#nova writes nori

[wqintraining]

NEW X-MEN: THE ANIMATED SERIES - SEASON 2, EPISODE 8

We open in a bunker. The sound of a knife being sharpened is heard as we get a good look at the place. The walls are lined with maps and graphs and/or assault weapons, there are cases filled with knives and explosives and bags of non-perishable food have been thrown haphazardly onto the floor. 

There’s also a freshly murdered mutant in the corner, a young man who’s been stabbed to death. 

“I’ve trained all that I can. I’ve tested myself. I’ve succeeded. Now, all that is left…is to take my revenge.” 

The sharpened hunting knife is holstered, and the woman speaking arms herself with further guns, bombs, and melee weapons. With her white mask and all-camo outfit, comic fans will recognize her as The Leper Queen. 

We cut to the school. In Scott’s office, he’s seated at his desk, with Emma, Storm, Laura, and Bobby standing alongside him. Emma, Bobby, and Storm all appear perplexed and mildly afraid, while Laura is stoic as ever. Scott is pinching his forehead in frustration. 

SCOTT: “So…let me get this right.” 

We see that he’s speaking to Kitty, Sunspot, and Darkchylde. Kitty and Sunspot are as nervous and awkward as everyone else, while Darkchylde is grinning and waving her tail back and forth. 

SCOTT: “Demons kidnapped you and invaded Russia, killing or injuring hundreds…and you brought their queen here.” 

DARKCHYLDE, mockingly: “Nice to see you too, Cyclops.” Her tone becomes more pleasant. “Actually nice to see you again Storm. Very confused why you’re here, Ms. Frost.” 

EMMA: “Oh, there is plenty of confusion going on right now. Kitty, please answer the question.” 

Kitty sighs. 

KITTY: “Listen, we had two options: let her destroy the world, or let her come home. She’s basically a super-intelligent, all-powerful toddler. This is a school, right? We can help her learn to be better. There IS some Magik in there, I swear.” 

ROBERTO, gesturing with his fingers: “Very little, but we’ll just have to make do, hmm?” 

Scott sighs. Parents Day is tomorrow and this is the last thing he needed right now. 

CYCLOPS: “Okay…Darkchylde…since it seems like they want you here and you’re not giving me a –” 

DARKCHYLDE: “Ehhhhh. About that. My name I mean. I already know you’re going to let me stay. You’re not stupid enough to get everyone killed doing otherwise.” 

CYCLOPS: “Then what?” 

DARKCHYLDE: “That name. DARKCHYLDE. It’s a good name. Rolls off the tongue. But being back here, it feels weird being called that.” She waves her arm, removing most of her demonic appearance, and instead taking on the form of a 21 year-old Illyana, keeping only her horns and tail, dressed in her Bachalo costume. “You may all just address me as Magik. Or Illyana. Whichever.” 

While Scott agrees to this, the looks on Storm,Emma, Kitty, and Beto’s faces all appear uncomfortable seeing this monster look even more like their old friend, the latter two struggling to keep smiling. 

DARKCHYLDE: “Good! Very good! Now, who wants to introduce me to all the little kiddos I could fry like piglets if I felt like it?”

More nervous stares around the room. Magik is happy as a clam to be here though. 

In the cafeteria, the reunited friend group, consisting of 6 X-Men In Training, 1 X-Man, and 1 Bling!, who is presently writing an apology letter to Pixie for her behavior as one of the Hellions, per her request. 

Everyone who isn’t busy writing a specifically dictated 5,000 words about the importance of friendship is talking about Parents' Day. 

Brian is excited because Emma paid for his parents’ flight from Puerto Rico; because of everything that went down with Nova and Dark Phoenix, he missed getting to see them for Winter Break, and he can’t wait to see them now. 

NORI: “Your rents are actually cool?” 

BRIAN: “Well, they’re kinda dorky, but yeah, they’re solid.”

Laura meanwhile just got back from a mission with Logan, so he doesn’t see the point in coming. 

LAURA: “I don’t care either way.” 

SOFIA, knowing she’s just trying to act tough: “Of course, you don’t.” 

Sooraya is also excited but in her more subdued style. Storm is taking her to visit her mom in Afghanistan. 

LAURA: “People here seem to view the Middle East negatively. I’m not sure I get it. I killed in worse places.” 

As they’re so often forced to do, no one touches that one. 

Cess is pretty sure the only way her parents would show up would be to tell her she was officially disowned, buuuut she hardly cares! The Washingtons are coming, they already liked her when they met at her audition, and now she’s going to show them she is perfect for their daughter, both for general approval, and to help get a part in the music video. 

Sofia, who’s sitting on the opposite side of the table from Julian, knows her so-called “father” won’t be coming either, but his, now former, assistant, Derek, is coming to see her. When she lived with her father, he was the only one who looked after her. 

SOFIA: “What about you two? Do you have anyone coming?” 

Noriko and Julian both shift awkwardly. Like Nori’s said before, her parents kicked her out for being a Mutant. They sure as well wouldn’t fly across the world to pick up their Mutant daughter at her Mutant school. Julian, meanwhile, insists he doesn’t care that his parents don’t care enough to visit. They haven’t cut him off like what happened to Ashida, so it’s all good. 

SOORAYA: “There are more important things in life than money, Julian.”

The Cuckoos enter the cafeteria together. 

NORIKO, snorting: “Imagine telling them that.”

The Cuckoos are met with boos and curses, everyone hating them for having blackmailed them. 

Noriko dons a mischievous smirk, as she chucks her pudding cup at Sophie’s hair. It’s a direct hit. As the Cuckoos are aghast, others in the cafeteria start throwing food at them while laughing. Screaming and humiliated, the Cuckoos retreat out of the cafeteria. 

SOFIA: “That was more enjoyable than it should have been.”

SOORAYA: “Cruelty should not be met with cruelty…but that was funny.” 

JULIAN: “God, what do you think THEIR parents are like?” 

BRIAN: “Girls as creepy and emotionless as them? Maybe they were grown in vats or something.” 

As the friend group laughs, we cut to the Cuckoos taking a walk of shame to the bathroom, listening to their thoughts and hearing their laughter. They’re completely humiliated and distraught. 

IRMA: “Maybe we could–” 

ESME: “No. Whatever it is, no.” 

As the Cuckoos get cleaned up in the bathroom, Emma enters.

They say that if this is about their punishment, she doesn't need to worry about them tormenting the telepathy they've been assigned to torment; they'll be gentle. 

SOPHIE: "Although, really, the treatment we've been receiving should be punishment enough."

Emma tells them to look at this as a learning experience. Since they got here, they've done nothing but cause trouble. Particularly for HER kids. She sees as much potential in these girls as she does any of them, and she knows children don't act out for no reason. 

Emma: "You already mentioned your parents wouldn't be coming tomorrow, and Cyclops and Kitty can oversee the mob of middle-class humans who are about to visit. I'd like to take you all out for a day of fun and learn all about you."

CELESTE: "Thank you for the offer, Ms. Frost, but we really –"

Emma: "I wasn't asking."

The sour Cuckoos cross their arms in annoyance. 

In her new room in the school, Magik is zapping everything from her bed to the air conditioner with magic to make it all appear more demonically regal. 

There's a knock on the door. Illyana tells Kitty to come in and check out how much cooler she made her room. They should let her redecorate the whole school. 

"That won't be happening."

Rather than Kitty, Scott enters. 

Scott: "But I do like that you're making yourself at home."

Magik scowls at Cyclops. Given how he reacted to her arrival, she doubts that. Scott apologizes for earlier. She can't really blame him for being wary given…everything about who she is and what she's done since she was born. Still, if she's going to be staying in his school, he thinks they should try and get along, or, at the very least, develop a sense of trust between them, maybe set some ground rules. How does that sound? 

Magik responds by sucker-punching Scott in the gut, causing him to keel over. She whispers in his ear. 

MAGIK: "First, do not talk to me like a child. Second, you don’t smell right. Third, Kitty and Beto do not trust you. So I do not trust you. 

CYCLOPS: "Things between me and them are just a big–"

Magik kicks him into a stepping disc, with Scott reappearing in the hallway.

MAGIK: "Stay out of my way, Mutant."

She magically shuts the door. Scott struggles to stand up. 

CYCLOPS: “Smell right…” 

The next day, Parents Day begins! Dozens of human, and even a couple of Mutant, parents have arrived to see how their kids have been doing, speak with their teachers, and make sure no giant robots have tried to kill them in the last few weeks. 

Roxy runs up to her parents, who are just a little over-dressed and getting recognized by many of the other parents and students and gets a big hug from her Daddy, ecstatic to see his “Little superstar” even though they had seen each other recently. Cessily eagerly shakes Roxy’s mom’s hand, but her anxiety does make her a little jiggly. Roy and Angel just laugh at this; it reminds them of how Roxy used to shed diamond shards when she was younger. 

ROXY, embarrassed: “Guuuuuys.” 

Brian runs up to and hugs his completely average-seeming parents, while Sofia greets Derek with excitement, the two performing the same over-the-top handshake they did when he dropped her off here. 

Other kids are briefly seen with their parents, while Sunspot and a still-hanging-around Cannonball are met by Sam’s mom, his younger sister, Husk, and two of their younger siblings, one of whom has massive red, feathery wings. 

ROBERTO: “Another two Mutants, Lucinda? What is going on in there?” 

SAM: “Please don’t call my ma by her first name.” 

Indoors, while all of this is going on, Noriko and Julian are inside, playing video games in the common area. 

NORIKO: “This kinda thing seem less exciting to you after seeing real life or death combat?” 

JULIAN: “Nope.” 

NORIKO: “Me either.” 

In whatever game they’re playing, Noriko wins. 

NORIKO: “Ha! Suck it, Keller! Just like in real life.” 

JULIAN: “In real life? I was gonna smash you into the ground before Karma got involved.” 

NORIKO: “Please, I was two seconds away from frying you like a bug zapper.” 

JULIAN: “Well maybe we should have a little rematch then.” 

NORIKO: “Maybe we should.” 

“Eh, hem.” 

The two turn their attention to Kitty, quickly explaining that they weren’t being serious to Ms. Pryde. She knows them, always goofing, right?

KITTY: “Right.” 

Karma enters and tells Kitty everything seems clean. Julian’s eyes immediately land on Xuan’s new leg. While he’s distracted, Noriko asks Kitty what’s going on. 

KITTY, smiling: “Well, I know this may come as a shock, but for once, I can actually give some good news to one of you kids. It’s your family, Noriko…” 

Noriko’s eyes widen as she drops her controller. 

KITTY: “They’re here to see you.” 

 Emma and the Cuckoos arrive at a spa. Emma explains to the girls that it’s one of the most exclusive in New York, but before she can list off its amenities, the Cuckoos act insulted that Emma thinks they haven’t been here. 

After being greeted by a staff member, the six are led toward their first of a full day of treatments. Emma says that while they’re paid for their silence, there’s no reason to bother the help with whatever drama they end up discussing today. 

EMMA, telepathically: “Let’s stick to communicating as Mutants, yes? Now, where would you like to start?” 

CELESTE: “There’s nothing to “start”.” 

PHOEBE: “We’re just fine.” 

SOPHIE: “You know everything you need to know about us.” 

IRMA: “We’re an open book.” 

Esme rolls her eyes. 

EMMA: “I see. So how are you taking your break-up with Hellion then?” 

The Cuckoos eyes glow as they attempt a psychic assault on Emma, instantly angered by her bringing that up, but Emma gives them the telepathic equivalent of a smack on the head with a newspaper roll. The Cuckoons groan, rubbing their heads. 

STAFF MEMBER: “Ms. Cuckoos are you not feeling well?” 

EMMA, vocally: “Oh they’re fine, darling. It’s just the pressures of school. You know how demanding I can be.”

The ladies take their seats. 

EMMA, telepathically: “Let’s try that again, please.” 

In his office, Cyclops is on the phone with someone. 

CYCLOPS: “Yes. Yes, I know it’s going to be hard, but we need to give her, and this whole situation, some time. Okay? Thank you. Take care, Pitor.” 

Scott hangs up and rubs his temples as there’s a knock on the door. Scott tells them to come in, with Laura doing as instructed. 

LAURA: “You wanted to see me?” 

Scott confirms and asks her to sit. He knows the arrival of Magik yesterday came as a surprise to her, and everyone else, but they still need to take immediate action. 

LAURA: “You need me to kill her?” 

CYCLOPS: “I…what…no. Laura, I will never ask you to kill anyone. I’m not even sure Magik CAN be killed.” 

Scott explains that, right now, they’re all alive because Magik cares about Kitty and the others. But if they want to ensure their continued survival, they need to expand that circle of compassion and, ideally, guide her down a better path. 

LAURA: “You’re asking ME...to connect with someone.” 

CYCLOPS: “You were both created to be weapons of death and experienced abuse I can’t even imagine. I figure you have a lot to talk about.” 

Laura gets nervous and fidgets in her seat. 

LAURA: “You should just ask Iceman.” 

CYCLOPS: “I wasn’t “asking” you. I know you’re the one for this job. You forged a new path for yourself, and you can help her do the same. Don’t let me down.” 

Laura is about to argue, but she stops herself. 

LAURA: “Yes, sir.” 

Outside the school with all the other students and parents, Noriko waits nervously for her family, alongside Julian. Nori is tapping her foot at super speed, but Julian holds it down for her with his TK. 

JULIAN: “Nothing to do with you, but if they start spewing any crap, I’ll trash them.” 

NORI: “Touch my family and you’re the one getting trashed.” 

JULIAN: “Pfft. Just trying to help.” 

NORI: “And why are you even here? I swear, it’s like you–” 

“NORIKO!” 

Nori’s face lights up as she hears the voice of her little brother, Keitaro, who’s several years younger than her. She rushes over to him and bends down to give him a big hug. As the two hold each other, Keitaro grins, while Noriko is on the verge of tearing up. The two speak in Japanese. No subtitles. 

“I trust you wouldn’t be near him if you didn’t have better control of your powers, yes?” 

Nori sighs as she lets go and stands up to meet her parents, Seiji and Suki. 

Noriko struggles to keep up her smile as she greets them. 

NORIKO, in Japanese:  “Mother...Father…it’s nice to see you. How are you?” 

SUKI, in Japanese: “We are well, thank you. It is good to see you too, Nori-chan.” 

SUKI, in English: “You’ve grown so much. Is it true? You have control over your…condition?” 

Suki appears soft, warm, and open-armed, while, as she speaks, Seiji, stands tall and emotionless. 

NORIKO: “My Mutation. And yes. These gauntlets keep all the electricity inside me unless I want to let it out…usually.”  While Suki is clearly just as happy as her son to see Noriko, Nori’s attention turns to who she knows is the problem here. “What are you doing here?” 

SEIJI, stiff as can be: “Have your years away from us made you forget your manners? Are you not going to introduce us to your boyfriend?” 

Before Nori can flip over her dad’s assumption, Julian calmly and politely introduces himself.

SEIJI: “Those hands. Are they a result of your *condition*?” 

JULIAN: “Not at all. I lose my real ones fighting to protect everyone here.” He gestures with his head. “Noriko was right there with me.” 

Suki begins panicking over the idea of Noriko getting into a big fight, but Seiji silences her with a raised hand. 

SEIJI: “That sounds very noble of you both.” He turns back to Noriko. “I am not here by my own choice. I am here because you broke your mother and brother’s hearts when you left, and they have convinced me that, perhaps, I shouldn’t have given you that option.” 

Julian’s polite veneer drops as he questions what Seiji is talking about. He kicked her out of his home and disowned her for being a Mutant. 

NORIKO, clenching her eyes shut, as well as her hands, in embarrassment: “Oh god, no.” 

SEIJI: “Is that what you told him? Is that the sob story you told everyone here?” He looks back at Julian. “Despite our disagreement on whether Noriko was sick or a supposed “Mutant”, she was a clear danger to herself and those around her. That was undeniable. We wished to take good care of her. She was our daughter.  We told her we would stand by her and help her until a cure could be found. She decided running away to live on the streets in America for two years was preferable.” 

Noriko hangs her head in shame, but the rage on Julian's face is clearly directed at her father, not her. 

SEIJI: "In spite of all of that…I have decided to give you a second chance." Nori looks up at her dad with deer eyes. "It's time for you to come home."

In the spa, Emma and the Cuckoos are relaxing in the sauna, which gives a clear view the Hudson. With the teens continuing to ignore her as she attempts more casual approaches, asking them about their family and their interests, to no response, she returns to a more confrontational strategy. 

EMMA, telepathically: “Since your arrival at the Institute, your performances have been exceptional. In both test scores and practical application of your gifts, you’re near the top of your class.” 

CUCKOOS, finally responding to something: “”Near””? 

EMMA: “Finally a peep out of you. Lovely. And yes, you have competition. Be grateful. It’s good for you. To my point, it’s why your behavior confuses me. You’ve brainwashed and manipulated those who I would have expected you to make allies, if not friends, of, and tormented your class like children with a magnifying glass and an ant-farm, as opposed to attempting to lead them. I’d like some insight, not for me, but so I can help you.” 

SOPHIE: “That’s rich coming from you. You don’t let anyone in. Why should we?” 

EMMA: “Because, while it may come as a shock…” Emma momentarily goes into her diamond form. “This diamond is flawed.” 

The Cuckoos turn to each other to mentally consult each other in private. 

ESME: “So that’s why everyone hates you then?” 

IRMA: “We thought it was a little much to simply be jealousy.” 

Emma shakes her head and softly laughs. They’re usually so polite with her, and yet, with the slightest push, they resort to petty insults. They didn’t even try to be clever with their psychic attack earlier. 

EMMA: “Perhaps I overestimated you.” 

SOPHIE: “We were just thinking the same thing.” 

The Cuckoos toss the towels wrapped around their heads off and march out of the sauna. 

EMMA: “Do not runaway and isolate yourselves. Do not be like me.” 

CELESTE: “We are NOTHING like you.” 

Emma sighs as she’s left alone. 

At the school, Magik has conjured a demonic rotary phone to communicate with Limbo with. 

DARKCHYLDE: “Yes. Yes, mmhm. Good. Do that. And make sure all the statues of me depict me as buff! Your queen shall be getting into shape. Yes, I do have god-like strength already, but I want it to SHOW, and I want it to show NATURALLY!” She slams the phone. “Idiot. Totally killing him later.” 

There’s a knock on the door. Illyana transforms her phone into a sword and shouts that if that’s Cyclops, his head will roll. 

LAURA, entering: “Not quite.” 

MAGIK: “Oh! Logan! Hi! You know, I meant to congratulate you earlier. I never had you pegged as a woman.” 

LAURA: “I…what…no. I’m not Logan. My name is Laura.” 

MAGIK: “And I support you completely, Laura.” Magik hops through a stepping disc to appear behind Laura. “So what’s up?” 

Laura turns around and tells her that she just got here, but with Dani, Kitty, and Karma all occupied by Parents Day, along with all of Laura’s friends, she thought she may as well come by. 

LAURA: “You have enough power to destroy the world. That’s cool.” 

MAGIK: “RIght? Finally, someone who appreciates what I can do!” 

LAURA: “How long do you believe it would take you? Estimated?” 

MAGIK: “Hmm. No fun and games? Maybe six hours?” 

LAURA: “Six hours…damn. I could only cover a city in that time.” 

Magik grins from ear to ear and pokes Laura’s chest. 

MAGIK: “I like this new look on you, Wolverine. Were you always so much fun?” 

LAURA: “I still have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

Magik opens up a stepping disc underneath them both. 

MAGIK: “If we’re going to hang, we can’t stick to this stuffy old place. I know JUST where girls like us can have a good time.” 

LAURA: “We’re not killing anyone NOW.” 

MAGIK: “Daaah, spoil sport. Fine, I know another place.” 

The two disappear in the portal. 

In a classroom, Noriko, accompanied by Danielle and Kitty, are sat down with Seiji, as he explains what he'd like to happen here. 

Seiji first thanks Ms. Pryde and Ms. Moonstar for getting his daughter off the street and taking care of her, but now she will be returning to her real home; her real family. 

Noriko squirms at that, with Dani gently taking her hand to comfort her. 

Seiji continues to say that, since Noriko's gauntlets really do seem to work, he will not force her to take a cure, and simply allow their inventor to come and perform maintenance on them on an agreed upon schedule. From there, she will remain under his supervision until she completes her studies and turns 18. 

KITTY, suspicious: "Sounds very nice."

SEIJI: "Is that a tone?"

KITTY: "Yeah, it's the one I use when speaking to people who think Mutants need to be "cured". As if that attitude hasn't gotten enough people killed already."

DANI: "What my friend means to ask is if there are any other conditions on this deal?"

Seiko rolls his eyes. She should have just said that. 

He reveals that there IS one condition to all of this: Noriko will have nothing to do with the X-Men. Apart from Dr. McCoy's maintenance checks, she will abandon all contact with the Institute's teachers and students. The association could be poisonous to her future. 

While Kitty looks ready to kill a man, Dani insists that that isn’t fair to Noriko. She’s made friends here who mean the world to her. To say nothing of how much they mean to each other. Seiji responds by saying that, if they really cared about her, they wouldn’t drag her down with them. 

Kitty launches up to her feet, about to put Seiji through a wall, without phasing him, but Noriko gets between them. 

NORIKO: “Wait…please stop…” 

As we cut to outside the classroom, we see that Julian is eavesdropping, 

NORIKO, off camera: “I need to think about this.” 

Julian is incensed as he stomps off. 

JULIAN: “Damn traitor.” 

As Julian walks down the halls, he notices a reunion between a mother and daughter. 

“MUMMY!” 

Going in and out of her wolf form, Wolfsbane rushes into the arms of an older, brown-haired woman, who holds her tight. 

Julian is unsure what he’s looking at, but he receives an immediate explanation. 

XUAN: “Wolfsbane and her mother, Dr. Moira McTaggert.” Julian turns around to see his teacher. “You were wondering who they were right?” Julian nods. “Wolfsbane, Rahne, is one of the old New Mutants. And Dr. McTaggert is actually an old colleague of Professor Xavier’s. One of the few baselines we’ve always been able to count on.” 

Julian bristles. As if Flatscans are good for anything. 

Xuan asks him if he’s okay. She heard he was doing better. Julian sighs. He doesn’t want to talk about it. But he does want to talk about something else with Karma, specifically. 

JULIAN: “I don’t know what happened, but you lost your leg on your last mission. When I lost my hands, well, you know what happened. So how are you so calm? What’s your secret?” 

Xuan is amused. 

XUAN: “Julian…I’ve died.” 

Julian blinks as his mouth hangs open. He struggles to find the words. Ultimately, he settles on..

JULIAN: “Huh?” 

Xuan giggles. 

XUAN: “Yeah. I got killed once by a cosmic being beyond imagination. So did Wolfsbane, and the rest of the old New Mutants besides Dani and Sunspot. Jean was dead for almost the entire time I was a student here. You see that new blonde woman in all black walking around the school? That’s Magik, who’s died twice. Just kidding, that’s a demon wearing her face that has all her memories who we had to stop from destroying the world yesterday.” 

Julian stumbles over his own words. He has no idea how to respond to this. 

XUAN: “You asked if I have a secret. The fact is, our lives are really, really weird. You’ll get used to that if you stay on the X-men track.  A lot of the time, our lives are also hard and painful, and we just want to cry and give up. But we have two things going for us: each other, and one Hell of a talent for refusing to stay dead.” Xuan’s smile becomes softer. “Yeah, losing my leg…it was awful. But I’ve been through worse. Learn and grow from the pain, so you can protect others from it.” 

Julian is in complete awe. 

JULIAN: “Never knew the New Mutants we so cool.” 

XUAN: “You know we used to kick your precious Ms. Frost’s butt all the time, right?” 

The two share a laugh, and Julian thanks her. 

Magik and Laura emerge from Illyana’s portal on a space station. From the logos and architecture, Laura instantly recognizes this as one of SWORD’s space stations, with SWORD serving as a counterpart to SHIELD, dealing with extraterrestrial threats. 

LAURA: “Their director hired me a few times. She’s the only client who ever scared me.” 

MAGIK: “Lame. Anyway, you’re probably wondering what we’re doing here.” 

LAURA: “Not really.” 

MAGIK: “Well, since you asked, I actually do care about people besides those at the school. It’s just that Cypher and Warlock are dead, and I don’t care ENOUGH about Magma to force her to come live with us. But there is one other dear friend of the old Illyana Rasputin who I need to bring home. You down to help me maim some dudes on the way?”

LAURA: “We can’t. The X-Men work with SHEILD now.” 

Magik groans. She then waves her arm and makes them look like Sabretooth and Mystique, respectively. 

MAGIK: “There! All better! You guys really ought to start realizing that with me, problems are not problems. Now, let’s go!” 

Magik runs off. However, she quickly realizes Laura isn’t following behind. 

MAGIK, annoyed: “What is it now?” 

Laura tells her that she’s an X-Man. She may still enjoy fighting, but she’s meant to protect innocent people, not hurt them. Magik thinks it’s cute she thinks anyone is innocent. Laura insists though that she’s happier and more fulfilled now than she ever was when she was an assassin. Now, she has a home and she has friends. Wouldn’t Magik be happier if her friends weren’t all terrified of her? Maybe she could have a similar experience if she gave it a try. 

Magik frowns. 

MAGIK: “I’m starting to think you’re not actually Logan.” 

LAURA: “No kidding.” 

MAGIK: “Blech. I don’t like liars.” Magik punches her hand through a wall, setting off the alarms. “Have fun!” Magik leaves Laura behind as she heads off on her search, while soldiers begin to rush toward Laura’s location. 

In his office, Cyclops is now speaking with Seiji and Suki while, outside on the main law, Keitaro is playing with the Mutant children, Artie and Leech. Leaning against a wall, Surge is momentarily at peace watching them play together. 

"Ashida!"

Noriko groans as Julian flies up to her, telling her he overheard what she said earlier. She's seriously abandoning everyone???

Noriko rolls her eyes. Of course this guy was listening. She tells him that, not that his opinion matters, but she's THINKING about it. 

Julian can't believe her. For as much of a loser as she is, she was still one of the last people he'd ever expected to turn on them. 

Noriko insists that's not what she's doing, but Julian presses. 

JULIAN: "You've always acted like you're so much better than me. You fought right alongside me for everyone here. But the first chance you get, you're out? Leaving us a powerhouse down so you can go live a fun, flatscan-approved life? You're pathetic."

Noriko lights up in a rage and shoves Julian to the ground. How dare he! She doesn't care about the good of Mutants any less than ever, but she's a kid, and  right now, she has to think about herself.  

Noriko vents that, back in Tokyo, she had a life. She had great parents and an amazing little brother. She had prospects. She had friends who didn't always treat her like the butt of the joke except for when she was useful. But she has to be useful now! 

NORIKO: "When I came here, I thought anyone who wanted to be an X-Man was crazy. But it didn't take long for me to realize…that's all there is. That's all there will ever be for us. Fighting or hiding. Because if good people like my parents can't stand us, what chance do we have of ever changing the real monsters? I just want a way out."

Noriko is tripped over by Julian's TK as he floats up. He tells her that anyone who thinks like her parents isn't a "good person" and she needs to stop thinking like that. Noriko, from the ground, spits back that that's big talk from the guy who's still taking money from his humiliated parents. 

Julian ignores that dig and focuses on the other thing Noriko said. She's thinking about leaving in part because of THEM? Because they joke around with her? Please. Yeah, they joke around with her. That's how they show they care. It's not like Noriko doesn't make it easy for them acting angry and dumb all the time. He's surprised her old friends treated her any differently.  

And that sets Nori off more than before, as her eyes are consumed by electricity, and electric energy blasts into the sky uncontrollably, getting everyone's attention. 

NORIKO, crying static: "Do you think I was always like this?! Do you think I was "the rebel" back home?! No! I was happy! I did what I was told! I followed the rules! I acted how I was supposed to! And I loved it! But one little gene took that all away from me." Julian's eyes soften as Noriko stands and sucks back in most of the energy. "You know why I've always hated you, Keller? Besides being a tool who didn't care if I was living on the street? It's the same reason my parents assumed we were dating. You are exactly the future they wanted me to have."

JULIAN: "Ashida, I–"

NORIKO: "I don't want to be that girl anymore. I don't want that life. But I still want to live."

 Nori sniffles. She thinks she just made up her mind. 

She starts walking away, but, still slightly charged up, things are moving in slow-motion for her. Which is why her eyes widen as a gunshot rings, and she notices a bullet heading straight for Keitaro's head. She rushes forward, desperate to be fast enough, and catches the bullet in her hand. 

As time returns to normal, everyone panics and starts shuffling around the lawn in a frenzy. Noriko and Julian look to each other with eyes of acknowledgement, with no hint of the animosity from moments ago. 

Up on a far away skyscraper, we see the Leper Queen, grinning as she reloads her sniper rifle. 

LEPER QUEEN: "Surprise."

At the spa, the Cuckoos receive mani-pedis and foot scrubs. Sophie complains about Emma sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. She’s meant to teach them how to be stronger telepaths, not get involved in their personal lives. Irma mumbles something quietly about how they could use the help, but Phoebe just shouts at her not to disagree with them; it’s an ugly look on a Cuckoo. Esme laughs to herself. 

Celeste, to the others’ surprise, actually agrees with Irma though. What they’ve been doing hasn’t been working, and if they don’t do something quickly, they’re gonna be stuck at the bottom of the social ladder through all of high school. 

SOPHIE: “We do not need a teacher to help us with that.” 

IRMA: “And why should we believe that? Your plans have sucked!” 

ESME, PHOEBE, AND CELESTE, as Sophie is aghast: “Oooooh.” 

SOPHIE: “Take that back.” 

IRMA: “Why should I? You’ll make fun of me if I don’t? Not like I don’t get that all the time already. How did you think brainwashing the girl we wanted to be friends with and tormenting her girlfriend would work out for us?” 

CELESTE: “You also forgot with your big, “take over the school” plan that if anyone told Emma, she could just erase everything we could have leaked.” 

ESME, with a wry smile: “To say nothing of how you allowed Hellion to competly humiliate us.” Her smirk turns more malicious. “You didn’t actually like him, did you?” 

PHOEBE, as Sophie cringes: “All of you stop!” 

The other three Cuckoos all laugh, until Sophie sends a psychic shockwave through their heads, shutting them all. They think it’s so easy being head Cuckoo? She’d LOVE to see any of them last a day in her shoes, wrangling four less pretty, less smart copies of themselves. 

Esme snipes that just because they all naturally followed Sophie when they woke up back home doesn’t mean she’s the original, or even that they’re clones. 

Sophie shouts at them all to shut up. Maybe they could try being nicer, maybe they could try asking the X-Men for help figuring out where they come from, but that’s not their style. If there’s one thing they knew for sure when they woke up, it was what being a Stepford Cuckoo meant. It meant perfection. Changing how they are now would only make things worse. 

Phoebe continues to agree with the hive queen and takes her hand, with Celeste in agreement now as well. Esme rolls her eyes. 

Irma sulks. 

IRMA: “I don’t know how things could get worse…but changing who we are couldn’t be harder than the first time.”

For a single moment of silence, the five sullen Cuckoos exchange glances. And the audience sees that the Cuckoos’ appearance they’ve seen all season is not what they really look like. Underneath the constant illusion they put up, their appearance more closely resembles five brown-haired, plain-faced, scrawny young men. 

As the show returns to showing the Cuckoos in their “true”, preferred forms,  Sophie sighs. They should be able to do everything on their own, but maybe, if given no other options, asking for help is more dignified than being clueless losers. 

Maybe they can figure out a compromise. 

On the SWORD base, Laura, with the appearance of Sabretooth, scrambles to find Magik. Before she can, she’s intercepted by a squad of SWORD security personnel. Laura tells them she doesn’t want to hurt them, but with the look she’s sporting…

LAURA: “Yeah…I wouldn’t buy it either.” 

Laura walks through the SWORD agents, only taking any hits because she’s going out of her way to do this painlessly. As she knocks out the last of them, she remarks that she’d have thought Brand would have trained them better. 

LAURA: “Wouldn’t have gone so easy on her.” 

Laura is eventually able to catch up to Magik, who’s struggling to guess the code to the secure prison area. Magik is annoyed and in a bad mood because whoever’s in charge of this dump apparently has sorcerers to safeguard this area. 

LAURA: “Please tell me you haven’t killed anyone.” 

MAGIK: “I mean I could. I’d be lying, but I could.” 

Laura is incensed. Does she really feel nothing at all? 

MAGIK: “Honestly? A little bit of indigestion. But I don’t think that’s related.” 

Magik needs her, Cyclops, and all the others to get this through their heads: she is still evil, she is going to do whatever she wants, and they are all just very, very lucky that killing everyone is no longer on that list. 

Laura steps toward, her with Magik raising her sword and telling her not one more step. Laura calls her bluff and takes that step. 

LAURA: “And why is that?” 

MAGIK: “Duh! My friends!” 

LAURA: “Mhmm. And do you think your friends are happy with this arrangement?” 

MAGIK: “Uh, yeah! Of course, they are! They all love me!” 

Laura shakes her head. They love who she used to be. They COULD love this new her, but right now, they're just scared of her. She tells Magik how she gets it. Being born to do evil. Not meant to be their own person. Killing coming as naturally as breathing. 

But she knew she didn't want that life. Took her a long time to realize she could live beyond what her creators meant for her, but she did. If she hadn't, she definitely wouldn't have the friends she does now. 

But Magik doesn't have 14 years. If she drives her friends away now, that's it. Up to her if acting like this means more to her. 

Magik wiggles and makes strange noises, before sighing.

MAGIK: "I know you're playing me. I know Scotty probably put you up to this. But you're right."

Laura breathes a sigh of relief as Magik agrees to limit the death and destruction she causes. If it's really that big a deal to Kitty and the others, she'll keep it to when it's necessary. 

MAGIK: "I don't want that to be a rarity though…"

Laura tells her they'll figure something out, and, as a show of good faith, opens up the prison.  She used to see it open up when she was a kid, and while the password was changed daily, she picked up on the subconscious pattern Brand was using. 

Magik thanks "Not Logan" for the help and for the tip. Maybe they can be friends too. 

LAURA: "We'll see how things…huh."

Laura trails off as she sets her eyes on the prisoner they were here for, taken off guard. The prisoner chirps and breathes smoke in their faces. 

Magik laughs. Isn't he the cutest little guy? 

Back at the school, Keitaro hugs Noriko’s leg and questions what’s going on, as everyone panics around them. Kitty, Dani, Xuan, Nightcrawler, and Beast try to keep everyone calm and peacefully escort them into the school for their safety, but when that doesn’t work, Kitty starts phasing people, Dani scares them into the school with manifestations of their fears, Xuan takes people over, Nightcrawler teleports them inside, and Beast just starts grabbing people, apologizing for having to be so handsy. Iceman starts creating a shield around the school, while Dazzler gets onto the roof so when she senses the sound of the next gunshot, she’ll be in position to shoot the bullet down. 

Julian notices Northstar and Cannonball flying off into the city to look for the shooter and shouts at Noriko that they need to go too. None of their trained telepaths are present right now, meaning Mr. Beaubier “and the Avenger” are flying blind, and they’re the only other ones here with super speed. Right now, he doesn’t care if she’s the old Ashida or the new Ashida, right now, he needs Surge to help him cover ground. 

Nori stutters, afraid and unsure of what she should do as her brother whimpers. As she composes herself, she runs Keitaro into the school, before running back over to Julian. What happens to everyone here isn’t her responsibility, but no one gets away with trying to kill her brother. 

Hellion will take it. 

The two race away from the Institute, splitting up and going the opposite directions as the two more experienced heroes. While Julian can simply fly over the city, Noriko pushes herself to run up skyscraper after skyscraper in search of the shooter. 

As the two young heroes in training pause to breathe, both sweating profusely, another gunshot is fired. This time, Noriko is close enough to realize where the shooter is located and runs toward them. 

Noriko races up the skyscraper Leper Queen is situated on, but…

NORI: “AHHHHH!” 

Noriko screams, her leg stuck in a bear trap. Leper Queen spins around and pulls a sidearm on her. There are bear traps littered all over the roof. She knew the X-Men had speedsters and was prepared. She wasn’t expecting a child, however. 

LEPER QUEEN: “Poor thing. Not your fault you’re sick.” Noriko’s eyes widen as she hears this again, but not for long, as she’s in too much pain to keep them open. “Don’t worry. I’m making sure none of you Mutants, or your families, are ever able to infect anyone again.” 

Nori tries to snark back at the racist murderer, but she can’t. In all her previous real fights, she’d avoided taking any real hits. Now, she’s experiencing the same type of pain most of her friends already have. 

As tears stream down Noriko’s face, Leper Queen puts a gun to her head. 

LEPER QUEEN: “Don’t worry. It’s okay to cry. It’ll be over soon. For you, and everyone like you.” 

As she pants, Noriko is finally able to get some words out. 

NORIKO: “Who…who the Hell are you?” 

LEPER QUEEN: “Just a concerned citizen. One who won’t let what happened to her child happen to anyone else.” 

Noriko continues to panic but does manage to start generating some electricity as Leper Queen prepares to shoot. Before she can…

“GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER!” 

Hellion arrives on the scene and flings Leper Queen over to the next rooftop. Before she can stand, he manipulates all of the unused bear traps and throws them at her. A few hit her, but they aren’t able to put her down, and she dodges the rest. 

Putting up a shield around them, Hellion checks on Surge, telling her to breathe, and that he’s going to get this thing off of her. Surge tells him not to, speaking super fast, since she isn’t sure how bad the bleeding will be. 

Jullian tells her to not be stupid. Does she not remember the sentinel fight? She saved his damn life by cauterizing his injuries. She just needs to get it together and do that to herself. 

As a grenade rolls over to the shield, Hellion jets the two away to a further off roof. He uses his TK to remove the bear trap from Noriko’s legs. She’s in even more pain now, but Julian has an idea. 

JULIAN: “Uggh, come on, Ashida! If you’re really this much of a baby, then maybe we don’t need you after all.” 

NORIKO, seeing right through him and laughing through the pain: “Everything you pulled after your boo boo and you’re calling me the baby?” Noriko screams as she cauterizes herself. “In your dreams.” 

The two grin at each other, but they can’t savor the moment, as Leper Queen hops rooftops to come after them, hunting knives in hand. Julian tells Noriko he’ll handle her, but as he rushes to take her down, Leper Queen uses a gas grenade, the poison in it bringing him right down to his knees. Without any taunts this time, Leper Queen is going to cut his throat. 

In the nick of time, however, Surge throws herself at Leper Queen, moving faster than the gas can reach her lungs, and knocks the cold-blooded killer out with a single punch. 

Noriko collapses right afterward, but, in case everything else wasn’t enough of a giveaway to the others, she shoots a flare up into the sky. 

In her parked limo, Emma is on the phone with Scott, and is being filled in on the day’s events. She’s horrified initially, but calms down as she discovers no one was killed, and the shooter was brought down. Emma grins as she hears who stopped her. 

EMMA: “Of course they did.” 

As Bumpkin helps the Cuckoos into the car, Emma hangs up, telling Scott they should do drinks tonight. 

Emma asks the Cuckoos if they at least enjoyed their day. The Cuckoos look to Sophie, who cringes before speaking. She tells Emma they haven’t been entirely honest with her. And that they need her help. If she’ll have them, they’d like to be more direct students’ of hers. Not because they feel they need more help with their telepathy, but…

SOPHIE: “well…” 

ESME: “We have no damn idea how to talk to real people.” 

Emma giggles. She’s not who she herself would come to for this, but she’ll do her best. She thanks them for reaching out. 

EMMA: “Now…what haven’t you been honest about?” 

In the Institute’s medical bay, Kitty is on her way out, as she gives Noriko, who’s in bed, a pat on the head. On her way out, she’s met by Magik, who startles her. Kitty heard she was hanging out with Laura today. 

KITTY: “How’d that go?”

Magik, twirling her finger in her hair as she twirls around her tail, as she explains that Laura told her Kitty and the others have been scared of her, and, yeah, she gets it. She’s awesomely terrifying. So, for them, and a little bit for Laura, she’s going to refrain from killing and destruction. 

Kitty lights up. She’s so happy to hear that. Maybe being here will help that little bit of human inside her grow. Magik laughs at that. No, no, that is not happening, nor will she let it. 

KITTY: “Heh, okay.” PAUSE. “Before we got sucked into Limbo, I was ready to give up. Everything just seemed so hopeless. But neeind to fight for the world? For you? And actually winning? It gave me hope. You gave me hope. Even if you really never become the Illyana I knew, I’m happy you’re here.” 

Magik slightly blushes, before mystically making herself stop. There’s no need for Kitty to be so dramatic. But if she does need any more reasons to live on, she found one for her. 

Opening a portal, Magik lets out a small, purple dragon, who flies at Kitty and starts licking her cheek. 

KITTY: “LOCKHEED!” 

Kitty is overjoyed to see who we learn is her old pet, as well a a dragon who just happens to look like an alien. 

KITTY: “Where did you find him?!” 

MAGIK, petting Lockheed: “I said I was going to stop killing and destroying things. I didn’t say I had already.” 

Kitty decides to not ask any questions, instead taking Lockheed to her new “grown up room”. 

MAGIK, pleased with herself: “Just one thing left to do.” 

She disappears through a portal. 

 As Cyclops walks down a nearby hallway, Magik appears in his path. He starts asking her how her day was, only for her to interrupt him and tell him to shut the Hell up; she’s talking. See, she was thinking, and while, after her little adventure with Wolverine, she won’t be killing anymore, she does still have a hankering for violence. Aaaand, she also wants to make sure her friends know she’s on their side. 

CYCLOPS: “What are you saying?” 

MAGIK: “I’m saying it’s your lucky day Nerd-clops. I’m joining the X-Men.” 

Scott stumbles over his words as he tries to keep this from happening, but Magik talks over him. She won’t be following his orders, instead, she’ll be doing whatever she wants, but, in exchange, he gets the most powerful being on the planet “besides maybe the Witch” to fight for his people. 

CYCLOPS: “I–” 

MAGIK: “Aaaand, remember, if you say no, I can still destroy everything whenever I want.” 

Scott, with no choice, relents, and welcomes Magik onto the team, Magik reaches out a hand but pulls it away as Scott moves to shake it. 

MAGIK: “Ha ha! Too slow!” She goes full demon form for a moment. “Hasn’t this gone exactly as you’d hoped?” 

As Magik laughs manically, the two stare each other down. 

Back in the medical bay, Nori and Julian are still resting up, when Dani enters. Julian is happier than usual to see his less-preferred mentor, now holding a greater respect for the New Mutants, while Noriko just wants to know where her parents are. She knows they’re all okay, thank god, but she has some things she needs to talk to them about. 

Dani hangs her head. 

NORIKO: “W…what’s wrong?” 

DANIELLE: “I’m so sorry, Noriko. They’re gone.” 

As Noriko’s heart breaks, Dani explains that Seiji decided that while Noriko herself may not be a threat to anyone anymore if today was an example of a common occurrence, then he can’t have Noriko around his family no matter what; it’s simply too dangerous. Suki and Keitaro wanted to say goodbye, but Seiji decided it would be too painful for any of them to do so, so they left while Noriko was still unconscious. 

As Noriko’s face melts, tears and snot consuming it as it puffs up, Dani tries to offer her words of comfort and a hug, but Noriko tells her to just go away. Please. Dani respects her wish, and exists, reminding her that she and Kitty, and, yes, Emma, are always here if she changes her mind. 

Noriko cries and sobs and screams. 

JULIAN: “Thanks by the way.” Noriko turns her head to him, with no idea what he’s saying. “For saving me? After the sentinel fight? Realized earlier I never actually said that.” 

NORI, through her bawling: “Whatever.” 

Julian’s face squirms and wrinkles as he realizes what he has to do here. 

JULIAN: “I’ve been lying.” Nori doesn’t bother to look at him. “My parents cut me off months ago. They’re done with me.” 

Noriko asks what he’s talking about. He’s clearly still had money. Julian bites his lip in humiliation, and explains, like so much else, it happened after the sentinel fight. His parents caught wind of what had happened, and decided their Mutant son making headlines was a step too far. They said they still love him, but he doesn’t give a crap. Far as he’s concerned, he has no parents. 

Julian has been since the start of the season. He didn’t want anyone to know, however, and since he already had so much else to worry about, Ms. Frost gave him money to last through the semester so he didn’t have to tell anyone. 

NORIKO: “That’s ridiculous…but I get it. You, not your rents. It’s a douchey way to define yourself, but that was important for you.” Pause. “There aren’t actually any good people like them out there, are there? No matter how fair they seem, or how concerned they sound…they’re all the same. If they weren’t our parents, they’d be defending people like that…did we get her name?” 

JULIAN: “Calls herself, “Leper Queen”, apparently.” 

NORIKO: “Whatever. Her. They’d defend her. Damn Flatscans.” 

JULIAN: “Freaking Flatscans, right?!” 

Julian laughs, and actually gets Noriko to laugh through her pain. 

Noriko says that she isn’t going anywhere. Not ever. Not as long as everyone she can trust is here. And not so long as people like Leper Queen are out there. Julian agrees.Everyone in the crew does care about her, even if it doesn’t always come off that way. And he’s glad the less lame, Mutant Surge is sticking around and not going back to trying to be whoever she used to be. For all the, justified, crap, he gives her, they keep on making a good team. 

NORI: “Yeah…I guess we do.” 

There’s another pause, as Noriko wipes her faces and stops crying. 

JULIAN: “So were you like some Japansese schoolgirl stereotype or something? All cutesy and demure?” 

NORI, amused: “Oh, shut the Hell up.” 

JULIAN: “Come on! And your parents wanted you with a guy like me? At least they have some good taste.” 

NORI: “I will come over there and murder you, Julian.” 

JULIAN: “Go ahead and try, Noriko.” 

The two can’t help but smile at each other. They reach their arms toward one another. The fingers of the metal-handed orphans entagle around one another. A spark lights up in their eyes, and a magnetism draws them closer to each other, both levitating out of bed and meeting in the middle. 

As they look into each other’s eyes, the two lean in, and their lips touch. 

The two proceed to jump away from each other, cough, and pretend to vomit. 

NORI: “Ew! Ew! Ew! What is wrong with you?!” 

JULIAN: “Me?! I was following your disugsting lead!” 

NORI: “Never do that again, shit!” 

JULIAN: “Right back at you!” 

The two exchange smirks. At long last, the animosity is gone. 

In a normal, non-SHEILD, prison, Leper Queen is being held. We see that, underneath her mask, her face is horribly burnt. She scratches at the walls of her cells with her nails. 

Intercut with flashbacks to a time when Leper Queen was younger, happier, and not disfigured, she narrates about how it’s not fair. Her target wasn’t there today. She was forced to just do what she could. 

We see Leper Queen had an adorable two year-old daughter. One who could make flames. 

Leper Queen narrates that they will all die eventually, but she must die above all others. 

In a hospital, Leper Queen, with a bandaged face, holds her daughter tightly, the implication being that her daughter accidentally burned her face off, but she didn’t blame her. 

LEPER QUEEN: “She must pay…for what she took.” 

Sometime after her hospital stay, Leper Queen arrived home, only to find her daughter dead, covered in bloody claw marks. 

LEPER QUEEN: “Before I save the world from your kind, I will have my revenge…X-23.” 

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

CAST CHANGE:

ILLYANA "DARKCHYLDE" RASPUTIN AKA MAGIK: Now a part of the main X-Men team.

[lovecatsys]

Academy X/Hellions/X Kids Band AU

keno and i were talking abt a potential academy x band AU a while back and then I came up w a very elaborate plot with lots of ideas and headcanons so. here we go.

The Hellions

Julian Keller - lead vocals/main songwriter

Noriko Ashida - lead guitar/songwriter/occasional vocalist

Brian Cruz - rhythm guitar/backing vocalist

Laura Kinney - bassist

Quentin Quire - drums/songwriter

Kevin Ford - percussion & synths (as recurring background/guest musician)

Details/Plot/dynamics/etc under the cut!!

The Backstory

the basic story is that in this AU, they're mutants, superheroes and supervillains still exist, the x men and subsequent teams still exist (and their history is somewhat known) but the kids did not go to the Xavier school and are just mutant kids (mostly) unaffiliated with the X-Men

Julian is a good singer and songwriter, a proud mutant young adult, who wants to start a band. So! he starts the band with his girlfriend (Laura, her backstory is the same she just met Julian and they started dating) and best friend (Brian). Laura has been learning bass for a little while, Brian knows a little guitar, they start to figure out the logistics & gain skill practicing Julian's songs, while looking for more fellow mutant musicians.

They find Nori (her backstory is the same) who's a very talented guitarist and also a songwriter, as well as Quentin, a drummer and songwriter. Both these kids are proud mutants and punks, so they fit along with Julian's ideal vibe for the band.

So! the band cuts a record, their first album, they blow up as a political all-mutant band, pissing off all the right people and gathering a large following of youth, punk, mutant, queer, and counter culture alike.

Julian has always looked up to Emma Frost, and names the band the Hellions after her student team, the rivals of the new mutants.

The Music

The band ranges over a few genres, generally categorized as alternative rock, with punk and industrial elements occasionally.

Julian is considered the "main songwriter" of the band, though Nori and Quentin probably contribute an equal amount of songs. I imagine his voice as being fairly smooth but a bit nasally, with a medium pitch range. His songs are lyrically very sound, and generally stick to an alt rock vibe, with occasional industrial elements (usually due to Kevin's influence/backing musicianship). I'm envisioning him as having a very strong voice. Julian will write about a great many things, generally political messages about anti-mutant sentiment and mutant pride, love and sex (he's such a cheesy romantic), or just whatever. Huge influence for Julian song's vibes is Placebo

Noriko adds an element of electric punk to the band. Her songs are lyrically not very interesting, but she makes up for it in the melodies and her musicianship. Nori has a special guitar designed where she can channel her powers into it and doesn't need to use her gauntlets. This gives her a very unique and HEAVY sound. She also writes about mutanthood and its political aspects, along with other political stuff, womanhood and racism, I'm imagining she has something of a riot grrrl vibe going on (which I've always headcanoned her as being into). Her songs and guitar style in my head are very similar to Nova Twins.

Brian adds a steady contrast to Nori's heavy, unusual guitar sound. His playing is a lot softer and more clear. He does a lot of backing vocals, and there's probably a song or two where he gets to do the lead vocals- either Julian or Quentin may have written a song specifically for him to sing. I imagine he has a very soft and beautiful voice. Though many critics would probably call him the "useless" or least important member of the band, he's actually a very important part of their sound– his rhythms make their sound feel whole in a way. He only really became a musician because Julian wanted to start a band and he wanted to be a part of it, because he loves Julian and in a way almost revolves his life around him, but he becomes an integral part of the band.

Laura has a killer bass line, I imagine she has a great level of precision to her playing, strong hands already skilled from her extensive fighting capability. She may not have learned bass until her late teen years but she got the hang of it really quickly and became a phenomenal bassist. Her bass playing is heavy and precise, and her bass lines aren't exactly the most elaborate, but they're effective and fun (Georgia South from Nova Twins vibes).

Quentin is the most punk member of the band, every song he writes is punk, he is actively part of the subculture, and his mutant pride shines through the most out of all of them. almost all of his songs are political, most often about mutant pride and anti-mutant sentiment, he probably has multiple songs that are about the genocide of Genosha. He also writes a lot about his struggles with mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and his insecurities. He doesn't sing and generally gives his songs to Julian to sing. He is a very good drummer, his drumming is heavy, loud, and fast– he uses his telekinesis to aid his drum playing. I'm imagining he has an extended drumset he put together himself, and uses psionic drumsticks. However, his drum playing is not as precise as he would like it to be, as he's not a very skilled telekinetic (at least, not like Julian is).

Kevin is not an official member of the band, he's a freelance industrial solo musician who makes all his music himself using a variety of forms of percussion and synths. But as he is an active mutant musician in the alt industry, he collaborates with the Hellions a lot, and Julian, Laura and Brian become close friends to him. He generally works on Julian's songs (or occasionally Nori's) and adds an industrial element to them with synths or various forms of percussion unrelated to a drumset.

I'm also imagining a song where Roxy makes an appearance as a guest rapper.

The Story

After their first album blows up, the band goes on tour and rapidly gains a huge following. They experience a lot of anti mutant sentiment, and protesters at their shows. They generally respond with lots of "f us" and flipping them off. Julian, Nori, and Quentin all use their powers to make all sorts of fantastic displays for the show (who needs light shows when you have telekinesis and electricity manipulation?).

Julian, Nori, and Quentin are the biggest names in the band, and the loudest personalities. They may all be incredible musicians and songwriters who work together very well on stage and in the studio, but they do NOT get along and have massive personality conflicts. It can be pretty playful and ridiculous at times, but it can also lead to serious conflicts that are detrimental to the band. They're all incredibly egotistical and in general don't work together when it comes to deciding who's songs go on the album and who's doing this and that and such.

The band manages to put out two new albums, while experiencing a lot of internal drama, AND on top of that, a lot of anti mutant hate at shows, on the news, on the internet, basically everywhere. Laura realizes she's a lesbian at some point and breaks up with Julian, which causes some heartbreak and conflict, but eventually gets resolved and they remain friends. Brian struggles with depression and feeling like he's useless to the band, he also struggles in his relationship with Julian due to the fact that he's in love with him. Brian also becomes very close to Quentin, and Julian gets jealous, feeling like Quentin, who he's never liked, has stolen his best friend. And well, Nori and Quentin and Julian don't get along, obviously. Quentin also struggles with substance abuse, which becomes more and more serious as the band's history goes on. After their third album comes out at they go on tour, they're already considering breaking up the band due to all of these issues.

On the tour for their third album, the band experiences a serious hate crime- anti mutant bigots organized together and got tickets, pretending to be fans, and bombed the stage during their performance. While no one dies, Julian loses his hands, Brian almost dies, and they all sustain very serious trauma from the incident. While Julian and Brian are in the hospital, recovering, the rest of the band agrees to break up the act. when Julian learns of this, he becomes extremely angry and upset that they made that decision without him.

They all go their separate ways, Brian moves back to Puerto Rico and lives with his family, who help him through the trauma, and he gets therapy. around this time is when Logan dies and Laura takes up the mantel of Wolverine, starting her official career as a superhero. Nori and Quentin both go on to be solo acts. Nori's music becomes even more aggressively political and ANGRY because of the event. Quentin's substance abuse gets progressively worse. Julian retreats into himself and becomes extremely depressed, ashamed of his disability and traumatized by the explosion.

The band remains broken up for a long time, around 4-5 years. During this time, Brian tries to reach out to Julian and help him out when he finds out how terribly depressed his best friend is, but Julian ignores him. Nori eventually decides to do something with all her rage and trauma from anti-mutant bigots, and starts doing activism work for mutants and mutant youth especially. She uses her fame to become a huge figure in the fight for mutant rights, and continues to make political music, though it becomes less heated over time. Quentin eventually gets his shit together and goes sober, and also starts doing some minor activism work, he and Brian also reconnect and date for a little, though they don't make their relationship public and it doesn't last very long, they still remain friends and have a much healthier relationship than they originally did when the band was still together. Laura finds Gabby and finds herself in a very good place in her life for the first time ever as Wolverine (the same basic plot of All new Wolverine happens).

Emma Frost has never actually listened to the Hellions' music, as she knows she would despise it and doesn't want to taint the image of the band in her head, but she's always been aware of them and thinks very fondly of them, especially of Julian, who received public criticism when the band was formed for naming them after the Hellions, who were "supervillains." She was rightfully angered when the concert was bombed, and at some point towards the end of those 4-5 years, she wonders to herself whatever happened to Julian Keller. She seeks him out via cerebro, and when she finds him living incredibly depressed on his own, surviving along only with his residual money from the band's years of fame, she refuses to let it stay that way. She comes into his house one day, paying a bunch of people to clean, giving him prosthetic hands to use with his telekinesis that she had made, and insisting that he needs to get his life together already. She helps him get back up on his feet financially, pays for therapy for him, and encourages him to get back to recording music again (and get a life). Emma basically forces herself into Julian's life and becomes his mentor and mother figure.

Julian starts putting together an album, and meets the love of his life through Emma, a dancer named Sofia Mantega. After his album gets released, and the rest of the band hears about it, they all slowly start to reconnect, keeping it quiet at first, hanging out and catching up, having jam sessions where they play old songs and new songs. They all find that they get along so much more now that they're all in much better places of their lives, though they can still be bitchy and mean and get annoyed with each other, they all build healthier friendships and find that they really missed writing and playing music together.

Eventually they officially announce that the band is back together and will be releasing an album and going on tour soon. Their album is a completely different style and tone than their music was previously. It leans more towards punk and regular rock, and it's a lot more uplifting and cathartic. Lyrically its about overcoming their trauma and not letting the weight of it get them down, continuing despite the fact that anti-mutant hate is still happening. (Placebo's Battle for the Sun is the kind of vibe this situation and musical shift is)

Fans are overjoyed, they make sure to take extra security measures on the tour, and they're all incredibly happy to be back making music with each other again. Their career continues after this, keeping the same new style and generally keeping their music more positive than it used to be. Julian eventually marries Sofia and she features in a few of their music videos as a dancer. Julian also writes many, many songs about Sofia and their relationship and his love for her.

Random Headcanons

Julian has a diva phase, he also wears bright red lipstick and/or a dress on stage multiple times

Quentin leans into his omega gang outfit in the early days, also leans heavily into the omega branding thing

They cover Queen Bitch by David Bowie, alt-ify it and Julian puts his whole pussy into it.

I made a playlist with a few songs that I think capture the style of the band– I do have individual explanations for each song but I've already eluded to some of the artists/albums in this post so I'm not gonna go into it more, feel free to ask though!

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

463 of 2022

The Letter N [True or False]

Created by joybucket

You like the name Naomi. You've been to Norway. 🇳🇴 You're Norwegian. 🇳🇴 You have nice neighbors. You've had an obnoxiously noisy neighbor. You've met someone named Naomi. You know what book series the name Nymphadora is from. You like the name Nymphadora. You don't think you've ever used the word "nifty." You like Nutella. You've worked as a live-in nanny. You love spending time in nature. You feel close to God in nature. You like the name Nola. You've dressed up as a ninja. 🥷 You enjoy reading novels. It's always been your dream to write novels. 📚 You've had your picture in the newspaper. 📰 You've had an article written about you in the newspaper. 📰 You've placed an ad in the newspaper. 📰 You're currently wearing nylons. You've met someone named Nia. You've met someone named Nolan. You've worked at Nordstrom's. You've met someone named Norman. You know what nori is. Your favorite thing to order at McDonald's as a kid was Chicken McNuggets. You've accidentally walked in on someone when they were naked. You've had someone accidentally walk in on you when you were naked. There is an N in your name. (in my middle and last name) Someone in your family is named Nathan. You watch Niki and Gabi on YouTube. You like the name Nicole. You often feel neglected. You've decorated a baby's nursery. You love your natural hair color. Your hair is currently it's natural color. You like the name Nova for a boy. You hate your nose. 👃 (got used to it) You wish you could get a nose job. You have your nose pierced. You're wearing nose ring right now. You've eaten noodles within the last 24 hours. You've stood on top of a pool noodle in a swimming pool. You frequently take medicine for nausea. You have a favorite necklace that you wear every day. (not every day, but sure I do have a favourite) You own a lot of notebooks. 📓 You think your country's leader is full of nonsense. You've seen a live performance of The Nutcracker. You've performed in The Nutcracker. You've been to a naturopath. You've taken Naproxen. 💊 (when I was younger) You don't like Naproxen. You've tried needlepoint. You grew up watching Nickelodeon. You remember the orange Nickelodeon VHS tapes. You have a long neck. You enjoy taking naps. You frequently take naps. You like numbers more than words. You still remember the home phone number you had growing up. You like Nerds candy. You own a Nintendo. 🎮 You have a niece. You have a nephew. (four, actually) You like the song "If Everyone Cared" by Nickelback. Your middle name is Noel. You've met someone named Nori. You enjoy reading books by Nora Roberts. If you could trust the police, you might volunteer to work for them as a narc. You like neon colors. You're wearing something navy blue. You've considered joining the Navy. You have a list of baby names that you like. You've been to Nova Scotia. You like the name Nancy. You've touched stinging nettle. 🌱 You're allergic to stinging nettle. You've played with a Nerf gun as a kid. 🔫 You've eaten something new within the last 24 hours. You want to change your name. You've found a bird's nest. 🪺 You enjoy hammering nails into the wall. 🔨 (oddly satisfying, you know) You've done something you told yourself you would never do. You've had a job that required you to wear a name tag. You've had a friend with the same name as you. You've been to nursing school. You want to become a nurse. 👩‍⚕️ You've considered becoming a nurse. You've had a male nurse before. 👨‍⚕️ (several ones, actually) You don't think you've ever had a male nurse. You've had a nurse that was very rude. You like and agree with this quote by Helen Keller: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." You've never met anyone named Nebula. You've used a nebulizer. You know what a nebulizer is. You believe the end of the world is near. 🌎 You wonder if the end of the world is near. You own a set of knitting needles. You're best friends with your neighbor. You enjoyed this survey.

[banjokazooiey]

Hi! Can i have a hcs of Jotaro, kakyoin, polnareff and Josuke? (seperate) about the bois and fem! s/o's child that has a stand that can leaps through time and then child met their parent's past.

this is fun af let’s go, Jotaro, Kakyoin, Polnareff and Josuke + Reader’s Child That Goes Through Time!! (wow that a mouthful) also this is a little more than headcanons just because I had too much fun with it

Your kid was scarily mature and responsible for being sixteen years old. Both you and your husband thought maybe, maybe they’d end up a normal, good adult.. and then on their sixteenth birthday, their Stand appeared. Nobody was sure of what their power was yet; you told your child they cannot try it out or use it until there was a safe way to go about it. However, after telling them they couldn’t hang out with their friends that night, the family got into an argument; as your kid was about to yell, their face bright red, they literally disappeared. Into thin fucking air. Cue you and your husband freaking out; but where did they go? What was happening to them?

Jotaro Kujo

Nearly losing their footing, his kid (second born, after Jolyne) found themselves in.. well, not home, that was for sure. Judging by the carpeting under their feet, it was probably a hotel. Blinking, they looked around at their surroundings. The tacky wallpaper, strange colors, patterns.. this didn’t seem like the modern day. Their thought process paused, however, after they heard voices coming from down the hall.

“-I’ve always enjoyed marine life.” That was undoubtedly the deep, grizzled voice of their father. Eyebrows furrowing, they slowly approached; at the end of the hall was a balcony that looked out on the city.. whatever city that was, they weren’t sure, but regardless they carefully snuck to be hidden behind the wall, but still able to see and hear who must’ve been their parents.

“Oh, really?” That was definitely their mom. “I like whale sharks. And sharks in general. They’re silly, you know?” While this was their mom, she talked so.. different. “You know, back home, where I’m from- there’s whale migrations every year. You can look out to the sea and see these giant humpback whales just swimming along, going.. well, wherever they go. It’s really cool. Maybe I can take you some time.”

“.. That would be nice.” At this point, they could still only see the two’s back, but noticed Jotaro’s hand ever so slowly shift over to be on yours. “.. Jotaro, I think-“

That’s when they leaned forward a little too much and fell down. Immediately, both of them jumped apart from one another, figuring it was Polnareff or Joseph spying. But, they came face to face with a teenager.

Said teenager was reeling at the sight of their parents being young. Their dad was without crow’s eyes, and absent of the few streaks of gray that ran through his jet black hair. Better yet, his outfit was black. They were so used to seeing their dad wearing his white ensemble, seeing him with the giant black coat with a chain had them reeling. And you.. you were brighter, more full of energy. Your eyes were more animated.. while you were always happy in their time, you looked less worried here. And your outfit was.. eccentric to say the least.

“.. The fuck are you doing here?”

“Jotaro!” You exclaimed, rushing forward to hold a hand out to your kid (which, of course, you didn’t know). “I didn’t know you had a sibling!”

“I don’t.”

Their kid was the spitting image of Jotaro; dark black hair, a less than happy expression always playing on their face, aquamarine eyes. And, it seemed they dressed like him, too.. at least, him when he was younger.

“Oh.” You paused, but still helped them up as they grabbed your hand. “You guys look identical! That must be a strange coincidence..”

“Yeah,” they nervously laughed, gulping. “Just a.. uh, a strange coincidence. I gotta go, so-“

“Well, it was nice meeting you.” You offered a kind smile; in typical mom fashion; before they glanced at Jotaro who wore a scowl. Getting an idea just to fuck with their dad, they smirked. “Oh, yeah, by the way, that guy is in love with you.”

“WHAT-“

“Byee!” They exclaimed, scrambling to run down the hallway and out of the building. They wondered if this was Egypt; they knew that a long time ago, you and your friends had made a long journey to defeat an evil man named DIO. This must’ve been before you encountered him.. now, you both had emotional baggage in the present. Sighing, they realized they shouldn’t have fought with the two of you. Almost as if on cue, their Stand formed in front of them, staring.

“Hey.. uh, whatever your name is. Can we go home?”

The Stand nodded, and before they knew it, they were back home within the blink of an eye. Both you and Jotaro stood in front of them, almost as if time hadn’t passed at all..

“What the hell? You disappeared for only a few seconds.” Jotaro gave a weird look, running a hand along the five o’clock shadow on his face.

“I met you guys!” They exclaimed, rushing forward to wrap their arms around you. “It was in Egypt, I think. You were on a balcony, talking about sea life.”

“Oh, I remember that,” you chuckled, grinning up at Jotaro who snorted in amusement. “That’s when I told Jotaro I loved him.” Pausing, you suddenly gave a wild look to your kid. “HOLD ON, DOES THIS MEAN YOU’RE A TIME TRAVELER?”

Noriaki Kakyoin

It was nighttime. There was a city surrounding them; quiet, abandoned.. except for the sounds of screams in the distance and obviously damaged cars and buildings. Standing up, their eyebrows furrowed, confused as to what was going on.

“Nori!” A familiar voice screamed out. They turned to see someone who looked like their mother.. and someone who looked like their father, bleeding out onto the pavement. You held onto your dear Noriaki, desperate for his survival. “Please, hang on, please.. I’m gonna get you help, I promise, I..”

Immediately, they ran up to the two, nearly falling over to crouch down to Noriaki’s level. “Dad!” They exclaimed, surveying his wound. It was graphic, gory.. a large pool of blood surrounded him, and his abdomen seemed to be blown wide open.. were those his guts?..

“Hey! Hey, you, you. Please, I- um, fuck, I need you to..” You trailed off, looking up at the stranger who didn’t seem all that strange. They looked just like Nori, but also had some striking similarities to you as well. Eyebrows shooting up, you thought.. maybe this was your kid? But that was a fleeting thought. It was time to help Kakyoin.

“I need you to- can you-“ You were cut off by the loud whirring of helicopter blades. It was the Speedwagon Foundation! Somehow.. they knew to come. Relieved; maybe he had a chance; you helped them load him onto the helicopter. “I-I need to come with you guys! I need to watch over him!”

“You can’t. I’m sorry. He’s going to need some intense recovery and rehab, but you can come visit him. Please stay here and fight DIO.”

Just like that, they were taking off again. There you stood, overwhelmed as they flew away. But.. there was the stranger next to you, staring at you. You turned, walking closer.

“Are you.. my child?” You questioned, carefully looking over their features. Hesitantly, they nodded. “I.. don’t know if it’ll, like, screw up the timeline or anything, but.. you seem like you need it, so.. yeah. Mom.”

Gently smiling, you brought a hand up to rest on your child’s cheek. “You look just like him, but I can see the fire in your eyes. That’s my blood right there.” You tucked a piece of red hair behind their ear, and they rushed forward to give you a big hug.

“Dad’s gonna be okay. You’re gonna be okay. I promise.” They squeezed you, before looking up at your face. You were so young, but.. you obviously wore a tired, overwhelmed expression. Gently running a hand through your child’s hair, you were allowed a tender moment before the sound of a loud BOOM! interrupted it.

“You get back to the future, alright? I got a supervillain to deal with.” Pressing a little kiss to the crown of their head, you pulled away. “Oh, uh, tell future me and future Nori hi, too.”

“I will.” Their Stand manifested behind them; it bore somewhat of a similarity to Iggy, which made you snort. “And, uh.. bye, Mom.”

“See you, kiddo.” Winking and throwing up a peace sign, that was the last thing they saw before arriving back in the present day.

“WHERE WERE YOU?!” Older you exclaimed. “You just.. you disappeared for a minute! What in the hell happ-“

And then they rushed forward to hug you, grabbing Nori’s sleeve to tug him into the hug. “I’ll tell you in a bit. But.. I love you guys.”

Any frustration you had before immediately simmered at the sight of your child being so sweet. Looking up at Nori with a smile; that was quickly reciprocated; you tightly wound your arms around your kid. “We love you too.”

Jean Pierre Polnareff

Being dropped into a café sure was interesting. Well.. was it even a café? An outdoors café? They shook the thought off, looking around. There were some tables, chairs.. people chatting.. and in the distance, the great wide desert. This was undoubtedly the trip that their parents met on; the fight against DIO, in Egypt.

Straight ahead of them was their mother, which made them nearly choke on their spit. You were young, but.. you looked annoyed. Sipping on some pop, you sat back in the straw chair, alone.

They approached, pulling out a chair in front of you. They definitely wouldn’t just sit down with a stranger, but.. you were their mom, they felt comfortable. “You look down. What’s up?”

Sighing, you didn’t even show any confusion or curiosity to why this strange teenager just sat down across from you. “Look over there.”

Turning their head to follow your eyes, their attention landed on their dad, no doubt; with the tall, silver hair, it couldn’t be anyone else. He was leaning a hand against a wall, semi-blocking in a woman who was giggling and blushing.

“You know, I could take you in the back and show you a good time, you look like you’re wanting a piece of me-“

They gasped, clearly offended at their dad’s vulgar language. “Oh my god! How dare he! That’s terrible!”

“You’re telling me.” Sighing, you sunk a little farther down into the seat. “He’s such a dick.. I hate him, but I love him, you know? Seeing him flirt with girls all day is so exhausting.”

Hearing their mother talk about their father in such a way was slightly off putting- but this was the past, they had to be aware of that. “Well, um.. maybe he’d stop acting like that if you told him how you felt. If he.. likes you back, tell him you won’t date him until you see him stop flirting with other girls.”

“That’s genius! He’s gonna be so arrogant about it.. but, I’m tired of doing this pining, you know?.. What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t.”

“You’re witty. I like that.” Chuckling, your expression dropped as Polnareff began to saunter up to the table, obviously done with his flirting. “Well, uh, did you orde-“

“Polnareff, I love you.”

He doubled over, nearly hacking up a lung in shock after he choked on his spit. Taking a moment to regain himself, he nearly lunged over, grabbing your hands and pulling you up to your feet. “Oh, mon petit lapin, I’ve loved you since I-“

“Good, you feel the same. I’ll start dating you only if you stop flirting with other girls. And stop giving them those damn looks.”

“I’ll never even look at another girl!” He exclaimed, pulling you close to his chest to hug you tightly. “Mon chéri, you’re the only one for me! Always!”

That was typical dad, being incredibly overwhelming with his love. Quietly chuckling in amusement, they stood up; their work here was done. Walking away, their Stand manifested next to them, something like a smile on its face. “Let’s go home, yeah?”

You went to turn around and thank the stranger for their encouragement only to find they had disappeared in the midst of Polnareff’s outburst. “Huh. That was weird..”

“What was?”

“Someone walked up and gave me advice for.. you know, this. But they’re gone. You know, they kind of looked like you..”

Josuke Higashikata

Why the fuck were they in a tree? Gasping and lunging toward the main part of the tree, they held on for dear life. It was.. kind of bare, only a few leaves in it. It actually granted a great vantage point for overlooking a high school..

Wait, this was Morioh High. But it looked older.

“.. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how infatuated she is with you. If she comes to her own conclusion that you’re the most pathetic, disgusting shmuck around then we get to go on living happily ever after, right?”

Their attention turned toward a group of four gathered by the pool. Three people sat crouching, surrounding a smaller.. guy. Narrowing their eyes, they nearly fell out of the tree when they realized they knew these people.

That was undoubtedly their mom, dad, Uncle Koichi and Uncle Okuyasu.

Koichi adamantly nodded, startled as Josuke lunged forward. “So all you gotta do on your end is act like a total jackass whenever you’re in front of her!”

“Oh!” Okuyasu exclaimed, clearly coming to some sort of realization. “Now I get where you’re going with this! You’re such a genius, Josuke!”

“Aha, well, thank you, but was that really a compliment coming from you?”

Next to Josuke, you started laughing so hard that you fell backwards into the pool. In turn, Josuke burst out laughing too, peering over the side to look at you. As you surfaced with a devious grin, you grabbed the lapels of his collar, pulling him in after you.

“Geez Louise, what could I do to make Yukako think I’m totally unappealing?”

“Well, from what I’ve been told, mama’s boys and gross guys are usually major turn offs for ladies,” Josuke commented from the water, dunking you under before grabbing onto the sides and hoisting himself up. He was dripping all over, and shook like a dog to try and get some water off.

“He’s got a point,” you added on after resurfacing.

Koichi gasped. “There has to be another way! If she thinks I’m a mama’s boy, she’ll hate my mom and go after her too!”

Okuyasu had an evil grin playing on his face. “Then we’ll have to go with option B! You’ll be the gross guy that doesn’t take baths!”

“HUH?”

“That’s right! You can’t brush your teeth or change your underwear!” Josuke was obviously enjoying this conversation, a dumb grin on his face. He held out a hand to help you out of the water, pulling you up and out. You were pressed against his chest for a second before both of you pulled away, blushing.

“Raising some lice or spiders in your hair might be a good idea!”

“Wearing sweaty socks is pretty gross!”

“Ooh, and try farting everywhere!”

“Yeah! She’ll think you’re foul!”

“Would you guys quit joking around?! I’m serious about this!” Koichi cried out.

“I’m being just as serious as you are!” Okuyasu stood up and pointed a finger in Koichi’s face. “Now make with the snot and drool!”

Koichi whimpered and groaned, falling down to his knees, clearly upset.

“If you’re not up for it.. then your only option is to become a nobody. A nobody with no prospects, at that.” Josuke stood up, approaching behind Koichi. “You need to make her lose all interest.” Bending over, he put a hand on Koichi’s shoulder. “We’re all gonna tackle this thing together, okay? But, uh, maybe we can go get dried off first.”

That earned a pained whimper.

Your kid never realized how stupid you all used to be. So, so stupid. They were used to the more serious duo you both were; seeing you as teenagers was hilarious. As Okuyasu and Koichi walked away, still reeling over the conversation, both you and Josuke stood by the pool. You peeled off your shirt, considering it was dripping; he stared, bright red.

“Wow, see something you like, Josuke?” You teased, giving a little chuckle.

“Actually.. yeah.”

That made you blush like crazy, and your demeanor quickly changed to be more shy. Josuke bit his lip before continuing.

“While we had this conversation, you know, I realized how glad I am to have a crush on a girl like you. You know.. not insane,” Both of you laughed at that, “but also kind.. smart.. pretty.. funny.. I can be myself around you, and you like me all the same. So, um.. you know, we’ve kind of been beating around the bush for awhile, and I was wondering if maybe.. you’d wanna go on a date? Sometime?”

Obviously flattered, you took a few steps forward, both hands lying flat on his chest so you could get on your tiptoes and peck his cheek. “I’d love to, Josuke.”

With a content, soft smile, your kid watched on as the two of you entered a new chapter in your love story. Their stand appeared next to them, looking down at the same scene. Fondly smiling before turning to the Stand, they chuckled. “Let’s go back.”

Immediately they were met with two pairs of arms around them. “Where did you go?!” You exclaimed, holding them tight. “I’m sorry if we upset you, I-“

“You guys never told me you used to be such saps when you were younger.”

That comment made you and Josuke pull away and exchange a look, both of you quietly giggling. “That.. is true. Remember when you asked me out?”

“I do,” he hummed, wrapping an arm around you and laying his hand on your hip to gently tap with the pads of his fingers. “That was probably my third best day ever. The other two would be when we got married and when the rascal showed up.” Ducking his head down, he pressed a little kiss to your lips, earning a groan from your kid.

“What even makes you bring that up, honey?” You questioned.

“Oh, my Stand has time traveling powers.”

“That’s nice- wait, WHAT?”

[lovemesomesurveys]

The N Survey by joybucket 

What are three of your favorite things to put on top of noodles? Cheese, pesto sauce, and marinara sauce. What noises do you hear right now? The mukbang video I’m watching, my dad, and my mom cooking dinner. Name someone whose birthday is on the 9th (of any month). I can’t think of anyone at the top of my head. Do you have a Netflix account? Yes.

Do you... like to take naps? watch Netflix? need to do laundry soon? have nice neighbors currently? own a pair of neon green tights? own a pair of knitting needles? Have you ever... owned the Bratz doll Nevra? worn a necktie? watched the news? been on the news? been to Norway? been scared of needles? swam with a pool noodle? written something on a napkin? made a list of names that you like? touched stinging nettle? had hives shoot up your arm after touching stinging nettle? been to Las Vegas, Nevada? been to Nebraska? cooked noodles on the stove? eaten Nerds candy? dressed up as a nerd for Homecoming Week? had a noisy neighbor? spotted a bird's nest? thought Nymphadora was a cool name? worn nylons? wanted to be a nurse? been to nursing school? had a very rude nurse? Do you like... Neapolitan ice cream? Nerds? flashing neon lights? nachos? reading the newspaper? watching the news? live neighborhood events? More Q's! List three foods you find nasty. Seafood, Canadian bacon, asparagus. Have you ever been on a nanny? Been on a nanny? List ten words that rhyme with "nine." Dine, fine, line, mine, pine, vine, wine, incline, decline, feline. How many of these words do you know the meaning to: nebula, nebulizer, noggin, nocturnal, nanosecond? All of them. Have you ever used a nebulizer? No. Name something you own that is neon. I don’t think I have anything neon. What are three things you've done that you will never do again? Eat food I don’t like, ride a roller coaster (with the exception of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad the Cars rollercoasters at Disneyland), go to the circus. List five things you like about your nation. Being able to vote, the diversity, the travel destination spots, variety of food, the entertainment. List five things you dislike about your nation. I don’t feel like think about that. What nation do you live in? The US. What nation were you born in? The US. When was the last time you blew your nose? Yesterday. Do you know anyone named... Nancy? Neisha? Nia? Nolan? Nathan? Nate? Nathaniel? Nick? Nori? Nora? Noah? Natasha? Natalie? Nevaeh? Noelle? Noel? Noella? November? Nevra? Nichelle? Niko? Nola? Ned? Nemo? Nebula? Nina? Nan? Nova? Would you say you are... nice? good with numbers? nocturnal? a noise lover? nifty? Norwegian? noisy? nasty? Final Q's! Do you have a reading nook in your home, and if not, would you like to create one? Aw no, but that would be cute. What is something that makes you nauseous? The smell of old food. What is your favorite novel you had to read for school? One of them was A Brave New World  by Aldous Huxley. What is your niche? I don’t know. What is your favorite number? 8. Do you take naps often? Yeah. List five things that are necessary for survival. Oxygen, food, water, medications for some people, sleep. What is something new you've done recently? Nothing comes to mind. My days are like all the same. Do you enjoy trying new things? Depends. What is something new you'd like to try? Hmm. What is something new you purchased recently? A gift for my mom for Valentine’s Day. What are four more new things you'd like to try? Hmm. List ten things you associate with the word "noggin." Head... that’s like all that comes to mind. Have you ever watched Finding Nemo? Yeah. What is something you need to do soon? Go the grocery store. List five places in which you might find flashing neon lights. Bars, restaurants, amusement parks, clubs... I can’t think of one more. Have you ever wanted to write novels? Yes. Have you ever tried to write a novel? Yes. Do you have any nieces or nephews? Nope. Do you use paper napkins or cloth napkins? Paper. Do you watch the news often? I read it more. That's all for now- have a nice, nifty day! :)

[vivertrabalhareestudarnoexterior]

Travel Writer: como se tornar um escritor de viagens de sucesso?

Travel Writer

Um profissional que é pago para viajar o mundo, conhecer novas culturas, visitar lugares fantásticos e, depois de tudo isto, relatar suas experiências de forma quase poética, fazendo o leitor sonhar em visitar aquele destino e/ou vivenciar aquela experiência. Esta é a rotina de um travel writer (ou escritor de viagem), uma das profissões mais cobiçadas do momento.

Mas, transformar-se em um travel writer de sucesso e viver disso requer muito mais do que saber escrever um bom texto. É preciso não só escrever aquilo que os editores desejam publicar em seus veículos, mas tabém oferecer informações úteis ao leitor.

Se você gosta de escrever e deseja descobrir os segredos para se tornar um travel writer, esta pode ser a sua grande chance!

Estão abertas as inscrições para o Travel Writing Scholarship, um concurso promovido pela World Nomads, uma das melhores empresas de seguro de viagem do mundo. Os autores dos três melhores artigos participaram de um workshop com Tim Neville, do NY Times.

Aprenda como se tornar um travel writer em pleno Caribe

Os três selecionados viajarão para o Caribe, onde participarão de 4 dias de workshop com Tim Neville. Além disto, terão as seguintes despesas incluídas:

Bilhete aéreo do seu país de residência até o Caribe;

Viagem de 10 dias pelo Caribe com todas as despesas pagas;

Seguro viagem da World Nomads;

Roupas de Viagem;

O seu portfolio será analisado por Norie Quintos, editor da Nat Geo Traveler.

Como concorrer a uma das vagas para aprender a ser um travel writer?

Para se inscrever e ter a chance de ser selecionado para participar do workshop com o Tim Neville, basta seguir os três passos abaixo e enviar a sua melhor história de viagem com 700 palavras.

1. ESCOLHA O TEMA DA SUA HISTÓRIA

‘A leap into the unknown’ (Um salto no desconhecido) ‘Making a local connection’ (Fazendo uma conexão local) ‘I didn’t expect to find’ (Eu não esperava encontrar)

2. ESCREVA UMA HISTÓRIA DE VIAGEM

Use o tema escolhido para escrever uma história interessante sobre alguma experiência de viagem que você já teve. O texto deve ter no máximo 700 palavras

3. PREENCHA O FORMULÁRIO DE INSCRIÇÃO (TRAVEL WRITER)

Responda as questões do formulário de inscrição, incluindo a sua história de viagem, e clique no botão Submit.

E aí, está esperando o que para começar a redigir a história de viagem mais interessante da sua vida e quiçá ser selecionado para este workshop imperdível em pleno Caribe?

Mas antes de começar, não se esqueça de ler o regulamento e as orientações na página oficial do Travel Writing Scholarship. A nós só resta desejar muito boa sorte a quem se inscrever!

A World Nomads também oferece oportunidade para quem curti fotografia e vídeos. Falaremos sobre isto em outro artigo.

O Post Travel Writer: como se tornar um escritor de viagens de sucesso? apareceu inicialmente em VTEnoExterior.

Via Viver Trabalhar e Estudar no Exterior https://ift.tt/3oVEkoc

[dreamsmeetrealities]

I am not a writer. I'm just an avid reader.  I entered the 2 days workshop without really thinking much. I also remembered asking if it's okay to enter  kahit walang kahit anong experience in writing. I got a reply that it's okay as long as mahilig magbasa. Super amazed lang talaga ako sa utak ng mga writers. Yung lagi mong naiisip na pano ba nila naiisip yun, paano ba nila binubuo yung story? That 2 days, it's really just something I want to do, for me.  Sobrang Grateful ako sa experience. And mas na amaze pa akong lalo ng nag inspirational talk yung mga writers, yung nababasa mo lang dati yung books nila then nasa harap mo na sila. Super naging fan din ako bigla ni Miss Rose Tan, super bubbly nya. I got to meet Miss Sofia, kaya mas naging hyper ako kasi she's one of the writer ng isa sa mga paborito kong series, siyempre ang Stallion Series. Ang galing din ng pinagawa ni Miss Angel Bautista na excercise. Super thanks din kay Miss Edith Garcia of PHR na sobrang accommodating pati lahat ng staff. Si Albert Lang na kumumpleto ng 2 days workshop, sobrang thank you sa lahat ng tips at itinuro mong guidelines. Mas lalo din akong na amaze pa sa mga ka-workshop ko na mga writers dn talaga. Some who already have their books published. Some will be released soon. Sobrang galing nila sa words or mixing words that it sounded really poetic. One day, maybe someday I will be too. I also met a new set of friends. Si Lowie na 2nd place sa early bird ng 1st day. Si Nova, Katherine, Senyora Inglesera, Katherine, si Norie Julee also known as Kaya, and si Kelly na super thankful ako sa pagturo ng grab ng 1st day at paghatid sa akin sa Victory Cubao Terminal.  Writers po silang lahat..Looking forward sa mga books nyo..See you soon guys..😘 During that 2 days I got to experience a lot of first times also.. First time kong maglakas ng loob pumasok ng workshop, especially writing workshop for writers. First time kong bumiyahe ng mag isa. First time kong mag isa sa manila. First time kong mag hotel ng mag isa. First time mag GRAB. Scary things for me but it's worth the take. #phr #writer #sofia #angelbautista #rosetan #albertlang #workshop #preciousheart

[marblefeet08-blog]

Seaweed: The 'Superfood' That Could Help Fight Climate Change

Seaweed covers the beaches you walk on, it’s dried in your instant miso packets, and researchers in labs all over the world are studying it. Scientists, food companies and environmental advocates want you to eat more of the product ― sometimes more appealingly titled “sea vegetables.” But those who grew up in Western households may not think too highly of seaweed as a food.

Jonathan Kauffman, author of Hippie Food, says that may be in part because of how Westerners were introduced to it ― as a health food eaten by “hippies” in the 1960s. “Seaweed never made much of an impression on the broader public, who mostly lumped it in with other weird health foods they were writing off,” he says.

According to him, other than people who extolled the nutritional virtues of seaweeds, such as those who followed macrobiotic diets, sea vegetables weren’t much of a pantry staple. ”My guess is that the flavors were too oceanic and the texture too gelatinous for eaters who didn’t grow up eating seaweed.” 

But seaweed’s star is ascendant. The global seaweed market is expected to be worth $9 billion in the next six years, with most of that coming from its use as a food, particularly in Asia-Pacific countries such as Japan. While Westerners have been much slower to adopt seaweed into their diet, that’s expected to change as consumers become more familiar with it and the hype grows around its potential nutritional, health and environmental benefits.

Eleanor Church

Tamsen Peeples, Alaska Mariculture Manager for Blue Evolution, a kelp company, holds up some of her crop.

The names Kauffman uses in talking about the varieties of sea vegetables showcase how many of us first encounter them today: in Japanese and East Asian cuisines. Nori wraps your sushi, hijiki may be the crunchy tendrils in your seaweed salad, and you’d be hard-pressed not to find small soft bits of wakame in your bowl of miso.

But Nancy Singleton Hachisu would argue that you’re missing out if that’s all you think there is to the culinary possibilities of sea vegetables. The California native has been living in Japan for 20 years and writes about Japanese food. One of sea vegetables’ selling points, Hachisu says, is their shelf life. Hachisu’s approach to introducing westerners to sea vegetables is to start simply, and to use it as a building block of flavor, such as in dashi, a clear savory stock made from a kelp known as konbu in Japan.

supermimicry via Getty Images

A wakame seaweed salad.

Seaweed has been given the ubiquitous and generally meaningless label of “superfood.” But there is research into its potential health benefits, which are said to range from better heart health to contributing to an increased life expectancy. Chigozie Okolie and Dr. Beth Mason from Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia, Canada, are looking into the potential of sea vegetables to benefit our gut, for example.

“Dietary fibres from seaweeds have been scientifically proven to act as prebiotic i.e. food source for beneficial gut microbes,” Okolie said in an email. He believes that an increased interest in looking at seaweed in diets comes from the sustainability credentials of the plant compared to foods from land-grown plant sources.

Seaweed is being talked up as a wonder food for its environmental benefits. As the global population grows ― it’s expected to reach 10 billion by 2050 ― so too does demand for food. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization has estimated we will need to increase food production by 70 percent between 2007 and 2050. This places pressure on land and freshwater resources at a time when scientists say climate change is already increasing the extreme weather events that disrupt agriculture.

In this context, advocates say seaweed offers a near-perfect solution. It requires no fertilizer or freshwater to grow, it sucks climate-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and also helps counteract ocean acidification. It is fast-growing, too, seeing around 30 to 60 times the growth rate of land-growing plants, according to Australian scientist Tim Flannery.   

Thierry Chopin is a professor of marine biology and director of the Seaweed and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Research Laboratory at the University of New Brunswick in Canada. Chopin’s work has focused on creating sustainable marine systems where salmon, shellfish and seaweed grow together. As well as absorbing carbon, says Chopin, seaweed helps recycle excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fish feces that otherwise cause water pollution. He sees seaweed as an anchor in fostering balance ― economically as well as environmentally. 

Eleanor Church

Kelp farmers harvesting in Kodiak, Alaska.

Chopin is also exploring potential medicinal applications. His work takes him to the Bay of Fundy, where the temperature of the water varies from about -35 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The seaweed has to withstand that, he says, “which means the seaweed must be very well-equipped to protect its proteins.” It is the study of those mechanisms that Chopin hopes will lead him to possible treatments for Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that is caused by a degradation in how certain proteins in the body function. 

Not everyone is so unequivocal about seaweed and its appeal, however. In Cape Cod, Tamar Haspel is trying to think beyond the medicine cabinet, the pantry and the environment to explore whether North Americans will actually embrace seaweed as food. Haspel is an oyster farmer who also writes the James Beard Award-winning Unearthed column in The Washington Post that covers food supply issues.

When it comes to sea vegetables, she is of two minds: We should grow it, but don’t magically expect us to start eating it in droves. In a 2015 column, she wrote that the taste of seaweed is “a bit of a hurdle. Seaweed is, unfortunately, not delicious.” 

For Haspel, it comes down to consumer choices, and those choices are guided by what we perceive as tasting good. “If there is one fundamental truth about the American diet it’s that we should eat more vegetables,” she pointed out in an interview over Skype. “But if you look at consumption, it has flatlined since the ’70s. If we can’t get people to eat vegetables, how are we going to convince them to eat [sea] vegetables? People consider taste, price and their own personal health, in that order.”

Haspel is sympathetic to the arguments that growing sea vegetables is good for the oceans, as she herself works by and with the ocean. But she doesn’t believe ecological considerations are going to put kelp on your plate. “That’s not a problem for consumers,” she says. “It’s a supply chain problem.”

She argues that the onus may have to fall on big food companies to supply consumers with packaged products ― with better nutritional profiles ― to get them into it. However, she says, it won’t be easy. “The truth of seaweed and the American diet is that people like to be sold things that are delicious.”

For more content and to be part of the ‘This New World’ community, follow our Facebook page. 

HuffPost’s ‘This New World’ series is funded by Partners for a New Economy and the Kendeda Fund. All content is editorially independent, with no influence or input from the foundations. If you have an idea or tip for the editorial series, send an email to thisnewworld@huffpost.com

Source: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/seaweed-kelp-food-health-environment_us_5b8413a8e4b0348586026aa2

[banjokazooiey]

Hello! I heard you were asking for requests, so if its fine if i can request a headcannon, on what the crusaders think on a reader who is exactly like yumeko jabami. She's basically this cunning smart lady who looks sweet and stuff, but is actually a crazy gambler that bets on risky things like betting 1$ for her own life (Which she takes pleasure of 😳). She also had this thing where she smiles crazily unto when things gets crazy. Also def has no shame in PDA and calling their s/o sweet names💀

cracks knuckles let’s do this anon also i’m sorry if this isn’t like exactly what you wanted but without further ado here is Stardust Crusaders + Crazy Ass S/O HCs!!

Jotaro Kujo

When you initially join the group; mind you, after a perilous fight; Jotaro sees the card you have up your sleeve. Looks innocent, plays dirty. It seemed you got some enjoyment out of fighting all of them, judging by the odd smile on your face.. you really gave him a run for his money, which was rare considering Star Platinum is such a strong Stand. To top it off, you were smart; which was incredibly dangerous. The resourceful, cunning types were definitely a want on their team. During a little break of moving around and fighting, you all stay in a nicer hotel that has a casino downstairs. When he went down to smoke at night, he was astonished to see you wagering your life at a blackjack table. Literally wagering your life. You ended up winning; he watched from the shadows; but that told him a lot about your personality. From then on, he decides to keep an eye on you. You guys kick ass and take names during fights; he doesn’t miss that sadistic glimmer in your eye and the grin that never leaves your face. Things happen, he catches feelings, there’s some confessions; then you two are dating. He loves you, but one thing that gets under his skin is the PDA. You’ll kiss his cheek, try to hold his hand, cuddle up to him, cling onto his arm. Not to mention the pet names.. baby, sweetheart, honeybunny.. he shudders when he thinks of them, but you genuinely don’t care. You really don’t care about what other people think at all; to a degree, he can respect and relate to it, which makes you two always have a common ground.

Noriaki Kakyoin

Nori would definitely take a more careful approach to your personality. You guys really couldn’t be anymore different; he’s careful, analyzes situations before rushing in. You’re definitely on his intelligence level, but impulse level.. not so much. Often plays as your damage control. He takes it upon himself to watch you, make sure you don’t do anything that stupid.. and yet, you still recklessly gamble with your life, with their lives, too. All with that sweet little smile on your face; you were cute as the day is long, but you were so bad. Some part of that drew Nori in. You liked to tease him, play with his bang that hung down, and every now and then, have some really good, deep conversations. That’s what makes you guys start dating; the side of you that you rarely let people see. With PDA, he doesn’t mind, but he definitely gets blushy. Kiss him and he’ll turn beet red; he loves holding hands, so that won’t be a problem; hug him, do whatever. Even if it is in public, he still likes to have some sort of physical touch, but of course nothing too over the top.

Jean Pierre Polnareff

Polnareff is in love with you from the second he lays eyes on you. Both of you have a similar temperament; it’s like you two were meant to cross paths and fight side by side at some point. When you rush into battle with no second thoughts, he’s right there behind you. And, when you have that goofy grin on your face while you absolutely ruin someone, he can feel his heart rapidly beating. Something about you beating the shit out of someone is just so attractive to him. He admires your smarts, though; you’re on another level compared to him. You can think so critically; even if you’re reckless, it seems like you still always have an idea of what’s going to happen and how to go about things. He has absolutely no idea how you do it. But he loves it, and it’s not long before you start dating. He’s alllll into the PDA. He wants your attention as much as possible. He wants the cute nicknames, the cuddles, the physical attention, all of it. Any attention you spare for him, he’ll adore. Really, he just loves you and loves being your partner in crime; the other Crusaders just roll their eyes at the both of you being… well, yourselves.

Joseph Joestar

Joseph can see a similar fire inside of you to when he was younger. While he’s definitely simmered down throughout his years; and despite the fact that he could probably be your dad, maybe even grandpa; your spunkiness draws him in. You make him feel like that dumb kid who fought the Pillarmen way back when. The way you risk everything constantly worries him, losing you because you miscalculated some aspect of whatever was going on is a deep rooted fear, but he does trust you. He trusts your judgement, and has seen enough of your intelligence come out to know you are smart and you are aware of what you’re doing. The way you always call him honey or sugar really gets him going, considering that was rarely a term thrown his way. Usually, an older person would call someone younger that.. but not you. It’s wrong for him to have feelings for you, but he can’t help it. Learning you feel the same way is deeply relieving to him. While he wasn’t going to initiate PDA to keep the blossoming relationship under wraps, you begin to swarm him, coming up with even more terms of endearment. How could he deny that?

Muhammad Avdol

Avdol, I’d say, is probably the most rational and meticulous out of them all; meticulous in the sense that he won’t make an action without weighing out the consequences, won’t get into a battle without planning, etc. similar to Noriaki. You’re constantly giving him heart attacks, with the way you throw yourself around without hesitation, the way you take such big risks and for what? Not much payoff, that’s for sure. You’re adorable, and sweet.. you’re incredibly nice to him, so of course he’s worried when you act like that. But, at night, when you lay awake in the same hotel room talking about life and the universe and whatever else, he can’t help the feelings that blossom inside of him. Of course, you bet on him kissing you; ‘Kiss me and I’ll give you five dollars,’ and for once in his life he does something pretty impulsively. Avdol is fairly independent, so when you want PDA, he’ll probably ask to save it for when you guys are alone together, but won’t mind holding hands. And, if the pet names make you happy, he’s okay with it (they make him blush). Like Noriaki, he also keeps an eye on you to reel you in when you’re being too much.

Overall, the guys love your cute, crazy self and would do anything for you, even stand by and watch you wager your own and their lives for a Kit Kat.

[banjokazooiey]

Helloooooooo! May I please request a Kakyoin x female reader who have their first time together? If this makes you uncomfortable, please ignore it! I love your writing! Your Kakyoin dating hcs were so cute 😭

*blushes and waves hand* y’all flatter me so much fr.. just a heads up for everyone I do NSFW stuff!!! u can request a lot of stuff no biggie, if you’re interested my pinned post has more info.. but vanilla stuff like this is always amazing and fine! but, let me end your wait, for my offering is here: First Time + Kakyoin HCs!

Kakyoin swears on his life he had something more ‘romantic’ planned for your first time; in fact, it was your first times together with each other and anyone in general; but regardless, the way it transpired, you wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

It was an indoors day, no doubt. Outside, rain was pouring, pounding against the windows of your apartment. Every now and then, there would be a streak of lightning, and the boom of thunder. When you woke up to it, you immediately told Nori to come over. It was video game day with your boyfriend.

He came over with some snacks- pop, chips, sweets, just general junk food. He was always so thoughtful, that’s one of the many traits you loved in your Noriaki. You’d already set up the Switch, fluffed up some pillows and blankets on the ground so you guys could properly cuddle (the couch wasn’t big enough).

Sitting down on the floor, back against the couch, he spread his legs so you could climb between them, your back leaning against his chest. In turn, he wrapped his arms around you, holding his Pro Controller. You had started a Stardew Valley save file, and you guys were already pretty far in; you’d gotten married (Nori might’ve teared up), finished the Community Center, and finally had just upgraded to have a nursery in the house.

You guys had gone about in-game day, watering the crops, talking to the townspeople, etc. Before you knew it, you had to race back to the cabin to sleep. When both of you entered the bed to sleep, a text box came up.

‘Should we have a baby?’ It was directed toward you, as if Noriaki had been saying it. Immediately you cooed, hitting yes. “Nori! We’re gonna have a baby!”

“O-oh, yeah?” His voice cracked. That was suspicious enough, but when the text box ‘Should we have a baby, Noriaki?’ came up, you looked down to see his hands trembling. What the hell was wrong with him?

And then you felt something hard against you. Inadvertently, you froze.

Nori picked up on your lack of action before glancing down to see he’d gotten a boner. Embarrassed, and frantically blushing, he immediately stood up and walked a few paces away. “I-er, I should, um, go, I’m sorry-“

“Noriaki.” He paused; you rarely said his full name, and your tone was pleading. Slowly, he turned around to face you.

“Do you.. wanna..?” You blushed, heat pooling in your abdomen at the thought of actually having sex with him. He was your favorite person; and incredibly chiseled and handsome; who wouldn’t want to fuck him?

“I don’t want you to feel pressured!” He exclaimed, a hand flying to the back of his neck to sheepishly rub there. “But, if.. if you wanna..”

You stood up and grabbed his hand, leading him to the bedroom with you. When you laid down on the edge of the bed, he hovered over you, hands hesitant on where to go.

“You can take off my clothes..”

That made his cock twitch. He nodded, lithe fingers sneaking under your shirt to brush the skin before grabbing the hem of your shirt to pull it over your head. Fuck, you weren’t wearing a bra. He let a little breath out, a hand going to one breast in order to knead it. His thumb and index finger moved to gently pinch the nipple; that got a cute little noise out of you, so he did it to both.

That made you moan.

“Noriii, don’t be a tease. I want you. I need you,” you whined. “I’ve wanted this for so long.. please?”

“Someone’s impatient,” he teased, now a little more confident. He slipped his fingers into your pants to gently pull them down, panties soon following. The wet spot made him feel like somehow he got harder; spreading your pussy lips with his fingers, he hummed. “Good, you’re already wet enough for me.”

Where did this sudden boost of confidence come from? How did he know what to do and say? Porn.

Quickly pulling his shirt over his head and pulling his pants and boxers down, his mouthwatering cock sprung out. It was longer than thicker, but still big. It seemed he actively trimmed the red pubes surrounding it, they were nicely groomed.

He was too horny to be self conscious.

Grabbing your hips, he pulled you a little closer. “Are you.. sure?”

“Nori, fuck me.”

That’s all it took for him to guide his cock in, slowly pushing into your warm pussy. It was a tight fit, and it was uncomfortable at first; you asked him to just let yourself get used to him for a second, and he was immediately receptive and let you start to feel better. It slowly morphed from pain into pleasure, and that’s when you gave him the clearance to start thrusting.

He was slow and shallow at first; for one, to not hurt you, and for two, to get used to such an overwhelming feeling of bliss. Considering his cock had only been in his fist before now, it was a big difference; but definitely not an unwelcome one.

Then, it became a little harder. The moans and whines that spilled out of your mouth encouraged him, and one of his hands tightly grasped yours while the other slowly rolled against your clit.

Then he really started picking up the pace. You wrapped your legs around his waist, unable to keep in the joyful moans emitting from you. He was hitting all the right spots, and was really good rubbing your clit; he was drunk on you, grunting and letting out small noises of pleasure himself.

You didn’t get to warn him before you came, but it was only a second before your warm walls convulsed around him, squeezing and milking him for all he was worth. Almost immediately, seed shot out of him, coating your insides with the sticky, white fluid. He gave a couple thrusts as both of you came down from your high before he fell onto the bed next to you.

Both of you were panting, just coming back to reality before meeting each other’s eyes and laughing for a minute.

“Fuck, I’m sorry. I wanted to make it nice for you, and romantic.. but.. I couldn’t help myself.” Noriaki nervously chuckled.

You grabbed both of his hands, twining your fingers together. “I like how this turned out, though. Maybe next time we can last longer than a couple minutes, though.”

Snorting, he nodded before grabbing you and pulling you closer. (He was still inside of you, but neither of you cared enough to separate.) Nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck, he gently kissed the skin there. “I love you.”

You combed your fingers through his cherry red hair. “I love you too, Nori. So.. um, maybe we should go have that baby?-“

He got hard again.

He didn’t hit yes to the baby for another hour or two.

[banjokazooiey]

Hi! If you’re taking requests, could I ask for headcanons of Kakyoin asking the reader out? Thanks a ton!

i’m so sorry i took so long to get around to this.. halloween, last day at work, college.. but here i am now with headcanons of Noriaki Kakyoin asking out reader!

This boy is nervous. He’s never even had a bond strong enough to develop feelings for someone else, so when you bounce into his life during Egypt, it’s a rough start. But, slowly, you bond. Over video games, over philosophical conversations, times where you both couldn’t sleep and would end up on the roof of the hotel or on a balcony. It just seems somehow you’re connected, weirdly enough. You guys are kind of like a hivemind.

This connection only continues strengthening during the trip, and at the end when you all faced DIO.. Noriaki had come very, very close to dying. With a gnarly blast to his abdomen, even he thought he was done for. But, when he was on the brink of going out, your hands grabbed his cheeks. ‘Nori! Nori, please, please stay with me!’ You screamed out, tears flowing down your cheeks like a river. The desperation in your tone and the look on your face; though hard to see; just summarized what was between you two and developing throughout the journey. Love. And that was enough for him to hang on until he’ll arrived, and the Speedwagon Foundation used their magic to somehow bring him back. (While you couldn’t be with him in the ambulance, you didn’t want to be since you had a job to do; kill DIO for fucking with your Nori.)

Rehabilitation after that was hard; it seemed that trip really just had him trying to fix every part of his body, between his eyes and basically lower half of his body. But, you made it easier. Every day you came, bringing schoolwork, snacks and moral support. You never missed a single day. Sometimes you even ended up falling asleep there, in an uncomfortable hospital chair. Moments like those, where he’d look over and see the serene look on your face as you slept (you desperately needed it, you really hadn’t gotten a full night’s rest in months) made him fall even harder.

He constantly kicks himself for not having asked you out during high school, because before you know it, you’re all graduating. Jotaro, you and Kakyoin decide to all have a party to celebrate all three of you; it was easier that way, after all. Lots of people show up, it’s a great time.. but you and Noriaki get a moment together, just the two of you. Some old love song plays, and you ask if he’ll dance with you.

Of course, he enthusiastically grabs your hand and slow dances with you. Your small hand grasping his.. it makes his heart flutter, and he nearly doubles over when you lean your head up against his chest. One of his hands sits at your waist, thumb gently rubbing against you. It’s when you say one thing that he really short circuits; ‘I love you, Nori. I always have. You’re my everything.’

He loses his shit in his head. You loved him?! Maybe he knew it, deep deep down.. but hearing it out loud makes him want to cry. Right as he opens his mouth to reply, someone yells for the two of you.

So, that’s where you’re at. He knows you like him.. so that isn’t a worry, or shouldn’t be; spoiler alert, it still is worrying him; but also, this has to be perfect. Romantic, cute, fun, just like you. He’s never thought about what to do when asking someone out.. but, then he comes up with the perfect plan.

You get a text one day that he wants to meet you at the arcade, which is a commonplace for the two of you. You told him you loved him, and he hadn’t brought it up again.. you’re feeling anxious. Maybe he doesn’t feel the same way? Maybe he already has a partner? But, you want him; no, need him; in your life. So, if he doesn’t bring it up, you won’t either.

At the arcade, the two of you fuck around playing the machines and try to win tickets.. and what type of trip to the arcade would it be if you didn’t play the claw machine? Nori is an expert with them. He wins you a cute little dinosaur, and your heart soars. It’s not long before you rack up a ton of tickets and go to the prize booth. He lets you decide on what you guys get; another plushie, it’s a giant Pikachu, who doesn’t want it?; but you miss him using some spare tickets to get something in particular, slipping it into his pocket.

He offers to go back to his place to play video games afterwards. Who would deny that? Getting back, nobody is home. He walks you upstairs, where a few fake candles are going. Which.. is weird for his room, but you shrug it off. Sitting on the edge of his bed, you grab a controller before glancing over to see he has not joined you yet, instead he’s hunched over his desk. He looks sweaty.

With an amused chuckle, you raise an eyebrow at his antics. “What’re you up to, Nori?” you prod, tilting your head like a curious little puppy. He sharply exhales before walking up to you and dropping down on a knee. “You know, you’re my favorite person.. you always indulge me when I get on my tangents, you.. ah, um, saved my life, and, well..”

Then, he holds up this tacky little plastic ring with a centerpiece that looks like a poorly painted PlayStation controller. “Will you marry me?”

“WILL I WHAT?!”

“Shit!” He exclaims, free hand slapping his face as he blushes cherry red. “I- t-that’s not what I meant! I meant, uh, will you be my partner? Romantic. Romantic partner.”

You stare down at him in shock for a minute before bursting out in laughter; which for a minute soils his ego before you duck your head down to kiss his forehead. “You’re such a dork, Nori. I would love for you to be my boyfriend.”

He beams, a bright smile that covers his whole face and presents cute little dimples, before grabbing your right hand and sliding the ring onto your ring finger. Surprisingly, it’s a good fit. “I’ll give you this now.. the next one I give you, it’ll go on the other side.”

Now it’s your turn to turn red, an embarrassed smile on your face. “I, um.. thought you didn’t like me, after you didn’t reply at the party. I’m still kind of shocked..”

“I know I’m hard to read.. and that I struggle with emotions,” he begins, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, “but I’m working on it. Just.. companionship as a whole is something new to me. And, verbalizing them is even harder. But, believe me when I say this; I love you with every fiber of my being.”

Good to know that Kakyoin is incredibly romantic when he’s passionate. His words make you want to cry, and you can’t help but bring your hands up to cup his cheeks. He’s so large compared to you. “Can I.. can we kiss?” you quietly ask.

He frantically nods, and you press your lips onto his. It’s sloppy, and obviously shows inexperience between you two, but.. that becomes one of many that night as you half play games and half make out, just to test the waters. But, at the end of the night, when the two of you are curled up together in his bed, he’s confident in the future; with you by his side, he could do anything.