#like during training on our walks i noticed she responds well to positive praise so now I tell her thank you

[supercorpandbeyond]

I told my cat "Appreciate that, good girl!" When she listened when i told her to stop playing with a wrapper and google ai just replied "ways to appreciate that good girl"

[thedumpsterqueen]

Standards of Performance, Chapter 2: Fuck-ups and Textbooks

... I know I said I’d update weekly, but here we are. From now on I’ll post every Friday, if not more often. Than you for such a positive response to Chapter 1, it warms my heart! Enjoy :)

Chapter 1

AO3 Link

Summary:  You’re the BAU’s newest intern, desperate to prove yourself amongst an established team of much more experienced profilers. Agent Hotchner, the seemingly infallible team leader, sets strict expectations for your performance. He commands your respect without even trying, but is there something more to your relationship than a simple desire to impress your stony-faced boss?

Chapter: 2, Fuck-ups and Textbooks

Chapter Summary:  You narrow in on the pool of suspects while desperately trying to convince yourself that dream psychology is a pseudoscience.

Words: 2225

Rating: Explicit, 18+

Pairings: Hotch x Reader, Hotch x You

A man stood above you, backlit, so you couldn’t see his face. You were laid supine, staring up at him - vulnerable, but unafraid. He spoke to you, but his voice and words were indistinct, muffled, as if you were underwater.

He knelt over you, placing one hand to the side of your head. It was silent, still, unmoving except for the dim lights shifting behind him. You felt your breath quicken as the figure shifted almost imperceptibly closer. His tie fell forward, dangling over your chest. It was a beautiful cerulean blue, silky and expensive looking. You reached up to touch it, and the man caught your wrist in a firm grip.

“No,” he said, his words clearer but his voice still indistinct. Low, deep, familiar… but you couldn’t place it.

He released your hand and moved his to your waist, lightly caressing, stroking downward until he caught your hipbone. Your pulse quickened and you gasped and arched upward into his touch, feeling his fingers dig in tighter in response.

“I thought so,” he murmured, swinging one leg over to cage your body with his. The hand that wasn’t gripping your hip wove into your hair and came to rest at the base of your skull, pulling your head up as he leaned down to catch your mouth with his…

Your phone alarm blared, waking you with a start. The dream slipped away, leaving you alone in your hotel bed, a noticeable wetness between your legs.

“God fucking damn it; I can’t have anything,” you muttered, throwing off your blanket and hopping into the shower. You hadn’t dreamed about sex in a while, hadn’t thought about sex in a while, too preoccupied with proving yourself at work. The dream left a longing in its wake, one that would unfortunately have to be addressed at a later time, because you stayed in the shower far too long and needed to meet Hotch and Morgan downstairs.

____________

You bustled into the lobby, clutching your case files and coffee. The others stood by the front entrance, facing away, seemingly discussing something amongst themselves. Hotch turned at the sound of your heels clicking towards them. You smiled, nodding your head in greeting, and-

Oh my god.

You froze in your tracks, face feeling suddenly numb. You registered Hotch frowning in confusion, but you couldn’t say anything to reassure him, not yet.

His tie.

It was the same one, the one that draped over your bare chest in the dream last night, the one attached to the man who you’d been thinking about all morning despite never seeing his face. The same one that hung loosely around Hotch’s neck last night on the balcony, the one that made you feel so voyeuristic that you couldn’t make conversation with him knowing its unknotting exposed his throat, making him appear stripped bare in comparison to the tailored suits he practically lived in.

“You alright, kiddo?” Morgan asked. “I mean, I know I’m a stop-you-in-your-tracks kinda guy, but I woulda thought you’d be used to that by now, huh?”

Morgan’s lighthearted cockiness gave you the boost you needed to shake your head and keep walking forward. “Sorry, thought I forgot my phone. I’m good. Let’s go, what’s the plan?”

Hotch seemingly accepted your answer, but kept his eyes on you as you got into the car. “Local police have rounded up friends and family of the California victim at the station. I’d like you to take the lead on interviews today. Morgan and I will be available should you have any questions, but we’re going to search our victim’s apartment first. Is that alright?”

It wasn’t actually a question, of course, but you gave verbal confirmation just the same. After the incident last week, you wanted a chance to prove yourself in an interview setting with a slightly less hostile subject.

They dropped you off at the station with instructions to compare notes with Prentiss, JJ, Reid, and Rossi after each interview. After setting up the room and conducting a tearful conversation with the victim’s mother, your first interview of the day, a conference call with the others in Arizona and Nevada revealed that the team had missed something big in the initial review of victims: they had all attended the same small, liberal arts college in San Diego.

“So, uh, who wants to tell Hotch?” asked Emily over the phone. Silence on the line, but you could tell what the others were thinking - no one wanted to be the one to deliver the news that you had overlooked such a clear commonality in the victim profiles - one that could have led you to an obvious suspect pool hours ago.

“The most fair way to decide this would be a random selection tool, here, I can pull one up on my phone,” replied Reid, accompanied by tapping sounds as he typed something in.

“No, she can do it, she’s with Hotch already,” said Rossi. “Let’s not waste time on this. Let us know what he says.” The others murmured their sympathies, but ended the call just the same, satisfied with avoiding Hotch’s quiet brand of wrath for the time being.

Sighing, you slumped in your chair in the interview room. Best to just get it over with. You dialed and held your breath, but not for long, as he picked up on the first ring.

“What did you find?” he asked, expectant.

“I just got off the phone with the others, and, it… it looks like they all attended the same college. PLNU, here in San Diego.”

A few beats of complete silence on the other end. You cringed, holding the phone away from your head like it was a bomb about to go off.

After what felt like ages, he responded. His voice was low, stern as always, but it had a clipped quality that you recognized as the closest you’d ever seen Agent Hotchner get to rage. “How did we not find this out during preliminary research?” he asked.

“Well, um, two of them didn’t actually graduate from there, so it wasn’t immediately obvious,” you offered.

More silence.

“I’m sorry, sir, you’re right though, we should have figured this out earlier. I’m sorry, I’ll -”

He interrupted you. “Thank you, I’ll tell Garcia to get a suspect pool together.” Line dead.

You sighed and laid your head in your hands. As far as tough conversations go, that was easy on the surface - hell, you’d had bosses scream at you when you worked retail for something much less consequential. But Hotch was different - he commanded respect without demanding it, and he had a way of making you feel like the only true measure of success was his praise, and by that same vein, his disappointment made you feel like an utter failure. For a man so cold and closed off, he drew the attention and admiration of everyone around him. When you started your internship, JJ had filled you in on what happened to his family - both wife and child murdered by one of their subjects. You weren’t sure how a man who had gone through that was still standing, much less working in the field that exposed them to that danger in the first place. But that was Aaron Hotchner, right? There was a reason that any member of his team would take a bullet for him without a second thought.

You’d only known him for a month, but you thought you probably would too.

____________

The rest of the interviews progressed smoothly, and you found out through conversation with your fellow team members that all three victims had taken a class with the same TA. One of them had mentioned a creepy teaching assistant to her friends at one point or another, shaping this up to hopefully be a pretty clear case of unhinged stalkerdom. Why the grandiosity in transporting and hiding the bodies no one was quite sure, but you, Morgan, and Hotch were on your way to his house along with a SWAT team to figure that out.

When you pulled up outside his address, a little yellow bungalow in La Jolla, you felt your upper lip start to sweat. Morgan and Hotch were pulling on their vests, checking their guns, and you, an intern without weapons privileges (or training, for that matter) were hiding behind the corner of the SUV.

“Remember, we don’t know if this is our guy!” Morgan yelled to the other officers. “We need him alive, don’t go shooting for no reason, got it?”

Hotch turned to you hurriedly before they moved across the street to enter the home. “You okay?” he asked, placing his hand on your upper arm.

You nodded, chewing on your bottom lip.

“You’ll be fine,” he reassured you, looking into your face intently. "There’s several officers waiting with you out here, this will take less than two minutes.”

You nodded again, unsure how to tell him that you weren’t afraid for yourself, but for them. For him. He was indestructible, fearless, more than twice your age with more than 20 times the experience in the field. But you still felt an innate urge to be there, to protect him in case something went wrong.

His potential as a cult leader is really being wasted at the BAU. Hell, I’d die for him.

Therapy, you decided. You needed therapy.

Hotch nodded, oblivious to your internal conflict, dropped his hand from your arm, and headed towards the house with the others. You heard Morgan yell, a loud bang as he presumably kicked the door in, and more shouting. Your breath hitched in your throat as you counted the seconds, dreading the sound of gunshots.

Luckily, it didn’t come. They exited the house, striding towards you. Hotch’s hair had been disheveled in the commotion, falling onto his forehead. He raked it back with one hand, sighing.

“Nothing. Doesn’t look like he fled, but Garcia didn’t mention anything about him being at work during this time. Morgan’s gonna call her and see if she can find a location; let’s search the house.”

You nodded and followed him, feeling guilty for your overwhelming sense of relief that the suspect hadn’t been home. Morgan stood in the front yard, charming Garcia on the phone. You smiled. It was only a matter of time before those two stopped being idiots and admitted their love for each other; you couldn’t imagine being one of the more seasoned team members that has dealt with their antics for years.

Trailing Hotch through the front door, you noticed immediately how… bare the home was. The furniture was all standard IKEA gray (you recognized it, having furnished your apartment on a budget), the walls were absent of any decoration, and there wasn’t a single knick-knack or distinguishing piece that made it appear as if someone actually lived there. The obvious plainness stood in stark contrast to the sunny exterior and palm trees and other greenery surrounding the home.

Morgan strode in behind you, apparently having concluded his flirting session. “Cozy, huh?”

You nodded. You didn’t have much experience profiling suspects’ living quarters, but you didn’t need to be an expert to know that something was off here.

“Split up. Take the bedroom,” Hotch directed, nodding in your direction. “Tell me if you find anything.”

The bedroom was just as unremarkable as the rest of the house. You tore through drawers of neatly folded clothing, pulled out mounds of blank notebooks from the desk, dug through a trashcan filled to the brim with just tissues (you truly didn’t want to know), and just when you were sure there was absolutely nothing of import to discover about this guy, you pulled up the corner of the mattress to find what must have been dozens of books on criminal psychology stacked within the bedframe.

The suspect was very notably not a TA for a criminal psychology class.

“Uh, Agent Hotchner? Sir? I think I found something,” you called out.

Hotch appeared in the doorway. “Show me.”

You pulled up the corner of the mattress, gesturing for him to look underneath. Moving closer, he placed his hand on your lower back, and looked over your shoulder.

“Criminal psychology?” he asked, unmoving.

You nodded, glued to your position, breathing shallowly, wanting to move to examine the books but effectively pinned between Hotch and the foot of the bed. Your gaze shifted to the left slightly, and you were met with an eye level view of-

That fucking tie. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck-

He moved away to pull the stack of books out of its hiding place, and the muscles in your lower back where his hand was resting suddenly relaxed. You berated yourself internally for being so weird around him - it was a tie, for fuck’s sake, something that your mind had picked up on yesterday and inserted purposelessly into your dream.

Dream psychology is bullshit, you reassured yourself for probably the hundredth time today.

Hotch began to leaf through the books, and you saw that certain passages had been intensely highlighted and circled, with notes scribbled in the margins. He paused to read a few of them before snapping the textbook he was holding shut and standing up.

“Let’s get these packed up and go through them back at the hotel. It’s getting late.”

[terra-sprout-imagines]

S/O Surprises them at a game they said they couldn’t be at headcanons (Tanaka, Hinata, Bokuto) Part 2

Fandom: Haikyuu!

Written by: Sprout

Request: How would Suga, Tanaka, Bokuto, Kuroo, Daichi and Hinata react to their S/O surprising them by showing up to a game that they had previously said they couldn't make it to? - @myheroesaretired

Warnings: hinata’s may be kind of angsty. spoilers up to season 3

Author’s Note: This is my first piece of writing for Haikyuu, and my first shot at headcanons! If you have any critique I would love to hear it!:) Terra did a great job on her half, and I’m glad it’s getting the recognition she deserves! Requests are open, so please take a look at our rules and send something in!

read part one here (Daichi, Sugawara, Kuroo)

Tanaka Ryūnosuke

It had been the second day of the Miyagi Prefectural Qualifiers.

After their victory against Johzenji High the day prior, Tanaka was on a high. The ‘rip your shirt off and wave it through the air’ kind of high. 

(also the ‘i got to make out with my s/o after winning two games in a row’ kind of high)

You had told him (in between the victory smooches, of course) that you couldn’t make the matches the next day due to your own team.

You were on Karasuno’s soccer team, and due to you having your own tournament coming up, the coach is making you all throw in extra practice.

But you’d be checking the live coverage as often as you could.

He pouted, but eventually relented. He couldn’t help but be a little sad about it, though.

Which would mention why he seemed to be a bit off his game.

Not only were they close to having their fated rematch with Aoba Johsai, but his good luck charm is also absent.

He knew you were watching from work when you could manage it, which made him feel a little better, but it wasn’t the same as physically seeing you cheer him on in the stands.

Hinata and Nishinoya took it upon themselves to make kissing faces towards him on the bus.

Cue Tanaka glaring at them with a sharp frown.

“We’re just trying to make you feel better!”

(they were not. they both got punched once the team arrived at the gymnasium.)

(which then resulted in a stare from Daichi, immediately making Tanaka back off)

What can he say? The captain is scary when he’s angry.

The match against Wakutani South didn’t start out great, for Tanaka at least.

Though seeing Hinata get amped because a powerhouse school took notice in him had the same effect on his teammates. 

He found himself continuously looking up at the stands between plays, used to seeing your goofy faces and hearing your loud cheers.

And when the match began to get more tense, he started to lose his cool.

It’s no wonder that he ended up running into Daichi and causing the team to lose their captain for the match. 

When they ended up bringing in Ennoshita to take his place, none of his team would hear his apology. 

“We’re just glad you didn’t get hurt!” Asahi’s sincere honesty made Tanaka tear up. His determination to do right by his team lit the fire back into his eyes.

It only got brighter when Nishinoya pointed to the stands.

There you stood, right next to his sister, out of breath and still in your uniform. A large smile on your face and slight worry hidden your eyes. 

“YOU’VE GOT THIS, BABE!” your shout echoed throughout the gymnasium, causing players and spectators alike to stare up at you with curiosity. 

You hid behind Saeko, making her cackle.

Tanaka, with a fierce blush on his cheeks, shouted at the top of his lungs in return.

“LET’S DO THIS!” His teammates shouted along with him, glad he was starting to get back to normal.

It wasn’t an easy match, but the team ended up winning in the end. Daichi was incredibly proud of them, and soon enough they would be heading towards their rematch with Seijoh.

As soon as he exited the gym, he got tackled by you.

“You absolute dumbass. I’m glad you’re okay.” You met him with a kiss, to which he immediately responded back. 

“I thought you had practice?” His grin was infectious, and you couldn’t help but smile in return.

“Coach let us all leave early! Shocking, I know. But apparently we’re showing promise and deserve a break.” The two of you stood close, arms wrapped around each other. “Now, time to get revenge on those Aoba Johsai brats!” 

He nodded, a determined glint returning to his eyes.

Nishinoya and Hinata took this moment to start making kissing faces at him once again, ignoring Sugawara’s ranting.

Tanaka laid a kiss on your forehead, winking as he ran off to chase his teammates. 

You laughed as you heard Hinata’s high pitched scream, signalling that Tanaka had caught him.

Hinata Shōyō

You had met Hinata in middle school, though you didn’t start dating until the summer before the both of you started at Karasuno.

You were in the art club, which met after school. When walking to your bike to make your way home, a burst of orange entered your vision at a startling speed.

“Hey! You’re in my class, right? Will you set for me?” His hopeful smile seemed to brighten the darkening sky, forcing you to turn away in a shy manner.

“I don’t really know how..”

“It’s easy! You just toss it up and then hit it with your hands!” A moment of silence passed between the two of you, and soon you saw his feet turn, as if he was going to leave.

A dejected sigh left his lips. “Sorry for bothering you.”

Your face shot up, and soon you found yourself reaching out for him. 

“Wait! I- I can do it!” He turned back towards you in shock. “You’ll just have to show me how. No promises on how good it’ll be, though..”

His gleeful laugh rang in your ears, “I’m sure you’ll do great!” He ran back to meet you, having you set your bag near your bike. “Now, just position your hands like this..”

From that moment on, the two of you were as close as can be. You met every afternoon, sending the volleyball his way and watching in awe as he jumped to heights you didn’t think were possible.

When the two of you had started at Karasuno, he had tried to get you to sign up for a manager position on the volleyball team- but art took up too much of your time. 

“You have your dream, and I have mine. We’re still going to spend a lot of time together! But I can’t follow you everywhere forever, you know?”

Though you still came to practices whenever you could, helping Kiyoko if you had the time.

Learning that their underclassman had an s/o before them shocked Tanaka and Nishinoya to their core.

You and Hinata would just laugh at their antics. 

When Hinata had told you about the Interhigh tournament, you felt awful. 

Of course, it had to be scheduled on the same day as your art showing. 

The two of you met for meat buns the day before and walked through the town until you absolutely had to head back home.

He felt bad that he couldn’t make it to your showing, and you felt bad for not being able to make it to his games. But the little date the night before helped calm both of your nerves. 

You kissed his cheek when he had walked you home, wishing him good luck.

He blushed in return, hugging you and wishing you the same.

The Art Show went well! You had sold all of your works fairly quickly, and after you had done a courtesy run through the hall, checking out your classmates' work and sending them praise, your teacher allowed you to leave.

Checking your phone for the first time since you had arrived at the showing, you realized that the team had made it the third round of the tournament and would be facing Aoba Johsai right about now. You sent Hinata a text, telling him that you were on your way. He didn’t respond so you figured that the match had already started.

You had never really had much of a chance to come to his games, as he hasn’t played in many yet, so the fact that you weren’t there didn’t throw Hinata off too much.

Seijoh was a tough opponent, and he knew he had to remain focused for his team. It wasn’t easy, though.

Each team had won one set, and this was the deciding match between the two schools. They had been at match point for a while, and neither team was backing down anytime soon.

You, meanwhile, had just rushed into the gym, standing near the entrance to watch the rest of the match. Your fingers were crossed, and all you could do was hope that the team could pull through these last few points and take the match.

Alas, some things were not meant to be.

Your heart raced as Kageyama and Hinata prepared their special quick attack, and you let yourself relax just a bit, thinking they were safe.

How could you have known that they were going to be able to block it?

The world seemed to go numb as the ball hit the court, and Seijoh’s victory cries were dull as you took in Hinata’s face. Upset. Broken. If you knew your partner, and you did, he was beating himself up right now. 

Tears streamed down your face in the following moments, and you hurriedly wiped at your cheeks during the thank yous and final moments of the match. 

As soon as Hinata walked off the court, you tackled him in a hug.

He froze for a moment, before clinging onto you with all his might.

“I just wanted to stay on the court and keep playing.”

“I know. You did your best.”

Bokuto Kōtarō

You were one of the manager’s for Fukurodani’s Male Volleyball Team.

Every year, you looked forward to the Tokyo training camp. It was great for you to see the interactions between Bokuto and Kuroo. 

However, this year, your parents had decided to plan a visit to your family in America. Meaning that you would have to miss out on the camp, unfortunately.

Bokuto tried to convince you just to stay home. You were old enough to take care of yourself for a week, after all. He didn’t want you to miss out on their last one.

But he also understood that it had been years since you had seen this side of your family, and he didn’t want you to miss that either.

In the end, your parents and yourself made a deal. You would leave two days early so you could at least be there on the last day or so. 

Bokuto was still sad that you’d be gone for a bit, but he was happy that you were coming back earlier than usual.

He made sure to send you off with some of your favorite snacks.

“I was going to get them… but I forgot so Akaashi bought them!” Cue the biggest smile from your favorite himbo and an amused eyeroll from yourself.

You made sure to text Akaashi ‘thank you’.

The time spent in America was fun. You hung out with your cousins practically the whole time, happy to see them after so many years of being apart. They introduced you to their friends, showed you all the best places to go to in their area. All in all, it was a great experience that you wouldn’t have traded with the world.

Even though you two were in completely separate time zones, you still found the time to send memes back and forth. Through discord, of course. Neither you or Bokuto could afford to pay for those outrageous international fees.

Before you knew it, it was time to head to the airport and take your flight home. Your parents were worrywarts, and made you get there five hours before your flight. Anxious of being late.

It was a miracle in disguise, you soon realized. They had overbooked your flight home, and since you had gotten there so early, the staff asked if you’d be willing to take an earlier flight.

You jumped at the opportunity, eager to get back to Japan and your boyfriend.

The flights back were a bit rough, and you were jetlagged, but you immediately took the train to Shinzen to meet with your team. 

As soon as you got there, you received odd looks from various students and coaches alike. Your ragged look from being on such a long flight didn’t help. 

You entered the gym and found your place by the coach, who greeted you in surprise. 

Looking onto the court, you made eye contact with Akaashi. He sighed and shrugged his shoulders forward, pointing towards your boyfriend.

You couldn’t help but sigh in return as you took a glance at Bokuto. He had went into ‘emo mode’. The only thing to help at this point was to get him to make another spike. Luckily for everyone on the team, that was Akaashi’s speciality. 

Soon enough, Bokuto had spiked the ball onto the opposing team’s side of the court. He immediately cheered up. 

“HEY, HEY, HEY!” His arms shot up as he did a little dance. His younger teammates shouted back at him half-assed and disinterested, making you laugh.

At the sound of your chuckle, Bokuto turned to see you, happiness clear in his eyes as he shouted once more.

“I thought you didn’t get in until later, babe!” 

“I had to make it back to see Akaashi take the win for us!” 

He deflated a bit at that, and both you and Akaashi laughed at him. His frown turned into a mischievous smile, and you paled at the sight.

Knowing he was about to tickle you, you squealed and ran out of the gym with him hot on your trail.

“Take it back!” 

“Never!”

You ended up taking it back, with him sitting on your stomach, tickling you until you relented.

[xxpadfootxx]

Fanning the Flames of Heroic Turmoil - Part 1 (Word Hurt More Than Spikes)

Summary: [THIS IS A PART 2 OF NIGHT TERRORS & NEW BEGINNINGS]

Despite Izuku’s hero training interfering with with their progress, Izuku & Dakota have slowly grown closer over time, their bond strengthening and their friendship developing into more than just a boy and his pet. Izuku and Dakota are ready for anything. They have each other and that’s all that matters... but will it be enough? Or will some revealed secrets about Dakota’s past and her connection to some of the world’s most dangerous villains tear their bond up from the seams?

A/N: As it says in the summary, this is a part 2 to Night Terrors & New Beginnings. This multi-chapter fic was just getting really long so I decided to make it into a series. So if you haven’t read the first part then you are in the wrong place! Sorry it’s so long, I hope you enjoy this series anyway!

Izuku laid back and crossed his arms underneath his head, closing his eyes as the sun warmed his face and the grass brushed against his arms. He sighed, finally allowing his body to relax after the grueling past few weeks he had put himself through in order to perform his best at the Sports Festival. Although he loved being around Dakota, he had forced himself to stay away from her during the Sports Festival, not wanting to either overwork himself nor be distracted while he prepared to display his talents to any pro-heros who were willing to take him on as an intern.

Dakota told him she understood completely and had left him alone, remaining in the dragon sanctuary but he had felt her slightly melancholy mood when he saw her for the last time before the festival. Now that the festival was over, Izuku had taken the first train to the sanctuary, his heart desperate to see his best friend again. Almost immediately upon walking into the sanctuary and seeing all of the dragons living peacefully behind Fumihiros’ cottage, Izuku had felt himself relax, the calming aura of the place allowing the tension to melt from his muscles. Izuku peeked one eye open when he felt a movement beside him.

“Gods, I feel like I’ve broken every bone in my body,” Ochako said with a groan, laying down on the soft grass beside Izuku.

“I agree with you on that one,” Izuku said with a chuckle.

“Oh! Deku, I’m sorry I totally forgot!” Ochako said, turning to him with her face red with embarrassment. She had forgotten that Izuku really had broken his bones in the tournament.

“Don’t worry about it,” Izuku said with a warm smile. He had only been teasing her.

“Are we not going to go find our dragons?” Ochako asked after a short moment of silence.

Izuku smiled when she said ‘our’ dragons. He had been so afraid in the beginning that Ochako would reject him as a friend when she found out about Dakota. When he had knocked on her door all those weeks ago to recruit her for her help in rescuing the captured dragons, he had expected her to never speak to him again, even if she did decide to help him. The exact opposite had ensued, Ochako becoming closer to him than anyone ever had been before, aside from his own family. She came with him every time he went to the dragon sanctuary, her smile bright and her eyes wide if not a little cautious, eager to learn.

“I just told Dakota we were here,” Izuku said, glancing back up at the sky. “She didn’t respond but I know she heard me so we can just relax here until they show up.”

When Ochako didn’t say anything in response, Izuku glanced over to find her watching him, her eyes glimmering in wonder.

“What?” Izuku asked nervously, his face turning red under her stare and his eyes darting away from her gaze.

“Oh sorry!” Ochako said, snapping out of her haze. “I just still think it's so cool how you’re able to communicate with her. I have to admit, when you first did it, it kind of freaked me out a little. But now that I’ve seen you do it more often, I find it so cool!”

“Oh, yeah,” Izuku said warmly, his face getting somehow even more red from her praise. “I’m still getting used to it even though it's been so long since we first bonded. I’m starting to get the hang of it now though! It helps to know that Dakota is just as new to this as I am.”

“Damn right, half of the time I have no idea what to do or how to respond,” a voice suddenly said through the bond, making Izuku jolt in place.

“Deku, are you okay?”

“Yeah, Dakota just talked to me and I wasn’t expecting it.”

“Dakota spoke to you? Where is she?”

“Right above you,” Dakota said through the bond, making Izuku smile and look up. There, sitting in the branches of the tree right above the pair was both Dakota and Legoshi, their wings still spread slightly, signaling they had just landed.

Ochako followed Izuku’s eyes and smiled brightly when she saw her winged friends, moving to rest on her elbows to get a better look at them. With roars of joy above them, Dakota and Legoshi raised their wings and leaped from the branches, gliding down to their respective riders. Ochako stood and met Legoshi once he landed on the ground, her arms out to encompass his neck in a hug. Legoshi purred and reached his neck around her back to nuzzle her affectionately, her whole body surrounded by him.

Izuku leaped up and met with Dakota before she even landed completely on the ground, her wings still beating a little when he jumped up to wrap his arms around her. As soon as he saw her his heart had jumped into his throat like a rabbit, beating steadily and filling him with an overwhelming sense of love he hadn’t expected.

“I missed you too,” Dakota chuckled down the bond as she landed on her back legs but kept her front legs reared into the air to encompass Izuku in a hug of her own. Izuku squeezed her harder in response. When they finally parted, they turned to see Ochako had already made herself at home curled up against Legoshi’s body, his tail coiled around her protectively. Assuming the same position, Dakota laid down on the soft grass and curled her tail around Izuku as he settled down against her side with a sigh.

“Gods, I missed this,” Ochako whispered.

“Me too,” Izuku said, leaning back even further into Dakota’s warm scales.

“You two seem tired,” Dakota growled down the bond, her striking blue eyes revealing her concern and her tail tightening its hold across Izuku’s lap.

“Yeah,” Izuku said. “We are pretty tired, but even with the hard work and the stress, the festival was really fun.”

“It was really fun,” Ochako agreed, using context clues to figure out what Dakota had said. “Well, the last round with the one on one fights was hard, I was up against Bakugo which kind of put a damper on the fun part of the festival, but I learned a lot and I was happy he didn’t go easy on me.”

“Oh yeah, Ochako was amazing, you should’ve seen her!” Izuku said, not noticing the blush that immediately bloomed on Ochako’s face at his words. “I offered to help her but she didn’t need it, she had this fantastic plan where she used the power of Kacchan’s blasts against him, floating the debris around her to create this amazing meteor shower! She would’ve won if it weren’t for the fact that Kacchan had at least one more giant blast in him. She was so fantastic though, I wish you could’ve seen her!” Izuku suddenly stopped when he realized he was rambling and placed his hands over his mouth, glancing at Ochako apologetically. She shook her head at his apology, her bangs swinging in front of her face.

“Thanks Deku, you were amazing too! He had a difficult opponent as well. He actually made it through two rounds before losing. The first round was against a kid with a mind control quirk, but he managed to break free of it and send the kid out of bounds! He didn’t lose until he was put up against Todoroki, but that was only because instead of taking over Todoroki’s weak spot like he was supposed to, he helped him through some tough issues he had with himself and brought out his full potential.”

Now it was Deku’s turn to blush as she boasted about him, her eyes sparkling as she recounted both fateful battles.

“Yeah, he tends to see the best in those who may not always deserve it,” Dakota said down the bond, shifting her wings uncomfortably. “That’s what makes him so deserving of the title ‘hero’, though.”

Izuku glanced up at his dragon in shock not only at the blatant compliment in her words, but also at the sly jab she had aimed at herself, but her head was turned away, her eyes purposely looking elsewhere.

“What did she say?” Ochako asked.

“She just said that she thought I was worthy of being a hero because of my faith in people,” Izuku said, his heart warming as he mulled the compliment over in his mind.

“Well she is damn right,” Ochako said, the words slipping out of her mouth before she could stop them. Slapping a palm over her mouth she looked to see Izuku looking at her with a surprised, warm look on his face. She smiled at him, still flustered she had let that slip. Grasping for a change in subject that could dissipate the tension in the air, her mind landed on their friend Iida.

“Hey Deku, did something seem off about Iida after his phone call with his family after the Sports Festival? I feel like he received some bad news but he wasn’t saying anything.”

“Actually, I’ve been thinking about Iida ever since he came out of the locker room that day. And did you see what he put down for his internship choice? He picked one in Hosu, where all of the attacks from the Hero Killer have been happening.”

“Hero Killer?” Dakota asked.

“Yeah, the Hero Killer, also known as Stain, is a villain who believes that the heroing system is corrupt and full of fake heroes. He tried to protest and spread his beliefs through rallies and riots but when he got shut down he turned to crime, murdering heroes he believed to be unworthy of their title,” Izuku explained. “Dakota asked,” He said, in response to Ochako’s questioning stare.

“The most recent attack was in Hosu,” Ochako said, picking up where Izuku left off in his explanation. “He killed a few heroes down there and then disappeared, but the authorities are guessing he will be back in Hosu soon, should he follow the pattern he has almost always followed in his past killing sprees.”

Dakota grunted and looked out over the sanctuary, her eyes roving over the relaxing dragons. She watched as Jack walked out of the small cottage and made his way over to Sasori, his handsome Triple Strike, holding out some fish for his best friend.

“Izuku?” Dakota asked in a soft whisper down the bond.

“Yes?” Izuku also responded down the bond, taking her soft tone as a hint that she wanted to talk to him in private.

“Please keep each other safe and don’t die. You and Uraraka are both very strong individuals but when you are together, you make a formidable team. Even so, watch each other's backs. I never want to feel the agony of seeing Haruka or Fumihiro walk through those doors with nothing but tears and regret.”

Izuku looked up at his dragon in shock for the second time during their interaction but was met with Dakota’s genuine, striking gaze rather than the back of her head. Her eyes were swimming with suppressed emotion and her tail fins were flicking anxiously against Izuku’s legs. Tears bubbled up under Izuku’s eyelids and overflowed onto his cheeks, leaving clear steaks on his soft skin.

“Deku? Is something wrong?”

Izuku rubbed his face with the sleeve of his shirt. He was so grateful for all of his friends but right now, Ochako and Dakota seemed to be the two individuals in the world who understood him the most. Dakota was direct and bold but kind and sensitive thanks to her troubling past. Ochako was patient and never seemed frustrated or jealous over Izuku’s bond with Dakota, always waiting patiently for him to fill her in and respecting his decisions when he decided not to share the information with her.

“No, I’m alright Ochako,” Izuku said calmly, the tears finally drying from his eyes. “Dakota just told me that we need to take care of each other. She knows we are going to help Iida but she cares about us and wants us to use our strength as a team to keep each other safe.”

Ochako stared at Dakota for a moment, her determined chocolate brown eyes meeting Dakota’s searing blue gaze without fear.

“I can do that,” Ochako said, reaching up with a soft palm to pat Dakota’s nose. Dakota purred and nuzzled Ochako affectionately.

“I can do that too,” Izuku said, his eyes coming to rest on Ochako as he made his promise, his heart hardening against the idea of her getting hurt.

“Good,” Dakota said down the bond, which Izuku repeated to Ochako, before laying her head down on the soft grass beside Izuku, allowing sleep to overtake her in the warm afternoon sun. Legoshi soon followed suit, his tail curling even more around Ochako, the electric dragon really having grown affectionate towards Ochako after the dragon rescue, her warm heart and kind, patient words bringing the stubborn dragon closer and closer to her until he was wrapped around her finger like a small puppy. Ochako smiled at her dragon before curling into his side even more with a sigh and closing her eyes.

“Just gonna relax for a while…” Ochako mumbled.

Izuku knew they would have to be home before dark but he let all of them sleep, his own eyes having to fight to keep from drooping closed now that the initial excitement of seeing their dragons again had faded off. Izuku busied himself with keeping watch over his friends. He knew there was no danger within the dragon sanctuary, but it gave him something to do and it calmed his heart to know they were safe. 

He knew he still had a long road ahead with Dakota, the pair only just starting to get the hang of flying together despite their successful attempt during the dragon trap rescue, but he couldn’t wait to trek that journey with her, their bond strengthening every day. Leaning back into Dakota’s warm side, Izuku gazed down at Ochako, watching as the brilliantly gold rays of the dying sunlight splayed out across her face and set her hair on fire, the chocolatey brown meshing with the gold into a fiery orange that was bursting with color and energy. He listened to her soft breathing and felt his heart start to beat erratically as his eyes roved over her plush lips, the flesh puckered slightly in her sleep. 

Finally tearing his gaze away from his sleeping friend, Izuku gazed out over the peaceful sanctuary. Jack had gone back inside the cottage but Sasori was attempting to get more fish from the large lake towards the middle of the sanctuary. He watched as the dragons fluttered their wings and nuzzled their eggs, their bodies relaxed and calm, finally free from the stresses of worrying about hunters and trappers. Dakota sighed and shifted behind him, making Izuku glance back at her. He made up his mind then, curled up within Dakota’s scales and surrounded by these wondrous creatures that no matter what happened, he was going to be here to protect them. To change the minds of the people around him and give these creatures the amazing life they deserved.

_____________________________

“Anyone want to meet up for dinner after school today?” Kirishima asked the group sitting at his lunch table, his eyes bright and his fork waving in the air excitedly.

“Sorry, we already have plans,” Izuku said, motioning towards Ochako and himself without really thinking.

“Oooooh!!! Something special planned tonight Midoriya? You both have been pretty busy after school ever since the festival ended, anything we don’t know about that we should?” Kaminari asked from beside Kirishima, his eyebrows raising and his teasing smile widening as Izuku choked on his curry.

“W-what!? N-no we just-” Izuku was scrambling for an explanation when Ochako piped up beside him, her composure a lot more solid despite her burning cheeks.

“Deku has been helping me study for the upcoming final exams,” Ochako said. “I really struggle with logarithms and he is really good at them so we’ve been meeting for study sessions almost every day to help me prepare.”

Kaminari stuck his tongue out at her in response. “You two are boring.”

Izuku glanced at her gratefully when Kaminari dropped the subject and continued to shovel food in his mouth, trying to get the flames in his cheeks to die down.

“Alright, I understand why you two can’t come, anyone else though?” Kirishima asked, glancing around the table. “Bakugo?”

“Fuck off, Shitty Hair.”

“Great! So, Bakugo is coming, who else?” Kirishima asked again, ignoring the glare Bakugo threw at him.

“Jirou? Yaoyorozu? Kaminari? Ashido?”

The students he called out to eventually agreed to come even if it took a little convincing, eventually forming a small dinner group for the evening.

“Anyone else? Final call! How about you Iida? Wanna come?”

Izuku and Ochako both discreetly glanced at their friend. They had found out shortly after the Sports Festival that his older brother, Ingenium had gotten attacked by the Hero Killer in Hosu. Both of them were trying to keep a close eye on their friend but Iida was making it hard for them, only responding to questions with curt, one word answers and mostly avoiding as much human contact as possible. It had taken Izuku and Ochako almost twenty minutes to convince him to eat lunch with them.

“Iida?”

Iida remained silent, his eyes glassy, his mind obviously preoccupied in his own world.

“IIDA!”

Iida finally snapped out of it, blinking rapidly and glancing over, he found everyone at the table to be staring at him.

“Oh sorry, I was busy thinking, what did you guys want?” Iida asked in a tired, monotone voice that sounded so unlike him it made Izuku’s stomach clench.

“It’s fine man, I was just wondering if you wanted to come eat out for dinner tonight with us, you know, get your mind off of things for a little while,” Kirishima said, his voice softening at the look and sound of their normally energetic class representative.

“Oh, thanks Kirishima but I think I’ll pass on this one.”

Izuku and Ochako looked at each other. They both wanted to breach the subject and desperately wanted to help their friend but they both felt helpless. They had spent endless hours talking it over while trying to study. They had even brought the issue to their dragons for advice but even that hadn’t cracked Iida’s hardened shell. After a few more minutes of staring off into space, Iida stood abruptly and left without a word, dumping his mostly full tray of food into the trash and heading off on his own, his shoulders slightly slumped and his back tensed like an iron rod.

Izuku stood up to follow him but stopped when he felt Ochako lightly grip his wrist, her head shaking to tell him to give Iida some space. She knew it hurt Izuku to sit still, and she wanted to help him too, but with the way he was now, he just needed some space and time to get used to the new tragedy in his life. Izuku slowly sat back in his seat and hung out with his friends for the rest of the lunch period, but his mind was never far from the suffering of one of his closest friends.

____________________________

All throughout the day, Izuku had given Iida his space but never stopped trying to think of solutions. He was still mulling it over as he walked down the hall to his last class, his thumb pressed against his chin and his mouth moving as he mumbled a series of plans to himself.

“Something got you thinking, Midoriya m’boy?” The strong voice of All Might said suddenly from Izuku’s right. Izuku jumped a little in surprise and turned to see his idol and mentor standing in a small alcove of the hallway, his large muscled form covered by a snappy yellow suit that complimented his gold hair.

“Oh! Hello All Might! Sorry, I was just thinking, what can I do for you?” Izuku said, bowing quickly.

All Might waved off his bow and beckoned for Izuku to follow him, a small piece of paper clutched between his first two fingers on his left hand.

“Have you found where you want to intern, young Midoriya?” All Might asked.

“Oh, I have some ideas but as I didn’t get any offers, I’ve been trying to narrow them down based on different aspects such as where they are located and how well I could use my quirk and-”

All Might cut him off with a chuckle.

“No need to get into much detail, Midoriya, I was just asking because this morning you got an offer.”

“Really!?” Izuku asked incredulously, his eyes as wide as saucers as he looked up at his mentor.

“Yep,” All Might said, lifting the slip of paper and waving it in the air. “He’s an old friend of mine and he watched the festival. I told him about you and you captured his interest.”

Excitement flooded Izuku’s system but something about the way All Might said it made his eyes glance over at him in concern.

“But…?”

All Might sighed and pulled Izuku down a deserted hall, away from a group of oncoming students.

“There are two things about this man you should know if you decide to intern with him. One, he is terrifying.”

“Huh!?” Izuku gasped.

“Yeah,” All Might chuckled. “He will push you to the brink to make you the best of the best. Don’t let his age fool you, he is the toughest person I’ve ever met.”

“Okay, what’s the second thing I need to know?” Izuku asked.

All Might’s gaze darkened and Izuku felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He may look up to All Might but he had to admit, when his idol had that look on his face, it sent a cold shiver down his spine. All Might leaned forward then and placed his strong, large hands on Izuku’s shoulders, his eyes boring into Izuku’s frightened gaze.

“I respect and look up to my mentor but there was something he did many years ago that I still do not understand. We are on speaking terms but things are a little uneasy between us because of this incident that happened.” All Might said.

Izuku waited patiently as his mentor took a deep breath and steadied himself, almost as if he were about to tell Izuku about some horrible tragedy. He wanted to hear what All Might had to say but he was worried and scared. He was already worried about Iida, it might not be worth it to associate himself with this internship opportunity if it was going to be so stressful.

“Midoriya, my mentor… he… well he…” All Might gulped. “He bonded to a dragon.”

Izuku froze at All Might’s words, his eyes wide with shock but what All Might mistook as fear.

“I know, it’s terrifying and awful, to be forcibly connected with such a vicious, bloodthirsty beast. I tried for years to convince him to get rid of it, there are hospitals who perform bond-breaking operations, but he refused. He was corrupted by the beast, telling me that the dragon wouldn’t hurt anyone and that he loved it,” All Might’s nose scrunched up in disgust as he talked, the horror within Izuku growing by the second, but for reasons entirely different than what All Might thought.

“He still keeps the filthy creature with him, had a friend of his turn it into a cat as a disguise. There were several times where I considered turning him over to the authorities, getting him some help, but he seemed normal most of the time and I respected him too much to do that,” All Might sighed as he looked at Izuku’s horror-stricken face. “I promise, kid, I’m not telling you all of this to make you feel scared or dissuade you from taking this opportunity, but I felt you should know before you make your decision so that you know what you are comfortable with. I know you got attacked by a dragon earlier in the year, and I don’t want to force you to face anything you aren’t ready for yet.”

Izuku forced himself to stay calm, his fingers instinctively curling over his right palm behind his back to hide his bond mark. He swallowed thickly and smiled at All Might, telling himself over and over again that All Might had no idea, that Dakota and Legoshi were safe at the sanctuary and that he wasn’t going to be taken away. Bowing and slapping his arms to his sides, Izuku paid careful attention to keep his mark hidden, a newfound determination flowing through his limbs.

“Thank you All Might, sir! I greatly appreciate the information but I will go forward with this internship opportunity. If I can’t face my fear of dragons now, then I never will, and I may need that courage in the future, dragon attacks are a common thing people call heroes for and I want to be able to help everyone involved no matter what.”

Izuku stood up and held his left hand out, allowing All Might to gently place the paper in his palm. His mentor then did something he didn’t expect, he leaned down and gave Izuku a hug, his strong arms encasing him warmly.

“You’re a good kid, young Midoriya, and you will make an amazing hero. I have no doubt you will make me proud.”

Izuku beamed at the praise but his stomach still churned at All Might’s words, his mind conjuring up images of All Might staring at him in shock and utter disappointment, a gun or a sword held to Dakota’s head as she struggled and roared in pain.

“Thank you, sir.”

All Might eventually released Izuku and moved past the boy, rolling his shoulders and standing up straight, preparing to show his face to the high-achieving staff and students of U.A. once more.

“Wait! All Might,” Izuku said just before his idol could walk out into the bustling hallway. “What kind of dragon is it?”

All Might glanced back at him.

“You know dragon types?”

Izuku forced himself to keep from flinching at All Might’s questioning tone.

“Yeah, after I was attacked, I was curious. I was obsessed with finding out what type of dragon attacked me and why it let me live. I studied a bunch of dragon books so I could be better prepared in the future and force myself to work through my new reality of having to deal with this initially crippling fear.”

All Might turned around to face the boy, and Izuku was shocked to see a small tear slip from All Might’s eye.

“I understand, Midoriya. His dragon is a Deadly Nadder. Do whatever you need to do to prepare for your eventual confrontation with the beast. Luckily, with my mentor, you won’t be attacked, but as you know, dragons are evil, vile, nasty creatures, and they are as smart as a whip. Never turn your back on it.”

With that, All Might fell into step with a few oncoming teachers, greeting them warmly as if he had not just rocked Izuku’s world. Izuku fought to control his breathing. He wasn’t worried about the dragon at all, he actually tended to like Deadly Nadders thanks to their playful personalities and gentle mannerisms. He was worried about All Might and his mindset about dragons, thoughts about All Might’s words on the bond-breaking operations making Izuku’s blood run cold. Clenching his fists, he looked down at the card he held in his hand.

“Gran Torino…” Izuku muttered to himself as he read the paper with his address and phone number.

Resituating his face into a neutral expression, Izuku flowed into the crowd just like All Might did, making a mental note to tell Dakota and Ochako about this new development as soon as he could.

[gaylenightingale]

TUMBLR Inu/Sess Mini Bingo

Chapter 2

Chocolate

@redalgaebloom

 (AN-Chocolate wasn’t introduced to Japan until 1797.  However, in this story suspend disbelief.  Please.)

 Inuyasha grew from a cherubic toddler into an energetic, enthusiastic preteen.   He worshipped Sesshomaru and tried to imitate everything he did.  As the only male figure in Inuyasha’s life, Sesshomaru became the one Inuyasha looked up to, the one he wanted to be.    It was not unusual for Inuyasha to hear about something Sesshomaru learned one day then want to try it the next.   When Sesshomaru discussed a reading, Inuyasha would beg his mother to teach him to read.   When Sesshomaru discussed a writing, Inuyasha would ask for her instruction.  When Sesshomaru said “red was beautiful”, Inuyasha wanted to wear it.   Izayoi realized why Inuyasha requested these subjects and was thrilled to provide as much teaching as she could.  She wanted to encourage Inuyasha to learn and grow.  She also wanted to encourage their bond.  She knew Inuyasha would need Sesshomaru when she was gone.  Her human life would be so short compared to his. She didn’t want her son to be lonely.

 Izayoi once mentioned the importance of thanking others when they did something for you.  Inuyasha perked his ears.

 “How do I do that mother?” The preteen inuhanyou inquired, his ears flicking in all directions.

 “Oft times one uses words to thank another; like “Thank you Milord.”  Gifts are another option, things like my embroidery samplers, homemade toys.  Don’t forget thoughtful actions, Inuyasha.  Holding the door open.  Sweeping up after yourself when you track in mud.”

  Inuyasha thought about those ideas and completely ignored the “sweeping up the mud” comment. He was focused on thanking Sesshomaru.

  When he was finished with his lessons with his mother, he took a run through the forest. He had figured out that climbing trees was quite easy and that he could run quickly between the tops of them. He had managed to run as far as a nearby village when he spied a young woman and a young man.  He stopped running to spy on them.

  It was not uncommon for Inuyasha to observe people from a distance.  Afterall the only people he could interact with were his mother and the maid and his half-brother.   The castle employees would point and laugh at his ears and say dreadful things about his mother.  The castle guards would throw rocks at him.  He did not complain to anyone about it though.   He just honed his skills and watched and listened.

He would eaves drop on villagers in the neighboring towns.  They didn’t know him so they wouldn’t throw rocks.  

 It was on this outing that he discovered chocolate.   Inuyasha saw one young woman held something in a wrapping and gave it to a young man. He opened it and took a bite.  The smile on his face was radiant.   Inuyasha became even more curious and watched as the young man dropped the gift and pressed his lips to the young woman’s.  A pleasurable moan followed.  The lovers became so involved in each other that they didn’t notice a puppy eared thief take off with the present.

 Inuyasha resumed his position in the tree and opened the package.  It was a dark bar that smelled good.

 Perhaps Sesshomaru will respond similarly, he thought.  ‘I don’t know what the lips to lips thing was but maybe he would like it.’   Inuyasha raced home with his present.

 That evening at 4:00 PM Sesshomaru stood in the garden awaiting Inuyasha’s visit.   He was excited.  He had many things to share with his baby brother today. Sesshomaru had really enjoyed time with his little brother.  It was the one time of the day that he felt invincible. All the rest of the day people were teaching him, kowtowing to him, annoying him with their pleasantries and fake praise. But at 4:00 PM it was all real. Inuyasha was a breath of fresh air.  He shared that with his mother who just snorted and walked away.

 Inuhime had heard the old witch’s prophecy and kept vigilant because of it.

When Sesshomaru was born an old hag dropped by the castle to leave her prophecy.  It read:

 When the second is born, the unity of the two will be grand.

Any attempts to separate will fail even though well planned.

In time a curse will fall and split the pair, love will slip away like quicksand.

During this time the enemy, he will assail, evil will be at his command.

Long and painful be the time that passes until united they stand

But when they do, faith, hope, love, peace; all will be well in the land.

 At that time Inuhime had thought the old woman a charlatan.  In the back of her mind she wondered if she could keep them apart would the prophecy come true.   The night Izayoi cried because the babe had colic, Inuhime realized it would be easier to stop a tsunami. However, she attempted to keep them apart anyway.   What would people say if her beautiful full blood demon was seen cavorting with a half-blood!  As the two aged it was clear they needed each other. Sesshomaru needed a safe place to be himself and Inuyasha needed a male figure.   Inuhime silently cursed Toga.  ‘Damn him for not being here to help.   Husband, if you are listening, watch over your sons.’

 That afternoon Inuyasha jumped out of the trees and ran to Sesshomaru.

 “I have a gift for you, Big brother!” the hanyou proclaimed joyously.

 Sesshomaru smiled.   ‘A gift from his brother would be a wonderful thing.’   “What is it?” He asked, a true smile on his face.

 “You will like it.  I know you will,” and with that positive cheerful comment Inuyasha thrust the gift to Sesshomaru.

 Sesshomaru smelt the gift even before he opened it.  ‘What a delightful smell’, he thought.    As he opened the package, he saw the dark brown bar.

 “Let us share this together, little brother,” Sesshomaru offered.

 “Okay,” chirped the hanyou.

 The boys split the chocolate, and each took a bite.   The taste exploded in their mouths.  They wanted more.   Before too long the bar had disappeared.   Inuyasha had a ring of brown around his lips.   Sesshomaru noticed it when he finished licking his fingers.  

 “Inuyasha, you have something here,” and he pointed to his brother’s upper lip.

 Inuyasha had seen the two in the forest, so he stood still and waited for his brother to make a move.

 “Inuyasha, all you have to do is wipe it off with the back of your hand.”

 “Oh,” replied the preteen. He wiped his face and smeared some of it.

 “Allow me,” said the older brother and he took his napkin and wiped the boy’s face.

 Inuyasha smiled but still wondered about the lip pressing.  Perhaps he could ask his mom.

 Sesshomaru proceeded to tell Inuyasha of all the things he had learned that day.  It was fascinating, but after about one hour both boys felt their stomachs growl and made their excuses to go to the bathroom.  Diarrhea was followed by increased urination then vomiting and restlessness.  By seven pm Inuyasha lay on the floor rolling back and forth moaning.

 Izayoi was concerned for Inuyasha.  She went to the main house.   A maid met her at the door.

 “Please, may I talk to Inuhime,” Izayoi began but the maid just slammed the door in her face.

 Izayoi tried again.  

 And again, the maid slammed the door.

 After four door slams Izayoi’s desperation led her to call out loud in front the area of the house that she suspected Inuhime resided in.

 “Inuhime, please help me. Inuyasha is sick!” she yelled, panic lacing her voice.

 The castle guards surrounded her and were dragging her off when Inuhime opened the window.

 “Is he vomiting?”

 The guards still held fast but allowed Izayoi to answer.

 “Yes, he is.  I can’t get him to stop.”

 Inuhime nodded and then closed the windows.   The guards remained in position surrounding the helpless frantic mother.

 Soon Inuhime arrived at their location.

 “You,” she pointed to the guards.  “Go! Bring the child to Sesshomaru’s room. Do so carefully or your lives will be forfeit.” The guards moved off but not before Inuhime heard one mutter.   A quick flash of her whip, and the guards doubled their speed.

 Then she turned to Izayoi.

 “Come with me.   Sesshomaru is showing the same illness.   We must get to the bottom of this. It may be a plan to destabilize the kingdom if both sons are ill.   I will call the advisors as well.

 Both boys were placed in the mammoth size bed.  Both rolled back and forth, holding their stomachs and occasionally vomiting.   Izayoi stood watch over them while Inuhime held an emergency council meeting.   Castle healers examined the emesis for any clues to the origin of the poisoning.   Izayoi watched as the healers avoided Inuyasha and cared solely for Sesshomaru.  She just imitated their actions.   After watching them take Sesshomaru’s pulse for the hundredth time Izayoi commented, “Inuyasha’s pulse is 150.  What is Sesshomaru’s?”

 A young apprentice answered. “My Lord’s pulse is 150 as well.”

 An old healer batted him in the ears.

 Izayoi was not discouraged. She pointed her question at the older healer.   “What is the purpose of knowing the pulse?”

 The master healer turned away from the human.  However, the apprentice approached the master and asked in a soft voice.

 “Master?  What is the purpose of knowing the pulse?”

 The master stared at the apprentice.

 “You slow idiot!  I will be looking into your training personal after this.   Vital signs such as pulse, respiration, and temperature are vital for a reason.  They can inform you on the course of your care.   A normal heart rate ranges between 60 and 100 for a grown demon.  Younger children may be a bit higher.   When a body is dehydrated like our princes the heart rate races.  We attempt to get it down with sips of water.  Too much and they throw up.  One half teacup an hour will be enough generally.”

 Izayoi did not miss “our princes”.  She bowed at the old healer.

 The master huffed.  “I did not say these things for you, Human.”

 “Regardless Sir, I am grateful.”

 The young apprentice’s eyes sparkled briefly and then he studied the floor intently.

  Moments later Inuhime entered the room.  

 “The council has met. No sign of sabotage or treason has been found.  We will just have to wait until the boys are able to talk to us to find out how they were poisoned.  In the meantime, the guards are all on alert.   Izayoi, you can stay her and rest on that lounge.  Healers assist her son as you are mine.  I will be available as needed.”

 So Izayoi rested.   The boys stopped vomiting around two am and then rolled into each other.  Sesshomaru clasped onto Inuyasha and brought him close to his body.  The heat helped the stomachache or at least that’s what he told his mother in the morning.  

 The following morning both boys were still exhausted.  They were allowed to sleep late.  When they did wake, they sipped miso soup and returned to sleep.   One more bout of vomiting and diarrhea followed but they were both on the mend.

 The council retreated, reassured by the healers that Prince Sesshomaru was healing.

 Izayoi relaxed and slept.

 Inuhime regarded the scene emotionless.  ‘What could have caused this illness?’

 Word count: 1888

 #inusess#inucest#mini bingo    

@redalgaebloom#Inusessbingo

[maliwarm]

Early Winter

A monster drabble and huge thanks to @shellalana for donating to my Ko-Fi! ♡ 

A cacophony of sound floated through the streets of the Detritus Ring; streets once drab, but now lined with bright lanterns and strings of lights of all colours, giving them an abundance of vibrancy and colour. Yet more colour flowed through the streets like trickles from a river in the form of dancers clad in exotic finery. They glided through the crowd, movements a mixture of elegance and the typical raunchiness many associated with the Ring’s denizens; clothes flowing where they weren’t form fitting, and jewellery jangling with every gesture. Chatter from many mouths and upbeat, drum-heavy, music blended into a singular murmuring din. It was loud, but the exciting, infectious sort of loudness that one couldn’t help but be swept up in. A myriad of scents swept from the marketplace, carried by the wind. Meats and spices of all varieties, sweetness and floral fragrances, gunpowder and animal musk. The people living here celebrated loud and proud, temporarily stripping away their constant worries regarding the fate of the universe to simply have fun and revel in the fact that they were still here, still alive.

Three figures observed the festivities from a distant rooftop, the din and brightness dulled to far more bearable levels from their position. The elder pair stood tall and solemn, each with a rapier by their side. The hilt of that belonging to the woman in blue was carved into an ornate butterfly, matching the tattoo above her hip. The hilt of the woman in red’s sported a more simple, but no less elegant, design of twin curled protrusions akin to a bumblebee’s antennae. Accompanying them sat a young girl on the very edge of the roof, contentedly sucking on the lollipop lodged in her mouth, kicking her legs to and fro above the yawning void between her and the ground without a care in the world. She harboured a passing curiosity for the bustle below, having never seen such a lively place before. Compared to the base, this looked, heard, and smelled much nicer. 

“Everything looks so small from here,” she exclaimed, beaming around her treat. “The people look like little ants! Don’t you think, Foxy? Diana?”

“Focus,” Foxy - the woman in red - said, voice soft but tone firm. She obeyed, wide eyes swivelling away from the marketplace and onto the pair to give them her undivided attention. She received a brief smile and praise before Foxy’s expression and tone both became sober again. “Good girl. You have two targets tonight.”

“Two?”

The other woman who could only be Diana nodded, taking the reigns of the briefing. Her open skirt swished quietly as she turned to address the girl, arms folding across her chest.

 “Both of them are massive thorns in our organisation’s side, severely disrupting our plans to bring a new order to what remains of the universe. The first is Reyna Valeria, otherwise known as the Valkyrie. While her efforts to make this lawless cesspit a more liveable space are admirable and have borne some fruit, the people within - herself included - are dangerous. If left unchecked, the combined might of those living on the surrounding asteroids may rally under her call and very well make an attempt to kill everyone in our organisation.” 

As of right now, the Valkyrie had only managed to hit a few of their more minor bases. But it was still too much damage for their liking. Even without accounting for her ability to gather a sizeable army, she knew far too much and needed to be silenced. NESTS wasn’t ready to be dragged completely into the light just yet. When they were, it would be on their own terms, not on the whim of some nosy pirate.

“The second is the traitor, K’.” The girl’s obliviously happy sucking of the candy in her mouth ceased, her magenta gaze sharpening. That name was one she knew almost as well as her own. Any lingering interest in the marketplace was now lost entirely. All of her focus was trained solely on Diana and her words. “The one you were created to nullify.” 

Foxy nodded. “That’s right, We’ve finally tracked him down. And as luck would have it, he and the Valkyrie have been sighted together numerous times. In fact, we’re led to believe that they’re working together closely.”

“Which brings us to the reason we’re here in the first place. Look over there.” The girl’s eyes followed the direction of a blue gloved finger, eventually homing in on a rather unique pair, even amongst the odd characters that comprised the Ring’s denizens. There was a short woman with a spike-studded jacket and bright red crest of hair that reminded her of a chicken, carrying herself with an air of complete confidence. And there was a boy by her side; much taller, and wrapped in all black leather, with hair the colour of snow. He tilted his head, responding to something the woman said, lips ticked up into a lopsided smirk as his shoulder was given a playful slap. His was a visage she recognised. It was one that stirred the beginnings of anger. Hate. “Can you see them?”

She nodded once, eyes still trained on the pair, drinking in every gesture and movement of their lips.

“Good. Your orders are simple: kill them both.”

The lollipop crunched audibly. 

The girl stood, dragging the now bare plastic stick between her teeth. It slipped from loose fingers and tumbled over the edge of the roof, quickly lost to darkness. A puff of frigid air rolled off of her slender body, hair gusting outwards with it. Blue swept through it in a wave, erasing and replacing all traces of the natural strawberry blonde. 

“Understood,” the Anti-K intoned, voice and eyes now emotionless.

-

“Hey,” Reyna whispered, nudging K’ in the ribs. A massive grin was slowly stretching across her face. “The boy at the art booth’s eyeballing you.”

He paused, the greasy, bacon covered, meat on a stick he’d been gnawing on hovering near his lips for another bite, to frown back at her. “What? He looking to fight or something?”

She noticed his shoulders squaring. His jaw clench. Uh oh. 

The necklace she’d been admiring was dropped back into the stall owner’s waiting hands. With her own now free, a hasty palm snagged K’ by the arm before he could move, a disbelieving little laugh escaping her. Jesus, her son was either way too dense or just itching for a fistfight. Probably both. She should have grown used to it by now, but it was honestly unbelievable how stunted he was in terms of human interaction in general, let alone romance. She and Maxi would have to sit him down and educate him properly sometime; finally acclimate him towards living and acting like a normal freaking teenager instead of continually indulging in this prickly recluse nonsense. 

“No, musclehead! He’s looking at you like a lovesick puppy.”

A silver brow arched. K’ twisted his head, eyes sweeping the booths until he found the one in question. Amongst the haphazardly placed array of sketches and paintings decorating the booth proper was a pair of warm brown eyes framed between a shock of messy hair barely kept back by a sweatband. There was a large sketch pad held up to the other boy’s nose, one arm moving with hasty pencil strokes. When he glanced up, realising K’ had caught on to the fact he’d been staring, he visibly jolted. He stopped sketching to pull the pad up higher, shielding his face. It didn’t hide how red his ears were. K’ blinked. Huh.

Shaking to his shoulder pulled his attention towards Reyna once more. That grin was back in place. “He’s cute. Why don’t you try talking to him?”

“Mmn,” was the halfhearted mumble of a response as he went back to tearing through the last of his skewer, seemingly disinterested in the prospect. She was right, that guy was kind of cute... but it would be too weird to try hitting it off when he knew his damned mother would be watching, drinking up every moment. Plus, he was still awful at flirting; he’d botch things for sure.

She must have sensed his train of thought. Or at least the first part. The hand around his arm slackened, falling back to rest on her hip. Brows were raised in question. “I could leave you on your own for a while if you want?”

K’ shook his head, walking in the opposite direction of the art booth. Reyna fell into step after a couple of beats, sighing her disappointment. She glanced over her shoulder at the boy at the art booth. He’d lowered the sketch pad shield to reveal his distraught. She offered him a pitying look and a helpless little hand gesture before turning back to focus on what was in front of her. 

“Maybe later. I wanna look around some more first.”

Her lip twisted wryly. “You mean find that jerky booth Pendles mentioned?” 

“... Maybe.”

“Figures.” Orange eyes rolled towards the heavens. This boy and his stomach...

“Whatever.” He gave her an eye roll of his own, licking his now meatless skewer clean. It then found a home in a nearby trashcan with one of those trademark lazy wrist flicks he usually employed when throwing his shades at people. His tongue went to work at his fingers next, lapping up whatever grease had dripped onto them. “Why are you so insistent on playing matchmaker all of a sudden anyway? Biological clock screaming for you to get grandkids already or something?” 

He sniggered when her fist found his shoulder, smirking down at her. She actually looked somewhat miffed by his words. It felt nice to be the one doing the playful needling to get a rise rather than the one on the receiving end for a change.

“Hilarious. But no. Figured it might do you some good to talk to someone not living on the Favour for a change; maybe even make some friends that aren’t a walking tank twenty years your senior.”

“Closer to ten, actually,” K’ corrected, swiping his grubby fingers on his chaps. From the corner of his eye he could see her jaw unhinge with disbelief, mouthing what the fuck. The corner of his lips twitched upwards. The big guy sitting right on the cusp of being thirty must not have been a topic these two discussed during all their gossiping. “He’s not actually as old as he looks and acts; ask him when we get back if you don’t believe me.”

Reyna shook off her astonishment, brows furrowing further. She made a mental note to interrogate Maxima sometime; unravel some of the secrets of this enigma of a man who said much but gave away little. “Ten years then. Whatever. Point is, you really need to get out and talk to more people your age.” 

That garnered an abrupt mood change. His nostrils flared with a loud sigh. 

“That’s a nice sentiment and all, mom, but what would I even talk about? I don’t know shit about whatever’s popular, or trendy, or whatever; I can’t connect with them on that level. I could talk about how to kill someone with just your fists, but that’s more liable to scare them off.” K’ scoffed, turning his head to the side to spit disdainfully after his mini tirade, temper flaring as it usually did whenever he brushed upon the subject of his years in NESTS’ clutches. “Just forget it. I’m not normal, I can’t-“ 

A sudden sense of danger made his flames rankle beneath his skin. His head jolted up in time to witness something glistening slicing through the air straight towards them.

Acting on pure instinct, his gauntleted hand snapped out, snagging the projectile midair with some slight aid from translocation’s syrupy blanket settling over him. His grip shuddered at the moment of impact; a testament to the strength and speed behind whoever had thrown it. Unease stirred at the sight of an icicle - long and wickedly pointed - clenched between his red plated fingers, stopped mere inches from spearing through the lens of Reyna’s eyepatch. 

It didn’t snow on this chunk. 

Reyna went cross-eyed looking at that pointed tip until K’ crushed the icicle to fragments with a harsh squeeze. A shiver ran through her body, unbidden, at the near death experience. If he had been a fraction of a second too slow, she would’ve had a sizeable hole in her eye and brain right now...

“Th’ fuck was...” she trailed off, eye sliding to peer at something - someone - approaching beyond K’s shoulder. His own eyes followed suit.

Both of them could see a lone girl, young and beautiful in a doll like way, brushing past the now panicking festival goers. There was something downright ethereal about her appearance. Slender, with skin that was alabaster pale. Eyes wide and magenta, childlike, yet distinctly lacking emotion. And her hair... It was a soft, light blue and seemed to be moving of its own volition, fanning out then settling across her back at regular intervals. Tiny diamonds with no known source glittered around her body at random, winking in and out of existence. 

No, not diamonds, Reyna realised. Ice crystals.

There was no time to puzzle over the phenomena, nor the girl herself, when she slammed a platformed heel against the ground. In the same instant, that strange blue hair snapped out like peacock feathers. A sudden gust of sheer cold air swept through the marketplace, forcing mother and son to shield their faces from the gale or else become blinded. Ice bloomed in the wake of it, swallowing everything in a crystalline coat. Buildings, stalls, people... it didn’t discriminate, encasing everything it touched. The only ones spared such a fate were the two of them and the girl. Slowly, they both lowered their arms, taking in the sudden winterised landscape, peppered with people-shaped sculptures.

“Jilted girlfriend?” Reyna quipped, already sliding her pistol from its holster.

K’ shook his head, straightening into his fighting stance. “Never seen her before in my life.” Her appearance did make him frown, however. Dismissing the colours, the girl’s choice in clothing seemed somewhat similar to his own. That struck him as odd. It also fed a little more into his general unease, though he couldn’t place why he was feeling as such. “But with powers like that, I don’t doubt she’s one of NESTS’ lackeys.”

“Heh. I was wondering when they’d finally take the fight to us.” Reyna’s grin was all teeth. The pistol was loud in the suddenly dead quiet space when she primed it, aiming it at the girl. Finally it seemed like her efforts in rooting the bastards out were paying off. If she kept it up maybe the head of it all would finally reveal themselves and she could cut it off; finally give her son some piece of mind and the chance to move on with his life. Her voice raised and hardened to address their new foe. “Your organisation picked the wrong person to fuck with, kiddo. I don’t take kindly to anyone who thinks it’s fun to mess with my home or my people.”

Her words weren’t acknowledged. Instead, the girl took several long, quick strides forward. Her gait gradually evolved with every step, becoming longer and smoother until a gentle shushing noise reached the pair’s ears. Skating, they realised, now noticing the blades that had appeared beneath her boots, helping her to glide along the frozen ground, straight for them. It seemed she was intent on a fight. 

K’ clicked his tongue, taking three long strides of his own forward. Pitting ice against fire was stupid; the winner here was pretty clear cut in his eyes. Had NESTS lost the plot, or was there more to this girl than met the eye? Never mind that; there would be time to puzzle it later. For the meantime, his right fist rose in a sharp upwards motion, brilliant burning scarlet bursting to life around it in a thick coat. Briefly, the flames hung in the air when he removed his hand, packed together densely, before a spinning kick sent them careening towards the girl like some dangerous sort of football. 

In an unprecedented turn of events, rather than dodge, her skates left the icy ground in a jump. Arms raised, she twirled with all the grace of a professional figure skater, long hair swirling. The blades at her feet sliced K’s flames to harmless ribbons. She landed perfectly, matching his shocked expression with that same blank one she’d sported since her appearance. Not a single hair on her head was singed. 

One leg snapped up high in a kick of her own as she allowed her own momentum to continue pushing her forward. A jagged hunk of ice bloomed at the apex of the kick and was sent hurtling towards K’. Swearing, he threw up his right arm protectively, bidding more flames into existence. They adopted the form of a messy sort of shield. Most of the ice melted upon contact with it. His cheek, however, was sheared by one of the outermost spiky protrusions before it, too, melted into water and steam. 

Unnoticed until now, Reyna had crept towards the side of the clashing kids, waiting for the best opportunity to strike. While the girl was rebalancing after that kick was as good an opening as any, she figured; it’d be stupid not to seize it. Gunfire rang out, the pistol’s familiar thrumming jolting her arm straight to the bone with each successive shot. Powers or no, this kid was sure to bleed like any other when hit by a bullet - K’ had unintentionally proven that to her on a few past missions gone awry. And the faster they took her down, the faster they could interrogate her about the people she worked for. With that in mind, most of her shots were aimed at her limbs and mostly non-vital spots around the torso.

The girl hadn’t fully set her other foot back on the ground again when she raised a palm in Reyna’s direction the moment she heard the gunfire. A thin, translucent pane of ice materialised moments before the bullets’ impact. Every single one hit it with a dull click and fell, ends flattened notably, then bounced across the ground, useless. She let the shield dissipate to twinkling powder, putting on a fresh burst of speed to avoid the continuing onslaught of bullets, still making a direct beeline towards K’. He stopped thumbing at the gash on his cheek and widened his stance, arms up, intent on meeting her head on. Except she turned sharply at the last possible second, skates screeching and flinging shredded ice into his eyes. While she left him in the dust cursing and clearing his vision, she kept her new target firmly within her sights. The bullets were slalomed past, or another of those thin ice shields created to take the blow when she miscalculated where one was being fired next. 

There wasn’t a spare moment for Reyna to reload her now empty clip. The girl cruised by her harmlessly after she dived to the side to avoid an icy dagger to the chest. One of the frozen festival goers was on the receiving end instead, audibly shattering into bloody shards upon impact of the weapon. Reyna grit her teeth. The first unnecessary casualty... She rolled upon landing with a grunt but couldn’t get up, instead slipping and sliding uncontrollably along the ice until her back hit one of the stalls. 

She’d barely found her feet and was planning on reloading when the girl was in the midst of skating over for round two. Reyna sucked in a harsh breath, leaning backwards to avoid a high upwards kick that went above the girl’s head - flexible little shit; just like her son - and was tipped with those wicked looking skates. The blades were as clear blue as the surroundings and sharp as all hell. One of the collar flaps of her jacket split cleanly in the wake of their path, the rent in the leather a sizeable one. That leg came down again like a slender axe and Reyna was only barely successful at dodging it, too. She was all too aware of her uncertain footing; that one misstep would mean her doom. Evidently, so was the girl, as her assault didn’t stop for even a moment. A hand stretched for Reyna’s face, clad in a yellow copy of K’s own gauntlet, but far less scuffed. Biting cold billowed out from the palm, the magnifier within her eyepatch picking up tiny snowflakes forming within it. She didn’t have enough room or time to dodge this attack

“Shi-!“ Something dark blurred by, snarling, and the girl yelped, high and shrill; the first noise she’d uttered since this encounter. Reyna only barely caught sight of black leather smearing by before the girl was violently hurtled to the side.

She and K’ tumbled gracelessly, shoulders and hips smacking the ice hard enough to bruise as they struggled against one another. Their hands grappled at each other, squeezing hard when they connected and clawing wildly at faces when they didn’t. Using his weight to his advantage, K’ kept her firmly pinned beneath him. Though she struggled valiantly, she couldn’t gain an inch of freedom. Her movements became increasingly more panicked when he started shoving their connected hands closer towards her face, his flaring to life with flame. In another first, there was now emotion in the girl’s eyes, the dancing tongues of his powers reflected in their magenta depths: fear. She inhaled sharply. Then exhaled a cloud of frigid air directly into his face. K’ yelled out in surprise, flames sputtering. He released her hand to palm blindly at his face. His eyelashes felt frosted shut; he couldn’t fight like this! 

Capitalising on his weakness, the girl grabbed him by the shoulders and in a surprising show of strength, managed to flip him over so now he was the one pinned. Her knees squeezed against his ribs to keep herself in place. Crackling filled the air as a fresh icicle formed in her hands, as wickedly long and sharp as the one she’d thrown to announce her presence. She raised it above her head, eyes locked onto her target: the open front of his jacket.

Hands of flesh and steel clapped just above the tip. K’ grunted, squinting through barely open eyes and straining to keep the construct from closing those final few inches to pierce his chest. The girl strained back, shoving down harder. There was a determined knit between her blue brows. The tip wavered between them, but ultimately kept inching downwards. It prodded his pectoral. A tiny bead of red swelled up to kiss it. His heart hammered wildly beneath his breastbone, blue eyes widening at this turn of events. Unprecedented as it was, he was losing this battle of strength. 

Desperate, K’ clamped down harder and shoved the icicle sideways. Caught off guard, the girl’s grip around it fumbled. As did her knees at his ribs. K’ bucked until she was dislodged, squeaking in pain at the collision of her chin against the hard ground. He planted a boot against her side to shove her fully off, rolling onto his stomach to try and crawl back onto his feet. He could see Reyna aiming an evidently reloaded pistol and increased his efforts to rise so he could be out of the way, giving her a clear shot. He’d managed to tentatively find his knees when a hand snagged him by the belt. His teeth clicked together painfully as he was yanked back down, grunting and sprawling flat on his stomach across the icy ground. He looked over his shoulder in time to see an icy dagger sink into his ribs from the side.

At first there was just the sharp pain from the initial moment of impact. But then she shoved the weapon in deeper, until her fist touched his jacketed side. That was when the coldness began to invade his body, sudden and biting, as she used the ice dagger as a conduit to channel her powers directly into his bloodstream. He couldn’t even fight back, too startled and too overwhelmed by just how freezing it was to gather his own powers to counter hers. All he could manage was a few thin gasps and wounded noises as his vision darkened and body slackened. A full body shiver swept through him. He didn’t like it. So cold. Too cold. Like being shot with several dozen overdoses worth of the suppressant in his gauntlet. The blood seeping through his jacket exacerbated it; less frigid, but still a source of cold. Still bad. Had to move. Had to get away. 

A gargantuan effort was expended trying to drag himself forward, hoping to get close enough for his mother to assist him. But he couldn’t get a decent grasp on the smooth ground, and the girl still latched onto him was extra weight dragging him down, so he ultimately went nowhere. Gauntleted fingers twitched weakly. Things were slowing - thoughts, breaths, heartbeat - and the surrounds were darkening. A gunshot sounded, duller then it should have been, followed by the harsh ping of metal hitting metal. The girl yelped and the hand at his side left. Her weight keeping him pinned followed suit as more bullets tracked her. No more ice slithered into his body, but the damage was done. He tried to focus on that bobbing crest of red growing larger with Reyna’s hasty approach. But in the end he gave in to the dark and the cold, eyes flickering shut as she slid towards him on her knees.

The girl skipped across the ice to avoid Reyna’s bullets, somewhat less graceful than before. Clearly, she’d been caught off guard, but she spared no gloating thoughts for that detail, and only stopped firing when Little Miss Frost was a decent distance away. Teeth found one of the fingers of her glove, yanking it off with one swift motion. Her hand shook as pressed her fingers against K’s neck, eyes straying from the girl - dangerous as that was - to gauge his condition. His pallor was off, pale with hints of blue at the lips. The usual elevated temperature of his skin was completely absent, more akin to a cooling campfire than the living heater she’d come to know over this past year. She couldn’t feel anything but that cold radiating off him. Already it was starting to numb her own fingers, making her question if there had been a faint flutter of a heartbeat just now or if it was a mere product of wishful thinking. Teeth found her lip, biting down just shy of being hard enough to break the skin and draw blood. 

“Come on, starburst...” she hissed, words wavering. “Don’t do this to me.”

Blue in her peripheral grabbed her attention in an instant; jolting the gun up, eyes moving for a clearer view. She fired. Frozen shards and diamond dust exploded in the air a few feet away. Already, more was gathering in the girl’s hands. Reyna grit her teeth, removing her hand from K’s neck and pushing to her feet. Damn this fucking kid... damn the people she worked for! She tugged her glove back on then palmed blindly at her communicator, already on the move. Her current location flashed on-screen, the coordinates pinged to her Rogues with no other message. They’d all come running to her aid in a heartbeat, it was simply a matter of fending off the ice doll long enough for the arrival of whoever was closest at hand. Whoever it was, she hoped they were fast; there might still be enough time to save her son. 

Using that thought as fuel to keep her going, Reyna widened her steps, pushing them outwards and allowing her boots to slide along the ice rather than go against it, in such a manner it mimicked roller skating. It was awkward initially and probably made her look a right fool, but using this bastardised skating method, she was able to move along the ice with considerable more ease and speed than before. She was already bearing down on Miss Frosty, her scowl letting the brat know that any scrap of kiddie gloves she’d been wearing up until now were well and truly off. She meant business. Small and broken as it was nobody - nobody - was allowed to mess with her family again!

That same blank stare matched her glare. Yellow-clad hands slammed against the ground. A few feet away, a jagged lance burst from the icy ground. More followed in a line, erupting upwards in much the same manner. Reyna dropped low, a gloved palm smacking the ground to help make a hasty turning manoeuvre to avoid them. Frigid air kissed her cheek in passing. Sharp tips bloomed to life from the corner of her eye, growing to stretch for her face, but falling short as she slid off to the side and out of reach. The pillars didn’t track her progress, instead marching on in a straight path. 

She wobbled back to her feet, leaning in with her momentum and to the side to speed back up again and go for a wide, gradual turn. Once the brat was back in line with her sights, she resumed her improvised skating gait. The next time those gauntleted hands rose, the pistol did too. A bullet pinged off the planting of the glove harmlessly, but it made the girl flinch all the same, the concentration for whatever attack she’d been planning broken. She actually began to retreat when Reyna’s assault didn’t stop, more bullets ringing against the metal protecting her hands. The plan was to hit something vital in those gauntlets and see if her powers went haywire like K’s did without that (assumed) suppression method in pristine working order. But it was difficult when the more vulnerable parts of it - the black, ribbed underglove peeking through all the yellow segments to allow joint movement - were so small. And moving targets to boot.

The second empty clip of this encounter was ejected. She didn’t have many left on her person, having not expected what was supposed to be a peaceful night turn out this terribly. Her expectation of things going awry during this festival was a gang war or something similar; a cryokinetic had never factored into the equation. She was overwhelmingly ill equipped to deal with this situation, especially with her son - her best bet at keeping the playing ground even - reduced to a bleeding, maybe even dead, popsicle.

Rather than reload, Reyna reeled her hand back during the final stretch of her approach. She lashed out, pistol whipping, the moment she was within arms’ reach of the ice doll. Swears tumbled from her mouth, grip on the gun almost lost, when it jarred against one of those protective thin panes rather than that pretty skull. For something so flimsy looking it was durable as all hell. She slid on by, rubbing the soreness from her arm. When no retaliatory attack occurred, she twisted awkwardly and was met by the sight of the girl’s retreating back. Brows furrowed. Why would she leave now? Even with her gun, they both knew Reyna’s chances of prevailing in this battle were slim to none; she was the slower, weaker one in this tussle, it made no sense to...

K’ was still laying prone in the middle of the plaza.

Sure enough, he seemed to be her target, every glided stride towards him long and full of purpose. Was he the true target of this assault then?

“Sonnova...!” Out of habitual reflex Reyna raised her left arm, going to fire off a protective shield of purple to cover him. 

Except nothing happened. She hadn’t brought her shield booster along, figuring the pistol and her walking blowtorch son would be enough protection. Stupid! Frantic hands fumbled around her jacket for another clip. Only two left... And her Rogues were still no shows. Shit.

After a few jittery attempts that failed miserably, the gun was reloaded. She spun in place and lined it up, using the tech in her eyepatch to focus on her target. Inhale. Focus. Aim steady...

The girl fell flat on her face, crying out. One of her skates burst into twinkling shards, leaving a useless, jagged protrusion sticking out from the sole of her boot. She hadn’t expected it to actually be made of ice too... but the end result was still good, regardless; she’d fallen short of K’, tumbling gracelessly, and was turning back in her direction, rubbing her nose. A thin trickle of red oozed a slow path to her upper lip.

“That’s right,” Reyna growled. “Eyes on me, you damn squirt. Gotta finish your dinner before you get dessert; you ain’t done with me yet by half.”

Irritation drew the ice doll’s brows down. Her cheeks puffed. The useless skate crumbled to twinkling powder and a fresh one took its place, ice slipping through a previously unseen slit in the bottom of the boot and taking shape, equally as sharp as its predecessor. She took a moment to swipe away the tears that had gathered at her eyes as a result of her fall, and smear the bloody nose onto her sleeve, pushing back into a stand. Reyna readied herself as the gentle shushing of skates filled the air once again. In her pocket, the comm device continued its intermittent flashing. She turned, intent on leading the ice doll further away. Orange eyes darted about the frigid surrounds. The only people shapes she could pick out were sculptures frozen mid movement; all blue, without a trace of steel or orange to be found. Time... she needed to buy more of it.

-

Awareness bled in slowly for K’. With it came the cold, making him shiver and moan. Pins and needles popped beneath his skin, flames sluggish, but not snuffed. A bloom of heat was amassing in his core, gradually melting away the lingering ice in his system and bringing an iota more strength with every second that passed. It felt like he was full of lead, every breath shallow and laboured. His left pinkie twitched. Feeling was returning, though the numbness persisted around his chest and one cheek. 

Bad. Don’t like that. 

Greedily, he clung to the spreading heat - that felt nicer; good.... better... - relishing in it even as he continued to be wracked by shivers. He drifted in and out to the sounds of gunfire and some strange cracking that made his hackles raise, even while in this semi-conscious state. The cold lingered, but it didn’t seem as biting with every new stirring of awareness. With its retreat, more feeling returned, and with sensation came pain; various dull aches and one particularly sharp, insistent spot on his torso that throbbed steadily. Silver brows furrowed, mouth twisting into a grimace. It was annoying, making it harder to indulge in the comforting darkness creeping back in.

A scream made him grapple harder for consciousness rather than fight it. It was a voice he knew but couldn’t place right this second, thoughts still too hazy in regards to anything that wasn’t pain or cold. 

With a monumental effort, he eventually managed to force his eyes open. Clear blue. Red. Fuzzy. Swimming in and out of focus. The red moved when he forced his fingers to curl. Darken... Blink, sharpen. Steam drifted from his lips in time with every breath. His eyes, half lidded, rolled up. More blue. More shapes. People? Blink, sharpen. Red on the blue, faraway streaks and dribbles in nonsensical patterns. More blue, brighter and opaque, chasing brown with a tiny beacon of red on top. Blink, blink, sharpen, chasing away another wave of darkness. A harsh bark of gunfire, silver muzzle flashing in time with it. Bullets and ice, clashing in a deadly dance, the ricocheting harsh in the otherwise still air. Blink, sharpen. A crest of dyed hair, bedraggled from sweat and combat. That trademark jacket sporting sizeable tears, red seeping through the largest gash in the front. 

His head swam, everything shifting dizzily as he forced himself to move; to push up onto trembling hands and knees with growing urgency. His side continued its angry throbbing, pulsing in time with every heartbeat. His teeth wouldn’t stop clicking together. Continual shivers made it difficult to move. 

This is nothing. You’ve been through worse. Move. 

He planted a foot against the ice. Then a second. The dizziness heightened. He swayed but didn’t fall. Every heavy step was more of a stagger that threatened to devolve into a fall. He didn’t. Somehow. But even if he did, he would have forced himself up again. His eyes remained trained on the blood trails, doggedly following their path to their source.

-

Reyna couldn’t move any further. There was a wall at her back and the alley entrance blocked, preventing any plans of escape. From this distance, the girl looked like little more than a strange tendril-heavy shadow blocking the light every time her hair did that eerie fanning out movement. She kept a hand pressed against her chest, stemming the flow from a sizeable cut as she tracked her adversary’s slow approach. There were more, but smaller, welts, and what felt like developing bruises all over her body. For such a skinny thing, Miss Frost certainly packed a mean punch. 

Skates grinding echoed through the small passage, the lithe little grim reaper clearly eager to finish her off. Reyna didn’t raise her gun. Why bother? It was useless now, the last of her bullets lost trying to cover her retreat into this unfortunate dead end. It hadn’t exactly helped her much to begin with, anyways, the only thing to show for her efforts a few minor dents in those yellow metal gloves. No perforations nor blood, save her own, unfortunately.

Twin icy daggers materialised in the girl’s hands, frost crackling as they took shape. Those magenta eyes weren’t so blank now. Reyna felt some small sense of accomplishment at having cracked that cold exterior, making irritation bleed through, even if she still wasn’t certain which, exactly, of her words or actions had prompted it. Her grip on the pistol tightened, coolly holding the girl’s gaze. She wondered if she could get one last hit in before she bit the dust... Maybe break that pretty little nose... Hopefully her Rogues would have more luck. Assuming they arrived on the scene in time. Reyna’s arm tensed, drawing back in preparation to strike for what may just be the final time in her life...

And then K’ blurred into view a few feet in front of her. 

Joy at seeing him alive and moving switched to worry when he stumbled. He still looked worse for wear, panting raggedly, skin pale, and shivering noticeably. Yet he managed to catch himself before his face could kiss the concrete. Boots planted stubbornly, pivoting him in place to face the still encroaching threat. He thrust his right hand up, palm extended. The left grasped his forearm bracingly. His shoulders tensed, orange wisps flickering between his fingers. Those magenta eyes widened, the girl attempting to backpedal. They both knew the attempt would be futile. K’ reached deep inside himself, gathering every scrap of energy he had left, forcing the twisting warm presence within him together into one large mass and then diverting it all towards his arm. It began to tremble as the pressure within mounted. The red metal encompassing his hand turned redder still, the air around it warping. 

A scream tore from his throat - not so much one of his fierce battle cries as it was of pain - as flame roared out in a rolling blanket, large and blistering hot as a dragon’s breath. He caught a brief flash of blue-white before the alley was completely filled with his fire, ice rapidly growing into a thick protective dome over the girl mere milliseconds before the flames’ impact. He’d also seen her manage to finally skid to a stop and crouch, arms protectively thrown over her head, before the ice swallowed her up. A second scream filled the air, competing with his own and the deafening crackled snarls of his flames; high with terror and slightly echoed.

Steam billowed, filling the alley and spilling outwards in a dense cloud, as fire and ice struggled against one another. Reyna shielded her face, squinting through the cracks of the protective barrier of her arms. It was difficult to see anything beyond the steam and the living wall of angry roiling crimson. But peering between the gap of K’s arms, looking right at the centre of where the fire was being directed, she could catch slivers of blue amongst all the red and orange. It was some sort of ice cocoon or dome, she thought. At least from what little of its form she could make out. It shifted as much as the fire, rapidly melting in on itself under the heat, then hastily growing another thick sheet to patch the area over for fortification. Frankly, it was impressive that it was holding up at all, and it spoke volumes of just how extensive the ice doll’s strength and control over her abilities must be. But Reyna had to wonder just how long she could keep it up. She wasn’t even in the line of fire - was in the coolest, safest possible spot in the alley - and the heat was still oppressive as all hell. Holed up in an igloo or not, that girl was sure to cook.

A small eternity passed - seconds? Minutes? - before the impasse came to an end. 

Flames ceased pouring from K’s hand, as abruptly as if a tap had been turned off. The thick collection of tongues still in the air lingered for a few seconds before eventually wisping away, leaving only lingering heat and a sparse handful of tiny, but stubborn, fires licking at the cement and brickwork. The ice dome, now fully in view through the thinning steam, was still intact. But only barely; it was a misshapen mess, sagging in places and melting heavily. Slowly, Reyna lowered her arms. The girl, if she was still alive, didn’t emerge from her crumpling shelter at all. K’ also didn’t move from where he was standing, still keeping his hand outstretched and braced by the other. Though another tremble ran through his entire body and he began to list to one side the longer she watched, his knees buckling.

Reyna was by his side in a heartbeat, jamming her useless gun into its holster on the way there, barely managing to catch him around the waist before he fell. His lanky body leaned against her heavily, barely able to support itself. The gash on her chest complained but she ignored it; compartmentalised it to deal with later. “Jesus, Kay!” 

She fussed, swiping his sweaty fringe away and cupping his face to assess his state. A tiny noise that could have been a protest croaked from his mouth between uneven gasps but he didn’t shove her away; couldn’t, rather. He grit his teeth, eyes squeezing shut. Trembling fingers rose, attempting to claw at his chest but fell short, dropping weakly by his side. She wasn’t too sure what was wrong, but he’d obviously messed himself up seriously pulling a strenuous stunt like that after being severely hypothermic and out of commission only minutes earlier. 

“You idiot fucking kid... Hey. Hey, look at me.” She had to tilt his head to grab his attention, and even then his focus was skewed. When he forced his eyes open the pupils were dilated, his stare hazy. “Just hang on okay? Stay awake; that’s an order.” She knew he hated those with a passion; with any luck his temper would help him stay conscious.

Reyna readjusted her grip, slinging one of his jacketed arms across her shoulders. He bit out a small moan as his injured side was pressed against her, the blood-tacky leather sticking unpleasantly. Gentle assurances were murmured, the arm at his waist pushing forward insistently to get him to move alongside her, even as her own injured chest shrieked its grievances. Every one of his steps was heavy and uncoordinated, threatening to send them both crashing into the pavement if she wasn’t vigilant. They began to edge around the sweating ice dome to exit the alley, Reyna sparing a nervous peek over her shoulder once it was behind them.

The girl was alive. Unburnt. But she remained curled up and trembling, hands wrapped protectively over her head with her back to them. Her shoulders hitched with sobs, just loud enough to be echoed in her dilapidated shelter and carry to Reyna’s ears. Her chest twisted hearing it. Jesus... for all that power, she really was just a kid in the end. Not for the first time, she couldn’t believe just how messed up NESTS was. Child freaking soldiers... Her grip on K’ tightened. 

Reyna marched on, resolute, leaving the girl to cower.

-

Spurred into action by the screaming, Diana and Foxy had ceased surveying immediately and charged into action. Rooftops were vaulted without so much as a pause in their stride until they dropped into the alley the noises originated from, boots thumping against the cement. They were quick to rise, taking hasty strides towards the sweating lump of ice. The pinching in their expressions relaxed some when the body within was still very much alive. Though the state of her was worrying. Blue skirts and red cape pooled around their ankles when the pair crouched by the open mouth of the ice construct.

“Kula,” Diana called out softly. There was a brief pause in the shaking shoulders. “It’s okay. We’re here now.”

Slowly, hands were lowered from head. A pale cheek peeked over a shoulder. Tears freely ran from the girl’s eyes, leaving tracks on her skin that began to frost over during their downward journey. She choked out a sob. The ice around her crumbled, shards of all sizes clattering against the cement. On hands and knees she scrambled over, hurling herself into outstretched arms and burying her face into the crook of the woman’s neck. Diana murmured gently, rubbing soothing circles against her back. Kula’s trembling began anew, more and louder sobs ripping from her throat.

“He,” she choked out, fingers fisting the back of Diana’s top. Snot joined the tears, wetting her shoulder, though she didn’t complain, still holding Kula close. “Sc-scary. He was so scary! It was so hot! I-“

“Ssh. I’ve got you.” Diana pressed a kiss into the soft blue locks, pressing the girl closer against her. She continued to snivel, trembling and whimpering. “You’re safe now.”

Foxy chewed her lip, eyes shifting from Kula’s trembling frame to catch her fellow’s. “Shall I catch them?” she inquired softly. At Diana’s nod, she rose. Two steps and she was by the huddled pair’s sides. She stooped, pressing a kiss of her own into Kula’s hair. “Good girl... You did very well.”

A fresh sob made her heart squeeze. By her side, her fists clenched, watching those slender shoulder shake harder. She was going to make that pair pay for every single one of those tears being shed. Foxy’s coat flared with her abrupt rise and turn. 

“I’m off,” she announced brusquely, jaw squared.

“See you at the rendezvous.” Diana watched her departure through lidded eyes. Come back safe they seemed to say.

Gloved fingers dragged across her bare shoulder in parting and promise. Then Foxy was gone, blurring away to begin her pursuit.

[retro-pure-jdonica]

Friend on Friend, at the End of the End

Chapter 2-------------------------

I wake up the next morning to bright sunlight spilling in through my half-closed blinds. I walk over to the window and assume by the busy streets and sun positioning that it was around eight or nine in the morning. Not having fully explored the house I was temporarily assigned to yesterday, I decide to wander around for a bit as I wait for the girls to arrive. Yesterday Heather Chandler mentioned that by today I would be sorted into my guild, so I assumed that meant that they would come get me. If they take too long and I get hungry, I could always find something to write a note on and leave it hanging on the front door if I go back down to Main street to get food.

As I mindlessly wander around the house, looking into small rooms and cabinets, I begin to realize how quickly I had been welcomed into the state. They just let me in; no screening, no waiting, no examination, no nothing. At all of the other states I had encountered, which were numerous by now, there had been some long process where I was kept in cramped living quarters before being allowed to roam. They also typically took my stuff to either search for other weapons or to take away from me for good. Many states just downright rejected me.

They see people like me, the majority of the population, as some form of threat. Since we hop from state to state, they see us as disloyal or barbaric, unable to form bonds. Although, hopping from state to state is what we had to do. Ever since the initial Exposure and the collapse of the US government, no state that I had encountered had stayed stable for more than two years. I guess Politeia really did want to expand and take in more citizens.

My train of thought was soon interrupted by the high pitched sound of a doorbell echoing throughout the large, almost empty house. I saunter from the kitchen towards the small, wooden door. Upon answering the ring, I am unsurprisingly greeted by the three girls I had met yesterday.

“Hello, Veronica, are you ready to pick your job?” Heather Chandler asks me, her familiar cheerful voice raising my spirits.

“Sure,” I reply with a soft smile, stepping out onto the porch and following the three down the street. Now that I wasn’t being bombarded with information like I was yesterday, I take the time to truly examine my surroundings.

At first glance, Politeia looked very similar to many other states I had lived in before, at least before riots when the states were collapsing. Most states were formed a respectable distance from the bomb sites of The Attempted Wipeout, since it would be pointless to try to completely rebuild a city when there were other cities that were still in tact, so only a few of the buildings had major structural defects. No house or building was perfect; many had shattered or missing windows, broken fences surrounding them, or some damage to the roofing, although most of it was cosmetic. Yesterday Heather told me that the damage was catastrophic, but that appeared to be somewhat of an over exaggeration, possibly to make it seem as if the state overall has high standards. As we began to transition from the neighborhoods to Main street, the attempt at complete restoration became much for prominent.

Making glass was still a struggle, so many of the holes where windows once were had metal bars lining in them to prevent thievery. Once we approached the Town Hall building, it was made very obvious that the Town Hall was the focus of the entire subdivision. The clean and smooth exterior walls decorated with landscape and flower paintings and the sturdy wooden doors created a welcoming demeanor, and the charts and documents mounted to the front of the building, informing the common citizens on upcoming events, suggested order and stability; all of these were qualities that other states thrived to possess.

“So, this is our town hall for the northwest subdivision B of Politeia.” Heather Chandler comments as we enter through the large, heavy doors. “If you will follow me, the Occupation Wing is just down this hallway.” She instructs, and I do as told, as the soft muffled sound of our worn out shoes dragging against the cold stone flooring follows us as we walk.

“As we mentioned yesterday, there are six different major guilds as of right now; manual labor, social activities, education, domestic, speciality, and government positions, but as Heather also mentioned you have to be elected into that guild.” Heather Duke reminds me as we enter a large room with intimidatingly high ceilings, filing cabinets and workers at desks lining the barren walls. “Do you have any ideas as to which one you may be interested in, or do you want us to walk you through them a little bit more?”

I take a moment to ponder my options. I almost immediately ruled out manual labor and speciality; I was never very strong nor was I very crafty in the way that would be of value to the state, such as textiles or cooking. Education seemed very intriguing, and I have had past experience in teaching in other states. In fact, at the state I had just left about a week ago, Canora, I was an assistant at a foster home. I wasn’t around long enough to see a single child be adopted, and many of them died or were left behind when the state fell. “Could you tell me a little bit more about the education guild?”

“I think we can let Mac handle that one.” Heather Duke smiles, and I assume that she’s referencing Heather McNamara.

“Yes, I’m Heather McNamara, by the way.” She speaks up for the first time today, beginning to lead me over to a certain area. Leaving the other two behind. “So, with us being the welcoming committee of our subdivision, and rather high up in ranking for the social activities guild to, we all oversee another guild. I oversee education, while Heather Chandler has the domestic guild, also she’s highest ranking in the entire social activities guild for our subdivision,” She adds on once we’re completely out of earshot. “And Heather Duke has speciality. We currently offer free schooling, the older teachers have told me that it’s pretty much like what the term public schooling referred to back before The Exposure, for children aged four to twelve. We mainly focus on history, reading, and some theories and practices of survival. Do you have any past experience with education?”

“Not particularly education, but I have worked in foster care before.” I inform her as we approach a large filing cabinet and bookshelf under a hanging sign that read “education”.

“That’s great, but, if you don’t mind me speaking up, may I make a suggestion?” Heater asks kindly, a well-known caution in her voice.

“Of course.”

“I know that I don’t know you too well, but based off of how you present yourself, and the fact that I’ve already taken on somewhat of a liking for you, may I suggest looking into the social activities guild? You have a kind face and a very welcoming demeanor, and we’ve actually been looking for a fourth member of our welcoming committee. So, people just starting in the social activities guild typically have to take a few days of training first, but if it’s alright with you I could go ask Heather Chandler if she thinks you would be fit for the committee, and if she does you could just shadow us today and be on the job by tomorrow.” Heather explains to me, an offer which I am quick to jump on. This is my first official day here and I’m already offered a job rather high up the food chain that typically requires training, which is an absurdly generous offer.

“That sounds wonderful.” I smile, a small laugh trailing through my words.

“Great. I’ll go talk to Heather, but we will have to sort out some paperwork and right a statement saying that you will have an immediate jump up without the prerequisites, but it shouldn’t take any more than an hour. Also, I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but after we dropped you off near your house yesterday the group discussed you a little bit and the other two seemed to really like you too, so your chance of acceptance is rather high.” She informs me, raising my hopes and getting me more excited by the second.

“Thank you so much for this, all of it.” I praise her once again, not even knowing how to respond to such a kind act.

“Of course, and while you’re waiting maybe you could have a walk around town, get to know the surroundings better.” Heather suggests and I nod along before leaving the town hall building whilst the others discuss my future. I take Heather’s suggestion to heart and decide to spend my time trailing around town, but staying close enough so that I’m easy to find once they decide if I’ll be accepted or not.

For being in such close proximity to a bomb drop spot during The Attempted Wipeout, Politeia sure was in good condition. Many windows of buildings were still in tact, you could see clear spots on buildings where they were patched up, and the streets themselves were kept clean. There were a multitude of trees sprouting up in empty grassy areas, but despite the chilly autumn wind there weren’t any dead leaves in the streets. At the cross section of Main street and Chrysanthemum, the street which the many neighborhoods fell on, there was a small park where a few children were at play, accompanied by their parents. There was only a single metal slide, but plenty of open land for exploration. As I begin to walk back down Chrysanthemum to examine the other neighborhoods, I notice a turn onto another street in the distance. It was too far of a walk to be back in time to hear the girls’ decision, but definitely on the table as a choice for future exploration.

As I reach about halfway down the road, it becomes very clear that the farther down you go, the better the houses get. The houses in my current neighborhood were all one story tall, and their original facades were dull, grey and brown bricks. Those were in great contrasts to the other neighborhoods, whose streets were lined with large two-story homes with extravagant front porches and smooth exteriors painted in light, fun colors. Some of the houses were decorated with white shutters or gingerbread trimmings.

After my short wander, I decide to turn back around to get closer to the Town Hall building. If they come out looking for me, I wish to be close enough to hear my name being called. Not any more than five minutes after sitting down on an old wooden bench on the porch of the town hall, Heather Chandler walks out of the large, wooden doors. “Congratulations, Veronica Sawyer, you are now the fourth addition to the welcoming committee of the northwest district of Politeia, subdivision B.” She smiles as she walks over to me.

“That’s amazing, thank you so much!” I express my gratitude, smiling widely.

“Of course. We’ll spend the rest of the day reviewing some of the state’s history and doing some shadowing, but by tomorrow you should be properly up and running on the job.” Heather explains to me, her crystal blue eyes making her energy all the more alluring.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?”

[titansandothersrp]

More Than A Joke

(This is a compiled roleplay between my Beast Boy muse and the Raven muse of @azarathian . This is a very old roleplay we wrote under different usernames, but I labeled our writing with our current usernames.)

azarathian (Raven): The five heroes traipsed through the tower’s entrance wearily after a day’s work. This time, it had been the Hive Five attempting their usual petty crimes of looting from the local bank. Having only gotten in less than an hour’s meditation so far that day, Raven had hardly been enthusiastic about the battle. In fact, it had frustrated her how much effort it had taken to land a decent hit in combat – one that the enemy hadn’t dodged or blocked. At one point, Gizmo had ricocheted her own attack back at her, which sent her flying across the room and left her with grazed knees. Not what you want on an already bad day. “All right!” The metal man beside her stretched his arms out with a crack of his knuckles. “Looks like crime’s butt has officially been kicked for the day, so this guy’s gonna be in the kitchen whippin’ up a well-deserved meatball sub!” Raven honestly didn’t know how Cyborg always managed to sound so energetic, but he did, and in that moment it was especially annoying considering the ache in her muscles and pounding in her head. “Good job today, team,” her leader chimed in, encouraging as ever. “Take it easy for now – we’ve got training tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. sharp. No excuses.” “Joy,” Raven droned, entirely unenthused. The group arrived outside the main ops room, before all seeming to depart to do their own thing. Cyborg, true to word, headed straight for the kitchen, whilst Robin seemed to disappear off to wherever he went during the day; Raven somehow doubted it was his room, probably the research lab – or worse – the gym. “Oh!” proclaimed a suddenly fervent Starfire. “It is time for my favorite show of the television!” The magus watched as the red-head soared over to the sofa and turned as she heard a dejected Cyborg mutter something about having wanted to play the game station.

“I’ll be in my room,” she said to no one in particular, before taking her first steps down the hallway. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy was less than pleased with how the battle had gone, despite his leader’s praise. Sure, they’d ultimately won, but he didn’t feel like he’d contributed as well as he should have. That and Mammoth had overpowered him while he was a mammoth, making him feel like the inferior species. At the mention of a meatball sub, the changeling’s face scrunched in disgust. Maybe he’d have an after battle snack another time. He was more tired than anything, after all. Perhaps he could chill with Starfire and watch TV. He walked over to see what the redheaded alien was watching. It seemed to be a cooking show of some sort. He could live with that… Until the head was cut off a chicken. He responded with a cringe. “Oh, I am sorry, Beast Boy,” Starfire apologized. “This show has the preparing of animals for consumption.” “It’s fine, Star… I think I’ll just catch some Zs,” the green teen responded before heading for his own room. In the corridor, he spotted Raven. “Is it still considered a win if they got in more hits than us?”

azarathian (Raven): To begin, she wasn’t overly pleased that he’d joined her. The girl really only cared about getting to her room and squeezing in whatever meditation she could at this point, especially since having been informed of the wonderful early morning of training she had to look forward to. It was not an ideal time for small-talk.   Keeping her gaze right ahead, she made no effort to slow her pace. The fact he was now reminding her of their not-so-easy victory, further to questioning whether it was a ‘win’ at all, played upon her already heated nerves, and earned him a sharp exhale through her nose. Raven mused for a moment whether it was even worth responding, but ultimately decided to yield. “Maybe they got in more hits than you,” she uttered with little thought. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He wasn’t entirely sure why he tried to initiate conversation with Raven. Maybe just because she was there? He hadn’t really thought about it, as he doesn’t with a lot of things. Perhaps he should have, as she thought it necessary to rub salt in his wounds. Not that it was unusual for her. He looked slightly annoyed, but he let it pass. Scowling and lurking around in a state of gloom wasn’t really his thing; more Raven’s thing. “And what would you have done in my situation?”

azarathian (Raven): He’d shot her a scorned look, she noticed. That, and his ever-blithe voice seemed to slip into something more pointed, more vexed. The last thing she wanted was him raising his voice to her, or any such struggle. Her room was just a few steps round the corner and yet felt miles away. Though she neglected to acknowledge it, it wasn’t Beast Boy that was getting to her; he could’ve said the exact same words to her on a different day, and she perhaps wouldn’t have let it play with her patience as much. Nevertheless, unbeknownst to her teammate, today wasn’t a good day to be starting something with her. Even if, technically, her snarky comment had been the thing to start something…

“Well, not have let Mammoth own me, for starters.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Honestly, Raven’s bad mood didn’t seem all that different than her regular mood to him. She was just the same Raven as always. He considered the slightest good mood from her a miracle. Why must it be so rare though? He tried to get her to crack a smile at just about every opportunity. He wondered why he seemed to always bring out the worst in her instead. “Well, if you know a way to send Mammoth back to the Ice Age, let me know.”

azarathian (Raven): Whatever patience she might’ve possessed before was quickly disintegrating. She might’ve known he’d come up with some kind of joke, and perhaps on another day the girl would’ve merely ignored it, or brushed it off, or given a small sigh in response. But she found her eyes rolling instantly and her lips forming words before she even had the chance to consider that, really, he was just trying to lighten the already dismal mood. “Do you have to make a pun out of everything? Is it like some kind of twitch you can’t control?” she said bluntly, eyes still focused forward. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy generally tried to keep some positivity in any situation, but there’s only so much he can take. Years of being shot down and ignored seemed to be culminating in one moment. He gritted his teeth, fists clinching tightly at his sides. “Do you have to suck the joy out of everything?” He spat back. “Do you have to stomp on any happiness I try to have every time? Maybe that’s why you’re so dark and broody! You just suck all the light and happiness out of everything! Like a big black hole squished into one girl!” He was seething now, breathing through his teeth and resisting the urge to become a great beast and roar at her. azarathian (Raven): One thing Raven could say for certain in that moment: she hadn’t been expecting anything close to the torrent of distemper that fled from the changeling’s mouth. With each word, she questioned whether she was, in fact, talking to the same person she thought she had been. It was incredibly seldom that Beast Boy spat out affronts like this, no matter the situation, and especially not to Raven, of all people. She halted in place, lashing her eyes to meet his. “What?” she snapped, internally reminding herself to not go over the edge; to maintain control. With the way the day had transpired, though, it was proving difficult to follow her own advice. Furthermore, Beast Boy had hit a very deep nerve; her emotional state was not something he wanted to criticize. “I really wouldn’t expect someone as dim as you to get it. I’m going.” She turned again to continue down the corridor to her room, this time with more speed and force in her step. If she thought she needed to meditate before, she definitely needed to now. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): For once in his life, he didn’t care that she was mad. He didn’t care she was glaring daggers at him. He was almost happy she was angry. Maybe now she had the slightest feeling he had when she belittled him at every opportunity. He didn’t flinch at her anger, not even a batted eyelash. He stared right back into her gaze, eyes full of hurt and rage as his lips split to reveal a sharp toothed scowl. Of course, she had to insult him further and just try to leave. “Oh, sure! Go to your room! That’s totally new and unlike you! Just reading dusty old books and not caring about anything!” azarathian (Raven): Again, she found herself pausing abruptly in her step, suddenly swollen with a lawless ire. It sat in her chest and swallowed her lungs, so that her entire torso felt taut and heavy. This was so unlike Beast Boy; if she’d had the patience to stop and wonder what was causing him to act this way, perhaps she wouldn’t have pursued the argument and they would’ve reached a resolution. Nonetheless, that patience was something she lacked entirely in this instance. And all her mind could focus upon was the fact he’d berated her for her most vulnerable trait. “Do you think you have me figured out?” Her voice was begging his reaction, simmering like an oncoming storm. “You don’t. When being in my room causes harm to anyone, then you can judge.” Though the temper was adamant in her tone, she was still repelling; still determined to not let him get the better of her. The feud altogether had seemed to come about in the space of seconds, and she still wasn’t sure exactly why he was acting this way. But if he thought he could speak to her like that, and judge her like that, she was more than willing to correct him. He was her peer, not her superior. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): How he was keeping the beast in himself from returning, he would never know. His insides felt like they were burning with rage. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt so angry. His teeth grew slightly larger in a subconscious transformation to appear more threatening. “Of course I don’t think I have you figured out! You never tell me anything! You never tell anyone anything! No matter how much I try to reach out to you, you just slap my hand away and retreat in on yourself! Locking yourself in your room doesn’t hurt anyone?! What about the friends who love you and just want you to be there?! Ever think about them?!” Though they’d had their rough patches, Beast Boy usually only ever had the best intentions in mind for Raven. Why couldn’t she care about that or at least see it? azarathian (Raven): Raven didn’t flinch, even when that subtle but noticeable snarl escaped from behind his fangs. Her eyes were like pins, sharp and latched onto his.

Her jaw was tight in her mouth as she resisted the urge to abandon composure. And she was close to it. Nothing aggravated the sorceress quite like someone chastising her behavior when, in fact, she had very little say in her emotional exposure herself. It was something she had to be painfully aware of, every day; something she’d been raised and trained in her youth to subdue, for the vulnerability of emotion could only lead to bad things for a girl such as her. That’s what she’d been told. How on earth could someone like Beast Boy appreciate the complexity that came with her past? Regardless, if she chose to isolate herself for periods of the day, it was absolutely none of his business. … However, when his response came tumbling out, the scowl painting her face seemed to almost… melt. Her glare gave way to wide eyes, and her once tight lips were now slightly agape in shock. For a moment, she found her mind had gone blank, and was struggling to reflect upon what he’d actually just said. Did it really matter so much that she wasn’t present within the group as much as they’d like? She’d never thought much of her introversion in regards to concerning her friends, or worse still, neglecting them. It was just… what she’d grown used to. Spending more time on her own than with others. Even after all the years she’d been a titan, even though she wasn’t as bad now as she had been when they first met, it was just the norm. She watched as the boy opposite caught his breath, lost for a reply. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): She seemed to be unable to think of another insult. Good. For once, he wasn’t the one at a loss for words. He huffed through his nose and turned around. “I’m going to my room.”

He stomped over to his door and entered his room. Once Raven was out of sight, Beast Boy was able to calm down the slightest bit. With the tough battle earlier and the recent emotional upset, the changeling was now thoroughly exhausted. Trudging over to his bed, he didn’t even bother to exert the energy needed to get to the top bunk, instead, flopping onto the bottom. The angry thoughts started to fizzle away as he lied face first in his pillow, being replaced with the desire to sleep. Within minutes, the green teen was out cold. azarathian (Raven): She could only watch on as he brushed passed her and disappeared round the corner, where she knew his room awaited. The familiar chink of the sliding door shutting hit her ears whilst she merely eyed the place he’d last been. She blinked, bewildered, feet stuck in place where she stood. What just happened?… The two had been quarreling less and less as of late, even spending more time together - first with her cooking lesson, then with the horror movie - and now, as if out of nowhere, a few careless words had led to the changeling seething at her and storming off to his room. In the aftermath, she felt her chest grow heavy once more, though this time for another reason altogether. She was… disappointed. And, thinking back, she’d been the one to needlessly rile him up in the first place, all because she’d missed some meditation and performed less than her best in battle? She felt guilty, and couldn’t deny the fact even to herself.   Still, with his yell ringing in her ears, she shook the incident from her thoughts as best she could. Hopefully, they both just needed some time alone. So her feet carried her in the shadow of his path, to her own room, just a few meters from his. When she entered, a weighty sigh retreated her lips.

Guess now was a good time to meditate. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Later, Beast Boy groggily woke up, sitting up on his bed and stretching. Man, he really needed that nap. The foul feelings had faded and he was raring to go… well, mostly. A bit of freshening up in the bathroom should get him feeling a hundred percent. As he answered nature’s call and splashed some water onto his face, the changeling started to remember what had transpired earlier. Raven had just been her usual self and he lashed out at her. She’d gotten tired of his bad jokes and he had insulted her. He was at fault, he thought. Raven was just being herself and he should have been used to that. There was no reason for him to have been as cruel as he was, or at all. He sighed as he finished up in the bathroom and headed for her door. He held up a hand and lightly knocked on her door.

“Raven… I’m sorry.” azarathian (Raven): Hood raised, the enchantress hovered above her bed with legs crossed beneath her. Her eyes were closed, cloak draped around her frame, and arms resting limp against her thighs as her mantra resounded softly in her mind. Unbeknownst to the girl, who had lost track of time in her meditative state, three hours had passed since she first entered the sanctum of her bedroom. By now, the once cobalt sky had been shrouded in black beyond her window. The hour was late; at least 10pm. Her mind had calmed significantly since the earlier event with her teammate, for she had used her time reflecting upon her own actions, for once. She had been selfish, which though she seldom cared to admit it, was something Raven tended to be quite often in terms of her lifestyle. She hadn’t considered what effect her harsh words might’ve had on the changeling, instead just letting them flee from her mind without any thought for she needed to take her mood out on somebody. He couldn’t have known to let her retreat to her room in peace. He couldn’t have known she’d been unable to meditate enough for the time she’d been awake and the energy she’d exhausted in battle. True, she very often behaved in such a way towards the green teen, but it was his rebellion on this occasion that had led her mind to wander… And for once, she thought, perhaps she had been - quite simply - mean. Without any good excuse. In many ways, she was both surprised and approving of the fact he’d stood up to her. The issue now was, of course, how to rectify it? “Raven…” Indigo eyes drew open at the sound, but it wasn’t until what followed that she lowered herself back to her mattress. “I’m sorry.” The girl looked to her door. The room was still, until the sound of shifting upon her bed and rising to her feet disturbed it. Having had the time to think, Raven reasoned that it was time for her to take responsibility. He’d even been forgiving enough to make the first move.

She lowered her hood and walked to the door until it slid open half-way, revealing an earnest expression. “I’m sorry too. I just… spoke without thinking.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): She was apologizing too; why? She never apologized for similar things she said in the past. Why start now? He gave a weak smile. “Heh. Sounds like me.” His smile went back to a frown as his ears drooped. “But, seriously…” Beast Boy being serious would normally be a joke, but he was being sincere. “What I said was uncalled for. I know how much it hurts you when someone calls you creepy and stuff like that.” He looked down as he thought back on the incident with Malchior. How she was so happy when he made her feel like she wasn’t creepy. How much it hurt her to find out it was a lie. “Or maybe I don’t know how much.” He looked back up at her. “Just know that, what I said; I didn’t mean it. You’re not a black hole. You’re a person. A caring person, even if you don’t always act like it. If you didn’t care about us, you’d never have defeated Trigon. You care, and that’s what matters. I shouldn’t have forgotten that just because you got sick of my dumb jokes. You shouldn’t forget that over something one little idiot says.” azarathian (Raven): She couldn’t argue with that; it did sound like him. However, when Beast Boy spoke without thinking, the most upset he caused was a chorus of groans due to a foolish comment. If only she could say the same for herself. He continued on, and she absorbed the sincerity present in his face. In many ways, she was somewhat taken aback… He was taking full responsibility, when they both knew that she’d played a major part in provoking his outburst in the first place. It was a rare thing to hear such gravity in his voice, so she granted her full attention to every word. Perhaps he was unsure of how exactly to phrase his apology, but he seemed entirely swamped by a flurry of thoughts which fell from his throat, one after another, and seemed to conclude with a jab back at himself, echoing the kind of insult she’d throw at him. It almost made her wince, hearing the boy call himself an idiot. Clearly her words stuck more than she realized. She sighed, first with eyes closed, then with her gaze to the floor. “It doesn’t matter now,” she returned, voice adrift in the space between them. “You shouldn’t take what I say to heart. I guess neither of us should. But I didn’t realize that all the passing comments kind of… build up.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He found it odd that she told him not to take her words to heart. He knew why he shouldn’t be taken seriously, but her? Was she doubting herself? “Why shouldn’t I take what-” He caught his voice rising and sighed. “Look, we should probably talk somewhere else so we don’t wake anyone up. I was planning to sit on the roof to look at the stars and get some air. Do you wanna talk there?” azarathian (Raven): She’d hate to admit it in words, but at this time, Raven was doubting herself; doubting her incessant criticisms and taunting. To have gotten a reaction like that out of someone as cheerful as the shapeshifter, it must’ve really hurt him. She’d thought the conversation would be swift, and that once their apologies were out in the open, the two would retreat back to their rooms. But his words suggested he had more to say… Raven was initially hesitant to join him, parting her lips to decline and insist she had to continue with her meditation, but two things stopped her from doing so. Firstly, she wanted to hear what he had to say. Clearly something was on his mind and with how she’d treated him earlier, the least she could do was listen to him. And secondly, she noted how little it would accomplish to disappear back into the realms of her room. If anything, it would be like she was proving everything he’d accused her of during the argument to be true. And so, she paused, nodded, then passed the threshold to join him at the other side of her door. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He gave her a slight smile, glad she was willing to step out of her room and talk to him. Once on the roof, he walked over to the ledge and sat down as he looked up at the stars. He’d almost forgotten why he’d come to the roof in the first place. The sky was just so clear, the air so clean, and the stars were beautiful. He took a deep breath of the crisp air and looked over at Raven. She was silhouetted by the moonlight, almost looking like a fancy painting, he thought.   “You said I shouldn’t take what you say to heart. Why? Do you not mean what you say?… Or do you think what you say doesn’t matter?” He knew how that felt, but he doubted she felt the same way. She was the strongest on the team, among the smartest, and arguably the most important. Why would she feel her words didn’t hold meaning? Still, he felt the need to ask. azarathian (Raven): A warm breeze rolled past her, catching the tips of her hair as she joined him on the roof’s edge. In the distance, a vast skyline cascaded over the ocean, shimmering with stippled light. Not a cloud was in sight to smirch the pristine night sky, azure with its ceiling of stars. She inhaled the crisp air, sight lost to the horizon but mind drawn only to the voice beside her.

“That’s not it,” she began, trying to conjure the best words to explain. Cloak billowing behind her, she leaned back a touch on the palms of her hands, fingers curled around the rim of the roof. “When I say stuff like that, I’m absent. I’m not really thinking about who I’m talking to; mostly, something else is on my mind and it just comes out.” She hoped she was making sense. It was difficult to explain why she consistently jabbed at her friend in particular, even she didn’t fully know, but it had merely become a habit. “Like I said, I spoke before thinking. I shouldn’t have.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Beast Boy rubbed his head, thoroughly confused. “I can’t say I really get it. I’m guessing it has to do with your powers or something. So you don’t always mean it when you say something hurtful; is that it?” He looked back at the stars. “I can’t say I blame you that much. A lot of what you say is true. It can just hurt to hear it over and over again.” He flinched, hands tightly gripping the rim of the roof. He hadn’t meant to reveal that about himself. It just slipped out. He stayed silent after, not wanting to say something else he’d normally hide. azarathian (Raven): “It’s nothing to do with my powers,” she corrected him. The fact she felt the need to chastise his puns and jokes was purely her way of handling things. In a good mood, she’d tolerate the jokes - it wasn’t impossible to even get a small laugh from her, if it was a good one. In a bad mood, it wouldn’t take much for them to grate on her nerves, and she would voice this. She was a person of little tolerance, a person who spoke her mind when she felt necessary, and that’s just how it was. Clearly it was harder to explain this to him than she’d realized. And it wasn’t entirely essential that he completely understood, but at the least she wanted him to know it wasn’t personal. He was her friend, but just so happened to also be the one to spur reactions from her. A lot of the time, ones she didn’t care to oblige. Slender fingers rose to tuck her hair behind her ear. “But no, I don’t always mean it. I kind of assumed you already knew that, but…” Apparently he took her words more personally than she’d realized. Her head tilted towards him slightly, though her eyes remained lowered. “What made this time different, though?” she asked, genuinely curious. “We’ve been like this since day one. But I’ve never seen you snap like that.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): If it had nothing to do with her powers, perhaps she could find a way to stop, he thought. He cringed at the question. He really didn’t want to tell her the truth, but, after all that’s happened, he figured he owed her some explanation. He leaned back, took a deep breath, and let it out. “Most people know cats purr when they’re happy.” This seemed completely off topic, but he was going somewhere with this. “So, whenever cats purr, people think the cats are happy. Even if a cat was in an uncomfortable spot, people would assume the cat’s okay if it’s purring. What a lot of people don’t know is, cats can also purr when they’re upset. Cat’s purr when they’re happy, so they also purr when they’re upset to try to calm down.” He hoped she could make the connection so he wouldn’t have to outright say his joking and laughing doesn’t always mean he’s happy. It can mean he’s just trying to be happy. azarathian (Raven): Her initial confusion suddenly gave way to understanding; she was actually surprised by how clearly his analogy reflected his supposed situation, and demonstrated the depth he was able to illustrate for the subject. It was a side to him that was seldom exposed. Something vulnerable; tender. In the back of their minds, all members of the team knew that each of their friends harbored tragic pasts. Sometimes, being so caught up from day to day in her own circumstance, it was easy to forget that Beast Boy was only human. He wasn’t immune to constant degrading, nor was he naïve to pain and loss. Like anyone, he could feel much more than just the carefree temperament he exuded so stubbornly. Raven had always been compassionate and understanding towards her teammates when the time called for it, and immediately she identified this as one of those times. “You don’t need to always act happy for people, you know,” she said, pitch softer than usual. “Sometimes it’s better for everyone to just feel what you feel.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I don’t think it’d be very good for the team to feel what I feel. If I just wallowed in sadness over what can’t be changed, I doubt I’d be able to train, to fight, to think. I know I’m not very smart, but I like to think I have my moments. Plus, if I’m feeling down, I won’t be able to lift anyone else’s mood.” He smiled at her. “I need to be happy, Raven. Not just for me, but for you guys. Plus, who else will make sure you don’t lock yourself in your room forever? Well, maybe Star… but still… If I don’t force happiness, it won’t be good for anyone.” Despite his seeming positivity, he was actually being rather negative. In his mind, being true to himself would be bad for others. azarathian (Raven): ‘What can’t be changed’. She knew what that meant instantly. His parents. His family. Terra. Anyone he’s ever had to watch leave his life. A familiar pang welled within her. In many ways, the empath was still thrown that he was sharing such thoughts with her. For the four years they’d known one another, worked together, lived together, Raven could only recall a handful of scenes they’d shared similar to this. And somehow, she imagined the boy had shared no more, perhaps less, moments of confession with her other three friends. In reality, he was as much a closed book to his inner emotions as she was.     “If you do, it won’t be good for you,” she affirmed. “How you choose to handle your emotions is up to you. But know that to always suppress what you really feel just makes it worse.” Though she didn’t say it, she spoke partly from experience. Finally, she rose her eyes to search his, cementing her point. “No one expects you to be laughing all the time. That’s not how people work.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “Maybe that’s part of why I turned out so poorly in that future…” He mused aloud, looking down. He shook his head. No, no. That can’t be it. “They do expect it. Remember how confused you were when I wasn’t acting happy?” He thought back on how taken back she was, unable to come up with a retort. That was unlike her. To see him unhappy left her speechless. He put on another smile. “It doesn’t matter what happens to me. I’m just a dumb goof. I don’t really matter all that much.” He looked up at the sky. “If something happened to me, you’d all get by.” He started to tear up a bit, despite the smile. “I’ll just do what I can in the meantime, make jokes. That’s all I can really do.” azarathian (Raven): Though few and far between, there had been times in their past she’d seen him less than happy. Times he’d divulged certain insecurities to her. Certain fears. But the situation she found herself in now was entirely new. The confident, engaging Beast Boy - life and soul of the titans - was disclosing a surprisingly low self-esteem. For a minute, she was lost for words for the second time that day. What really got to her, more than the confession itself, was the fact it came from those same smiling lips. Why, even with the sobriety of the situation, was he still insisting on forcing a smile? Dark brows furrowed a touch, and with his closing statement, her sympathy morphed into something else. Resentment. She resented him entirely for how he’d just spoke of himself. Because, she thought, how dare he? How dare he put someone as genuine, caring and loyal as himself down like he was? Of course he mattered. It irritated her to hear him say that he didn’t. It wasn’t his right to cast such negative judgement upon himself. … And for a second, she halted. For she realized, that she had done him the same injustice. Slowly. Bit by bit. Over the course of years. And this is what it had led to? The guilt came plummeting back. “You’re wrong.” Her voice was firm this time. “And more than any other time I’ve known you, now - right now - you are being dumb.” The wind blew past them once more, a drop in its warmth. “Of course you matter. If I sat here and said the same to you about Starfire, would you just accept that? So what makes you any different? We’re a family.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He flinched slightly at the tone of voice, frowning at her. He wiped his eyes, stopping the tears before they could fall. “Of course I wouldn’t. Everyone loves Starfire. She always tries to make people happy. She can be a bit slow on how things work sometimes, but she tries her best. She even cooks for us, even though we don’t actually like it. She always has others’ best interests at heart and will welcome just about anyone with open arms. Not to mention she’s a great fighter. You wouldn’t think it from looking at her, but she can kick your butt three ways from Sunday. Why wouldn’t she be important?” He didn’t seem to realize what he just said could apply to him in many ways as well. azarathian (Raven): “And you?” she sprung back at him. Though her voice didn’t rise, it was constant in its insistence. “Always doing whatever you can to keep everyone smiling? Always putting in the effort? Always pointing out the bright side? If you can do that for us, why not for yourself?” she studied the boy sitting beside her, all too aware of the sheen upon his usually dancing eyes. Perhaps it would’ve been best if their argument had never happened before. Or perhaps this is what he needed, for once. A chance to have someone show him the bright side, instead of the other way around. “We’ve been in this team together for so long. None of us think little of you. And don’t even try to downplay your part; you’re the reason we defeated the Brotherhood. Or have you forgotten that already?” Her gaze dared him to disagree. And if he did, she had a good mind to stand in place, turn, and simply leave him to reflect. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He looked at her, mouth slightly open as he couldn’t believe what she was saying. She usually belittled him at every opportunity, he felt, cutting him slack only on rare occasions. But now, she seemed to be doing everything in her power to bring him up. He knew she truly believed what she said. She wasn’t just pulling random compliments out of thin air. And she was angry that he would dare think otherwise. How long had she cared about him this much?   His mouth was fighting between a smile and a frown as the tears formed once more. He held his arm to his eyes, trying to keep them dry. “Thank you, Raven.” The words came out cracked from the lump in his throat. azarathian (Raven): It seemed Raven wasn’t the only one seeing another side of her teammate tonight. With that look he was giving her, she leaned back slightly, almost shocked at her own assent. But as she watched that faint trace of faith return to his face, she assured herself that she didn’t regret a word of it. If anything, she internally scolded herself for not having said it sooner. Who knew how long he’d been feeling this way? Feeling inferior? Like he wasn’t important to the team? Perhaps if she’d known sooner, she would’ve made every effort to prevent it.     But Raven wasn’t one to dwell on ‘what ifs’. For the moment, she was just content that she’d finally gotten through to him. And a part of her noted to be cautious with her jeers from that moment on; for she held no wish at all for the boy to feel pain, or unhappiness of any kind. Despite their sometimes rocky past, she liked to think that with each passing day they grew. And ultimately, he was one of her closest friends - whether she’d voice it or not. “You’re welcome.” That softness was back. There was a small silence, before she let her gaze soar back out to the open skyline. “You’re not alone.” She intentionally echoed the same assurance he’d given her years before. “And I know it must be difficult. None of us have had the best lives… But we can’t change what’s passed. What’s important is that we make the most of the present.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): “I know.” He looked at her. “I just wish that I could change my past like you changed your future.” He managed to smile. “You became a hero to try to make up for the bad you thought you’d bring, but you went beyond that. You made sure your fate never happened. And I couldn’t be happier for you.” He frowned and closed his eyes, facing downwards as the tears fell freely down his face. “But no matter how much good I do, I’ll never bring them back. And it hurts.” He opened his eyes and looked to her once more with tear filled eyes. “It hurts, Raven. It really hurts.” She’d managed to break through and now he couldn’t hold it back anymore. “I know I could have saved them. I had super powers. If I could have just turned into something big enough, if I could have just tried hard enough, I could have saved them. But I didn’t. I managed to save the Doom Patrol years later, but why not my own flesh and blood family? My parents saved my life, but I couldn’t save theirs.” He’d never really talked about his guilt like this before. He’d bottled it all up and repressed it. azarathian (Raven): She felt the break in his voice before it came. She couldn’t recall a time in her life she’d seen him like this. Broken. But then, she couldn’t recall a time she’d ever sat down and talked to him about such sensitive topics. And his parents… she’d known what their fate had been for a while now, but like everything else, over time it became merely another fact she knew about her teammates. She knew bits and pieces of Starfire’s past, Cyborg’s, and of course, she knew more than she’d ever planned to of Robin’s. The changeling’s was another she knew of, but the surface of things is never as complex as the details, and the emotional torment they hold within. Now, Beast Boy’s most personal torments were flooding out desperately in front of her. And honestly, she was stunned. Her visage contorted to one of worry and concern for her friend, brows upturned and eyes somber.     “I’m sorry…” she breathed, a gentle hand finding its place upon his shoulder. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): Though the hand on his shoulder was a comfort, it wasn’t enough. He needed more. In one swift motion, the changeling pulled her into a hug. He held her tightly, burying his face into her shoulder. He breathed heavily, choking back sobs as his shoulders shook. He’d been holding back these emotions for so long that they were just pouring out of him in the form of tears on her shoulder. “I’m sorry…” He managed to choke out. What he was sorry for, he wasn’t entirely sure. Apologizing for his inability to save his parents or apologizing to Raven for unloading on her like this. Perhaps both.     azarathian (Raven): Her eyes instantly grew wide at the sudden embrace, mouth agape. Whilst she felt him sob into her shoulder she could only freeze for a moment, hurt for him. Hurt for what he was experiencing, that she’d been oblivious to until now. Carefully, her arms wound around his chest, meeting at his shoulder blades with a soft pressure. There was no doubt, he needed this right now. And she wasn’t for a second going to deny him the comfort he craved; not even for her distant reputation. Her friends meant more to her than anything, and with Beast Boy’s grip tight on her, tears falling from his eyes, she understood just how important it was to show them that. “Hey…” she murmured above his lament. “It’s okay… You can cry.” Her tone was as adrift in the breeze; dulcet and low. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He didn’t say anything to her this time. He wasn’t really thinking at this point. Instead, it was solely an unleashing of emotion. His breaths started out heavy, but slowed down and calmed over a minute or two. He finally pulled away from the empath and let out a long sigh. “I needed that. Thank you.” He gave her a genuine smile. “If you ever need to talk, I’ll always be here for you.” azarathian (Raven): When she felt the boy’s grip on her loosen, her own arms fell gently back to her sides. The moment she leaned back from his hold felt surreal, like she’d dreamt up the second she’d sat down on the roof’s edge to the present. The sincerity that had passed between the two was tangible; in the way he had let all his walls collapse, in the way she had welcomed his plight with only benevolence and patience. “I know,” she returned, though his smile wasn’t mirrored on her face. She was worried for him, for his well-being. She only hoped her words, few but sincere, were enough to ease his anguish; for a while, at least. “Do you think you’ll be okay?…” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He nodded, still smiling, before turning his attention back to the stars. He felt much better now, like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. If not for the dried tear streaks on his face, one would think he was just his usual happy go lucky self. “They’re pretty, aren’t they?”

He felt a little dumb saying that, but oh well. Of course stars are pretty. “Do you wanna stay and watch them for a bit longer?” He chuckled. “I think we could both calm down after what just happened. But if you wanna go meditate or something, I understand.” azarathian (Raven): “They’re pretty, aren’t they?” Indigo eyes followed his gaze, up towards the glistening sky above. “Yeah…” Another gust swept through the pair, this time brisker, Raven noticed. The night was ripening around them, a silvery moon ascending higher to the heavens. To hear the resurrection of his calm and contented voice eased the doubt that had swollen her chest, and she sighed any remnants into the dark of the air. It was a tempting offer, but… the hour was late. She hadn’t yet slept and the reminder of an early awakening the next morning caused her to hesitate. Not only this, but the magus felt that, maybe, it would do Beast Boy some good to spend some time on his own. He’d had a long, exhausting day, after all. Some solitude could be of benefit at a time such as this. “I-” she paused. “I should… head back. It’s late.” titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): His smile faltered slightly, but stayed all the same. “Ah, it’s fine. I took a nap earlier, so I’m wide awake now. You should get some sleep though.” He chuckled. “Doubt I’ll be able to. Wish me luck with training tomorrow!”

azarathian (Raven): As he spoke, Raven stood from the fringe of the roof, and before turning to depart she offered a small smile of her own in return. “Likewise. We’ll both need it.” There was a certain dread in her voice; 7:00 a.m. training sessions à la the masked wonder were no joking matter. Still, the thought didn’t falter her look of reassurance as she watched the other, perched in place. “Just knock if you need anything, okay?” A part of her wasn’t certain of how much better she’d made him feel, whether he was once again feigning a smile to simply appease her. Nonetheless, the aura she’d sensed of his prior affliction, all heavy and dark, had indeed dissipated… so she had hope.

“Good night.” With a final glance, she made for the door. As she descended the stairs to the top floor where her room dwelled, her heart felt laden. The evening had truly been a revelation for the sorceress, and she held no doubt that the image of a weeping Beast Boy, shattered and torn, would plague her thoughts till the sun breached the city once more. titansandothersrp (Beast Boy): He nodded. “Night, Rae.” After she left, the shapeshifter returned his gaze to the sky. The night sky had always calmed him down. Back when he was a little human boy named Garfield, his family often traveled around the world. More often than not, they’d visit more rural areas where nature had not yet been taken over by today’s cities. The stars always shined so bright then, with no smog or artificial light to get in the way. There was something else about the night that he liked, something he couldn’t do as a child. He stood up and became an owl, taking to the sky.

He flew straight upward, towards the stars. Though he knew he would never reach them this way, it was calming. The feeling of moving in the sky while the stars never grew closer was surreal. And he loved it. {Fin}

[tenrkarchive]

event: november evaluation date: november 30th // 4:03pm

“are you ready?” the coach asks, sitting opposite ten and shuffling some papers in her lap as she smiles at him reassuringly. he gives a shaky nod, his own hands sandwiched between his thighs and wonders if how he performs in the evaluation will jeopardise, or strengthen his position in convex - he doesn’t want to completely fail the evaluation and have baek jiyoung rethink picking him for the group; he’s already doubting his abilities. 

“so ten, if you weren’t an idol what would you be doing?” 

he’s prepared for this - it was one of the question’s people had suggested could be asked when he went around asking for help on preparing himself. he’s already got his answer ready, so he relaxes slightly, head tilting to the side slightly before he responds. 

“i’d never really thought of doing anything other than performing - i love to dance so much i don’t think i could do anything else, but if i wasn’t an idol i’d have probably become a dance teacher, so i could help others just like me reach their dreams.” he finishes with a widened smile for a moment, hoping that was a good answer and not too boring, or generic. he knows a lot of other people who could give answers like ‘scientist’, or ‘doctor’, or ‘something in business’ - ten’s answer would’ve been the same if he hadn’t been adamant on telling as close to the truth as possible. 

his coach jots something down on her notepad after giving him a simple smile and a nod, then hurries on to the next question. 

“who’s your role model in the industry, and why?”

this one, also, is easy - not because ten prepared for it exactly, but because he has his answer all ready to go anyway. he’s been asked this in casual conversations before. 

“lee taemin sunbaenim! ever since i saw him in mga season one, and then in dream high, i was such a huge fan! he's one of the reasons i decided i wanted to be an idol - i wanted to be like him. he’s an amazing dancer and i’d really love to be as skilled as him one day.” despite not knowing taemin personally he knows woohyun hyung trained at kt with him, which definitely makes ten shiver with jealousy and awe; he never thought he’d meet someone who was friends with the lee taemin, let alone be in a group with them. 

“as a foreign member, is there any episodes of culture shock you could share? what are some things that you did that was a culture shock to your members instead?”

he has to think a little about this before answering - reprimanding himself for not having realised a question regarding him being not from korea would come up. he tries not to get panicked, however, thinking back to when he first arrived in seoul, and his reactions to the way of living compare to life in bangkok. 

“i think the way everyone rushes around and always seems to be a bit panicked about getting to places as fast as possible was something i couldn’t get used to for a long time. it was a bit stressful at first, since i was so used to people being very laid back and calm in thailand, but i think i’m used to it now. also i think it helped with my punctuality!” he laughs slightly, remembering how he always used to be late when meeting friends. 

“i’m not really sure if there’s anything i did that was a real culture shock to my members exactly. maybe that i’m just a lot more relaxed about things than a lot of korean people are. it’s a very thai thing, i think, to be extremely laid back and nonchalant about things, whereas it seems to be quite different here.”

“if you could plan a 24-hour date, what would the date be like? as detailed as possible, please!”

okay, he definitely was not prepared for this one - however, he already has an answer ready for this, because he really does torture himself sometimes with fantasies. he can’t help but imagine dates he’d like to go on with him. he picks the simplest and least risky one.

“i’d start with bringing them breakfast, then we’d go on a trip to the beach and write our names together in the sand and shout things out to the sea that we want to tell each other, because i saw that in a movie once and thought it was cute. then after eating by the beach, we’d come back into the city and go to an animal shelter to volunteer to help look after the animals, because who doesn’t love animals?! after that we’d go for a picnic dinner by han river and watch the fountains at banpo bridge. then i’d walk them home and buy then hot chocolate on the way!” 

he can’t bring himself to use female pronouns, because he’s such a bad liar and he’s worried he’d choke over it, so he goes for the next best thing and hopes it will go unnoticed, though all the while thinking of johnny while he speaks. 

“who’s your ideal type, and why?”

he’d luckily prepared for this one, as he’s noticed it comes up a lot in interviews he’s watched online. 

“baek jiyoung! because she’s like an angel!” there’s laughter behind his words, and it’s clear he’s joking, but he hopes it’s entertaining enough for the question to be passed over as he’s seen happen before during interviews. 

“and lastly, what other trainees or idols, from sphere or any other companies, are you close with?”

he hadn’t seen this one coming, but it doesn’t seem too worryingly tricky to improvise, so he smiles, thinking of his close group of friends. 

“i was friends with taeyong hyung before we were put in a group together, as we’ve known each other since i was in high school. there’s also yuta hyung, who i trained with at trc, but knew for a long time before that as well. also jaehyun, who’s a trainee at royal! we’ve known each other since we were really young through our parents, and then we went to high school together.” he pauses as he reaches johnny, his voice getting stuck for a second as he hesitates, worried he might let something slip - but once again, he can’t stop himself, because in his mind johnny’s the most important, and deserves to be mentioned among his closest friends, even if just to his coach.

“then there’s johnny. he’s at kt, and we’ve been friends since high school, even though he was ahead of me because he’s so smart.” he stops himself before he can praise johnny anymore, worried he’ll say too much, so he simply smiles and sits up a little straighter. 

“thank you, ten. that’s all.”

[iwriteficsnottragediesladies]

Soldier Girl Up in Here

Request: I have an idea for an imagine… I never do this which is why I am on anon when I am normally public. What if the reader(fem) was military and recently discharged and happens to be the right place and right time to stop something bad happening to p!atd. Zach ends up hiring her to security and then brendon and her realize they have more in common than they think. Her with PTSD and him with the anxiety. It might be stupid so you can change it up or not use this at all. Idc. Just thought to help.

A/N: Here’s the start! More to come :) Hope you all enjoy and let me know what you think!

Your iPod was one thing absolutely sacred to you when you were deployed. During so many sleepless nights, you kept Panic! playing in your ear buds. It gave you something to focus on and something that reminded you of home.

When you got stateside, you found out they had released an entire album while you were away. You were instantly downloading all the tracks from Death of a Bachelor and listening non-stop. There was a whole new era of Panic for you to explore.

Actually going to a Panic concert was surreal. You were technically in the same room as Brendon Urie. If only he knew what a positive effect he has had on your life.

Once the show actually starts, you begin to feel uneasy. It’s so crowded and loud. You try to concentrate on this music, Brendon’s voice, how amazing this experience is, but you are stuck in the anxiety growing in your stomach. The sound overtakes you and it’s all down hill from there.

You can feel the blood rushing through your body. The sound of the drums and the screams of the fans fade into explosions and children crying. You feel desert sand scratching your face and feel the weight of equipment on your shoulders. You can’t breathe. You have to get out of there.

You stumble out of your row and run up the aisle. You keep running until you are outside. You emerge out of an exit, completely out of breath. The night air was cool and smelled nothing like the desert, no heat of the sun beating down on you. You lean against the cinder block wall and slide down to sit. Once you can breathe again, you are numb.

You feel absolutely nothing. No anxiety. Just nothing. Between the exhaustion of hyperventilating, running, and panicking, you were spent. You felt some distant buzzing in your body and ringing in your ears.

You have no idea how long you sat there, curled up in your little ball. This is ridiculous, you thought to yourself, I am not a weak little girl. I am a soldier. A highly trained fighter. What is wrong with me? What have I become?

The sound of a door being pushed open pulled you from your thoughts. You hear a group of people laughing. You would recognize that voice anywhere. It’s Brendon Urie. You hadn’t even realized the tour bus was a few yards away, a line of barricades creating a walkway from the door to the bus. Oh my god.

A fog light illuminated their path, but you are left in the shadows. The entire band is walking together, chatting happily.

You see a figure on the opposite side. You silently hop up to your feet, the person’s malice practically tangible. You start to move towards the band as the stranger came closer to them. The guys were halfway to the bus when the figure slipped between the metal rails, standing a few feet behind them.

At this point, you stop being a civilian and the soldier in you takes hold. You had dealt with many dangerous people. You knew their body language, the way they carried themselves and you knew–this was a dangerous person. You begin to sprint, and sure enough, you see the glint of light reflecting off of a metal knife the person was holding.

“Brendon,” A crazed voice erupted from the girl.

All of them turned around, surprised to see someone had followed them so closely. They immediately notice the knife in her hand. Before any of them could begin to react, you had arrived.

You swiftly leapt over the barricade. You easily take the girl down, then kicked the knife out of her reach. You are kneeling with a knee placed into her back, pinning her down. She was a wicked young girl, probably about 14.

She was screaming and crying, but after a moment she stopped fighting you. In fact, she had completely given up, laying limply, face down on the concrete just crying.

A horrible memory poured through you. You were suddenly back over seas, holding a little girl in your arms--an innocent life caught in your crossfire. You remember the sound of her crying...

You flash into reality and immediately lighten the pressure of your knee. This girl was clearly no longer a threat and you allow yourself to become a civilian again. You felt sorry for her. She was completely broken, clearly had psychiatric issues, and was so young. You remember the little girl from overseas.

"Okay, okay," you try to soothe her, "Easy sweetheart."

You realize there are people around you moving and suddenly security guards are taking over, allowing you to step away. The girl is being brought back into the building, her hands now bound together. They were roughly pulling and dragging her, even though she was not fighting them in the least. Some sort of sympathy came over you and call out to them.

"Hey take it easy!" You yell, perturbed by how the guards were treating her. "She's just a kid," you add with a disapproving and bitter tone. To your surprise, the guards do become more gentle. Perhaps they realize roughing up a teenage girl was not much of a power trip.

You turn around and see the band looking at you, Zach standing a few yards in front of them protectively. Their faces ranged from expressions of horror to very impressed. You turn into this awkward mixture of starstruck fangirl, soldier, and cool-headed civilian.

“Uh...” You don’t know what to say. Should you even say anything at all? Maybe you should you just run away, stay anonymous, batman style? The boys stood frozen in place, but Zach stepped right up to you. A smile takes over his face.

“Well hello there,” Zach greeted you with an incredulous grin, “Who is this knight in shining armor?” You realize he’s asking you to introduce yourself.

“Y/f/n, sir,” You respond. Zach looks back and Brendon shrugs his eyebrows with a smirk.

“Why don’t you come inside, Y/n,” Zach turned to the side and waved you in front of him.

“Um, okay!” you reply quietly with a shocked chuckle.

The boys climb on the bus and you follow them in.

“Nice to meet you Y/n,” Brendon shakes your hand. “I’m Brendon.” Obviously it was a formal introduction but you couldn’t help but laugh to yourself.

“I, um, I know who you are,” you look at Brendon as well as the rest of the band, scrunching your face and giggling. “I’m kind of a fan,” you say sarcastically.

They all laugh and you are caught off guard for some reason. Your joke actually just made Panic! at the Disco laugh. Okay. That happened.

“That was amazing,” Brendon commented on how you made quick work of the threat outside, “Thank you,” He said so sincerely, you feel a sort of connection you never had before. He held your eye contact and gave a gentle smile. You’ve done your fair share of “saving” people and sure, you’ve had people be very grateful before. But this was... Different.

You break away from the moment and the boys all all sit on various pieces of furniture. Zach gestures for you to sit on a chair. You seat yourself and look around. Brendon. Dallon. Kenny. Dan. Zach.

Holy shit. How is this happening? What kind of bizarre dream are you in?

“That was fucking awesome!” Dan said disbelievingly. You just laugh in response, a bit flustered by such praise.

“So,” Zach began, “How did you learn how to do that?”

“The army, sir,” you reply, “Two tours in Afghanistan.”

“Soldier girl up in here, huh?” Dan replies very impressed.

“Thank you for your service,” Kenny replies.

“You’re welcome,” You reply simply with a smile.

“How long are you stateside for?” Zach inquires.

“I’ve been honorably discharged, sir,” You reply trying to hold your face steady. Zach nods.

“It’s just Zach,” He replies, referring to your use of ‘sir’.

“Force of habit,” You shrug with a chuckle. Zach looks to Brendon and tilts his head a bit. Brendon returns his gaze.

“We’ll be right back,” Zach says slowly as he gets up and Brendon wordlessly followed him into the back of the bus. Hm. That’s weird. The boys seem to have knowing looks as well. What are you missing? You are left alone with the rest of the band and Dallon speaks up to fill the silence.

“So where are you from?” He asks.

“I’m from Massachusetts,” You reply, “About 45 minutes outside Boston.”

“Oh I thought I heard a bit of an accent!” Dan chimed in.

“Yeah I definitely still have remnants of it for sure,” You nod. Your mind wanders, thinking about what Zach and Brendon are talking about. You hear their voices low, but you can’t make out any words.

”You thinking what I’m thinking?” Brendon asks.

“Yup,” Zach confirms.

”I think she’s a perfect fit,” Brendon nods.

“I didn’t really have a girl in mind I guess,” Zach laughs to himself.

“A fucking beautiful girl, too? She sure does know how to hold her own,” Brendon smiles.

“Military doesn’t fuck around,” Zach adds.

“So, we’re in agreement then?” Brendon asks.

“Definitely,” Zach confirms.

Zach and Brendon return into the room and they sit down.

“Y/n,” Zach started, “We’ve been looking to step up our security.” You nod absentmindedly. This was starting to sound like a proposition... “We think your military background would make you an excellent candidate for the position.”

Wait... What? Is he? Are they? Is this? Your only response is a curious look. You can’t comprehend what he is saying without a very specific confirmation of what you think is happening. Brendon notices and helps you out.

“We’d like to hire you, Y/n,” Brendon said reassuringly, “We would love to have you on board.”

You are too shocked to speak at first. You probably had the dumbest look on your face but you can’t be bothered to wipe it away.

“Me?” You ask.

“Yeah you,” Zach laughed. You’re an idiot, of course it’s you.

“So I’d work for you guys?” You ask.

“Yes,” Brendon chuckles. They were offering you a job, of course it’s to work for them.

“I would... Go on tour with you and everything?” You ask hesitantly.

“Yeah,” Brendon says.

“Wow, I... Oh my god, I don’t.. Wow!” You can’t muster up a coherent sentence. Brendon finds your shock incredibly endearing. He smiles at you so sweetly.

“As long as you can provide a couple of references and clean background check, it could be a done deal. Tell you what,” Zach begins, “Let’s exchange info and you can think about it for a while.”

“Ugh I don’t need any time,” you reply with a humorous tone. Everyone laughs a bit.

“Alright,” Zach replies. “We can get together soon and talk figures and details, okay?”

“Yes,” you reply softly, and get totally pumped, “Yes!” you smile wildly, barely understanding the wonderful situation that has unfolded. You look down at the floor and shake your head. “Wow, what a night, I can’t... I went to a Panic at the Disco concert, I took down a teenage girl like a fucking adversary, I met Panic at the Disco, I got hired by Panic at the Disco. I’m going on tour with Panic at the Disco. What the fuck is happening right now?” You spill out the entirety of your night, the words pouring out at an embarrassingly high speed with no breaks for a breath.

You look up and all of them are quietly laughing, amused by the summary of your incredible night.

“Damn, that’s quite the fucking day,” Brendon giggles in agreement. You melt at the sound.

Zach gives you all of his contact information and you set up a time to meet.

“Thank you so much!” You address them.

“Oh my god, no,” Dallon replies, “Thank you! You saved our asses tonight!”

“Anytime!” You reply happily.

Each of them hug you goodbye, Brendon is the last. He squeezes you tightly and releases you. His face falls into seriousness as he speaks quietly to you.

“Really, Y/n,” he says kindly, “Thank you.” His gaze on you feels like warm sunlight. You can only nod in response.

You part ways and step off the bus. You walk away and once you think you’re far enough, you begin to celebrate with yourself. “Holy fucking shit!” The realization came over you. You grabbed at the air and yelled “Panic at the Disco?! Brendon fucking Urie?! Fuck yeah, Y/n!”

You paused, thinking it all through again. You stomped, you skipped, you hopped. “YASSSS”

You sang the chorus of Victorious to yourself, feeling perfectly nerdy.

Little did you know, Brendon peeked from the window of the bus and smiled to himself. He watched your whole celebration and couldn’t help but giggle as you sang his song. He was in awe of your personality, such an incredible combination of strength, humor, and beauty. What a girl, he thought to himself, what a girl.

A/N: That’s all for now my loves, but stay tuned. Like/reblog if you’re feelin’ it!

Read the next chapter here: https://iwriteficsnottragediesladies.tumblr.com/post/164078662633/soldier-girl-part-2

[kfawkes]

Gone

*** I saw this art by SpaceAltie and it fit SO well with my ME2 stuff, so I had to use it for this! Hope you enjoy! P.S Artist gave me permission to use! <3 ***

Now is the Winter of our Discontent

It had been three weeks since Garrus left Shepard standing on the Docking Bay. He had mostly settled back into the routine life of a C-Sec officer, and was only a few more weeks away from starting Spectre training. He had always planned on reapplying at some point, but after the Battle of the Citadel he was offered a position in the next round of training. It was hard to imagine his life would change as much as it did in those last several months. It was weird how quickly it could happen...

Remembering the man he was before he had met Shepard, the reputation he had amongst the other officers, and even the criminals of the Citadel… But he wasn't that same young hothead from before. He had grown into an exceptional combatant, a skilled technician. He may have always been pretty gifted with a gun, but all of his missions alongside Shepard had taught him more than his days at C-Sec, or his father ever had. Not just about the battle, but about himself. He was going to make a difference, and he wouldn't compromise himself this time to do it. He was going do it right.

As much as he wanted to pursue life as a Spectre, he found himself feeling emptier with each passing day. Since he left Shepard up there, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was very, very wrong. That that night would be the last time he would see her. The two of them hadn't exactly left things settled… There was still a lot of confusion about what exactly they were. What even were they? He knew that what they had went far beyond anything physical. They may have had an undeniable attraction to each other, but before any of that there was friendship. Trust. Understanding. Whether he was to stay a friend or grow into something else, he didn't know. He didn't even really care, just as long as she would be around. If he could be at her six for the rest of his days, he would be happy… But he needed to see this through. He had an offer he couldn't refuse and if anything were to happen between them- well, they could deal with it then.

Sitting at his desk in the lower levels of C-Sec he responded to all the messages he had accumulated over the last few months. He didn't bother checking the messages sent through C-Sec channels, because technically he wasn't really working for the Citadel at that time. He always had been bad about checking his mail now that he thought about it. But anyone that he wanted to have contact with knew how to get ahold of him. Shepard was one of those people. They hadn't seen each other since her departure, but they would send messages via omni-tool at least once a day and occasionally he’d get a video call. Life was busy for him after the attack, and Shepard had been off dealing with the remaining geth forces. No matter how busy though, they always made time to correspond; even if it were but a few words.

The repetitiveness that became his life grew increasingly dissatisfying. He may have been happy to know he was alongside Shepard during that final battle, knowing he made a difference... But that didn't make returning to the boring life of an officer any better. In fact, it probably made things worse. He had even become sorta famous around the office, his father even called to tell him congratulations… Even with all the praise and admiration, he still felt like something was missing. He didn't have to think long to figure out what it was.

It was Shepard. It was the Normandy. It was everyone. He had gotten so used to life on a ship, life on that ship. Now life off of it just didn't cut it anymore. He had made up his mind. The next time Shepard came to the Citadel he would join her. His place wasn't here, it was there- it was with her.

The days passed as a couple more weeks followed. He woke one day with a heavy feeling deep in his chest… something was wrong. Not the usual discomfort of feeling like he was in the wrong place. No, this was something heavier. After a quick glance to his omni-tool, he read 'No new messages'. If something was wrong, he would know, wouldn’t he? He tried shaking the feeling but was only met with more unease. When he arrived to C-Sec that day everything started off normally; he had a few meetings, several boring messages to reply to, the usual banter with his coworkers. But, no matter how much he distracted himself that feeling just wouldn't go away… It hovered in the pit of his stomach, not allowing him a moment of peace.

As if on queue his omni-tool lit up as the sound of a new message pinged from his wrist. He looked at the orange hue flashing, but was scared to open it. For whatever reason… he knew opening that message would change everything. After he built the courage, he slid a taloned hand to the HUD clicking the message open.

—

Officer Vakarian,

I wish I were writing you on better circumstances, but there is something you should know- before you see it in the news vids…

No, this is a better conversation to have in person. It's probably best you take the remainder of the day off as well. I'd like you to accompany me somewhere if you would.

Meet me at the Docking Bay in an hour.

-Councilor Anderson

Alliance Navy

—

He read the message over and over. What had happened? Why was Councilor Anderson writing him? Before he saw it on the news vids? Saw what on the news vids?

Immediately he rushed to the docking bay. An hour was a ways away, but he couldn't help himself. He had to get there now. The urgency of not knowing what had happened was killing him. Pacing the Docking Bay during his wait he found himself thinking back to that night with Shepard. That drunken night… The night that changed everything. He could almost feel and taste her again. The minutes ticked by slowly, finally Councilor Anderson exited the elevator and approached him. His face was sad, and stern. Something was definitely wrong here. He walked straight up to Garrus extending a hand, which he firmly shook back.

"Officer Vakarian… How are you today?" Anderson asked stepping to the side.

"Councilor… fine. You wanted to speak to me?" He asked with suspicion in his voice watching Anderson's vitals trickle by on his visor.

"Yes… I did." Anderson turned away from him resting his hands on the railing overlooking a few docked ships.

"Anderson? Excuse me, sir, but what is going on?" He found himself growing impatient.

"There's been an accident, Vakarian. The Normandy was hit." He noticed that Anderson couldn't look at him when he spoke.

Feeling his heart sink as everything grew dull around him. His breath quickened and he felt his mandibles pull tightly to his face. He didn't speak, he couldn't. Fear engulfed him, he didn't want to hear whatever Anderson was trying to say.

"There were some survivors. But, Commander Jane Shepard has been reported as killed in action during the attack." With this Anderson turned finally locking eyes with him. His face had grown pale, it seemed like he was holding back tears. Garrus had seen many humans crying while at C-Sec. He never quite understood it, not until then. Not until he felt the pain in his chest and he himself felt the urge for the first time.

"No." He let out softly shaking his head in disbelief.

No. This isn't possible. Shepard… she… she can't be…

"I'm headed to meet the remainder of the crew now, the Normandy went down only a few hours ago. I figured you'd like to accompany me." Anderson was trying to remain in control of his emotions, but his voice proved otherwise.

This can't be happening. Shepard couldn't be… She just couldn't. She is Shepard… She stopped Saren. She stopped Sovereign. She stopped the geth… She couldn't just… What the hell is happening… How could any of this be real?

The ride had been long and agonizing. When Garrus and Councilor Anderson arrived at the Medical Center where the remaining crew had been taken, he still couldn't believe it. The crew had clearly been shaken up, some were seriously injured; but they all were covered in grime and smelled of fire. He looked around the room frantically, searching for her. Where was she? She had to have been there. She couldn't be… there was no way she was… No matter how many faces he checked, none of them were hers. No matter how hard he searched for the scent of her skin, her hair, her blood… there was nothing. There was only emptiness.

Looking across the room he spotted Joker sitting stiffly with Kaidan. They weren't speaking to each other, they didn't move… they just sat looking into the distance as if they were empty vessels with nothing left inside. He ran, pushing past anyone in his way- he had to hear it from them. He had to hear it from anyone who had been there. Had they actually seen her… He wouldn't believe it otherwise. He couldn't believe it otherwise. When he reached them the looks they sent each other threw him into a rage. Before he knew what he was doing he grabbed Kaidan shaking him forcefully by the collar, almost lifting him from the ground. The biotic lit up in a white blue haze but he didn't speak, didn't react.

"What happened? Where is she?" Shaking Kaidan again growling each word that slipped his lips. "Where is she, damn it!" His voice echoed the medical center, pulling the remaining crew and doctors attention toward the commotion.

No one moved in though, not yet anyway… They just watched and the room grew quiet. No one knew the degree to which he had been involved with Shepard, but everyone knew how close they were. It was no secret that he was a favorite of hers, of course he would be affected by her death. Kaidan didn't even try to fight back, he just sway lifelessly as Garrus shook him. Joker stood putting his hand on Garrus' shoulder trying to pull him away from his rage. It was building, everyone could see it. He was about to break. Shaking Kaidan again this time with more force, his taloned hands puncturing his soft fleshy arms. Smelling the fresh blood, seeing how unstable Kaidan was growing in his visor... but this didn't stop him.

"She's gone, Garrus." Joker spoke finally shaking his head. "I saw it myself… If it's anyones fault it's mine. I wouldn't leave the Normandy… She had to come back for me and now she's dead." He stepped back in defeat, burying his face in a hand.

Garrus would have hit him, but even in his guilt fueled rage he knew that probably would have killed him. If he didn't, he'd at least of broken every bone in his face. So instead he unloaded a fist into Kaidan. Kaidan could take a beating… He didn't care if Joker had been the reason she stayed aboard too long, and deep down he knew it wasn't Kaidan's fault or even Jokers for that matter. That's just who Shepard was and he knew it… She was always going to be the last one out. Knowing that didn't stop him in that moment though. He just reacted. Sending Kaidan flying backwards into a cot; he grabbed his face looking to Garrus with anger filling his eyes. A small stream of red blood ran from his nose. In a flash he stood arms glowing bright with an orb of biotic energy, throwing it straight into Garrus' chest sending him flying into a passing asari nurse. There were several screams as the crowd ran trying to escape the disturbance.

"It's not my fault, Garrus. I tried to get her to come with me but she wouldn't leave Joker. She ordered me to get to a pod. I was just following orders." Kaidan voice was dry, but he spoke with eyes full of fury as his chest heaved heavily with each breath.

"Oh, what a fantastic display of discipline, Alenko. You followed an order like a good little varren, and your bad call got Shepard killed. You should have protected her." He stepped closer to the biotic growling each word a long finger pointing at his chest.

"Me? What about you, huh? If you're so damn in love with her, why weren't you with her? Why did you leave her that night? No. You're just as much to blame here as I am, Garrus." He yelled back wiping his nose still glowing a white blue.

"You have no idea what you're talking about." Garrus was growling raising a fist at Kaidan again but was stopped before he could react further.

"Enough!" Joker yelled throwing himself between them, he was showing a lot of bravery stepping in so close at a time like this. "It doesn't matter what could have happened. Who was there, or who wasn't. She's gone, alright? Fighting each other isn't going to bring her back." The pilot looked between the two of them almost pleading... almost begging.

They all stood in silence, breathing heavily. After a moment Garrus sighed, turning to leave the room. His heart was heavy and he felt like the best part of him was missing. Ripped out. Gone. Taken from him.

Kaidan was right… He never should have left her. And now she was…

Shepard was… dead.

[wildlyhardphilosopher-blog]

obedience training for puppies | puppy wont walk on leash

New Post has been published on https://dogtraining.dknol.com/english/obedience-training-for-puppies-puppy-wont-walk-on-leash/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr+%230+Freda+K+Pless&utm_campaign=SNAP%2Bfrom%2BBest+Dog+Training

obedience training for puppies | puppy wont walk on leash

Keep a schedule Self-Publish with Us HomeoPet (5) (1) You said potty first thing in the morning. Let’s say 7:30 am. Then if I feed him at 7:45, does he need to potty again before 8:00, less than half an hour from the previous go? Pet Health GIVE A GIFT (Left) Remember, very young puppy’s need a lot of rest, crate training takes advantage of this need. As soon as the pup awakens take it outside. Walk him on leash until he goes, then praise him happily. Encourage him with an expression, “Do your business,” “Go pee,”. Both are popular commands. Be consistent with your reward. By Category Potty training is obviously one of the first things you’ll want to teach your puppy. If done properly, potty training is not difficult. The key is to be consistent. Yes! We board. We have two options. Our “Stay and Play” option or our “Suite only” option. Sarah Richardson, PhD, CPDT-KA, CDBC, CSAT, is the owner of The Canine Connection, a boarding, training, and daycare facility in Chico, California. Over the past 12 years, she and some of her assistant trainers have often modeled for photos that illustrate articles in WDJ, but this is the first article that Richardson has written for WDJ! Experts recommend that you begin house training your puppy when he is between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. At that point, he has enough control of his bladder and bowel movements to learn to hold it. Take your pup out in the car for short trips. Not only does this get puppies used to car travel, but also gives them the chance to see the world. It also gets them used to loud motorbikes, lorries, sirens etc. Housesoiling is also a temporal problem: either the puppy is in the wrong place at the right time (confined indoors with full bladder and bowels), or the puppy is in the right place at the wrong time (outdoors in the yard or on a walk, but with empty bladder and bowels). Respond immediately and consistently to the bad behavior. As soon as you see your puppy acting up, remove it to the time-out spot. Be sure to do this every time you notice the bad behavior. HomeAbout wikiHowJobsTerms of UseSite MapMobile view Articles Congratulations! You’ve just entered the Twilight Zone. In a good way, of course. For the next 10 or more years, you are going to have more fun and love and licks than you know what to do with. Let me help you get started with the first month, and then you and your puppy will be off and running to a great life together. Judges Education – AKC Canine College Sign up Jerseys & Team Sports ALERT Next ► Michelle Schreiber This is Zoe. She is my dogs’ biggest cheerleader!! Pet Insurance STAR Puppy Class Tagged: housetraining, potty training, dogs, puppy training, puppies, puppy, dog training, puppy training los angeles Fertility Quiz How to toilet train your puppy Join Hill’s® My Pet Companion Some puppy’s go 2 minutes after eating, some after half an hour. This is how you find out. When you start to house train, follow these steps: Dog Training and Puppy Obedience Classes Offered at Our Clinic × Berkeley Teach your dog to Give It or Drop It. This command is necessary in case you need your dog to drop something she’s picked up off the floor that she shouldn’t eat or if you want her to give you a toy, piece of food or your shoe that she’s chewing. Microcyn Stock AKC Canine College Tap the cushion and instruct “Up.” PUPPY START RIGHT FOR INSTRUCTORS AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy LATEST NEWS 148 Wild Bird Time: 2018-07-27T05:34:27Z Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love Kindle Edition Tips to Better Manage Your Migraine Reward good behavior. Always praise good behavior with lots of gentle love and cuddles. Use rewards effectively to reinforce good behavior. For example, if your dog successfully responds to your request to drop a toy, say, “yes!,” or “good boy!” Verbal rewards work well when you’re playing and may have your hands full of toys.[8] Training For Life Nature’s Miracle (3) The best dog crates Sign Up Rally FrEe The Perfect Dog (2) copyright information (84) Weikel added, “The tool they were using was a Wiffle bat that had been modified to cause a snap, you would say, but no harm to the animal. It’s more loud that anything.” Potty training Stage 1 – establish the toilet area Vote Up13Vote Down  Reply © Depositphotos.com / Madrabothair 3.9 out of 5 stars Estate Planning whether I am with them or not. They’re also doing just fine with the other aspects of clicker training. Book Get A Quote Expert Blogs Coastal Pet Products Start reading Puppy Training on your Kindle in under a minute. However, I’ve purposely made this ‘how-to‘ guide as complete and standalone as possible, so reading the previous articles isn’t essential.

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fbq('track', 'ViewContent', content_ids: 'dogtraining.dknol', ); A one-on-one session for PetsHotel guests only. While your dog visits us at PetsHotel or Doggie Day Camp, our Accredited Trainers can help your dog master good manners and basic cues during a private session. We’ll take the hassle out of training, while your pet is in our care. 15.96 My PetCareRx Points Small Pets News & Experts For example, maybe your child opens the door for the mailman, and the puppy dashes out. Or the little guy decides to make friends with the black and white stinky visitor—skunk!—and you notice too late in the backyard. Even tiny puppies travel faster on four pudgy paws than people, so there’s no way to catch him—and in fact, chasing a puppy becomes a racing game you won’t win. Teach “come” and your new pup will stay safely within reach, even without the benefit of a leash. Remember, you must be the one who sets the limits of ALL good and bad behavior. Helping Your Dog Overcome His Fear of Water Between 8 and 12 weeks (when weeing seems spontaneous), my puppy spends a fair bit of time in there and I paper train them to use puppy pads. How to Potty Train a Small Dog or Puppy in a Big Home Don’t try to teach tricks. Your puppy may be able to pick up a few things, like “spin”, but she is still not as coordinated as an adult dog and some movements are difficult for her. If she becomes frustrated she is going to be more difficult to train later on. SUBSCRIBE (Left) OR More Contact Options Learn at your own pace, through 7 lessons and 20 coordinated learning goals, with many videos and hands-on exercises―in as little as six weeks. Your teacher and classmates are there to support you all along the way! Pets 101 toggle menu My newsletters SDT believes in helping you create an unbreakable bond with your dog and a relationship of love and mutual respect. We also believe in utilizing positive reinforcement, structure, appropriate discipline and good clear communication between you and your pet to achieve the finest results. Your canine is unique for many reasons: breed, age, appearance, genetics, environment, past experiences and general personality. For this reason, we believe in customizing canine training programs that fit your puppy and your lifestyle. Puppies have immature digestive systems, so they can’t really handle a lot of food. That’s why it is recommended that you break up the feedings into three small meals. Another thing to keep in mind is the food itself, which should be the highest quality. Whatever you choose, make sure it agrees with your puppy. R&R Belgian Sheepdog AKC Canine Retreat Finnish Lapphund Puppy Development Muse® Use an extra-long “training lead” to practice recall in public places. Start by giving your dog five feet to roam, and practice calling him back to you for a squeaky toy. Add length until he’s at the end of the lead. If you’re calm, your puppy will be less excitable. And please, no yelling — your puppy is just a baby. Remember, you are teaching your pup how to do things correctly because it does not know any better, the poor thing. With house training, the fewer mistakes you allow your puppy to make and the more they are rewarded for doing the right thing, the quicker they will learn and the faster you will find success. Home, Yard, and Beyond In-home obedience will teach your dog the essentials. Dog Love TRAINING APPLICATION Academy for Dog Trainers Slideshow Things That Can Hurt Your Joints GG Subscribe to Petwire Newsletter Monday – Friday 7am – 7pm Grain Free Food With house training, the fewer mistakes you allow your puppy to make and the more they are rewarded for doing the right thing, the quicker they will learn and the faster you will find success. What type of crate or confinement area works best? This method of training a puppy to walk on a leash is suited to very young puppies, it requires no pulling from you or your dog. The result is a nice loose leash hanging down between you and your dog. All it takes to achieve this is to follow the above steps, then apply some patience and persistence. Please read this article for leash training older dogs. You can also teach your puppy or older dog to walk on a loose leash using a clicker – loose leash walking. puppy training videos | puppy training videos puppy training videos | best way to train a puppy puppy training videos | crate train puppy Legal | Sitemap

[jeffreyrwelch]

5 Common Mistakes That Make Dogs Hate Baths

We have a furry new addition to our family, a French Bulldog named Louie. Louie and I made it through bath time unscathed. We finished with a brisk towel dry and a spritz of kiwi-scented dog cologne. When I had my first dog, Lulu, dog grooming was a little more basic. With Louie, there are a lot more than flea and tick shampoos at my disposal. The lineup now includes detangling sprays, leave-in conditioners, and — I kid you not — doggie hair gel. But all those fancy products fail to help many of us overcome one major hurdle: when dogs hate baths like Lulu did.

Lulu used to be a handful at bath time. She would run, hide and wail, leaving me with a house that smelled of wet dog. For examples of similar doggie drama, search “dogs who hate bath time” on YouTube.

Fortunately, it’s never too late to introduce good habits — even if your dog hates baths. Professional dog trainer Mario Bardouille has spent the past 18 years specializing in behavior modification. He shares five common mistakes dog owners make during bath time.

1. Stressing the dog out before you even reach the tub

There’s no shortage of tools to help dogs look their best. But patience is the key to maintaining a regular grooming routine at home. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

Don’t rush through bath time. Dogs respond to your energy and work to please you, so be patient and focus on creating a positive experience. Start with brushing your dog’s coat regularly. Include plenty of praise — as well as treats — for good behavior. Gradually build toward milestones such as entering the bathroom and actually stepping inside the tub. It may take time, but Bardouille says your dog eventually will understand that baths can be a comfortable, happy and rewarding experience.

In the early days, I’m sure he’d rather stink than get a bath. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

2. Avoiding dental care

Brushing a squirming dog’s teeth can be a pain. That’s why so many people skip dog dental care, which can lead to costly health issues down the road. “Turn grooming, particularly dental care, into a fun experience,” says Bardouille. “Help the dog understand that this isn’t going to be so bad.” He suggests investing in flavored toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Toothpaste made for people can be toxic to dogs, so shop at pet supply stores for this grooming item. (He’s partial to a beef-flavored version from Petsmile that doesn’t require the use of a brush.) Start slowly, encouraging your dog to approach and sniff the tube or applicator.

“We’re conditioning good behavior,” he says. “Let the dog follow it with his nose, introducing that sensory factor. Then rub it on his lip and actually put it in his mouth. Make the dog want to show interest rather than pulling away. When that happens, they get the reward, which is the toothpaste. Make that behavior a conditioned thing where you do it every morning. Turn that into your morning routine so the dog understands that this is something they do before they get their food or after their morning walk. Before you know it, your dog will be sitting and doing obedience.”

3. Neglecting touch-ups between baths

Once dogs return from their daily walk, Bardouille recommends that you wipe paws as well as their private areas with baby wipes or an old washcloth. These regular touch-ups keep the funk at bay between baths and help dogs grow more accustomed to regular grooming.

“French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs — they are a little bit lower — so when they are walking, they splash things up,” he says of short-statured dogs. “Wipe their armpits, stomach and private areas; that actually makes a big difference in the odor.”

Also, don’t forget to wipe those wrinkles and eye areas, which can accumulate lots of gunk.

Louie also makes trips to my husband’s veterinary clinic, where bath time occasionally feels like a spa visit. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

4. Freaking out during nail trims

“You have to learn how far to go with your dogs,” Bardouille says. “Some dogs’ quicks (nail tips) are a little bit longer. Look at the base underneath the dog’s foot. Even on a dark nail, you can see the excess nail where it kind of hooks.”

Even with great care, accidents do happen. During a routine nail trim, you may go a little too far and cut the dog’s quick, causing bleeding. Bardouille says don’t panic. Keep a container of styptic powder in your doggie first aid kit to stop the bleeding. Then return to the task, taking things slowly and snipping a bit at a time. Let go of the dog’s paw when you notice him getting uncomfortable, and end on a positive note with plenty of praise.

5. Forgetting that repetition is key

Work on developing good habits, including regular brushing, so that the dog is conditioned to enjoy this bonding time. Before you know it, Bardouille says your dog will be sitting still during bath time.

I’m certainly putting his advice into practice. After that first drama-free bath, my nephew rewarded Louie with treats and plenty of cuddle time to celebrate a job well done. We’re off to a good start.

After bath time, Louie got plenty of cuddle time from my nephew, Morgan Gore. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

About the author: Morieka Johnson lives in metro Atlanta with her husband, two stepdaughters and Louie, their high-energy puppy. She enjoys writing about dog health, toys, and training. Morieka shares more of their exploits on SoulPup.com.

Thumbnail: Photography by Ashleigh Wells Photography/Thinkstock. 

Read more about dog grooming on Dogster.com:

10 Dog Grooming Fails and How to Avoid Them

How Do You Bathe Your Big Dog?

3 Simple Recipes for Homemade Dog Shampoo

The post 5 Common Mistakes That Make Dogs Hate Baths appeared first on Dogster.

[buynewsoul]

5 Common Mistakes That Make Dogs Hate Baths

We have a furry new addition to our family, a French Bulldog named Louie. Louie and I made it through bath time unscathed. We finished with a brisk towel dry and a spritz of kiwi-scented dog cologne. When I had my first dog, Lulu, dog grooming was a little more basic. With Louie, there are a lot more than flea and tick shampoos at my disposal. The lineup now includes detangling sprays, leave-in conditioners, and — I kid you not — doggie hair gel. But all those fancy products fail to help many of us overcome one major hurdle: when dogs hate baths like Lulu did.

Lulu used to be a handful at bath time. She would run, hide and wail, leaving me with a house that smelled of wet dog. For examples of similar doggie drama, search “dogs who hate bath time” on YouTube.

Fortunately, it’s never too late to introduce good habits — even if your dog hates baths. Professional dog trainer Mario Bardouille has spent the past 18 years specializing in behavior modification. He shares five common mistakes dog owners make during bath time.

1. Stressing the dog out before you even reach the tub

There’s no shortage of tools to help dogs look their best. But patience is the key to maintaining a regular grooming routine at home. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

Don’t rush through bath time. Dogs respond to your energy and work to please you, so be patient and focus on creating a positive experience. Start with brushing your dog’s coat regularly. Include plenty of praise — as well as treats — for good behavior. Gradually build toward milestones such as entering the bathroom and actually stepping inside the tub. It may take time, but Bardouille says your dog eventually will understand that baths can be a comfortable, happy and rewarding experience.

In the early days, I’m sure he’d rather stink than get a bath. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

2. Avoiding dental care

Brushing a squirming dog’s teeth can be a pain. That’s why so many people skip dog dental care, which can lead to costly health issues down the road. “Turn grooming, particularly dental care, into a fun experience,” says Bardouille. “Help the dog understand that this isn’t going to be so bad.” He suggests investing in flavored toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Toothpaste made for people can be toxic to dogs, so shop at pet supply stores for this grooming item. (He’s partial to a beef-flavored version from Petsmile that doesn’t require the use of a brush.) Start slowly, encouraging your dog to approach and sniff the tube or applicator.

“We’re conditioning good behavior,” he says. “Let the dog follow it with his nose, introducing that sensory factor. Then rub it on his lip and actually put it in his mouth. Make the dog want to show interest rather than pulling away. When that happens, they get the reward, which is the toothpaste. Make that behavior a conditioned thing where you do it every morning. Turn that into your morning routine so the dog understands that this is something they do before they get their food or after their morning walk. Before you know it, your dog will be sitting and doing obedience.”

3. Neglecting touch-ups between baths

Once dogs return from their daily walk, Bardouille recommends that you wipe paws as well as their private areas with baby wipes or an old washcloth. These regular touch-ups keep the funk at bay between baths and help dogs grow more accustomed to regular grooming.

“French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs — they are a little bit lower — so when they are walking, they splash things up,” he says of short-statured dogs. “Wipe their armpits, stomach and private areas; that actually makes a big difference in the odor.”

Also, don’t forget to wipe those wrinkles and eye areas, which can accumulate lots of gunk.

Louie also makes trips to my husband’s veterinary clinic, where bath time occasionally feels like a spa visit. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

4. Freaking out during nail trims

“You have to learn how far to go with your dogs,” Bardouille says. “Some dogs’ quicks (nail tips) are a little bit longer. Look at the base underneath the dog’s foot. Even on a dark nail, you can see the excess nail where it kind of hooks.”

Even with great care, accidents do happen. During a routine nail trim, you may go a little too far and cut the dog’s quick, causing bleeding. Bardouille says don’t panic. Keep a container of styptic powder in your doggie first aid kit to stop the bleeding. Then return to the task, taking things slowly and snipping a bit at a time. Let go of the dog’s paw when you notice him getting uncomfortable, and end on a positive note with plenty of praise.

5. Forgetting that repetition is key

Work on developing good habits, including regular brushing, so that the dog is conditioned to enjoy this bonding time. Before you know it, Bardouille says your dog will be sitting still during bath time.

I’m certainly putting his advice into practice. After that first drama-free bath, my nephew rewarded Louie with treats and plenty of cuddle time to celebrate a job well done. We’re off to a good start.

After bath time, Louie got plenty of cuddle time from my nephew, Morgan Gore. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

About the author: Morieka Johnson lives in metro Atlanta with her husband, two stepdaughters and Louie, their high-energy puppy. She enjoys writing about dog health, toys, and training. Morieka shares more of their exploits on SoulPup.com.

Thumbnail: Photography by Ashleigh Wells Photography/Thinkstock. 

Read more about dog grooming on Dogster.com:

10 Dog Grooming Fails and How to Avoid Them

How Do You Bathe Your Big Dog?

3 Simple Recipes for Homemade Dog Shampoo

The post 5 Common Mistakes That Make Dogs Hate Baths appeared first on Dogster.

[daddyslittlejuliet]

5 Common Mistakes That Make Dogs Hate Baths

We have a furry new addition to our family, a French Bulldog named Louie. Louie and I made it through bath time unscathed. We finished with a brisk towel dry and a spritz of kiwi-scented dog cologne. When I had my first dog, Lulu, dog grooming was a little more basic. With Louie, there are a lot more than flea and tick shampoos at my disposal. The lineup now includes detangling sprays, leave-in conditioners, and — I kid you not — doggie hair gel. But all those fancy products fail to help many of us overcome one major hurdle: when dogs hate baths like Lulu did.

Lulu used to be a handful at bath time. She would run, hide and wail, leaving me with a house that smelled of wet dog. For examples of similar doggie drama, search “dogs who hate bath time” on YouTube.

Fortunately, it’s never too late to introduce good habits — even if your dog hates baths. Professional dog trainer Mario Bardouille has spent the past 18 years specializing in behavior modification. He shares five common mistakes dog owners make during bath time.

1. Stressing the dog out before you even reach the tub

There’s no shortage of tools to help dogs look their best. But patience is the key to maintaining a regular grooming routine at home. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

Don’t rush through bath time. Dogs respond to your energy and work to please you, so be patient and focus on creating a positive experience. Start with brushing your dog’s coat regularly. Include plenty of praise — as well as treats — for good behavior. Gradually build toward milestones such as entering the bathroom and actually stepping inside the tub. It may take time, but Bardouille says your dog eventually will understand that baths can be a comfortable, happy and rewarding experience.

In the early days, I’m sure he’d rather stink than get a bath. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

2. Avoiding dental care

Brushing a squirming dog’s teeth can be a pain. That’s why so many people skip dog dental care, which can lead to costly health issues down the road. “Turn grooming, particularly dental care, into a fun experience,” says Bardouille. “Help the dog understand that this isn’t going to be so bad.” He suggests investing in flavored toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Toothpaste made for people can be toxic to dogs, so shop at pet supply stores for this grooming item. (He’s partial to a beef-flavored version from Petsmile that doesn’t require the use of a brush.) Start slowly, encouraging your dog to approach and sniff the tube or applicator.

“We’re conditioning good behavior,” he says. “Let the dog follow it with his nose, introducing that sensory factor. Then rub it on his lip and actually put it in his mouth. Make the dog want to show interest rather than pulling away. When that happens, they get the reward, which is the toothpaste. Make that behavior a conditioned thing where you do it every morning. Turn that into your morning routine so the dog understands that this is something they do before they get their food or after their morning walk. Before you know it, your dog will be sitting and doing obedience.”

3. Neglecting touch-ups between baths

Once dogs return from their daily walk, Bardouille recommends that you wipe paws as well as their private areas with baby wipes or an old washcloth. These regular touch-ups keep the funk at bay between baths and help dogs grow more accustomed to regular grooming.

“French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs — they are a little bit lower — so when they are walking, they splash things up,” he says of short-statured dogs. “Wipe their armpits, stomach and private areas; that actually makes a big difference in the odor.”

Also, don’t forget to wipe those wrinkles and eye areas, which can accumulate lots of gunk.

Louie also makes trips to my husband’s veterinary clinic, where bath time occasionally feels like a spa visit. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

4. Freaking out during nail trims

“You have to learn how far to go with your dogs,” Bardouille says. “Some dogs’ quicks (nail tips) are a little bit longer. Look at the base underneath the dog’s foot. Even on a dark nail, you can see the excess nail where it kind of hooks.”

Even with great care, accidents do happen. During a routine nail trim, you may go a little too far and cut the dog’s quick, causing bleeding. Bardouille says don’t panic. Keep a container of styptic powder in your doggie first aid kit to stop the bleeding. Then return to the task, taking things slowly and snipping a bit at a time. Let go of the dog’s paw when you notice him getting uncomfortable, and end on a positive note with plenty of praise.

5. Forgetting that repetition is key

Work on developing good habits, including regular brushing, so that the dog is conditioned to enjoy this bonding time. Before you know it, Bardouille says your dog will be sitting still during bath time.

I’m certainly putting his advice into practice. After that first drama-free bath, my nephew rewarded Louie with treats and plenty of cuddle time to celebrate a job well done. We’re off to a good start.

After bath time, Louie got plenty of cuddle time from my nephew, Morgan Gore. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

About the author: Morieka Johnson lives in metro Atlanta with her husband, two stepdaughters and Louie, their high-energy puppy. She enjoys writing about dog health, toys, and training. Morieka shares more of their exploits on SoulPup.com.

Thumbnail: Photography by Ashleigh Wells Photography/Thinkstock. 

Read more about dog grooming on Dogster.com:

10 Dog Grooming Fails and How to Avoid Them

How Do You Bathe Your Big Dog?

3 Simple Recipes for Homemade Dog Shampoo

The post 5 Common Mistakes That Make Dogs Hate Baths appeared first on Dogster.

[stiles-wtf]

5 Common Mistakes That Make Dogs Hate Baths

We have a furry new addition to our family, a French Bulldog named Louie. Louie and I made it through bath time unscathed. We finished with a brisk towel dry and a spritz of kiwi-scented dog cologne. When I had my first dog, Lulu, dog grooming was a little more basic. With Louie, there are a lot more than flea and tick shampoos at my disposal. The lineup now includes detangling sprays, leave-in conditioners, and — I kid you not — doggie hair gel. But all those fancy products fail to help many of us overcome one major hurdle: when dogs hate baths like Lulu did.

Lulu used to be a handful at bath time. She would run, hide and wail, leaving me with a house that smelled of wet dog. For examples of similar doggie drama, search “dogs who hate bath time” on YouTube.

Fortunately, it’s never too late to introduce good habits — even if your dog hates baths. Professional dog trainer Mario Bardouille has spent the past 18 years specializing in behavior modification. He shares five common mistakes dog owners make during bath time.

1. Stressing the dog out before you even reach the tub

There’s no shortage of tools to help dogs look their best. But patience is the key to maintaining a regular grooming routine at home. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

Don’t rush through bath time. Dogs respond to your energy and work to please you, so be patient and focus on creating a positive experience. Start with brushing your dog’s coat regularly. Include plenty of praise — as well as treats — for good behavior. Gradually build toward milestones such as entering the bathroom and actually stepping inside the tub. It may take time, but Bardouille says your dog eventually will understand that baths can be a comfortable, happy and rewarding experience.

In the early days, I’m sure he’d rather stink than get a bath. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

2. Avoiding dental care

Brushing a squirming dog’s teeth can be a pain. That’s why so many people skip dog dental care, which can lead to costly health issues down the road. “Turn grooming, particularly dental care, into a fun experience,” says Bardouille. “Help the dog understand that this isn’t going to be so bad.” He suggests investing in flavored toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Toothpaste made for people can be toxic to dogs, so shop at pet supply stores for this grooming item. (He’s partial to a beef-flavored version from Petsmile that doesn’t require the use of a brush.) Start slowly, encouraging your dog to approach and sniff the tube or applicator.

“We’re conditioning good behavior,” he says. “Let the dog follow it with his nose, introducing that sensory factor. Then rub it on his lip and actually put it in his mouth. Make the dog want to show interest rather than pulling away. When that happens, they get the reward, which is the toothpaste. Make that behavior a conditioned thing where you do it every morning. Turn that into your morning routine so the dog understands that this is something they do before they get their food or after their morning walk. Before you know it, your dog will be sitting and doing obedience.”

3. Neglecting touch-ups between baths

Once dogs return from their daily walk, Bardouille recommends that you wipe paws as well as their private areas with baby wipes or an old washcloth. These regular touch-ups keep the funk at bay between baths and help dogs grow more accustomed to regular grooming.

“French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs — they are a little bit lower — so when they are walking, they splash things up,” he says of short-statured dogs. “Wipe their armpits, stomach and private areas; that actually makes a big difference in the odor.”

Also, don’t forget to wipe those wrinkles and eye areas, which can accumulate lots of gunk.

Louie also makes trips to my husband’s veterinary clinic, where bath time occasionally feels like a spa visit. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

4. Freaking out during nail trims

“You have to learn how far to go with your dogs,” Bardouille says. “Some dogs’ quicks (nail tips) are a little bit longer. Look at the base underneath the dog’s foot. Even on a dark nail, you can see the excess nail where it kind of hooks.”

Even with great care, accidents do happen. During a routine nail trim, you may go a little too far and cut the dog’s quick, causing bleeding. Bardouille says don’t panic. Keep a container of styptic powder in your doggie first aid kit to stop the bleeding. Then return to the task, taking things slowly and snipping a bit at a time. Let go of the dog’s paw when you notice him getting uncomfortable, and end on a positive note with plenty of praise.

5. Forgetting that repetition is key

Work on developing good habits, including regular brushing, so that the dog is conditioned to enjoy this bonding time. Before you know it, Bardouille says your dog will be sitting still during bath time.

I’m certainly putting his advice into practice. After that first drama-free bath, my nephew rewarded Louie with treats and plenty of cuddle time to celebrate a job well done. We’re off to a good start.

After bath time, Louie got plenty of cuddle time from my nephew, Morgan Gore. Photography by Morieka Johnson.

About the author: Morieka Johnson lives in metro Atlanta with her husband, two stepdaughters and Louie, their high-energy puppy. She enjoys writing about dog health, toys, and training. Morieka shares more of their exploits on SoulPup.com.

Thumbnail: Photography by Ashleigh Wells Photography/Thinkstock. 

Read more about dog grooming on Dogster.com:

10 Dog Grooming Fails and How to Avoid Them

How Do You Bathe Your Big Dog?

3 Simple Recipes for Homemade Dog Shampoo

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