#im still in the process of watching EE
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cookiep-cat · 11 months ago
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If you are taking requests, maybe some BroomerxChalky?
Saw on a post that you watched EE so I thought I’d ask :)
And cool art btw
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HAII SORRY FOR THE LATE RESPONSE
I love these whimsical fellows so much ❤️❤️
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someone1348 · 4 years ago
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This is for my lovely best friend who was kind enough to write me a fic! Here's yours! @sleepy--anon i hope you enjoy!
People in this: Ler!Sapnap, Lee!Quackity
(Karlnapity romance so if you dont like that dont read it!)
Tw: like the smallest bit of angst (jealousy) pretty much! Thats it though it's soft! For the most part! And mild cursing!
Plot: While Karl is out on a "business trip" (time travel stuff) he leaves his other two husband's alone and well lets just say it was an eventful evening to say the least
With all that being said enjoyyyy :]
___________~☆°♡°☆°♡°☆~______________
Jealousy
Tickle fights and Tickling in general was almost an everyday occurrence in the Karlnapity household. It pretty much was second nature to the three.
With that comes ler moods and lee moods poping up left and right. Typically between the three Sapnap was ler the most, followed by Quackity with Karl most of the time being lee, nothing bad of course, they loved the dynamic of everything from this specific thing to how their relationship worked. They were happy and that's all that mattered.
The days went on as they normally do.
"EE! SAHahap! StahAhap!" Karl would twist around from Sap's evil fingers pushing at the boy's hands, giggling freely as quackity watched smiling a bit as his two husband's went on to do what they do.
It was always like this for the most part. While he was getting a snack,
"No pLEase!! Hehe" Karl's beautiful laugh could be heard from the other room.
While cuddling, sap would run his fingers over the time traveler's stomach sending sweet giggles to flow out of their husband's mouth.
Even in the store one time Sapnap poked at Karl's sides. Of course Quackity would join in sometimes to tickle his favorite lee (leaning) fiancé, but he was jealous, beyond jealous.
Seeing this everyday not only built up on his lee moods but he just wanted to be involved, not just in tickles but in the relationship. He wants cuddles and attention and affection from the two people he loves most.
And yeah with the lee moods he has bad but it's not the same. He wants his husband's and so help me thats what he was gonna get. He was a man on a mission.
'Let's goooo!!' He thought in his head as he started the day.
Karl had left last night, the bed was alot colder now. He turned to see Sap curled up onto his side his mouth slightly a-jar with his hair flowing perfectly on top of his face.
He sighed happily lightly pushing some of the hair out of his face. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this happy and in love.
'I'm gonna make him breakfast' He thought getting up carefully as to not wake him and got started on cooking up his favorites.
Not even 20 minutes later the firey boy poked his head into the kitchen
"Waffles?"
"Mhm"
"Mmmm yay! Thank you babe!"
Quackity smiled "Anytime"
After the two finished the scilence became loud.
"What do you wanna do?" Quackity asked rocking a bit back and fouth on his heels trying not to make the scilence anymore awkward.
"I got work to do so you entertain yourself, I'll be quick"
Quackity nodded "okay! Good luck!"
"Thanks" Sap said shooting him a smile leaving back to their shared room to do the said work.
The beanie boy sighed flopping down onto the couch. He flipped on a random channel and texted Karl.
'Hey Baby!! I hope your trip is going good,we miss you and can't wait to see you tomorrow!<3'
(10:35)
He held the phone close to his chest letting out another sigh. He knew in his heart that Sapnap was gonna be busy all day so instead of sulking he told him he was going for a walk.
He went walking around, coming back, making more food, playing video games. All while sap typed away at the keyboard.
It wasn't helping at all it only increased the feeling of wanting to be with his Sapnap, his fiancé, he wanted attention and love dammit!
The smaller boy marched up to their room.
"SAPNAP!!!"
the bandana wearing man shook and snaped up to look at his clearly ticked off tiny lover.
"WOAH! what!?! Yes?!" He said furrowing his eyebrows.
"Are you done yet?"
The other slowly blinked "uhhhh,," he looked back at his work "nope not yet"
"Too bad! You are now finished because i say so!" He crossed his arm's
"Ha! Yeah thats cute hun but im busy, i gotta get this done, im sorry, I'll be there soon"
Quackity scoffed "whatever" he left as sapnap sighed
'He's never like this, maybe i should stop and check on him' Sapnap thought closing his laptop quietly sneaking up on his amazing fiancé on the couch.
"HIYA!" he tackled him to the couch holding him close.
"WA!- SHIT!" he fell over with him now in a cuddly trap, smiling widely giggling a bit.
"What's wrong Quacky babe" Sap said concerningly putting his head to his adorable smol husband's shoulder.
"I wanted to hang out together,,, i want to be involved, i want attention and affection and love sapnap and i haven't gotten anyyy in a long time" Quackity spilled out as sap processed everything.
'Looking back i see where he's coming from, it's been alot of Karl-'
"Don't get me wrong i love karl and i love giving him attention and affection and everything and i love watching you two be that way with each other i just i guess i felt a bit left out"
Sapnap nodded,
"Im Sorwy baps, forgive me?" He used his small voice making quackity cringe a bit jokingly.
"Give me attention and we will see what happens" He smirked
"Hmmmm" He anticipated his moves and ideas watching quackity's eyes that were pointed right to his hands
'So that's what he wants' he smirked wider lightly running his fingers slowly up and down his sides.
The other on top of him tensed "s-sap"
"Yea babe?" He said as if he wasn't tracing the man's sides with tickly anticipation.
"W-what are you doing?"
"Giving you attention, isn't that what you wanted?" He smiled at him as Quackity sank into Sapnap's embrace leaning his head on the pillow behind them, Sapnap's head still on his shoulder.
Sap lowly giggled quickly stittering his hands his stomach then back to his sides watching him lift up and squeak.
"You're such a dick" Qauckalee said in a joking matter making Sapnap's smirk deepen.
"Oh im a dick?!" He digged into his stomach watching as quackity squealed digged his heels to the end of the couch.
"NAHAHAHAHA! SAHAHAPNAHAP!"
"Thats my name love~" sap moved closer towards his bellybutton.
"AYEHE NOT THERE!"
"Yes there! The giggle button has been unpressed for wayy to long, i need it to make up for the lost times Quackity"
"NOOHONONONO- AH! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA GEHHEHEHE! GOHOHO-EEP!"
Sapnap giggled with him taking in every werid noise and laugh that the touch starved lee had made.
Seeing it was clear he wasn't used to it he slowed down moving back to his sides lightly to get his breathing steady again.
"Easy tiger, i got you" he reassured him getting his breathing together
"Im gonna getcha'!" Sapnap said moving up towards his ribs scribbling along up and down and In-between.
The smaller's back arched as his giggles mixed into light laughter.
"AyEehehe naha-Ha! Tickles!! It tickles!!" The man rang out trying to squirm out of his fiancé's tickle trap.
"Thats the point Quacker's im hungryyyy i need your giggles to surviveee" he lightly blew a raspberry onto his neck, the other scrunching up
"Nomnomnom" he made fake eating sounds, playing pretend before blowing another raspberry into his neck.
Sapnap giggled and stopped holding him close rubbing circles into the top of his hand
"Come here bubba" He lifted Quackity up letting him wrap around him while he got a blanket.
Sitting back down he put the blanket overtop of them throwing on the Disney movie Coco for some well deserved aftercare and fiancé time, Playing with his hair Sapnap smiled down at his man kissing the top of his head.
"We gotta get you a haircut buddy its so long" he teased as quackity laughed
"I'll get a haircut the day you shave" the tired one teased back both laughing together enjoying the moment, the beanie boy slowly falling asleep on his chest.
"Goodnight handsome" he placed another kiss to the top of his head.
*Ding!*
Quackity's phone went off, Sapnap looked, it was Karl.
'Hi bubby!! It's going lmao, i miss you both so much too! I'll be home soon i promise! And when i do get home It's cuddle time! Hehe I'll talk to you soon quack baby! Tell sap i said hi and that i love him too! *mwah!*'
(8:17)
Sapnap smiled and put the phone back down to the side of him, smiling at the boy in his arms.
'Homework can wait'
_________________________________________
I absolutely LOVED writing this! I love Karlnapity! I hope you all enjoyedd! :]
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neechees · 3 years ago
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hi!! i was legit just wondering how long you’ve been doing digital art. i’ve been doing digital art for ~1.5yrs now but the longer i’ve worked at it the more frustrated i’ve become. i mainly do painting so i’ve been TRYING to translate that into my digital art but i just. cannot. did you have any similar frustrations by chance, or just any in general w digital art, and how did you get past them? im finally trying to dedicate some time to practicing over the summer. v frustrating tho 😔
Oh god, I got my first actual drawing tablet back in high school, I thiiiink in grade 10 or 11? So that would've been 2012-2013ish. But i had attempted (very badly) to do digital art on MS paint and Deviantart since Junior High. I was pretty new to the internet and most of my time was spent searching up digital art and printing them out to hang in my room, and I remember wanting to, but feeling like I'd never be as good as the digital artists I saw. But even when I got my first drawing tablet it took me a long time to even get used to! I know the feeling you're talking about. Its taken me multiple attempts at different things to realize what I like in digital art before I got better at it.
I still sometimes have doubts I'm even improving digitally now, but believe me when I say that even if it doesn't feel like it, you're always improving! I think for me, learning to draw better digitally can be improved by a number of things, namely by your tablet, the program you use, the brushes you use, the techniques you use to draw digitally, and then working at it to find what best works for you & keep working towards improving. My first tablet was a $50 one from amazon & I drew using FireAlpaca, and now I use a 5 year old Wacom tablet on Photoshop 2018. For your tablet, I think you just gotta get comfortable with the works of how to sit with it, hold it, finetune it, etc and it should be good! A more expensive tablet doesn't necessarily mean it'll perform better. Even my coloring/drawing style is different! I found that the way I do it now is better and easier for me, whereas before my art would take DAYS and HOURS for some unfinished, simple looking pieces, whereas now I can do much more detailed stuff more quickly. So I guess here's a few tips of what I personally did that made things easier for me:
Watch other digital artists do speedpaints, look at different tutorials, and try copy their process. You might find something that unexpectedly works for you, makes things less frustrating, and speeds things up while simultaneously making you a better artist! And experimenting with different techniques is just always a good idea
Find different brushes you like, download them, and experiment with them. You might find a brush that's supposed to be used one way, and is useful for another. Additionally, testing the brushes with lowered opacity or flow & different things could help! I used to take FOREVER shading things, lowering the opacity, etc, and then I started trying different brushes. Instead of using the hard round brush with lowered opacity, now I use a cloud brush, a pencil brush, a charcoal brush, a chalk brush, and the soft round brush for blending and shading almost seamlessly. I discovered they work well together by testing them out and watching how OTHER artists used them. There's actually some brush packs that are meant to mimic oil/watercolor/acrylic/etc painting strokes/brushes or palette knives, maybe trying these out could help!
Try different art programs if you can, watch youtube speedpaints of artists using them, watch tutorials on how to navigate said programs, and then try it out yourself. There's links hanging around to get photoshop & other programs for f/r/ee, or you can do the free trials, but there's also always free art programs available too! One artist who greatly influenced my art style uses Paint Tool Sai, but I found that this program just wasn't for me when I tried the techniques she employed on the program she used, and discovered photoshop was most to my liking once I knew how to use it
Set up your digital art workspace the way YOU like it. Usually on most programs there's the ability to switch around or resize or even temporarily switch off/disable the different windows of your workspace within the program, so if you don't like something somewhere, change it! I actually don't like having the color palette window visible in photoshop, so instead I shut it off and just use the HUD color picker & color selection tool when needed. Doing this gives you a more cozy space to work in, think of it as setting up your painting area and adjusting your easel to your liking
So once you've been kinda testing the waters with some or maybe all these things, you start to get more comfortable with digital art, and you'll see yourself getting faster, better, and generally just improving. Also, and I know you know this already & its pretty obvious (otherwise you wouldn't be here lol) that digital art is MUCH different than irl painting. I have a hard time thinking of which is harder or takes longer for me because they both come with benefits and downsides! However, if you WANT to try emulating irl painting with brushes and how you use your layers, you can try that too. Experiment!! A lot of improvement and getting comfortable with digital art is testing different things, seeing what you think works for you, and then keeping at it. But also remember you can switch things up at any time, you might need to do things a few times before you realize you're actually pretty good at it or that you like it, and that you don't need to test all these things at once! Things'll get less frustrating and translate from your imagination better once you've set up a space digitally that you can navigate freely, and become more comfortable with how to use the tools & techniques available
And never give up, I promise you're always improving. I hope this is helpful!
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willowistic22 · 4 years ago
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Red (Redfinch)
Despite their breakup, Albert still wanted to go see Finch perform in one of his concerts when Race asked him if he wanted to come. This is the perfect chance for them to talk things out again but words aren’t cooperating for either of them. With that, Finch decides to triy a different form of communication.
Words : 5233
Part : -
Warnings : Alcohol, cursing, cigarettes, angst in general
A/N : Woah that’s a crazy word count uhh,,,, hi i’m back with another fic. Another redfinch and for that we stan lol (well idk maybe yall are annoyed by all these redfinch fics but yknow what? i’m thriving off of it) But fr I’ll eventually get into writing other ships but for now have one more redfinch combined with another tswift songs (as you do) this time with Red. Wow we are so surprised who would have thought of redfinch being associated with the song red no we aren’t surprise :D This one specifically exists in my bandsies au. you don’t need to read that first to understand this (i think?) but it wouldn’t hurt if you checked that out as well:) Tbh i can’t decide whether i love it or hate it but at least i like it enough to post it. N ee wayysss enjoy!!
His brain is screaming about how much Albert shouldn’t be doing this. Comprising a list of cons that goes on forever. And although he thinks all of the cons his brain had written is logical, that one pro his heart wrote beside the long list was all it took for Al to say yes. All the cons will be worth suffering through if he finally gets to see Finch again. And maybe it’s for the better since he’s not doing well by distancing himself from the boy.
Unfortunately, the world isn’t black and white. Meaning that even if he did choose to follow what his heart wants, all the horrible feelings will still be there. And with every step he takes, inching closer to the entrance of the building, he’s getting even more terrified by the second. Thankfully, the line for the entrance is going pretty slow which gives time for Albert to calm down.
But it’s not helping. The line is crowded and full of fans, talking excitedly about the band’s awaiting concert inside. For some odd reason, he can only hear the conversations between fans that contain one specific name. He doesn’t hear anyone mentioning Romeo, Elmer, or Jojo’s name. Not even Crutchie, who he’s been told to be the fans’ favorite. Just the name Finch, being repeated all around him. With adoration and excitement lacing the name. The line is delaying the inevitable and the people around him makes him a bit overwhelmed.
“We can still turn around if you want. I’m sure they’ll find a way to give us a refund”
If he’s actually being honest, it was his best friend that got him to come. Race returned to their shared apartment a few weeks ago and rushed to ask Albert if he wanted to go see their friends performing tonight. Race knows about Al and Finch’s break up but it’s worth asking him first. And to his surprise, he said yes.
“No, it’s fine” Albert replied, “I’m fine”
“You’re picking your pimples right now”
“So?”
“It’s one of your nervous habits”
That piece of information really caught Al off guard. He didn’t think a tiny random fact about himself would actually corner him the way Race is doing now. Eyeing Albert through his glasses and raising his eyebrows despite his forehead being mostly covered by his beanie.
“Well… I-” Albert tried to come up with bullshit as fast as he could, “I like to do it on purpose too, alright?! My fingers just... get a little itchy!”
He slowly puts his hands down from previously reaching up to pick his face. And the line is still going slow, one step at a time. It’s not doing any favors for Al.
“Dude, it’s alright if you’re not ready to see him” Race continued, “It takes time, I get it”
“Race, I’ll be fine! How many more times do I have to tell you?” Albert argued, which finally made Race back down. And to make sure it’s no longer gonna be brought up, Al changes the subject, “By the way, where’s Specs and Mike? You said they’re watching too”
“They’re already backstage with the others for...  obvious reasons” Race answered casually, catching on to Albert's intentions to change the subject. “So is Kath, by the way. We’ll meet her in there though”
To that, Albert simply nods. His jittery movements turn into rocking his body on the ball of his feet while digging his lips with his teeth. Race tries to pretend he doesn’t notice, but he does. Albert knows he does. Although he’s glad he’s not bringing it up because it might make it worse.
He’d be lucky to know that he’s not the only one panicking over this. In the dressing room, an aggravated Finch throws his phone to the cushion of the couch after sending the last text to his friend Race. It sounds unlawful for Race to be ‘secretly updating’ Finch on how Albert is actually doing because it’s obviously something Albert doesn’t want to directly tell his ex.
Finch groans, placing his elbow on his armchair to support his head. The room is spinning in his view and he wishes it all to stop. Taking deep and long breaths to stabilize his shaky limbs. A little prayer starts playing in his heart, it follows the tempo of his fast heartbeat.
“He’s here, isn’t he?”
Finch opens his eyes and looks up to meet his bandmate sitting on the couch across from him. He hadn’t even been talking for a good hour because he’s too fixated with the first text Race sent him when he and Al first started making their way to the concert.
“Yeah, he’s in line” Finch replied, looking up to the blond boy who’s holding his bass.
“How are they not being mobbed?” Another voice rang. This time it’s not coming from one of Finch’s bandmates. It’s coming from Race and Albert’s bandmate, sitting next to the shortest member of Finch’s band on the couch.
Specs only ask that because their two bands have a long connecting history and their fanbase tends to be sort of the same in a way. With Specs dating Romeo and Mike dating Jojo, Race and Albert are bound to be recognized and mobbed by at least a few fans. Especially seeing that Albert is Finch’s former lover, although the fans know that as a rumor since the two never publicly addressed it.
“I’m assuming they’re wearing a lot of shit to cover their faces” Another answered, the other VIP of the show alongside Specs, Mike. He’s twirling his drink in his hand while the other keeps Jojo cuddled close to him, “I mean, Al’s head is really fucking bright!”
With the mention of that specific name, Finch sulks back in his armchair with a groan. He covers his face with his hands, hoping it’d make the world just stop for one second. He could hear a loud clean slap echoing the room, followed by overlaps of whispered scolding. If he had to guess, it was Mike who was the one getting slapped and scolded.
“This is a disaster…” Finch exclaimed to himself, still not lifting his face up.
“It doesn’t have to be unless you make it like that” this time a feminine voice spoke up. A voice he recognized to belong to Kath.
Finch hears footsteps approaching him. He feels the motion of someone softly kneeling down in front of him. His hands were gently pried open and he was met with Kath’s friendly smile.
“It takes time, but you gotta trust the process”
It’s not necessarily the words he needed to hear right now, but it still warms his heart to hear his friend still being there for him despite the sticky situation he has gotten them into.
Everything would’ve been just fine if Finch hadn’t been so pushy and upset over Albert’s decision. He was the one that decided to put his music career on hold to go get that engineering degree, which frankly seems pretty useless. Finch was so dirty for pulling the ‘you’re being selfish’ card at him when it’s not even his band at all. Race, Specs, Mike, Ike, and even their manager Denton were very supportive about his decision to get that degree. Heck, all their friends were! But not Finch. His boyfriend at the time. He argued like he secretly knew how the others felt about Al leaving when really there aren’t any secret feelings for him to know. All his arguments came from his own feelings.
However, he knows Albert’s ‘own decision’ was secretly coated by his father’s persuasive words. The whole ‘just in case the music career doesn’t work out’ argument was basically the copy and pasted words from his father. They both know it. Despite the arguments, it still seemed that Al was determined to fully focus on college anyways. Instead of following his fellow musician friends’ college path by getting a degree in the non-lecture-hall way, he followed his father’s words and actually attended his college classes in a proper campus.
In the moment, Finch was just too focused on Albert leaving. Maybe he was the one being selfish. He had only realize now that most of his arguments were because he didn’t want Albert to go. It’s too late now, since the last time they saw each other was when Al slammed the door of their apartment one last time with all his stuff and a plane ticket to Seattle. At that point, Finch was finally tired of all the arguing and told him that if this was his plan then he’s on his own.
The tears that came after were filled with sorrow and regret. Sorrowful because he missed him. Regretful because he only realized then that there was no valid reason for Finch to lash out in the first place other than for his own needs. The feeling is still present to this moment. And it’s currently the strongest right before a show because he knows he’s gonna be in the crowd.
“Look, we’ll let ya drown out your feelings with some booze later” Crutchie finally said, “But right now we got a show”
The band was all getting up from where they were seated, bringing whatever they needed to the stage. Crutchie gets some help from Jojo to bring his Bass till he properly sits on the stool on stage. But Finch stays perfectly still, holding Kath’s hand as if his life depends on it.
“I know I should talk to ‘im, Kath” Finch finally said, slowly joining the others in standing up. Kathrine follows along, eyes still fixed to her friend, “But… I can’t. I wouldn’t know what to say to him”
“Then don’t talk” Mike suddenly inserts himself in their little conversation. He gets up and approaches the two, “Sing him the new single”
“You’re fucking insane, Mike!” Katherine instantly snapped.
“Alright, your mouth will be legally sealed shut till the end of the concert” Specs joins them only to drag Mike away. There were some protests from the boy, but it was totally shut down by everyone else in the room.
“No, wait. He’s got a point” Finch suddenly exclaimed, which quickly got the whole room to freeze in time.
He looks at his bandmates, all standing by the doorway ready to kill the concert. A half confident smile appears on his face and he says, “Let’s sing that single”
-
The concert is held in a bar like-venue with multiple floors, slowly being filled to the brim by excited fans. Their excitement bounces off the walls of the venue, creating an ecstatic kind of environment despite the tight space. The concert is going to start any minute now and while the fans surrounding him are shaking in excitement, Albert is shaking in a nervous fit.
“Still okay there, Al?”
Albert looked to his side, seeing his good friend Kathrine looking up to meet his eyes with concern. She had just joined the boys in the midst of the crowd after hanging out behind the stage with the band.
“What? Yeah, I’m okay” He replied, “What makes you think I’m not?”
“You’re squeezing my hand a little too tight”
Al had only realized he’s been holding Kath’s hand just now. His brain was too focused on his fears about meeting Finch again to the point that he hasn’t been paying attention to his surroundings. He gets bashful all of a sudden, cheeks going a bit warm, harshly pulling away from her grasp.
“It’s okay, you can hold my hand if you want,” Katherine said gently.
“Kath, I’m fine!” Albert said, “Why won’t you and Race believe me?”
“Because we know it’s utter bullshit”
The pair looked back towards the crowd behind them where the familiar voice originated from. There, Race struggles through a sea of people with two drinks in hand. Oddly enough, he still seems to stand the heat despite still wearing his face disguise. A white cotton mask, black-framed glasses, and a grey beanie mostly providing cover for his blond curls. While Al, seeing that the venue is pretty dark and speculations has led him to believe that the fans would be focused on the concert rather than the people attending it, had already put away his mask. However, his fears still made him wear his snapback and grey-framed glasses just in case.
Albert takes his rightful drink, and with a free hand, Race takes off his own mask and stuffs it in his pockets. He complains about the stuffiness from wearing the mask all while doing so, which made Kath laugh. It appears the Albert-scolding has been forgotten for the time being, as Kath and Race starts engaging in their own conversation, which Al doesn’t mind because he’d much like to down his beer quickly.
And then the concert finally starts.
An exciting intro starts playing as the band enters the stage. The wild crowd welcoming the band is deafening to Albert’s ear. Time freezes and everything in between fades away. All he sees is Finch, up on stage wearing a smile brighter than the lighting of the venue itself. He’s using his old dark green guitar. The same one he uses when he’s writing songs in bed or when he just feels like strumming the strings. Albert remembers the memoirs of all the guitar string scars he had earned throughout the years of knowing him. Some of them were even caused by Albert himself.
Lucky that Finch hasn’t noticed Albert has been staring at him the whole time. He hasn’t taken his eyes off of the boy since the start of the first song, shimmering under the spotlight with amazing vocals. Laughing about at his fellow bandmates’ antics on stage. Oh, that laugh. It gives him butterflies in his stomach like it was the first time hearing it.
He can feel two pairs of familiar eyes on him. But he’s too far gone to care. Albert really did make a big mistake for letting Finch go that easy. Because at the end of his previous college days, he still loves him and misses him dearly. His little Finchy. It doesn’t matter to Al anymore if Race and Katherine are eyeing him with sorrow or the whole world were to look at him weirdly for fixating his own eyes towards the beautiful boy on stage. He was his beautiful boy. Good lord, does he long to see the days when he got to call Finch his.
“Holy shit, I fucked up” Albert muttered under his breath, only Kath and Race could hear it, “I should’ve never had left”
His friends were definitely not expecting Albert to verbally exclaim his regret. They already knew from the start despite the redhead’s previous denials. But hearing him say it just makes it all more real. Even Albert himself was hit by a truck of reality just by loudly announcing it.
“Well, now you know” Katherine started, gentle voice on the same volume as his own despite the volume of their current surroundings being incredibly loud, “Go tell him that after the show”
“I can’t. I shouldn’t” Albert replied, fully turning away from the stage to properly look at his friends. A glint of sorrow and desperation flashes before his face, “I might make things worse!”
“Well, you’ll never know till you try” Race said, sounding a little hesitant at the start. He offered a warm smile at his friend and a hand on his shoulder, since there isn’t much he could do in the moment.
With a heavy sigh, Albert turns back towards the stage only to witness the biggest surprise of his life. Finch looked back. Straight into Albert’s eyes, it pierced right through to get his heart thumping loudly in his ears. He just realized the song the band was previously playing had ended and they were waiting for the fans to quiet down. While Romeo playfully over-dramatize his thank you’s to the crowd and gets scolded by Elmer and Crutchie, Finch was continuously staring at Albert. The hands that were previously used to play with his guitar hang idly because his center of attention wasn’t at his instrument right now.
It might just be some form of hallucination Al retained from the high, but Finch seemed to be smiling at him a little. Just a little curve at the end of his lips while he’s still staring back.
Albert doesn’t know how to interpret this other than to just stare back. Deep down, his heart is flipping in all kinds of ways and his thought process is no longer comprehensible. He’s trying to read the other boy’s emotions but it’s too neutral to tell. Other than the fact that he’s smiling a little at him but that still doesn’t give him a proper answer.
Eventually Finch becomes the first one to look away, seeing that the audience had settled down for the band. Albert’s eyes were still glued to Finch, retaining his focus back to the concert. He opens his mouth for a moment to say something into his microphone, although he unexpectedly stopped. The flow of words seemed to cut short. He saved himself by pulling himself away from the microphone up front and towards the rest of his bandmates. Judging from the body language, they seem to be whispering.
“What’s happening?” Albert whispered, more to himself rather than to his friends.
“I’m not sure…” Race replied, taking a step closer to where Al is standing.
The band kept the discussion short and quickly got back to their places. Finch seems to hesitate the second time he opens his mouth to speak. But this time, he gets the words out.
“Uhh… sorry ‘bout that. I uhh… I just got the urge to go a bit out of our fixed setlist and uhh… hope you guys don’t mind” Finch explained with a little giggle at the end. The crowd couldn’t care less and cheered on. Finch smile widens at the agreement, “We thought we’d give ya an early access to our newest single that hasn’t been released yet”
A euphoric feeling passed through the crowd as the cheering got louder. It baffled Finch so much that he laughed into his mic.
“Oh my god, they’re actually doing it” Katherine commented under her breath.
But Al’s ears were sharp enough to catch it. He snaps his head around to face the girl behind him, “Do what?”
Katherine was rendered speechless to that question, despite obviously knowing what’s going on. Albert turns to Race but he has no idea. He finally turns back to the stage where Finch’s gaze was already waiting to be returned by Al himself.
Without breaking the gaze, Finch speaks into the mic with a little smile, “It’s called ‘Red’”
It was Albert’s turn to be speechless. He had no knowledge of a new single since he’s mostly been staying away from his ex’s social media for the sole purpose of moving on, which he had failed miserably. And none of his friends had told him anything about a single that’s title was a secret language only Finch and Albert share, littered with all sorts of vintage romance.
“Holy shit…” Race exclaimed, “...I had no idea they were gonna play this song”
The opening of the song starts with Jojo lightly plucking a few strings of his acoustic guitar. The crowd goes wild once again, energy bouncing off one wall to the other.
“Loving him is like driving a new Maserati down a dead end street
Faster than the wind, passionate as sin, ending so suddenly”
Crutchie sang the first line smoothly. At this point the other’s had joined in with their instrument. Finch fully ignoring the crowd and focused on looking at Al. Those blue eyes are trying to send a message to Albert and it’s being coded with the song they’re currently playing.
The song had carried on till it reached the chorus. All the instruments peaked at that moment and collaborated with each other to create a very euphoric sound. The crowd jumps along to the beat of the song along with a loud cheering, obviously enjoying the tune they have yet to listen to. Some were holding up cameras to capture this moment, most likely to later share it with the fans that didn’t get the chance to witness it live.
At this point, Finch had turned his face away from Al. There was a troubling look in his expression but it was quickly covered by closing his eyes as if he’s trying to concentrate on singing the chorus with the others. But Al is no fool. He knows that look on Finch’s face is when he’s trying to avoid something, and that something is him.
“Losing him was blue, like I'd never known
Missing him was dark gray, all alone
Forgetting him was like trying to know
Somebody you never met
But loving him was red”
The words moved something in Al. It was written in a way Albert recognized it to be Finch’s writing style. Every single part of the song. From the melody, the chord progression, even the lyrics. Especially the lyrics.
“Fighting with him was like trying to solve a crossword
And realizing there's no right answer
Regretting him was like wishing you never found out
That love could be that strong”
As Finch harmonized that line with Jojo, he stole a little sad side glance at Albert. The song returns to the chorus once again, Finch gets dragged with the beat and lightly moves his body along.
Albert gets captivated along with the music. He can feel the corner of his lips slightly rising up, which is pretty ironic seeing that Finch is singing a breakup song about them. Maybe because he’s relieved to hear Finch sing about how he’s not fully over him. Or maybe it’s because he gets to see Finch embracing the break up, which could potentially mean that he’s okay with it. But whatever it is, he’s happy seeing Finch like this. Or just seeing him in general.
“Remembering him comes in flashbacks and echoes
Tell myself it's time now gotta let go
But moving on from him is impossible
When I still see it all in my head”
The chord progression’s pattern slightly changed. Finch sings his line into the microphone, closing his eyes as if to soak up all the intoxicating energy he gets from the crowd. Of people flailing their hands into the sky and a loud chorus of undecipherable shouting. But at the last line, he steals a proper glance back at Albert.
“In burning red”
The lyrics really says it all. There’s no more hidden message that Albert needs to decipher, as it's being presented right in front of him.
Finch takes over the next part of the song, shredding his guitar which makes the crowd go wild. At the moment, it looks like he’s feeling himself. Moving along with the motion of his fingers that creates each note.
“Oh, losing him was blue, like I'd never known
Missing him was dark gray, all alone
Forgetting him was like trying to know
Somebody you never met
'Cause loving him was red”
The song is supposed to be a punch to Albert’s guts, and yet he finds himself laughing at it. He catches a glimpse of Finch’s eyes, sneaking its way to look back at Albert every so often. And this time, he wears a smile while jumping along to the song. And it made Al smile back.
“His love was like driving a new Maserati down a dead end street”
As the song ended, the fans went wild. The look on Finch’s face seems satisfied at the success of the single they have yet been released to the world, shining at the sight of a hype crowd. He steals one last glance at Albert with a little smile on his face. Albert would dare to say he’s being a bit shy. To that, Albert smiles back with a disbelief laugh escaping his lips before Finch pulls his gaze away from the other boy.
After playing a few more songs, the concert ended. There was only one thing in Albert’s mind, which was talking to Finch. Race and Albert quickly put their disguise back on before the crowd had realized who they were as they exited the venue. The three stay behind as the venue gets emptied, Race and Katherine making quick work with their fingers on their phones to contact their friends backstage.
Jojo was the first to respond to either of them. He said that Finch is smoking behind the venue alone. One could only assume that he’s not in his best state after spontaneously choosing to sing that single. But Jojo assured them that he’s still good to talk to. Crutchie then responded, saying that Specs and Mike can pick them up to get them into the backstage.
It didn’t take them long, but Albert wasn’t keen on seeing the others right now. After being pointed towards the back door, Albert was already off. Adrenaline coursing through his veins as he makes quick steps towards it.
He gently opens the door, to avoid surprising the boy in case he was nearby. Albert steps out to a parking lot, open-spaced with another parking lot above it as its roof. At a first glance it was completely empty, only a few lights turned on to keep the area lit. His eyes gandered even further and spotted the boy he was looking for, back facing Al and his body leaning on metal bars as he enjoyed the nightlife of the city.
Albert took a deep breath to calm his adrenaline, slowing down his walking pace. The area is eerily quiet. Only a few things that can be heard: his footsteps, his thumping heart, and the sounds coming from the streets three stories below them. With every step closer, he slowly unraveled his makeshift disguise. Shoving his mask and glasses in the pockets of his jeans but left the snapback on.
“‘Loving him was red’” Albert said to catch Finch’s attention, “Did you mean it to be that obvious?”
Finch didn’t fully turn his head around, only halfway so Al can see the little grin of amusement forming on his face. A little chuckle escaped his lips, causing his chest to pulse along before he continued, “Not really. But it has a nice ring to it”
Albert takes a few steps closer towards the metal bars, leaning his body on it like what Finch is doing. Now he can clearly see the half burnt cigarette on Finch’s hand. Al tries to make eye contact with him, but Finch is purposely turning his head the other way and giving Albert his head full of blond curls.
“You came back” Finch suddenly said, voice hushed and low.
“Of course I came back” Albert replied, “You didn’t think I’d fully leave like that, did’ja?”
“Well, no. It’s just that you seemed so hellbent on going to college”
Albert slowly nods at that, moving his gaze towards the streets below like the other boy. They sit in the silence for a few minutes. Hearing different vehicles pass by the street below them and honking from the distance.
“Finch, I’m so sorry I left ya like that” Albert suddenly started, fully turning his face towards him. He couldn’t find a way to word it and so he resorted to just telling him the truth. Finch stays quiet to let him continue, “I was an idiot to let ya go that easily and all because I was selfish”
“You weren’t actually being selfish” Finch said, smiling a little at his words, “You did it because you wanted to. And it wasn’t hurting anyone anyways”
“It did. It hurt you”
Finch turns his head towards Albert. Now their eyes are looking into each other closer than before. The closest they’ve ever been since their breakup. A mixture of unsaid emotions made the gaze feel so intimate and it terrifies Al a bit. 
“I hurt myself trying to get you to stay” Finch said softly. His next words got stuck in his throat. He gives his brain a few seconds to focus with a sigh out of his mouth and dragging his gaze away from Al, “I knew you never wanted to get that engineering degree in the first place which is another reason I didn’t want you to go. But at the end of the day, it was your decision to make and not mine. I lashed out on you and said you were selfish but… I was the one that was being selfish”
Finch turns his eyes back towards Al, his face looks more sorrowful than before, “I’m sorry”
A small smile formed on Al’s face, tilting his head to the side by a few inches, “It ain’t your fault for knowing me more than I know myself”
They leave the conversation at that for the time being. Letting the streets below fill the void of their silence. Both boys focusing their gaze towards the view they got from this height they’re on again. Finch and Albert left speechless at each other’s words.
Albert’s hands unconsciously reach up to his forehead, itching to pick a pimple like earlier. His next words almost got stuck in his throat but he was able to pull through just enough to get to his point, “Well, at the end of the day we uhh… we both fucked up. Fucked our relationship, that’s for sure-”
“Stop picking on your pimples, Al” Finch casually said. The surprise look on Al’s face got Finch to side eye him with a giggle.
Al pulled his fingers away, stuttering in his movements but still continued on his words with more confidence, “What I’m trying to say is… I want to try again as long as you’re willing to”
There was a good few seconds of silence that Finch used to just stare at him. Albert could only wonder what he’s thinking about inside that head, “So we just… what? Forget the breakup ever happened? Move back in together? You know I can’t just do that, right?”
“That’s not what I mean. We don’t need to rush things. I know you can’t do that” Albert said, “Just… let me start by making it up to you? Whatever you want. Just name it”
Finch didn’t respond instantly, letting the silence between them linger for a few more minutes. But it’s deeply agonizing to Albert’s ears. A blank space of two eyes locked in a gaze, and one is obviously dying to get out of it.
“Please, say something” Albert begged. Hands suddenly reaching back up to his face to pick on his pimples again.
With a free hand, Finch reaches towards Al’s hand on his face. He pulls it down to the bars, holding it in place to make sure it doesn’t repeat its mistakes again. The grip was firm, but warm and calming to Albert’s soul. It made him go blank for a good few seconds from being so touch deprived of Finch’s soft hands. He retains his sense of reality when their eyes finally meet again.
With a little smile forming on Finch’s face, he finally answers, “I’d like that very much”
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one-spidey-boii · 5 years ago
Text
BUMMER SUMMER || peter parker; ch. one
masterlist
an; heya friends. this is a story i actually began writing last year (yoinks) and im pretty determined to finish it now that we’re all stuck inside for who knows how long. thanks covid-19. since i began this last year, before i was well versed in the world of tumblr fics- this story does follow an oc of mine. but i’m pretty sure all my future works will be y/n’s. if oc’s bother you i completely understand. but thanks for reading if you’re interested!
**italics indicates flashback**
summary; edie (ee-dee) wolfe (wulf) can throw knives. peter parker can shoot webs. the two are tasked with watching the avengers compound for the summer while everyone is out kicking bad guy ass.
“do you even have a cool superhero name, wolfie?”
“i’m sure i can come up with something better than spiderman.”
warnings: mentions of battle wounds (i.e. blood/scars/etc), future smut, mature language, both peter and oc are 18+!!
word count; 2.5k+
Tumblr media
edie's pov
i grab another chip from the half-empty bag laying next to me on the floor and shove it into my mouth. my other hand is scrolling through my instagram feed, only liking pictures of dogs and the occasional selfie of someone i follow.
the school day is over and i just got home, i immediately start stripping to my underwear and a big t-shirt. pants are for being around people, and i need some alone time.
today was weird. i'm quickly nearing the last week of my senior year and today i received some summer bummer last minute news from my friend, peter.
"hey, e." peter says while wringing his hands in front of him. i turn away from my open locker and look at him with a smile.
"what's popping, parker?" i ask as i close my locker and lean against it. he smiles weakly and shuffles in his place. i raise an eyebrow at him and fold my arms in front of me, awaiting an answer.
he clears his throat and looks at me with an unreadable glint in his eyes. "aunt may, uh, said we're going on vacation this summer." he says with a straight tone. my eyes brighten with interest.
"where to? somewhere with a beach, i hope," i say with a chuckle. he lets out a quick breath and drops his hands to his sides. he looks around the crowded hallway and pulls his lower lip into his mouth. i stop a smile from creeping at the side of my mouth. before he could say anything else, our mutual friend ned comes up from behind peter and grabs his shoulder playfully, making him jump a little.
"what's up, guys?" he asks with a huge ned leeds smile on his face. i let out a short laugh at peter's reaction and answer our friend, "hmm, we're just talking about parker's vacation this summer. i'm betting it's a luxurious beach getaway." i say with a wink in peter's direction.
peter lowers his eyes to the ground and tenses up. ned groans and rolls his eyes. "you mean the one that requires him to be gone all summer long?"
i furrow my brows and look at peter as his suddenly sad eyes snap up to meet mine.
so yeah. our best friend is leaving us for the entire summer. all plans are thrown out the window and stepped on by the thousands of people who walk the streets of new york. after that stupid news, my day just kinda went downhill. i was looking forward to spending my summer nights with the usual group of friends- staying up til four in the morning, watching movies, and making the most of our last summer together.
i shove another couple chips into my mouth as a knock sounds at my door. i grant entrance with a full mouth and my mom peeks her head in. "edie, did you leave your brother at school again?" she asks with disapproving eyes.
i pull myself onto my elbows and swallow my food, "he was running behind! i told him to be out at two o'clock on the dot." i huff out at my mother, "he's fine taking the bus." my mom frowns slightly at me and looks over my semi-messy room.
"you're lucky the school year is almost over," she says while still observing my room, "you should probably clean up in here. and put some pants on." i look at her blankly and flop back down on the floor with a sigh, focussing my eyes on the ceiling.
she cleared her throat and continued, "edie, do it."
i peer at her in my peripherals and mumble a snarky response. she chooses to ignore it as she closes my door and yells an 'i love you' through it before walking away.
"yeah, yeah, love you too," i grumble under my breath. there goes my mom, trying her best.
at that moment my phone chimes and displays a text from the one and only peter parker. i pick it up and read the message.
'can i come over? feel like we need to talk'
i open the chat and stare at the words for a moment before replying with a simple 'okay' and pushing myself off of the floor to begin picking up the clothes scattered across my room. i pick up my favorite hoodie and bring it up to my nose, immediately pulling away in disgust and tossing it into the hamper. perhaps my mother was right.
i continue this process until my hardwood floors are fairly clear and visible. spotting a lone sock under my bed, i bend down to pick it up.
before i can straighten back up, my door flies open and i hear a loud “SHIT” before it slams shut again. i whip my head up, hitting it on the end of my bed frame in the process. i throw the sock across the room, completely missing the hamper and cradling my head in one hand. ouch.
i walk over to my door and pull it open slowly, carefully peering my aching head out to look both ways down the hall. after concluding that nobody was there, i begin to close it before something catches my eye. peter stands there, pacing back and forth at the end of the hallway and rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, mumbling to himself. i clear my throat to get his attention. he whips around and stops in his tracks.
"are you lost?" i ask with a soft smirk. he shakes his head slightly and takes a step towards me, "i'm here," he rushes out with his arms spread in presentation, albeit a little awkwardly and takes a step backward, regaining the distance between us.
"i see that," i laugh, "let me put pants on real quick."
i leave the door open as i grab a pair of leggings and pull them up over my legs, only stumbling a few times as i hurry. walking back over to the door, i watch as peter stares at his feet and plays with his fingers.
"you coming?" i ask. he nods and slowly walks over to me. i turn on my heel and fling myself on my bed. peter enters my room, tosses his bag to the side and hesitantly takes a seat in my desk chair, looking anywhere but me. i open my mouth to say something but peter cuts me off.
"ishouldhaveknockedimsorry." he rushes out in one breath. i quirk an eyebrow at him and he takes that as a cue to explain. "i didn't knock. so i saw you in your... panties." he says, defeated.
i bite down hard on my lip to stifle a laugh as i sit up in my bed. peter and i have known each other for years, i could care less if he saw me in my underwear, but to play with him, i look him the eyes and fake a serious face, "first of all, the word 'panties' is off limits. that's a big no-no," i say as i shake my finger at him, "secondly, peter, who cares?"
he lets out a sigh of relief and relaxes in his seat. he smiles, "well that's good to hear, panties make me uncomfortable." it was silent for a few seconds before he processes what he said and stutters to fix it, "i-i mean the w-word 'panties' not a-actual panties. ah shit..." he trails off.
teasing him, i add on, "oh of course, 'panty-dropper-parker' could never be afraid of some measly scraps of lacey fabric." he rolls his eyes and genuinely smiles for the first time all day.
a comfortable silence falls over us as we lounge in my room. i know he came here to talk about summer, but to me, there was nothing to talk about. he's leaving and i'm staying here. as much as it sucks, i can't do a damn thing about it.
he speaks up first, "a-aunt may is really excited about the vacation. i guess we're going to a few different places, making it kinda like a road trip." i smile weakly and nod my head, deciding not to say anything. he takes this as a cue to keep talking.
"if i could take you i would, e." he says with a sad smile.
i sigh and wipe the disappointed expression off my face, "sounds like a good time, parker. make sure you bring me back something special." i say with a wink.
peter laughs and nods his head in agreement.
this is going to be a long summer.
-
i'm back to laying on my floor after peter leaves. this time i just stare at the ceiling and try to distract myself from the impending doom of the summer. rolling my head to the side, i catch sight of my black suit peeking out of the closet. my eyes widen and i spring to my feet to grab it off the floor.
"shit, shit, shit," i scold myself as i wad it up in preparation to throw it back into my closet, my only thoughts are hoping and praying that peter didn't see it. i stop before i throw it and stare at the stretchy fabric of the completely black suit. i haven't gone out in a few days, making me yearn for the feeling of the suit on my body. with no hesitation, i strip down and pull the one-piece up my legs and hips, threading my arms into the sleeves and pressing the button on my right wrist that makes it fit perfectly to my skin. i follow that by tugging on my black boots that come halfway up my shins.
i rummage through the duffle bag i keep under my bed and grab my set of knives. i put one in each boot and slide the rest into the utility belt that i clip around my waist. with a quick look in the mirror, i pull the hood over my head with a smirk and open my window to climb down the fire escape.
peter's pov
it's not easy lying to my best friend. but with great power comes great responsibility, or whatever. i hop down the remaining steps of edie's apartment building and walk over to the nearest alleyway, away from the public eye.
tossing my backpack to the ground, i unzip it and pull out my suit before stripping down and climbing into it. with a touch of the button on my chest, it shrinks to fit me and i pull my mask down over my head.
a few days ago, mr. stark asked me to stay at the avenger's compound upstate this summer while everyone else went to do crazy superhero stuff.
"okay, kid. nows your time to shine." tony says with a serious look on his face. we're on the roof of a random building and it was nearing sunset. i straighten my posture and nod at him sternly.
"yes, mr. stark. whatever you need, sir, i'm ready."
not letting his serious face falter, he continues, "i'm taking the gang away for the summer, figure we need some bonding time. cap and i still aren't on great terms." he lets his eyes drop during the last few words, but regains his focus quickly.
a smile crosses my face as i try to speak, but he cuts me off, "no, no, no. before you get your hopes up- you're staying here."
my face falls at his words. just when i think i'm going to be able to actually do something, i'm left in the dust feeling like a little kid. mr. stark notices my change in mood and grips my shoulder, "come on, kid. don't get pouty yet. we'll be gone, so you need to be here. at the compound...kinda like a bodyguard."
i perk up at him, excited that he saw me fit enough to protect that building and everything in it. "you got it, mr. stark."
as excited as i was, i knew that i would have to come up with a damn good plan to convince my friends why i would be gone all summer. so, that's where i came up with a vacation. i told aunt may that mr. stark asked me to stay with him at the compound for my internship, which wasn't a full lie. everything was worked out.
i've been out for a few hours- helping old ladies cross the street and responding to any cry of help in earshot. taking a quick break, i pop down on top of a building with my feet dangling over the edge, eating a churro that someone had given me for catching some guy trying to steal their cash register.
my ears perk up at the sound of metal clashing onto the ground. i stuff the rest of the churro into my mouth and follow the noise.
in the alleyway below, there's a female silhouette, surrounded by three men. their voices are low and hushed, enough for me to have to turn on my enhanced hearing to make out what they are saying.
"listen, fellas, why don't you just go on home and take this as a warning." the female silhouette stands with her arms in front of her, as if ready to fight if necessary. the men just chuckle at her and move in closer, mumbling crude phrases that would surely make aunt may slap me upside the head if she ever heard me say them.
with that, i take it upon myself to jump down and land in between both parties, facing the group of men.
"how's it going, guys?" i say playfully before shooting a web at the man in the middle, he flies back onto the ground and sticks there. i turn towards the girl, whose face is shadowed by her hood, and ask with a small smile, "need some help, m’lady?"
she scoffs at me and takes a step forward, kicking one of the remaining two men in the face, who was coming at me from behind. she brings her hands to her waist to reveal two throwing knives. with impressive ease, she chucks one at the last man, pinning his foot to the ground and he lets out a guttural scream. the man she kicked in the face is coming back around with a fist up into the air, ready to throw in a good hit.
i lunge forward to grab him, but before i can, she grabs his hand and knees him in the groin. "ouch," i grumble to myself, feeling the bad guys pain. the girl turns on her heel towards me, and holds the other knife in front of my face as she breathes heavily with a grim look in her eyes. this is way too close for comfort. i swallow thickly and take a step back, "guess you don't need help after all, i'll be on my way now." i rush out and extend my arm to shoot a web to the top of the building where i came from.
once i'm up there, i sneak a look back down into the alleyway and watch the three men scurry off. i shift my eyes and find the mysterious girl staring back at me. all i can see is the small smile on her face as she turns and runs the other way.
|| anyone wanna be on a tag list? message me :)
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shhhhyoursister · 5 years ago
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Hey! Im def taking u up for that offer so how about “Person A and Person B trying to converse while one (or both) of them brushes their teeth” for the prompt thing?
hello yes im home now and im going to write (also sorry i,,, expanded a bit on this sdfsdf) this but i want to say YALL if you don’t follow them,,,, youre doing something wrong,,,,, like yo their art is amazing and im not just saying that cause of the piece they just posted from my camp au like everything they make is amazing so if you arent following them you are not allowed to read this im making that a rule,,, but anyway AHH i hope you like this it was so fun to write!!!!!
When Matteo wakes up, it isn’t to the usual sound of his or David’s alarm, or the muffled noises of Hans cooking breakfast in the kitchen, or any of the usual things he wakes up to. It’s much worse, in fact. 
He first starts shifting around when he feels the vibrations of one of their phones ringing, still mostly asleep and not quite ready to move from his spot curled into David’s side, face shoved into his neck. Which is why it’s so heartbreaking when David moves under him to grab around on the bed for the buzzing phone, and answers it with a groggy, “Hello?”
Matteo whines a little and nuzzles into his neck, trying to silently convince David that whatever the call is can’t be more important than getting a few more precious hours of sleep. David obviously doesn’t pick up on that, as in the next second he’s saying, “Oh, fuck!” into the phone, and worming out from under Matteo, leaping off the bed. 
Matteo blinks one eye open and mumbles a, “David, wha?” but David ignores him and continues talking into his phone, Matteo still too drowsy to process what he’s saying. He just watches as David runs a hand through his hair, his head whipping around the room as he searches for...something. 
“I think we fell asleep before setting an alarm, I was supposed to meet Laura like 10 minutes ago!”
Matteo thinks back and while he remembers a lot from the previous night, none of his memories include either of them setting an alarm. He vaguely remembers that David had mentioned something about meeting with Laura the next morning when he had arrived at Matteo’s flat the night before, but Matteo was too busy kissing down his neck to have fully absorbed the message. 
He watches David grab a pair of pants off the floor, putting them on as he hops over to the pile of clean laundry on Matteo’s chair. He grabs a random shirt off the top (Matteo can’t even tell who it belongs to at this point, their wardrobes are so mixed up), and starts looking for his binder on the floor. 
“Mm, no, baby, don’t go, come back to bbeeeddd....” Matteo whines quietly from the weird position he had been left in when David got up, reaching a hand out and grabbing at the air in David’s direction. He isn’t usually one for petnames, but knows from experience that a well-timed one had the power to persuade David to at least listen to what Matteo was requesting. 
“I can’t, she’s doing me a favor for my film and we need to meet today so she can talk to her friend about maybe getting me more equipment.” He finishes speaking and looks around the room for a moment before walking to the door and exiting, and leaving Matteo there, cold and suddenly comfortable-boyfreindless. Matteo rubs his face into the pillow and groans a little, a pout forming on his mouth, his next persuasive tactic. 
David bursts back through the door, toothbrush hanging out of his mouth as he starts frantically searching through his bag. Matteo turns his face up to look at him, but David isn’t even facing the bed, which means he can’t see the legendary puppy-dog eyes that Matteo is shooting in his direction.
“Do you really have to go?” Matteo asks, still pouting, rolling over into a more comfortable position that also highlights how horribly alone he is in the bed. 
“Yah, I’n sarr buh I ha oo.” David says around the toothbrush in his mouth, grabbing his notebook off of Matteo’s desk.
“Is she free later? I don’t want you to leave.” He sends his best please-come-back-and-cuddle-me face in David’s direction, who still isn’t looking at him as he starts grabbing his stuff that’s strewn around Matteo’s room.
“Nah, she ha oo ga oo a apahmah,” David takes off the shirt he had been sleeping in, pulling his binder on and then slipping the shirt he had grabbed over his head, and when it gets caught on the toothbrush hanging out of his mouth Matteo smiles for a second before frowning again.
“You’re really going to leave me here? Alone?”
“Sawan’s a lil nee-ee.” David smirks at him, and chuckles around the brush when Matteo grumbles out, “I’m not needy. I just...don’t ever want you to not be right next to me.”
David stops with one shoe on, his other foot halfway in a sock so he can turn to Matteo and smile with a soft look in his eyes. He slips the sock on all the way and walks closer to the bed, then stops himself, holds up a finger to Matteo, and leaves the room (only walking a little funny, being unbalanced from only having one shoe on). 
He comes back in the room a few minutes later, sans toothbrush and with his hair a little more under control. He walks over to the bed, putting his hands on Matteo’s cheeks and turning his face up to look at him, and leans down to press a kiss to the pout still on his face.
“I always want to be next to you, babe, but I have to go. I’ll come back after, yeah? You can keep sleeping and I’ll wake you up when I’m back.”
Matteo grumbles again, grabbing the bottom of David’s (his?) shirt and pulling him back in for a longer kiss. David chuckles into his mouth but indulges him, kissing him sweetly for a minute before pulling away with a, “Okay, I need to leave now or Laura’s going to actually kill me. I love you, I’ll see you later, yeah?”
Matteo huffs out a breath, as David starts trying to move away to get his bag. He doesn’t get very far, though, as Matteo’s hands are still clenched in his shirt.
“Baby, I really need to go.”
“Yeah but it doesn’t seem like you really can.”
David glares down at him and checks his phone, rolling his eyes and bringing one of his hands up to wrap around Matteo’s. He tries to pry his fingers off, but Matteo only grips harder, and David gasps when he hears what sounds like a seam ripping.
“Matteo!”
Matteo only smiles up at him sweetly, extremely pleased with himself. David glares at him for another moment before scoffing and cursing, turning to glance at the door. After a second, though, he smiles a little, and before Matteo realizes it he’s crouching down and twisting his body around until he slides out of the shirt, leaving Matteo grasping the fabric with shock on his face.
David grabs another shirt from the pile (and okay, that one was definitely one of Matteo’s), and slips into it quickly, blowing a kiss in Matteo’s direction as he grabs his bag and throws a, “Bye, babe!” over his shoulder as he walks out the door.
Matteo stares at the closed door, and then closes his mouth (his jaw had dropped at David’s almost impressive maneuvering), letting out a defeated, “Fuck.” as he drops his head back on the pillow. Once David is gone, though, and he settles back into the bed, his eyes start drooping again. It’s still pretty early, and he knows he can get at least another hour of sleep in before David comes back. He grabs the pillow that David had used, bringing it up to his face and pressing his nose into it, inhaling slowly until he fades into sleep again.
***
He’s woken up about 2 hours later by somebody slipping into his bed behind him, and an arm wrapping around his waist.
“I see I’ve been replaced?”
Matteo hums, extremely confused for second before he realizes that it’s David behind him, and the thing wrapped tightly in his arms is his pillow. He puts it back where it had originally been before twisting around in David’s arms so he can go back to his original position, his face in David’s neck, but he brings his hand up to grip in David’s hair.
“Ow, what’s that for?”
“Cause you left. And I don’t think you want me to rip your hair out so you won’t try to leave again.”
David smiles into the top of his head, kissing his hair, before saying softly, “There’s no where else I’d rather be.”
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shadedrose01 · 4 years ago
Text
Monster
Relationships: Harley Keener & Tony Stark, Peter Parker & Tony Stark, Harley Keener/Peter Parker
Tags: Time Travel, Avengers: Endgame (Movie) Compliant, Post-Avengers: Endgame (Movie), Canon Character Death Discussed, Canonical Character Death, Its not shown tho, Angst, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Harley Keener Needs a Hug, Tony Stark Acting as Harley Keener's Parental Figure, Tony Stark Acting as Peter Parker's Parental Figure
Prompts: “2029, that’s not a real year” / time travel / future au
Notes: HAPPY PARKNER WEEK 2020 EVERYBODY!! Im so excited for this, and I hope you guys are too! We're starting off with a fic that's more irondad with Harley than parkner, oops 😅 BUT most of the rest of the week is allll parkner. Either way, I hope you all enjoy!! 💞💞
Read on ao3 here!
~~
The tools he was subconsciously fidgeting with fall to the floor with a few loud bangs, and theres a quick thought of "oh shit, Jax" before its gone and the overwhelming reality of his situation smacks him in the face and floods his mind. This, this can't be real, he reasons, his eyes wide and his jaw dropped, his vision blurry from sudden tears as he stares at the hologram in front of his own two eyes. Blinks, ignoring the tracks that run down his cheeks, rubs his eyes hard, checks again. Because it can't be true, but the hologram still says "successful", still shows the 99.73% chance of working, still gleams in a bright green glow and illumates the entire room.
He releases a shuttering breath, takes a wobbly step back on legs that feel like they'll give out at any second, grasps on tightly to the table beside him to hold him upright as his gaze is still locked into the image still in front of him, still existent, still real even though it couldn't be, it was too good to be true, but it was.
He places his free hand hand over his mouth, his lips pulling at his cheeks as his smiles so unbelievably wide, tears slipping into his mouth unbeknownst to him because- he did it. He really did it.
Harley had found a way to recreate time travel. He had his chance.
Eleven years ago, Harley had disappeared into ashes and dust, had died along with half of the entire planet, the entire universe. Six years ago, he had returned, lost and confused, only to find his house in shambles, his mother dead and that Tony Stark- the man that had saved his life once upon a time- had done it again, along with everyone else by snapping the infinity stones and bringing everyone back, losing his own life in the process. A few days after that, he was called by Pepper Potts herself- or, Pepper Stark now, he later discovers- to tell him the news, and personally invite him to his funeral. A few weeks, and he was on a plane, then in a car, then surrounded by people, heroes in which he didn't know, seemingly the only non-powered kid there, outside of Tony Stark's daughter.
Six years ago, Harley Keener met one Peter Parker, and everything fell into place. Everything that was once dark, cloudy, uncertain after a whole five years of being gone, was now bright, sunny, and hopeful. They were at a funeral, sure, but Harley just knew that they were meant to be. They just clicked, and as the days, weeks, months, and years went on, they had grown together. First through their grief, then their confusion, their bitterness, fustration and anger at a world that had moved on without them, then through their connection, their love. They had talked through messages and even hand written letters when they were 16, 17, they had went to university together when they were 18, 19, moved in together when they were 20, 21, and adopted their Jackson, or Jax as they called him, when they were 22, 23. They were soulmates since the moment they met, had found each other when they needed each other most, and Harley had always said, always known that it was Tony who had put them together, who had put them in the same place and gifted them with the other, and Harley couldn't have been more thankful.
And yet... Harley couldn't get this stupid idea out of his head. He had gotten it the first year after, when he had drank away his sorrows and clambered to the lab, throwing things out of the closet, Tony's closet in a fit of passion, of agony and loss, until he had stumbled upon two glass tubes full of a vibrant red liquid and had frozen solid, like a deer in the headlights, an idea, a plan forming in his head. He had scribbled down everything he could think of, he drew what he remembered of the way the time portal had looked, had rambled to Peter about once he had come home from his patrol- his coping mechanism of the time- trying to think of ways to recreate the very time machine Tony had recreated to go back to retrieve the stones, only instead of getting stones, they'd be saving him, saving Tonys life and it would be great.
But, then he remembers how Peter had shut it down then and there, how upset the other man had gotten, thinking Harley was insane, telling him of all the things that could go wrong, of how it could change the entire outcome of the universe, and then, once he recognized how drunk Harley truly was, had dragged him to bed and given him an ultimatum in the morning, had told him to forget the idea in the morning, or else they were over. And Harley had forgotten about it for a while, had put it into the back of his mind and tried to focus on the here and the now, tried to focus on their relationship, on Peter, on his kid, on their lives... but he just couldn't get it out of his mind. Not completely. It was like an itch he couldn't scratch, that just grew more and more itchy the longer he ignored it. When he had proposed to Peter underneath the stars, at a candlelight dinner, and they had called all of their family afterwards, he had felt a pang in his heart. When he had gotten married to the man of his dreams in the forest, surrounded by their family and friends, he had ached, knowing Tony would've been in the front seat, probably crying like a baby, even though he'd never admit it. When they had adopted little Jax, and gotten to hold their baby for the first time, Harley had yearned, aching for the father figure in his life to help give him advice, to help tell him what to do, to be there at all. Even though Tony and Harley hasn't been close before everything, he had always wanted Tony to be there for these steps of his life, and he knew, knew that Tony had wanted it too. He wanted to rant to him about his crush, wanted to ask for his hand, wanted him to walk him down the aisle, wanted him to teach him how to be a dad, wanted to tell him all about Jax and his quirks, his first steps, "He's babbling now, Tony, it's the cutest sound you'll ever hear!" and he just...
He hears footsteps walking down the hall, and Harley's breath hicks. His gaze shifts to the two smaller tubes on full display on his desk, just beside the reactor for Iron Lad suit that he had upgraded for this exact situation, just in case this moment ever happened. He hears Peter call his name, sounding a little worried, and his gut drops, his heart beating like stallion galloping in an open field. He doesn't think as he grabs the reactor, sticking it to his chest and pressing it, feeling the nanites fall into place over his skin as he also grabs the tubes, putting one into the canister and the other into a holding area, for his way back, before racing to the platform and hovering his finger over the button, the system already set to bring him back to April 15th, 2023.
He knew Peter would be upset, and might hate him, might leave him for this but... he had a chance, and he just couldn't let it go. He squeezes his eyes shut, feels more liquid slip down his cheeks, silently begs for forgiveness before pushing the button just as his helmet falls in front of his face, Peter's face, full of unbridled fear being the last thing he sees, a scream of his name being the last thing he hears before he shrinks, collapsing again and again as he weaves through tunnels of nothing, of time, he assumes, his eyes narrowing and his teeth clenching as his body is bashed around by the wind and speed of his decent, until suddenly he's on the ground again, on all fours, his hands and feet grabbing onto dirt and surrounded by dust particles floating in the air. Harley gasps, panting out fast breathes as he sits up, and turns to look behind him, his mask retracting instinctively as he sees the ruins of the Avengers Compound, and loses his breath again.
He's here, holy shit, he's here, he's doing this, oh my god Peter was going to kill him.
His head whips around as he hears a loud yell, multiple yells, and then screaming, sounds of weapons clashing and fists thumping, people fighting, and it brings him right back into his reality, his helmet returning over his face as he creeps forward, around the rock (or scrap of compound, Harley couldn't tell) that he was hiding behind to see the battle firsthand, the allies matched by the enemies one for one. From here, Harley can see Black Panther, T'Challa swiping at an aliens ankles before jumping on top of him and slitting his throat, while his sister Shuri is beside him, shooting lasers the smaller ones rushing beside them. A wizard is using a magic rope against another alien creature, holding it down while a... goose? Duck? Burns its face with a cigar. Harley doesn't know why he's surprised at that, he's seen weirder in his years, but he shakes it off quickly, whispering for his AI, TON-EE, to track and find her namesake.
He can't be seen, he knows that much. Iron Lad didn't exist at this time, Harley wasn't apart of the battle, and now, as he watches it take place all around him, smells the sharp bitterness in their air, breathes in particles and coughs out soot, he's sort of thankful that he wasn't, a complete contrast to the nights, the years spend wishing that he was. 
TON-EE beeps at him, and then a map comes up, of one large red dot surrounded by what looks like a million tiny white ones, all allies and enemies, and when it zooms out, Harley can see its right in the middle, right where all of the action is. Of course Tony could be there, in the hardest place possible for him to get to. He's gotta make things harder for him, even after death. Or, before death? Whatever, it doesn't matter. Or, it won't, if Harley gets his way.
He's just gotta get there now. He can hear the battle raging on in the background as he whispers to TON-EE, and starts to fly, feeling the armor shift as it turns and flips, the retroreflective panels going into place and turning him mostly invisible to the naked eye. Normally he wouldn't fly when in this mode, his replusors and their glow would give him away, but he's hoping the battle will be enough of a distraction to where nobody will notice. Or, if they do, they'll ignore it for the time being, and assume he's just another ally. He makes sure he's high above the battle, making sure to keep an eye on the flyers around him- Falcon is dropping grenades and bombs further into enemy territory, and Ant-Man, while huge, couldn't move very fast, so he should be fine- as he zooms into the warzone, moving quickly and efficiently, watching as the red dot gets bigger, closer.
He feels something out of the corner of his eye, in his blind spot, and he jerks backwards at the last second, just as a giant white Pegasus flies past him, a woman on its back and a higher pitched scream of "woAH-" flying past afterwards, hanging from- from a web, Harley freezes, realizes, watching Spider-Man, watching Peter cling to the web as he gets thrown around haphazardly, hanging off of the horse, clutching onto what he knows is the infinity gauntlet, remembers from when Peter told him so all those years ago, a few months after all of this. Told him that he had it, that he should've held onto it when Carol asked for it, should've gotten the stones and used it himself, should've saved everyone himself, he mightve survived it after all but Harley had only felt fear, knowing that he wouldn't have. He shakes the memory away, and follows the swirving horse, the clinging spider, knowing it'll lead him straight to where he needs to be.
The thing was, Harley had forgotten why Peter had fallen to the ground, why Carol had gotten the chance to ask him for the gauntlet, only remembering when he hears a scream of "Look out!" Before all hell breaks loose, canons shooting down from the sky and exploding to the ground, shaking the earth beneath him.
"Shit!" He tries to fly out of the trajectory, tries to get out of the battlefield while still staying close, but his leg gets nipped by the beam, he gets thrown off balance, and then he's falling, and crashes to the ground with a loud bang that's sounds quiet compared to the booms of the canons, of the tremors of the earth he can now feel beneath his fingertips, his entire body shuttering with the ground. He groans, his body searing with pain, before his mind reboots and the panic sets in. He checks the storage area, sighing with relief when the vial is still in tact, before checking his system to see whats broken, what's working, whats still up. His back replusor is down, so his flight system is gone, but outside of that, it seems everything is still working, and he breathes out a sigh of relief. Its okay, he can still do this, he'll just- have to find his way on land, he'll just have to be more careful.
He glances around, the earth still exploding around him, hearing wails of pain from people he can't even see, dust scattering in the air and blood seeping into the dirt, his stomach churning at the sight and his ears ringing as he tries to focus, stepping forward to run into the field, to find his way to Tony just as the tracker system reappears in his field of vision, just as he sees the red dot basically overtaking the screen, just as he's grabbed and is suddenly in flight, weaving through the air in somebody's arms.
Before Harley can even struggle, he's being dropped, the two suits landing back down at the same time, and Harley turns, his eyes widening as he sees the signature red and gold, scruffed and marked and dirty from the fight, the bright blue glow of the arc reactor, and the two eye slits that disappear as his visor retracts and suddenly Harley is stumbling because oh my god, he did this, this is it, this is- he is-
"Kid?? Is that you?" Tony asks, voice full of wonder and awe, full of bewilderment and concern, his iries a little darker, softer than he remembered, his hair and beard full of gray hairs and his face full of wrinkles from smiling, laughing, crying, and he's so real, this is real, that Harley can't help the sob that bubbles out of his chest, that slips past his lips. He can hear Tony still talking to him, saying something about Harley's suit, but he doesn't even hear it, can't hear it as he stumbles forward and pulls the man into a tight hug, his body lurching forward in another silence cry, tears flowing down his pushed up cheeks harder when he feels the warmth beneath his fingertips, the smooth metal and the feeling of skin and stubble against his cheek and he's here, he's okay, he's alive. "Harley?" The man murmurs quieter, sounded so confused but also not questioning, seemingly not caring as he pulls the younger man closer, running a hand down his back and pressing a kiss to the side of his head. "Bud?"
"I'm sorry," He blurts out, and he doesn't even know why he says it, but he needs him to know, needs him to. "I'm sorry. I just-" He rubs at his eye with a free hand, burrowing his face into Tony's neck, feeling the rapid bump of a heartbeat beneath his skin and sobbing again. "I missed you so much." Its a whisper, under his breath, one he doesn't mean for Tony to hear, but its clear he does, the man stiffening up for a few seconds before untensing with a shaky breath, tugging Harley even closer.
They don't say anything else for a while, Tony clearly thinking, putting together pieces of a situation he shouldn't even know, that Harley never should have told him, but he can't care, doesn't care right now as he feels Tony move, feels his chest rise and fall with each breath, feels the heat beneath his skin, feels his jaw moving and his cheek shifting as he blinks, and breaths, and lives. Harley could stay here forever, and be happy, but he knows he can't, knows that isn't how this day should, or can, go.
"What year are you from?" The older man questions, finally breaking the silence between them as he seemingly put the puzzle together, and Harley releases a shaky exhale, shutting his eyes, longing to block out the world and live in this moment forever.
"2029," He answers anyways, honestly, and suddenly Tony snorts, Harley furrowing his eyebrows at the seemingly random sound until-
"2029? Come on, that's not a real year."
Harley bursts into chuckles, unexpectedly, and from the grin it places on Tony's face, that was the purpose of the tease. "I mean it, old man. 2029."
Tony lets out a noise similar to a squawk at the old man comment, and lightly smacks the back of his head as Harley snickers, feeling so light and warm, he missed this, he missed this feeling so much, and seemingly sensing the sadness lingering under Harleys skin, the mood darkens again, their voices quieting again as Tony whispers, "2029, wow."
"Yeah," Harley whispers back, feeling the heaviness in the air on his back, his shoulders, his lungs, almost suffocating him with its thickness.
"So you're... 24?"
"23." He corrects, as Tony finally steps back and Harleys fingers twitch to pull him back in, as Tony's hand grabs his chin lightly, a thumb rubbing his cheek in a soothing, paternal gesture, his eyes softening even more, growing shiny in the faint gray light.
"All grown up."
Harley hums in affirmation, ignoring the way the back of his eyes start burning again, his heart swelling. "I have a kid, a son." Now that he has the chance, everything just seems to be spilling out of him without filter.
Tony's eyes widen and his face glows with a pride that makes Harley's shoulders shutter again, even as his smile widens far enough to break his face. "A son, huh?"
"Yeah, me and- me and Peter adopted him a few months ago, his name is Jackson Anthony, and- and he's perfect, Tony, he's perfect, he's so small, and sweet, and he barely cries, he's like a dream." And that he's started, he can't seem to stop, spilling quickly about Jax, and about Peter, the wedding, their life and how wonderful it is, how much he loves them, but before he knows it, he's biting his tongue and freezing into place, words on the tip of his tongue that he dare not let out, he can't, his chest feeling heavy and aching as he thinks, 'God I wish you could've been there'.
Tony just smiles, tight and sad, like he knows what he's thinking, like he knows what happens, and brushes another tear off his cheek as he asks, soft and low, "Harley, why are you here? Why did you come back?" And Harley just stares at him, begging and pleading him to understand without him having to say it, and when the mans face shutters, his eyes darkening and his smile tilting into a light frown, he knows that he does. "Kid-"
"I couldn't-" He shakes his head, clenching and unclenching his hands rapidly. "I had a chance, Tony, and I had to, I have to-"
"You can't, bub." Tony murmurs, and Harley just shakes his head again, harder, firmer.
"I have to."
"You can't." He restates, holding onto Harley's arms tightly and forcing him to make eye contact, to look him in the eyes even if Harley wants to look anywhere else, wants to think of any other way, any other option than this. "This is my destiny, kid."
"It doesn't have to be, there has to be another way," Harley pleads, "Captain Marvel could survive the snap, I did the calculations, if I just get the glove to her-"
Tony just shakes his head too, looking eerily serious, sullen. "It could change too much, it could change everything, Harley-"
"So? You'd survive-"
"You have a husband, and a kid-"
"So did you!" Harley spits back, shaking off Tony's hold and glaring at him, even as he shakes, and swallows around a lump in his throat. "You had Pepper, and Morgan, and- and Peter, and me and you just- you still want to just-"
All of the fight rushes out of him, and his shoulders slump, his head held low and salt pooling at his chin, dripping to the floor. Tony takes a step forward, and carefully places a hand onto Harleys shoulder, stating calmly, accepting, "I made my choice, kid. And I don't regret it." When Harley peers up at it, face scrunched up in agony, Tony continues, soft and sad. "How can I, when I get to see this? When I know you and Peter are so happy, when I-" He swallows. "When I hope Pepper has moved on, and Morgan has got the chance to grow up with his two older brothers." He squeezes Harley's face, and gives him a smile made only for him, full of honest, open love. "How can I regret any of it, when I know all of my family is together again?"
"Without you." Harley chokes out, and Tony's smile stays, shrugs once.
"If thats the price to pay, I'll pay it. I told myself I'd do anything, anything to get you and Peter back. I knew it was worth it, worth anything, and now, this," He rubs Harleys cheek as he crumbles with another agonizing sob, "Now I know for sure. It was worth it. It was all worth it."
Harley falls into his arms again, wailing loudly into his chest, and Tony just soothes him, shushes him quietly and holds him close. "I miss you so much,"
"I know," He murmurs faintly.
"I love you so much." He sobs, and Tony just presses a harder kiss to his head, and holds it there for a few seconds, liquid dripping onto his head.
"I love you too, polpetta. More than you'll ever know."
"I don't know if I can- can lose you again."
Tony doesn't answer this time, and Harley cries harder, his entire body tremoring just like the ground did, knowing, knowing he has to back, knowing he cant change Tony's mind, but aching, his heart shattering and crumbling into pieces of dust similar to the compound surrounding them, and it takes a few more minutes, a few more moments of a hug so tight it makes his muscles whine, his bone creak, before Tony tells him quietly, melancholy.  "You gotta to back, Harls."
He squeezes the man again, nodding, knowing he's right, knowing his husband his back there in the garage waiting for him, knowing his son is in his cradle, fast asleep, knowing his life is waiting for him back home. He savors the last few seconds of holding his father, his dad in his arms, before he steps back. Tony gives him a grin, one last, big toothy smile, a complete contrast to the shine in his eyes, on his cheeks, and Harley smiles back, saying one last "I love you," and hearing it echoed in return.
"I love you too. Both of you, all of you."
He takes the vial out of the storage slot, putting into place, and glances up one last time, searing all of Tony's features into his mind, into memory, his words echoing in his head as he presses the button, whispers a goodbye, and shrinks.
The return back is much faster, Harley only getting a blink before he's back in his garage, the room a mess similar to how he left it, and the first thing he sees is Peter, his husband, the love of his life still stood in the very same place, in the doorway of the garage, his baby browns wide and teary, looking so fearful, so scared, yet so thankful that Harley returned.
"Harley?!?" He gasps, and Harley barely gives his suit time to retract before he's rushing forward and crashing into Peter, Peter already into soothing mode and whispering faint reassures, to himself or to harley he doesn't know, Harley crumbling again in his arms and sputtering out, over and over and over, "He loves you, he loves us, loves us so much." Like its the last chance he'd ever get to say it again.
Peter just holds him close, similar to the way his dad did only moments before, and Harley sinks into the warmth, vowing to live in the here and the now from now on. To live in the moment, and be there for his husband and his son, knowing that Tony was watching over them, with that same proud smile and little glint in his eyes.
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littleliv1 · 6 years ago
Text
I Was Born To Love You- Part Seven
Hey guys! For starters, yes, I know this one is longer, and yes, I know a director of a movie wouldn't let everyone take days off to be with an assistant giving birth. And yes, I'm aware that it probably took them longer than 9 months to make the movie. Just pretend like everything worked out okay?!?
Summary: Leah finally gives birth to her son, who she named after a very important figure in her life, giving him the cutest nick name. She and Ben exchange their feelings for one another.
Warnings: it's kind of gross, she gives birth, language, fluff LOTS OF FLUFF,
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Weeks had passed since the baby shower. The guys helped me set up the baby's room. They all asked me the name, but I told them I didn't want to decide until I saw him. Truthfully, I wasn't sure. Nothing has happened with Ben and I, though. I was 8 months pregnant. He was due in four weeks. I've grown to love him more than I've ever loved anyone. But man was I scared. I would eventually be alone to take care of him. The dogs were growing up. Easily trainable, though. That's good. I was never truly alone.
We were at the studio. They were filming their final scenes, filming would be done within the next few days. I was [huge]. It was hard to fit anywhere, I couldn't drive, and things were hurting. Lucy has been so good during this time. I was officially divorced, but I didn't think of myself as single. I belonged to the only man in my life, my son. I loved the name Harrison. I got lost in my trail of thought, as I heard Bryan telling me to hurry with a task I was apparently in the middle of. I finished whatever it was that I was doing, not realizing I was staring at Ben the whole time. But he sure noticed. Man, I know exactly how to make a fool of myself. I looked away quickly. I came to Bryan when I was done. "Thank you dear, take a few hours to yourself." He said. I nodded, smiling and went back into the group meeting room. That's just where my stuff was. I sat down, feeling my belly burning. It was my skin so dry. I started to rub some cocoa butter on it. It had hints of lavender in it, so it really relaxed me. I laid my head back, letting my thoughts take over.
The thought of Bens hands rubbing this on my belly, as I sit in between his legs, while we watch the sun set, the light glimmering off of his face just perfectly. He was so perfect. This should be his baby. I think I'm falling in l-
My thoughts were interrupted by Gwilym who was in full Brian May costume. My eyes widen. "I don't think I can ever get used to seeing you like that," I said, rubbing the lotion in more, and then pulling my shirt down. I sat up a little, resting my hands on my belly. "Sorry to interrupt you, just left my phone in here, I have to call Angie back." He said. I'm not sure how I like this new girl he's talking to. She's very demanding, always getting mad if he doesn't answer her right away, even got mad at him for coming to my baby shower. "I understand, dear."
As he started to ring her, I felt a small pain. It kind of felt like gas, or maybe I was a bit hungry. I guess Gwilym could see the look of discomfort on my face, because he stopped ringing Angie and sat on the coffee table in front of the couch I was on. "Are you alright?" He said. I took a minute to breath, the feeling passed, but I was still hungry. "Yeah I'm fine, I think I want to go to a buffet." I said. He laughed at the comment. "Well I think Bryan will let us off for an hour or so and we could all go out to eat, sound good, Momma?" He said, patting my knee. Momma was a new nickname the guys had made for me. I really didn't mind it, I thought it was sweet. "Yes, sounds lovely." I said smiling at him.
A few minutes passed and all four guys plus Brian and Roger came in. They heard I wanted food and all chimed in wanting food. So we all went to 'Fosters Buffet and Bar' to grab a bite.
Once we got into the empty restaurant, we were sat immediately. We started to fill our plates with all kinds of things. I got mashed potatoes, fries, what looked to be a vegetarian lasagna, and some fresh tomatoes. I hadn't eaten meat my entire pregnancy. After basically inhaling my food and three plates later I keep feeling those weird pains. I'd been having Braxton Hicks contractions and they didn't exactly feel like that, I just figured maybe I ate too much. "Feel better, momma?" Gwilym said, rubbing my back. I didn't want to scare anyone with a false alarm, so I lied and nodded my head. We then returned to the set to finish filming.
I was walking around on set, watching everyone film, and held Bryan's coffee as he explains what he wants from the actors. It was one of the final scenes. They had a few more weeks of filming left, but they were almost done. We were inside for this particular scene, however. All of a sudden, I felt something. It didn't exactly hurt, it kind of felt like a small period cramp but then- holy shit. It turned a mild cramp into blinding pain. I took all of the pregnancy classes, I wanted to give birth naturally with no medications, Ben showed up to a bunch of them, but I knew how to coach myself through them. Just not this first one.
The pain grew worse. So bad it took me a minute to process. So bad that I dropped Bryan's coffee and the clip board. Everyone knew what was happening once they saw my expression. Ben came out of no where, and grabbed my hand with his hand and my back with his other. Then came the screaming. I really couldn't help it. It felt like lasted an eternity until the pain slowed enough for me to speak. "Im s-so sorry for the coff-ee-e," I managed to get out. I started to breath, remembering what my birthing coach taught me. "Should I call your midwife?" Ben said. "N-not yet, my wa-water-" and with that, my body knew it was time once I felt a small leak between my legs that turned into a busted water pipe. '[Holy hell],' I thought. I really didn't think it'd be that much. "I'm calling her," He said. He started to guide me outside. "You guys can finish without me. I'm not even in this scene. Come by her house once you're done, it'll be a while, yes, hi Amanda," He started, I assumed she answered. She knew he wasn't the father, but she always told me he'd make a damn good one. And I always agreed.
We got outside and he drove us to my house. On the way there, [more] liquid started coming out. "I'm so sorry but I'm leaking on your car seat," I said, trying to laugh but interrupted by another contraction. The 20 minute tie felt like a 20 year one. The mid-sized husky/border collie pups, who we named Sasha and Bevin, started to jump on me, welcoming me home. "I love them so much but damnit get them into the dinning room and close the doors, they have food and water in there." I instructed Ben, as he did so immediately. He walked me to my bed room as another contraction hit. This one wasn't as bad, now that I had been on top of the pain, doing my breathing exercises. I was finally in the comfort of my own home. Austin made it clear that he didn't care when the baby was born. He offered to pay child support, but honestly, fuck him. I make enough money to support me and my son. I found the back of the couch through the pain, leaning on it as I felt Ben behind me, rocking my hips side to side. He talked to me through it. I couldn't tell you why, but him doing that felt good, it seemed to relieve some of the pressure.
I was breathing in and out, when my midwife arrived. "Hi, sweetheart," said the middle aged, red head. Her presence was also comforting. She had dark green eyes, and tattooed eyeliner. She had a country accent. "Hi," I said, still swaying my hips through the pain. It stopped after a few more seconds. I leaned back up, and started to rub my belly. "How have contractions been so far? Have you been timing them?" She asked recording it on her clipboard, which had cartoon koala bears on it. "Uh, I think-" "Between the first and second was 10 minutes, then it was 8, those are all the ones so far." Bed said, looking at her, then my bump, grazing his hand on it. 'Huh,’ I thought. "Alright, well just like we've talked about, let's get some fresh sheets on the bed, along with a butt load of towels. I'll unload my equipment." She said. I nodded, Ben and I walking down the hallway. I grabbed about 10 towels, and he was quick- as quick as you could be when gently taking off sheets and blankets and then folding them and setting them in a different room- to replace the sheets. "All I'm saying is that was not necessary," I said referring to his little neat freak episode, managing to laugh it out. He shrugged his shoulders smirking. "Hey-" He started but was intreated by Amanda. "Alright, good good. Leah, why don't you put on a sports bra, and some shorts for your modesty and I'll check to see how dilated you are." She said. I nodded, ripping my shirt and pants off, as fast as I could for being 34 weeks pregnant. Wait. 34? He's a month early. This was concerning to me. As soon as I managed to get shorts on, with the help of Ben, I had to bring it up. "Amanda, he's 4 weeks early. Is this safe?" I asked. She smiled. "Baby's come when they're ready. Don't stress about it. If there is an issue, the hospital is left than thirty minutes away." She said, patting the bed. I laid down, pulling my shorts off. It felt weird to be like this, but Ben didn't look, he always just looked at my face. "Hm, you're only about three centimeters dilated. It'll be a while. If you want to snack a little bit, now it the chance. After 5, it's no more. Nothing big, okay?" She said. I nodded my head, pulling my shorts back on. I got out of the bed, feeling another contraction.
This one was painful. "8 minutes again," Ben said, almost noting it to himself. "Mmmmmm," was all I could manage out. It moaned in pain. Ben came up from behind me, holding my hands in his, leaning us forward a bit. Again, swaying slightly. He was so calm and that's just what I needed. I squeezed his hands as hard as I could. But I managed to breath through it. Once it finally ended, I ate a protein bar. My favorite one, it was a apple pie cliff bar. That was all I could manage before I got to six centimeters. From the time I was four to six, five hours had gone by. I felt like this was the slowest labor ever.
Soon enough, the guys and Lucy got here. Ben was holding me through another contraction, as he saw them walk in. He smiled, giving them all a 'Hey' or 'hello'. He was just so nonchalant. They started to last longer and it was getting harder to do this. Especially without my mom. I had always pictured it'd be her walking through the front door, asking how her baby is doing delivering her first grandson. She and my dad were all I could think about. I closed my eyes, and tried to imagine what it would be like if things were normal.
"Hey! Hey, Leah, Nate and Lisa are here!" I heard Austin say while guiding me through some hard contractions. "There's my girl!" My mum said, cupping my face with her hands. She smelled like flowers. "Hurry up with this! I have to meet my grandson!" I heard Dad yell. I laughed through it. Mum came up to my belly, patting it. I looked down at my bump. "I know you're ready, my love. I'm ready, too." I whispered. My mum took a picture of us two- almost three. The picture was perfect. "Oh my girl!" She said, her voice draining out.
My thoughts were again interrupted. "57 seconds," Ben said, looking at Amanda. "Hey guys," I whispered, drained of energy. Lucy's face was bright, as she let go of Rami's arm and slowly walked over to me. "How are you, my love?" She said, cupping my face and kissed my check. "I'm okay, the contractions are getting worse. I'm hoping he comes before you guys pass out." I said jokingly. Everyone laughed quietly. "We got some strong brewed coffee on the way here. Plus we're all hyped on adrenaline." Rami said. "I can't wait to meet this sweet little boy." Joe said, kneeling in front of me, smiling. "Would it be okay if I took a selfie with your bump?" He said. I laughed at the odd request but I gave him permission. "I have an idea! Can we paint a loading screen that's all the way 'loaded' and say sending? Like in one of your picture on Instagram, Leah, how it says '50% loaded' when you were 5 months?" Lucy said. I nodded my head. "Might wanna hurry, they're getting closer." I showed them to the body paints and they were quick to do it. I started to contract again with the paint on. Ben held my hands from behind leaning forward, coaching me threw it in my ear. Joe captured a picture of it. He posted his selfie along with that picture and captioned it "Baby Mallory is on his way!"
A few hours of lame jokes and many many contractions later, I was almost ready to push. Nine centimeters. She had me on the bed, and checked me. My stomach turned in knots. "Alright everyone. It's time. Ben can stay in, but I'll have to ask everyone to leave the room." She said. They all kissed me on the forehead, wishing me luck. Before leaving, Lucy lot some candles and turned on my calming sound track. '[I fucking love that woman,'] I thought to myself. And it began.
"On your next contraction, start to push." She said. I nodded my head, closing my eyes for a moment, then opened them up to meet Bens. For a moment, I wasn't in pain. I couldn't feel the labor. Looking into his eyes made all of that go away. "Ben," I started. "Yes?" He said. He knew what I wanted to say. "I-" I tried to start, but was again interrupted by the worst pain I've ever felt. I broke my left femur in a bad car wreck when I was 16, and that was nothing compared to this. I couldn't help but to scream. I have to say, I was proud of myself that that was the first time I screamed during labor. But I couldn't focus on pride, I had to meet my son.
Ben held my hand as I pushed for the first time. "Alright, that's it, that's it," she said, counting up to ten. "Nine- and ten." She finished. I took a moment, then had to push again. I started to focus on the music. I focused on the words of 'Sign on the Window' by Bob Dylan. "You're doing great, Leah. You got this." Ben said, I could only hear him faintly. The pain was now not only blinding, but deafening. It felt like someone lite a match and stuck it inside of me. Like something was tearing its way out. And it quite literally was.
'Sign on the door says no company allowed'
All I could hear was the song, the tamber of Bens voice, and the word 'ten'.
'Ten'
Push
'Ten'
Push
'Head, head' I faintly heard.
'Ten'
Push
A new sound entered. It took seconds to realize it was the sound of a baby. My baby. He was finally here. My already tear soaked eyes, started to sob. "My baby, my baby boy," I whaled. Ben looked at me with a huge grin, also crying.
His cry was the most beautiful song. He was the most perfect baby.
But blood was everywhere. "Leah, do you want to cut the umbilical cord?" She asked. I shook my head, looking at Ben. "I want him to," I said, putting my finger on his chest. "Really?" He said. I nodded my head, wiping his tears from his eyes. He kissed the palm of my hand. He leaned down and cut the cord. "I'm sorry, but I saw your vagina." He said. We both laughed, as Amanda took him to clean him up. I looked into his eyes once again. "Ben," I started. "Yes?" He said, once more. "Thank you for doing everything you've done for me while being pregnant." I said, smiling up. "I'll do everything I can still. As long as you'll let me." He said. I nodded my head, sobbing again. "This baby needs a daddy. And if you're willing to raise a baby that isn't yours, I hope to God it could be you." I said to him. Maybe that was too much. But he didn't seem to mind. He kissed me. The second kiss we've shared. "Be apart of our family?" I asked him. And he nodded, kissing me again.
About ten minutes later, he was clean. She gave my son to Ben, and started to clean me up. It had been about an hour. We replaced the sheets as well as we could without me moving, and we were ready to try feeding. Ben handed my the boy. He hadn't opened his eyes yet. "He's a hungry one, look, he's grabbing for you," Amanda said. And he was. I laughed a bit. I had stopped crying, and pulled out my swollen breast. He knew immediately what was going on and ate right away. I squealed a bit, looking at Ben. "Does it feel weird?" He asked. "A little, but normal. A good weird, but normal." I said, smiling at him, then the baby. "Does the boy have a name yet?" She asked. I brought my smile up to meet her. "Yes. His name is Nathaniel. After my dad. Nathaniel Brian Roger Mallory. The three greatest men that I've ever had in my life." I said.
Taglist: @amy-brooklyn99 @florenceivy
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the-marvel-imagines-blog · 6 years ago
Text
Madness | Chpt. 6
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Requests are Open
Chapter Title: “Collateral Damage”
Pairing: Loki x Original Female Character
Word Count: 4,786
Warnings: hurt/no comfort, Angry!Eva, violence, Angry!Loki
Name Pronunciations: Hjalmar: “He-all-mar” | Aaldir: “All-deer” | Ephinea: “Eh-fin-ee-uh”
A/N: I want to take a moment to apologize for my absence. I’ve had some health problems recently, and within the last couple of weeks, I’ve lost entire days thanks to said problems. I’m finally feeling well enough again to post, but during my time being sick, I’ve managed to come up with quite a bit of content. Thank you so much for reading and enjoying what I’m writing. Even if not every chapter is you cup of tea, it means a lot to see that people are leaving likes, messaging me, reblogging, etc.! Please note that I have taken and will be taking a lot of creative liberties pertaining to these characters. This will be shown in excess during the upcoming chapters, so I just wanted to give a bit of a warning. There are some timeline changes, character changes, etc. Once again, thank you so much for reading. I love you all <3
Tagged: @teddyboobear @alledeglyfunny (anyone who wants to be tagged can message me and ask. It’s not a problem at all)
“Looks like you lost,” I dictated as I dragged him down the stairs to the dungeons. My entire body felt like it was on fire, but it didn’t stop the shiver from running down my spine at the thought of what he was capable of. Ezra showed us something none of us could’ve expected. He was skilled in ways that we were unprepared for, ways I didn’t even know could exist. I still trembled at the thought of my slain comrades-members of Odin’s kingsguard-rising and fighting against us. The more people of ours Ezra killed, the more people he had fighting for him. The battle was unfair and horrific, but we still won even after members of the kingsguard forced Odin away from the situation. Ezra had surrendered after we had gotten him onto his knees. My sword had been pressed against his throat, and all I needed to do was give it one swift motion to kill him. I couldn’t, though.
There was something that kept me from killing him, but I had no idea what it was. Maybe it was the familiarity in those green eyes or the endless knowledge he seemed to have about me. Still, my decision to keep him alive could be useful in the future of Asgard. He was another enemy who would be a prisoner in the dungeons, a man we could retrieve information from. He snickered at me, “you may have won, but what did it cost you?” he asked, glancing down at the wound on my abdomen.
I ignored his comment, feeling the pain radiating from the wound. During the battle, he had taken a swing at Ephinea, a blow I did my best to protect her from. I had pushed her back and tried to put as much distance between him and I as possible, but it wasn’t enough. My sword blocked his axe, and while I struggled to disarm him, I was unaware of the dagger he pulled out until he buried it in my abdomen. The dagger cut right through my training armor-which had not been suitable for battle-and pierced into my flesh. I had not yet seen it, but a piece of me was convinced it was nothing while the rational part of myself was sure it was something much more than I was prepared to deal with. If I could still walk, I was fine.
Behind Ezra and I were the remaining members of the kingsguard who did not sustain significant injuries as well along with Ephinea, Sif, and the warriors three. Thor had taken to the throne room with his father to discuss what would come next. Everyone in the dungeons was silent when they saw the crowd of warriors that it took to secure the newest prisoner. They watched us in a stunned silence, including Loki. I avoided all eye contact with the God of Mischief, still hurt by his actions an entire week ago. While I wished for an empty cell anywhere else in the dungeons, the only free one was directly across from Loki’s, which would undoubtedly cause me to worry much more than I should have. The cells were practically impenetrable, and even if Ezra managed to break free of his cell, there would be no real reason for him to go after Loki.
As we stood in front of his cell, he turned to face me as I spoke, “this is gonna be your new home. I don’t know where you came from or what you knew before this, but you won’t be going back there anytime soon. You said you haven’t seen a sunrise for more than 300 years?” I asked, and he nodded his head, a grin forming on his lips in anticipation for what I was about to say, “well, be prepared to wait another 300 because you aren’t getting out of here for a long time,” I growled, glaring up at him and his apathetic expression. It was as if he had no remorse at all for the lives he had taken, like the entire battle before this meant nothing to him. His reaction was sickening.
He cocked one of his thick eyebrows, “you have a fire within you that you try to ignore, pet, but you can’t hide it from me,” he replied before lunging forward and attacking my lips with his. It shocked me at first, but I leaned into it after a moment, realizing that I could use it to my advantage. Everyone around us who was there to ensure his safe transportation to his cell was left in shock, but they always knew that I had a plan. My lips molded together with his thick ones, and while I was disgusted to be kissing the man who just killed so many of my people, I knew that this was going to work out in my favor. While Ezra was distracted by the kiss, I eased one of my daggers from its sheath at my side and reached behind him before sinking it into his lower back.
He sucked in a sharp breath, disconnecting our lips. His face distorted in pain, and his chest rumbled as I pulled the dagger from his body, twisting it in the process. Once it was out, I dropped it on the ground behind him and reached into the small pouch on my belt to pull out one of the tracking devices I always carried with me. In one swift motion, I shoved two of my fingers into the wound to deposit the tracking device as deeply as possible. He grunted and twisted to break free of my grasp, but I would not release him. I released the tracking device once I was sure it was embedded deep enough that he could not feel it and dig it out on his own. When I finally removed my fingers, I rested my hand against his wound and focused all of my energy on transferring it over to myself. That was the one downfall of my healing power. I was unable to heal someone without transferring their wounds onto myself. While he was not worthy of my help, I couldn’t leave the wound open for fear that he would just pull the device out. Now, it he wanted to take it out, he would have to cut himself open and dig for it.
As the wound transferred to myself, I gritted my teeth, but nothing could compare to the wound on my abdomen. It was like if one had been stabbed by Surtur himself, a scraped knee could never compare to it, so the pain was far more tolerable. Once I finished healing his wound, I glared up at him, “you’re going to have a lot of time to think while you’re down here, and that’s all you get to do. If you move, I’ll know about it. If you speak, I’ll know about it. If you have any thoughts about breaking out of your cell, I will know about it. I didn’t kill you today because I believe in second chances. If you fail to cooperate or if you become a threat to anyone I know or love, I will not hesitate to kill you,” I growled at him.
He nodded his head, “my execution would be against the Allfather’s wishes. It’s a beautiful sentiment-it truly is-but...tell me, pet, how will you protect the two people you love most when one is here and one is on Midgard?” he asked, referencing her once more.
My eyes widened, and he smirked at the look of dread that was clear on my face. I saw my reflection in his eyes and saw a girl who had everything to lose, someone who had lost so much already. As my protective instincts kicked in, I grew furious that he even put their safety in question. I pulled my fist back and landed a hard punch against his cheek. When his head snapped to the side to accommodate the blow, I swiped his feet out from under him to bring him down to the ground. As he caught himself on his knees, I pulled out my other dagger and pressed it against his throat with one hand while I grabbed a fistful of his hair with the other. I squatted down to be at his level, “say it again,” I growled.
He smirked, “and what if I did? What if I threatened them again?” he asked, challenging me, “would you kill me, an unarmed man on his knees? Would you take my life the same way your enemies took your friends life on Vanaheim? You and I both know that you don’t have what it takes,” he hissed, bringing up Hjalmar. My chest tightened, “the only way to save the ones you love so dearly is to accept your destiny, to accept what you’re truly meant to be.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, “and what is that?”
“A god,” he answered with a smile as he leaned into my blade against his throat, “just like me.”
I shook my head, my entire body trembling as anger and rage built up in my chest, “I am nothing like you,” I growled, furious that he would even try to compare the two of us. He fought and killed so many of my people and raised them back to be monsters. What was it for? I only fought when it needed to be done. I didn’t seek out confrontation. I fought, and even killed, the few who put the lives of the many at stake, and it always sat with me. The eyes of my victims never left my mind, for I was aware that I had taken someone’s loved one away from them. Ezra showed in the short time I knew him that he was nothing like that. He killed without remorse, and I saw no conflict in his eyes once it was over. We were nothing alike.
He chuckled, “that’s where you’re wrong, pet. You and I are more alike than you know, and that’s how I know, without the shadow of a doubt, that you’ll lose both of them in time,” he said, and my heart felt like it would fall through the floor. How did he know all of my deepest and darkest fears? That was always the one thing that scared me the most: losing the ones I loved. Of course, it was the fear of so many people, but he was able to pull up the two people I cared for more than anything else and use their safety against me, “it’s in your nature. You’ll always lose,” he added.
My chest rose and fell as I struggled to find air. It felt like his threats were taking the air from my lungs, and I felt like I would suffocate. I saw how big a threat he was, but we managed to bring him down together. I didn’t want to imagine what Cul’s entire army could do. Everything had been thrown at us so quickly, as we had no knowledge of who Cul was or that Odin even had an older brother at all. Everything that happened that day just made me feel uncertain of everything. Still, I couldn’t show Ezra that, “and what about you? You’re the man who kneels before me with my dagger against his throat. You lost,” I hissed.
“You’ll need me soon enough,” he remarked, gesturing down to the stab wound on my abdomen that throbbed with a pain I never experienced before. The wound hurt badly enough that it felt like I would be sick from the pain. I had been stabbed before, and the wounds never felt quite like that. Perhaps, it had just been too long, and I forgot the sensation. I shook the thoughts from my mind and focused on him once more as he continued, “and the moment you come to me, begging for my help, is the moment when you’ll finally realize that you are the one who has lost,” he sneered, his eyes cutting right through me. It was like he could see every weakness and insecurity I had.
“If you or anyone else tries hurt the people I care for, you won’t be able to find shelter from the storm I unleash. You don’t want to make me an enemy,” I threatened him.
He shook his head as if he was disappointed in me, and I furrowed my eyebrows. When his eyes finally met mine once more, he snickered to himself, “you speak like a warrior, but there is no true weight in your words. I know-as well as you do-that you would never pose a threat to the one thing you believe in more than anything else: Life. That’s why I know you won’t kill me. I’m not afraid of you,” he stated, nonchalantly as he leaned into the blade, hard enough to draw blood.
I stood up, sheathing my dagger, before pulling him up onto his feet. He stood much taller than me, but I didn’t feel small in that moment. Even though I was insecure about what would come next, I couldn’t show my fears to the man who was threatening the lives of the people I loved. I needed to be strong, or he would take advantage of my weaknesses. I grabbed a fistfull of his hair and pulled his head down to mine, maintaining eye contact the entire time, “you aren’t afraid of me,” I hissed before leaning in to his ear, “but you should be,” I whispered the line I had been told only once before. It had shaken me to the very core when it was said to me, but I felt powerful now that I was on the other end. My voice was low enough so that only he could hear me, and once I finished, I pulled away from him and shoved him into his cell. Ephinea activated the cell wall before he was even able to regain his balance. I couldn’t help the smile as I watched him struggle to not fall onto his face, but the sharp pain in my abdomen cut that short.
Not wanting to waste anymore time on him, I turned to face the members of the Kingsguard. They were some of the most well-trained warriors Asgard had to offer, so much so that they were trusted with protecting the Allfather himself. The kingsguard lined the halls of the palace at all times of the day and night, and they stood guard over the dungeons as well. I picked up my blood-covered dagger that I had dropped on the floor moments prior and lowered it back into its sheath. I pointed over at Ezra but stayed focused on the warriors before me, “I want two guards posted outside his cell every second of every day. I never want him left unsupervised, and if he is, you’re going to wish that you experienced the Allfather’s wrath instead of mine,” I threatened, feeling my unchecked fury rising further and further in my chest. I surprised myself at the harsh tone of my voice, but I didn’t change it, “if he shows any signs of agitation, I want to know about it. If he takes one step out of line, I want to know about it. If he breathes offbeat, I want to know about it. I want every detail of his existence to be monitored while he’s down here. I want nothing to go unnoticed. If he speaks out of line, I want to know what he said and when he said it. Do you understand?”
I saw the startled expression on every face of the men before me. I had always been known for my calm and collected nature, and the only time I ever broke away from that was when I was in battle. Even then, I had never been so ruthless, especially never with them. They all nodded in agreement to my orders, but one of the guards stepped forward, his eyes just as confused as the rest, “I mean you no offense when I ask this, but...what would you do about it, my lady?”
As I brushed past all of them, needing to take my place with Thor and Odin to discuss our next moves, I answered his question, “I’ll kill him.”
Before I could make it very far at all, Ezra yelled after me, “good luck, pet. I take pity on you for what is about to come,” he shouted, that booming voice echoing throughout the silent dungeons. It was as if every prisoner stood completely still as I walked by-all but one. As I walked past Loki’s cell, I stared straight ahead, refusing to even look his way, still hurt by what transpired between us a week prior. It broke my heart to ignore him that way, but I had to focus on the safety of the Nine Realms. A piece of it was also to protect him. If there was a chance I could convince Ezra that I no longer cared for Loki, that Loki wasn’t a weakness of mine that he could exploit, I was going to take it. It was the best way to protect Loki at that point.
As I walked past his cell, he banged on the wall, yelling my name and trying to attract my attention, but I still didn’t give in. I blinked away the tears in my eyes, my heart shattering as I had to look the other way once more. I did that before, and I couldn’t believe I was doing it again. I was still hurt and angry at him for what he said when I visited him that night, but I could never stay mad at him for too long, not over trivial things like that. Even as I ascended the stairs, I could still hear his pained voice calling my name. My ears began ringing, and the world around me seemed unsteady. When I reached the last few stairs, the wound on my abdomen sent a piercing pain through my entire body, and I jolted forward to accommodate the sudden and intense pain. If Loki had seen me fall as I had in that moment, he would’ve laughed at me before falling down with me, not wanting me to feel isolation and embarrassment. I coughed, and the fleeting thoughts of my love were pushed to the side as I tasted the blood in my mouth. I swallowed it back just as the guards ran over to me to help me up, just like Loki would have done.
*Loki’s POV*
I felt the immeasurable pain that she was experiencing, and I couldn’t help but feel like there was something seriously wrong. That was one of the things that never stopped for me, no matter how deep my madness became. She was still there, an untouched and untainted beauty among the raging wildfire that was my mind. I could always feel her pain, her suffering, her joy, and her love. I could feel every emotion and every ounce of physical pain, which Thanos used to his advantage. While it killed me inside to know that she was hurting, it let me know that she was still alive, wherever she was. This sensation was something new, though. I could barely stand due to the pain in my abdomen. Even when she had transferred his wound onto herself, it couldn’t hold a candle to the pain I began experiencing no long before.
Everyone began filing out of the dungeons aside from the two guards Eva demanded always stand watch over the new prisoner. I had never seen Eva deal with anyone quite like that, but he must’ve made her feel something otherworldly to pull out that side of her. Watching it was exhilarating in a way that I never would’ve expected. I could feel the anger and pain coursing through her veins every moment she stood before him, but I could also feel her conflict. When he mentioned two people-one here and one on Midgard-I found myself trying to piece together who it could be. Perhaps he was speaking about Aaldir or Thor. I was certain she cared little for me after what I did the last time we saw each other. The unnamed person on Earth was what I tried to piece together first, though. Was it Tony Stark? I noticed that the two of them had quite the connection when I was around them on Midgard. What if it was the Soldier? The two of them shared similar beliefs, and he had protected her from near death quite a few times.
When another piercing pain erupted in my abdomen, I gritted my teeth and grunted, reaching for the tender spot. As I tried to breathe through the pain, I heard his laughter from the cell diagonal to mine, “you must be Loki!” he smiled, amused at my pain. I knew that madness well, well enough to know that it was not all his own. Someone had taken advantage of a weakness and used it against him. A small part of me felt empathy for him, but I couldn’t help but think of how he must’ve hurt Eva. As I glared up at him, he cocked his head to the side, “I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m a pretty big fan because of what you did on Midgard-you know, attempting to kill everyone who wouldn’t blindly follow your rule. I have to say that it was a bold move for the unloved son of a false king,” he barked before taking a deep breath and calming his nerves, “I’m Ezra Culson, the new bane of Eva’s existence. You’ve been replaced.”
“What did you do to her?” I yelled, anxious to know what had transpired to bring about a pain like this. Before Ezra pointed out the wound on her abdomen, it was barely noticeable, especially since she showed little signs of discomfort while she was in the dungeons. Still, shortly before she came down to the dungeons, I had felt the intense pain, and I knew she had been stabbed. This sensation, however, was so different than before. When we were on Midgard, I...she had been stabbed. That was nothing like this. I grunted as I stood up straight, trying to ignore the burning sensation.
Ezra shook his head, a hint of guilt in his eyes that didn’t seem completely genuine, “I didn’t come here to fight-not today, anyway-but when Odin refused to my terms and your brother refused my offer to take Eva off your hands, I had no choice. She got in the way,” he said, nonchalantly as he shrugged it off like it was nothing. Even the guards outside of his cell were disturbed. Everyone in Asgard knew Eva, and everyone knew that she was the embodiment of all that was good and light in this world. Ezra acted as if his action of attacking her was nothing serious, like attacking her wasn’t like he was attacking the very fabric of life itself. During my stunned silence, he continued to speak, “let’s just say that you’re not the only one who has it out for Odin.”
“I couldn’t care less about him. You hurt her!” I snapped, slamming my fist against the cell wall and startling the guards and the other prisoners within the dungeons. Ezra would have a hard time in the dungeons because no matter how much the other prisoners hated Odin and Asgard, they could not bring themselves to even speak unkindly of Eva. The longer the prisoners stayed in the dungeons, the more they grew accustomed to her singing, and because Eva showed the planet so much love and kindness, everyone who resided here could feel her energy coursing through them. Her connection to the world and life was incredible. As my chest tightened, I glared at him, “you hurt her, and I’m going to kill you for that,” I growled in a low voice.
He shrugged it off again, “collateral damage,” he remarked, “it’s nothing that can’t be undone. When she gives in and leaves with me, which she will, I’ll heal her, and we’ll be on our way.”
“She’s not going anywhere with you!” I yelled once more, realizing that he was doing exactly what he wanted to do, and I was allowing it to happen. He was crawling right under my skin, and I couldn’t stop it. It was like Thanos all over again. Ezra just knew my weakness, and he was going to exploit it. He would try to break me, but I wouldn’t lose Eva again, and that was what kept me from falling back into the comfort of my own darkness.
He chuckled, “I have a better claim to her even as an outsider, or did you forget?” he asked, and my eyes widened as it felt like my chest would completely cave in. He couldn’t have been referencing that moment, but it wouldn’t surprise me with all that he knew about Eva and myself. A part of me wished to know where he acquired this information, but the part that took hold of me in that moment was still the nervous and insecure man I was before I fell from the Bifrost, before I pushed Eva out of my life, before I realized that I would never truly be my father’s son. I could still remember Odin’s words as if our conversation was happening that very moment:
“A girl who could pass as a princess even without a prince would be better suited for Thor, and I will not entertain these childish games any longer!”
It was the first moment in my life that I felt utterly hopeless. All that I had done up until that moment seemed like it was in vain. I had loved Eva, and she loved me. When she forced me to relive that memory in the dream, I couldn’t help but associate it with the conversation that followed with my father. He had been the one to pull me from our beautiful moment, our last beautiful moment. Our conversation was meant to open the doors for millions of other beautiful moments, but he slammed those doors in my face, telling me that I would never be worthy enough for Eva, that she was being saved for Thor. It was the beginning of my downfall, and she was the one who was hurt most from it.
While my chest heaved, I imagined ripping his tongue from his throat. I imagined slitting his throat open while he spoke of how Eva was nothing more than “collateral damage.” I imagined his blood on my hands as I tore him apart for what he did to her and for what he tried to do to me. I knew that all he had to do was exploit my weakness, and he would be able to turn me against her. Something in me was broken, and he wanted to toy around with it, “speak one more word, and you’ll wish for death when you see what I do to you,” I threatened, narrowing my eyes at him and realizing just how familiar they looked, like I had seen them a thousand times before. Green...like the color of spring.
He chuckled, sitting on the floor and tucking his legs under himself. It seemed as if he would let my comment roll off his back, but that was the opposite of what he did. Instead, he brought up the one thing I cared about more than anything else. Eva. He grinned, madness in his eyes, “threaten me again, and you’ll wish for death when you see what I do to her.”
Without warning, my mind felt like it was being torn apart, like the broken edges were being chipped away at. As I fell to the floor in a massive pain radiating from the ghost wound on my abdomen and the sudden and intense pain in my own mind, I gritted my teeth and groaned loudly. I could remember her eyes that day, the day I hurt her more than I could ever forgive myself for. I had expected her to look at me like I was a monster, like I was her enemy. However, she didn’t. She spoke my name with fear in her eyes and sorrow in her voice. It was my first moment of clarity in so long, but it was also my greatest moment of weakness and tragedy because I hurt the one thing I wished to protect: my friend, my princess, my love.
My Eva.
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school-n-jazz · 6 years ago
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Your Under A-rest!
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Fun fact! The action expressed above by Eddie Redmayne is actually a part of a vocal warm-up and technique. By grabbing your tongue, you are forcing the muscle to drop at the back of your throat; and in turn, releasing tension in your soft-palette. Once you do this action enough, it will become muscle memory to sing with a relaxed throat, and you will strain your vocal cords to a lesser degree.
Boom. One easy vocal technique learned.
(Make sure your hands are clean when you do this one though, lol)
Now as great as puns and vocal techniques are, it is best to apply them after you do a fairly decent warm up - which is probably why you are here in the first place.
Worry not, fellow vocalist! For on this post I will be going over:
6 Things to Include in a Vocal Warm-Up!
Now keep in mind, some of these exercises may seem weird, or make you self-conscious when you do them for the first time. But let me tell you this.
I have been doing them for four years now, and they truly work. Just push aside your doubts and go with them. Have fun with them. So without further ado, let us begin!
Number One: Proper Posture.
Proper posture, without a doubt, is one of the most important things to have when you exert yourself vocally. Having a fully supported diaphragm is key to keeping good vocal health, utilizing your breath to it’s fullest, as well as lessening any back problems you may have in the future. (lol)
Let me explain how you can get, and make sure you have, proper posture.
To start, if you’re standing have your feet shoulder-width apart. Have your shoulders back, but relaxed; and have your chest comfortably lifted to allow air into your diaphragm. We aren’t birds, we don’t puff our chests. Make sure your knees aren’t locked (straight), as this may cause your blood to flow improperly and you may pass out.
Most points mentioned above still apply when you sing while sitting - the feet shoulder-width apart, shoulders back, and your chest comfortably lifted - just add into your sitting posture feet flat on the floor and yourself sitting on the edge of your chair, and you’re golden.
To make sure your feet are shoulder width apart, clench your hands into fists. Place your fist together with your thumbs touching, and then place them in the space between your feet. If they fit snugly, then you’re the perfect space apart. If not, adjust yourself.
Number Two: Breathe Support.
Fun fact! Singing is just glorified exhaling; and due to this fact, it is important to learn how to inhale and exhale in a way that utilizes your breath to it’s fullest.
Also breathing is good. You should learn to do it well.
So, I’m going to start by bashing a breathing myth straight in its face. Bouncing bellies does not mean deep breaths. 
I was personally taught in elementary that having my stomach move was a sign of deep breathes. A moving chest was bad, and moving shoulders even worst; So it was a shock when my ninth grade vocal teacher straight up told us to forget that lesson within the first week of school.
Turns out, forcing your chest to be tense and your stomach muscles to work when they shouldn’t causes the diaphragm to have less space to open and close. Wow.
It also turns out that its okay for your chest to somewhat lift, as it is your diaphragm that moves it while your lungs expand it.
As shown in the only good gif found below.
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As gross as you may find it, try to watch the lungs as they expand.
At first, it may seem that the muscle swells in all directions; however, if you continue to watch you may find that it doesn’t. In the beginning the lungs swell out, then you can see that they rapidly expand in the front part of the lung, followed by them flopping up in the back.
Thus your stomach shouldn’t move THAT much, it should only move a little - The muscles are still fairly close to one another after all! Same applies with your upper-chest area.
Make sure when you breathe, your chest doesn’t lift too much, and that it’s your back that expands more. That is proof of a proper deep breath.
To make sure you breath deep, sit up straight. Place your finger on the bottom front part of your ribs, and your thumbs on the back; similarly to how one places their hands on their hips. Now take a deep breath, feeling the air on the tip of your tongue to the back of your throat.
Do you feel your thumbs being moved? That’s your lungs expanding fully. If not, try to adjust how you breathe, and where you feel the air. Once you find the perfect position, just breathe like that for a couple of minutes if you wish to commit this breathing pattern to muscle memory.
Some teachers also consider this breathing a warm-up in itself, as it stretches the diaphragm and lungs.
One last thing before we go onto the other warm-ups. Jolting shoulders mean tense and sudden breaths. Try to avoid it.
Now that the basics have been covered, onto the verbal and physical warm-ups!
Number Three: Shake Down
Fun Fact! This exercise is done by both theater people and vocalist!
The shake down is just that, you shaking out multiple parts of your body. You start with one hand and shake it eight times, then shake down your opposite hand eight times; then your one foot and then your other foot. After that you repeat the process starting at seven; then six; then five and so forth.
Now you may be wondering, why exactly this is considered a vocal warm up you should include? Wouldn’t doing proper stretches be just as effective?
Well, you are partially correct. Stretches are super effective, and great for your posture.
I just haven’t explained the vocal aspect of this exercise - you see, we’ll be giving every number a pitch, and descending from do. The best way to explain it to someone new to music, would be to do this exercise on a piano in the key of C major.
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Shown above are all the notes and solfège (do, re, mi, etc.) associated to each note in a C major scale. What this image does not include however, is that the white key beside ti (the last labeled key) is also a do or C.
Fun fact! C always comes before the two black keys, and the notes in music only includes letters A through G.
As to not complicate things, I’ll assign the pitch (letter) to the number you will be singing in a legend below. Starting from left to right of the labeled keys we have:
Do = C (lower) = 1
Re = D = 2
Mi = E = 3
Fa = F = 4
So = G = 5
La = A = 6
Ti = B = 7
Do = C (higher) = 8
Great! Now I want you to play the high C, and try to sing it to the word eight. Find the note is too high or low? Just go to the C above or below!
Remember! When singing, you should always hold the vowel in a word for as long as you can, and only articulate your final consonants at the very end of the word.
Once you’ve sung eight, sing the B on the word seven; the A on the word six; the G on the word five; the F on the word four; the E on the word three; the D on the word two; the C on the word one.
Done? Congratulations! You just sang what is known as a descending scale. All that’s left for you to do is apply the earlier explained hand-foot shaking pattern to the note-number pattern and boom. You have a vocal shake-down as apposed to a theater shake down,
Note! You will be singing the descending scale four times, as you are shaking out four separate limbs; and you will be starting a note lower each time, as you count down from seven, six, five, and so forth. Also, if you want you can remove the numbers and only sing saying the solfa syllables (do, re, mi, etc).
Number Four: Tongue Twisters
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Now everyone should be familiar with tongue twister, which are just sentences full of similar sounding vowels and consonants. You may remember doing some more commonly known ones such as Peter Piper, or She Saw Sea-Shells when you were younger; but fun and games aside, these sentences help you with deciding on where to put articulations in a word, or how you should spread the vowel shape. I’m going to share with you two that we commonly do in my class - Maybe My Mummy and A Big Black Bug. 
The following tongue twisters go:
Maybe my mummy may go to Miami or maybe my mummy may not.
And
A big black bug bit a big black bear and the big black bear bled blood
Simple, right? lol, maybe not But now that we got the words down, lets get to the notes.
As we previously went over notes in the shake-down warm-up, I’ll be placing the notes on the piano above the words instead of completely typing them out - similarly to how most guitar chord to lyrics guides are. However, I’ll also be adding in timing.
For this to work best, pull up a metronome (on the web if you don’t have one), and set it to be 4/4 time, with a nice 65 BPM. Click play and listen to where the beats fall. Refer to the table below to the timing of each note in connection to the words.
When ever the words or numbers are bold, it means that that word or number lands on a beat.
If there is a dash between the two numbers, it means you hold the word above for that number of counts
The numbers between the beats are what the beats are subdivided into. They are as follows
               -“...1 2 3 2...” mean three syllables fall under one beat
               - “...1 2 2...”  means two syllables fall under one beat
In the case where the count does not start on one, just start from that count and follow the beat to bold pattern given
The final consonants of the final words always go on the end of the last beat
Note! The timing and notes were done on pc, and therefore lines up best on that platform.
I’ll start with the easier one, Maybe My Mummy.
   C   C    C   C      C   C    C   C  C  C C  C  C     C   C      C   C     C     C   
May-be my mum-my may go to Mi-a-mi or may-be my mum-my may not.
1       2    3     2       2    3   3              4          1                   2                    3-4
Yup. The entire thing is one note. Once your done playing that note, you go up to the next note (which in this case is the black key directly beside c), and even remove the metronome are put the BPM to a faster setting.
Note! The distance from one note to the note directly after that is known as a semitone. A whole-tone is made up of two semitones, and a certain pattern of while tones and semitones is used to determine whether a song is major, minor, natural, harmonic, or melodic.
A Big Black Bug is not as easy as Maybe My Mummy, and consists of multiple notes. In C major, it can be sung/played as follows:
  C   C    C       C    C  C   C     E      G     G    G    G    G        G      E       C
  A big black bug bit a big black bear and the big black bear bled blood
42    1     2       3    4   2  1      2       3      4     2    1       2       3     4        1
Number Five: Bing
Bing is a super beautiful exercise that focuses or vowel shape, proper breath support, and resonance (the way your notes ring in the air). 
Note! If you’re warming for more classical pieces (opera and musical theater), you generally want to have a very open registers during this exercise. For something for modern such as pop, focus on having a more nasally sound.
Now like Maybe my Mummy, this entire exercise is sung on one note and you ascend in semi-tones; however, that’s where the similarities end.
For this one we start on the by singing the word Bing on a C; then, without taking a breath or leaving a space (unless you’re about to faint), we transition to sing i, e, a, o, u. The pronunciation of each vowel is given below.
i = [ee]
e = [eh]
a = [ah]
o = [oh]
u = [oo]
Now try it out again, this time focusing on one point of the room your in - or on the gif provided bellow.
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Focus on your point of attention. This time when you sing, gently open the back of your throat, and imagine the sound coming from behind you and over your head, going directly at your point. Shoot the sound it towards it. 
Now adjust the way your mouth and throat feels to get a greater ring, and play around withe the placement until you can almost hear the overtones.
But remember! Being resonant doesn’t always mean being loud!
Number: ... Done?
By this point, you should be warmed up nicely enough to do some gentle singing of songs; which will further warm you without other people questioning what’s going on, lol.
I hope you enjoyed this post, and stay tuned for any more I may make!
(also it’s 1am - so peace!)
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elliotthezubat · 8 years ago
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DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 42
from vampire rescue missions to asakusa raids
Rin: "Oh...Um, Stocking, maybe put the sword away?" stocking: *she puts it away* Kid: *finished drying the student* "You okay?" ???: ah, there you are. *she smiles* student: ah! c-chiaki. Kid: "???" chiaki: ah. you must be in mr okumura's class. *she extends a hand* Chiaki Sakutaba, from one of the newer classes. Rin: "...Hi." *shakes hand* "I'm Rin...Mr. Okumura's bro." chiaki: ah, a pleasure to meet you then. i'll be sure to contact mr shiratori's parole officer about this incident. girl:.... Rin: "Yeah, good plan." Kid: *keeping an eye on the girl* chiaki: imai? are you ok? 'imai': y-...yes... Rin: "Well, let's hook you up with a new meal!" *looks to Stocking* "Um...may we borrow your card?" -elsewhere- Kepuri: "YOU'RE NOT GETTING AWAY THAT EASILY!" lin: *FLEEING* O-O;;;; Emine: *picks up Lin while running* "Escape escape escape--" nea: ?? Kepuri: *ROAR* *her face is blue* Emine: "I only mixed in a little drainage cleaner into your face cream...Not my fault you're so...blue." akaderu:.....you bastards. *a double appears and PUNCHES EMINE IN THE FACE* Kepuri: *leaps to tackle Emine* Emine: x____x -elsewhere- Gopher: ^W^ "They screamed so loudly." kirika: what a bunch of wimps.... *bandaged in several places* lord death: i understand your reason was noble, but do try to be more careful from now on. kirika: yeah yeah i hear ya... Gopher: "I appreciate you defending me...and I'm sorry for your injuries." kirika: eh, its no biggy. i've had way worse happen to me before. Gopher: *nods* "I do want to repay you...so if you need anything, please, just ask." kirika: *small blush* s-sure. Gopher: *smiles* -elsewhere- Patty: "How does this one look?" *exits dressing room in a new dress* tsubaki: it looks great! liz: nice! Patty: "Hee hee! I'm getting it for graduation! Can't wait!!!" liz: *she smiles* Patty: "What're you gonna wear, sis?' liz: havent decided yet. Patty: "What about you, Tsubaki? Need a new dress? I got Kid's credit card..." -elsewhere- Yohei: "...I'm sorry." chie: its ok....*leans in* Yohei: *holds her* "Our child will be safe." chie: ...... Yohei: "You'll make sure of that, I'll make sure of that..." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, walking through town* -elsewhere- Spirit: *waiting by his car* izumi: hey! *smiles* Spirit: *smiles, waves* "Hey! How was school?" izumi: it went well. Spirit: "That's good." *opens her door, makes sure she buckles up* "Got your homework from your teachers?" izumi: *nods* Spirit: *gets in the driver's side, buckles up* "That's good. Want to stop anywhere on the way home? Something to eat or anything to pick up?" -elsewhere- Higan: "Feel better?" lavender: yeah...thanks for that. Higan: *nods, rubs her arm* "...I just want to make sure you're doing okay..." lavender: *she smiles* i appreciate that... Higan: "I know you would do the same for me...After all, no one is alone in getting through any of this, right?" lavender: right..... Higan: *stretches a bit* "You know, maybe some art would help...Want to head to the park, do some photography?" lavender: sounds good. Higan: *smiles* "Cool." *pulls out his coat and hers* "Here you go." lavender: thanks. Higan: *picks up his camera, opens the door for her* "Should be good weather out. Bright enough." -elsewhere- Kid: "My...Such a big library." stocking: wow. Rin: "Yeah, plenty of books! And teachers get more options for checking out higher-level texts." Kid: "Like three-star meisters checking out advanced books..." stocking: cool!..... !!! ah hell... -_-; Mr. A: "Demon." stocking: triple a batteries. Rin: *snort* stocking: *offers high fives to kid and rin* Mr. A: "Hmm...Taking a tour? That's nice. Oh, by the way: I will be reviewing your application. And helping to lead your job interview." stocking: is...that.....so now? ^^# Mr. A: "Yes. Because nepotism is not enough to get you here...Isn't that right, Mr. Okumura?" Rin: -3- stocking:.... Kid: "Then Stocking will be one of your most honorable applicants and hired teachers." stocking: *she smiles* Mr. A: "I assure you, I hold all applicants to the strictest of standards. And given Miss Pheles's earlier outbursts--" stocking: *grips fist* i was only protecting a student! Mr. A: "If you read rules, you would know such behavior reflects poorly on the Academy. Perhaps ask your father to remind you--" mephisto: remind her what~? ^^# Rin: "!!!" Mr. A: "...Remind her that the interview process to this academy is not to be taken lightly." mephisto: i understand. i _also_ know my little girl is more than mature enough to take this seriously. stocking: *smiles* Mr. A: "...I hope so. If you excuse me..." mephisto: *gives him the 'im watching you' sign* Mr. A: *walks a bit more quickly* stocking: thanks dad. mephisto: not to worry~ *HUG+cheek paps* what kind of a father would i be if i just stood on the sidelines as my little princess was being tormented by that huge dingus! Kid: *smiles* Rin: "Ha ha...Dingus." stocking: daaaaad..... what did i tell you about PDFA in public?! Kid: *small laugh* mephisto: whoopsie. sorry about that~ stocking: -////-;; Kid: "Sir, were there other locations in the Academy that you recommend we visit?" -elsewhere- Hugh: "Oh, welcome to the onsen! May I help you?" naho: heyyyy there..... ^^; tetsu: oh. hey....naho, i think? misono: yes. lilac: *hiding behind sakuya and naho* g-greed...isnt here....i-i-is he? Hugh: "...No. You have no fear of that." lilac: *tiniest peeeek* kaori: its ok. Hugh: *serious stare* "So, is this a friendly visit, or a business visit?" naho: just here to enjoy the hot springs! ^^;;; Hugh: "Very well. The changing room is down hall..." -later- Sakuya: "Aaaaah...So good." naho: =w= lilac: *almost all the way under, only his head above his nose is visible* Sakuya: "Enjoying it, Lilac?" lilac:...warm.... Sakuya: *smiles* "That's good...How about you, Naho?" *rests a hand on her shoulder* naho: *snuggles* =w= Sakuya: -\\\\- "That's so cute." *snuggle* lilac: *also leans* Sakuya: *hand on Lilac's shoulder* "Aw..." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Darn...Where is it...?" kabuki: oh? Tsukiyo: "I had left one of those impersonation-detector papers in one of my books...but I don't remember which book." kabuki:... *sweatdrop* they're not really meant to be used as bookmarkers. -they did find it eventually- Tsukiyo: "Oh, good! I should have known I left it to mark my spot in the anatomy book..." kabuki: *sweatdrop* Tsukiyo: "Well, I should reward you for your help! Drinks on me?" -elsewhere- Relan: *doing sit-ups* -elsewhere- naho: we're home! lavender: welcome back kiddos. tsubaki: ^^ Higan: *reviewing photographs on digital camera* Sakuya: "Yo. How's your day been, Tsu?" tsubaki: fairly well. otogiri: *repairing clothes* Sakuya: "??? What happened to the clothes?" otogiri: belkia fell out of a tree again. Sakuya: -_-; Belkia: *bandaged* ._o "Can you help me with my eye? It seems smaller than the other one now." naho: maybe if you wore an eyepatch you'd look like...sham.....*worried* Sakuya: ._. Belkia: "...Um...No..." Higan: *sigh* ("Still haven't found him...") tsubaki:............ Sakuya: "...Tsubaki...We need to find him, too." tsubaki: ...*she nods* Belkia: "After that battle, who would have him?" tsubaki:.....C3. Sakuya: "!!!" lavender: !! -tsubaki explains the situation- Sakuya: "...How long have you known?" tsubaki: ever since that meeting with touma... naho: this touma guy sounds like a huge jerk! Sakuya: "...Damn it...So, when we breaking Shamrock out?" otogiri: we're going to need a plan... Belkia: "BLOW IT UP TO THE GROUND!" otogiri: no. Higan: "We'll need a distraction to pull them out. They know Tsubaki..." tsubaki: maybe we could ask the others? Sakuya: "...Worth a shot...if they'd be willing..." naho: *NOD NOD* Higan: "So, a few distract, a few sneak in, a few sneak Sham out, and we'll need more muscle..." lavender: im more then capable of distraction~<3 otogiri: -_-; Higan: ^^ "I know that. May also need a distraction for those inclined to men." -and so- misono: YOU WANT US TO WHAT?! O.O; Lily: "??~" Hugh: -___- Kuro: "...Huh." tsubaki: that's the basic jist of it. Kuro: "...Do I have to leave the house to do this?" mr sendagaya: tetsu, you have some guests. shinoa: good evening~ misono: O////O !! mitsuba:.... !!! hyakuya: *notices higan* oh yeah, you're that pervert on the plane from last year. Higan: -____- lilac:.... !!!!!!! *trembling* licht:.....hey. Lawless: *trying to hide behind Licht* otogiri: *holds onto lilac* its ok. licht: *grabs lawless by the tie* get over here, you shit rat. Lawless: *whispering at Licht* "Why did you even bring me here!" licht: emergency meeting means 'bring everyone.' including you. Lawless: *grumble grumble* lilac: *staring at the floor* Sakuya: "...Mahiru, we're going to need everyone on this." mahiru: right. misono: very well. -after the situation is explained- otogiri: !!!!!!!! Belkia: "..." *shaking his fists* misono: then we'll have to work to free shamrock _and_ miss himawari. mitsuba: im calling in back-up. Kuro: "...Taking on all of C3...This can't go well." mitsuba: unless we have some eyes on the inside.... shinoa: as well as some back up from a 3rd party~ *making a call* hello, is mikuni in? misono: of course... -_-; mitsuba: O///O Mikuni: "Speaking." shinoa: we're planning a rebellion against C3, are you in or out? Mikuni: "...'Bout time! I'm in!" shinoa: alright. come over to the white water hot spring. we'll discuss the plan there. Mikuni: "Awesome! Want me to bring the others over? Even Jeje?" Jeje: "...I have to go with you everywhere, you dunce." shinoa: just you two for now. Johannes: *peeping up behind Jeje* "You need me for something?" Jeje: "No." Johannes: *pouts, slinks away* Mikuni: "Heading over now!" metsu: i'll stay here and make sure the good doctor is on his best behavior. Mikuni: "Thank-ee!" Jeje: *nods* Johannes: "...When am I _not_ on my best behavior?" metsu: -_-;; -and so, when they arrived and the situation is explained in full details- Mikuni: "Huh...You sure you want to pull out more vamps? I mean, if this Sham guy worked for Tsubaki..." Sakuya: -_- tsubaki: i was tasked with protecting them. they're part of our family now. and that means _all_ of them. misono: and the three of you will help, even though it might get you in trouble? mitsuba: its just a risk we're going to have to take. hyakuya:..... Mikuni: "Well, I've been wanting to slap the smirks off some C3 people's faces, so I'm in!" Jeje: "...Tsubaki, just promise me you'll do a better job tending to these subclasses than certain other people..." tsubaki: *she nods* hyakuya: im not looking forwards to helping these bloodsuckers.....but i really want to give that touma prick a good what for... Hugh: "Fine...I'll join." misono: very well. since we know our goal, we now need our plan. mikuni and shinoa squad, since you're more familiar with C3's layout, you can help us locate and access point. shinoa: understood. mitsuba: i know where they're being held. sham is in the lower cells, and himawari, im assuming, is someplace in touma's office. Higan: "We have a distraction--" Belkia: "I want Touma...So I can put his head on a pike." otogiri: *she nods* misono: we'll worry about that when we get to that point. Kuro: "We got enough muscle?" tetsu: yo. Kuro: "We got enough muscle?" tetsu: yo. misono: we'll go in two formations. alpha team will consist of me, lily, lavender, shinoa, tetsu, hugh, licht, and lawless. delta team will be tsubaki, higan, mitsuba, hyakuya, mikuni, jeje, mahiru, and kuro. the rest will be omega team, and will act as intel and back up. shinoa: fortunately, we managed to talk the mad dog team into helping us. at least two of them....as for tsurugi, it's uncertain... Mikuni: "If you need me to shut up Tsurugi, I'm up for that~" mahiru: we'll just need transportation. misono: already on that. lily, call up dodo. hyakuya: why cant you do it? misono:....... Lily: *already calling Dodo* "We need a ride..." -and so- tsubaki: so this is the access point? Jeje: "Sleepy Ash and I can transform to be fit inside..." mahiru: then you'll be able to unlock the door? Kuro: "Right..." *transforms into a cat, leaps up to the access point...and can't reach* -_-; Jeje: *in snake form, nudges Kuro up* mitsuba: i think we can get to the cells from here... *Jeje and Kuro get inside...Jeje holds up Kuro to unlock the door* Kuro: "Tah-dah..." mahiru: alright. mitsuba: awesome. lets go. Kuro: *looks around inside* "...Cold." -upstairs- himawari:...... Touma: *whistling* C3 member: oi touma. we got some ruckus going on out front. Touma: "?!! Define 'ruckus.'" C3 member: we have some wounded claiming they were attacked by a stray subclass... Touma: "Damn it...I'll be right there." *turns off intercom, looks at Hinawari* "Back to your cell..." himawari:.....*she goes back in* Touma: *locks her in, hides the cell, exits for the hallway...* "Time to put a stop to this...Discipline some children." -outside- misono: *has fake blood on him* ahhh! this freakin huuuurts! Hugh: "WAAAAAAAAH! My little hand! My tiny adorable little hand hurts!" tetsu: *absolute monotone* ahhhh. the paaaain. shinoa: its ok misono, they're getting help! *hugs him* misono: O//////////////////O;;; C3 Member #2: "Jeez! Holy crap! Th-There's blood everywhere!" *grows pale in the face* C3 Member #2: "D-Did anyone call Touma?" C3 member: yeah, he's on his way down now. -inside- Jun: "What's all the noise about?" tinker: i think we got some wounded! yumikage: ... Jun: "...Oh, no...Um...Send more people to tend to them. I'll keep an eye on things here." tinker: on it! yumikage: i'm gonna head downstairs. Jun: *nods* "I'll be monitoring security..." -downstairs- Jeje: *looking around* mitsuba: here it is. *she opens the door* Kuro: *looks through the door* "Where next?" mitsuba: *she points to a door* that leads to his cell... hyakuya: who's gonna pick the lock? Jeje: "..." *slides his tail into the lock...* tsubaki: ?? *CLICK* Mikuni: "...Huh. Can't believe that worked." tsubaki: good job. *she smiles and opens the door* Kuro: *prepares himself in case of an attack* Mikuni: *holds up a doll to protect himself* tsubaki: sham? are you in here? Shamrock: "??!!! What?!" tsubaki: *she smiles* hyakuya: hey, bustin you out. not that we want to. Shamrock: "...Why should I trust you?" tsubaki: *she looks at higan* Higan: "Yo, buddy." Shamrock: "..." Q~Q "SAVE ME!" tsubaki: ok. *she slices the lock off with her arm blade* Shamrock: *collapses in front of Tsubaki* "Thank you for saving me, despite stealing him from me!" tsubaki:... eh? owo mitsuba: eh? mahiru: ?? hyakuya:....whatever, lets just get him out of here, then lets get himawari, or whatever her name was, out of here... Shamrock: "...Himawari is here, too?" mitsuba: yeah, in touma's office. Shamrock: "...How are we getting in there?" mitsuba: guess we're just gonna have to solid snake this! hyakuya: what? Jeje: "...Are you suggesting I'm _not_ solid?" Kuro: -____-;;; "Meaning we sneak in and knock some heads..." mitsuba:...right. mahiru: lets try to keep the body-count to a minimum =_=' Mikuni: "Right--kill only the people who have it coming!" Shamrock: x_o;; "...I can't tell whether I agree with him, or am horrified by that plan." mitsuba: ok, me, mikuni, higan, and jeje will go bust out himawari, the rest can escape, lower the chances of getting caught. Shamrock: "...No. I know more about this building than some of you. I recognize patterns, sounds, persons...and I really want to tear out Touma's throat..." mitsuba: you sure about that? tsubaki:...in that case. higan, come with us. i dont want to get you and the others in further trouble. Higan: "Okay--lead the way..." Shamrock: "Just point me in the right direction..." -and so, mitsuba leads her group upstairs towards touma's office- Shamrock: "Do you think he is still in his office?" mitsuba: hopefully, alpha team has him taken care of..... !!! there it is. wait here. *she checks the door....she motions them to come over* Shamrock: *approaches cautiously* -the office is empty- mitsuba:....mikuni, could you keep watch? Mikuni: "Aye-aye!" *holds his doll close, looks out the door* mitsuba: 7///7; *looks around the office* Shamrock: *examining the desk and walls...* "Hmm...What's this?" mitsuba: ?? -one book seems to be stuck....- Shamrock: *tugs* -that seemed to do it- himawari:............... Shamrock: "!!! Oh, God..." -she's covered in various injuries, including cuts, bruises, and cigarette burns, including a mark of two 'T's on her thigh.- Shamrock: "...Himawari...Do you remember me?" himawari: *she looks up, but doesnt say anything* mitsuba: !!!!....that son of a bitch! Shamrock: "Step One, get Himawari to medical treatment, out of here." *offers a hand to her* mitsuba: *removes her restraints* hold on, that magician guy gave me something... *pulls out a box?* now how do we use this?... Shamrock: "??? Is that one of Belkia's teleportation devices?" mitsuba: is that what it is? how do i use it? Shamrock: "I-I don't know...I think you open it and go inside?" mitsuba: *presses a button* ah- -FWOOF- Shamrock: "?!!" otogiri:.... mitsuba: we're back at...where are we? otogiri: tsubaki and black*star's house.....welcome home. Shamrock: "...I'm...not imprisoned any longer?" mitsuba: seems so. ???: aaaaaaAAAAAAM! *TACKLE-HUG* otogiri:... !!!! himawari!.....*picks her up and gets her to 'med bay' Shamrock: "?!!" naho: YOU'RE BACK!! TT~TT Shamrock: x\\\\\o "Y-Yes, I am...Hi?" lilac: w-welcome...h-home... naho: the others are gonna be back shortly! Shamrock: "..." *collapses to his knees* "Thank goodness..." -later- tsubaki: that went much better than i thought it would...*sigh* but you two will have to lay low for a while... Shamrock: *sigh* "Still, if this is to be my prison, it is a significant improvement." lavender: think of it as a safe-haven. Shamrock: "...Very well. At least here I can get a decent shower, privacy, and a meal." himawari:......... Belkia: T_T "I'm so happy you are here, Hima-tan..." lavender:........................*shaking* Higan: *pats Lavender's shoulder* "Let's be grateful that we are here..." lavender:...right.... Belkia: "...Hima-tan? You remember me, right?" naho: lots of stuff happened, i cant wait to tell you all about it! and miss tsubaki is really nice too. she even lets us have our own bedrooms! himawari:....... otogiri:...i think...she's still in shock... Shamrock: "Our own bedrooms? How spacious..." *glances at Himawari* Belkia: Q~Q otogiri:...*pap pap* naho: we even kept hold of your stuff from the other house, so you can have it back now. ^^. *she hands him a briefcase* Shamrock: "...I'm touched. Thank you..." -elsewhere- Touma: "...How?" mitsuba: *banged up* i never meant to let him get out...he just...broke out.... Touma: "A contained vampire DOES NOT JUST BREAK OUT!" mitsuba: i dont know how it happened! Touma: *his hand just over Mitsuba's throat* "You better find out...or you'll be in that cage." shinoa: mr touma, i believe that is quite enough. yumikage: yeah! just lay off her! she's beat up enough as it is! hyakuya: im _this close_ to cutting that hand off! Touma: "..." *pulls back his hand* "Clean her up, then hold her for additional questioning." yumikage: right.........*exits with them* you ok? mitsuba: yeah....thanks for beating me up. yumikage: sorry...had to make it realistic. shinoa: we appreciate you helping us out like this. yumikage: no probs. touma's a dick. Jun: "...Yumikage, we will make this right..." yumikage: *he nods* for that girl...and tsurugi.... Jun: *nods* -elsewhere- Kid: "The tour helped with studying?" stocking: yep. i think i memorized the 5 true cross order branches; knight, tamer, aria, doctor, and dragoon... Kid: *smiles* "Sounds right. And you would be...?" stocking: havent decided yet...i'd have to look into it more. Kid: *nods* "With that sword of yours..." stocking: hmmm....but then i'd be stuck working with triple A batteries. Kid: "True...Could always 'encourage' him to apply his skills elsewhere...like as a circus clown." stocking: hah! Kid: *hug* "You'll be great in whichever branch you enter." -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *brushing her hair* -morning- Shamrock: *tossing in bed* "N-No..." tsubaki: sham? are you awake? Shamrock: *eyes snap open, looks around* "Y-Yes..." tsubaki: we just put the dolls out for hinamatsuri, did you want to see it? Shamrock: "...Okay..." *follows her* naho: hehe~ ^^ *in a kimono* lavender: its cute. Sakuya: -\\\\- Shamrock: *looking around at everyone* lavender: mornin'. *she's in a rather short, off shoulder kimono.* Shamrock: "M-Morning..." himawari:...*bandaged*...... otogiri: its ok. you can say it. himawari:....good......morning.... Shamrock: "..." *nods* "Good morning." tsubaki: what did you want for breakfast? Shamrock: "Oh! Um...I usually prepared my own meal...and meals for everyone else..." tsubaki: you're welcome to help out if you want. Shamrock: "...Very well. Point me to the pans and ingredients..." -elsewhere- Kid: "Good morning..." stocking: mornin' kiddo~<3 *smoooooch* Kid: *smooch* "Sleep well?" stocking: yeah. Kid: "Good...Ready for breakfast?" stocking: yep~ Kid: *smiles* "Waffles, fruit..." -elsewhere- Takehisa: *reviewing files over coffee* -elsewhere- Benimaru: *sipping tea* fang-hua: commander? Benimaru: "??? Oh, Kohana--hello. How are you?" fang-hua: doing well. you? Benimaru: "...Ambivalent, I'm afraid. Just thinking about the last month...and my mistakes." fang-hua:....well, i guess we can only learn from the past and move forwards... Benimaru: "...I have considered contacting the 8th for assistance in locating any remaining dopplegangers." fang-hua: ah, i see. i know you're hesitant after the incident...but i do believe they're telling the truth. Benimaru: "...Agreed. I will make the call." fang-hua: *she nods* Benimaru: "Have some soldiers ready to greet them, and we will conduct one more sweep for impersonators." fang-hua: right. Benimaru: *pulls out a phone...dials...* -elsewhere- Akitaru: *shiny eyes* "WE'RE TRAVELING!" tamaki: eh? shinra: to where? Akitaru: "Back to Asakusa." shinra: OwO;; *remembering benimaru's fury* oh. Arthur: "...You're sending us to die?" maki: oh dont be so pessemistic! Akitaru: "I mean, I don't _think_ the Commander is going to kill us...He said he wanted our help to get rid of the last doppelgangers." shinra: eh? so he believes our story now? Akitaru: "I guess so...But can't be too careful, so keep an eye out for us while we're there, okay, Shinra?" shinra: *salutes* right! Takehisa: "But who will watch the station while we're away?" iris: i volunteer. nozomi: i-i think i'll go with you guys this time. Takehisa: "Will that be enough? Shouldn't we--" *Door smashes open--crushing Takehisa* miwa: !!!!!!???? maki: TAKEHISAAA!! Takehisa: x~x Hibana: *enters through the door* "I can watch your station!" Akitaru: -_-; shinra:....were you outside the door this whole time?! Hibana: "I'M EVERYWHERE..." *creepy smile at Shinra* *then looks behind the door--and cringes* "Oh...Sorry." Takehisa: x____x gabriella: hello all~ Akitaru: "...You two are _not_ sleeping in my room." Hibana: *pout* "Fine. We'll just take Shinra's room." shinra: WHY MINE?! Hibana: "Don't you want us to remodel your room~?" nozomi: y-you can stay in my room, miss hibana. i wont mind. Hibana: *smiles* "Thank you, dear. We will treat your room with the utmost respect." nozomi: thank you. -elsewhere- Jonah: "Now, stand still..." soldier: ..... arrow: ....haran, how is progress coming along? Haran: "Just about ready. Where will the Commander be?" -elsewhere- Joker: *tracing his cigarette smoke in the air* "So close..." scarlet:......that boy.... (thinking: is he really the same as....) Joker: "Yep. We get him on our side. Nice little option when dealing with the Knights." scarlet: ..... Joker: "...What's with you?" scarlet: ?? nothing, just...thinking. ivy: how do we do this then? Joker: "I'm going to send someone to pay the 8th a little visit..." ivy: oh? who're you sending? Joker: "I was thinking Licht." ivy: how are we gonna get some piano player to help us? scarlet: -_-; he means victor. ivy: who? Victor: "...Hi." ivy: !!! fuck! DONT SNEAK UP ON ME LIKE THAT! scarlet:..heh. Victor: "..." *sniff* "Is something burning?" -elsewhere- Shamrock: "..." *shiver* lilac: .....are you....ok? Shamrock: "Yes...Sorry. Just remembering something." lilac: ..... Shamrock: "...I think I'll get back to cleaning up my new room. lilac:..... Shamrock: "...Lilac, are you okay?" lilac: y-yeah.. Shamrock: *nods, goes towards his room* Sakuya: "Yo, Lilac! You hungry?" lilac: s-sure. Sakuya: "Cool..." *whispers* "Maybe we can make something for Sham, too. Kind of help him out." lilac:...*nod nod* Sakuya: "I think at least a good peanut butter sandwich works..." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Which one should I wear--battle-ready uniform, or formal uniform?" fang-hua: for what? Tsukiyo: "You know, for when the 8th comes visit. Should the impression people, 'I am here to impress you!' or 'I WILL KICK YOUR ASS!'?" fang-hua: just something normal, i guess. ^^; Tsukiyo: "Okay, regular uniform then!" *runs out, changes, comes back out in her usual uniform, salutes* "Ready!" -elsewhere- Relan: [be safe on this trip] shinra: [i will. :) ] Relan: [and maybe bring iris and me souvenirs ^^] shinra: [will do!] Relan: *smiles, puts his phone back in his pocket, heads to the exercise field...* -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "All set?" kim: yep Jacqueline: "Excellent. Then we can head out to finish errands." -elsewhere- Johannes: *cleaning his lab* "Wash and dry, polish and shine!" metsu: *sorting files* Jeje: "Need help?" metsu: if you'd like. *she smiles* Jeje: "Always..." *takes a set of files, starts sorting...* Johannes: *opens desk drawer, starts pulling out items: scalpels, paperclips...a jar with an eyeball in it* "Huh--been looking for this." metsu: *sweatdrop* Jeje: -_-;;; "Stop that. It's creepy." Mikuni: "GUYS! COME UP HERE! MY DOLLS ARE GETTING MARRIED!" Jeje: "...Also that." -elsewhere- Kid: "You'll be studying today?" stocking: yep. Kid: *nods* "I'll head out to finish some errands. Want anything?" stocking: tarts please~ Kid: *smiles* "Of course--in many flavors." *kisses her forehead* "None as sweet as you." stocking: hehe~<3 Kid: *takes a cloth bag* "Back shortly. I love you." stocking: love you too~ Kid: *smiles, turns to depart--* Patty: "Kiddo! Pick up snacks, too!" Kid: "!!! Um...Sure..." -elsewhere- Konro: *waves at the 8th at the outskirts* "Hello." shinra: *he nods* nozomi: this is asakusa then? tamaki: yep. Arthur: "At least most of it looks repaired...But why is there a fox on the captain's shoulder?" Mr. Tsubaki: ^^ maki: AWWWWW HOW CUTE! tamaki: adorable. *shiny eyes* nozomi: ^^; Mr. Tsubaki: *hops down, sits before Maki, Tamaki, and Nozomi* maki: *taking pics* so adorbs! shinra: *sweatdrop* Arthur: *mutters* "...Dumb fox, hogging all the attention..." Konro: "We found him--a stray. Rather docile around most people..." maki: whos a fluffy bebeh, whos a fluffuh bubuh! Mr. Tsubaki: *lies before Nozomi* nozomi: *pet pet* hehe... Mr. Tsubaki: ^^ Tsukiyo: "Yo! Arthur!" *glomp* Arthur: *choked* o___O tamaki: O_O fang-hua: *running after her, panting* tsukiyo! w-wait up! Tsukiyo: *waves at Tamaki* "Hello, kitty!" Arthur: *no longer breathing...his soul is coming out of his mouth...* shinra: we should bury him. Konro: -_-; tamaki: *PUNCH* shinra: ow! Mr. Tsubaki: o___o -later- Benimaru: "..." maki: >->;; Akitaru: "...Um, hi, Commander!" Benimaru: "...Commander. Thank you for coming." *looks at the 8th* "And your members." shinra: *nervous smile* nozomi: ^^; Benimaru: "Hmm...Some of you look new." *points at Nozomi* "Your name?" nozomi: ah! nozomi harada. Benimaru: *nods* "Are you strong?" nozomi: well... ummm... tamaki: she's in our research department. Benimaru: "So, strong mentally. We here value those who can demonstrate strength...Have to, given how often we destroy our own buildings in combat." nozomi: eh? O_O Akitaru: "And the buildings look even better than before." ^^;; Takehisa: "So, why did you call us? Where are these doppelgangers?" -paper'd- nozomi: O_O tamaki: ACK! Takehisa: -_- shinra: wha- Akitaru: "???" maki: !! Benimaru: "...Well? Do you feel any pain from the papers?" maki: no...? sister:...they're good to go. Arthur: "I feel a slight tingling on my forehead...but that may be oxygen deprivation from earlier." Akitaru: *removes the papers, looks at them* "These things will spot fakes?" Benimaru: *nods* tamaki: neato. Benimaru: "There are a few more residents to check and double-check. Please take these papers and use them on those suspects." tamaki: ok? Konro: "We checked ourselves, so you will be paired with some members of the 7th." Tsukiyo: *grabs Shinra and Nozomi's wrists* "I call dibs!" shinra: ah- nozomi: eh? owo; Tsukiyo: "Let's go check around the spa!" Arthur: "...Thank goodness--I thought I'd be stuck with that lunatic." -elsewhere- Haran: "All set?" arrow: i believe so. all we need to do now is wait for guruna to give us the signal... Haran: *nods* "Wait, then..." Jonah: "BUT I WANT TO GO NOW!" -potted plant gets tossed at him- misora: SHADDAP! SOME OF US ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF STUFF! Jonah: Q~Q "I just want to be in the middle of stuff!" misora: *glare of rage* Jonah: o___o *hides behind Arrow* arrow: -_-; Hanan: *flat laugh* "Ha." *looks at Misora* "What are you doing to prepare?" -elsewhere- Hibana: "And so things are okay with Shinra and Relan?" iris: *she nods* Hibana: "I don't need to have a talk with them or anything?" iris: it's all doing well. ^^ Hibana: *nods* "That's good...May I ask you a question?" iris: what is it? Hibana: "Would I be a bad mother?" iris: eh? why do you think that? Hibana: "I don't know...Gabriella and I have been considering it. I don't have a lot of confidence I would be good." iris: i think you'd do a good job. you took care of me and the other sisters before, remember? Hibana: "Yes, but I was a lot different then..." *frown* "I think Gabriella wants one..." iris: ah, i see. Hibana: *sigh* "It's a lot to think about, not to mention potential donors." -elsewhere- Akitaru: "Things been alright around here, Kabuki?" kabuki: for the most part, yes. Akitaru: "But some problems? Like with these imposters running around?" kabuki: *he nods* Akitaru: "Jeez...I'm sorry for all of this. I sure as heck did not appreciate them stealing my face like that." kabuki: it has everyone on edge... Akitaru: "I can imagine what it does for morale...I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but does the Commander have friends?" kabuki: well...im not sure if i should say~ Akitaru: "??? Some gossip, then? Well, no worries--I'm not going to press." *smiles, points to some buildings* "I guess that's our destination." kabuki: indeed. -elsewhere- shinra: no way, you're totally making this up! Tsukiyo: "Nah-uh! He was walking out of the shrine, waving to the sister! I know something is up! I mean, he practically has everyone in this village wanting him: the sister, me, Fang-Hua--" nozomi: eh? Tsukiyo: *sigh* "He has the pick of anyone he wants--such the center of attention...Wish I had that." *pokes Shinra's shoulder* "Or what you got." shinra: h-hey now! Tsukiyo: "Hee hee--Just teasing you! But man, it sucks being single around here." nozomi: ^^; Tsukiyo: "What about you, Nozomi? You with anyone?" nozomi: eh? oh heavens no! i dont think anyone would be interested in someone boring like me... Tsukiyo: *eyes her up and down* "I wouldn’t call you 'boring.' Maybe find someone with the same hobbies as you?" nozomi: i-i guess, maybe... Tsukiyo: *smiles* "Tell you what--after we finish getting these imposters found, I'll introduce you to some of the peeps around here." nozomi: ^^; Tsukiyo: "But first, we got to check out the shrine..." *spots the spa* "...Or..." -elsewhere- Benimaru: "That's two more people reviewed..." maki: *she nods* Benimaru: "...May I ask about your Commander?" maki: what did you want to know? Benimaru: "How upset is he with the 7th over our actions to your brigade?" maki: he understands why you were upset, but he's still willing to help. he's rather forgiving. Benimaru: "...Forgiveness can look like weakness." maki:... -elsewhere- Arthur: "...Maybe add another paper to their forehead? Can never be too careful..." fang-hua: *sweatdrop* townsperson: can i go now? Arthur: "I guess..." *removes the paper* -elsewhere- Konro: *smiles, nods* "Thank you for answering our questions--good day." -elsewhere- naho: *snuggling up to sakuya* =w= Sakuya: *smiles* "Comfy?" naho: mmhmm~ Sakuya: *kisses her cheek* "What a cutie..." naho: >w< Sakuya: *soft kiss on her lips* naho: U/////U Sakuya: *kiss on where her jaw meets her neck* naho: >//////< Sakuya: *kisses her neck...his hand lays on her hip* naho: s-sakkun! >/////< Sakuya: *pulls back* "Too much?" naho: ./////. we're....still in the living room... Sakuya: .\\\\\. "...I forgot." lavender: ^^; Higan: “Ah, young love…” Shamrock: x_-;;; Belkia: "Yeah, maybe take the PDA elsewhere." naho:.....*she looks at sakuya* your room or mine? lavender: use protection you two! Sakuya: *whispers* "I think yours. The bed is more comfy." naho: ok. *she walks with him to her room* Sakuya: *closes the door behind them, locks it* naho: *she sits down* should i lay down or... *flustered* Sakuya: "Well...Do you want to lead? Or should I?" naho: c-could you? im not…very experienced....c-could we take it slowly? Sakuya: *nods, as he sits beside her...takes her hand...and kisses it lightly* naho: *leans in and smiles* mmmm... u///u Sakuya: *lightly rests his hands along her back, as he kisses her lips* -elsewhere- Kid: *takes the desserts from the baker* "Thank you! I'm sure she'll love these." -elsewhere- Takehisa: "Where to next?" -at the shrine- kirei: hmm? Benimaru: "Hello." kirei: ah, good evening. maki: hey. *waves* kirei: oh? you're...from the 8th, right? maki: yeah. Benimaru: "Sister, we are here to conduct one more search for imposters." kirei: i see. well, reimi wont be here, since she left to do errands... Benimaru: "...We have to check _everyone_..." kirei: *she nods* i'll let her know. ???: "AAAAH!" maki: ?! what the?? Benimaru: "?!!!" *A human is sweating, as flames emerge from their hands* ???: "N-No! Nooooo!" shinra: !!! *he spots a hooded figure* hey! GET BACK HERE! Tsukiyo: "What the heck?!" nozomi: *too paralyzed to move* ???: *panting, and then--a roar: transformation complete* shinra: *chasing the hooded figure* Hooded Figure: *leaps over fence, trying to put distance between themselves and Shinra* shinra: *tries to give himself a speed boost* Hood Figure: *spots Shinra following* "!!! Crud, crud, crud--" ???: kusakabe? shinra: ?! *he spots reimi* eh? Hood Figure: *runs* ("Run run run run!" Q~Q ) reimi: what are you doing here? shinra: wai- *he lost sight of the hooded figure* dammit! Benimaru: *runs towards the spot* "Kusakabe, where is the Hood?" shinra: he went over that fence! but i lost him... reimi: i saw it happen....i forgot which way the hood went though, sorry... Benimaru: "..." *frowns at Shinra* shinra: ....... -later- Akitaru: "...Another transformation. Damn it." nozomi: *too shook up to even speak* Tsukiyo: *looking concerned at Nozomi* tamaki:....*hugs nozomi* nozomi:....*whimpering* Benimaru: *standing away* "How? How again?" shinra: i saw the hooded figure, and i tried to go after them..... kirei:..... Benimaru: "...You should have demolished an entire building on them." shinra:....... fang-hua: commander, could you go easy on him? he obviously feels bad enough... Benimaru: "...I have to tend to the deceased's survivors." *turns to leave* Akitaru: "..." *pats Shinra's shoulder* shinra:.... -elsewhere- Haran: "That was close." misora: QwQ;;; Haran: "So, what's next?" arrow: for now, we leave that as a warning... -elsewhere- Ponera: *holding her head* "French wine gives major headaches..." shaula: im good though. =w= Medusa: "You've just built up a tolerance..." T_T "I miss drinking..." Ponera: *groan* -elsewhere- Hibana: *looks around Nozomi's room* "Comfy." gabriella: it's nice. *she notices a picture of nozomi and her father* ... Hibana: "Aaaaaw, look at tiny she was!" gabriella: she does take after her father it seems... Hibana: *sad smile* "Yes..." *hugs Gabriella* -elsewhere- Kid: "Yummy?" stocking: =w=~<3 you're the best! Kid: *smiles* "You're better." stocking: dawww. Kid: *pats her hand* stocking: *smooooch* Kid: =w= *smooch* stocking: ^^~<3 Kid: *smiles* "I can taste the dessert on your lips." stocking: hehe~ Kid: "I'll have to make sure to buy more for you again in the future." *rubs her arm* "And for important occasions." stocking: *she smiles and holds his hand* Kid: *holds her hand, cuddles* stocking: hey kid, you got something on the tip of your nose....*she kisses it* it's me~ Kid: "Hee hee...You know what I think is also on me?" stocking: what? Kid: *lightly holds her shoulders, as he lies back, letting her rest on top of him* stocking: well, arent you just clever~? Kid: *smirks* "I try." stocking: *kissing down his neck, down his chest, and to his hips* Kid: "Aaaaah~" *pleased groan* "So good...Stocking..." stocking: *smirks and licks just above the length* Kid: *pouts* "Oh, please~?" stocking: i dunno~ Kid: "I'll do whatever you desire..." stocking: oh~? *rubs his inner thighs* Kid: *bites his lip, nods* stocking: oh i dunno~ *lightly strokes a finger up the shaft* Kid: "A-Aaaaaaah! J-Just keep going...I'll buy you all the sweets you want..." stocking: really now~? *lightly rubbing the tip* Kid: "R-Really...All you want..." stocking: *breathing along the tip* Kid: *leans his head back, sighs* "Yes..." stocking: *light flicks of the tongue against the tip* Kid: *buries his head along his arm, squirming* "So good..." stocking: *she smirks and begins going down on him* Kid: *pants, grunts, as his hands rest along her head, guiding her* -elsewhere- Sakuya: *hug* naho: *already crashed out* Sakuya: "Too much?" naho: zzzzzz..... *she's wearing his jacket* Sakuya: *smiles, pulls the covers over them, hugs her* naho: =w= Sakuya: "Good night..." *sighs* -elsewhere- Benimaru: "..." *punches a fist into the wall* kirei: !!! commander! fang-hua: h-hey! Benimaru: "Again. And again. It keeps happening." fang-hua:.... kirei:....*she hugs him* Benimaru: "..." *pat pat* fang-hua: *she has the med-kit out* jeez.... Benimaru: "..." *looks at his hand* "...Sorry." fang-hua: you should really be more careful... Benimaru: "...Just angry. I'm sorry." fang-hua: still... kirei:.... Benimaru: "...I'm screwing up." kirei: eh? fang-hua: what makes you think that? Benimaru: "Every one of our colleagues made into these monsters...is another one I have not saved." fang-hua:...these things happen....all we can do is try harder. Benimaru: "..." *nods* -elsewhere- Relan: [it's going to be okay] shinra: [thanks rel.] Relan: [ :) come home safe, okay?] shinra: [i will. *hug emoticon*] Relan: [ <3 u ] -early morning- kyouko: *already awake* Shiro: "Morning!" kyouko: mornin. *she looks out the window* the sun still isnt up yet....perfect. *she has a basket set up* Shiro: "??? Going out?" kyouko: yeah. did you want to come with? Shiro: *small stretch* "I better--be good to stretch my legs. I wouldn't slow you down, would I?" kyouko: it's fine. we got plenty of time. Shiro: *smiles* "Lead the way then." -they ended up at a hill with a big tree on it.- kyouko: remember this place? you took me, rin, and yukio here a long time ago to watch the sunrise. Shiro: "Ah, yes. It was so clear that day..." kyouko: *she nods* you even prepared a breakfast picnic and everything! Shiro: "Ha ha! I think I did out-did myself on that food." *smiles at her* "You all seemed to enjoy the meal." kyouko: *she smiles* it really meant a lot...so, today im gonna repay the favor. Shiro: "...Thank you...so much." kyouko: *she smiles, remembering when he brought her and the twins there* Shiro: "..." *looks at the tree* "Sure has grown..." kyouko: yeah. Shiro: "You, and Yukio, and Rin, have matured so much." kyouko: we sure have... Shiro: "You all have such a future ahead of you...and I only hope I can help you be ready for it." kyouko: right. -elsewhere- Hibana: *gentle shake to Gabriella's shoulder* "Wakey-wakey..." gabriella: *yaaaawns* Hibana: "Good morning..." *hugs her* "I wanted to talk about something..." gabriella: eh? Hibana: *hugs her from behind, puts her hand over her stomach* "...Did you sleep well?" -elsewhere- Sakuya: *exits the bedroom, shirtless* Shamrock: "...Hello." Sakuya: "...Morning..." -_- naho: zzzzzz *nyaaaawn* im up....*still in sakuya's jacket.* Sakuya: "Hey." Shamrock: x\\\\\\o naho: *yaaawn* nnnn?....oh....hey sham...*yaaaawn* so tired still... Shamrock: "...Yeah, I'm sure--er, given how early it is..." Sakuya: "???" naho: *leans against sakuya* i got worn out...zzzzz.... Sakuya: -\\\\- "Heh..." *whispers in her ear* "Maybe no so loud in front of Sham..." Shamrock: D:< naho: zzzzzzz.... Sakuya: *holds her, as he guides her back* "Sleep for a few more minutes...I'll make you breakfast." Shamrock: *fuming* lavender: *streeeetch* ah, seems you guys are up already too. mornin' Shamrock: *grunt* "Good morning..." lavender: still in a sour mood, eh? Shamrock: "Quite...I didn't realize Naho and Sakuya were dating." lavender: ah. well, they are. seems you still have a lot to catch up on. Shamrock: x_-;; "Evidently...Darn." lavender: ~? Shamrock: "...Missed opportunities, I'm afraid. I guess I have to get through each day, one at a time." lavender: ah, i see. Shamrock: *looks at her* "And you? How have you adjusted to life in this new residence?" lavender: yeah. higan and i are roomies. Shamrock: "I'm sure that is good for you both." lavender: hell yeah it is. Shamrock: x____-;;;; "And...our 'landlords' are okay with that?" lavender: the room’s soundproof. Shamrock: "..." *small smirk* "No wonder I managed to sleep." lavender: *small punch to the arm* oh shut up. himawari:...... Shamrock: *small laugh at Lavender--then spots Himawari* "Oh...Good morning." himawari:......... Shamrock: "How was your sleep Himawari?" himawari:........ Shamrock: "...I hope it was well. I'm sure if the beds aren't comfortable, Tsubaki and Black Star would get new ones." himawari:....... Shamrock: "...I was going to make breakfast. What would you like?" himawari:.......... lavender: its ok, just tell him what you want. himawari:.....i'll....have eggs.... Shamrock: *nods, smiles, gives a slight bow* "As you wish." *walks to the kitchen* himawari:..... lavender:...*hugs her, trembling slightly* im sorry..... Shamrock: *cooking...trying to steady his own hands as he cracks the eggs...* Sakuya: "..." tsubaki: need any help? Shamrock: "...Yes." tsubaki: *she helps him out* Shamrock: *tries to heat the pan* "This stove is not what I'm used to." tsubaki: oh? Shamrock: "Yes. Sorry. A lot to get used to. This is not like...home." tsubaki: ..... Shamrock: "...A lot of this...is not like home, not when we're without..." tsubaki:...........*sad look on her face* Shamrock: *looks at her* "Where did he go?" tsubaki:.....i wish i knew too....d-dont get me wrong. i'm more than happy with black*star!...but i do worry about him. Shamrock: x_o;; "Um...Why did you mention Black Star?" tsubaki: eh? O.O;; Shamrock: "..." *light bulb* X______O;;;; "Oh my..." tsubaki:....oh.....oh nooooooo! *covers her face blushing* Shamrock: "...Is that why you adopted all of them--us?" tsubaki: w-well, someone had to, and he did ask me personally... .///////.;;;;;; Shamrock: "...And you are attracted to him? I mean, I can't blame you--" tsubaki: it's not that i asked to be! *covers her mouth* Q//////Q Shamrock: X______O "...Holy shit. You got it bad." tsubaki: >///////<;;;; Shamrock: "...Great. Naho is with someone else, now someone else is attracted to Tsubaki. What else can go wrong?" otogiri: -_________- tsubaki: ah-.... O______O belkia...what is that?! Belkia: "What? It was hot in my room last night--" Shamrock: "AAAAAH! I want to be blind in the other eye, too!" naho: could be worse..it could be the old geezer............ AHHHHHHHHH THE MENTAL IMAGE! IT BUUUUURNS!!! lavender: eh, im not too shocked. naho: lav, you got serious nerves of steel! *whispers* tell me your secrets. Higan: *enters* "Don't you have any self respect, Belkia? That color does not suit you." Belkia: "You all just hate my fashion sense!" -elsewhere- Kid: "Ah~" stocking: hehe~<3 Kid: "You were great." stocking: so were you~ Kid: *holds her hand* "How did we get so good at syncing up?" stocking: *smooch* Kid: *smooch* "You know...with graduation coming up, there are a few things we should do before we go into 'really-real adulthood' mode." stocking: oh~? Kid: "Maybe something childish that adults don't do when they get older? Or sow a few more wild oats...?" *kisses behind her ear* stocking: ah- oh? Kid: *kisses along her neck* "What is the wildest thing you can think of?" stocking: eh?.......*she whispers into his ear* Kid: o_______o;;;; "...Okay. Um...Well...I am a Shinigami..." stocking: 7w7~<3 Kid: "..." *holds up his hand...dark energy swirls around it...* stocking: OwO Kid: *the energy swirls into what looks like a tentacle...* stocking: BRING IT ON! OWO -elsewhere- Benimaru: "..." kabuki: commander? Benimaru: "??? Yes, Kabuki?" kabuki: how are you feeling? Benimaru: "..." *holds his hand* "Frustrated." kabuki: i see. Benimaru: *nods* "Another death on my conscience." kabuki:...*pats his shoulder* Benimaru: "..." *nods* "Sorry. I should not look so weak in front of soldiers." kabuki: we're only human. it's normal. Benimaru: "...'Human.' I forget that when I look at my...our abilities." kabuki:...... Benimaru: "...How do you get through each day?" -elsewhere- Lawless: *sitting atop a stack of books, reading* julian: D8 romina: how'd'ya reckon he's able to sit up there without fallin off? Lawless: "BALANCE!" *continues reading* romina: ^^; Lawless: "Hey, where's Licht? I thought he was going to be doing some reading." licht: im right here, shit rat. Lawless: "Oh, hey, buddy! Grab a book and start reading!" licht:....ok. *pulls one from the bottom of lawless' book tower* julian: NOOO THE BOOKS! Lawless: "Oh craaaaAAAAAAAP!" *tumbles down with the tower of books* "...Ow." romina: ya'll alright there? Lawless: *thumbs up* "But when I said I wanted to 'hit the books'..." romina: *snerk* Lawless: *pops up, glares at Licht* "That was just mean." licht: hmm? -elsewhere- kim: see that girl over there? *pointing to sayaka* i bet that hair color would look awesome on you, jackie! Jacqueline: o\\\\o "R-Really? Doesn't it seem a bit much for me? W-Would you want me to do that?" kim: y'never know till you try, right? Jacqueline: "...Maybe...if you wanted..." kim: im not forcing you too. just an idea~ Jacqueline: "But...I would want you to try something..." kim: oh? Jacqueline: "Maybe you get your hair done, too? Or..." kim: ?? Jacqueline: "Or...I don't know. I mean, a piercing or a tattoo is too extreme compared to me just changing my hair color." kim: hmmm. i'll think about it. Jacqueline: "..." *small smile* "A little tanuki tattoo on your ankle?" kim: that would be cute. -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, staring up at Kirei* kirei: hmm? oh, hello there. *warm smile...almost like....* Mr. Tsubaki: "!!!" o\\\\\o *slowly approaches, sits* kirei:....did you want something to eat? Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *slight nod* kirei: *she smiles and goes to the pantry* lets see.... Mr. Tsubaki: *tail wags* "..." ("She is kind, and her smile is like...hers. I miss my blossom...") kirei: here you go. Mr. Tsubaki: *pants as he accepts and gobbles up the food* kirei: *smiles and pats his head* Mr. Tsubaki: -\\\\- -elsewhere- Rin: *thumbing through notes* -elsewhere- tsubaki: that's what happened.....does that...make me a bad girlfriend? *teary eyed* Black Star: *holds her hand, then hugs her* "No...You're the best." tsubaki: ?? *teary eyed* Black Star: *pat pat* "You are so honest--and I can't be angry at you. I'm hella-jealous, but that doesn't change our partnership, or how much I care about you." *beat* "And it's not like I don't admire hot people..." tsubaki: ^^; thanks black*star....that means a lot... Black Star: "..." *kisses her lips lightly* "I love you." tsubaki: i love you too....really, i do.... Black Star: *smiles* "I know...Can we just be honest about this? I mean, you find that vamp sexy, I think Kid is hot--" tsubaki:.......... .///////////////////////////. *head steaming* naho: *this convo now has her complete attention* Black Star: "Hee hee...See? We all got our desires." *small kiss on her cheek* tsubaki: >/////< Black Star: "Oh, come on, like you haven't thought about something like that..." tsubaki: >/////////>;;;;; Black Star: *whispers in her ear* "Maybe you've thought about another woman?" tsubaki: .////////////////. *covers her face* Black Star: *soft chuckle, as he pats her hand* "It's to be expected: so kind, charitable, welcoming..." tsubaki: *she smiles* Black Star: "How about...we take in a film, and just spend some time together tonight?" tsubaki: i would like that. -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: *frowns* "...I can't read this at all. It's like it's in another language." -elsewhere- Kuro: *in cat form, on his back, wiggling on the floor* mahiru: *putting away dishes* you know, it wouldnt kill you to help out. -_-; Kuro: "I shouldn't over-exert myself. I haven't had much blood today..." mahiru:...*siiigh* here, *holds out arm* Kuro: ^^ *small bite...sluuuuuuurp* mahiru: feeling better now? Kuro: *races past Mahiru, already put away remaining dishes* mahiru: O-O Kuro: "That wasn't so bad...What's for dessert?" -elsewhere- Yumi: "Here, hold Shiori for one moment." lord death: *holding her* hey shiorin~ Yumi: "Aaaaaaaaaand," *holds up a box* "Tah-dah! Happy birthday." lord death: awww! *smooch* Yumi: ^^ "I hope you like it...Shiori seemed quite excited about it." shiori: ^o^ -it was a cereal dispenser- lord death: wow, this is great! Yumi: "And..." *holds up a tiny box of cereal that she hands to Shiori* shiori: *claps* Yumi: "And marshmallow-only cereal for you, Death..." *holds up the big box* lord death:....ILOVEYOU!! Yumi: "I know." *glasses glint* -elsewhere- Touma: "..." tsurugi: mr touma? Touma: "What do you want?" tsurugi: did you need me to do something? Touma: "Have you identified those individuals who were 'bleeding' outside the building?" tsurugi: not that i recall, no... Touma: "...Go through security footage, identify them." tsuguri: right... Touma: "..." (stares at where her secret cell was) -elsewhere- himawari:.....*sitting in the shower......she could still feel him touching her*................... Sakuya: *outside in hallway* "Bathroom still ocupado?" lavender:.....hima? you ok? Sakuya: "???" himawari:....... Belkia: "GUYS, I REALLY NEED THE BATHROOM! I got to go--" *reaches for door...and Sakuya slaps his hand Sakuya: "No. Lav?" lavender: *opens the door* hey hima... himawari:................ lavender:....come on, lets get you out of here... Sakuya: "..." -later- Sakuya: "We need someone professional to talk with her..." tsubaki: i know someone who can help her. stocking went to her when she was......*she shakes her head* nevermind... Sakuya: "...You know any doctors or therapists?" tsubaki: yes. Sakuya: "Please...I think Himawari needs this." tsubaki: alright. -a few days later- Sakuya: "We'll be right here, Himawari..." himawari:...... Dr. John: "Good day, Himawari. I am Dr. John." *smiles* himawari:..... *she just looks at her without saying anything* Dr. John: *opens the door for her* "Follow me, please." himawari: *she follows* Dr. John: "Now, I wanted to ask a few questions. How old are you?" himawari:........23.... Dr. John: "Any allergies?" himawari:.....*she shakes her head* Dr. John: "Do you have a history of diabetes?" himawari:....no.... Dr. John: "Now...You understand what today will involve?" himawari:......... Dr. John: "I will be checking for any physical damage to you today. If at any point you want to stop, you don't have to say anything: you can walk away." himawari:.............. Dr. John: "I know this will be uncomfortable. I assure you, I have seen so much here that...I will do my best to help you. Okay?" himawari:....... Dr. John: "Let's start with getting your height, weight, and blood pressure, okay?" himawari:.... -the examination went without any complaints from himawari- Dr. John: "Himawari, I detect...evidence of violence upon you." himawari:............. Dr. John: "The damage does not seem severe. In fact, it looks like it has healed, almost immediately...and I can only assume...I mean, it's not fair for me too, but I...have you spoken with police?" himawari:..................... Dr. John: "Himawari...Please. If I may help--" himawari: please........forgive me....mr touma.... Dr. John: "??? 'Touma'?" himawari:...i wont....disobey you....mr touma.... Dr. John: "...Himawari...There is no one here by that name...Did this 'Touma' do this to you?" himawari:.........will i...be beaten again...mr touma? Dr. John: "...No. Not here. Never here, Himawari." himawari:.... lavender:...*gripping her fist* Dr. John: "...I have found evidence that leads me to conclude you were raped. Tests show no evidence of pregnancy, and with a few more weeks, I think your damage will heal...However, I do want to recommend additional medical treatment..." himawari:...... Dr. John: "Including a therapist." -elsewhere- Konro: *looking through evidence* "Hm...Odd." kabuki: what is it? Konro: *points to fingerprints* "These look familiar..." kabuki: oh? how so? Konro: "There is this distinctive scar on this one finger...I swear, I saw that in one of the residents..." kabuki:.... Konro: *holds his hand to his forehead* "Sorry...Just tired, I guess." -elsewhere- Kid: *birthday hug for Death* lord death: *he smiles* thanks kiddo. Kid: *pat pat* "Can I ask something?" lord death: what is it, son? Kid: "...I am preparing in advance for the moment to ask Stocking..." lord death: ah, i see... Kid: "I have the location in mind, the atmosphere...I would appreciate assistance and advice, though." lord death: what did you want to know, kiddo? Kid: "...How do I do this perfectly?" lord death: well, i guess just be honest on how you feel. let her know how much she means to you. Kid: *nods* "Should I have something pre-written? lord death: if it helps. Kid: *nods, nods* "I can at least practice that...I was thinking of asking her at...graduation?" lord death: you sure about that? Kid: *a bit nervous* "Or...maybe after the graduation? I just can't determine the location..." lord death: maybe out in the garden? there's a nice swinging bench out there, remember? Kid: "..." *smiles widely* "Father, you're a genius." lord death: daw. ^^ Kid: ^\\\^ "I already have the ring..." -elsewhere- Shamrock: "..." himawari:.......... Shamrock: "...Himawari? You have barely touched your meal." himawari:..... naho: come on, eat up. himawari:....*nom* Shamrock: *smiles* "See? Full of nutrients, too." himawari:....*still eating* Shamrock: "Is there anything you want for it? Salt?" -elsewhere- Lily: "You got a crush~" misono: *buried his head under the pillow* shush you! you can't prove anything! Lily: "Are you sure? Such as the love poetry you wrote? Or the gift you received?" misono: !!! i-i-i dunno what you're talking about! Lily: *takes out the poem, reads* " 'Oh dearest light of my life--'" misono: !! *takes it and eats it* Lily: "...Well, that was rude. Good thing I uploaded it to your blog--" misono: DO-...wait, when do i have a blog? isnt that yours? Lily: *claps his hands together* "We can share it~" misono: *sweatdrop*... Lily: "It's not like I put your name on the poem." misono: .......*K-O* fortunately it's on that vampire's site. she will never see it. thank god. Lily: "Can always share it..." misono: PLEASE DO NOT! Lily: *pout* "But your beautiful writing should be shared with the world..." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "So, you and Knight Boy still going out?" tamaki: *almost chokes* who told you that!? Tsukiyo: "Well, you almost choking did. And you two seemed real close the last time you were here. And you look like you've gotten some action--" tamaki: oh shush you! Tsukiyo: "Hey, congrats! I'm happy for you two! Not every can find someone they get along with..." -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "...Huh. That's some color." tsugumi: hey kim, hey ja-... O.O Jacqueline: -\\\\\- ao: oh? who's this now? kim: it's jackie! Jacqueline: "Yeah...Just with a more...exotic hair color. Heh." -elsewhere- Gopher: "Cupcakes, cupcakes~" kirika: *nom* these are pretty tasty... Gopher: -w- "Thank you. I think I'm improving at baking." -elsewhere- Shotaro: "Here you go--all paperwork filed!" -elsewhere- Asura: *shudders* mikan: *rubs his back* Asura: "So frightening..." mikan: *kiss* its ok. i'm here. luka: you always say that its frightening. mikan: *GLARE AT LUKA* Asura: "Because it _is_..." mikan: *pulls him closer and hums* Asura: *shaking, holds onto Mikan* -elsewhere- Rin: *passes a bottle of soda* "Here you go!" madoka: thank you. ^^ Rin: "You're welcome." *sips* "How's this upcoming week look for ya?" madoka: pretty decent i think. did you..want to go out maybe? Rin: *smiles* "Sure! Anything you had in mind?" -elsewhere- Hibana: o___o "How many weights does he own?" gabriella: O.O; Hibana: *picks up one of the smaller ones--which is still large* "This is heavier than the ones I usually us! The gorilla must be superhuman!" gabriella: maybe he's actually a quirk human! *shiny eyes* iris: i doubt that ^^; Hibana: "Hmm...Strong, but not the most attractive face..." *thinking* gabriella: hmm? Hibana: "...No...Maybe? I don't know. Maybe he could be the donor..." iris: eh? o.o~? Hibana: "...for a child." iris: .....ehhhhh?? O///O; -elsewhere- maki: commander? you ok? Akitaru: Q~Q "I feel a disturbance in the fire force..." shinra:....what? Akitaru: "All the way down to my lower intestine..." *shudder* Takehisa: "..." *holds up stomach medicine* nozomi: ~? Akitaru: "Thanks, buddy." *takes some* Takehisa: "What would everyone else like for a meal?" -elsewhere- Kid: *hug* stocking: hehe~ Kid: "Have a good day?" stocking: yep~ Kid: "Studying going well?" stocking: yeah. Kid: "That's good. How many more days until your exam?" stocking: there's a sub-exam due this weekend... Kid: *nods* "Anything I can do to help?" -elsewhere- Black Star: *pats Tsubaki's back* tsubaki: thank you... Black Star: "Feeling better?" tsubaki: yeah. Black Star: "That's good...Anything you want to eat?" tsubaki: perhaps some tea... Black Star: "On it!" *goes to the kitchen* Shamrock: "???" *looks at Tsubaki* tsubaki: hmm? Shamrock: "You sure you feel better?" tsubaki: yeah... Shamrock: "Well, good...Tell me, did Tsubaki give any hint where he was going?" tsubaki:....i dont think he did... Shamrock: "Hmm. He had contingency plans, but they always involved the rest of us..." tsubaki: i think...he wanted to protect you... Shamrock: "..." *sad nod* "I miss him." tsubaki:....you...really love him, dont you? Shamrock: "..." *nods* tsubaki: i see... Shamrock: "But...he is devoted to someone else..." tsubaki: eh? Shamrock: "You." tsubaki:....*FLUSTERED* Shamrock: "I will never stop loving Tsubaki...and whenever he returns, you should respond to him--because unless you can say you do not love him, he will keep pursuing you. You had best determine what you feel towards him." tsubaki: ........ Shamrock: "...Well, I hope knowing that helps you. I...have to figure some things out..." tsubaki:...*she nods* Shamrock: *wipes his eye, steadies his breath* tsubaki:....... Black Star: *overhearing this around the corner* "..." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *looking under the stairs to the shrine* "???" hinata: *giggles* Mr. Tsubaki: *small fox laugh as he approaches Hinata* hinata: >u< Mr. Tsubaki: *licks Hinata's hand* hinata: ah! you found me! Mr. Tsubaki: *bounces around her, happily* -elsewhere- Wes: "Feeling better?" liz: yeah. *she smiles* Wes: *smiles, holds her hand, rubs it gently* "I love you." liz: i love you too, wes. Wes: *hug* "You are so loving, such a fun, smart, compassionate person." liz: daww... thanks.. you're really smart, talented.....good looking. Wes: *blush* "That means a lot to me..." liz: *she smiles* Wes: *rubs her hand* "I think...you have such amazing eyes...so full of light." liz: *blushing* you have a nice smile. Wes: *smiles* "So do you...and..." *traces his finger along her neck* "A beautiful neck." liz: >/////< Wes: *hugs her* "And a strong back..." *kisses her shoulder* liz: ahhh..... >////< Wes: "Liz..." *rests a hand along her hip* liz: *blush* *kiss* >///< Wes: *kisses back, hugs her* liz: U////U Wes: *lies down with her...* -elsewhere- Relan: *looking around the city* "Huh...Quiet today." mikami: *she nods* ryuuko:... Relan: *sweating a bit* "Heh...Kind of nervous..." -elsewhere- Patty: *bouncing on the bed* -morning- Higan: *sipping coffee* lavender: *streeeetch* ah. mornin' otogiri: good morning. Belkia: "Howdy!" *holding a grapefruit and a spoon* otogiri: do i dare ask? Belkia: "Nothing more dangerous than cutting into the grapefruit--and risking having citric acid go right into your eyeball!" naho: O____O;; lilac:.. Q_Q Shamrock: "...Stop making fun of people like me, you bastard person..." Belkia: *pulls back spoon, ready to dive in* -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *washing her hair* "Hmm...Wonder how long the color will last..." -elsewhere- Kid: "Time to wake up..." stocking: morning kiddo... *yaaawn* Kid: *hug* "Sleep okay?" stocking: yeah. Kid: *nods* "...I did have one dream..." stocking: oh? Kid: *small laugh* "It was kind of silly...we found a full-size gingerbread house..." stocking: *shiny eyes* Kid: "So, of course, we started inside...eating the peppermint stick lamps..." stocking: *drools* Kid: "And the gingerbread sofa..." -elsewhere- Black Star: *snore* tsubaki: black*star, time to wake up. *nudge nudge* Black Star: *turns in bed, wraps his arms around Tsubaki* tsubaki: *blush*.....*hugs back* Black Star: "Mmm..." *kiss* tsubaki: !!... U///U Black Star: *holds her close, his hand sliding down her back...* tsubaki: ahh.... Black Star: *his fingers slide just a bit under the elastic of her pajama pants* tsubaki: b-black*star! >///< Black Star: *opens his eyes* "..." o____o "S-Sorry!" tsubaki: .////. i-i-its fine.. Black Star: "..." .\\\\. *crosses his legs* "Yeah..." tsubaki: *flustered* Black Star: "...I think I'll shower." *holds a pillow over himself as he stands up* -later- Sakuya: "Ready for class?" naho: yep. lilac:..*nod nod* Shamrock: *hands Lilac a brown paper bag* "Your lunch." lilac: t-thanks... Black Star: *walking out the door, moping...* naho: you ok? tsubaki: ?? Black Star: "Y-Yeah, I'm fine..." ("...Am I...not good?") tsubaki:....*she holds his hand* Black Star: "???" *looks up...smiles, small squeeze of her hand* -at school- Lawless: *dressed in a ruffled outfit* mio:...what the heck. licht:..... Lawless: "I wish to be in character: I am cultured as fuck." licht: *sweatdrop* Lawless: *takes out a long quill, begins writing on parchment* "I'm gonna write some love poems...Chicks dig love poems..." licht: *facepalm* Lawless: "My lady's eyes are such a shade of blue; / Roses hardly match her lips’ red; / Narrow around the waist, but damn, her breasts are huge--" -SEVERAL PUNCHES FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE LATER- Lawless: *pixelated mess, collapsed on the floor, twitching, limbs bent in ways not natural* soul:...ouch. Lawless: "A pint of blood, please, Licht?" licht: not in public. Lawless: "Then carry my remains to the bathroom so I may bite upon your neck--" -STOMP STOMP STOMP- -whispers amongst the class- student: bite his neck? student 2: kinky. Student #3: "I knew celebrities were into weird shit, but goddamn..." Lawless: D: ao: oh my. that's quite unfortunate, anya. Anya: "NO ONE WAS TALKING TO YOU!" *crosses her arms, mutters...* "Not like there is anything that means he can't be bi or pan..." ao: perhaps. -elsewhere- Rino: "...So, her highness now wants a kid?" iris: it would seem so. Rino: "...Jeez. I can only imagine how her kid would turn out: tyrannical. And her mood swings would be vicious." iris: ^^; Rino: *laughing* "She'd probably be a mess!" *laughs harder* "Just making unreasonable demands, pushing people out of her way--you know, acting like she always does! Ha ha ha--" Hibana: *serene smile, furious flaming aura* "Oh? What is so funny, Rino~?" Rino: ._______.; -elsewhere- Yohei: *holds Chie's hand* chie: ^^ Yohei: "You're glowing..." chie: >///< Yohei: "So majestic." *kiss on the cheek* chie: hehe~ Yohei: "Ready to head out for a bit?" chie: i'd like that. Yohei: *leads her to the door* ("Should give everyone enough time...") -elsewhere- Shotaro: "Mana! Toss another box of diapers up at the top! I can carry them!" -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, napping* "Zzz..." maki: *snapping pics* hehe~ Mr. Tsubaki: *dreaming happy dreams, running in a meadow...with a certain someone...* *kicks his feet like he is running* Tsukiyo: "Glad you all like the fox. He's kind of had an attitude since biting the sister..." maki: what? reimi:..... Tsukiyo: "Yeah, tell them, Reimi! That fox just bit the heck out of you!" reimi: it was just my hand. Mr. Tsubaki: *grunts in his sleep...* ("Oh, my blossom--these flowers do not compare to you~") Tsukiyo: "And now that I put that mutt through my obedience school, he's been no problem!" *beaming with pride* maki: umm.. OwO; [dream!tsubaki: *laying on her back* hehe~] [Dream!Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *falls along top of her* "Hee hee...So beautiful..." *leans down to kiss her face...*] Mr. Tsubaki: *panting, panting, and...* maki: .... O-O;;; Tsukiyo: o______o "WHY IS THIS MUTT HUMPING MY LEG?!!" Mr. Tsubaki: *eyes break open* .\\\\. reimi: *backs away* Mr. Tsubaki: *looking really ashamed and embarrassed--* Tsukiyo: "I'LL RIP YOUR PELT OFF AND WEAR IT! GET BACK HERE, YOU DUMB FOX!" *chases after Mr. Tsubaki* Mr. Tsubaki: "!!!" *tries to run away* maki: hey! stop that! Mr. Tsubaki: *leaps up onto Maki's shoulders, trying to hide behind her* Tsukiyo: *warrior battle cry, as she leaps up to tackle Mr. Tsubaki...* maki: *dodge* poor baby... Tsukiyo: *face plant into the dirt, butt up in the air* Mr. Tsubaki: *shivers in Maki's arms* maki: its ok little guy... Tsukiyo: *stands up again, her face now bruised* "Hmph. I'm going to the nurses, to go put antiseptic on my leg...Hope it isn't pregnant..." maki: *sweatdrop* i dont think...biology works that way... Tsukiyo: "THAT CRITTER IS NOT THE ONE I WANT GETTING ALL FREAKY WITH ME!" Mr. Tsubaki: -_-; ("You're no prize yourself, you over-sexed rodent.") -elsewhere- Kid: "That was...an eventful class." stocking: ^^; Patty: "I thought it was funny when Anya's face got all red! As bright as Jacqueline's new hair!" liz: ^^; Kid: "Well, let's put that behind us. Any plans?" stocking: how about we go visit one of the cultural districts? Kid: "I'd like that...Any one in mind?" stocking: hmmm. -elsewhere- iris: a chemistry department? well, the closest thing we have to that would be nozomi. ^^; Hibana: "I can help with improving the one you got, but this letter from the Emperor is adamant: they want more than just more equipment in each brigade, they want _new recruits_. And...it looks like the Emperor is _forcing_ one onto you guys." iris: oh dear. i'll be sure to let them know... miwa: we didnt get any letters like that. Hibana: *glaring at Miwa* "Good. For. You." miwa: ^^;; iris: did it mention when they'd be arriving? Hibana: "It's going to be a while. Assuming that gorilla hurries his ass up, he'll probably be here before the newbie arrives." iris: i see. i'll go get a room set up for them then. Hibana: "Don't make it too nice...This is someone from Hijima...Why would some jerk leave there to join a slap-shod organization like the 8th?" iris: *frowns* Hibana: "At least join a better brigade, like the 5th, where everyone is happy and content! Right, Rino?" Rino: *carrying heavy boxes up and down stairs* "I HATE YOU, YOU PAIN IN THE ASS!" iris: im...good. ^^; Hibana: *shrug* "Oh well." *sits atop the box Rino is holding* "Rino, take me upstairs to my room." Rino: -______-;;; "Ouch..." -elsewhere- shinra: *staring up at the ceiling* Arthur: "Zzz..." shinra: .....*drifting off* zzzzz ???: "Shinra...Help..." shinra: mnn? *This space feels warm...but it is dark...* ???: "Listen..." shinra: ???? *looking around* *The voice sounds like...Konro's?* "Konro": "I appreciate what you're doing, but it's fine: we here can handle things on our own. But when the time comes...I'll call for you." shinra: ???? *he notices someone in the distance, their hair almost seems to be made of fire* ??? "Konro": "Oh...And look out..." figure:......*turns.....it's mikami?* shinra: kurai- *eyes jolt open* ???? Arthur: *sniff sniff* *slowly wakes up* "Hey...What's that smell?" shinra: ???? *looking around* Arthur: "!!! Your feet!" shinra: ??!! !!!!! GAAHHH!!! *trying to put them out* AHHHH!!! Arthur: "WATER! FIRE EXTINGUISHER! HELP!" maki: !!!! *goes to get water* nozomi: !!!! tamaki: SHINRA WHAT THE SHIT?! shinra: *screaming* Takehisa: *pulls a fire extinguisher from behind him, blasting Shinra's feet* shinra: *winces* -its out- Akitaru: "...You okay, son?" shinra: *trembling....looking at his feet...they're fine now*....... *whimpering* Akitaru: "..." *pats his shoulder, hugs him* "You're fine...It's fine. They're out." shinra: *crying* Arthur: "..." Takehisa: *awkwardly looking around* maki:.....ok, that's it. we're getting him back to base. Akitaru: "Let it out..." *pats his back* shinra: *hic* *sob* Takehisa: "We'll call...in the morning." maki: takehisa, do you think you can get him back? we'll hold out here. Takehisa: "..." *nods* "I can do so." -and so- Takehisa: "...All packed?" shinra:...y-yeah.... -upon arriving- Akitaru: "We'll see you back home: hold the fort down for us, okay?" iris: *knock* shinra? are you ok? shinra:.... iris: ....well, let us know when you're ready to talk, ok? Relan: "We love you, Shinra." shinra:...i love you guys too. Relan: "..." *pats Iris's shoulder* gabriella:...poor kid....mr...koizumi, was it? you said your friend mikami is sick too? Relan: *nods* "It was...frightening. She was so scared..." gabriella: i could only imagine... iris:....... Relan: "It's not fair...after what Shinra and Mikami have been through..." gabriella: this world...it's a pretty scary place....*she puts a hand to her cheek* Relan: "..." *nods* "It is...Thank you for your concern, ma'am..." iris:.....*remembering what shinra told her and relan about the dream*...say, i have an idea. once shinra's feeling a little better, maybe we could pay mikami a visit? Relan: *nods* "I think she'd appreciate that." iris: *she smiles* Relan: *smiles at Iris* "Hey...Maybe we could make some food for Shinra? At least something that can be refrigerated when he's ready?" iris: sounds good. Relan: "Something comforting...Mac and cheese, maybe?" iris: *she nods* Relan: "Let's get started, then!" *already in an apron, posing like a superhero* -elsewhere- Yohei: "Let me just unlock..." chie: ok. *Yohei unlocks the door, and...* -SURPRISE!- chie: ah! Emine: "...Maybe not a good idea to surprise a pregnant woman." Shotaro: *holding up a giant teddy bear doll* chie: awww, you guys! *wiping away tears* Yohei: *smiles, pats her shoulder* Kepuri: "We got eats!" *finishes setting food out* chie: *she smiles* -elsewhere- Sakuya: *hug* naho: UwU Sakuya: "Happy to be out of class?" *kiss on the cheek* naho: yeah. Sakuya: "...You notice anything weird with Sham, Tsubaki, and Black Star?" naho: not really...i hope they're ok..... tsubaki:....maybe we can take a trip after this? Black Star: "...Yeah. Have a place in mind?" tsubaki: maybe visit asakusa? naho: sounds good! Sakuya: "What's around there?" naho: it's kind of like a traditional japanese village. i heard the 7th fire brigade's base is there too! Sakuya: "Oh, sweet. Wanted to see some flame people who weren't dorky like Higan." naho: *excalibur face* Higan: *shouting from the kitchen* “Hey, come on now. This old man has feelings, you know…” -and so- Black Star: "Wow--really traditional here..." tsubaki: it's nice. very nostalgic. naho: wow! Sakuya: "Should be fun--kimonos, green tea ice cream..." Higan: "Plenty of spots for painting..." naho: KYAA!! tsubaki: oh. Black Star: "??? What's up?" naho: WHO INVITED YOU OLD MAN?! Higan: "I'm here to chaperone--so just make sure you don't have too much fun out here." naho: |=c tsubaki: ^^; Sakuya: "Maybe we should kick back for a bit...Something to eat? Or the baths? Or talk with the locals?" naho: *checks her phone* hmm, there's supposed to be a shrine up ahead. want to check it out? tsubaki: that sounds lovely. Black Star: "Cool...Wonder what it'll be like compared to the one at home." *points to the shrine* ???: im sure he'll be ok... tsubaki: ?? Tsukiyo: "You seem pretty confident about that. I just...I don't know." fang-hua: well....hmm? oh, seems we got visitors. what brings you guys over this way? tsubaki: just visiting. ^^ Black Star: *nods* "This looks really impressive. How old is this building?" fang-hua: it's been around a few years. i think it was built around the same time the 7th brigade was formed. naho: wow! Sakuya: "??? What?" fang-hua: it's a long story to explain. naho: its a pretty big building! Black Star: "How many rooms you got here? People live here, too?" fang-hua: actually, the 7th's base isnt here, it's down that road a bit. tsubaki: i see. Black Star: "But do priestesses and sisters live here?" *Eyes are watching the group from the shadows...* fang-hua: yeah. there's sister kirei, sister reimi, sister- tsubaki: ?? *looks* Mr. Tsubaki: *lowers his head to hide from Tsubaki...* ("Why are they here? Why now...?") naho:.....hey, where did the old geezer go? fang-hua: ???....!!! TSUKIYO! D8< naho: GRAMPS! D8< Higan: "You know, I really appreciate spirituality. Tell me, you ever have a religious experience?" Tsukiyo: *side glance* "Yeah. With a bottle of holy water." Higan: ._. "..." *steps back* fang-hua: *aHEM* Higan: "..." *waves* "Hey, cutie." naho: DONT BE GROSS, OLD MAN! >n< Tsukiyo: -_-; "I may be horny all the time, but I'm not _that_ desperate." Higan: *shrugs* "Can't blame a guy for trying..." Sakuya: *pulls Higan away by the ear* "Come on, gramps..." fang-hua: *tugs tsukiyo by the ear* sorry about this guys. see ya around. tsubaki: ^^; Tsukiyo: Q~Q "What did I do?!" Black Star: "??? Jeez, weirdos..." hinata: what a gross old man. hikage: *hisssss* kirei: ^^; Higan: "Jeez, even kids are cruel..." naho: they arent too far off. Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *smiles despite himself, watching his subclasses* kirei: ^^; -elsewhere- Meme: "Up for another game?" mio: yeah. Meme: *mischievous glint* "Want to make it interesting? Perhaps a prize for the winner?" -elsewhere- Mikuni: *holds up a doll that looks like Metsu* metsu:....... *sweatdrop* Mikuni: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery~" metsu: um....thank you...i think. Mikuni: "Now to dress you up!" *holds up the ugliest dress imaginable for the doll* metsu: ...... Jeje: *slithers around Mikuni...'s neck* Mikuni: "GURK!" *trying to pull back Jeje* "Wh-What?! Just want to make her pretty!" Jeje: "Stop." Johannes: -_-; "Jeez, what a weirdo." *he's in the same outfit as the Metsu Doll* metsu: ^^; i think he gets the message now, je-.. O_O Jeje: "Okay." *pulls back...stares confused at both Metsu and Johannes* "...What?" Mikuni: "I'm seeing double...and Johannes has a lovely outfit." -elsewhere- Yohei: "Thank you all for the gifts..." mana: no problem. saki: anything for my dear sister~ chie: TTwTT Shinoda: *passing out plates of apple pie for dessert* "How much longer before you have the child?" chie: toru's gonna be here sometime early next month! Yohei: TwT "So happy..." Tool: "Io will get a new friend, too." io: ^o^ saki: that's right, sweetie~ you're gonna have a cousin to play with~ Yohei: "Just about done with the new children's playroom, too." -elsewhere- himawari:...... Shamrock: "..." *brings out glasses of water* himawari:.....*she just looks at him* Shamrock: "Would you like something to drink? Rehydrate?" himawari:.... lavender: ....come on, drink up. himawari:....*she takes a sip* Shamrock: *sips from his glass as well* "...Is it cold enough? Did you want ice?" himawari:....... naho: we're home~! tsubaki: we brought back souvenirs. lavender: ah. Higan: *holds up kimono to Lavender* lavender: oh, nice. Sakuya: "Here you go, Lilac!" *holds up a small toy* lilac: ah....t-thank you... Sakuya: "We also got one for Himawari..." himawari:.....*holding the doll* naho: i even got everyone hair pins! Belkia: "Yay! I can make my hair all pretty again!" otogiri: thank you. tsubaki: ^^ Black Star: *holding a jar of food* "Can't wait to add this to some meals. Heard it's spicy." -elsewhere- kirei: do you think we should take him to a vet? Mr. Tsubaki: *moping on the floor, curled up* Benimaru: "How long has he been like this?" kirei: since earlier today when those visitors came by... Benimaru: "Outsiders...Do you think they hurt him?" kirei: *she shakes her head* they were nowhere near him... reimi: he seems more sad than anything...almost melancholy... Mr. Tsubaki: *whimpers, curls up* kirei:...*reaches a hand out* Mr. Tsubaki: *doesn't move, his eyes looking up sadly at Kirei* kirei:.....*soft pat* Mr. Tsubaki: *calms down, shuts his eyes...huddles against her hand* kirei:.... Mr. Tsubaki: ("I am alone...I miss my family...I miss her...I miss what I have lost...I yearn for what I cannot get back...") *whimpers again* kirei:...*picks him up* you poor thing..... Benimaru: "..." *pats his head* Mr. Tsubaki: *huddles against Kirei, letting Benimaru pet him* ("This isn't bad...I just miss...what I had in the past.") hinata: poor mr fox... Benimaru: "...When we finish this investigation, we'll pick up the pace to locate his owners, and try to get him the help he needs. If only someone in forensics would finish going over files." -elsewhere- Anya: *tending to plants* tsugumi: *humming* Anya: "I can't wait for spring: these flowers will look lovely." ao: *she smiles* Anya: *looking at rose bulbs* "What are you growing, Ao?" ao: some petunias. Anya: *smirk* "Hardly as regal as roses..." ao: ^^ tsugumi: OwO;;; Anya: "Once these bloom, I will be able to put them in our room and give them to--" *stops herself* ao: hmm~? Anya: -\\\\- "...Give them to people. You know, yellow roses mean friendship..." ao: which ones are these? Anya: "...Red." ao: 7w7 Anya: *glares* "Thorny roses..." -elsewhere- Lawless: "I'm still aching from where you kicked me..." licht: 7.7 Lawless: "How would you like it if someone kicked your behind every day?" -elsewhere- Rin: "Feeling okay?" madoka: *she nods* Rin: "That's good...What you want to do?" -elsewhere- Ponera: -___-;;; "What did your sibling rivalry make you two do now?" shaula: alright....but you cant get mad at me, since technically it was medusa's idea. Medusa: "Like hell it was--!" Ponera: "Quiet, Medusa! Shaula, explain." shaula: WE STOLE A KICK ASS PRAM! -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *stretching* "Ready to run?" kim: ready Jacqueline: "Here we go!" *starts off at a good pace* ("Jeez, with this hair and my speed, I'll really look like I'm on fire...") -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "So they left for the 8th?" fang-hua: hmm? Tsukiyo: "I thought I heard something about two in the 8th leaving to go back home." fang-hua: actually, it was just shinra heading back to the 8ths base to recover. Tsukiyo: "Everything okay?" fang-hua: i think so...i heard he just got sick all the sudden.... Tsukiyo: *sad eyes* "That's too bad. I hope he feels better soon." -elsewhere- Hibana: "How is he?" gabriella: doing better. just drinking water for now. Hibana: "Rehydrating is important...Maybe we can pick up some soda for him, too." iris: *nod* Rino: *making soup...and looking worn out* shinra: ....... Hibana: "Shinra? You're up?" shinra: *glances at the door* im awake.... Hibana: "If you want any soup or food, or anything...like to talk...feel free to ask." shinra:...ok... Hibana: "...We love you, okay?" shinra:...thanks... iris: *worried* Hibana: *looks at Iris...pats her shoulder* -elsewhere- Emine: "Why do humans procreate?" lin: *ALMOST CHOKES* um....w-well..... err....shinoda you tell him! please? Shinoda: "...Well, a person feels a lack in their life, and sometimes a child fills that lack. Or it happens unexpectedly--" nea: *elbows him* medea: or it is a way to ensure their family line lives on for future generations. Shinoda: "Ow!" nea: 737 *whistling* Emine: "...Of the reasons I was born, I think 'mistake' is more likely." lin:... Q_Q *HUG* Emine: "..." *tiny hug* -elsewhere- Sakuya: "Wish we went on more trips more often." naho: that was fun today. =w= Sakuya: "Yeah, it was...Really cool atmosphere there. Kinda reminds me of Amish or something." naho: huh? Sakuya: "Kinda old fashioned, I mean." naho: ah, i see. kinda like edo period then? Sakuya: "I guess. I forget some of the dates." ^^; tsubaki: ^^; Black Star: "I hear that--history's not my best subject, either." Shamrock: *beaming with pride* "It was one of my outstanding subjects!" otogiri: *sweatdrop* naho: *lightbulb* oh right! you attended a really fancy boarding school in london, right? Shamrock: *beaming* "I am glad that you remember...Yes! I was educated in some of the best schools, learning about history, arts, battle, all to prepare me for this moment--" naho: ^^; Shamrock: "A soldier! Out on the frontlines of battle! In defense of our home against all enemies, within and without!" lavender: O_O wait was he- otogiri: in the british army, yes. Shamrock: "And in combat, I had to learn much: how to rationalize the inhumanity of war..." naho: do you really keep a hunting knife on you? sakuya told me that you almost stabbed him once! lilac:....come to...think of it...i saw him....take down a deer....singlehandedly.....back at the old house... Shamrock: -_o;;; "I-I was startled by Sakuya--" Sakuya: "You're blaming me? Really?" Shamrock: "AND HOW DID YOU SEE ME DO THAT, LILAC?!" lilac: uhhhhhh..... ._.; Sakuya: "...That poor deer." Shamrock: *pouts* "It was a fierce opponent..." -elsewhere- Akitaru: *looking at the buildings* "The repairs from earlier have still held up..." maki: yeah. Akitaru: "That's good...But still no sign of these impostors." reimi: ......*watching from a distance, smiles* Jonah: *hanging upside down behind her with an Impostor* Impostor: "See something good?" reimi: i believe....it's time to start the festival. we begin tonight. Jonah: *claps his hands* "Yay! I can whip up some new actors..." hikage: ?? reimi-nee, who are these clowns? reimi:...!! owo; Jonah: "..." *waves* "Hello! Do you like balloon animals?" hikage:....reimi who's this ugly clown? reimi: >w> -WHACK- hikage: *knocked out* ururururuuuu X-X Jonah: "..." *smiles* "I know what to do~" Impostor: "Hmmm...I guess I can borrow her kimono..." misora: dont do anything creepy you filthy worm! -elsewhere- Relan: "Any improvement?" iris: he's napping. shinra:....*dreaming* Relan: *nods, whispers* "Is he eating again?" iris: yeah. -shinra is dreaming of asakusa in flames, and of kirei and benimaru being killed by a horned devil- shinra: GAAAH!! *panting* Benimaru: "Why...didn't you save us, you bastard demon..." *SLICED* shinra: *bolts awake* GAH!!! hah....hahh....... Relan: "??!!" iris: SHINRA! *she opens the door* shinra: *shuddering* w...wha....? Relan: "You were screaming..." shinra:....another nightmare...... -he tells them about the nightmares he's been having- Relan: "Shinra...I'm so sorry." iris: that does sound frightening... shinra: what does it all mean....and what does kurai have to do with it? Relan: *looks a little nervous* "...She has not felt well either." shinra:.....i get the feeling something really bad is going to happen in asakusa, and soon. so here's the plan. iris: plan? Relan: "???" shinra: iris, rel, i'm going to head back to asakusa. the two of you, i want you to head to kurai mansion and try to talk to mikami. maybe she knows something, maybe she doesnt... but we have to try! iris:...right. Relan: *nods* "On it." shinra: hmm... iris, do you think you can get the CPR dummy from storage? iris: yes....any reason? shinra: decoy. iris:.... i see... ^^; Relan: *snort* "At least you're in better spirits..." *worried look* shinra: *he nods* -evening, shinra has snuck out and is flying over to asakusa- shinra:...... -in asakusa- -BOOOOM- fang-hua: ?!?! maki: what the heck? Tsukiyo: "An attack?!" hinata: GIVE HIKAGE BACK YOU MONSTER! -they head out...chaos in the streets- kabuki: what on earth...? tamaki: this is bad... resident: im telling you! it wasnt me! Resident #2: "Bullshit!" *swings their fist at the Resident* fang-hua: everyone calm down! *has a pot flung at her* ACK! 'hikage': RETURN MY SISTER YOU SHIT! hinata: NO YOU! kabuki: now the two of you....behave yourselves! *talisman'd* hinata: ah! >.< 'hikage': eh-... *the symbol on the paper glows and ignites hikage, melting away the facade* Tsukiyo: o_o;;; "...Um..." *rushes at 'Hikage'* "Contain them! Don't let them escape!" hinata: BEAT HIM UP! maki: what the heck? fang-hua: you guys at the 8th! find the commanders! tamaki: right! commander oubi, orders? Akitaru: "I-I don't know! We're supposed to be keeping the peace, but without information to figure out who is who--" *BOOM* maki: !!!! kabuki: this is bad....fang-hua, tsukiyo, hold out here, im going to the shrine! fang-hua: right! Konro: "Where the hell is Beni?!" *looking around* -at the shrine- kirei:...this is horrible.... reimi: its horrendous......but i dont want you to be burdened with this so...... *pulls out a knife* i'll make this quick~ Mr. Tsubaki: *looking out the windows at the flames* ("...I can't just sit by...") kirei: rei-....!!! Mr. Tsubaki: *notices Reimi* "!!!" reimi: *CHARGES AT HER* Mr. Tsubaki: *glares* kirei: *wince* reimi: *notices something* eh- *paper'd* Benimaru: "Back away..." kirei: !!! commander? reimi: *bursts....revealing a girl with silver hair and spiral eyes* guruna: kurukurukuru...hey that wasnt fair now~....that reeeeally made me angry~! kirei: w-what? guruna: tell you what benimaruru, let me kill the sister, and i wont cause trouble, alriiiight~? Benimaru: "..." *the flame already surrounds his hand* "Monster...Be gone--" *tosses the flame at Guruna* guruna: *summons fire tornado as a shield* KURUKURUKURUKURU~ kabuki: *SMACKS GURUNA AWAY WITH A FIRE TAIL* commander! i'll hold things out here. Benimaru: *nods* "Don't let your guard down!" *picks up Kirei bridal-style and kicks a hole through a wall to the outside* "Hang on!" kirei: ah... kabuki: (thinking: please succeed...asakusa needs you...) Benimaru: *leaps high and away from the shrine* Mr. Tsubaki: o___o;;; -elsewhere in town- tamaki: *looking around* ah! there! fang-hua: ?? Tsukiyo: "You find the real Hikage?" hinata: she's up ahead! -BOOM- maki: !!! fang-hua: a sniper?! arrow: *attempts to escape* tamaki: *chases after her* OH NO YOU DONT!! Tsukiyo: *looking at Arrow and Tamaki, looking at the direction of Hinata* "Um...Which way do I go?" fang-hua: shit!.... tsukiyo, arthur, go after tamaki and the sniper! me and maki will follow hinata! maki: right! hinata: she's up ahead! i just know it! Tsukiyo: "Right!" *picks up Arthur--and leaps high into the sky, higher than Tamaki but at a shorter distance than her* Arthur: o_____o;; *clutches Tsukiyo tightly* Tsukiyo: *serious* "It'll take me longer to get there than your girlfriend--and watch where you keep your hands!" Arthur: "R-Right!" tamaki: *still in pursuit* (thinking: this sniper....they killed rekka...and possibly amber as well...i wont...LET THEM ESCAPE!!!) Tsukiyo: "Damn, she's fast...and I'm better at close-up combat and dodging than someone with projectiles..." Arthur: "Get me close enough, and I can slice her to bits..." arrow: *reaching an allyway* tamaki: OH NO YOU DONT!!! Tsukiyo: "Almost there..." tamaki: HYAAAAH!!! Haran: "Nope." *slams his fist towards Tamaki's head* tamaki: GAH! Arthur: "!!! Tamaki! Look out!" -someone goomba stomps him- tamaki: eh- shinra: NOT TODAY BUDDY! tamaki: s-shinra?! shinra: hey tamaki. tamaki: OH NO! WE ARE NOT DOING THIS GAG AGAIN! Haran: *slammed against a wall--leaving a huge dent in it* Tsukiyo: *lands, dropping a startled Arthur down* Arthur: o___o;; "T-Too high..." Tsukiyo: "??? 'Gag'?" shinra: so then these are the guys responsible. arrow: haran! are you alright? Haran: "Headache--to put it mildly." *looks around* "What hit me? Who hit me?" shinra: yo. arrow: ah... Haran: "...Tiny man." tamaki: you...you're the one who killed rekka, arent you?! Tsukiyo: "!!!" arrow:....rekka was no longer needed. Arthur: "..." *remembers...* ("They...were the ones who...kidnapped me?") tamaki: *grips fist* even if he was a traitor... he...HE WAS STILL OUR FRIEND! Haran: "...He was our friend, too. He was a martyr to the cause, as we all are." shinra: *grips fist* Arthur: *unsheathes Excalibur* arrow:.....seems we're outnumbered, 2 against 4.... Haran: "...Shall I proceed with the power-up?" arrow:...yes. tamaki: power up? Haran: *pulls from his sleeve...the vial with a bug inside* shinra: t-thats.... !!!! tamaki: !!!!! Haran: "Arrow...when I ascend, please share the stories of my battle to our followers." *slips the bug into his mouth...smiles* "Praise the Sun..." *he then doubles-over in pain, as his skin hardens...and he is engulfed in flames until it looks like bones are growing from his forehead...demon horns* shinra: !!!!!! *remembering what had happened back then* n...no....no way.... Haran/Demon: *ROAR* Tsukiyo: "...Oh my God..." tamaki: w-w-WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT THING?! -elsewhere in town- misora: ahhh....so much fire....it's glowing so bright.... Jonah: "Ha ha ha! So many new faces to craft! New personas to embrace! And this fire! It is...art!" misora: burn burn burn~ heheheheheheh~ hood: *a bit creeped out* i think...i'll just go now... misora: OH NO YOU DONT! *burns them with neon to the eyes* hood: *SCREAMS* Jonah: .w. "So beautiful~" misora: I DIDNT ASK YOU WORM! GO DIE IN A HOLE! Jonah: "But such art deserves to be captured! I shall make the most beautiful display of this victory today, with you leading the Hoods to its greatest victory!" -in town- hikage: HOW DARE YOU! THIS TASTES LIKE SHIT! hinata: !!! THERE! maki: *follows* Man #1: "Ow! We gave you the best treats we could find!" -BOOM- fang-hua: HIKAGE! hinata: HIKAGE! some gross man pretended to be you. we beat him up. hikage: these lolicon bastards are annoying. lets kick their ass! Man #2: o____o Man #1: "..." *uses Man #2 as a human shield* -kitsune form- -the twins burn them- maki: O_O fang-hua: yikes....?? REIMI! Man #1: "AAAAAH! MY HAIR!" reimi: *the real one* m-miss huo! Man #2: *burnt* "Hey! You can't leave!" *tries to reach for Reimi* fang-hua: hold on, we got you! maki: *PUNCHES HIM SMACK IN THE GUT* Man #2: o_______o fang-hua: are you ok? reimi: w-we have to get to the shrine! sister kirei is in danger! -at the watch tower- kirei: t-thank you, commander... Benimaru: *looking over here* "Are you hurt?" kirei: n-no....i'm alright........*teary eyed* this is horrible.... Benimaru: "...We have faced battles in this city...None like this...But if we are to make this city survive, we have to face this challenge..." *hugs her* kirei:.....!!!........ *puts a talisman to his head...nothing happened....* Benimaru: -_-;;;;; kirei:.. ^^; i didnt...want to repeat my mistakes.... Benimaru: "..." *nods* "I...have to save our home." kirei:...please. for everyone's sakes....*kiss* but please come back alive... Benimaru: .\\\\\\. "..." *nods silently...starts to take off to run* kirei: *she smiles* Konro: "Well, congratulations~" Benimaru: *face-plant* Akitaru: "Hey!" kirei: c-c-commander konro! Konro: "Oh, Sister! I was wondering why Kabuki was beating up someone who looked like you..." Benimaru: *stands up again, embarrassed* -\\\\- "We have other tasks. Such as eliminating these fakes." kirei: reimi! she- reimi: sister yanase! fang-hua: guys! we found hikage! hikage: hi. kirei: reimi! are you alright? reimi: y-yes... fang-hua: ....!! the talismans! all the villagers were given those! kirei: ah! right...but no one is listening.... Takehisa: "How can you eliminate these fakes when they all look the same? At this rate, the entire city will be demolished--" Benimaru: *shouting* "ASAKUSA, HEAR ME!" resident: ?! Soldier: "Commander?" Resident #2: "Beni?" nozomi:....*snaps back to reality* eh? toshio: mr commander? sister: ah! sister kirei! sister 2: thank goodness... Benimaru: "Outsiders have infiltrated our home! We will not let them take that away from us!" kirei: everyone please! the talismans will reveal the truth! resident 3:....*slaps a talisman onto one resident...revealing the imposter* .....*PUNCHES THE IMPOSTER IN THE FACE* Resident #4: "...Hey! We can just punch our way through!" *punches a soldier in the face...but their face does not change* "...Oh." sister:....*talismans at the ready* resident 5: !!! *runs* OH NO! Benimaru: "PUNCH YOUR WAY THROUGH! TALISMAN THEIR FACES! LET NOT ONE IMPOSTOR LEAVES THIS CITY!" -on the hill- misora: oh. Jonah: " 'Oh' good or 'oh' bad?" misora: look. hood: well then....this isnt good for us. Jonah: "I suggest a tactical retreat: we can chalk this up to a first draft..." hood: something's coming this way! Jonah: "...Is it a bird?" -guruna landed a few feet aways, with a fire drill at her feet to give her a better landing....it didnt work too much- guruna: kururuuuu.... @-@ misora: HA! hood: guruna! status? guruna:....ASAKUSA IS INFESTED WITH KITSUNE! Jonah: "...Little fox creatures?" -back at the shrine- kabuki: ah...what...are you? Mr. Tsubaki: "Just someone passing through..." ^^; -elsewhere- soldier: beni! we got reports of a demon appearing! Benimaru: "!!! I'm heading that way now!" *launches himself on a matou towards the Demon* ("This is my chance...to redeem myself for Konro...") Konro: "...Be careful..." -an arrow is shot at the watch tower- kirei:... !!! ah- reimi: *she took the hit* kirei:...r...REIMI!! Konro: "!!! Medical!" *pointing to Reimi* arrow:....hmm..... *follows after benimaru* Benimaru: *pursuing the Demon, not even noticing the arrows...* *leaps and descends upon the Demon, who is attacking Tamaki, Shinra, Arthur, and Tsukiyo* tamaki: ah! shinra: commander shinmon? Demon: *ROAR!* Benimaru: "Greetings..." *lands at the Demon, smashing it with his matou* Demon: *knocked back into a wall* tamaki: !! woah! Benimaru: "Tsukiyo, get this amateurs to safety..." shinra: !! Arthur: "?!!! Amateurs?! Your little matous won't do anything against that hard beast! Excalibur couldn't!" Tsukiyo: "Beni-Hottie can do anything! You take that back!" shinra:....this isnt just any kind of flame human.... Benimaru: "A Demon..." *aims a matou* ("I have to earn this...") arrow: .....*taking aim* Demon: *stomps its feet, stampeding at Benimaru and the others* tamaki: !!!
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