiently waited for the club meeting to finally be over, so he could talk to you. The longer it dragged, the more his confidence was subsiding. “I’m heading to study, wanna come with?” Jaemin poked at Jeno’s knee.

“Yeah, but you can go ahead first. I need to talk to someone.” His voice was shaky and his throat went so dry. Jeno’s shifty eyes scanned the room, hoping no one saw how nervous he was acting.

Jaemin’s eyebrows lifted suspiciously, “who? I didn’t even know you talked to anyone who came today. Donghyuck and Renjun aren’t here---”

“--her, Jaemin... her. I’m going to ask her to model for me.” Jeno motioned his head. His heart beating faster at seeing a small grin appear on your face from a comment someone made.

Jaemin hummed, “good luck with that, bud. I’ve got two shoulders for you to cry on after.” The extra hint of sarcasm only made Jeno sweat nervously. He was seriously doubting his decision, but it wouldn’t be a challenge if he didn’t do it. He knew he’d regret it more if he didn’t just ask you. 

Once the meeting was dismissed, you wanted to get out of the room before the heavy rush into the hallways. Unfortunately, a few frat guys pulled you into their conversation and chatted up a storm. Your friends played into their foolery, but you stopped paying attention when they asked for your numbers.

There was a faint tap on your shoulder and you turned to see who the culprit was. You didn’t seem to know him, because you would’ve remembered such a demeanor. His eyes were glued to the floor behind you and his shaky hands ran through his brown locks. His shyness was quite endearing, yet alarming since you weren’t sure why exactly he had approached you.

“Yes?” You asked curiously.

The moment Jeno heard your delicate cadence, he melted like a popsicle left out in the sun. He peered up, but quickly reverted his eyes to the white tiles when he noticed how beautifully you stared at him.

He counted his breathing to calm his rapid heart beat. He cleared his throat to introduce himself, “I’m Jeno. I’m a third year Arts major, um-- I was just--- I know we don’t know each other. I wanted to ask, uh-” Jeno was horrified at how he stammered over his own words. His cheeks burned with a red glow, and if he couldn’t look you in the eye before, he definitely couldn’t now.

“Hey, see you later.” One of the bulky frat guys called and you waved back weakly. 

A guy who had been chasing you endlessly scoffed at the pitiful sight and smirked at you, “see you at my house tonight? Been missing you in my bed lately.”

“Thought you would’ve guessed the reason why I stopped coming around.” Jeno heard the sting in your remarks and the disbelief in the male. 

You honestly could have left, Jeno knew that. But you stayed and waited patiently for him to finish. Jeno could tell how strong you were just by your intimidating aura that practically suffocated him by standing in close proximity to you.

You sighed and reached to grab your jacket on the folded seat, “look, Jeno. It’s nice to meet you and all, but I gotta get going.” 

Shockingly, the shy boy reached out to stop you by your fingertips. His touch lingered before he dropped your hand quickly. “I’m sorry. Are you free this Monday?”

“Uh, that depends. If you’re asking me on a date, then I’m busy.” Rolling your eyes, you weren’t sure why you still stayed to listen to what this random stranger had to say. If it were anyone else, you would’ve walked away the moment he asked if you were free. However, you acknowledged his timidness and the courage he must have mustered up to approach you.

Jeno shook his head violently, completely in shambles from that type of misunderstanding. “Not a date. I need someone to model for my portfolio photos that my internship assigned. It’s actually very important to me because it’s the first internship that responded back to me when I had applied to so many a whole month ago. Basically, I really need this and you because I think you’d be perfect to take pictures of. Oh-- wow! That sounded very bad --- uh --- what I meant is that your facial proportions are perfect and---”

“I’m free Monday.” You cut off his endless ramble and gestured toward his phone. He handed it to you without any hesitation and you typed in your number. “Text me the time, place and what I should wear.” 

“Oh actually, it’s a nude photoshoot.” Your eyes doubled in size, completely offended by that statement.

Jeno felt the sudden shift in the air and brought his hands up to block himself, “to be more clear, it’s a contemporary fine art nude photography studio. The pictures are pieces of art and to be seen as that only. I have no intentions or ulterior motive to sleep with you, see you naked or sell, leak your nudes for the profit of your body. But, I understand if you no longer want to do it because it sounds super strange now that I am explaining it.” 

Your shoulders relaxed and the fist that formed unraveled. You exhaled deeply, “I’ll do it. We can talk more about it on Monday and I get to leave on my own accord if I don’t feel comfortable. We work on my conditions.” Picking up Jeno’s chin, he was absolutely petrified at the forced eye contact and your incredible, powerful gaze. He was mesmerized by the fire in your eyes, and if he stared any longer, he could’ve lost himself in them. 

“Of course.” With that, you dropped his face and left without another look back. Jeno looked down at his phone and the new contact name, (Y/N). It had slipped his mind to even ask what your name was and he slapped his face in utter stupidity. “Do better, Lee Jeno.” It was a remainder to himself to, hopefully, be better the next time you two speak.

+

Monday, 3:03 PM. 

Jeno paced back and forth in the brightly, lit white room. He was trying to find any blinds or curtains to cover the tall windows of the high rise building. It should not be too much of a problem, the extra lighting was a positive. Jeno was only worried for your comfort of the openness. 

There was a soft knock before Jeno practically tripped to open the door. His breath hitched at the sight of your bare face. This time, you were the vulnerable one. Jeno only saw purity, yet impressed at how your tired eyes still managed to bid him a soft smile. He admired your uneven complexion, and the sparse moles that dotted your skin. 

“Okay, so you want to see me naked now or later?” Filled with jokes, your voice was light and airy this afternoon. There was a bit of a contrast from the first time you two met. Softer, enchanting, almost ghostly. 

Everything in the room was white. The mattress on the floor had a white comforter and white sheets. The backdrop. The walls. The hardwood floor. The only color was the blue sky that the tall windows let in.

“Here’s a robe. You can change in the bathroom.” Jeno scratched the back of his neck and his eyes wandered everywhere, but your’s. 

“Would you be okay with me just taking off my clothes in here?” You saw the light tint of pink cover his face, and spread to his ears. You examined more of the shy boy’s embarrassed face, finally getting a really good look at him. Jeno was very attractive, and you could only imagine how beautiful he must look if he fully faced you.

Jeno fiddled with his camera strap, “only if you are okay with that.” Clearing his throat, he stood next to the window to give you some privacy. “I’ll go over what I plan on doing. I’m going to take photos of your face details, parts of your body, full body, and portraits. You can lay down on the bed and I’ll direct you in poses. Have you modeled before?”

He was scanning the bustling city below his feet. Cars zoomed quickly and crowds of tiny people flooded the streets. He brought his camera up to his face, not being able to resist the urge to capture such a thrilling sight. 

“If Instagram counts, then yeah. Professional model gig would be a no. Nude photography is a definite no, unless we are talking about being filmed during sex.” Jeno chuckled, while also holding the camera steady and stealing a few moments to keep for himself.

For a strange reason, being naked for a non-sensual reason felt even more vulnerable. Laying on the soft fabric, you felt oddly exposed and slightly more reserved. You’ve had countless strangers see you naked. Men were sexually desiring to see a sexy picture. You were always lusted after, but this feeling of nakedness was special.

“Are you ready?” Jeno gulped, finally setting the camera down. 

You hummed cheerfully. Your heart was leaping out of your chest as the boy shifted slowly to face you. As he turned, you noticed he had his eyes sealed shut, which caused a small laugh to erupt. “Jeno, you have my permission to open your eyes and to look at me.”

Holy shit, he was trembling with an inexplicable fear. The camera was slipping from his sweaty hands. His mouth was as dry as the desert. Jeno’s pounding heart was loud in his ears. 

Jeno has seen his past girlfriends laying naked in bed, but this situation was too different. When he saw you laying there in absolutely nothing, he was overwhelmed, yet astounded at how graceful you appeared.

There was no exchange of words and no exchange of eye contact. He towered over your lying figure and shakily brought the camera to his eyes. He selfishly wanted to capture your elegance. Through the lens, he saw all of you: the curve in your eyelid, your curled eyelashes, the small mole next to your soft lips, the sharp color of your eyes, the way your hair frames your face.

This was the most beautiful sight he’s ever seen. You were comparable to the arts found in popular museums. Your body lines were enticing and an impressive shape. Your breasts pooled on your chest, the round nude nipple in the centers. Your details had to be sculpted by gods, who took their sweet time making you. You were a true masterpiece. 

Confused, Jeno felt a huge mixture of emotions. Was he aroused? Was he infatuated? Did he just fall in love with a complete stranger? He recognized the same thrilled feelings he felt taking landscape photos. With each click, he grew more excited with how beautiful the photos were turning out.

“Sit up and rest your chin on your left hand. Lean your weight on your right leg.” Jeno’s direction was clear and firm. There was no evidence of a smaller tone he usually spoke in. Sitting up, you placed your elbow on your upper thigh to steady your chin. Jeno had already gotten down to floor level to you. 

Without the camera that separated you two, it had to be the first time he faced you completely in such close proximity. There was so much to admire about Jeno. He remained concentrated on his craft, but it was actually very sexy to see his dedication. It was almost like he was a whole new person, like all the shyness drifted away. 

Jeno couldn’t take his eyes off of you. It wasn’t simply your beauty that amazed him. Your confidence made everything easy. There was something about your blank stares, when he asked for an emotion, you portrayed it perfectly.

“Can we talk while you shoot?” Your sudden voice startled the photographer. He lowered his camera and his gaze automatically wandered off behind you, which didn’t go unnoticed. He nodded after a short pause and the shutter noises continued.

“Why did you choose me as your model?” 

Jeno peeled away from the device, “because you’re you.” He didn’t even know what that statement meant. It wasn’t like he knew you before the first time he asked you to model for him.

The corners of your lips dipped down, drawing an evident frown. Click. Jeno loved that image especially. It was a simple way to get real, authentic facial expressions. He marveled at the photo, but registered the reason behind it. “I wanted to ask you the second I saw you. I just knew that I wanted you.” 

“But you don’t know me.” 

Jeno looked through the lens once again, welcoming a full view of your stunning attributes. He spoke in a low voice, “then, let me know you.” Click. 

It would be the biggest lie to say that you weren’t aroused by Jeno at the moment. He was cool, without trying to be. He really did shine when he had a camera to work with, like a star to a dark night. While he had a distinct demeanor off the bat, you enjoyed unraveling the rest of him. He was, also, the first man you met that didn’t seem sexually driven by a naked woman in his presence. 

You had to resist every urge to push the camera away and share the few seconds of his entire gaze before it wandered away. You wanted to rock his world, he was so innocent and beautiful. You wished to wreak havoc on him, have him show you how much he wanted you. 

+

You anticipated an awkward photoshoot, but Jeno made you feel safe and comfortable. He made sure to adjust the temperature when goosebumps rose on your arms and when your nipples became painfully hard. He never touched you or came too much into your personal space. He always asked for your permission. 

Nude modeling was a new experience for you, but you were surprised at how much you liked it. or how much you liked Jeno taking your photos. He sat next to you on the bed when you put on your articles of clothing and panned through several shots to satisfy your curiosity.

Leaning close, your head ducked to see the photos. A gasp escaped your lips when you saw just the first few. “Is that really me?” The pictures made you feel an abundance of emotions, you felt what they reflected. Sadness, melancholy, happiness, confidence. You didn’t know images had that much power to make you feel that, especially photos of you.

Jeno nodded, smiling so wide that his eyes turned to moon crescents. He was so in love with the results. He found respect for Taemin’s craft and he was right, he might’ve found a new forte to experiment with. “I can send you the photos digitally too, if you want them.”

“Maybe I’ll print them out, frame them, and gift it to every horrid man who has tried to flirt their way to my body since they want to see it so fucking bad.” 

Jeno peered over and saw the tiny glimpse of pain in your orbs, “why would you give horrible people what they want?”

“So they can finally shut up and leave me alone. Plus, this is art and if I tell them it’s actually me, maybe it’ll change their minds to start treating me like it.” 

He held his palm up and almost immediately, your fingers filled the spaces between his. “I’m going to need you to start treating yourself as fine art.”

“Keep taking more photos of me and I just might start thinking I’m Mona Lisa.” Your laughters blended nicely into each other. There was mutual mental acknowledgement of the happiness you were both feeling.

Jeno never let go of your hand, and there was a short moment of comforting silence where you two sat in each other’s existence. You were the one to break it, “are you doing anything after this?” 

He shook his head. “Well then, you’re mine for the rest of the night. We’re going to pretend we’ve been close friends since first year and eat take-out on my bed because that’s what I need at the moment.” 

+

“I know you respect my body and see this as an art form, but I’m genuinely surprised that you didn’t feel aroused at the slightest.”

Jeno didn’t even realize how much time had already passed being you. You two ate and chatted as if you’ve known each other forever, as if the friendship wasn’t established several hours ago. It felt safe and right, like you two belonged in each other’s existence and nowhere else mattered.

He felt warm inside from your hearty laughter and courage, like he was watching a painting come to life or a photo in movement. You were smitten over how endearing and complex he was. He was more than what meets the eye and that alone drew you towards him.

“Okay, I’ll admit,” Jeno paused to watch your reaction, “in the most respectable way, I was somewhat turned on. But! Before you trail blaze me for being just like every disgusting male in your life, I genuinely didn’t have any sexual thoughts during the photoshoot. That was all professional and it will continue to be like that.” 

Getting up from your bed, your mind was working at lightspeed to process his confession. Jeno was fast to pick up someone’s personality, what stood out and what was kept hidden. He knew quicker than anyone else that you were not someone to offend because you were a strong, straight forward woman.

His personality breakdown went like this: you knew what you like, you knew you were going to get what you want, you enjoyed flirty banter (with people of your choice), you weren’t afraid to be blunt, or kick someone’s ass. You carried yourself with confidence that graced your every step, which makes anyone attracted to you instantly. Bold, confident, sexy had to be what came to mind whenever he thought about you. 

Nonetheless, he really liked you as a person. He could pat himself on the back all day long for just approaching you, but he knew the real reason as to how this all happened. It was you saying yes to a stranger’s odd photoshoot. You made him the luckiest man in the world. 

“Continue? Are you looking for excuses to keep seeing me?” You smirked and Jeno’s voice grew small. 

“I--- uh, well,” there goes the nervous stammering, “I know the conditions were a one time thing, so I understand if you don’t want to do it again.” As the night had progressed, Jeno gradually began to hold eye contact and actually looked at you directly without the help of seeing you through a lens. This was the first time he broke it. 

“Hey now, I’m messing with you, Jeno.” He had been sitting on your floor, at the end of your bed. You crawled on your elbows to reach him, and to hold his chin to face you again. Deja vu. “I’d love to get naked for you again, and again, and.. as many times as you want me to.” 

He stared at you with his mouth hung open in disbelief. His eyes scanned your beautiful face to see your lips pull back into a mischievous smile. Gulping, he swallowed every ounce of courage he had left. “You don’t have to say it like that.” He tried to remove your grip, but it latched onto his hand. 

“You’re finally looking me in the eye, sweet thing. I don’t think you realize how much I had been wanting that from you.” You caressed his cheek, rubbing small circles on his texture. 

“What else do you want from me?” His implication sounded suggestive, even if his curiosity was innocent. 

Your hot breath brushed against Jeno’s lips. “I can show you.”

Jeno, the one and only college guy who has seen your naked body in a non-sexual context. Jeno, the shy, sweet boy who appreciated and recognized you as a form of art. Jeno, the talented and skillful photographer, who consistently made sure you felt comfortable. Jeno, the only person in the world who you’d model nude for. Jeno, the dazzling character behind the camera who you wanted more than anyone else you’ve ever met. Lee Jeno.

He seemed like he was inching closer, already tilting his head to fit your’s. You smiled to yourself, seeing that your words were received well. Diving in, your lips swam together fervently. 

The poor boy found himself lost in your enchanting, alluring gaze. He let the trance consume him, selfishly kissing the art he admired so dearly. A small part of him felt the guilt and confusion that began to rise. He wasn’t sure why he suddenly wished to feel your lips on his neck, or run his hands across your hot skin. He swore these thoughts were not present earlier. 

A small pop! and Jeno held your shoulder to pull away. “I’m sorry, did I do something?” You asked, honestly concerned that you were taking more than you deserved. The least you desired was to hurt Jeno, who had been nothing but nice and sweet.

“(Y/N),” you could listen to your name roll off his tongue all day, “I feel somewhat guilty. I don’t want things to be misunderstood.”

“Which would be?”

“I don’t want you to think I coerced you into being my model just because I had intentions to sleep with you.” Jeno was already gathering his things, but you hopped off your bed and placed a hand on his chest. “Because that’s what it’s starting to look like at the moment.”

“Was that something you did though? Did you have those intentions?” Your stare bore right through him. The warmth of your hand relaxed his racing heart.

“Never, (Y/N), I would never do that to someone.” Your hand traveled down to grab his belongings and tossed it back onto the ground. 

He silently watched as you took off your pants, and stood in front of him in your underwear. “Then, we’re fine. I know your intentions have always been pure. But truthfully, Jeno, seeing you focused while you worked sparked something in me. You don’t understand how aroused I got and how badly I wanted you to fuck me on that bed.” His hand trailed up your exposed thighs, finally touching your softness. “You’re the one guy I wanted first, and it’s been a long time since I’ve felt that.” 

“I-- I don’t know what to say.” His cheeks revealed how embarrassed he was, but his dark, lustful eyes were telling a different story.

A smirk fell upon your face, “then don’t say anything.” 

Jeno devoured you, inhaling the light hint of vanilla that still lingered. He hoisted you onto your mattress and kissed you like his life depended on it. His antsy hands roamed your free range, exploring, holding, gripping the parts he marveled over. Small moans from the back of your throat encouraged him to continue.

No one has ever kissed you with the amount of passion Jeno did. It was gentle, with enough vigor to cause your panties to dampen. It wasn’t sloppy, where previous guys had a problem of missing your mouth entirely and slobbered your chin. 

His lips worshiped you, highlighting your good sides. Flashes of the photoshoot popped into Jeno’s head as he left purple marks on the places he loved capturing the most. He pushed up your shirt, exposing your chest to him again. His tongue circled around your hard nipple as he made sure to give the same amount of attention to each one. 

Jeno knew he was too shy to hold your intense stare, but getting to know you during and after the photoshoot, he could see the softness in your gaze. He was, now, able to see all of you. The sight of you through the camera was addicting enough, so finally taking you all in was more than satisfying. 

Your hands ran through his hair as he kissed down your torso. His thumbs hooked the waistband of your underwear, and peeled it off your body. You gasped as the cold air from your apartment grazed against your exposed figure.

Jeno paused to admire your glistening pussy, “would it be okay if you let me make love to you?”

Your heart burned, not out of embarrassment, but at how he still managed to ask you for your permission in the sweetest way. You rested your weight on your elbows, “no one has done that before, would it actually make me want to fall in love with you?”

“It wouldn’t be too bad. I have a lot of love to give and you look like a person who deserves all of it anyways.” Jeno’s finger ran over your wet slit and rubbed your clit slowly.

Your moans filled the room as the electric jolted throughout your veins. The wetness grew, seeping out of you like a waterfall. Jeno dropped down to his knees, and lifted your legs on his broad shoulders.

“Are you usually this wet, baby?”

Chuckling, you smiled at his bold choice in using pet names, “Just for you.”

He hummed, chiming at how he liked your answer. Spreading you open, his tongue met with your swollen bud that begged for his licks.

His tongue darted side to side, up and down and in result, your back arched in pleasure and a darkness clouded your mind. His name and mindless profanities streamlined their way out of you as Jeno ate you out in such a precisely delicious way.

Grabbing a fist full of hair, you pulled him closer, even if there was no more space to fill. Looking down, you two exchanged glances before he thrusted a finger into you. Your hips bucked harder as he eased in another one.

Jeno curled his fingers in search of your sweet spot and found it when a deep moan escaped your throat. His fingertips rubbed and pressed into your plush flesh, causing you to practically scream and squirm in his mouth. 

He suckled your clit and fingered you simultaneously and quickly. The pleasure was overflowing and you released his hair to grip your sheets below you. Your legs shook and trembled as he had no caution to stop.

“Please, I’m going to--” you could barely talk due to your face contouring to the splurge of pleasure every single time Jeno rubbed your spot. “--to explode.” 

He had to take back what he thought earlier in the day. This was the most beautiful sight he’s ever laid eyes on. The whole scene played like from one of his favorite films. It felt like he was giving his photos life. Your body twisted and turned, accentuating the curves of your lines. 

Jeno had become painfully hard against the fabric of his jeans, but seeing you fall apart because of his minimal movements exhilarated him. “P-Please, don’t stop.” A breathy moan followed suit and your thighs tried to press themselves together. Jeno didn’t allow it, his free hand hooked underneath your left thigh to pull one side away from his cheeks.

Your high gradually grew so tall that it all eventually came cascading down. Your legs shook violently and sat up from the euphoria that took over you. Jeno prolonged your buzz and you screamed loudly, having to bite down on your fingers to stop yourself from angering your neighbors.

Jeno drank you up, letting your wetness cover his chin and drip down his knuckles. He pulled away, at last, and you took deep breaths to control your heavy breathing. It was like Jeno knocked the wind completely out of you. 

He stood up and you saw the outline of his hard bulge straining itself through his jeans. The next scene was quite animalistic. You, still embodying your high, sat on your knees and unzipped his pants with your needy hands.

“Now, it’s your turn to get nude for me.” You whispered, tauntingly. Jeno groaned when you reached down and gently pulled him out. He stepped out of his clothing, all of it. His shirt was lost in the corner and his bottoms were scattered over your floor. Mirroring his actions, you took off your last piece of cloth.

Jeno was built. Though his biceps did not go unnoticed during the photoshoot, you were surprised at the lines of muscle that sketched his body. It made your mouth water, seeing his extremely hard dick stand against his toned abs. His red tip fell just below his navel. Jeno only kept getting better as the night continued on.

Pulling him closer, his hand found their way to the back of your head as you aligned your mouth to the wetness that spilled from his tip. “I want to make you feel good.” Jeno’s hoarse voice made your knees weak.

Peering up, you batted your eyelashes at him fondly. “Just a little taste?” You begged, having to hold his shaft with both of your hands because of his thickness. Your tongue was already stuck out, your hot breath causing the tiniest bit of sensation for him.

He nodded and his eyes were trained on you. He didn’t want to miss any second of your kitty licks. You flattened your tongue against his warmth, dragging it up to the top. The saltiness hit your palette as you swirled around his redness. “Oh--” Jeno threw his head back and bit his lip, “--lay on the bed now.” 

You smiled sweetly and gave his member a quick kiss before reaching for a condom in your drawer. Jeno climbed onto your bed and situated the rubber comfortably. You laid on your back and he was fast to pull your legs around his waist. 

He lined himself at your entrance and eased his tip in slowly. Squirming, you craved him to fill you up to the brim. He leaned down to kiss you, letting your tongue lap with his. It’s your hands with the mind of their own when they flew automatically to hold his face whenever you wanted to deepen the kiss. Then, Jeno stretched himself all the way in and he caught your gasp with his lips. He groaned, feeling the mess he created merely minutes ago. 

His hips moved so easily with your wetness, but he went slow. Dragging out each pull and then, pushing himself back in roughly. “Jeno!” Your body jolted up the bed each time. His body fell over yours to hold you intimately, letting you bury your face into his neck. Your lips latched themselves onto his sensitive skin, painting a purple sunset. 

Jeno’s arms snaked underneath your thighs as he pressed them to your chest, folding you almost into a ball. Your mouth hung open as he fucked you harder, rougher, deeper yet keeping the tempo rhythmically slow. At this point, you could feel his hits in your gut. Your weak hands gripped loosely around his strong wrists that held your legs down. “You’re pussy is so tight and holy shit---, you keep getting more beautiful.”

A familiar burning sensation set in your chest as you saw how concentrated his face had become. You were so fucked out that you could barely speak, “you—” his hips mercilessly slammed into you powerfully, enacting a low moan every time he reached your sweet spot. “—keep surprising me.” His actions came to a halt and he stared deeply into your soul. 

You whined, wiggling your hips for any friction. He held them down into the mattress, knowing his grip was strong enough to leave a mark. “I told you, I was going to make love to you tonight.”

“I’ve already fallen for you.” You said breathlessly, tracing the side of his face and pecking his lips softly. 

“You don’t understand what you’re doing to me by saying those things.” He whispered and pushed his entire shaft to fill you to your brim. 

You yelped his name and gripped his shoulders, but he wasn’t done yet. “Show me how badly you wanted me the first time you saw me.” Jeno blinked at you in slight shock. 

As he continued to hold the deep gaze, he kept pushing his dick further and further into you. He was balls deep, almost impossible to keep going. He fucked you without the need to pull out, just burying his cock deeper into your wet pussy. You exclaimed, moaned, cussed at every push. Holding the stare was more than enough to lose yourself all over him again. 

Jeno was drunk with the image of your fucked out expression and every time the mixture of pleasure and pressure caused your eyebrows to crease and mouth to open release sensual sound. He had been trying his best not to come undone, to fixate another climax for you.

The feeling of you wrapping tighter and tighter around him drove him insane. “Give it to me, please.” Your muffled plead called for his release, but he could feel that you were close to your second.

Jeno sat up on his knees and pulled you into his arms where your thighs fell over his. You groaned at the empty feeling, though it was quickly replaced with a gratifying moan when he inserted himself again. Your arms dangled around his neck, foreheads touching intimately. 

The fucking eye contact again, how could you get enough of it? You giggled, amused at how different Jeno was when he eventually opened up. He wrapped his strong arms around your back and thrusted his hips up into you. The way this man made you squirm, scream, and shake were nothing you’ve experienced before. 

He smirked, placing a gentle kiss on your cheek when he went rampage on your pussy. “Not laughing now, are you?”

You whined in pleasure, brushing your fallen strands of hair out of his face. “Shut up before I make you.” 

“Then I’d rather keep going.” Kissing up his jawline, you lead your way to his pout. His kisses intoxicated you with his passion and madness, like the most intense part of a symphony, or when the bass drops after a long build up in a song. 

Jeno sped up, ramming up into your slick pussy over and over again. He even brought your hips down to match him, guiding you down as he went up. The headboard was knocked against the wall, your windows steamed up, cries of pleasure from the both of you created the ambiance, the smell of sex filled your lungs. Jeno reached between your bodies to furiously rub your clit to where it felt almost raw. It all sent you into the clouds, the familiar queasiness settled in your lower half.

Your eyes rolled back and your back arched, having to pull away from the desirous kiss with Jeno. “I’m cumming!” You announced before the tension unraveled, causing you to see absolute white. The second wave was much more uncontrollable, Jeno felt you squeezing radically around his dick as he tried to fuck you faster to prolong the feeling.

Your legs shook around his and your upper body went limp with pleasure. You reached the peak of the mountain and it came crumbling down underneath your toes. It was catastrophically enthralling, to the point where you physically felt something leave your body.

“Oh shit..” Jeno stopped his motions at the sight of you squirting over his lap. He pampered your torso with fluttering kisses, hoping to calm your spastic body. “...baby, are you okay?” He asked with a bit of concern of how lack of life you seemed. 

This man just gave you the best climax in your whole life and he asked if you were okay? Regaining your senses, you sighed a small yes to reassure him that he didn’t actually murder you. Hopping off, you pulled the condom that restricted him.

He hissed when you cupped his balls in your palm. “Cum, my sweet thing.” You purred and Jeno’s hand pumped his member aggressively. You leaned in to help, sucking the tip and flicking your tongue over his slit. 

His other hand gripped your neck, causing you to drip on your sheets. Jeno was panting and with every tug, it became louder. He seemed so desperate to release that it made you smile to be the reason behind it. “Can you lay down,” A grunt followed his question, “please.” He huffed.

“Because you asked nicely.” Smirking, your back hit the sheets and you opened your legs to give Jeno a view. He situated himself above your stomach, as he fucked his tight grip.

“I’m cumming---” He couldn’t look any more amazing. With a final moan, the white streaks streamed out in short sequences. It landed across your abdomen, over your nipple, and pooled around your belly button. 

Bringing himself back to reality, Jeno stepped back to marvel you, his masterpiece. The white streaks coated your purple skin and your chest rose fast to catch your reality. Gazing upon your naked body, he was utterly infatuated with all of you. He was so in love with the sight of you that not a single photo could capture the beauty that you were. 

Jeno pondered the thought of how merely a day changed a small part of him. You were life changing, addicting, an incomparable character that he felt like he’s known forever, and now, couldn’t live without. It was the taste of your juices on his lips, your sweet melodic music that was your voice, your daring smile that enticed him to never peel away from you. It was simply you. 

He leaned down to rub his knuckles against your cheek, planting a lovingly peck on your forehead. “I’ll go start the water for you.” 

+

Jeno anticipated the reaction of his mentor. He found himself at the same scene he was when he was first given the task. Taemin sat across from him, hunched forward to analyze his new set of photos on his laptop. Raw, unedited photos of you, your body, your details. 

The hum of the air conditioning droned on, driving him mad. Jeno needed one reaction, but Taemin had been silent and expressionless for the past ten minutes. Whenever he did move, it was to click through to the next picture. 

Suddenly, he shut it closed and stood right up. Jeno, panicked, did the same. Taemin stuck his hand out and Jeno hesitantly grabbed it, incredibly unsettled and unable to read the older man.

Taemin received it firmly, giving Jeno a good handshake. “Welcome abroad, Lee Jeno. I expect even more great things from you.” 

Jeno registered his delightful mood switch and he was fast to follow up, “my photos, --- you --- like them?” 

Taemin nodded generously, patting Jeno on his shoulder. Taemin reached up to tap his own eyelids. “What you can see, is very special, kid. You’re an artist and I’m here to recognize that for you. It seems to me, you can do more than take pictures of sidewalks.” 

Jeno smiled happily, his eyes disappearing from joy. He couldn’t wait to tell you about it. 

The rest of the week, leading up to Jeno’s appointment, had felt nothing short of blissful moments together. You and Jeno spent almost every waking minute together without the cost of your friends’ time. He walked you to your classes, some even being across the campus from his own. You accompanied him for meals, even sitting in his lectures to just be with him.

There were no words that established what you two had become to each other. Jeno wasn’t looking for that anyways, in fact, he somewhat liked the ambiguity. If only he could tell you how making love to you made him begin to actually fall for you.

You were never one to hold a serious relationship, but you found a small want for that festering in Jeno. It was hard to admit to yourself, but Jeno saw you for all that you were. He truly saw you, whether it had been through a lens or through his own eyes. He captured your rawness and you were able to find vulnerability around him. 

He ran to you, where you sat in the lobby waiting for him to finish his meeting. Peering up from your phone, you noticed the beaming smile on the boy’s face. You couldn’t hold back your own grin, seeing him apparent with so much joy. “I’m guessing good things?”

“I got it, (Y/N)!” He jumped into your arms and you laughed at the sudden affection. “He loved my photos.” 

“I didn’t doubt it for one second. You’re an artist, Jeno. You create masterpieces that make even someone like me, feel like art.” 

Jeno hugged you closer to his chest, giving you a tiny squeeze. Pulling away to face you, his eyes examined your outstanding grace. You knew what he was already going to say, but simply wanted to hear him say it. “That’s because you are art.”

[mosh-4]

you’re great and you know it

harry styles imagine

you’re great and you know it - your family comes to one of his shows, and he meets them for the first time. 

you rarely get to see your family. you started touring when you were 19, and you spent every summer in college on tour. when you started touring, your first job was to help set up the stage. you made sure that each speaker was in place on its marker, and then after each show, you helped the crew strike the stage. you did this all summer, and you made enough money to pay off some of your college tuition.

eventually, before your 4th year of college, you needed to complete a stage management internship in order to receive your bachelor of fine arts in stage management. you applied to intern at a touring company recommended by the stage manager from one of your previous tours. somehow, you ended up on Harry Styles: Live on Tour. your job on this tour was as a backstage manager. you set up the dressing rooms and made sure each of the musicians had everything they wanted before each show. you spent a lot of time running errands to get snacks for the artists. you rarely got to see the band since you set up long before they arrived at the arena and tore down after they had already left.

one night, Harry stayed a little longer at the arena than he usually did, and you got to know each other. ever since then, you had both been super close. he stayed in your small hotel room every night, just because he tended to get lonely in his big room by himself, and it was nice to have someone to talk to. you hung out and made snack runs ever night in the hotel gift shop while he showered and got in his comfy clothes. when you got back, you would do the same while he made himself comfy on your bed finding a random movie on tv.

soon after that started, you started to become more than friends, and then eventually you made it official just between the both of you. you hadn’t had the chance to tell your family, but you weren’t sure if this was just a fling while you were both on tour. you didn’t know what would happen after the tour ended so you spared yourself the heartbreak of having to tell your parents that it was over. the less they knew, the better it was for everyone.

you hadn’t even considered telling your parents until they called and asked if there was anyway they could visit you during one of the shows that was near your hometown. you were kinda surprised by them wanting to come to a show. you had just expected to grab dinner with them when you were in town, not take them to work with you. of course, harry, the overeager boyfriend who wanted to do overly nice things for his independent “i don’t need anything-im fine-please don’t buy that for me-i love you regardless” type girlfriend, offered to set your family (FAMILY not just parents, ‘yes the cousins could come too’) up in a VIP box. you obviously declined and attempted to find resale tickets that wouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket on StubHub. with no luck (Harry even helped you look because he knew you were going to be stubborn about this), he offered again. you accepted and told your parents that your boss was very generous and gave them a box to stay in for the show.

--

             “how do i look?”

             “haz, you look great,” you say running your hand down one of the lapels on his jacket. “i really like this suit.”

             he turned back to the mirror. “mmhm, that’s what you said last show.” he gave you a pointed look.

             you met his eyes in the mirror, and you threw your arms around his waist. “what? can you blame me? each suit is better than the last. i love them all.”

             “yeah,” he murmured before throwing an arm around you. “i suppose you have a point.”

             you pull him to face you slipping your arms completely around his waist. “what’s got you so bugged out? i’ve never seen you second guess yourself this much.”

             he wrapped his arms around you. “suppose ‘m just a bit nervous. i just want to make a good first impression.”

             “haz, don’t worry about it.” you place your hands on each side of his head. “they’re gonna love you. i mean, they already love you. they just don’t know that you’re my boyfriend.”

             “yeah, i guess so.” he rubbed his hands over your arms mindlessly.

             “yeah, you’re gonna kick ass. just like you always do, right?” you said trying to get him to meet your eyes. you bend your head into his line of sight. “right?”

             he met your gaze. “right.” he pulls you into a tighter embrace, and you rest your head on his chest.

             you both rest like that for a minute before he finally speaks up again. “is that my sweatshirt?”

             you look down to the black merch sweatshirt that you pulled from his bag this morning. “yeah, it is.”

             “rude.”

--

             at 6, you met your parents, brother, aunt and cousin at VIP entrance. you chatted with the staff while they received their badges. once they got in, your cousin practically tackled you in a hug.

             you both laugh and exchanged “i missed you”s before you gave both of your parents, brother, and aunt a hug.

             “how are you? are you sleeping? eating?” your mother starts fussing over you.

             you gently pull her hands from your face. “yes mom. i’m doing fine. i’m sleeping and eating.”

             “good, good.” she finally let you go.

             “do you want to stop at a merch table before we go up? it’s less crowded now.” you said pointing to the nearest table.

you mom and aunt spent the next half hour at the merch table looking at all of the different options before deciding on a sweatshirt similar to the one you were wearing while your cousin bought the signature black “treat people with kindness” shirt. after that exhausting trip the merch table, you led them upstairs to the VIP box. after showing the staff member your crew member badge and your family’s badges, you were able to enter your suite.

             “wow, you’re boss is very generous,” your dad said. he hadn’t been to a concert in so long. you were excited that he was here.

you awkwardly scratch the back of your neck after he mentioned your boss. you try to ignore the fact that “your boss” that you told them about was actually your boyfriend that you hadn’t told them about.

             “umm, yeah. he’s great. super nice.” you said taking a seat at one of the bar stools next to your dad.

your mom took a seat next to your dad as you all chatted and caught up. your aunt soon followed sitting on your other side. your cousin and brother wandered out to the seats that were outside your box. you watched them make conversation pointing out all the things on the stage and watching the crew and staff wander about the arena. “i have something to tell you guys,” you say to your parents and aunt in a semi-serious tone. you were finally going to tell them about harry.

             their conversations halts. “oh my god.” your mom gasped covering her hand over her mouth.

             “YOU’RE PREGNANT,” your aunt shouted as your parents went wide-eyed at you.

             you jolted back in shock. “oh my god, no.”

             everyone let out a breath. “thank god.” your mom dropped her hand to her heart. “you scared me for a second. i’m not ready to be a grandma.”

             you roll your eyes at your dramatic mother. “what is it?” you dad calmly asked leaning to look at you.

             “i’m actually seeing someone right now,” you finally let out.

             “oh,” your mom said shocked. you hadn’t had a boyfriend for a while. “is he on tour with you?”

             you nod. “do you want to meet him?” you ask looking up at your family.

             “absolutely,” you aunt answered for your parents. “text him.” she grabbed your arm that was holding your phone and shook it. “text him. have him come up here.”

             you laugh. “he’s busy right now. he’s getting ready for the show.”

             your mom and aunt lean back in their seats. “oh,” your aunt said in a suggestive tone.

             “oh,” your mom repeated looking at your aunt.

             “is he in the band?” you aunt asked like it was a secret.

             you laughed. “kinda?”

             “damn girl, good for you,” your cousin shouted from the doorway. your whole family laughed along with you.

you slyly sent harry a text.

             “haz, they are so excited.”

           “good, i can’t wait to meet them.”

--

harry was phenomenal. he floated across the stage without a care in the world, confident as ever. he was amazing, and you were so proud of him.

you aunt turned to you expressing how impressed she was of him. throughout the show, you and your cousin danced and sang along to the music. you had a blast, and you were so glad your family was there with you.

at the end of kiwi, Harry looked up at your suite and blew a kiss in your direction. you smiled down at him with a hand over your heart. you shrieked and cheered loudly for him. you looked like a mad woman, and your family laughed at you. you didn’t care because your eyes were on your man. you caught him laughing at you before he turned his attention to the rest of the crowd. Sarah and Mitch waved to you as they moved to take their bows with Harry. You waved back at them laughing as you clutched to the railing that enclosed you in your box. you loved your tour family just as much as you love your actual family. 

when they finally left the stage, you helped your family pack up their stuff.

             “are we going backstage?” your cousin asked.

             “yeah,” you nodded your head. “is everyone ready? we are gonna take the back way to the backstage so you have to stick with me.”

             “yes, let’s go,” your mother said gesturing toward the door. it was getting a little late for your parents, but they wanted to meet your boyfriend. you sent him a warning text to let him know you were on your way to him.

you led them down to the backstage area. you passed through all of the guarded security check points with your badge. your cousin and brother were amazed at everything. they were pointing at everything and had to make a comment about it. you rolled your eyes at them. they could be goofballs sometimes.

when you reached the dressing room area, you turned to your parents.

             “so he’s in here,” you point to the door of Harry’s dressing room. “are you ready to go in?”

             “yes, let’s go,” you mom waved at the door.

you knocked twice before opening the door. you peaked your head inside to make sure he was still dressed before fully opening it. Harry was standing next to his suit rack hanging up his jacket.

             “hi,” you waved entering the room with your family following.

             he turned to you. “hey,” he greeted before pulling you into a hug. he finally looked up at your shocked family. “hi, (y/n)’s family.” he gave them a small wave.

             “holy shit,” you cousin whispered.

             you turned to your family with Harry’s arm still around you. “so this is Harry, my-uh-boyfriend.” you gestured to him. “Harry, these are my parents, aunt, brother, and cousin,” you said pointing out each of your family members.

             “hi, nice to meet all of you,” he said shaking each of their hands. “would you like to take a seat.” he offered gesturing to the sofas that were in his dressing room.

they all took a seat and began to gush about how much they loved the show. they asked you both question after question about your relationship as you leaned into his side with his arm still wrapped around your shoulder.

he looked down at you, and you smiled looking up at him. it was a good day.

--

later that night, as the two of you curled up in your hotel bed, you placed both hands on his face and stared into his eyes while he held you close.

             “see i told you.”

             “hmmm?” he hummed tiredly.

             “you’re great, and you know it.”

hope you enjoyed :) - mosh

[moadvx]

Don’t lie to me - J.J. Maybank.

JJ maybank x reader

Word count: 2.124

Warnings: None, I don’t write smut :)

Request: not a request but my requests are open :)

You are one of Kie’s only kook friends. You are Toppers sister, but everyone knew you are nothing like him. That’s why Kie and you became friends. She knew you were nothing like the kooks. You loved to travel and you had an internship for this company that worked on climate change and how to stop it. You are also friends with Sarah but after she stopped hanging out with Kie you kind of lost contact because you would hang out with Kie a lot. But after she started dating Topper you two got in contact again. You were good friends and she told you in secret dat she didn’t like Topper that much anymore. You saw how she changed when he was around and how he would treat her.

You were also very smart, that’s why you skipped a grade and why this summer you graduated high school. So this summer you wouldn’t actually be in the outer banks, you would be going to New York to work for your summer job and after summer you would go to school there. Then the hurricane happened and when you got the news you went back home. You would help them with building the town back up in a sustainable way. So that’s why you are on a ferry back home right now.

You send a message to Kie and Sarah too. To make sure they were okay. They are both fine and you told them that you are arriving soon. They were both excited that you were coming back. Topper and his friend Rafe would pick you up from the dock even tough you told them not to. You didn’t really like Rafe because he would hit on you sometimes. Which you found very uncomfortable but he wouldn’t stop so you ignored it.

When you arrived you walked to them, you gave Topper a hug and when you turned to Rafe you just walked to the car. “Don’t you think you are forgetting something sweetheart?” Rafe said to you. You kept walking and said “I’m not giving you a hug Rafe, so pop that bubble in your head. Also stop calling me sweetheart it really creepy.” He just looked at you annoyed. You sat in the back of Toppers car and Rafe sat in the front.

When you arrived you unpacked your stuff and send a text to Kie asking if she could hang out. She replied with and okay but that the pogues were with her too. They were just chilling at the beach. So you grabbed your  longboard that you hadn’t ridden in a couple weeks and went to the beach. It felt weird to be back home. Nothing really changed just more stuff was destroyed. You took the long road to the beach to look at what the storm had destroyed. You’ve met the pogues before and they think you're cool but you wouldn’t consider them close friends. You saw the group on the beach but without Pope. “Hey guys, how are y’all doing?” You said to them. Kie stood up and gave you a big hug. “Hey, I missed you but they kept me company.” JJ and John B just waved at you and John B said teasingly “We’re bored around here but you probably wouldn’t have that problem.” You just laughed and said “Nope I’ve been really busy lately. Even here I won’t have that much free time I guess.”

JJ looked at you curiously and asked “Why not?” “I came here to help the town with more sustainable homes. So yeah im basically going to give advice on how to do that.” You answered him “So during the day I’m probably going to be running around town.” He smiled at you. He had a beautiful smile. You’ve always found JJ attractive but you were never the type of girl to go after a boy. Also you really focused on school and work so you really had no time.

They were curious about what New York was like and you told them what had happened and Pope also joined you all. He asked you a lot of questions but not about your work more about college and the way universities would accept him. So you helped him a bit and after that you went back home.

————————

A couple of days later you were invited to the boneyard party. You were kind of tired but Sarah and Kie insisted you needed to go. So you arrived with Sarah, Topper and Rafe but they all left you when the party started. Rafe went after some tourist girl and Topper and Sarah just went somewhere together. You looked for Kie but couldn’t find her. So when you saw JJ and John B giving out drinks you walked up to them. “Hey has one of you seen Kie?” You asked them. “No maybe she just went to the toilet or something but you can stay here. Do you want a drink?” JJ answered you. You nodded and he gave you a drink. “So this is just like how it used to be huh, just parties on the beach, getting really drunk.” You said, John B looked at you and said “yeah this is the most fun we can do around here, New York probably has better parties than this.” You thought about it and said “Well the thing is I worked a lot in New York so I was tired most of the time and when I went out it ended in a disappointment. So I much rather enjoy these kinds of parties.” They looked at you very surprised but JJ asked and laughed “Why? they have better beer and more drugs.”  “Oh come one JJ you know that doesn’t make the party better. At least these parties don’t make me want to cut off my feet from dancing and I can just chill on the beach.”

After the conversation ended and you had a couple more beers you walked to the water. You took of your shoes and walked into the water. You sighed because you were actually really tired and you kind of wanted to go home but also not. They would just ask more questions at home. Then you heard footsteps approaching you. “Hey what are you doing here all alone.” JJ asked. You were kind of surprised he even noticed you bc it was very dark. “Oh you know just thinking about stuff.” You said to him. “Like what kind, the good or the bad thoughts?” He asked curiously. Why was he even interested you thought to yourself but answered him anyway because of the alcohol in your blood. “The kind that makes you wanna run away and never come back.” You said, which surprised him because you are so happy all the time and this was a different side of you. “Why? Did something happen?” “Well there’s just a lot of pressure on me right now because my parents don’t know if what I'm pursuing is a real job so if I fuck this project up they will send me to a different school.” You said JJ looked at you in admiration and said “Well Y/N if you ever need help with anything just ask me or the pogues. We would love to help you.” You looked him smiling and said “Thanks JJ. I just hoped that after I moved to New York they would change their opinion you know.” He put his arm around you and suddenly your heart sped up and you blushed. You immediately stood up and said you would go home. “Is everything okay y/n/n?” He asks you. “yeah, yeah, I just want to go home. I really thank you for the conversation JJ, it was nice.” You say and he looks confused at you. So you put your shoes back on and walk back home.

————————

The next day you woke up with a massive headache and you immediately wanted to swim. This was one of your free days so why not. You grabbed your longboard and went to the beach. You laid down in the sand and thought about yesterday and the conversation with JJ. You wished you weren’t so awkward around him. You texted Kie and told her about it yesterday when you came home. She found it funny because you’ve never been like this. You went for a swim and when you came back out you decided to longboard around town a little.

You ended up at John B’s house and when you walked up the steps to enter the house you saw a black SUV arriving so you call John’s name. “we’re here in the office.” He said “Hey John do you know someone with a back SUV.” You say while entering the room and he looks through the window and immediately starts looking for another way out. But when the guys came into the office you all left and went into the chicken coup. But the chickens wouldn’t shut up so when it got too loud JJ killed the chicken and it was quiet. It kind of shocked you and he saw that and looked at you with an apologising look. You mouthed “its okay” because if he wouldn’t have done that maybe you would be dead.

When the weird guys in black left, you all came out. You let out a breath that you didn’t know you were holding. Kie gave you a hug and then asked you “I’m sorry y/n, but what are you doing here?” You looked at the group and said “ I was just riding through town with my longboard and I was bored and guessed that you would probably be at John Bs house.” They nodded and went back inside again. They sat down on the couch and Kie patted the spot next to her with a smile. Because JJ was siting on the other side. But you sat down anyway because where else would you sit. JJ put his arm on the armrest behind you. You looked down at your lap and played with you hands. They started talking about something but you didn’t understand. JJ looked at you and whispered in your ear “hey did I do something yesterday?” You looked at him surprised and whispered back “No like I said I just wanted to go home JJ.” “but you said home was where you didn’t want to go when we talked yesterday y/n.” He said “its okay JJ could be way worse.” And you looked at the rest of the group. He also looked at the group and after a couple minutes you stood up and said “Hey I’m gonna go home chill a little. Are you doing anything tonight?” They shrugged and you left “bye y/n” you heard JJ say. You smiled and went back home.

——————

You get a text that night at a weird time from an unknown number.

Unknown: hey its JJ, I really wanna talk and I know its a weird time but I could also be at another time I just wanna talk.

You: hey JJ, yeah I can hang out for a bit rn. I won’t be sleeping anyway but where?

JJ: Uhh we could go to the beach I could be there in about 15 minutes.

You: Okay I will be there too.

JJ: see ya then

——————

You sneak out of the house and go to the beach. You see him sitting on the hood of his car. “hey JJ, what’s up.” You said he looks ay you and sticks his hand out for you to climb up his car as well. “Okay so I know that was a lie yesterday and today too and you know it too. Why won’t you tell me why you left?” He says and you sigh “JJ its has nothing to do with you.” You sigh again and decide to just tell him “but when you put your arm around me yesterday my heart did something and it made me realize something. I have a crush on you JJ” “Wait what… are you serious?” You nod and he looks at you with a smile “So to assure you I have a crush on you as well.” You looked at him so surprised and smiled. “Can I kiss you?” He asks “only if you want to y/n I don’t wanna force-“ you shut him up by kissing him. He kisses you back and you move to his lap. You pull back and say “just promise me that im not just a hookup JJ.” “I swear on my damn life that you're not just a hookup. We are gonna rule the world together.” You smile and that night you end up watching the sunrise together.

[mistymark]

the one with the internship.

part of the 100 things we’ve said project // mark lee x reader // 6.3k words // masterlist // send requests here

summary; in which mark and y/n have to live together during an internship upon meeting but it turns out they’ve met before

warnings; referenced drunk activities, actual drunk activities, I think they kiss once (and its on the cheek lol), mark lee is just really awkward

requested; yes :) - “Can I please request a 100 things we’ve said scenario or drabble for mark? 76 + 40 and could you make both the reader and mark super awkward?” from my baby mochie nonnie

notes; so long and no pay off lol, sorry // prompts are: “I’m going to bed” “that’s the bathroom” + “I have to go, uhh… iron my, um, cat.”

Your first real kiss happened during your third week of college. Discounting your actualfirst kiss with Lee Jongho in 6thgrade, and the time Choi Hyunjae stuck his tongue down your throat during a game of Truth or Dare, and the time you kissed Im Jisoo during a game of spin the bottle, your first kiss was at a college party, thrown in celebration of one completed month of college (which, apparently, included O week).

A little bit too drunk – and a little bit too desperate for your own liking – you latched onto the gorgeous boy that stood in front of you in the line to the bathroom, who was also a little drunk and a little desperate. All you remember: making out with a stranger in the tiny bathroom of a house whose owner you didn’t know.

Having been your first wild college party, it was needless to say that you didn’t really remember much of that night, including the boy. You didn’t think you even asked his name, and his face was a little too blurry to put back together the next morning.

You had ranted to your friends for any possible descriptors of the guy, but it had seemed that you weren’t the only one who couldn’t place the stranger. You remembered he was taller than yourself, but not too tall - the perfect height to make out with if you were sitting on a bathroom counter – and his dark hair was really soft. Drunk you loved playing with his hair.

And maybe it was the fact that that kiss was your first real kiss. Or maybe it was the guy you had it with. But either way, it stuck with you.

“Wanna go grab a coffee?” Lucas asked you, packing up the last of his notes as he stood up. The lecture theatre was slowly emptying, and you knew he wanted an excuse to stay behind to eye up the attractive new TA, so he waited for you.

“Can’t. He wanted to see me about a possible internship,” you said, nodding your head towards the professor. “What are you doing in half an hour?”

Lucas shrugged, mindlessly tugging at the strap of his laptop bag that hung off his shoulder, as he stared at the TA, who was busy packing up the professor’s dropped notes, “Nothing. Why?”

You laughed at his distracted state, punching him in the shoulder lightly, “For coffee, dumbass. You alright?” You waved a hand in front of his face, just as the TA happened to be glancing up.

Lucas quickly grabbed your hand and pushed it away from his face, a wide smile etched onto his face, “Yeah. Sounds good. Usual place?”

He lazily started walking down the stairs, his long legs allowing him to walk down two at a time. You followed, grabbing the last of your things, “Perfect. See you soon.”

Lucas saluted you as he walked out, mouthing a ‘good luck’. You smiled and waved as the door swung shut behind him.

“Ah, Miss L/N. You know what this meeting is about, so I’ll be brief. I have a friend who works at Oscorp, needs two lab assistants for a new project, asked me for my top students and,” he cracked a smile at you, “that happens to be you. What do you think?”

You felt your eyes widen in shock, “At Oscorp? Internships there are super competitive. What’s the process? Application, interview, trial…?”

Your professor chuckled, “Not quite. There will be an interview, just to make sure you’re right for the job. Otherwise, it’s yours if you want it.”

“So… you’re going to work for Oscorp now?” Lucas stared at you with wide eyes as he bit into his sandwich.

“Hopefully. I guess I still need to pass the interview, but from what Dr. Song said, it doesn’t sound like the position has been advertised,” you raised an eyebrow at him as he almost choked on his food. “But yeah, I’m pretty excited. Internships there are really rare. They only accept like twelve each year.”

Lucas smiled, “Tell me about it. I applied there last year and didn’t even make it to the interview stage.” He shot you an accusatory look, “Youdidn’t even apply. You probably could’ve been working there already! Top of the class and all.”

You looked down at your tiny muffin, “I don’t know. It’s a great opportunity. There’s only two of us for this ‘new project’ Song was talking about. From our class, I think.”

“Oh sho yew mite no ‘em,” Lucas said, through a mouthful of food. He looked around the café, glancing up at the antique clock by the door. Suddenly, his eyes widened, his hands immediately reaching for his phone to double check the time, “Fuck, I have class in eight minutes. I gotta go. Text me later, yeah?”

You nodded as you watched him shove the rest of his sandwich into his mouth, haphazardly grabbing his keys and wallet and laptop bag and sprinting out of the cafe.

“Excuse me,” you walked up to the receptionist, the office to its left bright and modern, a man in a pressed, no doubt expensive,suit leaning back casually in his chair as he spoke to a younger man, whose face you couldn’t see. You offered the receptionist a warm smile, “Hi. I’m Y/N L/N, here for an interview with Mr Kim?”

He grinned back, gesturing with his pen to a plush couch by the entrance, “Of course, just take a seat and I’ll let you know when you’re welcome to go in.”

You nodded and moved to follow where he had pointed, “Thank you.”

You sat down, amazed by your surroundings. Oscorp was impressive from the outside, but the inside was much more exciting. The first two floors were strictly educational, offering tours for schools and colleges, the open space open and inviting with its museum-like layout and grand displays. Glass elevators ran through the centre of the building, to the higher floors where labs, testing sites, offices and board rooms were situated. You didn’t doubt you would get lost if you ever worked here, after having to check and double check that you had the right floor before approaching the receptionist.

Mr Kim’s office was situated on one of the highest floors of the building, and the glass windows everywhere gave you a full view into each office and room, as well as stunning views of the city. You distracted yourself with the balancing metal object in the centre of the waiting room, pushing it and spinning it on its tiny little pin, the weight on each side perfectly balanced.

Upon hearing the door creak open, your head shot up as you watched the man in the suit lead a much younger man to his office door, ushering him out with a smile. Mr Kim looked at you, “Just give me one moment to take a call, and I’ll be right with you. Kevin, offer Miss Y/N a drink, would you?”

You nodded at Mr Kim as he shut the door again, and waved a dismissive hand at a distressed Kevin, gesturing that no, you were fine, you don’t want a drink, but thank you. He stood up and leant over the desk to talk to the younger man who had just left the office, “How was it? Scary?”

“Nah, man, Mr Kim is great,” the young man grinned and grabbed Kevin’s outstretched hand, attempting a bro hug from opposite sides of the desk.

“I’m so glad you got the internship,” Kevin said, a grin on his face. He lowered his voice, jutting his chin towards you, “She’s in for her interview, too.” You pretended not to hear them, keeping your attention on your phone.

“Hey, Y/n,” Kevin called out to you, waving you over. When you walked over, you finally noticed how young he was, looking only a few years older than yourself. “This is Mark, he just got accepted.”

Mark turned to you and you felt your stomach drop, visions of him pulling you into his body and of his lips on yours filling your head suddenly. He looked the same as you remembered – tall; dark, floppy hair; cute smile. Features you hadn’t even remembered jumped out at you, your mind screaming at you, It’s him.He seemed to recognise you, too, his mouth falling open but no sounds coming out.

You cleared your throat, sticking your hand out, “I’m, um, Y/N.”

He nodded, as if he remembered, sliding his hand into yours, “Right. Yeah, err, Mark.”

You heard the door open but you held each other’s gaze. Mr Kim stood to your left, “Y/N, whenever you’re ready.” He waited with the door open.

“I… should go,” You said, vaguely gesturing over your shoulder at the office.

You turned before he had started to speak. “Oh, same. I have to go, uhh… iron my, um, cat,” Mark said after you.

You were too stunned to recognise the utter incorrectnessof his statement. As the door to the glass office closed, you heard Kevin’s laugh, “Dude! That was awkward as shit! What was that?”

You took a deep breath as Mr Kim walked back to his chair and sat down, lowering yourself into one of the leather seats on the other side of his desk. For a moment, neither of you said anything, as Mr Kim looked at you in amusement.

When you felt the need to break the silence, you opened your mouth, but he beat you to it, his eyes focused in the direction of the receptionist, “You have met Mr Lee before? Or are you just extremely awkward around new people?”

You felt your face flush as you turned around in your seat, Mark still leaning on the other side of Kevin’s desk. His eyes caught yours in alarm, and he pushed off the desk and nodded goodbye to Kevin, disappearing into the hallway and in the direction of the elevators. You looked back at Mr Kim, “We have met, yes. And no, I’m generally not awkward around new people. Well, at least not thatawkward.”

Mr Kim laughed as he focused his attention back onto you, “Well, then, this’ll be fun.” When you gave him a confused look, he continued. “My latest project is looking at the DNA of reptiles, and their healing properties. To do this, however, I need raw, wild extracted DNA. Dr Song tells me you have a student free week next week, right?” You nodded. “I’m looking at sending a team to a wildlife park just north of the city, and, with full permission from the rangers and ecologists, extracting the required DNA. As an assistant, you’ll mostly be handling the samples and helping out in the lab, rather than doing the exciting wildlife hunting, but, would you be interested?”

You smiled, “Definitely. Where is it, exactly?”

He nodded at your question, his hand resting against his chin, “Sunnyvale National Park. About two hours drive from here. We have a full lodge up there, near one of the Oscorp facilities. You’ll be staying with our other intern.”

“M-Mark?” You asked.

His grin widened at your reaction, “Yes. Mark. Can’t hurt to have a familiar face, I’m sure?”

You tried to give him a genuine smile, but you were pretty sure he could see right through it, “Of course. Nothing could be better.”

“You’re kidding,” Lucas said, throwing a Rubik’s cube up in the air and catching it repeatedly from your desk chair. Until you had confirmation of your adventure as an Oscorp assistant, you hadn’t told him about the internship. When you’d finally received the information, you’d called him immediately. He had said he’d come over and help you pack, but the most he’d done was criticise your fashion choices while he played with whatever random objects he could find in your room. “The guy you hooked up with… is the guy you have to live with for a week.”

“Well, technically, it’s five days. But, yeah, you could say that,” you focused on your attention on the clothes in front of you, averting your gaze from Lucas and his cocky smile. When there was a lull in the conversation, and you’d successfully packed everything, you groaned, “Oh my God, it was so awkward. You have no idea.”

“Is he hot?” Lucas stopped tossing the Rubik’s cube from hand to hand and stared at you, a small smile playing on his face.

You paused for a moment, thinking about it. After a moment, you nodded, “Yeah.” You threw a discarded sweater at him, “Good to know drunk me still has good taste, huh?”

He whistled as he spun in the chair, “More like; Good to know you don’t regret it.”

You threw an empty binder at him, before breaking out into fits of giggles. He stood up, “Do you want me to drop you off?”

Nodding, you lifted your duffel bag from your bed, “Yeah, thanks. Can you take-?”

Lucas bent down to grab your suitcase, packed with all your study equipment and homework (as well as the occasional makeup product), and headed towards the door. “You’ll text me, yeah? I was kind of banking on you to be my motivation this week.”

“Of course,” you offered him a warm smile as you began the short walk to where the car would be picking you and Mark up for the two-hour journey.

The weather was cool, but not too cold to be unpleasant, so you were looking forward to your study retreat at the national park. When you arrived at the pick up point, Mark hadn’t arrived yet, so Lucas stood and waited for the car with you. He tugged on the sleeves of his jacket, “If he doesn’t show up, do you think I could go?”

You laughed, “I’m sure he didn’t drop out. And if he did, someone else would be here right now.”

He raised an eyebrow at you, “And how do you know that the fill-in isn’t me?”

You knew his grades for this class were rather low in comparison to his other classes, but you didn’t want to admit that you knew. “You’re right. Will you do the honour of accompanying me on this trip?”

“Only if the other guy doesn’t show up,” Lucas winked at you.

“Uh, sorry to ruin the fun, but, um, the car’s over there,” Mark’s voice alerted you of his approach, pointing to a dark van on the other side of the road. He was dressed plainly in black jeans and a blue denim jacket, and he wasn’t carrying any bags. Oh shit,you thought. They’ve been waiting for me while I stood here like an idiot.

“Right, sorry. I thought they were going to park over here,” you awkwardly glanced down at your feet. Suddenly, realising that you should probably get a move on, you looked up at Lucas and wrapped an arm around him, “I’ll see you later, then?”

He nodded and hugged you back, grinning at you as he pulled away. He lifted his hand and messed up your hair purposefully, “Kill it, kid.”

You rolled your eyes, yelling at him as you crossed the road, “I’m older than you, asshole!”

The drive to the retreat had been pleasant; only yourself and Mark had been in the van, but the mountains of equipment surrounding you forced you to sit beside each other in the first row of seats. You had both attempted to make some conversation as you sat down and got comfortable, but after a while you both had earphones in and eventually Mark fell asleep.

The road itself that led to the lodge you’d be staying at was bumpy, and you honestly couldn’t figure out how Mark could sleep through it, his head occasionally bumping against the window as the van rumbled along the loose stone. When you pulled up at the lodge – a series of small wooden cabins with wraparound porches and chimneys – you nudged Mark’s shoulder slightly, attempting to wake him up.

He groaned when you pushed him harder, his head pressing firmly against the window, “Ughh, what?”

“Um, we’re here,” you whispered. You weren’t sure why you were whispering, but you pulled away from him and stepped out of the van, being met with groups of Oscorp employees carrying large equipment boxes and suitcases between cabins and vans. You waited by the door to the van with your duffel bag and suitcase, unsure of where to go.

“Mr Lee, Miss L/N, so good to see you. This is Jaehyun, my assistant, and Kevin, you already know,” he gestured in turn to the two guys standing beside him; both young, both very attractive. “They will be taking care of you for the duration of this trip,” he turned to face the two, “Take them to their cabin, and explain curfews and work hours for me, would you?”

They both nodded simultaneously, Jaehyun taking the lead and guiding you to your cabin, while Kevin put his hand to your back, gesturing for you to walk ahead while he helped you with your bags. Your cabin was at the end of the row, closest to the lake, and it was obviously the smallest among the cabins. It was simple, two bedrooms, a living area, fireplace and dining table, with a bathroom and toilet.

You dumped your bags onto one of the beds and thanked Jaehyun and Kevin for helping you.

“We’ll be right next door; if you need anything, just ask,” Jaehyun said, pointing over his shoulder, where the next cabin was located outside.

“You’ll be expected to be at the lab by 9am, breakfast is any time after 7, and dinner is at 7pm every night. No curfew, but it’s suggested everyone is inside by 10pm so we don’t disturb any wildlife,” Kevin grinned at you and Mark, saluting you as he shut the door as he left with Jaehyun. The gesture made you miss Lucas slightly, but you grinned and turned to Mark.

“So, work doesn’t start til tomorrow, anything you want to do?”

He looked around, “I actually should get some work done; don’t want to get behind.” He pulled a face, furrowing his brows and looking confusedly at the ground, making you laugh.

“Sounds good. Are you in Dr Song’s class?” You grabbed your suitcase and unzipped it, fishing through your belongings to find your laptop and textbook, letting your items fall to the ground beside you.

Mark was doing the same, digging through his backpack for a pen, “Uh, no. I had him last year for Intro to Physics, and he’s head of the faculty, so I’ve had to go through him about a few projects.”

You nodded, standing back up and setting your laptop up on the dining table, “Oh, cool. Top of the class, I presume?”

His face went bright pink, and he let his hair fall down over his eyes as he logged onto his computer. He cleared his throat, “Uh, yeah, I guess.”

Cute, you thought, before snapping yourself out of your thoughts to focus on your work.

“Hey,” you flicked Mark’s forehead with your pen for the fifth time to no avail. This boy could sleep through anything. “Mark, hey. Hello?” You drummed your pen against his head again, and you watched as his eyes flickered open again.

“Huh?” He sat up, a small crease imprinted on his cheek from where it was resting on his calculator. “What time is it?”

“It’s 9pm. We missed dinner,” you whispered, your eyes wide.

“Oh,” he straightened in his chair, looking over his work with a confused expression. “Do you want something to eat? I brought a few muesli bars.”

You chewed on your bottom lip in thought before nodding, “Yes, please.”

He walked over to the pile of bags on the floor, where all your belongings were splayed out on the floor around your suitcase. You heard him clear his throat as you packed up. Turning around, you saw him using his pen to hold up a pair of your underwear, “Are these yours?”

You nodded, feeling blood rush to your cheeks as you grabbed your things and threw them back into the suitcase, tossing the lid back up, “Sorry. I forgot I didn’t clean up.”

He didn’t meet your eyes, “No, it’s okay. Here.” He held out the muesli bar out to you.

You took it gingerly, taking a small bite, “Thank you.”

“Rise and shine, delinquents!” Jaehyun’s voice could be heard from the cabin’s front door, his loud knocking easily waking you up. “Mark! Y/n! It’s 8am!”

From under your covers, you could hear Kevin yelling at him to hurry up for breakfast and Jaehyun’s heavy footsteps retreating from your porch. Groaning, you threw the covers back and heaved yourself out of bed, going to the bathroom to turn on the shower before stopping at Mark’s door.

You knocked loudly, “Mark! Get up!”

You heard him mumble something in response, so you walked back to the bathroom to shower. It was only then did you notice the bathroom didn’t have a lock. Dammit, you thought. Here’s to hoping he hears the water running.

You managed to make it through the shower with no interruptions, but after wrapping your towel around you, you heard a hesitant knock, “Y/n? Can I grab my glasses? I think I left them in here.”

Looking down at your nude state, only a towel wrapped around you, you realised it would take a while to get dressed, and he needed his glasses now. “Hold on, I’ll bring them to the door.”

“Thanks. Sorry, last night I was so tired, I-” He was cut short by the door opening slightly, your damp and no doubt naked self answering the door as you thrust the glasses into his hand. He barely had a moment to react before the door was closed in his face again. Finally, he managed to find his voice, “Thanks.”

“How was your first day?” Lucas asked, his voice slightly grouchy from the bad telephone reception. “No freaks of nature, yet?”

“Only Kevin,” you said, laughing. Kevin, who was walking beside you at the time, able to hear the whole conversation, shoved you lightly, causing you to lose your balance. You laughed at his reaction before focusing back on Lucas, “No, seriously. None yet. Only tiny bottles with tiny DNA sequences.”

“Who’s Kevin?” Lucas’ voice faded slightly as the phone was brought further from his ear. “Sorry, I’m getting dressed for practice right now.”

You smiled, “I know, it’s a Tuesday night at 8:30. What else would you be doing? And Kevin is the receptionist from my interview; he’s a real pain in the ass, though.”

You winced as you felt his fist collide lightly with your shoulder, before he waved at you and walked towards his cabin, leaving you to walk the short distance to your own by yourself.

Lucas laughed, “Don’t go making enemies on your first day. How’s the hook up?”

You hesitated, “He’s… good. He’s so smart and cute as all heck, but I can barely talk to him without seeing the visions from that. I don’t know if he remembers me, to be honest.”

“A girl like you? How could he not?”

“Shut up, Lucas. How’s the TA?”

You could practically hear the grin in his voice as he spoke, “Still playing hard to get. I’ll get through, though.”

“I don’t doubt it,” you rolled your eyes, opening the door to your cabin to see Mark lying across the couch on his phone. “Anyway, I just got home. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, yeah? Have fun at practice.”

“See you. Don’t stress too much,” he hung up.

Mark sat up when he heard you hang up, “Hey, good day at work, honey?”

You laughed at the way he raised his voice, “Everything’s fine at the office. Where’s dinner?”

Mark settled back into the couch, a small smile evident on his face, “In the microwave. Reheat it if you like.”

You laughed as you took off your coat, throwing it over one of the dining chairs and coming to join him on the other couch, “How was your first day?”

He sat up, crossing his legs underneath him, “Awesome. I never thought I’d enjoy lab work this much. Actually putting this stuff into action, seeing it having an impact on real world science… it’s amazing.”

You nodded, “I know, right? The science seems so simplistic but when you see it being used… did you see the lizard they caught today?”

“The massive blue-tongue? I didn’t even know they had those here.”

Soon you had resolved to easy chatter, and by the time you resigned yourselves to your separate rooms, you felt less awkward around him, choosing to put your awkward first encounter behind you.

Days had passed and you and Mark had sorted out your routines; by day 4 it was expected that you’d wake up and go for a shower, before waking up Mark for breakfast. He’d shower after while you got ready, and then he’d walk you to your lab before pacing it to his own a few minutes’ walk away.

By Thursday, you’d begun to expect Jaehyun’s noisy wake up call. Throwing your covers off your legs, you knocked once on Mark’s door as you made your way to the bathroom, the tell-tale sound of him flicking his light switch letting you know he was awake.

At 8:15am, you were both on your way to the cafeteria for breakfast. “I can’t believe we’re leaving tomorrow,” Mark said, blowing air into his cupped hands in an effort to warm them.

You rolled your eyes and pulled a gloved hand from your jacket pocket, handing him one of your heat packs, “I know. I kinda miss waking up to, you know, heat, though.”

He laughed, his breath creating fog in the air, “True. I miss being able to feel my hands.”

“Hey, honey, I’m home,” you said, opening the door to your cabin. Mark, as usual, was lying across the couch, but this time, he was asleep. He always arrived to the cabin before you, his team finishing a little earlier than you and allowing him to go to the cafeteria for dinner a little earlier than you.

You shrugged your coat off your shoulders and walked to Mark on the couch, poking him to wake up, “Come on, if you’re tired, go to bed.”

He hummed and grabbed your hand, tugging you on top of him, his grip firm.

You felt your eyes widen as you lay on him, supporting yourself using your legs, which were firmly situated on either side of his body. “Mark,” you whispered, watching his face intently, only a few inches from your own. “Mark, wake up.”

You used your free hand to flick him on the forehead, and you watched his face his scrunch at the uncomfortable feeling. Slowly, he blinked his eyes open, slowly coming into focus the image of you lying on top of him.

Suddenly, he sat up, struggling with you on top of him, “Woah, woah, woah, what?”

Embarrassed you leant back, tugging your wrist from his grasp. He let you go with wide eyes, “Sorry. Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I promise, I was asleep. I had no idea-“

“No, no, it’s okay. Seriously,” he searched your eyes for any concern or disgust at his actions, but slowly let his gaze fall down to you straddling his legs.

Following his gaze, you realised you were still sitting on him, so you stood up, “Um, I’ll go, er, I need to brush my teeth.”

Mark followed suit, standing up and gesturing to a wooden door as he backed his way there, “Yeah. I’m going to bed.” You watched as his hand fell to the door handle.

“That’s the bathroom,” you offered him a small smile and you watched as the hand at his side clenched into an embarrassed fist as he clicked his fingers, pointing the door beside it which led to his room.

“Right. I knew that. Goodnight,” he nodded and stepped inside, letting the door close. You felt yourself let out a deep sigh. Of course once everything seemed to be going well, you had to ruin it. Stupid, stupid, stupid,you thought, bringing your hands up to your face.

“What time are you coming back?” Lucas’ message flashed on your screen, the light bouncing around the van from the gravel road.

“Should be there in two hours. We just left. Why?” You typed back.

Another message filled your screen straight away, “Party at Johnny’s frat. Wanna come? It’s time for you to blow off some steam after everything you’ve done this week.”

You looked at Mark out of the corner of your eye, sitting beside you with his headphones in. You couldn’t tell if he was awake. “Sounds good,” you typed back. You’d exchanged awkward smiles again this morning, despite all the conversations you’d had during the week and how much you knew about each other, you’d been reduced to strangers again.

“You look great,” Lucas looked at you as you locked the door of your dorm, the fabric of your dress gracefully hanging off your figure in a way that made you look both classy and hot.

“You do, too,” you looked at Lucas’ outfit appreciatively; the leather jacket that was snug on his shoulders, dark blue jeans, white tee. “Miss me?”

“Always,” he grinned as he opened the door of his car for you. “I have news,” he leant down on the roof of the car, grinning at you through the window.

“Yeah?” You asked excitedly, following him with your gaze as he walked around the front to the drivers’ side.

“I asked out the TA. We have a date tomorrow,” he clicked his tongue at you cockily. “No big deal.”

“This isa big deal,” you shoved him from your seat. Knowing he’d been crushing on the TA for weeks, you were stoked for your best friend. “Congrats, dude.”

Lucas told you about his big plan to win over your teacher’s assistant on his dinner date the following date for the remainder of the trip, excitedly planning the smallest of details. By the time you’d pulled up at Johnny’s frat, he was practically bouncing with excitement.

You both stepped out onto the quiet street, and you followed him to the door, starting to dance to the loud music that was pouring out of the house.

An hour later, and you’d lost Lucas in the crowd, were reallydrunk and reallyneeded to use the restroom. Tugging on Johnny’s sleeve, you whispered in his ear, “Johnny! Where’s the bathroom?”

He pointed to the hallway, where a long line of people were waiting and you huffed and reluctantly joined the queue. The familiar scent of peppermint and clean laundry filled your nose as you looked up in surprise to see a familiar black head of hair. You poked the guy in the back, grin widening as you met Mark’s eyes, “Mark! Hi!”

He looked surprised to see you, heat automatically rising to his cheeks as he looked over your outfit, “Y/n? Are you okay?”

“No,” you pouted, looking at the line hopelessly. “I need to use the restroom, but the line is too long!”

He looked confused for a moment, “This isn’t the drinks line?” You matched his expression as you stood on your tiptoes to look over the crowd, trying to see where the line went. He looked around before grabbing your hand, “Come on, there’s a bathroom upstairs. It’ll be empty.”

You nodded and let him lead you upstairs to a long hallway, rooms diverging off in all directions. Eventually, he stopped in front of a closed door, knocking quickly before twisting the handle and letting you inside.

“I’ll wait out here, okay?” He said, casting nervous glances down the hallway.

“No, come in,” you said, a grin on your face.

He seemed hesitant but followed you inside, awkwardly leaning back on the bathroom counter. You stood silently, not seeming to be anywhere close to using the toilet, “I think I’m having déjà vu.”

He laughed, “Of course, even when you’re drunk, you know what you’re talking about.”

“No, I’m serious. We’ve been here before. Except I was there. And you were… here,” you stared at your feet momentarily before looking up at him. “We were…”

You let your voice fade out as you took in how close you were to Mark, and how good he looked from this angle.

He was staring back at you in shock, his eyes glancing down to your lips every now and then. His voice came out in a whisper, finishing your sentence for you; “kissing.”

You felt a lazy smile make its way to your face, “Yeah. We were kissing. And then-”

His eyes widened slightly, “Don’t you need to use the toilet?”

“No,” your brows furrowed at the question. “I don’t feel so good, though. I might’ve had too much to drink.”

“Do you want to lie down? My room is down the hall.”

“You’re in a frat?”

“Yeah. Johnny’s like an older brother to me.”

“That’s cute.” You pinched his cheek as you leant in, “Frat guys are hot.” You pecked his cheek and walked out of the bathroom, stumbling slightly as you walked.

“This way,” he swiftly wrapped an arm around your waist and tugged you into his side, spinning you around to walk in the other direction down the hall. “Just lie down for a bit, okay? You’ll feel better.”

“You’re not going to rape me, are you?”

“What? Y/n, no. Never,” he stopped walking for a moment. “I’m taking you to my room so you can rest. Is that okay?”

Somewhere in your clouded brain, you thought it sweet of him to ask for your consent before taking you anyway. “Yes, that’s okay.”

He guided you to his room and let you decide how you wanted to rest, allowing you to climb under his covers and pass out in his bed. He switched off the light and shut the door, going back downstairs to notify Johnny of the unexpected guest.

Unobstructed light fled into the room as you groaned, shielding your eyes with your hand as you sat up straight, feeling slightly disoriented. Going to get out of bed like you do every morning, you realise that this was not your bed, not your room, not… anywhere you recognised. Panicked, you glanced down at your body and sighed in relief upon seeing your dress from last night still clinging to your body.

Peaking your head out the door, you decided the coast was clear and crept down the stairs slowly, the stench of cigarettes and alcohol mingling on the first floor. “You’re up earlier than expected; I was just about to check up on you. Should’ve expected it though, you were always first at the cabin.”

Mark sat on a porch swing in the living room, his eyebrow cocked at you. “How are you feeling?” He stood up and put the back of his hand against your forehead, testing your temperature.

“Better,” you asserted. “Thanks for last night, by the way.”

He laughed, “No problem. Do you want anything to eat?” Mark gestured vaguely behind him at the bowls of moist chips and cold pizza.

Just the thought of the food make your stomach turn, so you shook your head, “No, but thanks. I’ll see you around.”

“Wait, actually-“ His hand shot out to grab your wrist. When you turned around, surprised at how heart your beating and how suddenly shy he became, you smiled. He cleared his throat, “You actually, uh, made me promise to ask you something when you woke up.”

You furrowed your brows in confusion, “What?”

You watched as his chest rose as he inhaled deeply, “You made me promise I’d ask you out.”

It felt like all the blood rushed to your face as the words left his mouth, leaving you absolutely speechless. “I, um, I- what?”

He closed his eyes briefly, “Will you go out with me? Sometime?”

A smile etched its way onto your face and you nodded, “Yeah, I’d like that.”

He grinned at you sheepishly, using the hand still wrapped around your wrist to tug your forwards slightly so he could kiss you on the cheek.

When he pulled away, you were speechless, unable to string a sentence together.

“Well, I have to go, um, iron…”

“Your cat?”

He glared at you playfully, “Not my cat. It’s my rabbit this time. She’s not doing so well.” Mark lowered his gaze in mock sadness.

“Nothing a scalding iron can’t fix, I’m sure,” you laughed, patting him on the shoulder before turning towards the door. “I should get going. Again, thank you so much. Text me about that date.”

“Will do,” Mark winked, sending you off with finger guns. You were both so terribly awkward all you could do was awkwardly finger gun him back, cringing as you walked away laughing at the pure ridiculousness of it all.

[dawnlikeswater]

Project better future #26

it has been a busy couple of weeks - This post will be long, skip to the bottom for the TL-DR.

So I went to Bangor universities applicant day; They are a bit different from an open day, you don’t get to sort of, leisurely stroll through the campus and see everything, it is a much more structured visit, you go to an orientation welcoming presentation, then they split us up in to groups, and we went then to see a presentation on student finance, then one about student life at that university, the opportunities we’d have for studying abroad, the internships available in the university itself, touched a bit on progression after graduating, then they put us on to what was just... the most tiny and uncomfortable mini bus i have ever been on in my life.... the seats were so tiny and so hard.. they took us to see the student accommodation.. i mean, it was nice enough, kinda standard stuff for the uk.

I already knew before getting there though that i absolutely was not going to be going in to the universities student accommodation though, I absolutely hate sharing my living space with strangers, when i was in college here in the uk (for any muricans, college in the uk is different to america k, it’s not the same level of study as in universities, you have to do 2 years of college before you can go to uni in the uk) anyway, when i was in college here, i had to live away from home in university student housing, and i absolutely hated and detested it, so i absolutely will not be doing that ever again. Private studio or 1 bed place for me.

after that tour we got put onto a somehow even smaller and even more uncomfortable mini bus to be taken to the other side of the city to the Ocean Sciences buildings, we had a short welcome speech there, lunch and a couple of hours to talk to students there doing the courses we had applied for and to almost the whole faculty, so i got to meet a lot of potential teachers and they were really nice.

Most importantly though, they were able to answer every question I had about the types of classes i’d have, how much i’d be able to gear myself towards a specific career etc, about specific marine related internships, research and working opportunities with the university and with companies in the surrounding areas.

It was quite reassuring, towards the end they also did some simple activities with us using pieces of their own research to help them explain their own research backgrounds and how they would teach their classes to us, it’s a research university, everything we learn will be up to date and as it’s happening we’ll be learning it, which is pretty amazing.

To finish it off, and in the pouring rain of course, we got to go have a very quick visit to the universities research vessel the Prince Madog ( i feel like it was named by student vote, calling it prince madog) which was really really big, it even had an onboard wet lab and such so yeah, that seemed fun.

After that we got sent back on the tiny bus... im not a big person by any means, i have always fit perfectly fine in just 1 seat, this bus i shit you not was so tiny i was taking up nearly 2 seats on my own.

All in all it was a very long day, i spent 8 hours in the car, but it was a surprisingly easy drive just like, motorway the entire journey pretty much, which i could tell my mum was very relieved about, the time at the university was a little rushed, the day just went by very quickly when i was there, i would have liked to see more of the universities facilities and the town / city itself as well

but all in all it seemed like a nice place, here’s some of the pictures i took, they arent the best but i was pretty distracted with just well, everything so i didnt take very many at all.

Following that, I started my new admin job properly, it’s going ok so far i think, there’s not much to say about it really, but the working hours balance very well with my studies right now so im happy about that. not so happy about all the 5am starts though i can’t handle the mornings so well.

Yesterday, 30th of march, 2017, over a week after they said they would give me my response, UWE finally sent me their response to my application there, so i was accepted there as well, yay.

This of course left me then with having to pick between the two, which would be my firm / first choice, and which would be my security net.

Now i know you might be wondering why i didn’t chose to take the transfer for the 2nd year with UWE, I chose Bangor and retaking the first year purely because their course is just so much more, and that much more closely related with what i have really really wanted to study for the last 10 years now.... i’ve literally wanted to be a marine zoologist since i was 12 years old, and even though i’ll be revisiting things i have learned this year, there are still a lot of classes in that first year that i have not taken, it is not a wasted year.

I’m officially going to be a marine vertebrate zoology student, and i’ll be graduating when i’m 25 and im darn proud of myself ^^

And with my current course of study well, my final assignment is due on June 1st, so i finish in about 2 months now, i don’t know if the open university really does graduation days or anything like that, but if they did I would really like to go, i’ve never actually been to any of my school graduations til now, i’ve always been moving house or in hospital myself, or the one time my mum was in hospital, and it’s really really strange, and just, this year has been really crazy, last august til now things have really really changed, and so much of it comes down to me just making small steps in the right direction and really trying to get a hold of my shit and it’s actually been working for once.

from now til september i feel is going to go really fast a well, i hope im ready in time for everything

TL-DR I went to the bangor university open day, it went well and it seemed like a nice place, they also had absolutely tiny tiny busses, bristol UWE finally gave me a response to my application and I was accepted by them as well, I was finally able to accept & decline university offers and chose Bangor as my first choice so i’m going to bangor uni in september, the new jobs going ok so far as well and i finish and graduate my current course of studies with the open university in about 2 months, somehow, my project for a better future is working.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 70

from internships to entering the nether

Yumi: "...How...How does a _child_ get kidnapped and..." *shudders* lord death: .....*takes a long sip* we as a people have to improve, to keep things like....like _this_ from happening... Yumi: "I know...How much information do we have? Such as, who...killed this child?" -elsewhere- Shima: *reading a book on familiars* "..." *yawns* konekomaru: so, what are you doing for your secret santa? Shima: "Don't know...This gift choice is really hard to figure out." Bon: *grumble grumble* -elsewhere- leo: ....... Gin: *slides a glass of water* "Here." leo:....*small sip* ........... Gin: "How old are you?" leo: ………..25 years old. Gin: "I was told about some of your abilities. Must be useful." leo:.......................................*her expression is solemn* higuchi: ... Gin: "I've seen what you can do out there. I can imagine it hurts. Do you need any medicine?" leo:...........im used to it. higuchi: ..... Gin: "Because you wanted to protect someone." leo:....my new home... Gin: "Yes. You were happy there." leo:.....he....he made me feel like i wasnt alone anymore.... higuchi: dostoyevsky? leo: *she shakes her head* vanya... Gin: "A sibling?" leo:.......n-not exactly. he made me feel welcome when i was taken in by the rats.....he means a lot to me. *soft smile* even if he doesnt love me the same way, he's the most important person to me. higuchi: ...... Gin: "Do you know whether he is safe?" leo:....you said he escaped, right? naoya: long hair, head bandages? leo: yes! naoya: yeah, he escaped. leo:....*sigh* i see.... Gin: "Do you think he'll return?" leo:...i think he will.....he wouldnt ever dare to leave mr dostoyevsky's side....to vanya, fyodor is the most important to him... naoya:...... Gin: "Hmm...And you? Will he return to you?" leo:....i can only hope, right? Gin: "..." *closes the file* "We'll see." *opens the door—and is pushed aside* Tachihara: "I brought snacks!" leo: .... higuchi: -_-; Tachihara: "Who wants--" *shoved by Motojiro* Motojiro: "Who's up for a rousing game of Chutes and Ladders?!" Gin: "..." *pulls out a blade* leo: ._.; -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: *sipping his tea, wearing a shit-eating grin* louisa: sir francis? Fitzgerald: "Yes, Miss Alcott?" louisa: any news? Fitzgerald: *deathly serious* "Yes, there is." louisa: o.o; oh? Fitzgerald: *holds up the guest list* "This 'Plus One' option is increasing the number of guests for our party. I had not considered so many people would have a Plus One! We'll need more plates..." -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "Any update from your 'patient'?" kim: well, he's back home now. Jacqueline: "Think they'll go after him again?" kim:...i dont know.... -elsewhere- Tanizaki: *staring at the sunset* ???: brother.... Tanizaki: "Yeah?" -there is someone standing..........in an elephant suit- naomi: we start our punishment tomorrow. Tanizaki: ._.; "...What the heck are you wearing?" naomi: mascot suit. Tanizaki: .________.;;; "...How bad is mine?" naomi:.....do you really want to know~? Tanizaki: "I mean, better now than later?" -elsewhere- Yohei: *typing* chie: *helping the others decorate the tree* Shotaro: *wrapped in lights* ._.; -elsewhere- Takehisa: *seated in driver's seat* "Okay, I'm going to start it up again. Check the engine." karin: alright! Takehisa: *starts the engine* karin: looking good. Takehisa: *turns over the engine* *Burst of exhaust out the back-pipe* karin: *cough* crap! Takehisa: ._.;;; "...Whoops." -elsewhere- Benimaru: *lights a candle at a shrine* kirei: *smiles* Benimaru: *lowers his head, prays* -elsewhere- Kid: "Hmm..." stocking: comfy~? Kid: *smiles* "Maybe~" stocking: *smiles and kisses his forehead* Kid: ^\\\^ *purrs* stocking: so cute~ Kid: >\\\\< "I can't help it--you're so cute..." stocking: *smoooooooch*~<3 Kid: "Mmm..." -\\\\- *rubs her hand* -elsewhere- Mrs Harue: "Sweetie? Can I get you anything?" keek: ......*shaking a bit* Mrs Harue: "..." *hug* keek:...*sniffle* Mrs Harue: "We'll go out tomorrow to the doctor..." keek: o-ok.... Mrs Harue: *trying to smile* "We can also stop by your favorite game shop?" keek:....s-sure.... -elsewhere- Black Star: *groans* tsubaki: easy now... Black Star: "I-I'm fine...I can leave now--" *tries to sit up--and his burnt hand touches the bed* "Ow!" tsubaki: !!! Black Star: TT~TT "I want a healer..." -elsewhere- Magaki: *giggling* <It's so close...> *looks in the mirror--then sees no reflection* "..." <Not close enough...She smelled like one of them...> -...- Magaki: <Just need a bit more time...> *transforms their arm into the Uncanny Sword* <And someone to wield...> *licks their lips* -elsewhere- Poe: "So, how was it?" ranpo: it did the job well, so good work there! how's your shin? Poe: -~- "It still hurts..." lana: *getting ice for it* here, put your leg up* Poe: "Thank you..." ^^ lana: ^^ -elsewhere- Kishiri: "What you been thinking for Christmas?" vivian: well, papa said he was going to be attending a christmas party at manhasset in hopes of forming some kind of collaboration. Kishiri: "Manhasset? They got some deep pockets, right?" vivian: mmhmm! Kishiri: "Man...Sounds like a fancy shindig. You going?" vivian: of course! since papa's always working in europe, this is one of the few times of the year i actually get to see him. Kishiri: "...Good for you to see him." -elsewhere- Vulcan: "You heading to bed?" yu: yeah. shinra: yeah. i get the feeling things are going to be busy in the coming days.... Relan: "Holidays, too..." -elsewhere- Hibana: *passed out* "Zzz..." gabriella:....*smiles and tucks her in* -morning- Kunikida: "..." aya: .....is he gonna be ok soon? Katai: "...I don't know. He hasn't been keeping to his schedule..." aya: *worried* *light bulb* kunikida! let's go ice fishing! Katai: ._.; Kunikida: "...Where?" aya: i think there's a big pond in the park in the pine acre's district! Kunikida: "...You'll need your coat." aya: ok! Katai: "You'll need poles, too..." -elsewhere- Kyouka: *yawns* "Wake up..." atsushi: *yaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAawn* ugh....so exhausted.... Kyouka: "It was a busy mission. Are you skipping classes today?" atsushi: cant afford to right now. *streeeeetch*...............................................kyouka did i seriously fall asleep on the kitchen table? Kyouka: "...I don't know?" *looks around* -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *marks the calendar* "Okay...Just need to learn non-lethal attacks. Should be easy. Set up the first dummy." coke-bottle glasses: right away, sir. Akutagawa: *summons Rashomon* coke-bottle: *timing him* Akutagawa: *wraps Rashomon around his fist--and punches the dummy's chest* -knock back!- coke bottle: excellent work, sir! Akutagawa: "Hmm. Was it lethal?" -elsewhere- Sanjuro: "Until Black Star recovers, will you be investigating alone?" tsubaki:....i suppose so. Sanjuro: "...Without the Uncanny Sword?" tsubaki:....*gulps* Sanjuro: "...It'll be okay. We're going to get...it back." tsubaki:...right. we have to. -elsewhere- Johannes: "I don't see why I have to go with you." >3< metsu: *holding an umbrella* because you are too much trouble to be left on your own. Johannes: "Hmph. You act like no one else has ever done that in a lab...And Jeje will clean it up." metsu: ... Jeje: "IT GOT EVERYWHERE!" -elsewhere- Todoroki: *takes books out of his locker* ochako: hey todoroki! *waves* Todoroki: "Oh. Good morning. How are you?" ochako: nervous for the internships. Todoroki: "Oh? But Gunhead sought you out, right?" ochako: yeah. but ive totally got this. *fist pump* Todoroki: "..." *smiles, fist bump* "Yes." ochako: hehe ^^ Todoroki: "...I have finalized my choice." ochako: really? where is it? Todoroki: "...My father's..." ochako: ^u^ ......... OuO.......... O___O WAITWHATNOW!? Todoroki: "I guess I should've given you a warning, such as 'Sit down for this'...Sorry. I just...need to learn how to control my flames..." ochako: what the heckie dude? why not someone like, i dunno, ryukyu? or manuel, or even the wild wild pussycats?? Todoroki: "None of them are the person from whom I inherited my Quirk." ochako: ......are you sure? even after all he- Todoroki: "I won't act like this won't be hard...or even impossible. I...have had to set up some appointments..." ochako: .... Todoroki: "With a-a...therapist..." ochako:......*she hugs him* Todoroki: "..." *pat pat* "Th-Thanks?" -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *putting books away--spots a student at a desk* "???" rowena: hello. ^^ we're working on setting up a club. we have two members so far. *she holds up a sign that says 'mystery and occult club'* Jacqueline: "Oh...I would imagine you would have more members in no time at this kind of a school..." rowena: *she smiles* Jacqueline: "Wait--who's Member #2?" rowena: annaaaaaa- *seeing poe* miss warren ^^;;;; Jacqueline: "???" Poe: "Rowena? What's this club for?" rowena: it's a club dedicated to the study of mysteries and the occult, as the name implies. ^^ i think it could help me make friends here who share similar interests with me. Poe: ^^; "Just be careful..." -elsewhere- Lucy: "Zzz..." marie: miss montgomery? Lucy: *grumbles, looks up* "..." O_O *sits up straight* "S-Sorry, Miss Mjolnir." -elsewhere- higuchi: they're WHAT? naoya: yeah, those two rats are joining us. Tachihara: "AND I AM HYPED!" higuchi: even after they, oh i dont know, TRIED TO KILL ALL OF US?!?! naoya: well, they seemed eager, especially the munchkin. Tachihara: "...That gremlin is still here?" naoya: um, that's who i meant. her and the other guy, sasha i think? higuchi: alexander pushkin. naoya: eh, close enough. Tachihara: D: "What about the cute girl?!" naoya: opted to stay in the cell. Tachihara: -3- -elsewhere- Katai: "...I haven't gotten a bite." aya: how about you, kunikida? Kunikida: "Nothing." aya: hmm... Katai: "I was hoping to catch fish. She seemed to like them..." aya: ?? Katai: "...!!! N-Nothing..." .\\\. "I-I think I'll have a nibble soon." aya: ok then. *shrug* Kunikida: *his line has a tug* "??" aya: quick! you got this! Kunikida: *starts to pull it in* -you caught it!- Kunikida: "Ah. Salmon." *hands it to Katai* "Give it to that woman you like." aya: wait, uncle katai has a girlfriend? Katai: "I-I don't know what you're talking about!" Kunikida: "You said she was there when you were recovering--" aya: ?? Katai: "I SAID NOTHING!" -elsewhere- Dazai: "..." -knocks- kirako: dazai? Dazai: "..." *opens the door* "...Hey." kirako: listen, i know yesterday was a bit of a shock for you...it's a shock for me too... Dazai: "...I'm sorry." kirako: ?? Dazai: "I didn't mean for this..." kirako: dazai, it's ok. these things happen. Dazai: "...Getting pregnant is not 'just happens'..." kirako:....im not mad at you, if thats what you're thinking. Dazai: "I'm mad at me..." kirako: ..... Dazai: "...Look. Whatever you want, I'll support. I'll have the money..." kirako:....*pats his back* Dazai: "...I'm not 'father material.'" kirako: no one said you had to be. Dazai: "...I'd have to, or else I'd screw that kid up..." kirako:....*holding him close, stroking his head* .... Dazai: "..." *looks shocked, even as he hugs her* kirako: ....*hums slightly* Dazai: *closes his eyes* -elsewhere- Chuuya: *grabs his books* eijiro: eyyyy! ozaki! what's up? Chuuya: "Oh. Helo, Eijiro. How are you?" eijiro: good. been busy? Chuuya: "...Quite. I need to pick up some makeup assignments..." -elsewhere- Lucy: "Any plans after school?" atsushi: i might take a nap. im still exhausted... Lucy: *nods* "Let's get you home...I'll cook something and you can get the leftovers from the fridge." atsushi: ok then. *yaaaawn* -elsewhere- Black Star: "Zzz..." tsubaki: ...... Black Star: *groans* {Black Star: "..." *looks around* "...Oh, great. Here again."} {???: ....................} {*In his dream, he is at a waterfall...*} {????: ...................} {Black Star: "...Tch. Look, whatever Yoda speech you got, make it fast: I got to wake up and--"} {????: *bearing their teeth and charges*} {Black Star: "!!!" *tries to leap over*} -black star?- Black Star: *tossing in sleep* tsubaki: black*star? Black Star: *swings his arm* tsubaki: black*star wake up! Black Star: *his hand reaches at Tsubaki* "No!" tsubaki: *hugging him* Black Star: "..." *coughs* "I...Sorry." -elsewhere- Katai: *counting the fish* "Is this good?" aya: mmhmm! Katai: ^^ "Yay..." Q~Q "Can we go home now?" -elsewhere- Kid: *thumbing through papers* liz: busy week? Kid: *nods* "I would like to finish some of these tasks before the holiday break. How about you?" liz: yeah. -elsewhere- Gin: "..." higuchi: you ok? Gin: "Just thinking. The idea of including those Rats is not comforting." higuchi: i can see where you're coming from here, especially after what the one tried to do with-....*sigh* Gin: "Yes. I would love to put an explosive around _their_ necks." higuchi: .... Gin: "..." *pulls out her blade* -later- Endeavor: *reclining in front of his fireplace* secretary: sir, you have someone to see you. Endeavor: "??? Who is it?" *sets down his drink* secretary: its your son. Endeavor: "More specifically?" secretary: he says his name is 'shouto'? Endeavor: "!!!" *tosses the chair aside* "SHOOOOOOOOOOOOUTO!" secretary: *falling out of their chair* t-too loud. Todoroki: *standing at the entrance* "...This was a mistake." Endeavor: *running through the hall* "Wait!" secretary: *ducks under the table* Q-Q; Todoroki: "...Endeavor." Endeavor: "Oh, come on, my boy--if you're going to join me at this Agency, can't you call me 'Dad'?" Todoroki: "...That's not the word I was looking for." Endeavor: "...One day, after this training, you will learn to respect me and embrace not only your power but your legacy--" Todoroki: "When are you going out on patrol?" Endeavor: "CLEAR MY SCHEDULE!" secretary: y-yes sir! (thinking: the pay isnt worth this shit Q_Q ) -elsewhere- Gunhead: *looks at clipboard* "Let's see...Yep. That's you." *holds out his hand* "Welcome aboard, kiddo!" ochako: *shaking his hand* i look forwards to lookin- working with you sir! Gunhead: ^^ "D'aw, you're all gungho and ready to power through--awesome!" ochako: ^^ (thinking: he's actually really chill and adorable how the hell even-) -elsewhere- Uwabami: *adjusting the mirror* -knocks- momo: um. h-hello ma'am. itsuka: hey. ^^ Uwabami: "Ah, Yaoyorozu, Kendo! Welcome!" *opens her arms* itsuka: um....*glances* *ahem* momo: *bows* i look forwards to working with you, ma'am! itsuka: ._.; Uwabami: "Oh, please, sweetie--" *hugs* momo: ^///-///^; itsuka: grk- s-strong grip... Uwabami: "I'm so glad you are here!" *hands Momo a mirror* "Hold this." -elsewhere- Izuku: *looking at the address* "So it should be just a few doors--" *looks up* o_o; "--down?" -the place looks completely abandoned- Izuku: ("Maybe...No, this is the right address.") *approaches the door* "Um, excuse me? I'm looking for someone? I'm Izuku--" -an old man is laying on the ground.....red all over.....- Izuku: D: *SCREAMS* "Oh no! Help! Ambulance! Police! This old man is--" -he springs back up- old man: HELP! I'VE FALLEN, AND I _CAN_ GET UP! Izuku: *LOUDER SCREAM* "HE'S ALIVE!" old man:... !! NOOO MY KETCHUP FILLED SAUSAGE LINKS! OH THE HORROR! Izuku: ._.;;;; "...Um, excuse me, sir?" ^^; "I'm Izuku Midoriya. I'm here from--" old man: you a telemarketer, sonny? Izuku: .___.; "N-No? I'm a student who was to begin an internship with Gr--" old man: boy. *pats his back* if you're lookin for 'big joe mcgee', that's a block down. but if i were you, i'd just turn back. he'd break you in half in a heartbeat. Izuku: O______O;;;; ("...WHAT THE FUCK?!") old man:....im hungry. Izuku: "...Sir, I am looking for Gran Torino! Is he here or not?!" old man: wha? toshinori, izzat you? Izuku: -_-; "No, I'm Midoriya..." ^^; "Excuse me, sir. I have to make a call..." *sets down his luggage, takes out his phone* old man: *looking through the suitcase* say kiddo. fire an attack on me, would ya? lets see what your one for all can do. Izuku: ._.; "...Gran Torino? Sir?" old man: did i fuckin' stutter? put it on and come at me, bro! Izuku: :X "I-I need a room to change in, sir!" old man: next floor, first door on the left. Izuku: .\\\\. "Th-Thank you!" *grabs his suitcase, runs* gran torino:.... (thinking: let's see how well you picked them out, toshinori...) -elsewhere- Bakugo: "...The heck you staring at?" fan: oh. my. gosh. you're interning for best jeanist?! EEEE! HE'S SO COOL! fan 2: i would totally let him step on me! Bakugo: "...Okay. I already have to deal with one of you masochistic fuckwads in class--I don't need one here. Get to stepping." secretary: mr bakugou? right this way, please. Bakugo: *follows, grumbling* "I wanted a top hero and all, but these fans are obsessive...Just fixated on one person like some weirdo." -elsewhere- Mineta: =\\\\\= "I get to meet a giant lady, I get to meet a giant lady..." old lady: yeah? *takes a drag* whadda you want, brat? Mineta: "I was looking for Mount Lady, and she's all--" *imitates her dimensions* "--and you're not." ???: oh my fucking god, barb, he's the intern! fuck!. hey cutie~ (thinking: oh fuck my life) -yep, it was mt lady, coming home from a grocery run- Mineta: "... ... ... ... ... ..." *SCREAMS* mt lady: what? what?! barb: did his parents drop him off the empire state building as a baby? mt lady: well that explains everything. Mineta: "IT IS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AND WORK WITH YOU, MA'AM! I can't wait to be under your tutelage!" *excited* mt lady: riiiight. sure... ^^# (thinking: i cant wait to punt this runt) -elsewhere- Deathgoro: "Got to keep up the pace when going on patrol, kiddo!" jirou: u-u-understood, sir! -elsewhere- All Might: *shuddering* "He'll be fine, he'll be fine, he'llbefinehellbefine--" -elsewhere- Sanjuro: *marking a map* "And this was the radius where you encountered this thief..." tsubaki: so they couldnt have gotten far, then. Sanjuro: *shakes his head* "And here are the residential areas--" *circles those* -elsewhere- Wes: ._.;;;;;; "...Why is your friend back? We're not done with practice--" licht: long story. Hyde: *waving a flag* "Do it, baby!" licht: *throws the chair at him* Wes: O_O Hyde: *knocked down--the flag drapes him like a coroner's sheet* licht: he will be at peace, for i am a heavenly angel. *pose* -the spotlight shines upon him- Wes: "...JOSEPHINE! The spotlight isn't until later!" maid: i dont know what happened! it just turned on by itself! ghost dog: 8D Wes: -_-; *pets ghost dog* -elsewhere- Lucy: "Huh. They're both fast asleep?" Dazai: "Zzz..." kirako: zzzzz.... atsushi: *puts a blanket over them* mii: *mreow* Lucy: "??? Oh, hello..." *pets Mii* mii: ^u^ Lucy: "I didn't know Kirako had a cat..." atsushi: yep, she does. Lucy: "What a cutie..." *scratches under Mii's chin* mii: ^u^ Lucy: "You hungry, little guy?" ^^ mii: *mreow!* -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *setting the plates* nagisa: *helping with stirring* kim: thanks, kiddo. nagisa: hehe! ^^ Jacqueline: *smiles* "We have enough chairs?" kim: i think so. mami and chrona said they'd be over too. Jacqueline: "It'll be good company...I better get dessert out of the oven." -elsewhere- Shamrock: *reading the email* "...How sad." naho: whats up? Shamrock: "!!!! Oh! Um...My favorite tea is being discontinued." X^; naho: .....that stinks. *exits* -elsewhere- Relan: *sneezes* iris: you ok? Relan: "I think so? Just dust..." tamaki: it's like that baby panda video. Relan: ._.; "...I'm not a panda..." shinra:.... TTuTT (thinking: could have fooled me.) -elsewhere- Hibana: =\\\\\\\= *snuggle* hanako: *giggles* Hibana: "Such a cutie-patootie..." -elsewhere- Karim: "Hmm...You been okay?" dia: !! o-of course. just a bit tired is all. foien: ... pearl: we do worry about you, dia. dia: im fine, really... Karim: "Well, how about some soup?" -elsewhere- Iida: "So you are on patrol?" manual: yeah. hosu city's been in a bit of a panic after the incident- s-sorry. Iida: "No, I understand. It would make sense to have superheroes visible to give civilians confidence..." manual: that's right. especially since so many people are around during the holidays. Iida: "Hmm...How approachable are civilians to you?" -elsewhere- Izuku: *stares at the broken microwave "..." *tries opening the door* "...You shouldn't use this, sir. It'll release radiation, and not the 'superhero origin story' kind..." gran torino: im gonna go to the store now. be back soon. clean up while im out see ya! *exits* Izuku: *sighs* "What even is this...I thought I would come here to learn how to control One for All, then I'm told my focus on learning it like All Might would teach it was a shackle...Maybe...if I tried another approach..." *looks at his hand* "...This hand of mind is connected to my arm, which is connected to my shoulder...It's...!!! It's an extension of me!" -elsewhere- best jeanist: to be honest, im not really a fan, mr kacchan. Bakugo: "!!!! Then why the ever-loving crud-apples did you take me on as a protege?!" best jeanist: because i intend to make a good example of you. *sparkle sparkle* Bakugo: "I am already an awesome example! Look at me! I won in the competition (ignoring that my opponent was totally wimping out)--DID YOU JUST CALL ME KACCHAN?!" best jeanist: please, it's all over social media. *shows his phone* also, have you looked in the mirror lately? heros and villains are two sides of the same coin. look at that hard glare of yours. does that look like the face of a hero to you? -night time- Izuku: *drops garbage bag in the alley* -the night is silent- Izuku: *looks up the alley wall* "...Okay...If I try to bounce there, then there..." *nods* "Let's do this..." "Charge up the feet...and the knees...and...BOUNCE!" *leaps* -elsewhere- leo: ............. {RHOD member: <oi, oi, new girl, give us a smile>} {leo: ...} {RHOD member 2: <she's a cute on, the boss sure knows how to pick 'em, eh?>} {*tap tap on Members #1 and #2's shoulders*} {RHOD 2: <nyeh>} {leo: ??} {Ivan: *creepy face* "Master would like you two to leave her alone--or suffer."} {1 + 2: OwO;;;;; *they flee*} {leo: ...... <t-thank you, sir....>} {Ivan: *slight bow*<"Anything for my master...Even though he had not specifically asked me in this instance.> ^^; {leo: .... .///. <w-what exactly will i be doing here? i dont have any particular skills that would be of use->} {Ivan: <I...don't know that. But Master said he was interested in what you could do, and I always trust his word~ Maybe speak with him?>} {leo: <m-maybe....>} {Ivan: <But first--> *hands her a tray*} {leo: ?? *blinks* } {Ivan: <Can you make tea?>} {leo: <well, i've never actually tried to...>} {Ivan: <Then in the name of our master, I will teach you...>} leo: .....*sigh* please be ok, vanya.... -elsewhere- Ivan: *shuddering* fyo-dolly: ... Ivan: *stares* "..." <Is this to your liking, Master?> -no answer- Ivan: Q~Q "H-Have I offended you?" fyo-dolly:.... Ivan: "..." *holds up the doll* *high-pitch voice* "I think you're really obedient, my loyal servant!" *normal voice* "Oh, am I, really~?" ^^ *Fyodor*: "Oh, yes--you are the most perfect servant! Far better than that skanky whore who is only good for filling with my seed--" Ivan: "Oh, stop, master~ You'll embarrass me." =\\\\= *Fyodor*: "It's true! You also know how to tend to me in every way possible..." -elsewhere- pushkin:.................kati? did you feel that? katya: the overwhelming feeling of second hand embarrassment? yes. Gin: "Are you two done talking?" katya: nyeh? pushkin: nothing! OuO; Gin: "Good. Now pay attention..." *holds up a kunai* -elsewhere- Fourth Kind: "And that's it for today. Now get to bed for a bright and early day, you poozers." eijiro: understood! -elsewhere- Izuku: *his face is bruised* TWT gran torino: jeez, you fall down the steps, sonny? Izuku: "Just some...late night jumping practice, sir." gran torino: yeah, every real challenge starts that way. ya'll'd be hard pressed to get that kinda mentality outta all might. he could manage fine from the start, so i had to use different methods. the only thing the kid had going for him was his body... GET YOUR MINDS OUT OF THE GUTTER, YOU SICK FUCKS. Izuku: :X "I WASN'T THINKING ANYTHING OF THE KIND, SIR! ...And why did you make that plural?" *looks around* gran torino: dont think about it too much. anyway. we sparred until he was ready to pass out and cry. Izuku: ._.;;; "...Poor All Might...That must've hurt." gran torino: not as much as the emotional pain. he was entrusted to me by a friend of mine who's long gone, god rest her soul. -ding dong- Izuku: "I'll get it, sir..." (" 'Entrusted'? Did he mean...All Might's mentor?") delivery: delivery for a mr...torino? gran torino: aha! it's here! -one microwave installation later- Izuku: "Wow, that is one fast delivery..." gran torino: how about we heat up those taiyaki i bought the other day, huh? im starved! Izuku: owo; "...For breakfast?" -and so- gran torino: *nom* >3< TOO COLD! Izuku: "!!! I-I don't understand! I set the time correctly, I know it..." gran torino: ah! here's your problem! you put them on too big of a plate! if you use too big a plate, it wont spin and only a part of it will get warm! have you never used a darn microwave?! Izuku: "O-Of course! We just don't--My mom and me--We don't have a spinning microwave! Ours is stationary and...And...!!!! I figured it out!" gran torino: ? Izuku: "I am the taiyaki!" gran torino:....did you hit your head harder than you thought you did? are you going senile? Izuku: "I have been trying to concentrate all of my power to one spot, rather than using One for All throughout my body, as an extention of myself..." gran torino: now yer catching on! Izuku: ^^ "I-I only hope so. Now it's about putting it into practice..." -elsewhere- Uwabami: *checking her mail* *sighs* "So annoying...All these invitations..." -one letter from the zoo- -'do your best today! <3 aoi + shiina + everyone'- Uwabami: "..." TTWTT "D'aw..." -elsewhere- Mr. Asui: "What you want to do today, kiddos?" *ribbit* satsuki: did-nee! did-nee! mrs asui: sound like a plan. ^^ -elsewhere- Akitaru: *sets down glasses* "Drink up." shinra: thanks for the meal! *gulps* tamaki: are we ever going to the nether? its been weeks. Takehisa: "If someone would hurry on the map--" Victor: "I'M TRYING! I'M TRYING, DARN IT! STOP PUTTING ME UNDER MORE PRESSURE!!!" karin: o-o; nozomi: D8> Victor: "..." Q___Q "I'm sorry--I'm just really stressed...Knights. Fire people. Mushrooms. Tunnels. Fear of dying. It's all a lot weighing on me..." nozomi: i-it's ok. *hug* karin: *glare* Victor: .\\\\\\\. (*screaming internally* "This is not helping my stress...") -elsewhere- Todoroki: "What's it like working for my father?" secretary:..... Q_Q Todoroki: "...Oh no. He hasn't done...that, has he?" secretary: no! nothing like that! he just piles all the work on me. TT_TT i barely have time to sleep... Todoroki: "...May I help?" -elsewhere- Fyodor: *humming* guard: you seem chipper... Fyodor: *smiles* "I have decided to make the best of my situation~" guard:...creepy.... -elsewhere- ???:...mufufufu~ this should be easy~ -elsewhere- Kid: *playing with Shiori* shiori: ^u^ Kid: *holds up a doll* "And what is this animal?" shiori: moomoo! Kid: "A moo-moo! The cow goes--" *impersonating the sound* "Mooooo!" shiori: *giggles* Kid: *sets down the cow, picks up another one* "And what sound does this little one make?" shiori: meeew! Kid: "A kitty cat!" *sets it down* "And how about this one?" *picks up Shiori* shiori: *baby squeal* Kid: "Shiori goes 'hee hee hee'!" stocking: *smile* Kid: *looks at Stocking...winks at her* stocking: 7///w///7~<3 Kid: ^\\\^ *passes Shiori to Stocking* stocking: hey, shiorin ^^ shiori: stocky! stocky! Kid: *smiles, as he snaps a pic* -elsewhere- Yohei: "Look what a big boy you are..." toru: hehehe! Yohei: "And a happy boy, too." *picks him up* "Umph! And bigger..." chie: ah! haha, yohei im not done washing him yet! ^^; *laughs* Yohei: "Oh--sorry!" *sets Toru down* "I'll mop up." chie: ^^; *washing toru in the sink* aw, did daddy try to get you out of bath time early? toru: ba! chie: hehe, silly daddy! Yohei: ^^; "Sorry...Just been away so long today..." chie: *small smile* ah, did you want to be on ducky duty? Yohei: "...That'd be great." *smiles, kisses her cheek as he takes the rubber ducky* toru: ^o^ Yohei: "QUACK QUACK!" toru: ^u^ -elsewhere- Relan: *pats Shinra's back* "Better?" shinra: y-yeah. iris: *hug* shinra: =///= Relan: "We're here for you..." -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *sighs* "Good meal..." mami: thanks for tonight. ^^ kim: no probs. nagisa: ^u^ Crona: *nods* "Th-Thank you..." -elsewhere- Dazai: "..." yosano: still moping because of the baby, huh? Dazai: "It's not 'moping.' It's thinking." yosano: hmm... Dazai: "Money. Broken family. Dad who has problems." yosano: you're scared because you're inexperienced. Dazai: "Is that the _only_ reason? What do I know about raising anyone?" yosano: well, you've been doing well with atsushi and kyouka, right? Dazai: "...I don't have to change their diapers, though..." yosano: hey, you're not the only one raising this kid. Dazai: "...What if she doesn't want me involved?" yosano: you'll just have to ask then, wont you? Dazai: "..." *bolts upright* "Yes, I will." -elsewhere- Sanjuro: "It's getting late...Maybe call it a night?" tsubaki:...perhaps... Sanjuro: "..." *hug* tsubaki:....*hug* Sanjuro: "We'll stop them...and we'll get him--...the sword back." tsubaki:...r-right....*walking home* ......... Sanjuro: "..." *looks up at the sky* -elsewhere- Magaki: *covering their ears* "..." -...- Magaki: "...Stop..." -...?- Magaki: "Stop talking to me...I don't want to hear it..." -...- Magaki: "..." *lowers their hands* "..." *stares at the one that transforms into the Uncanny Sword* "...Go away..." -elsewhere- Bakugo: [how is your internship?] itsuka: [its...an experience. ^^; ] Bakugo: [about the same -_-# ] *texts a photo: his hair and outfit have been changed* itsuka: [who are you and why do you have katsuki's phone?] Bakugo: [HA HA FUCKING HA. i'm gonna kill jeanist for this shit] itsuka: [XD] Bakugo: [ -_-# what's snake woman got you doing? patrols?] itsuka: ... [advertisement.] Bakugo: [??? like, passing out flyers?] itsuka: [it should be on in 8 minutes on channel 22] Bakugo: "???" *flips on Channel 22* ['kay. let's see what this is all about...] -seems the commercial is promoting the oumagadoki zoo- -momo and itsuka are also in explorer themed outfits- Bakugo: "??? The zoo--" *spots Itsuka* "..." .\\\\. -elsewhere- Tokoyami: "...Is this the work to finish?" ojiro: i think so. *phew* a lot to clean up... Tokoyami: "A civil service, I suppose..." *takes out a flashlight* -later- hagakure: [it's so sad. TT^TT i didnt know how bad things were here in chicago...] Ojiro: [a lot of crime?] hagakure: [that's the least of it. when i got to valkyrie's office, some of the graffiti was disheartening to say the least...] Ojiro: "..." [i'm sorry] hagakure: [cant turn back now, though. i came because i wanted to help out the people who were suffering here. so thats what im going to do! *determined emoticon*] Ojiro: [sure you will. good luck! stay safe] hagakure: [i will. ^^] -elsewhere- Free: *laying down a blanket* milia: zzzz Free: *tucks her in, strokes her head* milia: =w= eruka: *small smile* Free: *stands back...* *whispers to Eruka* "When does she start school?" eruka: sometime in the spring. Free: "That's a bit off...Better help her prep..." -elsewhere- Asura: *shudders* mikan: *pet pet* heibito: =w= Asura: *slight whimper before hugging Heibito* mikan: *hums* Asura: "...This is pleasant." -elsewhere- Lucy: "Zzz..." anne: zzz Lucy: *turns over under her blanket* =w= -morning- Wes: *yawns* liz: zzzz Wes: "..." *rubs her back* liz: morning~ *kiss* Wes: "Good morning." *smooch* ^\\\^ "Sleep well?" -elsewhere- Chuuya: *shivers* sonia: *asleep* Chuuya: "..." *gets up, goes to the kitchen...takes out the cat dish* mito: *mreow* Chuuya: *pours out a bit of dry cat food and a bowl of milk* "Here you go, Mi--...Mito." mito: *mew!* *nom nom nom* Chuuya: *pets her* "..." *looks at the kitchen table* -...silence- Chuuya: *sighs, opens the cupboard, removes some bowls and cups* sonia: *yawns and gets up* Chuuya: "??? Sonia? You up?" sonia: *nods and goes to brush her teeth* Chuuya: *wipes his eyes* -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "So...That zoo commercial." kim: yeah, i could see them setting up. aoi seemed pretty nervous. Jacqueline: "Hmm...They didn't ask you to be in the commercial?" kim: i didnt offer, so nah. -elsewhere- Endeavor: "--and let the people know you mean business. Give them a dirty glare if you have to." intern 1: *muffled reply* Todoroki: "..." -elsewhere- Gin: *washing blood off her hands* katya: *streeeetch* haaaa, that was great. pushkin: hell yeah it was. did you hear the one guy begging for his mommy? katya: nah, i think my gun was too far down his throat. higuchi:.....a long time ago, you both threw your morality out of a car on a busy highway, didnt you? Gin: "We can't have unwanted attention--which is what you brought onto us." katya: nyeh? Gin: "Do I have to discipline you?" pushkin: are you still mad because i almost killed your bro? OwO;;; *STRANGLE* pushkin: grk- O-O UNCLE! UNCLE! higuchi: gin! katya: GET THE FUCK OFFA HIM! *lunges* -hirotsu put them on janitor duty as punishment= Gin: *in janitor's uniform* -_-#### katya:... <fuck> -elsewhere- Spirit: "Have a good day at work." sachiko: *nods and smiles* Spirit: "I'll have dinner ready..." *smooch* -elsewhere- Kyouka: *picks up her books* "Ready?" atsushi: *nods* Lucy: *walking with them* "What's on the agenda?" atsushi: usual school stuff until christmas break. Kyouka: "Any exams for you?" atsushi: im not sure. Akutagawa: "None for me." Lucy: .____. atsushi: i see akuta-.... O-O;; Kyouka: "You're looking well. Been eating better?" Lucy: "DON'T ENCOURAGE HIM." Akutagawa: "I haven't killed in at least a week..." atsushi: that's good. Akutagawa: "Thank you." Lucy: >_> "_Only_ a week...?" -elsewhere- fukuzawa: hmmm..... Tanizaki: "Sir?" fukuzawa: *looking at his phone.... 'when is the best time to host a baby shower?'* Tanizaki: "...Sir. Is there something you want to tell me?" ._. fukuzawa: ? naomi: you didnt hear? *whispers* kenji: *peeek* hehe, silly mr fukuzawa, babies dont take showers. Tanizaki: *listening* "..." O_____O naomi: yeeep. Tanizaki: "...Jeez. Might as well find a deal on diapers..." -elsewhere- Stein: "I'll need volunteers." sayaka: TTuTT (please dont call on me please dont call on me pleeeeease dont call on me!) Stein: "Miss Kaname." madoka: y-yes sir! sayaka: O.O; Stein: "And Sayaka." sayaka: Q-Q -elsewhere- Medusa: *groans, sets her head at the kitchen counter* neian: zzzz Medusa: "..." *drags a book--"Arcania*--over to herself, rests her head on it, watches Neian* "..." -elsewhere- Katai: *checking his phone* keek: [thanks for helping me] Katai: "..." ("I wish I had done more sooner...") [you're welcome. how are u?] keek: [ok. went 2 doctors. will be going 2 therapy] Katai: [oh good--i think that will help] -elsewhere- Kunikida: *opens his book...holds his pen...his hand is shaking* ranpo: still shook up over that kid, huh? Kunikida: "...Do you have to be so blunt?" ranpo: hey, i just have a detective’s understanding. Kunikida: *shuts his book, tosses his pen away* ranpo: ... Kunikida: "...I can't do this..." yosano: .... Kunikida: "...I think I have to leave." fukuzawa: what do you mean? aya: you can't give up, kunikida! Kunikida: "Look at me...Do you not understand the embarrassment I will attach to this Agency by staying here?" fukuzawa: you arent bringing shame to the agency. Kunikida: "I LET A CHILD DIE! I should be punished!" -stunned silence- Kunikida: "..." aya:....*teary eyed* kunikida... Kunikida: *shakes his head* -elsewhere- Intern #1: "Yo, Kacchan! Good luck today!" Bakugo: "Blow it out your ass." -elsewhere- Gunhead: "Oh no--that poor kitten's stuck way up there..." ochako: *gravities on up* its ok, kitty. -she got clawed up, but it was worth it- -elsewhere- emily: alright. and now for the roll call. mr twain? twain: yo! emily: wilde? oscar: here~ emily: white? ebie: *hanging upside down* here! emily: steinbeck? Steinbeck: *calling from upstairs* "Coming!" *walking down, holding a potted vine* emily: ah. baum? man: we're here~! ^^ girl: present. emily: good. let's see. hemingway? Hemingway: "Ay." emily: that should be- oscar: wait. dickenson isnt here. emily: IM RIGHT HERE! D8> oscar: hmm? oh! she's giving role. sorry hun~ ^^; emily: =_=; Steinbeck: "Okay, now that that part is taken care of, onto business--" *pulls out Christmas lights* -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: "..." *staring at Christmas lights on the tree* mary: *putting a bow on mr tsubaki* hehe ^^ Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *head tilt* mary: hehe ^^ Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *nuzzle* -elsewhere- leo: ...... Akutagawa: *enters, carrying a backpack of books* leo: ?? Akutagawa: "...I had to come back to tend to you, as others are not here to do so." leo: ....i....i see.... Akutagawa: "..." *sits down, takes his homework out from his bookbag* "...I go to school now. Did you?" leo: ...i had private tutors when i was much younger. i continued my education with the rats. Akutagawa: "..." *shivers when she says 'Rats'* leo:.... Akutagawa: "...I've gone a week without killing." leo: ? Akutagawa: "I made a promise to someone I want to kill. And that I'm attracted to." leo:.....ah.... Akutagawa: "...I'm conflicted. But not killing has made me...feel things." leo: ....do you love this person? Akutagawa: "...I think so?" leo: ....why? Akutagawa: "...He's powerful." leo:....is that...the only reason? {atsushi: *smiles*} Akutagawa: "...He looks friendly." -elsewhere- Lucy: *opens her lunch* "Jeez...Following us like that." atsushi: yeah…but i think he's been getting kinda better? ish? Lucy: "Yes, I felt much better that he didn't try to kill me this time." -_-; atsushi: i really do think he might get better from this. *smiles and holds her hand* Lucy: =\\\\= "...Tiger instincts, right?" atsushi: *chuckle* -elsewhere- aya: *pounding on katai's door* UNCLE KATAAAAAI WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY!!! Katai: "!!!" *wrapped in his futon, bounces to the door--and falls out of it onto the floor* "...Owie." aya: *shaking him* it's kunikida! he's thinking about leaving! we gotta talk him out of it! >A< Katai: O_O;;;; "...I left. It worked out...fine-ish for me." ^^;;;; *...Something is crawling along the floor behind Katai* *...Is that an amoeba?!* aya: O_o *chokehold* TALK HIM OUT OF IT AND CLEAN YOUR HOUSE DARN IT!! Katai: O________o "OKAY, I WILL! ..." *takes his phone, dials Kunikida* "...It's still dialing..." aya: please pick up.... *CLICK* Kunikida: "...What?" aya: please dont leave, kunikida! you cant just give up because of one slip up! that's not the kunikida that we know! Kunikida: "...'Slip up'?" aya: people make mistakes ok? that's normal. all we can do is learn from the past and improve, right?! Kunikida: "...What am I supposed to learn from someone's death? How many will die..." aya: ....*biting her lip* IF YOU DONT STOP BEING A BABY ABOUT THIS THEN MORE PEOPLE ARE GONNA DIE! YOU CAN HELP STOP THAT! JUST GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR BUTT ALREADY AND START GOING FOR IT, DAMMIT! Kunikida: *triggered, as he remembers lives he has lost--and those he has saved* "..." *drops the phone* aya: ....kuni?....*shaking* kunikida are you ok? {Kunikida: "Aya...I'm sorry that you were almost--"} {aya: its fine. miss yosano was there, right? ^^} {Kunikida: *sighs* "That is a relief..." *opens his book* "Although this unpredictable nonsense has disrupted my schedule. -^- } Kunikida: "..." *picks up the phone* "Are you safe?" aya: y-yeah, im at uncle katai's right now. Kunikida: "Is Katai okay?" aya: yeah. h-he needs to clean though. big time. Kunikida: "...I will be right there. Go out and buy a sponge." -elsewhere- kirako: hmm? dazai? what brings you over? Dazai: "...I came to offer my services." kirako: oh? Dazai: "...May I help with anything? Chores? Baby clothes?" kirako: ah. well, if i need any extra help, i'll let you know. but for now, i seem to be doing well. ^^; Dazai: "...Have you been to the doctor recently?" kirako: besides yosano? *chuckles* Dazai: "I mean...Do you have an OB-GYN?" kirako: i might schedule an appointment later on... -elsewhere- keek: ... Dr. John: "Let me know whether you feel the pen..." *takes her pen, taps it along the top of leg* keek: i feel it.... Dr. John: "Okay..." *taps closer to the healed stump* keek: yeah... Dr. John: "Okay...That means nerves are still active and haven't died...How is pain in the severed nerves?" keek:....i-its not as bad...p-physically, anyway.... Dr. John: "...We can keep track of pain medications. But when you say 'physically'...is there something you wanted to discuss that wasn't physical?" keek:....*shaking* i have....n-nightmares.....the rats....n-nurse lewis...a-a-and that man....*she's shaking badly* Dr. John: "..." *offers her hand* keek: *whimpering* sachiko: *outside* (lewis? s-she doesnt mean......does she?) -elsewhere- Black Star: *sits up in bed* tsubaki: *asleep* Black Star: "..." *pats her head, his hand more healed* -elsewhere- Kunikida: *scrubbing the floor* aya: *dusting* Katai: D: "B-But don't upset the feng shui!" -elsewhere- Mori: "..." -footsteps can be heard- Mori: "!!!" *tries to hide under the desk* -the door opens- fukuzawa: ...... Mori: *trying to lean up against the back of the desk* fukuzawa: mori? i know you're here......it's alright. i have no intentions of fighting you right now. Mori: "...There is no Mori..." fukuzawa: ?? *looks under the desk* Mori: *huddled, holding papers and crayons* Q~Q fukuzawa:.....?? mori? Mori: *holds up a paper, with a drawing of Elise* fukuzawa: .............she's your ability, isnt she? Mori: "...Yes." fukuzawa: you can summon her again, right? Mori: "...It's so hard..." fukuzawa: ?? Mori: "Summoning her...She won't be how she wants to be..." fukuzawa: what do you mean? Mori: "She...can never age." fukuzawa: .... Mori: "...I don't deserve..." fukuzawa:....what happened to you, mori? Mori: "...The loss of innocence..." *puts a hand through his hair* fukuzawa: ..... Mori: "...You have seen enough death. You survived it." fukuzawa: ..... Mori: "...Rintaro did not." fukuzawa:....rintarou? (come to think of it, that girl always called him that....) Mori: *nods* "He died when he...When I...When we..." fukuzawa: when you what? Mori: "...Killed them..." fukuzawa: ... Mori: "Rintaro's mother..." fukuzawa: !! Mori: "And...father." fukuzawa: ?! Mori: *closes his eyes as tears fall* "I-I guess we're orphans, huh, Rintaro?" fukuzawa: ... Mori: *giggles...which turns into crying* fukuzawa: .....(natsume...what do we do with him like this?) Mori: *shaking, curled up in the fetal position* fukuzawa: .... Mori: *shivering, closing his eyes* fukuzawa:...*sighs* god dammit.....come on. *picks him up* if people knew the boss of the port mafia was hanging around here by himself, you'd be an easy target...especially like this... Mori: "Zzz..." fukuzawa:.... *sighs and begins heading back* Mori: *nuzzles into his chest* -elsewhere- Chuuya: *grabs a box of cereal at the grocery* katya: sup. -she and pushkin have a whole cart full of milk...- hirotsu: put those back. katya: =n=# pushkin: =3= Chuuya: "...What...the...heck?" hirotsu: *sigh* those two are quite the handful... Chuuya: "...Working with them seems like a bad plan. How you hiding this from authorities?" hirotsu: you'd be surprised. we managed to clear you and akutagawa's ledgers so you may attend school, we can clean theirs as well. Chuuya: "That's a fair point...Just keep them away from me." hirotsu: while their attitudes can use _quite_ an improvement, they have proven effective in terms of missions, especially given akutagawa's 'hiatus'. Chuuya: "...Still thinking he won't last another week." -morning- Kid: *kitten yawn* stocking: morning~ Kid: =w= "Good morning..." *smooch* stocking: mmmm~ Kid: *cuddles* "How was your sleep?" stocking: good. -elsewhere- atsushi: *streeeetch*.... *goes out for a quick walk around the apartments* Dazai: *on the roof* atsushi: *sighs and tiger jumps onto the roof* hey dazai, please dont jump. *pulling him back* Dazai: O_O; "...I was just admiring the view!" -phone message- Dazai: *pulls up the message* [emergency mandatory meeting; fukuzawa's apt] Dazai: "??? Okay, let's move..." -in the apartment- ranpo: so what's up? kirako: is everyone here? Kyouka: "Yes." Dazai: "..." Tanizaki: *looking around* *No Kunikida* naomi: mmhmm. kenji: is kuni sick? *Knock knock* kirako: *looks* *Kunikida is outside* yosano: found him! aya: *following him inside* Kunikida: "I'm sorry. I got turned around on the way here." fukuzawa: so then everyone is accounted for. mii: *mreeeeow* Dazai: "Y-Yeah...What is this about?" fukuzawa: on my walk last night, i found something rather...distressing...he was in a bad state and i was forced to bring him back with me to keep him out of harms way. Kunikida: " 'He'?" fukuzawa: *looks in the other room* it's alright, you may come out. they wont hurt you. *shivering is heard...as Mori walks in, wrapped in a blanket* yosano: what... atsushi: ....the.... odasaku: actual fuck.... ranpo: WTF?! kenji: hi! kirako: O_O Kyouka: !!!!!!!!!!! *hides behind Kirako* Kunikida: "!!!" *puts Aya behind him* "Sir, what is the meaning of this?" -he explains what happened- ranpo: he looks...almost kind of cute this way.....i feel sick. yosano: there is so much wrong with this picture. Dazai: "..." *leans forward, stares at Mori in the face* Mori: "..." atsushi: what's he doing? odasaku: ... Dazai: "..." *flicks Mori's nose* Mori: "OW! naomi: um... ._.; Dazai: "Huh...Never thought this would happen. So, what, we switch bodyguarding him?" fukuzawa: for now, until we can figure out what to do with him, we'll be keeping him here so that he doesnt endanger himself or others. Kunikida: "It's the 'others' part that concerns me. What do you propose?" fukuzawa: i will be keeping him in the back room for the time being. Dazai: "So who takes the first shift watching him--" Mori: *stares at Naomi* naomi: not it! aya: not it! yosano: i'll do it. ranpo: really? yosano: well, someone has to. Mori: *stares at Yosano* "...Oh! Long time no see, akiki!" yosano:...what the fuck? ._.' Mori: ^^ "Glad to see you. How's the medical profession treating you?" yosano: fairly well. and it seems i'll be treating you for today. Mori: "Okay. Just don't treat me like that one patient we had your last year--that guy really didn't need a spinal tap that badly..." yosano: ... -_-; this is going to be a long day, isnt it? fukuzawa: it doesnt look hopeful. atsushi: ._.; (so that's where ranpo gets his bluntness from...) Dazai: "Well, we'll leave you to it~" -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *sets a tray of food down for Leo* leo:....*small nom* Akutagawa: "...You miss him?" leo:....hard not to...im worried.... Akutagawa: "He did try to kill me and my...rival." leo: .....if you're angry with him, you can take it out on me.....i cant die anyway.... Akutagawa: "...Useful." leo: ......on an outside perspective, yes.... Akutagawa: "...Even if you cannot die, I'm not sure I could...That is a bit ambiguous whether it would violate my agreement." leo: ... Akutagawa: "..." *sits down* "...What does love feel like?" leo: eh? well....when you're able to be with that person, it feels....warm. Akutagawa: "And light?" leo:...*small smile* yes. Akutagawa: "..." *nods* "It feels peaceful." -elsewhere- Katai: *walking through the grocery...dragging his futon with him* blair: oh hello~ ^^ Katai: o\\\\w\\\\o "H-H-H-Hell-oooo?" blair: ^^ Katai: owo "...Fish." blair:...nyeh? OwO~? Katai: "I-I went f-fishing...Do you like fish?" -elsewhere- Victor: "So..." *hands out the groceries* "I think the Eighth is about ready." ivy: about fucking time. Joker: "No kidding. After all this, I don't know whose liver was going to hold out longer, mine's or Red's." -elsewhere- Takehisa: *packing the Matchbox* shinra: ..... Akitaru: "...Hey." shinra: !! *salutes* sir! Akitaru: *small laugh, salutes back* "At ease, soldier. Just wanted to see whether you're up for this." shinra: of course! i mean, i-i have to be, right? Akitaru: *smiles* "Right!" *pats his back* "...We'll bring him back." -elsewhere- Hibana: *opening a box* gabriella: a gift for iris? Hibana: *nods* "I thought it was time..." gabriella: *peek* oh! Hibana: "You think she'll accept it?" gabriella: im certain. -elsewhere- Master: *sets down a glass of water--then notices a ripple in it* "???" miranda: looks like another one. Master: "Weird. We had them months ago--and now they're back?" -elsewhere- naomi: ._.; Tanizaki: *facepalm* naomi: why is he clinging to me? .____.;;; Mori: =w= Tanizaki: "..." *removes a switchblade* naomi: um.... *poke poke* Mori: "I feel at peace...You're very kind, ma'am." naomi:...um....thanks? *blinks* Mori: *rests his head on her lap* "You're like a mommy..." Tanizaki: *biting his lips, taking out another switchblade* naomi: .______. *sweats and screams on the inside* -elsewhere- -rumble rumble- Kyouka: *hiding under a table* O~O atsushi: everyone ok? kirako: y-yeah. *rubs her stomach* Dazai: "..." *looks out the window* "...No obvious damage. Just some car alarms..." aya: that's good... Kunikida: "..." *re-sets the table* -elsewhere- Kid: "..." *shivers* stocking: *pats his back* Kid: "N-Not again..." stocking: shhhhh, im here, kid... Kid: *shivers, slight whimper* stocking: *holding him to her chest and strokes his head* Kid: *closes his eyes, trying to steady his breath...* stocking: *humming* Kid: *calms down, starting to sleep* -elsewhere- Katai: owo;;;; "...You okay?" blair: nyeah. just a bit startled is all. ^^ Katai: "Th-That's good..." *he had leapt into her arms* blair: hehe, cozy? *slight squish* Katai: o\\\\w\\\\o "...Incredibly so?" -elsewhere- Poe: *under a pile of books that fell from the shelves* ._.; lana: *helping him up* edgar, are you ok? Poe: *nod nod* "I-I know I like to put my head into a book, but this is ridiculous." ^^; lana:.......*chuckles* Poe: "..." *forehead smooch* lana: ^///////^ -elsewhere- Chuuya: *using his gravity powers to hold items up before they hit the floor...the amount he is holding up is stressing out his body* .______.;;;; "I-Is that everything?" kouyou: *she nods* Chuuya: "..." *lowers the items...then falls back onto the floor with a sigh* "Phew..." -elsewhere- Izuku: "Wow! Are you okay, sir?" gran torino: bwahaha! mother nature cant keep me down! Izuku: o_o; "I suppose not..." *picks up items that fell in the kitchen--including boxes of candy* "...You sure like sweets, sir..." -elsewhere- Bystander: "Isn't that that cat-girl who lost in the Sports Festival?" tamaki: *keeping a straight face, altough she was a bit hurt* nozomi: try not to mind them that much, miss tamaki. ^^; Bystander #2: "I think she lost more than the match--you see her pants fly off?" tamaki: *HISSSSSSSSSSSS* Bystander #2: *falls back* "Oh shit!" -elsewhere- Yohei: "Damn...It cracked the roof." mana: showtaro? you got the supplies? Shotaro: *lifts them up with Bone of the Ox* "Got 'em!" mana: ok! let's do this then. -elsewhere- Victor: *carefully crawls back into the Eighth through the open window* komori: *staaaaaare* Victor: O________O;;;; "...Um...Howdy!" komori: [sneaking out again?] Victor: ^^;;; "Oh, you know--my family is up at weird hours, have to get there when I can. And I don't want the Commander to dock me for personal days or sicks days--I'm saving those up to go to a comic convention next month." *nervous laugh* komori:......*eye glints at him* Victor: O______O;;; *runs--into the wall* -elsewhere- Spirit: "...You okay?" sachiko: yeah...just uneasy.... Spirit: "Something at work?" sachiko:...*sigh* if what that girl said is true, that zoey actually did that to her.....do i get the authorities involved? if i do that, they'll question her, and it might just stress her out more than she already is... Spirit: "Wait, Zoey? ...What girl? She knows something about your coworker who went craz-- ...Who..." -she explains the situation- Spirit: "...Have you talked to this girl?" sachiko: not yet. but please dont tell anyone i told you this, i could get in some real shit for telling you this... Spirit: *zips his lips* "Got it. Not even if Lord Death asked me." sachiko: *smiles* thanks, spirit. *hugs* Spirit: *pats her back, hugs her* -elsewhere- Kunikida: *looks outside* "...Where the devil is he? Why would he leave home? Did he get shot...again?" -knocks- Kunikida: "???" *looks through the peephole* -it's katai!- Kunikida: "!!!" *throws open the door* "Where were you?! I was worried sick..." Katai: .\\\. aya: uncle katai? Katai: "...Hi. I, um...Earthquake." -elsewhere- Karim: *drenched* -_-# pearl: *giving him a towel* ruby: when's dia gonna get back? -elsewhere- dia: ..... Fyodor: *smiles* dia: ....<i held up my end, you hold up yours...> Fyodor: <How shall I begin?> dia: ... Fyodor: <Maybe tell you where she went?> dia: <where is she?> Fyodor: *smiles* <I can't write it out. You'll need a map...> dia: ... Fyodor: <Do you have one? I can dictate the directions to you...> -elsewhere- leo: ... Akutagawa: *nudges Naoya* "Talk to her." naoya: hey there. leo: ...*nod* naoya: *hands her a beer can* thirsty? leo:....im good.... naoya: well, i had a talk with kouyou about finding you some work. leo: ............... Akutagawa: "You may like it. Just listen." naoya: kouyou said she'd offer you a position as a courtesan. she said she'd hate to let you rot away in this dingy-ass cell. 'sides, we let the other two nimrods out, why not let you out too? leo: ........ it wouldnt.....be the first time i was in such a position...... naoya:...... ._.; *feeling like an ass* did you want to talk to her personally? Akutagawa: "...That might be a good idea." leo:.....perhaps...... Akutagawa: "...When would you like? It could be later." leo:....it doesnt really matter when.... -elsewhere- Ivan: *shivers* -silence.... deafening silence....- Ivan: "...Am I going to die like this, Master?" fyo-dolly: ..... Ivan: "..." *strokes the puppet* <I suppose...if it is for you...> -elsewhere- Shinoda: o_o;;; "...What are you doing?" mana: fixing the roof, what does it look like? Shinoda: "But Nea said she likes it like this..." chie: it's going to cause a leak! D8< nea: *pouts* fiiine... Shinoda: ^^; "I'll treat you to ice cream..." -elsewhere- Rin: "Was class that bad?" madoka: i-im alive. QuQ *shaking* sayaka: TTwTT kilik:... *pat pat* sayaka: thank you TTATT Rin: "Jeez..." *hugs Madoka* "That bad, huh?" -elsewhere- Yumi: *cradling Shiori* shiori: zzzzz lord death: *small smile* kirika: ... Yumi: *sets Shiori down into her bed* kirika: ...cute. Yumi: "??? Kirika?" kirika: w-what? lord death: *hug* kirika: !!... 7///7; Yumi: *pat pat* -elsewhere- Magaki: "..." *grimace* -...- Magaki: <The blood is so awful...I never wanted to drink it...> *sets it down* <...No, relax. I got it from the butcher's shop.> -...- Magaki: "..." <What exactly can _you_ do, anyway? Aside from sword-stuff...> -elsewhere- Sakuya: *sitting at the kitchen table, looking at the night sky* soul: cant sleep? Sakuya: "No...Not a new problem." soul: ah.....need something to drink? Sakuya: "...Yep." soul: milk? Sakuya: *nods* "...Maybe cookies?" -elsewhere- Chuuya: "..." sonia: zzzz Chuuya: "..." *tucks her in* sonia: *holding her teddy* Chuuya: *soft sigh* ("Surprised she likes that thing...") sonia: zzzz Chuuya: *small forehead kiss* sonia: =w= Chuuya: *smiles, before he stands up and heads to the door* -elsewhere- Dazai: "..." *turns over* kirako: zzzz Dazai: "..." *protective hug* kirako: =///= Dazai: "..." *small cuddle* -elsewhere- fukuzawa: .... Mori: "Zzzz..." ranpo: zzzz fukuzawa: ....*reading* Mori: *turns over* "E-Elise..." fukuzawa: .... Mori: *whimpers* fukuzawa:....*awkward shoulder pat* Mori: TT~TT -elsewhere- Jonah: *giggles, re-designing a Hood's face* hood: OwO guruna: *spinning in a swivel chair* kurururu~ Jonah: "I think you'll enjoy it. It'll be great for infiltration..." -elsewhere- Burns: "Why are you still awake?" dia: sorry sir, busy day.... Burns: "Hmm." *offers a mug* "Have a seat." dia: *sitting down* ... *her hands are a bit shaky* Burns: "...Okay. What's eating at you?" dia:....*sigh* just....this dostoevsky incident... Burns: "??? What about it?" dia: b...bad memories.... -she explains what happened, but leaves out the part about barkova- Burns: "...I had my suspicions you knew him." dia:....i thought....coming here would keep me away from that terrible place.....he's in my head.... Burns: "Only if you let him." dia: ....im sorry, sir. Burns: "Don't apologize. This is a rough spot that you'll get through." dia:...u-understood. Burns: "..." *pats her shoulder* "You're tough. I know you won't let some lunatic get to you." dia:... *she nods* .... -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "Zzz..." Gin: *sets the blanket down, tucks him in* Akutagawa: *breathes more easily* -elsewhere- leo: ...... *A door down the hall sounds like it opens* leo: ?? ???: "...Sleeping?" leo: .....who is this? Kouyou: *approaches* "Someone who has been wanting to speak with you." leo:...oh. Kouyou: "Disappointed?" leo: n-no, just....i dont know about this....i dont want to betray the rats... Kouyou: "And how would this be betrayal?" leo: if your suggestion is for me to work for you.... Kouyou: "Yes, it is. And I think you would do well..." *studies Leo's face* leo: *there is a solemn look on her face, her eyes dull and tired, weary of the world* Kouyou: "...What do you want?" leo: ....an escape from this ability of mine....i want to be able to die....but i cant... Kouyou: "...I'm sorry. I don't know what you have gone through..." leo: .......*silently stares at the wall, tears falling, but her expression doesnt change* Kouyou: "..." *unlocks the door* leo: .... Kouyou: *enters...sits beside her* leo:......?? Kouyou: "..." *pats her hand* leo:.....*shaking a bit* Kouyou: "It's okay...Cry as much as you need to." leo: ........ Kouyou: *pats her back* leo: .... Kouyou: "...Do you like tea?" leo:.... *nod* Kouyou: "Then let's get you some tea." *presses a button on her smartphone* -elsewhere- Katai: =w= "Zzz..." blair: *in cat form, sleeping on his lap* Katai: *turns slightly...looks up* "...??? ..." *pets Blair* -elsewhere- Yukio: *wide awake* "..." momo sakura: *yawn* yuki? Yukio: *sits up* "Momo?" *puts on his glasses* "Can't sleep?" momo sakura: *nod nod* Yukio: "...Want to talk?" -elsewhere- shinra:..... *It's dark...There is hardly any light...* shinra: oh.... this place again... *There is fire, but little, no warmth...A skull is at Shinra's feet* shinra: WARG! *falls over* ???: mr kusakabe? shinra: *blinks* oh, hey mikami. mikami: *awkward wave* shinra: ok, so we're lucid dreaming right now or something? mikami: i think so. shinra: ok. so how about we check this place out and see what we find? mikami: *nods* -the two are walking along, looking for any other potential people- *A pedestal can be seen* mikami: what do you think it is? shinra: not sure... helloooooo? anyone here? *The room grows bright* shinra: *he sees someone* ?? ...... !!! *Someone in a cloak, with odd tips poking from the top appears...Someone stands before them* shinra: s-sho? sho! Sho: *looks up* "...You again." shinra: *reaching for him* grab on! Sho: *stares...holds his sword* -whud- shinra: *lying on the floor* ....ow.... -elsewhere- Sho: *eyes snap open* dahlia: shall we proceed? Sho: "..." *takes up his sword* "I am ready." -elsewhere- Hibana: "?! What's wrong?" mikami: s-sorry, i just had a nightmare. ^^; ryuuko: are you bruised? mikami: i-i dont think so...*brushing her bangs out....showing her blind eye...* Hibana: "...Well, I hope sleep is better. Need something?" -elsewhere- Yumi: "Shh...It's okay..." kirika: *peeks into kid's room* ?? Kid: *holding his head* kirika: is he ok? lord death: *pats his back* shhh... Kid: *whimpering* *his skin is burning up* lord death: ellen, call for stein. ellen: right away, sir. Kid: *closing his eyes, getting faint* -elsewhere- Chuuya: "Zzz..." mito: zzzz Chuuya: *yawns...pets Mito* mito: =w= Chuuya: *sighs...looks at the clock* -4 AM- Chuuya: *groans* "Still early..." mito: *streeeetch* Chuuya: "..." *pets along Mito's stretching* mito: =w= Chuuya: *picks up a cat toy, wiggles it* mito: *batting at it* Chuuya: *smiles, moving it up and down to get Mito to leap onto the bed* mito: *leaps* *mreeew* ^w^ Karim: "..." pearl: *doing round and bumps into someone* ah! sorry about that sir- Onyango: "Excuse you." pearl: *ahem* may we help you? dia: ... !! ah, commander onyango! it's been a while. Onyango: "...Dia? Child. You're older now." dia: yes. pearl: s-she's actually a company commander now after rekk- *tenses* f-father hoshimiya's passing... Onyango: "...And that is why I am here, child." *turns back to Dia, ignoring Pearl* "Where is the Commander?" dia: he should be in his office. Onyango: "Still the same place, or has the building been re-built, too?" -elsewhere- *Someone stumbling, bleeding from their stomach* ???: "H-Help..." 'eyebrows': oh! oh goodness! tao: commander! we got someone hurt! Huang: *walking into the alley* "Symptoms? Condition?" tao: they've been cut open! Huang: "Gloves." granny: *handing her the gloves and medkit* Huang: *puts on the gloves, takes out clothes* "Wipe the blood. Sterilize the wound." 'eyebrows': understood! ritsu: y-yes! Huang: *takes out needle and thread...she charges a flame along the needle* -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: ._. *sits up* "Did you feel that?" fang-hua: mmmn? Tsukiyo: "The ground just shook..." fang-hua: so they're starting up again? Tsukiyo: "What is causing them? I don't know where the fault lines are..." -early morning- shinra: so then the nether... Victor: "Yep! This is a 'wear dark pants' kind of a mission..." tamaki: TMI! iris: will you really be ok with going, relan? Relan: "I-I've been improving my combat skills--I think? I mean, if Victor, Nozomi, and Vulcan are going, I should be able to, too, right?" ^^;;;;; "..." shinra: *smiles* i believe in you rel! nozomi: *nervous* karin: *she has on a backpack with something in it* dont worry, kiddo. we got you covered! Vulcan: *twirling the keys* "We're all packed. I'll take care of driving us there." -and so- shinra: it's pretty overgrown... tamaki: the snow just makes it creepier! >~< shinra: try not to lose your pants, ok? tamaki: GET BENT! Akitaru: "Hey, settle down! Just be happy the city let us go in here. After what happened with the last venture people made underground...and the one before that..." tamaki:.... Q_Q;;; Takehisa: "...Sir, are you nervous?" Akitaru: "Why would you say that?" *his knees are knocking into each other as he shakes just below the waist* komori: [i will stay by the matchbox] maki: ._.; Vulcan: "I wouldn't worry too much, guys. I did water clean-up work here all the time...Hey, Sister? You got a prayer before we go in?" iris: y-yes! *praying* i ask for the infinite dawn, give light to the impure souls. ratomu. *CREEK* *the doors are opening* tamaki: MREOW! karin: huh. Arthur: "Magic door--MAGIC DOOR!" Akitaru: "Sister, stay back..." iris: *backs up and looks at her hands, stunned* Arthur: "She's a witch--burn her!" -PUNCH- Relan: -_-# maki: *fist steaming* Arthur: X~X Vulcan: "Um, guys?" *he's by a power station* "The electricity still works here. Even the door-opening mechanism is still operational--" shinra: are you trying to give us a collective heart attack?! Vulcan: "What? We're all fine, right?" Akitaru: *facing the open doors* "..." shinra:....*gulps* tamaki: ._.;;;; creepy.... -and so they enter- karin: *turns her headlights on* nozomi: *gulp* is everyone alright? tamaki: Q_Q Arthur: "I don't know what the big deal is." Vulcan: "Yeah. Looks the same as before. Oh, hey, look!" *points* "My tag [graffiti] is still here!" nozomi: ^^; maki: pusupusu, can you give us some extra light? pusupusu: pususu~ 💗 Takehisa: "??? What's this Mickey Mouse looking symbol?" *pushes the dust aside--and there is a skeleton on the ground* "..." tamaki: *SCREAM* iris: !!! Relan: "!!! Eeeek!" shinra: ._.;;; *Groaning is heard* Akitaru: "Calm down! We don't need any of you groaning!" shinra: 0_______0;;;; Takehisa: "...Sir. That wasn't us..." Akitaru: "...Then who was it?" karin: *looks in the direction of the sound* what the? iris: !!!! ???: "Leave...Iris..." iris: SISTER! shinra: hiban- (no...something isnt right here....) "Hibana": *reaching out a hand* "Save...me!" iris: *running towards her* shinra: !!! WAIT IRIS- -a thick mist appears- misora: EEP! tamaki: WHAT THE FUCK shinra: shit! "Hibana": "..." *her smile warps into a gaping mouth, opening wide, as her hand grabs Iris's wrist--and digs nails into her skin* iris: *SCREAMS* tamaki: GET OFF HER! shinra: IRIS!! RELAN! GUYS! Relan: "I can't see! Where are you--AAAAH!" -the fog disperses...- Takehisa: *collapsed on his back, unconscious* -elsewhere- tamaki: *cough cough* iris! relan! you two ok? Relan: *whimpering* iris: i-i think so..relan! are you ok?? Relan: "Th-They already separated us..." tamaki:...ok, just breathe, you're gonna be fine. i'll look after you two....*spots someone* ....w-what the....? iris: is that....another sister? amber?: ....... *standing still, her back facing them* tamaki: a-amber? amber?! amber?:..................................... Relan: "...After what we just saw..." tamaki: amber, it's me tama- *turns her around* -'amber's' face is badly decayed- tamaki: *screams and stumbles back, hitting a fake wall and falling into the darkness, screaming* iris: !!! TAMAKI! Relan: "!!!" *looks at 'Amber'* iris: !!! *A large man, carrying the demeanor of a priest, approaches* iris: *tense* Assault: "...I do not enjoy the prospect of killing children. But if you are in the way of our Preacher, then Assault will kill you." -elsewhere- maki: ugh.... *winces* c-crap... -she's alone in what seems to be an old railway- maki: *whimper* this sucks....but at least it cant get any 'better' right?! QuQ;; ???: it's only some stray child. maki: O-O;;;; *turns and looks* *Numerous White Hoods surround her* maki: awwww biscuits. Flail: "Heh. 'Child'? It's just a woman trembling in the dark..." maki: how cute, im gonna deck you in the shnozz now ^^ white hood: she's gonna what us in the what now? -SLAM- hood: @_@ maki: *demon eyes* -several hood run in terror- Flail: "She is just a puny little girly woman! We can take her, men! GET BACK HERE AND STOP RUNNING LIKE PUSSIES! THIS IS A PERFECTLY GOOD CAUSE TO DIE FOR!" maki: i think your big nose just scared them. -iron owls go- Flail: "MY NOSE IS NOT BIG--" "Disc": "Shut up, sir." *firing flaming disks at Maki* maki: *finger guns and fires them back at them* nah. Bee: O_O;; "I TOLD YOU DISCS WAS A DUMB THEME, FRIZ!" *struggling to duck--and gets his hood shaved off by a disc* Friz: "SHUT UP, BEE!" *gets a disc-shaving up his back* "AAAH!" Flail: *facepalm* "I thought we'd be more effective than this..." maki: ^u^ Flail: "..." *throws off his cloak* maki: aww, does big nose wanna pway? *Flail stands, bare-chested, hairy, with a chain in his hands* Flail: "I'll crush you, tiny girly woman!" maki: *urk* oh god, my eyes burn! hood 4: *runs to vomit* Flail: *summons a fireball along the chain* "ENOUGH WITH THE DUMB JOKES!" maki: alright... come at me, bro. *The fireball grows spikes to become a mace* Flail: "In the name of the Preacher, I bless you with DEATH!" maki: *DODGING* *The mace smashes the ground, walls--and some Hoods* Bee: O_o; "I HATE THIS JOB--" *SQUISHED* hood 5: OW! *he's naked now* FUCK THIS LUCKY LEWD CURSE! TT~TT Flail: "Don't let a little nudity stop you, boys!" *BANG BANG BANG* -IRON OWL PUNCH- Flail: *his face is squished by the sides* maki *PUNCHES HIM IN THE GUT* Flail: "..." *laughs, coughing up blood* "HA! No matter how muscular you are, at the end of this, you are still just a woman!" maki: *glares and chops him into the dirt* yes. a woman who just wrecked your shit. Flail: "BUT I'M STILL STANDING--" -BWAM- Flail: X~X "..." *Meteor Strike then falls onto his lower body, smashing his balls* x.x -elsewhere- Vulcan: "It's like biology, really. People come together, people depart--" Akitaru: -_-# "Don't turn this into science talk." Vulcan: "We get separated, we return. Just like how we'll find Lisa, right, sir?" Akitaru: *sighs* "If we just stand here, we're not going to find anyone--" ???: !!!!! Akitaru: "...Oh, you got to be kidding me--" -SMACK- Akitaru: *knocked down across the floor, into the wall* Giovanni: "Kukuku..." Vulcan: "..." *smiles* "Lisa." lisa: ......... Vulcan: "Got to say, you're looking great. That outfit suits you." lisa: .....*shaking* Vulcan: *trying to hold onto his friendly smile, even as his eyes are wet* lisa: why did you come here, vulcan? Vulcan: "...That's a silly question. To bring you home." lisa:.....*her eyes look dull* Giovanni: "WhaT'S WRonG, Feeler?" lisa: *eyes wide in horror* {Giovanni: "...A stray."} {lisa: *staring up at him*} lisa: *shaking* Giovanni: "I taught you: to control flames, to control humans...to control hIM. I GOt him to adOPT YOU. MAYBe i neeD TO REMind you of yoUR LESSON..." lisa: *trembling* ah- Vulcan: "!!! Get away from her!" Vulcan: *rushes at Giovanni* lisa: *shooting firey tentacles out at them* feeler....i am feeler.....right? Giovanni: "Yes--" Vulcan: "No!" *VULCAN PUNCH--" Giovanni: *catches Vulcan's fist--with a robotic hand* Vulcan: "...What the f--" *tossed* lisa: .... Vulcan: *lying on his back, coughing* Giovanni: "I have his key, I know the rest from his family. Feeler, cremate him." lisa: *attacking* Vulcan: "!!!" *a small ball rolls in between Lisa and Vulcan* lisa: ?? -elsewhere- tamaki: *winces as she gets up* ah....*slams her fist to the floor, yelling* FUCK! FUCKING! DAMMIT! *she's crying* *whimpering* i hate this...i cant do anything...i couldnt keep them safe....am i just...that useless? ???: kurukurukurururu~ tamaki: ?! *looks up* guruna: oh my my~ what have we here~? a lost little kitty? Tamaki: "Nyah?" guruna: kururu~ how cute. what's your name, little kitten? Tamaki: "..." *steps back, assuming a defensive pose, summoning a flame tail* "Back off!" guruna: aw, does kitty want to play a game? kururu~ very well~ *sends a fire tornado at her* Tamaki: "!!!" *pushes with fire-tail and kitten fire paws, trying to get out of the path--* guruna: hmm, your movements are all sloppy-sloppy. it's because you're upset, riiiight~? *Tamaki's tail gets caught in the fire tornado* Tamaki: O_____O "OH SHIT--" BLAM- Tamaki: *face-first into the wall* "..." guruna: kurururu~ aww, did kitty get all hurtsy? you're upset, riiiight~? i think i know whyyyyy~ because you're a child of misfortune... Tamaki: "..." *pulls her face off the wall...she's bleeding...and it's mixed with her tears* "..." guruna: i can understaaaand~ im a child of misfortune as well. when i was just a little girl, my mommy and daddy didnt want me anymore, so one day, they threw me out of the car over a bridge and drove away. i waited for days for them to come back, but they never came back. Y_Y Tamaki: "...Oh my..." *tries to stand up* guruna: one day, the hoods found me. i was so mad and sad that the world had been so mean to me. i wanted to make them hurt. i wanted them to hurt for how they treated me. *crawls over to her* you're mad too, arent you? because the world treats you like a joke *rubs a hand up her stomach and smiles* it's ok, tammykins, we can just...burn this awful world together <3 Tamaki: "...Okay, stop touching me right the fuck now." guruna: kuru? Tamaki: "I'm sorry...about what you went through. That's not fair. But you taking it out on a world, where there are many innocent people is not the answer!" guruna: oh? Tamaki: "So, we can either talk this out..." *Tamaki's tail returns--along with two...three...six...* guruna: kuru? O_o;;;;; Tamaki: *growls...as fire extends along her back, over her head, forming tiger teeth* guruna: OwO;; Tamaki: *roars, as she rushes on all fours with nine-tails coming off of her* guruna: *sending fire tornados at her* Tamaki: *tail whip #1* guruna: *slammed into a wall, revealing a staircase up to the upper levels* Tamaki: "..." *lowers her fangs, smiles* "Lucky." -in the upper levels- iris: *hiding with relan in a room* *looking around* hmm.... Relan: *trying to steady his breath* iris:...*touches her cheek* (if this was long ago, i couldnt even move....but im not the same person anymore. right now, relan needs me. and we need to get out of here.) *spots a fire extinguisher and crowbar*.... *idea* relan? i have a plan. Relan: "Wh-What?" iris: *smiles* think you can handle a crowbar? -outside- Assault: *marching through* "My Lord commands I follow through." -one door opens and iris steps out, holding the extinguisher- Assault: *pulls back his fist* "I'm sorry..." iris:....... Relan: *pulls back with the crowbar* "..." *brings it down--* Assault: *catches* Relan: "!!!" iris: !!!! *sprays him down* Assault: *just stands there, before he tosses Relan back* Relan: "UMPH!" iris: !!! relan! Assault: *grabs Iris by the neck* iris: *grk-* Assault: *summons a fire bullet* "I am sorry. But this is ho--" *CRACK* iris: *falls* *cough* ah! Assault: *his left arm is bruised...but his right arm is still holding a fire bullet* "..." *turns back* Relan: Q~Q *still holding the crowbar* "...G-Get away!" *swings it* Assault: *dodges* "I guess I should have killed you first." *kicks Relan back* Relan: *falls back, still holding the crowbar* iris: *throws the extinguisher at assault's head* Assault: "..." *lifts his foot--and slams it onto Relan's chest* Relan: *screams* iris: get AWAY FROM HIM! *tackles him* Assault: "!!!" *collapses to his knees* "You little welp!" *grabs Iris by her hair* iris: *bites down on his arm* Assault: "AH!" *pulls harder on Iris's hair--tearing some out* iris: *winces, bleeding a bit* Assault: *pulls back his fist--* ???: ururuRURURURUUUUUUU -GURUNA GETS SLAMMED RIGHT INTO HIM, sending them both into the wall- guruna: @u@ uwaaaa, now im really dizzy~ iris: !!... *looks* tamaki!! you're alright! Assault: *his head is smashed into the wall...there is blood* Relan: *turns over, sitting up* tamaki: *panting* you two ok? Relan: *coughing blood* iris: !!! relan! *runs over to him* are you ok??!! Relan: *crying...but smiling* "I'm just...glad you're okay." iris: *hugs him* Relan: *pat pat* tamaki:....come on, we need to find the others....... *Assault is standing over them again...* Relan: "!!!" *takes the crowbar--leaps, and slams it through his teeth* Assault: "GAAAH!" *falls back* Relan: Q______Q "..." guruna: *squished* KU- tamaki:....lets go.... guruna: kuruuu... love hurts... TTuTT -elsewhere- Takehisa: "..." arrow:.... *aiming at him and shooting* .... -elsewhere- shinra: guys? *shaking* where are you?! ???: "I'm over here!" shinra: victor, you ok? nozomi: w-we're fine. karin: just glad to be alive. Victor: "I-I had someone trying to hold a sword at me..." Q_Q karin: but i scared them off, nyoho~ ^^ nozomi: dr itou... ^^; Victor: "Shinra...This is why I said this was a dark-pants day...Have you found your brother?" shinra:...no, not yet. but he's close. big brother instincts. karin:.... ?? are those...gunshots? -elsewhere- arrow: ..... Takehisa: ("It's almost pitch-black--yet their aim is incredible. And I haven't landed a single hit.") -BANG- Takehisa: ("I'm a sitting target...") *spots the abandoned subway car* ("Need cover.") -a light shines through the car- arrow:.... Takehisa: "!!!" *falls back--* -FWOOOOOOOOM- Takehisa: *he has landed back on the floor--and the blast blew away his glasses* arrow: i dont allow...for my prey to escape.... *fires again* Takehisa: *barely dodges, the fire arrow just skimming along his leg* "...Sorry. That 'prey' belongs to us." arrow: this world is always changing.... human feelings are...unneeded.... we will obtain the adora burst....both kusakabe, and kurai's... Takehisa: ("With this fog, and without my glasses, it is difficult...") "Hmm...No feelings? I suppose that makes it easier to organize the world...But it won't convince Shinra or Mikami to join you." toujou?: then why are you fighting? Takehisa: "..." *smiles* "That's hardly going to provoke me, 'Toujou.' Your face just makes me calm." *lowers his duffle, opening and removing pieces* mirage: what is he doing? Jonah: "Are those...shotguns?" -BLAM- mirage: O-O;; Takehisa: *holding a smoking shotgun* "..." mirage: noisy...and that shockwave... -elsewhere- seraphim: ah....so _they_ are here as well, lord sho? Sho: *closes his eyes* "...Yes. I sense them." seraphim: shall i greet them? Sho: "...Leave Kusakabe to me." -elsewhere- arrow: *aiming, even though she is wounded* *BOOM* arrow:..... Takehisa: *trying to steady himself* ("At this rate...I'm going to pass out...") “…” ("In this world, it is spectacular deaths that command attention...Flame combustion...Superheroes...Meisters...I always knew my death could come at any point...I am always prepared to die...") "..." *looks at the 8 on his sleeve* "...Damn it. If I left it to Obi, who would care for our subordinates?" *takes up one last rifle* arrow: *shoots* Takehisa: ("And I...will use my opponent's flame to increase my own...") *His bullet moves faster by sapping the fire from Arrow's arrow* -BOOOOOOOOOM- arrow: *knocked back, screaming* Takehisa: "..." *falls, slumps back against the column* "Now stay down..." mirage: .... Takehisa: "...Two more, huh? Hiding, like cowards." mirage: *holding a knife* Takehisa: "..." *his hand passes along to a stray bullet...which he flicks, sending at a rapid speed* mirage: *doesnt even flinch* -BOOM- Takehisa: "...Illusion." mirage: now die... Takehisa: "..." *smiles* mirage: ?? *Something appears on top of the debris* Jonah: "??? Is that a turnip?" *The debris is knocked aside--as someone emerges* Arthur: "Born from the Earth, I still descend from the Heavens as the Shining Knight!" mirage:....what? Arthur: "The Holy Paladin? That guy that was captured by Hoods? ...Come on! I was missing for a long time!" mirage: .... screw it, im just killing him. -mist appears- Takehisa: "Don't screw this up, Boyle!" -several figures appear, one attacking- Arthur: "...One trick. That's dumb." *doesn't move* -fwsh- mirage: oh? Arthur: "I only move when I feel the weight of body and murderous intent upon me. That is what Konro that and sour commander taught me." -they all attack- Arthur: *doesn't move, closes his eyes* mirage: *lunges, grinning* Arthur: *eyes break open* ("The breath of life--") *removes Excalibur, slices with his blade* -mirage is gone...- Takehisa: OAO;;; Arthur: "..." Takehisa: "WHY THE HELL ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!" Arthur: "I sense the breath of life--" *SMACK* Arthur: *collapsed on the floor* mirage: *slumps over* Takehisa: "What kind of an idiot just swings his sword wildly--..." *looks behind* "...Oh. He _was_ there?" Arthur: *bleeding on the floor* "He was going to stab you in the behind. That's craven." -elsewhere- lisa: .... Akitaru: *struggling to speak, but his mouth is covered* Vulcan: *coughing* lisa: .... Vulcan: "Lisa! I said I would bring you home!" lisa:...you shouldnt...have come here... Giovanni: "Kukuku...Those who cannot possess flame abilities are not deserving of life...'Lisa' awakened her ability. You remember that day, yes, Feeler?" lisa: ...my parents perished....i was left alone....the bug.....awoke those flames in me.... Vulcan: "He's lying to you!" Akitaru: *reaching for an orb* "He's...taking advantage of your fears..." *grabs the orbs--and extinguishes her flames* lisa: *backs up* they protect me.... Vulcan: "From what?" lisa: from the flames...from the fears.... Akitaru: "...I don't know anyone who isn't afraid of flames, kid. Even firefighters..." lisa: ... Giovanni: "Tell me...Do you know what attracts insects to flames?" Akitaru: "...I mean, I guess I've wondered--" *Giovanni's cloak blows back--revealing a monstrous mouth emerging out of his chest* Giovanni-Chest-Mouth: "I'M NOT TELLING YOU!" Vulcan: o_o; *The cloak descends--and a small "burp" comes out from under it* Giovanni: "And now, it is time for you to die ignorant of this world--which, really, is not much different than how you were born into it..." Akitaru: "Okay, enough of this..." *takes up a fire extinguisher, blasting Lisa's flames* lisa: why are you doing this? they protect me....from the fear....the sadness.... Akitaru: "If you have to bury yourself in them...are they really protecting you, or are they imprisoning you? Why do you look so insecure?" lisa: *attacks* shut up! Giovanni: "Bringing a fire extinguisher to a battlefield...Fool." Akitaru: "..." *picks up a bigger fire extinguisher* "You know that our role is to protect humans from fire...and as long as I'm alive, that's what I'll do!" Giovanni: "...Kill him." lisa: ... -BLAM- *Akitaru is held back against the wall by Lisa's flame* lisa: protecting lives...yet throwing yours away.... Akitaru: *cough* "Appearances...can be deceiving. I'm not throwing away my life. I'm saving yours..." *a trigger slides out of his sleeve* lisa: ??!! -BOOOOOOOOOM- Giovanni: "!!! When did Obi attach those extinguishing grenades...When she attacked each time?! Feeler...you fool." lisa: *falling* !!!!! (mom....dad....i dont...want to-) *Giovanni stands back, not coming to her rescue...* lisa: *tears falling* *CAUGHT* lisa: !!?? *looks* *Vulcan has caught her* Vulcan: "..." *smiles* lisa: v-.... *tears falling as she cries, holding him tightly* Vulcan: "..." *hug* "It's okay...Even without flames, there are those of us who will protect you." lisa: *hic* *trembling* ???: "You'rE MAKIng a misTAKE..." lisa: ......s....stop it..... 'he gave you a place to live when you had nothing' SHUT UP! GET OUT OF MY FUCKING BRAIN!! Giovanni: "FeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEELer...Who saved you? Who brought you to Vulcan? I. Have you forgotten your debt? RETURN." 'feeler': do as he says. lisa: JUST SHUT UP!! *banging her head* SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY!! Vulcan: "!!! Lisa!" *grabs her by her shoulders* lisa: she wont leave....she wont leave my head.... 'you're in _my_ head' SHUT UP! Vulcan: *holds her, hugs her* "I'm sorry..." *Vulcan feels something along Lisa's back* Vulcan: "???" *pulls back, looks--* *There is a rope around Lisa's waist* lisa: *yoinked* AH! Giovanni: *ropes Lisa in, holding her by the waist...the rope is around her neck now* Vulcan: "Lisa!" lisa: *choking* Giovanni: "If either of you move, then my heated rope will decapitate her." *A robo-arm appears from Giovanni's cloak...it tosses something to Vulcan: a handgun* Vulcan: *catching the gun* Giovanni: "If you value her life, do as I say: take that gun...and kill Obi." Akitaru: !!! Vulcan: "...You monster!" Giovanni: "Oh, Feeler...Finally, your life will be worth something." lisa: please...dont do it vul....just let me die... Vulcan: "..." *shaking* Akitaru: "Vulcan...Son...You're going to have to..." *opens his arms* Vulcan: *aims* "...I'm sorry." Akitaru: "Don't be." Giovanni: "Hurry..." *tightens his grip on Lisa* -bang- -akitaru collapses- lisa: !!! Vulcan: *shaking...* Giovanni: "..." *lets go of Lisa* "Amazing...Didn't think of a dog of the brigades had it in him." lisa: *cough cough* vul...y-you shouldnt have- Vulcan: "..." *falls to his knees* Giovanni: "Kukuku...This is such a glorious--" Akitaru: *raises* *intense stare* Giovanni: "!!!" Akitaru: "i KNEW YOU WOULD DO IT, VULCAN--BUT THAT STILL REALLY HURT!" lisa: ??!! w-wha- Giovanni: "WHAT THE F--" Akitaru: *grabs the nearby railroad tracks--and lifts them on his own, knocking down Giovanni* "YOINK!" Giovanni: "UMPH!" *falls back* lisa: but...h-how did he- Akitaru: *thumbs his nose, smiles* "Trade secret of the Brigade, I'm afraid--" Vulcan: *wiping his eyes, small laugh* "I added bullet-proof lining to all of the Eighth's coats!" Akitaru: … Vulcan: "..." ^^;; "Oh. Sorry! Y-You wanted to be a secret, right?" lisa: did you name it 'the turtle shell'? Vulcan: "..." *turns to look at Lisa* "...Oh my God, I love you." lisa:... .//////. Akitaru: "...Um, not to ruin this moment, but...What the hell is that chicken thing?" *Giovanni stands...without his coat...as just a head with legs* lisa: ....what the actual hell. Giovanni: "..." Vulcan: o_o;;; "...Dad used to tell me stories about these kinds of things, but goddamn." Akitaru: "Dude, do you even lift?" Giovanni: "You saccharine fools...Trusting in each other to risk your own lives..." *the legs widen--as the body re-assembles itself--with a ton of guns, missiles, knives, and a spoon* lisa: vul....kick his ass. Vulcan: "...You got it, babe. Initiate: Penguincete!" lisa:... =///=; *Armor assembles over Vulcan's head--producing a rock penguin helmet with fire engines off the temples that blast Vulcan forward* Vulcan: "Let's do a strength test!" Giovanni: "Your silly headgear is no match for my ingenuity!" Vulcan: *his beak slams into Giovanni's chest, obliterating his tech* Giovanni: "GODDAMN IT, YOUR SILLY HEADGEAR WAS TOO MUCH!" -elsewhere- shinra: ugh...i feel sick. nozomi: mr kusakabe? karin: easy kiddo. Victor: "Is it the Adora Link? The Adora Link? Please tell me it's the Adora Link!" shinra: *feeling black skeletal hands reaching up, and a large shinra head over him* *screaming* nozomi: !!!! karin: breathe kid, breathe! shinra: w-what's....what's going on? *A hand touches Shinra's cheek* shinra: *staring at the horned figure* ah- wha-what are.... *The horned figure grins...as their hand pulls back, they have transformed into--* Mrs. Kusakabe: *holding out a hand* "Shinra..." shinra: mom- MOM! *reaching out* Mrs. Kusakabe: *smiles...* "Why did you let me die?" shinra: ah- *FWOOSH* {shinra: *trembling, looks up at burns*} {Burns: *his right eye is on fire*} {shinra: ....*looks in where burns is looking*} {???: "AAAAH!"} shinra: that's.... Arg: *guttural noises...blood swept up into the air from claw marks cut into his face* shinra: *backing away* ???: *sniffles* shinra: !!! *Infant Sho is seated on the ground, crying* shinra: hey lil guy... *picks him up* hehe, it's ok. ^^ Sho: *sniff...giggles* "Hee hee..." *grabs Shinra's nose* shinra: *smiles* ???: ...nra.....shinra?.....shinra! shinra: !!! karin: *putting a cold compress to his head* you ok? shinra: y-yeah... Victor: *holding a notebook* "Tell me everything!" -he explains what he saw- karin: the 4th's commander...? Victor: "Arg? What, was he at your house during the fire?" shinra: i dont know... -ashen foot prints appear down a path- shinra: wha? nozomi: shinra? shinra: i think....he's leading me to him.... ???: not quite yet. Victor: ._.;;; Shinra: "Wha--" karin: ?!?!?! n-no way...that cant be- -fire feathers shoot out- Shinra: "!!!" *tackles Victor and Nozomi* nozomi: EEP! karin: *dodging* ... !!!!!!!!!!!! Shinra: *kicks one feather away* nozomi: what's-..... *her heart drops* seraphim:.... karin: i-....irina!! Victor: "...Wow..." nozomi:.... *her voice shakes* m-mama? Shinra: "...Nozomi?" seraphim: it's been a while. i see you and your aunt have joined the 8th now.... a pity. surrender the adora burst child, and i'll make your deaths painless. karin: what the fuck?? how are you- y-you died! seraphim: ufufu ... AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! oh you naive sister of mine... Shinra: *staring at Seraphim...charging his feet* Victor: "..." *steps forward* karin: why are you doing this?! seraphim: im only doing what i wask tasked to do... nozomi: m...mother..... Shinra: "Who 'tasked' you? The Preacher?!" seraphim: *ignoring him* nozomi, it's been a while.....are you still following toshiaki's research? how foolish~ nozomi: ah- seraphim: i should have just let you die like your useless father... nozomi: *she just shatters* ah...... Victor: "!!!" karin: *putting on her fisticuffs and attacks* HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?! SHE'S YOUR CHILD! and toshiaki- HE WORKED HIMSELF TO HIS DEATH TRYING TO FIND A CURE BECAUSE- seraphim: he was only a means to an ends. im so glad you found him for me~ karin: why? the irina i know isnt cruel like this... seraphim: dont you get it? 'irina harada' doesnt exist anymore. karin: *punching at her* Shinra: "..." *charges his feet--and leaps, aiming a kick for Seraphim* Victor: "..." *glancing between Seraphim and Nozomi* seraphim: *knocked back* will you surrender nicely, boy? nozomi: *she cant even move* Shinra: "...Because you're Nozomi's mother, I'm going easy on you. We're taking you, too, along with Sho." karin: licht! get nozomi out of here, and you better not try anything funny! Victor: O_O;;; "R-Right!" *picks up Nozomi* seraphim: oh? what of her? she doesnt have any abilities of her own, she's nothing but dead weight. Shinra: "...Ma'am...You're dead wrong..." *leaps again* seraphim: ~angel bullet~ Shinra: "!!!!" *tries to dodge--* -the feathers graze him slightly- Shinra: "Ah!" *lands on the wall--and leaps again* karin: shinra! try to knock her to the ground! Shinra: *leaps from the ceiling* "Got it!" *opens his arms* seraphim: *attacking* Shinra: *getting grazed, some hitting his arms* "RAWR!" *reaches for Seraphim's neck* seraphim: !! Shinra: *grab--and pulls back his fist to punch* -POW- seraphim: !!! Shinra: *falling...but not as fast as Seraphim is* karin: batter... UP! *PUNCH* seraphim: *sent into the wall* Shinra: *lands next to Karin* "...Is that it?" karin: better not stick around to find out, lets go find your brother. Shinra: "...But she's Nozomi's mother." karin:...after what all she did, she doesnt deserve to be… -elsewhere- dahlia:.....they have arrived.... Sho: "..." *takes his sword* -the door opens- shinra:...hey lil bro... *warm smile* Sho: "Shinra Kusakabe...You've actually appeared." shinra: of course i did, now let's get you home. ^^ Sho: "_This_ is my home. With the Preacher." shinra: .... Sho: "Why do you insist on taking me away from my family?" shinra: sho...i am your family, just try to remember, you, me, our mom........ Sho: "Stop. I have no mother. And the thought of you as my brother makes me want to vomit. Furthermore, I am not of woman born--" shinra: as opposed to what, an incubator? Sho: "...I...don't actually know. But the Preacher does." shinra: ...*opens his arms for a hug* Sho: "..." *smacks his hand away* shinra: ....jeez, not very touchy-feely, are ya? Sho: *swings his scabbard at Shinra's face* shinra: *dodging* Sho: *twirls--swings again, aiming for his feet* -elsewhere- misora: huwaaaa, this sucks. it smells bad and i feel like im gonna throw up! >^< Jonah: "Oh, lookie here!" misora: *grimaces* oh THAT explains it! Jonah: *leans forward* "Lost?" misora:.... *not even looking back and punches him with in the face* Jonah: *knocked back...and his face is squished up where she punched him, his nose now up on his forehead* misora: how gross Jonah: *deep breath* "I don't see many like you who can throw a punch like that...What's your tale, girlie?" misora: cut the BS, you know who i am, you creepy wormy stalker! Jonah: *leans over her, his forehead nose resting over her hair* "Just wanted to get to know you all over again..." *inhales* -SLAM- misora: why dont you hurry up and die at my feet, scrub? Jonah: "I can do many things at your feet~" *his lips are now on his cheek...he taps his cheek onto her shoes* misora: GROSS! IM GONNA VOMIT TILL I DIE! DX< *kick to the face* Jonah: *by this point, his eyes are on the back of his head* ._. *blink blink* ???: "Are you two done yet?" misora: uru? *turns* Haumea: "Hi~" misora: unyeh? soooowwy~ dont mind me, i was just going now~ ^^ Haumea: *rests a hand on Misora's head* misora: eh- *ZAP* misora: OSHARE- *KO* @w@ owowowowowo..... Haumea: *snaps her fingers* "Jonah, bring her along." Jonah: *sits up, his face back to normal...ish* "Can do!" *slings Misora over his shoulder* misora: XAX Haumea: *smiles* "And with Sho and Kusakabe now meeting, it's time..." -elsewhere- shinra: *still dodging* Sho: *has his blade out, attempting to slice at Shinra* shinra: *dodging* sho! please! just hear me out! Sho: *knocks Shinra to the floor* shinra: GAH! Sho: *vapor comes off of his back* "..." shinra: *getting up* Sho: “No matter how fast you are, you’re not going to catch up to me. You and I are in different universes.” shinra: im not going to give up though- *running for him* Sho: *prepares his sword* -fyooooom- Sho: "!!!" -tackle hug- Sho: "?!!! shinra: it's ok, lil bro. *smiles* Sho: *clenches his teeth* "Stop calling me that!" *pulls back his fist*: *his eyes widen* "...Oh no...I've disappointed--" shinra: ?? disappointed? Sho: *pushes Shinra away, leaping to a pedestal* shinra: ... (it's like that dream....) Sho: "..." *bows before a figure in white* shinra: *stares at the horned figure* is that the preacher? Sho: "...You see them? Of course...because of the Adora Link." shinra: .... Sho: "The Preacher is who shares this link with me...lets me access this power." -the vision fades- shinra:... Sho: "Your Adora Burst is not enough. But with the Preacher’s divine protection, I can affect the entire universe..." shinra: my head's hurting from all of this....but enough of that, let's play tag some more. ^^ Sho: "I am not interested in playing games." *holds his sword* "The Preacher said they need you. They did not say they need you conscious." shinra: alright then, you're it! Sho: "No..." *He vanishes* shinra: oh? hide and seek then, eh? -shiv- shinra: !! Sho: *has driven just the tip of his blade into Shinra's shoulder* "You are the 'It.'" shinra: heh... i guess i should show you, you're not supposed to hurt the other player. Sho: "..." *disappears again* shinra: ... *Kick to the back* shinra: oof! Sho: *holds the sword over Shinra's head, his foot pressed down onto his back* shinra: this is pretty pointless then, huh? but i wont give up....the memory of when you were still just a lil tyke, that's enough a reason to keep going, right? Sho: "I have no such memories. Let's assume you and I are related by blood: there is no connection between us. No memories. Nothing." shinra:...then lets make new ones. there's lots of people who are looking forwards to meeting you. *smiles* Sho: "I have no desire to meet those people. We in the Order have only one goal--" shinra: i know, i know...to you, im just some stranger, but to me, you're still my lil bro! so.... thanks for being alive, sho. Sho: "..." *lifts his blade* "I summon...Separated Univ--" -huh? where did shinra go?- Sho: "???" *looks around* ("I'm...alone?") -elsewhere- lisa: nnngh.....vul...? maki: she's waking up! lisa: *cough* ....giovanni....where- tamaki: he fled.... lisa:.... Vulcan: "Lisa...How are you..." lisa:....*she starts laughing....which devolves into sobbing hysterically* Vulcan: "..." *holds onto her* karin: .... tamaki:...c-come on, lets find the others and get out of here already! Vulcan: *carries Lisa* -elsewhere- Haumea: *watching from the balcony* misora: *coming to* uwaaaa.... *yaaaawn* wha? Jonah: owo "Hello~" misora: *PUNCH* EW GROSS! DX< Jonah: *his face spun onto the back of his head* ._. Haumea: "Shh...Your lover's spat is getting in the way of observing..." misora: how dare you! *peeeeeeek* Haumea: *leans over Misora* "Is. There. A problem~?" misora: OxO *blinks* Haumea: *mad grin* "I think you'll do nicely~" misora: OxO;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -elsewhere- Sho: "...Where is Shinra Kusakabe...?" -FYOOOOOM- shinra: *crashed into a wall* holy shit! what just happened?? Sho: "??? How...did you appear there?" shinra: not su- *throws up* ugh...vertigo... >~< Sho: "...It is not possible. Without the Preacher's divine intervention, _you_ should not be able to pass through to your own universe..." shinra: my head's spinning, cut me some slack and let's just go home now, sho. Sho: "..." *walks forward* "For the last time...This is my home. And you are going nowhere--" shinra: if i just leave without you, then i cant keep my promise to mom. Sho: "I have no mother. I have no interest in this mother. And I want you...to shut up..." *raises his sword* "About a mother." -zip zoom- Sho: "!!!" shinra: jeez, are you having that moody pre-teen phase? Sho: "You emerge from nowhere, insist you are my brother--" *swings his sword* "AND THIS IS NOT A MOODY PRE-TEEN PHASE!" -zip zoom- Sho: "?!!" {shinra: *crying, locked in the pantry*} Sho: "?!" *looking around him* "Wh-What is this?" -there are more memories...- Sho: "..." *just watching them* "Is this..." {student: its that demon! he killed his own mom and baby brother!} {student 2: get away from us! *throws a rock at shinra*} {shinra:....(it wasnt me...there was...a horned thing there...)} Sho: "...'Horned'? ...Preacher, what is...Why are they throwing things at that boy?" baby sho: baba... shinra: *picks him up* i got you! baby sho: ^o^ Sho: "..." *tears falling* shinra: years ago, it was just you, me, and our mom...then the fire happened... Sho: "Yes..." *The memory of the fire appears...* Horned Monster: *staring at Baby Sho* {Young Haumea: "Hmmm...Sure cries a lot..."} shinra: people were afraid of me, blaming me for what happened, even grandma hated me. she would hit me, lock me in the pantry....but i never gave up... Sho: "I was raised for one purpose: to fulfill the Preacher's goals...I persisted..." *turns to Shinra* "...Our grandmother hit you?" shinra:....but before that happened, we were all a happy family. Sho: "...A family..." {Mrs. Kusakabe: "My boys..."} {shinra: ^^} {baby!sho: mama!} {Mrs. Kusakabe: *hug*} {shinra: i love you, mommy! ^^} {Mrs. Kusakabe: "I love you, Shinra. And I love Sho. I will always love you both..."} Sho: *silently weeping* -...- *Sho stands...His sword is not with him* {shinra: *hero stance* here i am! ah! mom! a newspaper blew in! *he removes it from sho* haha! there you are!} {Mrs. Kusakabe: "What a good brother you are!"} {shinra: ^///^ hehe} {Sho: *sniffles...adjusting to seeing the light again*} shinra: *smiles* Sho: "...Brother?" shinra: come on sho, let's go hom- -shiv- Sho: "!!! I-I didn't...Did I?" shinra: *looks back* ???: "D'aw, what a shame..." Sho: "Haumea?" shinra: wh-what? Haumea: "??? Wait..." *lifts up Shinra's chin* shinra: who...who are....- Haumea: *slap* shinra: *collapses* Sho: "Brother! Haumea, what are you--" Haumea: *squeezes Sho's mouth with her fingers to quiet him* "Tsk tsk...You know that to re-create the Great Fire we _need_ those of us who gained the Adora Burst through the insects--" Jonah: "TMI, Haumea." Haumea: -_-# misora: O^O~? Haumea: "Oh well~ It doesn't matter if I gave out too much info--since it's not like anyone can stop us. Right, Sho?" Sho: "...I didn't...My sword..." *sniff* "Sh-Shinra? Please..." shinra: sho....run.... Sho: "No! Not without you!" Haumea: "Oh, don't worry. You two won't be separate!" *giggles--then deathly serious* "The Preacher wants you both." misora: *stumbles forwards* ..... Jonah: owo~ Sho: "all those years ago! What happened to me?!" Haumea: "..." *leans forward...rests a hand along Sho's face--and zaps his brain* Sho: "!!!!!!!" *passes out* shinra: SHO!! -BANG- Haumea: *dodges--barely* O_O;;; "...The devil?" tamaki: *TAIL WHIP* Takehisa: *holding a smoking gun* "...Get away from them." Haumea: "Eek!" *smacked in the face* "Owie!" *falls back* "...When did _she_ get competent?!" misora: !! *runs behind takehisa* Q_Q THESECREEPYPEOPLEKIDNAPPEDME!! >^< Jonah: D8 "COME BACK TO ME, MY PRECIOUS!" karin:....ew. iris: creepy. Haumea: >_<# "NOW YOU ALL ARE TICKING ME OFF!" *spots the sword through Shinra* "..." *devious smirk...as she kicks the sword harder into him* shinra: AHHHH!!!! iris: !!!! STOP IT! Takehisa: "NO!" *bang bang bang* Haumea: *spins to dodge* "Oh, sorry~ Not today..." *snaps her fingers towards Takehisa* Takehisa: *aims--* "!!!!" *collapses* Haumea: "Huhuhu..." *aims her fingers at Tamaki* tamaki: *bracing* *SLICE* tamaki: huh... ah! Haumea: "..." *the back of her crown is cracked* O_o;;;; *holds the back of her head* "GAH!" Arthur: *behind Haumea* "Okay, weird bag-dress lady: you're defeated by the Shining Knight of the Earth Samurai Cowboy Superhero!" tamaki: THAT'S TOO MANY TITLES! Haumea: Q~Q "My crown..." *growls--and snaps her fingers at Arthur's face* "Take that!" Arthur: "...Take what?" Haumea: ._. "..." *snaps again* Arthur: "...What? You like snapping your fingers?" *snaps his fingers* "Yeah, I can do that, too." Haumea: >_<# *snap snap snap snap* shinra:.....what? Arthur: "..." *takes his sword--and knocks the hilt onto the top of Haumea's head* dahlia: that is enough. Haumea: "...GAH!!!!" *holds her head* "Stupid stupid sword person!" *A column is shaking behind Haumea* Haumea: "Stupid mindless person! And now I got to carry Kusakabe with a sword through him to the Preacher, and this is all so annoying when--" *The column falls towards Haumea* Haumea: "...What is that sound?" Akitaru: *PUUUUUUUUUSH* Haumea: "...Oh motherf--" *SMASH* -rumble rumble- tamaki: !! shit! maki: we got shinra, now let's go! shinra: w-wait, s-sho- Haumea: *bruised* -_-### "Jonah, get Sho." *passes out* Jonah: *picks up Sho* "Come on, Baby..." Sho: "Zzzz..." shinra: urk- -outside-