#motion and measurement of distances class 6

[winedarkthoughts]

house of addams (6)

— 🌖 pairing: ot7 x fem.reader

— 🕷️ genre: mystery, angst + fluff + smut

— 🗝️ word count: 5.5k

— 🍄 summary: desperate times call for morally grey measures.

— ☕ content warnings: stalking (but it's mutual??), taking photos without consent (also mutual), slight lore dump, mentions of death/decomposition/missing persons

— 🕸️ a/n: thank you so much to everyone who continues to share their thoughts i love y'all so much!!

previous chapter ← series m.list → next chapter

chpt. 6: don't stalk, investigate

october 19, 2004

The trees surrounding the university are starting to brown at the edges. Fall has begun its descent.

The click of the camera shutter has become white noise to you. Through the viewfinder, you follow the motion of the mop of black hair.

You've found that that's how he starts almost all of his mornings: messily, sleepily. More often than not, his hair is just-rolled-out-of-bed fluffy, the lower half of his face covered with a black mask so you can only see his cat-like eyes.

He looks good today, wearing a loose white button-up and silver jewelry. He approaches the university with his messenger bag slung over his shoulder, still clearly half-asleep.

Yoongi is not a morning person, you've learned. You know because you've been watching him.

Listen, you never claimed to be a saint. And yes, maybe half the reason that you're a damn good private investigator is because you're willing (and perfectly capable) of doing the things that others would rather not.

So be it. You've witnessed others commit far worse evils than the one you're currently undertaking.

Long story short, your mental blockade with the case (and whatever the fuck happened at the lake) may or may not have caused you to look into some of the strange characters frequenting Farrow's End. Starting with the shy, antisocial botanist.

The fact that he supposedly lived in the Addams house (according to the commentary from the college students) wasn't the thing that made you suspicious, it was the fact that he lied about living in the Addams house. Pretended to know absolutely nothing about it, to boot.

As a human being, you can respect someone keeping their secrets. As a private investigator, your job is to dig up any secrets that prove relevant to your investigation.

Half of you wants to believe that he's nothing but a good guy. You can admit that you like him, that you relate to his aura as the token "weirdo." But the cynical part of you, it whispers in your ear that he shouldn't be trusted.

No one should. Your job has taught you that much.

Therefore, you have to exhaust each point of view until you find out who's guilty, and who's less guilty. Because pure innocence is impractical.

And after what you saw (or think you saw) at the lake, you're going to have to gear your research towards less "scientific" topics. And try to avoid the woods at all costs. For the time being, at least.

On most days, Yoongi begins his days early, and mostly on-campus. It didn't take long to witness him being transported by the same black Mercedes that you saw outside the cafe, the one supposedly belonging to one of the mysterious Jungs.

Though Yoongi never enters the car in heavily populated areas. He usually walks a short distance to a more private spot, and then the car pulls up like clockwork.

You can never get a good look at the driver, thanks to the tinted windows.

So far, the only suspicious thing about the botanist is the fact that he lied about living in the Addams house. He goes to class, goes to his labs, gets coffee, goes home, with very little in-between.

Well, that plus spending a large amount of his time on campus with one specific chemist. And it doesn't take much longer to realize that he lives at the Addams house too.

Jimin, unlike Yoongi, is often late. He gets dropped off by the same sleek car, a short distance away from his destination, then he power walks to wherever he's going, fluffing and preening himself along the way.

Whether it's a hand brushing through his hair, or a knuckle pushing up the bridge of his glasses (which he never leaves the house without), or him adjusting the collar of his shirt, he's almost always fixing himself.

Sometimes, you get the impression that he isn't comfortable in his own skin.

He has a few other signatures: those heeled boots, pants that are almost always too tight for your liking, glasses (either tinted or completely dark), and always a mask covering his mouth. That, or sometimes an oversized scarf pulled up to just under his nose when it's particularly chilly outside, the wind rustling his hair and it's oddly shifting color.

You've taken to wearing one of your smaller cameras around your neck at all times, just in case you run into anything suspicious and need to snap a picture.

The morning mist has deepened into a constant drizzle most mornings, and that leather jacket you bought at Magic Shop has come in particularly handy. The garment is warm and cozy, and it always gives you a feeling of comfort whenever you wear it.

Fine, so maybe following Yoongi and Jimin didn't yield the results you wanted, though you'll admit it was fun. Still, something is telling you that there's something suspicious about that house and those who reside in it.

So you move on to another lead: Kim Taehyung.

He rarely leaves the house, you've found. So you have to conclude that he lives there as well as works there. When he does leave, it's on official business. Either to go to the police station to pick up documents or out of town to examine a body.

He doesn't ride in the Mercedes, though. Rather, he drives a classic black hearse. Again, peak dedication to the aesthetic, which you can appreciate.

And fine, maybe you snapped a few pictures of him on the rare times you caught him out of the house, but it's all for the sake of the investigation.

At first, you were quite hesitant to get too close to the house on the hill, with its looming trees and black birds hovering all about the roof.

But one day, when you creep up the path, the front gate opens on its own to welcome you. You were planning on scraping along the outside of the gate, peering into the yard through the iron bars. You weren't expecting it to actually open for you.

A gust of wind surges through the air, pulling you towards the house. The rustle of the trees practically whispers come closer.

It takes you a little bit aback, but you don't show it. Just in case someone is watching. In fact, you barely react to it, simply sidestepping the gate entrance and continuing along the path as if you were on a morning walk.

You walk along the entire perimeter of the gated yard, which is much, much larger than you anticipated. There are a number of gardens, a small hedge maze, a swamp even, and at the very edge of the property, a graveyard.

The tombstones are dotted throughout the wooded grove, a thick layer of ivy covering the ground like a burial shroud, and an air of calm hangs about the place.

But it isn't until you circle back to the other side of the house that you see something you truly weren't expecting: Jin, your favorite barista, strolling through the garden with a cup and saucer in his hands.

Wearing a turtleneck under a black coat, his hair blowing picturesquely in the chill wind, he meanders past the crumbling stone statues and trickling fountains.

You quickly duck behind a tree, reaching into your jacket to grab the small binoculars that you typically carry when you're in the..."observation" phase of the investigation. No, this isn’t the first time you’ve done this sort of thing.

Jin leisurely walks over the cobblestone pathway, sipping from his cup with a satisfied expression. He'll run a hand through his hair or lean against one of the stone garden walls, looking over his shoulder every once in a while.

And maybe it's just a hunch, but you get the sense that he knows that he's being watched. The weird thing is that he doesn't seem bothered by the fact at all. In fact, it almost looks like he's...posing.

An itch at the back of your neck. A glance back at Jin tells you that he's not looking at you, nor has he realized that you're there. But still, now you feel eyes on you.

You look around but find nothing but white-barked trees. And maybe if you looked a little closer you would've noticed that the knots in said trees look a little too much like eyes, open and alert.

Even if you had noticed such a thing, your conscience would tell you that obviously that's not the case. Trees can't watch people.

You'd be wrong, of course, but how could you have known that then?

october 23, 2004

He only ever works nights. The graveyard shift, to be specific. His shift always starts after the sun has set, and it ends just before it rises again.

Normally, you'd split your time between the cafe and the bookshop, but recently you've dedicated almost the entirety of your days to watching the barista and learning his habits. And in that time, you've hardly seen him eat.

In all the time you've spent watching him combined, the only things you've seen him eat include: a handful of olives, a few slices of bread and cheese, and the occasional spoonful of honey. Coffee and the offhand glass of red wine (which he pours into a teacup with a charming wink when he catches you watching him) is all you ever see him drink.

The only time he leaves the Addams house, besides to go to work, is on Saturday mornings when the Farmer's Market takes up the town square.

Sporting a checkered coat with the collar turned up to shield the lower half of his face, sunglasses (even though it's utterly cloudy), and an umbrella held over his head (even though it's not even drizzling), Jin scours the aisles, scrutinizing each booth's wares to find only the freshest and best quality produce, meats, and bread. He also procures some fancy cheese and preserves, his tastes expensive and well-refined.

The only other time you see him deviate from his routine is to visit the nearest hospital one afternoon. You're expecting him to enter into the waiting room, but he circles around the back, waiting by a STAFF ONLY door.

That same tickle from somewhere in your brain, the one that makes your eyes a little blurry. You take a moment to refocus them, and then you see the door crack open.

The person behind the door hands Jin an object that he quickly conceals in his coat, and the interaction is too quick for you to see what exactly it is.

But not quick enough for you to miss taking a picture. Because you've learned that it's always best to prioritize the camera before your eyes.

You take it to the dark room that same day. And the film reveals that the object appears to be a plain white box. Your guess is that it's a thermal container, the ones used to transport samples or the like.

It's a bit embarrassing to admit that it takes another day to put two and two together.

You're sitting in the cafe, skimming through the files of the five missing persons, when Jin approaches your booth and silently places a pastry on the table.

It's another one of his habits, you've noticed. Whenever you're in the cafe and have gone a long time without ordering any food, he'll subtly bring you something without a word, and you're usually too focused on your research to notice until some time has passed and it's too late to reject the offer.

You've told him several times that though the gesture is appreciated, he doesn't need to provide you with any freebies just because you're in here all the time. But he just brushes you off and claims that he needs a taste tester for his new recipes.

You let it slide after telling yourself that he probably does the same to a number of other customers given his charming nature (though in all the time you've observed him he's never done it for any other patron, but that you conveniently ignore).

This time it's a little cake, topped with a strawberry and absolutely smothered in fresh cream. When you cut into it, red jam spills from the inside of the cake like blood from a wound.

Then it finally clicks.

...Blood.

Like a slideshow in fast motion, all of the little details spring back into the forefront of your mind. The time when you noticed his shirtsleeve riding up, revealing a faded scar distinctly resembling a bite mark on the inside of his wrist. The time you noticed him drinking from a to-go coffee cup, but with a ring of red surrounding the opening in the lid.

And at the hospital, a thermal container used to transport samples such as blood bags, or even human organs.

Fuck.

You push the dessert away at the realization, scrambling to gather your things and leave the cafe as quickly as possible.

Of course, that means you miss the concerned and slightly disappointed look on Jin's face as he watches you go.

october 24, 2004

You don't know what makes you more of an idiot, the fact that you're actually close to believing that Jin is some sort of blood-sucking creature of the night, or the fact that it took you this long to consider the fact based on all the warning signs.

Unfortunately, nothing is impossible. And though none of your investigations so far have pointed to something so overtly "supernatural," you have to entertain the possibility.

Because it's possible that something about it could trace back to one or more of the victims, since clearly this case has proven to be far from normal.

Though the internet is a great resource, currently all you can find is blog posts, and you'd prefer not to cite those when it comes to professional matters. So you turn to local folklore, urban legends, and the security of the written word.

When you enter the bookshop the next day, you realize just how broad of a topic it is. There are hundreds, even thousands of mythical creatures across different cultures. It's going to take a long time to factor out one with the right features and track it's roots.

Then you remember the man behind the counter. Namjoon is currently staring at the mass of papers on his desk, looking confused and frustrated.

"What's all that?" you ask as you approach the counter.

"My accounts. Balancing my checkbook," he replies without looking up from the mess.

"Ah," you say in understanding, in pity.

A pause.

"Want a distraction?" you finally ask, and his head whips up almost instantly.

"Dear God, yes."

You chuckle, moving to lean against the desk.

"You're a writer, right?"

"Yes," he answers with a nod.

"What kind of things do you write?"

"Mostly research papers, some articles here and there, a few field guides."

Hmm, so he's more of a scholar, then. Interesting.

"In what area of study?"

Namjoon's mouth twitches like he's trying to find the right words.

"Folklore," he finally answers, but obviously there's a little more to it.

Perfect. You bite back the urge to rock on your toes with excitement.

"Can I ask you a few questions?"

He smiles at that, dimples and all, like nothing would delight him more.

"Of course, anything you want," he answers, voice curling around the edges.

And you don't know it, but he means it sincerely. He would tell you anything and everything about him and his little family if you would only ask.

Any of them would, really. Technically, none of them have ever lied to you, they just haven't share all the information.

And if Namjoon is being honest, all of them are quite eager for you to get a little more invasive and figure them out for yourself.

"What do you know about mythological creatures that feed on life energy?"

You didn't mean for it to come out so specific, so incriminating. But you're getting a little tired of questions without a ghost of an answer.

His eyebrows raise a bit.

"To be honest with you, my knowledge is limited mainly to the folklore of this region," he admits, sounding apologetic.

Even more perfect. You try not to give away too much of your excitement, despite the fact that every time you encounter him he only seems to get better and better.

"Pray tell," you urge, leaning forward slightly with open ears.

A little bashful expression crosses his face as he settles deeper in his chair, all thoughts of taxes abruptly thrust aside.

"Well, vampiric creatures are quite common across folklore in many cultures. They're usually associated with outbreaks of disease, and vampire hunts are mostly accompanied with epidemics..."

You let him talk for as long as he wants, listening eagerly and only looking away to scribble a few notes from time to time. It's clear that he's passionate about what he studies, speaking about it like a lover would.

He tells you that even the word "vampire" is shrouded in mystery, as linguists do not know the precise etymological origin. Apparently, the folklore of this region is steeped in Slavic roots, so that's what he focuses on to narrow it down for you.

From the Old East Slavic language, the term "vampire" hails from the word "upir," which is speculated to translate as "someone who bites" or "the thing at the feast/sacrifice," though the word has no definite origin.

Namjoon tells you that scholars agree that the term was used as a stand-in, since they were too afraid to say the creature's true name.

"An upir needs to feed on life essence to survive. In literature, this is usually represented by drinking blood, since it represents life," Namjoon explains.

"Usually?"

He shrugs.

"The "opir" in Ukraine consumes large amounts of fish as their source of sustenance, preferences vary across cultures."

"You speak of it like they're real," you say with a chuckle, watching closely for his reaction.

Another shrug, this one more uncomfortable.

"To the Slavs, they were. The universal belief in supernatural beings was common. Unseen entities were part of the way they understood the world," he says.

"Hmm," you mumble, scanning him up and down. You try not to delight in the way he squirms slightly under your scrutiny.

"Most of the traits attributed to vampires these days are based on myths, or downright misunderstandings," Namjoon blurts out. "Like how the outbreak of rabies in Europe led to the belief that the upir are afraid of light, which is ridiculous. Many of the symptoms of rabies, which is spread through biting, coincide with the supposed traits of vampires, like the fear of light and altered sleep patterns."

He says it all like he's slightly annoyed.

"Or how they assumed that the upir are undead because during decomposition, built up pressure can push the blood into a corpse's mouth," he continues.

"So the upir aren't undead at all?" you probe.

"No, it's just a misconception," Namjoon replies like he's in the throes of a heated debate.

He seems to notice, since the next moment he's clearing his throat awkwardly and slumping in his seat.

There's a moment of silence as you jot down some more notes.

"They're not evil," he blurts out like he can't help it, and the look on his face implores you to believe him.

You look up at him.

"Across the centuries, they've always been used as the scapegoat for things humans can't understand," he adds softly.

Hmm, yes that seems to be a recurrent theme in human history.

You close your notebook and straighten up from leaning on the desk.

"Very interesting. Thank you, Namjoon," you say and mean it.

He smiles and nods as if to say of course, but after your back is turned, his face falls a bit, wondering if he let a little too much slip.

"Too much? In my opinion, you didn't tell her enough," Jimin quips.

Namjoon rolls his eyes, but he's mainly focused on Jin. The older man only smiles at him, pressing a comforting hand to Namjoon's cheek.

"Don't worry, love. I don't mind at all," he says. Because yes, he too is eager for you to realize just what they all are.

"I just don't want her to think we're the ones behind all this," Namjoon admits.

"If she's as smart as she appears, then she'll figure that out for herself soon enough," Hoseok replies, slowly circling the room with his arms crossed.

He approaches the elegant leather couch that Namjoon and Jin are occupying.

"Joonie," he says, running a hand down the younger man's neck.

"I don't think it would hurt to drop her a few more hints, hm?" And everyone notices the smirk on Hoseok's face.

"I'm tired of waitiiiiing," Jimin whines.

"She's still a skeptic, Minie," Yoongi supplies from where he's watering the plants against the window. "She needs to be eased in."

Jimin just rolls his eyes.

"We could just kidnap her," he suggests.

"No." The reply comes instantly from Namjoon, Jungkook, and Yoongi simultaneously.

Jimin laughs high and bright.

"Come now, Jimin," Hoseok says with a sharp smile of his own. "Everyone knows it's more fun when they consent to it first."

october 25, 2004

The next time you enter the bookshop, Namjoon immediately mentions that he put together a little collection of texts for you to look over, saying they might be interesting to you. Maybe even aid in the investigation.

You thank him earnestly. And no, your face doesn't heat up at the fact that someone has gone out of their way to make your life easier.

When you slip into your usual nook, you notice that one of the drawers in the desk is adorned with a little pink ribbon around the handle, almost like it's gift-wrapped. And when you open it, you see several books, articles, and newspaper clippings, all of which seem very promising.

Something stirs in your stomach at the sight, but it's quickly set aside as you lock in and dive headfirst into the new research endeavor.

There's the notice for each of the missing persons, all the mentions of them so far in the newspapers, including one article from a publisher you've never heard of.

With the headline simple reading DISAPPEARED, the short snippet describes each missing person and the details of their last eyewitness account. The strange thing is that the article includes far more details than the big-name publishers, making you wonder why you haven't heard of it before.

The Periscope Press. You don't recall seeing it in any of the corner stores around town, but you do recall some of the people you interviewed mentioning details from "the newspaper" that you hadn't heard previously. Maybe this is the publisher they were referring to.

When you ask Namjoon about it though, he is surprisingly unhelpful. He claims that he can't remember where he came across the article, saying that he often picks up stray newspapers for wrapping and packing purposes for the shop.

Well, you suppose you'll have to save it for later then.

Also among the pile of papers in the drawer, there's a short blurb announcing the opening of the Kim Morgue and Crematorium. Taking a closer look at the date tells you that Taehyung's practice has actually been passed down through nearly three generations.

Technically, Taehyung is actually Taehyung III, taking the same name as his father and grandfather and great-grandfather before him.

But it's the photo you stumble upon that really stalls your breath.

A portrait, faded and yellowing, dated almost seventy-five years ago. The subject is a man dressed in a brown suit and tie, his hair dark and curly, except it looks exactly like him. From the Roman slant of his nose, down to the way he positions his shoulders, it looks almost indistinguishable from the Taehyung of today. The family resemblance is apparently very strong.

And again, it's a little embarrassing how long it takes you to reach the conclusion that to others, especially to the supernaturally-inclined, might seem obvious.

But you've already mentioned that you're a bit of a skeptic.

october 28, 2004

You fear that you may be going a bit crazy.

The dreams are getting worse. They've escalated from simple images and sounds to corporeal sensations. You feel the water so sharply, the cold, the current, even the vibrations. You can see hands reaching towards you, and sometimes you are compelled to reach back. Sometimes you swear you wake up smelling of seawater.

And the itchy feeling of being watched has only gotten stronger. You feel as though you're always looking over your shoulder, always listening for following footsteps.

In the past few days, you've used your research as an effective distraction.

You've found that the Kim family has run the morgue out of the Addams house for almost as long as the Jung family has owned it, Taehyung hailing from a long line of coroners and forensic pathologists rooted in Farrow's End.

With a little digging, you discovered that the Jungs have been business tycoons for decades, buying and selling and trading their vast number of industries to generate a near endless stream of income that they then hand down to their children and children's children.

Unfortunately, most of the knowledge on the Jung family is circulated through the townsfolk, so you have to ask around a bit to get a more solid basis.

The current owner of the Addams house is one Jung Hoseok. Young, beautiful, and filthy rich, according to those you spoke with on the streets. But, apparently he spent most of his youth in a mental hospital. Not only a mental hospital, a high-security facility for the criminally insane.

Now, you're not sure how much of that you believe, but you still have to entertain the possibility.

And one day, you even catch sight of him. A small crowd tends to gather whenever the black Mercedes pulls into town, curious eyes prying into the tinted windows.

You're lingering outside the bookshop one afternoon, making sure you didn't leave anything behind after a four-hour-long research session, when the car rolls through the streets like a slinky black cat.

Whispers immediately fill the air, causing you to look up from your bag, which is bursting at the seams these days from all the papers you have to carry around.

The car stops at the curb in front of the cafe, the driver soon killing the engine. Then, the driver's side door opens, and a black-booted foot steps onto the sidewalk.

The man is handsome, you have to admit, with long black hair that curls at the nape of his neck. His face is sharp and angular, with a softly heart-shaped mouth and surprisingly bright eyes.

He's dressed in pressed pants and jacket, thin and elegant. The man walks into the cafe and picks up a to-go order, gets back into his car, and drives away without so much as a glance at all the people who have stopped to stare at him.

You being one of them, but you're fairly certain that you're the only one who takes a few pictures.

But it wasn't until yesterday that you started to really feel like you were losing your marbles.

As you're asking around town, you breach the subject of the town's forensic pathologist. Everyone you speak to has nothing but good things to say about the young coroner, except for the fact that he isn't as young as you thought he was.

You ask a woman you struck up a conversation with outside the grocery store about the Kim family, and she says that Taehyung did a fantastic job taking care of her nephew for his funeral.

You agree, mentioning your admiration for how educated he is for someone so young.

That's when the woman's face turns puzzled. "Young?" she says, raising an eyebrow. She goes on to say that the most recent Kim Taehyung has been running the morgue for the last twenty years.

"Taehyung III?" you ask. "Thin, dark eyes, looks a bit like a Roman statue?"

"Yes, that's the one. Took over the family business after his father died. But no children, I hear he's training a young apprentice that will likely take over when he retires."

You mention that surely Taehyung has time to have children, but that same confused expression crosses her face.

"Isn't he nearly seventy though?"

A squirmy feeling in the pit of your stomach. You awkwardly brush off the woman, apologizing for the confusion.

You ask almost every other passerby you see on the street that evening about the town coroner, and they all say the same thing. A kind man, very good at his job, and most definitely in his late sixties.

They all insist that there hasn't been a young Kim in the business since Taehyung was a trainee nearly thirty years prior.

So you do a little more digging, and turns out it's true. If you'd have looked a little closer at the dates on all of Taehyung's degrees and certificates, you'd find that he acquired them all between fifteen and twenty-five years ago.

You're tailing him the next morning. You got lucky, today being one of the rare days when he leaves the Addams house to go into town.

He steps out of the hearse in leather shoes and a sweater vest under his trenchcoat. You suppose he dresses like he's older, from the way he tucks in his shirt and cuffs his pants, but he also sports a crossbody bag over his shoulder that others would most likely consider feminine, but he pulls it off effortlessly.

The clouds are letting down a light rain, leaving dewdrops on your jacket and making Taehyung's hair appear just a bit fluffier.

There's that same streak of gray from his hairline. The only indicator that he possibly isn't an attractive man in his late twenties/early thirties.

But that's exactly what you're looking at. Not an older man with aged skin and silver hair, rather more like a bronze god with a mop of black curls. And the only sign of age from knowledge or experience is deep in his eyes.

You begin to follow him down the street, sneaking pictures occasionally, curious what would happen if you were to show said pictures to others. Would they still see an old man? Or would they see the young one you've been seeing from the beginning?

You get the odd sensation that you're being watched, but from a source you can't name, since you're fairly certain Taehyung hasn't noticed you.

It's as you're nearing the end of the sidewalk, slipping in-between a cluster of people, that he suddenly stops dead in his tracks.

You stop too, a cold chill latching onto your spine. He stands there for a moment, perfectly still.

Then, he turns over his shoulder and looks right at you.

There haven't been many times in your career where you're genuinely shocked speechless. And even fewer when your target is not only fully aware of the fact that you're trailing them, but apparently isn't bothered in the slightest by it.

Because then a smirk is creeping onto his face. Those tiger eyes turn a shade darker, and he nods his head slightly as if to greet you.

He knew you were watching him, they all did.

The ice under your skin only intensifies when you hear the click of a camera shutter from behind you.

Whipping around, you see Jung Hoseok standing just a few feet away, a camera held up to his face and the brim of his hat tilted down, but you know it's him.

And the lens is pointed at you.

What's strange is that no one else seems to notice him. Every other time you've seen him in town, everyone stops to stare, but now they slide around him like he isn't even there, their eyes looking right through him.

Something weird is definitely going on.

You dissolve back into the crowd like a ghost.

october 29, 2004

A letter appears on your doorstep. The stationary is soft and expensive-looking, with your name scrawled on the front in curling script. With no return address.

It's enclosed with a red wax seal, stamped with the image of a crow.

You debate on whether or not to open it for approximately three minutes.

Dearest _______,

We cordially invite you to the Addams House for dinner, dancing, and drinks on October 30 at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Please bring your case notes for discussion.

Dress code: semi-formal.

Fondly,

Jung Hoseok

The back of the paper reads:

How do you accept this invitation?

➳ With enthusiasm

➳ With excitement

You think about it for about thirty seconds. Circling "with enthusiasm," you slip the paper back into the envelope and set it back outside where you found it.

It's gone the next morning.

a/n: thanks so much for reading!! i would absolutely love to hear any of your thoughts! 👉👈

[totally-not-deacon]

15 Questions

Tagged by @adventuresofmeghatron, thanks a ton! I'll tag @singleteapot @rockerboyrepo and @bokatan if y'all wanna

1. Are you named after anyone? 

I am! My first/legal name is after a musician(v big in the 90s not saying anything else), and my middle name is from my grandpa.

2. When was the last time you cried? 

I swear I'm not trying to sound edgy, but I genuinely can't remember. I'm not very good at opening up, including by myself.

3. Do you have kids? 

Nononono, GODS no. I do not have the temperament for children.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Eh, sometimes. I lean more towards dry and/or lightly-absurdist humor these days, but it's definitely in there. I was absolutely intolerable as a teenager though.

5. What sports do you play/have you played? 

I don't any more, but I used to play soccer for years. My clearest memory of playing was when I broke a girl's kneecap when she decided to use said knee to block an already in motion kick.

I don't feel all that bad - the girl was a nightmare to pretty much everyone.

6. What's the first thing you notice about other people?  

Hair - voice - scent, mostly in that order. No clue why, but that's usually what sticks with me most on first meeting.

7. Eye color?

Brown, technically, but they're essentially black. It has made getting my pupil distance measured for glasses a bit of a pain in the ass.

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

Both! Though I prefer my horror to NOT have a happy ending, I like em pretty much everywhere else.

9. Any special talents? 

Uh.... I've got a good green thumb, even got tropicals growing in the desert once. Oh! I know how to navigate by the stars! I learned it in scouts as a kid and just never forgot how.

10. Where were you born?

The not-so-great state of Texas. My hometown is cool af tho - well assuming you don't mind the traffic during Fiesta every year. Ouch, that I do not miss.

11. What are your hobbies?

Getting frustrated at learning watercolor right now lmao. I'm not very good, but I crochet sometimes to keep my hands busy. I can pump out beanies and some scarves no problem.

12. Do you have any pets? 

I do. My cat Groovy is the best little gremlin. My tiny pain in the ass <3

13. How tall are you?

5'2 and still mad about it

14. Fave subject in school?

In high school, probably Chemistry. College... I think I'll have to go with my Southern Gothic Literature class. It was hard as hell, but it's easily become my favorite genre of novels.

15. Dream job?

Can I say none? Rather, I flip flop a lot so it's hard to pin down. Some days I wanna live in a massive city working in cybersec and have a tiny apartment of my own, others I have to resist the urge to walk into the woods and not come back. It's my understimulated self vs my dislike of being around people. A neverending war, I'm afraid.

[golfsimulatorguide]

Uneekor EYE XO Retractable Golf Simulator Package

Uneekor EYE XO + HomeCourse

The Uneekor EYE XO Retractable Golf Simulator is a turn-key golf simulator package fueled by the one of the most advanced launch monitors in the game – The Uneekor EYE XO.

It’s super-speed cameras provide instant shot feedback and some of the most accurate, in-depth data on the market.

In this all-in-one golf simulator package, we’ve combined the Uneekor EYE XO golf simulator with the HomeCourse Retractable Screen Enclosure system, turf landing pads and hitting mat, projector and floor enclosure, a gaming laptop, the TGC 2019 software, and more!

Absolutely everything you need for a professional, flexible golf simulator is included!

A Flexible Space Simulator

With the EYE XO mounted away on the ceiling and the HomeCourse retractable screen having its retractability features, you can truly conform a space into a golf simulator and in a matter of minutes, convert the space back to its original purpose.

Shot Data – What’s Measured

Ball Speed

Clubhead Speed

Back Spin

Side Spin

Side Angle

Launch Angle

Angle of Descent

Flight Time

Distance to Apex

Carry Distance

Roll Distance

Total Distance

Dynamic Loft

Angle of Attack

Smash Factor

Club Path

Club Face Angle

Club Face to Path

Club Lie Angle

Club Loft Angle

Impact Point Vertical

Impact Point Horizontal

Looking for an explanation of what this all means? Check out our brand new Launch Monitor Data Glossary to learn more!

What’s Included

Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor

Mounting Bracket with Level

Calibration Chart

11′ Power Cable, Adapter, and Connector

USB Ethernet Adapter w/ CAT6 Ethernet LAN Cable

(400) EYE XO Club Stickers

(10) M4 32mm Screws and (10) M6 15mm Screws

(4) M6 15mm High Screws and (4) Low Screws

Uneekor View Software

Retractable Package Components

HomeCourse Retractable Enclosure

SwingTurf Golf Mat

(Optional) Landing Pad Turf for full turf coverage

Full HD High Lumen Short Throw Projector

Choice of Ceiling Mount or Floor Projector Enclosure

25′ HDMI Cable

(Optional) Golf Simulation PC Kit (w/ Gaming Laptop, Stand, Sleeve, and Mousepad)

Indoor Space Requirements

Minimum Room Size: 9′ H x 12′ W x 16′ D

Note that you may increase the minimum room size by including landing pads in your purchase

**Although this product may fit in your space, please make sure to take some practice swings to make sure you are comfortable swinging in your designated space.

Product Specifications

Tech Specs

Data Capture Technology: Both photometric (camera) and infrared sensors

Device Compatibility: PC

Software Compatibility: Uneekor Refine, Refine+, TGC, E6 Connect, GSPro

Projector: HD Short Throw, 4200 lumens, high contrast, 25′ HDMI connectivity

Projector Mount: Choice of floor enclosure or ceiling mount

Enclosure Specs

HomeCourse Retractable Enclosure (when opened): 8′ 6″H x 3’D x 8′ – 10.5’W

Impact Screen: Ballistics grade woven polyester impact and projection screen

Assembly: Steel mounting plates and instructions provided

Turf Specs

SwingTurf: 5×5 or 4×9 size option, 5/8″ foam backing, 1″ pile height lifelike nylon turf

Landing Pad: 10′ x 10′ coverage with 1″ putting green turf material (optional)

Warranty: 1-Year Warranty

EYEXO – Best In Class Overhead Technology

High-speed camera and doppler system brings industry-leading performance

Real-time ball and clubhead data through impact..without ball markings! Dual camera photometric technology Extreme slow-motion replay through impact

Key additions:

No more marked golf balls

Improved precision on club data

Dial in Your Game with Uneekor Proprietary Software

View Software

Uneekor Optix club and ball flight slo-mo

Club fitting data with 3-D flight driving range & shot tracer

Refine Software

Golf course play (5 courses)

Multiplayer functionality with on course practice modes

Enhanced driving range and short game training sessions

Refine+ Software

Full golf course play unlocked (20+ courses)

Optimization features including guided training sessions

and much more!

The Convenience of Overhead with Uneekor

Along with many other features, overhead allows for easy use with left and right handed golfers. Many other portable launch monitors require moving the unit back and forth.

Super easy to install mounting plate hardware

Weather resistant construction for garage use

Fixed placement ensures that the unit remains calibrated and ready for play

Golf Simulation Ready – Play World Class Courses

The Golf Club 2019 Lifetime License (PC)

Over 150,000 courses including user designs

4 player multiplayer functionality

Real life physics and commentary

Stunning world-class scenery

E6 Connect Full License (IOS or PC)

27 real world-class courses

Play with your buddies through local or online multiplayer

Enhanced physics immerse you in the virtual course

Hands down best graphics in the business

*Game Improvement or Play & Improve Software subscription required for access*

Golf Simulation Meets Ultimate Flexibility

Featuring the HomeCourse Retractable Screen, our Retractable Package transforms your space into a golf simulator screen with the click of a button

Battery powered remote controlled retractability

Durable and crisp-white projection screen

Ceiling or wall mounted solutions (studs required)

Say goodbye to needing a dedicated space for your sim setup!

Transform Your Space With A Turn-Key Simulation Experience

SwingTurf Golf Mat (Voted best golf mat of 2023 by MyGolfSpy)

Landing pad turf for mat to screen coverage

Full HD high lumen short throw projector with mounting solutions and lengthened HDMI cabling (25′)

Optional PC simulation kit with high powered gaming computer

Click Here to Read More

[rashmislearningplanet]

Measurement and Motion | Class 6 : SCIENCE | CBSE / NCERT | Motion and Measurement of Distances

[studyupindia]

NCERT Class-6 Science ( English Medium )

(All books are 100℅ original and as per the latest NCERT syllabus. Prices includes Rs. 32 per book mandatory binding charges.)

This Class 6 Book  Contains :

Food: Where Does It Come From?

 Components Of Food

 Fibre To Fabric

 Sorting Materials Into Groups

 Separation Of Substances

 Changes Around Us

 Getting To Know Plants

 Body Movements

 The Living Organisms And Their Surroundings

 Motion And Measurement Of Distances

 Light, Shadows And Reflections

Electricity And Circuits

 Fun With Magnets

 Water

 Air Around Us

 Garbage In, Garbage Out

As Studyupindia provides products with quick delivery, easy exchanges from trusted sellers . NCERTS Books

[meritbatch]

Motion and Measurement of Distances Class 6 Notes Science Chapter 10

[highpowerrocketryspace]

Introduction Model rockets are an excellent way to explore the wonders of space travel. They come in various shapes, designs, and sizes, and their advancement relies on the ceiling set by the altitude limit. To ensure the rocket achieves its maximum potential, an altimeter is a must-have instrument. An altimeter for model rockets determines the distance that the rocket has climbed into the air. In this article, we will explore the importance of the device when launching a model rocket and how it works. We’ll also provide an FAQ section to help mitigate any doubts or questions that you may have. The Importance of an Altimeter for Model Rockets The main goal of a model rocket is to lift off the ground and fly as high as possible before it stalls and begins to drop to the ground. Thus, to ensure optimum flight altitude, an altimeter is essential. The altimeter will give precise measurements of the distance the rocket flies into the air, making it easier to ascertain how high the rocket has flown and identify the rocket's performance. By utilizing an altimeter, you can adjust the rocket’s configuration or the engine’s power for improved height in subsequent launches. How Altimeters for Model Rockets Work Altimeters for model rockets use a variety of techniques for tracking the rocket's altitude. A few models depend on air pressure and slope the altitude based on a predefined standard barometric pressure reading for the location/humidity, etc. Other altimeters utilize sensors and direct acquisition of the height of the rocket from a set reference point. The most widely used technology for modern altimeters is known as accelerometer-based altimeter. Small accelerometers detect the rocket's motion during ascent and integrate the acceleration changes to the height of the rocket. Therefore, an altimeter can accurately track a rocket to a fraction of a meter regardless of other conditions like humidity or air pressure. There are also wireless communication-based altimeters that update the pilot on the data acquired through a smartphone app. FAQs 1. What Altimeter Do I Need for My Rocket? The altimeter you’ll require will depend on the size and complexity of the rocket. Several altimeters are specifically designed for small and big model rockets. For example, altimeters created for class 1 rockets lose their accuracy when deployed in large rockets. As such, it is important to determine the distance you want your rocket to cover and then purchase an appropriate altimeter. If you are not sure about the altimeter to purchase, your local hobby supplier or community will be happy to help. 2. How Do I Connect the Altimeter to the Rocket? You connect a prepackaged altimeter by relying on the instructions that accompany it. It will usually involve tapping into the wire that connects to the recovery system of your rocket. “Wireless” altimeters must be attached to the rocket’s recovery system, where it can track the rocket while sending data to a smartphone app. 3. Do I need a Professional to Install the Altitude? Most people should have no difficulty installing an altimeter. Prepackaged altimeters are packaged to be plug-and-play. However, if you’re unsure after reviewing the instructions or have a complicated rocket, it may be more desirable to reach out to a professional. 4. Is the Altimeter Reusable? Yes, an altimeter is reusable. Most altimeters have a battery life of roughly 6-7 launches. Therefore, you’ll need to "recharge" the unit or purchase a new one after it gets exhausted. Some providers supply replacement or re-chargeable batteries. Conclusion In conclusion, an altimeter for model rockets is a crucial piece of equipment, especially if you’re aiming for peak performance. Hitting maximum altitudes with a model rocket is an art that many model enthusiasts, academics, and space professionals relish. With the right equipment, and with the help of this article, you will be well on your way to achieve that level of performance with your model rocket.

If you have any questions or comments Please contact us on our contact page or via our Facebook page. #altimeter #model #rocket

[myanswershub]

Ncert Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10 Motion and Measurement of Distances

Ncert Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10 Motion and Measurement of Distances

Hello readers, Welcome to new blog post in Class 6 Science. In my previous blog post I have provided you NCERT/JKBOSE Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 9 The Living Organisms and their Surroundings. This blog post will provide you Ncert Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10 Motion and Measurement of Distances. Let us get started by having a brief insight of the what you have studied in…

[singingninja4]

My next comparative analysis involves the cue from 6x04: Hit and Run that I previously analyzed; and Lalo’s leitmotif, called Nothing Gets Past Lalo (for those that don’t know the term, a leitmotif is a recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular person, idea, or situation).

I was analyzing Lalo’s cue for another project when I heard something that reminded me of the Hit and Run cue. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was because on the surface, they don’t seem all that similar. However, after closer inspection using some post-tonal analysis methods, I found a link between the two cues. 

Many of Dave Porter’s cues in Better Call Saul and in Breaking Bad don’t neatly fit in to classic western tonality. In other words, there’s not always a clear scale being used or a clear tonal center. I wouldn’t go as far as classifying all his cues as atonal or post-tonal, but many of them are. When analyzing atonal or post-tonal music, different methods must be used to make sense of the music. In this case, I used a process called segmentation, which isolates sets of pitch classes that unify the cues being analyzed. To help you better understand the analysis, I have defined a few terms below:

Pitch-class (PC): an integer 0-11 that indicates one of the twelve notes in the chromatic scale regardless of enharmonic spelling or octave placement. C=0, C#/Db=1, D=2, D#/Eb=3, etc. (10 and 11 are indicated as T and E respectively to avoid confusion with double digits)

Pitch-class interval (PCI): an integer 0-11 that indicates the distance in half steps from the first pitch class up to the second pitch class. Unison=0, minor 2nd=1, Major 2nd=2, minor 3rd=3, etc.

Best normal order: the generic representation of all possible transpositions and inversions of a set. 

Prime form: a series of numbers that represents all the pitch-class sets in a set class. Kind of like how “major chord” represents all possible major chords and their inversions.

Pentachord: set with five pitch-classes

ok FINALLY. Onto the actual analysis... After segmenting out the final few measures of each cue, I found that both cues share the pentachord prime form [0, 1, 2, 4, T].

6x04: Hit and Run m9-12 --- x

Best Normal Order: 5, 6, 7, 9, 3 || Prime form: [0, 1, 2, 4, T]

Nothing Gets Past Lalo m 28-31 --- x

Best Normal Order: 7, 8, 9, E, 5 || Prime form: [0, 1, 2, 4, T]

There are 38 total possible pentachord prime forms, so the fact that these two cues have this in common is significant. Whether Dave Porter did this intentionally or not, I can’t say. However, with the numerous other Kim/Lalo parallels that I’ve seen thus far in season 6 it does make me wonder if it was intentional 👀👀

The Hit and Run cue ends with this pentachord, and as mentioned in my previous analysis, the half-step motions and the tritone at the end leave the listener unsettled with a sense of dread. In Lalo’s leitmotif, this pentachord is sandwiched between iterations of the main theme the cue (seen in m 32-35). The ending of his leitmotif is still unsettled, but it ends with familiar material, thus giving it a little more stability. Perhaps this is because while both characters’ fates are unknown, Lalo’s path is more defined than Kim’s...

Sorry for another long post if you read this far 😅😅 Let me know what you think of my analysis or if you have any interpretations of your own!

P.S. The material above is an abbreviated analysis. If anyone is interested in exactly how I found the best normal order and prime forms, feel free to message me and I’ll explain it!

bcs/brba music analysis 2/??

[pickedproducttblr-blog]

7 best cheap golf simulators Under $1000 in 2021 – [Tested]

The golfer would love to have their own golf simulator setup, but unfortunately many aren’t able to afford mid-range simulators because the mid-range simulator price near about $5000. On the other hand, many golfers want to practice day or night but aren’t willing to pay more than $1000.

If you belong in this category then this article suits you. However, as golf simulator technology has advanced, very cheap solutions have appeared in the market.

There are some cheapest golf simulators available in the market to help you improve or enjoy golf in this COVID-19 situation, and in this article, I’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf simulator for under $1000 and some even are less than $500 bucks.

Things you should keep in mind before choosing best cheap golf simulators

Before we go further, you ought to understand that you'll get a limited experience with these sorts of cheap golf simulators. Some devices measures some shot data, simulation software, and maybe a net or mat, but not much more than this. Detailed shot data and more extra features you will get on a high-budgets simulator like SkyTark Golf Simulator, Trackman Golf, etc. But you don’t get advanced features on the cheap golf simulators. However, you’ll still get good experience and these cheap golf simulators can get your job done in terms of improving your game. We have tested all of those simulator setups. Some offer fewer features than others, but all of them give an exceptional home/outdoor golf simulators experience for the cost.

1. OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator for Home | Golf in A Box Series

Key Features:

Expanding library with 15 world-class golf courses.

Ability to play up to 4 players.

3D realistic environment.

Hit all shots from tee to hole.

Play with your own setup.

Practice shots from anywhere on the course.

Size: 1.5M long x 1.2M wide

High-quality dense foam and turf

Lightweight, easy to store, and has firm foam-based.

What’s Included:

Golf Simulation Software by Dancin’ Dogg

Infrared Optical Golf Simulator Swing Pad

OptiShot Practice Net.

OptiShot Hitting Mat

USB Cable, 10 feet long.

2 foam practice balls.

2 adjustable rubber tees.

Pros

Best visuals and course options

Training academy adds to the practice options

Only true studio system under $1000.

Comes as a package box and just plug it in and play

Swing stats with distance, speed, path, and clubface angle

Play online against other golfers

Cons

Doesn’t track actual ball flight, so you can miss launch angle

Graphics aren’t as good as other simulator sets

2. Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for Golf Indoor and Outdoor

Key Features:

Professional-level accuracy: Distance accuracy is within 2.5% similar to Trackman, which is more than $30,000.

Set up within the 30s — Simply open the app, connect to your device via Bluetooth and start playing.

The instant real-time video feedback comes with a shot trace and data overlay which makes it easier to understand cause and effect.

Access your history to view averages, trajectory, dispersion, and standard deviation for each of your clubs.

Gps satellite view.

You can use it at home and outdoor also.

Pros

Very cheap price, under $500.

High quality and accurate

Whatever you needed, included in the box.

Can use your own sets

100% portability

Cons

Only compatible with ios(iPhone, iPad) devices.

Need a computer for a permanent home setup.

3. Rapsodo R-Motion and The Golf Club Simulator and Swing Analyzer

Key Features:

Play real rounds of golf with your friends by attaching your own clubs.

15 top courses included.

Incredibly accurate club and ball data.

Runs on your PC — no launch monitor or projector needed. 4 hours long battery life.

Extremely easy to use — just provide your own mat and net and start playing!

Play any time, no matter the weather.

What’s Included:

1 sensor

Clip

USB dongle

Charging cord

Pros

The incredible accuracy of the simulator

High-quality graphics

Software quality is also good

Cons

Don’t support Mac

Some users failed to connect to PC

4. FlightScope Mevo — Portable Personal Launch Monitor for Golf

Key Features:

You can use it at home, on the driving range, or even on the course.

MEASURE: It provides accurate real-time performance data to help you train and improve with every club in the bag.

EVALUATE Data parameters that include carrying distance, clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor, vertical launch angle, spin, apex height, and flight time.

Automatically capture data and video on your mobile device.

Save and compare data over time to trace your progress.

Your videos and data are captured and stored automatically, allowing you to review each session, share together with your coach, and analyze your progress over time.

Real-Time Performance Data includes:

Carry distance

Clubhead speed

Ball speed

Spin rate

Launch angle

Smash factor

Apex height

Flight time

Pros

Very affordable

Usable on all OS

Truly portable system, using GPS for swing data analysis

A small device fits in your pocket or golf bag.

Cons

Accuracy can be affected sometimes by monitor placement.

Metallic stickers must be attached to every ball hit, which can take time

5. tittle X Home Golf Simulator 2021

Key Features:

The best home cheapest golf simulator has E6 Connect with 4K ultra-high definition.

Provides real screen golf experiences in various practice modes.

An impressive reaction rate of 0.1 sec provides no delay in data transfer.

The smart stick offers the ability to play golf at home.

Up to 8 people can play golf with this simulator.

Title X home simulator analyzes your swing with a fancy designed lightweight sensor.

What’s Included:

Title X Device

Swing Stick

E6 Connect Product Key

Charger Cable and Manual

Multi Clip and Bands

Fixed 4 Clips

Pros

Simple design, easy to use

12 courses included with purchase

Instant, live feedback on every swing.

Cons

Without a computer, you can analyze data

6. Phigolf Mobile and Home Smart Golf Game Simulator

Key Features:

Connect the app to your TV and immerse yourself in realistic golf courses available fully HD.

Enjoy a round of golf without the necessity for extra setup. Use the swing trainer included within the Phigolf WGT Edition and begin playing without nets or balls.

With the swing trainer measuring only 2 ft, Phigolf WGT Edition allows you to enjoy golf in your own front room.

Bad weather won’t stop you from having fun. Play golf anytime, anywhere; challenge your friends online — all at the comfort of your house.

What’s Included:

Game Simulator

Swing Stick

Pros

Realistic

Can play in your home

Has multiple practice options

Really cheap

Cons

Doesn’t allow the use of real clubs or balls

Can only be used indoors and not on range or course

7. Matro Home Screen Golf Practice and Playing Simulator Tmax Swing Baro

Key Features:

You can play golf at your home or office or wherever together with your loved ones at any time.

Courses and Ranges Are ahead of You — This amazing unit can bring the golf courses and driving ranges into your home or office, wherever you’re in by TV connection.

Easy reference to TV and Just Play Golf — Connect main body with TV by HDMI cable and just play golf, no need internet or computer.

Perfect Equipment for The Novice and Experienced Golfer — it’s great to play and practice golf for both the novice and therefore the experienced golfer.

What’s Included:

Playing Simulator Tmax Swing Baro

Sensor, sensor clip

Practice stick

Pros

Multi-functional

Usable at home

Very easy to set-up

Affordable

Cons

Doesn’t allow the use of real clubs or balls

Can’t be used on range or course

Conclusion

Golf simulators became a lot more accessible and affordable over the past decade, and this suggests more golfers than ever before are ready to have their own personal setup.

Even a cheap golf simulator is often a huge boon to your golf toolkit. Finding a simulator package that may meet your needs is certainly possible with some research.

Each of the simulator options reviewed above offers excellent value for the price. We’ve given you the information you would like to create a decision; now it’s up to you to go the remainder of the way.

While it’s likely that no golf simulator setup will tick all of your boxes, some will come pretty near to doing so. If you wish for an excellent better experience, consider increasing your budget.

We highly recommend reading consumer and professional reviews of golf simulators to accumulate useful insights on how they really perform. this can assist you a lot within the decision-making process.

FAQ

What type of computer do I need? Can it be used on a Mac/iPhone/iPad?

Each system will have its own list of minimum system requirements. generally, though, you’ll need Windows 7 or later, 4gig of RAM, and a minimum of 1gig of disk drive space. an honest graphics card is going to be required to point out the courses in high definition, and you’ll need a powerful processor just like the Intel i5 or newer. Most of the listed systems here will work on Mac also as Windows PCs. However, you ought to double-check with the manufacturer before making a sale.

Will, I should buy these golf simulators?

No. Each listed simulator comes with everything you want to have to play, with the exception of mobile apps and computers. Of course, you’ll also need your own golf clubs to play, and you’ll always prefer to purchase more courses.

[kbstories]

impression//expression

“It’s not like Kirishima had come all this way to U.A. to immediately break the promise he made to himself upon arrival.

It’s just that Bakugou is as feral as they come, and the moment Kirishima recognizes it’s fear he felt crawling up his spine that day, he makes it his personal mission to face it head-on until it’s gone.”

(Or: Being friends with Bakugou Katsuki is anything but a linear experience. Kirishima Eijirou would have it no other way.)

Tags: Kirishima POV, Developing Friendships, Protective Baku, Soft Baku, Stargazing

Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Minor content warning for (discussions of) self-esteem issues. Chapter 4. Chapter 5. Chapter 6. Chapter 7. Chapter 8. Chapter 9.

***

“Bakugou.”

With an absent hum, Bakugou turns the page, squints, scribbles down a line in his neat, tight handwriting. A piece of black fabric separates his hand from the paper, the same wrapped around his pen, too.

Kirishima leans forward, over his own book-and-notepad combination dotted with scrawled comments and colorful post-it notes. It’s been an hour since any of it has made sense to him.

“Bakuuu. C’mon.”

A sigh, annoyed. Another line is added. Then: “The fuck d’you want?”

It takes a few seconds until the silence has stretched enough for Bakugou to look up and into Kirishima’s pleading eyes. Bakugou’s expression barely changes beyond a raised brow, unimpressed. It’s the one reserved for when Kirishima’s being especially dense – slightly more severe than muttered curses and slightly less so than that God-help-me roll of his eyes he premiered during their last study session.

Which was yesterday. Kirishima would be proud of unlocking a new Angry Bakugou Face in record time… if U.A.’s grumpiest genius wasn’t the only thing standing between him and a frankly impressive row of failed grades.

Final’s Week is brutal, even for heroes-in-training. Especially for heroes-in-training. So: Desperate times, desperate measures.

“Slap me”, Kirishima tells Bakugou, hushed in their corner of the library. “As hard as you possibly can.”

The arch of Bakugou’s brow climbs higher, utterly devastating in its wordless criticism. He says, “What”, tone Aizawa-levels of flat, and it’s not a question. It’s a command: Explain or else.

Kirishima is in no state to resist. The confession bubbles out of him in a whiny rush.

“Dude, I slept like… zero hours last night ‘cause Kami got Pokémon Colosseum – y’know, the reboot? So cool – and we kinda lost track of time. I know, I know, it was a stupid idea, I swear it was an honest mistake!”

Bakugou continues to stare as he puts down his pen and wipes his palms on the edge of his shirt. Kirishima ducks his head, hiding behind the limp strands of his hair.

“Don’t look at me like that, man. I’m seriously about two minutes from passing out here and there’s like a hundred pages of this thing I haven’t read yet, let alone understood, and oh shit Mic will hand me my ass with words tomorr–”

It all happens so quickly: Kirishima catches a blur of motion headed his way and squeaks; his skin hardens about half-way before there’s sparks and his cheek smarts, and a hissed “Motherfucker” sounds right in front of him.

The sharp slap! noise registers only after the fact, when Kirishima holds his face and Bakugou holds his hand and they both stare at each other in mutual bafflement as their skin turns red with the impact.

That moment is like glue, clear and sticky as it extends past its natural limit – then Bakugou snorts and starts to laugh, a cackling hyena-laugh that Kirishima’s never heard in full and certainly not like this, loud and unrestrained, and all hopes of holding back his own laughter is lost as he cracks up, too.

They laugh and laugh, until Kirishima’s stomach starts to cramp up and there’s the sheen of tears in Bakugou’s eyes. “Your f-fucking face”, Bakugou wheezes at some point. “Fucking bastard, you almost broke my hand! With your fucking face!”

All it does is send them into another round of hysterics.

At some point, Kirishima glimpses some of their classmates poke their head around the bookshelves secluding their study corner from the rest of the library, faces ranging from exasperated to deeply disturbed. There’s Ashido, giggling at the sight of both of them bent over and struggling to get some sort of grip, and Kaminari, who just mumbles “What the hell, guys” while straddling the line between sleep-deprived and intensely fascinated by what he’s seeing.

And hey, at least Kirishima’s really freaking awake now. There’s the problem of trying and failing to breathe without dying, his face helplessly flushed and sweating, but the world’s colors are back to being bright and sharp. Across from him, Bakugou isn’t faring much better, shaking his head and the back of his hand covering the broad smile he can’t seem to get rid of.

“Fuck you, you stupid, moronic idiot. For fuck’s sake, Kirishima.”

Kirishima rubs at his chest, the ache in his lungs starting to lessen now that he’s marginally back in control. “I’m so sorry but like”, he waves at himself and he can’t help his grin despite the stinging protest coming from his cheek. “Thanks, dude!”

“Eat a dick.” There’s no bite whatsoever in Bakugou’s grumbling as he sits back down and digs his nose into his book once more, thoroughly ignoring their flabbergasted audience.

After a moment of pantomiming what amounts to I’ll tell you later to their friends, Kirishima joins him, ready to tackle the final boss that is the English language.

*

Nitro!! (Baku 💣💥 )

yo nitro (sent 17:48)

where u at? (sent 17:48)

-

why (received 17:52)

-

why what 🤔 (sent 17:53)

OH uh to hang out? (sent 17:55)

dw dude it’s just me (sent 17:55)

-

[location] (received 18:10)

-

bakugou katsuki what are you doing in the middle of the woods??? (sending…)

NO WAY (sending…)

signal’s gone AGAIN i’m going feral (sending…)

screw it (sending…)

*

The GPS signal craps out twice more before Kirishima heaves himself onto the edge of a cliff and spots a familiar silhouette. Sheltered by a bend in the rock bed, the glow of a fire illuminates a backpack set aside, a pair of discarded hiking boots – and Bakugou, leaning against solid stone with his arms crossed behind his head.

“Took ya long enough”, he says, the lazy smirk on his lips cut in flickering shadows.

“Listen.” Kirishima wipes beads of perspiration off his temple; a spontaneous rock-climbing session by the last light of day is not what he had hoped for after hours of exhaustive quirk training. “We already have a perfectly good camp. There’s, like, leftover curry and hot springs and stuff down there.”

Bakugou scoffs. “Yeah. And a bunch of extras.”

There’s an exasperated reply on his tongue – They’re called classmates, genius. Y’know, friends? – but Kirishima knows it’s pointless to even start that debate. He snipes him with his sweaty headband instead, celebrating his own marksmanship when it hits Bakugou square in the chest with a wet thwap.

“Wha– Shitty Hair!”

“You made me climb this stupid cliff in the middle of the night. Deal with it.”

Bakugou just throws it back, the force of an explosion propelling the thing past Kirishima’s shoulder and off the mountain entirely. Kirishima watches singed white fabric disappear into the abyss, bidding it goodbye with a somber salute.

“Well, that’s lame.”

“You’re lame, fuckface.”

“Bro.”

Shaking his head, Kirishima laughs and joins him by the fire.

It’s quiet for a bit while he gets comfy and Bakugou throws a chunk of wood into the flames, sparks bursting into life immediately. This far up, the air feels… brittle, in a way, thin and cold enough Kirishima wouldn’t have been surprised to see his breath mist. The breeze ruffles the crowns of the trees around them, the rush of rustling leaves in the distance strangely soothing.

Bakugou’s gaze is lost in the night sky when he starts to speak. “Been thinking of borrowing my parents’ car and driving out here by myself. Y’know, once I got my license and shit. ‘s got some good trails, people were talking ‘bout it on those shitty hiking forums. Forums, like we’re in the fucking 2000s.”

His elbows on his knees and his head propped on his hands, Kirishima hums and looks up as well. The moon is a thin island of white in an ocean of indigo blue growing steadily darker, a myriad of stars coming out to keep her company. “Yeah?”

“Mh”, Bakugou makes around a soft breath. “Guess they’re all shit out of luck though ‘cause it’s the personal playground of pro heroes, apparently. It’s a miracle none of our idiots got fucking lost coming out here.”

‘Our idiots’, huh? Kirishima nudges his chin lower and into his palms to hide his smile. “Kinda far of a trip to make just for some hiking, isn’t it?”

A casual shrug, followed by a nod upwards. “Not for this. The lodge is the only structure for miles in any direction and even with us here, it’s got fuck all on an entire city. Get it?”

“Yeah! No light pollution, right?”

“Yup”, Bakugou confirms, popping the ‘p’. A small grin is shot Kirishima’s way, teasing rather than mocking. “What’s this, huh? Don’t tell me you paid attention in fucking physics after all.”

Kirishima breathes an offended huff, mock-hurt.

“Pshh, please. Y’know how everyone has that one niche thing they randomly obsessed over as a kid? That was me with astronomy. Back in Middle School I had like, a huge model of all the planets in my room and my favorite constellations mapped across the ceiling with those glow-in-the-dark stars. Years of useless knowledge, all stored right here.”

Kirishima’s thumb taps his forehead as he smiles at Bakugou; Bakugou’s lips pull into a smile of his own, small but there. When he turns back to the stars, Kirishima does the same, sighing wistfully.

“If Thirteen’s class were just about that I’d freaking ace it, dude. I get that I’m kinda dumb with literally anything else, but space is my jam. Did you know that–”

“You’re not.”

The train of thought Kirishima was about to gleefully jump onto screeches to a halt. “…huh?”

Bakugou frowns at him. “You’re not”, a vague wave in his general direction, “stupid or whatever.”

Perhaps the dumbfounded blinking Kirishima’s doing in response is already enough to prove Bakugou wrong on that. Still, Kirishima sits up a bit straighter, eyebrows pulling together tightly.

“Um. I appreciate you saying that, bro, but I’m only here ‘cause Aizawa decided to get in touch with his merciful side after all. Like, Cementoss totally wiped the floor with me back home. There’s no point in lying to myself about that.”

“So you’re calling me a fucking liar, is that it?”

“Huh?”

Kirishima can only watch as Bakugou’s mouth twists beyond the usual doom and gloom and into something… frustrated. Genuinely annoyed. An iron weight settles in Kirishima’s gut, heavy and hard to ignore. “I didn’t– Look, man, can we not fight over this? I’m just saying I wanna face my mistakes and do better, that’s all.”

“Then say it!”

There’s a severity to the words that catches Kirishima off guard. Bakugou is staring him down with eyes so intense they possess their own gravitational pull, closer to black than crimson in the fire’s light–

Kirishima likes to think he knows Bakugou, at least a little. What makes him tick, what makes him angry – because there is a reason and a rhyme to his anger, a pattern to the things that set him off that Kirishima has yet to properly figure out. It’s just that Kirishima isn’t usually one of those things, not anymore.

“You lost me, Baku”, he admits, quietly, after a beat or two of tense silence. “What do you mean?”

Bakugou sighs, a harsh noise between them. The deep breath afterwards is new, however, a sharp inhale followed by a calmer exhale before Bakugou points at him, a wordless listen up.

“Just– Okay. You fucked up and wanna learn from it? Cool, fucking say that then. Not some bullshit about being too dumb to do shit ‘cause you’re not. Fuck right off with that.”

Mouth opening, Kirishima is stopped by a flurry of firecracker sparks and a terse growl of “Shut the hell up, I’m not done.” Finally, Bakugou’s look snaps elsewhere, one sock-clad foot kicking at a loose rock in clear irritation.

“Studying isn’t your strength, who gives a fuck? You got into U.A. top-fucking-two, you’re one of the only capable fuckers around and if you seriously think you don’t deserve to be here because Cementoss got lucky one fucking time then you got another thing coming.”

Kirishima sits there in a state of mild shock until Bakugou huffs and glares at him again. The threat behind it is ridiculously empty considering the impromptu speech he just gave and holy shit, Bakugou Katsuki is praising him. Kirishima Eijirou.

He might actually cry.

“What? You’re competition, bitch, so don’t make me a fucking liar by pretending otherwise.”

Scratch that, tears are definitely part of the picture now.

Wet-rimmed eyes and a quiet sniff, that’s as far as Kirishima gets before Bakugou’s expression suddenly falls, crestfallen to an almost comical degree. Kirishima does laugh then, a watery little chuckle that doesn’t seem to make things much better, either.

“Sorry, just… Damn Nitro, I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me. You really think so?”

And okay, yup, that’s a real glare, this time. Bakugou throws up his hands. “You’re so– Urgh. Did I fucking stutter?”

Kirishima rubs the moisture out of his eyes and smiles. “Nope.” Faint embarrassment heats his cheeks; he focuses on the warmth curling in his chest instead, glowing bright and comforting like the embers at their feet and the stars above.

“Good”, Bakugou mutters.

More wood is tossed into the fire and rekindled with red-hot palms. Scooting closer, Kirishima holds out his hands and hums happily as it chases away the ever-cooling temperatures. They can’t stay up here forever – Aizawa will have his hide for sure if he doesn’t show up to the remedial course tonight – yet Kirishima figures they have a few more minutes.

Bakugou goes right back to his earlier sprawl, unaffected by the cold: arms crossed, eyes on the sky like he can’t get enough of the sight. Kirishima thinks of glow-in-the-dark stickers, faded over time. Quietly, he wonders which constellation is Bakugou’s favorite.

“Kiri.”

“Hm? Yeah?”

Shoulders relaxed, voice even, Bakugou says: “Tell me something. About space, I mean.”

As complicated as being friends with Bakugou can get, it can be so, so easy, too. Just a while longer, Kirishima decides as he settles in next to his best friend and starts talking.

>>Chapter 4

[elopez7228]

Scenic Route 37/47

Read on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/18268208/chapters/43229774 

Start over : https://elopez7228.tumblr.com/post/620919089893933056/scenic-route-0147

***

Eventually, Syed left the wheel to Saul. They were going on a sped of 150, and she hoped they would catch Rey before she hit California. The two of them had an advantage: they could switch off and take breaks. She didn’t stand a chance.

And of course the police were the least of her concerns. What were they going to do, give her a ticket? Even if they arrested her a call from Snoke would remedy that.

Leaving a message for Hux, she summarized their current situation.

“The girl changed cars—she’s probably in Kelsi’s Lincoln. I’ll text you the plates. She has an eight-hour head start, but you should still alert Nevada PD, I’m sure she’s on I-80. Best case, we get to her before Lovelock, worst case, before Reno. After that she could take any number of ways west, so we run the risk of losing her.”

Next, Syed decided to take advantage of the next eight hours on the road to have a little talk with Saul. It was time to test the waters. How much did he really know about Earth Soldiers, Rey, and Kylo?

After a few hours of careful conversation, she realized that he was still loyal to Kylo, but not immune to Hux or Snoke’s orders. The mission that they agreed on was to capture the girl and the dog, and retrieve the microchip. After all, that was Kylo’s mission too.

Syed kept the part about beating Kylo Ren’s ass to herself. Whatever happened, she could take care of that alone.

Suddenly, Saul slowed down.

“What are you doing?” Syed demanded, turning sharply in his direction.

“Road’s blocked. See the cones?”

“Shit.”

They were forced to take a detour via Wells, Nevada. It was 11 PM now, technically 10 PM because they had crossed into a different time zone.

Syed contemplated their surroundings in dismay. It was a soulless town: nothing but a truck stop, if the dozens of semis lining the immense casino parking lots were any indication. The neon signs to WIN BIG were the only things that illuminated the dark night like a lighthouse in the storm.

Worst of all, if Rey had actually made it through before the closures, she would be way ahead of them by now. Dammit!

The last vestiges of twilight remained, revealing the passing silhouettes of stray casino customers and other cars against the purple-tinged desert horizon. Syed gave an exasperated sigh, powerless.

“Hell, that’s it for tonight. Go ahead and park here. I’ll go find us a motel, you look for some food. We’ll meet back here.”

Saul disappeared into the crepuscular light, in the direction of an illuminated building across the street. Syed got out of the car to light a cigarette.

“BB8, heel!”

Her heart skipped a beat. No fucking way. As if in slow motion, the cigarette fell from her lips onto the pavement. Some thirty feet away, the now familiar sight of Rey was crossing the street, BB8 in tow. Syed could hardly breathe.

She glanced around, looking for a trap. Surely Kylo was with her, and the cops lurking behind...?

No, she was all alone.

Fuck. It was now or never. Time to strike in the dark while she least expected it.

Never taking her eyes off of the girl, Syed opened the car door and grabbed the gun in the glovebox, making sure to turn the safety off. Her fingers trembled, throat suddenly dry.

Silently, she took a few steps forward, eliminating the distance between them. She pointed the gun at the nape of Rey’s neck.

“Rey Jakku, if you scream, I shoot. If you run, I shoot. Turn around.”

Rey was stuck in Wells for the night. She would leave at dawn if the roads opened up again, maybe even earlier. There was nothing she could do besides force herself to rest in the few hours of downtime. She updated Leia, booked a room at the aptly placed Motel-6 on 6th Street, and proceeded to take a long, hot shower.

Then, sprawled our on the bed of her tiny motel room, she sent a text to Ben Solo.

Rey

Roads are blocked due to a fire. I’m stuck in Wells, NV. Will try to get out ASAP. How’s Syed?

*

Ben

She’s after you, and fast. She knows about the Lincoln, keep it out of sight. I’m on the way, an hour behind them. Be careful.

Hours passed. Rey slept, but just barely, jolting awake now and then at the slightest sound. She woke up hungry. BB8 begged for a walk.

Tugging on her shoes and jacket, she put a leash on BB8, leading her out of the room. A walk would do both of them some good.

Wells clearly hadn’t been built with pedestrians in mind. The streets were massive and lacking in sidewalks and crosswalks alike. Instead, the roads were bordered by strips of fencing, littered with dirty bits of glass and cigarette butts. It made for a terrible walk that must have been rough on BB8’s unprotected paws.

The garish neon signpost of a nearby casino caught Rey’s attention. It was getting late and Rey could use some caffeine. She could even spend her pocket change—a grand total of two dollars and a quarter—on the slot machines. It was practically a right of passage, what kind of person left Nevada without gambling away money at a casino?

BB8 yanked Rey forward, trying to sniff at a piece of rubbish that was out of reach.

“BB8, heel!” She scolded the dog.

BB8 gave a little yelp, obediently standing by Rey’s side again with a wag of her tail. Rey looked up at the nearest traffic light. It was green even though no cars were there. Given that it was getting dark, it would be better to wait for the red.

Suddenly, she heard a click as something pressed into the small of her back.

“Rey Jakku,” said a voice. That voice. The one from her nightmares, right behind her now. “If you scream, I shoot. If you run, I shoot. Turn around.”

It was Syed Ren.

She was going to die. Kylo had warned her to be careful. To keep out of the way. She should have stayed in her room. She just had to go out at the worst possible time, didn’t she? What a genius she was.

She turned around slowly, half-frozen in fear. Syed was recognizable even in the dark, pointing a gun at her.

Oddly, the first thing that she noticed was that she had never seen a gun from this close. It was the first time she had really seen one at all, not that she wouldn’t give anything to get out of this position.

“Syed. What do you want?”

“You know what I want, and you’re going to give it to me.”

Rey looked around. Where was everyone? The bystanders, the highway patrol, the cops? Why was this place suddenly so deserted?

“Really, you’re going to kill me here, in the middle of the street?” Her voice sounded feeble.

“And I wouldn’t even think twice. But first, I’m going to need that microchip. Hand it over.”

“I...”

Should she hand over the chip? Would it be better to die for the cause, one that wasn’t even hers? Rey’s eyes filled with tears. All this, and to what end? The bad guys won.

Suddenly, BB8’s leash was no longer in her grasp. BB was in full attack mode, her back arched and mouth twisted into a growl that bared teeth. She snarled, going straight for the target.

“What the fu—“ Syed exclaimed as the little orange dog charged at her, snapping at her calves.

A sharp pain pierced through one of her legs, as she stumbled back to escape the dog that was currently biting down on her. Rey latched on to Syed’s arm which was still holding the gun, remembering enough from the self-defense classes she had taken with Finn a lifetime ago to twist and pull, in an attempt to disarm her assailant.

The gun fell to the floor with a metallic scrape and Rey made sure to kick it away for good measure. But Syed tackled her to the ground, punching her in the face. Rey fell back, grimacing as she saw BB8 groan in response to a well-placed kick from Syed.

Syed clutched the dog by the back of her neck as she fashioned a noose from the long end of the leash and tied it to a nearby lamppost in order to strangle her. But Rey jumped to the rescue, grabbing Syed’s hair with both hands and tugging hard enough to make the woman lose her balance. BB8 whimpered pitifully, struggling to breath every time Syed pulled on the leash. She lay in a heap on the ground, panting and groaning softly.

Rey, who had tumbled to the ground with her opponent again, tried desperately to reach for BB8. But it was too late as Syed got up again and kicked her violently in the ribs.

She struggled to catch her breath, curling up into a fetal position and using her arms to protect her face from the blows. But Syed reached down and grabbed her by the collar, forcing her to look up. Her cheek was bruised where Syed had punched her earlier.

The Knight of Ren reached out with one hand, never letting go of Rey, to pick up the fallen gun that was still lying on the concrete. It hadn’t gotten very far.

Rey closed her eyes as she felt the cold press of the barrel under her chin.

“Where’s the chip, you filthy bitch?” Syed spat angrily.

In response, Rey gritted her teeth, swallowing despite the pain. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her heart was beating fast enough to explode, it hurt to breathe.

“Where the hell did you hide it? Tell me or I shoot the dog!”

There was a slight click as the barrel turned to face BB8, who was curled into a helpless ball of orange fluff on the pavement, still gasping for air as she was tied to the post.

“No, no,” Rey rasped, afraid. “It’s...it’s in my bra, in the lining.”

Her nose was bleeding now. Little black dots danced in the corner of her vision. She didn’t have the right to die without seeing Finn again. He didn’t deserve to wake up from his coma just to find out that she had died, just because she had decided to go on their honeymoon alone and make bad decision after bad decision. He wouldn’t cope. It would kill him all over again.

“Hand it over, slowly.”

The barrel was shoved against Rey’s cheek this time, cold against her hot, bruised skin. She cried out in pain. She slowly raised her palms up to show that she had noting to hide. Her fingers slid against her left bra cup, feeling for a hard, rectangular piece of plastic tucked away in the satin lining. With trembling fingers, she pulled it out of the tiny incision in the fabric, which she had made a few days ago with the point of a pocket knife. She held it up to Syed, who snatched it away.

“Good girl,” Syed cooed, a wicked grin splitting her face. “All that trouble for this, Rey? You should’ve never interfered, and you should’ve never gotten involved with Kylo Ren, you little whore. Now get back of the floor and don’t move, I’m not done with you yet.”

Syed let Rey fall unceremoniously to the ground and walked away in the direction of a parked car. Rey tried to get up, but her head was spinning hard enough that instead she was overtaken by a wave of nausea. She turned around to throw up. Her stomach was so empty that only bile and saliva came out.

Soon Syed was back again, holding a canister that Rey didn’t immediately recognize.

“An eye for an eye, you brat.” Syed declared triumphantly, and Rey realized in horror that it was bear repellant.

The familiar click of a loaded gun made both of them turn their heads.

There stood Saul Ren, a to-go bag of mac n’ cheese in one hand and a pistol in the other. He aimed at Syed, who flinched.

“Saul, the fuck are you doing?”

“Give me the chip, bitch. I’m taking that shit to Snoke myself. I’m sure he’ll be happy to cash in and make me the leader. You and Skylar dropped the ball on this one, you fucking losers. Weapons on the ground, now!”

Syed put down her gun, as well as the bear spray. She didn’t understand.

“Where the seven hells is Skylar?”

“Right now? behind bars. While you two were fucking around on your smoke break, I used his phone to send a little something to Krennic, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. That dumbass won’t be back. And now it’s your turn.”

“You backstabbing son of a bitch. I’m going to kill you.”

“Enough with the promises, Syed. Give me the microchip and turn around, hands behind your back.”

Syed obeyed, as Saul bound her hands together with a plastic zip tie. Rey saw him slip the microchip in one pocket and produce a roll of silver duct tape from the other.

Fuck.

He taped over Syed's mouth and shoved her roughly into the car.

Tires screeched against concrete as the SUV sped away, leaving Rey coughing in a cloud of fumes. Soon they were out of sight, and all was calm again.

Rey leaned back, head pounding against the dusty pavement. Her sobs were mixed with terror and relief. Everything hurt but the pain was glorious, because she knew that she had survived, that she was finally free. Syed and Skylar were gone. It was over.

It took her a long time to catch her breath and sit up.

Still on her knees, she shuffled to BB8’s and gently undid the knots in her leash.

The dog wriggled her way to freedom easily, lapping affectionately at Rey’s face. Rey cuddled her, scratching her head and belly.

“It’s okay puppy, it’s over.”

Rey checked for broken bones, but only found bruises. After her adrenaline levels fell, she could barely walk. She’d lost the microchip, after all this time.

Fifteen minutes later she was back in her room, still fully dressed and curled up on the bed. She had dozed, but a knock at the door woke her up immediately. Oh shit, Syed was back!

No, no, calm down. Syed was gone, taken away for good. It was probably nothing, unless?

Another knock.

Rey got up, wobbling slightly. She looked at the clock on the wall. It was 2 AM—no wait, 1 AM. Who the hell could it be, was she doomed to never sleep in peace again?

She opened to door to find Ben Solo standing on the other side.

[phinnsyreads]

FROM: Dr. Arthur █. █████ TO: Director Maria Jones, Recordkeeping and Information Security Administration (RAISA) SUBJECT: Revision of SCP-076 SCP File

Director Jones,

I have to go on record as saying that I seriously object to the proposed revisions of the SCP-076 Special Containment Procedures File. I know that Redact All Important Stuff Already claims it's a security risk, but you and I both know it's just top brass trying to sweep their biggest and most embarrassing mistake ever under the damn rug. Omega-Seven happened. It existed. Those people died because you screwed up, and you can't change that, no matter how hard you try to hide it.

For God's sake, man, those people guarding him deserve to know exactly what he is and what he did. What WE did. How we fucked up, so they'll know better.

---

Item #: SCP-076

Object Class: Keter

Special Containment Procedures: Containment Area 25b is to be located 200 m below sea level, tunneled out of solid bedrock in a seismologically stable area. Sole access to the containment facility is to be through a vertical elevator shaft separated every fifty (50) meters with a reinforced blast door, constructed of 20 cm thick material shielding. Elevator shaft shall be flooded with seawater when not in use.

Containment Area 25b is to be constructed with the following components:

An Outer Security Perimeter against outside threats, staffed by security personnel trained in close quarters battle and counter-intrusion tactics.

An Administrative and Support Area (ASA) consisting of support facilities and living quarters for on-site personnel.

A Primary Containment Zone (PCZ), consisting of a 7 m cube encased in 1.5 m of reinforced material. PCZ is to be designed to be flooded and drained as needed, and should remain filled with seawater unless access to contents is required.

A 150 m "killing corridor" which is to be the sole access to the PCZ from the ASA (including water, power, drainage, and ventilation lines). The walls and floor of the corridor are to be reinforced in a similar manner to the PCZ, with the addition of an electric deterrence system capable of delivering a 20,000 volt shock.

A security station located at the entrance to the killing corridor is to be staffed with no fewer than three (3) armed security personnel on watch at any one point in time. Armament is to include, but not be limited to, at least one (1) ███████ CIW system on a pintle mount with a clear line of sight down the corridor, with a plexiglass screen to protect the operator from thrown weapons.

In the event of a full breach, all on-site staff are to proceed immediately to the closest security station for weapons and armor distribution. Staff will remain at Alert Condition One until SCP-076-2 is confirmed neutralized. Should 90 minutes pass after declaration of full breach without a Stand Down order being given by Level 4 or higher personnel, Final Contingency Measures will be activated, flooding the entire facility in seawater and sealing off the access shaft for a minimum of 24 hours before retrieval is attempted. This will, by necessity, result in the deaths of all on-site staff.

Description: SCP-076 consists of two components: a stone cube (SCP-076-1) and a humanoid entity contained within (SCP-076-2).

SCP-076-1 is a 3 m cube made of black speckled metamorphic stone. All surfaces outside and within SCP-076-1 are covered in deeply engraved patterns corresponding to no known civilizations. Radioisotope analysis indicates that the object is approximately ten thousand (10,000) years old. A door is located on one side, sealed with a lock 0.5 m in width, surrounded by twenty (20) smaller locks in a circular pattern. As of yet, none of the keys have been found, making the door impossible to lock once closed.

Interior temperature is approximately 93 Kelvin, and cannot be altered by any means, internal or external. Directly in the center of the room is a 2.13 m tall stone coffin, held in place and sealed shut by several chains of unknown make and substance, which are attached to the inner corners of SCP-076-1.

SCP-076-2 resembles a lean Semitic human male in his late twenties. Hair is black, and eyes are gray, skin tone olive. Subject is 1.96 m in height and 81.65 kg in weight. Numerous tattoos depicting arcane and occult iconography are present all over the body (mostly in the form of leering demonic faces) and range from subtle to openly ostentatious. Subject, when encased inside SCP-076-1, is technically dead.

However, occasionally SCP-076-2 will awaken, effectively "reanimating", complete with all vital processes needed to sustain a living human being. Subject will then attempt to leave SCP-076-1. If successful, subject will enter a trance state and seek out the nearest human being, ignoring all other living things in the process. Upon coming into contact with living humans, SCP-076-2 will enter a rage state in which it attempts to engage and kill all human beings encountered. To date, only the subject's death has been shown to be effective in ending these rampages.

Terminating SCP-076-2 is often problematic due to its significant physical abilities. Subject has superhuman strength and speed, and although not invulnerable, has shown a remarkable ability to ignore pain and shock, pressing on despite what would be debilitating wounds in normal humans. Prior encounters have shown that SCP-076-2 has the ability to (among other things):

Rip through a reinforced steel security door over the course of four (4) minutes of sustained assault.

Clear over 64 m of distance in under three (3) seconds.

Take multiple .50 caliber BMG rounds to the head and survive for several minutes to continue killing, despite severe damage to the cerebellum.

Swat handgun and assault-rifle caliber bullets out of the air with a length of steel rebar.

Survive for over one (1) hour deprived of oxygen before finally asphyxiating.

SCP-076-2's most unusual ability, however, is its ability to apparently materialize bladed weapons out of nowhere. Slow-motion video footage reveals that the blades in question are actually pulled from a miniature dimensional rift described as a "small hole in space." Where these portals lead is unknown, as is how SCP-076-2 is capable of generating them. Footage of the blades in question shows them to be made out of a completely non-reflective black material appearing as a "black void in space." As the blades rapidly vanish after leaving the subject's possession, no structural analysis is possible at this time.

SCP-076-2 has effectively been killed several times in various manners:

Sustained fire from multiple heavy-caliber machine guns.

Asphyxiation.

Crushed beneath a 13.6 metric tonne piece of elevator equipment for use on SCP-076-1.

Cremation through the use of a Thermate-TH3 grenade placed directly inside SCP-076-2's open chest cavity.

During the worst breach to date, Containment Area-25 (which previously housed SCP-076) was forced to detonate its on site warhead as a last attempt to contain SCP-076-2 while it was attempting escape, resulting in total destruction of the site and all on-site personnel. SCP-076-1 survived.

Upon death, SCP-076-2's remains will putrefy rapidly, until reduced to dust. SCP-076-1 and the coffin within will then slam shut with great force, and the lock will rotate, sealing it shut. SCP-076-2 will then reform within the coffin, a process taking anywhere from six (6) hours to twenty-five (25) years.

What posthumous analysis of SCP-076-2 exists shows that it has a internal system highly different from our own, documented in [DATA EXPUNGED].

Additional: SCP-076 was found in ████████████, Mongolia, in 18██, by archaeologists from England. All members of the expedition were subsequently killed on the return voyage home. SCP-076 was recovered from the ship █████ ███████ by the ███████ Society (one of the organizations that later merged into the modern Global Occult Coalition) and placed on display in their Inner Sanctum.

SCP-076 remained in storage for ███████ (██) years, until SCP-076-2 became active and escaped on ██-██-████. The reason for SCP-076's activation is currently unknown, but it was at this point that the keys to the outer shell were lost. A massive manhunt, lasting over three (3) years and ████ ███████, took place until SCP-076-2 was incapacitated by ██████████ ███████, killing it and causing it to reform inside SCP-076-1, by then retrieved and secured by agents of the SCP Foundation.

Subject was in custody for three (3) more years, under constant supervision, and was terminated whenever it became active, although it occasionally was able to escape for short periods of time, often due to security breaches caused by attacks from other organizations. The Foundation's death toll due to this was [DATA EXPUNGED]

[DATA EXPUNGED]

[DATA EXPUNGED]

After the last incident, the current procedures regarding SCP-076 were implemented, although they are upgraded regularly with the increase in technological standards.

------------------------------------------

Addendum 076-2: "Project Abel" and "Mobile Task Force Omega-7"

!CLASSIFIED!

All information regarding Project Abel and Mobile Task Force Omega-7 ("Pandora's Box") are classified Q Clearance by order of the O-5 Council. By proceeding, you are acknowledging that you have clearance to view these files, and that you have received Need to Know permission from the appropriate Level 4 or higher authority.

FROM: Director Maria Jones, Recordkeeping and Information Security Administration TO: Level 4 Administrators SUBJECT: RAISA Update to Security Protocol Re: Supplemental Information Re: SCP-076

File Name: Addendum 076-1: "Project Abel" and "Mobile Task Force Omega-7"

Prior Classification: O5

New Classification: Level 3, Need-To-Know Basis.

Effective Date: ██-██-████

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Psychological Profile of Subject SCP-076-2 by Dr. Pamela G████

<Begin Log>

SCP-076-2 either possesses a mind constructed much differently than our own, or is completely insane, with little empathy or ideas in a way we would understand it. Concepts such as sex, love and equality are completely foreign ideas to SCP-076-2, or at least in comparison to its way of viewing them. Also, while subject has admitted greatly enjoying the act of killing, causing pain (either emotionally or physically) holds no attraction to it. In short, a perfect sociopath.

Intelligence tests have been wildly inconclusive when applied to SCP-076-2, and no accurate result has yet been obtained. This may be due to the alien thought processes of the subject. SCP-076-2 has however, shown that it has great knowledge of human anatomy (although in a highly violent context), military tactics of open warfare, metallurgy, and, strangely enough, the care of livestock. Subject has knowledge of several languages including English, but most notable is its knowledge of several dialects of ancient Sumerian, which seems to be its preferred language.

SCP-076 has nothing but contempt for human beings, with one exception: it seems to hold a wary respect for those it acknowledges as its superior. This was discovered when Agent ███████, an agent who had previously had a large amount of experience with SCP-076-2, did not appear once it escaped. Subject seemed distressed, asking several personnel where Agent ███████ was hiding. When it finally did learn of the fate of Agent ███████ (killed as collateral damage in an airstrike intended to halt the advance of SCP-███), SCP-076-2 stopped its rampage and allowed itself to be escorted and restrained.

Subject was then interviewed on the sudden drastic changes in its behavior, recorded here:

<Begin Log>

Dr. ██████: Why are you so interested in the death of Agent ███████?

SCP-076-2: (Subject begins swearing in ancient Sumerian)

Dr. ██████: Why does his death bother you? You've killed many humans before, why is he so- (Is cut off by SCP-076-2)

SCP-076-2: (now speaking in English) Different? Because, unlike you [Sumerian word, untranslated], he was a challenge, a real enemy.

Dr. ██████: Why would that be good for you? Every time you have awoken you've tried to escape. He was responsible for apprehending you several times. Surely you must be glad he's dead.

SCP-076-2: I hardly expect you to understand. Do you know, he managed to shoot me in the head over ██ times? A man like that deserves to die in combat, so close to his opponent he can feel his breath. Not in some [Sumerian words, untranslated] destruction ordered by cowardly kings and princes safe in their palaces. The rest of you… (SCP-076-2 spits) you disgust me. I don't even have the urge to strike you down.

(Subject is silent from then on, refusing to speak or respond)

<End Log>

This indicates a possible psychological inlet into SCP-076-2's mind, and a possible control mechanism. Given the massive drain on resources SCP-076-2 causes due to its escape attempts, and considering Bowe Commission's stated desire to weaponize SCP objects for tactical purposes, I recommend that we pursue this course of action as soon as possible.

<End Log>

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FROM: Dr. █████ █. █████ TO: Dr. P█████ G████, Project Omega Seven SUBJECT:

He said yes.

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PROJECT PROPOSAL: MOBILE TASK FORCE OMEGA-7 ("PANDORA'S BOX")

Mission Statement: Support of SCP-076-2 ("Abel") in the field, in high risk tactical situations.

Task Force Organization: Task Force Special Asset "Abel," Task Force Leader John ████████████, 10-20 field agents divided into five teams of 3-5 each. Members of the team are to be personally selected from elite field agents by Subject Abel himself, in order to maintain a smooth relationship between the Artifact and the mundane elements of the Task Force.

Security Protocol: SCP-076-2 ("Abel") is to wear a device attached to the neck that, if triggered or tampered with, will immediately detonate, terminating SCP-076-2 by way of complete destruction of the spinal cord, trachea and all major blood vessels in the neck. A tracking device has also been attached to SCP-076-2's person. It is to refrain from killing unless ordered to do so, and is to avoid causing damage to the organization's facilities.

Armament and Equipment: Team members are to be armed and equipped in accordance with MTF doctrine. As Subject Abel has shown no inclination to use firearms, or in fact, no understanding of their use or tactical implications, he is instead to be armed with one or more edged melee weapons of his choice.

Addendum: Note from Dr. Arthur █. █████: For God's sake, John, find these guys something to do. Abel's getting bored, and he's started putting his team through live fire exercises: they get bullets, he gets training weapons. Have you ever seen someone break a man's jaw using a Nerf sword? He's not gonna stop until someone gets killed.

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Report by Dr. Pamela G████, Project Omega Seven

In light of SCP-076-2's proficient use of the Sumerian language, researchers have asked it to translate several documents. While it originally replied with disinterest, it has translated some of the documents it found worthy of its attention. Most of the documents chosen by SCP-076-2 were regarding battles or legendary heroes, one of its favorites in particular being the "Epic of Gilgamesh".

However, one researcher presented it with the symbol from SCP-073. Upon sight of this, SCP-076-2 became highly enraged, killing several of the researchers before its kill switch could be activated. When revived and questioned about this, SCP-076-2 responded aggressively, and that line of questioning was immediately dropped. It is recommended anything pertaining SCP-073 never be brought to the attention of SCP-076-2 and that the two are never to be in the same facility.

Addendum 076-07: Recently, SCP-105 has been accepted into Mobile Task Force Omega-7, having beaten SCP-076-2 in a contest to see which of the two could activate several devices, each spaced over a mile away from each other and the starting point. SCP-105 managed to score significantly higher than SCP-076-2 by using her inherent abilities to her advantage. SCP-076-2 ceded defeat and allowed her entry into the group.

Addendum 076-09: Proposed introduction of SCP-076-2 to SCP-682 put on indefinite hold. Those with Security Clearance level 4 or higher may request access to Contingency 076-2 #3.

Addendum 076-23: Per the request of the Bowe Commission, Mobile Task Force Omega-7 is to be fielded in the ████████ region of ███████████ against [DATA EXPUNGED].

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FROM: Dr. Arthur █. █████ TO: Dr. Pamela G████ SUBJECT: Don't do it, Pam

Pam,

For god's sake, don't do it. It's bad enough that they're trying to weaponize Iris too. Don't let the military bully us into doing their dirty work against some sand farmers in ██████████.

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FROM: General ██████ Bowe TO: Dr. Pamela G████ SUBJECT: A Job Well Done

Excellent work, doctor. The mission went exactly as expected. We'll be calling you again if we need your help.

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FROM: Dr. Arthur █. █████ TO: Dr. Pamela G████ SUBJECT:

I hope you're fucking proud of yourself.

<hello.jpg>

because you're a bigger asshole than this guy.

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FROM: Dr. Pamela G████ TO: Omega Seven Team SUBJECT: Reassignment

As of this moment, Dr. Arthur █. █████ has been reassigned to SCP-682 as Level 1 personnel.

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[DATA EXPUNGED]

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FROM: Dr. Pamela G████ TO: General ██████ Bowe SUBJECT: Problems

[DATA EXPUNGED]

Despite our best efforts, Subject Abel is proving difficult to control. All our attempts to keep him engaged have been more or less unsuccessful.

The problem is, he's a perfect killing machine, and that's all he wants to do. Which seems like exactly what we wanted, but the problem is, we can't seem to turn him off.

[DATA EXPUNGED]

I'm running out of missions to give him, and the ones I've got left aren't engaging him mentally. He's starting to lash out at the other team members. It's only a matter of time before something goes wrong. Requesting permission to discontinue the project and neutralize Abel temporarily, until we can find something more for him to do.

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FROM: General ██████ Bowe TO: Dr. Pamela G████, Project Omega Seven SUBJECT: Re: Problems

Unacceptable. Neutralizing Subject Abel at this point is going to cause an unacceptable delay. We'll have another mission for you within a couple of weeks. All you have to do is keep him busy until then. Send him on vacation or something.

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FROM: Dr. Pamela G████, Project Omega Seven TO: All Staff SUBJECT: ALERT

THIS IS AN AUTOMATED ALERT

SCP-076-2 has disabled the explosive collar failsafe and gone out of control. All staff to high alert. Further requests as events warrant.

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FROM: AUTOMATED DEFENSE SYSTEM, CONTAINMENT AREA-25 TO: All Sites SUBJECT: FINAL OPTION ENGAGED

THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE

As of ██-██-████, ████:██, Containment Area-25 has engaged its on-site nuclear warhead on ten-minute countdown.

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FROM: O5 Command TO: All Sites SUBJECT: Containment Area 25 Final Option: Response

As of ██-██-████, ████:██, Containment Area-25 has been destroyed by detonation of its on-site nuclear warhead. Sites 67 and 68 are to activate the FEMA protocol and secure the location as soon as possible. Official cover story will be released by RAISA to all personnel once drafted.

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Revised Psychological Profile of Subject SCP-076-2

<Begin Log>

SCP-076-2 either possesses a mind constructed much differently than our own, or is completely insane, with little empathy or ideas in a way we would understand it. Concepts such as sex, love and equality are completely foreign ideas to SCP-076-2, or at least in comparison to its way of viewing them. Also, while subject seems to greatly enjoy the act of killing, causing pain (either emotionally or physically) holds no attraction to it.

Intelligence tests have been wildly inconclusive when applied to SCP-076-2, and no accurate result has yet been obtained. This is due to the fact that no communication is possible with the Subject when in its "rage" state. Subject has knowledge of several languages including English, but most notable is its knowledge of several dialects of ancient Sumerian, which seem to be its preferred language.

SCP-076-2 has nothing but contempt for human beings and will kill them on sight. No communication is to be attempted with the subject.

<End Log>

===

[The voice of Dr. Arthur █. █████ was provided by Christian Jasper.] [The voice of Dr. Pamela G████ was provided by Brittany Carlton.] [The voice of the interviewer was provided by @phantomancer.] [The voice of SCP-076-2 was provided by @phinnsy.] [The voice of General ██████ Bowe was provided by Lee Daniel.] [The voice of O5-█ was provided by @lapis-liberalis.]

===

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