#maya can get a little whipping. as a treat

[mayasaura]

I love how Franziska consistently respects and supports women (unless they're the defendants she's prosecuting, of course). Like, she looked out for Adrian after the trial that revealed her insecurities to the world. She wonders how the head nun is holding up after a murder at her temple, and reassures her instead of insulting her when she's upset about being cut out of the investigation. Pearl disliking her seems to sincerely upset her...

Franziska von Karma, a woman's woman

[untaemedqueen]

Third Wheeling

CEO!Yoongi x Reader

Genre: Strangers to Lovers!AU, Angst, Fluff, Smut

Chapter 10.

Warnings (Updating Still): Smut, Cheating, Unexpected Pregnancy, Unfaithful, Emotional Damage, Love,

Warnings In This Chapter: Heart To Heart, Fluff, Infidelity, Sera Is A Cunt, Triggering Moments (I.E): Hearing Infidelity, Making Light Of Other's Trauma, Mentions of Cigarette Burns, General Rudeness

A/N: This chapter is early because I’m hungover. Always a shoutout to @ppersonna, @xjoonchildx, @ladyartemesia​. Enjoy! 

The smell of blooming flowers is something you never thought you'd become fond of. It's never been something that you've even considered. But you find yourself so often these days finding small delights in simplistic things.

Sitting in front of the large fountain that has been hidden behind clean cut hedges and tall rose bushes, you let the gentle breeze wash over you.

You can hear Baeksoo quietly speaking to the plants as she waters them. It's calming in fact, to hear her speak words of praise.

You've thought long and hard about this evening. Which is astounding since it's just dinner. But, you don't know simple things about Yoongi.

You think to ask Maya but you want to do this by yourself.

"I thought I'd find you here," the voice draws your attention and suddenly you're misty eyed.

Just the way she walks and the tilt of her gorgeous face is enough to make you weep.

"Leena!" you cry out.

Jumping up from the bench, your arms spread wide as you feel relief flood over you.

"Hey, Miss Thing!" she cheers, pulling you into her arms.

You begin to feel as if you could breathe again.

"You look so great! I missed you so much!" she whines loudly, squeezing you tightly to her slim body.

"What're you doing here?!" you ask, pulling away to look at her pretty face.

She grabs your wrist, tugging you over to the bench you were just sitting on.

"Taehyung needed to bring Yoongi some documents for a mall or something before we're off to France, so I made sure I was able to come and see you."

You watch as she demurely crosses her legs and you make a mental note of it. She went to many etiquette classes when she was younger and you’ve always admired how graceful she is. It’s the way she moves so effortlessly and with such confidence. You’ve always wished to be like her.

The floral fragrance seems to enrapture you once more as you sit together. Flipping her hair over her shoulder, your best friend makes it a point to continue to hold you.

“How is he treating you? I swear to God, if you tell me that you’re being treated like the help I’m going to fucking flip.” your best friend asks.

You sigh gently, looking up at the clear cerulean sky.

“He’s treating me normally, I guess. One minute he’s so cold with me and the next he’s just being so sweet. I don’t know what the fuck to feel. Last night, we went at it and he came to apologize to me.” you reply as the breeze blows through your hair.

“Excuse me? Min Yoongi apologized to you?” she sounds dumbfounded and all you can do is nod in agreement.

“Oh my God, he’s so fucking whipped! That’s amazing.” you snort at her excitement, rolling your eyes before looking back over to her.

“I think he’s just being civil. We’ll see, we’re having dinner tonight.” your confession hits her like a stack of bricks and she squeals loudly, gripping your hands tightly.

“I’m gonna drop dead on this expensive gravel beneath my feet. YOU and YOONGI are having dinner tonight?! Like, eating in the presence of one another civilly?!” her blue contacted eyes go wide and her mouth drops open while you nod.

“Yeah. I’m cooking dinner,” you say, confusion enrapturing your tone.

She guffaws loudly, her head lolling back as she gasps for breath. “You’re so insane! This is amazing! He totally fucking likes you!”

“Well… I don’t know about that but-” your voice is cut off by hers.

“Shush! Silence! I’ve said what I’ve said! And it’s the law!” she cries out, pressing her perfectly manicured finger to your lips.

“Sexy girl! Let’s go!” you hear Taehyung scream.

Leena turns her head to the voice before pouting. “You better call me with all the details of your date. I want to know how he looks at you, how he eats his food with you around, how he fucking sneezes. I want the whole laundry list of things that happen tonight!”

You giggle at her enthusiasm before nodding. “Yes ma’am. A laundry list of all the things Min Yoongi does to make me mad.”

She rolls her eyes before kissing your cheek happily.

“Love you, Miss Thing!”

“Love you, too!”

Standing tall, she fixes her long dress. She looks around the garden impressed before folding her arms.

“I’m really happy for you, by the way. I think things are really going to work out here.” she calls to you, starting to walk away.

“Bye Yoongi!” she yells up to the house and your eyes follow hers.

He stands on his large balcony, a cup of coffee in hand staring at you. He bows his head to her, a smirk present on his lips before looking back at you.

“Little dove, good morning.” you hear him say as he retreats back into his room.

How long was he standing there? How much had he heard?

Listening to Frederic drone on about food is something you don’t think you could ever get tired of. He makes the French cook stereotype feel so alive. You’ve been in the kitchen plenty of times, have gone through the cabinets many, many times throughout the nights when staff and the chef were sleeping. But, to hear him feeling the need to explain it all to you as you both take small steps around the gigantic kitchen is humorous and you let him do his thing.

“Now this, this is a sieve. You can strain things through it,” Frederic says, picking up the large strainer.

You hum playfully as you lean down on the island counter.

“I have made my own food before y’know,” you quip to him as he unbuttons his chef’s jacket.

He tuts his tongue as he brushes some hair back behind your ear. “Ah oui, bien sûr Madame. I know, I just want to make sure you know where everything is.”

You smile at his kindness, it must be difficult to relinquish your kitchen to others especially after being in charge for so long.

“I promise I won’t make anything dirty and I promise, cross my heart, that I will take good care of your kitchen,” you swear to him as he throws his chef’s jacket over his shoulder.

He presses both of his hands to either side of your face, wiggling them slightly with a smile.

“Merci, Madame. You are in every word parfaite. I cannot be happier to make you food in this home,” he whispers as you tilt your head with a giggle.

“Go have a good day off, have fun,” you insist as he drifts his hand over the marble countertop, as if he’s finding it hard to say goodbye.

“Oui, bien entendu. I’ll have a drink in your honor, Madame,” he says with a sigh.

You give him a wink as he exits the kitchen and you watch him slowly leave to the maid’s quarter. Your lips sputter as you look around the large, empty kitchen before sighing.

“Okay, let’s do this.”

He should be working. He opened up his computer, he grabbed all the necessary documents from both Taehyung and his office but he just can’t seem to focus.

Yoongi can smell the aroma of food coming from the kitchen and it makes him curious. What are you making? How do you even know what he likes? Do you even know how to cook?

He wants to know more about you, or try to learn more anyway.

Recalling just this morning, he can hear you so clearly -- “He’s treating me normally, I guess. One minute he’s so cold with me and the next he’s just being so sweet. I don’t know what the fuck to feel. Last night, we went at it and he came to apologize to me.”

You think he’s cold and you’re absolutely right. He always has been and it’s gotten worse these last couple of years.

He doesn’t know who he even is anymore. At least he doesn’t think he does.

Then you mentioned that he came to apologize. It must have meant a lot to you. It was weird for him to feel that aching in his chest, to feel like he fucked up. Even in the past when he’s done and said horrible things -- he never had such an ache.

Something about you just… sends him reeling.

Then he remembers what Leena said, “You better call me with all the details of your date.”

Was this a date? He didn’t even think of it in that way. It’s just two people eating… right?

Just a man and the… mother… of… his… child.

“I need whisky,” he mumbles to himself, standing up.

He hasn’t been on a date in God knows how long. He hasn’t spoken to a woman, truly spoken to one, in what feels like a millennia.

Picking up the empty bottle of whisky from the small bar caddy, he curses to himself.

He decides it’s in his best interest to go all the way to the kitchen to get a bottle. Even though his bedroom is just a floor down.

But, it certainly isn’t because you’re in the kitchen cooking. No. Not at all.

As he gets closer to the kitchen, he can smell different types of herbs and delicious meats cooking. He can smell raw peppers and onions and it makes his mouth water.

Yoongi watches you from afar for a minute, just standing on the last step of the stairwell. You’re humming, the song is sweet and calm. You have on a cute apron around your waist, with small smears of what seem to be a sauce of some kind on it.

He can feel his heart lightening at the simple sight of you. You look so… beautiful. So fucking domestic. And, he feels like he doesn’t even need the alcohol anymore because just watching you makes him drunk.

How bizarre.

“What’re we doing?” Maya whispers from next to the stairwell.

Yoongi practically jumps out of his skin at the sight of her, pressing his hand to his heart.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” he whispers fiercely, trying to calm his erratic heartbeat.

He hears the older woman giggle and he rolls his eyes at her giddiness.

“I’m just getting whisky,” he mumbles aloud, still trying to keep quiet in case it would disturb you.

“Oh. I see. I can get it for you, Sir.” she replies and he grabs her wrist gently as she tries to walk away.

“No, no! I got it. It’s okay. I was just…” he can’t even complete his sentence.

What was he doing? Checking you out? He was just watching you, feeling so serene.

“You were being sweet, like I raised you. You were entranced by her.” Maya says.

He grimaces at her. “No! I was just… waiting to see if she burned down the kitchen or not.”

Maya giggles to herself before bowing her head. “Of course, Sir. I see that now.”

He rolls his eyes as she takes off to the maid’s quarter.

He watches you wave to Maya with a shy smile on your face.

“Goddammit,” he mutters, combing his fingers through his hair.

He takes small steps, trying his hardest not to disturb you as he walks by the long bar.

“Oh, hey Yoongi!”

Your voice is so sweet. Especially when you say his name.

“Smells good,” he calls to you, walking through the small hallway before appearing in the kitchen.

“Thanks! I hope you like it,” you reply happily as you stir something in the pot.

As he takes in your face, he snorts gently at a small stain by your cheek.

“I think you’re a messy cook,” he teases, walking towards you.

“Huh?” you ask confused.

Stepping in front of you, he taps his index finger to the underside of your chin.

“Look at me,” he instructs.

As you look up at him, he can feel himself falling into your eyes. You’re so doe-like and precious even when you don’t know it. It’s kind of miraculous.

Wiping his thumb over your cheek, he snorts gently. Your breath hitches in your throat as he strokes his thumb over you.

“What’re you making for dinner?” he asks, trying to distract himself from how soft your skin is.

“Well, I made a lot of things.” you reply, pulling your face away from him to look down at the pot.

He hums inquisitively, grabbing a glass off of a rack and pulling out the whisky.

“Do tell, little dove. You’re making me hungry,” he jeers, pouring himself a large portion of the alcohol.

“Well for the appetizer, I made brussel sprouts with parmesan and bacon and a small salad. For the soup, I made a soybean sprout soup. And, the main course is veal with lemon butter sauce and glazed carrots.” you tell him proudly.

He begins to smirk at how pleased you are with yourself.

“Sounds good, I’m excited,” he replies, lifting his glass.

You giggle gently, turning off the burner underneath the pot.

Leaning down on the marble island across from him, you rub your hands together.

“I hope you like it,” you whisper.

You sound shy now and it peeks his interest. You’re like a frail flower. It’s so difficult to get a read on you or put you in a category. But, maybe that’s how it should be. You shouldn’t just be one specific way, you should be well rounded. And he thinks you’ve got that.

“I’m sure I will. Although, didn’t I put in the contract that you shouldn’t be eating so much?”

Finally for once it doesn’t come out as gruff and angry, it was meant to be a joke. Luckily for him, it came out that way.

You find yourself smiling, almost having the urge to stick your tongue out at him playfully.

“I haven’t been able to cook in a long time, this feels nice. Eating a lot once in a while isn’t so bad,” you counter good-naturedly.

He raises his glass at your words. “Touche. Little dove, touche.”

You lean your head on your shoulder, your fingers skimming over each other as you look down at the marble beneath you. For once, the silence isn’t awkward or uncomfortable. It’s pleasant.

“Was it nice to see Leena this morning?” he knows the answer, but he wants to see you smile wider.

And so you do. Brimming from ear to ear, you nod.

“So nice! I’m so happy that I got to see her,” you admit, looking up at him.

“Well, she can come over whenever she wants. It’s in the contract,” he suggests.

“I didn’t know if I wanted her to come over yet, y’know. With Sera around and stuff…” your answer falls flat as Yoongi chuckles across from you.

“That’d be like putting two piranhas in a tank and seeing who wins,” he chuckles.

You snort gently, pointing at him. “Exactly.”

He watches you fix things up around the kitchen, cleaning as you go.

And finally he speaks after some time. “What can I do to help?”

Humming you shrug with a smirk. "I got it. Why don't you go relax for a while?" you suggest.

As you go to lift the pot, Yoongi whistles loudly as if to tell you to stop.

"I read that pregnant women shouldn't be lifting anything heavy. Don't even think about it. I got it," he insists, waving his hand for you to move.

"You read something?" your voice is wrapped with humor as you move over.

"Very funny, little dove. Go set up the table," he instructs with an ever present smirk on his face.

Yoongi leans back in his seat, his stomach was full of delicious food by now but he can't stop picking at his plate. A true testament to how great of a cook you are.

"Damn." he whispers, wiping his mouth with his napkin.

You smirk across the table, your arms folding with pride.

"Good?" you ask softly, grabbing your drink.

"Very good. I'm impressed," he says as he slings his arm over the top of his chair.

You giggle gently, your head lolling back to look at the clear night sky.

"Who taught you how to cook?" he asks, watching as you count the stars.

So here it is. Will he be as truthful as you? Will he talk to you?

"My parents. My dad always liked cooking more than my mother. She was sick a lot when I was young. Always in the hospital. So my dad got comfort from making her food and I used to take it to her," you answer, looking back down at him.

Yoongi nods gently, it's starting to click in his mind. "That's why you hate hospitals?"

"That's why I hate hospitals. There was a time when she was admitted for a bad stomach ache and she got worse in the hospital because the bedding and the nurses weren't clean." you reply breathlessly.

The father of your child cringes at the thought, taking a sip of his whisky.

"You?"

Yoongi takes a deep, slow breath. He stares at your face and the task at hand is daunting. If people didn't already know him, he didn't open up. But, he should open up to you.

Or he thinks so anyway. You're having his child, you should know about him. And maybe if he speaks his history then it will break the cycle. Then he won't turn into his parents, he won't have a fucked up kid like himself.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," you say quickly.

You can see him wrought with nervousness. Just the prospect of letting things out must terrify him.

"No, I should talk about them. If not with you then surely a therapist," he jokes out of worry.

But, then he looks at your face. He feels that sense of dizzying calm once more. Like everything is going to be okay.

He chugs the rest of his whisky, his mouth watering and grimacing.

"No, I don't know how to cook. I'm not even sure my parents know how to cook-" he lets out a breath, letting the warm fire of the alcohol in his belly keep him going, "-they never took care of me. I was born and they were relieved to have a boy so they didn't have to try again."

You hum sadly at his words, tucking your legs beneath you as he runs his hand over his face.

"Maya has always taken care of me. She's always loved and cared for me. She's my mother by all accounts, if I'm being honest. My father was a very big disciplinarian… if that's what you want to call it. Most people would say abusive," he says, pouring himself another glass of whisky.

"Kneeling on rice, getting hit with sharp objects, burning cigarettes out. Things like that," he waves off the notion with his hand, shivering while even speaking the words.

Your heart breaks for him, thinking of how painful that must have been when he was a child.

"I haven't seen my parents in… four years now, since I got married. I hate them." he spits at the ground beneath his feet.

You can see the emotional turmoil he's reliving. You can't imagine how difficult that is.

"I'm sorry," you whisper and he shakes his head fiercely.

Picking up his fork, he taps it gently to the fine china as he thinks.

"So I grew up hating authority because of them and the teachers at Sairmount. They always said I should be doing better because of my position and what I would grow into. I hated that. Even when I tried my best I received no praise, and if I made one mistake it was like the end of the world. So I ended up just kind of… becoming a shell."

You nod to his words, your index finger swirling around the rim of your glass.

"What else, little dove?" he asks softly.

As he tilts his head, you take in his handsome features. He's just a product of his environment. You wonder what he would be like if he could thrive.

"I heard that you go to BDSM clubs and stuff, is that because you feel the need to put people in pain like you were when you were younger?" you ask, trying to be considerate of his feelings.

He takes a sharp breath through his teeth almost as if you've burned him.

"Jesus. You might as well be my therapist," he mumbles, running his hand over his face.

But, he doesn't feel awkward talking to you. He likes this. He appreciates how you listen. How your eyes stay soft and you don't judge him.

"When I was younger -- I was probably sixteen when I developed a taste for it. I was getting angry and violent. I was breaking shit and I needed to funnel that into something. So I started going to a club and learned how to be a dom. It was about the comfort of being in charge. I would have a sub and tell them to jump. They would say how high. I thrived off of being in charge. Thrived off people doing my bidding sexually. It just felt right for me to tell someone what to do and have them want to do it for me. I was in charge, people listened to me, I didn't have to do things others wanted. People did what I wanted them to do. I've toned it down since then."

"You were pretty dominating with me," you offer softly.

He chuckles at how innocent you look, his index finger swiping slowly over his lower lip. "That's because you're so sweet. I wanted to wreck you."

With a gentle giggle, you put your elbow on the table before resting your head on your hand.

"You kind of did," you reply, putting your hand on your stomach.

His eyes follow your hand and he begins to smirk above his glass.

"Clearly," he whispers, his eyes slowly drifting up your body to your swollen tits.

He licks his lips slowly, his teeth tugging at his bottom lip gently.

He never understood the attraction to pregnant women like his friend Jimin. The younger man was obsessed with the notion of it and Yoongi couldn't possibly begin to grasp it. But now, with you sitting here before him, he might be beginning to understand.

Averting his eyes from you, he tries to keep his rampant thoughts at bay.

"What else do you want to know, little dove?" he asks, trying to distract himself.

Your cheeks puff out as you think, your fingers combing through your hair gently.

"Sera? What's with her. If you hate her so much why did you get married to her?" you whisper.

Well, that's something to kill the sexual mood he was starting to feel.

He spits on the ground at the simple name of her. He stares far off into the distance, his eyes lingering on a grove of trees Baeksoo has so kindly planted.

"Sera…" he mumbles, stretching out his legs.

You might as well know. You aren't going anywhere in his life.

"Jesus, I think about it everyday and it still makes me mad," he chuckles to himself, the sound bitter and full of resentment.

You watch his face contort in pain, just the simple memory making it hard to withstand.

Without a second thought you're moving your chair. The sound is loud as you move the heavy metal and he watches you with amused eyes. Finally, your seat is next to him and you huff out gently.

"What?" he asks gently as you plop back down.

You grab his hand, intertwining your fingers to bring him peace. His head lolls back against the chair, his eyes fluttering shut at the simple move. It's a simple thing to hold hands but it feels powerful when it's you.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," you say to him.

His thumb drifts over the back of your hand, his eyes opening to the numerous stars that hang brightly in the sky.

"Everyone knows I hate her but no one truly knows why. Maya, Joon, Hoseok, they know. Hell, Hoseok dives deep into her bitter cunt at night and he knows." he shakes his head gently, his eyes flitting from star to star.

You begin to bite your lip nervously as he squeezes your hand tighter.

"I didn't always hate her. I loved her once. I loved the prospect of her anyway," he breathes out, his hand gripping tighter at yours, "I was engaged at fourteen. It was mandatory, the leech's parents were friends with my parents. Their company was going down the drain, they almost had to declare bankruptcy. So this was the easiest thing for both parties. It's very normal in the high profile life to be engaged to someone else for money. It didn't bother me at all that I was engaged, so were the people around me. I thought I was going to have a life like Namjoon."

He snorts at the simple thought and mindlessly he tugs your hand with his over your stomach.

Just the thought of his baby inside of you brings him peace.

With a gentle sigh, he continues. "She didn't go to school with us and I had only seen her a few times at balls and galas. She was annoying back then and she was always brisk with people. But I liked that, I guess. Because I was the same way. I had a childish crush on her for so long and it kept growing as we got older."

He stops talking only to down another glass of whiskey. He closes his eyes as you run your hand comfortingly over his. "When I moved into this house, I had it renovated to please her. I did anything and everything to make her happy. And I was so… excited to have someone that was mine. Someone to spend the rest of my life with. I didn't want our marriage to be like my parents. And, now it's worse."

You find how sad he is depressing. Frowning, you click your teeth softly.

"I'm so sorry," you whisper.

Shaking his head, Yoongi looks at you. He gives you a sad smile. It's heart wrenching to look at his handsome face so distraught.

Even if he can be an asshole sometimes, you can understand him better now. That's all you wanted. You just wanted to be able to connect the dots.

"It was the night of our wedding, that's when I became aware of how awful of a person Sera is." he says, staring off into the distance.

He couldn't understand why she wanted to get married on New Years. It's freezing cold but if it makes her happy then he should do it. It'll be his duty as a husband anyhow.

"Come!" Taehyung whines to him as he sits in the booth.

"I'm not having sex with a woman the day before I'm getting married. That'd be such a dickish thing to do," he counters as Taehyung wraps his arms around the stripper beside him.

"You've been celibate for a year or some shit. You abstaining for the Lord or for the sake of your new bride is not going to make you a born again virgin, okay?" the younger man asks with a laugh, running his hand over the stripper's pert backside.

Rolling his eyes, the Kisung CEO takes a sip from his drink.

"It's not about being a born again virgin, you moron. It's about fidelity. It's about trust. She and I agreed that we would just be for each other." Yoongi barks out gruffly.

Taehyung grimaces at the simple thought. "Fine. Well whatever pact you have with your blushing new bride is depressing me. I'm going to get my dick wet with… Luna. That's your name, right?" the hotel CEO asks the woman on his arm.

She giggles loudly, the sound frightening and way too forced. "Laura, silly!"

"Yeah. That. Bye Hyung. Try to cheer the fuck up or something." Tae calls, picking the stripper up with his strong arms before swinging her over his shoulder.

Yoongi snorts loudly, his eyes flitting from here to there in the large strip club. This wasn't for him anymore. He would be married now. To a woman all his.

He's been living in this fantasy. Waking up on weekend mornings next to his wife, eating breakfast together. Having a few kids. Being able to enjoy each other's company.

He loves the idea of that. He's gone through so much terrible pain in his lifetime. Maybe, fate is telling him he deserves a reward now.

Standing up, he finishes the rest of his drink. He tosses a few hundred bucks onto the table before heading out.

He knows it's not customary to see his bride the night before the wedding but, maybe he can just have a talk with her. He's dying to see her.

For once, Yoongi let someone else take the penthouse besides him. Sera should be fully comfortable before her big day.

They bought out the whole hotel. She wanted to be married in Italy on New Years. She wanted diamonds dripping from the fucking ceiling and she would have it. She would have it all.

The walk from the strip club to the hotel wasn't far. Yoongi can see the lights on in the penthouse and his heart begins to hammer in delight at the thought of seeing her.

She's so fucking beautiful. Albeit, she can be a little irritating at times but who isn't? She's almost godly in his eyes.

He's been waiting for this day since he was fourteen. He can remember when Namjoon got engaged. How fucking against it he was.

Joon always wanted to do things his way. He wanted to pick who he was with, he wanted to be happy on his own. He despised Yoona for years before their big day a year ago. Then he found out how similar they are. He fell in love with everything she's in love with.

Yoongi hopes it'll be the same.

The ride up the elevator to the penthouse is quiet. Gentle muzak plays that seems to lull him into a false sense of security.

Sera might be really big on traditions. She might have him sit in the living room for them just to talk but that's okay too. Whatever she wants.

The elevator opens silently and Yoongi fixes his blazer in the hallway mirror. He smiles to himself softly, looking like nothing can bring him down from this cloud.

Until he hears it. Until he hears the gentle groaning of a man in his sexual pleasure.

"Oh fuck, Sera. Do it again, you filthy slut." he hears and his world comes crashing down around him.

"Yeah, fuck. You like that? Your cock is so much bigger than Yoongi's. I want you to come play with me during the week while he's at work," she sounds breathless.

The CEO's eyes flutter shut and he grips onto the table before him to keep him steady.

"Yeah. I'd bet you'd fucking like that. I bet you love the idea of me fucking your little cunt while your husband is away at work. Let me cum in your pussy before the cuck gets home. You'll let him in this pussy with my cum inside of you," the voice is that of Sera's driver. The one man Yoongi never even gave any thought to.

His hand feels for the wall. His legs are shaking by now and he slowly slides down the gold wall, pressing his hand over his mouth.

"Cum on my cock, you fucking slut."

The sound of her orgasming will never leave his brain. He can hear how pleased she is.

Yoongi in his past has had sex with others too. But, they promised to be faithful to one another. He believed her.

He can feel his eyes welling up with tears as he squeezes them shut tighter.

He thought fate was giving him a helping hand. He was going to be happy! What has he done so wrong in his life for misery to consistently stay?!

Heavy breathing is heard throughout the silent penthouse.

"Why did you promise that stupid fuck you would be only for him?" Jungmo, the driver, asks breathlessly.

Sera giggles, a sound once so adorable it brought Yoongi to his knees.

"Because I want his fucking money. There's no prenup if he thinks I'm all for him. He genuinely thinks that I love him. He thinks I care about whatever the fuck has happened in his miserable past. Do you know that he told me that his dad used to burn cigarettes out on his skin? I was supposed to feel sorry for him." Jungmo and Sera laugh along with one another.

Yoongi's mouth opens at the sheer atrocity he's listening to. She's so fucking cruel. How did he never see this? How could he have this happen to him?

"You were supposed to feel sorry for that billionaire while you're only sitting barely comfortable at seven million!?"

"I know, right?! The fucking nerve! Like, he doesn't even understand that my life has been so much worse! I had to almost go fucking bankrupt! Who gives a fuck about your sad past? What about me?"

The CEO tugs at the blazer fabric situated above his heart. He clamps his hand tighter over his mouth to stifle the sob raring to break free from his throat.

"I can't wait to take all his fucking money and leave him with only his sad little memories."

Crawling over to the elevator, he pushes the button softly. Praying to God that it doesn't make any noise when it opens.

She's such a cruel bitch. So fucking vile.

He stands up on shaky legs as the door opens without a sound. Pushing the button for the floor below him, he waits until the door closes.

He waits until he is safe in his room.

He wails loudly, falling onto the carpeted flooring of the hotel room. He gasps for air, hands digging and pulling at his hair.

He cries for an hour, maybe more. Time seemingly stops in his distraught state.

When he calms himself down, he pulls out his phone. He crawls over to the bar caddy, wiping viciously at the tears he's spilled for the woman upstairs.

Yoongi doesn't even grab a glass, he just pulls the bottle of whisky down to the floor.

Sitting back against the long bar of the room, he dials the only number he can right now.

The sound of the phone ringing is so loud, it makes him want to weep all over again.

"Yoongi? It's two in the morning, what the fuck?" Namjoon calls blearily, through the phone.

"Joon… Please come to my room." his voice cracks and breaks as he picks up the bottle of whisky.

"Jesus, are you okay?" his best friend asks quickly.

"I need… I need a prenup. Please. Come." Yoongi begs, lifting the bottle to his lips.

"I'm coming! Hold on!" Joon calls to him before the line goes dead.

He gulps down the whisky at a ferocious speed, the liquor swirling and settling in his guts. The fire flaming and goading him on to no avail.

"YOU FUCKING WHORE!" he screams at the top of his lungs.

Yoongi launches the bottle across the room, burying his face into his knees as the sound of glass echoes all around him.

"Oh Yoongi. I'm so sorry," you whisper, clutching tighter to his hand.

Yoongi finds himself laughing at the memory now. He was so blind back then. So lovestruck.

"Nothing that isn't fixed now, little dove. Now we're both trapped in this marriage." his voice is devoid of emotion as he picks up the liquor bottle.

You can see how hurt he is even now. How reliving the memory is something akin to death to him.

You lean in towards his body. You press your lips to his cheek and he grabs you tighter at the feeling.

"Maybe that's why I liked you in the club? Because you seemed so completely opposite of the whore that lives in my house," he says finally as you pull away.

He turns his face to you, your lips just mere inches apart.

Yoongi lifts his hand, placing it gently on your cheek.

"You're a good girl, Y/N. You're so kind and sweet. Fucking understanding. You're going to be a great mother. I'm so sorry that you have to deal with me. Deal with an asshole every day. It isn't fair to you," he whispers, his thumb grazing over the apple of your cheek.

His hand is so warm against your skin, so soft. He's being so gentle.

"You're not an asshole. Not truly." you reply softly.

With a snort, he rolls his eyes. "See. You're almost too kind."

You giggle as his hand drifts down the column of your neck, his thumb rubbing over your jawline.

"I'm serious. You can be an asshole, for sure. But it's because of all the terrible things that have happened to you. If you were happy, really and truly happy. You might flourish. You might be able to find yourself again." you reply.

It comes out as a suggestion but it's really a wish. No one should ever be put through what he has had happen to him.

He tilts his head unsurely, pulling away from you.

"You're going to be a great dad. I won't let you be anything but a good dad to your child. No one is perfect, Yoongi. We can do this together." you say, earnestly.

Together.

The word makes his heart rate pick up speed.

You're pretty perfect in his eyes.

He can tell as you sit with one another, how heavy your eyelids are getting.

"You're tired," he observes.

"No, I'm okay!" you reply quickly to him.

He clicks his teeth, eyes narrowing at you. "We're going to be truthful with each other from here on in. Are you tired?"

With a hesitant hum, you nod. "A little. The baby makes me tired a lot these days."

"Okay." Yoongi whispers finitely.

Standing up, he moved your chair for you. With a simple grunt, he picks you up in his arms bridal style.

"I can walk!" you whine, wrapping your arms around his neck.

"So can I." he jeers cutely.

Wading with sure steps through the house, you find how easy it is for him to look down at you. His eyes are soft when they look upon you now. Like telling you about his life has taken a huge weight off of his shoulders.

He kicks open your bedroom door with a smirk.

"There would have been a time I would have died to bring you up here to ravage you," he says, goodnaturedly.

"You still can." you sing softly as he lays you down on your bed.

"We'll see, hmm?" he whispers as he lifts the covers for you.

"Stay," you mumble, arranging the pillows to your liking.

"You want me to sleep with you?!" Yoongi feels frightened at the notion.

"Yeah… just stay. Don't leave me," you whisper as you close your eyes.

He hesitantly walks around to the other side of the bed. He fumbles with his pants and his shirt almost embarrassingly so.

Yoongi hasn't laid with anyone in years. He hasn't thought about doing so in ages.

"Did you leave?" your voice is just above a whisper.

He watches you for a second, how pretty and serene you look with your hair splayed over the pillow.

"No, little dove. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere," he replies, laying down beside you.

Swallowing thickly, he gets comfortable under the same covers as you.

This is bizarre.

Tiredly, you pull his hand. His eyes go wide as you situate it over your stomach.

"It's not a big deal, Yoongi. Just sleep." You mumble as you turn onto your back.

He can feel the tiny bump developing under his hand.

It is a big deal.

To him.

He brushes some hair out of your face gently.

Maybe Sera wasn't his start to a new life. Maybe it's you.

Next Chapter ---->

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[spirit-small]

Hi my brain worms won't let me stop thinking about Prosecuille so

Phoenix hadn't heard from Edgeworth in months. He'd hoped they could patch things back up after Christmas but... Next thing he knew it seemed like Miles Edgeworth had chosen death.

He didn't believe he was really dead. Maybe it was just denial, but he didn't think he had it in him to go through with suicide. He knew him too well. He was out there, somewhere. Just avoiding him. And maybe he was right to do it. Maybe he had the right idea.

Phoenix had spent the last few months living with Maya in Kurain Village. "Crashing for the night" turned into "a few days till he calms down" which turned into "indefinite stay". Not that Maya really minded, though. She liked having him around. She'd just be kinda lonely and bored without him, anyway.

Things were peaceful, if a little boring. That is, until Maya is arrested for murder. For the second time.

This is fine, Phoenix can just help her defend herself like last time. There's no way she actually did it, plus, with Edgeworth gone, how many prosecutors could really pose a threat to him?

...von Karma, huh?

Phoenix hadn't spoken to Franziska since before the whole... Thing with Edgeworth happened. He wanted to. He really did. He missed her. But... She always seemed to prefer Edgeworth over him anyway. And she was even more obsessed with being the perfect prosecutor than he ever was. He knew in his heart that she would be firmly on his side, and he wasn't sure he could deal with losing her too.

So, he avoided contacting her. In his mind, he knew that by not doing so he was essentially making sure he lost her for good, but, part of him felt like he could just pretend to live in a world where she still cares about him if he never confirms the truth. So he kept putting it off.

Maya's trial begins.

Franziska takes a good look at Maya.

"Well, well, well, Ms. Fey. Defending yourself, are you? Do you really think the same old tactic you used on Miles Edgeworth will work against me?"

From the way she says it, Phoenix knows that Edgeworth told her everything. She knows he's here. Franziska cracks her whip, and Phoenix shudders. He's hoping she can control that thing if she's going to whip Maya, or else he might be donezo for keeps.

The trial is... Rough, to say the least. Maya gets whipped a good few times, but either she's got great reflexes, or Franziska figured out where Phoenix is hiding because he is entirely unhurt. But, it worked out just fine. Maya's not guilty! Franziska approaches her afterward, demanding she hand over Phoenix. Maya's reluctant, but Phoenix trusts her, so she can't refuse.

Franziska takes Phoenix in her hand, gently runs her fingertip down his cheek, and then squeezes him hard. How dare he go up against her in court, let alone win. Is this any way to treat his favorite big sister? Maya tries to make her let go of Phoenix, but she gets whipped any time she takes a step closer.

She lets up. She never wanted to hurt him. Well, maybe she did, just a little, but she didn't want to hurt him badly! Just rough him up a little. Instill the fear of God and von Karma into his little body.

Franziska sighs, dropping Phoenix into Maya's hands and walking away. She stops to look back at them, the way they interact, the way she holds him. Maya is gentler with him than she ever was. She can't help it, he's so fun to playfully bully. It's how she shows affection.

Part of the reason she even came to America in the first place was to reconnect with him. She lost her father and Edgeworth in such a short time frame, she needed someone. But... Look at him now. He doesn't need her anymore.

He already replaced her.

[sleepycricket]

i wrote a test franmaya scene to see if i wanted to take the plunge and write a whole fic aaaaand i really like how it turned out!! it is not perfect, i barely spell checked it, and i has zero context, but it’s here and it’s under the break for your perusal uwu

quick Content Warning for a graphic description of a panic attack/flashback, and implications of past physical abuse.

The old screen slid open to reveal Maya Fey kneeling on the floor, playing with the hem of her robes. Her jaw was clenched slightly, but she did not look up.

“You’re here to yell at me, right?”

Franziska closed the screen behind her, a little more careless than she should have been. She stacked her voice full of venom. “Maya Fey.”

“Or are you here to arrest me?” she continued, ignoring her.

“Have you done anything criminal?”

“No.” Franziska could hear the resentment dripping from the word. “That’s why I asked.”

“Enough. I don’t have time for childish games. I am here to warn you, Maya Fey.”

“About what?”

“If you step foot into one of my courtrooms again, I will have you removed in contempt of court.”

“It’s not illegal to be in a courtroom.” Her voice was the singsong tone of an insolent child. “Withholding evidence is, though.”

Franziska scoffed. “Who are you to speak down to me?”

“You’re not above me.”

Franziska’s hand tightened around her whip and she stalked across the room toward Maya. “You have the audacity to enter a world you know nothing about and act like you’re my superior - ?”

“Stop treating me like a child.”

Franziska sneered. “But that’s what I thought you were! One so petulant and entitled could be nothing but.”

Maya didn’t look up, but Franziska could hear the tension in her voice. “You’re not always right.”

Franziska’s voice lowered to a hiss. “I am a perfect prosecutor. I make no mistakes.”

Maya finally lifted her head to stare into Franziska’s eyes, gaze hard. “Tell that to your tainted record.”

White hot rage surged through Franziska and she lunged, snatching the front of Maya’s robe and pulling her up towards her face. “Unverschämte Schlampe,” she spat, raising her whip.

Then, through her blurred vision, she caught sight of Maya’s face, pulled so close to her own. Her anger had vanished completely, and her eyes were wide and fearful, like a -

Like a child.

The hand gripping Maya went slack, and she scrambled back on her hands, still staring Franziska down like a cornered animal. Franziska numbly brought a hand to her throat, where she felt her airway constricting as tears rose to her eyes.

A strong hand on her throat. Being jerked forward by her blouse. Screaming, filling her ears, too loud, too angry to stop.

And nothing in Franziska’s mind but sheer panic.

“I really am a horrible person,” she whispered hoarsely. “Aren’t I?”

Maya didn’t move.

Franziska gave a laugh that came out as more of a choked sob. “I’m just like him. Aren’t I. Aren’t I?”

Her pulse quickened. She couldn’t help it, couldn’t stop it. Hot tears, burning her skin, spilled down her face. The room was too small. The whip in her hand too big. She let it slip from her grasp, and the sound of leather hitting the floor was like a gunshot. Her breathing became more ragged. A phantom hand was grabbing at her throat. It felt like she wasn’t inhaling anything, like she couldn’t get enough oxygen, like she was drowning. She was dizzy, lightheaded - her instincts screamed at her to run but her body was frozen. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t move.

Her knees gave out. She was vaguely aware of hitting the floor, and she curled in on herself, tighter and tighter, blocking everything out, everything, everything. She was making noise - loud, breathless sobs that did nothing to fill her lungs.

Franziska shook and choked and whimpered, her face hot and wet. Her muscles wouldn’t move for her, her thoughts incoherent jelly. Every time she moved to talk, all she could do was cry out, clenching the fabric of her blouse in her tight fist. She felt useless. Like a small, helpless child, a fawn left to lie in the bushes. Alone.

Someone was saying her name. A hand on her shoulder, softly brushing the fabric of her blouse.

A hand carded through her hair. The slightest touch, lightly scratching the crown of her head. Franziska shivered.

“Can you hear me?” she heard, vague over the blood rushing in her ears. She wailed. “Franziska, listen.” The hand combed through her hair again. “It’s okay. Okay, Fran? It’s okay.”

She whined, a new wave of tears rolling down her face and pooling on the floor beneath her. The hand was soft and sure, fingers deftly playing with strands of her hair. Franziska managed to turn her head slightly, and the hand scooped underneath it, gently guiding her to lie on a warm, uneven surface. Something was in front of her face, blocking out the light, warm and dark and safe. Her hair was pet neatly away from her face, a finger brushing away a rogue tear. The voice was shushing her like a infant.

“It’s alright, Fran. It’s okay. You’re okay. It’s alright.”

Franziska pawed out, touching fabric, and she balled it in her fist. “I’m a monster,” she choked, her voice rising frantically in pitch as fresh tears welled up. “I’m a monster. I’m a monster.”

“No.” The hand cupped her cheek. “Fran. Franziska, can you look at me?”

She angled her head, eyes unfocused and shaky, looking somewhere between the space before and after the face of Maya Fey.

“Franziska,” Maya said, “you are not a monster.”

“I - I am…”

“You’re not, Franzy. You’re not a bad person.”

Franziska buried her head in Maya’s robes. Arms wrapped around Franziska’s head, and she cried.

[detective-gum-chew]

okay okay okay

i know this isnt an orginal idea by any means but roleswap!narumitsu is just so good

so youll have to indulge me because this lives in my head rent free and i want to write it down concretely somewhere (also this gets LONG so ill pop a cut in here)

alright so:

1. at least in my writing of it, this is also a no-dl6/gregory lives au. but as well at that, miles and phoenix didnt go to school together

2. this means that there was nobody to defend phoenix at the class trial (yes i know the money stolen was edgeworths but shhh lets pretend it was someone elses, kay?) this lead to phoenix becoming not only bitter, but somewhat obsessive over the idea of punishing people that do wrong

(if someone can find that quote where phoenix talks about how he could have become a prosecutor because of the trial i will give u a gentle kiss on the forehead) 

3. Edgeworth was raised by Gregory and ends up becoming a defense attorney

4. in this, Von Karma goes down and Franzy is adopted by Gregory, and she assists Miles in his cases. (she can still have a whip, as a treat.)

5. anyway with that set up, lets get into some cases

6. Larry gets accused of Cindys murder, Miles defends with Franzy

7. Lets say Mia was in the crowd of that trial and decided to contact miles, seeing as he appears to be another uncorrupt lawyer and asks him for his help in taking down Redd White

8. He agrees, and she sets a time for him to meet at her office so they can talk. Mia then calls her sister and updates her on how shes going to recruit another person (Redd White hears this)

9. Much like the original case, Mia gets murdered, but this time, Maya isnt here to be blamed. Instead, its Miles himself, as the name that White heard over the phone (so basically we’re speed running to the “defend yourself in court” part)

10. the prosecutor today is Phoenix Wright.

11. but before that lets go into some backstory actually. Phoenix had encountered Mia previously during the Terry Fawles case. He had respected her as a peer, if not for just her determination and deductive skills. (After all, he was young at the time and solely focused on punishing the wicked) After Diego’s poisoning, he had briefly reached out for condolences

12. but anyway, Phoenix had distantly respected Mia, and now that she was dead, he was going to be tough on whoever he thought murdered her.

13. Miles proves his innocence, although it takes some baiting to get Redd White out of his building and actually into court. 

14. Wright is... not pleased about this, but theres not much he can do. His displeasure for Mias murder has shifted, but theres a new displeasure for Miles, the man who could beat him in court. (”well well well, you managed to save your own skin. But you should hope you get as lucky as you did in your next case”)

15. Next case! We know Miles is a steel samurai fan, so even without Maya it takes very little convincing for him to take the case. (Fran is not as amused but trusts her brother... enough.. to follow his lead)

16. Case proceeds mostly as normal, with Phoenix requiring Dee to re-do her testimony (maybe something deep within him still itches to put the true bad guy away, even if its harder than the accused)

17. I dont think Phonix would deliver the unnecessary feelings line, although there definetely is that moment in the lobby where hes like “hm. maybe you arent a bad person, but that doesnt mean i have to like you.”

18. and now, now now now, we finally get to the part where i somehow managed to put the most thought into. (for context it is nearly 2 am when i am writing this)

19. sleep schedule aside, you couldnt have thought i would made this WITHOUT some good angst, so here we go. case four is similarly structured to the original, but with an extra side of Phoenix angst.

20. Miles wakes up to Franzy shaking him. She points to the television. the news is on, but the voices are drowned out by a distant ringing as he stares at the image on the screen.

Famed Prosecutor Phoenix Wright Arrested For Murder

21. it just doesnt make sense. So he gets out of bed and into the closest clothes he can find and out the door with his sister in tow. He sits in the cold detention room, thinking about the other side of the glass.

22. Phoenix Wright looks dull. He asks what they want. Miles says he wants an explanation. Wright sneers and asks why. For some reason, that pisses Miles off. He slams his badge to the glass and Wright looks surprised.

“Do you know what this is? It’s my attorneys badge.”

“the badge doesnt mean youre a good lawyer.”

“Well Mr Wright, its 2-0, so i dont think you have any right to say that.” Miles glares at him and Wright sits back in his seat. He watches Miles for a long time.

“If im going to defend you, you need to tell me what happened.“ Wrights eyebrows shoot up and Franziska squawks at his side

“What do you mean defend him!”

“What she said.”

Miles narrows his eyes at Wright as he ponders to himself the answer. Why is he doing it? the answer comes to him. 

“Because i dont believe you did it.”

For all his snark, Miles cant bring himself to believe that the man in front of him would kill someone. Theres something about him, either in his eyes or the way he carries himself that makes the idea itself preposterous. Wright looks at him for a long time after he says it.

“Very well.”

21. Miles doesnt seem him until court, but at least he testifies. The next person up, a red head by the name of Melissa Foster, gives a testimony that seems airtight.

22. that is, until he looks over at Phoenix, who is pale as he looks at the woman on the witness stand. Phoenix catches his eye, and very carefully, very slowly, mouths one name.

Dahlia Hawthorne

23. (I really wish i could continue with the more narrative parts of this but im honestly running out of steam and ill get to the point lol. Maybe ill finish it later.)

24. Terry Fawles dies on the stand. Diego Armando falls into a coma. Dahlia Hawthorne walks free. Even after what happened to Diego, Phoenix is convinced he can do better. He sets up a meeting with Dahlia.

25. Doug shows up, trying to persuade him away from it, saying he overheard Dahlia’s plan to kill Phoenix when she arrives. Phoenix is cocky, and the pair fight. Doug gets shoved into the powerline. Phoenix, thinking him dead, panics and runs.

26. Dahlia, having overheard, goes back and finishes him off, drops some poison into his mouth perhaps. With an accidental death with a cause so obvious, nobody bothers to run blood tests (until Miles)

27. Its years later, and Phoenix gets a note that tells him they know what really happened to Doug. Phoenix arrives to a meeting place to find a dead body. He picks up the vial of poison almost absently. 

28. After all, Dahlia had gotten rid of Diego and Mia was dead. Now all she had to do was get rid of Phoenix

29. It plays out similarly to case four, with Phoenix being absolved of the first murder, then confessing to the old one. Miles has gone through the work to save his life once, that he cant not do it again.

30. but happy endings (ish) for all, with Phoenix being freed, Dahlia imprisoned and Miles having a better understanding of both him and Phoenix.

31. maybe more happens but we’re at bullet point 31 so its time to stop for now lmao. uh but yeah! roleswap au..... brainrot really.

[with-love-anu]

For Real

Pairing: Sirius Black x Reader

Summary: You hate Sirius for his playboy ways, that is until, you start talking to him.

Warnings: Swearing, a punch?

Word Count: 1,816

“Sirius. Orion. Black.” you shouted stomping towards the boy who dared to laugh at the moment. He turned around and you saw fear flash through his face briefly before putting on his signature smirk.

“How are you, darlin’. Do you finally agree to go out with me?” he said before you punched him square on the jaw.

Sirius cupped his jaw, releasing a groan and looking at you. He stood, mouth agape, staring at you.

“That was for making my friend cry. You come one foot near him and I swear I will kill you.” you jerked away Sebastian’s arm as he tried to take you away. Sebastian sighed picking you up by your waist taking you away, as you wriggled and moved and shouted to be set free.

You were done. You had warned Luke, warned him that Sirius Black was never serious about anyone. He had been completely enamoured by him and failed to listen to you. He had come in last night looking like a ghost and when you asked him what happened and he had completely broken down. You’d never seen Luke cry.

“You can’t just punch someone, (Y/n)” Sebastian said as he released you.

“Yes. Yes I can and don’t you dare tell me he didn’t deserve it.” you huffed angrily.

“Okay, if you say so. But the sweet person you are, I know you’ll regret it later.”

***

And you did. You didn’t feel bad for Sirius, but you never did anything like this. Violence isn’t the answer. You knew that and applied it daily, it had always worked. And it didn’t help that Sirius asked you out every other day. Sometimes, you almost said yes. But, you remembered just how he was and you made yourself forget everything sweet he did. You tried to read the book in front of you shaking your thoughts. There was a cough behind you and you turned to find Sirius standing there awkwardly. You sighed.

“What do you want?” you asked. No matter how you felt you weren’t gonna apologise for the punch.

“I… I… Why do you hate me?” Sirius asked and looked at you. It seemed to him, whatever he did for you wasn’t enough. That you’d never say yes. The punch you gave him today proved it.

You furrowed your brows.

“I don’t hate you. I strongly dislike you for what you did to my friend and others.”

“Who? Luke?” Sirius asked.

“Yes, him.” you said feeling angry again.

“I never said I wanted anything serious.” he said plopping down beside you.

“Yes, but you also didn’t say you wanted a fling.” you countered. Sirius furrowed his brows. You sighed. Did he really not know what effect he had on people?

“Sirius, it’s okay if you lead an active sex life, it’s fine if you just want to fool around. But, at least let the person know that that is what you intend to do? If you don’t tell them you’re not in for a full blown relationship, you’re leading them on. Do you know how much someone is hurt by being rejected by someone they love? Luke never cried. Never. And that morning, his eyes were red.”

Sirius gulped. Of course he knew what it was being rejected by someone he loved.

“People don’t love me. They just want me for my looks.” he said gravely.

“No, no they don’t. Luke loved how you could make him laugh any time, how you calmed him down when he panicked, how you picked up on the smallest of things, he ate me up with Sirius this, Sirius that.”

Sirius stared at you waiting for you to take back what you said or give an indication that you were lying. When you didn’t, he stood up and ran. He stopped near the edge of the forbidden forest taking in deep breaths. He walked around trying to clear his thoughts. He felt guilty. He shouldn’t have done that, he realised. It never came to his mind that people except his best friends could even like him. He knew he needed to do something. And he would.

***

You moved to your dorm plopping on the soft mattress. You sighed. It had been a really long day and your back hurt. There was a knock and the door.

“May I come in?” Luke’s voice came.

“Yeah” 

Luke came in smiling and sat down beside you.

“Sirius apologised today.” he said.

“What?” you said as your eyes widened.

“He came in and said he was sorry,  that he didn’t want a relationship and he should have told me that. He told me that I deserve better and that he was very wrong to treat me that badly.”

“Shut up!” you said.

“Not only this, Maya told me he apologised to every single person he had treated badly notwithstanding that some slapped him, threw their drinks on him.”

You gasped.

“How do you feel?” you asked after some time.

“Much better. I think I needed that closure. I now see that maybe I read too much into things. Maybe I just needed the attention Sirius gave me when he was with me.”

You nodded trying to understand, but you were far too busy thinking about Sirius. Did your words mean so much to him?

***

You went to the Gryffindor common room hoping to find Sirius. He sat in a corner, hair pulled up in a bun and a pencil in his mouth, studying. 

“Sirius?” 

He looked up from his book and gave you a small smile. You smiled back.

“You apologised.” you stated.

He nodded humming.

“That’s a good thing you did.” you said softly.

“I had to.” 

You sighed, nodding and turned to leave.

“I never wanted a fling with you. I wanted the real thing.” Sirius called out making you stop. You turned face him.

“Pardon?”

“I always asked you out for a real relationship, never wanted to fool around with you. Thought you should know.”

“Sirius… Sirius… I didn’t know that.” 

Sirius grinned.

“So, would you now like to go out with me?” he asked laughing.

“Ummm… Sirius, you are an amazing person, there is no doubt in that. But, I’ve only ever dated people whom I am already friends with. I feel more comfortable like that.” you said slowly and softly so as not to hurt him. You did see his face fall for a moment before he masked it up with a grin.

“Well then, I’ve to make you my friend then” he said making you giggle.

“I’d like that.”

***

Sirius then started making more and more efforts to get to know you. He would sometimes join you for lunch, irritate you in the library (You’d never admit it but you liked it), listen to you talk about books, random fact you read. Sometimes the two of you would sneak out at night for a midnight snack, under James cloak. He would make sure you had as much fun as you studied. 

You told Luke about your growing friendship, scared whether he would agree to that. But he had just shrugged and said, “He makes you happy. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

Sometimes you would join James and Remus too, and he’d act annoyed at how much close you were quickly becoming. He did everything let flirt with you even once. You sometimes thought maybe he didn’t see you like that anymore, but your friends never failed to point out that he wasn’t flirting with anyone, not a single student at hogwarts.

As for Sirius, he was whipped. If he liked you before, now he loved you wholly. You made him nervous. He loved how you had started to open up to him. Come towards him on your own accord just to ask him about his day. And he was scared. He knew you had started to grow on him, but what if it was just as a friend? He didn’t dare revert back to his old ways.

***

Sirius frowned as he saw the family owl come in and drop him a letter. He dreaded opening it. His friends saw his face fall.

“You don’t have to read it, mate.” James told him.

Sirius forced a smile opening the letter.

“YOU BLOOD TRAITOR, ABSOLUTE WASTE OF SPACE. WE ARE NOT PAYING FOR ANY OF YOUR STUFF FROM NOW…”

Sirius folded the letter putting it aside. He felt queasy. Excusing himself he went out of the common room trying to breathe. He walked briskly towards the black lake trying to calm himself.

“Sirius!” came a voice beside and he turned to find (Y/n) calling out to him.

“What are you doing here? What’s that?” you asked pointing towards the letter. Sirius didn’t know what to say and handed you the letter. As you read the filthy words directed at him your heart stirred. You took out your wand and burnt it up.

“What?” Sirius asked, his mouth open.

“I’ve never seen anything more far from the truth. And besides what’s the use of things that scream ignorance?”

Sirius looked at you and tried not to cry.

“Come on, I’ll show you something.” you said taking his hand and leading him towards the forbidden forest.

You both walked quietly through the thick trees. You tried to remember whether you were going the right way.

“Never took you to be the one to roam in the forbidden forest.” Sirius said, smirking.

“Never took you to sing ‘Hannah Montana’ in the shower.” you quipped back. Sirius gasped, outraged. 

“That was one time!” he shouted.

“Whatever you say pretty boy!” you said giggling.

You sighed seeing an opening.

“We’re here!” you announced, gesturing to the lake covered in lotuses and water lilies. The trees nearby were a dark shade of green and fireflies zoomed around creating a picturesque scene. Sirius gasped as you plopped on the ground patting the soil beside you.

Sirius took your indication and sat down beside you. You rested your head on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around you. You let the calm, serene silence elope the two of you. You looked at Sirius, mesmerised by his grey eyes that seemed to hold a stormy sky.

He leaned in a little and you reached up crushing his lips into yours. He cupped your face sucking your lips as you let your hands wander into his dark locks. He pulled you by your waist above him and you straddled his hips kissing him with the desperation of all those months. You both pulled back, taking in huge gulps of air. You looked and saw Sirius’s eyes dilated as he looked at you with an extremely soft expression.

“Go out on a date with me?” You asked breathlessly. Sirius pulled in and kissed you again, making your head light. God! You really loved kissing him.

“Yes” he whispered.

A/N: This was written for the very lovely @approved-by-dentists. This is the request. Let me know what you think!

[shintorikhazumi]

Trope (3): “Maya.”

A/N: Coffee Shop Trope? Back with a MYKR. Sorry about two sisters. I got stuck and busy so... the shorter little stories are easier to release. might get it up this week. Hopefully. 

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

Today was the day she'd finally beat her at her little game. Today she'd get her order down pat. She wouldn't mess it up, she would serve it to her as perfectly as possible. She'd go hang herself if that infuriating woman told her she got even the tiniest thing wrong. Really, what was it with her shameless insistence that it had to match her taste perfectly!

Hell, Claudine knew she'd gotten the blend perfectly last time! That evil woman simply told her that she 'thought the temperature wasn't quite right'.

FUCK that.

Really, just thinking of all her interactions with the woman made Claudine fume.

And yet...

The moments after that brought about a flutter in her chest, remembering how the insufferable woman would go sit at her usual table, right by the window at the far end of Claudine's shop. The five-PM sun's rays would hit her perfectly sculpted face at just the right angle, soft and golden, giving her the most ethereal glow.

It both annoyed and awed Claudine that she could look so amazing. The picture-perfect image of a successful working woman, probably a big-time executive who had aesthetic hobbies and interests that people would like and share off of instagram or the tube. She was sure she had hundreds of thousands- if not millions of followers. Yes, Claudine would admit that she was just that gorgeous.

And maybe... she'd admit that she'd grown on her too.

Just a little.

A little.

A tiny bit. Like an unnoticeable-

"Waiting on your crush, boss?"

Claudine choked on air. 

"SHE-SHE, I- I DON'T HAVE.... CRUSH? WHAT CRUSH? FUTABA I-"

"Christ, calm your tits. My gosh." Kaoruko snorted, from a nearby table.

"Screw off." Claudine barked. Just why did Kaoruko have to spend all her free time ogling Futaba in her shop? Couldn't they do their disgusting flirting elsewhere?

"Hey! I pay you good money for my time here!" The corporate owner frowned, making a show of her statement by getting up from her seat and sticking a few bills in Claudine's vest pocket near her chest.

"I'm not some stripper, Kaoruko."

"I ne'er said a thing, love."

Claudine sighed, turning around to brew herself a cup of her own favorite blend.

The universe must hate her to give her such difficult friends, and one insufferable c-c-... attractive acquaintance.

The front door bell rang and Claudine almost gave herself whiplash as her eyes unknowingly sparkled-

...then dulled at the sight of only Nana.

"Wow, that hurts, Kuro-chan." She laughed. "I'm here for the tomorrow's prep."

Nana was the baker of Claudine's little cafe, but she was also still studying to be the director of her dreams. This had been a little thing on the side she'd done to earn that bit of extra tuition support.

She came in in the late hours of the afternoon to prepare goods that Claudine could simply stick in the oven the next day. And some special closing treats that some customers would wait for.

They called it the cafe’s ‘sweet hours’.

Claudine had wanted to sign Nana a full contract deal; she wanted to get any employee one, but she knew she wasn't big enough of a business to attract workers besides her good friends yet. It had barely been a month or two, with the regular customers coming in, but Claudine knew it wasn't enough to support full-time workers yet.

Why Futaba worked for her when Kaoruko just about paid her for merely living with her was a mystery she could not fathom. Claudine wouldn't complain though. She was thankful for the help.

The bell rung once more, and again Claudine turned to it with her usual smile of welcome, though with a little extra excitement-

"You look happy to see me... or not." Junna pushed her glasses up her nose. "You forgot your special apron, Nana." Junna called, holding the cloth up for her girlfriend to see.

"Thank youuuu!!!" Nana came bounding towards her, planting a kiss on her cheek and leaving a blushing Junna in the middle of the shop as she entered the kitchen.

"Whipped." Kaoruko snickered, high-fiving Claudine.

"I will make sure even less people come to your shop."

"I didn’t even say a thing, demon!"

And the bell rang a third time, and Claudine knew not to get her hopes up.

"At the very least, greet your customers. How are you supposed to attract more people with that cold attitude?" Hikari stated, ushering an excited Karen into the shop, Mahiru trailing behind them as graceful as always.

"Hiya, Kuro-chan! We're all here, huh? How fun!"

Claudine couldn't help but smile. Her friends' presence was something she always found comforting, and they helped her get through tough patches a lot of the time. She was forever grateful.

"Slow day today?" Mahiru sat by the bar, placing her purse next to her. Claudine sighed, nodding as she turned around to make Mahiru's favorite. She'd memorized everyone's usuals by now, having had her friends as her practice customers while she studied to be a barista a few years back.

"No surprise." Claudine replied, serving up the cup.

"You'll find your rhythm soon." Mahiru encouraged. "I love the way you make your drinks. I'm sure the others would agree. Everyone just hasn't found you yet, is all."

Claudine smiled. "Hope I get found soon then, huh?"

"Wishing for the best."

“Merci."

She really hoped so. She didn’t want her dream to just go under that quickly after it had just become a reality.

And this time, as she was lost in her thoughts, Claudine didn't register the bell, nor the clack of high heels and the scent of gentle sophistication as a perfume. So she was surprised when she turned around with Hikari and Karen's drinks in hand, successfully dropping it on the floor, spilling its contents for Futaba to grumpily clean up. It was her. She was here. She-

Stupefied as she was by her goddess-like presence, in a split second, her mind reminded her of the little competition she'd struggled weeks now for. As the woman's lips parted to say her first words, so did Claudine's.

""Venti, half-whole milk, one quarter one percent, one quarter non-fat, extra hot, split quad shots one-and-a-half shots decaf, two-and-a-half shots regular), no foam latte, with whip, two packets of splenda, one sugar in the raw, a touch of vanilla syrup and three short sprinkles of cinnamon.""

They’d chanted it like a practiced spell, perfectly in unison, and that feat in itself made Claudine feel so good.

"!!"

"With a baumkuchen on the side, right?" Claudine grinned, finally tasting that oh-so-sweet victory that came in the form of the woman's shocked face. Finally, she'd broken her cool and caught her off-guard, body moving automatically to prepare the drink with insane efficiency and practiced perfection.

Slipping the order across the counter, Claudine offered her most charming smile.

"Now! Tell me it's perfect so I can finally... finally know your name." This was it. The thing that had Claudine stumped for weeks on end, perplexed, and curious about. Ever since this woman refused to give her even an alias to be able to mark the order, long ago on that one busy day. Claudine had to constantly watch and think about the woman in order to get her drink to her right. "I've told you I need it to keep track of orders, you irritable-"

Soft and sweet, a little sticky with lipstick.

Claudine's hand touched her warmed lips, some drink stains and a few crumbs there as well. Everyone in the room was quietly watching on, shocked (Well, Hikari had a hand over Karen's mouth to keep her from screaming in delight).

"Maya."

The woman tried to sound sultry- before she noticed the crumbs... and the stains... and her lipstick on Claudine.

"Oh dear me! I- I apologize, I... I didn't mean for that to- I-" Frantically, she dug through her purse, fishing out some wipes and dabbed at a stunned Claudine's mouth, her eyes tracing over every feature of the panicked woman in front of her, focused yet in a daze. "I- I was trying to... um... I'm really sorry-"

"Maya. It's a lovely name."

As lovely as you.

[darling-i-read-it]

I Know

Viserys Targaryen x reader

Word Count: 1k

Warnings: i mean viserys is a trash person so I suppose that 

Author’s Note: This is for me and @beeroses​ and that is it 

i know i have 25 more requests but this is my blog and I’ll do as i please (HES TRASH I KNOW this doesn’t excuse what he did and I lowkey said that in the fic but also I’ve been wanting to write for hims since before i watched the show so here past maya are you happy) I also wanna write more for GOT if anyone has any ideas for that! (also him and dany are my favorite my cats name is daenerys)

Summary: Youre leaving and Viserys simply is unhappy with it, not that you know because he doesn’t show emotions. 

Genre: angst

(not my gif)

    You met Viserys when he was very young. There wasn’t much going for him or his sister but you quickly grew close to the two of them. You were so young and much too young to really understand their position in the world. When you were young you just knew they were Vis and Dany. Never the Targaryens that everyone feared.

    There is never a relationship as powerful as one that has grown with you. You and Daenerys were thick as thieves but you and Viserys had been destined to be since day one. You were his age, a little bit older than Dany and while she went to her lessons you tended to stick with Viserys.

    You still thought of the three of you sometimes. So young, unable to really understand what was going on. Viserys liked to tell you he knew he was destined for the crown even back then. You laughed at that because  you simply knew that he had no idea that he was destined for anything when he was ten. You didn’t either.

    You wanted to go back to when you were that young.

    When Viserys and Daenerys really got along. He had gotten this power complex when he grew that you were never able to stop. He treated your friend and his sister like she was nothing but you loved her. You had grown to love him. Underneath everything that he had, all the power that he pretended he was worthy of there was that child you had known for years. The one who just knew he wanted to be something.

    “You know if you step away from that window it won’t disappear.” You walked into his chambers, holding your hands clasped in front of you. Your dress wasn’t anything extravagant. You were pretty sure you had gotten it from Danys closet although you couldn’t be sure. He looked over at you, giving you a small smile. It was something he reserved only for you.

    He had never learned to let his guard down in front of anyone but you. Even Dany lost that privage many years ago.

    “Where have you come from?” he asked. “I thought you were supposed to be on a ship far away from me by now.” 

    “I was supposed to be but they delayed the ship by a day. I must say, I was mildly disappointed you didn’t come to see me off.” He shrugged, leaning against the wall by the window.

    “I was watching,” he promised, pointing at the window. You smiled and walked over to him. He grabbed your arm and pulled you closely to him so your head rested on his chest. You were glad you got one more day, you hadn’t gotten the chance to say goodbye to anyone yet.

    “You aren’t going to marry Dany to that man are you? The Dothraki man?” You heard him let out a sigh as he moved his hand up and down your hair that was perfectly combed. 

    “I wasn’t going to but you’re leaving. I don’t see the problem with it,” he admitted. You shut your eyes tightly and then looked back out at the ships in the window below.

    “You were always going to because you always knew I was leaving.”

    He pulled away from you and stomped away leaving your arms open and empty. You purse your lips. He faced away from you, his blond curly locks falling over his shoulder. He turned back to you, that same hair whipping angrily across his shoulder.

    “It’s what's best for me to be able to get to the Iron Throne. That’s all I’ve ever wanted and you know that.” You walked toward him but not far enough to touch him.

    “I know that you want your sister out of the picture and I will speak freely because we may never see each other again. You’ve shown little emotion for that by the way. You’ve grown into a man I can barely recognize.” He seemed to take that last bit hard. He stumbled on his feet and shook his head.

    “You know that I’ll miss you,” he whispered.

    “It doesn’t seem like you will. Viserys-”

    “I delyed your ships.”

    “That doesn’t excuse your behavior.” He stared you down but you looked at your hands. 

    “I suppose it doesn’t.” You nodded. When you looked back at him you saw his eyes, the ones you had looked at when you were only a child. You raised a shaking hand to his cheek and shook your head.

    “You know Daenerys is strong. She will be the death of you.” 

    “I won’t let that happen.”     “You say that now Viserys but I will not be here to protect you when the time comes that you need it. You’re both Targaryens and you both know that. Just because you protest that you are the last dragon means nothing to her.” You smiled gently. “And I shall miss you greatly.” 

    He hugged you tightly and you felt his emotions that he was suppressing.

    “Don’t go then.”

    “I have to. They’ve asked for my attendance back in King's Landing. You know I have to go.” He nodded and pulled away to look at your face.   

    “You’ve always been my favorite you know.” You laughed.

    “I know.”

[harryandmolly]

Change of Pace - Epilogue (Late Summer 2019)

cowritten by @achinglyshawn

summary: Shawn and Maya meet again 10 years after life got in the way of love

warnings: language

wc: 3.5k

----------

Shawn doesn’t settle at the piano until the crowd at Emilia’s has grown. The loud chatter echoing in the small restaurant quiets when he turns down the music tinkling through the soundsystem. Heads turn towards the sleek black piano in the corner of the restaurant as he places his well-practiced fingers on the ivory keys. 

He speaks into the microphone as he begins to play his favorite melody. 

“This is a song about finding love again when you least expect it,” he coos softly, so as not to interrupt anyone who doesn’t care for the live music. 

(He’s not sure why you’d come to Emilia’s on a Thursday night if you don’t like live music, but to each their own.) 

“Maybe I had too many drinks, but that's just what I needed. I hope that you don't think that what I'm saying sounds conceited…” 

Chatter in the restaurant kicks up again, but those closest to him seem willing to forgo conversation for a free concert. It’s quiet in this little corner of Emilia’s, save for the plinking of the piano and the delicate croon of his falsetto. 

“When I look across the room, and you're staring right back at me, like somebody told a joke and we're the only ones laughing...” 

Maya’s at her new favorite table watching her old favorite guy do his favorite thing. Back in the day, she and Shawn used to cozy up in a booth in the far corner. They could be gross and kiss there without anyone looking at them funny. They were kids. 

Shawn plays regularly at Emilia’s now and Maya loves to watch, especially on days like today. Maya’s been in the studio she shares with Shawn since just after her sunrise surf. She’s had one of her first commissions since starting to paint semi-professionally in Avila and spent her whole day focusing on the piece — it’s a landscape, oil on canvas, based on a crumpled old Polaroid the client got from his grandparents of the boardwalk when they lived in Avila years before. It’s nice. Maya’s proud to do it. 

She and Shawn expanded his studio when the space next to his came available. Now it’s their studio. Mostly, she adds her artistry to his instruments, adding little painted elements or even much larger ones, like in the case of that first piano Shawn built. She ended up adding a whole gorgeous Avila sunset mural on top. It sold for a lot (!) more than expected. Her business acumen has also helped them in their new ventures together. 

Tonight is a welcome break from it, though. They’ve both been working themselves so hard to finish pieces commissioned by some of Margaret’s San Francisco finance friends. But tonight, back at Emilia’s like nothing ever changed and at the same time like they’re brand new, Shawn plays her song. 

Not her only song, obviously. He’s written her many over the years. This is the new one, the one he started a decade ago, tripped over through that first hazy summer and finished around the time they decided to move in to Maya’s cottage together. She’s heard it before, whispered into her hair, plucked quietly against the backdrop of sea and sand on their daybed outside. Never like this, in front of a crowd of strangers who mostly all know their story. 

Maya watches him smile as he sings the words like he always does, like he has a secret, like he got the girl in the end after all the trouble. It makes her smile too. 

Shawn takes a breath, suddenly aware of Maya’s eyes on him from across the room, though he hasn’t looked up since he began playing. 

“Don't know why I tried, ‘cause ain't nobody like you, familiar disappointment every single time I do…” 

She must’ve tucked into their new favorite table right as he started playing, or else she would’ve pressed a good luck kiss to his temple like she always does before he performs. She insists he doesn’t actually need luck, but they both like the tradition, anyway.

“Every single night my arms are not around you, my mind's still wrapped around you. 

Baby, tell me when you're ready, I'm waitin'. Baby, anytime you're ready, I'm waitin'...” 

He knows where she is without searching, so when he tilts his head and finally opens his eyes, she’s there, staring him down like he’s something magical she’s never seen before. His face heats, because even after all these years, being the sole focus of Maya’s attention makes his heart race. 

He catches her gaze with his and the corner of his mouth ticks up in a tender smile. Memories of the night before race through his mind and send a shiver down his spine; memories of staying up far too late to make love over and over until sleep pulled Maya under, with Shawn easily following. 

His breath hitches, but he doesn’t take his eyes off of her as he continues to sing the words he’s already pressed into the curve of her neck while tangled together between their sheets. 

“Even ten years from now if you haven't found somebody I promise, I'll be around. Tell me when you're ready, I'm waitin'...” 

Maya’s lips switch around a shy smile. She knows, somehow, when he’s looking at her like that, that he’s thinking about last night.

Last night is just the latest in a long thread that they’ve had since reestablishing their relationship. They’re hot and frantic or lazy and sensual and completely perfect. They’re the kind of nights when sleep holds no appeal at all, that touching each other is the only kind of satisfaction they need.

A curl flops over Shawn’s eyes as he plays and sings right at her. She grins for real because she can’t help it and props her chin up in her hand as she watches.

A pair of warm, flabby arms wrap gently around her shoulders and she feels the weight of a chin on her head.

“You know,” Emilia’s gritty voice says softly near Maya’s ear, “I think the two of you are my favorite thing that’s ever happened in this little beach town.”

Maya rubs Emilia’s arm and nods. “I think I agree.”

Emilia winks at him from her perch above Maya’s head. Shawn flushes, still unable to control the rush of blood to his cheeks each time Emilia looks at him with that mysterious twinkle in her eye. He watches the women murmur to one another, and his heart beats a little faster, just enough to feel against his ribcage. 

But before the galvanized rhythm can overwhelm him, Shawn closes his eyes and continues to sing. His voice is soft, as though he’s decided to sing the rest of the song to himself. Sometimes it’s the quiet moments with his music that have the most powerful impact on an audience, and more importantly, on the woman he’s in love with. 

“And if I have to, I'll wait forever, say the word and I'll change my plans. 

Yeah, you know that we fit together, I know your heart like the back of my hand…” 

Shawn’s energy shifts. He gets quieter, like he forgets he’s not in the studio playing quietly for her or in their house, sitting at the baby grand piano he built for them as a housewarming gift when he moved in. 

But there’s just so long he can go without looking at her. His gaze is drawn to her, as if pulled by a magnetic field so strong he couldn’t fight it if he wanted. His fingers climb along the piano keys while he watches Emilia press her cheek into the top of Maya’s head. It’s his turn to wink, but he directs it at Maya.

“So baby, tell me when you're ready, I'm waitin'. Baby, anytime you're ready, I'm waitin'...”

She giggles at the way Emilia squeals teasingly in her ear. As Shawn’s voice fades out and the song ends, the restaurant claps politely. Maya mimes whistling at him and continues clapping.

Emilia releases her from her loving near stranglehold. Maya tilts her head up at the woman’s face, grinning ear to ear and covered in sunspots.

“Can I have a coffee milkshake with caramel and whipped cream please?”

Emilia tosses her head back and laughs, a big, strong belly laugh that doesn’t match the finer aesthetic she’s created for her still quirky restaurant since the renovation. They don’t even have milkshakes on the menu anymore -- too lowbrow. But Emilia kept the machine. Maya and Shawn are glad she did.

Shawn manages to catch Maya’s request when he’s heading to their table. He grins up at Emilia, slings his arm over Maya’s shoulders and slides into the seat beside her. 

“I’ll take a chocolate shake, Em, if it’s not too much trouble.” The smile that splits his lips is as sugary as the treats they’ve ordered. Emilia calls it his ‘popstar smile’ when she’s trying to give him shit, but he thinks she likes it more than she lets on. 

The woman shakes her head, but smiles as she wipes her hands on the front of her black apron. “You’re always too much trouble, kid.”  

Emilia gives Maya one last look, something Shawn can’t quite read, then scurries back to the kitchen, repinning her curls to the top of her head as she goes. 

“So,” he murmurs, angling himself towards Maya, “What were you two talking about? I can only assume it was me.” His nose nudges her temple, lips brushing over the apple of her cheek. 

With his heavy arm around her shoulders, Maya curls comfortably into Shawn, resting her hand on his stomach as he peppers her cheek with kisses. She can feel the way he smiles through it, just happy to be close to her. She knows the feeling.

Maya crosses her legs, resting her foot against his calf. She shrugs. “You always think everything is about you. You’re not the sun.”

She’s teasing. He knows she was talking about him anyway. She moves some floppy curls out of his eyes.

“She just loves us, that’s all.”

“Everyone seems to love us these days, don’t they?” he asks with a smile. 

Maya and Shawn are a bit of local lore. The town is small and it talks. Everyone knows about the guy who owned the workshop whose long lost love came back to where they spent a few weeks in love one summer, and how the beach brought them back together. They’re not too nosy, but Maya and Shawn are noticed, and not just by Emilia.

She brings them their milkshakes, making a silly show of pretending to hide them so the other customers won’t wonder where they came from.

Shawn nearly moans. The milkshakes are beautifully decorated, with a smooth caramel drizzle topping Maya’s whipped cream, and a deep brown ribbon of chocolate swirled around his own. 

“Em,” he says with a laugh, “If you wanted to be inconspicuous with these, you shouldn’t’ve made them so pretty.” Shawn grabs his spoon and digs into the homemade whip Em always keeps around just in case he and Maya stop by. 

“Maybe,” hums Emilia, “But y’all deserve a nice treat every now and then.” With that, she drops a kiss to the top of Maya’s head and shuffles off to the busy kitchen. 

“She’s spoiling you rotten, Lemon,” Shawn garbles around a spoonful of milkshake. As he swallows, his mouth stretches into a wide, close-lipped smile, his cheeks ruddy, the corners of his eyes crinkling.  “But I don’t think I can blame her.” 

Maya rolls her eyes, swallowing her own enormous mouthful of espresso-y goodness. She winces at the slight brain freeze and shakes her head quickly before answering.

“Spoiling you, too. She gave you extra whip, I can tell,” Maya accuses playfully, jabbing her spoon at his overflowing glass.

She settles back into his arm and continues poking at her own shake. The restaurant is lively tonight, warm with conversation and good energy. Emilia’s is almost always like that. It’s why she and Shawn love it so much. She may even miss it while they’re gone.

“How much do you have packed?” Maya asks him carefully after swallowing, narrowing her eyes.

They leave for Greece tomorrow. Three weeks of beach hopping around the coast, exploring little towns, enjoying history, even taking some sailing lessons in the Mediterranean.

Maya herself has barely packed. But he doesn’t need to know that.

Shawn wipes a dribble of chocolate from the corner of his mouth. He tilts his head, swirls his spoon in his glass so the rest of his whipped cream mixes with the shake. 

“Packed? For what?” he asks with a quirk of his brow. He keeps his gaze trained on his glass, the most promising method for maintaining his silly rouse. 

A bag full of light summer linens packed specifically for Greece is stashed on his side of the walk-in, where it’s been for a few weeks now. Shawn’s been eager to get away with Maya since even before they bought the plane tickets. Packing his bag so early was a cathartic release for the frantic energy of his anticipation. 

He certainly has more to pack, though. It’s hard, however, when every free moment he has tends to be occupied by efforts to make his girlfriend come as much as possible. 

Maya rolls her eyes and swallows a mouthful of ice cream, elbowing him softly.

“For what, he asks. Like you’re not counting the seconds.”

They both are. They both have been. They don’t lead extraordinarily stressful lives, but they’ve been pushing hard lately. They took on their first commissioned project together, a harp with an intricate design described and ordered by a doting grandfather for his granddaughter. He sent to pick it up yesterday and called the studio to relay his effusive praise personally, letting them know it would not be his last purchase and he wanted to tell all his friends about them.

Now that that project is done, they’re ready for vacation. Maya herself still has some things to toss into a bag. She’s packing light, though. Staying in a series of villas around Greece with Shawn doesn’t call for much in the way of clothes. Some light, breezy dresses, plenty of bikinis, and not much else.

She can’t fucking wait.

She finishes the milkshake with a deeply contented sigh and presses her cool lips to the side of his neck. 

“What are you most excited about?” she coos, the same question she’s asked over and over since they booked the trip -- a fun way to anticipate and daydream as they prepared for their first vacation together since they came to Avila as kids.

Shawn hums. He pushes his own empty glass away and curls his arm tighter around Maya’s shoulders, tipping his head so his cheek brushes the top of hers. 

“I think--” the word is drawn out, as if he really has to consider what might possibly excite him during their trip, “I think I’m most excited about finding a little cafe where you’ll jump up on the table and start singing Dancing Queen to me. Or Mamma Mia. Whichever fits the cafe scene better.” 

Shawn smiles into the kiss he presses to Maya’s head. The scent of her coconut milk shampoo floods his senses and he sighs, content to spend the rest of his life with his nose buried in her hair. As much as he’s looking forward to their trip, nothing beats being nestled together at their favorite table in their favorite restaurant, full of their favorite milkshakes. 

Maya snorts. “Gonna have to feed me a lot of ouzo to get that to happen.”

She has no doubt there will be a lot of ouzo and a lot of cafes. But if Shawn wants Maya singing in public, he’s also going to have to smile real pretty. Which, as it turns out, he’s an expert at.

One of their regular waiters drops the check on their table. Maya lets Shawn put down his card because she’s footing most of their vacation bill, since it was her idea.

“What about you, Lemon?”

“I thiiiiink,” she teases him with a smile, running her fingers against the back of his neck, “Probably all the skinny dipping we’re gonna do in the Adriatic. Or Mediterranean, either or. I’m not picky.”

She nips his jaw and reaches for her purse to stand. They have more to pack, so it’s probably time to be heading back. Maya blows Emilia a kiss and catches the one she sends in return. She makes a mental note to find her a nice gift while they’re abroad. 

“I don’t know about skinny dipping, Lu,” Shawn muses as he guides her out of the restaurant, aiming a friendly wave over his shoulder to Emilia as she bustles around the main dining room. “Those European seas get pretty chilly. And I’ve got precious cargo to protect.” 

She almost chokes on a breath.

“Did you just refer to your cock and balls as precious cargo? Not that I’m disagreeing, but Jesus, Shawn,” she laughs, squeezing his hand playfully. 

Shawn grins, the dimple in his chin popping out. “Bad joke? It was Geoff’s, first. Blame him.” 

He swings their joined hands between them, making sure to keep his pace at a leisurely stroll while they head down the boardwalk. Sure, there’s some packing to do, but Shawn’s not in a rush. The sun hasn’t even set. The breeze is warm, salty, perfect. Maybe Maya will go for an evening surf before they have to get down to business. 

The waves swell, roll in, crash, retreat. 

Maya finds herself slowing her pace to match his. Sometimes she catches herself power walking around this sleepy beach town like it’s Manhattan at rush hour and she has to remind herself to slow down. There’s no need for that anymore, and Maya is so grateful that he’s here to help keep her from sprinting through life.

Maya admires the way his curls rumple in the shore breeze. He squints adorably through the golden hour sun. She thinks about painting him this way and wonders if she could ever hope to capture the colors accurately.

Shawn turns so he’s walking backwards ahead of Maya, their hands still clasped together. “You wanna go for a surf? You didn’t get out there this morning.” 

She shrugs and plays with his fingers while they walk. “Maybe. Kind of just want to stay on land with you.”

He watches her bend and stretch his fingers as he continues his backwards trek. She studies his face, and he knows she’s got her artist eyes on from the contemplative intensity of her gaze. He stays focused on their linked fingers. A look like that from Maya is full of weight Shawn’s not sure he understands. 

He comes close, though, when he writes music about her. 

“Do we have to pack right away?” he asks eventually, swinging around to walk forward again when they near the house. “Let’s get stranded on the beach for a little. Watch the sunset. If no one’s around, I could make you come.” 

Shawn’s itching with the need to savor this last night in Avila, because it feels as though tomorrow will change them. They’ll be a different couple on the other end of this trip. He’s eager for it, to really begin his life with her, but he’s not in any rush. 

They have the time for another sunset. 

Maya’s eyebrows lift. “Well, I certainly think I could make time for that in our very busy, very official pre-travel schedule.”

Maybe they’ll be up late throwing clothes into a bag, dazed and smiley after spending another several hours in bed like they’re prone to do. Maya doesn’t mind. It’s always worth it with him.

They live far enough off the boardwalk to avoid most foot traffic. The house is quiet but warm -- they left a few lights on when they left for dinner, giving it a cozy glow. Maya looks up at it with pride. It was the best thing she’s ever done for herself, buying this house. And now it belongs to them both. It feels right.

The sun is starting to dip below the horizon when they arrive out on the beach in front of the house. She stops and drapes his arms around her shoulders like he’s a blanket, facing them toward the sunset. She looks down at their feet, hers between his, and traces her toe around the inside of his foot.

“Love you,” she murmurs softly. Maya’s not afraid to say it. She saves it for the most special occasions, and for some beautiful, cosmic reason, this feels like one. 

Her gentle words push his heart into his throat. His pulse is loud— drum drum drum— in his ears, and he hides his satisfied smirk in her neck. 

She makes him feel painfully twenty-one again with such simple words. 

But he’s not twenty-one anymore, and he’s pretty fucking glad for it. He was a huge idiot back then, even if he did fall in love with the right girl. He’s better at loving her now, with his newfound, middle-aged wisdom. 

“I know,” he growls into her neck when he manages to find his voice. He bites at her throat, then kisses his way to her ear. “Now stop bragging about it, Lemon, and watch the sunset with me.” 

-----------

Thank you for joining @achinglyshawn​ and I on such a special journey! We loved sharing this story with you and appreciate every message, like, or reblog. 💜 wishing you all safety and love.

@smallerinfinities​ @the-claire-bitch-project @achinglyshawn​ @infiniteshawn​ @mendesoft​ @singanddreamanyway​ @alone-in-madness​ @abigfatmess​ @shawnitsmutual​ @awkwardfangirl2014​ @september-lace​ @sinplisticshawn​ @rollingxstone​ @randi-eve​ @fallmoreinlove @heyits-claire​ @itrocksmysocks​ @parkerspicedlatte​ @simpledomain​ @abeautiful-and-cloudy-day​ @thecurlsofgod @magcon7280​ @bensbuttercup​ @shawnsmusical​ @paigeasourous​ @tell-me-when-ur-ready​ @softmendesss​ @searchingunderthestars​ @buggy-blogs​ @mendesficsxbombay​ @siennarossi​ @lostinshawnsmemory​ @umbreakablesoul​ @sleepybesson​ @shawnsheaven @desire-to-live​ @jillian-nd​ @shawnwyr​ @curlsofshawn​ @graysonmendes​ @tnhmblive​ @meltingicequeen​

[youngbounty]

Why Nahyuta Sahdmadhi is Uninteresting

I want to talk about my issues with Nahyuta Sahdmadhi. There’s a reason I consider him to be the most uninteresting prosecutor in Ace Attorney. It’s disappointing, because I do see a lot of potential in his character. The things that make him uninteresting will boil down to the fact he is boring, until the very end of the game. With other prosecutors, while we are never given backstory of them until the end, there was still something about them that grabs our attention. Miles Edgeworth was a smug, but genius prosecutor that only cared for Guilty verdicts. Franziska Von Karma was a vengeful prosecutor with a whip and the daughter of Manfred Von Karma, who was the villain of the first game. Godot was a coffee addict prosecutor that often used coffee metaphors, seemed wise and had a vendetta against Phoenix that we continued to question. Even Klavier and Blackquill had something interesting to them that made them stand out, whether it would be a rock star prosecutor that became the reason for Phoenix losing his job or an inmate prosecutor that used psychology and samurai skills against his opponents. Aside from being a monk prosecutor and throwing beads, there isn’t anything about Nahyuta Sahdmadhi that makes him different from the typical asshole prosecutor we meet in every game. Though, at least we never had to question why they were assholes. 

When I have to question why Nahyuta Sahdmadhi is an asshole prosecutor, despite being built up as the opposite at the beginning, that’s already a bad sign. Yes, we didn’t know much about the other prosecutors, but as I stated before, there was never a question why they had to be assholes. Edgeworth was an asshole, because he only believed in winning and Guilty verdicts. Franziska was an asshole, because Phoenix placed her father in jail. Yes, she did correct it was because of Edgeworth, but even that made sense. Godot had a vendetta against Phoenix and, while we didn’t know what that vendetta was, at least we could make sense that it was the reason he was being an asshole. Blackquill being an inmate and the Dark Age of Law already speaks for itself of why he’s an asshole. Why is Nahyuta an asshole and does he have to be? Klavier certainly wasn’t an asshole prosecutor, so why do we have to accept that every prosecutor we meet has to be an asshole of some kind. If we had something concrete, it would be enough to pull us in. Claiming that he’s an asshole, because he and his country hate defense attorneys is not a reason when he prosecutes internationally and has a father, who is also a defense attorney. Speaking of prosecutors with fathers as defense attorneys, Edgeworth didn’t like Defense Attorney’s either, but he at least had a concrete reason for it that wasn’t just Guilty Verdicts. I’m still questioning why Nahyuta treated Apollo and Athena so horribly, it isn’t like they’re in his own country where all eyes are on him. Even if he did have eyes on him, he could just say, “I need to be respectful to these people and their beliefs or our country will be at war with theirs and there will be no peace.” 

What makes even less sense is why Nahyuta avoids Apollo. For Edgeworth, it made sense, because he didn’t want those he loved to be involved with something that traumatized him as a child and Phoenix was already too deeply involved and with those involved in it. For Blackquill, it made sense, because he was protecting his dead master’s child from being arrested for a murder she may or may not have committed as a child. For Nahyuta, you could argue that there was a reason, being that Apollo is his brother and did not want him to be anywhere in his country or defending those of said country. But, the thing is, Apollo isn’t involved with Khura’in and neither is Athena. It’s possible Nahyuta may’ve predicted their involvement, since the game mentions of him predicting someone’s karma, but we never get into detail with that sort of power or understand it. If Nahyuta didn’t want Apollo getting involved, wouldn’t being a complete asshole do the opposite? It isn’t like Apollo knew what was going on, except through Phoenix, and even when he did, he made no plans in going to Khura’in. Considering Trucy’s situation in The Magical Turnabout, Nahyuta’s actions make less sense, if he was intending on protecting his loved ones from his kingdom’s tyranny. Had Trucy been found Guilty, all the money from the agency would be milked dry, Phoenix would be stuck in Khura’in and Apollo will be without a job. Wouldn’t it make better sense if Nahyuta was sweeter and nicer to Apollo to give him the false sense of security that everything was doing fine in Khura’in, so that he won’t worry? Wouldn’t it make more sense if Nahyuta was more livid and unforgiving toward Roger Retinz, after finding out about him conning Trucy and that almost putting the Agency in jeopardy, because it would have done harm to his brother? At least Turnabout Sisters made it clear that Redd White had blackmailed prosecutors and everyone involved with DL-6 to give the players a hint that Edgeworth was probably blackmailed into indicting Phoenix for murder. 

Speaking of reading people’s Karma, what kind of power is that? We know Nahyuta has that power, but we don’t know what it is or how it’s used. It’s not to say that magic has never been used in Phoenix Wright, but there’s always context or rules to it. What are the rules for Nahyuta using his karma-reading abilities? Can he predict the future? If he can, how is he able to do so? We are never given anything and this is sad, considering I was expecting something like the Divination Séance or Spirit Channeling where we can see some supernatural stuff. What we get instead is guesses and “duh magic” being the answer. One of Nahyuta’s magical abilities is using some magic item like beads or Apollo’s bracelet to constrict, but are never told how it works. At least with Apollo and Athena, we are shown and told how their powers work and if they’re passed down. There are rules and limitations. What rules or limitations does Nahyuta have? Are they from his mother, who is a spirit medium? Are male offspring of spirit mediums given certain abilities different from spirit mediums as a symbolism of their royalty? If so, what are they? Do the males in the Kurain Village where Maya lives have those abilities? Throw me a bone here! If I can’t understand how Nahyuta’s powers work, I’m not going to care or feel threatened by them. 

There are others that don’t make sense, but these are the main parts of Nahyuta that stood out to me. The sad part is that these could be fixed to where his character can stand out a little bit more without changes to his backstory. For instance, perhaps instead of introducing Nahyuta during the trial of The Magical Turnabout, introduce him as Apollo’s brother paying a visit and joining with him to watch Trucy’s show. Have him be very kind and sweet at the beginning, excited about seeing Apollo and wanting to spend time with him. Then, when it’s revealed that he will be prosecuting against Trucy, his asshole personality will be taken as him trying to protect Apollo from someone he thinks is trying to hurt him and thinking Trucy to be that person. This will introduce him as an overprotective brother using his ruthlessness to protect his family and those close to them. Nahyuta telling Phoenix, Apollo and Athena to “let it go and move on” will make sense as someone trying to protect the only good defense attorneys and those close to his brother in his own way, because he doesn’t want them to suffer or have to run like his father is. Instead of avoiding Apollo, perhaps he is more social with him in trying to give him a false sense of security that everything is going good at his home when it is not. 

I would especially go into detail about Nahyuta’s ability to read people’s karma. Perhaps it is something like fortune telling where he can see the fate of someone through their eyes in the form of a vision. His limitations are that he can only see the vision, but not touch, taste, smell or hear what is going on. He also cannot predict when they will happen and only lasts for maybe a minute to five seconds. Also, the longer he sees these visions, the more taxing it will be on his energy level, much like with spirit mediums summoning spirits. Perhaps his abilities to use beads or Apollo’s bracelet to constrict whatever it is wrapped around is how he’s able to gain these visions. He has to use the beads to wrap around his opponent’s source of strength, then as it tightens around the opponent’s body part, Nahyuta gains clear visions of their karma or fate. He can do this with any jewelry that has a source of magic. As for how Nahyuta gained these powers, they can be from his mother and be considered magic passed down among royalty through the males. This can make it to where even males with these kinds of magic have some sort of hierarchy. 

While this would risk having Nahyuta being revealed to being Apollo’s brother, it will not spoil any backstory he has. It won’t even spoil who their father is. If anything, it adds mystery to who this new opponent is and Nahyuta would be considered the first prosecutor openly related to one of the main characters, even if it’s as a foster brother. Having Apollo’s brother be the opponent to Spirit of Justice would give his character that uniqueness he needs, especially if his motive for facing against the main characters are to protect them against a tyrannical dictatorship in his country. There is an attractiveness towards characters that are willing to make sacrifices and make themselves evil in order to protect their loved ones. So then, by the time  you get to Turnabout Revolution and Nahyuta realizes his father is dead and Apollo might be next, there is this sense of dread that he feels he’s failed to protect those he loved, after doing so much and giving up everything he stands for, for their sake. 

Of course, these are my thoughts. Now, I don’t think Nahyuta is a terrible character, just poorly executed. To be honest, I think Rayfa should’ve been the Prosecuting Attorney, because I felt she was a much more interesting character. It would also be interesting to see a young spirit medium as a prosecutor. If there ever becomes an AA7 with Apollo Justice, I would like to see the main prosecutor of that game be a spirit medium. Though, what do you guys think?

[anotheronechicagobog]

Hank Voight x Reader Sweetie

written by @anotheronechicagobog

Requested by: @lifesaclimb-buttheviewisgreat (I hope you like it)

AN: I don’t own one Chicago, and please mind the timeline.

Being a twin was an amazing thing. You and Trudy knew each other so well that you didn’t even need words, you could just sense each other. Even when you were on the international space station, you just knew how she was feeling before the call came through on the phone. All she ever had to do was give you context. Your dad shook his head at the two of you fairly often, both of you were in your sixties and not married. Trudy didn’t have any kids either, you did but none of them were biologically related to you. Whenever you were station on earth for a few years you fostered a teenager or two. You knew that they were the least likely to get adopted and you just wanted to help. You took them in and gave them support, love, and structure. So even though you weren’t married you had eight kids, your dad was a little miffed at your unorthodox lifestyle but he still treated your kids the same as his biological grandkids.

You’d had a distance professor position at CCU for the past thirty years, which you found very helpful for when your kids wanted to go to university. Because you were a professor they got to attend for free and work towards degrees that they were passionate about. On your sixtieth birthday you decided to retire from being an astronaut and just be a professor and grandmother. Your oldest child, Pietro, was thirty four and about to become a father with your first grandchild. He told you over the video chat on the space station that his wife Ana was pregnant. You couldn’t contain your excitement for them. You decided then and there that that was your last tour in space. You loved the stars and your robotics and biology research but you were ready to do all of that from the ground until the day of your last breath. When you told Ana she sighed in relief, happy that she’d have your help and support. When you told your sister, your favourite sister, that you were coming and staying home she started giggling and planning a girls weekend. Randall was excited too, he got along with you and found it adorable how close you and Trudy were. 

The precinct was bustling like always as you made eye contact with Trudy. You smiled and skipped up to the desk. “Ready to go, sister dear?”

“I have to yell at a couple of patrol officers and then we can get going.”

“Great.” 

A few seconds after Trudy made her way into a back room you were approached by a man who, although physically fit, obviously had a few years in him. “Excuse me,” his gravelly voice sounded soothing for some reason, “I don’t believe we’ve been acquainted. I am Sargent Hank Voight, how do you know Platt?” You smiled devilishly. “My name is Y/N Platt, I’m Trudy’s twin sister.”

“Huh, she’s never mentioned a sister to me before.”

“She’s mentioned you to me, Sargent Voight. I’ve had a good laugh about some of the things she’s told me. It’s been nice talking with you but Trudy’s back and it’s time for our girls weekend. Have a nice day, buttercup.” You and your twin laughed at the shock on his face and blush flooding his cheeks.

—————————————

The resort you two were staying in had an award-winning spa that you both decided to take full advantage of. After the stress of being in space, then Russia, facials and massages were a welcome change. “What was up with you and Voight? You made him blush and believe me, that man is more likely to sprout a lizard tail and dragonfly wings than blush.” You laughed and took another sip of your scotch. “I called him ‘buttercup’.” Truly threw her head back in laughter, the alcohol making her loosen up. “You have to come around the station more often. I’ve called him that too and he’s never reacted like that. This could be fun.”

————————————

You were beaming as you opened the doors to the twenty-first district, Pietro and Ana had dropped by during lunch and given you a copy of their fifth-month ultrasound. As a result, you’d been smiley all day, not even minding that your first-year intro to robotics class had been filled with Tony Stark wannabes. You had picked up some cupcakes from your favourite bakery for you and Trudy and you couldn’t wait to sit with her and show her your new treasured photo. When you entered you were met with the smell of coffee and ink and the sight of a hectic shift. The desk, and consequently your sister, were surrounded by people who all claimed they needed help first. You hung back, knowing that it was just easier to wait. Trudy gave you a smile and wave before turning to deal with a patrol officer, enraging one of the men trying to gain her sole attention. You didn’t have time to place the baker box on the counter before you were forcefully pulled against a firm chest and a gun was placed at your temple. The box of cupcakes dropped to the floor and Trudy looked at you in horror before she whipped out her gun, along with the rest of the precinct. “MY DAUGHTER IS MISSING AND NOW YOU’RE ALL GOING TO HELP ME.”

————————————————

The man who was holding you hostage kept his gun pointed on you even though you were locked in the front office with all the blinds shut. His eyes looked haunted, not crazy. He was desperate. “I’m sorry about your daughter.”

“Do you have any kids?”

“Eight.”

“Eight? Damn.”

“They’re all adults now and my oldest, Pietro, and his wife just found out that they’re expecting.”

“That’s great... I don’t know if I’ll get that with my baby girl...”

“Choosing the twenty-first was the only thing you did right today. If anyone can find her, it’s Hank Voight.”

—————————��—

Trudy had her arms around you and was refusing to let go. The man had allowed himself to get caught and release you. The second you were out of his grasp your twin had you in a bear hug. You were hugging her too and had only just let go when Maya, your fourth child, burst through the front door of the district with tears staining her cheeks and neck. “Mom, are you okay?” You began to hug and console your daughter when Sargent Voight came into view, his eyes soft and posture apprehensive. “Sargent Voight.”

“Please call me Hank.”

“Alright, Hank.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Honestly? Fine. He was scared and desperate, taking me was just a means to an end, and I didn’t end up hurt, so I feel pretty good.” Your smile faltered and Maya’s grip on your arm tightened. “What’s the matter sweetie?” You smiled at Hank, oblivious to the shocked looks of everyone who knew Hank, “I don’t want him to get in trouble, he just wanted to get his daughter back. I can understand that.”

“You sure, sweetheart?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Alright, I’ll see what I can do.” Hank leaned down and kissed your forehead before swaggering away to make a phone call. Despite all that happened, you couldn’t help but smile.

[nimbus-cloud]

Yu Yu Hakusho Stage Review!!!

Before I start going over the show I want to stress just how INCREDIBLY lucky I got, because I got to see the show via a same-day lottery ticket, after failing EVERY lottery and general sales, and it was INTENSE!!!  On the Thursday when I lined up twice, there were easily 400 people in the line for both the matinee and soiree shows and even when my number was drawn, it was actually 2nd on the waiting list, not one of the original winners, and I may or may not have been seriously contemplating throwing some people down the escalators to move up on the list.  But three people canceled or didn’t show so I got to get in and I was bouncing off the walls inside, WHATEVER POWER WATCHES OVER ME, I owe it my eternal soul for the opportunity!

They opened the show with HOHOEMI NO BAKUDAN and I almost screamed from the nostalgia honestly.  They basically did an opening sequence with the song, mimicking the anime opening by having them fight one by one against a group of enemies... which is why a lot of those press release photos have Kurama fighting with his rose whip (when we don’t actually see his rose whip until later in the story that’s not in this play [ALSO HOW DOES HE MAKE FIGHTING WITH THE WHIP LOOK SO GODDAMN COOL INSTEAD OF AWKWARD?!?!?]), and why there are shots with Hiei letting out the Black Dragon or Kuwabara dual-wielding spirit swords.  I know some of us were curious how much story they were going to cover or how much they were going to skip, and it’s not because of some massive skip.  The story runs from the very beginning with Yusuke dying, spending time as a ghost, and then to just after retrieving the three artifacts of darkness.  They give us a hint of the four of them about to enter the castle of the Saint Beasts, so that might be where the next play (crosses fingers) will pick up the story.  

The format of the story has Koenma (adult ver.) narrating (sometimes with Genkai) as he’s watching “old” videos of the group and reminding himself how far Yusuke has come.  Based on his conversation with Genkai at the beginning, the “present” in the play is just before the Dark Tournament, and everthing else in the play is Koenma watching those videos (also why there are press photos of him with a remote control).  This is also why they could fit the Kurama and Hiei meeting backstory, because it’s Koenma watching old videos and wanting to look back on them too.  

And also Arayan as Koenma is SO FUCKING FUNNY we were all cracking up a LOT.  He can actually enunciate quite well with that pacifier in his mouth!  And he’s always changing back and forth between his adult version and baby version because he’s either watching/narrating or in the flashbacks himself as a baby.  He also really liked breaking the fourth wall while narrating so for some of the cute Yusuke-Keiko moments, for example, he was like, “What a cute young romance—WHO EVEN HAS A ROMANCE LIKE THAT IN MIDDLE SCHOOL HUH!?”

I haven’t watched Arayan live since 2015 when I saw him as Lao in a Kuroshitsuji Musical, so it was wonderful to see him again and in a role that allows him to do so much more and be such a ham.  

Tsubasa as Yusuke was amazing, fantastic, splendid, show-stopper.  I liked his Renji from when he was in the 2016 Burimyu, and so I thought I had some idea what his yankee characterization would be like (because obviously his Ishikirimaru isn’t a great reference point lol), but it’s even better!  He was so funny and so warm, and when he had the scene making the little kid laugh, I have NO idea how he was able to pull those faces.  He looked basically exactly like anime Yusuke pulling faces and I was wheezing so bad in my seat.  Mostly, I just couldn’t believe that he really unzipped his pants (while turned away from us) to stuff that kid’s ball into his crotch and dance around with it.  

Speaking of the little boy, we gotta give props to Genkai’s actress because she played so many side characters throughout lololol.  She couldn’t be Genkai for very long or often, so she was also Keiko’s shy, glasses-wearing friend in school, she was also Maya-chan (Kurama’s classmate that he and Hiei have to rescue) in the Two Shots scene, she was the little boy Yusuke saves (she tries not to talk as him), and she’s also obviously young Genkai.  Because she plays so many roles, there’s a narration bit where Koenma tells Genkai, “You know, in these videos, I keep seeing a lot of kids that look like you.”  And she tells him he’s imagining things.  

Plot-wise, they did skip one major scene from when Yusuke was a ghost, and that was the scene where his apartment caught fire and he had to “sacrifice” his spirit egg to save Keiko.  

Oh but I loved the bit where he had to possess Kuwabara to go tell Keiko not to cremate his body, because the way they did it was to have Tsubasa and Naoya do everything in unison together.  So all the choreography has Naoya as Kuwabara fighting all the guys that come at him, and Tsubasa just a little ways away doing the exact same thing, only he’s not hitting anybody.  And although it had been Naoya doing all of the talking so that we hear Kuwabara’s voice, at the point when he’s talking to Keiko and the lines start to get sentimental, they turn up Tsubasa’s mic so that they overlap for a little bit, and then they turn down Naoya’s mic so that at the end, we only hear Yusuke’s voice asking Keiko to wait for him.  He was also slowly moving off-stage while Kuwabara(‘s body) was talking to Keiko, so that the end of that scene has just Kuwabara and Keiko on-stage, but we hear Tsubasa-Yusuke's voice.  So I really loved how that was done because it mimicked the anime really well.  

I loved being able to see Kuwabara’s promise-between-men played out on-stage.  His squad was cut down to just two guys instead of three, since you really only need Okubo for that bit, and they needed to divide the ensemble cast between Kuwabara’s boys and the other punks who want to beat on Kuwabara all the time.  Naoya as Kuwabara was everything I wanted and more.  His voice, his expressions, his everything was just SO. GOOD.  And it was so funny to think how long I’ve been a fan of Naoya (since 1st cast Tenimyu days basically) and how I’ve never actually seen him live in a show until this.  So that was a real treat and a real blast of nostalgia on multiple levels.  I’m so happy he was the one to bring Kuwabara to life on-stage, he was wonderful, and I’m so grateful I got to see him.  

Yuka-tan's Botan was SO SO SO CUTE?!?!?!?  Oh my gosh she felt so perfect to me in every way, and I loved her dynamic with Yusuke and Koenma, there was so much cute banter.  I liked when Yusuke was laughing in Koenma’s face and Botan kept spanking him because, in case we forgot, he’s like actually 14 years old at this point in the story.  Sometimes she was the one watching the old clips together with Koenma so she also switches between being in the story to being part of the narration.  

If you wanted a critical review, this is not the place to look because I pretty much only found it wonderful and amazing and nostalgic and amazing but I do have one minor criticism and that is that Yusuke’s post-resurrection outfit for helping Kuwabara rescue Eikichi was not his fashion icon look from the anime.  He just had a regular color jacket instead.  Ugh, way to make him look “cool” stage staff. Lol  

The Two Shots scenes were interspersed between Yusuke’s ghost antics and I really do think my heart stopped when I first hear Hiroki speak.  I haven’t been a fan of Hiroki for as long as I’ve been a fan of Naoya, but he’s another one that I’ve seen so often in so many shows, but this was my first time seeing him live and he just has such a presence that it’s no wonder we call him HiroKing.  It was also fun to see Shouhei again since I haven’t seen him live since his last show as Noya for Haisute, and he’s as amazing as I remember.  Pretty sure he’s having a lot of fun playing early evil Hiei honestly.  Since both Hiroki and Shouhei have a lot of experience in other shows with sword-fighting (*cough TKRB/Hakuouki*), those bits looked really fucking cool.  

But YYH is heavy on hand-to-hand combat, not sword-fighting, and I have to say that they did a nice job with that too!  There were places where I felt like they got nice and creative with it, and it’s fun to see Naoya give Kuwabara a little extra flair with his.  The ensemble cast were integral to all of those fight scenes, and they had to do a lot of falling and flying around, and they also need a loud round of applause.  

Gouki’s actor ripped off his shirt TWICE!!! Not once, but two times!!!  And I mean RIPPED, like not stage rip, like he RIPPED that shirt.  So I’m assuming they just ordered a box of cheap t-shirts for him to rip through for the rest of the tour.  Mind you, I was not complaining about the shirtlessness.   It was also interesting because after Gouki’s defeat, they put him in spirit world as one of Koenma’s ogre servants as a replacement for George in the second act, so he and Koenma have some fun moments since he’s quite reformed once dead.  

As I mentioned, they do give us a sneak peek of the four of them meeting up just outside the Four Saint Beasts castle, with Kuwabara picking a fight with Hiei and all.  However, we did skip over Genkai’s tournament, which comes just before that so it’s possible we might not get that little arc on-stage even in the next show.  Maybe to avoid rushing Liz into Genkai’s old lady makeup, maybe because nobody cares about Rando anyway.  

The closing bows were also done to Hohoemi no Bakudan (I was maybe a teeny tiny bit hoping for Homework ga Owaranai), and during the closing remarks, Tsubasa very excitedly told us that during the afternoon show, Yusuke’s anime seiyuu, Sasaki Nozomu came to see them!  He was wiggling side to side and said, “I got a picture with him yaaay~” and then he asked us to come see them again in the Spirit World, to which Naoya started making confused faces.   Naoya: Sp-spirit world? Tsubasa: No?   Naoya: The story’s mostly in the human world, isn’t it? Tsubasa: Ahhh.... yeah! Naoya: You’re exhausted, aren’t you?

And that’s my review/summary!  Feel free to ask me questions about it or to just scream at me how much you love YYH~

[acraftedmistake]

A Person Who Has Never Played MCSM Writes A Story About MCSM Chp. 5

Thank you for being so patient with me! I hope you all like this chapter, tried to make it super long to make up for not posting it for so long!

I would recommend rereading the previous chapters before reading this one (cause it’s been a while hhhhhh i’m sorrrrryyyy)

Hope you all like it!! <3

“It’s Jesse!” Gill shouted, leaping over the table and towards the curly haired boy. Jesse jumped, but that was the most movement he could produce in those mere seconds as Gill lunged at him and tackled Jesse to the ground, his body letting out a disgusting crack as all of Gill’s weight crushed him against the floor. “I got him down!”

He forced Jesse’s body to face towards Stella, who got atop of the bar and whipped out a sturdy bow and slender arrows with tips gleaming a hue of a sickly green. She aimed the arrow at Jesse’s head, which was being held in place by Gill’s monstrous hand. Maya’s attention was all on Jesse, she walked away from a baffled Olivia and to the boy being held down, cracking her knuckles.

Jesse would’ve been pounded to a fine dust had Aiden not intervened.

“Hey HEY! Don’t kill him!” Aiden grabbed Gill by the shoulders and yanked him off, pushing him aside. Gill stumbled and would’ve fell had it not been more Maya catching him. Stella lowered her bow, baffled by Aiden’s order.

“Well, not yet.” Rose added. Aiden huffed, disregarding his friend’s comment and helped Jesse up with a tight grip on his shoulder.

Gill, Stella, and Maya stared at their friend with a mixture of disbelief and disgust, “Are you on Jesse’s side now?!” Gill asked, his voice cracking a little.

“Maybe he’s been brainwashed, he does look a little pale...” Maya growled as she cracked her knuckles, stepping closer to Aiden.

“Would you LISTEN?!” Aiden shot out, teeth gritted. Maya stepped back to her group of friends, lips compressed as she fought the urge to snap back.

The room became quiet, Aiden let go of Jesse as he bit the inside of his cheek. Stella stepped off the table and subtly tried to bring herself closer to Olivia. Jesse took the time to study his surroundings. Well, mostly the kitchen. Maybe there’d be a weapon--or something similar to a weapon--that he could use to protect himself with, just in case. The first thing that stuck out to Jesse were the two thick wooden poles. One by the end of the light, cool gray bar table, and the other was awkwardly placed by the dark brown kitchen table in the center, surrounded by chairs of the same color but with aqua colored cushions. The poles had to have been built into the house, they were the same color as the kitchen’s maple wood floor and merged with the ceiling. There were no nails, screams, nothing that showed the poles to be an afterthought. But what purpose did they serve? The outside of the house looked stable, maybe it was added for the sake of looking cool?

The rest of the kitchen was absurdly clean. The gray counters that stretched across the wall didn’t have a single stain, and a large, sleek black refrigerator was at the end of the counters. It was cleaned to the point where you could most likely see your reflection. There were dusty brown cabinets up above, most likely containing dishes; Jesse didn’t see a single plate nor cup anywhere, not even a knife block out, there were no visible dishes in or around the sink either. The only thing that WAS on the counter was a simple, gray and black microwave and a coffee machine.

Lastly, of course, was the bar table that Stella stood on. A solid, light gray color with specs of black scattered about, its top as bare as the counters’. A few of its slender, cool gray stools fell to the ground when everyone decided to go on full attack mode.

Jesse was bummed that he couldn’t find any potential weapon, but was impressed by the condition of this place.‘This is a surprisingly tidy place for THIS group… Out of all the people.’

Aiden straightened his green, long sleeved shirt and began, “Rose and I went to the Shrine of Eyes, and the speculations were true: The portal had been activated. However, we didn’t get to see the portal itself in its active state.”

Cassie Rose walked up to her friend’s side, “However, we did find Jesse... And Olivia.” the room managed to get even more quiet, eyes sneaking glances at the black haired girl, who did her best to ignore the unwanted attention.

“You think the portal brought her back to life?” Gill questioned.

“I don’t know.” Aiden answered straightly, he folded his arms and kicked the floor, looking down as everyone watched him, waiting for him to add on to his statement. Aiden paced about, thinking out loud, mumbling possible outcomes to himself; Cassie Rose spoke up, “When we ran into Jesse, he told us he found the portal in a jungle temple and ended up here. He didn’t know where he was, what the Shrine of Eyes was, but... He knew who Aiden was.”

Jesse was debating on whether or not it was a good time to mention he knew EVERYONE in this room, each with their own, unique, terrible experiences, but given the current mood everybody’s in, he decided it wasn’t the best idea.

“That’s the crappiest lie I’ve ever heard.” Maya grumbled.

“Ugh, tell me about it.” Cassie Rose rolled her eyes to the back of her head.

“I agree!” Stella announced as she circled around Jesse, “I don’t see why we’re making this into such a predicament! We know Jesse, right? I thought it was quite CLEAR that he has a couple of screws loose, to put it nicely. ” Stella stuck her nose up, speaking in her typical know-it-all tone.

“Who here thinks our little friend is lying? Just curious.” Stella asked, raising her hand in the air.

Almost instantaneously, Maya raised her hand. Then Gill. And finally, Rose, but not before giving Aiden an almost pitied glance. Jesse, Aiden, and Olivia were the remaining few whose hands were down.

There was an uncomfortable silence before Aiden finally spoke up, “We can’t just have a vote on whether or not he’s lying, none of us know that.”

“Yes, but we DO know Jesse. He’s lied hundreds of times before and you’re making an exception this one time? He’s mad!” Stella responded.

“Hey now wait just a minute-” Jesse spoke up but was immediately interrupted by Maya.

“YOU don’t get a say in this!” She put her raised hand down to point at Jesse in the most aggressive manner he’s ever seen.

“I think I should! You’re all talking about me, might as well add my two cents in this, right?!” Jesse snapped, his response met with angry glares.

“Well alright, go on then! Say somethin’! Whatever the heck’s on your mind, no one’s stoppin’ ya!” Maya growled, sizing up and invading his personal space.

Jesse moved his mouth as he attempted to make some coherent thought or sense of what was going on, soon realizing he really didn’t know what was happening. He didn’t even know how to feel about the situation he found himself in, or whatever the heck he was being accused of. Sure, it made him upset to be ganged up against, but he wasn’t quite sure why. He fell quiet as his face felt hot.

“Yeah that’s what I thought.” the large girl spat as she turned back to her friends.

Jesse bit his tongue. He contained his urge to spit a remark back, knowing it wouldn’t do him any good. So far, no one seemed willing to talk--let alone explain something--to him without treating him like dirt. They didn’t hide their favoritism with Olivia. So for now, he’ll wait. He doesn’t know much about what’s going on or why people are reacting the way they were, but answers would hopefully come soon. The only good plan that he could come up with would be to remain quiet until he had some information he could work with.

“It’s only a matter of time before his little facade wears off.” Jesse heard Stella whisper to Rose, who nodded once and sternly.

“Well...” Aiden took a deep breath “No one knows what exactly is going on. And honestly, jumping to conclusions won’t help us. So we need to find out.” His voice gaining the sort of confidence you’d hear in a leader.

Aiden stood tall and scanned the room, brainstorming as everyone else waited for him to begin.

“Here’s what’s going to happen: Half of us will go to the library to see if we can find any books or journals that have any information about this portal situation. I don’t care if there’s an entire book about the subject, one whole chapter dedicated to it, even a brief mention! Something is better than nothing.” the group nodded, even Jesse found himself getting more and more drawn into the developing plan.

Aiden continued,  “The other half will watch over Jesse... And Olivia to play it safe.” he hesitated. “Tomorrow, we can go to Hadrian’s little museum, they could also have some relics or books that might contain any information related to this.”

“How’s that sound?” Aiden concluded, eyeing his friends, waiting for their reactions.

Rose whispered to Maya, who then whispered to Stella. The girls began silently discussing amongst themselves as Aiden pondered who should do what.

Someone then spoke up.

“Stella, Maya, and I can hit the library--we’re both thinking about the same library at the edge of town, right? Not the one by Hadrian’s?” Rose asked. Aiden nodded in confirmation. “Good, it shouldn’t be too long of a walk then.”

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Stella spoke up, all eyes went to her “Why is Olivia getting the same treatment as Jesse?” there was murmuring amongst the girls again as Olivia felt her heart speed up by the mere mention of her name. She didn’t want to be in the spotlight or be the cause of any conflict. Not now.

“Do you really want to put Olivia on the same level as Jesse?” Rose asked almost weakly. Aiden, taken aback, sputtered as his face struggled to match the array of emotions he shifted through until he was able to collect himself and revert back to his previous stern look.

“It’s not that,” Aiden began quietly, “You know that.” Rose folded her arms, locking eyes with Aiden. “Think about what we’re going through. How the town might react if they see her. What could happen to her. Or you!”

“I don’t trust her in the same room with him.” Rose firmly stated, her hands gripping her arms tighter and tighter.

“That’s why some of us are staying behind to watch over both of them.”

“She could come with us to the library...” Rose said under her breath.

“She doesn’t even know where she IS.”

“So this will be a perfect opportunity to jog her memory! It’ll be a trip down memory lane.” Stella slid in between the two, preventing a possible feud from happening. She flashed a small, confident smile at Aiden, fixing the sleeves to her long, striped purple suit that merged with her skirt with a thin, black belt around it; a bit of the white shirt underneath the suit stuck out.

“I think her joining us at the library is a wonderful idea! It’ll be just like old times, I don’t see a reason why not to!” Stella wrapped one arm around Olivia and held her close. Olivia held her breath as Stella pressed against her, her dusty purple lapel brushing against her legs as Olivia’s thick, black hair pushed up against the girl’s face.

Aiden opened his mouth to debate, but Stella put a finger over his face to silence him, “And we’ll be able to keep her out of sight juuusst fine. We’re all--what--a foot taller than her? We’ll just tuck her in the middle of our group and hide her! No problem.”

She began counting off a few other reasons, “We’ll be quiet, we won’t be too suspicious, we’ll bring some weapons with us so we’re prepared for ANYTHIN-”

“And what if Olivia doesn’t want to go?” Aiden interrupted, halting Stella in her tracks. Stella blinked and attempted to work with Aiden’s question. Glancing at Olivia, who looked as if she wasn’t entirely sure about the answer herself.

Letting go of the girl, she hesitated for a moment “Whhhyyyy.... WOULDN’T she want to tag along? Space away from Jesse could help immensely!” she shot Jesse a dirty look.

Stella continued blabbing, trying to convince Aiden to go against his original plan. But he wasn’t budging. He stood tall, arms folded as he looked down on his friend. Stella sounded surprisingly confident despite making up most of her reasons on the fly, but just watching the two interact was like witnessing an unstoppable force clash with an immovable object.

Olivia took the time she had to weigh the pros and cons if she agreed to tag along. On one hand, this could give her an opportunity to find out more about this new world her and Jesse had entered, maybe she could snag a few books and read up on any history, or she could ask questions to the group she’d be with.

But on the other hand, what if this was a trap and they were planning on backstabbing her, Jesse would never know. Or what if she was kidnapped? She’d never be able to see her real home again, all her friends would assume she’s dead. And why do they want her to remain hidden? The way they reacted to her when they first saw her wasn’t natural. It was clear something had happened to her. Had she gone missing? Did she die? She doesn’t want to think about that right now.

All the horrible downsides and possibilities miraculously sparked something in her brain. She turned her head to look at Jesse, whose eyes shifted to meet her’s and gave her a reassuring smile.

‘Do it for Jesse.’ Olivia thought to herself, closing her eyes, ‘You have this opportunity to learn more. This is the step in the right direction to get the both of us home. Where you need to be.’ She opened her eyes; Stella was still going off as Aiden still stood, she breathed in.

“... And did I mention this is the busiest time of the day, no one will pay attention to-”

“I want to join!” Olivia piped up.

Aiden and Stella whirled their heads around, Stella far more enthusiastic than Aiden. He gave Olivia a concerned--worried--look.

“What Olivia says is law, sorry, I don’t make the rules!” Stella sang as she rushed up the stairs, her footsteps could still be heard on the second floor as she banged about before returning, practically flying down the stairs with her arms full of weapons and potions. She placed an iron sword and a few bottles filled with bright magenta liquid into her inventory then began handing Rose her own set of potions.

Taking out her diamond axe, Rose scanned the small crowd in her house, “The girls and I will head out to find what we can while you boys hang around here. Us girls gotta stick together, you know?”

“That sounds like an excuse to make sure I don’t stop you guys from getting killed.”

“Maybe you’re right.” Rose responded simply. “And what of it?”

“You worry too much Aiden, we’ve been friends for yeeaaaarrrsss! You know us!” Stella slid over to nudge him playfully.

“You’re right, I do know you.” Aiden turned to Maya, “Maya. Watch over them. Make sure they don’t get into any trouble.”

Maya nodded, her face tough and cold. “Didn’t know we needed a babysitter.” Stella huffed.

“And before you head out,” Aiden began, Rose immediately groaned. “Head straight to the library, no detours.”

“Got it.” Rose said.

“Get what you need and don’t cause a scene or get yourselves kicked out.”

“Mm-hm.”

“Don’t interact with-”

“Alright dad, I get it. Safety’s important. We gotta go now, bye.” Rose ended as she ran over to join the rest of her friends.

“Let’s go.” Maya ordered and opened the door, watching each girl leave the house. Then she finally left, slamming the door behind her and shaking the house.

The group stood outside for a second in silence, only the sound of the crickets chirping and the distant music played in the nearby stores filled the air. The silence was almost refreshing, a nice change of pace from cluttered conversations that happened indoors. Olivia welcomed the peace that the outdoors provided, and for once, throughout this entire adventure--if you could even call it that--she didn’t feel like she was in the spotlight or in the middle of bickering. It was like a ton she wasn’t aware about was lifted off her shoulders and she felt her stiffened body relax a little.

“Man,” Maya broke the silence, “Even in times like these, Aiden still makes time to lecture us.” a smile crept across her stone cold face. The girls giggled amongst themselves.

They settled down and Stella spoke up, “So, how does this sound: The four of us will walk in a group, two people on the side, one up front so that way Olivia’s hidden in a little huddle!”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll be up front.” Maya said and began walking towards the stone sidewalk outside of the house, she tilted her head, motioning the others to come along.

Olivia scurried behind Maya, now coming to terms with just how tall Maya truly was. Sure, Olivia was a few inches below the average height and EVERYONE was a bit taller than her, but Maya was a skyscraper compared to her. She was nearly as tall as Aiden and looked a bit intimidating when looking up at her.

Rose and Stella stood on opposite sides of Olivia, sort of squishing her but she wasn’t suffocating just yet, so no point in complaining.

“We should reach the library in roughly half an hour,” said Cassie Rose,

“So let’s get a move on!” Stella smiled as the group headed off.

~~~~~~

The boys were alone, far apart from each other. The liveliness of the room left at the same time the girls did and Jesse missed the chatter. People might’ve been arguing but he prefered any conversation over the silent treatment he was currently getting.

Jesse sat still, hands in lap, on the green couch in the living room engulfed by darkness. He wanted to turn one of the lights on, but based on the warm welcome he received earlier, he was certain he wouldn’t be allowed to. Aiden and Gill hadn’t said a word after the girls had left and migrated over to the kitchen; Jesse observed the large bookshelf in front of him, skimming the titles he could make out in the dark, listening to the rustling in the kitchen as he thought of a question he could ask to get the ball rolling, but suddenly, someone spoke.

“You’re making coffee? Again?” Jesse heard Gill ask across the kitchen.

Carefully turning his head, he tuned into their conversation as the coffee machine let out a loud beep.

“Yeah.” Aiden responded in a somewhat colder manner, “You want some?”

“Are you stressed again or something? This is like... Your eighth one.”

“I’m not--” Aiden turned and locked eyes with Jesse, his brows creased slightly as he scooted closer to Gill, his voice lowering to an almost inaudible whisper.

Jesse faced the bookshelf again, lips pressed together as his face turned a light shade of red. If he wanted to listen, maybe he could try being more subtle about it. Jesse sat still and tried to make out bits of the discussion in the distance, only hearing a few snippets every so often. He heard Aiden pour his coffee and take a slow sip out of it while occasionally shooting a few glares at him.

The conversation between the two kept going, still as quiet as before, with no signs of stopping or getting louder. Jesse needed to ask a question or say SOMETHING to help get the ball rolling. It was now or never, the worst case scenario would be Aiden telling him to shut up or flat out ignoring him. Either way, it was better than sitting in complete silence, making no progress.

“So, uh,” Jesse raised his voice, “What library is Olivia and the other girls going to? You said there were two of them?”

Aiden’s whisper faded out and he held his coffee cup with a tight grip, his eyes on Jesse.

“... Yeah.” he answered hesitantly.

There was a long stretch of silence before he continued, “There’s the local one, it’s closer and a lotta people visit it. Then there’s the one outside of town, it’s been up for centuries and it’s kept in good shape by the town since it contains a bunch of relics from the past.”

“Why don’t you just take the stuff from the older library and place it into the newer one?” Questioned Jesse who was now leaning his body forward to look through the window, seeing the public library peek out from the side with slim rays of the street lights shining in his face. People could be seen chatting through the library’s yellow tinted windows.

“Cause the guards wanna protect the ancient material ‘n the building itself cause it’s... Pretty old and important.” Gill vaguely explained, not entirely sure of the answer himself. He looked at Aiden for confirmation.

Aiden lifted his cup up and nodded reassuringly, “Yep, that’s the gist of it.”

Jesse adjusted his body to face the other two, sitting on his knees as they dug into the soft cushions of the couch, “Is anyone able to enter?”

“Nope. Only the few who were selected.” answered Aiden, taking another big gulp of coffee.

Jesse opened his mouth to ask why, but it seemed Aiden already knew what he was about to say, as he responded almost impatiently, “We’re the reason the place is still in one piece. We’re allowed to go in. I don’t know who else is allowed in besides us.”

Aiden’s eyes widened and he promptly turned to Gill, “How the heck are Rose and the others gonna get past the guards with Olivia there? They’re gonna notice her.” he shoved his face in his hands and groaned, upset with himself for not thinking about the security of the library.

“Oh come on, they’re smart, I’m sure they’ll think of somethin’.” Gill said. Aiden took a deep breath and stared at Jesse from the corner of his eye as a question began making its way out of his mouth.

~~~~~~~

The girls had been walking for only several minutes and Olivia had already gotten tired of seeing Maya’s back. She wanted to see the scenery of this new area, she could hear other people walking, conversations happening, music playing, doors shutting, yet couldn’t get a snippet of anything. The girls on both sides of her also blocked most of her view. She understood that she had to be hidden from plain sight for unknown reasons, but she was beginning to feel more like a prisoner or a freak who was denied access to see even a glimpse of the world.

Rose, Stella, and Maya would talk amongst each other and would try to get Olivia involved--well--it was mostly Stella and Rose who did the talking, Maya remained silent. Most of what they were saying was quite general to hear in everyday conversations “How’s life been treating you?”, “What have you been up to?”, but something about the questions felt forced. Half of the time, she couldn’t even answer properly.

“Sooo... How have you been?” Stella would ask, hands behind her back.

“Fine, I think? A little shaken up.” Oliva would say.

“Can’t blame you, who knows what Jesse did to you back there” Rose commented. Whatever that meant.

Some questions were odder and Olivia wasn’t sure if she should just respond with a “I don’t know” or lie through her teeth to get on the good side of these girls. Sure, they were acting pleasant to be around, but Olivia was waiting for one of them to slip up. All three of them hated her in one way or another, and having the three of them surrounding her, hiding her, AND taking her to a library--which could be a lie for all she knew--was setting off a million alarms. Even if all three of them had forgotten or had made amends with all of the past experiences they’ve had together, it still felt wrong to be so close to them, trying to talk to them as if they’ve been friends for so long.

“Did you miss this place?” Rose asked, arms folded casually.

“I’m... I don’t know.” Olivia answered honestly.

“Yeah, nothing’s really memorable about Obsidian Town.” the red head chuckled. She asked another question, “How’re you feeling?”

“I asked that exact question not even five minutes ago!” Stella huffed.

“No, I asked her about how she’s feeling, you asked about how she's been. Huge difference.”

“Do you want an honest answer?” Olivia asked, feeling the regret build up almost instantaneously. What if they gang up on her? Get angry? All she had to defend herself was the remains of a freaking lever.

“Sure.” Rose gave a casual smile with her eyebrows lifting up.

Olivia felt a knot in her stomach, wishing Jesse was there by her side.

“I feel like there’s this whole story going on that I just got shoved into. I’m just... Confused.”

There was no response at first, everyone avoiding staring at Olivia’s general direction. Stella let out a broken laugh.

“I suppose that’s... Normal, Considering what you’ve been through. But that’s why we’re here to help out.” Rose said as she shoved her hands into her pockets, looking more and more uneasy by the second.

“Oh I completely understand how you’re feeling. It just feels like you aren’t--or ANY of this is.... Real, you know? I’m just waiting to wake up or turn around one second and you just disappear! It’s all so surreal.” Stella flashed her a smile as if that was supposed to be reassuring.

Olivia stared at Stella, not even sure how to follow up with that statement.

“... What happened to me?”

Stella tapped her chin, “What happened to--Oh we don’t know either!” she flicked her hands up, “That’s why we’re getting some items from the library to find out!”

“I appreciate that but I don’t even know where I am or--or what’s going on!”

Stella’s smile began fading, “Well you remember US, don’t you?”

She placed her hand on Olivia’s shoulder, her eyes begging Olivia to say “Yes”.

“I... I do but I think we’re on completely different pages.” Olivia didn’t want to outright tell all of them that they’ve all treated her terribly in the past in fear of making the situation more severe.

Rose spoke up, “When Aiden and I found the two of them at the temple, Jesse didn’t seem to remember anything besides who Aiden was.”

She began pulling on a long lock of her hair and looked down, “I suggested that he might have amnesia. Maybe it was a side effect from the portal, but he dismissed it.”

“Are you implying that Olivia might also have amnesia?” Stella’s eyes widened, “Why didn’t you mention that earlier?!”

Olivia didn’t know how to feel about literally being in the middle of an argument about her. It wasn’t a fun experience, that was a fact.

“Because Aiden and I weren’t sure! I’m still not sure! That’s why we’re heading over to the library!” Rose argued.

Before anything could spiral out of control, the small girl spoke up.

“When you all saw me, your reactions... You all looked like you saw a ghost. That’s not normal. What made you react like that?” Olivia felt Stella’s hand slide off of her and watched it fall to the girl’s side.

Rose looked away again, as if that’d give her a pass from answering the question. Stella sealed her lips like she was forbidden from giving out a proper explanation. Olivia waited for one of them, ANY of them to reply.

“I...” Maya started but paused to think. “The best way I can put it? You’re not supposed to be here. That’s all.”

Olivia shook her head, that might’ve been an answer but it was still vague.

“That doesn-”

“That’s. ALL.” Maya raised her voice.

Olivia stopped dead in her tracks, the other girls were as taken aback as Olivia was.

Maya looked around to see the thrown off expressions on her friends' faces, she then scanned the area around them and noticed that a few bystanders had stopped to see what the commotion was about. They might have been farther from the liveliest area of their town, but there were still people around. People who don’t need to know what’s going on.

Maya sucked air in through her teeth, “I’m sorry, I didn’t- I’m sorry.”

With guilt on her face, she turned around and shoved her hands into the pockets of her leather jacket. “We need to go. We’re almost there.”

She fell silent again as she continued walking with heavy steps.

Rose nudged Olivia along, “She’s right, we can talk about this later, okay?”

Olivia began walking, but it felt slower somehow as she gave the girls beside her an anxious exchange before saying “... Okay.”  

~~~~~~~

“So,” Aiden started as he pulled two chairs out from under the kitchen table, Gill soon pulling out his own and sitting down. “You came through a portal that was in a jungle temple, right?”

He asked as he leaned his upper body over one of the sturdy, dark brown wooden chair.

“That’s right.” Jesse nodded, taking off Olivia’s hat--which he had nearly forgotten about--and began fidgeting with its side straps.

“And how-” Aiden stopped.

“Why don’t you sit down over here?” he suggested, tilting his head to the empty chair between him and Gill.

Jesse eyed the chair then Aiden.

“Sure...” He got off the couch, his eyes staying on the chair as he made his way over to it. Jesse remembered that Rose had lended him the extra pair of large, dark blue pants when he heard the bottoms of it rub against the wooden floor with each step. He really wants to take those off.

Aiden watched Jesse with serious yet collected eyes, while Gill’s were much wider and suspicious.

Sitting down, Jesse instinctively gripped the seat with his fingers tightly.

Aiden reworded his question from before, “What was it like on the other side of the portal?”

“Well,” Jesse squirmed around, feeling Gill’s intense stare on him. There was no way to incorrectly answer this but Jesse felt as though saying the wrong thing could lead to awful reactions.

“Olivia and I went through this kinda big jungle temple, I spotted it when I saw it glowing in the distance and wanted to check it out with her. There weren’t any mobs, the place itself was pretty beaten up. Lotta furniture and items broken or really dusty, redstone powder smeared everywhere. I uh... We saw a plank of wood with light pouring out of it,” Jesse pointed at the floor as if he were trying to recreate the experience. He hopped out of the chair and knelt down.

“We opened it and underneath was a thin staircase with an even thinner hallway,” he moved his arms in front of him parallely.

“And we just... Ended up here.” he shrugged.

Gill seemed like he was still trying to picture the event, Aiden, however, understood and asked the next question.

“You had a home?”

“Yeah, it’s kind of like this town in a way? Though not as many revines or a shrine... Or a large, obsidian wall. Uhm, there are some temples and old mines here and there, though mostly a larger mining system. I used to live in a treehouse with my friends before we moved to Beacon Town. And uh--uhm...”

Jesse fumbled with his words when struck with the realization that describing your hometown was quite difficult at--what was possibly--the worst time to find out. Beacon Town was great, he loved it, but he mostly remembered all the adventures or the events that had happened there rather than its appearance.

Aiden’s face shifted for a brief moment, almost looking confused or surprised. What made him react that way was unknown to Jesse, however.

“What kind of stupid name is Beacon town?” Gill laughed uncomfortably.

“I don’t see Obsidian Town winning any awards any time soon.” Jesse frowned and got up.

Gill glared at him and stood up, “I bet you thinkin’ I’m gonna fall for some big fat lie, don’t you? That I’m too ‘stupid’ to know what’s goin’ on. Well I can see through this dumb lie of yours! Aiden-!” he turned to his friend, expecting back up, but saw him with his hand slightly up, as if motioning him to settle down.

“Gill,” Aiden breathed in,  “We’re not sure if-”

“Not sure? But Jesse’s lived HERE all his life, YOU know that, I know that! And then- then he went missing and some portal activated--Aiden, come on!” Gill was clearly frustrated, close to fuming, even.

“Rose thought that too. I’m not saying I believe Jesse, I don’t,” Aiden glanced at the boy on the couch, “But if it turns out he didn’t activate the portal-- but just found and went through it, then we have a bigger problem in our hands. And we’ll probably need him.”

“This is makin’ everythin’ so much harder than it should be!” Gill clenched his fists and heaved heavily.

“I’m telling you the truth,” Jesse said, “I’ve never been here, I don’t know anything!”

“So you don’t remember ANYTHING about this place?” Gill stomped up to him, leaning close with teeth gritted.

“From what I’ve seen so far, it’s just a shrine, a barricaded--but friendly--town, and a whole lotta revines.” answered Jesse.

Gill licked his lips and breathed in, almost unsure about what he asked next,

“Do you remember anything about us...?”

That was when things got tricky. He did know them. He’s had past experiences with everyone he’s met so far. But they’ve all been BAD experiences. What was he supposed to say? Was there any nice or softer way to explain?

“... Kind of.”

“That doesn’t make any sense! How could you remember us but not your own home-?!” before another tangent could break out, Aiden spoke up,

“Gill,” Aiden placed his hand on his friend’s chest, making him step back. Aiden stood tall and towered over Jesse, causing Jesse himself to shrink.

“What do you know about us?”

Jesse opened his mouth but stopped. He was beginning to wonder if this was an elaborate set up, how could Aiden not remember Sky City? Nearly killing him twice along with his friends and the founder. And even if Aiden decided to move past that, that still didn’t explain the bitter treatment from everyone else. He was being talked down to, shamed for something he had done but he doesn’t know WHAT, he wasn’t being treated like an enemy or rival, but like a villain.

“Well, uh... Good question. Where to start…” he fixed his posture and adjusted the straps of his suspenders. ‘Don’t go crazy with the details,’ he told himself, ‘You’ll be here forever trying to explain everything.’

“You were a part of a gang called ‘The Ocelots’, but that changed into ‘The Blaze Rods’ over time. Gill was in it too but he didn’t really do much.”

Gill crossed his arms and furrowed his brow.

“I’m just saying what I know, don’t take it as a personal attack.” Jesse reminded him. “You used to be our rival gang, my friends and I would try to beat you at Ender Con every year but kept losing. Then one year, we almost won. I remember it pretty well, you were building a rainbow beacon, we decided to build this giant, wool creeper with fireworks, and people loved it. But you saw our build and broke something that held lava, you made it go everywhere! Our creation burnt down but I didn’t really care about that at the time, Rueben’s costume was on fire and… Yeah.”

“Really?” Aiden said, seemingly discontent. It was almost like he knew there was more to this story and waited for Jesse to continue. Should he? Jesse avoided direct eye contact with Aiden, debating whether or not he should explain the rest of their past interactions.

“Why would I lie about something like that?” Jesse laughed, “Do you think I just made up an entire story out of thin air? Why would I make up something that elaborate when I could’ve just said ‘I don’t remember?”

He leaned back and groaned, “I don’t know what I’d need to do for you to believe me, but if you wanted physical proof, unfortunately--for the both of us--that’s gonna be kinda hard.”

Jesse dug his nails into the wood of the chair, brainstorming on what to say next.

He was beginning to shake.

Shake?

Aiden stood up and didn’t say a word. No one did. His cup began trembling, clinking against the table, the table itself started to shiver but quickly turned into a much more violent thrashing. “Oh great.”

Jesse got out of the chair--which fell to the ground and began bouncing about as the ground shook more and more. The world let out a low rumble that fueled Jesse’s panic. He tried his best to remain standing, but that was impossible when the whole world was trying to knock you down. He saw Gill and Aiden grab onto the thick wooden pole, unfazed by the abrupt quake. The world let out a low rumble that fueled Jesse’s panic.

“Hey, it’s great that you’re being cool under this sort of situation, but what’s going on?!” The rumbling nearly drowned out Jesse’s question.

Aiden, despite having no idea what he was just asked, responded “Just grab onto something, it’ll be over in a second.”

Jesse wobbled over to the pole and gripped it tighter and tighter like that’d somehow put a stop to the shaking. The clanking and thrashing of the dishes, books, and furniture boomed in Jesse’s ears. Everything sounded chaotic. Jesse was starting to wonder if he was exaggerating how extreme the quake was based on Aiden and Gill’s borderline nonchalant reactions.

But then, it stopped. It had to have lasted no more than thirty seconds, but it felt so much worse.

Jesse cracked an eye open and, to his surprise, almost everything still stood. The bookshelves in the living room, the lamp, the few cabinets. The kitchen was fine as well, no cracks, nothing shattered, no plates fell. The only things that were on the ground were the chairs and Aiden’s cup. Jesse still held on to the pole, processing what had just happened in a matter of seconds.

“Right, anyways…” Aiden let go and picked up his cup along with a chair. Gill helped out.

“Anyways?! The world thrashed us around violently--out of NOWHERE--and you’re acting like it was no big deal!” Jesse stammered.

“Yeah… It’s just a quake.” Aiden said as if that was to be expected.

Jesse watched the two set the chairs back up, eyes still wide, still trying to make sense of everything.

~~~~~~~~~

Olivia had gotten lost in her own thoughts, no longer paying attention or attempting to see her surroundings. Instead, she kept her head down, looking at the ground and watching her feet. She’s noticed that the farther they walked from Obsidian Town, the colder the air got. She was thankful that Aiden had given her his leather jacket. Thick trees began replacing the buildings on the sides of the path, the path would look more damaged and worn down with each step, moss peaking through the crooked cracks.

Any conversation had come to an end and Olivia couldn’t help but feel bad for making the atmosphere much more gloomy than it was earlier.

“Ah, hello girls!” a voice greeted them cheerfully.

Maya stopped in her tracks and Olivia--who wasn’t paying attention--ran right into her. She rubbed her black hair down, trying to control the frizz going on.

“Great to see ya again this fine evenin’!” The man--a guard--said, tipping his murky green service cap.

It felt nice to finally hear another person’s voice. Looking up, Olivia was able to see the towering structure about them. It was a few stories high, resembling an old, smaller, medieval tower that was... A pale color that reminded her of quartz or sandstone. There wasn’t much light to illuminate the building except for the two front lights on both sides of the door, and that was just the front entrance.

She was able to see the top just fine, not that that really helped at all. The roof was flat and sort of... Noticeably crooked? The place had seen better days.

The shape of the library almost reminded her of those castle towers--they had a specific name to them--a square stone keep? Either way, she’d see those in many books about structures from hundreds of years ago, so it was interesting to see bits of it in person.

“Hey Logan, just the three of us. Aiden wanted us to look for something.” Rose said to the guard while motioning towards the group.

“Alright, just remember to return whatever it is you borrow! And remember...” He nodded slowly but something caught his eye as his words drifted away. He attempted to peer in between the girls, noticing movement in between them. Rose saw and poked Maya’s arm, who turned her head towards the red head; Cassie pointed to the man.

“Aright, just remember to return whatever it is you borrowed! And remember, it’s a full moon tonight, so be careful!”

“We gotta go, we can’t take too long.” Maya said in a harsh tone and walked quickly towards the library’s entrance without giving Logan a second thought as she pushed him to the side. The other girls huddled together and followed behind.

Olivia, while being hurried into the library, was able to catch a glimpse of an old, cracked sign above the doorway, “St. Stephen’s”.

Logan scratched his head and shouted behind them “Be careful! Tonight’s a full moon!”

“Thanks, Logan~!” Stella beamed, waving to the guard before going back to her friends and scoffing “Does he think we’re blind? I’m pretty sure I know when a rock in the sky is ‘full’.”

They all chuckled.

Walking through the entrance, towering columns made of stone, cracked and worn away by age, held the building strong as it must have done so many years ago.

Walking in, she saw the cobblestone floor, chunks missing and the surface rigidity from how many have walked on it in the past.

The books were placed in sturdy, dark oak shelves that stood several feet proudly. Her eyes trailed up from the shelves and followed the wide staircase that led to the second floor with even more books. Long vines hung from the rails of the dark oak and spruce stairs, the rails themselves were made up of stone, which would fade into stone bricks and then to the columns to support such big stairs, some were covered in moss like a fine, thick carpet. There was another staircase that probably led to another floor full of books. As the girls walked down the path, dark wooden slabs placed on each side helped refine the shape and allowed it to stand out from the rest of the floor instead of merging them together and creating a jumbled mess.

There seemed to be four paths that met at the center of the building, one North, East, and West, but the South path had another entrance--an exit?-- that was blocked off by debris that must’ve been caused by a storm of some sort.

Where the paths met, there was a large square shape in the center of the library, bringing a sense of symmetry and completion.

The girls stopped at the center and spoke in whispers; Olivia looked up and saw an enormous wooden chandelier, candles lit and gleaming brightly like stars in a cold, dead night. The candles--which emitted a warm, red glow--could only light up a majority of the third floor and slowly faded farther down, keeping the first floor mostly consumed in darkness. Regardless, it helped the place feel calming and secure with such a wonderful, faint glow.

Olivia breathed in the mixed fragrance of old books and dampened wood. An odd combination that led to such a specific sense of nostalgia. It almost reminded her of way back when; when her and Jesse used to live together in that old tree house of theirs.

“Alright,” Cassie Rose spoke up, “The type of books we’ll most likely need to look for is anything about portals-”

“Duh.” Stella commented.

“Maybe books about summoning or banishment if possible, maybe a book about The Hero’s Banishment itself and... Hm...” Rose began biting the top of her lips as she tried to conjure up any other possible targets for them to search for.

“Do you think books about old crafts might be useful?” Olivia suggested, wanting to contribute to the situation even by a little bit.

“Anything helps. I can search the second floor.” Rose stated.

Stella started walking to one of the many rows of shelves past the girls, “I’ll see what I can find on the first floor.”

“I’ve got third.” Maya said before heading towards the stairs.

Olivia stood alone with Rose, they would exchange a few glances, but none of them knew what to say. Olivia played with her hair as Cassie Rose took off her glasses to clean them with her shirt.

“I’ll-” the both of them started before quickly stopping.

“You first.” Rose insisted.

She tucked her hair behind her ears, “Sorry--But if it’s alright with you, I could join you upstairs?”

Rose’s face lit up some, “Sure, I don’t see why not.”

Rose made her way up wooden stairs, her steps and the creaking of the wood echoed throughout the place which made Olivia cringe. Every library she’s ever been to, heck, any older place she’s ever stepped foot in, she’s always tried to be as quiet as possible. It felt like a sign of respect.

Even though the four of them were probably the only ones to be in this ancient place, she still tip-toed her way up, falling a bit behind Cassie Rose.

Despite how cracked and rough the stairs appeared to be, they were surprisingly sturdy. There were planks of wood missing, but you could easily walk around or over them thanks to how wide the staircase was.

Olivia looked past the stone railings and out upon the sea of bookcases; they were all set up so carefully, all in long, neat rows that would stop when they’d reach the one of the four paths. But seeing them so aligned made her worry that if one tipped over, it’d cause a domino effect.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Stella’s arm, the purple sleeve to her suit and all. She was grabbing a thin, dark red book from the very top shelf. Rose had already reached the top of the stairs and was already approaching the large shelves that the second level had to offer.

Olivia grabbed onto the smooth rails but felt her hand shaking. Was she nervous? Cold? She gripped the rails tighter.

She wasn’t shaking.

It started as a quick tremble but soon turned into a violent thrashing. The stairs swayed as if they were in the violent, unforgiving heart of the ocean, the bookcases remained in place thankfully but still shivered terribly, books fell to the ground, their thick covers hitting the ground with loud smacking sounds which mixed with the unholy, thunderous booms and groaning from the library itself. Rose held onto one of the large, stone columns, looking more frustrated than frightened.

Olivia clutched onto the railings and squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that the quake would come to an end.

As the columns shook, a low rumbling sound could be heard, soon followed by a loud cracking sound that pierced Olivia’s ears. The railing she once held onto with her dear life crumbled into millions of pieces; she lost her balance and felt herself soon falling, unable to catch herself as everything around her felt as if it was moving forward faster.

She heard someone shout her name as she prepared herself for a terrible impact, when all of the sudden...

Everything stopped.

The shaking, the loud rumbles, even her falling.

Opening her eyes, she found Rose grabbing her hand--practically crushing it--while her other hand held onto what remained of the railings to prevent herself from being dragged down by Olivia’s weight.

“I gotcha...” Rose grunted. She used both of her hands to pull Olivia back up, her grip was strong as her long nails dug into the girl’s arm.

Olivia tried to reach the staircase with her free hand to help Rose hoist her up so she wouldn’t be dangling uselessly. Once her hand felt the rugged wooden steps, she held on to it securely, hoping she wouldn’t get any bits of wood jabbed into her.

Taking a few steps back, Rose successfully brought the girl back up to the floor. Olivia looked back at the drop and her vision blurred some. It wasn’t a massive fall, but it was enough to cause a good amount of damage. Maybe crack her head open? Break a leg?

She saw parts of the column beneath her reduced into chunks of rocks scattered across the floor.

‘Don’t worry, it’s over with, you’re fine.’ Olivia reassured herself, her breath fast as she tried to recollect her thoughts that zoomed all around.

“You okay?” Rose brought Olivia back to reality, who nodded rapidly.

“Yea... Yes, thanks. Thank you.” she said, still shaken up. “I think that’s enough excitement for today.”

Maya looked down, leaning over the stone fence that surrounded the edge of the third floor, “You good???” her voice boomed through the hollow area.

“Yeah, some quake huh?” Rose said back, her head looking high up at her friend who didn’t really hear what she said clearly but nodded anyways and continued her book search.

“Can’t believe it took so long for this old place to finally fall apart some.” Stella chimed in.

‘Why are they acting like this is so normal,’ Olivia thought to herself as she watched the girls converse at completely different areas of the large library. ‘I’ve never felt the ground shake so much before. That was insane.’

Footsteps from the entrance could be heard along with huffs and puffs of air. Logan rushed in and zipped his head about; he froze when he saw the pieces of the stair’s support smashed. Adjusting his cap, he made his way over to the small scene to observe the damage that’d been done.

A long sigh left his mouth, “Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time... It’s going to take a little while to rebuild this but,” he gave a comforting smile “I’m glad to see you’re all in one piece!”

Logan speed walked back to where he came from,

“I’m going to alert the others about this, be safe!” his voice trailed off before he was out of sight.

He came and went so suddenly that no one had any time to respond. But there were other things to worry about. Olivia ran over to Rose’s side, attempting to regain her cool as quickly as the others just... Couldn’t. Throughout all of the adventures she’s been through, despite everything that she’s seen and experienced, she would still get so... Frightened, to put it nicely. If she had more time to prepare for these sorts of situations or was just better prepared in general, she’d be able to save herself or make herself useful instead of following everyone around like a lost puppy. But for now, there was nothing to work with, that’s why she needed to take full advantage of this current location.

“Hey, Rose, thanks for saving me back there again.”

“Cassie, you can call me Cassie Rose,” Rose said as she picked up a small stepping stool leaning against one of the bookcases and holding it against her chest, walking through the rows filled with thousands of books.

Olivia, a bit taken aback, “Shoot, I’m sorry-”

“No, no, no! Don’t be, I didn’t mean it in a bad way, we’re friends--even if you don’t exactly remember--my point is: You can call me Rose if you’d like.”

Each case had a little label--which contained specific orders of numbers and letters to keep everything organized--placed into the smooth, dark oak shelves. And right above those were thin, wooden strips of a lighter color nailed in. There were words written on them, some far more faded than others, but they were most likely labels to show which genre was where. Rose would scan the worn down signs as she walked.

“You probably got a little mixed up cause Aiden calls me that, didn’t you? He’s the only one that calls me that. Except a few other close friends but they rarely call me that...” She took a sharp turn to the left and caught Olivia off guard, causing her to skid to a halt and stumble her way around the corner to catch up.

Rose carried on, “Aiden’s pretty bad with names, he could only remember mine cause of my red hair. And it just sorta... Stuck with him.”

Pushing up her glasses up and setting the stool down, Cassie Rose began muttering the names under her breath while skimming the hundreds of titles before her. Olivia felt a strange presence in the red head’s voice. It sounded almost as if she were talking to a child with a more gentle tone compared to the cold, harshness that was delivered to Radar earlier.

Rose hopped up on the stool and grabbed a couple of books with titles that caught her attention and started piling them into her arms. She made her way down the row of dusty shelves, her hair would sometimes brush the tips of some of the shelves, causing dust to fly into the air and trail behind her.

Rose started out with three books. Which soon turned into five.

Then to eight.

Then to--

“Crud-!” Rose felt her foot get stuck in a small hole that blended in with the dark, old wooden floor resulting in her books flying across the thin hall. Cassie luckily saved herself by grabbing onto a nearby case, but watched the books fall and slam into the ground as their loud landings echoed. Olivia felt her face scrunch up.

Cassie Rose wasted no time.

She pushed up her glasses, sat down, and hurriedly picked them up.

Olivia joined in and started piling the books by her side.

“Let me carry some, I don’t want you to do all the work.” she said as she’d read the titles of whatever she could get her hands on.

“Thanks.” Cassie said through the sound of books shuffling.

Most of the books that Olivia could get her hands on were on the thinner side but were heavily worn down. While age did have a factor on the books’ duller colors, yellowed pages, and weakened spines, it was clear that these were used and checked out possibly hundreds of times. The old pages had been smoothed down, odd stains and blotches would decorate the covers while rips and tears would also stretch across them.

“The Progression of Portals”, a lightweight, purple and red book with a vague shape of a nether portal etched into the front.

“The Combinations of Enchantments” had it the worst out of the three books. Half of the title was torn and a giant, dark brown stain made it look as if that were its color.

The last book was nothing too interesting. Just a pale red cover, the book itself was filled with crafting recipes. However, it was written nearly a century ago. Suppose THAT’S interesting enough to warrant a raised eyebrow.

Neatly stacking the books, she carefully lifted the tower up and carefully balanced it as it leaned against her chest. Cassie Rose did the same, albeit in a sloppier manner.

She continued to select whatever caught her eye but walked slower, not wanting to recreate the same incident.

Olivia followed behind, a strand of her black hair got in her face and bounced about but she paid no mind to it as she felt a question make its way out of her mouth.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Just did.” Cassie stated.

She rolled her eyes and couldn’t help but smile.

“Hilarious. But what was with that horrible earthquake back there? Thanks again for saving me but none of you were too shaken up by it.”

Cassie Rose flashed her a quick confused and surprised look--as if Olivia had unknowingly said something derogatory--before picking up another book from the top of a shelf, gnawing the inside of her cheek lightly.

She blew some air out before spinning on her heel to face Olivia and continued to walk backwards.

“You know... Full moon? Quakes are the worst during a full or new moon. That’s why Logan gave us that warning. I mean it happens every night but that’s normal. Happens all the time.” She spoke as if this was supposed to spark something in Olivia’s mind.

Olivia shook her head as her hair batted her eyes, “I’m sorry. I don’t.”

There was an odd sense of guilt she felt even when she was speaking the truth. Watching Rose’s face fall and attempting to put it back together made her feel worse. Maybe she needed a reassuring lie to keep her moving, but as much Olivia hated the queasy stomach aches produced by her honesty, she knew lying wouldn’t make anything better.

Rose forced a chuckle out with no smile to accompany it.

“What? Are you serious? I thought you would! You were the one who helped us make a house structure sturdy enough to withstand the shaking!”

“I’ve never been to your house until tonight. It felt like walking into a strangers home-”

“Yes you have, Olivia. You’ve lived with us for years, can’t you try to recall anything at all?” Rose trembled, clearly holding more back with barely enough strength to do so.

“I don’t--”

“YES YOU DO. You SHOULD.” Rose rushed to Olivia’s face, her eyes unblinking and pleading.

“You lived with us, you’ve been with us for years--Are we THAT forgettable?”

Rose gripped the books as she tried to restrain herself. She knew that getting upset wouldn’t help, that it wouldn’t change the situation, but she couldn’t stop herself from venting to the clueless girl.

“I’m your friend and--And the fact you didn’t even... You didn’t even recognize me! Do you know how much that hurts?” her voice fell into a weary state.

Olivia blinked. Fazed by Cassie’s sudden burst but remained silent for a moment. There was nothing she could do, say, or think of that could comfort her.

“I don’t.” Olivia admitted.

She carefully set the books down and put hands in the pockets of the leather jacket.

“I think I’m going to walk around here... Just to have some time to myself.” Olivia didn’t wait for a response, instead, she turned and started walking--almost wanting to run away--from Cassie Rose.

Olivia heard Cassie’s defeated voice echo through the dim, hollow library.

“You do that.”

[flight-of-the-sacred-eagle]

*kicks down door* GUESS WHO GOT POKEMON SWORD AND HAS DECIDED THAT A POKÉMON AU IS NECESSARY?!

So most don’t have an entire team buuut they each have a partner Pokémon or two. So here. Do with this what you will.

Phoenix has a wartortle who is a smug little brat and a rather playful aipom who he got during his disbarment (and who he was then used to help him get clues from high up- she’s a sweetheart). He also has Charley who was Mia’s Venasaur

Miles has a charizard who absolutely despises Phoenix’s wartortle and is pretty high strung and a jerk (she was a present from Von Karma) but she does love Miles. He also has a very shy Mimikyu who he found while he was “dead” who was being shoved around by people and just being treated terribly. His Mimikyu helps him figure out what cases he should give to each prosecutor. Also he has a lilipup named Pess.

Franziska on the other hand... she has a really temperamental and really sassy serperior who also whips people with his his vine whips.

Maya has a Klefkei named Ami that has passed through each master of Kurain and its said that each key on its key ring represents ten masters. Because of this, it’s a very stoic Pokémon. Completely unlike her munchlax who is just like her but in Pokémon form.

Apollo has Mikeko, an Alolan meowth who can and will take over his lap the second he gets home because she wants let’s. He had a kadabra who he got from Kristoph, who was supposed to report his every action to Kristoph. He ended up being released after the jurist trial because he still kept in contact with Kristoph. Soon after this, a pokeball containing a really sweet and caring Riolu just appeared on his work desk (Lamoir sent it to him) and now the Riolu is his partner, mostly because he can also tell when someone is lying.

Klavier has the most Pokémon out of everyone actually, mostly because he inherited some of Kristoph’s. His main group consists of a shiny amped up toxtricity who is also his performing partner (she is a total rocker who just loves having fans), a theivul who is just a big, lovable boy who just wants his lovable human to be happy, a noivern who is just happy to help Klavier with anything he needs and is also fiercely protective of him, a calm and down to earth sobble who is his investigation partner, and Vongole- the lovable Boltund who tends to accidentally shock people when she gets too excited.

Ema just has a galarian rapidash who is as done with the world as she is and also carries her snackoos for her.

Trucy, the sweet doll, has a few Pokémon. A sweet pichu who helps her with the lighting of her show, a rather grumpy mime jr who is her reluctant assistant (but she loves Trucy so she does it without too much hassle), and a rather mysterious murkrow who used to be her father’s but is now hers (and no one knows why he always shows so much interest in Lamoir and Apollo’s bracelet)

Athena has both a gardivoir who is pretty much Athena’s impulse control and a hattrem who her mom got her to help her control with her being able to hear emotions (and they inadvertently became best friends and her hattrem helped her through everything that happened).

Simon on the other hand has a gallade who is very stoic and matter of fact who was arrested alongside him actually because he was supposedly the one to help Simon kill Athena’s mom. He also has Taka the corvisquire.

Clay has a clefable who is actually the reason he survived being stabbed. She was a gift from the space center and ended up using healing wish to give Clay just enough energy to hang on until he was found. His partner is an Alolan ninetails who rarely leaves his side and is incredibly skittish because she was actually attacked alongside Clay (she went up against the Phantom’s houndoom and lost badly. Like. Lost an eye and has a big scar on her face lost). He recently got a therapy eevee to help him and his ninetails recover.

Kristoph has a kadabra of his own, a dustox, a Persian, and a low key Toxtricity- all of whom are fully aware of Kristoph’s intentions and are all more than okay with helping him.

[sukorakurai]

Phoenix Wright Ace Barista

A/N: Okay this was written by me and my son for his creative writing assignment when he was in his freshman year. I was so Proud of him. I thought I would had to post it for the fond Memories. I hope you enjoyed it.

***---***---***---***---

May 12th, 1:45 p.m. Court No.3. What a beautiful day in sunny California. Everyone is up and charged for the day, everyone but one tired and exhausted defense attorney. Phoenix Wright drags himself from the courtroom to the lunch counter. “How was your day Mr. Wright?” Phoenix looks over his shoulder to see Apollo, his young and cheerful junior lawyer, standing behind him holding a half eaten blueberry muffin in his hand.

 “Hello Apollo, do you have to be so cheerful?”

 “Sorry?” the young lawyer looked to his boss in question.

 “Never mind. To answer your question, I have not been having a good day.” Phoenix growled as he pushed his lonely doughnut and coffee to the cashier.  Lucky for him he managed to have enough change for the meager lunch.

 “Really, Mr. Wright, what happened?” Apollo followed Phoenix to an empty table and sat across from the tired attorney.

 “Well my young friend I will tell you. Be warned this story is not for the faint of Heart. It all started this morning when my Alarm clock went off waking me up at 5am. A whole hour before it was supposed to go off. It pissed me off so much I knocked it off the side table. The impact with the wall rendered it unusable for the foreseeable future. Since I didn’t have an alarm there was no point to going back to sleep other wise I would oversleep. So I got into the shower where I got a rude awakening. Turns out my building shut the hot water off so that the boiler could be repair. It would have been nice to have warning but the sign in the Lobby was too small to notice. So after a lovely shower under a freezing rain I got around to making breakfast. Well, it would have been breakfast had the milk not expired. I guess it had been awhile since I went to the store but I didn’t think it had been that long. I mean there were chunks of milk in my cereal. Anyway skipping breakfast I headed out to my First Job of the day.”

 “Wait, First Job? Mr. Wright you already have a job. You are the top defense Attorney in the city! Why would you need more than one job!?”

 “Well, I might be the top Defense Attorney in San Francisco but that doesn’t mean a thing when my clients only pay me IOU’s. Now to keep our office afloat I’ve had to pick up an odd job or two. I managed to get a part-time job at the Local coffee shop near the courthouse, it saves on the commute.”

 “Oh, you mean you are the manager?”

 “Not, Exactly.”

 “Hey Wright, next time I order my Venti Caramel Macchiato try not to drown it in foam. It totally watered down the espresso!” shouted Miles Edgeworth the lead Prosecutor in San  Francisco.

 “Don’t worry I won’t forget.” Phoenix gritted his teeth not wanting to start a shouting match in the cafeteria.

 “See that you don’t and don’t be late for court. I have a solid witness, that you can’t break, you need to be ready for me to put your client away.” Edgeworth smirked leaving the two attorneys to finish their lunch.

 “I really hate that guy. Anyways like I was saying I got a job as a Barista.”

 “Oh, I see. I take Mr. Edgeworth was a customer today.” Apollo said understanding the strife his employer was under.

 “You got it, but I’m getting ahead of myself. So I went to work this morning at 7 a.m. I got there just in time to see the line forming out the door and around the block. I was put work right away and about five customers into my shift disaster struck.”

 Flashback

 “Oh Nick! I didn’t know you worked here!”

 “Morning Maya, What can I get you?” I sighed. Not that I don’t like my Client/assistant but she could be a little chatty.

 “How funny is that, you are working here of all places? Well I should have seen it coming. Hey, since you’re the barista can you make mine EXTRA special? As in better than EVERYONE else’s you’ve made for so far? Because I’m a very close friend.”

 “No. Besides you didn’t even order any-”

 “Aww, why not?”

 “Doing that might lose my job. And you still haven’t ordered somethi-”

 “But, Niiiiiick.”

 “No means no. Are you even going to get anythi-”

  “Pleeeeeeaaaaase?”

 “No.

 “Niiiiiiiiiick.”

 It went on like that for five minutes before I finally got her to order a hot green tea with extra lemon. The next few customer went too happy after having wait so long to get their orders in. eventually things smoothed out until Edgeworth decided to “grace” me with his presences.

 “Oh how the mighty have fallen. Nice, apron Wright.”

 “Morning Edgeworth ,what can I get you?”

 “I’ll have a Venti Caramel Macchiato easy on the foam.”

 “Fine, that will be $6.50.”

 “You know Wright, we’re up against each other in court today. I have put together a rock solid case. Not only is your client guilty but I’m going to make sure he gets the maximum sentence.”

 “The minimum sentence is the death penalty. How can you get worse than that?”

 “WRIGHT STOP ARGUING WITH THE CUSTOMERS AND GET BACK TO WORK!” our discussion was cut short do to the manager yelling at me.

 “Yes, sir! Here’s your change now go wait for you name to be called.”

 “Very well, see you in court, Wright.”

 After Lord High Mighty left Things didn’t get any easier. Two of our five coffee/espresso machines broke. This caused a huge delay in service but there wasn’t anything we could do about it.

 “Next.” I said asking for the next person in line. The next person walked to the counter.” Good morning sir, what would you like to-...JUDGE!?”

 “Nothing right now, I start judging at noon though.”

 “Since when did you ever leave the courtroom!”

 “Actually pretty often, just the other day I went to get some groceries.”

  “And why are you in your robes? It’s only 8:30.”

 “These are also my pajamas.”

 “TMI.”

 “What?”

 “TMI, Too Much Information. I did not need nor want to know that. Anyways, what would you like to order?”

 “Just plain old black coffee.”

 “That will be $4.75. Go and wait for your name to be called. What is your name? I don’t think I’ve ever heard it before.”

 “Judge.”

 “Your name is Judge?”

 “Yes I had it legally changed when I took to the bench.”

 “What was it before?”

 “Prosecutor.”

 End Flashback

 “That was when I felt like ramming my head against the nearest brick wall but there was none to be had so I finished out my shift and barely made it to court. Then before opening Statements the Judge addresses the courtroom and tells them I make a damn fine cup off coffee and everyone should go to the coffee shop tomorrow to try my coffee.”

 “Hey Mr. Wright?” Apollo looked to Phoenix with hope in his eyes.

 “Yeah?” Now the older attorney looked at his junior lawyer wearily.

 “When are your shifts everyday?”

 “7:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Why do you ask?”

 “I was hoping to get something that I believe only you can make.”

 “What, No!” Phoenix reared back in horror. He couldn’t believe it, even Apollo wanted coffee from him.

 “Please, Sir? I this a Venti Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino with whipped cream Caramel Syrup and Chocolate Truffle shavings on top. I’ve been saving for two whole months to get it.” The young attorney practically drooling just at the thought of the expensive treat.

 “Is this why you haven’t been helping pay rent for our office?”

 “Well you seemed to have it covered I didn’t think you that you mind.” Apollo wilted under the Famous Wright Glare.  “So will you make it for me?”

 “No.” Phoenix had all he could take of this conversation and started to head back to court.

 “Come on sir, Please! I promise I’ll Start paying rent!” Apollo scrambled to follow his mentor.

 “NO! You better start paying rent anyways!” and that was the last as the courtroom doors closed locking Apollo out.

  THE END

[42wallaby-way-sydney]

@gangstertogangster​ so since we’re on a glee kick for the OCs, I figure now is about as good a time as any just to have more things that totally get said during domestic au lines.

Yelena: Veruchka that isn't how babies happen. Nika: Uh huh! You and mama are both girls and you have me! Yelena, eyes widening, sweats: ... Nika: Hey how did that happen anyway? Where do babies come from? Yelena, driving faster: Ask your mother. Nika: But you are my mother? Yelena: Ask your other mother! ~oOo~ Michael: Look, alcohol is an answer to any problem. It’s not always the best answer but it is an answer. So pass me my wine or not even God himself will be able to save you, Raphael! ~oOo~ Vasya: Nah, my Aunt Shauna loves Olive Garden. They have better bread. Michael: What’s wrong with my restaurant?! It’s authentic Italian! The real deal! Vasya: It isn’t Olive Garden’s. Duh. ~oOo~ Nika: Hey guys, do you mind if I ritualistically slaughter this chicken? Peyton, jaw dropped: Uh... yeah a bit. This is the stage where we’re, you know, about to have a musical practice. Not... make chicken nuggets. ~oOo~ Vasya: That bitch is crazy! He had me kidnapped! Adrian, looks away: ...  Alexei: Ohmygod... ~oOo~ Jack: Papa, where do babies come from? Vladimir: ... Russia and Spain. Matt: That is not- Vladimir: My babies came from Russia and Spain, Matvey! Matt: Well if you want to get technical! Jack was born in Hell’s Kitchen! You idiot! ~oOo~ Mariah: Oh, Misty. Lucille is just... such a delightful child... Misty: Thank you, Mariah. I just... adore Honor... Danny & Shades, both sighing: ... ~oOo~ Matt: What's wrong?! Why are you bleeding?! Vasya, crying: I think I have internal bleeding! Matt: Oh honey. Internal means it's on the inside. Vladimir, smacking the back of Matt's head: Asshole. ~oOo~ Lucille: Breathe in. Now breathe out. Breathe in. ... Jack. Dani. Wake up. Vasya: They don't like meditating very much. Jack, snoring: ... Danielle, snoring: ... ~oOo~ Karen: You taught her how to treat a hemorrhage but not a period?! Matt: I didn't think it was important?! ~oOo~ Taka: I’m like the Malcolm X of our community! ~oOo~ Jack: Hey Siri, what was it like being poor and Asian? Marie: Terrible from what I’ve heard from my grandma. Peyton: Well, the mangoes aren’t as good in America. ~oOo~ Toly: I love fencing. I get to make new friends then stab them. ~oOo~ Vasya: I think I'm dying! Matt: Honey we're all dying. Vladimir, smacks Matt on the back of the head: What is your fucking problem tonight?! ~oOo~ Ravdí: Peyton, when you asked us to choreograph a dance number for this musical, you did not say that it was for Maddie’s zombie love story. Peyton: Yeah! Isn’t it a great idea?! Maddie’s story makes for a great musical and with you and Vas making a dance, I think this will be a big hit! Vasya, staring at Jamie: ... uh huh. Got this.... Ravdí: ... fiiine. We’re choreographing a dance number for zombies in love. Let’s go, Vas. ~oOo~ Bucky, wearing galaxy print yoga pants: Look my pants are out of this world so shove it. Vladimir: ... damn that was good. High five, Yakov. ~oOo~ Honor: Richard, I can taste your axe body spray. Get off of me! ~oOo~ Vasya: Well a drunk Stalin called me and told me that if I wanted Russia, he’d just give it to me! Matt: ... we need new Sunday dinner topics... Shauna: Ooh! I got one! Vladimir! You smell like melted cheese! Jack, whispering to Toly: You owe me five bucks. Eight minutes in and they’re screaming at each other. Matt, sighing: This is fine... Anatoly: I have vodka. Do you want some? ~oOo~ Yelena: If that boy so much as touches her I am destroying him. Natasha: I've already thought of ways we can hide his body. Yelena: I love you so much. ~oOo~ Michael: Both of my girls could kick my ass without even blinking and I find it unbelievably amazing. ~oOo~ Brad: Ooh authentic Chinese food! Diane: It's not Chinese, it's Asian! André: ... ya'll bitches be trippin'. ~oOo~ Richard: So I talked to your sister about who's the boss on this group project. Jack: Uh huh. How'd that go exactly? Who's in charge on your project? Richard: ... it's still unclear. Jack: Right. My sister is in charge, isn't she? Richard, sighing: I can't tell her no. ~oOo~ Maddie: ... why is there a live bear in the house? Marci: What? ... Ahhh! Bear! ~oOo~ Vladimir, saluting lazily: Aye aye captain. Yelena, ugly snort laughs: Shut up Vova. ~oOo~ Bucky: So how's that Eurofest thing going? Vladimir, pausing: ... you mean Eurovision? Bucky, snapping his fingers: Yep! That's it. ... don't look at me like that. I was closer that time than I was earlier. Vladimir: ... this. Is true. I don't even know what you said earlier. ~oOo~ Toly: Hey, Al? Alexei: Yeah? Toly: What was that? Alexei: An icecream commercial. Toly: No the fuck it wasn’t! Don’t you lie to me! ~oOo~ Jack: So you love my sister? Michael: Sí, more than air. Why? Jack: Would you be willing to take a bullet for her? Michael: ... yes? Why? Jack: I'll see you at the pier later tonight, Moretti. ~oOo~ Alexei: Man if one more person tells me that I am appropriating my own got dang culture Imma beat someone's ass. ~oOo~ Richard: I can't believe you said that! If you weren't a lady, I'd deck you! Vasya: You try and I'll have you on your back so fast you'll think you're out on a date! ~oOo~ Raphael: Wait, wait, wait! Hold on. You’re dumping me? For him? Nika, rolling her eyes: No, I’m dumping you, period. And then I’m gonna be with him. Period. If... that’s okay with him, question mark. Francis: Totally. Exclamation point. Raphael: Oh puke. Parenthesis, bold, underline. Michael, holding Smolya: Snort laughing. ... period. Raphael: Why are you even here? Michael: This is my apartment! ~oOo~ Yelena, after explaining a plan: It’s brilliant, right? Vladimir: Not brilliant at all. Yelena: Thanks for being on board. Vladimir: No. Not on board. Yelena: It means a lot. Vladimir: Big mistake. Very big mistake. Yelena: This will be wonderful! Vladimir: We are going to die slow, painful deaths. ~oOo~ Yelena: You get them! Vladimir: No you go get them! Natasha: What is going on out here? Yelena: We thought- Vladimir: Ah! No! There was no 'we'! Yelena: Shut up! We thought that the girls needed some life lessons... Vladimir: It was Lena's idea. Matt: Don't you dare tell me that Vasya and Nika, who are small toddlers may I add, are somewhere up there on that 100 foot tall building! Yelena: Okay, we won't. Vladimir: ... again, her idea. ~oOo~ Vasya: Fuck you! Dimitri: Later. Now shut up. I was talking. ~oOo~ Jack: I want to kill those guys! Vladimir: No! Matt: What a shocking turn of events... Vladimir: I don’t want you to bloody your beautiful hands! I will do it! ~oOo~ Vladimir: Oh congrats! You’ve made my seven year old look like a whore! Shauna: I think she looks great! Vasya: I think I want a leather jacket and combat boots now! Matt, groaning: Our seven year old is joining the mafia! ~oOo~ Rikki: I am a chapstick lesbian- is that the proper term for this? Because I’m not a lipstick lesbian, I’m definitely not femme, but I’m not entirely butch either? So I think I identify as a chaptstick les- screw it. I identify as chapstick! Just chapstick! Darla: What kind of chaptstick though? Sasha: Is it cherry? Because I see you as a cherry. ~oOo~ Marie: I’m like a Little Ceaser’s Pizza. Always hot and ready to go. Jack: Oh my god... Peyton: You’re gross. And I hate you. ~oOo~ Alexei: Toly’s a crackhead. Toly: I am not! I’m a motha fucking ganster! Alexei: See? Smokes crack. Andrey: I’m seeing myself out of this argument. ~oOo~ Yelena: All these screaming babies and yelling mothers and angry dads and annoying teenagers. They make me want to shoot up this mall. Nika: You cannot say that in public! Yelena: Why not?! It’s my second amendment right to shoot up a shopping center! Nika: NO! ~oOo~ Darla: I’m not much into BDSM. If I wanted to be whipped and chained up I’d just go back in time. ~oOo~ Peyton: Oh my sweet, poor, Japanese cherry blossom... Taka: Thank you. ~oOo~ Michael: This person wants us to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to them?! What?! Rahphael, snorts: That’s not happening. What do they think this is? Applebees?! ~oOo~ Peyton: It annoys me so much when people come here asking if we have a table and then get so offended when we don’t have them because of incoming reservations. Jamie: Honestly! What do they think this is?! Applebees?! We are a five star establishment! ~oOo~ Anatoly: You three better eat these pierogies! I didn’t starve in Utkin for you to deny yourselves food! Alexei, Toly, and Andrey, sighing: Yes, sir... ~oOo~ Bucky: You are a whole ass menace to society! Yelena: I will live. ~oOo~ Wesley: ... I’ve lost Maya. Fisk: Again, Wesley? Wesley, sighing: Unfortunately. ~oOo~ Lucy: I fear nothing. Not even god. Dani, Vasya, and Honor, watching her drink a smoothie: You’re disgusting. Jack: Can I have some of your smoothie? ~oOo~ Daisy: Being an inhuman is genetic. Vladimir: She gets this from your side of the family, Matthew! Daisy: But... you two adopt- Matt: I know. Don’t ask. Go with it. ~oOo~ Ian: Ugh, what do I take for hangovers? Darla: How horribly caucasian. Marie, snorts: Ha! Darla: Well isn’t it?! Marie, shrugging: I don’t know. I get the Asian flush so I take medicine before drinking. ~oOo~ Vladimir: I wonder what she’s going to buy... Matt: I wonder where she got the money... Jack: Vasi’s buying a bag of pepperoni! ~oOo~ Shauna: Look, we all know Toly won’t get into Harvard otherwise- Toly: What if I don’t want to go to Harvard?! Shauna: Ugh fine! Yale then! Toly: But mom- Shauna: Harvard or Yale Anatoly Jr! ~oOo~ Vasya: At least you all woke up in a bed! I woke up in the garbage! Jack: Okay. But. That’s nothing new. Nika, elbows him: Don’t be rude. ~oOo~ Sasha: I was in the dumpster! The dumpster! Rikki: My mom is blue! Darla: So I can see that this is a very stressful time for you both... ~oOo~ Dani: Lucy’s gonna be a minute. Vasya: Did she wake up in the trash too? Dani: No, she woke up half Asian. Lucy’s having a full blown identity crisis. ~oOo~ Vladimir: Your house is full! Full of sadness and emptiness! Yelena: Alright first off, you’re rude. Second, you’re a hoarder! ~oOo~ Sam: We don’t need this! Bucky: Sam, need and want are two different things. ~oOo~ Matt: I may not have vision but at least I have taste! ~oOo~ Vladimir: Ooh! For realsky?! Vasya: For suresky! ~oOo~ Anatoly: No son of mine is going to listen to shitty rap about doing cocaine! Alexei, thinking to himself: Please don’t tell mom... Anatoly: And Alexei Anatolyevitch! I am telling! Your mother! Alexei: Noooo!!!! ~oOo~ Therapist: Mr. Murdock, I think that Ms. Natchios may be one of your triggers. Matt: Please! I don’t have triggers! I am fine! Vladimir, snorts and coughs to cover it up: Okay. Elektra: Suuure you are Matthew. Matt: I will throw this chair at you, I swear to God! Don’t test me! ~oOo~ Shauna, lunging for Wesley: Augh! I can’t take it anymore! Vladimir, watching her punch Wesley: Shauna has earned my respect. Matt: It only took you five years to give it to her... ~oOo~ Jack: I’m so American that my favorite food is a McDonald’s cheeseburger! ~oOo~ Vladimir: If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you?! Vasya: I dunno! Maybe if they invited me! Matt, slowly rubs his temples: ... I have a headache now... ~oOo~ Yelena: I drive like I have nothing to live for. Which I don’t really. Vladimir: Remind me to never drive near you with my children in the car. Natasha: And remind me to drive Nika around from now on. ~oOo~ Rikki: What do Asian parents beat their kids with? Francis: I don’t know. Textbooks? Ian: Rulers with F’s written on them? Jack: Slippers? Marie, glaring: I’m judging you all harshly. Jack: But are we wrong?! Marie: They feed us! Francis: Well that’s not a punishment. Marie: It is if you don’t like the thing they’re making you eat. ~oOo~ Vladimir: Has anyone seen my son?! He’s about yay tall! Clearly gay! But we haven’t had the talk yet! ~oOo~ Yelena: SHOW ME LOVE! SHOW ME LOVE! Nika: Mom... what is going on? Natasha, stirring her coffee: Oh just the usual amount of bullshit I deal with on a daily basis due to your other mother. ~oOo~ Maddie: I’m supposed to be in class. Ravdí: It’s okay, I’m supposed to be at work. ~oOo~ Darla: Oh what do I know?! Only what’s best for you! Rikki: I’m self destructive. Darla: I was just kidding. Rikki: I wasn’t. ~oOo~ Anatoly: How’s your dad’s restaurant doing? Alex: Very well. Alexei: Grandpa deletes bad reviews off his facebook so it only has five star reviews. He sees two stars, delete! Five star, it stays. Alex: He needs to fix the roof. Anatoly: ... what’s wrong with the roof? Alex: It’s old. Alexei: It leaks. Alex: The AC needs to be fixed too. Anatoly: What’s wrong with the AC? Alex: It’s old. Alexei: It’s broken. Shauna: ... I love your dad’s restaurant! ~oOo~ Vasya: Does anyone know if the damage control shampoo works on PTSD? Adrian: What about emotions? Asking for a friend. ~oOo~ Yelena: Oh god it’s missing! Natasha: What is? Yelena: The... the thing! Natasha, turning to face Yelena with baby Nika in her arms: What ‘thing’, Lenosha? Yelena, sighing in relief: Oh thank god, you found it. Natasha: ... you mean our daughter?! ~oOo~ Francis: A four letter word starting with ‘c’. Go! Rikki: Cock! Jack: Cunt! Rikki: Ooh! Nice one. Vasya: ... mine is corn. Nika: Well that’s adorable. Darla: Cute. ~oOo~ Vladimir: So it’s just a girls night? Vasya: Yeah, we’re just going to see a movie, grab a bite to eat, talk to the dead, and, if we have time, try to commit arson. Vladimir: Okay, have fun and don’t come back too late! Matt: ... after all that you just let her leave?! She said she’s going to commit arson, Vladimir! Vladimir: No, she said they’re going to try! They have to talk to the dead first, Matthew! ~oOo~ Matt, on the phone with Brett: Yeah, hey, if you get a call about a fire, can you give me a call? No reason. ~oOo~ Ravdí: Hey! I waterboarded myself! ~oOo~ Honor: This is a three day vacation! Lucy: Where are we supposed to be sleeping?! Richard: Well I just assumed you two would be inside each other. Jack, spits his drink out: ... ~oOo~ Vasya: So I met this girl at this coffee shop this morning- Honor: Oh no... No no no no. Vasi. You will not come out of this alive. Vasya: Uh... excuse me? Honor: She’s clearly a cannibal. Have you looked at yourself? You’re clearly an easy target. You’re a ballerina and very well marbled. If I were stuck on a deserted island with no food, I would absolutely eat you first. Literally everyone just stares: ... ~oOo~ AJ, the highschool art teacher, very clearly drunk: Listening to Brad talk is like listening to a horny bear claw into a chalkboard. I’m not pleased. Matt: ... well neither am I with that in mind. Shauna: I’m going to throw up. Bucky: God I love PTA meetings! ~oOo~ Honor: Gay kid! Alexei, blinks a lot: ... Honor: Asian girl! Marie: ... Marie. It’s not a hard name. Honor: Asian girl two! Peyton, inhaling deeply: ... she’s a kid. Breathe... Honor: Panda Express! Jamie: ... I swear to god... Honor: Weird twins! Rikki and Darla, blink and roll their eyes: ... Honor: Creepy incest twins! Jack and Vasya: ... we are not- Richard: Okay! So theater club meeting is in session now! ~oOo~ Ravdí: Sloppy babies! You’re all sloppy babies! Dani: Maybe we shouldn’t be calling the freshmen that. And give them encouraging words of wisdom instead? Ravdí: No! They keep dropping their flags! Again, babies! ~oOo~ Richard: Aren’t most of you gay? Honor: How dare you! ~oOo~ Ravdí: I’m sorry. All this time I’ve been treating you like an unpaid intern. When what I should have been doing is treating you like a paid intern. ~oOo~ Jack: Buenos dias, fuckboy! Ian, screaming shrilly: ... ~oOo~ Alexei: We’re all going to die someday. Well. Some of us. Toly: If you figure out immortality you have to share. Alexei: Uh. No. You’re annoying. Andrey: Will you share with me? Alexei: Maybe. ~oOo~ Alexei: Let’s come together! Like Voltron! Andrey: I’m the leg! Toly, rolling his eyes, softly but with feeling: ... fiiine. Losers. ~oOo~ Jack: I wrote this song for my sister! Vasya, closing her eyes, softly but with feeling: Ohgodno... Jack: I wrote this song to tell her that I’m always by her side! Even when we fight! Vladimir & Matt: Aww! ~oOo~ Andrey: Sometimes I feel like Ugolyok films me while in the shower and is waiting to sell the videos on Craigslist. Toly: ... what is wrong with you...? Alexei: ... I... uh... kay. ~oOo~ Lucy and Honor, trapped in an elevator, staring at a creepy puppet on a bike: ... What the ... hell... The puppet: Hello, girls. Let’s play a game. Lucy and Honor, banging on the door: Get us out of here! ~oOo~ Dani: You’re not letting them out of the elevator, are you? Richard: Nope. Not until they confess their feelings. Vasya: This is maniacal... I like this plan. Jack: You are all. So fucked up. ~oOo~ Maddie: I’m going to start projectile vomiting any second now... ~oOo~ The Principal of the highschool: I say we release the hounds into the school. Nick, the highschool science teacher, eyes wide: Let us not do that. AJ, the highschool art teacher: I think it might build character and therefore I veto Nick. ~oOo~ Ravdí, screaming as she runs down the hall: Why are there so many dogs in the hallways?! Vasya: This is the opposite of a problem! Francis: I love them all! Nika, climbing up the lockers, and hissing: Leave me alone! Unless you’re planning on eating my math homework! ~oOo~ Vasya: I will stop at nothing until you are homeless and drinking gutter water. Richard: Ouch. You’re rude.