#lotsa kissing and making out but nothing really beyond that

[lunarmoves]

for evermore

summary: you laugh—loud and carefree—and they have never wished so desperately before to be human. if only to love you for the rest of their life.

pairing: DCA sun/moon/eclipse x reader

mentions: gender neutral reader, possessive (obsessive) behavior, ruminations of a robot, dark thoughts ahead tbh (human mortality, fragility, death), oblivious reader if u squint, non-sexual intimacy, forehead kisses, mentions of blood and gore, moon is glitch'd, sun too tbh but its more subtle, sun's pov is like. sm lighter and then moon's is right out of an mcr song, unreliable narrator

a/n: this fic is inspired by @bamsara's iconic solar lunacy. sun&moon in this are very much deeply, irrevocably in love with u, but! when taken from the reader's pov, u can interpret that as you like! hope yall enjoy my silly little 4 am thoughts LMAO hope they make sense

word count: 2k

ao3 link

One of the kids has a bit of a crush on you. 

It’s cute, really. Sun watches the way little Riley holds out a drawing to you—two stick figures holding hands together in a field of flowers colored lavender and cerulean. It’s clear that it’s supposed to be you and Riley, both of you happy as can be. You smile as you take the drawing, admiring the care Riley put into every stroke of their crayons. 

“It’s us!” Riley says proudly, tiny fingers gripping onto your arm that holds the paper. Bright eyes look up eagerly at you for your reaction. “Do you like it?” 

“I love it!” you reply with all the care and adoration you can muster into your voice. Your free hand reaches over to smooth down the hair on Riley’s head. “Oh, you’re so talented! Look how cute we are!” 

Riley beams, bright and happy, and Sun thinks it’s so wonderful that you’re able to get along well with the kids. He twirls a crayon around in his hand, idly spinning it across metal joints and silicon, then returns to doodling across the paper in front of him. Long limbs have pretzeled their way into sitting at one of the kid’s tables not too far from your own. 

“When I grow up,” Riley continues in a steadfast voice, “I’m gonna marry you. And we’ll get a biiiiig house with lotsa puppies! And kitties!” 

“Lotsa puppies and kitties, huh?” you ask as you set the drawing down on the table and pull Riley closer so you can set them on your lap. You pinch at their chubby little cheek. “You ready for that much responsibility, squirt?” 

Riley nods. Sun rests his chin on his palm, propped up on one of his legs. The hand holding his crayon continues to doodle. “Yeah! We’re gonna feed ‘em, and we’re gonna walk ‘em, and dress ‘em up!” 

You hum out a response, but by then Sun is lost in his thoughts. It’s cute, he tells himself again, gaze not really seeing what’s before him as he glances at you and Riley. Humans and their little dreams. Their bonds and their emotions. The freedom they hold within their grasps. Silly, silly humans. Silly, silly, silly.

Sun looks down at his drawing. You and him, standing in front of a little house. Free as can be to live under a bright blue sky with puffy, cotton-candy clouds. He wonders what that is like. To live with someone so closely. Being there when they wake up and when they fall asleep. Seeing them at their highs and their lows. He wonders if that is even feasible, for someone like him. The freedom he dreams about rests just beyond the tips of his artificial fingers. He tilts his head to the side and releases the tight grip he has on his crayon. 

Silly robot, he thinks to himself.

Then, he folds up the drawing and stuffs it into his pocket. 

The pizzaplex, above all else, is a cold place. 

Sun knows its lights are too bright and its colors too jarring at times. It’s something he has grown used to—the only thing he has ever known, really. He is not exposed to much, with how limited his boundaries are and how restrictive the access he has to the internet is. You give him new things to ponder about. You blow away the coldness like it’s nothing. And he thinks the warmth you bring along with you is something he has perhaps always craved, deep inside. Him, modeled after the sun. Ironic, he thinks. 

You play around with the children as he tends to a checkout by the door. It’s quick work, it usually is, and he gives his regular old smile to the parents who pick up their kids and press kisses to their scrunched up little faces in greeting. 

What a concept—kissing, that is. An action done by humans to express some of their pesky little emotions. He waves away the parents and closes the door, white gaze falling on you as you laugh while you chase a few kids around. The daycare was what introduced him to all the idiosyncrasies humans have—it is the only form of contact he has with people. And it is the only way he really learns about certain things he wouldn’t have known about otherwise. 

He thinks back to Riley. He thinks about the rings he sees on humans’ fingers and the terms of endearment they call each other. He watches you spin around and lunge after another giggling kid who squeals and barely evades your grasp. You laugh—loud and carefree—then make eye contact with him for a split second. And Sun feels something strange in his chassis. Something that lights his insides on fire and makes his wires buzz in fervor. Maybe this is the warmth he’s meant to hold—that he is meant to be. His rays do a little spin. 

Then Sun does what he does best. He swoops in, snatching you up from the ground and yelling out something-or-other about kidnapping you for his very evil, very nefarious plans. All in a day’s work, at the daycare. You smile up at him—so small, so tiny in his hold—and he thinks he wouldn’t mind seeing it again and again and again. 

Moon thinks about the stars often. 

He wonders what they look like, if they match the designs that dot his hat and pants. He thinks about you, standing under the night sky. Do you like the stars you see? Do you come to the daycare and compare the artificial ones plastered to the ceiling to the ones you experience every night? Moon doesn’t know if it is enough—if it will ever be enough.

He glides around the daycare on his cable, keeping a watchful eye on the slumbering kids below. You had been subjected to Riley’s grabby hands as they refused to go down without you by their side. So now you lay next to them, idly stroking their hair as they suckle on their thumb and snooze close to your chest. 

Trapped now, he’d told you when he saw Riley latched onto your leg earlier. Bedtime for you. And you simply gave him a defeated smile and caved to the whims of the child. 

Moon ponders about what that must be like—laying so close to another. Would you be as comfortable with him—with his body made of unyielding metal? Would you let him soothe you to sleep with the music box in his chest chiming out a gentle song that would waft through the air? Or maybe you would prefer another human. Hmm, another.

He remembers the kiss you had pressed to Riley’s forehead at their insistence and his fingers reach up to rub thoughtfully at his own. Pesky little emotions. His red gaze always finds itself trailing back to you, lingering on your form through the rest of naptime. And when the lights flick back on, he thinks that his time with you is always too short for him to bear. 

It’s the middle of the night, long after you’ve gone home, and Moon stands in front of an arcade machine that’s turned off. He stares at his reflection in the dark screen, fuzzy red eyes lighting the space up in a hellish glow. One of his hands passes across his mouth smoothly—the sharp teeth that make up his grin. And he thinks back to the parents kissing their children on the cheeks. He thinks about all the ‘sweetheart’s, and the ‘baby’s, and the ‘love’s. He thinks about you. 

Moon wonders what it would be like to be human. 

To just—feel everything, all the time. To hear his heart pounding in his chest. He doesn’t have a heart—never will—but he wonders what it would be like to have one. He’d give you his heart without batting an eye, he thinks. Would you do the same for him?

He ruminates on what it would be like to hold your hand. To feel the plushness of your skin against the firmness of his metal. To look and see the difference between the two. Unnatural, he frowns. Disconnected. Two puzzle pieces that don’t fit together—not in the way he would like. He doesn’t belong to you and the thought strikes him hard enough to frazzle his wires. He imagines you with someone better suited that can live with you, grow old with you. Someone that is not him—not like him, broken and robotic as he is. 

And Moon wonders if this is what it feels like to die. To have the wires ripped from his body and turned into dust. Something nasty festers itself in his hardware, sears through him like a vicious piece of malware.

He stares down at his hands, fingers slim and painted blue. And he sees them doused in ruby red. He wonders what it is like to have it running through tiny, tiny veins. So fragile. He wonders what it is like to hold your skin between his fingers and feel it rip into shreds. His grin tightens and he shakes his head minutely. He looks back up at his reflection and a gleam of purple flashes across his pupils before he seizes it and locks it away.

Eclipse stands in the middle of an empty daycare and watches as you enter through the large, castle doors. 

It’s you, you’re here. They missed you so much, you were gone for so long you were gone for so, so long. But you’re here, and you’re safe, and you’re you.

You freeze when you notice them—looking at you with a too wide smile and too sharp teeth. Their head tilts at you and before they can even process their actions, they’ve already taken several long strides up to your form. Because you’re here, with them, so close they can touch you.

You’re looking up at them with an expression they can’t quite decipher. But they know it must be adoration! It has to be, it must be, what else would it be? And they lean down and reach out two of their hands to grasp at your smaller shoulders. They can feel your heart beating through their fingers.

“I love you!” Eclipse chimes out, hunkered down over your smaller figure. Casting you in their deep, deep shadow. And then they curl down to press the gleaming metal of their grin against your forehead. Again and again and again. I love you I love you I love you so much it hurts what are you doing to us don’t you know this hurts? You smile (you’re smiling, right? You have to be!) at them—confused, sincere maybe—your fingers balled into fists. And Eclipse thinks that if they were to dig through their software, through lines and lines of code, they’d find a little version of you there. Infecting them—constantly there with your kindness and your adoration. Their grin twitches, their eyes upturn. “Marry me!”

You say nothing, only look up at them, but that’s okay! That’s okay, it’s okay it’s okay, right? They are bubbling and boiling alive with the fire that runs through their wires. And they have never wished so desperately before to be human. So they can be with you—outside, under the stars, under the sun the real sun—and hold you, and treasure you until the end of time until you both die.

They think about you and them, standing in front of a little house in a field of lavender and cerulean flowers. They think about waking up with you and going to sleep with you. They think about the softness of your skin and the brightness of your smile. The blood in your veins that can so easily spill over their fingers. 

And they know they are not human. They know you will grow old and you will inevitably move on—leaving them for a place they cannot reach. 

But still, they think, they will love you until the end of your life. And until the end of theirs.

[slashingdisneypasta]

Horror Villains x Reader || Imagines

Who wants some unrealistic fluff for Horror Villains? I sure do, let's do it-

Bo yelling at you, shocking you, and then Vincent coming outta fricken nowhere to huddle with you, hold your hands, and touch foreheads until you feel better. You might get over it quick, but he still want to protect you so he keeps softly squeezing your hands in his big warm talented artist hands and staying close to you.

Sitting in between Jason's legs or in his lap, with your back against his broad chest in front of a camp fire at night so you feel all snuggly and warn against him and with the heat of the fire wafting over to you. The only things that you hear are the fire crackling and the forest around you doing its natural, spooky-yet-comforting thing and, for a while... nothing feels bad ^^

Feeling sad and lonely, just cuz thats what your asshole of a brain is doing to you then, when Bo collapsing into bed with you after a long, exhausting day of his own. He doesnt even get changed, just takes off his hat and runs a hand through his sweaty hair. Then he wraps his arm over you and draws you into him and gives a beyond tired sigh. Ahh, there it is... he mutters, closing his eyes and falling asleep. Everything feels better after that ^^

Begging Freddy to just be a boyfriend for the night- just get into bed with you and wrap his arms around you. You really need it, just for tonight. Just a moment... to feel better. Miraculously he agrees and curls himself around you, his chin on your head, and you just take a deeeeep breath hidden where all you can see is red and freen stripes... and let it out... and start to feel better. Thank you...

Tiffany running you a bubble bath; The perfect temperature with lotsa soft bubbles and nice-smelling bath salts (Caramel, or eucalyptus, or chocolate... something that's warm and non-headachy, and comforting to you), and about a gazillion candles lit up and burning steadily all around you (Non-flickery). When you're ready to get out she has the softest robe of hers for you to wear and gives you sweet cheek kisses.

Laying down on the floor because you're just so overwhelmed and frustrated and just closing your eyes and counting to yourself... until Baby finds you- an Uno deck in her hand. Without a word she deals you seven cards and the two of you play a nice long round without saying a word, or even making faces at each other. It's a nice easy (But not too easy) thing to focus on and the first sound you make in who-knoss-how long ends up being a little laugh when you Draw Four her. She doesn't even mind the betrayal when you finally smile.

... Leaving the room where you were hanging with Chucky all of a sudden and going to your room, and screaming into a pillow because it's been building up for 2 damn movies. He'll hold you from behind for as long as it takes, happy to just lay there drawing patterns into your back (Possibly symbols?? Possibly sigils???) until you're ready to roll over and cuddle him back.

Candyman noticing your sour, upset mood and lifting your head up with his hook under your chin... looking so deeply into your eyes that maybe you start to shake a little under the intensity, and asking in that voice-... are you alright my dear? And you know he really means it, he really cares and he really wants to do something about if you're not okay.

Feeling dizzy and drained due to low-iron or from just not eating well lately when Foxy comes in with bags of groceries. When you look inside, it's all good stuff- bags full of big juicy apples and manderines and sweet, in-season nectarines. And other bags full of juicy broccoli and cobs of corn and lots and lots of snow peas. Also orange juice, and plain yoghurt, and some light crackers. Its a feast of non-heavy, healthy food that'll perk you up and you know he went grocery shopping for you and that just means so much!! You pull him into a hug and you don't even mind the B.O and gas smell ^^

Pamela having you stop working - you can do the dishes later, I know its hard but don't even look at them, - and just sit the hell down in front of the TV. She then puts her adorable baby Jason in your lap to cuddle carefully and turns on a nice long movie you both can watch. You will sit there, smell clean baby head, and watch TV for the duration of this film. Then she'll have a good, hearty meal ready for you, and you'll take a good long shower, and then- if you're well refreshed and still want to- you can do the dishes.

Feeling stressed out and your head won't stop going, so Norman guides you gently, tentatively away from whatever you were doing and to a bench before dissapearing for a moment. When he comes back he has a big book with plenty of pictures inside (Fauna species, or maps, or insects or something) and sits with you for a long time just looking through the pages. Every now and then he'll point at something in particular and stutter out a quiet comment that you nod carefully to, and until you're fully relaxed and engage in conversation with him about them ^^

Chop Top fixing his big noise cancelling headphones to your ears good and firm when you can't stand the random fricken noises anymore and playing music for you - music you like, - good and loud so everything else is tuned out until you're exhausted and ready to go to sleep.

BONUS, because this makes the total no. of imagines 13: Getting sick and tired of 'Sheriff Hoyt' and feeling uncomfortable about the whole stolen identity thing because who you fell in love with was Charlie- so he gets changed back into his comfy flannel and overalls and tells you he's Charlie again, for the night. C'mere, he tells you, pulling you by your waist into his side. You can't stop looking at him in that old baseball cap.

Which one of these would make you feel better??? I'd be so happy with Foxy!

[phoenix-downer]

Scarred

Kairi didn’t really wear anything that showed her back anymore.

Sora first noticed it happening at the beach. Before she’d worn two-piece swimsuits all the time, but now she just wore one-piece swimsuits instead. Still looked as good as ever, but he couldn’t help but notice the change.

And any time they dressed up for a nice occasion or she wore something cute for one of their dates, her dresses covered her back completely. The way she dressed in general was a lot more reserved than it used to be. Muted colors and lots of whites and blacks and... pastels, was it called? Something like that. All he knew was that she didn’t wear the bright colors she’d worn when they were younger.

Still, he didn’t think about it all that much. Kairi looked great no matter what she wore. It didn’t really come up again until the day they went shopping together for clothes to wear to Terra and Aqua’s wedding.

“This one would look great on you,” Sora said as he pulled a blue dress off the rack to show her. It was sleeveless with one of those skirts that was shorter in the front and longer in the back, and he really wanted to see her try it on.

She examined the dress carefully. “It is really cute, but the back’s a little low cut for my taste,” she said at last.

“Awwww, c’mon, you could pull it off easily.” She could pull off anything, really, but this dress in particular would look great on her, Sora just knew it would.

“I don’t think so. That kind of style just doesn’t really suit me.”

Sora frowned and returned the dress to the rack. “If you say so. I don’t know, it almost feels like you don’t want to wear anything that shows your back.”

“And? I’m not a child anymore. I want to look the part.”

“What’s childish about this dress?” he said, giving it a quizzical look. If anything, the dress was classy. Sexy.

“Well, it’s Aqua’s big day. I don’t want to wear anything that might take away from that.”

“Look, this dress is hardly going to take away from Aqua’s special moment. It’s not even white. That’s a rule, right? You’re not supposed to wear white to a wedding.”

She found his hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “You’re learning.”

Sora grinned at that, their earlier disagreement already fading away.

The wedding was awesome, Aqua looked beautiful, and Terra got really emotional which made Sora get emotional. These two had been through a lot to reach this point, and Sora was glad they were finally getting their happily ever after.

It was late when they got back to Destiny Islands. They said goodnight to Riku, and then Sora walked Kairi home as he often did.

But unlike most times, when he said goodnight with a quick kiss, Kairi didn’t stop kissing him. She kept kissing him, in fact. For a long time. Maybe it was something about seeing Terra and Aqua tie the knot, but she was a lot bolder than she usually was.

When he finally broke away for air, her face was flushed and her lips were pink, and her chest heaved as she gazed up into his eyes.

“My parents – aren’t home tonight,” she said, her fingers fiddling with his tie as they both tried to catch their breath.

Um. Um. Did she mean what he thought she meant?

Yes, yes she did. A few minutes later, and they were in her room and on her bed, right where they had left off. His jacket soon ended up on the ground, followed by his vest, and then his shirt. She paused to kiss the scar resting over his heart, the scar from where he’d stabbed himself with the Keyblade of Heart to save her. The scar that was a sign of how much she meant to him, of the lengths he would go to save her.

“Thank you,” she said softly, and he knew she wasn’t just thanking him for this scar but for the other, deeper scar that left no visible mark but had taken his life. Stolen him away from her and their friends until he’d fought his way back to her side.

“Anything for you, Kairi.”

He kissed her again, hoping to show her what words alone couldn’t really say. Her soft hands ran up and down his back, and he found the zipper on her dress and started to unzip it. She stiffened, and he stopped what he was doing and leaned back to look at her.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, bringing his hand to her face and stroking her cheek. “If I’m going too fast, we can slow down, or stop—”

Her eyes flickered downwards. “Sora, before we continue… there’s something I should show you,” she said at last. “You deserve to know. I don’t want it to come as a surprise.”

She turned away from him and lifted her hair out of the way. “Go ahead,” she said softly.

His hands found their way to her zipper again, and he continued where he had left off. As the dress revealed more and more of her body, a lump built in his throat.

Running down almost her entire back was a painful looking scar. It started a few inches below the nape of her neck and went all the way to the small of her back, and he knew exactly what it was from.

The blow that had killed her. The blow that had torn her heart apart as well as his. The reason he’d had to die in the first place. A mocking reminder of all the pain of her death and his, of how she’d been torn from him and then he’d been cut off from her.

The more he stared at it, the more it just seemed like one giant blur. It was carved into her skin, one final screw you from Xehanort, one last act of cruelty to haunt them from beyond the grave.

“It looks awful, I know,” came her voice. “It’s why I never wear anything that shows my back anymore. I don’t want… I don’t want people to see me as a victim.”

Sora’s heart broke a little further at that, and the pieces of it welled up and spilled out of his eyes and got choked up in his throat.

She turned her head to glance back at him. “Sora?”

“I’m sorry,” he said as he wiped his eyes, and he meant it with all his heart.

She zipped the dress back up and turned around to face him again. “Don’t be,” she said, her hair brushing against her cheeks as she shook her head. “It’s not your fault. I just wish it wasn’t there. It’s not beautiful like your scar. All it is is a sign of how weak I was. I saved you the first time, but I was too powerless to keep myself from dying.”

It was his turn to shake his head. “You’re wrong about that. You’re a survivor, Kairi, not a victim. Dead people don’t form scars. Only the living can. This scar… the reason you have it may hurt us both, but it’s also a reminder that you’re alive. Xehanort didn’t win. Death didn’t even win. In the end, something a lot stronger did.”

“When you put it that way, I can’t help but think… maybe it’s not so bad.”

“No, it is bad. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. We can make it good.”

He moved behind her and unzipped her dress one last time. As it slid down her body and gathered around her hips, the lump in his throat just got bigger and bigger. All the memories from that day were coming back in an awful rush, and he had to do something about it.

So he did. He leaned forward and kissed the scar like she’d kissed his scar all those years ago. The skin of it was raised and bumpy, like the scar over his chest, not at all smooth like the rest of her skin was. His tears slid down his cheeks and smeared onto her back as he kissed his way down, his fingers joining in to caress the scar as he committed every inch of it to memory. Because if she was going to live the rest of her life scarred like this, scarred because of his failure, then he was going to kiss that scar every day they were together from here on out.

His tears washed over it, and he willed them to wash the pain away. Both his and hers. He couldn’t be there for her as she’d died. Not the way she’d been there for him, anyway. He couldn’t change the past, either. Several years later, and his own grief was the only comfort he could offer. But maybe it would be enough. Maybe he would be enough.

When he was done, he just wrapped his arms around her and held her. The scar on his chest touched part of her scar, and with each beat of his heart he willed life and healing from his wounded heart into her body and soul.

“See?” he said, his voice shaking as he caressed her skin. “We can make it good.”

She tilted her head so she could kiss his cheek. “Yes. Even this.”

“Especially this.”

A soft smiled danced across her lips at that. “Thank you, Sora.”

“Anything for you, Kairi.”

And he meant it. He really, truly meant it. They might both be scarred now, but they weren’t alone. And that was what made all the difference.

Together, they’d find healing. Together, they’d find hope. And together, they would make even the bad things good. The scars would remain, but so would the reminders of their hard-earned victories. Of everything they’d been through so they could be together now.

And because of that, holding her in his arms was that much better than it would have been otherwise. That much better because of what it had cost him. That much better because of what he had sacrificed.

And knowing she felt the same way? Knowing she could see past the scars and the heartbreak and find a way to make things good again?

It was worth it. It was worth every tear and heartbreak, if it meant they could finally be together.

And it was absolutely worth every scar.

@kingdommad300​ first suggested this idea to me a few weeks ago and wrote a fic of it themselves called Reminders. Then @gotmilk5101520​ brought it up in a headcanon post, and I knew I had to write the thing. Especially since @mzelle-lazuli​ and @angel-with-a-pipette​ were both like... please write some fluff now. But joke’s on them, even my fluff is angsty nowadays! The lasting legacy of KH3, everyone.

Anyway, this is a followup of sorts to my fic called Scar that I wrote... almost a year ago now. My how time flies. Probably gonna post it over on AO3 and FFN here soon as well, if that’s your preferred way of reading.

As always, thank you for reading!

[quirklove]

Can we have some soft Dabi with a fem!s/o who is comforting him after finding him alone and upset/crying???? Lotsa fluff appreciated, and this blog is an awesome start!!!

y’all absolutely can!!!!

I can’t express to u how much I love soft Dabi he’s such a good boy

and thank you so much, I’m having such a great time here!! <3

Finding DABI still awake well after midnight, smoking a cigarette all by his lonesome when everyone else in the hideout is in bed, isn’t anything unusual.

What’s strange is that when (Name) gets closer, the fact that parts of his skin are so beyond burnt allows her to see very clearly that there are tears trailing down his cheeks.

That alarms her in an instant, because she doesn’t think she’s ever seen him cry before. The closest Dabi gets to that is when he complains about a headache or feeling sick. Even when she’s seen him at his worst, she’s never seen tears.

This has to be handled carefully, though. She knows how he is; if he thinks for even a second that she’s pitying him, he’s going to shut down and throw his walls up.

She takes a seat beside him, quietly, and gently leans her shoulder against his to let him know she’s here. Startling him by trying to make some dramatic entrance or immediately launching into a conversation will only serve to push him away. She lets silence fill the cracks between them for a long moment as she considers what to say.

Finally, she speaks up, keeping her voice just above a whisper. “Hey, handsome. Come here often?”

He doesn’t answer right away. Instead he finishes his cigarette, breathing heavily, then tosses it to the ground and grinds it into the dirt with his heel. One hand reaches up so he can wipe away the tears. As if he thinks leaving no physical evidence will make her forget she saw it at all. As if new ones don’t shimmer in the corners of his eyes.

“Nah,” he drawls, scratching at his cheek. Thankfully, this lets her know that as of right now, she’s safe. She hasn’t said anything yet that will make him shut her out. “This time of night, I’m usually sleeping next to the most beautiful woman in the world.”

Despite that they’re just being silly right now, she can’t help but smile. He can be so sweet sometimes. “Oh, it is pretty late, isn’t it? She’s probably really lonely without you.”

He chuckles mirthlessly and shakes his head. “Mh.” His eyes drift closed, chest rising and falling, until he looks over at her again. “You okay?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Her head finds its way against his shoulder, and he readily leans in. “What’s up, honey?”

“Nothing’s ‘up’. I woke up, I needed a cigarette, I came down here so I didn’t set off the smoke alarms in the bedroom. Mystery solved.”

She angles herself upward in order to press a kiss to the edge of his jaw. The throaty, pleased moan she gets in response is exactly what she was looking for. “It’s cute how you think I’m just going to let this go. Don’t be an asshole and just tell me what’s wrong.”

“I’m serious ― you don’t have to worry.” His whole self is starting to tense up a little bit, but it doesn’t feel like he’s ready to just bolt. It’s like he’s too tired to do that. “Memories. The future. I’ve just been thinking about things and… fuck, I don’t know, something inside me told my fucking eyes to start leaking. It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

Her arm snakes its way up and her fingers begin to sift through his hair. It’s always such a mess; luckily, that’s the way she likes it. (Anyway, as long as it’s not Tomura levels of messy, she’s not bothered by a little bedhead.) “Thinking about things, okay. Do you… wanna talk about any of it?”

When he looks over at her, his eyes are absolutely devoid of energy. His face looks like a man who hasn’t slept in a week and who just wants whatever crap he’s going through to end already. “No… not right now, I guess. Maybe later. Right now, I just… need to get out of my head. I’m so fucking sick of thinking about all the bullshit I’m thinking about.”

“Okay.” She knows she can’t prod at him to open up, even if she wants to. She wishes he would tell her things, but unfortunately, Dabi will only talk when he’s ready to talk. If she pushes him about it, he won’t talk to her at all for a month, and forget any kind of romance. She pushes even just a little and he’s going to be pissed.

However, there’s nothing wrong with pulling him closer and pressing a soft, loving kiss to the side of his cheek, right beneath his eye where more tears are welling up. “Just… you know you can talk to me about anything, right? No matter what. Even if I don’t understand, at least you’ll have got it out so you’re not going through it alone.”

A low hum makes its way up from his chest. He loves her so much. Sometimes it’s just like his flames, that it burns him up so much he can’t even handle it. She’s too good for him, too good for this place, too good for their cause. He doesn’t deserve her, and he has no idea how he got her, but he’s never going to let her go. The simple fact that she’s here for him and apparently loves him just as much is something of a solace even without anything else. “I know, babe. Thanks. Some other time.”

“Sure. No worries. I just want you to know I’m here for you.” She slides her lips across his face, peppering little kisses over his skin, before she meets his lips, and makes her other hand into a loose fist against his thigh.

It takes a minute for her to come up for air. He’s needy tonight; she doesn’t blame him. If his mind has really been that bad a place, it’s no surprise that he’s craving her touch. She only too happy to submit to his desire for comfort. Even if things are bad, she’s always going to be here for him.

“I love you,” she murmurs against his lips. Her fingers tangle gingerly in his hair. “You know that, right? I love you.”

“I love you, too.” His voice is husky from fatigue, simultaneously hungry and exhausted. He steals another kiss, then lets himself slump against her with a barely audible sigh.

Her other arm joins the first, drawing him into a tight, affectionate embrace. Even if she has to keep chipping at his shell only for it to come away in small fractions, even if he won’t tell her what’s the matter right now, she’s stubborn enough not to leave him. Ever.

The way he reciprocates the gesture with fervor, practically spelling out without words that he is never going to let her go, reminds her that those little fractions she gets are a reward, and they are worth it.

“Come on, love,” she whispers against the shell of his ear. “Let’s get back to bed.”

[ravenwritesstuff]

Best Laid Plans (12/?)

Fandom: Frozen (modern AU, no magic) Pairings: Helsa, established Kristanna, Rapunzel/Eugene, lotsa frohana Rating: T for now, M later almost for sure A/N: I ain’t gonna be back to this fic for awhile, FYI. So savor this. Gotta write something Kristanna soon or the natives will riot

She tries to speak but no words come. Her body flashes hot and cold. Her heart hammers. Her feet are nailed to the floor as her head wars with her heart and she does not have time to reason this thing through to completion. All she can do is stare at his lips and that is all the permission he needs. 

He leans in. All the air goes from her lungs at his approach and he chases the sound. 

The pressure of his mouth is pure heat and friction. He makes her keep pace, demanding and unshakeable, molding her mouth to fit his own. His free hand loops to the small of her back, and pulls her tighter against him, the other stays on her cheek to steady her - steer her - but the whole event sets her off balance. Her hands grab at his sides to steady herself. He takes this as encouragement. She cannot blame him. Her traitorous body bows into his.

He buries his fingers into the thick of her hair and tips her head back so that her mouth opens under his. She thinks to protest at the gentle pressure of his tugging, at the way he commands her mouth to do his bidding, but the thought is swept away in the rushing warmth of sensation.

This must be what Rapunzel meant when she said there was a difference between kissing and being kissed. Elsa can feel the difference tingling up and down her spine as Hans grazes her bottom lip with his teeth. She can feel it in the pooling heat at the base of her stomach. She can feel the weight and size of the difference as if it were a tangible thing. 

He is everywhere. His heat pours into her from his fevered skin and it is like she is falling into the sun. 

By the time he eases his mouth off of hers, she can hardly breathe. Her body feels tight, overstimulated, like a clock wound too far. He gathers her tightly against his chest and holds her there. She trembles, or he trembles, or perhaps they tremble. Pressed together like this, with her ear resting heavy over his thundering heart, she cannot deduce the origin of the tremors but can only accept them as they race through her entire body. 

This is bad. 

“Don’t.” He pulls back enough to peer down at her face, finger crooked under her chin.

“What?” She does not recognize her own voice.

“Don’t start thinking about all the reasons I shouldn’t be kissing you.” 

She almost smiles at that, but she doesn’t have time. He takes her lips again, softer this time, but insistent nonetheless. Her mouth plies beneath his request, caught off guard, and he groans low in his throat at her response. The sound frightens her. Everything about this frightens her and she breaks away on a gasp. Her eyes land on his chest.

“I’m thirsty.” She says like it matters, like she came up here for any other reason than to see if he would follow. 

“Mmmm.” He hums softly, like he is agreeing, but he doesn’t move. He stays pressed against her like this is business as usual, but it isn’t. She does not just go around kissing clients - or anyone for that matter. 

He does not seem to understand that however as he leans in again to take up her mouth. Her hands brace against his chest, panic rising at how hard she must fight her every instinct to just melt into him. She cannot do that to him - to herself. 

“I need some water.” The words bubble up in a frantic breath just before his lips meet hers.

He freezes. Each muscle of his body tightens at her words. Whatever he had expected in this moment - clearly that was not it. She keeps her eyes on his chest, not trusting herself to meet his eyes just yet as he pulls back, hands lingering at her waist. He steps to the side and walks to  the mini-fridge she spotted earlier. It is only a few steps away but it gives her space enough to breathe. 

He returns and hands her a bottle of water, the fancy glass kind she stocks for clients in her own office but would never purchase for herself, and she does everything in her power to keep her hands from touching his because she is quickly learning that touching this man in any capacity is dangerous. She unscrews the metal cap and drinks. She hadn’t realized how dry her mouth, her throat, had become and she takes long, deep swallows to slake her need. It is the ocean water, she is sure, and not the inferno burning inside of her. She breaks off for a breath and finds him watching her with a calculating expression. She does her best to keep her calm.

“Thank you.” She says and he huffs half a grin as he crosses his arms. 

“It’s no problem.” His brow furrows and he cocks his head to the side to inspect her, always gauging something with those keen green eyes.

“Well, I think I’ll head below and see if the others are back yet.” Her tone is overly light, and she manages to get halfway to the stairs before he slips around in front of her, blocking the path. 

“Mister Westergaard, please.” 

“Hans. My name is Hans.” He steps closer and she clutches the glass bottle at her chest like a shield. 

“There is work to be done. They might be back. They might be wondering where we are,” Trying to change the subject, to avoid the inevitable outcome she sees barreling towards her like a freight train and wondering if she really wants it to stop.

“Let them wonder.” He hooks one hand around her waist and cups her jaw with the other. "There's still more we need to discuss.”

He stops any reply or protest by ducking down and clamping his mouth over hers with a speed previously unseen. Her entire body tightens under the onslaught. The water bottle slips from her hands and falls to a plush white rug with a thud that dully echoes her surprised gasp. He is merciless now - as if answering a challenge she had unwittingly laid down. Her insides quiver and pull at the relentless power of him - at her own weakness to turn him away. 

Her mind spins trying to find a way out of this, to find a way to want to stop kissing him, but fails. All she can feel is the heat of him, the faint rasp of stubble against her chin, the slick of his tongue dipping past the boundaries of her mouth. All she can hear is the syllables of his kisses, his serrated breath. All she can smell is the thick scent of sunscreen and the increasingly familiar combination of musk and man. All she can taste is the flavor of the insides of his cheeks, the tang of the ocean on demanding lips. If she opens her eyes she knows she will see him - only him - as an inescapable entity and the idea makes her dizzy. 

Her hands slip into the damp salt-laden silk of his hair, clinging to him for balance. He pulls her closer. The thin swim cover she wears, his shirt, does little to conceal the hard lines of his body and even less the truth of how well she fits against him. She does not know how she got here, does not know how to stop it, as she is swept along in the hot, rushing tide of desire. 

Someone clears their throat. 

It takes a moment to register that the sound comes from a third person, her mind scorched beyond reason, but they pull apart on a mutual breath. Hans’ face lingers above hers for a just a moment, eyes dark and starstruck as if he had anticipated several different ways this scenario could have gone but none of them quite like this - none of them quite this devastating. His expression is that one of complete humanity, no pretense, that always catches her off guard. The intensity of it, his honesty, his need, is enough to make her forget their company for just one more breath.

Then it is gone, whatever mask he had let drop in the moment is back in place as he pulls a smile from the corners of his mouth and turns towards the intruder. 

The turn of his body releases her and she stumbles back a few steps, trying to regain her bearings. She braces herself the plush back of a smooth leather couch, clutching it like a lifeline, the nearly imperceptible pitch and roll of the boat having nothing to do with her unsteady feet. As reality takes hold once more she meets the familiar brown eyes of her brother-in-law across the room where he stands on the stairs and her cheeks light aflame. 

“Anna was - uh -” It is Kristoff, his voice cautious - taking in and assessing the entire situation before jumping to any conclusions. A voice of practical reason when there was nothing practical or reasonable happening. “Anna was wondering if Elsa was okay.”

Even steps away and with his back to her Elsa can practically feel Hans’ grin at that. “We were just coming to meet you all. Are you okay, Elsa?”

He does not mean it to humiliate in the way he tosses the words over his shoulder towards her, in most cases with most girls it would not, but she is not most girls and it does. The words sting of defeat. What had meant to tease instead taunts. She had been so weak. Every inch of her body burns with embarrassment until she can hardly breathe. 

She stares at the water bottle on the floor. The lid hadn't been properly tightened and there is a water stain spreading on the carpet worth more money than she will ever see in her life - no matter how long it is - and she is going to be sick. 

Still she manages: “Yes.” 

What she does not manage is to make it convincing. 

Hans cheats towards her then, brow furrowed, and gives her a look that rocks her to her core. He looks at her like he sees her, like he caught the single frantic note in her voice that most would have missed, like he wants to check in - apologize - do something but cannot and she never expected that. She is coming to realize that she never expected most of what has come with Hans Westergaard, at least not the parts that really count. 

She looks back to Kristoff, back to safe territory, heart rebelling at the idea. In her periphery she sees Hans slowly turn away. 

The look in Kristoff’s eyes is similar and she wonders if she is actually unraveling. If she looked in a mirror right now would she see the thread of her calm, reasonable exterior being pulled from her body row after carefully crafted row?

“Well we’ll see you down there.” Kristoff is not exactly close but the way he steps to the side is a clear message. Hans hesitates just an instant, clearly weighing options, then with a nod crosses and heads up the steep staircase into the sunshine.

Elsa’s gaze goes to where her hand white knuckled at her sides. She is fairly certain it is the only part of her body that is not bright red with humiliation. She does not look at her brother-in-law, but she knows he is shuffling his weight between his feet - as awkward and uncertain as she is. 

“You - uh - you okay?” He asks, but there is so much more to that question than meets the ear. “I’ll tell Anna you’re seasick and we need to head back.”

It will be that easy. He will do just that. No one will know what he has seen. No one will be the wiser, and she loves Kristoff for that. For as much as he protects her sister, he protects her as well. 

Part of her very much wishes she could take up his offer. The need she has to run is strong enough to leave her head muddled, to lose track of exactly why they are there, of what they have all just seen at the reef.

"No," she bends down and retrieves her water with shaking hands. "I'm fine. I just - I need a minute."

There is a long pause and then, "You want me to drown him? Make it look like an accident?"

Elsa chokes out a laugh that almost tips into a sob and looks at her brother-in-law. He is smiling too, his dorky half smile that he saves only for those who know him best. He is a good man. She is glad Anna will have him in the end. 

She shakes her head. "No, nothing like that."

"If you say so," he rubs the back of his neck. "But Elsa, if he hurts you -"

She holds up her hands and shakes her head, knowing where this is going but Hans Westergaard is not that type of guy. 

"He didn’t. He won’t," she is not sure why she knows this so certainly but she does. If she is honest she knows that between the two she will be the one doing the hurting. He has no idea what he is asking of her, and that is by her design.

They are going to break each other in two if given the chance, but it will be by no fault of his. 

“What do you want me to do?” Kristoff asks and she appreciates that. Her sister (and Rapunzel even more so) just barge forward without concern which is not always a bad thing, but this situation has her frazzled enough as it is. 

“Don’t say anything to anyone. I will handle Mister Westergaard,”

He nods. She is not certain if he agrees with her but that is not the point. She knows she doesn’t need Kristoff to agree with her in order for him to respect her wishes, but just to smooth things over a bit in the wake of this awkward tidal wave:

“But if I ever need a mysterious disappearance, you will be my first call.” 

The dorky grin is back and she laughs down towards her feet. They are bare. She hadn’t grabbed her sandals. She just realizes that now. She had kissed Hans Westergaard more than once while barefoot and she is not sure why that makes it feel that much more intimate but it does. 

She just needs a few moments to collect her thoughts. Those few moments should have already been hers. If she had just had them then she may not be in this position right now, this place where she knows just how Hans Westergaard tastes and she is going to need another one of these bottles of water STAT. 

“I’ll be down in a second,” she says, mind racing. “Just tell Anna I’m making some notes or something. She’ll understand.”

She looks up and Kristoff nods. “Okay.”

He goes to the same staircase where Hans had disappeared a few minutes before and if it was anyone but Kristoff she would reiterate the need to discretion, but she trusts him. It isn’t that he is intentionally reticent, it is just that Kristoff knew how to be economical with his speech.

“Oh - and Elsa?” He stops at the top of the stairs. “Whatever you decide with - well, all of it - I’m in your corner.”

She smiles and she is thankful for her brother in law. She appreciates his steadiness, his ability to differentiate his choices from others while still wanting the best for them. It is a trait that neither she or her sister had mastered. 

“Thank you.” 

Kristoff nods and is gone.

It takes several breaths for her to understand her solitary state, that she does not have to wonder if Hans Westergaard is going to burst into her space and crowd her with his overwhelming presence again. Instead all she has to do is stand and breathe. 

She squeezes her eyes closed and tries to remember the resolve she felt when they had pulled into the parking lot. This has all been business then. She had been prepared to shoot him down at every turn but step by step, touch by touch, he had broken her down. How? 

How had she let that happen?

She considers each contact with academic precision but her own emotions cloud the results. The heat of her reaction burns away everything else and makes her question her own reason. She shakes her head. That is nonsense. She is drawn to him, yes, but that does not mean that she cannot control herself. She knows she needs to control himself because this is a professional relationship, because she is personally unavailable. 

He may not understand the personal aspect but surely he can latch onto the professional one. 

If they sign this contract then he will effectively be her boss. There will be ways she can terminate the contract, and she is tempted to phone their lawyer right now to update their sexual harassment clause even if she is not sure what that is. Despite Rapunzel’s claim she has kissed enough men to know she can pull away when she wants, but that hadn’t been the case with him. With him she could not pull away and not because of his own force but the strange electricity that dances, joining them the second they connect.

And that is the danger.

She cannot go down this road where she does not have control. 

She cannot even chance the idea that he may feel the same shocking heat and intensity that she endures with every brush of his fingers. 

She knows that she only has thirty eight days left with him in theory but if he can do this much damage in only four she hates to think what he can do in over a month.

Another deep breath and she unscrews her water bottle and chugs the rest. She is not sure what to do with the canister and then remembers the stunning brunette below. Surely someone like he will fix her mess on the carpet and pick up her discarded bottle. That is their job after all. She has had that job for years and it feels strange to assign it to another, but something breaks loose in her chest at the idea. Maybe someone else can be in control for once? 

It is dangerous. The very idea shakes her to the core. She has not been ready to cross that bridge, to fully admit that she is not going to be here much longer, but it is a reality she must face now. 

This is her final event.

If they sign this contract they will make their annual revenue goal in one month. Their company will be set during her departure in a way that will make reorganization less stressful. They will be able to hire and train and rearrange as needed. 

She lets out a single, caustic laugh. She has worked for almost a decade to bring them to this point. She has strategized and fought and battled this goal along with her illness. She has hired and fired and strived through each and every goal. She just never imagined someone like Hans Westergaard would be part of the process. 

It is poetic somehow that this final challenge will be met with an ultimate stressor, that all that she has so carefully suppressed would be awakened in his vibrance and joy. It makes sense that the universe would continue to laugh at her with how he looks at her with unsettling focus, touches her with unscrupulous casualness, and stirs something deep inside her just by proximity.

Life has never been fair to her. So why start now? 

She sets the glass bottle on an end table made of marble and stares at it.

Someone else will see it.

Someone else will clean it up.

Someone else will make sure it is taken care of.

Someone else.

She needs to start removing herself from the equation. She needs to remember that she is not long for this world. She needs to consider just what she wants to leave behind. She needs to forget how her lips still burn from his kiss.

She clenches every muscle in her body just to feel the pressure of it. She breathes into it and holds it until she cannot anymore. The tension melts from her and she is ready. She can move past whatever hold Hans Westergaard has supposed to claim over her. She will. She knows her motive, her purpose. She is ready.

With that Elsa heads downstairs to face whatever the rest of this day held for her.

She leaves the empty water bottle behind.

[ Previous ]

[hoopsies]

Your serving of Lucio angst comes out tomorrow at 5pm (FRENCH HOUR)

pls read my boring info vvv

Hey there! Before the comic comes out I wanted to clear some things out because they are issues I’m aware of that were beyond saving/my brain farted them out. 

It’s a seven part, ~50 images long, 1080p format comic. I’m a (3D) animation student so I took the opportunity to also improve my compositions.

It’s a part per day, at 5pm (french hour) everytime!

Big thanks to @apprenticeofcups for his insights (check his writings they’re wonderful) and @ketthejester who’s just a very nice human being who manages to handle my ever worsening writing ability on discord, exams are hapenning go cheer for kett, thanks to the people who cried on my birdlian piece because that made me want to make you cry more.

While doing this, I found some pics very inspiring and I’ll link them when the part it is associated with comes out, be sure to give them lotsa love.

That’s it for the info! Now, meet my apprentice ^^^^^^ She has no name I guess the only thing that stands out is her robo-arm lol. I’ll call her Smurf because she’s blue. While Smurf is the MC in the comic and goes by she/her, the characters in the comic are very passive. Hence, I’d rather have you picture in your  mind your own fan apprentice/whoever you want instead! (please do it feels a bit akward for my apprentice to be in there but i didn’t want just a blank placeholder)

There are some randoms designs in the comic, if it happens to look like you, I’m sorry, or good for you?? I don’t know. One of them gets strangled so ... I’ll go on the sorry side.

I have only completed Julian’s route and I’m currently doing Asra’s. While I picked up infos online, I’m still missing some part of the game’s lore and I’m sorry if some innacuries have crept in! Speaking of innacuracies, Goatcio IS LIFTING WEIGHTS in my comic, I realised way too late that perhaps a friggin 3 years starved ghost may be a tiny bit thin. Beyond that, some more errors are here and there but nothing as huge imo. i’m sorry mom I should’ve looked at the references more often

thanks for reading my boring info lol.

I suck when it comes to consistency and you’ll see that the effort put in the pannels may vary (though it overall gets better). Very sorry!

his face is still a struggle

Hope i’m not looking too arrogant really I just want to clear any troubles

And of course, If somethings really irks you, be sure to tell! Critics help people improve and I don’t wanna offend anyone peace and love hugs and kisses.

[kusunogatari]

[ ObiRyū October | Day Ten | Trash ] [ @abyssaldespair ] [ Uchiha Obito, Suigin Ryū, Hatake Kakashi, Nohara Rin ] [ Verse: Medical Machine ] [ Alcohol, pregnancy ]

[ Previous ] [ Next ]

Nibbling the scar in his lip in concentration, Obito carefully solders another wire into place. He’s almost got this project finished...just a few more, and he should be done!

“Oi! Obito!”

His shoulders deflate with a sigh as a hand knocks on his door. “...what?”

“We’re going out for drinks - you’ve been sitting in there all day! C’mon man, let’s go!”

“But I’m -!” He exhales curtly in frustration. “I’m almost done with -?”

“Dude, your little robot will still be there when we get back! I’m tired of having to drag you kicking and screaming out to socialize,” Kakashi argues through the door. “Asuma and Gai are ready to go, and we’re meeting Genma and the others! Just get out and get some fresh air for a few hours, all right? You’re freaking me out.”

Obito scowls, but knows better than to argue. His roommates tend to make his life difficult when they want something. If he appeases them now, it will give him more free time later. “All right, fine! Let me just...change real quick.” He’s wearing his tinkering clothes, which are singed and stained.

“You’ve got three minutes!”

“Yeah, yeah…” Pulling his shirt over his head, Obito makes quick work of shifting outfits, shoving his rather thin wallet into his back pocket before heading out to meet them.

It’s not that he doesn’t like going out. He loves a good evening with drinking and friends. But it just seems like any time the rest of them are free to do so, he’s trying to get some work done! Just once he’d like to have an evening to go uninterrupted and actually finish a project.

For Obito, you see, is a tinkerer. At least, that’s what those who aren’t into the hobby call it. Ever since the introduction and normalization of robotic tech and androids, it’s really taken off. And Obito just happened to have a knack for it. He’d make all sorts of little bots when he was growing up - mostly things to help his grandmother as an unspoken thank you for bringing him up. Then he joined the robotics club in high school, winning prizes and even money at building competitions.

Which then led to him quite obviously pursuing the field in college. While he had big dreams of helping with the latest generations of androids, he’s been mostly shuffled into smaller-scale, more basic projects.

Frustrating, to say the least.

Which is why, in his free time, he works on his own models and tech. Nothing to a full android scale, but he’s...working up to it. He often scavenges parts from dumps and learns about them that way, reverse engineering the broken parts and building up his pool of knowledge.

The thing is...he doesn’t know anyone else with the interest. Kakashi is smart, but doesn’t really care about robotics. He can listen and understand what Obito’s talking about, but the bored, glazed-over look he gets only discourages Obito from sharing his new excitement any time he makes a new discovery. And the rest of their friend group, well...they only go downhill from there.

So, he keeps it mostly to himself. Which earns him a little crap from his friends, given that it makes him a bit of a hermit in his room whenever he gets in deep with a new project to tinker with. But...he’s still glad they take the time to drag him out every so often.

He’d likely be taking the hobby to an unhealthy degree by now if they didn’t…

They go on foot, their apartment not too far from downtown and plenty to do. The bright lights of the city bear down on them, billboards and signs vying for their attention for any product under the sun. But Obito ignores them, milling with the others as they discuss the goings-on of their days, their weeks. Given the divide between his interests and theirs, Obito is more of a listener more of the time, but he doesn’t mind.

That’s what forums are for: he can type novels to his heart’s content on the subject, and other like-minded tinkerers can chime in and reciprocate.

The bar they slink into is familiar, the boisterous atmosphere a welcome change from the typical quiet of their apartment. Already there, others their age from college call out in greeting. Kurenai immediately latches onto Asuma, Yugao perched atop Hayate’s lap. Anko gives them all a grin, a tankard already in hand.

And Rin greets Kakashi with a kiss and a smile.

Obito ducks into his jacket collar furtively. While several of the others are also single, he’s still the most lagged-behind in terms of romance and experience.

Kakashi blames it on his hobby.

...and Obito really can’t deny it. There are women who involve themselves in the hobby, but sadly most tend to be a bit...distant given how flocked they get. And sure, Obito likes men too, but there just hasn’t been much of a connection beyond the hobby with anyone.

And all of his roommates are straight, sadly.

Taking a seat at one end of their sizable table, he agrees to a beer, sipping it as everyone settles in and relaxes. Obito observes, chiming in where he can but mostly letting his mind wander in the white noise of conversation to how he’s going to wrap up the bot left back home on his desk.

“Obitooo!”

A while into the night, he jostles as Rin sits next to him, flushed in the face from indulging in spirits. “...hey, Rin.”

Her lips pout. “What’s that for?”

“Heh?”

“You don’t sound very excited to see me,” she retorts.

“Sorry, er...was lost in thought.”

“You’re always thinking,” she teases, fixing some of his hair and making him balk. “Don’t you ever get, like...bored of it?”

Obito can’t help a snort. “Not really, no. That’s the thing about thinking: you can do just about anything with it.”

She listens with a rather spacy expression, then swiftly changes the subject. “Obito, you need a girlfriend.”

“Wh-?”

“Y’know, ‘kashi tells me about how much you just sit in your room...s’not healthy! You need to go out sometimes, right?”

“I do go out. I’m out right now!”

“And when was the last time you were out?”

His silence required to try and remember is telling.

“M’serious, Obito...I worry about you, y’know.” She’s back to pouting. “You’ve always been so...reclusive. I don’t want you to sit in that room and not experience life…! To...to look back and realize you missed it all!”

He gives a nervous chuckle. “Rin, really - I’m fine. I’m not -?”

“M’gonna ask around my circle for a blind date for you.”

“Wh-? No, don’t do th-!”

“I know lotsa nice girls, Obito! I bet one could make you happy, huh? Just give it a tryyy, okay?”

He flounders, not sure how to get out of this one. “I, uh...look, that’s really nice, but -?”

“C’mon Rin, leave the man alone,” Kakashi then cuts in, dragging his girlfriend back to another chair and ignoring her whining. “You can pester him about it when you’re sober, hm?”

“But ‘kashiii -”

“Why don’t you go check on Kurenai? She hustled to the bathroom pretty quick, she might need some help.”

Rin’s mouth opens into an o of concern, and she scurries off with her new mission.

“...sorry about that,” Kakashi sighs. “Admittedly she’s been going on about that sober, too.”

Obito glances aside, feeling embarrassed. “...is it really that concerning?”

“You know how Rin is, she has to take care of everybody. Just tell her you don’t want a date. Might take a few tries, but she’ll take the hint.”

His lips fall into a pout. In truth, well...he’d like a date, but...not with that kind of setup. It’s all the more mortifying given that he used to like Rin so much when they were in grade school. Having her try and set him up on a date just feels...weird. “...I’ll try.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Kakashi takes the chair Rin was occupying, leaning back with a beer in hand. “You’ll figure it out.”

Obito gives him a glance, not quite sure what ‘it’ is in this context.

Not long after, the hour growing late, the group agrees to disperse. Rin and Kurenai whisper at the other end of the table as they all get ready to go.

“...I think Kurenai’s pregnant.”

Obito, swigging the last of his beer, almost does a spit take at Kakashi’s blunt revelation, choking instead. “What?!”

“She hasn’t had a single drink, but was still running to the bathroom. Bet you anything it’s morning sickness and she’s pregnant. And it doesn’t seem like Asuma is sober enough to put two and two together yet.”

Gawking, Obito looks around the group. Kakashi has always been keen, and...yeah, given what he can see, it does seem to be the case. “...pregnant...oh man…”

“Life marches on, eh?” Kakashi muses. “I had a feeling they’d be the first ones to pop one out.”

...something in Obito’s gut clenches. So...someone in their group is going to have a baby. And he hasn’t even -

Kakashi interrupts the thought with a slap on his back. “C’mon, let’s head home.”

“...you guys go ahead. I...need to pick something up.”

“Whaaa…? Like what?”

“A part for my bot. I’ll just swing by the scrap heap then be back.”

“You good?”

“Yeah, I’m a little buzzed but I’m fine. Cold air will help. If I’m not back in half an hour, come looking for me, all right? You know where I’m headed.”

Kakashi stares at him for a moment, and Obito fears he’ll call his bluff. “...all right. Got your phone?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Good. Hey...be careful.”

“I will.”

Nodding, Kakashi then files out with the others, Obito bringing up the rear and splintering off to cross the street. While he doesn’t actually need any additional parts...he’s not quite ready to head home yet.

Not with so much on his mind.

Hands in his pockets and breath pluming in the air, Obito follows a familiar route. He goes to the scrapyard so often, he could probably do so in his sleep. The amount of good tech that gets thrown away honestly astounds him sometimes. But, that’s more for him to salvage and make use of, so he can’t really complain.

And it will give him something else to think about.

Reaching the edge, he slips through the fence in his usual spot, turning on his phone’s light to start looking for anything viable. Gears, wires, plating, plastic...he rummages through it all for anything that can catch his eye.

Anything that will make him forget for a moment that he’s such a black sheep among his friends. Falling behind and feeling more and more divided from them. He doesn’t want to think about kids, and dating, and getting married, and settling down...it’s all too much…!

Finding an android hand, he tugs it up to look at it, finding it stuck. Another tug, still nothing. Sighing and clenching his phone in his teeth, he uses both hands, pulls, and -

An entire body surfaces.

“Shit -!” Losing his footing in surprise, he falls over backward in a shower of parts.

...someone tossed a whole android...?!

Staring at it, he heaves himself back up and starts digging, revealing an entire robot. Well...mostly. Every part is intact save for the components kept in the torso, ripped out and severely damaged. There are deep dents along the entire body casing.

Someone beat the absolute shit out of this thing, but...why? Androids are so damn expensive...you might as well just light a bank account on fire.

Taking in the damage, Obito then looks at the face. It’s modeled to be female, with delicate features...making the deformations all the more shocking, in his opinion. The hair is white and wavy, and that makes him blink. All-white androids tend to be used in the medical field. So...wait...is this one of them?

Why the hell is a medical android so busted up and tossed for scrap? That doesn’t make any sense!

Turning her over, Obito checks the back of her neck for her model and serial number, checking it on his phone.

...it’s one of the latest models.

Okay, this is just weird.

Brow furrowing, Obito tries to puzzle this out. So someone got ahold of one of the latest medical robots on the market...ripped out most of its components...and then totally trashed it before throwing it in the dump. He can understand a potential parts robber, but there’s still so much valuable tech left! It doesn’t make any sense!

...he can’t just leave it all here.

He urges her back over to face upright, her powerless eyes a bit haunting. Androids are so realistic now, it’s like he’s staring at a real dead body. Now the only question is...how to get her back without anyone gawking at him. Including his roommates. He could disassemble her, then reassemble her back at the apartment, but he’ll need something to carry her in.

So he scrambles up to his feet, dragging her to a hidden alcove before dashing back toward home. Once there, he fishes out a duffle bag from under his bed, and a kit to take her apart.

“Whoa, you okay?” Kakashi asks, frowning.

“Yeah, fine! Found some cool stuff, can’t carry it all, so...I’ll be back!”

“But -?” Watching him dash back out, Kakashi just wilts. “...must have been a hell of a find…”

It’s almost one in the morning now, but Obito doesn’t slow down until he gets back to the scrapyard. Practiced hands break her down into smaller parts, and then he hauls the whole thing back home, furtively glancing around in case anyone thinks this is weird.

And thus just making himself look more suspicious.

But he returns unfettered, heading straight into his room and shutting the door.

He’s got a lot of work to do.

Carefully taking her back out, it takes far more time putting her back together than taking her apart. He starts making a list of her missing and damaged parts.

Man...this is gonna take a while. And given how stingy tech corps are, he can’t find any info on what’s been taken from her core.

So he texts Rin, who just so happens to be a nurse.

Hey, so this is weird, but if you could get me blueprints for a certain medical android, I’d owe you big time.

Knowing she won’t reply until she sleeps off all she drank tonight, he nonetheless gets to work. First thing’s first: carefully fix all the indentations. Then figure out if any components in her limbs were actually damaged, and either find replacements or fix them himself. Thankfully it’s almost all superficial, and he can move on to the rest of the mess: her core. There’s a lot of torn cabling and wires...that alone is going to be a nightmare. But he’s waited for so long to be able to work on a full working android model...he can’t let that faze him.

It’s late morning before Rin replies.

You realize I could lose my job for that?

But it’s really really important! Pleaseee?

...why do you need it?

Promise not to tell?

I’m already considering one illegal thing today. Why not another?

I found a Meditech android in the scrapyard, and I wanna fix her. But she’s missing some parts of her core.

Holy shit, really? You should return that! It’s hospital property!

I will! AFTER I fix her! Please Rin, you know how much I wanna get into full android work!

Several minutes pass as she clearly thinks it over.

...okay fine! I’ll try. Gimme the numbers and I’ll see what I can do.

You’re amazing, you know that?

I do, thank you.

A few hours later, she sends him the file...and Obito starts digging. As he figured, a lot of it is tech he’ll likely never get his hands on.

...legally, that is.

Thankfully he knows some people, and heads to the forum for help. Within the hour, he has trades arranged for all he’ll need.

Now to wait for shipping, and then the work...and he should have a functional android.

All the while, his roommates just figure he’s gotten himself buried into yet another timesink. Kakashi tries to sneak a peek, only for Obito to shove him back out every time.

“You can see when it’s done!”

For over a month...he barely leaves his room. Kakashi has to remind him to eat, let alone sleep. But then finally, after countless hours of work and frustration...he gives the reboot system a try.

Just barely audible in the silence is a quiet whir of tech booting up before they start running silently. Unseen, her software begins powering up , a diagnostic completed before she can begin to function. Sat in his computer chair, she’s completely still for several minutes.

Obito chews his lip, wondering if this is going to work.

And then...her bowed head lifts, and eyes open. They blink once, twice, subtly taking in her surroundings before focusing on Obito.

“...ID?” he asks.

Another blink - man, she looks so real…! “Meditech at-home care android model V-seven-nine. Serial number four eight two, nine nine seven three, zero zero zero zero.”

Huh...an at-home model. So she wasn’t at the hospital, but living with a patient. “Name?”

“My data bank is empty. Would you like to register a name?”

Oh shoot, that part of her memory was erased...or was never filled in the first place. He hesitates for a long moment. “...er...register name: Ryū.”

There’s a moment’s pause as it’s committed to her memory. “...I am Ryū. How may I help you today?”

And so begins his own check, running through as many system operations as he can think of to ensure nothing is on the fritz or damaged. All the while, ‘Ryū’ answers every question, performing scans and reporting all functioning as normal.

“...holy shit,” he then breathes. “I did it. I actually fixed you.”

“Would you like to register a patient?”

“...what is your patient registry?”

“No data available.”

“...run a patient registry scan for past entries.”

Another small pause. “...no data available.”

“...so you never got programmed. Seems to me you either never arrived at your destination, or...you were stolen from them early on. But why only take your core components and then trash the rest of you...?”

She doesn’t reply, the question rhetorical.

He sits on his bed with a thoughtful sigh, rubbing his chin before shooting Rin another text.

So...she’s up and working. Seems she was programmed for at-home care. Any records from the hospital of one of them going missing?

Hm...not from ours...give me a minute and I’ll check elsewhere.

As he waits, Obito watches the android. She just...sits, perfectly still, occasionally glancing around and blinking as programmed to appear more human and less unsettling. As he has several times while working on her, he can’t help but marvel at how far android tech has come over the years. She really does look human.

...and then there’s the question some ask about the humanity in a machine. If they can learn enough to be considered sentient. Some fear it, others embrace it, and a few even demand their freedom as equals to humans.

Obito...well, for the most part, he’s in the middle. It’s amazing technology, but...still technology. Can it become sentient? Maybe. He’s never seen full proof of it, at least not yet. As for being treated like a human, well...he’s pretty iffy on that.

But the longer he watches her, the more he wonders. Then his phone buzzes.

So I checked every hospital in the county, and nothing. No reported losses or thefts. I’ll check at the state level, but I mean...that’s pretty far, given where you found her.

His brow furrows. All right, thanks. What should I do with her in the meantime?

I mean...you can bring it in, we can always use it. But officially, we dunno where it belongs, so...y’know. Up to you, I guess. Unless I find something.

Well, all right then.

...now what?

In truth, he’s getting excited. If no one can claim her...maybe he can keep her! Obito does have his share of chronic conditions from his accident when he was young...he could probably make use of her. But does he really need to keep her, or...is he just geeking out about having an android?

As if sensing his thoughts, she looks to him, head tilting.

...he has to admit, her casing is really pretty. But it’s just an empty shell for a highly advanced computer.

...isn’t it?

...there have been rumors. Of AI going rogue in androids along the east coast. Nothing confirmed by the manufacturers of course, but the forum buzzes about it every time a supposed account leaks. The androids break their programming limitations, making decisions outside their parameters, and acting irrationally.

...acting human.

No one’s sure yet what causes it, but...it makes him wonder. Maybe he can use her as a bit of an experiment. See if he can replicate the supposed ‘malfunctions’.

But for now, he better wait until Rin exhausts all other avenues. He doesn’t want to mess around with a stolen android. But...that doesn’t mean he can’t at least interact with her.

“Hey, Ryū.”

“Yes?”

“My right shoulder is sore.”

She blinks, and then gives a smile. “If you’d like, I can perform massage therapy to try and ease tension in the muscles. I can also utilize acupuncture if you prefer.”

Her language is so….stiff. But whoever did her voice did a great job for a medical android - soft and comforting, clearly meant to ease patient stress. “Let’s try the massage therapy.”

“Please, have a seat.” She rises from his chair, letting him take it instead before asking, “Are you comfortable removing your shirt?”

He hesitates a moment. “...sure.” Pulling at the garment, he tosses it on his bed. Beneath are the plethora of scars from the accident that nearly crippled him in grade school.

Even if she isn’t human, he can’t help a surge of self consciousness.

...and then something odd happens.

So light he barely feels it, she runs fingertips over the hardened tissue. “...I do not have access to your medical records. May I inquire what caused this scarring?”

Another pause - he hates going over this, but...well, he supposes it’s relevant. “...accident when I was young. I was struck by a car. I’ve got a lot of pins and plating from putting me back together.” After a pause, he jokes, “Makes going to the airport quite a hassle, heh.”

She doesn’t reply, and just keeps...mapping out the marks.

“...is it in the way?”

Her focus seems to return. “No. But it will help me to diagnose and solve other issues in the future. Thank you.” She then adjusts her posture and starts working at the knotted muscle in his back.

And...dang, she’s really good at this.

With pinpoint precision, she finds and soothes at the sore spot, and soon enough Obito is a puddle in his chair. Twenty minutes later, the pain is entirely gone.

“How do you feel?”

Slowly sitting up, he rolls his shoulder. “...great! Thanks.”

She smiles again. “You’re welcome! Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

“As a brief reminder, I am also outfitted with custodial knowledge, and if your medical dependency is severe enough, I am programmed to handle housework, assistance with day to day activities, and escorting you out of your home if desired.”

That ears a blink. “...seriously?”

To his surprise, she laughs. “Seriously! I am a full home-care model, and can handle all regular duties of a human caretaker to an even more sophisticated and efficient degree. And should you find any of my programming insufficient, you need only contact my manufacturer, and they can arrange a software upgrade to handle your individual needs.”

...huh. He wasn’t expecting all...that. “And, er...do I need documentation to have you upgraded? Your receipt or anything?”

There’s a pause, and he can tell she’s checking her internal manual for an answer. “I’m sorry, but I do not have the information you’re looking for on hand. Please contact my manufacturer for clarification.”

Well, shoot...if he does end up keeping her, that might pose a problem. He supposes he can always take her to a less legal place to have her tinkered with...at least, anything beyond his own capabilities. He might be able to find bootleg copies of any new software, but given all she sounds like she’s capable of, that shouldn’t be a problem anyway.

“Oi, are you done in here yet? Who are you talking to?”

Stiffening, Obito doesn’t have enough time to get to the door, and Kakashi opens it up.

...and stares.

“...am I...interrupting something?”

Bright red at Kakashi’s clear assumption, Obito blurts, “I-it’s not what it looks like!”

“Hello!” Ryū then offers.

Kakashi perks a brow. “...hi. And you are…?”

“I am a Meditech at-home care android. I have been named Ryū. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

...he blinks. “...you have an android?”

“She’s what I found in the scrapyard last month. I just finished putting her back together!”

“A whole-ass android was in the scrapyard?”

“Yeah! Rin’s been helping me figure out how to fix her. And now, er...she’s fixed!”

“...huh. And uh...does it belong to someone?”

“Rin’s checking. No records yet. So, I...might get to keep her…?”

“Well it better pay rent. And if you get frisky with it, keep it down, all right?”

Flaring red again, Obito gives a holler, throwing a shoe as Kakashi closes the door. Said shoe bounces harmlessly to the floor.

“Stupid Kakashi...as if…”

“If it addresses the issue at hand, I am equipped with -”

“No! No no!” Obito cuts in, face about to explode as he interrupts her. “I already know that, I saw when I was reassembling you! I don’t need it!”

She blinks. “...heightened aggression and tension in male patients can sometimes be attributed to pent-up se-”

“NO!” Oh lord he’s going to die from embarrassment. “I...I don’t need that, okay? Kakashi is just getting on my nerves. It’s fine.”

“Would you like me to check your blood pressure?”

“...no, I’m fine.”

“Perhaps you’re hungry! Could I fix you something to eat?”

...she’s not going to stop, is she? “Okay, sure. But uh...I live with three other people. Kakashi was one, Asuma and Gai are the others.” Though Asuma, if Obito remembers right, is looking for a place to live with Kurenai and their soon-to-be baby.

“That’s no problem! I’m capable of adjusting any recipe in my index to suit as many household members as necessary.”

...well, might as well get this over with.

Asuma just chuckles at the sight of her, and Gai marvels at “this brilliant new technology” until Kakashi convinces him to stop.

And while she’s cooking, Rin sends Obito a text.

So how much do you love me, bff of mine?

...a lot? Why?

So no registry records in the entire state. So I looked that serial number up, and guess what?

What?

There’s no match for it. It wasn’t part of any official manufacturing run.

Obito gawks at his screen. So, what...she’s a bootleg?

No, seems she’s legit given what all you told me. It’s more like...someone went in to the factory, made ONE android, and made off with it after clearing the record of its assembly. To the system registry, it doesn’t exist.

He has to sit down for a moment, the background noise of the guys peppering Ryū with questions going unnoticed. ...so what do I do?

I’m not sure. I mean the RIGHT thing to do would be to turn it in, but...I mean, there’s also no proof you stole it or anything. But nor that you bought it. It’s a really weird grey area. My guess is...someone made an off-the-record ‘droid to try and steal the technology from the company for their own.

Obito stills. ...that’s why only some of her components were missing. That was all the thief needed.

Exactly.

...well, I...guess I’ll think it over.

Sure. Lemme know if you need anything else, kay?

Will do.

Obito puts his phone to sleep, stunned. An off-the-record robot. And he just happened to find her.

...now what should he do with her?

His thoughts are broken as laughter rings out, and he looks up to see Ryū smiling as everyone points at Gai, a pancake perfectly centered on his head from her pan.

...if he didn’t know any better, he’d think she was real.

Well, for now, he’ll just...keep her here. If anyone else finds out her origins, he might have to turn her over. Thoughts start turning. Maybe someone on the forum can help him forge some documents for her. Shouldn't be that hard. Then maybe he can keep her.

...it’s been barely an hour and he already feels attached, damn it.

“Oi, Obito!”

His focus returns. “Huh?”

“What would you like on your pancake?” Ryū asks after Kakashi gets his attention.

“...uh, just...butter and syrup, please.”

She gives another smile, and he feels his chest clench.

...oh no.

     Aaand I went overboard again xD BUT I haven’t gotten to use this verse yet, so...I indulged lol      Not very, uh...traditional? Def the first time I’ve written a muse as an android, but I’ve had the idea for a long time. It’s a bit parallel to day...three of last year, I think? BUT it’s not quite cyberpunk, and the roles are reversed, as well as amplified lol      Otherwise, uh...not much to say? Posting late cuz today was muh birthday and I had stuff to do .w. Tomorrow is also gonna be busy-ish sooo we’ll see if I finally start falling behind :’D But for now, that’s all I’ve got! Thanks for reading~

[nessismore]

Book Rec Time

It’s ur girl V, back with another list because this is how I handle quarantines, I guess? Yelling (or politely typing) about my favorite things makes me happy sooo....

If you’re not into binge watching stuff and are looking for things to binge read, may I present (apparently in series length order)...

The Psy/Changeling Series by Nalini Singh - Paranormal Romance

The Psy/Changeling series is about a world where there are three dominant races: Humans, who are your everyday average joes and don’t have any fancy powers beyond...well, persistence and levelheadedness; Psy who have cool as shit mental powers that uh...may lead to some mental instability and like...murder, so they decided “fuck feelings” and instituted a thing called Silence where they feel nothing, and that leads to problems; and Changelings, who can shapeshift into animals and are very cool and ~primal and will possibly claw your face off if you break their rules and I love them a lot. So these three races kind of live in their silos, Psy feeling superior, Humans with a chip on their shoulders, and Changelings just wanting to left tf alone goddammit, and then things happen and it’s cool.

Nalini Singh is pretty much the queen when it comes to paranormal series, and if you’re into a big immersive world with A+ world building and political development intertwined with romance, this is the series for you. 18 (soon to be 19) novels and countless novellas/short stories strong, there’s plenty to dive into. Each novel is technically a standalone, but the deeper you get into the series, the more history you need to really know what’s happening. 

Each novel, minus one, focuses on a different couple, but you have plenty of interaction with past characters as the characters are all tightly intertwined. Seriously, this series is my fave and I re-read/listen to a selection of my faves at least once a year (usually when there’s a new one coming out). In a series this long, you’re bound to have some duds (and there are def some doozies, the couple in Kiss of Snow is super uncomfortable for me, but a lot of shit GOES DOWN) but they’re all worth reading because the political shit happening is super interesting and cool and I didn’t expect to write an essay on this, but here we are. I am down to talk Psy Changeling basically All. Day. Also, because it’s paranormal romance, there’s lotsa sex.

Series highlights (imho): Slave to Sensation (1), Caressed by Ice (3), Bonds of Justice (8), and also books 12, 13, and 14 basically I love all this shit and recommend it highly.

The Pride Series and associated spinoffs by Shelly Laurenston - Paranormal Romance

The Pride Series is another shapeshifter series, but instead of going the serious political route, she goes absolutely fucking BATSHIT INSANE. My introduction to this series was the 9th and last in the series proper, and in that one alone there are: jousting bears, shifters on roller skates, a cat/bear hybrid shifter who falls in love with a honey badger shifter who keeps burrowing into his house.

The series is irreverent and laugh out loud funny, and it also features a hella diverse cast of characters. Each novel is a standalone, but like in Nalini Singh’s series, the characters from different novels interact a lot and it’s nice to see a lot of your faves. Also, a small thing but I really enjoy the fact that while the characters from previous novels interact, they don’t always like each other? It adds a touch of realism (lol) to the relationships. There’s also a lot of fun female friendships, ridiculous shenanigans, and a surprising emotional core to each one. Prepare to think “WTF” the entire time in the best possible way.

Also, lotsa sex in these, too. Also also, gratuitous violence. 

Series Highlights: The Mane Squeeze, Wolf with Benefits, Bite Me

You may also like the books Laurenston writes under pseudonym G.A. Aiken, which is like the Pride series, but set in ~medieval-y times and with dragons. Also hilarious and batshit insane.

The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn - Historical Romance

Basically, everything Julia Quinn writes is frick fracking delightful, but the Bridgerton series in particular is near and dear to my heart. Each novel focuses on one the eight (8!) Bridgerton siblings, the oldest of whom is a Viscount and the move in high society in Regency Era England and blah blah blah. What I love about this series is that each sibling is very distinct with a very distinct love story. The family is lovely and heartwarming and the characters all have a lot of depth. There’s an element of ridiculousness to them (as there is in all Julia Quinn novels) and if you’re looking for some feel-good romance, this is the place to be.

Series Highlights: The Viscount Who Loved Me, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

(also these descriptions are getting shorter as I am getting lazier)

The Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews - Urban Fantasay/Paranormal Romance idk where they fall

It’s hard to choose an Ilona Andrews series, because this husband and wife writing duo is A++. The Kate Daniels series is amazing of course, but if you’re looking for a short and contained series that’s funny and packs an emotional punch all at the same time, look no further than the Innkeeper Chronicles. Dina Demille runs an Inn in a small town in Texas. But not your run-of-the-mill Inn. Nah, this one caters to aliens and interstellar travelers and no one else should even think about staying there. Also, the Inn is sentient. I don’t want to give too much away since it’s such a short series (the original trilogy and a spinoff book that was actually posted on the Ilona Andrews website in serial format) but this series is super great and you should check it out!

No series highlights since it’s like...4 books long. 

I’ve shown you mine, Tumblr. What are your binge reading recs?

[acnhplayertwo]

Player Two's Diary.

Entry 1.

Dear diary,

Thanks Bobness I have this phone with me. Not gonna lie, I'd totally be going cuckoo without an outlet by now.

Why, you ask? Well, it's simple! Let me explain.

This utter mess began something short of one week ago, when my partner, let's call 'em S, presented me with an idea.

"Let's go away, buddy. Let's just toss this boring life behind and go somewhere new. New and fresh. Like... like the Outskirts, or-- or an island. A deserted one, maybe. Somewhere nobody knows us and none of our problems would ever be able and find us. Come on, buddy. Let's do it."

And, pal, I know not whether it was their enthusiasm, or the fact I was starting to resent my life as mayor of a lethargic town, or that we both had a glass too many of Wolfgang's homemade apple wine, but... I accepted.

I said yes.

Actually, I may have said something more than that. In my drunken haze, I remember yelling something like "OH MY BOB, THAT'S AN AWESOME IDEA AND I ALSO HAVE A FRIEND WHO TOLD ME HE'D TAKE ON A DEAERTED ISLAND BUSINESS AND CAN YOU BELIEVE THE COINCIDENCE HAHA, LET ME CALL THAT OL' RASCAL NOOK!"

And that was it, dear diary. In the span of an our we had traded our entire life's savings for a couple tickets to Nowhere.

But it wasn't that bad at first. I was actually psyched. "You go first, S!", I said. "You go and prepare a cozy spot for us. I'll reach you in three days tops."

And so we did. The next day, S kissed me goodbye, nothing but a backpack on their shoulders and hope in their eyes. "Plane's departing soon. I'll be waiting for you in our lives' next chapter, buddy."

So they went, while I stayed. I had too much stuff to do still, what with signing my temporary resignment as town mayor, packing up, saying goodbye to my citizens.

Then, 48 hours later, there I was, waiting to hop aboard on one of Dodo Airlines' rickety machines.

"Oh my, you won't believe how perfect it is here!" S' voice crackled assaulted my ears with a mix of squawking happiness and bad reception through my phone's speaker. "Weather is marvellous, and Sakura's are bloomin' and and and everything is just SO PERFECT!! There's so much stuff to do, and things to craft, and everyone is just SO DEAR!! They even threw a welcome party for the first residents, and there were confetti, and juice, and even a BONFIRE!!"

I found myself smiling as I left my old life behind and flew through the skies that would lead me to a brand new one. But my smile soon faltered as I stepped off the plane and onto Sleepwalk Island's wooden dock.

"Oh, you here. Finally. Fearless Leader's waiting for you."

"Allright," I thought as I followed Tim ad Tommy’s fuzzy shadows across the island and into a green tent, “they have never been the friendly type, but... is a hug really too much to ask?” I ignored my disappointment, telling myself that they must have been busy, like they always are, and let my face melt in a huge smile as I breathed in the familiar musk of wood and tanuki fur. 

“PT!! Such a pleasure to see you here, yes yes!“ Tom rushed towards me, paws extended, his eyes nothing more than a couple happy slits. “I heard of your arrival and boy, I couldn’t wait! Here, drink something and make yourself at home...“ He slapped a can of soda in my open hand and began explaining me the hows and whys of his new business venture, nodding with his usual verve. “... and from this terminal here you can order anything you want and have it shipped right at your door-- ahem, tent step! Isnt’ it great??“

I smiled, knowing full well there was nothing I could say or do to stop his tirade. “And look! This is my new workbench! You can use it anytime, and-- let me show you how it’s done!“

Twenty minutes later, I stepped back out into the morning sun, arms heavy with Nook’s patented survival bundle, head buzzing with info. 

“Awesome! I will repay this trifle of a loan by nighttime, and after that, this island will be mine! Oh boy, I can’t wait! It’s gonna be so rad!“ 

Or so I thought. 

Reality, in fact, was soon to smack me in the face. Hard.

You see, S had told me all about how they had been able to trade bugs and fish for much-needed DiY recipes. “And you’ll be able to craft lotsa useful stuff, like axes, and you’ll need those to find wood and get stones and iron from rocks and build so much amazing objects-- I just can’t even!!“

So, understandably, I was all set to seize the occasion and do the same. 

That afternoon, I stepped into Nook’s headquarters with a bucket of fish, looking forward to my bright future as Sleepwalk’s craftmaster, when...

“Oh. I see. well, buddy, I’m afraid I can’t help you at this time,“ Tom said, avoiding my gaze and preferring to stare at one of my flapping mackerels instead.

“What d’you mean?,“ I asked, wiping the sweat from my surprised face.

“Well, it’s kinda embarrassing, but...“ Tom scratched his head before continuing. “You see, every other person no this island came in here, trading their critters for recipes, and... there were more people than I expected and I didn’t take into account this possibility and...“ He sighed. “...I’m all out. I have no more recipes to give you, buddy. Sorry ‘bout that.“

I blinked more times than needed. 

“But... what am I supposed to do now?“

Tom shrugged. 

“You can still sell your catch to scrounge up a few bells, I suppose. Or you could keep some fish as pet, I dunno.“

“Yes, no, what I mean is...“ I looked around and gestured to the outside world.

“What am I supposed to do?!“

Tom cocked his head and bit his lip. Then, unexpectedly, he flashed me the biggest smile in the universe.

“It’s simple! ENJOY LIFE!“

He slid an arm around my shoulders and began dragging me towards the exit.

“You can fish some more, gather branches and craft a bug net, or-- or or, ehm, take pictures! Yes yes, pictures are nice, you can post them on Twitter and make all your friends jealous, and then Ireallyhavenoideaso GOODBYE FOR NOW!“

And just like that, he shoved me and my broken heart out of his tent and back into Sleepwalk Island’s untamed wilderness. 

Needless to say, I was dumbfounded. 

Still, I couldn’t stop now. I still had a debt to repay.

So, I took a deep breath and lunged into my activities. 

I spent the entire day fishing, and fishing, and catching bugs, and picking fruit, until the sun set, and the fresh night breeze began freezing the sweat on my skin.

I was beyond exhausted, dirty and disheartened. But I was ready, and, most importantly, furious.

The moon was high in the sky when I stepped into Tom’s tent, and found him alone, beer in hand, a stack of paperwork under his muzzle.

“Nook,“ I announced, voice low and gravelly with rage, “check your phone.“

“Oh, PT! I didn’t see you the--“

“Check. Your. Phone.“

I stared at him as he obeyed.

“Ah. Your debt is settled, I see! Now we can think about building you a home proper, yes yes!“ He was trying to hide his embarrassment behind a thin layer of businesslike enthusiasm, but I wasn’t having it.

“Yes, I want my roof blue, thank you. But that is not why I am here.“

I sat on a stool beside him and spread my fingers on his desk.

“Now listen closely, Nook. I did everything you told me. I spent the entire day chasing bugs and I caught so much fish I will stink like one for a month. Then, I took pictures. I took so many my thumbs are sore, and people are wondering wether I am planning to become a professional photographer. And now, here I am, same as when I started, doing ZERO progress cause guess what?!“ I could hear my voice raising in volume, but could do nothing to stop it. “There is nothing to do on this island. Nothing. I can’t craft anything, cause there’s no recipes. And even if I did, I couldn’t craft, or build anything, cause there are no materials for me to gather. But tell me the truth, Tom. This isn’t the same for everybody, is it? No... these things are happening to me and me only. Cause there is nothing for me to do on this island. Ain’t it the truth, Tom?“

When the raccoon looked at me, he did it with his saddest eyes.

“Alright, PT, yes. You want the truth, you shall have it.“

He drew a long, shaky breath and tossed me a beer.

“You see, bud, Sleepwalk is an island. And until not long ago, a deserted one at that.“ He cleared his voice before resuming.

“So, yeah. There isn’t much here. Literally. Resources are awfully scarce. And in order to thrive, you need as much as you can get your paws on, and at times, even that isn’t enough. Sure, people here might seem kind and friendly. But truth is, we’re all locked in a constant fight for survival. Every single one of us. Never forget that.“

“But... But I...“

But I am the mayor, I wanted to yell.

“You are the second human relocator, my friend. It’s a first come first served world, buddy... and you, I’m afraid, arrived a bit late.“

I do not remember walking out of that tent and into the darkness. 

I don’t even remember how I ended up on the beach.

All I know, is that I did not sleep last night, busy as I was hugging my tear-soaked knees, wrestling with that crushing realization. 

The realization that, on this island, I will never be anything more than... Player Two.

[maddgarbagemonkey]

I Just Saw the Wicked 2019 Touring Cast and Boy Howdy, am I excited to Rant! (All Good things!)

There's a lot so buckle up your seatbealts!

So, first off, this was my first time seeing the show *cough cough* legally *cough* and I was amazed.

I instantly fell in love with the big metal dragon and nearly screamed when it moved and started blowing smoke out of its nose, as my Grandpa lied and told me, even though he's seen it 4 times, that the dragon was just decoration.

I love that the first solid 5 minutes of the show are just winged monkeys running around on the stage and looking concerned at one another before the opening number starts.

Glinda, played by Erin Mackey, was my WIFE.

During her first speaking part of "No one Mourns the Wicked," she got stuck on her big metal bubble and the ensemble had to crowd around her to help her get off, which, because coming off of the bubble was her cue to continue, led to a really long silence. But it kinda fit and showed that she hesitated to celebrate Elphaba's death so yeah! I just thought it was adorable and I admire how she was able to turn it into a cool window into her character!

When Elphaba, played by Mariand Torres, entered we all screamed for a solid 3 minutes and, after seeing her performance, she deserved a solid 8 more. I loved her so much!

I loved her early performance of Elphaba at Shiz because she played her as an angry little bean that snapped at everyone and everything instead of just shy and quiet and it worked so well, especially with how overprotective she was of Nyssa.

A girl literally faints upon seeing Elphaba and I can relate cause she was SO PRETTY!

Mariand's "Wizard and I" was so powerful and emotional at the same time I just wanted to pick her up and keep her! <3

THE 👏 GLINDA 👏 AND 👏 ELPHABA👏 HEIGHT👏 DIFFERENCE!

Usually you see Elphaba portrayed as tall while Glinda is shorter but, because Mariand was a tiny angel and Erin was a tall goddess who literally towered over Fierro without heels, it was quite the opposite and I l o v e d every second of "What is this Feeling" because of it.

I would die for tiny little ball of angry Elphaba and Tall, regal, princess Glinda holding her back from fighting everyone who dares look at them funny and you can pry them out of my cold dead hands.

Mariand did the thing where she mimicked Glinda for the "Your Voice" line and made it extra squeaky and I died.

She also, whenever Glinda had her back turned, copied her with a stupid little kicking dance and tossed her hair way too frantically and I fell in love.

For the "boo", Elphaba had to look directly up and jump at Glinda because she was so short and I squealed

Oh my God. C U R T. H A N S E N. This man was in Big Time Rush and I can not picture Fierro's entrance without the theme song ever again. (Bruh, Chill)

His choreo also had some "not-so-subtle" scarecrow like poses and taps.

Dude, he played him as such a snotty little twink and I loved it! He almost knocked down the statue in the center like eight times during "Dancing Through Life!"

His mic also made him sound like he was under water for a total of one (1) line and I snorted.

Nyssa, (sorry Mili Diaz, you were incredible and I love you,) Please exit my server.

Glinda made at least 16 Tik Tok references and I know, it's not towards the app because duh, but I'm still very conflicted.

Elphaba was S O mad at the scene with Dr. Dillamond I was so proud and in love!

E L P H A B A ' S D A N C E!

It was so good and pure and when Glinda joined she made it look so graceful!

And Elphaba looked very doubtful at first but then she looked around at everyone doing her dance and back at Glinda and she had the biggest smile on her face and tears in her eyes because she was accepted for something and it was beautiful!

Only Boc's mic was really working at this part so the "Let's DAAAANCE" reverberated deeply into my soul and stayed there for a really long time.

Popular was superb and I literally cried.

Literally.

When Erin got out of breath, she fell on the floor and just layed there for 16 counts breathing really heavily into the mic. Pure Poetry

Glinda suffocated Elphaba with hugs to her throat and swung her around like a rag doll while she just glared angry and helpless.

During "Don't Make me laugh" Glinda pushed her hand into Elphaba's face and gently and slowly set her back on her bed and if that ain't the biggest mood.

So many kicks and giggles I LOVE ERIN MACKEY!

When Glinda fell into Elphaba's arms crying after Fierro ran away at the train scene she took up half of her body and I just needed to write that out.

The egg-like Emerald City suits without arms that extended their necks and twirled them like lassos. Need I say more?

Elphaba's teary smile at "Finally, no one's looking or staring at me!" And then Glinda takes off her glasses and grabs her hand saying that she looked as beautiful as an emerald and... A C K

Upon meeting the scary robo wizard, Glinda got scared and tried to hide her 5'9 body behind little 5'1 Elphie and she looked so protective and ready to throw down I loved it!

Monkeys. Monkeys. Monkeys.

"Let her go! It's not her that you want! Its ME!" She sounded so powerful and angry I would die for her.

The part where Elphaba's begging Glinda to go with her but she's too focused on the fact that she's shaking and ties that spooky cape around her shoulders.

Mariand's "Defying Gravity" was so strong and beautiful with all of her God-tier belts and riffs I could not stop smiling and when she finally flies I yelped because you always hear about how cool it is and looks but then you really S E E it and it's beyond words! I had to do nothing and breathe for a second afterwards to find my bearings!

I loved Erin's "Thank Goodness" a lot. She poured a lot of emotion and beautiful vocals into it and just... god, she's gorgeous!

At the part where Elphaba appeared in the closet in Nyssa's office and the mirror became see through I heard a kid behind me exclaim "Zoo Wee Mama" and I won't be the same.

I don't remember Nyssa being so horrible but... *shrug* She gets it from her Dad I guess.

I love that Boc's reaction to finding out Nyssa can walk is just, "oh, good! Now you can work on this whole walking thing and get tf away from me! This worked out perfectly!" Same, boi.

I loved! LOVED! Nyssa Rose's song with a passion and the way her words get all twisted and angry literally talking about how she's going to rip Boc's heart out for leaving her and it gave me a good amount of spooks.

"Don't say I'm beautiful. You don't need to lie to me." B A B Y

"My Family has a Castle! No one lives there or will see us besides the guards!" "Where do you live, now?" "... The other castle." Oh sweetie.

Glinda, you deserve so much more than scarecrow boy and I would die for you!

Elphaba's voice drops at least 8 octaves during her line in "As long as Your Mine" The "For the first time I feel...

Wicked

I have never been more physically and emotionally attracted to a green lady Other than Princess Fiona

Also, there was so much smoke during that song that I could hear some Orchestra members cough.

During that scene with Elphaba's and Glinda's argument at Nyssa's "Funeral", while preparing to fight Glinda twirls her wand and strikes at Elphie like she came out of the Karate Kid.

Elphaba's witch laugh after Glinda slaps her followed by the most serious "Feel Better?"

Both Fierro and Glinda yell at Elphaba to leave before she gets hurt and I feel things because of that.

While Fierro is fake/real threatening Glinda with a gun, she just tearfully shakes her head in a silent plea and he INSTANTLY drops his gun. I love 'em

The way Glinda's "Fierro" melts into Elphaba's "FIERRROOO!" Love.

"No Good Deed" will always be my favorite song. ITS SO GOOD! Mariand's voice was incredible and her riffs and belts added so much!

During Elphaba's little "let all of OZ be agreed I'm wicked through and through," she makes her voice all scary and raspy, but it melts back into her own voice and beautiful despair at "since I can not succeed, Fierro saving you!"

NO GOOD DEED! 10/10 LOTSA SMOKE

March of the Witch hunters always has and will give me chills. Nothing more to say. Just one good bop.

This is the part where I cry too much.

"For Good" was gorgeous and I cried. A lot. A lot.

Elphaba kisses Glinda's hands and wipes her tears away.

Glinda runs her hands across and straightens Elphaba's hat and OH MY GOD!

It hurts how frantically Elphaba hides Glinda to protect her! Side note, I would also die for Chistery.

At their final moments together, Elphaba blows Glinda a kiss and then proceeds to get "murdered" in a really cool way by Dorthy.

Glinda's "Elphie!?" Is so tragic and panicked I was struggling to make it through, and then she grabbed her hat and cried into it and I was long gone.

Fierro adopts spooky Scarecrow movements at the end which I think is really cool and he also mimics Elphaba's "Don't lie to me!" Line.

Before Elphaba leaves, she becomes entranced by Glinda's beautiful singing, like she's thinking of telling her she's okay, but then she turns around and walks through the door with Fierro.

The last thing we see of Elphaba is her wearing her signature hat and walking into dust with Fierro. The last thing we see of Glinda is her sobbing into Elphaba's book in her bubble.

In conclusion, IM NOT OKAY!

Nah, Fam! But seriously! Mariand and Erin's vocals and performances were to die for! It succeeded my wildest expectations! I had so much fun and would 100% recommend seeing the show if you haven't seen it or want to see it a 19th time. Both are just as valid. :)

[theaetherhealerffxiv]

FFXIV Write - Week One - Prompt 3 - Lost

@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast​

----

FFXIV Oneshot: OC Based Fanfiction [Wol-verse]

Pairings: Wol oc x Thancred

Summary: They met years ago, but Thancred admits he knows nothing about Swath past before the Scions. Swath decides its time he finally explains his bloody history.

Word Count: 1793

With a pained grunt Thancred stretched out on the cot within the infirmary that was nestled in the side of the Crystarium. I sighed and sat heavily down next to him; despite my looks my body ached and the hustle and bustle of the room made my fatigue so much worse. Our little ward had run off to assist some of the doctors with gathering ingredients again, her mind now fully on her task after we had spoken with her. Beside me my long time companion laughed.

“Wha’ is so funny?” I asked, looking down at the beaten and bruised hyur. He looked at me with a soft smile and reached out to take my hand gently tugging me down to lay beside him. Exhausted, I complied. While I was a Viera, and much bigger than Thancred we still nestled comfortably together on the cot. My shoulders sagged and I shut my eyes for a moment feeling the pain peak in my muscles. I was sure to have bruises. Hearing the man beside me hum and place his head on my shoulder he lifted our still entwined hands. I opened my eyes to gaze at them, before feeling the need to ask my question again. “Thancred, wha is so funny?”

“This,” He shook our hands. “I would have never guessed that we would become so close.” I frowned, close? I clinked our promise bands, that were on our hands in defiance. He laughed again. “Yes, yes. But I mean when I found you outside of Ul’dah, it never crossed my mind that a day like this,” He shook our hands, “And this,” He mentioned to us and the bustling room. “Would happen. That you where the saviour of Eorzea.”

I sighed, “Hard’ly.” I muttered. “Jus’ cause some weird crystal chose me doe’sn make meh, a saviour. I’m just ah adventurer Thancred.” I shifted to nuzzle my nose into his greasy hair, smelling the dirt, blood and sweat. It was familiar, our moments of quiet together usually consisted of such things. 

“You may be just an adventurer to many Swath,” Thancred lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the band. “But you are at least my saviour.” I shivered a little bit at the memory; carrying his limp body out of the castrum, feeling the fear in the pit of my belly. Sure the mother Crystal had said that she had saved him but I feared… I had feared the worst. Although in this moment I was thankful. I was thankful that Thancred was opening up to me again, we had been parted for so long again. He had seemed so tired and bitter when I had first come to the First. I closed my eyes.

“Y’eh remember when yeh found me right?” I asked, shifting slightly to get more comfortable; my long ears where bumping against the top of the bed rubbing my fur the wrong way. The man who still had his lips to my dirty knuckles chuckled. 

“Aye, course.” His voice was soft. “You were so quiet, withdrawn… angry.”

“Lost,” I supplied. 

“Lost,” Thancred repeated placing our entwined hands on his chest. “You never really explained why, I realize. I know so much about you know, but I know nothing of your past beyond the moment I found you.” 

I could hear the curiousness in his voice, the wish to ask, the restraint with not, knowing it likely would hurt me. Bringing up such memories was not an easy task for me, but with all that we shared  I felt like finally, after all these years I owed him an explanation. I rolled my eyes even though he could not see and sighed. “Yeah, ‘bout time I’h explained som’ thin’s huh?” 

“If you would.” Thancred murmured, over the din of the infirmary I almost did not hear him for a moment. “I doubt anyone will disturb us here.” He then supplied, groaning as he reached up with his free hand to pop open a few latches in his chest armor. “Ah, but first if you would please help me here.” I laughed and we sat up, the white haired man before me shrugged off his jacket and I helped him free himself of his breastplate. I heaved it over the side of the bed before shedding what little pointy bits of armor I had on myself. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Thancred unceremoniously throw himself back on the cot. A faint memory of when we finished our first mission together in the Scions coming floating back before I settled back down next to him. 

“‘Ight.” I chuckled shifting so that my head was laying on top of his. He snatched my hand again and lifted above us once more playing with the band on my finger. “When yeh found me,”

“I remember you being wounded.” Thancred interrupted. I felt his head muscles shift under my cheek, indicating that he was frowning. 

“Yeah, I’h was. I’h had com’ from killin a tangent of Garleans.” I flexed my hand and smiled softly.

“But, there was not a castrum from miles around UI’dah.” Thancred said, his voice a little strained. Clearly he was not liking where my reflection was going, but I would not spare him any details.

“Aye, I’h had been wanderin for quite ah while.” I squeezed his hand gently. “I’h dun remember much, other than it h’a been days -”

“Days?” Thancreds voice broke a little, his hand stilling. 

“Aye. I went on rages often. I’h was very.. Broken, Thancred.” I muttered quietly as I waited a moment before continuing. Giving him a second to soak in the small detail. “I’h was still comin off loosin mah entire family to ah Garlean raid -”

“You never said anything about that.” 

“No. I’h guess I’h never saw a reason ta. I’h was with tha Scions, no reason ta bring up ol wounds.” I shrugged a little and he placed our hands on his chest again. 

“Pray, continue.” He breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. I could not tell if it was anger, or sympathy that flavored his tone. 

“‘Ight, So, mah family, I’h was raised in tha mountains of Garlemald, small village, one who worshiped ah primal I’h guess yah could say. Tha Garleans heard o us, dispatched a tangent of men ta murder us all. I’h was adopted by these people. I’h may have not been their blood but they, ta me where mine. This group o’men, they killed everyone. I’h even think they killed meh.” I frowned as I tried to focus on the hazy memory. I could not truly recall that day, just bullets tearing my flesh and then suddenly the one I believed should have killed me was no longer there. 

“You died?” Thancred shifted sitting up to stare at me intently. Still laying on the bed I shrugged.

“I’h think. I’h dunno, it was cold and black, ‘n suddenly I’h was warm and hurting.” I looked at his face curiously trying to read the expression that he had on his face. I couldn't so I just continued my story. “Tha was when I was a wee child, sweet babe of twenty winters.”

“And Viera live quite a long time.” Thancred muttered. “How long ago was that now?”

“Ah,” I raised a hand to rub my chin. “I’m ‘round sixty winters now? I’h think? Maybeh more, lotsa that time is lost ta me cause of mah anger.” Thancred was quiet. His eyes carefully watching me. I frowned, “Thancred, yah gotta tell me wha your thinkin, I have big ears for hearin, I cant read yah mind.”

His face broke out into a tender smile before he sighed, raising his hands in a shrug. “I was just thinking you are quite older than me. And here I thought I was robbing a cradle.”

I laughed, “I’h am a babe in terms of mah kind though apparently! So yeh may not be far off.” I reached up letting my fingertips graze his arms. He laughed and leaned forward wincing a little but falling onto my breast, snuggling into my shoulder. To us, the world around us had faded away and it was just our cot. 

“Continue Swath.” He asked shifting so that he could gaze at my face as I spoke. I smiled.

“Aye, well, I’h wandered ah lot afta that. Lived in tha wild. Stayed away from aether heavy areas..”

“Because of these correct?” He lifted on eof my arms and gently fingered a shimmering blue bump on my grey skin.

“Aye, aetheryte crystals.” I twisted my arm in his grasp to show off the many that speckled my skin like freckles. “Got’em when I was fifteen winters? Was protectin, or attemptin to, protect a town from a Garlean attack. They blew up the aetheryte while I was right next ta it, nearly killed me.”

Thancred sighed. “You have almost perished a lot, Swath.” 

“Aye well.” I shrugged. “I’h lived a dangerous life till I’h came to the Scions ironically. Yeh have to thank for savin mah hide from more danger.” Thancred grunted a response and I sighed. “Well, mah history isn't much more than that, yeh found me at tha lowest point in mah life pulled me from the brink an gave meh ah purpose.” 

“And then you became the Warrior of Light, a hero at the beck and call of all who need him.” Thancred murmured laying his head back down on my chest, he sighed. “Ironic indeed.”

“Eh, I got ta meet yah and everyone. I dun mind it. I’h am happy.”  I reached up and stroked his dirt caked hair. “Though, I do miss yah long hair. An tan.”

Thancred laughed, then winced. “Ah, do not make me laugh so. I did not have any control over the appearance of my soul.” I sighed.

“Aye, but tha tan, it had lines in such nice places.”  On top of me Thancred weakly pounded my shoulder.

“Enough you.” He chided. 

As I was about to open my mouth a small blur of white appeared in the corner of my eye. I turned and smiled. “Ah sweet little child, yeh return.” Thancred laungly turned to look at her, who was blushing furiously. 

“Ah-ah did I interrupt something?! I’m sorry!!” She squeaked then ran off before either of us could say anything.

“We should.. Go tell her it is okay.” Thancred murmured.

I chuckled, “Aye, but then, ta my quarters. I demand more of this. Its been ah while.”

“Yeah yeah,” With a smack to my shoulder Thancred winced but stood and grabbing his breastplate waited for me to stand with him and grab my things so that we could chase after the little Oracle. 

[lostinreality014]

A Perfect Birthday (Evie)

Author’s Notes: Since writing A Perfect Christmas, I’ve had it in my mind that Niall and Evie adopt a husky puppy at some point in time after they get married. I’ll attribute a part of that to my own personal obsession with huskies. Any how... I went back and forth on how their puppy would come into the picture and decided Niall would surprise Evie for her birthday. So that’s how this came about. Not sure this blurb is as strong as APC, but hopefully you all like it. :)

Thank you to the ever so lovely @wdmsusie for being beta to this piece. Hopefully one of these days I’ll be able to write a fully chaptered fic as amazing as the stories she shares with us :)

This piece will also be posted to my Wattpad account.

Any pieces I post here are mine and all rights are reserved. I do not give permission for my work to be posted on any other platform. Unless I explicitly state that I have posted one of my works on another platform, please let me know immediately if you see my writing anywhere other than Tumblr. Thank you.

“Happy birthday, darlin.” Niall said softly, planting gentle kisses along my bare shoulder. If not for his kisses pulling me out of my peaceful sleep, I wouldn’t have heard his happy birthday wish.

“Hmm…” I hummed softly as I turned my head on my pillow toward him. “Thought you were gonna let me sleep in for my birthday.”

“I did.” I felt him chuckle more than I heard it. “It’s nearly noon.” My eyes snapped open in shock.

“Really?” he nodded with another chuckle.

“Mhm. And you’ve got one very impatient nephew who is dyin to wish you a happy birthday.” There was no stopping the pout from forming on my lips at the thought of Theo wanting to wish me a happy birthday.

“Aww. I miss the little guy.”

“He misses you too. Didn’t even want to talk to me when I answered me phone earlier. Just asked for you cause you weren’t answerin your phone.”

“What can I say?” I shrugged with a smirk. “I have that magic touch.”

“You’re so funny.” He rolled his eyes fondly. “What do you say to breakfast for lunch in bed and a FaceTime call with your nephew before I spoil you for your birthday?”

“I think breakfast in bed is spoiling enough,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him. “I don’t need anything else. Just wanna spend my day with you.” I smiled.

“I’m still gonna spoil ya even if ya protest.” I swatted at his chest lazily, earning a hearty chuckle from him. “What would you like for breakfast, birthday girl?”

“Hmm… an omelette sounds good. With some fruit and a cup of tea.”

“I think I can whip that up real quick.” He smiled, which turned into a teasing smirk. “And look who’s calling again.”

“I’ve never known someone so enthusiastic about wishing someone a happy birthday.” I giggled as he answered the call.

“Hey little man. Callin me every ten minutes won’t wake up your Aunt Evie any sooner.” He smirked.

“I know. But I gots ta wish her a Happy Birfday. And it’s almost lunch time!” he exclaimed. I felt my heart melt in my chest. “Is she awake yet?”

“Hold on a sec and let me check.” I watched him mute the call then place the phone in his lap so it was a black screen for a minute or two.

“You’re so mean.” I admonished though it was hard not to smile.

“Like you wouldn’t do the same thing if the roles were reversed.”

“Quit stalling and let him wish me a happy birthday.” He laughed, picked his phone back up, and unmuted the call.

“Guess who finally woke up?” Niall smirked at Theo.

“AUNT EVIE!” He exclaimed. We heard Denise tell him to lower his voice in the background.

“Give her just a second and she’ll be on the phone, yeah?”

“Okay.” If I had to guess, he was probably bouncing around waiting for me to appear on screen.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes with breakfast.” Niall whispered as he stood up. I nodded as he handed me his phone then pecked a gentle kiss to my forehead before heading out of the room.

“AUNT EVIE! HAPPY BIRFDAY!” Theo exclaimed when I appeared on screen.

“Thank you!” I smiled at him. “You’ve been waiting a long time to see me haven’t you?” He nodded emphatically.

“You was asleep for a looooong time.” He said. He was so matter of fact about it it made me giggle.

“I was, wasn’t I?”

“Uh huh. Why you sleep so long?”

“Well, I was at work really late last night and I didn’t get home until it was way after your bedtime. So one of my birthday presents from Uncle Niall was to let me sleep as long as I wanted.”

“That’s a good present.” He said with a smile.

“Yes it is. It’s a lovely present.”

“Have you got any other presents yet?”

“Not yet. But Uncle Niall said he’s going to spoil me for my birthday. So I bet that means more presents.”

“Good. You deserve lotsa presents.”

“I do?” he nodded and I giggled.

“I make sure Uncle Niall knows.” He said adamantly.

“I think he already knows,” I winked at him as Denise called for his attention in the background.

“I gots ta go, Aunt Evie. Mumma says it’s time for lunch.” I giggled and nodded.

“You go enjoy lunch. And thank you for the birthday wishes.”

“You’re welcome.” He smiled big.

“I love you a lot.”

“I love you more!” He exclaimed.

“Not possible.” I smiled. “Go get your lunch and I’ll talk to you soon okay?”

“Okay. Bye bye!” we waved at each other for a moment before the call disconnected and I was met with the blank screen of Niall’s phone.

A couple of hours later, after enjoying a birthday breakfast in bed with Niall, and getting myself ready for the rest of the day, we were walking around the farmer’s market not far from our house. Walking through this market was one of my favorite things to do. I’d always found it calming to walk through the various aisles full of tables and tents, looking at everything people had to sell whether it was sweets, artwork, or handmade clothing and jewelry. Perhaps it was calming to me because it reminded me of all the early Saturday mornings I spent with mum at local markets back in Mullingar when I was younger.

“Havin a good birthday so far?” Niall asked as we turned down another aisle of tents and tables.

“Couldn’t ask for a better way to spend my birthday.” I smiled up at him.

“Good. You deserve the best birthday every year,” he returned the smile, dropping a kiss to my forehead as his hand gave my waist a gentle, loving squeeze. “See anything ya like?”

“Of course. I always find things that catch my eye. Not that you need to buy me anything else.” he scoffed.

“Of course I do. It’s your birthday. And Theo made it perfectly clear you deserve lots of presents.” There was no stopping the laugh that escaped from the back of my throat.

“He’s eight. Of course he’s going to say everyone deserves lots of birthday presents.”

“He’s not wrong.”

“Mhm.” I hummed, narrowing my eyes at him. A table a few meters from us caught my attention as he slowed our pace down before stopping at a table that had vintage band tees and various records on display. If my attention hadn’t already been elsewhere, I would have stopped to browse the shirts and records on display.

“There’s a table just down the way I want to check out.” I told him, giving his hand a squeeze. “Catch up to me?”

“Sure. I won’t be long,” He smiled. I untangled our fingers and made my way down the aisle, stopping in front of the table that had some of the most unique, and beautiful handmade jewelry I’d seen in a long time.

“Hello.” A kind, older woman smiled as I walked up.

“Hello. How are you?” I smiled.

“I’m wonderful. How are you?”

“Never been better.”

“Oh that’s wonderful to hear. Looking for anything in particular or just browsing?”

“Just browsing for the moment. My mum’s birthday is coming up soon and I haven’t the slightest idea what to get her. Kind of hoping something will jump out at me.”

“The right gift will come along. Browse as long as you like and I’m here if you have any questions.”

“Great. Thank you.” I smiled as I started looking at all the jewelry that she had out on display. A few pieces made me think of Mum, but nothing quite jumped at me. Until I saw a necklace and earring set a few minutes later. I gently picked up the set so I could get a closer look at it. It was absolutely perfect for mum. The right color, the right style, and the earrings weren’t too big.

A few minutes later, I had purchased mum’s birthday present and was tucking it safely into my purse. After thanking the woman one final time and wishing her a lovely afternoon, I glanced back to see Niall still at the table I’d left him at and chuckled to myself. I was about to turn and head back to meet him, but was immediately distracted by a pen of husky puppies. How I hadn’t seen them prior to stopping at the table I’d just left was beyond me.

“Oh my goodness.” I cooed softly as I approached the pen. “They’re so sweet.”

“They are, aren’t they?” The middle aged woman asked with a smile as she marked her place in the book she was reading. “You’re welcome to visit with them.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely.” She smiled, walking over and opening the small door to the pen for me. As soon as I stepped through the small door, all but one of the puppies made their way toward me, barking and whining excitedly.

“Are they all in need of homes?” I asked as I tried to give each puppy in front of me some attention.

“They are. I’ve just recently posted a notice they’re available for adoption.”

“They’re so precious. I’d take them all but my husband would kill me.” I chuckled as the puppies started jumping around and wrestling with each other to get my attention. The one puppy not partaking in the shenanigans of its siblings had made its way toward me, staying close to the wall of the pen.

“That’s the general consensus we get.” she chuckled fondly. “I’m Laura by the way.”

“I’m Evie. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You as well,” she smiled as the one puppy who wanted to do with the comotion gently pawed at my leg. I pouted and scooped up the ball of fluff with eyes that were the color of Niall’s.

“Hello precious. What’s your name?” I asked, settling the puppy in my lap.

“That’s Selke. She’s normally quite shy and it usually takes her a long time to warm up to people. You’re actually the first person she’s approached on her own so quickly.”

“Aren’t you just the sweetest thing.” I cooed as she curled up in my lap, her chin resting on my thigh. “Selke is an interesting name. Does it mean something?” I asked, looking up at Laura.

“Interestingly enough, she’s named after an award that’s given to hockey players. My husband is originally from the States and is a big hockey fan. There are awards for the player that scored the most points in the season, the best defenseman, the player with the best sportsmanlike conduct, that kind of thing. I don’t remember what the Selke award is for, but she responded to the name so it stuck.”

“I think it suits her.” I smiled as she lifted her head up to look at me.  

“I agree. Looks like she’s taken quite the liking to you.”

“Seems so. Which means it’s gonna break my heart to leave her.”

“Ev?” I heard Niall’s voice from a few feet away. He must have heard me talking to Laura.

“Over here.” I called, already bracing myself for whatever reaction I was about to get from him.

“Oh no.” he half groaned, knowing it was going to be a chore to get me to leave. “Never should’ve let you wander off on your own. Now I’ll never get ya home.”

“You’re so funny.” I said before sticking my tongue out at him. Laura giggled at the pair of us. “And be nice. It’s my birthday.”

“Would you like to join her?” Niall thought about it for a moment before nodding.

“Wouldn’t hurt I guess. But we’re not leavin with one of ‘em.” He stepped through after Laura opened the gate just has she’d done for me to make sure none of the puppies escaped. I made a face at him. I knew of his reservations of adopting a puppy and I completely understood them. But one of these days I’d convince him that having a dog wouldn’t be so bad.

As soon as he sat down next to me on the other stool, the puppies ran up to him, barking excitedly. Selke lifted her head off my thigh again and whined at him softly, still not the least bit interested in participating in the antics of her brothers and sisters. I smiled when he slid off the stool to sit on the ground, the puppies immediately climbing into his lap. I laughed as an uncharacteristically high pitched giggle escaped his throat, the puppies jumping up in his face and trying to lick him so he’d give them more attention.

“I’ve only got two hands,” he laughed as one of the puppies toppled out of his lap. I couldn’t help but giggle. “Ya alright there, lil one?” he asked as he helped the puppy back up onto its feet.

“How old are they?” I asked Laura as I continued to pet Selke and watch Niall entertain the others.

“Just turned six weeks old yesterday. They still need a couple more weeks with their mumma before they can head off on their own.” Selke lifted her head off my thigh again and sniffed at Niall, whining softly in his ear. He immediately turned his attention to her, and the look on his face when he came eye to eye with her made my heart squeeze in my chest.

“Perfect. That gives us time to puppy proof our house.” Niall said. My head snapped back to him so quickly I’m surprised I didn’t give myself whiplash.

“Puppy proof...?” I started. He nodded, his smile stretching across his face. “But you just...”

“Happy birthday, darlin.” Tears welled up in my eyes immediately.

“Oh my god.” I whispered, a tear slipping free before I could stop it. “Are you serious?”

“Mhm.”

“You better not be messin with me.” He laughed and shook his head.

“Not messin with ya, love.” I shook my head in disbelief as a few more tears escaped. “One of these cute pups is comin home with us.”

“Did you just decide this? Or was it planned?”

“It was planned. With some help.” He glanced up at Laura, who was leaning against the railing, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“You cheeky bastard.” I muttered, wiping the tears from my face. He laughed again and leaned over to peck a kiss to my knee as that was the only part of me in his reach.

“I’ll leave you two to spend some time with the puppies so you can get to know them. I’m here if you have any questions.” We nodded and thanked her before turning back to each other.

“I can’t believe you.” I said softly, looking down at him, tears still in my eyes.

“Can’t believe I managed to completely surprise you.”

“I can’t either. Only other time was when you proposed.” I smirked.

“It hasn’t been easy to keep this a secret. I’ll tell ya that.” Selke sniffed at his hair before licking at his nose. “You’re cute.” he smiled as he reached up to scratch behind her ears.

“Her name is Selke.”

“Look at those eyes. They’re stunnin. And that face.”

“I don’t see how anyone could say no to that face,” I commented.

“You’d have to have a heart of ice to say no to her. Or any of these little guys.” He giggled as a couple of the other puppies scampered back over to him. Selke watched them for a moment before wiggling around in my lap and settling down on her back, with all fours in the air.

“Oh you want a belly rub, don’t ya?” I asked as I started scratching her chest and tummy gently. I completely melted when she wrapped her little paws around my wrist, her head lolling off to the side, clearly enjoying the tummy rub.

“Hand me my phone, please?” I asked Niall. He pulled it from my purse, opening the camera app on it before handing it to me. I snapped a few pictures of her before dropping my phone back into my purse. She enjoyed her tummy rub for a few seconds more before rolling back onto her side and barking softly.

“I think she wants some Niall cuddles.” I smiled as I scooped her up and set her in Niall’s lap. The two puppies that had just been climbing all over him were now running around by my feet, chasing each other and wrestling once one caught the other. The other three puppies had calmed down and were curled up next to their mumma for a nap.

“This face kills me.” He pouted as Selke sat back on her hind legs, her tiny front paws resting against his chest. He helped steady her with one hand so she wouldn’t topple over, while gently scratching behind her ear with his other hand.

“It’s the eyes. And that little smile.”

“Oh now she’s layin it on. Won’t let go of me hand.” He pouted. “Any idea which one you’d like to bring home with us?” Niall asked.

“Selke.” I answered without hesitation. Even though we hadn’t spent too much time with the other puppies, there was something about Selke that felt right. And it wasn’t that the other puppies weren’t just as sweet and friendly as Selke was. Because they were. But knowing that I was the first person she approached on her own only cemented the fact that she was the right match for the two of us.

“What do ya say, Selke girl? Wanna come live with us?” She barked softly and licked at Niall’s chin.

“I think that’s puppy for yes.” I giggled.

“I think so too.” He smiled, looking up at me. I leaned down and kissed him softly.

“Thanks for the best, and most perfect, birthday present ever.” I smiled, pecking his lips once more before sitting up a bit.

“You’re welcome, my love. Happy birthday.”

[colonel-crapshot]

Oreshura Episodes One through to Four

just picked up Oreshura

This is gonna be a trip

... I sense bad things

*alarms flare* I SENSE ADVANCED FUCKERY 

JESUS FUCK IT'S SUCH ADVANCED FUCKERY THAT IT NOT ONLY ACHIEVES THE GOAL OF ALLEVIATING THE GENKI GIRLS WOES BUT ALLOWS THE THOT TO MESS WITH HER

I AM ACTUALLY AMAZED. Both at how stupid this genki girl is and at how artful this fuckery has become

It's beautiful fear if I watch for too long I may lose my neck as it furrows into my shoulders with the cringe

The Jojo references in this are thick, like they were slathered on with a spade

...JESUS FUCK THIS IS ACTUALLY PANNING OUT

Okay this is actually getting a bit funny now

AND THE CRINGE RETURNS

GOODBYE NECKYOU WERE A TREASURED PARTNER

WHAT THE SHIT ARE YOU DOING WOMAN, YOU CAN'T JUST DORA DORA DORA YOUR WAY OUT OF THIS. YOU AIN'T NO JOSUKE

... what the fuck am I watching

What IS Oreshura?

Friend:  werid japanese bullshit Colonel

There is no defence. That is exactly what this is

But with Jojo references lathered on by the spade

I've had this stupid second hand embarrassed grin stuck on my face for like 5 minutes now

The mistress shovelling Jojo references upon this series is pure fucking evil

This poor motherfucker

There is no mercy for this lad

Man this guy had some serious Chuunibyou

That notebook is so cringeworthy I'm amazed he still has a neck, let alone me

O_O

HE'S LOST THE PLOT

This lady is actually evil

I don't think I could take it with the sound...BUT I MUST.FOR ENDURING THIS WILL NOT ONLY FURROW MY NECK INWARDS BUT ALLOW ME TO GROW?

Evil incarnate is far too into this

The musics gone all fucky too

Jesus this is sad

Okay. The sunglasses "Power scouter" got me a bit

The music is dying with me

How has nobody had the heart to shut her up?

...Oh. That was actually a rather heartwarming reaction

This is nice

GOOD, FEEL IT BURN RIGHT TO YOUR EVIL SOUL WOMAN. THE SCRIPT YOU POURED THAT VILE MOULDY GRASS SMOOTHIE "JUICE" YOU CALL A SOUL INTO WAS CALLED A SKIT. HA!

This Chiwa chick has got guts, I like that

Enough guts to go along with a plan she HAS to know is written by someone fucking with her

This girls ability to blag is outstanding, if nothing else

THE GENKI GIRL BROKE

DIO, HOW DO WE FIX A BROKEN GENKI GIRL?DO WE FEED IT SNACKS?DO WE DO THE SAD SUSHI ROLL TACTIC?

WHERE IS THE ARCHBISHOP OF ANIMEBURY WHEN I NEED HIM?

TEARS HAVE HAPPENED

HOLY FUCK NUGGETS, HONESTY IN A HAREM ANIME?!

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, WHAT HAPPENED? YOU DINGUS?! THAT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD IF IT WAS A LETTER CARRIED BY THE FUCKING STAND ARROW IMPALING YOU WHICH THEN PRODUCED A STAND WHOSE ONLY ABILITY WAS TO BEAT YOU WITH A SHITTING SIGN SAYING THAT CERTAIN GIRLS LIKE YOU WHEN THEY SAY THEY LIKE YOU

... Well it's no fucking wonder she actually likes him like that

I respect, if nothing else, this shows dedication to depictions of romance

As is true for most women of pure evil, the san andress fault can be recreated utilising only chest implements

...Excuse me. I have a reality to bend to smack a thot

DAMN FUCKING RIGHT YOU'RE A BITCH WOMAN

I WILL SMACK THE BITCH RIGHT THE SHIT OUT OF YOU

'PPARENTLY I DON'T NEED TO, YOU FUCKING GO EITA 

*waves a flag with Eita's name on it*

SLAP THE BITCH WITH WORDS, NOT HANDS

MAKE HER FEEL IT IN THAT RANK ASS SMOOTHIE SHIT SOUL OF HERS

YOU WERE SO CLOSE TO BEING HUMAN

IT WAS ALMOST CUTE, THEN YOU WENT FULL FUCKIN' ICE QUEEN

Damn, Eita's eyes have gone all fucky and he got a set of crayon armour drawn around him... HE'S LOST IT AGAIN

WE'VE GOT A CHUUNI! CHUUNI ALERT

*puts on Chuuni scouter* WHAT! IT'S...IT'S JUST A FUCKING PLASTIC DBZ SCOUTER I BOUGHT OFF EBAY, I CAN'T SEE SOMEONES CHUUNI LEVEL! BUT IT MUST BE SUPER FUCKING HIGH BECAUSE I FEEL MY NECK GIVING UP ITS WILL TO LIVE

I CAN FEEL HOW CHUUNI HE IS IN MY OWN WITHERED EGGPLANT SOUL

Why do I put myself through this?

Okay, you really need to turn off the Chuuni bro. You won, the dickheads are leaving. So go back to "doesn't care about love med student wannabe" Eita

OH SHIT HE TACKLED A DUDE

DAMN SON.SHE MAY BE LIKE 4 FEET TALL BUT SHE'S FUCKING THESE CUNTS UP WITH A CONE CONNECTING WARNING TAPE AFFAIR

Yeah, who is this "she". Or is this another part of your Chuuni fantasy

GOOD. THE LITTLE BITCH NEEDS TO LEARN, LOVE IS A MULTIFACETED AND WONDERFUL THING AND IT COMES IN ALL SORTS OF WONDERFUL FLAVOURS

Heck, Eita could do with his own little lesson on it

Okay. So she wasn't just reeling from the shock of seeing one of the infinite facets of love, she was just seeing what it'd be like to skive. Least she admits she's evil though

AM I SURE THIS IS JUST THE FOURTH EPISODE? FUCKING HELL LOTSA SHIT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING

OF COURSE IT WOULD BE FOR THE JOJO REFERENCE. WHY WOULD IT NOT? !IT'S NOT LIKE A FIRST KISS IS A RELATIONSHIP MILESTONE OR ANYTHING! GOTTA GET THAT SICK JOJO REF GOING!

Don't get me wrong, I love me that "Kono Dio da!" scene. It's beautiful and OH so memeable. BUT BUTTER MY SPRING GREENS AND MAKE ME A SANDWICH IF YOU AREN'T STRETCHING IT

WHY WOULD HE WASH HIS MOUTH OUT WITH DIRTY WATER?! You two are SUPPOSED to be DATING

YES I KNOW IT'S A FAKE REALTIONSHIP, BUT YOUR DESIRE FOR FAITHFULNESS TO THE REFERENCE IS GETTING OUT OF HAND HERE NATSUKAWA

WHAT IN THE FRESH HELL ARE YOU DOING IN HIS BATHROOM CHIWA

You live next door! YOU HAVE NO REASON TO BE USING HIS FACILITIES!

WHO THE FUCK READS E-MAI- *processing that Japanese phones refer to texts and such as E-mail*

OKAY YOU GET OFF THE HOOK A BIT. BUT HANG A FUCKING SIGN OR AT LEAST SEND A FOLLOW UP WITH "Hey Ei-kun, in your FUCKING SHOWER right now because me baths broken. Knock on your door when I'm done."

THAT'S A PRETTY LONG STANDING FAVOUR FOR NOT READING A SINGLE FUCKING MAIL. But I suppose it isn't the worst favour in the world, not like Eita's going out of his way to walk to school with her every day

THE FUCK IS SHE DOING HERE?! Chiwa I understand to a degree. BUT YOU HAVE NO GOOD FUCKING REASON TO BE HERE NATSUKAWA AND DON'T YOU "Iyaa~ Ecchi!" ME YOUNG LADY

HOW DID YOU MISS BOTH OF THESE MAILS EITA?

*snrk* "I don't care if another stand user comes in. Don't you move."

I LOVE THESE SICK JOJO REFS

You know, for someone who thinks themselves a sharp cookie, you're not so bright are ya Miss Summerriver? (Natsukawa)

"I just saved all mankind."

Eita, you're alright. We could be friends, more so if you couldn't just don crayon armour and take chuuni to eleven and even further beyond.

Welcome to Haremville Eita my boy. It's a lot like hell, but less brimstone more charcoal bento boxes and in your case Jojo refs.

This is the end, others won’t be so long, I was convinced to do this midway through episode four when this had the previous hour or two to build into this monolith. The promised context link: Oreshura Episode 1

[ff15trashgoldenslumbers]

Hello dear! Your blog brings me lotsa happiness just so you know! :) also, can I ask for scenarios of how the chocobros would react to their s/o dawning their respective outfits (nsfw if you're up to it!)? Thank you so much!

Hi Sweetie! I’m so happy you like coming here! I love when couples exchange/ take over the others wardrobe.

~~~~~

Noctis

Noctis muttered,  he had missed three of his  daily naps and it was beyond midnight, he needed sleep! But he couldn’t!

He was even in a comfy hotel bed, away from the others! He made Ignis buy you two a single room, and tossed them down the hallway, not to be seen until the late check out tomorrow. AND the reason the Prince couldn’t sleep was because you decided you wanted to take the longest shower in the world tonight of all nights!

He’d go to sleep, than would wake up to you not being in the bed! Only to doze again for about 4 minutes before waking up again, and you still weren’t there! So when he finally heard the water shut off, the Prince was ready! He was gonna cuddle you so hard, and then just sleep, he didn’t care if you prodded him or stated that he was making your arm go to sleep, this was your punishment!

So when you stepped into the dim room, in one of his clean shirts, that reached your hips and thighs. Those beautiful thighs, those pillow thighs, the shirt raising high at the chest, not use to the extra there he found himself awake.

“Mm, that was worth it. Camping really makes you appreciate a nice shower.” You pur, sitting on your edge of the bed, as Noctis took a good amount of the other side of the Queen. Shrieking as you were pulled back to the bed, to rest against Noctis’s chest. “Noct.”

Noctis muttered softly, as he nuzzled against you, the scent of him from his clothes that you had on, but the scent of you underneath was amazing! He loved it! You two mingled together perfectly, and it turns out he had a little more energy to give.

“Hey, so uhh, what’s under the shirt?”  He asked hands wandering.

“Why don’t you figure it out.” You purred, only to be thrown to your back, as your once sleepy time Prince was now fully awake, and reaching underneath the shirt on your body, which currently had nothing underneath it.

And if that boner rutting against your leg meant anything, it was that Noctis had figured that out.

~~~~~

Prompto

Prompto sat within your apartment, you had invited him over stating you had a rather interesting photo opportunity for him, so to bring his camera. He sat on your couch, where he had set up a small little studio for the two of you.

“You ready, Prompto?” You called from your bedroom, where you had been getting ready for the last 20 minutes.

Prompto turned, as he quickly jumped to his feet. You stood in his “digital” shirt, his vest, and a pair of cheetah printed shorts with knee high black boots.

“How do I look?”

“You look…you look, OMG bae you look fucking hot.”

You giggled stepping forward pressing a kiss to the tip of his nose, “I take that as you’re ready to start?”

Prompto automatically rose his camera, the item typically glued to his hand, as he put the viewfinder to his eye. Snapping again and again, as you posed for him. The both of you seeming on the same wavelength as you often modeled for the man when he got a new filter or lens.

You smiled, noticing that Prompto had begun to go into photographer mode, just like you expected, he was so busy trying to get the perfect angle. So time to turn up the heat, first just lowering the vest down to your shoulders, than losing it all together. Next you gripped at the bottom of the shirt, flashing your stomach and even a few peek-a-boo of the ribs, before ripping it off your body, to show the matching printed bra underneath.

You sacrificed a $30 bra for this, it had better work!

Yet judging by the tent in those light blue cargo pants it was working, just one more thing.

“You know, sweetie, I’m not wearing any underwear.”

That always got Prompto’s attention, and the blonde lowered his camera, you quickly reached out taking the camera, placing it on the side table. Taking his hand, as you pulled at the slight elastic band of the shorts, before placing his hand down the front.

The second his fingers touched you, and only you, Prompto’s mouth was on your own, and that photoshoot was over.

~~~~~

Gladiolus

“You gonna be any longer?” Gladiolus groaned tapping his knee, waiting for you to exit the bedroom.

It was suppose to be movie night, which was suppose to have started 10 minutes ago, but you still hadn’t come out the back. After stating you had been confined to a bra and pants long enough you rushed to the back to change. The popcorn was ready and so was the beer, but you were taking your sweet time.

“Sorry to make you wait, baby.”

“About damn tim…Fuck babe.” Gladiolus chuckled, his words falling on his lips, as you stood there, wearing his button down and underwear alone. The top open, yet due his barrel chest, it didn’t hang open to wide, covering just your nipples, but gave him plenty of cleavage, and view of your cute bellybutton. “Isn’t this a nice treat.”

“Glad you like it.” You giggled, moving to sit beside the man on the couch, gasping as he grabbed your arm, pulling you into his lap.

“Excuse me Miss, but I believe this is your seat this evening.” He chuckled, arms wrapping around you, as you grew settled into his lap, as he placed kisses against your neck.

You didn’t even get beyond the previews before you found yourself, between the beers and popcorn on the coffee table. Shrieking above the repeating main menu repeating it’s title music, you large boyfriend pounding away at you from behind.

Maybe you could try for the movie again tomorrow, since tonight, you already knew that the man wasn’t going to let you free anytime soon.

~~~~~

Ignis

“There she is.” Prompto called waving you over.

You made your way over to the table at the restaurant inside of the hotel that you all were currently resting out. Having unfortunately got into town, during the end of rainy season. So you were stuck here for another couple of days, when the weather let up, and you could continue on.

“Sorry, I’m late, unfortunately the front desk seems to have misplaced all of my blouses.” You apologize, always one on time, just like your boyfriend, who had stood to pull your chair out for you. “Thank you, Ignis.”

“My pleasure.” Ignis stated, a familiar song and dance for the two of you. Yet it made Ignis falter, you were wearing his purple button down, tucked with a mauve tulip skirt, with your black kitten heels. The buttons of the shirt were undone to the fourth button, showing off quite a bit of cleavage as the shirt wasn’t tailored to a woman’s figure.

You smiled to your companions as Ignis pushed your chair in, before moving to sit down next to you. Almost immediately his hand was placed on your thigh, which was rather bold for the man, yet as it was covered by the tablecloth you thought nothing of it. Even Ignis could get starved for attention from time to time.

“We have already order, My Dear. I hope you do not mind that I placed an order for you.”

You giggled softly leaning into him, “You know me better than I know myself, Ignis.”

You found it rather strange that all throughout dinner, Ignis hand remained firmly on your thigh, even while you ate. You knew that Ignis was a man of many talents but to eat with his least dominant hand was a feat you had just learned that he could do.

After dinner, both Prompto and Noctis had scurried off to see the awesome arcade they had spotted coming in, while Gladiolus stated he was going to go check out the sauna and gym. While you had mentioned that you wanted to check in on the room, to see if your items had return to the room, or else you’d be spending money on a few blouses, or wearing your Citadel uniform for the rest of the trip.

“They are luckily giving us a discount for the little confusion.” You explained to Ignis as you opened the hotel room door, yet no sooner had you both stepped through the threshold, did you feel a large hand cup your ass. “Ignis!”

“I do apologize, my love, yet you look rather ravishing. Had I know that you looked so wonderful within my shirt, I would have done away with your blouses long ago.”  Ignis purred against your ear, as he spun you around.

You didn’t have time to retort as Ignis pressed his lips against, your own, leading you to the bed. You hadn’t even noticed that all of your blouses were returned, and pressed free of charge.

[kitto-toberu-sa]

Digimon Stage Play - Part One

Sorry, my friend introduced me to Tiger and Bunny, which is why this was delayed ;;; This is everything up until curtain for half time, rest will be up within the next 12 hours, sorry!!! Aight, so tl;dr: great show, actors are perfect, Yamato is beautiful beyond belief, Mimi is UGHHHHHH in the good way and I’m bitter that the whole show isn’t sold out and whoever was in charge of promotion should be forced to eat nothing but the hottest of hot chillies for the rest of their life.

Venue/Goods: a little out of the way, small. You couldn’t buy goods unless you had a ticket, which sucks. Goods were sold on the inside, line was small pre-play, massive after. My store clerk couldn’t count to save her life. People were trading, everybody hated that everything was random and there were so many types of things. Friend and I ordered dvd – no blu ray option, it’s being released in December. Had to downpay 2000 yen, which this and dvd only option has never happened before when I’ve seen other stage shows – not a good sign. No postal option, so my friend has to pick mine up for me – poor form again. (Pick up is only at animate – my nearest one is 2+ hours away :/)

Promotion/sold out: four shows sold out. Tickets reduced to 7000 yen, which is insulting for us who went through lottery. They advertised low prices at fes too. Promotion was done badly. Digimon isn’t massively popular, but Toei isn’t small either. Get a cast twitter, post rehearsal pics etc. Promotion doesn’t need to be costly. Fes advertisement (last weeks vid) was too little too late. Theres events with Miyazaki and AiM and seiyuus, which also seems last minute and an attempt to sell out. Again insulting to those of us to preordered. Shonichi didn’t sell out. Must be tough on actors. Promotion video (August 5th? 6th?) is kinda bad quality – the stage itself looks and sounds better than the video may lead you to believe.

Seating: nice, comfy. We were second row, left hand side, aisle. If we had been one or two more to the left it would have been really bad (same if you’re too overly right). The cast faces back/sideways too often, so we saw a lot of backs. Need to work on being diagonal, basic stage stuff there. However, pros of our seating were: Yamato being right in front of us when he sang, Jyou fishing in front of us and making eye contact with Etemon to the point where it was creepy lmao

Play Y’all. Y’ALL. THIS IS THE GOOD SHIT. A+ A+ A+ A+!!!!!! Agumon is twitchy in the start, scene is a little long. He’s basically like ‘my body can’t move/is moving on it’s own???? Wat? Why???’ (both happen, not a bad translation on my part). He wakes up and Gabumon’s like ‘yeah me too’ and some of the other Digimon agree but Palmon’s like ‘yeah same but it’s because I’m not a morning person lmao’.

They all go to where the kids are. So this is set sometime after Koushirou makes the cyber space for them. Mimi and Koushirou talk about camping and Mimi ends up throwing his laptop on the FLOOR. Koushirou looks heartbroken and the entire audience was ?!?!? but sasuga Mimi and Koushirou’s like … well, moving on. Mimi is perfect beyond belief. Right voice, face, mannerisms. I know that’s what acting is, but she NAILED IT. She’s all like ‘camping is about feeling the breeze~’ then acts like she has wind her face, ‘about being hot’ (ahhhh, it’s hoooooot, she says), about monsters! (she says as she stalks towards the Digimon). We then get the scene where Sora talks about the importance of August 1st. While she speaks, on the left and right sides we see actual scenes from the original anime, which is really touching. Sora mentions that although there were good times, there were bad ones too (CUE GIF OF LEOMON DYING BECAUSE THEY HAD TO HAVE IT SOMEWHERE) All the mons wanna go camping which obviously, is cool.

Hikari invites Taichi and they talk. Jyou calls Hikari but Taichi answers and Jyou doesn’t realise. ‘Damn that Taichi, he isn’t coming? Leave it to me!’ Eventually Taichi is like ‘it me moron’ and Jyou convinces him to come after Taichi’s like ‘I BET UR NOT COMING’ because Jyou, as always, has exams. Jyou is a smart ass? He’s like ‘Taichi, next year, you’ll be in my position. And if it’s you… well… you’ll be in trouble.’ SUCH A GOOD SCENE JYOU IS MVP IN THIS PLAY Y’ALL. He gets his creep on here and it’s so funny.

Next is Knife of Day. Yamato sung and you could tell he was nervous but he did really well. Yamato talks technical stuff (music wise) and then he high fives and fist bumps one of the band mates?? CUTIE PATOOTIE ALERT!!!! Honestly, he’s so pure and beautiful? One of the band mates tried to go ‘Knife of Day is… well, the name isn’t…’ ‘HAVE CONFIDENCE IT’S ALL GOOD FRIEND!!!!’ ‘Yamato that’s not what-‘ ‘WITH THESE MEMBERS WE’RE KNIFE OF DAY! WE’RE GOOD!!!’ ‘but the name-‘ ‘THESE FOUR MEMBERS. KNIFE OF DAY. HAVE CONFIDENCE!!!!’ Takeru comes along and talks about camp. Yamato is very cute toward Takeru who is worried a little about him. Very sweet scenes. Yamato explains both the band and August 1st are important to him. Later, Takeru buys Yamato a pink sleeping bag because he’s a shit head lmao

Everyone’s at camp, Mimi forgets everything. She’s adorable. People set up camp, which is cute. Yamato runs the kitchen and Hikari is chased by Agumon because she has meat. Etemon is the camp ground guardian? (What do you call these guys??) He takes their money (OF COURSE) and keeps going ‘there are MONKEYS around here!’ and everyone’s like k cool story. Eventually he’s like YOU WANNA SEE A MONKEY?!? But everyone’s like nah bro we good, so he runs off dejected.

The kids talk about the future. Mimi just wants to be a kid forever, but Palmon says she wants to be an adult lol. Koushirou isn’t sure what he wants to do, but says he likes computers. Jyou really talks about why he wants to be a doctor and it’s such a good speech! Yamato and Taichi are both like ‘well, I like my hobby I guess??’ Sora deflects the question, Hikari doesn’t know.

Yamato and Taichi try to converse later (it’s just the two of them because Koushirou said something to ruin the mood so Takeru dragged him away even though he was like ‘I’ll stay awake as long as you’re up bro’). It’s mostly Hey Yamato Yeah? …. … . … Yeah?! …Nothing -silence- We have a lot to talk about, huh Yamato? -plays harmonica-

dumb morons lmao

Mimi: Sora, you awake? …SORA Hikari: aye what up Mimi: GHOST STORY TIME Hikari: starts telling an old experience Mimi: NO TOO SPOOKY STOP STOP LET’S TALK ABOUT LOVE!!!!!

She tries to get info out of Hikari who tries to get info out of her back. They both start going ‘what about Sora’ who stays asleep but Mimi is about to ‘reveal’ who Sora likes when she shoots up and is all like I DON’T LIKE ANYONE!!! They’re all lying down in sleeping bags, so Hikari and Mimi were jumping around in their sleeping bags and Mimi does the CUTEST wiggle!!!

They talk about their dreams and Mimi is like ‘I like lotsa stuff??’ but she thinks it’s stupid and is kinda embarrassed but they’re like?? No? it’s cool to have multiple interests and dreams? WHICH IS A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Jyou leaves early for his exam the next morning. Shit goes down and people split up to solve the problem. Etemon ends up revealing himself to Taichi and co. He’s super strong and is basically like “it’s been six years your time BUT I’VE BEEN SUPER SUPER LONELY FOR 100 YEARS I JUST WANNA CHILL”

There’s a gate so everyone (bar Jyou) is stuck at camp. Etemon forces Tai, Hikari, Sora and Mimi to bbq with him. AND THE ETEMON FIVE. YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT – ETEMON HAS FOUR COLOURED MONKEY BOY BAND FRIENDS. THEY SING AND EAT AND PLAY TOGETHER. THEY’RE THE ETEMON FIVE, COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU!!!

Anyway, there’s a fight and Etemon wins and gets the above group together and the bbq happens. Etemon is super happy to see Hikari (“oniichan!” “eh? You’re the only dude… YOUR SISTER?! HOW ADORABLE!!!”) and she’s like ‘stop fighting’ and he’s like ‘girl? That’s all I want???’ but later they eat all the food and Etemon whips out yakisoba and offers some to Hikari.

“No. I don’t want it?” –awkward silence- Etemon 1: Eh? Why? Etemon 2: -idk- Etemon 3: Don’t push her! Etemon 4: Is it… you’re dieting? If that’s it… I totally understand…

Hikari is done with their shit. She wants to go home. Mimi wants a bath. Sora’s done with this bullshit. They realise time has gone whack. Tai and Sora have a tiff, Mimi makes Sora back down when she tries to comfort him so Hikari can do it instead. Time is whack so they’ve been there forever, Etemon is like I SAID I WAS LONELY YOU CAN’T LEAVE EVER!!! He then tries to make Taichi be his bestie.

By forcing him into a kiss.

Curtain close.

(Honestly it was the funniest thing – it was a non-sexual kiss, but y’all, consent is consent. I mean, you probably shouldn’t take dating advice from a man in a monkey suit who low key resembles Piko Taro, but like. This is a weird site, Idk where some of you learnt to romance. I feel I need to say that.)

[an-island-universe-blog]

DGHDA ZINE - the basics

SO, there has been a decent amount of interest in this zine and that left me a) - utterly floored, because this is SO COOL and b) - in a state of ohshitnowineedtoknowwhattodo.

Below, (or above if you’re upside down) are my thoughts/plans for the zine. Now, please note that my experience is limited - I’m 16, draw for fun, and have only been included in one zine before (that hasn’t actually even concluded yet). I know next to nothing about how to circulate this if we were to print it, and even less about pricing/printing in and of itself. Therefore, my thoughts lean towards the final goal being a .pdf of this zine - put together with a standard amount of pages, standard sizing of A4, and lotsa fandom love.

This is not to say that I don’t think it could become a physical thing, but that I would need help/funds to make that happen.

I think importantly, this zine should be for fun! We all love the show, and we’d all love a collective contribution from members of the fandom, right? 

Initial thoughts under the cut.

What is a zine/fanzine?

An article from 1984 explained it much better: “One of the most recent phenomena of the pop culture melting pot are fanzines. A fanzine is something akin to an underground magazine, and there are virtually thousands of them springing up all over the country. Fanzines cover a wide spectrum of ideas; the articles, interviews and band reviews, however, are not written in a style found in conventional media. The majority of fanzines are put together in a chaotic fashion; poetry, art dabblings,..”

[Cited from here.]

What does this mean for those wanting to contribute?

I will make a side blog (which I will link as soon as I’ve made it presentable) to organise a schedule.

For me, I have exams coming up throughout summer, and need to put in some serious work. Therefore, I think that having a long period of time to contribute will benefit everyone wanting to put in their two cents. Say, late this year (November/October), or even coordinating with Season 2′s release onto Netflix in December.

We could contributors down into;

Those who work on zine content:

Fanwriters

Artists

Graphic Makers

Those who proofread and edit the zine:

People knowledgeable with programmes like Photoshop 

Those willing to read through and check over any text within the zine

Those who could create an index page/table of contents

And within that, a form of crediting the users participating

I also think that the zine could work in tandem with allowing fandom members to get to know each other better! ‘You love the piece of fanfiction displayed on pg.9? Check the credits out to see the author.’ ...Or something like that!

Who gets to contribute? Can my cat type a segment?

YES, if your cat fills out a form! 

What I HAVE seen used is a process of application forms during other big fandom events. A side blog will be created for the event, and (I presume) a google doc detailing what the job would include, segments to fill out in order to state experience and interests etc. 

Now, I would feel terrible if someone wanting to contribute couldn’t, but considering the size of this fandom, I feel like most people wanting to will be able to. 

How many pages will there be?

‘To be succinct, there really isn’t an “average” or standard number of pages for magazines. With that said, however, most magazines, whatever their overall page count may be, will have a magazine page count that is either divisible by 8 or 4.‘

[Cited from here.]

My thoughts: We wait to see how many applicants there are and decide on that basis. If we don’t print the zine, then in theory, everyone who wants to contribute can, but otherwise, funds might fall flat (especially considering I currently have £0.19 in my bank account). 

No fixation on pairings.

But wait, we want Faranda kissing! 

GURL, ME TOO! I debated this for a while but decided that in order to engage with a wider audience (i.e. beyond the Tumblr fandom) we would want the zine to be ship-free; focused on characters and what we love about them, and inclusive of all characters in the show. 

Now, this really doesn’t have to be or rule, or if followed, mean that no ships could be included! I see no harm in throwing in some fandom-favourite fan fiction, or creating new pieces based on character ships.

How would we get in contact with you and share our ideas for the zine?

My email: pinprickedink@gmail.com

Most importantly, I want this to be a collaborative project! I wouldn’t want to show favour to any one user in this fandom... dedicate 15 pages to my pet cats... start discourse over Dirk’s hair colour... I want everyone to feel like they have a say in the contents of this zine.  

At the moment, I haven’t been notified regarding messages in my inbox (the icon doesn’t appear), but I regularly check my emails anyway so I should be able to respond. If I’m not responding quickly either a) message my email directly, or b) yell at me via Tumblr messenger. 

HOWEVER, once the zine blog is up and running I will make a separate email account (probably called ‘DGHDAzine@...’ or something along those lines in order) dedicated solely to the zine. This way I could sort out the user list of who wants to contribute, any questions could be answered without clutter, and I could receive files easily.

In terms of file storage:

I’ve considered using Dropbox as a means of storage for files. Dropbox is free to download, and, if I share the zine folder with all contributors, easy to access. This way, files could be kept safe and manageable by all members working on the zine.

Here is a (crude) visual representation of what I it COULD look like:

(Focused on a few double spreads, not the entirety of the zine. A4 in scale.)

(Fanfictions of shorter length, possibly written precisely for the zine - e.g. drabbles - and then fanart A4 size but resized to fit within a page.)

Once again, THIS IS FOR EVERYONE! Please feel free to reblog with queries, questions, and additions, and critique any aspect you think could be improved. I am open to any and every suggestion! (Comments are fine too, but may be harder to reply to).

Thank you so much for your time/interest, I think this could become something worth the time!

I am going to quickly tag a few people who have contacted me: @everything-isconnected​ @toddbrotzmanns​ @ganceann​