#in other news i found a new favorite inking pen :D

[leisi-lilacdreams]

Happy (late) V-Day!

if i'm not late to something assume i'm dead lol i wasn't gonna do anything for valentines, but then i was tormented with an idea

alt under cut

[wyvchard]

Keepsakes and Dossiers

Phoenix casually opens the door to Reginald's bedroom, looking for a coat they could borrow. The comfort of tweed was something they're slowly getting used to ever since he put that jacket on them when they returned from the gondola.

They paused at the sight of the small rock with the smiley face on its surface on the desk he keeps the reports on. A tinge of numbed pain came over them as they recalled the night sleep has been robbed of them before the death engine. They took a short breath to remain calm when they noticed the folder below the rock. It was their agent number.

Curiosity got a hold of them and they opened the contents, eyes wide as notes about their habits and tiny quirks sprawled across the pages. They knew he was a field agent, but the extensive notes proved just how capable he was in the field.

"Prefers burnt sandwiches. Might be a picky eater." "Bothers R&D once in a while to gossip and find out news about new developments." "Fascinations of death and resurrections. Best to look for movies with that premise to watch together soon if possible."

Phoenix closed their folder shut after several more comments. Something about being seen gave them slight tingles and they weren't sure if it was something they would like.

That was, until they noticed another agent's folder under theirs. They looked on the pile and saw plenty others, each with their own unique number. They flipped through the one directly below theirs and their eyes widened at the realization that it was of the agent before them.

He kept them in his desk, always just there to remind him of the people who passed through his life. They searched through the others and saw each one. He saw them. He'd always seen them.

'But handlers aren't supposed to get attached.' A dull ache started to spread throughout their chest, only to dart their eyes at the calendar pinned on the wall. A small marking on a date with their agent number on it. The anniversary of the death engine.

It would have not raised an eyebrow if they hadn't known about these files, yet now? The ink was faded, as if it was written down before the mission concluded. They looked closer, noticing the small flap in the same color as the calendar.

"Ask Shawn in HR who can make paper flowers."

Tears started welling in their eyes as they quietly put everything back properly, careful not to stain anything Reginald made of the others.

"Agent?" He asked, noticing them on the floor and leaning against his bed, suppressing their sobs. "What happened?"

They shook their head before pointing at the piles of dossier.

He let out a resigned sigh before sitting down beside them. "I see you found your dossier. I really did expect you to die in that mission. I thought I would have to deal with another anniversary of a dead agent." He got up from the spot and came back with the scotch they gave them after that cabin.

They grabbed a notepad and pen on the desk and wrote something by the time he got back.

"Why didn't you know my favorite color if you had so much information written down?"

"Well, I was more focused on locating you, not the tiny details, agent." He tried evading the question but the piercing gaze made him unable to lie. "... When we were trying to rescue you, I remembered all the other agents I failed to save and I... everything started to melt together to the point I wasn't sure what your favorite color was. Don't ask me to answer your favorite color now. I'd rather not recall that at the moment."

A comfortable silence took over them as they shared the bottle of scotch, each one slowly savoring the drink as they let the moment pass in peace.

@phoenix-and-found-family, I wanted to play around with this after I read it. So, I hope you enjoy it.

It's time for your weekly scheduled rant

So I would imagine that Reginald is very professional when it comes to his job. He follows the rules, does what he's told, etc.

I've seen a couple of people say that handlers aren't supposed to get attached to their agents because they could die easily and they want the handlers to move on really quickly

Because he's a rule follower, Reggie built up major walls with his agents. He never got attached. All of the other handlers were weirdly jealous he could just turn off his emotions concerning the agents. It's probably one of the reasons he's the senior handler.

Which makes Phoenix and his relationship even weirder to outside observers because Reginald Crane does not break the rules.

He's very obviously friends with them. Phoenix talks about him all the time and Reginald likes to brag about Phoenix's achievements to the other handlers. Phoenix casually hangs out at his house (which either means Reggie told them where he lives or they figured it out on their own and he didn't stop them). He even directly violated protocol one time trying to directly intervene with a mission to ensure their safety. He doesn't hide it very well.

So while I think most of the agents are jealous and intimidated by them because of their track record(and saving the world three times), I think all of the other handlers are slightly scared of them because how on earth did they get Reginald Crane to care about them this much?!?

Are they blackmailing him? Do they have mind control? That is the most professional man in this whole organization and he's broken the rules multiple times specifically for this agent!!! Why would he do that?!?

(also, funnily enough, I made this headcannon that like half of the handlers thought Phoenix was a Zoraxis double agent until the Death Engine)

Prism when she came back (not to the agency, mind you) teased Reggie about this because he totally gets attached. He gets attached to all of his agents. He just knows how to hide it and move on when they die.

"That's what everyone thinks about you? Reginald, you should audition for a movie or something, because if the whole office thinks that then you're a better actor than Juniper."

Basically, Phoenix isn't a one time fluke, they're just the one who's survived the longest.

(But the other handlers don't know that, and I think it would be funny if one of them tried and failed to blackmail Phoenix into not blackmailing Reggie because they're not blackmailing him.)

Rant over (if you wanna write something that's kinda based on this then please tag me because I wanna see)

[starglow-xx]

(About the brother!atsushi) aRE YOU READING MY MIND MISS?! Because that has been on my mind for MONTHS. TYSM For writing it was amazing!! If you don't mind, may I request (if requests are open) atsushi, still an older brother, but with a sister that's 10-13 yrs old? It's totally fine if you don't wanna do it. Keep up the good stories, ily mwuah!

*sobs* you’re so kind thank youu 🤧🤧

i wrote this a bit differently i hope that’s okay anon! at first i planned for this to be mainly abt atsushi and the reader, but i decided to add in relationship hcs with the agency bc i ran out of ideas

if you guys liked this don’t worry! im planning a special part two for this one so be the look out for it hehe

atsushi with a tween! sister

ft. the armed detective agency

like in my baby sister hcs, you’re still the most important thing to him period

the two of you got picked up by dazai and kunikida when he was 18 (obviously) and when you were 12

for a 12 year old, you were a bit small bc of malnourishment (which makes atsushi feel so bad) so both dazai and kunikida thought you were a bit younger than you actually were

they assumed you were about 9-10ish

you and atsushi both share a favorite food !! chazuke :)

so when kunikida treated the two of you, he made sure you got more bowls bc like i mentioned above, he feels really bad that you were malnourished and under weight

(don’t bring this up but kunikida felt bad too hehe)

when dazai went with your brother to the warehouse, you were with kunikida

imagine the surprise of the other ada members when kunikida came in with a little girl dressed in rags that popped out from behind him

kenji was the one who vocalized his thoughts 

“kunikida-san you have a daughter?! wow! i didn’t know that! :D”

when you found out your brother was a tiger, you were a bit concerned but you were actually kind of excited

you were even more excited when you found out the two of you were going to be taken in by the agency

anything was better than the stupid orphanage

and besides!

you got a tiger for an older brother and a bunch of other super powered agents to take care of you! who could want anything else?

at your age, you’re very impressionable and can be influenced easily so atsushi makes sure to teach you more in depth of good morals and the importance of kindness

his heart swells with pride and relief when he catches you being kind to others

pride bc he’s proud that even after all the two of you have gone through, you still ended up being a good kid and having a bright view of the world

and relief bc he hasn’t failed as a big brother

pfftt like he could ever fail

but please, from time to time reassure him that he’s perfect and the only big brother that you’d ever want bc he rlly needs that kind of validation

with his salary and savings, he tries to buy nice things for you

what a sweetheart 🥺

he saw you eyeing that one dress at a store window? fast forward abt a week and half and it’s inside a pretty gift bag for you

you wanted to try that dessert from the nice bakery? that’s dessert after dinner at one point

but other than buying you things, he sets money aside for you

like all the time

(y/n), here have this, you might need it”

“but nii-san you just gave me—”

“take it”

#1 spoiler

also your #1 confidant and source of physical affection

you tell him anything and everything (except crushies and those kinds of things)

atsushi loves it when you talk abt your day and he can see the big smile on your face and the sparkle in your eyes

it gives him the strength to keep going 😖😖

the two of you aren’t as touch starved as you’d probably think, but that’s only bc the two of you had each other

in your opinion, no one can match the hugs of your big brother

and it got even better bc YAYY he has tiger arms now ٩(◕‿◕)۶

if you ask, he’d carry you around too hehe

you also get nightmares quite often so he’ll always be there ready to calm you down, talk if you need to, and rock you back to sleep

god i love him 🤧🤧

atsushi will do everything in his power to protect you and make sure you get to grow up happy, supported, and loved

port mafia attack? oop he’s already taking you to the nearest escape route

someone is starting to harass you? they just got suckered punched into the next week

you want to go out to have some fun? he’ll go ask the president for a day off

you’re not feeling well? he’ll take another day off and take care of you

whatever you want to do, he’ll do it with you! (as long as it’s within reason)

will always be your #1 supporter! and he’s the president of your fan club hehe

he loves you so so much and will do anything for you; your life and happiness will always be more important to him

you are his reason to keep going

agency head canons !!

atsushi is your big brother, but kunikida is most definitely some sort of father figure

everyone can see it

except kunikida of course

kunikida scolds you lightly if he thinks your manners need work or if you make a mess in the agency

you listen to him of course and in turn as some sort of a reward, he’ll give you pieces of stationary

he always gives you the nice, good quality kind and you’re over the moon

atsushi adores it when you come running to him showing your new notebook or fountain pen and blabbering what you’re going to do with it

sometimes it isn’t even as a reward for being a good child; he’ll just give it to you and he’ll say smth like “i noticed you’ve used up your last notebook quite quickly, so here’s another one” or “did you run out of ink? here have this then”

he usually has a soft spot for children in general, but he most definitely has a soft spot (or a thousand) for you

yosano is kind of like a motherly figure to you

she gives you the guidance a mother should and goes on shopping trips with you!

atsushi always gets dragged along by you, but he thinks it’s worth it seeing you look so happy

yosano being a doctor also tries to teach the things you should know, or things that would be helpful to you

she’ll teach you the basics of cooking, sewing, how to treat a cold/fever, etc

also gives you excellent advice 1000% of the time

“remember (y/n)-chan if someone hurts you come tell me and then i’ll chop them into—”

“yOSANO-SENSEI DONT TELL HER THAT—”

fukuzawa is like a father to most in the agency but you see him more as a grandfather figure

bi weekly tea and gossip sessions hehe

along with cat talk!

most of the time though, it’s just you talking and him listening to you, but the two of you enjoy it nonetheless

“and then kunikida-san ended up crashing into a pole and dazai-san started to laugh at him and i did too because it was really funny but we ended up getting scolded—”

“hmm i see...”

he’ll let you stay in his office as he fills out paperwork; you’re usually doodling or drawing in your notebooks

sometimes he’ll meditate and you’ll join him, but 4/7 times you’d fall asleep

you always wake up with a blanket over you

dazai is like a cool but a highly concerning and kind of high maintenance uncle

frequently takes you out with him when he ditches work

walks in the park, eating at uzumaki so he has the excuse of treating you so he doesn’t have to pay his tab avoiding kunikida and sometimes chuuya and akutagawa, all that fun stuff

also tries to not talk abt suicide in front of you especially if it’s just the two of you alone

he knows that you mean the world to his pupil and that said pupil would probably hate him for putting suicide inside your brain

he teaches you random but useful things like how to pick a lock, how to steal kunikida’s notebook if you’re looking for some information, how to sweet talk your way out of things, etc.

is also the one to tell you that if you ever get a significant other to introduce them to the agency first

he always wants all of your gossip; some of them work pretty well for blackmail

“dazai-san! dazai-san! did you know that kunikida-san lost his glasses and he was looking for them for nearly an hour when he was just holding them the entire time??”

“woah really (y/n)-chan?! hey hey can you say it again into this recording device so kunikida-kun would believe me when i tell him—”

always ends up giving kunikida a heart attack when he says that you’ve been with him all day

ranpo is also like a cool but a highly concerning and kind of high maintenance uncle

will share some of his snacks, but don’t push it or you might not get anything at all

loves it when you compliment him

if you tagged along with him and your brother on a case, he will show off to impress you

“...and that’s how the crime happened”

“UWAHH RANPO-SAN YOU’RE SO COOL”

atsushi is lowkey and kunikida is highkey stressed that ranpo’s eating habits will rub off on you

“ne (y/n)-chan do you wanna try this highly caffeinated drink and this concerning amount of sugar filled snack?”

“can i really?!”

“rANPO-SAN NO—”

ranpo definitely does stuff like that on purpose 

the tanizakis are like siblings to you!

a weird set of siblings but siblings nonetheless

the two of them adore you and think you’re precious

atsushi definitely knows how to do your hair whether it’s long or short but he got even better at it when he asked the two

hehe braid trains are definitely a thing + kyouka and kenji (and maybe even dazai)

sometimes you have sibling swap days

you’re with junichiro for most of the day and atsushi is with naomi

strange i know

each of the tanizaki siblings try to make it fun bc they know that the two of you did not at all have a happy upbringing

junichiro likes spending time with you by taking you out to different places that naomi likes to frequent

like the mall, different stores and restaurants, the park, places like those

naomi does the same thing with atsushi so if you ever bump into them, you go out and eat together :)

besides atsushi, the next one in line who spoils you the most would be junichiro (and yosano & kunikida both coming in at a close third)

he honestly can’t help it; you remind him of how naomi was when she was younger

and besides

he’s always been a sucker when it came to the happiness of a little sister

“would you really buy this for me junichiro-san?!”

“of course! don’t worry about it” :)

wanna talk abt boys/girls/celebrity crushes things like that? naomi is your girl

you feel a bit embarrassed to go talking to yosano or your brother abt that and kyouka does not know a thing abt them either

“uwahh naomi-san look at all these people in this magazine! they look so good!”

“right?! but of course onii-sama is still the best—”

you get along with kenji and kyouka quite nicely being roughly the same age as them; they’re also like siblings!

just pure, wholesome vibes from the three of you

you’re over the moon when she finds out that kyouka is staying with you and your brother

atsushi is twice as happy seeing you talk your mouth off and finally having a girl around your age to talk to

“do you think demon snow can change how she looks?”

“hmm... im not sure...”

you and kenji talk abt anything and everything

he even teaches you how to take care of plants!

sometimes the two of you are kind of in the same boat bc you don’t know much abt yokohoma being stuck in the orphanage and kenji doesn’t know much abt cities in general

“wait where are we again kenji-san?”

“ah we’re close to the ports! but im not really sure how close because i don’t know what the symbols on this sign mean”

“don’t worry! neither do i!”

bonus things!

yosano was kind of too late teaching you abt you know what

“NII-SAN IM BLEEDING IN BETWEEN MY LEGS”

you’re sobbing in the agency’s bathroom and atsushi is panicking trying to get you to open the door

“Y/N?! H-HOLD ON LET ME GET YOSANO SENSEI”

ranpo overhears and cackles making everyone around him confused

suddenly atsushi bursts in the agency basically on the verge of tears rambling incoherent sentences abt the bathroom, you, and blood

it just clicked for everybody in the room

(im going to pretend that kenji has sisters back home so that atsushi is the only one who remain oblivious here hehe)

atsushi is genuinely confused and sort of concerned that no one is freaking out with him

yosano waves her hand saying smth like that she’d take care of it and junichiro pulls atsushi to the side to talk to him

fast forward like half and hour and dazai and ranpo are cackling on the looks of both of your faces

honestly not sure who’s more traumatized, you or your brother

“why does this have to happen” :(

“ne ne (y/n)-chan!~ you’re too young but at some point you’re not going to have it!”

“uwahh really dazai-san?” :D

“yeah! but first you have to have ANFK—”

next thing you know your ears are being covered by your brother and dazai is thrown across the room by kunikida

you know

the normal

you’re twelve and have never gone to school, but the agency takes care of that

it’s too dangerous to go to school so they teach you what’s necessary and whatever else they can

kunikida takes care of math (obviously)

yosano takes care of science/biology/anatomy/health (whatever you wanna call it)

ranpo even dragged poe to help you with english

atsushi even got lucy to help you out with english too!

as tanizaki and naomi used to be students, they give you their old work books and they try to teach you all the other subjects

sometimes kyouka and kenji are there learing with you too!

sorry if there’s some errors! i’ll read through it again later :)

and as always, reblogs and shares are appreciated! i hope you all stay safe! and just in case nobody told you they loved you today, i love you! you are enough! <3

writing belongs to me! please do not plagiarize! the reblog button is there for a reason

[running-in-the-dark]

What's your favorite pen and ink?

I'm going to assume you mean fountain pens, because I have a ridiculous amount of thoughts about those, so:

my favourite pen is the TWSBI Eco. it's so good and so inexpensive for what it is, and it comes in so many colours and I love that (I think I have six of them now). my second favourite is the Lamy Aion, mostly because it's a bit wider and heavier - my hand hates writing but with this pen it's okay (relatively speaking, it still hurts after a while). and a new favourite is a random Pelikan that I found while cleaning my pens the other day - my friend gave me a few old pens that she had no use for a while ago and this was one of them. apparently it's from the 1970s and has a gold nib, and it writes really well (especially for a pen that was filled with ink for years, maybe decades).

my favourite ink brand is Diamine; I have way too many of their inks. I love inks that have sheen and/or shimmer, right now I'd say my favourites are probably Skull & Roses, Maureen, Polar Glow (those three are almost identical but they're different okay! they're not the same! I needed all of them!! :'D) and Writer's Blood. a few favourites from other brands are Souten (Sailor), Emerald of Chivor (J. Herbin), Lavender Purple (Montblanc), Apache Sunset (Noodler's) and Verdigris (Rohrer & Klingner).

like I said, I have a lot of opinions about this stuff, and I have... way too much ink. actually, here's a photo of my ink sample cards, since I just looked through them to remember what my favourites are called (these are only the ones I have in bottles, I have more than that in samples 😬):

and here's what one of them looks like (this ink is seriously so fucking beautiful in real life, I don't use it often but I love looking at it)

I'm sorry for going into so much detail about a topic that no one else cares about 😬

[theoriginalladya]

What is your process when you do your research and world building for a new story? What advice would you give to someone?

Oh goodness, what a fabulous question! But… do I even have something I could call a ‘process’? Hmm, let me think.

[to be completely transparent here, this is my second try at this question. I was going to use Caleb as an example, since you were so kind to start me down his path, but Real Life interrupted yesterday, and then I had a new idea pop into my head this morning – what’re the odds? LOL – and thought it might be worth using as an example]

So, let’s say you’re sitting in the car after getting home from running to our favorite coffee/tea shop, and you check tumblr and email before getting out of the car and in the process you’re ambushed not once, but TWICE by IDEAS, and suddenly those ideas MERGE into the PERFECT STORY IDEA.

(welcome to my world – no one’s safe! :D )

Idea #1: you’ve had it for over ten years, it’s part of #54/120 on your Master Shepard Spreadsheet so it’s been there a while. Occasionally, it teases and tempts your brain for time, but nothing really ‘hits’ until you see someone reblog a post you’d shared a while back and rereading that gives you an “OH!” moment of sorts.

Idea #2: comes crashing out of the wild like a velociraptor in Jurassic Park, slamming into you, your idea, and grabbing hold screaming “MINE! MINE! MINE!” (ie: a friend has been writing about a smiliar sort of concept and you’ve been interested, yet you haven’t found the right way to do participate… until NOW).

ULTIMATE IDEA is born. So, now what?

Well, after sitting in the car for about ten minutes as the pieces and parts swim around in your head and find where they fit together, finally coalescing into a relatively coherent premise… it’s time to start. You think to yourself, “Where is the beginning?” then realize… you already have, so it’s time to take the next step and for that I always have a few things on hand:

1) Notebook – I try to have a notebook (big or small, whatever works) for each of my projects just so I can find stuff easier. A place where I can scribble down anything that hits me – literally! – while I think about the idea. Dialogue snippets, scene ideas, characters I want to be there, plot points, etc. Always step #1

2) Sticky Notes – great for jotting down short things quickly and attaching them inside said notebook (trust me, INSIDEor you’ll end up losing it still. I speak from experience *sobs*). Sometimes my notebooks have more sticky notes in them than writing on the pages, but that’s okay. Sticky notes are easier to manipulate and move around… especially when outlining a plot where you change the order a half dozen times and still aren’t satisfied…

3) PENS PENS PENS! – okay, maybe this is more the former teacher in me, but I HAVE to have a bunch of pens on hand to write with. In case one runs out of ink. In case the cats steal borrow them. Or maybe just to feed my weird pen obsession… hmm.

Now then, back to the question. So, you’ve got this idea (and it’s a GREAT idea you’re really excited about!!!) and you next need to figure out how/what/when/where/etc…

I usually have a kernel of a plot idea by this point: oh, hey, let’s make it angsty (sorry, Kaidan!). Shepard died in the War and Kaidan is still trying to move on. He’s still with the Alliance, teaching biotics (hmmm… soldiers or teens? 5-10 years after the war?) with Jack (hi, Jack!) and Kahlee (not enough Kahlee fic out there!) until Admiral Hackett pulls him to go chase down a Shepard sighting. Why? Aren’t there others who can do that? Why this particular Shepard sighting and not previous ones? WHY KAIDAN? After what he’s been through? Because if anyone’s going to know if it’s Shepard or a fake (FAKE? OH NO!) it’s Kaidan, right? And maybe… just to twist the heartstrings, let’s say the report came out of… OMEGA… which is still rebuilding after Cerberus and the War, but hey, it’s Omega so it’s pretty much as it was, so maybe a teeny bit less grudgy towards the Alliance types (but not much) because of Shepard helping save it from Cerberus… and the reapers. (maybe? Hmm, might need to think about that more)

OK, great! Potential plot! What comes next?

At this point, I tend to go to the Mass Effect Wiki to jump around, immersing myself in lore, ideas, characters, etc. Sometimes looking for something specific, other times (like now) with only a vague idea, but mostly just waiting for the sparks to fly (translation: ideas to hit!). A lot of times I will start developing playlists for the characters (Aubrey Shepard playlist here) or the story ideas, just to have something to listen to that might stir up more ideas. Occasionally, I will pull out one of the writing prompt lists I’ve saved to see if any of them ‘call’ to the character/story/world and noodle around with that to see what it generates. (Best use of this so far has been with the writing prompt you gave me ages ago for Caleb Shepard. Look what THAT spawned! 😊)

Now, to specifically address worldbuilding: Fanfics are a lot easier to develop in this regard because I have a setting in which to put the story. In this instance – Mass Effect. With some stories (like my AUs) there is a twist to that which requires a little more effort. For example: ME/WWII ‘verse, I’m adapting Mass Effect to fit into 1940s Europe during the war. In my Celtic AU, I’m adapting it to fit in a very specific way for my Irish Shepard. In my Werwolf AU, I’m adapting the Werewolf: the Apocalypse RPG world to the Mass Effect world.

Some ideas are easier to adjust than others, but the biggest suggestion I have for anyone else trying this is to think outside the box. Let your imagination run wild. Once I figured that out, it sort of opened up a whole new way to look at things creatively (and sort of let loose all these Shepards to the spreadsheet… but that’s another story!). Take inspiration wherever you find it. Play with it. Mold it. Use it if it works for you; toss it if it doesn’t. There’s no one right way to do this.

I stress that again – THERE IS NO RIGHT/WRONG WAY TO DO THIS.

I’m the best example of that. I trained as an historian, not a writer. It’s taken me a good 25+ years to get to the point I’m at now (after the muses finally came back). My strength is in researching things, finding information I can use to build up ideas, developing plots. This is also my weakness because a) I tend to find a crumb and keep following the trail, even if it runs out, b) I get distracted by SQUIRRELS! and c) I have way too many great ideas on my list of things to write, most of which will likely never get written. But, hey… it’s entertaining to think about them, anyway. 😊

I hope this makes sense! I would say if I had to describe my writing process as a DnD alignment, it would be somewhere between Chaotic Good – Chaotic Neutral – Chaotic Evil, just depends on which moment you catch me in! 😉

Thanks so much for the question!

Just as a side note: Aubrey Shepard is now officially #120 on the Master Shepard Spreadsheet…

[inkdemonapologist]

tell me your favorite Sammy headcannon, and if you have any angsty ones, i would love to hear them :D

i mean my FAVOURITE Sammy headcanon isn't news to anyone following this blog! It's the headcanon that he was in a (emotionally unhealthy) intimate relationship with Joey Drew. It's one of the first ideas that really drew me in to explore these characters myself, and while currently it seems very plausible in canon, it's the headcanon I'm least likely to let go of if later developments joss it.

Other favourite headcanons include:

- "Sammy is one of those people who clicks pens constantly but if anyone else does it he gets really mad" was a headcanon I read on someone else's blog and I love how ridiculously specific and yet extremely correct this is

- "Sammy had a hand in the deaths of everyone he cared about" is my favourite Headcanon That's Likely To Be Jossed, if it isn’t already. When I was first getting into the franchise and hadn't started scouring the timeline yet, it just made sense that Joey had gotten Sammy to kick Susie off the part in order to make her emotionally fragile enough that he could swoop in and convince her to do the toon ritual, and I really liked the idea that Sammy had... kind of known about the scheme, but participated anyway because he was so tangled up with Joey that he wasn’t willing to challenge him. I was ALSO a big fan of Sammy being the one to sacrifice Jack, since I really liked the idea of Jack's fatal flaw kind of being that he watched a guy he loved and cared about get worse and worse but Never Spoke Up, that walls built up between them, and ink-addled Sammy’s desperate attempt to reconnect ended up being Murder. But with the pieces we have now..... it doesn't seem like any of this is likely to be Sammy's fault; timelines don't add up, wHICH IS A SHAME. Both of these are still true for Escape AU for now, though.

- Sammy's worship of Bendy was genuine, the ink didn't take control of him or abruptly change his personality -- the ink definitely played a role in what happened to his brain, but I never liked the idea that the ink just flipped a switch that made him "go crazy," like, he did lose his mind, but I much prefer the idea that on some level he really let himself believe it, deluded himself until he believed it, became terrified of the idea of doubting it, and on some level found himself caught up in a cult the same way anyone else does. "Leftover religious trauma/compulsions" is a big part of Escape Sammy's deal.

- Various musical headcanons: Sammy can read music just by looking at it, in the sense that he can look at a sheet of music and immediately understand what it sounds like without having to play it. Sammy also doesn't get songs stuck in his head because he can imagine any other song in such clarity that it's easy to dislodge a catchy tune (the songs the ink gave him were a strange exception).

okay THATS ALL THATS COMING TO MIND AT THE MOMENT so there’s..... SOME HEADCANONS

[fbfh]

vegas lights - piper x mpdg!bff!reader

2.3k words

wlw, friends to lovers

piper x manic pixie dream girl! best friend! reader

inspired by this concept playlist from this post (i think it’s the fourth one on the post)

You and piper met at one of those fancy boarding schools

You’ve been told you have trouble respecting authority, can’t follow instructions, and have little regard to your attitude

So more specifically, you met in detention

You had shown up to school with blue and orange hair

As you expected, that didn’t go over well

Piper hadn’t done her homework again

The teacher had left to make some copies of papers, and you were sitting one seat back and to the right of piper

“Hey, since people always talk about going back in time and making one small change that affects everything, do you think the most minute decisions we make have the capacity to change everything now?”

She turned her head and saw you leaning across your desk

Your eyebrows matched your hair, your blazer was too big and the sleeves were cuffed, and pen ink was scribbled on your arms and hands

You had a wild energy, like a strong breeze that smelled like summer you find some other time of year

“Uh…” 

She wasn’t really sure what you meant, and was still a little thrown by you

“Or like, is it the kind of thing where nothing we do matters and we’re gonna end up where we end up, so that takes off the pressure of moralizing your decisions and you end up making ‘better’ choices?”

Was this real?

The late afternoon sun cast an unsettling blue green light throughout the building, and made Piper feel even more like she was dreaming

“Maybe neither,” she mused, grabbing the first thing that came to mind

A new smile crept at your eyes, and she could almost see your perspective shift

“Yeah, like… the presence of someone who wasn’t there before was the thing to set everything off. Maybe it’s not your decisions as much as being there…” you trailed off lost in thought, “huh.” 

You pushed yourself up, and sat on the edge of your desk

“So what are you in for?”

Piper hadn’t realized she was staring until your eyes locked with hers

“D- uh, didn’t do my homework,” she sputtered

You sighed, and rolled your eyes

“God, they’re only gonna realize humans aren’t designed for constant work when we’re all dead.” 

You turn back to her

“You seem intelligent. Being smart doesn’t mean anything, intelligence is what actually matters.” 

Wow

How do you respond to that?

“... I’m Piper,” 

“Piper…” you repeated slowly

“I like that.”

Silence 

“What’s your name?”

“What do I seem like?” 

She looked confused

“What do I strike you as?”

She thought for a minute, then blurted out the first thing she thought of

“Vegas.” 

You smiled

“I love that… we’re gonna go to Vegas some time. It’ll be an adventure.”

“If I had to guess for you…” you trailed off, examining every detail of her in a way that didn’t make her self conscious

“I’d say diamond. I really like Piper too, though.” 

Her stomach fell

There it is, nothing more than a pretty face once again

“Oh, cause I’m-”

“Strong.”

Her eyes snapped up to yours

“You don’t seem like anyone can break you.”

She liked that a lot better

You asked her something about lunch tomorrow, she didn’t remember quite what, and that was the beginning of the two of you

You spent every minute you could together, which often resulted in coordinating your stunts with hers to end up in detention together

After a while the bmw story came up

You believed her without hesitation

“God, guys can be the fucking worst sometimes. I bet that piece of wet toast gave you the car to get on your good side then pulled a Nice Guy as soon as he realized it wasn’t happening.” 

Not totally accurate, but she appreciated your enthusiasm so she agreed wholeheartedly

For some reason it felt really nice to hear you say boys suck

As the semester went on, she started to get worried

You had started talking to a guy, and she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach

She found herself having to try harder and harder to fake happy for you

She was almost surprised at how relieved she was a week later when you plop down at your usual lunch spot and denounce cynically

“Y’know that guy I was talking to? Turns out he’s not actually into philosophy, he’s a fake academic with a superiority complex.”

A weight flew off her chest

“You’re way better off without him,” 

“I know! He thinks watching rick and morty is a personality trait,” 

“Oh god…” she laughed

She had to fight a smile for most of lunch

To her despair, the cycle repeated again, less than a week later

Then again and again, you were seeing a new boy every week for a little over a month

As it progressed, she began to notice feeling worse, then better with every guy you picked up and dumped

She started to worry she was being a bad friend, possessive and jealous

You could tell something was off, and had mentioned here and there if she needs to talk to you she can

Every act of closeness from you made her feel worse and better at the same time

You had asked her to help you re dye your hair, this time a bright lime green, and she had no idea how she’d made it through the long night of just the two of you without saying something really stupid

It was almost graduation by now and she felt like she was going to break in half

“That’s it, I’m done with men. Never touching another one. Ever.”

She looked up at you shocked

“You can hold me to that.” you finish, a laugh frosting the seriousness of your statement

A flood gate opened somewhere deep inside her

Before she could stop it, the thought crept up on her from the back of her mind

‘Least now I have a chance with her,’

The organicness shocked her so much she almost choked on her food

“You okay Di?” you asked

Her pulse was racing and she felt panic and adrenaline coursing through her in a way she’d never experienced

“Yeah, I just have go to the bathroom,” she said, standing up quickly and avoiding your eyes

“I’ll come with,” 

“No! It’s fine. I’ll be right back, stay here.” 

You agreed

She rushed into the bathroom to google “does having a crush on a girl mean i’m gay” 

She tried rephrasing the question a hundred times, glad she remembered to turn on private browsing before she started

She tries to calm her breathing as she gets the same answer five times in a row

“If you keep asking if you’re gay, you probably are”

One article on realizing you have a crush on your girl best friend was actually slightly helpful

It was validating, gave advice on how to act normal, and emphasized there’s time to sort out these feelings and what they might mean later

She read it three times before the bell rang

Shit

She had half her classes with you, what was she gonna do now?

She came out of the bathroom and there you were, waiting for her

“Hey, you okay?”

“Ye- uh… yeah, I’m… sick I think. That’s why I left suddenly, and couldn’t… finish lunch,” she was a terrible liar to you, and just hoped that whatever forces had gotten her in trouble so many times could convince you this was all cause of a stomach bug

“Oh, that sucks. I have an extra bag of chips if you get hungry later, and if you wanna sleep after class instead of hang out I totally get it.” 

Her heart was palpitating

At least you seemed to believe it

“Yeah,  I probably should… and I probably shouldn’t get too close to you- like, I should stay away from you. Cause I don’t want you to get sick too.” she knew she was rambling and had no idea how to fix it.

“Okay, text me later. I’m here to talk if you wanna.” you smiled, and squeezed her shoulder, her heart squeezing at the same time

She left in a hurry to get to her next class, for once grateful you weren’t in it

Over the next week or so, the idea of having a huge uncontrollable crush on you started to be less scary

She just didn’t want to lose you

She knew everything about you

Your favorite color, violet

Your favorite singer, someone named king princess

Your favorite food, broccoli

Even your favorite lip balm flavor, cherry

She had to set all these feelings aside and be there for you as a friend, because that’s what you needed her to be

Just for another week, then you’d part ways for the summer and she could get over this before next year

She couldn’t stop the way her heart skipped a beat when you rested your head on her shoulder

Or when you were studying last night

You couldn’t figure out a problem, and put your head in her lap declaring,

“That’s it. We’re moving to a countryside cottage and becoming an old married farming couple.”

She didn’t breathe right for a second

She somehow managed to choke out

“God, please. That can be our plan b if we fail.”

Which, unfortunately, you didn’t 

You both passed, and unhappily went your separate ways for the summer

She tried to keep plans to meet up abstract, savoring that last hug on friday more than she should have

This plan will work, she’ll avoid you all summer, and come back next semester and be totally normal

It will all be fine

Or it would have if you hadn’t pressed a kiss on her cheek before she got pulled into a rented car, speeding off for the airport

Every minute between that second and seeing her dad at the airport was filled with thoughts of you

Five days had passed, and she couldn’t sleep

She had tried to keep texting you to a minimum, which only worked because of how much she was overthinking everything

Friends can kiss sometimes, right?

And yeah, you looked at her with those big sparkly eyes, but you’ve looked at her like that since she first met you

She was laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and couldn’t get your stupid amazing smile out of her head

She was… overwhelmed

Her phone buzzed

Of course, it was you

She threw her phone on her bed without reading it

Her whole body was buzzy, her feelings had never been this strong

It was too much

She actually felt like she was going to explode in 10 seconds

She could feel a stupid impulse of some kind or another creeping up

A gentle tapping on her window snapped her out of it

‘It’s her’

No it’s not, she chastised herself, you’re practically on the other side of the country

She looked over at her window

It was you

It was you

Oh god

She scrambled out of bed, and threw the window open

You had already popped the screen off, propping it next to her window

“Hi,” you said,

“H-” she had no words

Time and time again you left her speechless

“Y-... your hair’s pink,” she choked out

You laughed and smiled that crooked little smile of yours, and she could feel her heart clench

“Yeah, d’you like it?”

“Yeah,” she said without a second thought

Something she’d read online came back to her in a rush

‘If you like your crush after they change their hair, you know it’s real’

Shit

You placed your hand on top of hers

“So… do you wanna go on an adventure?”

“Yes.” she answered, never wanting anything more

You laugh and lean forward, closer to her

You brush a strand of hair out of her face and watch as her eyes flutter closed

A surge of nerves pulse through you simultaneously, your hand still on her face

“Piper,” you whisper, sounding closer than before

“Hm?”

“... do you want to kiss?”

Relief floods her like nothing she’s ever experienced before

She nods twice, vigorously

Your lips connect in a moment of pure euphoria

You’re soft

You taste like cherry, and that gum you’re always chewing, grapefruit and pear and a little cayenne

Her lips are warm and soft and so inviting

When you finally pull away, you’re both breathless, already wanting more

Her mind is reeling

What if this is just a fling or something, what if this isn’t like, romantic kissing and it’s the kind of kissing best friends probably do sometimes?

Best friends can kiss sometimes, right???

She has to do it now, there’s no way she could possibly come back from this

She has to tell you how she feels

But how can she say it?

She can’t just blurt it out

It has to be perfect

But she also has to be able to take it back in case you say no

“Piper,” you start again

“Yeah?” she breathes

Once again you take the words right out of her, spinning them into something beautiful and easy to understand

“Do you want to be girlfriends? Like, date each other?”

She’s frozen for a second

This has to be a dream

It feels fake

She’s been dying to hear you say those exact words for months

And how much more in character could it have been than after asking her to go on an adventure

She looks into your eyes, searching for a hint of a lie

She finds nothing

And for a moment, for the first time, she sees your composure begin to crack

You look… scared

She realizes she hasn’t answered yet

“Yes!” she blurts, pulling you in to kiss you again and again

“Yes, yes, yes…” she mutters between kisses

Your giggles hit her ears, sounding different than ever before

After what feels like forever and not nearly long enough, you finally part again

“So…” you play with her hair, braiding a loose strand

“How ‘bout that adventure?”

[talpup]

Summary: Yami Sukehiro just wanted to join the Magic Knights and make his mentor proud.  He knew there would be trails.  He knew trouble would come his way.  Knew he would be faced with discrimination for being a foreigner and a peasant.  What he didn’t know.  Didn’t expect.  Was that literal Chaos would come his way.  That he and his mentor’s sister would be at the center of world ending trouble.  Or that he would fall in love with his mentor’s sister and face more than discrimination; but the jealously of Nozel Silva who loved the same woman he did.

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, sexual behavior, and other possible triggers. For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

***Unlike most chapters which are segmented into a days events, this one is a continuation of the same day as the previous chapter.

Chapter 99

Yami and Teris had spent the evening out at the Saber Wolf pens.  It had meant missing supper but neither had minded.  With the way Yami had been this last month or so, it was clear he needed space to breath.  And with events having Jax bar Yami from going out riding, cuddling after sharing what happened during each others morning had been the least and best Teris could offer.

In truth, Teris had needed the breather too.  Her reluctance to leave the space and return to the rest of the world and its never ending troubles leading her to tarry longer than she normally would have.  Yami hadn’t been happy about the reminder of this evenings meeting.  But his hope that Jax would finally tell them whatever it was he had been hiding for the past few weeks kept him from putting up much of a fight when Teris said they should head in.

Jax was coming up from the back hall when Yami and Teris entered the house.  “There you two are.  I was getting ready to send someone out to search for you.”  His eyes narrowed.  “You didn’t go out riding did you?”

“No.” Yami glowered.

Teris sighed heavily.  There went any release of tension their evening together had brought.

Jax huffed at Yami’s growling tone.  “I see you’re still in a temper.”

“Yami!” Bran dashed down the stairs.  Seeing Jax, he straightened and gave him a nod.  “Captain.”  Clearing his throat, he turned back to Yami.  “I need to talk with you.”

“It’ll have to wait, Bran.  I have a meeting with my Vice Captain's.”  Jax turned, expecting Yami and Teris to follow.

“It can’t wait!  It’s important.”  Bran blurted.

Jax turned back, brow raised.  Bran wasn’t the type to challenge.

Looking up at Yami, Bran told.  “It—it has to do with that thing we talked about at my family's farm on Vanessa’s birthday.”

Yami rubbed the back of his neck, muttering a curse.

“What’s he talking about?”  Teris asked Yami.

“You know what this meeting is for.  Is this really that important?” Jax asked, subtlety reminding Yami of the people waiting in his office.

“Yeah.” Yami told the Captain.  He looked down at Bran.  “It better be.”

“Fine. Teris.  With me.”  Jax pointed at Yami.  “My office, quick as you can.”

Yami gave Jax a nod.

Teris hesitated by Yami’s side.

Hand brushing down her arm, Yami tilted his head toward Jax, encouraging Teris to follow the Captain.  “I’ll be there in a bit.”

99.1.2

“Where’s Yami?”  Greywright asked when Jax entered with only Teris.

“Had something important to deal with.  He’ll be here shortly.”  Jax closed the office door.

“Well in that case.  If I may, I’d like to start by discussing the meeting I had with Teris this afternoon at Magic Investigations.” Marx said, not wanting to spend the evening repeating themselves to catch Yami up.  He looked at Teris.  “I am correct in figuring you already told Yami about that, yes?”

Sinking into a hard-backed chair, Teris nodded.

“You had a meeting with one of my Vice Captain's?”  Jax turned from Marx to Teris.  “Why didn’t I know of this?”

Teris opened her mouth to explain; but Marx spoke up first, telling Jax, Greywright, and Julius about the small painting Magic Investigations had unearth in the ruins of Yurist’s lab.  Marx stopped at the point where he had asked Teris to look at the portrait and ask the History of Chaos about it.

Julius turned to his sister.  “You had never thought to ask the History of Chaos about its author before?”

At his incredulous tone, Teris became defensive.  “It’s called the History of Chaos!  How was I to know it had any information about Yurist himself?”

“Because most authors put some kind of note or forward in their work.” Julius shot back.

“Enough.” Greywright ordered.

Caught between annoyed and humored, Jax complained.  “You two are such siblings.”

“I said, enough.”  Greywright rumbled.  He glanced at Julius, thinking the same as Jax and cursed the way of things.  Even if everything worked out to its best possible outcome, Julius and Teris would still face hardship and heartache.

A Wizard King gave up all family ties to serve the kingdom and its people.  On paper it sounded sensible.  It kept the Wizard King, and therefore the Magic Knights from focusing on the welfare of certain citizens.  Cutting ties and taking on a new last name also meant enemies couldn’t exploit a familial weakness, since there wasn’t any.  But in reality, many Magic Knights still focused on the welfare of certain citizens.  And while enemies might not be able to fully exploit a familial weakness; becoming Wizard King, cutting ties and changing your family name didn’t erase the love and experiences one had before those ties were cut.

Sighing, Greywright focused on Teris.  “What did the page of Chaos say when faced with this portrait Magic Investigations found?”

“It’d be easier if I just showed you.”  Teris unclasped the case that hung at the back of her waist and called forth her grimoire.  The tome landed in her hand, falling open to the page of Chaos.

Julius didn’t even try to tamp down his curiosity.  Getting to his feet, he moved to stand behind his sister eagerly looking over her shoulder.

“Who is this?”  Teris asked the page, thinking of the man and pregnant woman she had seen in the portrait.

“There’s a mental link?”  Jax uttered, unnerved.

“What’s that?”  Marx asked, turning to him.

“Since when could she think something and have the page pull an image from her head?”  Jax asked, wondering why no one else seemed distressed by this.

Marx blinked, eyes going wide at the disturbing realization.  He censured himself for missing such a thing when just this morning he had asked Teris if all Nova’s were guilty of ignoring the painfully obvious.

Too mesmerized by what looked like ink billowing on the page of Chaos, Julius didn’t even hear them.  The swirling dark liquid coalesced into letters, words, and finally full sentences.  He reached without thought, needing to get a better look at the magical sight.

Teris gladly let her brother take the spell-book, having read the answering message twice.  Once with Marx and then when she had shown Yami.

“My son is death.”  Julius read.  He looked up at Jax and Greywright, and clarified.  “Lower case ‘d’.”

Jax exhaled, relieved at the distinction.

Eyes lowering, Julius continued reading.  “He killed my beloved Celeste who died bringing him into this world.  A world dimmed of light and full of darkness now that she’s gone.”

“Little ‘l’ and ‘d’?”  Jax asked.

Julius nodded and went on.  “If I had seen it, I would have stopped it. Found some way to save my sweet, beautiful beloved.  What good is a Prophecy Mage who cannot see what will effect him most?  But the more connected I am to a happening, the harder it is for me to see.  I left my newborn son with a governess and threw myself into my work.  Years must’ve passed for he is now grown.  I didn’t even know Erin had left for the Spade Kingdom until this portrait had arrived.  He looks happy.  He and his bride, heavy with their child.  He and Mir—“ Julius faltered, looking up at the others, “Mira Spade.”

The Azure Deers Captain looked at Marx.  “Not the Mira Spade?”

“The time frame fits.  Though we have no images of her.  So even if we had a proper date, we wouldn’t be able to say for certain.”  Marx answered.

“Why? Who’s Mira Spade?”  Jax asked.

“The daughter of some long past Spade Kingdom King.”  Greywright said. “There’s not much we really know of her.  But the little we do has fed into some fantastical tales.  It was said she married a foreigner who took her name as a show of fealty to his new home and family.  Story says she was cursed for the marriage, and began to wither soon after becoming pregnant.  She supposedly didn’t last till term.  Weakening and dying.  It’s said the babe was cut out of her.  And despite being only seven months, that the child lived. That every nursemaid that came on to care for the child began to wither and weaken just like Mira had; all the while the child continued to get stronger.”

They all stared at the Magic Knights Commander.

“What? I know things too.”  Greywright said.

“Hear the story from Sabine?”  Julius teased, mentioning the Knights Commander’s ex who had once been an Investigations Mage.

Greywright colored slightly at being caught.  “It was a favorite tale of hers.”

“And tale is all it is.  For there is little we actually know about Mira Spade.”  Marx said.

“Well I guess you now know she married Yurist’s son.  Bet you and your fellows in Investigations will have a field day with that.”  Jax said.

Marx had to admit that confirmation of such a long held question many had wondered over would be a rather large deal in Magic Investigations. That was if he wrote up a report detailing the discovery.  “There will be no field days for Magic Investigations yet, Captain.  The meeting I had with Teris was off book for a reason.”

Greywright nodded, glad he wouldn’t have to tell Marx to keep quiet.  “He’s right.  So long as Ellara is running Magic Investigations, nothing about Yami, Teris, or what we learn about the Agents of Chaos can be reported over there.  That includes anything involving the History of Chaos, Yurist, or any of his other works.”  He looked at Julius. “What else does the page say?”

Teris shook her head even as Julius answered.  “That’s it.”

“But what does it even have to do with Yami, Teris, or the Agents of Chaos?  Other than that Yami and Teris have the History of Chaos and Yurist wrote it and had a son who married some Spade Kingdom Princess who died before their child was born?”  Jax asked.

Marx opened his mouth to answer.  But before he could speak, a knocked sounded.  Yami entered with Bran in tow.

Jax shot to his feet.  “What’s going on?”

“That important matter was even more important than I thought.”  Yami said, closing the door behind Bran.  Sighing, he told them of the task he gave Bran the day of Vanessa’s party.

Jax stared in disbelief.  “You ordered him to spy on members of his own squad?  My squad!”

“Asked.” Yami corrected.

Jax scoffed, anger bubbling.  “As if he’d tell you no, even if you weren’t his Vice Captain.  In case you haven’t noticed, Yami, the boy looks up to you.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, the kid’s grown up.”  Yami snapped back.  “Yeah, he’s a bit creepy with the way he looks up to me. But I made it clear this wasn’t an order but a personal and dangerous ask that could land him in trouble if caught.”

Bran colored slightly, embarrassed at being called creepy and being discussed so openly.

Jax shook his head, still upset.

“If he didn’t have the backbone to tell me no, I wouldn’t have asked.”  Yami said.

Though nervous, Bran took a step forward.  “I did it cause I wanted to help.”

Jax ignored Bran.  “What did you tell him?  Did you tell him about Ellara?  Yami.  What were you thinking!”

“I was thinking that we have an unwitting spy and a creepy ass bastard, who knows more than he’s saying, living under this roof and it would be nice to know what they were up to when they thought no one was watching.”  Yami said, his own anger rising.

“He has a point.”  Greywright said.  “While I trust that you, Yami, and Teris are careful about what you say around Olsen; this is one area we can be pro-active about.  None of us want to think Olsen is being used to spy but what if Ellara used him to plant something?”

Jax frowned.  “Plant what?”

Greywright shrugged.  “I don’t know.  That’s the point.  None of us know. Bran’s ability to listen in was invaluable during the Nine Day War. It would be a waste not to make use of him.”

Bran ducked his head, tinting at the praise.

“Make use of him against my own people?”  Jax challenged.  Before Greywright could speak, he sighed and turned to Bran.  “What did you overhear?”

Bran quickly told how he had been riding a Jay following Iban through the forest when Ellara appeared, and had then explained how he jumped into several bees to listen in.

Jax was barely able to keep silent and let Bran finish.  As soon as he was done, the Black Bulls Captain exclaimed.  “She’s married to him!”

Disturbing as that was.  As troubled as Teris was hearing Bran tell of the deal Iban had with Alowishus, the entire thing sounding as if the Blood Mage use to have some personal and not just ancestral connection to the Agents of Chaos; she was more concerned about Yami.

Settling down Jax a glanced at Julius, Greywright, and Marx.  Naturally, he had told them about Iban and the binding vow Alowishus forced Iban into.  Jax had been disappointed when Julius and Marx confirmed that such a binding blood vow couldn’t be broken without suffering the ill effects stipulated when the vow was made; but somewhat reassured that Iban hadn’t lied about it.

The Black Bulls Captain looked at Yami.  “Well I suppose that explains your temper.  Good to know, I guess.”

Teris didn’t see anything good about any of this.  The Darkness within Yami was affecting his temperament, and according to what Bran overheard would consume him if left to grow.

“What do they mean, ’more desirous of Teris’?” Julius questioned, protective brotherly instinct simmering to the surface.

Mildly chagrined, Yami rubbed the back of neck, avoiding his mentor’s gaze.  “Yeah.  I’ve been struggling a bit.  Feeling pent up and angry.  But the force inside me isn’t going to consume me.  I’m handling it.”  He shot Jax a brooding look.  “Though it’d help if Teris and I could go riding on our wolves.”

Jax’s eyes narrowed.

Yami looked at Teris asking the question he had wanted to ask but hadn’t because he didn’t want to worry her.  “Did you have the same problem in the year leading up to the Solstice?”

“Yeah, but not--”

Teris was cut off by Julius.  “If the ritual the Agents of Chaos did on the Summer Solstice released the building force inside Teris.  What happens to Yami when we stop them from doing the same to him for the Winter Solstice?”

Teris’ eyes widened, darting from Julius and back to Yami.

“Let’s table that disturbing thought and come back around to it.” Greywright said.  “Everyone take a seat.”

Jax sat back down, while Julius handed Teris back her grimoire and returned to his place on the sofa.  Yami pulled a hard-backed chair next to Teris’ and sat down beside her.

Bran looked about nervously.  He hadn’t been invited to this meeting. He hadn’t even known the Magic Knights Commander, Captain Julius, and a top ranking Investigations Mage had been in here.  Yami had merely brought him in to relay what he had overheard while riding the bees.

“Take a seat, Bran.  You’re a part of this now.”  Greywright said.

Even though the Commander outranked his Captain, Bran looked to Jax for confirmation.

Jax nodded.

Bran looked at Yami.  This clearly surrounded him and Teris.  If either Vice Captain told him to leave--

“Sit!” Yami barked.

Bran nearly sat on the floor in his rush to comply.  He managed to back up a step and sit on a chest near the door.

“There’s that temper again.”  Jax chastised.

“No. That’s just Yami.”  Julius said, hiding his humor in his sympathy for Bran.

Greywright rubbed his forehead and sighed, thinking he was surrounded by a bunch of children.  “Julius, even though Marx was the one to discover it, Shadow was once a Captain of your squad.  So why don’t you tell Teris.”

Instead of telling, Julius picked up a fabric bound book from the coffee table and handed it to his sister.

“What is it?”  Teris asked, taking the book.

“It’s the last journal of Captain Shadow Banashe.”  Julius saw the change in Teris’ expression, and gave her a reproving look.  “I see you recognize the name.”

“She made no mention of Captain Shadow’s name in her report or debriefing of the geyser labyrinth.”  Jax said of Teris.

“I got it from you.”  Teris said, looking at Marx.

Eyebrows knitting together, Marx opened his mouth to refute ever telling her such a thing.

“Well not you directly.”  Teris went on.  “There were several files left open on the table during my debriefing that day.  I didn’t see her last name but I saw the first, and that she had been a Captain of the Azure Deers.”

Julius’ expression darkened, disapproval growing.

Marx bristled at the violating breach of classified files.  Julius never would've done such a thing.  Well, Marx amended in his head, Julius’ obsessive curiosity most definitely would’ve seen him do such a thing; but he never would’ve admitted to it without any sign of guilt or shame the way Teris just had.

Jax ran a hand over his face, both exasperated and impressed by his Vice Captain.

Thinking she would make one hell of a Magic Knights Commander one day, Greywright fought a smirk hoping Sir Jorah truly could find a way to keep Teris from being banished for her refusal to wed Nozel.

“Did you see anything else?”  Greywright asked.

“Nothing of use or that I’ve been able to piece together to make sense of.” Teris frowned, annoyed with herself.  Shadow had been the Clover Kingdoms last light magic user before her.  The mummified corpse had called herself the Light Bringer and Harbinger of Darkness.  She looked down at the long dead Captain's journal, the cover frayed and faded.  “When did you find this thing?”

“The day before Flic turned himself over to your comrades.”  Marx said.

Teris’ frown deepened.  She had held so much hope that Commander Greywright would learn something about the Agents of Chaos’ plans or whereabouts from Flic; but it seemed that even when something was dropped right in their lap, nothing of sizable use came from it.  It was frustrating.  They were always one step behind Alowishus and his followers.  No.  That was far too generous; they were no where near that close.  They were barely working on the same playing field.

“That was seven days ago.  You all keeping stuff from us again?”  Yami asked, eyes on Jax.

Jax stared back.  Even though he had listened to Commander Greywright and Julius despite his own wanting to tell Yami and Teris about the leather bound journal he found four weeks ago, he wasn’t about to be shamed by his Vice Captain for it.

“It wasn’t like we had much of a chance.  What with Nozel and Fuegoleon turning up missing the morning after Flic turned himself in.  You and Teris being taken later that evening.  Flic becoming gravely ill two days after you returned, and then him dying yesterday.”  Julius said, in defense of himself and his friend.  He glanced at Bran disturbed that what the young man overheard between Ellara and Iban all but confirmed his and Marx’s theory on how Flic was killed.  A part of him wanted to find Iban and force the man to tell everything he knew no matter how insignificant, and no matter the cost to the Blood Mages family.

“Julius only informed me about the late Captain's journal two days ago.  Marx telling him that same morning.”  Greywright said, thinking that they needed to come up with a better way to communicate.  But even communication crystals could be tapped into.  And according to what Yami had seen the morning of the Summer Solstice, the Agents of Chaos had hundreds of members.  Without knowing what type of magic those members had...

“A quarter of the journal is blank.”  Marx said.

“I’m guessing it’s more than just empty pages of an unfinished journal from a life cut short.”  Teris said, not seeing any other reason Marx would point out such a thing.

Marx nodded.  “While the blank pages are at the end and likely would have been thought of as empty, there are two sentences and a signature three pages later.”

“Three blank pages and then more writing?”  Teris looked between Marx and Julius figuring that even with everything going on they would've tried something to reveal what, if anything was written.

“You were able to sense what no one else did in the geyser labyrinth.  As if the remains of Captain Shadow had been calling to you.”  Julius said, disturbed and intrigued.

Teris darkened at the memory.  “She used me.”

Julius’ eyebrows furrowed in confusion.  “Used you?”

Teris picked at the threads of the frayed journal.  “She used me to get to Yami.  She called herself the Harbinger of Darkness.  Said she called to me to fulfill her destiny.  A destiny that was clearly to bring out the Darkness in Yami.”

Julius sighed.  “I can see how you might think that, but--”

“There’s no other way to think of it.  It’s what she did!”  Teris stormed.

Yami grabbed Teris’ hand and got to his feet, pulling her up with him. “Excuse us a moment.”

Jax and Julius blinked as Yami opened the office door, stepped out with Teris, and closed it behind.

“Well,” Greywright sighed, sitting back, “anyone want to relay to Bran the importance of keeping quiet about all this while we wait?”

Jax, Julius, and Marx turned to Bran.

Not knowing what to do, Bran smiled and waved.  Knowing that was the wrong thing to do but unable to stop, his other hand grabbed his waving hand and pulled it down.

An embarrassed blush tinted Bran’s cheeks.  “Sorry.  I’m just really nervous.”

99.1.3

Yami turned to Teris as soon as the door closed.  “You’re not some transformation mage pretending to be Teris, are you?”

“What?” Teris’ eyes furrowed.  “Yami, this is serious.”

“I know.  So why are you afraid to look at that thing?  It’s not like you.”

Teris bristled.  “You heard why.  She--”

“Whatever happened, happened cause I needed to get to you.”  Yami said, cutting her off.  He looked at her remembering the fear and anger he felt when she disappeared behind the rock wall.  He shook the memory away, telling himself as well as her.  “We’re not in some labyrinth where you can be locked away from me.”

“No we’re not.”  Teris agreed.  “We’re standing here after having just heard that the force inside you is growing so fast and strong that it might consume you.  That even the crazies who want to see that force grow are concerned.”

“Weren’t you listening?  I said I was handling it.”

“Yami. I’m worried.  I love you.”

Yami’s fingers clasped behind Teris’ neck, palms cupping her face in both hands.  His forehead pressed against hers, steel grey eyes staring into her dark bottomless ones.  “I love you too, Ikigai.” His nose bumped hers, breath fanning her face. “It’s why you have no reason to worry.  I’d never lose to anything, least of all some force inside me, so long as I have you.”

Head shaking in his hands, Teris opened her mouth.  Yami silenced her with a kiss.  It was meant to be a brief, reassuring kiss; but as soon as his lips touched hers his desire for her ignited like a broken jar of Wild Fire.

One hand dropped from her face, arm wrapping tightly around her waist. Yami pulled her close, leaning over her.  The words Bran overheard Iban tell Ellara replayed in his mind.  “The Darkness is already bleeding out and effecting him.  He has been more volatile.  Angrier than usually.  Possibly even more desirous of Teris and the Light that is inside her.”   That last sentence echoed as he kissed her.  “Possibly even more desirous of Teris and the Light that is inside her.”

Yami didn’t think anything could make him more desirous of Teris.  He certainly didn’t like the idea of anything effecting him that way. But as the kiss grew ever more heated, he thought he understood what Iban meant.  It had nothing to do with desire.  At least not his usual loving desire.  This desire was darker.  Consuming and unquenchable.  It wasn’t for Teris herself, but for what Teris was. What Teris could be.  A light and warmth that could fill a dark cold, bottomless hunger.

Yami pulled away leaving them both breathless.  “Read the damn pages.  I know you want to.”

Teris stared up at him.

Yami quirked a brow.  “Aren’t you the least bit curious?”

“Yeah. But…  The last time I gave into my curiosity where Captain Shadow was concerned bad things happened.”

Yami’s lips brushed hers as he spoke.  “You have no clue what you mean to me If you think some long dead woman could take me away from you.”

99.2

“A letter from Lady Ellara.”  Calen said, entering his Master’s office.

Alowishus frowned.  He wasn’t expecting anything from her.  Given the suspicions of Captain's Julius and Jax, coupled with the traitor Flic surrendering himself to the Magic Knights, Alowishus hadn’t imagined he would hear from Ellara for more than six months. Something had to have happened.

Alowishus opened the missive.  It was a brief message, straight to the point.  Typical of her communications.  But what wasn’t was that it didn’t bear her usual endearment at the end.  Curious.

Setting down the letter, Alowishus told Calen almost proudly.  “The Darkness in Yami is growing.”

“Already? Isn’t it far too soon?”  Calen asked.

Alowishus thought back to his latest dealing with Yami and Teris, three days ago. He supposed his eagerness and following anger over the Future of Chaos had something to do with his having missed the signs.  Still, that was hardly an excuse.  He was better than that. He had spent too much time and had too much riding on his plans to become sloppy and not notice every little thing.

“How do we tamp the force down?”  Calen asked.

“Tamp it down!  We will do no such thing.”  Alowishus said.

“But--”

“Yami is not the real concern here, his fix is an easy one.  What we need to worry about is Teris.  At this rate she will not survive the Ritual of Darkness.  If she doesn’t grow stronger, the Darkness within Yami will kill her and the Light inside her with it.”

“What are we going to do?”  Calen asked, worried for their hopes for the new existence.

“We will deal with Yami.  Contact King Morris.  I think it’s time I made good on my promise to let the Diamond Kingdom have Teris.”

  99.3

Back in Jax’s office, Teris took up Captain Shadow’s journal.  She hesitated, eyes lifting to Yami.

Yami gave her an encouraging nod.

Taking in a fortifying breath, Teris opened the journal to the marked page. Her eyebrows furrowed, wondering if the page marker had been put in the wrong place.  The pages weren’t blank.  Sure, that’s what Julius and Marx had been hoping for.  That as a light magic user like Shadow, she would be able to read the blank pages.  But surely it couldn’t be this easy.  Could it?

Teris began to read aloud, half expecting them to stop her and say that wasn’t the spot.  Only they never did.

“I was a fool.  I fell in love with him.  Everard Spade.”

Jax straightened in his seat.

Yami saw the looks the Knights Commander, two Captain's, and Marx shared. Was this about whatever secret Jax was keeping that the Captain had been going to tell him about before Greywright called in about Flic dying?

“But how could I not?” Teris continued reading.  “He was handsome and kind.  Powerful and strong.  More powerful than I could have ever imagined.  But we will get to that.  There was always something about him.  A melancholy.  Even when he smiled, it never fully reached his eyes.  He told of his mother's death.  And I thought that was why.  Who wouldn’t be forever marked by sadness when your own father said you caused your mothers death?  It broke my heart for him.  Opened me up to him.  Which I learned too late is what he had wanted.  He didn’t need to lie to gain my care and sympathy. His truth is that sad and broken.  He truly is a wounded, tormented soul. But the way he used that truth.  Sprinkled in just enough without telling the whole horrid tale…

I thought I was going to spend my life with him.  Little did I know.  It was my life he wanted.  The betrayal happened on the Summer Solstice.  He came to my base before dawn.  I thought it romantic.  Thought he couldn’t wait for our picnic that afternoon to see me.  He was ravenous.  Insatiable. The two of us making love as the sun rose on the longest day of the year.  Little did I know he was feeding on more than my lips.  He left me in bed weak.  Nearly dead and drained of mana.  My Vice Captain found me.  I was unconscious for days.  Stuck in Healer’s Hall for two weeks.  Confused. Heartbroken.  He had used me.  It was months later that I realized just much he had used me.  Had any of it been real?  I don’t know.  He never said.  Doubt I would have believed him if he had.

He was the Master of a group that called themselves the Agents of Chaos. The group apparently went back several hundred years.  Several say they were started by Yurist’s son.  Others that Yurist himself began the group.  All I know is that they were a group of zealots obsessed with ending it all to bring about some knew reality.  And that they were being led by the man I once loved and thought had loved me in return.

Everard Spade stole my heart to steal most of my mana.  Did he know I would survive?  Did he even care?  Was our accidental meeting even an accident?  Over the course our continued battles I would learn that Everard left nothing to chance.  Our meeting had been no accident.  Our love affair fully planned.  The man was patient.  Obsessed. While he might not have known I would survive having nearly all my mana taken the morning of that Summer Solstice, he had to have had a good idea that I would.  For his plans for me were far from over.

I don’t know how, but he began to enter my dreams.  Showing and telling me such haunting things that I wish I could have forgotten upon waking. One of the things he continually told me about were the primordial forces and the rise of Chaos.  That there would one day be a light magic user who was inhabited by a portion of Light; and a dark magic user inhabited by a portion of Darkness. That together their magic could end not just the world but existence itself. As time passed I came to dream of this Light and Darkness; but never when Everard visited me in my dreams which always happened on the night of the New Moon and the two nights before it.

It was during those dreams of Light and Darkness that I came to realize my destiny.  I am the Harbinger of Darkness.  I will call the Light and see the Darkness show itself, announcing the rise and growth of Darkness.  I don’t understand it or know why; but I am certain my fate as the Harbinger will be locked in place this day. Which is why I am writing to you, my fellow light magic user. Because those dreams have also told that I am the Light Bringer. I am the light magic user that comes before you, the one who is inhabited by a portion of Light.  It is to you that I write this warning.

Everard Spade is ancient and strong.  Older than any person has a right to be.  It is little wonder that he has gone mad.  Seeking out knowledge and making plans that will let him finally, truly, have the peace and rest he so desperately desires. But how does one kill Death?  Mana knows I have tried.  Tried to give him the death he wants and justly deserves. In the years following that Summer Solstice he has haunted and tormented my every step.  And I have tried and failed to rid the world of him and give him the eternal sleep he wants. I thought I had finally succeeded. That you and this dark magic user would be spared of his plans.  The world safe from his aims.  But I fear I was wrong. Though small and faint, I feel his presence once more. I fear I only succeeded in killing the body.  A body I know no soul could still reside in.  I saw that body burn to ash. I incinerated it with my magic.  But somehow the life force that had been within that body is growing and among us once more. Whether because of a curse.  A spell gone wrong.  Or a cruel twist of fate.  The man that calls himself Death lives on.”

Comments are VERY MUCH appreciated and really make my day.  Thank you to those who have left hearts.  And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently commented or re-blogged. It really means a lot.

Next chapter snippet:

Julius’ eyebrows pulled together.  He didn’t like Jax thinking he was right.  He didn’t want to be right.  It had been a crazy theory at the time.  It was still a crazy thought.  Just because what they had learned last night further pointed to such a possibility didn’t make the idea any less insane.  But given everything else; talk of Chaos and primordial forces, and crazy zealots who wanted to end everything to start a new beginning.  Was the notion that they were dealing with someone that old really that insane?

[fics-for-my-heart]

Oops - Dylan O’Brian

Summary: Some clumsy moments lead to some admitted feelings

Word count: 3486

Warning: some slight panic about a stopped elevator

A/N: this is kinda rough. It’s been so long since I’ve done something longish that I’m a bit rusty. Also using the gif of Mitch bc this is how I was picturing Dylan. Hope you enjoy.

Masterlist

“No!” You shouted, boxes flying as a leash wrapped around your legs. “Spot.” The familiar pup was full body wiggle excited. There was no staying mad at the sandy blond lab when his brown eyes looked so sweet. “Where’s boss?” You asked with a scratch behind his ear. It was rare to see one without the other but sometimes Spot got away.

Footsteps pounded up the sidewalk behind you. “Spot, you crazy dog. Oh, hi Y/N.” You looked up to see the one and only Dylan O’Brian. He was leaning onto his knees looking relieved. “He saw you from across the lot and almost pulled my arm off.” His laugh was sweet, and his entire face lit up when he smiled.

It’s been over a year since you started working on the set of Teen Wolf, and you still weren’t quite able to speak around all the stars. But it was always worse around Dylan. It seemed like something embarrassing always happened around him.

“Jeff asked me to walk him while Holland and Tyler are finishing up for the day. Here.” He turned, gathering up the boxes. “Are these the new costumes for part two?”

“Uh, yeah.” Your face was so hot it’s a wonder your sunglasses weren’t melted. “Julie had me pick them up. That’s where I was heading.”

He stacked the last box and grabbed the leash. “Tell ya what. You take Race here and I’ll carry the boxes?”

“Um, thanks.

—

Being on set while the cast was filming was always a thrill. Seeing them all get into character and having the script brought to life was the reason you wanted to get into production. Of the few shows and movies you’d worked on, Teen Wolf was your favorite. Everyone from cast to crew was amazing to work with, and Jeff let the cast have a bit of free will when it came to filming.

They were almost wrapped, Jeff giving you the ten minute warning and you jetted off to insure that catering was ready for the lunch rush.

“Sue!” You called, entering the tent that smelled like potatoes and chicken. Everything in the dining area looked ready, and you followed the smell of the food to find Sue. “Need any help?”

“Oh, love, yes please. Could you turn the warming burners on?” She asked as she dumped a large pot of mashed potatoes into the serving tray.

“Will do!” You slipped back out the door, ducking around the other catering crew.

Fifteen minutes later, the sound of talking made its way into the tent, followed by the first group of crew. After making yourself a plate, you made your way to the table where your things were to eat and fill out your calendar for the upcoming months.

The volume grew as more and more crew filed in. The chairs around your table moved and plates clattered. A glance up revealed Dylan, Tyler, Holland, and Shelley.

“Y/N, you missed it.” Tyler says through a laugh. “Dylan tripped and sent water all over Jeff. Oof.” He grabbed his side, laughing even harder.

Holland smiled over her cup and winked. “He was distraaaaacted.”

You shifted your eyes to Dylan, watching as a blush creeped up his neck. “No I wasn’t. I was just excited to eat. Sue makes the best chicken.” He glanced at you before shoveling food in his mouth. “So, Y/N, how are you?” He mutters around the food.

Words failed you, as always when Dylan spoke directly to you. “I’m, uh, I’m alright. Kinda ready for a nap or some coffee.” You shrugged, turning back to your computer.

“We’re going for some after lunch, you should join us!” Shelley invited, nodding towards the others.

“Thanks for the invite but I’ve got about four months of planning before I can leave today.” The alarm on your phone sounded. “Speaking of, my lunch break is over. Uh, if you guys need anything I’ll be in the office the rest of the day.” You stood grabbing your plate. Dylan stood at the same time, sending your plate tipping over and spilling what little was left all over you.

“Oh my god. Y/N I’m so sorry.” He reached for napkins. Shoving them into your hand as he bent for your plate. “I was going to get a refill. I’m so sorry.” His face was the color of a beet and his eyes were wide.

Your face mirrored his as you dabbed at your shirt. “It’s okay. No biggie. I’ve got a change of clothes in my bag.”

He stood, keeping his eyes on you. “I’ll take your plate and clean this up. I’m sorry, again.”

“Thanks. And it’s fine. Accidents happen.” You grabbed your things and looked at everyone else, who hadn’t made a sound the entire time. Their eyes were bouncing between the two of you. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“Let me know if you need anything!” Holland said as Tyler and Shelley both waved.

You gave a nod, then quickly and carefully made your way to the office. Thankfully you didn’t run into anyone, and we’re able to grab your bag and run to the locker room down the hall for a shower. Where, of course, you had the last twenty minutes on replay.

“Why am I always so awkward around him.” You thought to yourself. “He’s no different than the others who I can talk to just fine. Sure he’s much more attractive. But still come on, pull it together.”

When you returned to the office, there was a coffee on your desk with a note. “Sorry again, Y/N. I hope you don’t hate me. -D”

——

“Y/N, can you take some notes at the meeting please?” Jeff asked from across the room. It wasn’t an unusual request, and one you normally did without being asked.

“Of course. What’s the main topic?” You grabbed a new pen and your notebook, dating the corner.

Jeff stood, glancing at his watch. “Just some last minute changes for a few things. Come on or we’ll be late.”

He waited for you to gather your things and followed you out the door, turning the light off and shutting the door to the office. The conference room was just down the hall so you went on to get your normal spot in the corner.

Soon the room was full. For meetings like this the heads of departments and the cast were needed in attendance. Seeing as these changes affected everyone it was easier to pass the information on to them and let them inform their crew.

“Alright guys, is everyone here?” Jeff glanced around the room. You did as well, marking your mental checklist.

Hair and makeup, lighting, sound, visual, catering, Tyler, Sprayberry, Holland, Shelley, JR, Ian, Dylan.

Dylan who was currently watching you from his spot beside Tyler Hoechlin. You gave him a small smile, which he returned with his full tooth grin and a wave. Even as you continue your headcount, you could feel his eyes on you.

Jeff started the meeting, and you started scribbling notes. Any suggestion given for a new location or for a tweak in script, you put in the notebook. Your pen was either furiously trying to keep up with everything or slipped between your teeth.

It was a habit. One you'd tried to break many times. But any writing tool always found its way to your mouth. Which was why the sudden bursting feeling between your teeth and the inky taste had you scrambling up and out the door before anyone could see.

By the time you made it to the bathroom, trying not to leave an ink trail, your hand was covered in black ink drool.

“Uck. Uckkkkk!” You cursed as best you could, grabbing paper towels and turning the water on as more ink dribbled from your mouth.

Frantically you spit, bringing water to your mouth and spitting again and again. You hadn’t swallowed any, but the taste was awful as you wiped your tongue with a wet paper towel.

The bathroom door slowly opened but you didn’t look up, embarrassed enough, there was no way you were going to talk to anyone looking like season two Gerard.

But, just when you thought things couldn’t possibly get worse, the person spoke and your entire body froze.

“Y/N. Are you okay?” Dylan asked, slowly slipping inside.

You squeaked when his hand touched your shoulder, your head falling more into the sink. “Uh Huh.”

Dylan’s head ducked beside yours, his hand still on your shoulder as embarrassment made your entire body start shaking. “Hey, look at me, please.” His voice was soft, and the finger that touched your chin was even softer. “It’s okay. No one else saw what happened.”

Slowly, you let his finger turn your face to him. Your eyes were burning with tears as you fully faced him now. His brows were pinched together in concern as his eyes swept your face, landing on your mouth. “It’s not that bad.” His thumb gently stroked your chin, sending a shiver down your body. He patted the counter. “Hop up and I’ll help.”

“It’s okay.” You broke yourself from the trance you were in, moving away quickly to grab more paper towels.

Dylan’s hand grabbed your waist, another squeaky slipped past your lips. “Let me help. Please. Y/N, I still feel awful about last week and I just want to help.”

Giving in, you turned around and pushed yourself up on the counter. He looked almost relieved as he started where you left off. Taking a tentative step between your legs.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to chew on pens? Go like this.” He lifted his lips revealing clenched teeth. “Looks like you got most of it off your teeth.”

“My mother warned me all the time.” You finally replied as he pushed the cool towel against your chin, moving in a swiping motion. His eyes jumped to yours before returning to the task. “Normally I try not to chew on new pens like that.”

“My habit is biting my nails. Not as messy, but still not good.” His light laugh released some of the tension in your shoulders. “We might have to go to the makeup trailer to get this off.” His eyes met yours again, your breath catching in your throat at just how close the two of you were.

“Okay.” Your voice was a whisper as neither of you made the move to actually leave. His hands were at your side, and chestnut eyes were level with yours. There was a slight shift in the room.

You found yourself drawn closer to him. One of his hands lifted up, gently touching your chin once more. Your heart was beating so fast as your eyes glanced down at his lips, watching as his tongue slowly traced them. His hand moved almost as slow, tracing your jaw and making its way around your ear. Time even seemed to slow as you let your eyes trace his features. Enjoying this moment of clarity that maybe you might have deeper feeling for the boy who made you clumsy.

“Y/N.” His voice was a whisper, his fingers finally finding their way into your hair. With shaky hands, you touched his chest, but not to push away, more for an anchor.

Suddenly the door was thrown open and you and Dylan scrambled apart. Your face instantly heated as you stared wide eyed as Holland.

“Y/N! There you are! Are you o..” her words died off as she quickly looked at your ink stained lips and Dylan pretending to wash his hands. “Uh.” Her lips pursed and curved slightly, a very Lydia look on her face. “Sorry for interrupting. I’ll just,” she threw both thumbs over her shoulder. “Y/N. You’re still coming over tonight right?” Her eyebrows jumped, taking full advantage of Dylan’s back turned to her.

“Y-yeah” you cleared your throat and nodded. “Yeah I’ll be there.”

Then she was gone. And the once electrified energy was now thick with awkwardness. The moment was definitely over.

Dylan turned to look at you while drying his hands. It was silent as he tossed the paper towel in the trash and extended his hand. The tips of his ears were pink. “I’ll take you to makeup.”

——-

It has been a few weeks since you and Dylan had your moment in the bathroom. Production was winding down for the season. Meetings were more frequent in planning for next season's start date in four months. Conventions and interviews were being planned. Things were moving fast, but Dylan somehow managed to steal a few minutes of your time for one thing or another.

“Y/N!” His voice called from across the lot, his steps echoed between the trailers. “Hey, I’ve been looking for you. This is for you.” He handed you one of the coffee cups in his hand. “Also, when do we have the IMDb event?”

You took the cup with greedy hands, then tapped the calendar app. “Thank you. And it’s this afternoon at four. We’re leaving in twenty minutes so you all have the chance to mingle and such.”

“Awesome.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “So, where ya headed?”

“Just going to grab some stuff from the office before we leave.” All the little moments had made it easier to talk to him, which was nice.

He nodded. “Well I’ll let you get to it. I’ll see you when we leave.” He smiled and stepped backwards hitting the trailer behind him. “Ooof.” He recovered quickly. “Bye!”

The event was happening at the rooftop terrace of a local hotel. There was a bar and finger foods. Lots of different areas set up for interviews and places to just hang out. It had been about an hour since you’d arrived and the interviews didn’t start for a while, so it gave everyone a chance to catch up.

“Y/N.” Jeff said as he came to a stop beside you. “I’ve been trying to get a hold of you. You okay?”

You patted your pockets. “I must have left my phone in the car. I’ll go grab it.”

Jeff passed the keys to you. “Okay, take someone with you. I don’t want you going down alone.” He looked around then pointed at the couch. “Take Dylan or Tyler.” As if he heard his name Dylan looked over and waved.

“Hey there.” He grinned as you approached. “This is Kaya. Kaya this is Y/N.” He patted the seat beside him. “Join us?”

“Hi, Kaya. Uh actually I was wondering if you’d go with me to get my phone from the car. Jeff doesn’t want me to go alone.”

He shot up, setting his drink on the table. “Sure, yeah.” He said a quick bye to everyone and followed you to the elevator.

“Thanks. I can’t believe I left it in the car. It’s normally attached to my hip.”

He pressed the button on the elevator for the garage. “It’s no problem. Are you having a good time?”

“Yeah. It’s nice to meet new people and see some that I worked with before. How’s it catching up?”

He leaned into the corner. “It’s nice. We’ve all been busy so it’s been difficult to catch up.”

The ride down to the garage was quick, the trip to the car quicker. Dylan stayed close, shoulder bumping and joking the entire way back.

“So, do you have any plans tonight?” He asked, once again pressing the button to go back up to the roof.

“Actually no, I think I’ll just get some taken out and watch mov..” your words were cut off by the grinding sound of gears, and the shudder of the elevator cart. You grabbed on to Dylan, as the lights flicked out and the cart came to a jerky stop. “Oh my god. Oh no.”

Your heart was in your throat as tears stung your eyes. “No, no, no. This can’t be happening.”

Dylan’s arm went around your shoulder, pulling you close. “Hey, it’s okay. Shhh. I’ve got you.” He reached over and pushed the buttons but nothing happened. Not even the emergency button worked.

Your entire body was shaking as you clung to Dylan���s shirt. “This is my worst fear. This can’t be happening.” Your breath was short as your mind raced with different scenarios of how this could end bad.

“Y/N.” His voice was calm as his hand rubbed up and down your back. Slowly he pulled you back, hands on your cheeks he met your eyes. “Take a deep breath for me okay.” He breathed in his nose and slowly out his mouth as you followed. “There we go. It will be okay. I’ll send out a group text and get help.”

You continued taking deep breaths as he typed out an sos text. Sinking to the floor, the cool metal helped relax you a little.

“Okay, I sent one to everyone I know is up there. Are you okay?” He joined you on the floor, pushing up against your side.

You nodded. “Yeah. I think so. Sorry. I've had nightmares about getting stuck like this.”

“It’s okay. I don’t like escalators.” His phone buzzes and you glanced at the message. “Holland said ‘of course that would happen to you two’. And Tyler said they contacted maintenance and they should be able to help us soon.”

You let out a breath. “Thank goodness.” Slowly, you laid your head on his shoulder. After a few moments of silence as he responded to the influx of texts, you decided to bring up something you’d been thinking about for a while.

“Dylan, can I ask you something?”

His head turned toward you as he put his phone down. “Anything.”

You closed your eyes, glad not to be looking at his face or you’d chicken out. Your hands wiped down your thighs and your voice was just above a whisper. “Were you going to kiss me that day in the bathroom?”

“Yes.” He answered. No hesitation. No having to think about it.

“Wh-why?”

He turned as best he could, gently placing his hand on yours. “Because I wanted to. I’ve been wanting to kiss you for a while now.”

“But why me? I’m always a mess around you. And for the longest time I couldn’t even form sentences.” You lifted your head, finally looking at his face.

“And I’m always a mess around you. I’ll forget my lines. Or drop something because I’m distracted by how beautiful you are. The day I spilt water on Jeff? That was because I was trying to find you and didn’t see him. There have been so many times where I have walked into something of someone when I see you. And for a while there I couldn’t speak around you either.”

“Really?”

He smiled. “Yeah, why do you think everyone always gives me a hard time. They all know I have a crush on you.”

Your face headed. Dylan O’Brian likes you. “I like you too. This has to be a dream.” You whispered.

“Nope. Not a dream. I like you, Y/N. I have for a while. And now it’s my turn to ask you a question.” You raised your eyebrows. “Can I kiss you?”

“Yes.”

His hand cupped your chin as he met you halfway. His lips were soft, and the slight five o’clock shadow tickled your cheeks. You wrapped your arms around his neck. Lips moving in sync with his as if they were made for each other. He pulled back for a moment, smiled at you, then pressed his lips harder against you.

The two of you were so wrapped up in one another you didn’t hear the door opening.

“Ha! You both owe me twenty bucks!” Holland's voice shocked you apart. But Dylan’s arm stayed firmly around you. Holland has her hand out as Tyler and Spreyberry handed off twenty dollar bills.

“Uh. Hi guys.” Dylan said as he came to his senses. He stood, holding his hand out to help you up, but he didn’t drop it once you were on your feet. “What’s up?”

Tyler turned and looked at you both, then at your joined hands. “Holland bet us the two of you would finally admit your feelings while trapped.”

“I love you both. And I’m glad you finally saw the light. Also thanks for earning me forty dollars.” Holland blew a kiss before walking away.

“Thanks for getting us out.” You told the boys and nodded to the maintenance men currently tinkering with the elevator. “Thank you.”

“So.” Dylan said, swinging your hands between you. “Got room for one more in your takeout and movie plans?”

You smiled, pushing on your tiptoes to kiss him. “As a matter of fact I do.”

[raendown]

My part of a trade with @rookie-d and boy was this fun to write! 

Pairing: MadaraTobirama Word count: 3477 Rated: T+ Summary: Madara hated the morning shift. It was always boring and getting up early sucked. Thankfully the one time he had to work it something interesting happened, at least.

Follow the link or read it under the cut!

KO-FI and commission info in the header!

Zombies Before Noon

Their first meeting was one that Madara would remember for all the reasons Tobirama probably wished he would forget. Several hours in to a criminally early morning shift he was bored out of his skull and wondering why the hell a comic book shop needed to be open before any of the local nerds around here were even awake. He’d already tidied the shelves four times and dusted the entire premises twice when the cheery jingle of the bell over their door made him lift his head hopefully. That look quickly morphed in to horror as he took in the sight of what was clearly a zombie entering the store. 

Skin so pale it looked almost paper white, circles under his eyes so dark they looked drawn on with marker, and clothes rumpled like they hadn’t seen an ironing board in years, the man who stumbled in had his eyes completely closed and his arms hanging loose at both sides. Only three steps in he stopped dead and just stood there. Motionless. Possibly not breathing. Madara looked around for a hidden camera, wondering if his younger brother had set him up for some kind of weird prank. That was the sort of thing Izuna would do. Nothing new or suspicious stuck out to him, though, so he turned back to the stranger who was now slowly blinking his eyes open. Well, partially open. They remained squinted so tightly he probably couldn’t see any better still. 

“Coffee?” he rumbled in a deep slur. Madara looked around for cameras again. 

“Uh, we don’t serve that here.” 

“...black.” 

Furrowing his brows, Madara repeated himself. “We don’t serve coffee.”

The pale man blinked slowly with a gaze that didn’t seem to really be focused on anything. 

“Extra espresso…” his words trailed off like he meant to continue with something off and yet nothing came. After almost a full minute he managed to close his jaw again with a muted click. Then he merely stood and let his narrowed eyes bore directly in to Madara’s. 

It was the single creepiest thing this shop had ever seen. And considering the varying clientele that was saying something.

For a good hot second Madara contemplated reaching in to his pocket and calling the police. Or maybe the Disease Center. Either one of them would no doubt be very interested in this spontaneous zombie apocalypse. Then the moment passed and he realized this was probably the most interesting thing that was likely to happen to him until the early afternoon crowd began to show up near the very end of his shift. He might as well see how it played out. 

“Would an energy drink do you? We’ve got all sorts of those. Pretty cheap too.” 

“....mn.”

Since he wasn’t very sure what that meant Madara opted for believing he’d just made a sale. Trying to ask questions about flavor and the like would most likely get about as coherent an answer as the ones he’d already gotten so after a moment of going through their inventory in his mind he stepped over to the fridge behind the counter to pick out the highest concentration of caffeine they carried. It also happened to be one of their cheaper brands as well, which was great in case he ended up having to pay for this himself. Did zombies remember how to pick out money from their wallets?

Did zombies even carry their wallets?

“Here. These don’t really taste all that great but it’s got enough of a kick to revive you or whatever.” 

A few seconds after he handed it over he realized his mistake. The oddly still man blinked slowly when Madara cracked the can open for him but finally seemed to understand that there was a liquid in his hand he was meant to drink. His head tilted back to reveal a surprisingly shapely throat that bobbed up and down in a steady rhythm until the entire can was emptied, hung there unmoving for a few seconds more, then his head tilted back down with an honest to god pout on his face. Apparently he’d thought the can was bottomless.

“Right. Feel free to browse or whatever before you come settle up. Register’s over there.” Madara jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “If you pass out try to fall away from the merchandise.” 

“Nnmm.”

“Oookay.” 

Scurrying back to the register was more for the sake of anyone looking in through the windows on their way by than for his own sense of safety. He really didn’t need anyone to call his boss and say they spotted him stalking a customer in his own store. At least he had a comfortable perch from which he could survey the entire floor, set out in a semi circle as it was, giving him a perfect view down each of their short aisles. No matter where this one man circus drifted he would be within eyesight. Madara watched with undisguised fascination while the guy drifted down aisle three, staring hard at a display entirely covered with merchandise for a popular children’s show about brightly colored ponies. The empty drink can remained clutched tightly in one fist.

With drunken steps he wound his way out of that section and in to aisle five. Despite staring directly at their selection of comics for a particular super hero universe Madara got the impression he wasn’t actually seeing any of them. Either he was hopelessly lost inside his own head or he had astrally projected so hard he wouldn’t find himself for another week. Just as the man lifted his hand, perhaps at last to interact with the world around him, the door of the shop jingled violently open to admit a harried looking woman. 

“There you are!” she screeched. Without even sparing a look around the rest of the open space she marched around a display of new releases and clapped a hand down on the zombie man’s shoulder. “I have been looking for you for over an hour, you absolute dick! Do you know how worried we’ve been? Your brother would have taken my damn head off if anything happened to you on my watch!” 

“...nm?”

“Oh for fuck’s sake!”

Pinching the bridge of her nose, the woman shook her head and finally looked around. The fact that there weren’t any other customers seemed to console her a little bit, probably relieved there weren’t more witnesses to her bad skills at keeping track of one man. When her eyes looked on to Madara he refused to quail under the force of her glare. A part of him sort of wanted to. He spent as much time in the gym as the next self-conscious guy but the look she was giving him promised that she, in fact, was the one with an ability to rip heads. To his absolute shame, he looked away first. But only for long enough for the weight of her gaze to leave him so he could go back to watching this drama unfold in front of him. 

“Come on,” she growled, tugging at the man’s sleeve. “Next time this happens I am tying you to the bed until you fucking learn! Did you even pay for that drink? You are so paying me back for this, I don’t care if it’s only a couple bucks!”

It wasn’t all that surprising how little resistance the man offered to being pulled across the floor and back out on to the street, though Madara did give some thought to whether or not he should be calling the police. Should he be reporting assault over this? It was too bad the owners were too cheap to install any real security other than the one camera pointing straight at the door and the one directly over the till. Some proper footage of what happened probably would have made great evidence if someone came back to question him.  

For several minutes after he was left suddenly alone Madara stared towards the door and wondered if it was possible that he might have hallucinated everything that just happened. Maybe he’d been reading too many of the comics in here. His mother used to warn him when he was little that using his imagination too much would rot out his common sense - but, then again, she was a cantankerous old bitch who kicked him out as soon as he turned eighteen. He’d never put much stock in anything she had to say. And then there were the coins that crazy lady had tossed over the counter on their way by, that was pretty solid evidence that he wasn’t hallucinating. 

Without a live zombie show for entertainment the rest of his shift at the comic shop mostly passed in boredom. Usually he worked the afternoon shifts just for this very reason. The mornings were always dead but he’d had to reschedule an appointment with his doctor three times already and trading shifts today had been the only way he was getting in there without having to wait several more weeks for another open spot. Medical care in their city seriously needed a bigger budget. Desperate to pass the time without resorting to the merchandise he wasn’t supposed to fiddle with on shift, Madara ended up slumped over the front counter doodling on the back of some old receipt paper he found stuffed in to a random drawer. Nearly half the page disappeared under swirls of red ink before he realized that he was drawing a dead, moaning zombie. With a sheepish look around he set the red pen aside and reached for a black one instead. Hopefully that would inspire some less creepy doodles. 

As expected, a couple hours before the end of his shift he finally started seeing some customers, his fellow nerds flocking in to check for new issues of the latest detective comic or merchandise for their favorite anime characters. Madara kept a sharp eye on the ones he didn’t recognize and gave no more thought to the entertaining if odd start to his day. After work he scurried off to the bus stop and barely made it to his long overdue doctor’s appointment before stumbling back on to the bus an hour after that with a bandaid on his arm and several vials of blood less in his body. 

“M’ home,” he called weakly as he shuffled inside the apartment. Something clattered around the corner, followed quickly by the sound of Izuna swearing.

“Did the appointment go well?” His brother’s voice shouted after him on his way down the hall. 

Tossing his jacket through the door of his bedroom, he called back. “Went fine. Had to get some blood pulled. Dumb ass doctor doesn’t think I know my own body enough to tell when I’m having seasonal allergies. He wants to test me for heart disease!” 

“But...those aren’t...anki, that makes no sense!” 

“I know!” Madara rolled his eyes even though the other couldn’t see him. “Apparently being short of breath because of the all the ragweed means I must be on the verge of a heart attack.” 

“Probably got his medical degree out of a cereal box.” 

Tired, a little loopy from having too much blood drawn without eating anything, Madara’s thoughts for the rest of his evening were filled mostly with grumbles about incompetant medical staff and listening to Izuna go on about the latest drama from his apprenticeship. Work was so far from his mind he entirely forgot to mention the strange occurrence from that morning. He went to bed that night thinking only that he was grateful his shifts were back to their usual afternoon schedule tomorrow because he certainly didn’t want to wake up early again, his dreams filled with needles that laughed at him while he sneezed uncontrollably. 

Several days went by with the usual humdrum of the life Madara and his brother had fallen in to. As much as he despised the morning shift, he loved the afternoons with equal fervor. His job at the comic shop didn’t pay much more than a basic living wage but he loved the environment, loved his regular customers, and he especially loved the hefty discount it gave him on all the nerdy merchandise he couldn’t help filling their home with. Things went about as normally as they usually did in his life until the fourth day when Madara looked up from checking out a regular customer to find the next person in line was an actual walking snack. 

Wild hair artfully arranged to somehow look purposefully messy, skin so pale he could be mistaken for an albino, red eyes that Madara would swear could see right down in to his soul, he was already a dreamboat even without taking in the deliciously toned rest of his body. Something about him looked familiar but it was hard to concentrate past the broad shoulders standing straight and tall. 

“Can I - ahem - how can I help you?” Madara fought with his cheeks not to flush bright red and prayed that no one would comment on the massive crack his voice had just done. 

“You wouldn’t happen to be Madara, would you?” the man asked in a deep rumble. “Your coworkers described you to me when I came in here yesterday.”

“I am, yes. Uh...is there something wrong?” 

Shaking his head, the man coughed a little as though feeling uncomfortable. “No, no. I only wanted to come in and thank you for not kicking me out of your store the other day. I was, ah, fairly ill at the time and my behavior was not the best. Several shops had already sent me on my way but you allowed me to stay in one place long enough for my cousin to catch up so I wanted to say thank you for letting me stay somewhere safe. Anything could have happened to me in that state.” 

For a second Madara tried to subtly look the man up and down, trying to determine if he was lying or not. Surely this couldn’t be the same guy? It was only after he mentally added some black streaks under the eyes, hunched the shoulders, and squinted the eyes that he realized it was. This was his zombie customer. 

“You don’t look the same at all!” was the first thing his stupid mouth chose to blurt out. 

“Ah. Thank you, I think.” The man coughed awkwardly again. “I’m told I look fairly awful whenever I work myself in to sleep deprivation.” 

“Oh is that why you were acting so much like a zombie? Wait no! Shit! Sorry, that was rude! Um, shit- gah, I’m not supposed to swear, fuck. Damn it!” Exasperated with his own lack of self control, Madara smacked a hand over his face. Nearby one of his regulars could be heard snickering but glaring them in to silence would have meant removing his hand and facing the hot stranger who’d made him splutter. 

To his eternal relief, no comments were made about his verbal idiocy, although he could definitely hear traces of amusement in the man’s tone when he continued speaking. 

“Yes, unfortunately I have a habit of getting a little too involved in my studies. Exams are coming up so I’ve only been sleeping about two or three hours a night and it, ah, finally caught up to me apparently. I don’t remember much but my cousin tells me I wandered out of her house sometime around six in the morning and she didn’t find me until, er, whenever it was she found me in here.” After scratching at the back of his neck he seemed to jolt himself and then held out the same hand. “I’m Tobirama, by the way.” 

“Madara. But um, you apparently already knew that.” 

They shook hands, at which point Madara realized the other man’s incredible height also came with massive hands that practically engulfed his own. He really hoped he wasn’t blushing as brightly as it felt like he was. 

“So you live around here then?” he asked. Then he wanted to slap himself again because that was probably way too personal of a question. 

“Not really. Well, not yet. I’m staying with my cousin so I can take some courses at the university but my brother is thinking of moving back to town so I’ll probably move back in with him if he does.” 

“Back to town?” Madara perked up. “So you’re from around here originally?” 

Tobirama nodded. “We grew up in the west end.”

“No kidding? Me too.” Squinting, Madara tried to determine whether they might have crossed paths when they were younger. The man did sort of look familiar but age could change a lot about a person and it wasn’t like he’d kept contact with anyone from that end of town. Not after he’d been summarily tossed to the curb. 

His closer interest did not go unnoticed. For a moment he flushed even deeper than he already was, thinking Tobirama might have been offended by his scrutiny. Then his ears were flaming for another reason entirely and he couldn’t even bring himself to be upset about the misunderstanding when the other leaned in just a bit closer with a slow smile. 

“I don’t suppose you’d like to go for coffee sometime?” he asked. “As a thank you, of course.” 

“On one condition,” Madara told him, feeling suddenly bold.

“Do tell.” Tobirama looked even more amused by his request. He leaned farther down to rest his weight on both elbows to patiently await the condition he would supposedly need to meet. 

“If you can describe the premise behind any of the comics in this store then you’ve got yourself a date. I’ve had too many people try and steer me away from ‘childish interests’ and think they can ‘help me grow up’.” 

After breaking up with the fourth person in a row who mocked him for his interests Madara had made a pact with himself to never again date anyone who didn’t accept him for who he was and what he loved. He might be a massive nerd but he’d learned the lesson of self value a long time ago and he wasn’t about to let himself be blinded by a pretty face again. 

To his utter delight, he needn't have worried this time. With a competitive sort of light in his eye Tobirama pointed out half a dozen different comics within eyesight and not only named the main characters but also the basis of the main plot for each of them. What made it all the more impressive was that he mostly chose rather obscure franchises that couldn’t be considered mainstream. Madara was half in love before he was finished describing the third one. Handsome, intelligent enough for university, and apparently in to the same geeky stuff as him? Sign him up. Immediately. 

“Okay, okay, point made!” Throwing up his hands in surrender made Tobirama smile. “You mentioned your exams are coming up so I’m guessing you’ll be busy for the next little while. Why don’t I give you my number and we can go out for coffee to celebrate after you don’t need to study so much?” 

“I would appreciate that a lot,” Tobirama murmured earnestly. 

“School’s obviously important to you if you’ll work yourself in to a zombie state over it,” Madara pointed out. 

He got a grateful look that made his stomach flip flop. Rather than make a fool of himself again he printed off a bit of blank receipt paper and wrote his number down, sliding it across the counter. He expected Tobirama to slip the paper in to his pocket but instead he pulled out a beaten up cell phone and entered the number right there, smiling to himself like he'd won an unexpected treat. 

“I’m sure Hashirama will be thrilled to know I’m finally being more social.”

Madara nearly stopped breathing. All the triumph of having secured a very promising date suddenly drained right out of him as he stared at the man across the counter in horror, several little clues falling in to place at once. Finally he’d figured out why Tobirama looked familiar and it wasn’t because he’d seen him in zombie form. Images of his childhood best friend danced across his memories.

“You’re...you’re Hashirama’s little brother,” he whimpered. “Oh god. Oh god! He’s going to kill me! He’s going to come back to Konoha just to cut all my hair off in a bowl cut to match his!” 

While Tobirama stared at him with a mixture of horror and amusement Madara decided that as long as he got that date first he didn’t much care how he died. One conversation - and one look at those well defined biceps - was all he’d needed to know that Tobirama would be well worth it.

[lovemesomesurveys]

[yourheaventonight]

Where have you been all my life? I’ve always been right here.

Can you recite the Greek alphabet backwards? Nope. Or at all.

What social networks are you a part of? Like every main one.

Which of your fields of interest are you a total expert on? I’m not a total expert on anything.

What is one thing you will never understand? Why I’m like this.

Do you blog? This is it.

What was the last movie you watched? Godzilla vs Kong.

^Would you recommend it? Yeah, I enjoyed it. Admittedly, I was mainly interesting for Alexander Skarsgard, but I did think the movie was good.

With whom did you share your last awkward moment? My life is an awkward moment.

When was the last time you got all dolled up? It’s been yearsss.

Gimme yer best shot and insult me. Go ahead. Uh, no.

What do you think makes a person attractive? Physical attributes, certainly, but personality traits and who they are as a person makes a person attractive to me as well. Even more so.

Out of everyone you know, who has the worst taste in music? I don’t think anyone I know has bad taste in music, I share a lot of the same music taste.

^How about the best? ^^^

Can guys REALLY pull off skinny jeans? They can wear whatever they want.

What is one thing you missed out on that you wish you hadn't? I missed out on a lot of my 20s I feel like, it feels like a complete blur. I don’t know what happened to them. And now I’m in my 30s and I feel like I’m missing out on those, too. Just life, in general for the past several years. Everyone around is me is doing things and living life and I’m just wasting away.

What was the last thing/place you decorated? My room for Christmas.

Have you just recently started listening to any new bands? No. It’s been a long time since I’ve discovered any new bands.

How many windows/tabs are open on your computer right now? Two windows, 7 tabs.

Would you rather date someone really skinny or really overweight? I want to date someone based on other things. 

Let me in on a little secret of yours. Nah.

What is one habit you had as a child? Nail biting/picking. 

^Do you still have that habit today? Sigh, yes.

Is there someone you wish you were closer with? Yes.

^What's stopping you from being closer with them? I’ve been so distant and withdrawn from everyone.

Besides air, what was the last thing you inhaled? The scent of my ramen earlier.

Which point in life do you think is hardest? (i.e. childhood, adulthood...) For me it’s been the past few years.

How was life going for you, say, six months ago? Not well.

^Is that the same as today, or have things changed? Things have changed, but not in a good way.

Who was the last person to make you frown? It’s been things I’m struggling with doing that, not a person.

^Was anyone able to turn that frown upside-down? No.

What was the last non-papery substance you drew on? I have no idea.

What is one thing you wish you had the courage to do? Get certain things checked out and taken care of that I’ve put off for too long.

Which is bigger: Your iTunes library or your CD collection? My iTunes collection was definitely better. I haven’t used iTunes since like 2012, though, and I don’t have any CDs anymore.

What is your one true weakness? I’m just weak.

When is the last time you had hot chocolate? It’s been a couple years.

Composition notebooks or spiral notebooks? Why? Spiral. I just like them better.

What is the most bizarre compliment you've ever received? That I looked pretty for someone with polio. I don’t have polio, but they assumed I did just because I’m in a wheelchair. Also, what does that even mean? “For someone with polio.” Wtf?

Do you identify more with guys or girls? I think I relate more to girls.

When someone you know is sad, how do you go about cheering them up? I kinda suck at that and don’t know what to do or say.

Has someone ever accused you of not being creative enough? I say that about myself. I lack creativity or any artistic ability. 

Starbucks coffee or Dunkin Donuts coffee? I’ve only had Dunkin’s coffee a few times, but I’ve had Starbucks countless times and I do like it, so I’ll go with that. I do wish I had a Dunkin where I live cause apart from the donuts, I’ve heard they do have good brewed coffee.

Do you crack under peer pressure? Yepppp. And it doesn’t take much.

What do you think deserves more attention than it already gets? Hmm.

What song never fails to get stuck in your head? Songs I hear in commercials.

Who is your favorite vocalist? Why? Chester Bennington is one. His voice was incredible.

What is your most overused emoticon? This one: 😬 Do you ever name objects? (i.e. mp3 players, guitars, cars, etc.) Nah.

When was the last time you had a bagel? Hm. It’s been awhile, actually. I don’t even remember. Can you lick your own elbow? No.

What time during the day/night is your mind most active? At night when I’m up alone.

What color ink does your favorite pen have? I have a nice set of colorful pens that I really like.

What was the last thing you licked? My lips.

Who was the last person in your bed besides yourself? Just me. Can you touch your tongue to your nose? No.

What flavor mouthwash do you use? I don’t. Mouthwash irritates my mouth.

What tends to distract you most? I just find myself zoning out a lot. Like, someone will be talking to me and I feel myself getting overwhelmed quite easily and drift out and it doesn’t mean they’re boring or talking about heavy things (sometimes they are). I get like sensory overload. Or I’ll just be sitting in bed and zone out.

Is the perfect man or woman a myth? Yes. No one is perfect.

How do you feel about Bob Marley? I like a couple songs.

What's your favorite fairy tale? I liked reading or listening to all of them when I was growing up. <<<

Do you know who Tom Jones is? Yes.

Tell me one fact you know about horses (without using Google). They have manes.

When was the last time you had to walk up or down stairs? Well, never since I’m in a wheelchair.

Tell me one unique quality about your own handwriting. My handwriting is shit.

What daily chore do you secretly enjoy? I don’t enjoy any type of cleaning.

Has a child ever asked you a question you found difficult to answer? Definitely. Kids ask a lot of questions about everything and anything.

Name five books you've read in the past year. I’ve read a ton more than that, but I’ll give you the latest 5: Cold Highway, Cold Threat, Cold Hunt, Cold Truth, and To Die For.  You can probably tell the first 4 are by the same author, Mary Stone. The last one is by Willow Rose.

^Are any of those books your favorite? I’ve enjoyed ‘em all. I’ve read a lot of books from both authors.

Are you a person that enjoys re-reading books? I don’t re-read books, actually. 

Which hobby is the lamest: stamp collecting or spoon collecting? I wouldn’t call either of them lame just cause it might not be something I’m personally interested in. Those bring some people joy.

What do you daydream about most often? My mind wanders off to random stuff, stuff I’m dealing with, stuff I’m anxious and stressed out about, etc.

Why is your favorite band your favorite band? I’ve listened to them since middle school, so we have a lot of history. I really just connect and relate to their lyrics and I love their music.

Do you have a favorite talk show host? Nah.

What do you wish you could afford at the moment? A beach home with my own private beach area. 

What is the most unusual color you've ever painted your nails? I can’t think of any “unusual” colors that I’ve painted them. 

Which sounds the most refreshing: a hot shower or a cold one? I always take hot showers.

Have you ever made your own soap? No.

What's your favorite popsicle flavor? Not a popsicle fan.

Can you sleep with socks on? Yeah, I always have socks on.

When was the last time you were pissed beyond belief and why? I’ve been frustrated and pissed with some things I’ve been dealing with lately. 

Name a band with the word 'red' in their title. Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Do you have a favorite candle brand? I’m not a candle person. I just go for the room sprays.

How many years until you turn 38? 6. D:

What is your opinion on taxidermy? I find it super creepy and weird.

Would you ever want to own a body part in a jar? Uh, no.

What is the worst thing you have ever done to your own hair? Let it get really knotted up. :/

What do you think makes you a good girlfriend or boyfriend? Nothing.

What qualities of yours do you think could potentially harm a relationship? I’m a total mess, I wouldn’t make a good girlfriend. 

How often do you indulge in a favorite food from your childhood? I eat ramen regularly.

Have any of your childhood habits carried over into adolescence/adulthood? My damn nail picking habit. 

What is the nicest thing you've done for someone else in the past 24 hours? Nothing.

What sort of conditions do you require in order for you to fall asleep? It needs to be cool and I have to have the TV on.

What is the first band that comes to mind when I say 'dark'? Uhhh.

Do you have a favorite punk band? Green Day.

As far as relationships go, what are your biggest deal-breakers? Abuse and cheating. <<<

Be honest: do looks really matter to you? They’re like a bonus to me. <<<

Congratulations! Someone sent you flowers! What kind do you hope they are? I’m not picky, just a pretty assortment perhaps would be nice.

What type of underwear do you personally prefer to wear? Hipsters.

What is the grossest chore you've ever been assigned? Nothing gross.

What band (BESIDES IRON MAIDEN) comes to mind when I say 'iron'? I got nothin. 

Have you ever done something simply because you were of age? I had to go out and buy alcohol the day I turned 21.

Do you think it's worth it to tell someone you had feelings for them when you don't have them anymore? Wait, tell them I used to have feelings for them but don’t anymore? If I don’t anymore then why tell them about when I used to? Unless of course we were in a relationship and I no longer felt that way.

What color shirts do you tend to buy most often? Black.

Have you ever done something you once thought you'd be too chicken to do? Yeah.

Where would you rather go: Portland, Oregon or Portland, Maine? Portland, Oregon.

Name a band that begins with the letter Y. Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Tell me about someone who has made a huge impact in your life. My mom most definitely has.

What can I usually find you doing at 4pm on a weekday? At that time any day I’m likely still sleeping.

What's a food you love but don't get to eat very often? I only eat the same few foods, so I eat them quite often. Like, I eat Wingstop 3-4 times a week...

Do you dot your lowercase i's? Yes.

What's the first song on your iPod/mp3 player that comes up under P? I use Spotify on my phone for music, but anyway nah I don’t feel like doing that. 

Do the words 'Amon' and 'Amarth' mean anything to you? No.

What's your favorite mythical being? I don’t really have a favorite.

Don't you hate surveys that end abruptly? As long as the question itself isn’t cut off, which I’ve seen, or it’s a numbered one and a question is completely missing then I don’t care.

Let's end this survey with a smile; tell me something funny. I’m not in a good mood to think of something funny right now.

[antigoneawake]

a n t i g o n e   k e n n e d y   g r a v e s

basics:

name: antigone kennedy graves. pronunciation: an·ti·guh·nee keh·nuh·dee grahvs. meaning: antigone- in place of a mother, unbending, against, compared to, like. kennedy- misshapen head or fierce headed. birthday: september 13th. age: nineteen. pronouns: they, she & her. sexuality: pansexual. siblings: archibald graves (triplet), ajax graves (triplet). parents: john graves & elaine graves nee kennedy. other family: darcy kennedy (grandmother). languages: english. current residence: the graves triplet’s london flat. hometown: boston, massachusetts; new york city, new york.

wizard fun:

hogwarts house: ravenclaw. year of graduation: 1979. occupation: intern at the department of mysteries. pet: none. tig does bring home many strays to care for, though. blood status: pureblood. species: witch. patronus: goldfish. it symbolizes prosperity. it brings good luck and good fortune. with its golden scales and colorful patterns, they are associated with much wealth which it will share to those it guides. the gold fish is naturally strong. a big fish for its kind, it swims powerfully to get to where it wants. it also symbolizes a dragon in ancient eastern and oriental traditions, with legend holding that it can transform into a water dragon. its transformative powers make it a sign of power and virility. they exist in naturally serene environments. to view the goldfish and koi is to be reverted into a meditative state. this brings about a feeling of calmness and peace to those that see this animal as a guide. it causes those that see it to be still as well, easing their worries and letting their minds work more freely.  boggart: the memory of her parents bodies in their caskets. the idea of her brothers there with them. amortentia:   candy apple.  one of tig’s favorite treats that reminds her of the best memories of carnivals and festivals with her brothers back at home.  lavender.  lavender has always been tig’s favorite scent. her mother wore it in her perfume and tig also wears it. they used to grow small planters of lavender in their back yard too.  sea salt.  antigone loves the ocean. she always has. it is a life long dream of hers to live her life on the beach next to the ever present waves.  wand type: 9″ willow wood, thunderbird tail feather, springy.  willow is an uncommon wand wood with healing power, and I have noted that the ideal owner for a willow wand often has some (usually unwarranted) insecurity, however well they may try and hide it. while many confident customers insist on trying a willow wand (attracted by their handsome appearance and well-founded reputation for enabling advanced, non-verbal magic) my willow wands have consistently selected those of greatest potential, rather than those who feel they have little to learn. It has always been a proverb in my family that he who has furthest to travel will go fastest with willow.  thunderbird wands were powerful but difficult to master, and were good for transfiguration work. wands with thunderbird tail feather cores, like the birds the feathers are taken from, are able to sense danger and can cast curses on their own. wands with thunderbird tail feather cores have been known to fire curses pre-emptively when supernatural dangers are present. affiliation: neutral.

appearance:

height: 5′4″. hair color: strawberry blonde. eye color: teal. typical hair style: antigone wears her hair long. it has soft curls that almost look beach like in their waves. she often wears her hair up in a simple ponytail with a big bow.  fashion style: tig wears sneakers, straight lined skirts or dresses, peter pan collars, and sweaters. she likes a soft palette of pastel colors. she occasionally wears overalls and high waisted shorts. her skates are always on her person. she loves floral patterns, simple colors, and plaids. [ fashion ] distinguishing features: tig has a look of otherness about her. her eyes are never quite focused on what is in front of her. she has a sprinkling of freckles on her face and a few scars on her arms from being caught in a rose bush as a kid.

personality:

positive traits: contemplative. amiable. open-minded. negative traits: unreliable. naive. nervous. theme song: something wild by lindsey stirling ft andrew mcmahon

headcanons:

tig doesn’t usually have pockets, actually. if she does, it’s because she’s wearing her overalls and if that’s the case, she has rocks and sticks in her pockets. she usually wears a dress or skirts that lack pockets, but she makes up for it by almost always having a pink knapsack with her. it was a gift from her brothers on one of their birthdays. in her bag, she almost always has a deck of tarot cards, a tiger’s eye and turquoise, bandages, dice, mints, bubblegum, an ink pen, a quill and ink pot, colored pencils, ribbons, sheet music, and there is always an assortment of sticks, leaves, and flower petals.

antigone has always been partial to the spring. she likes to watch the world bloom. tig has always had a special and loving connection with nature and it certainly feels the most powerful during the spring. the air is refreshing and breezing, and she will spend hours just laying in the grass on those days. 

she’s a rainy day kind of girl. is there anything better in this life than being caught in a spring shower? antigone graves thinks not. rain is even more beautiful to her because it can make her divinations decidedly more clear. she will stand letting the raindrops in her face for hours and has been caught doing it before. as a younger girl, her grandmother would chide her for coming home soaking wet and catching colds from it.

biography:

TW: death, parental death

The Graves family is one of the most well-known and revered pureblooded families in America and has been so for generations. John and Elaine met through an arranged engagement. However, unlike many who found themselves in a similar position, the couple fell deeply in love. They took up residence in a large colonial house right outside Boston. John focused on climbing the political ladder at MACUSA while Elaine delved into a promising fashion career.

Their pregnancy came as a bit of a shock several years into their marriage. That is, to everyone but John’s mother, a well-known seer who had long said they would have a rare miracle arriving. While they hadn’t planned it, they were both very pleased to begin a family. The surprises continued when they were told that they would be having triplets. Elaine opted to take a step away from the world of fashion so that John might continue his work in Congress. His career was at a crossroads that could not be put on hold. In fact, the choices he made during this time would change the course of his entire family.

The triplets were born just as the Massachusetts leaves had begun to change color and fall. Autumn welcomed them to the world. Antigone was born the middle of the three. A brother on either side and all born just before midnight.

Their childhood was one filled with incredible privilege and opportunities. The triplets were very well educated. Even before they started school at the Salem Institute for Witches, they were well versed in both general education and magical theories. From the beginning, Antigone showed a particular proclivity towards divinations, herbology, and care of magical creatures. Her grandmother was happy to groom her seeing abilities. She always had an innate curiosity. Her wonder for the world often drove her to study anything that she could care for, whether it be flora or fauna. No one could deny that she had a desire to care for things. A trait that was always praised and encouraged by her family.

It was in the triplet’s third year that rumors began to swirl about her father’s political dealings. He had obviously been angling to become President for some time. However, his staunch belief in pureblood supremacy and ties to controversial movements left the public torn in opinion of him. Antigone struggled to believe that her father, one of the most loving and kind men she knew, could ever be how these people described him. They even portrayed her mother as some sort of icy woman. That’s how she knew it all to be untrue. Her father even publicly stepped back from his more controversial views, appeasing most.

What she thought of the rumors would cease to matter as they ended their fourth year of school. An owl came to their headmistress in the dead of night. John and Elaine Graves had both been found dead in their Boston home. An angry citizen who disagreed with his views was the final word, but Antigone certainly didn’t believe it. It didn’t feel right, and all seers knew to trust their instincts above everything. There were too many signs that indicated it was not any wizard. It had to have been a hitwizard, although there was no telling which side ended up hiring them.

While their mother had no siblings or much family to speak of, John had a previously estranged sister in Europe who agreed to take in the now orphaned triplets. It was a large paradigm shift for Antigone and her brothers, who had always been taught that halfbloods and purebloods who did not remain so were dangerous to their way of life. Their father had not said more than a few sentences on his sister for the entirety of their lives. Frankly, Antigone forgot that she had an aunt more often than not. For the woman to show such open kindness and hospitality has her questioning everything that she’d ever been taught growing up.

Moving to a new country and beginning school in an entirely new place still feels like the carpet was pulled out from under her. However, Antigone realized her potential for change here. The last thing she wanted was to end up like her father and mother. Perhaps there was more she could learn from being more open-minded. That being said, she is realizing that there is more to learn and unlearn than she ever realized before and at times, it was all impossible to keep up with.

Hogwarts held its own set of challenges. The curriculum was different, there were people who had known each other for a lifetime that she’d barely remember, Antigone never knew who she could trust and who she couldn’t. What’s more, the world outside was storming. There was a brewing war that they had all been thrust into, and she had no idea where to stand. What she did know was that the images in the leaves told her horrible stories of the future. Stories that terrified her.

Graduation came before she knew it. With her father’s name in politics and her grandmother’s reputation as a seer, Antigone was offered several jobs off the bat. Finally, she decided to take on an internship in the Department of Mysteries as it felt like where she was most needed and useful. Working inside a government that she barely understands in a job that is nearly impossible to explain is a trial in and of itself. Luckily, it does the job to distract her from everything which wants to pull her towards either side of the conflict surrounding her.

[zoocross0vers]

Merry Christmas Everyone!

A/N: Merry Christmas and God bless us, everyone! :D

This is primarily based on the Mickey Christmas Carol. What can I say, it’s my favorite version of all the Christmas Carol adaptations out there (along with the Flintstone’s Christmas Carol)! X3

Which is your favorite Christmas Carol adaptation? :D

…

                              A Zootopian Christmas Carol

Chapter 1: The Warning

Zootopia 1843

Christmas was always a wonderful and joyous time of the year to many, but to one miser of a cape buffalo, it was just another day of the year. Ebeneezer Bogo, the middle aged and grouchy cape buffalo in question, hated the season. He found it to be such a waste and an unnecessary excuse to get mammals a day off work and not make money for that day.

Yes, to Bogo there was absolutely nothing more important than money. He cared little for trivial things like family, friends, or other things he considered to be unimportant distractions, like Christmas. 

He’d never admit it to himself, but he wasn't always like this. He knew that he was cold hearted, but he had never taken the time to think about why he had become this way. All he knew was that he was bitter, hated Christmas, and loved money. 

He owned his own counting house, which used to be a shared business with his former business partner, Dawn Bellwether. She was cruel and money hungry, just like her business partner, Bogo. And today Christmas Eve, marked seven years on the dot since she had died.

But to Bogo, none of it mattered. They were close in their youth, but as the years passed, they each began to grow more and more selfish. The profits of their counting house came to be all that mattered to them, as was evident when Bellwether died -- Bogo was to have her buried at her family's mausoleum, but he instead had her buried at sea.

It brought an amused smirk on his face as he made his way toward his counting house. He saw that the sign hanging outside of the counting house still read ‘Bogo and Bellwether's Counting House’. “Ah Bellwether, my old partner,” he said, “Seven long years since you’ve been gone and my personal profits have more than doubled since then. I hope there are no hard feelings between us. I remember that you did love to swim, so perhaps my choice of burial for you was more than appropriate.” He chuckled quietly and went inside.

Inside the counting house, was Bogo’s only employee, Nicholas Wilde. He was a thin red fox with a black tipped tail, though given his current state he might as well have been a pawpsicle seeing how much he was struggling to keep warm. Not even his thick winter coat was enough to keep him warm.

He was standing by the coal stove with a single piece of coal in paw as he heard the bell above the door ring, signaling to him that someone had just entered. He immediately turned in a panic, hiding the piece of coal behind his back as he saw that it was none other than his boss who had entered. “Mister Bogo! How are you doing this fine day!” he exclaimed with a false excitement, hoping that the buffalo hadn't noticed anything, “Is that a new coat? You know it really brings out the color of your eyes and--”

“Shut your mouth, Wilde,” said the buffalo as he simply walked past the fox. 

Nicholas watched him go, as he quietly sighed in relief. It appeared that he hadn’t noticed that one of the pieces of coal was missing.

“Wilde?”

Spoke too soon, thought Nicholas. “Yes sir?”

“It feels much warmer here than it should. Did you put it another piece of coal without my permission?” questioned the buffalo.

“Wha--?” Nicholas exclaimed with an affronted paw to his chest. “What kind of mammal do you take me for? Of course I'd never go against your wishes without your permission.”

Suspicious, the buffalo lightly kicked at the bucket of fresh coal, “Are you certain about that? I counted eleven pieces yesterday and there appear to be only about ten in here.”

“You actually count them?” Nicholas asked incredulously.

“That's not the point!” Bogo scolded, “You better have a good excuse for using my coal, or I’ll have to deduct that piece from your pay.” 

“But I promise you sir, I haven’t taken anything,” he lied as he dropped the piece of coal from his paw onto his tail and let it roll down as he cautiously led it back inside the bucket.

“That's not true. Show me what you're hiding behind your other paw,” ordered the buffalo.

“Okay, but I don't think you’ll find anything.” Nicholas brought forth his hidden paw, “See nothing.”

“Mm,” huffed the buffalo with a low annoyed rumble in his throat, “Your never can tell with your kind. Sneaky red devils is what you foxes are.”

“Of course, sir,” Nicholas agreed sarcastically under his breath, “And you cape buffaloes are just such kind and chipper fellows, am I right?”

Bogo eyed him suspiciously, searching for the hidden malice in his words. Nicholas shrunk in front of him, “Hehe, I mean that with the utmost sincerity, sir.”

“You better for your sake. Now get back to work,” said the buffalo as he headed toward his office.

“Actually, sir,” Nicholas said, causing the buffalo to stop and turn to him, “Would you mind if I use that piece of coal?”

“And waste my valuable resources? You foxes have winter coats. How can you possibly be cold?”

“It’s not for me,” replied the fox, “I can’t work with frozen ink.” Nicholas held the frozen quill pen as it was stuck inside the ink vial. “Unless we suddenly want to start selling ink pawpsicles. Get it?” Nicholas laughed, “Because it kind of looks like…” Nicholas slowly stopped his laughing when he noticed that Bogo was not at all amused, “...a pawpsicle…I’ll be quiet now.”

Bogo thought for a moment and huffed, “Take one of the ink vials from my office and get to work. No coal. I spend enough on your salary as it is already.”

“I take it this would be a bad time to ask for a raise then?” asked Nicholas with a cheeky grin.

“Get to work Wilde!”

Nicholas cowered a little and walked past the buffalo, “Speaking of work Mister Bogo, tomorrow is Christmas and I was wondering if I could have...half a day off?”

Bogo snorted, “Christmas eh? First you ask me for a raise and now this.”

“But sir, I never ask anything from you and I have worked for ten consecutive Christmases in the past. Wouldn’t it be alright to have just one Christmas where I could spend at least half a day with my family?”

“Hmm, well...I suppose so. But! I’ll deduct you half a day’s pay.”

“Really? Thank you sir! And just so you know, I really mean that kind and chipper comment from before now.”

“Just get to work Wilde.”

“Yes, sir!” Nicholas said with a hopeful smile as he rushed into Bogo’s office to fetch a vial of ink.

Bogo just rolled his eyes as the fox disappeared inside the office. 

Just then, the bell hanging above the entrance to their office rang. Ah, a customer, thought Bogo. 

His smile faded however, when he saw that it was just his nephew, Fred Bogo. “Merry Christmas uncle Bogo!” cheered the thin young cape buffalo. He bore a striking resemblance to Bogo, with the only two exceptions being Fred’s more lively demeanor and his thinner build.

“Fred! Is that really you?” asked a smiling Nicholas when he came back out from the office.

“Hello Mr. Wilde! Merry Christmas!” cheered the actually chipper young twenty year old buffalo.

“And a Merry Christmas to you too Master Fred!” replied Nicholas in return.

“Bah. Humbug,” muttered Bogo as he headed into his office. Fred shrugged at Nicholas and followed his uncle into his office. “Come now uncle, surely you don’t mean that.”

Bogo plopped down at his work desk to count coins on a scale, “Then tell me nephew, what is Christmas to you? But another day for mammals to get a day off from work and not an hour richer. Humbug, I say to such a lazy custom.”

“Well uncle, perhaps I haven’t profited from it but I believe that Christmas is a time for giving and to be with one’s family. It’s a time when mammals can come together and find the good in their hearts. And though it has never put any gold or silver in my pocket, I believe it has done me good and will do me good and I say, God bless it!”

“Hear! Hear!” Nicholas cheered from outside Bogo’s office.

“Wilde!” Bogo shouted, “Do you want to get fired?”

“I’m shutting up now sir!” shouted Nicholas in return.

Bogo huffed, then turned back to his nephew. “Are you done yet, nephew? I am quite busy.”

“I’m not uncle. I’ve come to ask you to Christmas dinner with my wife and I.”

“No thank you,” Bogo huffed.

“Why not?” asked his nephew innocently.

“Why did you marry that penniless girl? You’re just as bad as Wilde out there. Marrying a rabbit. Puh, ridiculous.”

“But uncle, if Mr. Wilde and I chose to marry our respective wives out of love, then I don’t see the harm in our unions,” argued Fred.

“Love,” scoffed Bogo, “Love without profit is a bad investment. It can’t possibly compare to the profits of a good dowry. I told you that when you turned down that rich girl in favor of the poor one you married! What a waste! So if there’s nothing more important to discuss nephew, then I must ask you to take your leave!” Bogo loomed over his nephew.

“But uncle,” his nephew tried to object. The next thing the young cape buffalo knew, he was being escorted out from his uncle’s office and out the front door.

“I already said no. So good day, nephew!”

“But, but, but--”

SLAM!

Bogo slammed the door right to his nephew’s face. “Merry Christmas just the same uncle,” Fred muffled through the door.

“Humbug,” said Bogo.

Nicholas shook his head in disapproval of Bogo’s behavior. “He forgot to add the ‘buffalo’ in front of all those 'buts’.” Nicholas muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” asked the irritated buffalo.

“Nothing! I said, 'he’s a kind buffalo but not at all practical like his uncle.’”

“Ah, well, I suppose my nephew always has been a little bit peculiar,” Bogo said as the front door’s bell rang once more, “And stubborn.” For a moment, he thought that his nephew had returned, but it turned out to be a hare and vixen couple at the front door. “Oh, customers,” said Bogo, delighted. “You keep busy Wilde, I shall handle this. Good evening sir and madam. How may I help you today?”

“Good evening, sir,” answered the vixen by the name of Skye Savage. “My husband and I are seeking donations for the Zootopia Charitable Foundation and would really appreciate your help.”

“I’m sorry, for what?” asked Bogo.

The striped hare accompanying the vixen -- by the name of Jack Savage -- politely removed his hat, “We’re collecting money for the poor, sir.”

“Oh... I see,” replied Bogo through greedy, gritted teeth. “Well I wish you much luck in your charitable venture. Good day.” Bogo said turning his back to them.

“But Mr. Bogo, surely someone as well off as yourself can afford to donate something,” argued the hare.

“I certainly can, but I won't,” responded the cold hearted buffalo. “I support the workhouses already. They cost enough. If the poor are so needy, then they must go there.”

“But many can't go there and many would rather die,” cried the vixen, solemnly.

“If they would rather die, then they best do it fast and decrease the surplus population. Most notably you pesky hares and rabbits who don't stop overpopulating society enough as it is,” spat the buffalo with a glare at the hare.

The vixen's eyes widened, offended for her husband. “Now wait just a min--!” Her husband brought an arm up to stop her from stepping forward and arguing further. He kept his eyes on the buffalo, glaring at him with a single flare of his nostrils.

“It's alright Skye.” The striped hare turned to the buffalo, “I pity you if that's what you truly think of us.”

“It is,” he replied simply, and opened the door for the couple. “Good day.”

“Come dear,” said Jack, taking his wife's paw and walked out the door with her. Skye gave the buffalo one final humph and left with her husband.

Bogo slammed the door behind them. “Tsk, tsk, tsk...what is this world coming to Wilde?” Bogo asked his employee, who had clearly seen everything. Despite all the criticism that Nicholas wanted to give him, he said nothing. “You work hard all your life and then they want to take it all away. Unbelievable.”

“Yeah, unbelievable. Just like you never giving me a raise,” Nicholas mumbled.

“What was that?”

“Nothing! I just said, 'all that stress must really raise your blood pressure.’”

Bogo snorted, suspicious, but decided not to press further. Bogo headed toward his office when Nicholas spoke up again. “Uh sir, seriously though,” began the fox with a tremble in his voice and a nervous rub to the back of his neck. “Now that we're on the subject, I was wondering if I, well...if I could have a raise?”

“What?” asked the buffalo, looking annoyed.

“A raise?” said Nicholas with an accompanying nervous chuckle immediately after.

“Why should I give you a raise, Wilde? You’ve hardly earned it. Not to mention, that I already so generously have given you half of tomorrow off.”

“You have, you have,” Nicholas agreed, “But I have worked for you for ten years and in that time I’ve been yours and Miss Bellwether's only employee -- God rest her soul. And I've helped increase profits with my bookkeeping and business savvy. But, most importantly I also really need a raise because I have a very sick boy at hom--”

“Enough,” said the buffalo, not even taking a moment to actually listen to any of the fox’s points. “I don't need your life story Wilde. I’m afraid you already work more than the required hours for me to give you a raise.”

“But sir,” Nicholas attempted to argue.

“No buts Wilde! You should be thankful a mammal in my line of work even bothered to give you a job in the first place. Most wouldn't trust you to be honest with their business’ money. Little did they know that you are a bit of a gold mine since you're so good with numbers.” Bogo chuckled, proud. “Keep up the good work, Wilde. Maybe you’ll get that raise some day.”

“Yes, sir,” Nicholas agreed, glum and with his ears down. He turned back to his work, stress evident all over his face. “What am I going to tell them,” he sighed quietly to himself.”

Bogo meanwhile returned to his office without a care in the world.

Some hours passed and it finally came time for both mammals to go home. Nicholas in particular watched the grandfather clock as its big hand finally moved forward, signaling that it was 5 o’clock. “I’m done for the day sir!” Nicholas called to his boss. 

Inside his office, Bogo checked his pocket watch and saw that it had two minutes left until five o’clock. “Not by my watch Wilde! There's still two minutes left.”

“Are you serious?” Nicholas mumbled quietly to himself. He took the quill pen at his desk and continued writing until Bogo called out once more.

“Actually, never mind those last two minutes. You may go Wilde.”

Nicholas’ ears perked up in joy. He shut the book closed and hopped off the seat of his tall desk. “Thank you sir! There's that kind, chipper side of yours showing again!” He called to the buffalo who had his office door open.

“Enough jokes Wilde. Just go home and be sure to be here all the earlier the next day!” he ordered of the fox.

“Yes sir! And a Merry Christmas to you! Even if you won't take it,” saluted the fox, as he slapped on his small top hat atop his head and headed out the door.

Bogo meanwhile huffed a, “Bah, humbug.” 

After getting a bit more work done for the day, Bogo closed up shop and headed home himself.

With his top hat and cane in hoof, he walked the cobblestone path leading to his enormous mansion. He searched for his key in his pocket to enter as usual...but! Little did he know that this night would be anything but usual. 

As he fished for his key, the knocker on his door suddenly transformed from a brass buffalo shaped face to a ghostly see through sheep face. “Bogo…” whispered the glasses wearing ghostly apparition.

“Dawn Bellwether?” breathed Bogo in surprise as he took notice of the face. “No, it can't be,” he looked away in denial. When he looked back, the face was gone and he sighed in relief. Bogo carried on as usual, latching the key into the keyhole and opening the door. When he looked back up, he came face to face with the ghostly face again.

“Bogo!”

Bogo gasped and rushed inside! He slammed the door shut. The buffalo stood staring at the door, hyperventilating and hoping that what he had seen was nothing more but a figment of his imagination. “I-I’ve been working too hard, I’m seeing things.” Bogo's stomach then growled in hunger, “Perhaps some dinner should take my mind off things.”

So Bogo did just that. He poured himself a bowl of leftover gruel and dressed himself in his nightshirt. He ate in his bedroom, ready to spend Christmas Eve as he always did -- alone.

At first, it seemed as though a nice hot meal and a good nap at his favorite chair by the fireplace had done the trick. He had completely forgotten about his frightening encounter with his old partner. Bogo slept peacefully in his chair with a full belly...when suddenly…

rattle, rattle, rattle

The sounds of chains began to rattle in the distance. “Bogo…” the eerily haunting voice of Dawn Bellwether called to him. “Bogo…!” Her voice grew louder as did the sound of rattling chains.

“Mm?” Bogo moaned as he stirred in his sleep. 

“Bogo…”

Bogo peeked an eye open as he heard the sound again. “Must be the wind,” he figured as he settled himself in his seat. He snored peacefully for a moment when…

“BOGO!”

Said buffalo jumped in his seat, wide awake. “Wha--? What?!”

“BOGO!”

Through Bogo's bedroom door, a phantasmic sheep with glasses and rattling chains entered. “Bogo!” she moaned with a haunting wail.

“D-Dawn?” Bogo stuttered. “No...it can't be!” he said as he shut his eyes in denial.

“Bogo…” the ghost approached him with her rattling chains. “Don’t deny what your eyes clearly see Bogo.”

Bogo opened his eyes and gazed upon her, “No, this can’t be real. You can’t be here! Y-You’ve been dead for seven years!”

“Believe what you see Bogo!” shouted the ghost sheep right to his face. “Bogo, do you remember when I was alive how I used to rob the widowers and swindled the poor?”

“Yes, and all in the same day. You were such a good business mammal Dawn,” Bogo complimented proudly of her accomplishments. 

The sheep, giggled modestly with a wave of her hoof. “Oh stop, you’re too kin--N-No!” she yelled, correcting herself. “I was wrong! And as punishment, I’m forced to bear the chains I forged in life, now in death!” the ghost of Bellwether lifted the heavy chains and rattled them to emphasize her point. It was then that Bogo noticed that each of her chains was attached to a heavy safe or other money box. “Now, I’ve come here to warn you! Ebeneezer Bogo! Or the same thing will happen to you!”

“Th-That can’t happen. That’s impossible! I’ve done nothing wrong do deserve a fate such as yours!”

“Haven’t you?!” countered the sheep, angrily. “Have you any idea the weight of the very chains you bear yourself? The ones you’ve created and continue to link together each greedy day you live?!”

Bogo swallowed hard, sinking into his seat.

“Listen and listen well Bogo, my time on this earth is nearly gone. I have come here to warn you that you still have a hope of escaping my horrid fate,” said the ghostly sheep.

“W-What must I do?” asked a terrified Bogo.

“Tonight, you will be visited by three spirits. Listen to them and be sure to do as they say, or your chains will be heavier than mine. Expect the first when the clock strikes midnight,” said the sheep as she pointed to the grandfather clock in the room. 

“But, that’s in an hour. How can they all visit me in one night?” 

“Don’t underestimate them Bogo. And remember to take into account what they have to say,” Dawn said as she phased through Bogo’s window. 

“Wait! Dawn!” he called after her as he pulled open the wooden shutters. He gasped when he witnessed a sea of other ghostly apparitions floating about the night sky alongside Dawn Bellwether.

“Farewell Bogo. Expect me no more and remember all that I’ve told you and what will await you if you don’t…” she said as she gradually disappeared with a haunting breath.

Bogo rubbed his eyes and gazed back out the window. The sky was now clear with no one there -- not a living soul nor a dead one. The buffalo’s erratic breathing slowly returned to normal. “No, no. None of this could have been real. Bah, ridiculous!” he spat in denial, “Ghosts, spirits, humbug!”

He headed to bed and crawled in. “Surely when I awaken, this will all prove to be nothing more but an absurd dream.” he blew out the candle and laid down. In no time, he was snoring, fast asleep and dreaming good dreams to forget about his troubles. 

But little did he know...his troubles were only just beginning.

…

A/N: I apologize again for not being able to have the whole thing ready today, but the rest should come soon before the month’s over. Even if Christmas will be over by the time the rest is out, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, a joyous New Year, and just happy days in general, because why should the season of giving and goodwill be limited only to Christmas? ;)

P.S. Don’t know why I went with the name Ebenezer Bogo, but just roll with it, lol! What is his real name anyway? Does he have one?

[dresupi]

Because I live for angst apparently - both our spouses passed suddenly and we found common ground in that, it's been a while and we're claiming we're just friends but oops we might have made out after a bottle of red and now what?

Here you go! I’m sorry it took me so freaking long to write this.  

Ship: Draco Malfoy/Hermione GrangerRated: MOther tags: Past Character Death, Snogging, Grief, Angst, Heavy Angst, Feels, Canon Divergence, Not Epilogue CompliantWord Count: 1560

Hermione's head pounded like a runaway drummer as she softly padded through her living room.

It was filled with smiling photographs of her family. The children playing outdoors. Happily frantic photos from King's Cross at platform nine and three-quarters. Hers and Ron's wedding day.

She turned away, her eyes stinging. She couldn't look at that one without tearing up. Even now.

A green scarf was still on the coat tree by the fireplace. She knew if she sniffed it, it would smell of green tea and licorice. It would smell like Draco. Her throbbing head was the only thing that kept her from burying her face in the soft wool blend.

Nothing in this house smelled like Ron anymore. She hadn't even noticed when his scent had gone, but it had. Gradually. She wasn't sure what she thought about that. It didn't make her eyes burn and tear up as the wedding photos did. It mostly just made her realize how bloody long it had been since she'd gone out.

A year. It had been a year. And technically, Draco's visit the night before didn't count. Because she still hadn't gone out.

She'd gone an entire year going between work and home. Home and work. Down to the train station twice. Once to pick up the children and once to drop them off for school. The first time doing either on her own. The first time without Ron.

That past September felt as if it were ages ago. Harry and Ginny had tried to help, but nothing they did seemed to assuage the pain she felt that she was here and Ron wasn't.

Draco had been there too on September first. Alone, as well. She'd heard the news through Harry. Astoria had succumbed to the illness she'd had her entire life.

Draco had appeared stoic, but she could tell his shoulders were a little too square. His smile a little too fixed. He held his son a little too tightly as Scorpio squirmed to be let go and to run to the train as well. He'd caught her gaze only briefly, but lingered until she turned away.

It was three days later that she'd received the first owl.

On Malfoy header, penned with exquisitely smooth green ink. An apology took up most of the space. An apology for even deigning to contact her while she was in mourning, but… was there any chance they could meet for drinks? For lunch? For a coffee? He needed someone to talk to. And none of his friends seemed to understand.

She'd refused, but the owls kept coming.

After that first one, the ice had been broken. He spoke of his grief without preamble. Asking her if she still felt Ron's presence? If it had stopped. When it had.

She asked him if photographs brought him to tears. If it was painful to look at Scorpio sometimes. If there were things he did that reeked too heavily of Astoria.

She both wanted him to say no and yes. She didn't want anyone feeling this same pain, but she also didn't want to be alone.

Hugo had Ron's laugh. And damnit. It hurt to hear it.

She hadn't even spent much time in the company of her best friend for fear of seeing the same sparkle in her eyes that Ron used to have.

Around two months into their correspondence, Draco asked if it was better to watch one's spouse waste away for years and years or to lose them all at once as Hermione had. That he'd never known an Astoria who wasn't ill. No one did. If there was an afterlife where he'd meet her once more, he'd never recognize her. Was that better than kissing Ron goodbye one morning and identifying his corpse that afternoon? Was it worse? Did it matter?

Hermione didn't have an answer for him. She knew neither was fair. But instead of telling him that, she invited him over for wine.

Her eyes clouded as she stared at the glasses where they sat on the coffee table.  Both empty. The bottle between them empty as well. She'd thought she herself would feel empty too.

But she felt as if she were packed to the brim with butterflies. Bursting to get out.

Her cheeks burned as she reached down to scoop up both glasses in one hand, the bottle in the other.

She could magic it all away, but the act of cleaning felt therapeutic. It was how she'd done it when Ron passed. She'd slowly, methodically packed his things, keeping a few items for herself, but the rest was sent off for donations.

Now that she thought about it, that was likely when her late husband's scent had started to leave the home they'd once shared.

The home she now padded through alone unless it was summer and Hugo and Rose were around to liven it up.

Between the months of September and June, it was only her.

Until last night.

She'd no sooner sent the owl inviting him than he was flooing into her living room. Hanging his coat and scarf on the coat tree and sitting upon her sofa like a cat. Crookshanks had twittered at him, rubbing around his ankles before tottering off to his favorite napping place.

Draco was formally dressed. Robes still on from work, most likely, whereas Hermione was in her usual weekend attire. Flannel pyjama bottoms and one of Ron's old Quidditch t-shirts. Draco hadn't batted an eye, he'd simply produced a bottle of some very fine red wine, prompting Hermione to summon the glasses.

Although she'd waited until well after her second glass to act upon it, the desire to kiss Draco Malfoy had consumed her from the second he'd arrived.

He always looked put upon, as if he was doing you a favor by deigning to grace you with his presence. This wasn't like that. She'd wager that he'd no sooner read her invitation than he'd set off for the floo.

He didn't look bored. Or boastful or swaggering.

He looked…

Hopeful.

And she'd wanted to kiss him right then and there.

The urge surprised her. She'd never wanted to kiss Malfoy in her entire life.

But in that minute, she wanted those dextrous fingers tangled in her hair. She wanted his lips on hers because he was the only one in her life who could truly understand her melancholy. And why that was being coded as arousal by her very confused mind wasn't her concern.

Still, it took her two and a half glasses to go for it.

And it was sloppy.

She leaned over, her lips finding his and tasting the wine lingering there. He didn't move for a long moment and she dreaded pulling back, having to look him in the face and own up to what she'd done.

But then, he sent both of their glasses to the table and cupped her face in his hands, deepening the kiss and laying her back on the sofa cushions.

His tongue delved into her mouth, flicking around and driving her mad.  Her mind went absolutely blank and for the first time in a year, she wasn't comparing this to her life before Ron had been killed. She wasn't drawing any comparison, because there wasn't one.

This was new. It was exciting.

And she didn't want it to stop.

But stop, they did. She wasn't sure when the snogging had started, but it ended around one in the morning with her legs wrapped around Draco's hips as he ground helplessly against her warmth. They were both still clothed, but very mussed.

He'd broken off the kiss softly. "Granger… unless we want to take this further, we should stop now."

She'd gulped and nodded. And he'd sat up, downing the rest of his glass and standing to take his coat. He'd lingered at the fireplace, sending a dark, longing look her way. "Next time, you can come to mine."

And he'd gone.

She was here now, cleaning out their glasses and blinking back a hangover and wondering what in the bloody hell she'd been thinking.

What she was still thinking.

Because she had to remind herself that it was poor judgment. Because it felt so very good.

A rapping at the kitchen window brought her from her thoughts. She recognized Draco's owl, a message for her tied to its leg.

She fed the owl a treat as she read through the short missive.

H,

I seem to have misplaced my scarf. Why don't you bring it 'round this evening and stay for dinner? Arrangements can be made in the event you'd like to stay later. 

D

She frowned, wondering exactly what tone he meant for that last bit, nearly missing the postscript at the bottom of the letter.

P.S Stop overanalyzing, Granger. If I hadn't wanted to kiss you, I wouldn't have. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, so I hope to see you this evening.

Her cheeks reddened considerably and she quickly penned an acceptance on the opposite side of the paper, sending it back with the owl.

It wasn't poor judgment. Her past year of self-inflicted hermitism had been. Besides, if there was any judgment to be endured, it wasn't going to come from Draco. Nor from Hermione for that matter. And theirs was the only verdict that mattered.

[despair-ninja-everything-agency]

KakeraTale: an UT AUs X Umineko crossover AU

*Slams door opens* Guess who's dipping her ass to the UnderTale fandom again??? :D

Anyway, it ain't be me of there's no crossover involved in here so let us get to the point of this post, shall we? >w>

So I was browsing the UnderTale AUs until I found Ink and Error (the latter is rediscovered cuz I liked ErrorTale when I was in High School). After I look further on them, I was like "How are you two not Witches yet?!" (The Umineko kind, mind you. I have not enough creativity to create the Madoka Magica kind). Then I remember there is Umineko crossover but it's only, like, one pic and it's Asriel, Chara, and Gaster. So I decide to make one exclusive to the sanses AUs.

Now behold this new UnderTale (Underverse? Cuz it involves the UT AUs?) X Umineko crossover AU: KakeraTale!

I was gonna call it UmiTale but it's focused more on the Kakera/Fragment concept - which is also present in Higurashi - rather than Umineko's general storyline although a lot of concepts here (Witches, Furniture, etc.) are mostly taken from Umineko.

Now let's us delve into what this AU is about

Characters

Lord Ink, Witch of Creations and Compilations: Ink is a kind of Witch who creates stories. His rank is that of a Creator Witch. Instead of drawing though, he creates them through writing its storyline like one would write a book. His paintbrush is replaced with a quill pen. He mostly compiles other people's stories in books, hence the 'Compilation' part in his title although there are large portions of it are his own creation. Some of his books - stories created by his own or compilated from other people's - are picked by the Great Lady Featherine Augustus Aurora, a fellow Creator Witch, and stored within the City of Books. Due to him mostly compiling instead of creating on his own, his position is a tad lower than Featherine's.

Lord Error, Witch of Erasure: Error would be a Voyager Witch, the kind who wanders from one Kakera to the other within the Sea of Fragments. While he's not aa malevolent as his original counterpart, this particular version of Error has a job on what he called as "cleaning game boards". He would either tamper or straight up destroy a game board (and sometimes Kakera) he deems unworthy or abandoned. Though he mostly respects active Game Masters in leaving their properties alone, that doesn't stop him from messing around with their game boards. One particular hobby of him is "collecting game pieces", in which he would steal someone's game piece and keeps it as his own, usually forcing the original owner to recreate said piece again for their own. His current collection of game pieces are all consisted of Sans pieces, as it seems to be his favorites. He retains his blue string ability.

Blueberry, the Witch of Erasure's Furniture: Originally from the UnderSwap game board, this version of UnderSwap Sans is taken by Lord Error from one particular Genocide Run Kakera rather than straight from its primary game board. At first treated as another game piece by the Witch of Erasure, his resilience in befriending and understanding him earned him a close position to the Witch and thus becoming his Furniture. Prior to this, however, lend him a terrible situation where he endlessly float in the Sea of Fragments in an "And I Must Scream" kind of situation before being rescued.

Lord Geno, Witch of Hopelessness: Domain Witch, Game Master, and owner of the AfterTale game board. Originally a normal Sans, he raised to the realm of Witches after discovering the concept of SAVE and RESET through overuse of determination. In an attempt to amend what happens to his past, he challenges the Witch Chara in hope on defeating them. However, despite being a Game Master, he's always beaten by Chara thus starting an endless loop of trying and failing to defeat them. Growing desperate, he resolves in coercing his own game piece to win the game for him. When this is proven futile, he almost consider to abandon his own game, putting the game into a halt.

Sans the Game Piece: A game piece within the AfterTale game board. This particular game piece managed to retain memories of the previous game session within his own world. At first reluctant on winning the game for his Game Master due to what he deemed as selfish reason, he finally willing to help him after witnessing what cruel moves the opponent have under their sleeves.

Storywise

While I'm not planning to make an all out story for this particular AU (considering I have to maintain and memorize the storylines of bajillion other AUs I have), I envision it having at least two arc, Error-Blueberry arc and AfterTale arc.

The E-B arc would focus on how Lord Error 'steal' Blueberry and the latter's tale in raising from just a mere stolen game piece to the Witch's close friend and Furniture as well as Error's rivalry with Ink. Error and Ink's backstory would also be explained in this arc.

The AT arc starts with how Geno becomes a Witch. It later focuses on the struggle in his own game board against his opponent Chara with the help of the now 'slightly more than just a game piece' Sans. Gaster may or may not involved in this particular game board.

Info on Relationships

Error & Ink: I would describe their relationship similar to Bernkastel and Lambdadelta, with Error being the more cynical Bern and Ink being the energetic Lambda. Despite their severe rivalry, they may or may not actually love each others.

Error & Blueberry: At first their relation is strained as Error only sees Blueberry as an object rather than a person, being a game piece he is. However, Blueberry wants to understand Error and stubbornly tries to approaches him despite the other stolen game pieces' warnings. His stubbornness gets into Error's nerve, culminating in an argument that leads Blueberry trapped in the Sea of Fragment, doomed to float endlessly in there unable to move. Error later misses the poor sod, though, and manages to rescue him despite the difficulty. He later decides to keep him close and makes him his Furniture, lower than Witches but slightly better than game pieces. Their friendship improves after that.

Ink & Featherine: Both are fellow Creator Witches. Ink often approaches Featherine to talk about his books. If a book of his is seen as sufficient, Featherine would put it in the City of Books among other books.

Error & Bernkastel: Both hold an antagonistic contempt against each other. As the result, Error would usually be agitated and prone of outbursts around her.

Error & Lambdadelta: While still sees her warily, Error remarks that at least she's better than Bern in some aspect and, as the result, the worst treatment he ever give to her is just avoidence.

Geno & Sans: Sans is Geno's game piece and thus usually moves according to his Game Master's whim. However, meeting the Witch directly leaves him in a bad taste and starts deviating from his master's action. Geno views him as nothing more than an object, a mere game piece. When the opponent's moves starts to becoming brutal and unpredictable, Sans finally agree to cooperate with Geno despite still retaining freedom in his every steps.

Geno & Chara: Both sworn enemy from the moment Geno became a Witch. The hatred from all suffering Chara inflicted to him leads him to challenge them in his own turf, hoping to win against them. One could say Chara feeds of Geno's suffering during their game sessions.

Geno & Ink: Early game sessions of Geno's board were sponsored by Ink before the latter revoked it. This left Geno desperate to find a new one as the game board couldn't continue with no sponsor to oversee it.

Geno & Error: Error was the first to encounter the recently witched Geno.

[cutiecrates]

Cutie Reviews: YumeTwins March 19

Okay, so here I am with the real March YumeTwins box.

This months theme: Spring Companions

“The cold and harsh Winter Season is drawing to a close and Spring is coming! There’s so many things we love about Spring here at YumeTwins, like the fresh buds and flowers appearing and of course all the cute baby animals that are born in Springtime! But the absolute best part of Spring in Japan is the Cherry Blossom or Sakura! There’s nothing more we love than to sit under the Cherry Blossoms and have a picnic, if you have the chance to no matter where you are in the world you should try too! To get everyone excited for Spring we decided to go with the theme Spring Companions for March’s box! In this Spring Companions box you’ll find a couple of kawaii fluffy companions as well as some more useful companions with lots of pastel and vivid Spring colors, so we hope you’ll enjoy them!“

Contest Prize

Yume Prize

Disney Dreamy Plushie

Our first item is this really cute, fluffy plushie of Marie, from Arisocats (an older Disney movie, which I LOVED when I was a child). Besides Marie we could also get Dumbo, Minnie Mouse, and Miss Bunny (the girl bunny from bambi, she is extremely popular in Japan). Each character features a lovely pastel color scheme and adorable flowers, pearls, and/or star accents.

Marie is also my favorite Disney character, along with Minnie Mouse and Piglet. So I was very happy to see/get her, although the Minnie Mouse was pink so I this would have been my second choice.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Well we all know how much I like plushies and stuffed dolls/toys, especially when they’re huggable and soft~ This one is perfect with that in mind, it’s shape fitting right in my arms for full snuggles~

Besides that, the detail on this is really nice. Not only does it add to the dreamy aesthetic, but its done very cleanly. I just wish there was a little bit more, like maybe they could have added a few tiny stars/flowers or more pearls? It’s only a suggestion though, I still think they’re plenty cute.

I did notice a few tiny little minuscule details that bothered me though. Such as the fact they collect hair and whatever else like nobody’s business. Besides that, they also have that obnoxious seam around the middle, the one where the material is a lot thinner and stands out in comparison to the rest of the plush? I also found a few small loose yarn strands...

Anyway, none of this changes how much I like the plush. The yarns can be fixed, it won’t be hard to keep it cleaned. It’s so sweet and even though it is essentially just a head, I think it’s very nice.

Animal Face Pouch

Our next equally fluffy cuteness is this pouch, shaped like a bear, puppy, or cats head; in 7 different styles! They each have a different leather strap color and inside patterned fabric; like my bear, who has a pink dot print.

Besides being a great, small size to fit into objects, you can also attach it to your bag or items if you lack room, or even carry it around your wrist or a strap.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

As many pouches as I have now because of these boxes, I think this one would be one of my top favorites. It’s very fluffy and cuddly-soft, and very cute too. I love how versatile it is and it’s pretty fun, using it as a hand held purse one day to a purse accessory the next. It has decent room on the inside for being a smaller pouch, and it’s very light weight.

Cutesy Organizer Folder

If you’re a long-time reader of this blog then you will probably recognize this design; if you’re new though, then welcome :D this design/pattern is on a Tuxedo Sam cup I got (From a YumeTwins box like a year ago), and still use now.

Besides this adorable design, there is also 2 different Kirby, and a Pompompurin available.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

As much as I complain about getting these (due to my belief I no longer need them), I will acknowledge that they are useful- and I’m sure at some point I will need something to put important documents in, or just letters, pictures, coloring pages, or drawings I want to save and have no where else to put them.

Anyway, I love how this matches my cup, even if I realistically wouldn’t have a reason to put them together. So as you can probably tell it is bent, but at the same time I’ve been feeling this material and it’s a lot less stiff than my other files have been. I can’t really explain it but it feels really nice.

Kawaii Key Holder

Our next item is this key holder, which was available in 5 different colors and themes: this brown Rilakkuma, a pink and white Korilakkuma, 2 Sumikko Gurashi (one light blue, one light green), and a yellow gudetama.

The key holder has two clips, one for each key, as well as a two other loops to connect it to various things. The string is 65cm long.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

At the time I don’t personally have keys of my own (I can’t be the only one right?? I know I probably should...), but I still think this is a cute and creative item. It could also be used for other things though, and it also just makes a cute accessory.

Disney Highlighter Pen

Our next item is this cutesy double-sided highlighter featuring black and white drawings of Disney pairs; like this pink and purple one features Donald and Daisy. There was also a lime and peach one featuring Mickey and Minnie, and a blue and yellow Chip and Dale one. There are 2 other sets but they’re not in the picture.

With that in mind... I’m not a big Daisy fan and I love Minnie Mouse, so I kind of wish I got that one. But I prefer the colors on this one, so I’m not really sure which one I would have wanted if I got the choice...

This is how they look when used. They’re brighter than they look on here/in the pic though.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

It’s small and smooth shape makes it easy to carry in a variety of items, and highlighters can be pretty handy, so I like how it’s dual sided rather than being several separates.The quality of the highlighter is great, and I like the color contrast to the black and white design.

Tumbler Set

Our final item is this 3-set of Tumbler cups, available in either a cute pastel Rilakkuma theme, or a colorful and bright Splatoon theme (oddly enough both sets feature the same base colors but different tones, and come with yellow straws). These Tumblers come in the shape of a fast-food cup with 3 included plastic, re-usable straws, and when not being used, the cups and lids can be stacked to take up less storage space.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I like Splatoon and Rilakkuma, so I would have been fine with either set. I have a bunch of lidded cups I really like to use, but I always love to add to my “collection“ so I really like these :3 the designs are unique and very fun to look at, and they seem to be really sturdy so I feel like unless you’re really careless it shouldn’t be that easy to spill using them.

I also like that you get a set of 3, so you could easily share these.

♡ Cutie Ranking ♡

Content - 4.5 out of 5. I don’t sound super-ecstatic or anything, but I actually really, really liked these items. As usual, I feel like half of it will be useful to me, while the other half might not be (for now), but I felt like all of the items are really nice quality and well thought out.

Theme: 4 out of 5. The theme is Spring Companions, and yes, I’d say in that sense these items greatly count as a companion, as you would bring them with you. But when I think spring, besides pretty pastels I think flowers play a pretty big role and I kind of wish they would have included more flowery items.

Total Rank: 9 out of 10. Like I said, I’m not 100% sold on how they carried out the theme but I do really like the items, and they offer a lot of practicality. I don’t know if I’m a bit biased because of how disgruntled the last box left me, or if I really just like this one that much more.

♡ Cutie Scale ♡

1. Animal Pouch - It’s so ultra-fluffy, I just want to cuddle it~

2. Disney Plushie - I love how soft it is, and it’s dreamy inspired design and detail is very pretty~

3. Highlighter Pen - I mentioned this above, but I really like how the white and black tube contrast the colorful ink. It’s very fun to look at.

4. Tumbler Set - I love how the bright colors contrast the rest of the items, and who doesn’t like Splatoon? I love how you get a set of them, and I like how we have 2 stylish designs based on the game, and a cutesy one covered in adorable colorful squid~

5. Key Holder - I like all the metal bits on it :3 I also think this would be a lot of fun to wear as an accessory until I actually find a more practical use with it.

6. Organizer File - This one is really cute, but out of all the items I feel like this one would either get no use, or very little use.