#it hasn’t worked but ya can’t blame me for trying

[vraehan]

I present to you: the idiot sons of the great dog demon

[attic-club-sandwich]

How they are Handling your Disappearance. Hello all, get ready for some more Nightbringer Angst! This is a little drabble (bullet point style) of how I think the "Present Day Demon Brothers" are handling your sudden disappearance. Honestly I hate thinking too deeply about NB, it brings me to tears. I can't even imagine the pain and anxiety the brothers are feeling without knowing where their beloved human went and why. Anyways, grab your tissues and I hope you enjoy! Feedback and reblogs are super appreciated!

Taglist: @delphi-dreamin @bite-sized-devil @sassykattery @amberrskiies @obey-me-posts @a-hidden-gem @otomefoxystar @siofrantic

Part 2 : Side Characters

Part 3: MC Returns

Rose divider by @/firefly-graphics

Fill out my form if you'd like to be tagged in my work!

They’ll always remember the exact day and time you disappeared. It was their day off from RAD, and you had been in the Devildom since Solomon had brought you by for some training sessions. You practically begged the sorcerer to allow you to visit the House of Lamentation, and Solomon happily obliged. You really didn't have to convince him too much, though. The brothers were so happy and surprised to see you again so soon, and they had planned on taking you out for dinner that evening. Except you never showed. They spent hours searching for you. Those hours easily turned into days. Then the days turned into weeks. There was no trace of you left behind. Where did you go?

💙Lucifer💙

He’s terrified. He doesn’t know why or how you disappeared, but he feels responsible.

He spends every waking moment looking for signs of you. Trying to piece together what or who took you from him.

Knows he has to be strong for the rest of their brothers.

But when he can no longer feel your bond with you through the pact, he feels the unbearable weight of despair crack through his usual stoic demeanor. 

He cries. He hasn’t cried like this since their fall.

Lucifer hardly sleeps. His brothers notice the bags under his eyes. How he no longer cares what he looks like in front of them. 

He becomes distant again, shutting himself in his room or study. 

If you thought his hatred for Solomon was strong before, it’s infinitely worse now. 

He doesn’t know who else to blame, so the silver haired sorcerer becomes his reasoning for your disappearance. 

The eldest demon has his hands around Solomon’s throat, Mammon and Beel having to pull him off. 

“Lucifer are ya nuts?! We gotta have him alive if we have any hope in finding MC!” Mammon had scolded him as he became limp in Beel’s strong grip.

Solomon promised he’d bring you back.

He better not dare to show his face back here until you are with him, safe and sound. 

💛Mammon💛

The normally confident and self assured demon becomes silent. Angry. Afraid. 

 Aside from their initial searching for you, he doesn’t leave your room. 

He can’t feel your pact with him anymore, and it sends him spiraling. 

He buries himself into your pillows, inhaling your lingering scent.

It’s faint, but he takes what he can get

His eyes are puffy and red from crying, and he can’t stand sitting around doing nothing.

He goes out every night, flying over the Devildom, searching.

When he can’t, Mammon sends his familiars out searching for you too, exploring the areas that he can’t reach. 

The ravens are good at finding things, and if they can’t find you, then he’s screwed. 

Each time they come back with nothing. 

Occasionally, they bring him Grimm they’ve found or a valuable piece of treasure. 

But you’re the only treasure he gives a shit about right now. 

When he goes to retreat back to his room, he runs into Lucifer. 

He looks terrible. 

But Mammon can’t blame him. He probably noticed his swollen face and unwashed hair, too. 

He sends you texts every day. Even if you don’t get them. 

Normally he’d be grossed out by his own sappiness, but he doesn’t care. 

He needs you.

MC, wherever you are, just know I love you. So goddamn much. Please come back.

I miss you.

I hope you’re thinking of me, too. 

🧡Leviathan🧡

Leviathan always told you he wouldn’t know what he’d do without you. 

But he really didn’t want to really experience what life would be without you!

Is this some cruel joke?!

It’s got to be! One of his alternate universe video games went wrong again right?

Except it isn’t. You’re actually gone, and he actually has no idea what to do with himself. 

He cries. Alot. 

To mask his tears from his brothers, he spends a lot of time in his fish tank with Henry 2.0. 

Don’t get him wrong, he loves Henry, but he longs for you. His soulmate.

He sends Lotan to search the Devildom seas, far and wide. He had asked him to listen for any information of sightings of you. 

 But so far, there’s been nothing. No word. No trace of you.

He lays curled up in his bathtub, a laptop balanced on his lap as he watches anime to try and distract himself from you.

But oh no, is this your favorite episode?! He turns it off, shoving the laptop away and fresh tears falling down his cheeks. 

I’m so useless, he thinks. The Grand Admiral of Hell’s Navy, and I can’t even find a human!

Levi’s self depreciative behavior gets worse.

He blames himself for not being with you when you disappeared.

He begins picking at his skin and nails, an old, nervous habit resurfacing from back when he first fell into the Devildom. 

His brothers do what they can to reassure him, but it’s no use. 

He needs you. Please come back home soon, MC.

💚Satan💚

Satan’s temper tantrums are back.

He didn’t ever think he’d revert back to this, but now that you’re gone….

Accidentally lost his temper and in a wrath filled frenzy blew through the wall in the living room. Lucifer threatened to tie him up. 

Normally the prideful demon would have just done it, but something about his older brother was different nowadays.

He feels it too, he thought. The pacts are gone.

Spends sleepless nights in the library reading any book he can find about curses.

Did you become invisible? He had no other explanation.

Was it the work of some demon on the street who decided they didn’t like you that day?

He’s frustrated because he feels like he doesn’t know anything.

He knows nothing of your sudden disappearance

Like Mammon, he sends his cats out looking for you. Any sign of you. 

But they also bring back nothing but a dead mouse here and there. 

Normally he’d be delighted by their gift to him, but it’s lost its appeal.

When he’s worried about you, nothing else matters. 

Lucifer did allow him to keep a cat in the house though. 

Also uses his personal connections from all three realms to look for you. 

But it’s no use. 

When he’s not in the library, he’s shut away in his room. 

His brothers think for a moment that he’s disappeared as well, but they find him asleep on his bed, his cheeks tear stained and a book on his chest. 

Please come home, MC. I need you.

💖Asmodeus💖

Asmo’s love for you rivals the love he feels for himself. 

Now that you are gone, he feels he has no love left to give for anyone.

He feels empty. 

The Avatar of Lust takes pride in his appearance, always making sure he’s presentable and looking his best. 

But not knowing where you are and if you are safe or not is driving him mad. 

His brothers haven’t seen him this way in a long time. 

Asmo’s eyes are puffy and red, his cheeks and nose raw and swollen from the endless tears. 

He spends hours in the bath, thinking of anything he may have said or done to cause you to leave him like this. 

He takes up the habit of sleeping a lot. He wasn’t sure how Belphie could do it all the time. But now he understands. 

Asmo can also throw a good temper tantrum. 

The day he realized he could no longer feel your pact with him sent him over the edge.

But afterwards he felt embarrassed, even though his brothers will never blame him for expressing his feelings for you. 

When Solomon leaves to go find you, he feels hopeful, putting all the trust he has in your master to find you.

But it also hurts. He hasn’t left Solomon’s side since your disappearance, taking comfort in the bond he still has with him.

He’ll never take it for granted again. 

MC, I can’t take this! If you can hear me, please come home, my lost little lamb… I love you…

❤️Beelzebub❤️

Beel is quiet. 

He’s another one that feels responsible for your disappearance.  

His heart is aching, and he doesn’t know what to do with himself. 

Thankfully, he has his twin by his side to reassure him. But it’s not enough. 

He needs to know where you’ve gone. 

He needs to save you. 

Beel’s appetite is all over the place. One minute, he can’t stop eating and the next, he’s not hungry at all. 

His brothers got really concerned when he didn’t eat for 2 whole days.

The only hunger he feels is the need to figure out where you went. 

Not only is he worried about you, he’s worried for his brothers. 

He knows they are suffering too, especially with the noticeable absence of your pact. 

Beel has always been protective of them, after all.

He stops going to the gym. He doesn’t feel like it. 

Instead, he cuddles up in bed with Belphie, holding him close with tears silently rolling down his cheeks. 

Beel you’re squeezing too hard, he hears his twin mumble. But he doesn’t care.

He’s almost lost his brother before, and now your disappearance has him terrified. 

Please, don’t take anyone else away from me. 

I love you, MC, please wherever you are, stay safe…

💜Belphegor💜

Belphie’s temper is a short fuse. More than usual, anyways. 

He doesn’t want to talk to anyone but Beel. 

He tries to retreat to the attic to get some peace and quiet from his brothers losing their collective shit. 

But he ends up drowning in a wave of memories as soon as he walks through the door. 

He collapses on the bed and hugs his cow pillow to his body as he sobs, his body curling in on itself. 

Dammit MC, look at what you do to me…you need to come home…

When he isn’t sleeping, he helps soothe the rest of his brothers to sleep. He sees their dreams, knows the thoughts that are keeping them awake.

He wants to help, but figures this could be the only way he knows how. 

He doesn’t feel your presence at all, though. 

That must mean you aren’t anywhere nearby, or even in the same Realm. He knows your pact with him is gone. 

He felt it break the day you disappeared. 

But sometimes he feels a flutter of something in the place where the mark used to be. 

He can’t explain why. 

Belphie often finds himself slipping into bed with his twin at night. 

They were inseparable before, but even more so now that you aren’t around. 

I can’t lose him too, I have to stay by his side, he thinks. He snuggles into Beel’s chest as his brother holds him close, afraid he might disappear too at any second.

He misses the days when you were nestled comfortably right between the two of them. 

You need to come back MC, you’re our missing piece. 

[d0g-water]

Hqjdlekg I am one of the two boys that requested a reader with a boypussy💔 I AM BACK WUEJEJEJ I don’t have many ideas but maybe a ftm! reader that is basically a loser and hasn’t even had his first kiss because he doesn’t even go out of his house (that’s so me fr🐀) AND IN SOMEWAY HE MANAGED TO HAVE A BOYFRIEND, QUACKITY (can’t relate) so basically Quackity is his first time and Alex is a bit of tease with the poor reader cause he doesn’t know what do and just stays quiet under him trying not to make sounds

Idk I am horny and sleepy and I have to go to university tomorrow 🕴️

WELCOME BACK MY LOVE!!! i missed u so much i hope u had a good day at uni :3 <33

it hasn't been long since you got your first boyfriend, and you don't know how you managed to get him to spark an interest in you since you never went out, nor had the looks, and had absolutely no experience in both dating and sex.

he didn't care that you were "different", he saw and wanted you. for absolutely no reason... other than just being tossed around by fate.

you didn't complain, though. alexis was truly the best boyfriend you could ever have... you wouldn't trade him for the world!!

you two were so in love, and by so, you two are so in love.

it didn't take a while for you to lose your virginity to him.

he knew so much more than you, you knew nothing at all! so it only made it more embarrassing, but he seemed to enjoy it...

your hand was squeezing your mouth shut, muffled and cut-off squeaks were all you could let out as alex's raw cock moved inside you. his hips rocked forward and back slowly, one of his arms supporting his hold on top of you as the other held your thigh.

he breathes heavily, looking at you in awe, "you're so cute, y/n. you're just laying there, hm? doing nothing?" his deep voice tingling your ears, furthering the sensation his dick is giving you.

what can you say? are you supposed to do something? is this not how sex works?

you try and ignore him, but it seems like alexis wants to keep going.

"fuck, you're so wet. can imagine how loud you can be if ya moved." he grunts as he fastens his pace, "then again-- your neighbors will hear-" he cuts himself off with a moan.

your fluffy and slick cunt feels too good for him, maybe you can shut him up with it...

it's the only thing you can think of, he's over here making fun of you for not moving.

you roll your lower body at a careful pace, feeling your walls tighten around him and amplifying the penetration. you're so wet, you can probably hear yourself from outside the dormitory room.

alexis curses under his breath, letting go of your thigh to rub your clit- trying to get you to moan properly. he wants to hear you.

"hey, i can't be the only one moaning over here." he complains, giving you a light glare. somebody doesn't like to be embarrassed.

he shouldn't blame you, though. this is your first time!!

alex "teaches" you how to be a bottom throughout the entire sex, until the two of you came. as much as he wanted to fill you up, he couldn't, and had to settle with your thighs...

he holds you close, while you ponder how to feel about showing him too much of your feminine features...

you never thought there'd be a limit when it came to him, but maybe it was because he was your first boyfriend. you had way bigger expectations for yourself.

"if you feel uncomfortable with this, it's okay. i don't mind, baby." he reassures you, kidding the side of your head as he holds your back...

you don't know what to tell him.

[whorangi1104]

Ghoap AU: Frozen Hearts and Electric Souls

Chapter 6: Gifts-Fuck around

Over the course of the two weeks Johnny had known Graves, they’d gotten along, although they weren’t particularly friendly. In the first week, Graves would be seen wandering around the base with a couple of his shadows, either talking to Price or inspecting their gear. Price himself spent more time in his office than out, which wasn’t unusual, but the time he spent on his paperwork was longer than usual, which got Soap worrying. He hadn’t originally been stressed by the mission, considering they would have multiple allies alongside them, but price’s frequent planning and stacks of intel and constant discussions with lasswell was starting to get to him. Soap decided to dive deeper into the info email he got and-Bloody Hell.

What the fuck are these abilities? Known abilities: Cloaking, power absorption, manipulation, matter distortion, illusion cloning. It all sounded like some demon from the depths of hell shite, except for the fact that Soap was staring at the information on his laptop screen in his room while waiting to deploy and track down these creatures in just two days. Maybe they had wanted an extra man on the team just for this. 

>>time skip<<

“Soap, the fuck you mean you want to try gift fusion?”

“Captain, it’s the coming mission, I don’t think it’s quite enough for simple attacks.”

“Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to meld two powers in one attack? There hasn’t been a success for the last decade.”

“But if it comes to that, shouldn’t we have a method prepped?”

“We do. But it’s a last resort, and don’t you dare try anything on your own, got it?”

“Yessir.”

Soap left Price’s office and couldn’t stop his brain from wandering over to gift fusion, which, in his defense, would work great if he and Price could create electrified water blasts, but there was always the chance of a backsplash… literally. Technically, the team didn’t have any fusion tactics, since Price was ��transporting resources’ for Ghost to use his ability on, and Soap had just ‘taken advantage’ of the frozen floor, and it was technically considered team tactics, but the line was always blurred and to Soap, it was just as confusing as fucking english grammer. Then again, he really didn’t care about grammar, so fuck that. Would Gaz launching ice spikes from Ghost with pressurized air count as a fusion or just special use? Actually, who the fuck cares? Maybe he should just suggest the idea. And- who was that guy that was an animal gifted? Roach? Now that's just opportunities for the wildest ideas. No, Johnny, stop. We are not gonna think about flying supercharged electric eels. Actually wait-

—

“So in conclusion, you want Gaz and I to try… ice projectiles with…*deep inhale* quote on quote, ‘fire ants riding icicles’ with Roach?”

“Ye know, when ya say it like that, it sounds like I’m a lunatic.”

“And launching ice torpedoes with various explosives inside.”

“Impale and explode.”

“Sergeant… what the fuck? Where do you even get these ideas?”

“I mean, they could work, right?”

“...well yes, but first of all, animals don’t just automatically obey Roach, it’s complicated, and I’m pretty sure you haven’t asked Price about any of this?”

“Yeah, but-”

“We can’t do any risky shit without approval, and I trust my captain more than I trust you, Soap.”

“Away n’bile yer heid!”

“Speak English, Mactavish.”

“Sorry sir, let me translate. Go fuck yourself.”

“That’s better.”

“A’m gonna see if the others are in… can’t go te Price by myself…”

“Good luck”

“Won’t need it.”

Ghost rolled his eyes as his office door clicked shut behind the sergeant, and continued on autopilot filling out reports. The idea amused him, at least and he was sure Gaz would want to try it out, at least. Roach? Maybe. And maybe Price will be convinced to let them try. It sounded valid after all, he’d just have to wait and see.

literally my shortest chat with 660 words. I wrote 500 of it tonight. I have nothing to blame but my own procrastination.

[polyphonical]

Dragon's Head - Back to Square One

Location: Wrestling Gym

Tomoya: Excuse me. Good work today~……

Tetora: One two~, three four~. Two two~, three four~ [1]. Hiiro-kun, make sure to stretch really well, okay?

Hiiro: Umu! I understand, Buchou. If you don’t stretch properly, you can get injured, so I’ll do it well. One two~, three four~. Two two~, three four.

Koga: Hey, Adonis. Let’s spar together ‘kay?

Adonis: Okay, I don’t mind. But Oogami, do we have to go that far when you're not competing in the show?

Koga: Heheh, don’t say things like that. You and I are friends.

C’mon, put on your gear already. I’m gonna beat the shit outta you ♪

Adonis: Hm? You’re going to be the one hitting? Oogami, maybe you just wanted to get your body moving?

Kuro: Aaand thereーー that’s enough punchin’ bags, right? I think we have this many people.

Lil’ miss might be stoppin’ by to check out how things are goin’, so maybe I should get a chair ready for her too.

Tomoya: ……

I don’t understand why I was chosen as a member for this!!

Tetora: Ah, Tomoya-kun. Sup～☆ What’s up? You just came in yellin’ all of a sudden.

Tomoya: No no! This is crazy, right!? The “The Starpro Rhylink Reconciliation Strategy” is a martial arts battle between both sides, right!?

So why was I chosen for this!? I can’t fight at all!?

Eichi: That’s because I recommended you, Tomoya-kun.

Tomoya: Ehhhh!? But why would you do that!? You’re participating too, right Tenshouin-senpai? Then just join by yourselfーー

Ah, is this your way of trying to be considerate to me? Sharing your work? Thanks, but no thanks. Please just compete by yourself.

Eichi: I’m not trying to be considerate. Have you taken a look around you? I have no other choice.

We’re surrounded by people with the strength of gorillas. Ah, maybe it’s more accurate to say they’re like gorillas themselves.

And yet I, someone as frail as a gazelle, got thrown in the middle. There’s no way I could compete in something like this, right?

Eichi: That’s why I recommended Mashiro-kun as a person I could compete with ♪

Tomoya: You’re not being considerate of me at all, are you. I’m more of a sacrifice than anything.

Koga: Haah? Just who are you calling a gorilla, Tenshouin-senpai? [2] Don’t blame me when I bite back after you talk shit behind our backs.

Eichi: Hey now, I never said that. I’d like it if you didn’t put words in my mouth. I said, “people with the strength of gorillas.”

Tomoya: You literally called them gorillas right after though……

Eichi: Did I now?

Ah, it’s my phone.

…Hm? Why are they calling me?

I’m going to step outside for a bit, so you can begin practicing without me. Helloーー

Koga: Aah. That bastard~ He just said his piece and ran away!

Tomoya: Sigh…… Based on how Tenshouin-senpai responded, it doesn’t look like I can get out of this one……

Tetora: Hi~yah!

Hiiro: Guh……!

Kuro: And there it is, technique! With that, Tetsu wins based on points!

Hiiro and Tetora: Thank you very much!

Hiiro: As I expected, you’re great, Buchou. I thought you were going to strike towards the upper half. I totally read that wrong!

Tetora: Yeah, I knew you were being wary of me striking you at the upper half, Hiiro-kun~. Tomoya-kun, you should join us next time ssu!

Tomoya: Absolutely not! That’s definitely impossible! Hell no! We’re at totally different levels! I’d die, y’know!? At the very least, let me fight against Tenshouin-senpaiーー

Wait, huh? Speaking of Tenshouin-senpai, he’s been on the phone for a long time, hasn’t he?

Koga: Maybe he got scared and ran away~.

Kuro: He doesn’t seem like the type of guy to run away like that…… I wonder what happened.

Adonis: Ah, Tenshouin-senpai is coming back.

Kuro: Hey. Ya were gone for quite a while. Any trouble? If ya can’t make it to practice today, it’s fine.

Eichi: Trouble… Yes. You can say I ran into trouble. Big trouble.

―― Everyone, we’re going to have to cancel today’s practice.

Kuro: Ha? The hell’s that mean?

Tetora: Literally ssu. It was really hard to get everyone’s schedules lined up for this…. Why do we have to cancel so suddenly?

Eichi: That call I just took was from the management at ES. They told me that we have to stop this plan.

Tetora: Ehhh!? Stop the plan… But why now!?

Eichi: Well, it’s not like I didn’t consider this possibility.

If two agencies that have been rumored to be on bad terms suddenly appeared on a TV show fighting each other, it might give an even worse impression of both agencies.

If they want to limit the number of risks taken, it’s not hard to imagine why they would be reluctant to go through with a project like this.

In fact, both Anzu and I understood these risks when we came up with the plan.

However, since this kind of project has many risks, it gives a sense of authenticity, even if it’s dramatic.

The more drama there is, the easier people are influenced.

Good grief. I thought the managers understood that. I didn’t think they’d be so spineless…

But since it got rejected, there’s nothing I can do but follow what they say.

Tomoya: So, are you going to come up with another plan?

Eichi: Perhaps. It’s hard to do anything right now. They asked me to come up with an alternative plan, but I haven’t came up with one yet.

At any rate, today’s practice has been cancelled. I will contact you all if there’s any progress made.

────────────────· · · · · ·♡· · · · · · ────────────────

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They're doing that type of counting where you say which set you're on as you count. So like, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (1) 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (2), and so forth. I hope that made sense TOT

Koga's being sarcastic here ofc, but he also said senpai in katakana instead of 先輩, so I italicized it for emphasis.

[indigos-stardust]

Sorting Colors

An exposition to my Four Swords Series

Summary:

Well he was already exhausted. Between everyone staring at them, Blue looking like he was about to murk someone, Vio magically disappearing, and Red’s insistence on trying to over explain their situation to just about everyone- Hylia, help him they hadn’t even gotten out of the market stalls!

Although, he couldn’t entirely blame the others for being so… on edge? Not while he could practically feel the whispers, tendrils of acidic smoke scraping against his neck, rising and making him feel dizzy and ungrounded. Eyes burning into his skull as they tried to go about their day… Could you shiver from heat? Because he’s pretty sure that’s how he felt.

First thing that came to his mind was bed. Then the dustiness, soreness, and dryness. Practically forcing his eyes to slowly creak open to the low morning light, Green looked around.

The dusty, almost bare room was large but still felt almost suffocated. They’d need to get some air into this room. And some furniture and other necessities for this new place. Forcing himself up and stretching, he can see where Vio’s laying still, practically dead to the world. Not having much furniture meant having to share beds, not that he entirely minds. He still hasn’t shaken off the weirdness of seeing his own face on someone else but oh well. Besides, he's already gotten antsy from having nothing to do in the minutes he’s been awake, so he decides it is officially time to start the day.

Quickly getting dressed into an old tunic, green as usual, he shakes up the groggy Vio up and heads out the door. After finishing washing up and wishing Red a good morning, he heads to the staircase. From upstairs, he can already hear what he thinks is Blue explaining enthusiastically to Dad what the “correct way to make a nutritional breakfast” is.

‘And Blue says Vio’s the nerd.’ The thought brings a little smirk to his lips.

The wooden stairs lead right into a view of the dining area and kitchen to the right, and there their (their dad, not just his) Dad was holding a very sad looking plate of burnt eggs with a confused look on his face. To his side, Blue had his arms crossed as he muttered something under his breath.

“Do uh, you two need some help?” Green questions with his smirk growing ever wider as he heads down. Blue scoffs and practically pouts while Dad- Oh Dad’s got that look on his face again. The one with the slightly widened eyes, tense shoulders, thin lips, and an ever slight scrunch of his nose bridge. The looks make his insides twist in a way he’s not ready to look into yet. There's a knot in his throat.

“Listen, just to be clear, I’m not the one who burnt the eggs!” Blue’s remark snaps them both out of the silent slow hold of frozen eye contact.

“Ah,” Dad clears his throat, “Well, you can’t blame me entirely, I certainly never was one for cooking, son! Uh.. sons? Yes, right,” he concluded with a firm little nod, an attempt at a solid recovery.

“Yeah, uh, anyways you guys need any help? I’ve already finished getting stuff ready for today, so I’m free to be here for anything ya need?”

Blue shrugs, “Maybe if you were up earlier, but I guess you could jus’ make sure our bags are set up for today?”

“Got it!”

The rest of the morning is spent with everyone shuffling around each other and trying to get ready as they make do with whatever meager house supplies (and clothing options) they have.

With bags set up, mouths fed, a good plan and list in hand Green corralled the others out the door and with a breath of fresh air, started the journey of what would be a productive and calm day of shopping. With the main objective of clothes solidified in Green’s mind, seriously it was uncomfortable and difficult to share the same clothes that Link used to own as a single being-, he sent out a quick prayer to the heavens as they headed down the path leading to the markets of Castletown…

Well he was already exhausted. Between everyone staring at them, Blue looking like he was about to murk someone, Vio magically disappearing, and Red’s insistence on trying to over explain their situation to just about everyone- Hylia, help him they hadn’t even gotten out of the market stalls!

Although, he couldn’t entirely blame the others for being so… on edge? Not while he could practically feel the whispers, tendrils of acidic smoke scraping against his neck, rising and making him feel dizzy and ungrounded. Eyes burning into his skull as they tried to go about their day… Could you shiver from heat? Because he’s pretty sure that’s how he felt. Honestly, it would have been mounds better if they just, well, split up or went separately.. Actually, that's probably a good idea. Finding Vio went first though.

“Hey,” Green tugged Red and Blue’s sleeves, “We’re going to the antique store.”

“Wait what?” Blue whisper-shouted, slapping Green’s hand away, “ Why the hell are we heading there?!”

Green just rolled his eyes as he cut through the twisting crowd, forcing an anxious looking Red and a slightly flustered Blue to follow after him.

Once safe from prying eyes, inside the little antique shop Green finally let a breath out as the tension melted from his body.

Red glanced at Blue quickly, an uncertain little look on his face as he turned back to Green. They were waiting for his response. Why, just why, was I the one who had to get the green tunic? He groaned, fingers combing through his hair.

“ Okay so, this just isn’t going to work guys,”

“Yeah, no kidding bonehead-” _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Honestly- He could practically feel his nerves catch on fire. Green and Blue were already starting to bicker about what plan they should take and Red hadn’t even gotten a minute to breathe- Why was everyone being so horrible today anyways?! All those people questioning and whispering- I mean, he can’t judge them, of course they’d be curious!

It hadn’t been that long since they’d all put the sword(s) back into the pedestal. Honestly, the memory might be one of the best ones of his life- His heart had been so full and heavy and he knew it was going to hurt so bad to lose everyone- But he loved them so much he couldn’t help but smile, if not from his own feelings then at least for them. The little teasing and sad smiles- Red wanted to cry but he was determined to NOT let their last memories be a sad one!

But then, like a miracle, after that burning bright flash- They were still there. He slowly opened his eyes and didn’t feel like Link, and then heard a gasp and suddenly they all realized they were all still there!

The sheer, dizzying relief and then absolute fizzing excitement from that moment still made him smile- Of course the others seemed mostly shocked, but also relieved too! Of course, Green did immediately quietly freak out for a minute because if they weren’t back together what would happen with Vaati and all the other horrible things from breaking the seal?

Zellie had quickly checked the seal and pretty much said it was a-okay! Something about them probably being separate and interacting with so much additional magic or something all magicky and complex like that. In all honesty, he wasn’t really listening because he was very very busy trying to wrap them all in the biggest hug he could muster without crying on all of them-

As good, no- super wonderful and amazing it was, it didn’t really mean they were totally without consequences. Nope, everyone just had to be so… judgey about them! Red knew it wasn’t their fault! One person becoming four people was pretty weird after all.. But still! Some people were all wary if “they were just products of magic or even people?” or were just “really weird and actually like they were some… Chimera like person” or something?? Whatever that meant.

Zellie had to explain everything that happened to all the citizens, with all the fights and the bad guys they defeated and like all that had happened to link and how the kingdom would fare and whatever else. Stuff about aid programs, extra defense against pirates that could take advantage of Hyrule’s “weakened state”, and some more boring stuff about foreign politics. But people still didn’t really.. Understand them? Well, Red didn’t really get it, he knew he definitely wasn’t the smartest, that was Vio’s whole thing-Hylia he wished Vio hadn’t disappeared- But the least they could do was TRY to be nice to people about it!

All the people who looked and asked, well Red thought he could just explain it to them how it wasn’t weird! Like they were totally different people and they were kinda born from the sword magic but they were totally still Link! But all he got was weird looks! It made him feel… very bad inside.

f course, Green and Blue still bickering (not as bad as they used to of course) didn’t exactly make him feel any better. And he was very, very sure, that crying about little petty things wouldn’t make anyone else feel better. If Vio was here he’d help Red feel better. Blue was amazing at showing he’d support Red now and Green was super reliable and inspiring but Vio.. He just had a way of soft listening and rationale that just calmed his nerves, grounding him back into earth.

He sighed while looking down at his shoes, honestly he’d really have to get better at not acting like such a child! He knew he was that part of Link and all but really? The others shouldn’t have to pick up his slack! Rebuilding Hyrule up was taxing on everyone and he wouldn’t make things worse for everyone. It was like every time he tried to make things better and explain things he’d just make everything messier and more confusing and everything felt all fuzzy and grating and-

Oh.

Yep the very small view of his snug boots against the wooden panels was becoming blurrier-

Don’t do it- Don’t do it-Don’t do it-

His breath hitched-

Blue and Greens eyes immediately snapped to him. Vio’s too. When did Vio even get there-

That didn’t matter just don’t-

Too late.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

One thing most people don’t mention about being magically frozen alive is that it feels like you are being burned alive. Except, you can’t move or do anything. Totally helpless. He couldn’t yell or curse or fight back. He couldn’t even move his eyes. Couldn’t even breathe with his lungs near frozen solid. The only thing that kept working was his mind, internally screaming and raging as if the anger would thaw him out. When that didn’t work… Well, he’s glad Red got to him before he really fell into the deep end.

Red had lightly teased that that’s what made Blue “cool down” and be less prone to hitting the closest and easiest target near him. Which, more than not, was often Red.

But still, no matter what he did with his hands he could always feel a small part of him trying to force itself out from underneath the surface. No matter how much of the heavy rubble from the attack he helped clear or how hard he swung at the batches of monsters that were too stubborn to just die already, he knew that that little, impatient, and ruthless force was always ready to burst.

It didn't matter if he thought he was calm or if things were okay. Because No- No matter what he did the dam holding that uncontrollable energy could snap with a second whether he liked it or not. i mean stammering is ok too lol The dam currently? Oh yeah, it was super close to crumbling so its surging waters could pour out relentlessly, without caring what was in its path. Green’s advice of “counting deep and taking slow breaths” didn’t really do much to convince the pressure of that vicious force from being released. If not through his fists, with his words. Loud, angry, rude, uncaring, ice burning words.

He wasn’t ashamed of it. He refused to be. Blue was strong, wasn’t he? He could take it.

Red didn’t seem to think so.

The boy whose heart was just too big for his chest, except when his emotions flowed they just endeared everyone to him.

Blue looked over to said boy, failing to be discreet, as he was measured by the tailor.

He wanted to go over and just.. Do something to make him feel better dammit! He wasn’t good at this stuff, that was like, just the one thing he couldn’t do! Seriously, he knew he was an amazing fighter, but couldn’t just a small ounce go into the whole “making people feel better” category? The split was kinda unfair in splitting Link’s skills, it wasn’t his fault he sucked at this one thing specifically.

The only thing he could do to even TRY to make things better was taken away from him too! Green’s sissy little kiss-up hero look meant he couldn’t even take action so he ‘wOuLdN’t MaKe ThInGs WoRsE’, apparently! And that stupid nerd Vio just always had to obnoxiously add some stupid reason to support every little thing Green said too-hey got on his freaking NERVES-

No- He wasn’t going to go down that rabbit hole of thoughts. Better to just cut it off and shove it somewhere else.

Looking somewhere else he spotted Vio already finished with his own measuring and choosing of whatever garments he needed. He walked over to him, trying to keep his shoulders straight.

The damn dolt had apparently told the others that he was going to head towards the antique to escape the crowds or something. Blue didn’t believe it for a hot minute, Vio just always did things without ever freaking telling anyone so why would this be different? Vio of course has simply replied, “Oh I do tell you things its just that you don’t listen. Really, considering your mental capacity I can see that you hadn’t really processed it.” The gull of that guy… Why was EVERYONE so stupid? Well other than Red, Red never counted. Vio had been all, “Oh I merely meant you were busy with other things.” but honestly the nerd just needed to can it for once. Of course he would have heard what Vio said!

Especially since it’s like Vio never shut up with his way of pointing out every little thing! Like, even if he didn’t really listen then it TOTALLY wasn’t his fault he was just looking out for Red at the time after all. Hylia knew the little firecracker needed it. Blue had started to zone out when Green starting questioning Vio about some bullcrap when he heard Red.

Blue couldn’t really describe the messy hot emotions that hit him in the gut when he heard that he already knew immediately it was his fault for not protecting him well enough. Not that Red needed physical protection, but he could kinda be a wimp when it came to people.

He didn’t want to make Red upset, Red was really sensitive to arguments apparently… Maybe it was because of the whole fire temple thing? But it really felt like he did that before that had even happened too.

As soon as Red had started sobbing in the middle of the store they were all quick to comfort him and ask what was wrong. Red just said he didn’t really talk about it which definitely raised a few eyebrows. This was Red they were talking about, he always told them (and especially Blue) everything?

He had to give it to the nerd though, Vio just told them they would talk about it later, somewhere more private and boom problem solved. Before Green could even protest and insist that they deal with it right now because it was their biggest priority to help a upset team member Red immediately threw all of his body weight in a crushing hug to Vio. They’d talk about it later. Which, he wasn’t jealous about that.

So when Blue started walking to Vio with the intent to get the real reason why Vio just ditched them he wasn’t biased at all.

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers LOST EDEN ー Azusa Maniac [10]

Monologue

ーー Even though we had been released from our prison cell,

now that we have been labeled as traitors,

it would be wise not to set foot outside carelessly. 

Following said advice from Ruki-kun,

we decided to borrow one of the rooms,

inside the manor.

What will we do now? 

Once we had made ourselves comfortable,

we began to discuss the matter, however...

Yui: ( I still can’t believe it. That the guys are now considered traitors. )

( I’d love to help them somehow, but what can I do...? )

Hey, Azusa-kun. Did you come up with any good ideas yet?

Azusa: ...It’s only a suggestion but...

Can’t we simply go to the Sakamaki’s to lift the misunderstanding, like how we did back then with King Zweig...?

Yui: In other words, you want to talk to Kanato-kun directly?

Azusa: Yeah. 

Yui: ( But...Considering how things went down when Kanato-kun came to Eden the other day... )

ー A flashback ensues

Kanato: You really caused us a lot of trouble. I’ve been through hell and back as a result of your actions!

It’s all your fault, Azusa! So you solve it now!

ー The flashback ends

Yui: ...

( There’s no way he’d listen. Honestly, I could even imagine the worst case possible happening... )

Azusa: I guess that won’t work after all...?

Yui: Oh no. Not necessarily, but...

Hey, Ruki-kun. What do you think...?

Ruki: Your suggestion is sensible enough. However...

...

Azusa: Ruki...?

Ruki: I am fairly certain that the Sakamaki Family is aware of our innocence. 

They are most likely putting the blame in our shoes regardless. 

Yui: No way...

Kou: Excuse me!? So they’re using us to their own advantage!? 

Yuma: Nah, I wouldn’t put that past Kanato. He’s always been like that, hasn’t he? 

Kou: ...I mean, you do have a point. 

Yuma: Either way, it doesn’t change from the fact that we’re now ‘traitors’. 

Which means both the entire human and Demon World have become our enemy.

Yui: ...Ugh...

( I know we can’t stay here forever. )

( However, if we were to live, we’d have to live with the constant fear of getting caught... )

Azusa: Why would...The Sakamaki’s do such a thing...? 

Kou: ...I mean it’s not like we were ever friends to start with. I guess they just decided to toss us aside. 

I mean, that’s just the true nature of Demons, no?

They have no issue cutting ties with the people they know or even killing them, like it’s the most normal thing ever.

Azusa: That’s...

Kou: Why are you trying to deny it? 

Don’t you remember how much trouble Kanato caused you the other day?

Azusa: That doesn’t bother me. It all turned out fine in the end after all...

Yuma: So? If Azusa’s plan won’t work, what are we gonna do next?

Did ya come up with a good plan, Ruki?

Ruki: ...

Yui: ( Ruki-kun looks conflicted... )

( But...I guess we can’t blame him for not being able to think of anything. )

( There’s no way we can get out of this situation without having to make some sort of sacrifice... )

Azusa: ...I have to go.

ー Azusa gets up

Yui: ...? Where are you going? 

Azusa: Now that we’ve been labeled as traitors...I’m sure that the Sakamaki Family will come to steal you away...

Yui: ...!

Azusa: I...don’t want to lose you so...

That’s why I can’t sit still...!

ー Azusa leaves the room

Yui: A-Azusa-kun!?

Selection

→ Go after him (❦)

Yui: ( I’ll go with him. )

( I won’t leave him to his own devices again, nor do I want to...! )

ー Yui leaves the room as well

→ Don’t go after him

Yui: ( I wonder where he’s headed...? )

( I’d love to go after him but he might see it as unnecessary pampering again... )

Kou: M-neko-chan, why not go after him if you’re worried?

Yui: B-But...

Yuma: You’re gonna get left behind if ya keep worryin’ ーー Come on!

ー Yuma gives her a light push

*Thud* 

Yui: ーー !

Monologue

I hurriedly chased after Azusa-kun,

after he had left the room. 

Almost as if he was ready (覚悟) to face his own fate,

Azusa-kun kept a calm and steady (落ち着いた) pace.

I wonder what’s going through his mind right now?

Why does he have such a strong look in his eyes...?

It left me questioning,

but I could not bring myself to ask him why.

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

[maybeimamuppet]

and all the devils are here (2/2)

“Hey, Jan?” Veronica asks one evening, poking her head through Janis’ open door. 

“Yeah?” Janis asks, looking up from her phone at her twin. 

“I’m going home to visit dad for spring break, do you wanna come with me? Mom said we could take the car,” Veronica says. She steps in a little further and stands aimlessly a few feet into Janis’ room. 

“Yeah, sure,” Janis says, trying to hide her rejoicing at a chance to see her father. She’s tried to hide it, but she’s very jealous that her twin has gotten so much time with both of their parents. She doesn’t blame them for it, but their parents made a really shitty choice for their custody arrangement. “Just us?” 

“Yeah, Mom has work she can’t miss that week,” Veronica says with a shrug. “She said she trusts us.” 

“Bad choice,” Janis snorts. “Yeah, I’ll go. Sounds fun.” 

“Tits,” Veronica grins. 

“Ha!” Janis calls as Veronica leaves her room with a groan. “I told you it’d catch on!” 

“Shut up!” Veronica yells from next door. 

“Girls, be nice!” Their mother yells at them from downstairs. 

“Sorry, Mom!” 

——

The six hour drive flies by for Janis. They’re going to one of the most boring states in the nation, which Veronica strongly protested with several ‘interesting’ factoids about her mother state. The world’s largest basket doesn’t sound intrigue Janis all that much, but she does have to admit that the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame sounds interesting. But a whole week with her dad and his side of the family is the real catch for Janis. 

“Hey, ladies,” he calls with a wave when they pull into the driveway. “How was your drive?” 

“Good,” Veronica says, giving their dad a quick hug before she goes to get their stuff from the trunk. 

“Janis!” he greets, giving her a squeeze. 

“Hi, dad,” Janis says, leaning in a little more when he tries to let her go. He wraps her up again and gently rubs her back. 

“How ya doing, kiddo?” 

“Good,” Janis says, taking a deep breath before she pulls back. Her dad smells like teakwood and old leather. His sweater is soft, just like the hand he massages over her back.

“Good,” he says with a grin and a ruffle of her hair. “You two go get settled in, I’m working on dinner.” 

“I’ll show you around after,” Veronica says as she carries a bag past her. “Sherwood grand tour.” 

“Cool,” Janis grins. 

—-

Veronica gives a very detailed tour, along with Mac, who they’d picked up along the way. Janis gets to see their favorite restaurants, which make up a solid seventy percent of the attractions around, the local 7-11, a giant field of terrifying concrete corn, lots of real corn with some scattered soybeans for variety, and the outskirts of the closest city. 

“You wanna see Westerburg?” Veronica asks. There’s something in her eyes Janis hasn’t seen before. Must be excitement. 

“Really? You wanna go back?” Janis asks softly. 

“Yeah, why not?” Veronica says with an uncharacteristic shrug. “I’ve been away for a while. I think it’ll be good for me.”

“It’s late, Blueberry, I think you should wait,” Mac says anxiously from the backseat. “And I have to go home.” 

“I’ll be fine, Noodle,” Veronica sighs. “I’m not made of glass. Let’s get you home.” 

“I’m not saying you are, I’m just saying you need to be careful with yourself,” Mac explains. “But if you have Janis there I guess it’ll be fine. Just call me if you need anything, okay?” 

“I’ll keep an eye on her,” Janis teases. Veronica shoves her with a hand before focusing on driving again. “Hey!”

They can both almost hear Mac rolling her eyes in the backseat as they head through the gates into her neighborhood. Veronica sighs, “I’ll be fine, Mickey. You don’t need to worry.” 

“If you say so,” Mac says. She leans forward for a goodbye kiss from her girlfriend when they pull into her long driveway. “Bye. See you tomorrow?” 

“Yeah,” Veronica whispers against her lips. She gives her one more smooch before she pulls back. “Love you.” 

“Love you too. Bye Janis,” Mac says, climbing out of the car and rushing into her house. 

“Bye,” Janis says. 

“You ready?” Veronica asks, turning to look at her for a second before she reverses out of the driveway. 

“I doubt it,” Janis chuckles. “Are you?” 

“I think so,” Veronica says quietly. 

“Does Mac know?” 

“Know what?” 

“About the ghosts,” Janis clarifies. 

“Oh. Yeah, she does,” Veronica says. “Well, she knows about Heather. They had some stuff to clear up. Sometimes Heather makes me call her just so they can talk. But the others don’t really have a reason to show themselves to her.” 

“That makes sense,” Janis says. Veronica nods, and they continue the drive in silence. 

—-

The school is dark when they pull into the massive, empty parking lot. It’s one of those places that feels like a completely different dimension. Schools after dark are always weird. 

The doors are locked when Veronica tries to open them, and she’s too paranoid about cameras to try to pick one so Janis can have a tour of the inside. 

“I have an idea, come on,” Veronica says. Janis follows her as fast as she can when Veronica breaks into a run. 

“Vera, Jesus,” she pants. “I’m gay, don’t do this to me.” Veronica just laughs and goes faster. “Come on, man!” Eventually, they come to a stop. “The football field? Are you sure? Isn’t this where-”

“I have to go back,” Veronica insists. Janis watches as she kicks off her shoes and starts climbing the chain link fence. “You coming?” 

“I-I guess,” Janis says. She follows suit and struggles through the whole fence climbing thing much more than her sister did. “Goddamn.” 

“Nicely done,” Veronica says. “Come on.”

Janis follows her to the middle of the field, where a big W is painted in red. It’s almost spooky, with only the stars and moon to light their way and only their twin for company. 

“What do you think?” 

“It’s… nice, I guess,” Janis says in confusion. “It’s just a football field to me.” 

“It is, isn’t it?” Veronica asks in a strange tone of voice. It startles Janis enough that she looks up from the W and at her sister. 

“V-Vera, what is that?” Janis asks shakily. “What are you doing?” 

Veronica doesn’t say anything. Janis looks frantically between the large knife in her hand and her blank, hollow eyes. 

“Veronica,” Janis begs. “Listen to me. Whatever you’re thinking of doing with that, don’t. I-I know you’re not here right now, but you have to try to come back. Fight this off.” 

“We’re what killed the dinosaurs,” Veronica mumbles to herself. Janis continues taking slow steps backwards, away from her sister. 

“Janis,” Heather suddenly says, materializing next to Janis’ twin. “Something’s wrong with her.”

“Yeah, clearly!” Janis scoffs. 

“No, I mean something’s wrong that hasn’t happened before! This isn’t just her having a flashback!” Heather says. “She can’t hear me!” 

“What do you mean she can’t hear you?” Janis asks frantically. 

“She can’t hear any of us,” Ram says as he and Kurt fade in next to Heather. JD follows, but seems to only be there to observe what’s going on. He lingers towards the back, unspeaking. 

“Heather,” Veronica says suddenly. 

“Veronica, that’s your sister,” Heather begs. “I’m right here, you can’t do this!” 

“Yes you can,” another voice suddenly says. Janis startles and looks as… another Heather suddenly pops up. The Heather Janis is used to is in full color, red robe and red hair and her mouth stained a contradictory blue. This new one has the same form, but she’s entirely in greyscale. Like some kind of… shadow. 

“What the fuck?!” Heather shrieks. 

“You’re a killer, Veronica,” grey-Heather continues. “Aren’t you? Look at what you did to me. To us.” 

Janis watches in horror as three more of the grey-ghosts appear. Ram, Kurt, and JD. Real-Heather looks frantically between her real ghostly counterparts and Janis. “Who the hell are you?” 

“Why, Heather Chandler, of course,” grey-Heather says.

“No, you aren’t, I am,” Heather growls. 

“Oh, but I am too,” grey-Heather grins. “I’m your worst nightmare. Everything she hated about you. Everything you hated about you. All the evil you had in you. All the darkness, all the rage. All the hate. But you didn’t even try to keep me down, did you? You broadcasted me for all the world to see. You know what a horrible person you were. You deserved to die.”

“Shut up!” Heather shrieks. Grey-Heather just laughs. 

“You know it’s true,” she hums, looking casually at her fingernails. “Call it… karma.” 

“Ram,” Veronica suddenly says. Her voice chills Janis to the core. It’s as if the words are being yanked through her vocal cords with absolutely no input from her brain. She sounds so empty. Her body is right in front of her, but Janis knows that right now, it’s a mere husk of her sister. And how the hell is she going to get her back?

“Why should she get to live, Veronica?” grey-Ram says in a chilling, echoey voice. “Why her and not me? I was only seventeen.” 

“Veronica, bro, it’s chill,” Ram says frantically. “I was totally a douche, don’t murder your sister!” 

“Look at her, Veronica,” grey-Kurt pipes up. “Look how tough she acts. And she’s quivering here at your feet. Doesn’t that fill you with such a rush? The thrill of the kill, aren’t you excited to watch the light leave her eyes?” 

“‘Ronica, please,” Kurt begs. “That’s not me! Open your eyes, bro! Listen to us! The real us, man, please!” 

“JD,” Veronica says. 

“Our love is god, Veronica Sawyer!” grey-JD says, throwing a ghostly arm around Veronica’s shoulder. “She knows too much, doesn’t she? You opened your stupid mouth and told her everything you did. You told her about all the people you killed. How could you be such an idiot? I thought you wanted to move on?” 

“Leave her alone!” Heather yells. 

“You’re a killer, Veronica,” grey-JD whispers. “You already have the blood of four people on your hands. The killer instinct is in you, babe. What’s one more? We can’t have her blabbing to the cops. That pretty face wasn’t made for jail.” 

Veronica takes a few large steps forwards. Janis scrambles backwards as quickly as she can manage on her shaking legs. This is it. She’s about to die on a football field, at some random high school in the middle-of-nowhere, Ohio. Murdered by her own twin. 

“Vera, please, listen to me,” Janis begs around a sob. “I’d never tell anyone, you’re my sister! I-I just got you, I’m not ready to lose you! A-and I’m not ready to die, please! Think-think about Cady, about Damian! Think about Mac, what-what is she gonna say? Don’t do this!” 

“Janis, she can hear you,” Heather says. “She can see you, she just can’t see or hear us! She’s listening!” 

“We both have so much to live for,” Janis continues. “Vera, please, just open your eyes!” 

She can see in Veronica’s eyes that a war is waging in her mind. She’s fighting. Fighting so hard to break free from whatever’s happening to her. Whatever these grey-ghosts are telling her, whatever they’re doing to her. Veronica’s fighting. But she’s been fighting for a very long time. 

She’s weak.

She’s not strong enough.

Not on her own. 

“Our love is god,” she mumbles. 

“Janis, let me borrow your body!” Heather says frantically. 

“What?!” Janis says, continuing to back away from her twin with her hands held up defensively. Like that’ll do anything.

“I need to talk to her somehow or you’re going to die here! And trust me, that’s not a nice place to go!” Heather insists. “Just let me possess you for a few minutes and I’ll try to talk her down. She has to hear from me, it’s… our… clones, or whatever, doing this to her!” 

“Okay, whatever, just do it quick!” Janis yells. She shudders and feels a chill go down her spine as all the hair on her neck stands on end. She suddenly feels a very strong urge to kick someone in the balls, and a deep understanding of all the merits of the color red. 

“Veronica,” Janis feels her mouth say. It’s not her voice. She shivers again as her mouth moves against her will to produce a voice unnatural to her. “Ronnie.”

“Heather,” Veronica says, pausing in her tracks. 

“Yeah, Ronnie, it’s me,” Heather-Janis says. “You need to listen to me.”

“I am,” Veronica says in confusion. 

“No, Veronica, the real me!” Heather says. “That’s not me!” 

Heather, look at their feet, Janis thinks as hard as she can. She feels Heather puppet her eyes to the feet of the grey-ghosts. Unlike the ones in color that float as their own separate entities a few inches off the ground, these are tethered like balls and chains to Veronica. 

They’re part of her. 

The voices that have been tormenting her for so many days, weeks, months; personified and tied to her with heavy chains. Their voices so much louder, deafening, that she’s no longer able to tell the real voices from her own. 

“You want revenge,” Veronica says. Janis forces her eyes to look at grey-Heather, so real-Heather can see her lips moving to silently form the same words. She’s turned Veronica into some sort of sick marionette, puppeting her every move, her every word, every thought. 

“No, Veronica, I don’t,” Heather says. “I want you to let me go. I don’t belong on Earth anymore, Ronnie. I’m so tired. I get more tired every day, but I’ve stuck around for you. Please, listen to me.” 

It’s working, Janis thinks again. Keep going. 

“I can’t,” Heather whispers. “I’m not strong enough, I’m sorry.” 

Janis gasps and stumbles as she’s suddenly flooded with warmth and in control of her body once more. Heather is back in front of her, a bit more translucent and hovering much closer to the ground. 

“My spirit is weak,” Heather says hoarsely. “I can’t hold on long enough to keep going, Janis, I’m sorry.” 

“Someone else try, quick,” Janis says as her sister starts advancing on her again. Ram hovers over to her. Ew, she thinks, but she willingly lets him take control. 

“‘Ronica,” he says. 

“Ram,” Veronica says. 

“Yeah, fam, it’s me. How ya been?” Ram chortles.

Dude, seriously? Janis thinks. 

“Ow, man, that actually hurts,” Ram says, puppeting Janis’ hand to rub the back of her neck. “‘Ronica, dude, you gotta snap out of this, bro. We never wanted this.”

“You never wanted to die,” Veronica echoes hollowly.

“I mean, yeah,” Ram agrees. “It kinda sucked, man. But you can’t kill your sister.”

“Why should she get to live and not you?” Veronica says. Janis watches grey-Ram’s lips move in tandem with her twin’s. “She’s just as innocent as you were.”

“No,” Ram says. Janis can hear the strain in his voice. He’s stronger than Heather, but he’s also struggling to hold on. “‘Ronica, I was a total jackass. Janis is a good person, she’s innoce-”

That’s all he wrote. Janis gasps again as Ram is ejected from her body. Kurt takes his place before she has a chance to recover. 

“Veronica, think about it, bro,” he begins. Janis is horrified by the images and urges running through her mind. She doesn’t even have the equipment for half of them. “If we didn’t deserve to die, Janis, like, definitely doesn’t, man.” 

“Your revenge,” Veronica says, sounding confused. Her eyes are a bit clearer than they were. Whatever they’re doing is giving her the strength to fight longer, fight harder. They’re giving her the upper hand. 

“I don’t want revenge, dude!” Kurt insists. “Especially not by murdering your sister! She didn’t even have anything to do with this, you whackjob!” 

“She knows too much,” grey-JD makes Veronica say. “She has to go.” 

“No, man, you need to wake up,” Kurt says. “Shit, Janis, I can’t hold on. Keep talking to her.” 

Janis sinks to her knees as Kurt leaves. Blood starts streaming from her nose. Being possessed in rapid succession by three different people is taking its toll on her body. She’s not sure how much more she can take. 

Veronica’s still gone. The battle in her mind still rages. Janis and the ghosts have managed to push the front lines back, but it’s still a losing battle. 

“Janis,” a quiet voice says. Janis looks up to see the ghost of JD swimming in front of her vision. “Listen, I know you’re weakened. If you can hold on long enough for me to talk to her, I think I can… I think I can get her back.” 

“Go to hell,” Janis growls, spitting out some blood and wiping her face off on her sleeve. “You did this to her.” 

“I know I fucking did!” JD yells. “But I really loved her, too, and she loved me back, or she’d never have done this! You’re fully within your right to hate me, but if you don’t let me in, she is going to kill you! And I cannot let that happen to her. She would never recover. She loves you, Janis, she’d never forgive herself. This isn’t her, and I’m not going to let it be.” 

“Fine,” Janis sighs. She forces herself to stand and shuts her eyes as the now-familiar chill and loss of control overtakes her once more. 

“Veronica,” JD says. 

“Jason,” Veronica says with a twisted smile. “Look, I’m doing it!” 

“I see that, babe,” JD says. Don’t make me call my sister babe, man, that’s just weird. “Sorry, Janis. Veronica, I see you are, but this isn’t what I want.” 

“B-but… you told me to do this,” Veronica says in confusion. “She has to be taken out of commission. She knows too much, she’ll send me to prison.” 

“Janis,” JD says softly. “Before I keep going, tell me honestly. Are you planning on reporting her to any authority, ever?” 

No, Janis roars in her head. She’s-she’s my sister! I’d never do that to her. She needs help, not locked up. She needs to be here.

“Good,” JD whispers. “Veronica.”

“Jason,” Veronica says with tears in her eyes. 

“Put the knife down,” JD coaches. “Talk to me for a while.”

“She’ll escape,” Veronica says. 

“She can’t. I’ve got her under control,” JD says. Ain’t that the fucking truth. “Janis, do you mind?” Sorry. “She won’t escape. She’s going to sit here with us and we’re going to talk. Just put the knife down.” 

Veronica doesn’t put the knife down so much as drop it so that it embeds into the astroturf of the new field. 

“Good, good, that’s good,” JD says. 

“I’ve talked to you every night,” Veronica says. “You-you told me to kill her. To get rid of her. So we can be together again.” 

“Veronica, that wasn’t me,” JD says calmly. 

“Yes it was! You told me I need to get revenge for you,” Veronica yells. “Kill her for you! Like I killed you! I have to kill her!” 

“No, Veronica!” JD bellows. “Veronica. The only person that will get revenge on is you. Janis is your twin. You have a bond like nobody else can possibly even describe, let alone feel. If you kill her, you’ll kill yourself right with her. A piece of you will be missing from your life, forever. You’d never recover. You’ve already been through too much, Veronica. You need to let us go. You need to forgive yourself. Veronica, you have to move on!”

“No!” Veronica roars, grabbing the knife and advancing on them. Janis feels a whimper of her own squeak out as she suddenly has the knife pinned to her throat. “You’re a fake, aren’t you? The real Jason wants revenge. You’re just trying to talk me out of it.”

“The real Jason loves you,” JD responds calmly. Dude, how the fuck? “Janis, I blew up, once you’ve done that you can face pretty much anything! Veronica. Listen. You can believe what you want, but listen to me.” 

Veronica eyes JD-Janis suspiciously, but she does allow a slight gap between Janis’ throat and the knife. Her grip on Janis’ collar loosens the slightest bit. “She has to die. So we can be together.”

“Veronica, I want nothing more than I want to be with you,” JD says calmly. “I love you more than I loved anything in my life. And my afterlife. But I’m not here anymore. My time came a long time ago. We can’t be together.”

“Yes we can,” grey-JD says, approaching again. “All you have to do is slit that pretty throat. She looks so much like you, doesn’t she, Ronnie? Like everything in you you can’t stand? All this darkness, this burden, this hatred? Don’t you just see it burning in front of you? It’d be so quick.” 

“Veronica, that’s not me! Don’t listen!” JD yells frantically as Veronica presses the knife to Janis’ flesh again.  “I never asked you to do this! I never asked you to try to get your revenge! Think, Veronica, come on! Who asked you that?!” 

“You!” Veronica insists. “It-it… it was you.” 

“No, Veronica, I never asked for this,” JD says. “Veronica, please, listen to me. Not him.”

“I died because of you!” grey-JD roars, made louder by the chorusing voices of the other three. “My blood stains your hands! You monster! Look at what you’ve done, you demon! You villain! Killing four innocent people! You killed me! You killed me! You killed me! You killed me!” 

“I’m sorry!” Veronica wails. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” 

“You’re a killer,” grey-JD says. “I will not… forgive… Veronica...” 

“I did, Veronica, I did,” JD begs. “We all did! You can’t keep blaming yourself, it was me! I-I was sick, Veronica! I dragged you into it! You didn’t kill Heather, I did! I made you take the wrong cup, I’m the one who poisoned her! I lied and I told you the bullets were fake, I killed Ram! You aren’t even the one who shot Kurt, that was me! And you had nothing to do with my death, Veronica, except delaying it a little longer!” 

“I killed you,” Veronica whispers with tears streaming down her face.

“No, Veronica,” JD says. Janis wants to protest about him tenderly cupping her twin’s cheek, but she knows this isn’t the time. “I promise you. All the blame rests on me. I was the worst thing that could’ve happened to you. And you were the best thing that could’ve happened to me.”

“But you-”

“Do you know how long I had a plan? How long before I even met you?” JD says softly. “Every new school I went to, I came up with a new one. Every moving day was going to be the time I finally fucking did it.” 

“Jason,” Veronica says. Some clarity is starting to come to her eyes. It’s working. Slowly but surely, JD is getting through. Janis just hopes he manages it before he can’t hold onto her anymore. 

“Veronica,” Heather says, some color returned to her now that she’s had some time to recover from her time inside Janis. Veronica whips around to look at her. “Can you hear me?” 

“Heather,” Veronica says. Heather smiles, in spite of the situation. 

“Yeah. You need to listen to us,” she says soothingly. “You need to come back. This isn’t you.” 

“But-but you… you’ve been telling me,” Veronica says. “Telling me to kill again. For you. A life for yours.”

“That won’t bring me back, Veronica,” Heather says sadly. “Nothing will. Killing Janis won’t solve anything.” 

“Why should she live?” grey-Heather says. “She’s not innocent, either.” 

Veronica’s eyes snap back to Janis. 

“She manipulated her little girlfriend for an entire year,” grey-Heather continues. “Isn’t she a bad person?”

“Veronica,” Heather says, remarkably calmly. “You are not the judge, jury, and executioner. This weight is not meant for your shoulders.”

“B-but-” Veronica stumbles. She looks back and forth between the real ghost and the greyscale version. “W-who-”

“Veronica,” JD says. “Those are you. All the things you’ve been tormenting yourself with. They’re taking our forms. You can’t listen to them. You can’t give in.” 

“Kill her!” grey-JD roars. “Kill her like you killed us!” 

“Veronica,” Heather says. “You have to let us go.”

“No,” grey-Heather says. “Kill her. Kill her, or you’ll be alone forever.”

“I don’t want to be alone,” Veronica says, her voice trembling. JD, she’s coming back. That’s real emotion, that’s her. 

“I know,” JD whispers. “Veronica. That isn’t Heather. That isn’t me. That’s you. Those are your thoughts. Fight them. Why do you think I fell for you?”

“Because… I’m… weak,” Veronica grits. She’s still clearly not back in herself yet, but she’s getting closer, and closer. Just not close enough.

“No, Veronica, I fell for you because you’re strong,” JD says. “In a way I never was. Never could be. You’re strong, and you’re good. They’re lying to you. Don’t listen. Use that strength. Fight, Veronica.” 

“Veronica,” Heather continues. “Listen to us. Don’t listen to them. They’re not real.”

“Aren’t we?” grey-Heather retaliates. “You will never be free from your sins, Veronica Sawyer. You are, and always will be, a killer. A murderer. You killed us. You killed me.”

“I know,” Veronica sobs. “I know I did, I know! And I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m doing what you asked!”

“Veronica, we forgave you,” JD says. “We do forgive you.”

“You will never forget what you’ve done,” grey-Heather says. “You will never forget. This will always live inside you.”

“And you can always fight it, Veronica,” Heather says pleadingly. “You have so many people who love you, you fucking pillowcase! Think about them! You have so many people who want to help you heal, you just have to be open with them! Mac, Janis, your mom! Your dad, Duke, Cady, Damian, Regina! All of them know who you really are!” 

“I’m a killer,” Veronica sobs shakily. 

“No, you aren’t,” JD says. “You’re a victim. An unwitting accomplice. You’re traumatized. But you are not a killer.” 

Janis forces her eyes to look at the grey-ghosts. Slowly, they’re taking on some of Veronica’s features. Grey-Heather’s hair is much frizzier, suddenly. Grey-Ram has her nose. Grey-Kurt her ears. Grey-JD has her stature. Slowly, they’re losing more and more of themselves. Becoming unrecognizable as anything but Veronica herself. 

“Janis, she’s getting closer,” JD whispers. “But I can’t hold on too much longer. You have to help. Help me save you. Save her. As long as she’s fighting, she’s still in there. She can win this.” 

Okay, Janis thinks as hard as she can. 

“I died here, Veronica,” grey-JD says. “Don’t you remember? Don’t you remember the sound of my life being snuffed? The ash, the soot? The blood? The smell? I was in so much pain, Veronica. My pain will never disappear.” 

“Yes,” Veronica whimpers. “Yes, JD, I’m sorry!”

“Veronica,” JD and Janis say at the same time. “I’m not suffering anymore. Revenge won’t solve anything. You know that. Revenge won’t bring me back. It won’t change anything. All it will do is hurt you and the people you care about.” 

Janis and JD watch as the ghosts morph even further into Veronica. 

“But if I hadn’t been there, none of this would’ve happened,” Veronica says. “None of you would ever have died! I’m sorry, I’m sorry Heather. I’m sorry Ram, Kurt. JD, I-I’m sorry!” 

“We can’t change the past, Veronica,” Ram says comfortingly. And remarkably eloquently. “But you can change your future. Don’t do this.” 

“But if I had never met you, none of you would have died!” Veronica insists with tears streaming down her face. “Heather, if I hadn’t gone to that party, if I hadn’t met you in the bathroom! Ram, Kurt, if I hadn’t gone to the graveyard that night!” 

“Veronica, why are you doing this to yourself?” Heather asks. “You fucking pillowcase. I barely knew you, but those few months I did were some of my happiest. My only regret is that I didn’t get to know you more while I was still alive. I don’t hold this against you. I never have. As soon as I crossed over, I understood. Listen to us, Veronica. We’re glad we got to be with you.” 

“Yeah, man,” Kurt agrees. “We didn’t know you super good. But you seem pretty baller. The only thing we’re pissed about is being such assholes, bro.” 

“You have nothing to regret, Veronica,” JD and Janis say in tandem again. 

“Look at me, Veronica,” grey-Heather says, her voice much quieter now, like she’s miles away and still trying to speak to them. Veronica does. Janis can see the confusion raging behind her eyes when she sees her own face looking back at her, speaking in Heather’s voice. “You deserve this. To suffer. Your punishment for what you’ve done. Won’t it be wonderful to get to keep us around all the time?” 

“Veronica,” JD and Janis say. Veronica looks at them. Janis almost gasps at the clarity in her eyes. She’s almost back. “You can’t blame yourself anymore. I love you. I don’t want to see you suffering. The voices you hear are your own thoughts. You’ve been hurting yourself all this time. Stop blaming yourself for what’s happened to you. To us.”

“You asked me to do something for you,” Veronica murmurs. “Jason. You asked me to-”

“Think, Veronica, come on. What did I ask of you?” JD says, without Janis this time. Janis can feel him slipping, tries desperately dig her heels in to keep a hold on him as long as she can. For Veronica. 

“You… you asked me to clean up after you,” Veronica says. “I’m trying to-”

“No, Veronica,” JD says. “I asked you to clean up my body. You did that. You helped the police gather as much of me as you could.”

“A-and you asked me to…” Veronica mumbles. 

“Come on, Veronica, think! You’re so close, just keep fighting! Keep thinking!” JD and Janis yell. 

“You asked me to stick around,” Veronica says boldly. “And… make things better.” Janis collapses to the ground as JD is ejected from her body. “Janis, oh my god!” 

“Vera,” Janis croaks. Veronica bursts into tears and throws the knife as far away as she possibly can before she sinks down next to her and pulls Janis’ limp, exhausted body into her lap. 

“I’m so sorry,” Veronica sobs. “I’m so sorry. God, I almost killed you, I’m so sorry.”

“That… wasn’t you,” Janis says hoarsely, choking the words out around painful gasps for breath. “This is. You fought it off, Vera. You did it.” 

Janis forces herself to her knees and grunts as Veronica throws herself at her. Janis thinks she hears a few of her ribs crack as her twin hugs her tighter than she’s ever been hugged in her life. Janis squeezes her back just as hard as they both cry against each others’ shoulders. 

The grey-ghosts, now perfect reflections of the both of them, melt into a revolting sort of goo and seep back into Veronica. They’ll always be with her, in a way. But Janis will be too. And they can face their demons together. 

“I’m so sorry,” Veronica sobs again. 

“I’m sorry too,” Janis responds. 

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” Janis says. “Let’s fucking get out of here.” 

“I… I have to do something first,” Veronica says. Janis watches in confusion as Veronica stands and walks away. Veronica grabs the knife and runs towards the nearest garbage can. She drops the knife in first. Janis is dragging herself over as best as she can when Veronica suddenly pulls out her diary and stares at the cover. She traces over the leather binding with her finger before she drops it in as well. 

Heather, Ram, Kurt, and JD materialize next to her once again. 

“I’ve needed to do this for a long time,” Veronica begins, voice thick with emotion. “It’s time I let you go. Release you all to where you belong.” 

The ghosts are quiet for a moment, looking at Veronica with a strangely peaceful gaze. Heather is the first to speak. “Thank you.” 

Veronica just nods. “I’m gonna miss you.” 

“We’ll miss you too,” Ram says. “It’s been kind of baller hanging around Earth a while longer, but…”

“We’re fucking tired, man,” Kurt concludes. 

Veronica pulls out a matchbook. Looks at it for a long moment. “Thank you all for everything. Everything you’ve given me. Everything you’ve done for me.” 

“Thank you, Veronica,” JD says softly. 

Veronica strikes the match. “Goodbye.” 

“Goodbye,” the ghosts all chorus at once. 

“I love you,” JD says. 

“So do I,” Heather says. 

“I love you too,” Veronica says. “Both of you. I’ll see you again.” 

“Enjoy being eighteen, Sawyer,” Heather says as Veronica drops the match into the bin. 

“Enjoy staying seventeen, Chandler.” 

“Live the hell out of this life, Veronica,” JD says. 

“I’ll do my best, JD.” 

And with that, all of the ghosts dissolve into puffs of mist, blown away by the wind along with the sands of time, to places and things unknown to the living. 

Veronica stands and watches the fire grow and roar in the bin. Janis comes up and leans against her side as they watch the flames flicker and dance in front of them. 

Veronica screams in anguish, releasing all the emotions she’s needed to for a year. Janis holds her through it, and they both sob into each other as the diary turns to ash.

They’ll always have demons.

But they can fight them.

Together. 

—————

thank you for reading, especially if you’re coming from the heathers side of things!! i really enjoyed exploring these characters a bit more in depth than i have before so if you have any requests or anything from me you’d like to see i’ll do my best to make it happen :) in a timely manner this time lol

i’ll also almost definitely write this again from veronica’s pov at some point. just a long ways in the future bc i need time to emotionally recover from this one lol

also if you know what the ending scene is loosely based on no you don’t :)

have a fantastic day and thanks again for reading!!

lots of love,

ezzy

[skeletonsfortea]

Q&A Time!!!

First Q&A

(Y’all might notice some inconsistencies between Q&As with personalities, that’s because I’m making adjustments to the characters as I write BLOW, so you’ll have to forgive me for the mess XD)

(Also, I’m splitting the Q&A into two parts! So if your question hasn’t come up, it will in the next one!)

In the void, a squat building stands, inside a comfortably decorated lobby adjacent to an interview room.

Hello again, everybody! It is I, Tea, and my face, CE!

CE is asleep.

Let’s get started shall we? Skeletons!

Fourteen skeletons appear, already sitting.

“Hey, what the fuck-” Red begins.

“Welcome back everybody!”

There are a couple of irritated groans in response.

“What are we doing back here?” Classic asks.

“Answering questions, of course!”

“Dirty ones?” Currant asks.

“Yes! And many more!”

A few skeletons sigh.

“Tea time!”

Mugs of hot tea appear in their hands.

“Drink up, and let's get this ball rolling! CE?”

CE’s eyes pop open and he produces a remote, pressing a button. A question appears on the television overlooking the lobby.

Q1. What kind of pet names would get you excited in the bedroom?

“Buy me dinner first,” Rust jokes.

“You think you’re worth dinner?” Currant asks, and Rust looks over at him, glaring.

“I will fucking kill you, asshole, don’t test me.”

“Hey! No violence in the void, thank you! Here ya go, Rust.” A plate of food appears in his lap.

“Couldn’t we answer this more privately?” Black asks.

“Haha! Yeah, ok. Just think it, and I’ll pluck it from your minds.”

There are uncomfortable looks all around.

“Nah, that’s ok,” Red says, then he shrugs, “I dunno, something sweet and simple- or nothing at all. Anything works.”

Blue chuckles, “master.”

“You’re another kind of fucked up,” Rust growls at him, “and I think it’s worse, somehow.”

Blue shrugs, “can’t blame me for having taste.”

“Anything they want is good with me!” Vanilla says.

“Yeah, same here. Nothing too kinky though,” Classic says.

“Agreed,” says Stretch, echoed by Axe and Pie. Rust and Wax also nod.

“I’m not fond of being called anything other than my name,” Currant says.

“If I’m not going to be called by name, I had better be called by my title!” Edge declares, and Vulture nods his agreement.

“Agr-” Black stops and tries again, grumbling, “fine, anything. Sweet, kinky, doesn’t matter.”

“Same as my bro,” Mutt adds, and Black seems to recover from his embarrassment easier.

Q2. What would you do if the person you had feelings for started spending a lot of time with someone else, who also has feelings for them, but they don’t know it?

“Get rid of them.” Currant says with a slow growing smile. The others give him odd looks.

“Sounds like something I don’t have control over. I’m not going to try to stop it,” Classic says, and everyone besides Rust agrees. He frowns.

“I might…encourage them not to make a move they can’t back up.”

Q3. What’s something you would give to that person to secretly show you care?

“Secretly?” Currant echoes, “why would I keep it a secret?”

“Just assume you’re feeling shy. Maybe you actually had proper butterflies around this person, for once.”

Currant raises a brow, “wow, I could practically feel the sourness.” He shrugs, “I’d get ‘em food or something.”

“Same here,” Wax says. Rust, Axe, Vulture and Pie all agree.

“Flowers!” Blue declares, “or chocolate, if they don’t like flowers- or something else they like if they don’t like either.” Black nods.

Stretch shrugs, “maybe something they mentioned needing? The best part of the gift is knowing someone was listening.”

“Me too.” Mutt says.

“I would give them a note or poem!” Vanilla says.

“Maybe an experience. Like, I’d take them somewhere?” Red says, “does that count as a gift? Or a secret?”

“I’d say so! As long as it’s not obvious.”

Classic shrugs, “maybe I’d do 'em a favor. Something they needed to get done.” Edge nods in agreement.

Q4. Favorite position?

“I’m assuming those are different for humans?” Classic asks.

“Yeahhh, here, I’ll implant the needed knowledge and context. Just assume y’all have ecto-bodies for this one.”

“Ecto what?” Red asks.

“Awesome god powers, activate.”

“Why do you sound so bored if they’re awesome?” Vanilla asks.

“Eh?”

Each of the skeletons’ faces flush a little with the new information being poured into their skulls, besides Wax and Currants’.

“Wow. The sooner I can forget all of that, the better, so spooning.” Classic says.

“Seated, probably,” Stretch says.

“Doggy style,” Mutt says.

“Ironic,” Rust says dryly, giving him a look. Mutt ignores him.

“Butterfly!” Blue says.

“Counter,” Axe says.

“Standing?” Pie offers, and Edge agrees.

Red’s face splits with a smile, “face si-”

Edge throws a pillow at his face, “keep what’s left of your dignity brother!” Red chuckles.

“Missionary, perhaps,” Black says, and Vulture nods his agreement.

“Basic, but easy to spice up. Fair enough.”

“The rocking horse,” says Wax.

“How could I choose just one?” Currant asks. He considers it. “Nah, I don’t have a favorite.” He smiles, “although I do have a preference for stress positions.”

“Probably counter too…” Rust says.

“Alright, now you may be free of your knowledge!”

Q5. If you had to pick one body part to be licked, which would it be?

“Put in your votes. Everyone for femur, raise your hands.”

Classic, Vanilla and Stretch raise their hands.

“Everyone for necks?”

Red and Black raise their hands.

“Pelvis area?”

Currant and Blue raise their hands.

“Ribs?”

Mutt, Wax and Axe raise their hands.

“Spines?”

Pie and Vulture raise their hands.

“Rust and Edge?”

“I don’t know.” Rust says.

“I prefer to keep slimy substances away from my bones!” Edge says.

“Understandable! Moving on to the more specific questions…”

Every skeleton besides Edge, Black, Rust, Blue and Axe disappear.

Q6. How confident would you be playing strip poker?

“Very!” Blue says.

“Depends who its with, but if it’s Y/N- the one from my universe- then pretty fuckin confident.” Axe says.

“Not at all.” Rust says, and then winces, but he forces a smile anyway, “I have nothing to show off.”

Black glances at him, “while I’m sure anyone would be blessed to see my visage, I’m not very comfortable exposing myself.”

“We’re assuming I agreed to it, which means I would feel confident.” Edge says.

Q7. How would you handle losing?

“Well I wouldn’t run. A deals a deal.” Axe says. Everyone nods their agreement.

“But I sure as hell wouldn’t lose,” Rust grumbles.

Q8. Ideal lovemaking session?

“Romantic! But also very passionate.” Blue says.

“Agreed,” Axe says, “but I don’t care as much about the romance. That’s on my partner.”

“Something quiet, private and relaxed,” Black says.

“Yeah, something like that,” mumbles Rust.

“It changes with my mood,” says Edge with a dismissive wave.

Axe and Blue disappear, and Mutt and Stretch replace them.

Q9. What's the cheesiest romantic gesture you secretly love?

“I’m not sure what counts as cheesy, so, uh, y’all can go with whatever you can think of.”

“I guess…unprompted affection? Like surprise hugs or kisses,” Stretch offers.

“A planned night out,” Black says, sure.

“Anything with food.” Rust says.

“That doesn’t really answer the question, though-”

“Don’t care.”

“Damn, fine. This’ll come out of your HP.”

“What?”

“Nothin.”

“Perhaps…a candle lit dinner.” Edge says.

“Mutt?”

“I don’t know.”

Q10. Is the third date too soon for movies and chill?

“Depends, how well did the dates go?” Stretch asks, “if they went well, then probably not.”

“Far too soon!” Edge declares, “I would like to get to know them better before ever being that vulnerable!”

“Agreed,” Black says.

“No, it isn’t.” Mutt says, getting a look from his brother.

Rust shrugs, “nah.”

Stretch and Mutt disappear, replaced with Wax.

Q11. What would you be nervous about when on a date?

“What ever would there be to be nervous about?” Edge asks.

“You tell us.”

“I’m not nervous about any-!” He stops, “any-” he glares down at his mug. “I guess I might be worried I’d scare them off.”

“I’d be worried I might say something wrong.” Wax says.

“Nothing. It either works out, or it doesn’t.” Rust says. He looks away, “and it likely won’t.”

“Everything.” Black says, “what if I missed something when I planned it? What if something goes wrong? You never know until it's too late.”

Q12. Where's an interesting place on your body you’d want to be kissed that you haven’t mentioned before?

“Perhaps the tibia.” Edge says.

“The skull,” Rust says hesitantly, and Wax nods in agreement.

“The metacarpals.” Black answers.

Q13. How do you typically let someone know you're interested without saying a word?

“Interested in what way?” Rust asks.

“Let’s assume romantically.”

“Boring,” he grumbles.

“Giving them something, like a gift.” Black says.

“Agreed,” Edge says. Wax nods.

Rust watches them with narrowed eye sockets, “I haven’t been interested in romance for a very long time. How would I know?”

Rust and Wax are replaced by Red and Blue.

Q14. What's the biggest secret you're hiding, and why are you keeping it?

“Let’s keep these answers anonymous, you can speak them, and no one else in the room will hear. Like a confession box!”

“That…” Red shakes his head, “Frisk and the resets.” He looks away, “I don’t want anyone else to feel like I do.”

“What my father did.” Black says, and his expression darkens, “there are too many weaknesses to exploit from it.”

Edge shakes his head, “I have no secrets to keep.”

“That I know about the resets.” Blue answers, “Papyrus…I think it makes him feel better to think I don’t know? But…” he laughs a little, “he’s my little bro. Maybe no one else can see through his lies, but I’ve been with him from the start. I know his tells. I couldn’t leave it alone.”

Q15. Who do you trust the least among the people you've met so far, and why?

“Trust?” Black echoes, “I don’t have a reason to trust any of them- besides Papyrus. But the least? Currant.”

“I’ll echo that,” Red says, “he seems like a slippery mother fucker.”

“I believe none of them have earned my distrust,” Blue says, “but perhaps Rust. He seems the most volatile.”

Edge hums, “the most obvious choices would be one of the two previously mentioned, but the fact that it’s so easy to see their danger makes them less threatening. I’d choose someone who you trust more, but who is still likely to turn on you. Like Mutt and Black.”

Q16. What's your darkest fear-

“Losing my brother.” They all answer in unison. They look around at each other, faces turning white.

“He can be useful,” Edge snaps defensively, “when he isn’t being a lazy piece of shit.”

“Aw, thanks bro, I value you too, want to hug it out?” Red asks, grinning and getting up.

“No! Stay away from me!” Edge shouts, leaping to his feet.

“I have an obligation,” Black says, watching as Edge dodges Red’s attempts to hug him.

“That’s not the only reason and you know it.”

“He’s my little brother,” Black and Blue say in unison.

“And life wouldn’t be the same without him!” Blue adds. Black looks to the ground.

“Yeah.”

Once they get settled again, the next half of the question appears.

-and how does it influence your actions?

“It makes me careful,” Red and Black say. They exchange a look.

“I will admit, I am more cautious because of it.” Edge says.

“It keeps me productive and putting my all into everything!” Blue says.

Q17. Do you have any unresolved conflicts or vendettas that could potentially cause trouble?

“King Asgore needs to be taken down a peg. A couple, in fact.” Red growls.

“Nope!” Blue says.

“I wouldn’t mind dethroning the queen.” Black says, and then seems surprised with himself; his eye lights drop down to the mug of tea in his hand. “Oh, right.”

“I would also like a change in leadership,” Edge says.

Q18. What's the most daring thing you've ever done, and how did it change you?

“Challenging King Asgore.” Edge says. He raises his phalanges to the scar through his eye socket, “it changed…everything.”

Red lifts his chin, “taking Papyrus. It was the first step I ever took in the right direction, and…well, it motivated me to do better. It still does. It changed a lot.”

“The same as Red.” Black says, “it made me stronger, braver. Almost…hopeful.”

“I suppose facing the human, Frisk.” Blue says, “especially knowing what I know. It didn’t exactly change me, but it put a lot into perspective.”

Q19. What's the one thing you desire more than anything else in the world, and how far are you willing to go to obtain it?

“Peace.” Black, Red and Edge answer.

“But,” Black begins.

“Would it be worth the cost of achieving it?” Red finishes.

Edge chuckles, “it’s an impossible dream, we can’t have it without having power, and power corrupts.”

“Freedom,” Blue says, “and I’m…not sure.”

All of the skeletons disappear, replaced by Rust, Currant and Axe. Axe and Rust give the others disdainful looks.

Q.20 Axe, what would you say to Rust and Currant regarding their relationships with their Y/Ns?

He frowns. “Do better.” He glances at Rust, “I don’t care what fucked up world you came from,” he looks at Currant, “I don’t care if your daddy hit you.” Rust bristles, but Currant simply relaxes into his chair, smiling. “Get a fucking grip. Having a human punching bag isn’t gonna solve your issues.”

“Sure as hell makes them more bearable.” Rust says.

“I can think of far better ways to cope. Maybe if you weren’t so fucking insecure and paranoid-” Axe continues.

“Don’t lecture me about your sappy bullshit, we all know its a fucking lie,” Rust snarls, rising from his seat.

“Or you’re just sour you fucked up the first good opportunity you’d had in years,” Axe growls back, then he looks at Currant, “you, though…just go crawl back into whatever pit you came out of- and stay there this time.”

Currant just laughs.

Q21. Rust, what would you say to Axe and Currant regarding their relationships with their Y/Ns?

He turns to Currant first, “you’re fucking disgusting.” Currant smiles and shrugs. He turns to Axe, “and you’re delusional.” Axe rolls his eye.

Q22. Currant, fuck you, by the way-

“Okay."

-what would you say to Axe and Rust regarding their relationships with their Y/Ns?

Currant grins, amused, “‘you’re not using it right.’” Both Rust and Axe glare at him.

The three of them disappear, replaced with Black and Blue.

Q23. When in a relationship, what would make you feel really jealous?

“Jealous? Why would I be jealous?” They both ask.

“If I’m feeling jealous, it’s probably not the most healthy relationship…” Blue says.

“Let’s say it's a one off time.”

“Well…I suppose just if they spent lots of time with someone else?”

“Yes, I’d say I agree.” Black says.

Q24. What would you do if the skeleton next to you started spending way more time with your crush than you’ve gotten to?

They look at each other.

Black’s eye sockets narrow, “I’d make it very clear that he should back off.”

Blue grins, “it isn’t my fault if they like me better! Anyway, it’s nothing that can’t be solved through proper communication!”

Q25. If you caught the skeleton next to you making a move on your crush, how would you react?

Black’s eye sockets narrow, “I’d propose a duel.”

“In that case, so would I!” Blue says.

Q26. If you could give the other some advice on how to approach their crush, what would it be?

Blue chuckles, “maybe start by actually approaching them.”

“‘Maybe start by-’ shut up, idiot. You should start by being less childish!”

“Says the one who just mocked me,” Blue says, smiling.

Black frowns.

“Alright, y’all, no more competing! That’s it for your questions- together. Thank you for answering!”

“Absolutely!” Blue replies.

He disappears, leaving Black alone.

Q27. Black, what do you think about Mutt saying your cooking is bland?

“He said what? Why wouldn’t he tell me that?”

Q28. What's your go-to excuse when you're caught doing something nice for someone, despite trying to maintain your tough image?

He shrugs, “that it was for the sake of manipulation, the most dirty tactic there is.”

Q29. Is there someone in the household you secretly respect, but would never admit it?

He looks away, face flushing just slightly. Sighing, he shuts his eyes briefly. “Red.” He frowns, looking forward again, “don’t misunderstand me, he’s lazy and stupid. But…he is more…put together.” He looks down again, “he’s too soft with his brother, too. Yet I can respect his commitment. It’s clear he’s hiding strength behind that ill suited attitude. I just don’t understand why.”

Q30. If you were to write a dating manual on how to deal with tsundere captains, what are ten pieces of advice would you provide to its readers?

"Tsun- what now?"

"Context implant!"

He frowns. "Be patient, kind, understanding..." his eye sockets narrow suspiciously, "who is this "captain'...?"

Q31. As someone with such a strong sense of duty, would you ever bend the rules for a crush? Not when it comes to something serious of course!

“Rules set by who? The queen?” He pauses to consider, “perhaps.”

Q32. How would you feel if they gifted you a portrait that captured your likeness perfectly, from your coolness to your stylish attire. Would you reject it?

“No, obviously I’d pay for it!” He says, “that way, I get a good decoration, and they can’t say I never gave them anything.”

Q33. If you did reject it, how would you feel if they decided to make one for Blue? He thought it was cool and decided to request one.

“If I had rejected it..? I suppose I might’ve felt…less than happy.”

“Understatement.”

“Silence, fool!”

There’s laughter. “Yeah, ok. Thanks for answering the questions, seeya, Black!”

Currant replaces Black.

Q34. Currant, Wax hates what you did. What are you going to do if he alerts everyone the moment you try to take HF Y/N away and the skeletons manage to save them?

Currant chuckles, “you honestly think that-” he laughs some more, “right, right. Well, hypothetically, I’d remind him of exactly why he wouldn’t do that.”

Q35. Currant, you see a man who is supposed to be dead about to take you into a room - a younger you, a weaker version of yourself from the past, one you dislike thinking of. You watch your younger self unable to defend himself, thoughts racing through his head. How do you feel?

Currant’s jaw works, “I don’t feel anything. I’m no longer a child.”

Q36. The man pulls you away, and you look back at the younger you… except it's not you…it's your slave, and the hand around their arm is your own. You're no different. Did you like getting hurt? Would you go through it all again? If not, then why would you force someone else to go through it? You don't care about it's feelings, hah, well I'm sure he didn't care about yours either. Now be a good boy and stop pushing all your crap onto people who don't deserve it.

Currant smiles. “I think we all know how likely it is that I'm going to do that.”

Q37. If you had to choose between reliving your worst memories over and over and over and over again every time you hurt your slave, or setting your slave free, what would pick? To help make the choice more easier for you…Tea! Why don't you give him a taste of those memories for a sec!

“Oh, no need. I’m sure he can recall them without much help, ey, Currant?”

Currant’s eye shrinks until it's hardly visible, his smile growing sharp. “I already relive those memories every time. It helps that, now, I’m the one in control. But torment me with more of the memories if you want. It would only make the kitten hurt more.”

Q38. Your upbringing was marked by trauma and powerlessness. How does it feel to see parts of yourself mirrored in those you've exploited and harmed? Your old slave and your brother for example.

He blinks. “Do you expect me to feel empathy?” He smiles, “because I don’t. Big whoop. I’m not the same as all of these self loathing, yellow bellied little bitches. I only give a shit about three things. Me. Myself. And I.”

Q39. In your pursuit of control, you've shattered countless lives. What specific instance made you feel the weight of your sins bearing down on you?

He takes a deep breath, considering. “Hm…it must’ve been when…mm, no. Maybe- no. Oh, right,” he tips his head with a deadpan expression, “my sins don’t weigh on me. They roll right off my shoulders, and I use them as a seat.”

Wax appears in place of his brother.

Q40. Wax, if you don't do anything to stop Currant, the same thing that happened to your Y/N will happen to HF! Y/N. Can you really live with yourself knowing you didn't even try?

Wax’s face grays. “I…” he looks away, “it’s hard enough as is. But I can’t stop Sans.” He looks down at his hands, “I’m not strong enough.” His eye sockets shut, “...and I don’t just mean physically.”

Q41. Wax, if you were locked in a room forced to watch all the ways your brother hurt your old slave, from beginning to end, how long do you think you'd last?

“Y/N wasn’t mine,” he says, nearly pleading, “I never wanted a slave, you have to believe me.” There are tears in his eye socket. “I wouldn’t last a second.”

Q42. If you were guaranteed a happier future running away with HLF!Reader and abandoning Currant, what would you do to make sure it happened?

“I don’t know.” He admits, looking away, wiping his eye sockets, “anything short of killing, I guess.”

Q43. Reflecting on your role as a bystander to your brother's cruelty, what do you truly believe would have happened if you had found the courage to intervene? You know, in another world Vulture actually ran away from Rust with his Y/N.

Wax nearly laughs, “you want me to run? From Sans? Have you met him?” He shakes his head, “it doesn’t matter. Y/N wouldn’t have made it out the door. Their conditioning wouldn’t have allowed it.” He pauses, “if I did intervene, I’d be dead. Then Y/N would be completely alone with him.” He frowns, “I think they would consider it a fate worse than hell itself.”

Q44. What would you like to tell you brother?

He looks down. “What do I want to tell him?” He chuckles, “what does it matter?” He sighs, “I guess…I wish…I…god, I just wish none of this ever happened. He can’t be fixed now, nothing will ever be even remotely the same. I wish- I wish…I wish…I was enough. That I could have just…supported him more. Supported him better. Before all of this.” He rubs his eye socket. “I wish I could have seen it coming.”

"Yeah. Thanks for answering our questions, Wax! Seeya!"

Vulture replaces Wax.

Q45. Vulture, in a different timeline/au, your Y/N was almost killed defending you from Rust. You even made the choice to run away with them. Both Rust and Y/N are in potential danger being around Currant. What are you going to do?

“Memory implant!”

Vulture’s expression shifts slightly as he suddenly recalls everything that happened. Shaking his head, as if to dislodge the false memories, he says, “Sans can defend himself, and while I could try to keep Y…Y/N away from Currant, I imagine he’s not that different in terms of strength and ability from Sans. Which means I…likely wouldn’t succeed.”

Q46. Vulture, if your Y/N asked for a hug do you think you'd enjoy it?

“Perhaps.”

Q47. If your Y/N were to save your life from Rust how would you feel?

“Surprised.”

Q48. If Edge and Y/N were to regularly sleep and cuddle together, why do you think you'd feel sadness or grief?

“Because…” he sighs, “maybe if the world hadn’t gotten even more fucked, we might have been friends.” He rubs his face. And I could use a friend.

Q49. If Y/N were to pick you over Edge, how would you feel?

His teeth part soundlessly for a moment, before, “confused.”

“Well, thanks for answering, Vulture!”

He disappears.

Here's the second half!

[splishsplashyouropinionistrash]

hi guys i’m a little drunk and a little sad so pls ignore my rambling, here’s a writing update

yall i’m sorry i haven’t posted any fanfic-y things lately and i’m sorry TMHYHM hasn’t updated in a while (literally 6 months) i swear i have things written

TMHYHM 8 is almost all the way written i promise, i’m struggling so much with the last little bit of the chapter

the “minyard triplets” AU is also almost finished, i have literally a scene and a half left but the WORDS don’t want to WORD RIGHT and i regret learning how to write

i’m being dramatic both of those projects are going to be great once they’re finished, i’m so obsessed with them and i know y’all will be too, but oh my god. writing is??? so hard???

in other writing news, i have eleven (11) other WIPs that have taken a backseat for the moment but i feel you should still be aware of. in no particular order:

a neil dies (but fr this time) AU because i can’t control myself

soulmate AU (obsessed with this one)

kevin in the nest (pre/canon timeline)

tangled AU (so fun. neil is flynn, i’ll let y’all figure out the rest)

break up/make up fic (because i love to cause us all pain)

a 5 + 1 (five times neil can tell the twinyards apart and one time he can’t)

fantasy AU (in the universe of the fantasy book i’m actually writing)

perfect court AU (it came to me in a dream, literally)

high school AU (cause i love those SO. MUCH.)

a guardian angel (sort of) fic

an alternate universe collection fic (bunch of oneshots that could become longer stories if people like them)

the last five are all multi-part fics so those aren’t coming any time soon, but i’m excited about them anyway.

okay the writing news is over so you can tune out now if that’s all you’re here for, but i have more to say.

guys, writing is fucking hard. i’m not joking. i love writing with all my heart, and i love writing for this fandom, but ya boi is STRUGGLING

i’m not exactly… well? right now? my mental health has been on a serious downward spiral, and the words have just not been coming to me easily these past few weeks.

to blame for this, please see:

my (now ex) best friend for ditching me after six years

my OCD behaviors keeping me up all night

my mother

my chronic stomach pain

and much more!

listen, guys. i’m really sorry. i wanted to have something out for y’all last week, but it just didn’t happen. i wish i could tell you when i’ll be posting my work again, but i don’t know. i’m trying really hard to get shit done, but it’s not always that easy.

thank you all so much for your patience and kindness, i truly don’t deserve you guys. i feel genuinely so awful.

like i said, a little drunk and a little sad. thanks for reading anyway <3

[rhi-writesblog]

Shades of Love; Chapter 1

June 31, 2000

Natasha’s 18th birthday. 

When we turn 18, we lose color in our lives until we see our soulmate. Some see color as soon as they see their boyfriends and girlfriends. Some see color as soon as they see their friends.. And some even see color on the side of the street without knowing it. 

Not Natasha. 

All day, Natasha made sure to look at everyone.. She even made direct eye contact for more than a second with people. But she never saw color. It wasn’t fair. Even her neighbor, Chrisopher saw color with her best friend, McKenna. 

If Nat couldn’t see color, then why should Chris be able to? Especially with her best friend? That really isn’t fair.

“Ya know, if you wanted to see color so badly, you could go on some blind dates.. Like we did?” McKenna suggested with a smile at lunch. 

I looked at her and laughed. She was always a weird one. I pity Chris since he’s gotta marry her now. But maybe she was right? Maybe going on some dates would help me find my soulmate.. Or even someone I can learn to love with or without color. 

“You’re thinking about it. I know that look, Nat.” Chris said. 

“Yeah.. I just- I don’t wanna get my hopes up, ya know?” I sighed, picking at my nachos with my fork. 

“Nat, you’re not going to meet your soulmate if you keep moping around and staying to yourself.” Kenna pointed out. 

Why was she always right about stuff like this? 

I chuckled and shrugged, “I guess so. You two wanna find my first date?” 

At that question, I could see Kenna’s face light up. She always loved to help set people up on dates. 

“Duh! I have so many guys lined up and in mind for you! How do you feel about a double date?” She began to ask a million questions. I could see Chris beginning to fall more and more in love with Kenna. I envied her.. I always wanted to be with Chris, but we were never compatible with each other. Even before senior year. He always loved Kenna. 

I couldn’t even focus on any of Kenna’s questions. I just nodded along. I trust her enough to help set me up on dates. She knows me better than my parents. Probably better than myself. 

“Kenna? Babe, I think you’re overwhelming Nat..” Chris laughed at me. I shot him a look and kicked him under the table. 

“He’s not. I promise. I was just thinking about graduation.” I lied. Thankfully, they both believed my lie. 

The rest of the day went by painfully slow. I wanted to cry the whole day. It was like everywhere I looked, I thought I was able to see color, but it was just my memory trying to piece everything together. The tile walls were an ugly gray, and yet the bricks were a beautiful and richer gray. The floors were painfully white, and yet they were also a comforting white.. Like a freshly washed bed set. I never appreciated the grayscale until now. Maybe that’s why all of the best pieces of art are in black and white.. Even after the artist sees color.. It’s all beautiful. 

Kenna and Chris obviously took pity on me because they offered me a ride home. They never did that.. “Nat, if you can’t see color, then you don’t need to be driving until you learn how the stop lights work… and you don’t need to be walking home in the rain either.” Kenna said. 

“Kenna, it isn’t raining?” I said, turning my gaze up to the sky. It would be really cliche if it did rain then, but it didn’t. I kinda expected it to, but it didn’t. 

“Just get in the car, Nat. We wanna take you out for your birthday and a double date.” Chris explained with a smile. 

Did they really already set me up on a double date? How? It’s barely even been three hours since lunch. Is it even worth us going out to dinner if lunch hasn’t even digested? 

“Nat? Come on..” Kenna said, reaching into the backseat and opening the door for me. Her smile just screamed that she meant everything in good honesty. She just wanted me to be happy and I couldn’t blame her. 

I thought for a moment and then got into the car. I couldn't believe that I was letting them take me out on a double date. I kinda wonder who my date could be? There isn’t anyone in school, other than Chris that I liked. 

“Don’t worry. The date isn’t until 6pm, if that's what you’re thinking. We’re going to go back to my place and then get ready while Chris helps your date get ready.” Kenna explained happily. 

I let out a deep sigh and nodded my head. Of course she thought all of this through. Clearly, she’d been thinking of this moment since she found out that her soulmate was Chris. 

“Okay.. Thanks, Kenna..” I smiled at her. My smile was tired and showed exactly what I was really thinking without me needing to say anything. 

“Don’t worry, Nat,” Chris began as he pulled out of the school parking lot and began to drive to Kenna’s house, “if you don’t like this date, there doesn’t have to be a second one and we will find you someone new whenever you’re ready.” 

I could tell that he was aiming his words at McKenna because of the way she crossed her arms and mimicked him. I smiled at him and nodded. “Thanks, Chris.” I chuckled before laughing when McKenna continued to mimic her boyfriend. 

Once we got to McKenna’s house, she was quick to usher me to her bedroom. We tossed out backpacks by her bedroom door and she sat me down at her desk. 

“You are going to be so beautiful when I’m done doing your hair and makeup!” Kenna clapped her hands excitedly as she grabbed her makeup case from her bathroom. 

I just watched her and shrugged, allowing her to do whatever she wanted to my face. I trust Kenna. I mean, look at her, she’s absolutely amazing at makeup! It doesn’t even look like she wears any! But then again, she’s just naturally beautiful... Maybe that’s why Chris loved her and not the fact that she’s his soulmate... 

[thequietmanno1]

TheLreads, Vigilantes ch 104, Replies Part 1

1) “Sp, where did we left? Ah, right, Koichi just flew into the stratosphere, then came back when he realized that calling for All Might would make me commit a homicide. Yeah, now we’re on a 1v1, My boy vs McBee. Time to see what shall unfold, on Chapter 104: The Bad one”- Koichi finally heeded his inner calling to heroism (that is, his own desire to not be on the sidelines this time), even if it means he’s breaking all the rules of common sense and self-preservation.  Took him a while to get up to Izuku’s level, I can tell ya that much.

2) “Yes but consider this: I’m going to rip your spine and beat you to death with it if All Might shows up to solve this problem.

Not you Koichi, I’m talking to Furuhashi right now.”- Koichi meanwhile, will be busy trying to stop Nomura blowing his spine out through the back of his skull before any official help arrives, thanks to him finally stepping up to the plate on his ownsome….without a solid plan of how he’s gonna get over his handicap of actually hitting an opponent in a fight.

3) “oh so Soga is in danger and might not survive the night?”- Downside of Koichi finally standing up to face Nomura. We don’t get Soga pulling the Benny Hill chase routine with the Anon drones.

4)“Alright Phelps, time to fight to keep the timeline stable.

The two henchman there, they can meet the same fate as Soga, we haven’t seen them in the main story anyway.”-Huh, actually, would Midnight’s gas even affect the Anon drones? It’s been a while, but whilst I recall that Nomura was especially vulnerable to her, I’m not certain if the drones need to breathe quite the same as a human does. 5) “Behold, The Bad One

the most evil boy to ever exist, the biggest troublemaker to walk the earth

behold…and despair”-well, Koichi certainly made Nomura despair there for a moment. Had him dead to rights and everything. Shame he didn’t quite land the hit, but at the same time, the fact he could have is arguably more of a slap in the face to Nomura than anything else he’s done so far. 6) “Everybody like “Uhhhhh- should we go help the boss? He’s gonna get his ass kicked if we don’t”

A side effect of having to micromanage every single nomu in this army that AfO generously granted McBee for some fucking reason.”- In choosing to make himself a mirror of Koichi to try and take his place in the narrative as both Knuckles’ successor and “the hero”, Nomura also made himself vulnerable to mirroring his moments of denseness and making poor decisions, like turning back to fight a villain when you have no actual drive to fight the villain. Both these boys are devoting all their available brainpower to this fight, because there isn’t enough to spread around and multitask up there.

7) "|[The Good, the Bad, and the ugly theme playing in the background]”- It certainly is in Nomura’s head at least. Sadly, koichi isn’t quite the movie buff he is, and hasn’t quite caught up to the script everybody else is working from, so he thinks this can maybe still be resolved without violence….though at least he’s prepared for Nomura’s refusal this time.  

8) “OH MY GOD KOICHI YOU ARE NOT EVEN SURE IF HE’S THE SAME GUY THAT CONFRONTED YOU AT THAT ROOFTOP

I SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE MY JOKES ABOUT HOW MUCH McBEE IS A LOSER ARE REDUNDANT, BECAUSE THE STORY IS MAKING SURE TO NAIL IN THAT MUCH.”- Can’t actually blame Koichi for this one. It’s like if Pennywise confronted one of the Loser’s Club in the guise of a fear one of the others hand, there’s no way to recognise him without the proper “mask” on first. Even his costume and everything looks a little generic if you critically analyse it, so there’s not really much about Nomura that truly stands out beyond his intense desire to be a stand-out individual….which only really reinforces the point.

9) “What you mean Koichi? That’s exactly how he always looked. Can’t you recognize his shiny, puppy-like eyes?”- I mean, technically, you’re correct, this is what he’s always actually looked like….but he never wanted us to see anything but the “mask” he crafted for whatever persona he was trying to turn himself into. 10) “Oh fuck you McBee, I thought the no face thing was supposed to be intentional, are you really implying you just forgot to apply your makeup? I hope you’re fucking with Koichi there”- Let’s be honest, the fact he puts his face back on just before fighting Koichi is Furuhashi’s way of letting us really savour his humiliation and frustration as he takes on his arch-foe and gets treated like a chump by him.

11) “Huh. Can’t say I see the similarities. I think you’re just projecting there McBee, you are lame enough to think you two are the same while Koichi is not even sure if you are the person who swore revenge on him a few weeks before.”- They do actually look kinda similar- similar facial structures, especially when seen side-by-side like this- but mainly because Koichi already has a mostly-generic looking face that doesn’t stand out much from the crowd. It also adds layers to his entrapment of Pop – he might have been resembling an idealised version of Koichi in terms of mannerisms and appearance, but at the end of the day it was still a copied product, and got rejected for the original despite his effort. Remember that he doesn’t move forward with his Bee Pop idea until Pop rejects him for Koichi, almost like he wanted to prove the fake could overcome the original in something as minor as winning a girl’s heart by being more attentitve to her needs, and switched tactics in frustration and perhaps slight depression after that failed to work/validate his existence. A sort of “If my best efforts can’t sway Pop from you, then you don’t deserve to have her either”.

(Vigilantes ch 49)

12) “Oh ho ho, they are getting closer, you can’t escape for much longer… Sure, they could already have found you if they had Ragdoll with them, but then we wouldn’t have the dramatic reveal that you’re Koichi’s brother and all that during the final battle.”- Well, more like he’s technically Koichi’s evil Twin- and a self-styled twin to boot, which is sorta a new one for the genre.

(Vigilantes ch 54)

13) “Let’s see what shall take place, on Chapter 54: Siblings-

Oh- Oh boy… Siblings? In a situation where we have both Koichi and McBee? Oh my, how… fun… (:  “- I mean, evil twins are technically siblings, even if this falls more under the heading of ‘intentional clone’, given he’s done everything but physically possess Koichi to ‘take his place’ in the story.

(Vigilantes ch 55)

14) “I feel like I’m losing my mind, it was just a panel, but all the red flags started going off immediately on my mind, I don’t trust furuhashi to not be planning something, and the more I think about it, the more I see that there isn’t nothing in it that contradicts the original, in those aspects at least. There were a lot of holes with the Nomu stuff so far, but this idea doesn’t feel too off to not be a possibility”-  Well, turns out the cloning part is more metaphorical than literal- I think- and in any respect No:6 has intentionally turned himself in a mis-mashed clone of Knuckle and Koichi together, in an effort to produce his own identity out of a blend of theirs. I guess the concept of cloning bodies to easily produce Nomu might be one way the VF would tie into AFO and Ujiko’s plans, but at this point their end goals- and even the true intent behind giving Nomura such freedom and resources- is still a mystery.

(Vigilantes ch 56) 15) “wait

wait- oh- If that thing there is what McBee really is, and what he said about wanting to actually be Knuckles can be taken at face value, then that means that he can actually shapeshIFT GODDAMMIT I FUCKING KNEW IT, I KNEW THAT TIME AT THE CRAB UPRISING WAS SOMETHING IMPORTANT HE DID CHANGE HIS FACE TO TRICK MONIKA

HOLY SHIT- DID FURUHASHI ACTUALLY FORESHADOWED SOMETHING FOR ONCE?! DEADASS?!”- Yep, though it turns out that even his idea of ‘becoming a younger knuckleduster’ is based off of recombining and utilising Koichi’s own character with Knuckle’s speed and techniques as O’clock, showing how he’s lacking in the creative spirit needed to really become his own person.

(Vigilantes ch 57)

16)“Oh boy here he goes again, just before he regrows his arm in the most dramatic way possible. I mean, he isn’t wrong, Knuckles is cool, but I doubt he ever paid attention to the goodest boy™ around, Koichi.”- Well, he sure as hell is now…

(Vigilantes ch 57)

17) “Sorry McBee, but just as you said, there can be only one, and there already is: Koichi, the chosen one, the true Highlander. Even if you kill Knuckles here it won’t matter, for the torch has already been passed and- oh wait, I think that knuckles really is dead right now.

…

Oh well, there’s that. You just find Koichi and tell him this dramatic speech instead.”-There, he said the speech. Happy now? (Vigilantes ch 82) 18) “Also, did you just got Koichi`s bad naming sense as well?”- Seeing as he’s basically tried to become a fusion of Koichi and O’Clock, it seems that proverbial merger came with some disadvantages to his capabilities, namely his naming sense.

19) “Uhhuuu~ scawy~

Can you go back to the no-eyes face? That one was way cooler and more intimidating.”- Cooler, yes, but honestly less expressive too – which is sorta natural, honestly. Nomura’s here first and foremost to voice his complaints against Koichi about how he’s “wasting” the role that Knuckles and Pop and everybody else have given him as the “hero” in their little tale, and the tirade loses something if he’s got no real face to let him know exactly how much Koichi gets under his skin….or, whatever his body tissue counts as now.

20) “Koichi is like “bro what I’ve done I don’t even know you””- Koichi basically lucked into getting an arch-nemesis when Izuku had to train his ass off to inherit OFA’s long-time one…and even then, his true nemesis is somebody else entirely. @thelreads

[hellsbroadcaster]

I should be sleeping I have to be up in an hour but radiostatic going brrr brrr in my brain

Cuz I still don’t like the assumption people have it only being one persons fault. I think they both played a role in the way things turned out.

But when I look at Vox’s anger. His hate for Alastor that is something that comes from being seriously hurt and betrayed. And maybe it’s my own experiences too that I see it, because yeah, ppl have hurt me deep enough for me to wish for their downfall.

Especially when you see them prancing around like they haven’t done a thing wrong. That shit pisses you off.

And the thing about Vox is he is so overly expressive about his hate meaning to me how much he is not over it. People that continue to dwell on something like that build up a lot of bitterness, a lot of resentment and because he hasn’t properly dealt with it, it’s why he’s so vocal. His actual feelings are eating him upside. He’s scared as shit to see Alastor back.

That little tidbit of Alastor saying ‘he asked me to join his team I said no and now he’s pissy that’s the tea’

The fact that Alastor even said it, and it had Vox standing front of the radio trying to hide it even tho it’s a radio there’s nothing to block it’s for your ears 😭 just has me questioning NDNSKSKS

Notice how Vox’s part is all slander, it’s all assumptions, it’s literally him just trying to taint Alastor’s image. ALASTOR is the one that actually came in with a real tea drop. And that’s when Vox starts getting so mad he starts malfunctioning. Alastor hit a very soft spot and he did it on purpose.

Wouldn’t it be funny that their beef is really just because of how badly they actually wanna be friends but they can’t be of their own issues?

They had to have worked together for some time. Shipping aside, Alastor to me just seems very self orientated. He is out here for himself, everything he does has an angle. He is not here at the hotel simply to help if he wasn’t getting something out of it.

I don’t care what you say he has an alternative motive. And I think that’s what makes it sadder because he probably does end up caring even if it’s just a little.

Hell, his relationships and bonds he makes at the hotel might even be an insight to how things went with Vox.

Because he is very much an avoidant attached person. The moment things get a little too close for comfort, or it interferes with his plans, if it makes him question himself even a little he’s going to ruin it. To maintain what he’s been trying to do since he got to Hell. Being the most powerful, cause chaos. Bonds? Connections? Love? Those things are liabilities. They become weaknesses to someone like Alastor. I don’t think he’s incapable of them, but I do think he puts them at a distance because of what his goals are and doesn’t want to let them interfere with him reaching them.

I feel like Vox, was something he had to break off because of how close he was getting. I think that’s part of what happened. Because even if Vox was with the Vees, he still wanted Alastor to be apart of it. He still wanted Alastor to be around.

People saying Alastor left because Vox changed. Maybe. It’s def a possibility and a reason for a lot of fallouts between friendships. Like I said, I don’t think one person is to blame there’s a lot of factors to this I am sure of it.

I just think, the complicated and sad stems from it actually being kind of simple but because of the two being as they are it’s what complicates things. Ya know what I mean?

[percontaion-points]

Covet (Crave #3) prologue, chapters 1-3

Click to see the rest of the snark & image descriptions

Prologue

But as my eyes meet Jaxon’s cold, dark ones, I can’t help acknowledging that while one thing hasn’t changed, everything else has. 

And I have no idea what to do about any of it.

Prologue summary: As Grace gets ready for Xavier’s memorial, she thinks about the plot of the previous two books. Macy comes out from the bathroom, and she’s so stricken with grief that Grace has no idea what to even say to her. Macy usually uses magic to make her hair bright pink or any number of unnatural colors, but now, she’s turned it black. As they leave their room, they find that all of the other named characters are waiting for them. And things are stupid awkward between her and Jaxon now. 

Chapter 1

“I still don’t know how I ended up mated to Hudson,” I say dully. “I thought you had to be interested in being mated, or at least ‘open’ to it, for it to happen in the first place?” 

Macy grins at me. “Clearly you feel something for him.” 

I roll my eyes. “Gratitude. I feel gratitude for him. And I’m pretty sure that’s a terrible reason to hook up.”

Look, I’ve read my fair share of both YA and romance novels. On the list of “terrible reasons to hook up”, feeling grateful for them is a lot better than half of the books that I’ve read. 

In fact, she’s actually one of the few people who blames Jaxon for our mating bond being severed, and she’s let it be known she is firmly Team Hudson.

To be honest, I’m team Hudson. Jaxon is a horrible, toxic person, and I felt actual relief once Grace was freed from being forever bonded to him. 

“Oh, right. One. Of course.” Macy shoots me a sly look. “Sooooo, just to be clear. Which vampire is that exactly?

Chapter 1 summary: 3 weeks have passed since the prologue, and everybody is real mopy about that. Macy lounges around and teases Grace about her love triangle drama, by way of reminding the readers of it. Then Grace bitches about not only being a gargoyle, but also winning a spot on the council… also by way of reminding the readers. Having finished catching everybody up on the things that actually matter, Grace sinks into moping. Not about Xavier, but about the drama about her, Jaxon, and Hudson. 

Finally, Macy tells Grace that she doesn’t have to do this alone. Especially not while she’s juggling 2 boyfriends. Grace says that she’s only got one, but Macy demands to know which one. 

Chapter 2

…and missing four months while I did my best impression of a waterspout…

I’m sorry, but this is fucking hilarious. 

“She says it’s so that we all get a more well-rounded knowledge of the different parts of history, but I think she’s just trying to torture us.”

Oh no. How dare a teacher try to make you into well-rounded individuals. 

“Yes, but you’re the only one to ever have a mating bond severed by something other than death.”

I get that Jaxon got it from the Bloodletter… But at the same time, how did that other boy look at it and know exactly what it was if it’s such a rare, old spell?

“But if that’s true, and mating bonds never break, why exactly was there a spell to break mine? And how did the Bloodletter just happen to know it?”

Chapter 2 summary: Since Grace missed so much school, she’s scrambling to catch up and graduate on time. Which means doing a lot of extra credit assignments. She says that one teacher assigned them to research something not discussed in class, and make a presentation about it. Macy says that Grace could talk about herself, and Grace thinks that she’s talking about being a gargoyle. But Macy points out about how in the history of 5ever, not one single person has had a mating bond broken like that. Grace thinks that it doesn’t add up, since Jaxon got the spell from the Bloodletter… and where did that spell even come from? How did she know it would work?

Chapter 3

 I mean, what could they possibly serve to engender this kind of disgust in my cousin? Eye of newt? Toe of frog?

I really want to make sure that the author understands that stuff like “eye of newt” was ye olde tyme-y code. “Eye of newt” is mustard seed, and “toe of frog” is buttercup. 

They give me identical looks of horror as they both answer at the same time. “The vampires.”

Chapter 3 summary: On the way down to dinner, Macy complains that it’s “Wingo” night, so the kitchen witches are off for the night. She then has to explain what the fresh hell “Wingo” even is. 

It’s basically witch bingo, but instead of putting a stamp on your bingo card, you drink a MYSTERY POTION. Some of them will turn you into a chicken, others will make you dance nonstop, etc etc. 

Flint interrupts Macy’s explanation, and is kind of upset to hear that it’s Wingo night. It’s apparently a big deal to the students, since the food in the kitchen is really gross on those nights. Macy insists that he has to go with them. As the three of them go, Grace asks what could possibly be worse than canned green beans served in a public high school cafeteria. Macy and Flint answer in unison that the vampires do the cooking tonight. Which… okay, but why?

[moemoemammon]

Ok. I need to get this idea out to someone. Solomon and mc are messing with potions for class and he accidentally gives mc a “youth” potion that makes you look younger. It turns mc into like a 4 year old for like a couple of days. What do you think would be the demon brothers (any) reaction to babysitting their master? What would they do? Idk i think it would be a little funny.

You’ve Gotta Be KIDding me, MC!

(Feat. GN!MC and the Demon Bros)

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Lucifer

He'll be exchanging words with that sorcerer bastard later. You can bet on that.

Lucifer doesn't take kindly to the idea of MC having run ins with magic in general, but at least this seems to be on the tamer side of the magical spectrum. And he had to admit, it's sort of amusing.

He intentionally watches you try to handle things on your own. Be it reaching for things too high up, stubbornly carrying things too heavy for your tiny arms, or making messes when you try to tidy up, Lucifer waits patiently until you ask for help (or until he can't take it anymore).

Treats you like he always does, despite your size. He doesn't talk to you like a child, or try to force toys and nap times onto you, but may or may not tease you when it's only the two of you. After all, you may look like a child, but that doesn't mean you are one. It's still funny to harass you a little, though.

"As independent as you may be, please refrain from trying to climb up onto the counter. If you need something, ask one of my brothers, or myself. If that isn't obvious enough, perhaps a 'time-out' is in order?"

Mammon

When Mammon recovers from laughing for twenty minutes, (and also making threats on Solomon's life) he then decides to take a billion pictures of you. Now calls you 'munchkin' and variations of it.

And if you thought he was clingy before, just wait till you see how he is now. You're ACTUALLY helpless and vulnerable. I mean, you'd hardly make an appetizer for a random demon! So Mammon's gotta keep an eye on you. Maybe even a toddler leash-

Unintentionally treats you like an actual child. His older brother mode kicks in, and he finds himself taking care of you as naturally as breathing. Mammon? Being responsible?? It's more likely than you think.

He hands you a cup of juice before you can say 'I'm thirsty'. He'll slide over some sliced up fruits before your stomach has a chance to growl. You're tired? No kidding. That's why he's got a blanket and pillow on the sofa for you.

"Where do ya think you're goin', short stack? Nowhere without ME, that's where! I already told ya, if there's somethin' ya need, just tell me!" "Huh? I'm spoilin' ya too much? S-so what if I am?!"

Levi

Solomon came in with a child in tow that looked a hell of a lot like MC, and this man nearly had a heart attack. There's no way... did those two have a secret love child?! Th-that's just-!! Oh, it's only MC.

WAIT A MINUTE...TH-THIS IS....! ISNT THIS JUST LIKE 'DETECTIVE C*NAN'? Uwaaah... Just look at you! You're still just as smart as before, but you've become super small! Talk about the ultimate gap moe!!!

Levi isn't a big fan of the idea of tiny, sticky hands touching his things, so he's glad you've still got your normal brainpower. That being said, he finds himself talking to you normally. Maybe even easier than before!

It kinda throws him off that you guys can't do the things you'd normally do together. Your fingers don't have their usual dexterity so playing games is a challenge, and your attention span is a little shorter so these TSL marathons are killing you. But have no fear, Levi knows a ton of other things you could do together! He won't let something like this spoil his time with his dear Henry!

"If you can't use the controller, let's try something that doesn't need one! I've got a new Ruri Hana VR game with REAL motion and voice tracking! If you say the spells out loud, you'll cast them in game! Ah, and it auto-adjusts to the player's height, so there's nothing to worry about!"

Satan

HES DOING HIS BEST NOT TO LAUGH. SATAN WILL HANDLE THIS WITH POISE AND GRACE, BUT MAN....

Watching you struggle to enter the House of Lamentation in your oversized RAD uniform nearly sent him to the stratosphere. He inhaled tea when you almost tripped over your blazer and had to get a couple of slaps on the back from Asmo.

Does his best to find a cure for your 'little' problem, but the most that can be done is waiting it out. In the meantime, would you like him to read you a story? Large books are probably difficult on your tiny hands.

Constantly catches himself treating you like a tot. He's not trying to, but he can't help himself when he sees your round eyes staring up at him, or when he watches you try to climb up onto an armchair.

"Up we go- There. It must be hard for you, having to climb up into the chairs like that. I've got a stool if you'd like to use it? Though, I don't mind if you sit on my lap, too." "Hm? I'm embarrassing you? I-I didn't realize how overzealous I was being. Ehem...."

Asmo

Oh that Solomon and his silly spells and potions, always making trouble! It's just one of his many charm points! And seeing as there are no permanent consequences from this harmless mishap, Asmo's enjoying it to the fullest.

Can you blame him? You're SOOOO cute~! So tiny and adorable! Why would've know that was possible?? Look this way, MC! He wants to take some pictures of you! Lowkey uses you as a photo op prop

He used to work part time at a daycare, you know? Asmo's great with kids! But that also means he's treating you like one. There's personalized snacks, cute little nicknames, and he's already gone and bought you a week's worth of clothes. Nobody tell him it'll only last a day-

He can be a little annoying with the baby talk and all the little activities he's planned for you, but you can tell he's enjoying himself.

"MC, look~! I've got plenty of ribbons to decorate your hair with! I'll let you choose your favorites, and then we can set out in town!" "Hm? Where are we going? To the playground, silly! You must be dying for a play date after being stuck in this dreary house all day, right?"

Beel

He was kinda teetering between whether or not he should throw Solomon across the yard like a football when he saw him carrying a teeny MC, but all was forgiven when he learned it was an accident.

Has now designated himself the permanent MC carrier. Your feet will never touch the ground so long as you're a child. And it's no problem for the likes of Beel, when you're as light as a feather! That makes him a little more conscious about being careful with you though-

Be it piggybacking or carrying you in his arms, he hasn't released you since he's spotted you. And don't think he's forgotten about feeding you. Beel's also taken your meal prep upon himself. You'll prefer things that've easy to eat, right? Though it kills gum to give you smaller portions than usual.... it feels cruel...

Somewhere between babying you and treating you as usual. He speaks normally to you as he always does, but prioritizes your needs over everything else. He wants to make sure you're well taken care of until this potion wears off.

"You're sure you've had enough to eat? I know I gave you a snack earlier, but... to think you really can't eat as much as before.. I'll talk to Solomon again. It must be torture to have such a tiny stomach, I'll do my best to get you back to normal."

Belphie

There's obvious opportunity here, and Belphegor won't let it go to waste. (No not for murder)

He's getting a kick about your new mini mode. How's the weather down there? Do you need him to pick you up so you can reach the high shelves? Don't worry, he'll get you a sippy cup.

When the teasing has settled down, he pays attention to a more pressing matter: you're now the perfect side for cuddling. You're a living hot water bottle, not too big, not too small, tiny and soft and adorable. Er, he won't mention that last part though.

Anyway, Belphie thinks a little kid like you should go on and take a nap now. It's exhausting having such short legs and wandering around the house all day, right? He gets it. You look tired and he knows the solution.

"Ah, you're just as cozy as I thought you'd be... Though, it feels kind of weird holding you like this. It's like holding a stuffed animal, but you're not nearly as cute." "Pfft, what's that face for? Sorry, sorry, I was only teasing."

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers LOST EDEN ー Shuu Maniac [08]

CHAPTER MASTERLIST

ー The scene starts in the dungeon at the Vibora’s castle

Yuma: Haah...I have no idea what’s goin’ down outside these walls...

I didn’t want to cause those guys any trouble...

( I would have rather just died then. )

...

( Actually...If I die, wouldn’t that solve the problem? )

( ... )

*THUD*

Yuma: ーー Oi! Is anyone there!? 

I lied ‘bout bein’ the King’s messenger! No point in wastin’ yer time sendin’ a Familiar to confirm!

So...Hurry up and execute me!

( I’m unrelated to them...I did everythin’ off my own accord. )

( If I get them to believe that, then it probably won’t come to a war between the Vampires and the Vibora. )

ーー Are ya listenin’!? Aah!?

...Che, nobody’s comin’...I really thought it was a good idea too. 

 ー Somebody approaches his cell

???: ...Hey there, looks like you’re in a pinch. 

Yuma: ...!? Who the fuck are ya...!? 

???: No need to be so guarded. ...I’m associated with the Vampire clan.

...I actually came here hoping that I’d be able to free you from this prison somehow.

Yuma: ...For real? 

???: Of course. ...You’ve experienced first-hand that the security of this place is pretty tight, haven’t you? 

Yuma: ...Are ya shittin’ on me?

???: ーー Not at all! I’m trying to say that I took a huge risk by coming here. 

So believe me. ...Please? 

Yuma: ...Fine. Then hurry up and get me outta here. 

???: ...I’m sorry, but like I said earlier, this place is heavily guarded, so it’s not that easy. 

Instead I’ll give you this. Will you use it when you’ve got the chance?

*Cling*

Yuma: ...! A knife...

???: I’d love to let you out of there, but I’m simply not strong enough...

Yuma: Nah, this bad boy should be ‘nough. 

???: I wish you the best of luck. ...Well then. 

Yuma: Yeah!

( I should be able to do somethin’ now... )

( Somethin’ to help them... )

 ー The scene shifts to the entrance hall of the Sakamaki manor

Shuu: ...You really don’t have to come with me. 

Yui: No, I’ve been wanting to see how Eden is faring...

( Afterwards, Shuu-san announced that he would head out to Eden together with Ruki-kun... )

( And I decided to join along. Of course, I’m concerned about Eden as well, but ーー )

( Most importantly, I wanted to be with Shuu-san. )

Ruki: ...Let’s go. 

Yui: Ah...Yes!

ー The scene shifts to the outside of Eden

Yui: ( This is... )

Shuu: ...

Yui: ( Is this...truly the beauty which once was Eden...? )

Shuu: I heard the stories but...I didn’t think it’d be this bad... 

Yui: How...did this happen?

Shuu: ...

Ruki: ...I thoroughly looked into it and Eden is said to change according to the current state of its owner. 

In other words...It has to do with one’s inner peace. 

Yui: ( Inner peace... )

( Well, it can’t be denied that Shuu-san has had a lot on his mind as of late. )

( He hasn’t been getting much sleep either it seems, he even appears to have somewhat slimmed down as a result... )

( So I can’t imagine he’s been experiencing inner peace... )

Shuu: In other words, it’s my fault, isn’t it? I’m the reason Eden is in shambles...

Yui: No way...

( He’s not to blame... )

( I mean, it’s because of his powers that he has had so much to worry about in the first place... )

( Because he’s the one who ended up inheriting them... )

Shuu: ...I think I’ll stay here for a bit. Is that okay with you? 

Ruki: Why would you ask me? You are the one who owns this castle in the first place. Do as you please. 

Shuu: ...Right. 

Ruki: I’ll head back then. 

ー Ruki leaves

Shuu: ...

Yui: ( Seems like he’s lost in thought over something... )

Selection

→ Speak up

Yui: Shuu-sa...ーー 

Shuu: ...

Yui: ( I considered reaching out to him but I think I’ll leave him be for now after all. )

( That’d be better, no...? )

→ Give him some time (❦)

Yui: ( I’m pretty sure that right now...I shouldn’t speak up. )

( I’m sure he’s got plenty on his mind after seeing this sight... )

Shuu: ...

Yui: ( I wonder what can be done to install peace in his heart? )

( If we can achieve that, Eden might just return to normal. That’s how it works, right? )

( Right now in particular, there’s a bunch of things happening which cannot be fixed overnight, but if there were to be something which could take the weight off his mind at least a little... )

( How about...The music he loves so much...? )

( However, he didn’t seem too thrilled about that when I suggested it before... )

ー A flashback ensues

Shuu: ...We can’t.

Yui: Eh...?

Shuu: Music is a no-go...Listening to it only stirs up my emotions even more.

ー The flashback ends

Yui: ( If anything, he’s been avoiding music...? )

( Actually, perhaps this whole time, he has been fighting all by himself...? )

Monologue

I wonder how Shuu-san must have felt,

seeing how Eden has already completely broken down.

To Shuu-san, the condition of Eden,

is a direct reflection of his own mental state. 

Most likely, ever since he inherited those powers,

he has been in a constant battle against himself.

He racked his brain to find ways to achieve inner peace (平穏).

Which is most likely why,

he also stopped listening to the music (音楽) he once loved so much.

Even though I was there with him the whole time,

it took me this long to realize that. I’m ashamed of myself. 

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー