#it’s nice to see a fellow that i can be fed up alongside of

[marclef]

What’s the relationship like between Peppino and Fake Pep? I wonder what its like to be friends with a literal clone of yourself…

hoo boy, it's a very interesting thing indeed! (and something i'm WAY too enthusiastic about sharing my ideas about hehehe 👀💧) especially when the clone of yourself is completely different from you in morals, tastes, actions, interactions..... just about the only thing that's similar is looks.

that's not to say that Peppino and his Fake don't get along though! it's gotten... better since Fake Peppino first showed up at Peppino's Pizza and then refused to ever leave. at least Fake Peppino has no desire to kill Peppino any more, he's a fellow Peppino and that would just be rude! not to mention how he regrets trying to kill him before... but it's all fine now!!

Fake treats Peppino with a decent amount of respect, part of it just because he considers Peppino a friend now, and part of it being how badly Peppino kicked his ass for things in the past. there's still an awful lot of things Fake Peppino does that makes most normal people uncomfortable... Peppino included. making inhuman noises, hiding in cramped spots just to jump out and spook you, eating things that definitely aren't meant to be eaten... Fake's fairly comfortable in his new home, and while Peppino feels a lot better about him, there's still times that it makes him feel a bit... anxious.

seeing something that once tried to kill you and still acts very off sometimes, acting as if you're a dear friend and snuggling up to you like a beloved family dog, that IS a little bit... uncomfortable, to say the least. but at least things could be worse... Fake could still be trying to kill Peppino like he was made to do.

there ARE a lot of things that Fake Peppino does though, in attempts to actually benefit Peppino. whether or not these are ACTUALLY good things is very debatable. clearing out any pest that make their way in is pretty nice at least, but then there's the more... questionable things that Fake does to try and help. for example, Fake doesn't tolerate any kind of rudeness towards Peppino or his restaurant. he still considers himself a Peppino in a sense, and sees the pizzeria as both Peppino's AND his own, so insulting either of those is the last thing you want to do.

do NOT ever behave in an unruly manner, or say rude things about Peppino in his pizzeria. you never know who might be listening...

... or that it might be the last mistake you ever make. be wary while making your way home after that... there might just be something that's tagged alongside you.

.... it IS a little worrying to Peppino that most rude customers never seem to show up again... but maybe they just stuck to their word and left? surely that's the explanation for it... Fake Peppino does look rather well-fed today though... but ah well... at least that's less angry customers to deal with?

but see, Fake Peppino DOES genuinely care for Peppino's well-being now! and Peppino, though still fairly wary, is at least thankful that he's not a threat to him. so while it's not exactly the most comfortable life, at least Fake doesn't cause Peppino any trouble... not that he knows much about.

but it WOULD help him feel a bit better, if Fake Peppino's instincts would stop acting up from time to time. there's only so many times that Fake's "kill and/or eat Peppino" brain instincts can kick in before it starts getting real uncomfortable. but at least he's not ACTUALLY trying to kill Peppino... it just tends to be that from time to time, Peppino might find himself getting licked or gently nibbled on. a wee bit unsettling when it's meant to be a clone of yourself doing that.... at least he's not really eating you??

so... uncomfortable at times, but could be worse! Fake Peppino can be fairly handy to have on hand too, a nice helper for cleaning and keeping watch! just.... don't worry about where some of the ruder customers have been going... i'm sure they're just fine.

[regencyslxt]

Let’s Dance

2424 words.

requested on wattpad. 

“can I please do an imagine with a black female reader with black curly hair, big plump lips, a button nose and cat eyes. She is a kind girl but quiet and tends to read a book and observe others instead of talking and is the single mother of two year old twin daughters Teyana and Ayesha which causes everyone to ignore her all the time. can she be a dancer who always dances at parties or balls and her family and other families start to finally notice her and some men and even women become intrigued with her.”

a/n: i tried my best to stick close to the request, i hope you enjoy it!

Breakfast had been served that morning, and even the help could feel the tense atmosphere. Your parents sat on either end of the table and you sat between your two children, helping them eat their breakfast without spilling it down the front of their night gowns. Teyana sat to your right happily nibbling on a slice of buttered toast while you fed Ayesha, to your left, a spoonful of yoghurt, or at least tried to.

“Open up sweetheart,” you told her nicely. She kept her lips tightly shut and moved her head away from the spoon you were holding out. Your mother watched upon the situation with a spiteful eye.

“Is there a reason for your hateful attention mama?” you breathed out.

“You never behaved that way as a child. Maybe it is because your father did not abandon us.” She spat. You looked at her appalled. You sat the spoon you were holding down, Ayesha smiled to herself. You wiped your hands on the front of your night dress as you stood from your chair.

“Girls, go to your rooms and pick out which dress you would like to wear today.” You sent them on their way, the warm smile on your face disappearing as their giggles and the soft patter of their little footsteps faded. You turned back to the table; a scowl evident.

“Mama, I do not appreciate the way you speak about my husband, you know very well he was a fine fellow, who died fighting for this country. I would greatly appreciate it, if you could keep your comments to yourself whilst our children are present.”

“How dare you speak to me in such a manner, you will show me some respect when you are under my roof. Perhaps the paper was right, it is a shame a body so beautiful and a face so perfect is wasted on you.”

“Dear, do not be so cruel,” your father spoke awkwardly from the other end of the table. Your mother looked at him through narrowed eyes and he went back to eating his breakfast quietly, shooting you a sad smile as he did.

“I will not tolerate being told what to do in my own house. Do you understand me Y/N?”

You looked at her, anger settling in your chest.

“Yes, mama.”

“Good. Now go get dressed. And make sure you look presentable, I cannot have Whistledown writing about how my daughter cannot dress herself to impress company.”

You scoffed at her. You bid your father goodbye and made your leave from the room. Your mother hadn’t always been so uptight, but ever since you all moved into town and Lady Whistledown found out you had two little girls but no husband around, assuming he had fled, she had not been civil with you. You and your husband had been very happy, and your parents had loved him, but he enlisted in the war. And after a few months you received a visit from his commanding officer informing you of his passing. You had cried harder than you had ever cried that night, your mother had been the one to comfort you. She held you against her, cradling your head as she smoothed down your tight curled locks which framed your face. You had cried yourself to sleep in her embrace and she had laid you down gently onto your silk pillows, placing a soft kiss onto your forehead. You always tried to remember that night nowadays, to remind yourself that she wasn’t always so cruel.

After that night you had thrown yourself into the company of others. You had made many friends, whom all knew of your heartbreak, and always spent the duration of every ball you attended dancing with them. It did not matter which song was playing or which dance was being danced, you knew them all and happily obliged anybody who requested you join them. Dancing had easily become your new safe haven, when you were sad at home you would simply ask one of the staff to play the pianoforte if they could and you would dance with your daughters as they copied your footsteps as best as they could. But this changed when you moved. You focussed all of your attention on your daughters and made sure they were happy, disregarding your own happiness as you withdrew from the things you once loved.

You had very few friends in town, however, you had become quick friends with Will and Alice Mondrich who lived a few streets away. Their children and yours adored each other and were always asking to go visit, so it was inevitable that you would become friends with the parents. They knew of your situation and were disappointed in both the people in the ton and your mother.

Regardless, you had a busy day planned. You had to dress both of your children as well as yourself and ensure everything was set for tonight as Teyana and Ayesha were going to Alice’s to spend the night there whilst you all attended the duke and duchess’s ball.

“Mummy! Can I please wear the pink one?”

“Of course, you can dear.” You pulled the pink dress from Teyana’s wardrobe. You untied the ribbon on the back and opened it up for her to step into. You fixed the dress up and tied the ribbon into a bow tightly. Ayesha ran up to you, her peach dress clasped tightly in her hand.

“Mama, this one is my favourite…” she whispered.

“Would you like to wear that one?” Your full lips forming into a smile. Your daughters had always been opposites, Teyana was always very outgoing whereas Ayesha was shy and quiet. Ayesha nodded shyly and you did the same for her as you had for Teyana a few minutes before. With both girls now fully dressed, you started sorting their hair. You gently tied a matching headband around both of their heads, to ensure their hair did not fall into their faces as they played later tonight. They both jumped from their chairs and began deciding which shoes they were going to wear. In the meantime, you had taken the small window to get yourself dressed, a maid coming in to help fasten your stay. You allowed your dress to fall over your curved frame, the stay you were wearing highlighted your hips in the most wonderful way.

With everyone ready, you placed a loving kiss on both of your daughter’s heads and made your way down to meet your mother and father and you all set off for the night.

***

The music from the orchestra could be heard as you approached. The wind wrapped itself around you, goosebumps forming on your skin. The nerves you felt weren’t helping either. Your mother and father entered the ball in front of you, and you looked around as you walked in. Will and Alice were behind you, chatting away. You had always admired their relationship, you wished that you could still have something like that however, with your mother’s newfound attitude towards you, you highly doubted that it would happen.

You hadn’t gone to many gatherings alongside your parents since arriving in town because they meant seeing people. Seeing people meant questions. Questions meant answers and you didn’t have all the answers you wanted; you would never have them. You put those thoughts to the back of your mind as you walked into the main hall. The sound of laughter and glasses clinking against each other surrounded you, chatter was high, and the music flowed around the room. The laughter and chatter, however, quietened as your presence was acknowledged. Well at least you thought it had quietened, in reality, it was still as lively as it was before. Not many people paid you any attention.

Balls didn’t bring you as much enjoyment as they once did. You would much rather be at home with your daughters reading them a bedtime story and tucking them into bed, that’s why whenever you did attend them you found a quiet space near the back of the room to situate yourself in for the evening.

With your hand wrapped around your glass, you took in the attendees for the evening. There were so many beautiful women and the men looked awfully handsome. Well, most men, Nigel Berbrooke certainly didn’t fit that bracket. You laughed softly to yourself.

“What is so funny Y/N?” Alice smiled.

“Oh nothing, just thinking.”

“Ah, well do not think too hard. We cannot have you hurting yourself.”

“Oh Alice, you wound me!” you mock offense.

You both laugh light-heartedly between yourselves. Your eyes fall upon those in the center of the room. Watching as the women’s dresses sway against the floor, swishing around the feet of their dance partner for this song. The smiles on their faces matched your own as you admired their movements.

“Will you be dancing this evening?” Alice questioned. You sighed, bringing your glass to your lips to hide your immediate dissatisfaction.

“Unfortunately, not. It appears my mother is doing her best to ward off any men that come my way.”

Your mother had not strayed too far from you. You could still see her, and it would be impossible to not see the looks herself and the men that spoke to her shot you before the men would nod their heads and walk away. Only your mother would try and save her own embarrassment by inflating yours.

“Well, at least you have men enquiring after your availability. However, it does not surprise me, you do look wonderful this evening Y/N.”

She was right. You did. Your hair framed your face perfectly, your makeup was soft but still made sure to bring out your doe eyes. Your plump lips shone with soft rouge. And your dress, your dress complimented your warm skin tone in the best way. You were the sheer definition of beauty this evening.

“And anyway,” Alice continued, “I am sure Will would be more than happy to accompany you for a dance.”

At this invitation, Will excused himself from the conversation he was having with one of the Lord’s there this evening and held his hand out to you.

“My dear Y/N, would you do me the absolute honour of sharing this dance with me?” he laughed out.

Alice nudged him and you chuckled at his joking manner.

“Why of course, kind sir. Only if the next dance goes to your wife.”

“I will make sure of that.” He replies winking at Alice. Her cheeks blushed. Even after a couple of years of marriage they still held so much love for each other. You really missed that.

You walked towards the dance floor with Will, your mother looking on with wide eyes and mouth hanging on. Your father smiled softly and nodded at you.

The next song started, and you and Will began dancing. You let the sound of the violin circle you and you followed the path of the others dancing, your movements catching the eyes of those surrounding the dance floor as you did. People began whispering as they watched on, entranced by the way you seemed to feel the music being performed. The sound of your laughs echoed through the slightly silent room as Will spun you around. Men and women alike were transfixed on you. Your ears picked up on snippets as you circled the floor.

Penelope Featherington and Eloise Bridgerton had shared compliments about you.

“Penelope. Who is that dancing with Mr. Mondrich?”

“That’s Y/N Y/L/N. She moved here not long ago with her parents and daughters. But no husband…”

“Ah who needs a husband Penny. She is beautiful.”

“She truly is.” Penelope agreed.

You had heard Lady Cowper and her daughter Cressida, gossiping as they usually do.

“Dancing with a married man I see.”

“My goodness, has she no shame?”

You chuckled at their foolishness. Meanwhile, on the other side of the floor, the Bridgerton men had stopped and stared.

Benedict smacked his brother’s chest. Colin laughed as Anthony choked slightly on the brandy he had been drinking.

“Benedict you fool what was that for?!” Anthony spoke in between small coughs.

“Look at her…”

Both Colin and Anthony followed their brother’s line of sight and watched with admiring eyes as you danced with their friend.

“Who is that dancing with Will?”

“Colin if I knew, I would not have asked.”

“I must dance with her.” Colin and Benedict looked at their brother shocked.

“You never dance.”

“Yes, I do.”

“No. No, you do not.”

“Well, I do now.” Anthony quickly swallowed the remainder of his drink as the song you had been dancing to finished.

“I believe I should be the one to ask her first, after all, I was the first to see her,” Benedict argued stepping in front of his elder brother. Colin spared no time for their bickering and made his way towards you. His brothers were quick to take notice and the three of them seemingly raced towards you.

You embraced Alice when you returned, your smile beaming. You let out a few breaths and thanked Will for the dance. You had encouraged them to go enjoy the dance they were certain to share while Will still had his dancing shoes on. You took this opportunity to quench your newfound thirst and looked around the room from your quiet spot. Only now had you noticed the number of eyes on you.

You could hear rushed footsteps as you watched the Bridgerton sons speed in your direction. You could hear whispers from all around the hall as the women spoke of you. Some women looked upon you with jealousy, and others, like Eloise and Penelope, looked upon you in awe. Several men were entranced by your performance and tried to work up the courage to come and speak to you, despite some of them already having been steered away from your mother.

Your mother. You focussed your attention on her, and her reaction warmed your heart. Your father had her wrapped in his arms and she looked upon you with fond eyes, a smile perched itself on her face as she blew you a kiss. A tenderness you had not felt in so long filled you. You were warm.

Now, people still spoke. And the questions were inevitable. But you had people to dance with and as you spun around the floor, your dress following you, you could not bring yourself to mind as much as you did before.

[sunnydaisy1]

Med Students

JACKSON AVERY X OC  (nr i just found it easier to write with a set name)

A/N: I have been watching too much grey’s atm and I know i have lots of requests to write and a wattpad story to update but the Jackson inspiration is too much ahhh.

I walked through the halls beside Alex as we made our way to the reception. Apparently we had all been paged and we didnt know what for. As we entered the large area, I saw all the residents gathered and I squeezed passed a few people until I reached Jackson and Mer. "Hey guys what's going on?" I asked, pulling Karev away from Arizona. "Fresh meat." Jackson said, nodding towards the line of sweating students. I grinned, nudging Jacksons arm, "oh how fun." He rolled his eyes but a small smile played on his lips as he turned his attention to Chief Webber. "Alright people today we are joined by a group of first year medical students who you will be supervising." He spoke, giving us all a stern look to silence the mumbles of disgust. "Your surgeries are their surgeries so look after them and try to be nice please. Oh and I will be choosing a chief resident soon so behave. Dr Grey will read out who you have been designated." Alex mumbled something beside me which caused Mer to slap him hard and I sighed, knowing this was going to be a long day. Lexie stepped forward, holding a clipboard and scanned the room for silence before proceeding. "Okay Marcus is with April." April waved and the med student headed over to her, leaving for rounds. I glanced up at Jackson who was furrowing his eyebrows. My gaze turned back to the pale interns and Lexie. "Meredith has Helen, Christina has David." The two med students walked over nervously and I laughed at Christina's merciless glare. There was 1 pretty girl left who I could tell was eyeing Alex up. "Dibs." Alex called, nudging Jackson and I rolled my eyes at their boyish behaviour. "No fair." Jackson said, shoving Karev back. "You fancy Ma.." Alex started but Jackson elbowed him in the side and I turned round, shaking my head. They both looked at me sheepishly and I turned back round as Lexie announced who Alex was going with. "Alex you're with Lydia." He triumphantly clapped Jackson on the back before heading over to his newfound 'love.' I patted Jackson's back, "Looks like you've either got the greasy dork or mr handsome." Jackson frowned down at me, "mr handsome?" I poked his cheek as Lexie continued to read out the other residents students, "not talking 'bout you." Jackson gave me a lopsided grin as he turned back to face Lex. "Maddie you're with Sam." A tall brunette stepped forward, a handsome grin on his face. "Greasy dork it is." I said to Jackson, walking off to meet my student. I heard him sigh which made me grin as I stopped in front of Sam. "Hey I'm Maddie, you must be Sam." I extended my hand out to him and he smoothly shook it. "Nice to meet you Maddie." I smiled at him and started walking off in the direction of Trauma. "Okay so today we will be under Dr Hunt who is head of Trauma. If you have any questions dont be afraid to ask but try not to get in anyones way." Sam nodded, "okay ma'am." He grinned at me as we stopped outside the ER. "It can be a little shocking seeing a proper trauma in real life for the first time so if you need to step out just do it." Sam nodded as my face turned serious. 

I stepped backwards, opening the door to the ER and walking through the the small corridor that led to the ambulance bay. "Okay we need to put on these yellow gowns and then we are good to go." I said, tossing Sam a large yellow gown. I spotted Jackson walking through the ER doors and I smiled inwardly at his pained expression, probably from his pestering student behind him. I unfolded my over gown and pulled it on, nodding at Sam who was tying his up. I was struggling to sort out the crumpled part at the back when I felt a pair of warm hands move mine away and I turned round and smiled at Jackson who grinned at me and finished tying a bow with the strings. I blushed slightly and walked over to Hunt and Torres with Sam beside me. "Morning all." I said, peering at the two grave attendings beside me. They grunted in return. I felt a nudge beside me, "hm?" I asked, preoccupied with watching Jackson cross his arms over his chest. "Is that one over there your boyfriend?" Sam asked and I blushed, quickly averting my gaze back to my smirking student. "What? No!" I said, frowning. "Okay cool." He continued before looking around at the ambulance bay. JACKSONS POV "Hey uh Dr Avery?" The greasy med student beside me asked as I watched Maddie talk to Sam and giggle on the other side of Hunt. "Yeh?" I asked curtly, fed up with this guys constant questions. "Is the ambulance coming?" He said, pushing his glasses back up his nose. I narrowed my eyes at him and titled my head to look at him, "yes." I said aggressively and James nodded, fiddling with his yellow gown. "Who's uh..who's the resident over there?" James asked, trying to continue the conversation. "Maddie." I responded, tensing as mr handsome nudged her. "Oh okay." He nodded and my attention was snagged from Maddie and her flirting student to the blaring sirens of an ambulance pulling up into the bay. Hunt and Torres stepped forward as the paramedics stepped out the doors and lifted the patient down. "Amanda Hart, 45 years old, multiple burns on her left arm and a large gash on both her legs, possible fracture on the left femur." The medic stated, helping us wheel her into the ER. I felt James shuffle beside me, awkwardly moving around the gurney. "Dude move out the way." I grunted, frustration clouding my brain. Hunt glanced over at me and I cringed, I really needed to impress all the attendings if I'm gonna be chief resident. When we had wheeled Mrs Hart into a bay and transferred her to a hospital gurney, I glanced up at Maddie who was working furiously, sanitizing the wound on the patients right leg. I shook my head to clear it and focused on the patient who was screaming in pain. MADDIES POV When we had finally given some pain meds to Mrs Hart and the bleeding was under control and she had an MRI, I sat on a stool alongside her arm where she needed a few stitches. Sam was listening to Torres explain something about a dislocated shoulder and Jackson's student was standing close beside him on the other side of the room as he finished suturing a young man. "Almost done Mrs Hart." I said sweetly to the middle aged woman watching me. "Thank you sweetie, you're a real star." She replied as I tied off the thread. I smiled at her and stood up, walking over to Hunt. "Need anything sir?" I asked, the ER was kinda slow today and I didnt want to spend all of today stitching up people, plus Sam should get a full insight of a hospital. "Uh no thanks Johnson, if you're looking for something interesting to show your med student you could observe in OR 2, Sloan's building some cheek bones." I nodded, grinning and heading over to Sam who was laughing alongside Callie. "Hey Maddie." Sam said, smiling broadly. "I've finished Mrs Harts sutures and I was wondering if you wanted to come see cheek bones being constructed?" I said nonchalantly as if I hadn't just suggested going to see a really cool surgery. "Really? Oh my god please." Sam said, gobsmacked. I nodded, "yep, go tell Dr Avery and his student, I think they've finished with their patient." Sam grinned and walked over to Jackson. "You know if you totally didnt fancy the crap out of Avery you could go hook up with Sam right now." Callie suddenly said as I watched my favourite resident talk to Sam. "Wait what?" I asked, turning my attention the the grinning Mexican. "might want to wait til after work though, if the chief found out that would be messy." I stared wide eyed at Callie, "wh..how?..howd you know I like Jackson?" The grinning attending turned towards me, "you told alex and alex told arizona who told mark who told me, word travels fast around this hospital Maddie." I gaped at her gobsmacked, shocked that all those people knew, I was gonna kill Alex. "Oh and the fact that you two never stop eye-fucking each other across the room." Callie added and walked off leaving me embarassed and blushing. I tried to act normal as I walked across the room to Sam. "Ready to go?" I asked and he nodded enthusiastically. "Wait hang on, dont leave without me." I heard Jackson pipe up behind me before placing his hands on my shoulders. "Alrighty then let's go." We walked quickly to OR 2, Sam and the student who's name I learned was James walked a little ahead, chatting about what they had seen today. "Hows Mr handsome?" Jackson asked beside me, his piercing green eyes glinting with humour. "Good, not that annoying and easy on the eyes." I responded, grinning at my fellow resident. "Oh lucky you." Jackson said, grumbling, "greasy mcdorkface over there wont shut the hell up." I laughed and shoved him slightly, causing a shit-eating grin to spread over his face. "Meanie." I said, glancing up at Jackson. "I'm not the mean one you called him a greasy dork first." He replied, crossing his arms over his chest in victory. "Yeah but we're all dorks so doesn't really count." I said, my side brushing against Jacksons. "I'm not a dork." He said defensively and I chuckled, "sure you're not Avery." "You're more dorky than me." Jackson poked me and I grinned at him, "that's why you love me." Jackson beamed and watched Sam and James stop outside OR 2. "I'll ask Sloan if we can watch." I said, walking past the two students and holding a mask over my mouth. I noticed Alex and Lydia standing very close together opposite Mark and I rolled my eyes, "Hey Dr Sloan do you mind if Jackson and our students watch the surgery?" Mark looked up at me from the patient and grinned cheekily, "depends if you and avery are gonna watch the surgery or undress each other with your eyes." I felt my face heat up and I glared at Alex who was grinning amused across the room. "Uh no." I replied, avoiding the gazes of the nurses. Mark nodded, "then you can come in." I walked back to the door and nodded, letting Sam, James and Jackson into the room, each now wearing a mask. JACKSONS POV We watched Sloan's surgery for 2 hours before Maddie got paged to the ER and I got paged to Bailey. James and I were walking out of OR 2, discarding our masks when the awkward student spoke up, "that was really cool." I nodded, trying to be a little nicer to him, "yeah it was, plastics is really interesting and Sloans a great surgeon." James nodded and walked alongside me down to the nurses station. "Is Maddie your girlfriend?" He asked suddenly out of the blue and I scoffed, "no." James frowned and adjusted his glasses, "do you want her to be?" I glanced at the dorky man beside me and chuckled a little at his attempt to get me to like him. "That's a yes then." James answered, smiling a little at my amused expression. "Yeah." I smiled at him as we turned the corner to the Nurses station. "You know if you fancy her you should just tell her, I think she likes you as well." James said, following me to the chart rack. "What?" I asked, confused why he would think that. "She likes you back Dr Avery. She kept on looking at you when we were in surgery and Sam told me she never stops talking about you." James continued, making me frown. "Thanks mate but I'm not so sure." I replied and James shrugged as we walked over to Bailey, arms laden with charts. Bailey brought me to check up on some post op patients and let James do a few checks himself. I couldnt stop thinking about what he said and I was looking forward to having lunch in a bit when I could see Maddie again. MADDIES POV Sam and I left Mark's OR after 3 and a half hours to grab food and let him go for lunch with the rest of his fellow students. "I think you guys are having lunch in the canteen with us." I said, leading Sam to the loud room filled with doctors. "Cool." He replied, walking closely beside me. We entered the canteen and I saw the rest of the residents sitting on a table in the middle with their students sitting a few tables away. I walked over with Sam to get a plate of food and followed him towards the students table where Alex happened to be sitting beside his pretty student. JACKSONS POV I watched as Maddie collected her food alongside Sam, smiling and laughing with him before heading towards his table. "Whys she over there with him?" I asked, absent mindedly eating my sandwich. "Why jealous?" Christina grinned at me triumphantly and I scoffed, glaring at her, "No." Mer chuckled as she slurped on her milkshake. I looked over again to Maddie who was now standing beside Sam's seat, talking to the table of students. "That dude's been flirting with her all morning." I grumbled, chewing on my straw. "Jackson stop being a wimp and just ask her out." Lexie spoke up from across the table. "Urgh no, I've tried before and she ends up inviting one of you guys." I replied, slumping in my seat and shooting daggers in the back of Sam's head. "Well then you just need to clarify it's a date. Maddie's a bit oblivious to stuff like that Jackson." Lexie continued, smiling at my distraught appearance. "What if she doesn't like me back, then i've ruined our friendship completely." I added, miserably picking at my plate.  "Oh grow a pair avery." Christina said, making me roll my eyes at her as Maddie walked over. "Hey guys." She said sweetly, sitting beside me in the empty seat I had saved for her. I grunted in response, intent on picking at my sandwich. "What's up with you?" She asked, nudging me and frowning adorably. I bit into my sandwich and mumbled, "nothin." Maddie shrugged and started chatting with Lexie about the med students and Mark's surgery. I continued to stay in a grump, mulling over how Maddie was gonna reject me when I asked her out later. I was fiddling with the lid of my drink when Maddie whispered to me, "Hey Jackson you okay?" I nodded and continued to listen absent mindedly to Christina complaining. "You sure cos you seem a little sad." Maddie continued, nudging my shoulder with hers. My heart fluttered at her sweet actions and I just nodded, mumbling "I'm fine." Maddie seemed to accept this but placed her blueberry muffin on my tray anyway, knowing it would cheer me up a little. I smiled slightly at her and she grinned back, now trying to make Christina see sense about her Cardio problems. TIME SKIP TO END OF DAY MADDIES POV Everyone was in a bit of a mood now after their review from their med student delivered by the Chief. My review was excellent so I wasnt annoyed but the depressing atmosphere in the residents lounge was starting to get to me. Everyone was already changed but I was still in my pale blue scrubs as Callie had needed my assistance on a surgery 10 minutes ago. I opened my locker before taking my scrub shirt off, placing it on the side and pulling my long sleeved top over my head. I turned around to get my jeans and when I faced back around, jackson was making his way across the room to me. I pulled my scrub pants off and tossed them to the side with my top, yanking on my jeans. Jackson leaned on the locker beside mine as I buttoned up my pants. "What's up?." I said, discarding my scrubs into the bin at the end. I reached into my locker to collect my stuff and looked at the green eyed boy expectantly. "Uh I was urm wondering if you wanted to go uh.. to go to Joe's with me?" He stuttered and I nodded, piling my stuff into my bag and pulling on my coat, "oh yeah sure, I need to talk to Mer about something anyway." Jackson took a step towards me as I closed my locker and put my keys in my pocket. "Urh no not urm not like that." He said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "What?" I said confused, frowning up at him. "Urm like a uh like a date." He continued and I frowned even more, confused as to what the hell he was talking about. "A date with Mer?" I asked puzzled, "Jackson shes marri..." I started but he placed his hands on my shoulders and laughed, making me smile slightly confused. "No a date with me idiot." I instantly felt my face heat up and I felt like an utter dork, "oh." I nervously looked into Jacksons eyes and felt my heart beat rapidly in my chest, "uh yeah, yeah I'd like that." I replied, tucking my hair behind my ear. Jackson grinned at me and I felt a wide smile spread out on my own face, still hot with adrenaline. We stayed grinning at each other and I glanced down to his mouth and back up, scanning his slightly blushing face. Jackson took a step forward, leaning down slightly and I felt the world whoosh around me, all sound and movement blocked out apart from the man in front of me. He stopped an inch away from my face, looking directly at my lips, I could feel his cool breath fanning over me. He looked up into my eyes, his green ones shining. "Can I kiss you?" He breathed out, eyes flicking between my eyes. I nodded slightly, not trusting myself to speak. 

At once, I felt Jackson's plump warm lips press against mine, pushing me back slightly as he cupped my jaw and cheek. My eyes fluttered closed and I relaxed into his kisses, kissing him back softly. I reached behind his neck and hooked my arms over his shoulders, deepening the kiss. I felt his left hand snake down to my waist, brushing under my tshirt and to the waistband of my jeans as he ran his tongue over my bottom lip. I moaned slightly and opened my mouth, letting him slip his tongue in. He brought his hand further round my back, moving his warm hands against the bare skin. I continued to kiss him passionately, feeling the rising temperature in the room. Jackson ran a hand along the front of my waist and his fingers dipped slightly under my jeans waistband. I moaned slightly in response but pulled away, not wanting to get too far ahead of myself. I kept my eyes closed and rested my forehead against his, "I dont want to get carried away." I whispered, breathing heavily. I opened my eyes to see Jackson looking down at me, his green eyes shining. "Let's go." He said, taking my hand in his and placing a gentle kiss on my lips.

[atopearth]

The Legend of Dragoon Part 1 - The Serdian War

Omggg this is so nostalgic already! Seeing Rose save Dart from the Dragon was a pretty iconic scene haha. I honestly don't remember this game having voice dubs lol, that was a nice surprise. I can't remember why exactly Shana could affect the future of this world or whatever, but I do remember she's the Moon Child or something and Dart needs to go around the world saving her haha. It's sad to see Dart's hometown Seles get burnt to the ground just because Imperial Sandora needed to capture Shana. And omggg I love how unique the battle system is btw, it's honestly the highlight of the game for me hahaha. I used to be pretty bad at it but I usually get the hang of it after a while haha. It's so weird btw. It's probably been more than 10 years since I played this game, but somehow subconsciously I knew that there must be something at the graves in Seles, and there really was stardust there! I can't remember what it's for, but I guess it's good to know that inside me I still remember a lot of things about this game haha. Anyway, Dart and Shana have a pretty common childhood friend relationship where he's always protected her since they were kids, so there's no way he won't go to save her from Hellena Prison. Seriously though, it's a pretty cliche relationship but I don't know why, when I was a kid, I was just really fond of them haha.

Meeting Lavitz here for Dart is a blessing since he'll be able to help him get through all the soldiers, but I guess that's likewise for Lavitz. Still better for Dart though since he'll be constantly trying to protect Shana haha. Anyway, I always found it saddening that Lavitz wanted to protect his fellow Knights of Basil that were captured as well, and about to be fed to Fruegel's pet but in the end, they still ended up dying🥺 I didn't realise that Dart actually hadn't been back to Seles for 5 years! No wonder why the others in town took a while to realise it was him, I just thought they were all groggy after their injuries. I guess that's why they believed that if he was there, Seles might have been okay, but still though, one more Dart can't really go against an army lol. Anyway, playing with Lavitz is so nostalgic! Hearing Dart say Double Slash and Lavitz say Harpoon is just so crazy hahaha. I can't wait to get Rose etc~ I still suck at the Additions though lmao, every time I'm like, I'm to good at this, I fail hahahaha, and I'm still just doing Double Slash, I literally only need to press one button when it goes close to the square lol! Fruegel wasn't that hard of a boss at all! I actually really enjoyed being able to use my Addition skills more because the soldiers kept dying in one hit lol. Ohh yeah, Dart's first hometown (where he and his parents lived) was called Neet and was attacked by the Black Monster! I think it was pretty saddening that his family escaped, but his father decided to return to help others, and his mother followed after him, like, what about your child?! It must have hurt for Dart to see something similar happen to Seles though... I can't believe Dart went on a journey to find the Black Monster when he was 13 though, like dang! But I guess a kid like him who had to learn to survive by himself would be resilient enough by that age... Hmmmm, as I gathered, the Kingdom of Basil is at war with Imperial Sandora and the war is widespread over Serdio itself. Can Emperor Doel of Imperial Sandora control the Dragon enough that he thinks he can take over Albert's kingdom instead of keeping the truce?? Gotta love how conveniently that log we chopped allowed us to cross the river hahahaha. Lavitz is such a kind soul though. He doesn't even know these random people on the road, and they're even from Sandora but he just invites them to Bale and even his house because they have nowhere else to go. I guess his kindness is a reflection of the type of country Albert runs.

Lmao, I love how Dart and Lavitz are such bros that even Shana can't butt in🤣 It was pretty scary when Lavitz slipped on the rock and nearly fell off the waterfall though, I felt so nervous for him lol. So cute how the guys are so fond of each other already though lol. Not sure what exactly Shana's powers do, but it instantly decimated that snake when her life was in danger so....hmm. It's so sweet how respected Lavitz is that the artist girl in Bale painted a portrait of him, and Dart said it was too handsome hahaha. Omg! I feel so sorry for the NPC in the inn! His child and his grandchild died due to the war so he thinks there's no meaning to his life anymore... That's so saddening... The lady that has been waiting for her boyfriend to come back even after 10 years is so faithful, it's heartbreaking. It's so cool to see how much the people love Lavitz in Bale, I guess it's understandable though, not only is he a good boy and knight, his dad is also a revered knight, so he's probably doing well succeeding him. Not surprised Dart wanted to leave Shana here to protect her lol. I loved how she practically immediately told him her feelings about it and him, like wow, she's so bold to say she wants to stay beside him forever in front of the king and everyone lol. Albert is right though, with a dragon on their side, no place is really safe in Serdio anymore... Hmmmm Winglies used to rule at the top until the Dragon campaign where they fought against Emperor Diaz and the seven dragons, and it was then that humans acquired their freedom after their slavery by the Winglies? And it was then that the Black Monster appeared.. I think it's really cool of Dart to see that him chasing after the Black Monster all this time has been selfish of him, and it caused him to nearly lose his hometown again, so now he wants to join alongside Lavitz to end this war before it creates more people like him who have lost their homes. No wonder why Hoax sounds familiar huh, that's where the current line of defence has been pushed to, and it's most likely where they'll use the dragon! HAHAHA, why does Albert have a slide that goes back to the entrance of the castle in his bed chambers?! Not complaining though because that was pretty fun and cool lmao. LOL at Shana saying she's Dart's girlfriend and not Lavitz's when the mum misunderstood, even Dart didn't know she was hahahaha. Lmao at Dart saying he can cook aka he can cook a large piece of meat hahaha, is that how he survived by himself for 5 years?! Even Lavitz was like forget it, leave the cooking to his mum and Shana loll. The answers are all so hilarious, imagining Dart trying to practise with his sword in Lavitz's house is so cute loll, he'll destroy the place. It was even more funny when you choose the option to take a nap because Dart says every young lady knows that lack of sleep is bad for your skin, and Lavitz is just speechless at it hahahaha. Looking around the house, it honestly feels kinda lonely that Lavitz's mum lives in this big house by herself considering Lavitz is away most of the time. I've always enjoyed the rooftop scene, you get to see a nice view of Indels Castle and you can see that Lavitz's passion towards protecting his country stems from watching his father, but it's become his dream now too. This is similar to Dart, where his passion lies in protecting Shana because he's the only one that can do that right now, he might still consider her a baby sister for now, but we'll see how it all goes! I think it's really cute how in the end, Lavitz ended up spending the night and even took his mum's handmade jerky haha, he's a soft boy at heart. I mean, the country and the war is important, but who knows how many times he can bond with his mother, so I'm glad he decided to spend some proper time with her instead of just lunch. I find it funny how you can jump from Lavitz's house's rooftop to the stables hahaha, imagine doing that in real life!

Lmaoo at Dart, Lavitz and even Kaiser (the Eighth Knighthood leader taking care of Hoax) saying that as long as Shana's food is edible, it's good enough🤣 To be fair, when you're a knight or a wanderer like Dart, I doubt you'll have much complaints about food haha. Omgg so King Doel is actually Albert's uncle?! Since Doel is apparently Carlo/Albert's father's brother! I wonder why their relationship soured, was it because Doel wanted to be king instead? Lmao at the midwife asking if they came to talk to her because Dart and Shana wanted babies hahahaha. War is always a saddening thing though. When I think about the soldiers such as the one holding the amulet from his daughter believing that he can go back home to her, the people fortifying their houses to protect against the raid and everything, it's just so saddening to see these soldiers fall by enemy arrows and everything... Man, the fight against Kongol is so unforgiving lol! If you fail your addition, he counterattacks you! I missed it once and was like whoa! Otherwise, I always love Rose swooping down in her dragoon form and saving Dart from Kongol~ hmm, so the Dragoon Spirit (the stone Dart's father left behind) means that you "deserve" to rule Dragons and for him, it's the Red-Eye Dragon? Nice that it's clarified that Dragoons were the ones who led humans to victory in the Dragon campaign, the pictures just kinda showed humans riding on dragons so I wasn't sure haha. It was so cute how Dart piggy backed Shana and told her that even if she may not be as strong as Rose, she's good for other stuff and doesn't need to compare herself. Oooh so Winglies used Virages in the Dragon Campaign, this one was pretty weak though! Greham's story is a pretty common one, but I always find it terrible, mainly because people like him driven by jealousy and power in order to get stronger than their best friend that they essentially admire, but then kill them in that quest is just..sad. People like Lavitz's father Servi trusted him, but in the end because of their desire to be stronger, they sacrifice their friend and end up pretty much regretting it in their death. I'm not sure if Emperor Diaz from the Dragon Campaign is alive or whatever as he says, but it's nice that Greham ended up leading Lavitz to inherit the Jade Dragoon Spirit.

I remember Lohan! It's such a crazy city because of how huge it is, yet all the houses and stores are so tiny and in like a maze lol! No idea how Dabas (the antique seller that tells us we can get Dragoni plant to save Shana from dragon poison north of the nest or something) affords his gigantic store lol. Lmaoo at the man staring across the street at a lady thinking she's interested in him, but she's actually just staring at him because he reminds her of her dog hahahah. I love the rollercoaster kinda ride you do at Shirley's Shrine to get the numbers to go to the boss lol, it's pretty fun hahaha. I thought Drake the bandit was aiming for treasure here, but it seems that he was protecting Shirley all along! I feel bad that Shirley's gone now, but I guess this is how it should be, and at least the White Silver Dragoon Spirit is in good hands and will only be used to heal people. It's kinda cute how apparently Haschel and Dart journeyed together before! Now they've reunited in the Hero Competition! Anyway, I've always loved this tournament part because it's really cool to see how Dart himself fares against others without the party. On another note, I'm not sure why I love Lloyd since I've kinda forgotten his character, but to this day, I love the name Lloyd enough that if it wasn't weird, I would totally call my future kid Lloyd, and it's probably the only reason I would prefer a boy than a girl LOL. I think I always found it really cool how overwhelmingly strong he was compared to Dart probably. Lmao at Lavitz trying to drag Rose away so Dart could play games around the arena with Shana alone, but she punches him instead hahahha. Okay lmao, totally cannot do that obstacle course lolll. I'd rather do what's wrong with the room one, it's so easy after you do it a few times hahah, also helps if you cheat by taking a photo with your phone LOL. But otherwise, it's the same scene every time so it's pretty easy. The pink bird in the hat moving around is too hard with the pixels merging together imo lol! And the monkeys throwing balls at Dart is pretty hilarious hahahah.

Although I can understand why Dart is so adamant on continuing his journey looking for the Black Monster after the war, Lavitz is kinda right that maybe he should focus on the present instead of chasing after the past, otherwise he's going to lose his chance at happiness with Shana. Omgg, Albert offering up himself at Hellena Prison to protect the people of Bale from Imperial Sandora?? This is when Lavitz dies...isn't it?😭 Well, I obviously didn't farm enough to get Flower Storm for Lavitz and I honestly cbb, but I did Google to see it, and apparently when Lavitz does it, he says Rose Storm (because he likes roses the most apparently) and Albert says Blossom Storm because his favourite is cherry blossoms! The even cooler thing is that this is changed in their Dragoon forms! Lavitz's second magic skill is called Blossom Storm with cherry blossoms all around, and Albert's is Rose Storm so they kinda swap around in Dragoon form to show their love and camaraderie with each other, it's so cool! Honestly though, I nearly cried when Lavitz died. I feel like when I was a kid, I never really saw how cool, loyal and kind Lavitz was because the Additions were too fascinating lol, so now seeing how friendly he was, how considerate he was towards Shana's feelings for Dart, how he gave advice to Dart on what he should cherish most, and how we was always willing to give his life to his king and his country, it really broke my heart to see him die like that. Especially in Lloyd's hands, someone who we thought was an admirable swordsman turned out to be the guy who would kill Lavitz when they actually fought against each other. I'm not sure what kinda sword he has but it seemed really beam-y lol. And what is the Moon Gem that he needed from Albert's body? I think the pain really hit me when Lavitz entrusted everything to Dart, and then the Jade Dragoon Spirit flew out of him😭😭 Ohh, the reason why Lloyd could so easily pierce through Lavitz's Dragoon armour was because his sword was the Dragon Buster, a weapon from the old world made to kill Dragons! It's really nice of Haschel to have come along with them btw, especially since he's on a journey to find his daughter. Although I guess it's not much of a deterrence considering he's been looking for 20 years, but still. I guess he'll find her along the way... Hopefully. So, the Moon Gem was one of the magical artifacts scattered across the world made from the Winglies after their defeat, but only they can use them? It's been hidden in each crown heir every generation in fear of the powers of destruction it could bring when put in the wrong hands hmm, I'm kinda amazed they found a way to put it in the body like that though. I guess now that Albert's kingdom is "gone", he's got a reason to go along with us to end this war with the few people and Dragoons he has. I mean, if the Dragoons ended the Dragon Campaign, I'm sure they're better than an army anyway lol. It's kinda nice that the one who taught Albert his lance skills was Lavitz himself, so it's understandable that he would use the same moves. Anyway, onwards to the Black Castle where Emperor Doel resides! Straight to the end of the war hopefully!

Lmao at the guy registering to be a mercenary with Imperial Sandora trying to revoke it after his friend told him about the Dragon being defeated and Hellena Prison having fallen. Wow, I restarted because I accidentally sold something but omg when you say you want to register, the guy taking registrations advises you to not and even gives you money if you have money problems because he doesn't want you to risk your life! He's so nice... Aww the people at the inn! When the lady begged for us to stay and treat it like charity, I felt like I couldn't be stingy lol, it's only 20G anyway. LOL at the guy trying to con people for their money by claiming he killed Feyrbrand (Jade Dragon) and then he gets arrested hahahah. The variety of researchers in the Black Castle are hilarious, especially Mr Magi who turned himself into "Cerberus" but really turned into a dog lol. But the research of Dragons and magic? This sounds suspicious and bad... The battle against Kongol was so annoying! His skills take so long lol! Defeating Doel felt like...bringing someone back to their sanity? I wonder why he had to kill Albert's father back then, was it really just to be king? Anyway, it's not nice to be happy about someone's death, but honestly, with Emperor Doel's death, the 20 year war finally ends... But our journey has not, because as Dart said, this journey began because people captured Shana, and after that too many things have happened to just go home and live peacefully, we need to see what Lloyd wants and whether Emperor Diaz really is alive.

Anyway, that's the end of chapter 1! Kinda crazy that it was only one chapter tbh, I felt like I finished a story but really, it's just the beginning. So many things happened... Especially Lavitz's death. Anyway, I'm hyped to continue the journey! Btw the battle against Emperor Doel was pretty hard, he deals so much damage lol! But then again, I'm always cheap with my healing potions hahaha. Didn't think he'd be a Dragoon though, but I guess it was to be expected lol. Yay for everyone having a Dragoon Spirit now though lol. Honestly though, I really enjoy the variety of battles and how engaging the story and characters are. I really like how there are battles that are more as a symbolism than an actual battle such as Shirley’s where you’re supposed to give her the correct answers rather than defeating her, I think it really makes you think about everyone’s motivations and how they deal with it all in order to continue on their path. I just love it. The towns are also so different and fun! Like, Lohan is just a bumble of shops and everything, gotta love the guy that shouts at you for running around the rooftop lol, and Bale is just so Albert and Lavitz centred that it has such a warm feeling when you’re there. Tournaments are always my thing, so I’m glad this game has it too haha~ I can’t wait to see the rest!

[waeziverse]

Twilight City (chapter 1)

(art by @myriamsaviniart​)

"What the heck are YOU looking at?!"

Asked the talking skeleton in a police uniform.

"... Nothing." Geoff lied as he moved on.

Geoff still couldn't get used to it.

He was in Twilight City, the city of eternal night.

There was something extremely eerie about the artificial night that was created when a curse went wrong years ago. Not just that it was dark at 11 AM. It was like it.... it was like he could feel it on his skin somehow. And then there were the occasionally weird things and creatures, like the police officer and those odd shops he passed by. And he could swear that he saw the covers on the manholes being lifted, just a tiny bit. The streets were illuminated by several different kinds of neon light, not making it seem any more normal.

This was the absolute WORST PLACE on planet Earth to be alone and lost. And Geoff WAS lost. What he could really use now was a-

HONK HONK

-cab.

"Hey! You!" The window on the taxi's door (next to the driver's seat) was scrolled down. Geoff saw the driver. He was a weird little man dressed in messy clothes. He had a long nose. He had an odd skin color he apparently tried to hide with a scarf. "Yeah, you! You need ride?"

"Yeah... I do." Geoff opened the door to the back seat. "Can you drive me to Hellsing Hotel?"

"Sure." A gloved hand from the driver's seat reached after him. "Twenty bucks, please. We pay before we get here."

"Oh... Alright." Geoff handed the chauffeur a couple of bucks. "So... Nice town."

"Na." The driver replied. Geoff was pretty sure that he drove too fast, but he was in a hurry. "Not really. But it home. Saw you met Mack?"

"Um, who?"

"Magic bones police. Her name Mack."

"Oh,,, OH, oh yeah. Not really met, just..."

"Yeah, she not liking when people stare at her."

"I... guess that's understandable. You have a lot of magic here?"

"Sure. Lot. Curses, ghosts, voodoo, demon-"

"Demons?!"

"Yeah. We have big one. He’s called Yewolf the Many-Shaped. Hear about him?"

"No. What... what do you mean... with demon? A real one?"

"VERY real. But not so dangerous today. You see, thousands of years ago, Yewolf the Many-Shaped was one of the most infamous demon who lived. He committed many horrible deeds. He was eventually caught by six mighty sorcerers and sealed away. But after the Elf War in 1973, he had been freed in order to fight alongside the fair-folk. But in order to reach his fullest potential, Yewolf had to make a pact with a human. By fooling a sinful mortal to be his host-body, Yewolf would truly be one of the most fearsome demons who had ever existed. Eventually, he found one foolish enough to make the pact with him by promising him wealth. Once the foolish man-”

“LOOK WHERE YOU ARE DRIVING!“

Geoff screamed as he saw a huge truck that they were about to collide with.

He screamed even more after the driver pulled a handle that Geoff had never seen in a cab and the vertical then... jumped? It jumped over the huge car and Geoff kept screaming till the moment the cap landed on the street.

The driver seemingly unfazed. “Where I was? Oh, right...  Once the foolish man had realized his mistake, he tried to run away, escape the fate he had no one to blame for but himself. But escaping a demon whom you had a debt to was almost impossible. The human had been allowed to try and hide, but only because Yewolf found it hilarious. Eventually, Yewolf decided that enough was enough, and made the mortal understand that there were no way he could evade fulfilling his part of the deal. So the human decided to give up and let the dark creature have his way with him.

Or rather, that's what Yewolf thought.

You see, what Yewolf didn't know was that the human had a brother. A twin. The two young men looked practically the same and that fooled the much too eager demon. But unlike the sinner whom Yewolf wanted to possess, the twin was a good man. Practically a saint. That ruined everything for Yewolf. Yewolf would have had full control over a pitiful sinner, but a truly good person who on top of it all was ready to sacrifice himself for his pathetic twin? Not so much. Yewolf became a prisoner inside the good twin. Unfortunately, Yelow managed to get revenge before his imprisonment by cursing the good twin with immortality. So from that day on, the good twin would have to live an eternal life with the dark creature inside of him, as well as the temptation of using its powers whom he now had command over."

"... You actually want me to believe that?" Geoff asked.

"Don't matter you no believe. It happened. And he living in Twilight."

"If that's true, if such a demon lives in this town... why would ANYONE want to live here?!"

"Still beats Jersey."

***

Finn Tucker had just left his apartment after beating up his wife Liuba. She lied on the kitchen floor as she dried her bloody nose. In the past, she would have bawled loudly now that she was alone, she would have yelled and cursed while hammering her fist in the wall, asking why she kept putting up with this horrible marriage.

But not anymore. Partly because she just didn't feel like crying anymore(which was pretty messed up), partly not to upset her son Noah.

So she stood up, fetched a rag from the kitchen sink to dry the floor, and then went to get her makeup so that she would look respectable when she would drive Noah to school.

Liuba sometimes wondered if she should call the police. But then she realized that it would probably not do her any good, possibly make her situation worse. After all, Finn was a popular guy among his fellow Twilight City police officers. Life had dealt Liuba a crummy hand, now she just had to deal with it.

***

Mr. Beckmann LOOKED like a nice man in his fifties.

He lived next door to the Tucker family. He was well aware how miserable Liuba and Noa were.

He was a foul creature who fed on others’ misery in order to gain nourishment. He followed her down the stairs, giving her a friendly wave as the friendly neighbor he appeared to be as he enjoyed the negative energy that came from the poor woman. Liuba’s son looked at her with his big, sad eyes as if he demanded to know why his mommy kept allowing his dad to ruin their lives.

Beckmann enjoyed living in Twilight City. So did all the other vampires who lived in the city.

***

An old taxi drove over a puddle. Dirty water was splashed at an old man who began to curse at the car.

"Why... you bloody nincompoop!" The old man raised his cane in a threatening way and made a rather rude gesture with his free hand. "If I get my hands on you, I will shove this cane up in your p-"

"Take it easy, Benjamin." The young priest that accompanied him padded him on the shoulder. "Your pants can be washed. Remember your blood-pressure."

"Ah, that damn pressure again..." Benjamin mumbled. "To blazes with that damn blood-pressure! I may be old, but I'm not made out of bloody paper! I-"

"Benjamin, please."

"Alright, alright, I'll be a good boy. Now, let's get something to eat. I'm starving."

"Only if it's my treat."

"It's never your treat." Benjamin coughed. "I'm the oldest, so I pay for the meal."

"Oh, please! You were born five minutes before me." Father Dreemurr reminded him with a chuckle.

"And don't you dare forget it!"

The twins decided to go for Chinese food that night.

[echoes-of-the-clockwork]

Deacon St. John || Partner in Crime

A/n: I feel like this story isn't the best and is utter crap, but I hope someone will enjoy it. Love you all!!! ••••••••••••••••••••

***HAS NOT BEEN PROOFREAD! PLEASE NOTIFY ME OF ANY ERRORS!!!***

***** Prompt: While on a supply run, Deacon has a run-in with a mysterious woman and her four-legged companion. *****

~3rd Person POV~

In Marion Forks, Deacon was in search of supplies for himself. The town may have been small, but it proved to be a good place to scavenge resources if he ever ran low on what he needed. He checked inside a couple of houses before moving on to the other places around town. Fortunately, there weren't many Freaks prowling the area since he burnt the nests during his first visit to Marion Forks.

Deacon killed a few Swarmers and Newts as he reached the gas station across from Hungry Jim's. He had left his bike down the road a little ways, not wishing to grab any attention due to its roaring engine. 

Once grabbing what he could from the gas station, Deacon proceeded to the restaurant across the street. Inside Hungry Jim's, the drifter discovered the items he needed to create more bandages and molotov cocktails.

The moment Deacon turned around, a Bleacher hissed and lunged towards him. Confused as to how the monster snuck up on him, he fought against it s it tried to sink it's teeth into his flesh.

Suddenly, the Bleacher was torn off Deacon and dragged by the ankle across the restaurant floor. The drifter watched in amazement as a border collie tore off the Freak's leg to prevent it from getting back up. The dog raised its head, wagging its tail as it barked at him.

Deacon grabbed his boot knife and plunged it through the Bleacher's skull, killing it instantly. Once the monster was dead, he kneeled down and held out a hand towards the canine. "You seem friendly." The border collie moved closer to him, allowing the drifter to pet it.

A smile spread across Deacon's face as he ran his hand through the dog's soft fur. He saw it was a girl and saw how her coat was well maintained and by the size of her stomach, she was fed on a normal basis. One question came to mind as he rubbed behind her ears. "Where's your owner?"

The dog's ears twitched as she backed away and barked at him. She walked around in a circle before running out of the restaurant. When the canine stopped in the street and saw Deacon wasn't following, she sat down and waited for him. Her tail wagged back and forth as she waited patiently.

Puzzled at the dog's behavior, Deacon decided to follow her. She led him through town and up a dirt path leading out of town. A house was located at the end of the path, which seemed to be the animal's destination.

When they arrived at the house, the canine led Deacon to the rear of the house and into the backyard. He spotted a woman with (h/c) hair squatting down beside a small pen filled with hens. She stood up when the border collie ran over and nudged her wet, cold nose into her cheek. "There you are! I was wondering where you went, Hope."

Deacon stood silently a few feet away. When the mysterious woman turned around, her (e/c) eyes widened. She went to grab the pistol strapped to her thigh, but the drifter raised his hands in surrender. "I'm not going to hurt you."

The woman's hand froze as it hovered above her handgun. "Are you the one who rode in on the bike?"

"Yeah," Deacon nodded.

She removed her hand from her firearm with a sigh. "We've been having issues with drifter's lately. You must be one of the good ones if Hope led you here."

"Hope, huh?" Deacon eyes the border collie sitting beside her master.

The woman smiled and placed her hand on top of the dog's head. "Gotta have a little hope somewhere these days."

"You said you were having issues with drifters?" Deacon inquired.

She nodded with a frown. "Yeah, and I know exactly who's sending them."

"Who?"

"A drifter named Liam. He leads a camp located somewhere on the Santiam Highway. I'm not sure where exactly it is, though, but his lackeys always use the same route when they enter town. Hope usually scares them off when they arrive." The woman moved aside, Hope following close behind. "Could I ask for your help in dealing with Liam?"

"I'll deal with Liam. I think he's the same asshole who's been sending drifters to attack the Hot Springs Camp," he answered.

"Wouldn't be surprised. The bastard needs to be killed for all the shit he's done. I can't believe I used to ride alongside him," she sighed. "I'm (Y/n), by the way. Sorry for the late introduction."

"Deacon," the drifter responds.

(Y/n) smiled warmly. "Nice to meet a friendly face this far out. You already know Hope, my partner in crime."

"She saves me from a Freak in town. Never seen a dog go after a Bleacher before," he chuckled.

"She's a tough one," the woman smirked. "But also stubborn. Guess you have to be in order to survive nowadays. Anyway, I better give you a little info about Liam so you'll know what kind of asshole he is."

Once Deacon learned more about Liam from (Y/n), he checked his gear before turning to leave. "I'll take care of Liam."

"Whoa, hold up," the woman cried out. "I'm going with you. What he did to me is unforgivable and I want to make sure he suffers."

Deacon's thoughts were in turmoil. He may have only known (Y/n) for a few minutes, but he didn't want her to get hurt. On the other hand, he could tell by the way she holds herself that she can handle whatever comes her way. Finalizing his decision, he sighed. "Fine. We'll take my bike."

(Y/n) nodded and followed Deacon. When she heard Hope following them, she turned and glared at her. "No, Hope. Go back." The dog whined as she laid down, giving her owner the sad puppy dog eyes. The woman heaved a sigh before turning her back. "Not gonna work this time."

Deacon watched as Hope went back to the house with her tail between her legs. There was no way for the canine to join them on the bike and she would exhaust herself if she tried to keep up with them. The only creature capable of keeping up with the motorcycle were Runners, which are infected wolves.

While making their way to the bike, Deacon suddenly pulled (Y/n) behind a car. She was confused until the sound of multiple motorcycles echoed through the streets of Marion Forks. She peered over he hood of the car, seeing who was riding into town. She recognized one man out of the group. "Shit, it's Liam."

"You must've really pissed him off if he's coming here himself," Deacon remarks.

"I may have killed the last group of drifters he sent after me," she confesses. "Guess that was enough to get him off his ass. This makes our job easier."

"Come on out, (Y/n)! I know you can hear me, you bitch!" Liam shouted. "I also know St. John is with you! I recognize this damn bike from anywhere!"

The woman glanced at Deacon with a smirk as she whispered. "That must be you."

"Let's just say I took out some of his men, too, when they attacked the encampment," the drifter whispered back.

"Great. We're in the same boat."

Liam continued his shouting, attracting any Freakers in the area to his location. His fellow drifters killed the monsters before they could lay a hand on their leader. (Y/n) veered right while Deacon headed left. They snuck around using the various cars as cover to sneak up on the men and women, leaving Liam and the two men guarding him for last.

One by one, the drifters fell. Liam saw his loyal men and women fall. He grabbed his handgun and searched the area where they had fallen. He crept around a truck, hunting for (Y/n) and Deacon.

Suddenly, something leapt onto Liam's back and bit into his neck. He screamed at the top of his lungs as the creature sunk its teeth further into his neck. Blood trickled down his neck as he tried to pry the beast off him.

"Hope, down!" (Y/n) shouted as she emerged from behind a car and approached her companion. The border collie detached her teeth from Liam's neck and ran to the woman's side.

The man pressed his hand against his neck, desperately trying to stop the blood. He staggered, the blood loss taking its toll. He tried to aimed his weapon with a shaky hand as he stumbled closer to her. "F-Fucking mutt!"

Hope growled in response, baring her bloodied fangs. Before Liam could pull the trigger, a gunshot rang out. The drifter grunted, placing his other hand over his chest. With wide eyes, he collapsed to the ground.

(Y/n) turned around, spotting Deacon a few yards away. "Nice shot."

The canine barked jubilantly as she ran over to the drifter and hopped up onto her back legs, placing her front paws on his chest. He chuckled as he ran both of his hands through her black and white fur. She licked him on the face, making (Y/n) smile. The two headed back to the house with Hope in the lead.

<—————————————<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Six months have passed since Deacon met (Y/n). He remained in contact with her and would often do jobs with her for the camps around Oregon. She would even share the eggs her hens laid. It was strange having eggs at first, but it provide Deacon and Boozer with a nice, steady flow of food regardless if they got tired of the taste.

One day, Deacon and Boozer were working on their bikes at the O'Leary Mountain safehouse. Their concentration was severed when they heard barking at the gate. The drifters tore their gazes from their motorcycles and saw a dog on the other side of the gate.

"Why is there a dog all the way out here?" Boozer questioned.

Deacon's eyes widened when he recognized the border collie. "That not just any dog. It's Hope."

"You... know the dog?" Boozer asked.

"She's (Y/n)'s dog."

"The egg lady?"

Deacon sighed. "Yes, the egg lady." He searched around, wondering where (Y/n) was. Hope would never wander off too far from the woman's side. Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be seen. It would be strange to see her around since he didn't tell her about their safehouse because they'd always meet up at the encampments or her house in Marion Forks.

Hope continued to bark as Deacon made his way over to the gate. It automatically opened and the dog stormed over to him, grabbing the hem of his shirt between her teeth and trying to tug him out of the gate. "Whoa, girl. Calm down."

"I think she wants us to follow her," Boozer stated.

"Then let's follow."

Hope released Deacon's shirt when she saw he two men were following her. She led them down the dirt path and into a dense part of the woods. When the men heard a pained cry, they picked up the pace.

The canine ran as fast as she could with the men close behind her. She barked as they entered a small clearing and the cries crescendoed. Deacon glanced around as he saw bodies scattered across the clearing. "What the hell happened here?"

"Deek, over there," Boozer said as he spotted a figure on ground.

"Shit," Deacon muttered as he recognized the (h/c)-haired woman as another painful wail escaped her lips. He ran over to her with Hope by his side. The pooch licked her owner's face while the drifter saw the source of her pain. "Damn snares. What the hell are you doing this far from Marion Forks, (Y/n)?"

"Hunting," she whimpered in response. "It's easier hunting deer in the Cascade region than Belknap."

Boozer catches up and winced when he sees the woman's leg trapped in the teeth of a snare trap. "This isn't good." He examined the trap before meeting Deacon's gaze. "We'll have to work together. I'll pry the jaws open and you drag her out, alright?"

"Got it." Deacon walked behind (Y/n) and hooked his arms underneath hers. "Ready."

Boozer placed his hands between the metallic jaws of the snare and used all his strength to pry it open. When he managed to create enough space for (Y/n)'s foot, Deacon pulled her body back and freed her foot from the trap. She sighed in relief as the drifter kept ahold on her. "Holy shit..."

Deacon hauled (Y/n) to her feet, slinging one of her arms across his shoulder. "What's with all the dead bodies?"

"Fucking Marauders... I was in the middle of hunting when I stepped on the snare and got trapped. I managed to kill the bastards when they came out of the woodwork. Hope ran off to find some help, but I didn't expect her to bring you here."

Deacon wrapped his other arm around (Y/n)'s waist to prevent her from falling. "You're not far from O'Leary Mountain. We've a safehouse nearby."

"We've supplies. We can patch up your leg once we get back," Boozer added.

"Don't worry about me. I can patch up my leg when I get back to Marion Forks," the woman rebuttals.

"You'll get an infection before you can make it back. If you're worried about the amount of medical supply, don't. Last time I checked, you've been giving us food for the past six months," Deacon said.

"It's just eggs," (Y/n) huffs.

"It's still food," Boozer remarks. "Finally nice to meet the egg lady Deek keeps mentioning."

"Boozer..." Deacon growled in warning.

(Y/n) was more amused by the nickname than anything else and couldn't help but laugh. ""Egg Lady?" That's a first. You're not wrong, though."

Hope barked, seeking to agree with her owner. Boozer glanced at the border collie with a smile. "It's been a while since I've seen a healthy dog. Most of them are skin and bones."

"It's pretty easy to feed her. Not like people grabbed dog food off the shelves when the outbreak occurred. There's plenty of dog treats, toys, and food left."

"And you raise hens? That's the first I've heard about someone raising animals during the apocalypse," Boozer comments.

"The small farmhouse I live in was actually my parents'. I grew up raising hens, pigs, and cows. Morosely, only the hens survived the outbreak. The cows and pigs were easy pickings for the Freaks."

"You're not worried about Freakers breaking through the fence and eating them?" Deacon asked as he adjusted his grip on (Y/n) slightly.

"If it was an issue, those birds would already be dead. Hope's also been a huge help in keeping the Freaks away from the hens and the house. It's pretty quiet on the outskirts of Marion Forks."

The three continued chatting all the way back to the safehouse. The conversation distracted (Y/n) from the blood trickling down her leg and the immense waves of pain every few seconds.

With Deacon's help, she was able to make it to the top of the watchtower. He sat her down on his bed as Boozer and Hope entered the watchtower. The canine bounds over to (Y/n) and laid down by her feet. She raised her head, watching as Deacon collected antiseptic and gauze for her owner's tattered leg.

While Deacon tended to (Y/n)'s injury, Boozer made eye contact with Hope. He whistled for her and she leapt to her feet with a cheerful howl. She licked his hands and face as he patted her with a smile.

Boozer's interactions with Hope didn't go unnoticed by (Y/n). She was smiling from ear to ear at the sight. She grabbed Deacon's attention and told him to turn around to see his friend happily playing with the border collie. "Boozeman's always wanted a dog," the drifter said.

"Then I've got one hell of a surprise for you. Bring Boozer along the next time you come to visit. There's something I want to show you both."

"Now you've got my full attention, but I know you're not going to tell me what this "surprise" is."

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. I also think Boozer will enjoy what I have in store. I'll even give you more eggs. I am the egg lady after all," (Y/n) snorted with laughter.

Deacon shook his head with a sigh. "It's one hell of a nickname."

"We better get going before night falls. We've got a long walk back to Marion Forks." (Y/n) stood up slowly, putting weight on her injured leg with a wince.

She didn't make it one step before Deacon stopped her. "Now hold on. You're seriously gonna try to walk all the way back to Marion Forks with that leg?"

"Well..."

Deacon grabbed her upper arms and forced her back into the bed. (Y/n) blinked owlishly as she found herself back on the bed with little to no effort. "You're out of your goddamn mind if you think I'm gonna even let you walk down the stairs with that leg. I'll give you a ride back to Marion Forks tomorrow, okay?"

"Uh, yeah," she responds. "But I only see two beds and I'm not—"

"Yes, you are," Deacon declared as he interrupted her. "I'll be fine."

"You're stubborn, I hope you know that," (Y/n) puffs out a sigh.

"Pretty sure you were the one who said we have to be in order to survive out there in the shit," he smirked triumphantly.

Another sigh passes through the woman's lips. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

<————————————<<<<<<<<<<<<

"Nice place," Boozer complimented as they arrived at (Y/n)'s house the next morning. Hope had hitched a ride with the buff man by sitting in front of him. The woman was amazed and shocked to see the seating arrangement had worked, but she was grateful for their help nonetheless.

"Your surprise awaits inside, Boozer," (Y/n) smirked as Deacon helped her off his bike and into the house. All the windows were boarded up and the inside was still completely furnished.

Hope bounded to one of the rooms down the hall located beside the kitchen. (Y/n) told Deacon and Boozer to follow the canine, knowing exactly who she was going to see.

Inside the bedroom, Hope's tail wagged wildly as she stood in front of a basket by the nightstand. Deacon and Boozer were bewildered of why the dog was cheerful. (Y/n) smirked as she unwraps her arms from around Deacon's shoulders and sat on her bed. She called Hope and when the dog listened, the secret was revealed. Six puppies were piled up and sleeping inside the basket.

"Holy shit..." Boozer muttered. He kneeled beside the litter and admired them. "It's been a long time since I've seen puppies."

Deacon remained silent as he was in utter shock at the revelation with wide eyes. (Y/n) was smugly grinning as she saw the look on the drifter's face. "Told ya it was going to be one hell of a surprise."

"How old?" Boozer asked as he petted one of the puppies.

"Nine weeks," (Y/n) replied. She glanced at Boozer with a hopeful glint in her eyes. "I was hoping you would take one."

"You sure?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Pick one."

Boozer glanced between the six and picked out one. He carried the puppy in his arms as it woke up and tried to lick him. He smiled as he held him close to his chest. "Hey, buddy."

Deacon eyed (Y/n) with a mix of emotions. "Can I, uh, talk to you in private?"

The woman nodded and stood up. "Sure. Let's head to the backyard." When she took a step forward, Deacon went to support her but she denied his help. "I'll be fine, Deacon."

They left the room and out the back door in the kitchen. In the backyard, they stood and watched the hens pacing around their pen. Deacon cleared his throat, breaking the silence between them. "You didn't have to do any of this, but you did. Guess what I'm trying to say is thanks for all you've done."

"I've ten hens who're practically laying eggs almost every day. It would be a waste of perfectly good eggs if I didn't share them with someone. As for the pup, well, I won't be able to take care of all of them when they grow up. I should be thanking you for taking one off my hands."

"What about the other five?" Deacon questioned.

"I'm going to visit Copeland to see if he or anyone else in the camp wants one. When they grow up, they'll be a good addition to the camp. I don't trust Tucker enough to let her take a pick so the Hot Springs is off the list."

"Couldn't agree more," Deacon said.

"I might also visit Lost Lake to see if Rikki or Mike are interested."

"You're not doing anything until that legs healed."

(Y/n) crossed her arms with a grin. "Knew you were gonna say that. You're the embodiment of chivalry. I hope you know that, Deek."

"I'm not chivalrous," he scoffed.

"Keep telling yourself that. Denial won't change the facts."

Suddenly, Deacon's radio blipped and he received a transmission from Tucker. The old woman has a job and wants him to swing by the Hot Springs. The drifter groaned as he told her he'd be there shortly. He rolled his eyes in vexation as he ended the call with Ada. He looked at (Y/n), seeing the smirk on her face. "I know that damn smirk." He pointed at her and his voice was lower than usual. "You are staying here."

She raised her hand and vowed. "I promise to not follow you."

"I'll be back soon. Don't push yourself too hard, alright?"

The woman raised her right hand higher. "I promise I won't push myself. You better get goin' before the old lady pops a gasket." She walked over to Deacon and placed her hand on his cheek while pressing a small kiss on the other. "Stay safe out there."

Deacon was caught off guard by the kiss, but he didn't let his true feelings come to the surface just yet. "I will." He turned around to leave and saw a smirking Boozer standing in the doorway with the puppy still in his arms. "Don't you fucking start."

Boozer continued to smirk. "I didn't say anything."

[paradisobound]

I Want It, I Got It: Chapter 9

Summary: Phil Lester was a worker for the BBC in London. Working in the advertising department, he was content being alongside his friend and fellow coworker PJ during every shift. However, the BBC is temporarily being used as a film set for a new movie staring Hollywood ‘It’ star, Daniel Howell. Being stuck as an extra on the set, Phil finds it’s hard to ignore the famous star. And maybe, just maybe, Dan finds it hard to ignore Phil as well.

Word Count: 2.8k (this chapter)

Warnings: Occasional swearing

Rating: Mature (for right now)

Updates will be every Wednesday at 4pm and Sunday at 1pm EST

**MASTERLIST | READ ON AO3**

Better late than never, right? lol see you all on March 6th!

Phil found himself pacing the floors of his flat at 2:30am, waiting for Dan to arrive. Dan had texted him about a half an hour ago to let him know that his flight was descending into London and he had word that his ride was waiting for him already. 

He was nervous and he was scared for Dan. He already knew who anxious Dan was as he voiced his worries to him just the night before on Skype. But Phil knew that this time would make it easier for Dan to escape the paparazzi and the fangirls. He wouldn’t even probably see anyone in the airport besides a few stragglers. 

His phone began to ring and he jumped, his nerves shooting through his body as he rushed to pick it up from his couch cushion. Dan had just texted him that he was here. 

Dan was here. He was actually here. 

And Phil has to now let him into the building! 

He rushed over to the doorway and slipped on a pair of his slippers and then rushed out his flat with his keys in hand. He walked down the small hallway to the main door and looked out to see Dan stood there outside of the doorway, his hood up and a pair of sunglasses on as his hand remained poised on his suitcase. 

Phil opened the door and flashed him a smile. “Hey! You made it?” 

Dan’s face lights up and he reaches up, removing his glasses. “I did! Didn’t even see a fan or a camera either. Now let me in before someone does see us.” 

Phil quickly moved out of the way and Dan rushed inside the doorway, lugging his black suitcase with him. He was only going to be here for two days, but it looked like he packed for a month. 

They made it to Phil’s doorway, and he quickly unlocked it and let Dan inside first. Dan only took a few steps inside and suddenly, the sounds of yipping and some feet startled them both as Spike ripped through the flat to see the new intruder. 

Dan’s face instantly melted and he bent down, running his hands through Spike’s fur. “Oh my! Who are you?” 

“That’s my puppy Spike.” Phil says, shutting the door so his neighbors don’t complain about Spike’s excited yips. 

“Oh! Such a good boy!” Dan exclaimed, ruffling Spike’s fur and playing around with him a little bit. “He’s such an energetic little boy. I wish I had his energy.” 

“Oh same!” 

Phil doesn’t know why he’s feeling so awkward. He shouldn’t be. He’s spoken with Dan every day for the last week over Skype. This should be fine. They’re friends now. 

“Where is your bathroom?” 

Phil suddenly snaps out of his thoughts and looks at Dan who is now stood up straighter and waiting for an answer. 

“Oh! It’s right now that way,” Phil says as he points down the short hallway to his bedroom. “It’ll be the middle door. If you go into the door on the left, it’ll take you out to my patio and if you take the door to the right, you’ll go to my bedroom.” 

Dan lifts an eyebrow and Phil doesn’t know what that means but he feels like the smirk on Dan’s lips go along with it. Dan doesn’t say anything more, he just walks off down the hallway and Phil is left stood there, watching him move. 

There is something so graceful about the way he moves his body. His hips move so fluidly and his shoulders stand tall, and straight. It’s eye-catching, that’s for sure. Waiting for Dan to come back out, Phil begins to get the couch ready for him. 

They hadn’t discussed where Dan would be sleeping, but Phil assumed it was going to be the couch anyway. He doesn’t have a guest bedroom. 

Dan comes out a few moments later, his sweatshirt taken off and carried in his arms as he walks back into the living room. “So I began to get the couch ready for you.” Phil says. “It doesn’t fold out into a bed but it’s kind of wide so…” 

“Oh, that’s fine.” Dan says. “I’m quite tired so I’m sure even a couch will feel amazing.” 

“I have some blankets here.” Phil says, pointing to the set of blankets that are poised where he just placed them on the end of the couch. “I don’t have extra pillows off hand but the couch pillows normally work good when I fall asleep on here.” 

Dan chuckles and shrugs. “I’m sure they’ll be fine.” 

“Well, if they’re not, just knock on my bedroom door.” 

Dan nods and picks up one of the blankets, beginning to shake it out as Spike takes it to be a toy and yips at the fabric. Phil chuckles and bends down, picking up the pup in his arms. “If you want to start getting ready for bed, I’ll take Spike out to the bathroom one more time and then you can do whatever you need to.” 

Phil didn’t know if Dan had a routine at night but he kind assumed he might need a shower or something. But instead of moving around or doing anything, Dan just fell onto the couch and pulled the blanket over him and looked up at Phil. “Listen, mate. I’m probably going to be asleep before you even get back inside.” 

“Want me to shut the light off?” Phil asks, already walking that direction with Spike wiggling in his arms. 

He was over to the switch, getting ready to press it down when he realized he never got an answer from Dan. He turned and looked and Dan was already curled into the blanket, his head peaking out from under the fabric of the blanket. He chuckled, and shut off the light, letting the room flood with darkness as he took the short way out to the courtyard and let out Spike one last time. 

When he came back in and took Spike with him to his room, he swore he could hear the light sounds of airy breaths coming from the living and really, he didn’t realize how lonely he was in his flat until that moment. 

***

Morning came and Phil could hear footsteps outside of his bedroom. It took a moment of thinking to figure out who was walking around his flat, but eventually he shot up in bed and remembered that Dan was staying here for a few days. 

Looking around his room, he didn’t see Spike laying next to him and he laid back, chuckling at how Spike was probably hounding Dan for his morning fed and Dan wouldn’t even know what to do. 

He slowly adjusted to waking up, allowing for his eyes to adjust before he reached over onto his nightstand and grabbed his glasses, placing them on his face. He sat up, throwing back his covers, and swung his feet around to land on the plush carpet underneath. He slowly walked out of his bedroom and down the short hallway into the living room. 

Dan was laying on the couch, his laptop poised on his chest as he browsed through it and Spike was laying on the other end by his feet. “How did you sleep?” 

Dan turned his neck and looked at Phil. “Pretty good but jet leg got me and I was awake by 8.” 

Phil looked around his living room for his clock under the TV and he saw it was a little after 11am. He didn’t realize he had slept that long. “I’m sorry for sleeping in this late if you’ve been awake this long.” 

Dan chuckled and shrugged. “It wasn’t a big deal. Spike kept me company anyway and I managed to get onto your wifi because why do you have your wifi named team rocket power HQ and your password as buffysummers? That’s so predictable.” 

Phil shrugged. “I thought it was good.” 

“You’re too predictable, mate.” Dan said with a laugh. “Literally what were you thinking with the password hint of ‘main character in Buffy’. Everyone is going to know that, you doofus.” 

Phil blushed again but Dan found it comical. “Spike approves.” 

“Do you have any plans today?” Dan asked, changing the subject as he closed the top of his laptop and placed it onto the floor with a gentle hand. “I kind of want to explore London.” 

Phil felt his stomach clench. “But what about what happened last time?” 

Dan shrugged. “I can’t let the fans stop me every time I want to do something that I want to do. I want to explore London and I shouldn’t let them hold me back, right?” 

“Well, no.” Phil answers truthfully. “But…” 

“Let’s go out.” Dan says suddenly. “Not even like to the eye or to Westminster Abbey but just like, to a park, maybe? Is there a park around here?” 

Phil nods, because yes, there is a park around here. In fact, it’s right down the street from his flat. He takes Spike there all of the time and it’s normally not that busy. 

“Yeah, there is one right down the street.” 

Dan flashes that smile at him again and he grabs his phone, which was for some reason on the floor, and shoves it into his pocket. As he stands up, he grabs his suitcase and opens it, beginning to pull out a pair of jeans and a nice, black sweater. Phil finds himself watching Dan, even though he should really be getting ready. He hadn’t even brushed his teeth yet. 

He snaps out of his haze when Dan smirks at him and then picks up his clothing and carries it in his arms down the hallway to the bathroom, leaving Phil stood there in his living room. Spike looks up at him from the couch with a confused look and Phil just smiles at the pup. 

While Dan is getting dressed, Phil wanders back to his room and gets dressed himself. He pulls on just a plaid shirt and his classic black jeans and then grabs his white Vans from the shoe rack. 

He hears the bathroom door open outside and he steps out his bedroom just in time to see Dan walk out, fully dressed, with his hair styled near perfect again. Phil finds himself blushing, not even knowing why, and he quickly ducks his head and walks to the bathroom, avoiding eye contact. 

He shouldn’t feel this awkward about it. He looks at himself in the mirror and lets out a staggered breath. This is ridiculous. He was crushing on Dan and that was it. There was no reason for this…this teenage girl behavior. It was embarrassing―well, it was embarrassing to him anyway. 

He pushes those thoughts out of his head and leaves the bathroom as soon as he’s done putting in his contacts and brushing his teeth. He takes one final look in the mirror and walks out. 

“Ready to go?” Dan asks and Phil nods as he grabs Spike’s lead from the closet and bends down, putting it on the excited pup. 

They leave Phil’s flat, Spike leading the way with his excited prancing. Phil notices that Dan has put on a hoodie and has put his hood up and put the sunglasses back on. He feels quite bad that he’s hiding himself like he is but he also doesn’t mind if that means Dan feels safer and more at ease. 

The walk to the park is short and Phil feels relieved when they arrive there and hardly no one is walking around. A few stray people are but they aren’t paying attention to anything around them. Mostly just to the wind that rustled the trees and the overcast skies that were probably going to bring rain soon. 

They find their way over to a bench by the fountain and Phil sits down first as he holds Spike on his leash from running and sniffing every person and child walking around. Dan sits down next to him and takes his sunglasses off which is a big step, Phil assumes. 

“Tell me a bit about yourself.” 

Phil looks over at Dan and sees Dan staring at him with intent. Almost as if he’s searching in Phil for the answer to his own question. 

“What do you want to know?” Phil asks, feeling the tugging on his hand from Spike. He quickly shoots Spike a glance and the pup whines before obeying and sitting down next to Phil’s feet. 

“What’s your middle name?” 

“Michael.” Phil says. “What about you?” 

“James.” Dan says. “Surprised you didn’t already know that.” 

“And why’s that?” 

“I just assumed you probably looked me up on Wikipedia.” 

Phil let out a choked noise and Dan’s head fell back in a laugh. Phil blushed, his face flushing for a millionth time that day. “Well did you?” 

Dan’s suddenly serious again as he tips his head back to look at Phil, a rosy patch now taking form on his cheek. Phil found himself staring at it before he remembered that he was being asked a question. 

“Yeah…” 

Dan let out a giggle. “It’s okay, mate. I’m not offended.” 

Phil finds himself not knowing what to say. He’s at a constant loss of words when he’s sitting beside Dan but suddenly, the awkwardness of not knowing what to say and how to say it without making a fool of himself is taking over his social needs. 

“What did you do before you moved here?” Dan asks. “You did say you moved here right? Where are you from?” 

“I’m from Rawtenstall. It’s a little town near Manchester.” Phil answers first. “But I went to university in York. I got a masters from there as well.” 

“That’s actually amazing.” Dan says with a genuine smile. “I never got the chance to apply for college or anything. My parent’s thought maybe I could go to UCLA or something like that but it didn’t work. I was too focused on my acting career―or really what little it was―to care about a formal college.” 

“There’s nothing wrong with that, though.” Phil begins. “College isn’t always the answer. My initial degree was in linguistics and I honestly don’t even know what to do with it.” 

“I considered studying law.” 

Phil finds his eyes widening as he looks over to Dan and the nonchalant pose he’s sporting as he picks at a burr on his fingernail. “Law?” 

Dan nods. “Uh huh.” Dan says, looking up from his polished fingers to Phil. “It was an actual consideration of mine. Never would have ever done it though.” 

“I wanted to be a YouTuber.” 

Once the words are out of Phil’s mouth, he kind of wants to suck them back in. He holds his breath waiting for Dan to say something. Did Dan even watch YouTube? Did he know the significance of it? 

“A YouTuber?” Dan asks, turning on the bench. “You mean like Shane Dawson?” 

“Well, maybe not his level of videos with his docu-series and conspiracy theory videos, but I used to make videos back in the day. Just short ones. Ones like, reading my fortune with tarot cards or buying weird things online.” 

“Why did you stop?” Dan asks. 

“Because I got the job at the BBC and life kind of got in the way.” 

“Why don’t you start making videos again?” Dan asks. “You say you want to, but why don’t you?” 

“Time, mostly.” Phil answers honestly. “The BBC takes up a bit of my free time but I also spend time with my brother a lot and my friend PJ.” 

“You should make videos again.” Dan says, continuing the subject. “I’d love to help you out.” 

“I’m not even sure if I’d remember how to be entertaining.” 

“You’re entertaining me right now?” Dan says, a glimmer in his eyes and a smirk on his lips. 

Phil scoffs but follows it with a light laugh. “Not sure about that.” 

“Come on!” Dan whines. Phil finds Dan’s whiney voice to actually be…kind of cute? Is that even possible? “We should go back to your flat and make a video! It’ll be fun!” 

“I’m not sure.” 

“You said you wanted to be a YouTuber and you gave it up, obviously there is a reason for you still wanting to be one. I always wanted to be a famous actor and the amount of auditions I went to where people told me I’d never be one and then let me sob in their hallway should have deterred me. But I did it, didn’t I? You shouldn’t have let some job at the BBC deter you away from being a YouTuber.” 

Phil was floored at Dan’s words but they cut right to his heart and he found his eyes even welling up a bit as he thought to the forgotten dream he had given up when he moved to London and began work for the BBC. “I’m not even sure that I have a good camera or anything anymore.” 

“Then we’ll go buy one!” Dan says, suddenly standing up from the bench and grabbing Phil’s arm to pull him up as well. 

Phil found himself laughing, and smiling so widely. What was Dan Howell doing to him? 

[stevenuniversallyreviews]

Episode 88: The New Lars

“This looks weird, but don’t jump to conclusions.”

Island Adventure is my lowest-ranked episode of the series, but it’s not my least favorite. All in all, I actually enjoy watching it. The problem, as I explain in greater depth in the review, is that it conveys a horrible message about consent in teen relationships and lionizes Sadie for a bevy of abusive actions, ranging from emotional manipulation to physical assault. And that makes it worse to me than an episode that I just don’t like watching. This is a kid’s show, and it’s not great for a kid’s show to espouse harmful message to kids, particularly when consent is such an important issue in the real world and in Steven Universe.

The New Lars isn’t nearly as bad, but it’s important to compare the two upfront, because both of them rely on the same conceit: Lars is a jerk, so it’s okay when bad things happen to him. The tricky thing is that seeing jerks get their comeuppance is an essential trope in comedy, so it should be okay for bad things to happen to him, but this is the second time that “bad things” involve ignoring Lars’s consent in a way that isn’t inherently comedic. There are fantastical elements to both stories, but forcing someone to do things that they explicitly don’t want to do is a bit more harrowing than, say, getting squashed by a falling anvil. Both episodes are from Raven Molisee and Paul Villeco, two extremely talented animators that I usually love (they did Mirror Gem and Rose’s Scabbard for Pete’s sake), and I wish I could get into their heads just to figure out why they’re so into abusing Lars in a way that evokes actual abuse.

Fortunately, a lot of my problems with Island Adventure aren’t present in The New Lars. We get a crucial slippery slope element to Steven’s behavior that Sadie’s early-episode subterfuge doesn’t grant (we learn that she hid their only way off the island immediately after arriving). Yes, he’s prying a bit too much into Lars and Sadie’s relationship in the first scene, but as soon as he mind swaps he states his determination to “respect Lars’s body and his privacy.” His good nature is his undoing, as he’s unable to play it cruel with Lars’s terrified parents or play it cool with Buck and pals. And it makes sense after seeing positive reactions for following his gut that he takes it over the edge to try and meddle in Lars’s love life. It’s not right, but it makes sense.

(It requires a Steven from a different era of emotional immaturity as well, but this team also did Sadie’s Song so I’ll count their restraint here as a victory.)

((Bear in mind that they also did Warp Tour and The Return and Keeping It Together and Message Received in case y’all think I’m just gonna sit here and pretend Molisee’n’Villeco aren’t amazing.))

Most importantly, Steven apologizes for his actions. If Sadie had shown an ounce of real remorse in Island Adventure, all would be well. The issue isn’t characters behaving badly, because this show would be garbage if everybody was perfect. The issue is not acknowledging bad behavior, and even rewarding it while piling on the victim of it. This episode knows that Lars is the wronged party and that Steven did a bad thing, even if he had good intentions, and in doing so teaches a lesson about consent instead of showing abusive behavior and shrugging it off.

It’s notable that Steven never does anything like this again. Just three episodes later in Kiki’s Delivery Service he accidentally enters Kiki’s dreams and is flustered and apologetic right away despite doing nothing harmful. The best way to make lessons stick is for the characters themselves to learn them, and a big part of Season 3 is showing how Steven has been shaped by past episodes.

And it turns out, a story about how Lars is treated is exactly what I needed. Because after nearly ninety episodes of the series, this is the first time I’ve actually liked Lars as a character. For the whole episode. I’ve always felt something was missing from his generic meanness, but everything clicked when I realized that the self-awareness that fuels his awkwardness is only a small part of his problem: he’s too aware of his status as a side character to be happy.

When Mayor Dewey acknowledges that Beach City is a magnet for disaster in Political Power, it’s a great gag that reveals hidden depths about the character. Lars’s bitter “Every day in Beach City is weird, that’s why I hate it here” is similarly revelatory, but about a character we’ve seen much more of. Lars has been the brunt of weird suffocating plants, a weird mouth-burning prank, a weird island trip complete with weird invisible monster, a weird haunted lighthouse, and now a weird body hijacking. He’s also witnessed the ocean weirdly disappearing and Beach City under siege from a weird space eye and a weird space hand, alongside who knows what else. And the kid who’s always bugging him to hang out is himself weird. This weird kid just took over his body and everyone, including Lars’s own parents, took the kid’s side. Of course Lars sees magic through a sour lens.

It’s so much easier to empathize for someone as ornery as Lars when there’s a good reason behind it, and noticing just how lousy life can be when you’re a regular person in a world of magic is a great reason to be ornery. It’s an excellent contrast to his former friend and fellow frustrating character Ronaldo, and allows Lars to grow within the context of a magical show. I’m not saying Lars is only irate because of this situation, people can be jerks just because they’re jerks and he’s a jerk in mundane situations, but after so many episodes where he seems to learn something and then goes right back to being a jerk, it’s such a relief to get this kind of depth.

And seriously, thank goodness Matthew Moy is still capable of emotional range after spending so many episodes voicing a jerk. He shows it off a bit when Lars admits he’s depressed in Island Adventure (which would’ve been a better character moment if it went anywhere in that episode), but voicing Lars as Steven must have been a blast. Even as a kid, it always bugged me when mindswapped characters switched voice actors, because that’s not how voices physically work and I was a stickler of a kid. Moy shines as an exuberant, doofy, melodramatic invader in his character’s head, to the point where you can tell when Steven is being himself versus when he’s trying to impersonate Lars. That ain’t easy!

On top of this, Moy still shows his practiced mastery of Lars’s crabbiness spectrum. I like his withering asides about Steven interrupting his workday, even though I’m all about deducing the laziest animal (Koala all the way by the way, sleep>slowness on the lazy scale), and I love his reaction upon waking up, where his justifiable fury with Steven is ramped up further by his family and peers backing up the kid. As in Joking Victim, Moy shows off his flair for comedic screaming, which also ain’t easy.

What’s doubly nice is that Kate Micucci also gets a showcase of her growing character that isn’t Sadie’s Song. While we wisely avoid too much detail about the exact nature of their relationship (not just because this is a kid’s show, but because it’s none of our business) Sadie is done with Lars’s nonsense, and I love hearing such decisiveness from the Big Donut’s resident wallflower. This episode could have crashed and burned if not for Sadie’s fed up reaction to “Lars” declaring his love for her, and Micucci sells it perfectly while still making the most of Sadie’s shyness in asking Lars to hang out in the first place.

This is also a great episode for other townies. Onion gets a hilarious cameo, and the Barrigas give a sterling first impression as loving but beleaguered parents. But come on, we gotta talk about the Cool Kids. Right off the bat, we get definitive proof that they’re not big on Lars (especially Jenny). It’s not shocking that such a jerk would be unwelcome, but it speaks well of the group that they keep giving him chances, and that Buck is quick to think the best of Lars when given the opportunity. It’s well-established that these are good kids, considering how awesome they are with Steven, but The New Lars shows that they’re even better than we thought they were. And we get a zany off-screen dance competition subplot. 

I’ll be honest, I was shocked by how much I liked this episode on rewatch. Season 3′s midsection contains a cluster of episodes that I’d literally never rewatched since they first aired, so I let a bad first impression shape my views a little too much. At that point in the show I was so done with Lars that I wasn’t willing to give him a chance, but knowing where his story is finally going made me reevaluate his behavior here. Because things do get sort of different for him now after numerous false starts. He’s still gonna be a jerk and make mistakes, but seeing what his friends and family think of him seems to jolt his system in a way Life Lessons With Steven couldn’t.

Knowing where a story is going isn’t enough, though; if it was, I’d like Sadie’s Song a lot more than I do, because I am all in on Sadie Killer and the Suspects. I think I was so against Steven’s actions in The New Lars that they loomed larger than the part where he and the show acknowledge that he was wrong. I rewatched this three times for my review, because I was all primed to dislike it again and want to give episodes like that a fair shot (which, yeah, meant I slogged through Sadie’s Song multiple times, you’re welcome), and the apology just makes everything better. I can focus more on the episode’s strengths, which are stronger than they first looked, and appreciate that this is a story about a kid making a mistake and learning from it. I wish Island Adventure had concluded with a similar realization, but I’m thrilled to see a show grow in its storytelling. 

We’re the one, we’re the ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Again, this was a surprise. I don’t wanna overcorrect and put it in my Top Fifteen or anything, but man this is more solid than I remember. Goes to show how far hindsight and a solid apology can take a story. If you’re like me and didn’t like The New Lars back when we were lousy with new episodes in the Summer of Steven, give it another chance.

Top Fifteen

Steven and the Stevens

Hit the Diamond

Mirror Gem

Lion 3: Straight to Video

Alone Together

The Return

Jailbreak

The Answer

Sworn to the Sword

Rose’s Scabbard

Mr. Greg

Coach Steven

Giant Woman

Winter Forecast

When It Rains

Love ‘em

Laser Light Cannon

Bubble Buddies

Tiger Millionaire

Lion 2: The Movie

Rose’s Room

An Indirect Kiss

Ocean Gem

Space Race

Garnet’s Universe

Warp Tour

The Test

Future Vision

On the Run

Maximum Capacity

Marble Madness

Political Power

Full Disclosure

Joy Ride

Keeping It Together

We Need to Talk

Chille Tid

Cry for Help

Keystone Motel

Catch and Release

Back to the Barn

Steven’s Birthday

It Could’ve Been Great

Message Received

Log Date 7 15 2

Same Old World

The New Lars

Like ‘em

Gem Glow

Frybo

Arcade Mania

So Many Birthdays

Lars and the Cool Kids

Onion Trade

Steven the Sword Fighter

Beach Party

Monster Buddies

Keep Beach City Weird

Watermelon Steven

The Message

Open Book

Story for Steven

Shirt Club

Love Letters

Reformed

Rising Tides, Crashing Tides

Onion Friend

Historical Friction

Friend Ship

Nightmare Hospital

Too Far

Barn Mates

Steven Floats

Drop Beat Dad

Too Short to Ride

Enh

Cheeseburger Backpack

Together Breakfast

Cat Fingers

Serious Steven

Steven’s Lion

Joking Victim

Secret Team

Say Uncle

Super Watermelon Island

Gem Drill

No Thanks!

     5. Horror Club      4. Fusion Cuisine      3. House Guest      2. Sadie’s Song      1. Island Adventure

[magicalgirlrp]

The Perfect Disguise |

rossolancer

Kyouko arched an eyebrow. Jealous? Her? There wasn’t anything to be jealous of. Miffed that Mami was now playing savior was far from jealousy. But Kyouko felt the little girl had nothing to rival her on anything. Sayaka defiantly. Nagisa not at all. “I’ll talk how I want when I want Mam’s, you gonna police that too?”Kyouko asked hinting anger in her voice. Kyouko stuffed her hands into her pockets looking even more intimating then she needed to be. “Testing? Nah, already passed that exam with an A+.” Kyouko said with a sly smile. She could do this all day.

Nagisa wanted to step away from the trio. The tension seemed to be thick between all of them. She even wondered how Mami was friends with two mean looking individuals when she was so sweet acting. “Oh…uh…okay..” Nagisa said glancing at the other two. If this was them being protective she’d hate to see them acting on it. “Your not…imposing I’m just not use to others being so nice…”Nagisa mumbled looking at the older girl. Nagisa blushed a little at the compliment of her hat. Not many people complimented her so it was a little embarrassing to actual get one.

Kyouko rolled her eyes as Mami practically blew the two of them off for the child. “Yeah I guess. Royal Highness is riding that ego strap on again.” Kyouko commented glancing at Sayaka. She chewed on the plastic straw irritated. “It’ll be a while til she gets off that trip.” Kyouko added.

“Well good,” the blonde gently replied, blowing a bout of air outward from between rosy, pursed lips. “I’d hate to think that I was being too forward. It’s just; you seemed like somebody who required a shoulder to lean on. Happily, I would be that person for anybody in need of it,” Mami concluded, golden orbs trained to the school’s ceiling as they made their way through bustling halls, the hungry eyes of fellow peers trained to the odd pair as they continued onward.

The student body, so accustomed to Mami accompanying her two favored companions, took note of the mismatched duo; some, even wondered if the strings of their trio had split and now, Mami Tomoe, stand-out senior, and president of the Student Council, had found a new disciple to follow in her footsteps. The golden-locked vixen seemingly possessed the ability to rope in whomever she pleased; the blue and red-haired juniors that typically trailed in her lead were no exception.

Fighting to keep vexatious Kyouko off of her mind, the elder girl fleetingly distracted herself, looking down and curiously inspecting the soft features of the one strolling beside her. Nagisa was rather petite for her age, skinny too; small hands, dainty features, pouted lips. Captivating eyes colored the deepest of orange adorned her sweet face and silken, tresses of silver pounced prettily against delicate shoulders. Childlike in appearance, it felt as if she were walking alongside an estranged, kid sister. It was no wonder that those boys would think that taking advantage of such a frail thing would be easy. In the blonde’s eyes, Nagisa was akin to a defenseless, baby bird; if you held it wrong, or too roughly, it would surely break. Motherly side of her softening at the analogy the blonde unintentionally smiled, gleeful that perhaps, once more, she could help somebody in obvious need of assistance. The accomplishment of aiding those who struggled filled her ego and blistered her already bloated bravado; essential fulfillment that fueled her power during wraith hunts.

“It’s truly a shame that you’re unused to the kindness of others,” Mami murmured, vaguely upset by the younger girl’s statement. “I mean really, who in their right mind would even think of hurting, verbally or physically, a sweet thing like you? I swear, people get more bothersome with each passing day.”

Shifting her purse, the blonde then crossed her arms underneath the swell of her breasts as they turned in synchronization down the curve of the first-year floor; younger, smaller students occupied the halls and they too, stared curiously at the elder girl and tiny, sickly Nagisa. Why somebody older and so divine would choose to escort the unpopular student was beyond their comprehension; greedily, they looked on, hoping that wide-eyes would evoke the answer to their inquisitions.

Sensing the attention of others, Mami stopped just short of one of the classrooms and turned to Nagisa, offering her a small, cheeky grin as she tapped the toe of her ballet shoe against the tiled flooring. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to see you again,” she proposed charmingly, her tone pleasant and dripping sincere sweetness. “Perhaps after school? Or, I we could meet up before classes tomorrow? I’d love to walk with you. I’ll even bring breakfast and tea if you’d like? I’ve no idea what your schedule looks like, so I’ll leave the decision up to you. Take my cell number for now and don’t hesitate to text. I’ll gladly make space for you if you’d like to spend time together. A girl can always use another friend, after all,” she finished gently, reaching into her purse for the small notebook tossing about the small belly of the bag.

Once she’d finished scrawling her digits, the elder girl reached out, taking Nagisa’s small hand into her own manicured one and pressed the ripped parchment into her palm. “Again, please don’t hesitate. It’s really no bother. I’d enjoy getting to know you, Nagisa,” the taste of the younger girl’s name felt easy and sweet upon the curl of her tongue.

--

A slight skip to her step, Sayaka threw open the back door to the school; one that was void of patrolling professors and power-hungry students looking to get others in trouble. By now, she and Kyouko had learned the details of the establishment well; every nook, every escape, each spot that was good for smoking before and after class. Sneaking about had become an art-form for the duo, an art-form they executed with such finesse and grace that Divinci would be envious.

“I’m just hoping she comes to her senses and drops the first-year before I have to endure anymore of that annoying stuttering,” Sayaka mumbled as she slipped her joint into the corner of her mouth, stuffing her hands into her pockets as they slipped away from school. The autumn air was cool and crisp, a gentle wind tousling her short, blue-locks as they meandered onward, quickly escaping the facility in which they both, understandably loathed.

“I don’t get her reasoning behind it is all. I mean, sure the kid is cute and sure, she was being bullied. But couldn’t Mami just stick up for her and that be that? Is it really necessary for her highness to gallantly safeguard her all the way to class too? It’s just annoying to think that more than likely, we’ll be forced to endure more of her annoying stutter and social-awkwardness. Ugh! It’s frustrating!”

Taking a lighter from her pocket, Sayaka sparked the end of her smoke and took in a long, bout of tainted smoke, filling her youthful lungs with toxins to turn her mind loopy and uncaring of their troublesome situation. “I mean geez. If her motive is that the girl is pretty or whatever, I’ll be pissed. Doesn’t seem like there’s much more to her than that. Did you happen to hear the way she answered me when I asked for her name?” she practically yelled, ruffling her own locks aggressively with her free hand. “M-m-my-my-my-my-my-my-my n-n-name?! N-na-n-n-n-na-na-na-nag-na-NAGISA!” she dramatically mimicked, handing the joint to Kyouko as they instinctively took the route that lead to Mami’s apartment.

“I thought that Mami was satisfied already with us. She gets fed up or whatever, but it’s not like she needs anymore friends. We’re already together all of the time. It makes no sense for her to try and rope in another partner, unless what she’s actually looking for is a girlfriend or somethin’,” she bitterly said, envious over the mere notion that the blonde might seek romantic affection from somebody outside of their small party.

[paybackraid]

Hero of Ishval

HEY GUESS WHAT I FINALLY DID!! Remember that Ishvalan!Elric AU teaser I wrote a while back for FMA AU Week? Well, I finally got around to posting the first chapter!! I’d appreciate if y’all could read and reblog, or go to my FFN or AO3 pages and review!

Summary: There are many reasons that Roy Mustang is known as the Hero of Ishval. But the very first reason is one that most people in the military don’t even know about. Ishvalan!Elric AU. Big Brother Roy. 

Words: 3004

Warnings: War themes, strong language

The men came into the district, all with not-red eyes and not-white hair but not without an intent to kill.

“No!” screamed a boy, standing before his mother and little brother because there was no father to protect them, not anymore, and the boy refused to listen to his mother when she said to get back. “Stay away! You dirty Amestrians don’t belong here, go back to your cities! Leave Mom alone!”

“Oh?” said the man with the long hair and the grey eyes. “Little Ishvalan scum has a little life to him, does he?”

“Don’t call me little!” said the boy with fire in his eyes.

“I wonder… how quickly can we drain the life from you? You’re coming with me!”

The little Ishvalan boy was dragged away from his mother’s arms like a common criminal, dragged kicking and screaming through the district, and loaded onto a truck.

None of the Ishvalans could stop the man who made explosions from his palms, most were too frightened to try. The only one who did, the mother, quickly had a gun pointed to her forehead and had to be held back by her fellow countrymen. The truck drove off, a child still calling for his mother from the back while his mother cried for him.

“ZEDEKIAH!!!”

Chapter 1

When Roy Mustang was 18, and he joined the Military Academy, his naivety had him dreaming glorious dreams about going to war. Yes, people died he knew, but they died with honor, fighting for their people and their country. He had never really dreamed of becoming a war hero (although some nights the thought would flash through his mind for a fraction of a moment), but he dreamed of going to war and returning alive.

His foolish self, of course, had never experienced the true horror of war, all the blood and death. He had been surrounded by war all his life—the military was in at least one almost every day of the year for the past fifty years. It was something that most everyone was a part of in one way or another, and the military was the biggest employer in all of Amestris, so imagining himself in the military wasn’t so odd or unnatural. There wasn’t one boy or girl that he knew of that didn’t imagine that in one way or another, they would be part of a war.

Even imagining being in the military, his thoughts could never come close to the real thing.

Death was in the air, death and dying, at all hours. He feared his enemies, he feared his comrades.

He feared himself.

This was why Master Hawkeye hadn’t wanted to share the secret of flame alchemy with him. Somehow, Master Hawkeye had known the ruin that Roy would bring with a snap of his fingers.

“Yo! Mustang! Move your ass!”

Roy kicked at the desert sand beneath his feet, heat bearing down on his neck relentlessly. He looked toward the voice—Hughes was hailing him forward. It was mealtime, they were just returned from a mission in one of the southern districts, and even though he was damn hungry, he didn’t even want to think of eating.

“What do you want, Hughes?”

Hughes, Roy’s academy buddy and longtime rival, jerked his head toward the wash station. Roy rolled his eyes, assuming a new batch of nurses or some such nonsense had come in. Hughes was happily taken, but he never hesitated to attempt to set up Roy, or one of the others in their squad. The man made sport out of watching them fail, Roy was sure of it.

Still. Hughes was obnoxious when someone paid him attention, but worse when they ignored him. He walked slowly to the man, glancing at whatever had caught Hughes’ attention.

A crowd of men surrounded one of the flagpoles, all of them jeering and laughing. Roy sneered at them; that was rarely anything good.

“What do you think they got ahold of, a nice t-bone?” Hughes wondered loftily, turning to Roy.

“I don’t know, man, I was on the same mission as you. Come on. If they’re all busy with this, I bet the line’s clear and we get first pick.”

Hughes grinned and laughed, hooked an arm around Roy, and lead him toward the mess.

Roy and Hughes beat a hasty retreat when the mess started filling. Most of the men had appeared to grow bored of whatever had kept their attention, and now wanted to appease their angry stomachs. Hughes carried a napkin full of what could best be called dry gruel. It was the sort of junk you could only stomach a little at a time; Roy hadn’t been able to finish his, and it got too crowded for Hughes to finish. They chatted as they walked—well, Hughes chatted, while Roy walked alongside and listened halfheartedly.

Roy glanced back to the flagpole as they walked past, the same place all those men had been crowding around earlier. A few remained, but most had disappeared into the mess. Somewhere near the ground there was a red swatch of fabric and a little foot, but Roy couldn’t make much out of that. Some of the guys made a habit of bullying some of the younger ones. Maybe they had got ahold of some poor bastard who made some small mistake. It wouldn’t be the first time.

There were some quick words from the crowd, words that he didn’t recognize and when he glanced at Hughes, he found that he hadn’t either. He knew some of the others spoke Aerugan, Cretan, or even the occasional Drachman—since they were surrounded on all sides by these great nations, it made sense for someone on their side to speak it.  It was possible that it was one of those who spoke foreign tongue being tormented, but Roy doubted it. Some of those words sounded sort of like Xingese.

Then, a loud call, a sharp cry, and a child’s voice: “No, No!! Mama!!”

Beside him, Hughes stiffened, his eyes narrowing, and Roy felt a shudder pass through him. What was a child doing here? No one in their right mind would sneak their child into the middle of an active warzone. The only other possibility was—

Yes, they realized as they approached. A little, Ishvalan child. No more than six.

It was a boy, very small. He had shaggy white hair and piercing red eyes, skin darker than the sand around them. He was covered in a red shawl, and wore no shoes on his little feet. His eyes darted all over the place, looking for an escape, but Roy quickly realized that the poor child had been bound to the flagpole.

What the hell was he doing here?

“Awww, what’s the matter, you baby? Are you gonna cryyyy for your mooommmyyyyy? Go ahead, see if she can hear you.”

Oh, and of course, why was Roy not surprised? Solf J. Kimblee, the truest psychopath in the entire military, was leading the show.

The kid blinked his eyes hard and sniffed hugely, swallowing back any tears that were left. He looked like he was trying damn hard not to cry—like he was trying to be stronger than Kimblee, stronger than what was happening.

“Kimblee,” Roy said, grabbing the Crimson Alchemist’s shoulder and tearing him from his victim. “Leave him alone, he’s just a kid.”

Kimblee tore his shoulder from Roy’s hand, glaring at him. “What do you want, sand-fucker? You’re apart of this war too, what’s one brat to you?” Kimblee scuffed his boot into the sand, kicking some up right into the kid’s face. The boy squeezed his eyes shut in a vain attempt to stop the sand from getting into his eyes, grimacing and turning away.

Roy scoffed, but didn’t otherwise react to the insult. He’d been called it before, and it had stopped affecting him. It first started in the military academy, when he’d been surrounded by people hardly out of high school (if they had even gone) who were still practically children. He came to the aide of his now-friend Heathcliff Erbe, and from then on, became known as a sand-fucker—an Ishvalan sympathizer.

If the opposite of being a ‘sand-fucker’, was being Kimblee, then he didn’t mind being a sand-fucker at all.

“Where did you get the kid? He doesn’t belong here.”

“Plucked the brat fresh from his mommy’s arms. He had a couple things to say, and I wanted to, uh…” Kimblee laughed, “teach him about his betters.”

“His betters? Who do you think—”

“Mustang! Kimblee!”

Roy flinched and glanced over his shoulder to see a general approaching looking unamused. Roy and Hughes snapped into a salute, and with a little reluctance, Kimblee did too. General Raven inspected the boy bound to the flagpole, then ignored him and turned on the two soldiers. “What are you doing, lollygagging?  If you’ve got time to start arguments, you’ve got time to clear the ten o’clockers for a lunch break. March! Both of you!”

Mustang scowled inwardly but kept his face impressively blank. Seven o’clock guard. Was there anything less interesting? He glanced down to the kid, who glared all around at everyone he could see, offering no warmth or anything. Roy smirked to himself just a little. He was quite the kid. “Yes, sir.”

Once night rolled around, the entire camp fell into almost total silence. The only ones still awake and about were the night guards, who only watched the perimeter and had no care for the happenings inside its borders, and the boy, who was silent with his tormentors no longer about.

It was this fact alone that allowed Roy to sneak out of his tent at half past pain-in-the-ass o’clock, canteen around his neck and napkin of not-so-goodies in hand. His tent wasn’t far from the flagpole, so it only took ten silent seconds to creep across the camp to the little boy.

He couldn’t, in his heart, leave this boy to his fate. He knew that no one had fed the poor thing, or even let him off to relieve himself, and no one had tried to shade him from the unrelenting desert sun. If he wasn’t sunstroked when Roy got to him, he would be surprised.

“Kid. Hey… kid, wake up,” Roy said under his breath, crouching beside the boy. The kid’s neck was craned awkwardly forward, like he had fallen asleep like that. He had reason to suspect that the kid wasn’t asleep at all, but he didn’t want to startle him.

Indeed, the kid quickly shot his head up, eyes bleary. He pressed back against the flagpole and glared at him weakly. “Go away.”

Roy chuckled a little and sat beside him, crossing his legs to try and appear as friendly as possible. The poor kid had had enough fright in this place. “You won’t say that when you see what I’ve got for you.”

That piqued the kid’s interest for a moment, nervous curiosity flooding into those crimson depths. He flickered his eyes from the ground up to Roy, lowered his head to his toes, then hesitantly wondered, “...what?”

“Shh, you have to stay quiet. We could both get in trouble if we’re not careful. Are you hungry?”

The boy nodded blearily, and Roy knew with the flush in his cheeks that this was true. He was probably starving. He didn’t know when the kid had been collected, but it was probably at least since then when he last ate.

Roy set the napkin down in front of the kid, revealing its contents. It wasn’t the best stuff, and if he had better he’d give it to him, but it really was all he had for today, and he couldn’t go stealing rations, not just for a little kid. “Here. Open your mouth.”

“Do…” The kid coughed and opened his mouth, licking his dry lips. “D’you have any water…? Please…”

“They… haven’t even given you water? All day?”

“No…” the boy croaked. “You have some, right?”

Roy’s heart constricted for a moment, then he sighed and stooped his head, grabbing for the strap of his canteen. “Yeah. I have some. Move your head away from the pole.”

The boy did, so Roy unscrewed the canteen and cupped his head. He pressed the canteen to his lips and tilted back. Water spilled from the corners of his lips, but he didn’t seem to mind, drinking greedily. When the canteen was pulled away, he licked at the water on his face.

“Ready for food?”

“Yeah.” The boy opened his mouth as he had asked earlier, and Roy patiently fed him everything that Hughes, bless his soul, had saved.

The night passed on in silence while Roy stayed by the boy’s side. He noticed halfway through what barely constituted a meal that the kid was shivering mightily. The kid must have been freezing cold after he spent all day burning to a crisp in the sun, and then hastily being introduced to the chill of the night air. Whatever skin was burnt, which had to be everything exposed, had to be horribly irritated.

“Are you cold?”

The boy shivered again, and through the shiver Roy noticed a very small nod. Yeah, the poor kid had to be freezing.

He slowly unbuttoned his jacket and slid it off his shoulders, pulling it around to lay over the boy. His little naked toes stuck out of the bottom, but he wiggled around a little and crossed his legs beneath the fabric, covering his chilled toes.

“...Thank you,” he said. His voice sounded better now that he got some water in him, at least. More like a kid and less like a decrepit old person.

Roy shrugged awkwardly; he had never been good at taking thanks and he doubted that he ever would be. “Sure,” he said, finding his feet. The kid was taken care of, at least, and Roy couldn’t do anything more for him without running the risk of getting in trouble. He could check on him again in the morning.

“W—wait!” the boy cried when Roy stood, looking up at him with nervous red eyes. When Roy looked back, he looked down to his feet, as if he was ashamed of his outburst.

“...What?”

“Don’t…” The kid struggled with his reservations for a moment, kicking at the fabric of the coat. “Don’t go.”

Roy stood by, blinked once, twice, three times. He didn’t know… what to say. An Ishvalan kid asking an Amestrian soldier to stay by him? He supposed that he had only been mistreated since he had arrived, and Roy was probably the first friendly face he’d seen all day.

But he didn't really have much of a choice. He was already pushing it, being out here past night bell without direct orders. He couldn’t stay out here much longer without facing possible consequences.

He opened his mouth to respond truthfully—I have to, I can’t stay, go to sleep, you’ll be fine—just in time for the child to whisper, “please, please don’t go.  Please don’t leave me alone. The other soldiers, they’ll come back, they don’t like me. They… they hurt me and spit on me, and what if they come back and do it again? Please…”

Roy felt each separate word like a slap to the face, and looking to his face, desperate and frightened but willing to trust him, might as well have been a sucker punch. Roy had always been a sucker for the underdog, a sucker for kids like this one. He was no good with them—being raised in a brothel didn’t help matters, especially since when he did go to school, he stuck out like a sore thumb because of his slanted eyes and his upbringing, and it set him very far from kids his own age—but that didn’t stop him from sympathizing with them, from wanting to protect them and from never wanting to see the exact face this little boy was making…

He cursed to himself, quietly enough the child didn’t hear. His mind was made up before he was even aware of it. And screw anyone who said even a word of it in the morning.

He turned back to his tent without a word to the boy. If he was going to be sitting outside all night long, he might as well make himself comfortable, make it more bearable.

He collected his sleepsack and pillow, ignored the grunt of confusion from one of the bunks on the other side of the tent, and stepped back outside. He ignored all thoughts of foreboding and instead looked to the child, who looked even more defeated than before. Perhaps a word in before he left would have been good…

Oh well. Perhaps next time. It was too late now. He approached the boy who stared down at his toes, still cloaked in Roy’s blue jacket, and scuffed a little sand by him so he knew he was there.

The boy started and looking up to him, clearly expecting some sort of reprimand judging by the fright filling his eyes. The fear in them dulled and surprise flitted in when he recognized Roy again and saw the sack in his arms. He didn’t say a word when Roy turned and sat beside the boy, leaning as much of his shoulder into the pole as he dared, and he didn’t say a word when Roy shook out his sleep sack and laid it over both their laps, nor when he fitted his pillow behind him against the pole to act as a cushion.

In fact, he didn’t even say a word when Roy put his arm around the kid and told him, “go on to sleep, kid” and then leaned his head back like he would fall asleep right then.

The only other movement, then, that passed between them was when the boy, oh so cautiously, leaned his head into his companion’s side, and when Roy couldn’t fight back the smile in response.

[lilithangelroses]

MHAxOC Fanfiction Chapter One

The sun was too bright for her eyes and the clothing required for this uniform were not ideal for any sort of battle. All she did on the way to UA High School was walk in silence while the man once known as the Number One Hero talked about his students. He brought her here to try and give her a new start with life but their interactions have been slim since the day the police led him to her. It wasn’t that she wasn’t grateful for his help in finding a new place to call home while they deal with the League of Villain mess. She was very grateful, however, out of all the places she expected them to take a villain, at the heart of UA was not one of them.

The students from the academy were wandering around as it was their lunch period before their afternoon classes started. All of them polite to All Might but all of them looked at the girl next to him with an odd curiosity. She ignored them all and only concentrated on what All Might had to say. She kept repeating his hero name in her head as she was asked to call him that rather than Toshinori. It wouldn’t be appropriate if she was going to be seeing him at school as a student. “Young lady, are you ready to join the line of future heroes?” he asked excitedly. She knew he was trying hard but she wasn’t one to lie. Her voice was soft and quiet as she spoke, still getting used to using it. “We made a deal All Might. I help you with your problem and you help me with mine but that doesn’t make me a potential hero. I will play my part. Nothing more, nothing less.” Her expression had no sense of emotion. All Might hesitated before bouncing back to his normal bouncy demeanor. “Everyone has it in them to be a hero. I’m sure you’ll make a great one some day! Now, let’s show you to the dorms.”

Her room was on the fourth floor along with Katsuki Bakugou, Eijiro Kirishima, Mezo Shoji, Ochaco Uraraka, and Mina Ashido. She knew every single name of all the students in class 1A and all the pro hero staff. The information was fed to her before the final showdown between All Might and All for One. She had to be careful not to say too much to them. She would keep her distance as much as she could. As much as she hoped she wouldn’t go back, she knew this would only be temporary. The students were gone so it was easy to see where her room would be located. It would be next to the explosive Bakugou. That worked for her, he probably wouldn’t pay attention to someone like her.

The room was much more than she was expecting to get considering everything. It had a nice bed on one side, a nice desk with a chair on the other, and a small set of drawers with a closet. It made her feel happy though she would never show it. All Might patted her back and led her out towards the school to give her the tour there. They were meant to see the main areas for the classes and head over to Pro Hero Power Loader to talk about a hero outfit to be submitted. When they got there, the room had smoke coming out from one of the students experiments with her gear so they decided to do this another day. She felt relieved she didn’t have to do something like that but now her nerves were stretched out like cords on a guitar. It was time to meet the students.

Before anything All Might lead her to one of the faculty rooms where Pro Hero Eraser Head was sitting. “Hey, Aizawa, here is the new student I was telling you about! She will be joining class 1A from now on!” Aizawa looked at her with mild annoyance but addressed All Might. “You know I still don’t agree with this. It’s illogical to bring in a new student to join this class, even worse that you decided to bring her of all people. But I won’t defy the decision the principal made. Come on, class is about to start. It’s almost time for the hero course and I need to introduce you to the other students.” She didn’t blame him on him, it was completely illogical to do this but she had her own reasons for going along with it. “Ah, don’t be like that Aizawa!” All Might let out his usual laugh before addressing her again. “Don’t let his sour demeanor get to you. You’ll have a great time!” And with a thumbs up he walked away and left her with Aizawa.

Aizawa looked her up and down before handing her a bracelet. “Before you meet my students, you need to put on this tracking device. It will allow us to know your whereabouts at all times. It has a quirk limiter that only the staff can unlock. Don’t even think about  doing anything that would harm them. Keep your personal history to yourself. Come on, it’s almost time for the hero class.” She nodded and followed him through the school. Thankfully, all the students had already taken their spots in class. As she looked on and saw the door to class 1A, her heart broke out into a sprint. She was more nervous than she thought she would be. “Wait here.” he said before entering the classroom.

She stood outside the door and listened to him address the class. “Listen up everyone, we don’t have a lot of time before we head out to the training grounds. We have a new student joining our class.” The uproar from the class was almost deafening. Everyone trying to ask their questions all at once before being silenced by an angry red eyed Aizawa. “As I was saying. We have a new student. Come in.” With a big sigh she walked through the door to see the curious stares of her fellow classmates. Some of them just stared and those she can handle but the look of horror on the others faces was something she tried hard not to flinch at. She couldn’t blame them though. What they were seeing wasn’t the image of a beautiful young high school student.

Her skin was pale and her long gray hair showed the slightest tint of blue as it fell down in waves to her waist. She had almost a sickly appearance that was surprisingly improved compared to how she was during her visit at the hospital. All of that wouldn’t be enough to shock everyone though. They were all looking at the stitch like scars running across her body. A big one ran diagonally between her eyes. One gray like her grandmother but the other a dark ruby red. She stood at five feet five inches, waiting for them to get their expressions under control. Aizawa didn’t miss a beat and continued on like nothing happened. “Her name is Shimura Lilith. I hope you all get along well. Iida!” Lilith turned her gaze to the boy standing up wearing his glasses. “Yes, sensei” he said, immediately standing to attention. “Since you are the class president, you are in charge of getting her caught up and showing her how the class runs.” Iida nods and looks over at Lilith with a serious expression. She does a little nod towards him before Aizawa speaks again.

“Today we are focusing on group battles against villains. As you know, most heroes need to make impromptu groups in order to defeat villains on the field. We will be randomizing groups as we go through the exercise. You will be fighting teachers of this school. Get in your hero gear and meet us outside in the mountain arena.” With that, he walked out as the students started to pile out of the classrooms. Iida walked up to her side and introduced himself. His arms did a weird chopping motion as he spoke that really confused Lilith. It seemed so... wasteful. “My name is Tenya Iida. Welcome to our class. We normally have general education classes in the morning and then we get to the more practical classes in the afternoon. The hero class is one of the practical courses. Since you are new I assume you haven’t gotten a hero costume yet?” She shook her head in response. “Right, wait here while I change into my costume and I can escort you to the training arena.” she nodded again and waited for the students to leave before looking out the window. Some of them tried to linger but Iida, the ever diligent class president ushered them out to get changed. Lilith tapped the glass windows to check their thickness. Leave it to UA to get extra strength glass for their classrooms. They were on a higher floor but not so high that she couldn’t jump out if needed. It’s almost smart to get multiple exit points in an emergency.

The classroom door opened and Iida called out to her. “We are ready to go.” she nodded and walked alongside him to the training ground. The class was walking together, each in their own little social groups talking about which teacher they would go against first today. Iida would have been a part of one but he wasn't sure if he should leave Lilith on her own. She didn’t seem to mind the silent walk with him but it was making him uncomfortable trying to figure out what to say. He realized that she hasn’t even spoken to the class once. “It’s odd to get a new student this time of year. Even odder that you joined the hero course at UA. How did you end up in this situation?” he asked.

With his fidgeting around the question it was clear to her that he wasn’t intending on being rude but she could tell he seemed confused. She didn’t blame him, if it wasn’t for All Might she wouldn’t even be here. But there lies the catch. She would hate to lie but she can’t tell him everything. “My family connection to All Might is what got me here. I was hospitalized for a long time before this and I was recently deemed fit to be released. Does it bother you that I had connections get me to this point?” she asked him. Her eyes bore into his and he felt slightly unnerved by her boldness. The mention of All Might caught a few peoples attention and they listened for his answer. “Well...I...” he wasn’t sure how to proceed but thankfully they made it to the training grounds and everyone’s attention was drawn to the Pro Hero waiting for them.

Everyone was excited to see Snipe and ran forward inside the arena to see Midnight, Present Mic, and even their own homeroom teacher ready for battle. “Alright everyone. On the screen we have a randomizer for both the teachers and the students. The students will fight in groups of five against one of his who will play a villain. We will randomize the first group but pay attention to this sound.” A loud horn could be heard. “That means that something has happened and the scenario will change mid battle. This is to see how well you can cope with changing scenarios out in the field. Got it?” Everyone nodded excitedly. Snipe looked over at Lilith still in her normal uniform. “Shimura, since you just joined us today you are excused from the exercise. You can join All Might to observe from a safe distance.” Before Lilith could react, a gruff snort could be heard from the group. “Of course she does. Not only did she take the easy way in but she gets to cruise along class today. Clearly she can’t compete with us and should just quit before she gets hurt.” Some of the students fidgeted as Lilith glared at Bakugou. “What? Got something to say to me? Go ahead. I can take you on.” “Enough, Bakugou. Let’s get this class started.” Aizawa glared at him. “Tch... fine.”

Everyone patiently waited as the first group was chosen and Lilith walked over to All Might who was carrying a clipboard to note everyone’s progress. He smiled at her with genuine warmth and patted her back again. It took a long time before she didn’t feel like flinching from his touch. She was glad she was making progress. “Don’t mind young Bakugou. He may be a hothead but he is well on his way to making himself a fine hero.” Lilith just shrugged. He didn’t threaten her in the least. Even if she only had one quirk, it wouldn’t take much to take him down. She watched as the students and teacher switched into so many combinations and was impressed at how well they were doing. Fighting villains so early in their career clearly made them more advanced than she realized. Time passed quickly and soon it was almost time for class to be over. Everyone was winding down from their work outs. “So, what do you think?” All Might asked excitedly.

“The exercise was a valid way to demonstrate changing scenarios, however, I feel it didn’t do as good of a job as it could have. They wouldn’t make it very far in the real world. I’m surprised they made it this far considering the constant villain attacks they’ve been through. Though I guess they did have pro heroes there to help them.” She said all this in a very matter of fact tone. All Might wasn’t sure how to react but he didn’t have the time. Bakugou had heard it all and was roaring for a fight. “Oh yeah, what the hell do you know idiot?! You think you’re so high and mighty just because you had a connection to get in here. I bet I could beat you all by myself. Come on, let’s go a round.” Aizawa came up annoyed and was going to object but Lilith smirked making Bakugou even more pissed. “Aizawa sensei, it seems like it would be a good time to show everyone my quirk. How about I join the villain group and you choose five students to see if they can take me down.” It seemed like a simple request to her but Aizawa hesitated in complying with it. 

Bakugou just got even more pissed and All Might had to keep him at bay while they deliberated. Surprisingly, he was willing to do it, if only to see what quirk she planned on using as public knowledge. He knew she couldn’t go too far in the fight as long as the staff remained. “Alright. Bakugou, Midoriya, Todoroki, Kirishima, Tokoyami. Get ready for a fight.” Everyone gasped. They couldn’t believe this was actually happening. Everyone took their positions as they watched the new girl stand in a barren landscape in full view of some of their strongest fighters with no where to run. The confidence in her was practically tangible and set Bakugou off even more. “I don’t need their help. I’ll take you out before they even get the chance. Now die!” he yelled before launching a full blow from one of his gauntlets. Bakugou’s smug look soon contorted into shock. He turned to see Lilith had grabbed his arm that was pointing at where she stood. “Interesting, these seem to help enhance your explosive abilities.”

The group sprang into action realizing that the villain had already broken their ranks. She danced effortlessly through their attacks as she landed back a distance from them. This made them nervous. “If you don’t attack me with some level of coordination you’ll never win.” She called out to them. As much as Bakugou hated working, he wasn’t so stupid as to complain now that he knew her speed. They all assumed her quirk gave her some sort of physical enhancement which could only get her so far. Tokoyami took his position slightly behind the front fighters and secretly used Dark Shadow to pin her down while she dodged their barrage of assaults. She mentally praised them for their efforts before looking to see the combo attack heading her way. Too bad it will all be a wasted effort.

As the dust cloud dispersed and the boys thought themselves victorious, a blue geometric shield covered the area around her, protecting her from the attack. Not a single scratch on her. “Now it’s time to take the offensive.” The shield scatters into multiple pieces reflecting the sun's light causing Dark Shadow to cower. Freed, she had the shield converge onto her body, creating a thin durable coating before jumping into attack. Todoroki erected an ice wall only to have it shattered with enough force to throw him back. Midoriya and Kirishima jumped in for a double attack that caused her to guard. They made contact but it did nothing to her. She grabbed Kirishima’s harm and hurled him into Midoriya knocking them both into a boulder. Bakugou snapped with rage and went in only to be punched in the gut, and swept under his, falling to the ground. He ate dirt while she twisted his arm and used her foot to keep him pinned. Her shield then surrounded his hands. “Any explosions and your arms may not survive.” He looked at her and saw the threat was very real. “Battle is over, the villain wins.” The only members were about to object before Midoriya stopped them. “Look.” was all he said.

They looked at him confused until Lilith grabbed Bakugou by the neck and pulled him up. Her body pressed against his back and her hand caressing his throat. All it would take was only a little squeeze and his life could be over. She was right, she won. The shields fell away and she released Bakugou and put her hands in the air. Aizawa was using his quirk on her and walked towards them. “Fight’s over. You took it too far today. Lilith won, now everyone head back and get some rest.” “I wasn’t going to actually kill him.” She sighed. Why on earth would she mess things up for herself now. The teachers rounded everyone back but Aizawa and All Might stayed with Lilith.

“Let’s get things straight, you pull a stunt like that again and the deal is off.” She wasn’t fazed by him. “I simply created a situation that was more realistic. I never intended to kill them but the blood lust had to be there if they are to get over their fear. Even more when they have to deal with a hostage situation. If it were HIM putting his hands around Bakugou’s neck, he would have already been dead.” she said. “That is not something for you to decide Young Lilith. Leave these matters to us. You are here as a student until we find the place you are looking for.” All Might interjected. Lilith shook her head and sighed in defeat. “Fine, am I free to go?” she asked. They walked behind her, escorting her back to the dorms.

“I can’t even begin to understand your reasoning behind this All Might.” Aizawa spoke low to avoid Lilith hearing their conversation. All Might signed and thought about how to explain. “When they brought her to me she was the living dead. I couldn't leave her like that. The heroes have failed her for so long, I thought maybe this class could save her. I know she only accepted this as part of the deal but I’m hoping we can show her what it is to be one of us.” Aizawa stayed silent through the rest of the walk until Lilith walked inside the dorm building. He turned to All Might and sighed. “You can’t save everyone. I know you owe your predecessor a great deal and you feel like you’ve failed with Shimura Shigaraki, but that doesn’t mean you can save her either. Don’t get hung up on this.” He knew what Aizawa was saying but he still felt there was hope for her yet. They parted ways, both considering what the future will hold now that Lilith has joined their ranks.

[kittenwritesstuff]

For your eyes only

Fandom: The Hobbit Pairing: Fili x (human)reader Genres: fluff, a lot of fluff, even more fluff Words: 1.485 Summary: Bilbo is curious about Fili’s and yours relationship, so Kili keenly explains it. Later on, you enjoy a sweet moment with your dwarf - requested by @deepestfirefun 

Bilbo’s nose wrinkles as he catches Fili glancing at you yet again. To Bilbo, it appears very odd that a dwarf prince cannot keep his gaze away from you, a human, for longer than three minutes. And that is the longest period, usually Fili and you lock your eyes every minute.

Bilbo’s brows furrow in confusion as he notices how fond those gazes are. You look at Fili as if he’s the one to place a sun on the sky every day, only for you. Fili’s eyes are full of affection as if it’s you who are adorning the night sky with stars, only for him to stare at. The pair of you glance at one another as if the other was the most beautiful being in all Arda.

“Kili,” Bilbo says as the younger of Thorin’s nephews nears him. Kili slows down his pony to match Bilbo’s one’s rather leisure walk.

“Yes, master Boggins?” Kili’s lips spread into his usual teasing smirk and Bilbo sighs, deciding to not fix the dwarf’s purposely continued mistake.

“I don’t mean to be nosy, but miss Y/N and Fili seems to be-“

“Sickeningly in love? Yes, they are.”

“And Thorin allows his nephew to court a human?” Bilbo’s brows jump up in surprise, to which Kili chuckles. The hobbit’s reaction are always amusing and Kili enjoys witnessing them immensely.

“Y/N’s not very tall, so she’s more like a bit taller dwarf for us. But uncle never minded their relationship. She’s got a reputation, I tell you.”

“What reputation?”

“You might not hear about a human lass named the Ghost, but she’s pretty much a legend among Men and Dwarves.”

“Y/N’s a legend?” Bilbo’s voice is hinted with shock as his head jerks to the side to look at you, only to see you stealing glances at Fili. As per usual, as Bilbo noticed.

“Aye, she is. She’s so quiet, so lethal, you’d never see her coming. A slight tilt of your head, a moment of defocus and puff! You’re gone. That’s why Thorin personally asked her to join us, ” Kili smiles with pride as he nods his head. “And she’s going to be my sister. I always wanted to have a sister, if I’m honest.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” Bilbo mutters, still shaken from the information Kili shared with him. The latter is fast to notice how unsettled the hobbit became so Kili leans in to put a hand at Biblo’s shoulder.

“Worry not, mister burglar, she’s he nicest person you’ve ever met. You know it by now, aye?”

“Y-yes, I believe I do,” Bilbo smiles faintly at the memory of you gifting him with a makeshift handkerchief so he wouldn’t have to use a piece of Bofur’s clothe. It was a kind, sweet gesture and Bilbo appreciated that you took your time to make him something he could easily do without.

But Kili’s right. You have a heart of gold, always ready to help and comfort, and adding your skills in battle to it, Bilbo must admit – he’s never felt safer. No harm can come the Company’s way with you around.

_______

You pat your stomach, content after delicious and nourishing supper. Kili managed to hunt a rabbit and then Bombur did his magic, turning it into a tasty stew. The hobbit had his part, too, although only allowed to assist in seasoning. Bombur was still reluctant to let Bilbo any near the meal while it was cooking.

Speaking of your little fellow. You noticed earlier that day that Bilbo was particularly focused on you and Fili. You felt his eyes on you almost all day, which wasn’t surprising, only a thud uncomfortable. You understood the hobbit’s curiosity – not every day you meet a human girl, shorter than average human, on top of that courted by a dwarf. Peculiar, indeed.

“Are you well, amralime?” Fili inquires as he glances at a wicked smile playing at your lips. You nod in response, waiting with answering a little – Dori’s on his way to hand you a cup of your favorite tea. You thank him politely and when he’s gone you turn to your dwarf.

“Bilbo was staring at me whole day,” you say with a note of amusement in your tone and Fili grins, leaning in a bit as if he’s about to share something of grave importance.

“A curious little fella he is. Kili spoke with him today. About you and I. It fed the burglar’s curiosity, I suppose.”

“Oh, well, it was due to happen. Everyone except for Bilbo knows that we’re courting.”

“Kili also mentioned the reason behind your nickname, my love.”

You roll your eyes.

“I still can’t grow fond of it. The Ghost. It sounds as if I’m coming from my grave to kill the ones that anger me.”

“If you change coming from the grave part to appearing out of nowhere that’s quite accurate, Y/N. I was shocked when I first saw you fight. I barely lifted my sword and you were already done with two of your opponents. Not to mention that you move around so fast, it’s impossible to expect your hit with even slight precision.”

You try to fight back a shy smile but it still makes its way on your face, a pink tint coming on your cheeks. Despite being aware of your skills, you’re still not used to praises. And Fili… he uses almost every moment to tell you how much he admires you, often times joking that you should teach him a thing or two so he could be of any help to you in a battle.

“Ah, my sweet Y/N, you should get used to it by now. I don’t think I’ll ever stop complementing you,” Fili says quietly and places a chaste kiss on your forehead. You smile brightly when his hands rise to cup your face, a loving gleam in his eyes reflecting your own.

“I should go and take a bath before the rest goes.”

“I’ll keep them away from the lake,” Fili murmurs and brushes your lips with his briefly. You peck his lips in response and then stand up and gather your things while you announce loud and clear that if anyone dares sneak on you bathing, will surely lose their the part of their body they hold rather dear. You hear few curses, but mostly laughs as you head to the lake, Fili’s fond gaze never leaving you.

______

“Fili, my darling, I already have a courting braid,” you whisper as tender fingers card through your hair, playing with the strands. Fili chuckles airily behind you, his chest pressed firmly against your back, his nose nuzzling the back of your neck.

“May as well make sure it’s evident that you’re promised to me.”

“Kili does a great job of announcing it, if you ask me.”

“He always wanted a sister. You’re like a dream come true to him.”

“And to you? Am I a dream come true, as well?” you ask, half-jokingly as you shift to face your beloved. Fili’s face is serious, his eyes sincere and certain as he speaks,

“Y/N, ‘ibinê (my gem), when I braid your hair and put my bead in it, I have promised that I will spent my life making you the happiest lass ever walking Arda. And I said it because I have never met anyone like you, never dreamt that a miracle like yourself would lay its eyes on me. And yet, you did, and you allowed me to love you, making me in return the happiest dwarf on this world. You’re my dream, yes, but you’re so much more, Y/N, more than words can express.”

“Oh, Fili…” you whine, emotional but delighted. Being a warrior, training alongside men resulted in quite emotional reactions to ever act of kindness and love but Fili’s used to it – he moves his palm to wipe at your cheeks, kissing them after he gets rod of the wetness.

You flash him a loving smile, tangling your fingers into his hair to bring your dwarf closer.

“I love you, Fili. So very much,” you say fervently before your lips lock with his in a passionate kiss. You pour every bit of love for him into the kiss, hoping Fili will fell it.

Soon, however, you need to part, both of you out of breath. Your eyes are sparkling as you look at Fili and you smirk as you notice how hopeful his gaze is.

“Go on, braid my hair,” you encourage, turning on your side so that Fili has better access to your locks. You sigh contently when you feel his hands in your hair, stroking and brushing gently and as that sweet caress continues, you feel more and more sleepy.

You yawn, prompting Fili to chuckle.

“Sleep well, my darling,” Fili’s words, whispered in your ear are the last thing you hear before you doze off.

[ambreignsfans]

Roman Reigns rolls with the Falcons, wants Romo for the 49ers and doesn’t mind if you boo him (The Undefeated)

The WWE superstar talks crowd reception, beef with John Cena and those dad jeans

Love him or hate him — and some really hate him — Roman Reigns is one of the top performers in the high-flying, death-defying world of WWE. Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoa’i, signed with the professional wrestling juggernaut in 2010 and has risen to the top of the card in a very short time.

Since he debuted on television in 2012, Reigns has beaten down some of the industry’s most prominent names in wrestling — Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, Triple H, John Cena and even his cousin, The Rock. Reigns, 31, is a former U.S. champion, tag team champion, and three-time WWE heavyweight champion. For nearly two years, he was a part of one of the most popular and era-defining stables in wrestling, The Shield. Alongside fellow young superstars Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, the trio ran roughshod over the entire company, gaining the adoration and respect of millions along the way. He won the 2015 Royal Rumble and has been the headliner for the past two WrestleManias, the company’s largest promotional event each year.

Before signing with WWE, Reigns was a three-year defensive starter on the football team at Georgia Tech, nabbing All-ACC honors in his senior season alongside future Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson. He later signed free-agent contracts with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings in 2007 before turning his attention to professional wrestling.

What’s helped accelerate his ascent in WWE has been a mixture of a revered family tree, unparalleled athleticism and Hollywood leading-man good looks. The half-Samoan, half-Italian Florida native favors Justice League’s Jason Momoa and is built like an NBA small forward. With the strength to easily lift up 400-pound men like Big Show and the verticality to clear 5-foot-high ring ropes in a single bound. Most of his abilities, though, can be chalked up to genetics: Reigns comes from a respected Samoan wrestling heritage that includes ersatz Japanese sumo wrestler Yokozuna, master-of-the-stinkface Rikishiand box-office magnet Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. While Reigns was one of the hottest commodities the WWE had in the early months of 2014, his popularity has nosedived over the past 2 1/2 years. He’s loathed by hard-core male fans who believe Reigns is being force-fed to the audience by WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and executive vice president Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Crowds have booed Reigns out of almost every arena across the country. That has not stopped Reigns, though, as he’s set to compete for the Universal championship on Sunday at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view in San Antonio, looking to become just the third competitor to ever hold that championship belt.

tweets: @wweromanreigns

Super Bowl pick?

A-T-L. I played at Georgia Tech, so I’ve got to stick with Atlanta.

Favorite team that always disappoints you?

[San Francisco] 49ers. I’m a 49ers fan and a [Los Angeles] Lakers fan, so it’s been a hellacious year. Nothing good so far.

Who do you see as the quarterback next year for San Francisco?

Oh, man. Let’s get [Tony] Romo. Why not? I don’t even know if we can get him.

Favorite throwback TV show?

I was huge on [ABC’s] TGIF: Family Matters, Boy Meets World, all those. Saved by the Bell, that’s up there, too. My [kid is] still watching Saved by the Bell. My kid actually watches Full House still.

She watches it on Netflix?

Yeah, well, they actually have a Fuller House, and D.J., one of the little girls, is the main character now. What’s old is new, I guess, right?

Who’s the most famous person following you on Twitter?

There’s a couple of porn stars that follow. I don’t know if we can use that. I don’t follow anyone. There’s no line of communication from me. [Minutes later.]

Mr. Belding [from Saved by the Bell] is following me. I don’t think he’s the most famous, but he’s the one I have off the top of my head.

Is it better to look perfect and late, or just OK and on time?

I’ll be late. Island time, man. If I have a flaw, it’s not being on time. Sometimes. If it’s very important, and it’s a hard call time, then you’ve got to be there. But if it’s just a standard day, then I’ll probably be an hour and a half late. So, I’m not the most punctual, but I show up looking pretty good, though.

How do you handle all the ladies’ attention?

I ignore it. It’s weird because it came out of nowhere. When I played football, I was a little bit heavier, so I was a ham. With this role, I’ve lost my weight. I’m a married man. I love my wife and I love my [daughter]. That’s the most important thing. It’s flattering to have women who are attracted to you and like what you do, but at the end of the day, it only takes one woman to make your life right.

Who has the best spear in professional wrestling?

Me, no doubt. You can’t ask me that.

Who’s second?

I’d have to say Goldberg.

What type of injuries have you had to perform through?

All kinds of little stuff. That’s one thing in our profession: Nobody’s healthy. Everybody’s nicked up, everybody’s got bruises and little tears. For the past couple of years, my knees have been a little banged up. It’s tough running in that ring, because it bounces. It’s not like running on a nice grass turf or anything. Every once in a while my elbows will swell up. If you ever meet a healthy wrestler, it’s because he’s not wrestling.

What’s with those dad jeans?

Those things were expensive, man. I got them in Las Vegas. I’m not a jean guy; I actually just started wearing them more often now, [and] they’re definitely not those jeans. Those were, like, my first pair of jeans I ever bought that were supposed to be fashionable, and I was like, ‘What the heck? These are supposed to be cool jeans.’ They’re stretchy a little bit and they had all sorts of cool bedazzles and stuff on the butt. I was like, ‘Man, these are going to be a hit.’ Next thing I know, they’re on the internet making fun of it, and I was like, ‘Man, I wasted almost $250 on these things … This sucks.’

You recently got into a war of words with John Cena on Twitter. What are your thoughts on him?

In real life, he’s a nice guy … but it is what it is. He’s an alpha male, I’m an alpha male. We’re both kind of in the same territory, so we’re going to bump heads. I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to dominate and hold it down for me and my family. I’ll do whatever it takes to do that, and I’m not going to let anybody — and that includes John Cena — get in my way.

[ruffsficstuffplace]

The Keeper of the Grove (Part 7)

The dinner Weiss and Winter had was a simple affair, quick flame roasts and brief plunges into boiling oil, salads tossed together with whatever ingredients were available, and bread the two of them recognized from earlier in the morning, testing how long the fields could keep them oven fresh and warm.

It was hard not to notice that instead of the small army of maids and butlers eager to serve them, it was just the one butler handling drinks, with drones floating about serving plates, carving meats, and putting portions onto their plates.

As a matter of fact, there were a lot more drones than people everywhere else, too.

“Short on staff tonight?” Weiss asked as said butler poured her a glass of juice.

“Unfortunately so, Ms. Schnee,” he replied as he expertly twisted the bottle, spilling not a drop. “Chef Naomi wishes to beg your forgiveness; her more elaborate creations require a not insignificant amount of support and assistance, two things she did not have tonight.”

Winter daintily picked up a slice of meat with her fork, put it into her mouth and chewed. She hummed with pleasure, smiling. “Please tell her not to worry,” she said after she swallowed. “It's as excellent as I remember.”

The butler smiled, if a little nervously. “She will be very pleased to hear that. Do you require anything else, Mses. Schnee?”

“Just one more thing: had Father ever requested our presence again, after breakfast?” Winter asked.

The butler shook his head. “No, Ms. Schnee. Mr. Schnee has been incredibly busy in his office since he left the dining room earlier this morning; he's even had his own meals sent there. I assume it might have to do with Ms. Weiss'… adventure.”

He paused. “It's the talk of Candela—all of Avalon, even.”

Winter nodded. “Thank you, you're dismissed,” she said.

The butler bowed, before leaving the room as fast as professional decorum would let him. The drones and the cameras aside, it was essentially just the two of them alone in the dining room. They looked around just to be sure, waited a few moments, then dropped their polite smiles and amiable looking expresisons.

“Oh damn it, I hadn't thought about the press!” Weiss mumbled, angrily stabbing a slice of meat on her plate.

Winter sighed. “Neither did I; I'd suggest disguises and decoys, but they have the manpower to watch every last transport going to and from here like hawks, and we don't.”

“They're going to be all over this…” Weiss grumbeld. “Why couldn't Father be satisfied with a nice penthouse in Asgard?”

“Because every other trillionaire in Candela has a penthouse there,” Winter replied flatly.

“Are we still going out tonight?” Weiss asked, before shoved food into her mouth and chewed without pleasure.

“Definitely,” Winter said. “I say, let the media hound us: keep us trained on their cameras all night if they want, we'll just ignore their questions as we shop for plushies! And if the Keeper happens to come for us both while they're recording? Then that's what they get for wanting footage so badly!”

She chuckled. “Wouldn't that be quite the headline? 'Schnees Slain By Supposedly Mythological Being!'” she said, spreading her hands apart in the air. “Footage withdrawn for causing permanent mental scarring and psychological trauma in all who view it.”

Weiss nodded slowly. “Hey Winter?” she asked.

“Yes, Weiss?”

“Why are you suddenly, constantly making jokes about our impending doom?”

Winter smiled at her. “It's the only way I can think or talk about it without bursting into tears,” she whispered.

Weiss and Winter stepped out from the elevator and into the manor's garage, fed, bathed, and dressed in fresh clothes. It was easy to tell from a glance that a large number of rovers and even one of their father's private jets were missing, which wasn't too surprising.

What was was one of the traffic coordinators coming to meet them personally.

“Good evening, Mses. Schnee,” the cyborg said. “Planning to leave the premises?”

“We are, actually,” Winter replied. “Just a spontaneous shopping trip to Candela! We'll be back before morning.”

The coordinator nodded. “Mr. Schnee has actually requested that you both stay in the manor for the time being; he has asked us to clarify that this goes for all residents and staff, not just you two.”

“As if that makes it any better...” Weiss grumbled under her breath.

The two of them ignored her.

“'Requested' you say?” Winter asked she said as she stepped up closer to him. “As in, it's not a formal lockdown?”

“Yes,” they replied. “In my opinion though, Ms. Schnee, it would still be best if you delayed this trip until further notice--”

Too fast for anyone but the most observant and alert eyes could notice, Winter pressed a sizable amount of Uroch bills into the coordinator's hands.

“--However, I can not stop you from doing as you please,” they continued, discretely tightening their fingers around the money. “Do you have an estimated return time? Mr. Schnee does not appreciate vehicles being checked out 'Indefinitely,' more so with recent events.”

“I'm sure he's got more important things on his mind to think about than one more measly rover,” Winter replied. “It's not like we won't be back, right?”

The coordinator nodded. “As you wish, Ms. Schnee” they said, before a holographic screen appeared before their eyes—a visual marker for those without the same implants as them that they were busy communicating with others or the manor's various systems.

“Since when did you learn to do that?” Weiss asked as continued onto the loading dock.

Winter smirked. “Queensguard. The Uroch may not be the most valuable commodity these days, but it's certainly the most versatile.”

“What else did they teach you?”

“I'm not allowed to say,” Winter replied. “But I can say they really meant 'ready for anything.'”

Less than a minute later, they were off, strapped securely to their seats, listening to the quiet hum of the engine and the crunch of rock underneath the tank treads as they were gently jostled about. Schnee Company rovers may have been a serious step up from the stock models, but there was only so much you could do to compensate for terrain this rocky, battered, and beaten by the elements on a daily basis.

“Any other business you want to get out of the way, hopefully before the Keeper comes for us?” Winter asked. “Friends you'd like to hang out with one last time, or just say goodbye to? Places you want to see? Things you want to experience before it's all over?”

“No,” Weiss replied, “I'll just tag along with whatever you have in mind after you get your plushies and I get my cake shake,”

“You sure?”

“Very,” Weiss replied.

After all, it was hard to do any of those, when you didn't have any friends, and all you've ever wanted to do is leave here , see what it'd be like to start anew somewhere else .

As expected, the media knew exactly which loading bay they were entering the city from, and were prepared to mob a nd rain questions down upon them, physically fighting with one another for the prized “First Footage.”

Through a mix of the security teams and drones that were obliged to keep the area free of obstruction and especially dense human traffic, Winter's knowledge of hand-to-hand combat, and timely mentions of the Keeper of the Grove granting her a speed and strength Weiss never knew she was capable of, the sisters cut through the crowds like a missile, straight into the waiting backseat of a VIP hover- cab that had been waiting for them .

The vehicle's “crash bubble” activated, a wave of energy repelling any reporters and their camera-bots who had decided to take a desperate last shot at an interview. Weiss looked out the window and smiled as they flew off, knocking down several of their fellow journalists like haphazardly placed bowling pins.

As the cab began to rise up into the air, its AI appeared before them , a holographic bust of a young attractive woman of Oriental descent. “Welcome back to Candela, Mses. Winter and Weiss Schnee! We of the MTC sincerely apologize for not being able to assist you in circumvent the media--”

“Slash Command, AI Personality Switch: 'Antonio Perrero.'” Weiss said.

The hologram shifted and shimmered, before turning into that of an Italian-American man in his late 40's to early 50's, balding hair, a wrinkled face, friendly face with a big, round nose, bright eyes, and a bushy handlebar mustache.

“Eeeey, it's Weiss and Winter!” he said with a thick, comically exaggerated accent. “Been too long since I saw you two together—ain't right for family to ever be apart for so long like that... anyway, where to, gals?”

Winter sat up and smiled . “To the Plushie Palace as fast as you legally can, Tony!” she replied . “I've got a collection of toys to rebuild and return to their rightful places on my bed!”

“Hah! Told you you'd be back there one of these days!” Tony said as the cab began to move through Candela's skyline. “And here were my handlers, telling me I'm wasting space, saving routes people haven't taken in a while. I tell 'em right back--”

“--If you didn't want me saving so many shortcuts, then why'd you give me so many petabytes worth of memory, huh?!” Weiss and Winter playfully griped alongside Tony, before they all devolved into giggles or loud, bellowing laughter.

“And speaking of memory…” Tony asked, “… jeez, how long HAS it been since I took you gals there?”

Winter and Weiss mirth quickly faded away, the joyful mood gone.

“Oh. Oooh… way to go, Tony…” Tony said, his face looking remorseful and a little angry at himself. “So much for the 'most highly advanced and adaptive artificial intelligences in the market today'… look, gals, I'm sorry--”

“It's fine, Tony,” Winter said, “it's been a really, really long time—I'm not surprised even a supercomputer like you would forget.”

“I don't ever forget, especially somethin' as important as that!” Tony snapped. “Just that some geniuses in Programming decided that I need to be a little slower at pulling up some kinds of info from the ol' database than others...” he grumbled.

“We'll put in another formal complaint for you, Tony” Weiss muttered.

Tony smiled. “Thanks, gals, the two of you are little angels. Well, maybe not so little no more, but still angels.”

They drove around for a little while longer until distinct sight of the Plushie Palace came into view—a giant, thirty-story shopping complex that was specifically designed after and the stone and mortal palaces of yore, a giant teddy bear with a modest crown sitting in its highest tower.

“Sure you want to take the front gates to this place?” Tony asked as the cab began to slow down. “They still got those secret entrances and showrooms for doing deals all discrete like, and I know two of 'em, at least.”

“No thank you, Tony,” Winter said she looked out the window, pressed her right up to the glass. “This is my first time back here in a long while—I want to make it special.”

“Then I'll call 'em and make 'em roll out the red carpet like the first time I took you here!” Tony said, chuckling.

Winter teared up. “That'd be great, Tony, thank you.”

[jobsearchtips02]

Stanphyl brief Netflix resulting from its egregious valuation

Stanphyl Capital’s letter to traders for the month of Novemeber, 2019.

Associates and Fellow Traders:

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Q3 2019 hedge fund letters, conferences and extra

For November 2019 the fund was down zero.eight% internet of all charges and bills. By the use of comparability, the S&P 500 was up three.6% whereas the Russell 2000 was up four.1%. 12 months-to-date 2019 the fund is up 5.5% whereas the S&P 500 is up 27.6% and the Russell 2000 is up 22.zero%. Since inception on June 1, 2011 the fund is up 73.5% internet whereas the S&P 500 is up 179.1% and the Russell 2000 is up 115.5%. Since inception the fund has compounded at 6.7% internet yearly vs 12.eight% for the S&P 500 and 9.5% for the Russell 2000.  (The S&P and Russell performances are based mostly on their “Total Returns” indices which embody reinvested dividends. The fund’s efficiency outcomes are approximate; traders will obtain actual figures from the skin administrator inside every week or two. Please observe that particular person companions’ returns will differ in accordance with their high-water marks.)

On a macro degree the financial knowledge (and thus the fund’s positioning) continues to be bearish regardless of the Federal Reserve’s $60 billion in month-to-month money-printing and the federal authorities’s $1 trillion in annual deficit spending. Due to all that printing & spending, annual U.S. core inflation is holding regular at 2.three% and I feel there’s an actual likelihood it accelerates into 1970s-style stagflation. We’re thus (since late October) brief long-term U.S. authorities bonds (by being brief TLT) and (as extra of a “negative-yield bubble play” than an “inflation play”) non-U.S. sovereign debt (by being brief BNDX)—please see extra about these positions later on this letter. In the meantime, right here’s why I stay economically bearish and thus don’t need to be broadly lengthy shares…

Though financial knowledge was considerably blended this month, with bearish ISM PMIs:

…however bullish PMIs from Markit:

…the remainder of the info was just about all unhealthy:

But shares maintain going up. Gee, do you suppose this might need something to do with it?

Why sure, I imagine it does (chart courtesy of @zerohedge):

  One among our losers this month was our lengthy place in Westell Applied sciences Inc. (WSTL), which in November reported a horror-show of 1 / 4, with a 25% year-over-year income decline and a big GAAP loss pushed solely partly by a one-time stock write-down. About the one excellent news from Westell was that it ended the quarter with $21.7 million in money and no debt, and as burn going ahead ought to be “only” round $1.2 million/quarter, the corporate nonetheless has no less than 18 quarters of money runway to return to break-even (it’s projecting to take action in 5), and clearly many greater than that if it may minimize the burn alongside the way in which. Following the report and projection of break-even being reached in 5 quarters, the CEO stepped up and purchased inventory within the open market, so if nothing else, no less than the man’s placing his cash the place his mouth is; the corporate concurrently posted a brand new investor presentation.  We proceed to personal this firm as a result of it’s a $30 million/12 months, 38% gross margin enterprise with over $1.25/share in money but it at the moment sells for simply 1.04/share. Assuming 15.eight million shares, an acquisition worth (by a cost-eliminating strategic purchaser) of simply zero.5x income would (on an EV foundation) be round $2.20/share. Stopping such an acquisition is that Westell suffers from a twin share class, with voting management held by moronic descendants of the founder who refuse to promote firm regardless of the inventory’s horrible descent. Nonetheless, I’m hopeful that somebody will knock sufficient sense into their small brains to encourage them to salvage what’s left right here, and thus stroll away with no less than one thing from what they’ve squandered. In the event that they try this it ought to be no less than a double from right here, and certain extra. In different phrases, it’s too low-cost to promote however the board of administrators is just too incompetent to get me to purchase extra.

In distinction, our greatest performer this 12 months by far has been Communications Programs, Inc. (ticker: JCS), which we collected over the summer time at a median worth of $three.05/share and which closed November at $7.79. (We barely diminished the place in late-November within the $7.90s as a result of worth surge.) JCS is an IOT (“Internet of Things”) and web connectivity & providers firm (the corporate’s a number of divisions are greatest defined by the slide presentation from its annual assembly and this terrific Looking for Alpha article), which in October reported implausible Q3 earnings of .19/share with a 42% gross margin and $2.20/share in internet money. JCS is now making an annualized .68/share (based mostly on the primary 9 months of the 12 months, in order to not overemphasize one nice quarter), nonetheless we should always tax-adjust that to .54 because it’s been minimizing taxes by using its NOL carryforwards. A 14x a number of on that plus the money plus a $three million valuation on $15 million of NOLs would worth the inventory at round $10/share. Moreover, the corporate is in contract to promote its headquarters constructing for $10 million; if we assume that closes, it could generate >$1/share in extra money (though we’d have to scale back earnings by round .06/share as presumably it could then must lease a facility).

We proceed to personal Aviat Networks, Inc. (ticker: AVNW), a designer and producer of point-to-point microwave programs for telecom firms (right here’s an ideal Looking for Alpha article describing the corporate), which in November reported a strong FY 2020 Q1. Though income was down barely year-over-year there have been vital enhancements in each working earnings and gross margin and the corporate’s steering promised related enhancements for the total 12 months. Moreover, Aviat has over $400 million of U.S. NOLs, $eight million of U.S. tax credit score carryforwards, $212 million of overseas NOLs and $2 million of overseas tax credit score carryforwards; thus its earnings will probably be tax-free for a few years, so GAAP EBITDA much less capex basically equals “earnings.” Valuation-wise, if we assume $14 million in FY 2020 adjusted EBITDA (first-half steering is $7.5 million) and take away $1.7 million in inventory comp and $6.1 million in capex we get $6.2 million in earnings multiplied by, say, 14 = roughly $87 million; if we then add in roughly $32 million of anticipated year-end internet money we get $119 million, and if we divide that by 5.four million shares we get an earnings-based valuation of round $22/share. Alternatively, if we take a look at Aviat as a buyout candidate its closest pure-play competitor, Ceragon (CRNT) sells at an EV of roughly zero.5x income, which for AVNW (assuming $240 million in 2020 income) could be zero.5 x $240 million = $120 million + $32 million anticipated year-end internet money = $152 million. If we worth Aviat’s $400+ million in NOLs at a modest $10 million (resulting from change-in-control diminution of their worth), the corporate could be price $162 million divided by 5.four million shares = $30/share.

We proceed to personal a small place within the PowerShares DB Agriculture ETF (ticker: DBA), as agricultural merchandise stay essentially the most beaten-down sector I can discover that isn’t a “buggy whip” (one thing on the way in which to obsolescence) or cyclical from a requirement standpoint. Maybe “Phase 1” of Trump’s China commerce deal plus latest harsh climate within the farm belt will lastly have the ability to transfer it greater.

And now for the brief positions…

We proceed to carry a brief place within the Vanguard Whole Worldwide Bond ETF (ticker: BNDX), comprised of dollar-hedged non-US funding grade debt (over 80% authorities) with a ridiculously low “SEC yield” of zero.5% at a median efficient maturity of 9.9 years. With Euro space core inflation at 1.three% and—as a result of ECB’s money-printing finally headed a lot greater—I imagine this ETF is a good way to brief what would be the largest asset bubble in historical past. Presently the web borrow price for BNDX gives us with a constructive rebate of zero.5% a 12 months and I feel it’s a terrific place to take a seat and watch for the inevitable denouement of this madness.

Equally, we stay brief the long-term U.S. Treasury bond ETF (TLT), as a result of as our federal funds deficit escalates (it’s now round $1 trillion a 12 months), I feel the market will elevate long-term charges due to the Fed’s reticence to take action. The web price of keep on this place is barely round 1% a 12 months, and after I see the money-printing craziness* starting once more, I contemplate that to be cheaply purchased peace of thoughts. Should you’re unfamiliar with the subject, learn up on the madness misleadingly known as Trendy Financial Concept, as a result of it’s taking place proper now.

*The short-lived period of internet “quantitative tightening” among the many large three central banks (the Fed, ECB and BOJ) is over. The Fed’s steadiness sheet contraction stopped in August and >$60 billion/month of Treasury shopping for resumed in September (allegedly solely to satisfy short-term liquidity wants—a nonsensical “explanation” for debt monetization that allows D.C.’s profligate spending), whereas the ECB resumed €20 billion/month in QE and the BOJ continues printing.

And in the meantime, with the 30-year Treasury bond yielding simply 2.2%, inflation is already right here:

We proceed (since late 2012) to carry a brief place within the Japanese yen through the Proshares UltraShort Yen ETF (ticker: YCS) as Japan (regardless of having considerably tapered its QE)  continues to print over three% of its financial base per 12 months after quadrupling that base since early 2013, and is now eyeing yet one more “fiscal stimulus”! In 2018 the BOJ purchased roughly 67% of JGB issuance and in 2019 it anticipates shopping for 70%! In reality, the BOJ’s steadiness sheet is now bigger than all the Japanese economic system…

…because it owns almost 45% of Japan’s debt and almost 80% (!) of its ETFs:

Simply the curiosity on Japan’s debt consumes eight.9% of its 2019 funds even supposing it pays a blended charge of lower than 1%. What occurs when Japan will get the two% inflation it’s on the lookout for and people charges common, say, three%? Curiosity on the debt alone would devour almost 27% of the funds and Japan must default! However on the way in which to that three% charge the BOJ will attempt to cap these charges by printing more and more bigger quantities of cash to purchase extra of that debt, thereby sending the yen into its loss of life spiral. And in the meantime, that funds deficit is predicted to worsen…

After we first entered this place USD/JPY was round 79; it’s at the moment within the 109s and long-term I feel it’s headed lots greater—finally again to the 250s of the 1980s or even perhaps the 300s of the ‘70s earlier than a default and reset happen.

We additionally maintain proceed to carry brief positions in Netflix (NFLX) resulting from its egregious valuation throughout the context of horrible money burn and growing competitors (significantly from Disney), Sq. (SQ) resulting from its egregious valuation and a stock-dumping CEO who so effusively praises (and allows) Elon Musk that I believe he’s equally untrustworthy (and certainly in June the corporate fired its auditor), Carvana (CVNA) resulting from a laughable enterprise mannequin with escalating losses, a founder with a sketchy previous and insiders who dump inventory steadily, Wayfair (W), an egregiously unhealthy on-line furnishings enterprise with yet one more group of insider stock-dumpers, Invitae (NVTA), a non-proprietary, money-losing genetic testing firm displaying unfavorable scale and Roku (ROKU), an absurdly valued (nearly 20x income, with growing losses) firm on the way in which to technical obsolescence (new Good TVs don’t want its product) with tons of insider promoting.

Thanks and regards,

Mark Spiegel

from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/stanphyl-brief-netflix-resulting-from-its-egregious-valuation/

[kartiavelino]

Kareem ‘Biggs’ Burke On ‘O.G.’ & Prison Reform

HBO’s groundbreaking jail movie O.G. is about strains. Not strains for “the rely” or for meals within the eating corridor, however exhausting strains of fact and penalties that turn out to be smudged with time and alternative. The movie stars Jeffrey Wright as Louis Menkins, the previous chief of a jail gang who’s within the ultimate weeks of a 24-year sentence. As with many prison-based dramas, Louis is on the precipice of freedom, but his launch turns into threatened by decisions he makes inside to assist a younger inmate following in his footsteps. The movie is the function size debut by director Madeleine Sackler and gained Wright an award on the Tribeca Movie Pageant in 2018. O.G. was shot in a maximum-security jail and is the primary function movie to rent precise inmates to be actors and extras within the manufacturing. Roc-A-Fella Data co-founder Kareem “Biggs” Burke was introduced on as an govt producer to assist, in his phrases, “amplify the message” about rehabilitation and to assist inmates transition into civilian life after their launch. Nonetheless, the story behind the story of OG is as intriguing, and possibly deserves its personal therapy. But it surely’s fascinating to contemplate {that a} Harlem-born hustler who made his title within the report enterprise would discover himself behind bars for attempting to get a foot in what’s now a really authorized and worthwhile Hashish dispensary business–for some. And his ensuing curiosity in jail reform would discover him hooked up to a movie directed by the granddaughter of Ray Sackler, co-founder of Purdue Pharma, inventors of Oxycontin. If you start to unravel the intertwined threads of well-meaning philanthropy and the advertising and marketing of a authorized and addictive narcotic, these strains start to blur. The urge is to blink twice, rub your eyes and refocus.   Apart from, Burke’s personal story of rehabilitation whereas in jail is way extra fascinating. In 2012 Biggs was indicted and sentenced to serve 5 years in federal jail after pleading responsible to conspiracy to distribute greater than 100 kilograms of marijuana (extra on that later). However whereas in jail Biggs befriended a fellow inmate named Joseph “Chip” Skowron, a Yale-educated doctor turned rich hedge fund supervisor who would spend his holidays volunteering his surgical expertise for AmeriCares, a nonprofit group that provides humanitarian assist in troubled areas.  Nonetheless, in 2011 Skowron was indicted and imprisoned for insider buying and selling. That is when he met Burke. Throughout a 2016 panel for the New Canaan Society, a religious-based assist group, Biggs outlines how he met Skowron, asking to select his mind a few enterprise proposal that was despatched to him whereas in jail. After hours of dialog with Chip, Biggs was a modified man. “After the rely I normally go upstairs to my buddy’s room referred to as Harlem,” he says within the video. “We might chortle and joke and eat collectively. That particular night time the fellows had been me and so they requested what’s flawed? And I used to be like I dunno, I can’t cease desirous about Jesus. After I left the room that night time it felt like I used to be floating, like I wasn’t even touching the ground. So, I advised Chip and he mentioned ‘That’s the Holy Spirit! We’ve to have one other dialog.’ Shortly after that we grew to become nearer pals after which he began bringing me books to learn like 4 Loves by CS Lewis, Run Child Run and a Gap In The Gospel. Throughout these conversations Chip and I received actual private and he would ask me about my life and we started to unpack that.” Biggs shared his life story with Skowron, which included getting a canine named Cocaine from his drug addicted father when he was simply three years previous, being evicted from his condo at age 10 and his aunt’s boyfriend stabbing her 20 instances when he was a teen. After having to reside in a shelter, Biggs swore that he would by no means be impoverished once more, which result in him promoting medicine at 13. By his late teenagers he was approached by childhood pals to put money into a report label and the remainder his historical past. Now Biggs is lively in mentoring prisoners inside, counseling them on their transition post-prison, so attaching his title to a movie like O.G solely is sensible. Who higher to talk on redemption for many who have fallen exterior the strains of the regulation? The reality is tough, however it could set you free. BET: How did you turn out to be concerned with the OG movie? Biggs: The OG film was already shot and Wally Eltawashy, head of strategic improvement at Bolo Media, introduced the challenge to me. And as soon as I seen the challenge, for me, it was a no brainer for me to be part of it. So, I got here on as an govt producer primarily to amplify the message. I’m undoubtedly acquainted with the dialogue they had been attempting to create so far as jail reform, social injustice and the restorative course of. Loads of these inmates are in jail and so they’re coming again to those communities, and we wish to discuss in regards to the rehabilitation, not simply punishment. Loads of these [men and women] get shunned away, and there’s not plenty of packages and issues to assist them as they transition again into the society. It was one thing that was necessary to me as a result of I’ve a non-profit that speaks to that as nicely. What’s the title of your non-profit? NCS-Inside. It’s a beta program that’s been in Connecticut [for] over a 12 months. Each week there’s volunteers who go into jail and simply spend time with the inmates and construct relationships. [They] discuss every day life issues, issues that’s nice that’s taking place and troubles that they’re going via, simply opening up and being weak to the inmates permitting them to make use of that platform to be weak as nicely. Are you able to inform me a bit extra about NCS (New Canaan Society), this system that it spawned from?  NCS began about 22 years in the past by a buddy of mine in his lounge. It was constructed on a friendship with Jesus on the middle. It was about males coming collectively. Within the market Wall Avenue males and other people of excessive wealth in several types of enterprise got a spot the place they might belief and be weak to speak about issues that they undergo. Whether or not it’s their wives, their workplace, issues like that. It grew to about 20,000-plus males with 60-something chapters, and it became one thing totally different. Within the New York chapter, each week there’s a speaker and the middle of it’s relationships. You don’t should be a Christian to come back, you will be a part of any faith. But it surely’s about coming and forming a friendship. As a result of plenty of instances in jail individuals coming house and assume that in the event that they’re married or have a job, issues will change. That doesn’t cease you from going via every day life struggles. And that relationship helps you get via a few of these hurdles. Someone you may name at midnight and be an ear for you. Or simply pray with you. For the film OG itself, had been there particular issues in it that mirrored your expertise that made you wish to be part of it? The primary name I had I [was told] that it was accomplished in a jail and I used to be curious to know the place it was. And all of the nuances that occurred within the film are like actual issues that occur in jail. I used to be questioning how they hit the nail on the top. Come to search out out this film is the primary film ever accomplished in a jail with over 150 of the inmates as actors within the film. That’s by no means been accomplished earlier than. So, to have them be a part of the method after which see Jeffrey tackle that function, and the problem of enjoying an inmate alongside different inmates…he took the identical pay that the inmates made, I don’t have the precise quantity, however it’s [basically] pennies. He wished to verify he was being handled as an equal. I do know the film was already accomplished while you had been introduced on, however did you get to talk with Jeffrey or the inmates afterward? Yeah, each. Jeffrey and I spent fairly a little bit of time speaking in regards to the challenge afterwards, the inmates, too. When Jeffrey gained Greatest Actor on the Tribeca Movie Pageant, we had panels after the screening and had inmates Skype in and allowed the viewers to do a Q&A with them. Will there be an opportunity for viewers to listen to from the inmates as nicely? It’s a Arduous Reality Ain’t It is a documentary with the inmates within the movie, truly directed and produced by them. They’re interviewing themselves and speaking about their childhoods and what introduced them there, a few of the errors they made. And doing that on digicam can hopefully assist a few of the children taking place that highway.  The identical actors in The OG are in it, and it comes out the identical day on HBO. You went to jail for marijuana-related fees, however increasingly more individuals are creating companies round hashish because it will get legalized. How does that make you’re feeling? For me, it opened my eyes to the injustice system and the way they’ve truly set individuals up.   Seeing what’s occurred with the legalization, for me it was like being a soldier at battle. I’m the man that suffered within the camps with the POWS and did all this stuff. However I’m nonetheless comfortable to see [the change]. I knew it was transferring towards legalization, which is why I used to be attempting to open dispensaries early on again so far as 2010. I assumed I used to be being forward of the sport however made the error of connecting two individuals and them talking to purchase marijuana throughout state strains. I didn’t see it as a conspiracy on the time, however the man I knew was being investigated by the Feds. So, I simply received wrapped up in that. Streets Is Watching was your gateway to movie making. What did you study Hollywood making that movie, and the way has the trade modified to you? I don’t know if SIW gave me any perception into film making. That was one thing we did strictly as a music challenge to tie us again into the streets after going too far left with the “Sunshine” single. However I’d say State Property, Paper Troopers, Demise of a Dynasty, Paid in Full, Shadow Boxer, financing Lee Daniels first movie with Helen Mirren, these gave me somewhat extra perception on producing, advertising and marketing, financing. That gave me somewhat deeper perception. I’m somewhat extra acquainted with the method now. What would you like individuals to remove from seeing The OG? To start out a dialogue. There’s no change except individuals begin talking about it. I hope individuals take a look at the prison justice system as one thing that everyone knows is damaged. There are those that appear to be us going to jail greater than anybody else for a few of the crimes different individuals are doing. And there’s no rehabilitate course of to that, it’s nearly punishment. And to consider when these individuals are coming again into society and what they’re coming house to. And the restorative course of, individuals who made errors as younger adults. Typically you make a foul mistake however it doesn’t make you a foul particular person. Altering the system gained’t be simple. It’s like making a u-turn with the Titanic in a small area. I simply hope the dialogue is one thing we will use to begin some change. We’ve been listening to about jail reform, significantly in hip-hop, because the ’90s with Slick Rick’s case. Does it frustrate you in any respect to see rappers like Bobby Shmurda and Tekashi69 nonetheless getting caught up? I’d say something frustrates me when these younger children make errors that would take them away from their children or households for a time frame. The statistic is that after the dad or mum goes to jail, there’s a 50 % likelihood that your child will go to jail as nicely. However I wish to give attention to the constructive, like what Jay-Z is doing and Puff’s marketing campaign and Meek Mill being the face of his personal reform. It’s plenty of good. As soon as you bought guys like that talking out, it will likely be a snowball impact for change. O.G. premieres on HBO February 23. http://feeds.bet.com/~r/Betcom-Celebrities/~3/izbVKuxNICQ/biggs-burke-og-exclusive.html The post Kareem ‘Biggs’ Burke On ‘O.G.’ & Prison Reform appeared first on My style by Kartia. https://www.kartiavelino.com/2019/02/kareem-biggs-burke-on-o-g-prison-reform.html