#plus it's that one guy who i always thought looked like a twisted mirror version of bill hader

[shopcat]

ALSO I KNEWWWW ETHAN WAS SOME FUCKING EVIL GUY cuz who the fuck is this and i could sense his vibes. his creepy slime

[itsallyscorner]

just like magic with marvel cast, the vibe is----- a perfect song for a lil b*tch with a good heart and a sarcastic mouth

just like magic is the song we ALL need for 2020😌 Start manifesting ya’ll🖤 Also thank you sm for the request I am so so sorry this took so freakin’ long😭 Love u, happy reading🖤🖤 Tried to add my own lil twist to your request:)

(A lil different from the request, but I tried to make the reader have a bit sas.)

💌.

just like magic

Growing up within the Marvel Cinematic Universe was probably one of things you were most grateful for. When you first started out you weren’t that social. You were new to the business, you didn’t know anybody and you were intimidated by every single actor you crossed paths with.

At first you didn’t feel like you fit in. You felt as if you were a burden to everyone else. You barely talked to anyone which made the others approach you out of force by the Russos. Everyone around you was talented while you were just some newcomer who had jack shit as experience. The first few years you were insecure of yourself mentally and physically. You weren’t as pretty or fit as the other women in the MCU nor did your skills live up to theirs. Which led to some unhealthy habits. Plus there were haters and movie critics who would say horrible things about you and your acting.

You had a rocky start unlike Tom Holland and even Lexi Rabe. Until one day when you realized that you had to change how you were thinking. It took you a while but all that negative thinking you were doing was only bringing you negative energy. So when you had a break from filming movies, your number one goal was to improve yourself.

Wake up in my bed, I just wanna have a good day (Mmm, ah)

Think it in my head, then it happens how it should, ayy

Twelve o'clock, I got a team meeting, then a meditation at like 1:30

Then I ride to the studio listening to some shit I wrote (Oh)

You woke up with smile on your face in a sense of calmness. The sun shined bright hues into your room as you got up from your bed. Today was the first day back on set. You guys were finally filming Civil War and you were honestly so excited. As you did your morning routine, you went over how the day would go in your head. You’re genuinely excited to see the entire cast. It has been almost half a year since you’ve seen everyone and you couldn’t wait to be back.

You took one last look at yourself in the mirror. Compared to the previous year, you looked and felt healthy. Your eyes shined and you looked well relaxed. You know like one of those face cleanser commercials? That’s how you felt. You felt like a breath of fresh air.

The ride to the studio took a good 30 minutes but it felt like seconds. You entered the set with a new sense of confidence and pride. The energy was practically radiating off you.

“(Y/n)?” You hear someone call from behind you. You turn around and see Scarlett looking at you.

“Hey!” You greet her as you approach her. You pulled her into a hug, startling her.

“Oh! Hello to you too, honey.” She laughed as she wrapped her arms around you. “How are you?”

“I’m doing great! Life’s been good.” You answer as a toothy grin graces itself on your face. Scarlett’s eyes are filled with shocked. From the previous times she’s talked to you she’s never seen you so loud or open. You were always shy and closed off from everyone on set.

Good karma, my aesthetic (Aesthetic)

Keep my conscience clear, that's why I'm so magnetic

Manifest it (Yeah), I finessed it (I finessed it)

Take my pen and write some love letters to Heaven

Eventually everyone on set caught on to your new attitude. Though they tried to be discreet about their reactions and shocked expressions, you could still see how they were caught off guard by your sudden change of nature.

Anthony watched as you conversed with Elizabeth and Scarlett on the couch in Robert’s “village” . You were probably the most smiliest person in the room beating Evans, who was eating his lunch.

“She’s like different. But in a good way. It’s like she’s bloomed.” Anthony thought out loud to the men beside him. Chris (E) and Sebastian look in your direction.

“Bloomed?” Chris snorted as he swallowed his food.

“Yeah, like she’s growing into a woman.” Anthony hummed proudly as he went back to his own lunch. Sebastian smiled at you, “I think she’s gained some confidence in herself and finally realized how good of a person she is.”

“If she’s finally realized that, I’m glad she did. She’s like a ball of sunshine, it’s adorable.” Chris smiled proudly at you as your hands move around animatedly while explaining some story to the two women in front of you.

“Y’all think it’s a boy?” Anthony wondered. Sebastian rolled his eyes at his friend. Before he can even respond Anthony is calling you over. You approach the men with a smile and take a seat beside Sebastian.

“What’s up?” You greet them. Chris nods at you as he chews on his sandwich. Sebastian greeting you with a quiet “hey”.

“So who’s the lucky man?” Anthony asks teasingly. Your brows knit together head tilting to the side.

“Man?”

“Yes man, or boy, whatever. Who’s got you feelin’ yourself, (y/n).” Anthony wiggles his brows as he shimmies closer to you. Sebastian, who’s in between you two, cringes at the man to his left.

You didn’t take any offense to the question, knowing that everyone was curious as to why you were so unlike yourself.

You chuckled before smirking at the older man, “Anthony, honey. I don’t need a man to be feelin’ myself. I did this on my own.”

Chris and Sebastian’s mouth drop at your answer. Chris laughed as he pointed out Anthony’s face. Sebastian slung an arm around your shoulder bringing you into a side hug as he laughed with Chris.

“To be fair” Chris began to say but started to laugh, “To be fair, you deserved that.” Anthony’s face went flushed as he nodded to himself. You suddenly felt bad that you put him on the spot.

“Alright, stop laughing at him.” You playfully glare at Chris and Seb. You poke Anthony’s arm, “To answer your question, I’ve just been working on myself. Thinking more positively, I even tried manifestation.”

“You know what, that’s good. You’re taking care of yourself mentally and physically. I’m proud of you for doing this for yourself, we all are.” Anthony tells you as he motions to the two other men.

You look at all three of them, all of them looking at you with pride, “Thanks guys.”

Just like magic (Baby), just like magic (Oh yeah)

Middle finger to my thumb and then I snap it

Just like magic (Yeah), I'm attractive (Oh yeah)

I get everything I want 'cause I attract it (Oh)

As the months passed, the more you evolved into another version of you. You walked with determination, carried yourself with such grace and you’ve gained confidence in your career. You didn’t let your insecurities get to you, instead you faced them and overcame them. You were tired of letting them control you.

Your change in attitude and perspective on life has definitely affected your life in many ways. Manifestation was one of the things that have helped you the most. Writing about your goals and putting that energy out to the world has helped you persevere in your job. You’ve only faced good karma; sending out positive energy and receiving it back from the universe.

So far you’ve been casted in two new projects and have a campaign lined up with Gucci. If you were told a year ago that you’d be working with big time directors and freakin’ Gucci, you wouldn’t have believe them. Life has been unreal ever since you decided to change your life around. But of course you had to thank your Marvel family, without them and their support you probably wouldn’t haven gotten to where you were today.

Looking at my phone, but I'm tryna disconnect it (Oh yeah)

Read a fuckin' book, I be tryna stay connected (Yeah)

Say it's tricky at the top, gotta keep a slim ego for a thick wallet

Losing friends left and right, but I just send 'em love and light (Oh)

As many people recognized your success many people still tried to pull you down. Some fans on social media have noticed your change in behavior and have even praised you for practicing self care. While others still tried to push you off the mountain of success you were currently on and drag you across the ground.

These were the reasons as to why you were barely on your phone anymore. You used to be invested in your phone but after realizing how much negativity it brought you, you’ve decided to slowly disconnect from it. Which led you to becoming more interested into books.

Chris (E) had even brought some of his favorite arts of literature for you to borrow. You were currently on your third book of his, Sapiens A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. You were sitting outside your trailer in a fold up chair under the shade. Your peacefulness was interrupted by Tom (Holland) who had a worried expression on his face.

“Have you not seen it yet?” He asked you as soon as he was in front of you. Being the two most youngest actors on the current set, you guys were closer to each other than with the adults.

“Seen what, Tommy?” You put a finger in between the pages you were reading to save your spot. Tom pulls his phone out and began to type. He tapped on his screen and turned the screen to you.

“She’s been talking crap about you for days.” You read the article and saw that one of your “friends”, Sabrina has been speaking out about your success and how it’s changed you as a person.

“She’s going off about how the more money you get in your wallet, the more bratty and arrogant you become.” He grumbled as he turned his phone off.

“I could care less, honestly. I know I haven’t done anything to her and if I did I was unaware of it. Plus, she stopped talking to me after I said I couldn’t get her a part in a movie.” You shrugged as you placed a proper bookmark in the book.

“You’re not upset?”

“I mean it’s sad that she’s acting so two faced. But if that’s how she wants to roll, then be my guest. It’s her loss, not everyone has great taste.” You flicked a piece of hair away from your face with your hand.

“You’re not gonna release a statement against her?”

“No, probably just wish her well with her life and move on with my own.” You answered much to Tom’s dismay.

Redesign your brain, we gon' make some new habits

Just like magic (Just like magic), just like magic

Filming has officially ended a few months ago and now you guys were doing press tour for Civil War. Before you were the new and improved version of yourself, you dreaded press tours. Some interviewers were nice and respectful, but there were those who would ask inappropriate questions and were just rude in general. All you could remember during those past tours was wanting to leave those rooms as soon as possible.

The q&a panel at New York had a packed room. There were many journalist crowded in the room shoulder to shoulder. You were sat in between Elizabeth and Scarlett, two of the women who have been guiding you and teaching you about life as a woman in the business. They were also like your older sisters.

The panel had been going smoothly for the first half hour until a man with a snobby face and cocky demeanor approached the mic.

“Hello, I’m Keith and my question’s for (y/n).” He began. You nodded in his direction, motioning for him to continue.

“I think everyone’s noticed how you’ve changed and developed as a person. Obviously something’s changed in your life. So I want to know if you’ve had any intimate relationships with any of the men in the cast?” You were surprised at the man’s question. First it was bold of him to ask such a question and second it was just disrespectful to you and the others on the cast.

“I mean someone’s gotta be fucking you good to make you crawl out your shell.” The man finished shrugging nonchalantly. Robert was about to interject but your mouth was quicker than his. The men of the cast were disgusted at the man while they sat at the edge of their seats.

“Well last time I checked my contract, my job was to act, not sleep around with the men who are part of these movies.” You spoke into the mic. All the attention was on you while the room was at a standstill.

“It’s also very upsetting that you think a girl needs to be fucked in order to be confident in herself. I hate to break it to you but women are completely capable of turning their lives around without the help of men and that says a lot about you, sir. So if I were you, I’d take myself back to my seat and rethink my life because if one of us has to redesign our brains it’s you.” You finished as you placed your mic on your lap. The room was silent until the cast began to clap. This was your first time standing up for yourself, usually Robert or Scarlett would swoop in and save you but this time, you were saving yourself.

You shook your head as you blushed, shoving your head in your hands. You felt some pats on the backs and cheers from your dysfunctional family. You look up and see Scarlett and Elizabeth smiling at you proudly.

“Isn’t she amazing?” Robert asked the crowd as he hugged you. The crowd cheering you on.

Just like magic, your life felt like a dream come true, knowing that you were worth it and enough for the people around you and for yourself.

[cowboy-canoodler]

Can’t Teach The Mad Dog New Tricks, Chapter 1 (Majima Goro x GN! Reader) SMUT

This work is for 18+ readers only, minors DNI ! ! !

You’re the captain to The Majima Family of The Tojo Clan of Kamurocho, a diligent worker who balances out Majima’s own brand of crazy.

You trust him and he trusts you, but does that trust go deeper?

Are there feelings you previously hadn’t thought about?

And just how far are both of you willing to go so the other may survive?

Tags: TW: Blood, knives, stab wounds, bullet wounds, doctors, fighting, smoking, “c-word use” Slow Burn, Angst, Fluff, Smut, blowjob (giving), dry humping, whining, bottom Majima, praise kink, edging, throat fucking, almoat public fingering/handjob, possessive sex, dirty talking, private fingering/anal fingering

Notes:

“Seiko” is a nickname for the reader, not an OC or a specific gender, it’s a moniker like Hawke or Shepherd in their respective games.

Set during the year off in Yakuza 3-4

Also:

When the reader is having sexual things done to them I have included separate vagina and penis versions just read the one that accommodates you. Chest and body descriptions are left gender neutral; it's only genitalia that’s different. If you’re unfamiliar with the way I write I try my best to be as inclusive as I can for the reader. This includes writing separate paragraphs for each genitalia (penis and vagina) while also including non-descript hair, skin, chest, and body sizes. If you feel that I haven’t done a very good job at that in particular parts of this fic please let me know and I will alter it to the best of my ability.Slowly working on this while balancing life.

Also this chapter has no smut but the rest of the work does

“We all know what you and Majima-san get up to you behind the closed doors” the lieutenant of a small family said out loud as you collectively waited patiently for the officers meeting to be finished.

You were there with a calm, level headed, expression. Your eyes fixed on the painting on the other side of the hallway as you stood by for Majima to either be told to leave or for him to walk out on his own terms when it got too boring.

“It’s no wonder a newbie was able to be promoted so quickly in their family,” another snide comment from a different lieutenant, once again from a smaller family but a family that was getting too big for its britches, “sleep with the patriarch and you’re sure to move up in the world.” A couple of them laughed as you took a deep breath in, your calm composure falling ever so slightly as a sensitive topic was touched upon.

It was true that you had moved up quickly within the ranks of The Majima family but you hadn’t gotten to where you are now by sleeping with Majima himself. He had always seen how diligently you had worked, sticking to The Yakuza ideals and always keeping a level head when doing your work. Right now, however, you did not have to work, there was no reason to keep these low-level lieutenants happy with you, or the family you belonged to, as you thought of that your hand slowly slipped into the back of your suit and grasped the dagger that was tucked away, ‘always for safe keeping’ Majima would say to you. This, however, did not mean to keep it safe, but to keep you safe, always.

“Gotta admit” the one who had spoken up first walked towards you, a cocky smirk on his face as he strode towards where you were patiently stood, hidden dagger in hand. “Someone who’s so good at keeping level headed does suit Majima-san the most, like that Nishida guy, gotta keep someone calm to balance out the craaaazyyy” his last few words had been drawn out in a mocking manner, a hand raised to his right temple and jokingly twirling in the air to represent his words.

As the other men laughed you pulled out your dagger, grabbed his hand, and turned the tides, pinning his face down against the wall where you had previously stood while twisting his arm and pressing the dagger against his neck. “Mock me all you like,” you whispered into his ear as the other men gasped, “but mock Majima-sama and we have serious problems,” you pushed the dagger further into his skin, a slither of blood dripping down the blade as he swallowed his pride, along with his saliva, “I don’t think your family would survive against ours, would they?” Your tone was one of feigned ignorance, calm and inquisitive as you asked the quivering coward simple questions. “Perhaps you should think before picking a fight with someone you can’t handle, particularly me and Majima-sama, hm?”

Before your victim could reply the door swung open and Majima came into view, his brow furrowed and an angry glare emanating from his good eye. Immediately you stood back, placed your hands firmly at your sides and bowed to greet him.

“Sir! I wasn’t-“

“It’s nothing Seiko-kun, musta deserved it. What’d he do?” A small grin made its way to Majima’s lips as he admired your devotion, he knew you only got that way when someone had insulted him, or the family, personally.

“Nothing that concerns you, Majima-sama , believe me-“ you glared over at the guy and held up your dagger to him once more, “it’s not worth your precious time” you placed the dagger back into its sheath and hid it behind your back once more

“No sir!” The lieutenants bowed as an apology before Majima shrugged and began walking down the hall.

“If ya say so, let’s go Seiko-kun” Majima began walking away and you followed closely behind, your eyes upfront and calm as you made your way out of Tojo HQ and into the car, you in the driver's seat and Majima behind.

A couple of minutes had passed in silence, both of you enjoying the calm of each other's company as you focused on the road and Majima focused on you. His eye bore a hole into the back of your head and you saw it every time you checked behind the car in the mirror, but you chose to say nothing. He was obviously in a bad mood from the meeting, him escaping partway through with a scowl was enough to tell you that, but usually there was chatter in the car as you rode back to the office.

“So what happened?” Majima broke the silence after a couple minutes of staring out of the window, he must have grown bored with the passing cars.

“They said things I didn’t agree with”

“Like?"

“Do you really need to know?”

“Now,” Majima tutted as a smile made its way back to his face, a finger pointed up and waving side to side, “is that any way to treat your boss?”

“Tch-“ you looked back in the mirror and saw his smirk before moving your eyes back to the road, you hated how he knew your weaknesses, “they said we were sleeping together, and that was the only reason I had been so successful, and so quick, with my promotions in the family”

“Ohh, no wonder you were so harsh on ‘em, I woulda been, too” Majima leaned back and looked out of the window as he crossed his leg, his right ankle on his left knee and his lightly hands resting on the inner of his thighs. “Having your achievements pinned on something you didn’t do that woulda been a lot easier, sure as shit ain’t nice to hear- ah- I didn’t mean it like that-“

Knowing Majima had your back always brought a smile to your, usually calm, face. A small display of emotion that was usually kept hidden, on show just for him. “I know what you mean, don’t worry about it, to be honest, I would have slept with you if I could but you were always so damn busy”

“Oh? You woulda?” Majima’s gaunt cheeks reddened a little as he looked over at you, smirking and staring at him in the mirror, “oh- you’re joking” he rolled his eyes and sighed looking back to the window at the passing cars.

“You got really happy at that Majima-sama, something you wanna tell me?”

“Eat shit”

You sat there staring at each other through the mirror as the car sat at a red light before bursting into fits of laughter

The light turned green and you drove off towards the office once again, the last few minutes sat in a happy silence between you both, appreciating the content atmosphere you had cultivated with Majima. Your eyes often wandered back to the mirror to watch him in his small and comfortable world, one of the few places he could let his guard down a little before heading back into his role as Patriarch and Senpai to the family, plus his jacket did nothing to cover himself and you did so enjoy watching him breathe.

“We're here, sir” you said before stepping out of the car and opening his door for him, once more bowing as he exited.

“Thanks Seiko-kun” Majima smiled at you before walking to the doors, hands in pockets and his guard back up once more in the characteristic sway of his hips. You stood and watched him walk away amongst his family members who were all bowed with their head low to greet their patriarch, and you. Another member ran up to you and bowed as you stood aside to let him take over the car and park it in The Family’s usual spot.

The feeling of walking amongst your peers as their captain was still a strange one, while you had filled in the role easily and commanded their respect it was still very alien to you being their commander. Listening to the shallow breathing of the men at your side as you walked past calm and collected, sticking to the Yakuza code and showing them the amount of respect you were supposed to, was rough and something you had never fully agreed with. These men were willing to die for Majima and the family, the same way you would, and probably will, and not being able to show all of them what that means to both you and Majima was insulting. A code that doesn’t value the people who uphold it, not just the top brass who are in charge but those grunts who do the hard work, is a code that will die. It was inevitable.

As you came to the doors you looked back at the men, still bowing low and waiting for you to enter the building, and then down at the pin on your lapel. A familiar, warm feeling spread through your chest as you felt the comfort of your found family before turning back around and proceeding into the offices.

Majima usually took time to himself after a meeting he didn't agree with, usually they were asking him to do something he didn’t wish to do or demanding The Majima family lay their lives down for some bullshit cause. Everytime a Patriarch dies, or a family has to disband Majima, more often than not, would get up to 200 hundred new recruits into his own, making it the biggest of The Tojo Clan so he’s always asked to lay down his men's lives for the sake of Daigo or the greater good. It’s really one of his biggest peeves about being tied down into the Tojo Clan, while he was, ultimately, in charge of his family he had to obey Daigo’s orders no matter what. Yakuza code to uphold and all, and Majima always upholds his moral codes even at the cost of his dignity, freedom, or life.

-

A couple of hours passed and you had kept yourself occupied looking over paperwork concerning the finances of The Family, sorting out spending, repair work for damages made to Majima family turf, and collection payments from said turf. This was the work that you liked, the filing and organisation of it all, keeping things behind the scenes running smoothly. It was what you were good at, the best in the family if your title was anything to go by, and you often felt proud of the work you did, and how little you made mistakes.

Of course there were others who handled the wages and every day frivolities, you were there to check any major problems or spare work whenever you had a moment to breathe away from Majima… but you hadn’t heard from him, not a hair or even a whisper of what he was doing right now.

“Hmm...” you hummed, quietly putting your documents down and looking out of the window, “he’s been too quiet tonight… maybe I should check in on him” the statement seemed to be questioning but you had already placed your documents into the drawer before speedily heading to the door.

The halls of Millennium Tower were always so quiet, the slightest cough or sneeze ringing and echoing through the walls of your floor. Just like the footsteps you were making that erupted through the desolate silence. As you walked down you nodded to the guards, men were stationed at each door, 2 at yours and Majima’s, and 1 at the lieutenants along with their respective groupies inside the rooms when needed.

Your footsteps continued to echo through the halls as you passed various doors, the guards bowing in respect as menial mumbling chatter rang through the cracks of each room until you came to Majima’s corridor, you walked up and signalled his men to move further down the hall. Still on guard but with a little more privacy. You took a moment to yourself before knocking lightly and waiting for a response.

“Who‘s banging at my door this fuckin’ late?”

“It’s Seiko, sir”

“Oh… justa sec-“

A pause before you heard something heavy drop behind the door and Majima exclaiming painfully.

“Majima-sama? Are you okay?” More groans of pain made your heart quicken in worry, the beating echoing into your ears overpowered your, usually, calm composure, “I’m coming in!” Hastily you opened the door and saw Majima sat on his couch clutching his foot, and a bowling ball on the floor slowly rolling towards you.

“Ah,” you chuckled to yourself, “I think I see what happened”

“Just tryna have a happy memory and it’s gotta do that shit to me?!” Majima sighed and leaned back, legs apart and knees spread wide with his arms stretched out along the back of the seat. You smiled and closed the door behind you before picking up the ball and walking over to him, bowing for respect, and placing the ball back into the open bag on the coffee table, his eye following you every step of the way.

“Are you hurt Majima-san?”

“Naw- well... my pride maybe? Having you see me like this sure is a kick in the dick” he rolled his eye and looked away from you, sending his pout out of the window.

“Better than an actual kick in the dick though, right?” His response was nothing more than a click of his tongue and a sigh as he rolled his head, and his eye, back, “I hadn’t heard from you tonight so I thought I’d check in. After today’s meeting you seemed preoccupied, maybe even a little stressed-“

“I ain’t stressed Seiko-kun” his tone was short and guarded as he raised his head to meet your gaze.

“With all due respect Majima-sama, you are. I know you very well, better than most, and I know something happened in that meeting today” you sighed at his silence and sat in an adjacent chair, placing your chin on your fist and staring at him with bored eyes. He looked at you and scowled before averting his eye back to the window, but you continued to stare and crossed your legs.

“Tch- it’s just- it’s shit The Chairman’s got me doing, now that he’s healed and able to lead again, plus losing Mine and shit, everything’s just gone to fuck and I’m the one who has to put it together again”

You could see how annoyed it made him to be tied down like this, he just wants to do his own thing with people he trusts surrounding him but every time something happened in The Clan Majima was usually the one who had to clean up the mess and with every mess he got tied down even more.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t like in 2006 when you were able to just break away and start on Kamurocho Hills… although-“ he looked back over to you, eye soft and pleading behind his dagger-like glare, “-technically there’s not much stopping you from doing the same right now, if that’s what you choose to do, sir”

“Nothing but a promise”

“To whom?”

“Kiryu Kazama"

You both sat in silence for a moment, the muffled sounds of Kamurocho below echoing into the dimly lit room. The silence was suffocating, unsaid feelings and context ripping the two of you apart before you gathered the courage to break it.

“I see, you do hate breaking promises, sir"

“You really do think you know me don’t you Seiko-chan? Huh?!” Majima stood up and balled up his fists, the soft squelch of leather rubbing against itself filling the angry atmosphere. You sat there and stared at him silently, your eyes telling him you weren’t buying this façade he was putting up. “Ain’t nothing worse n’ a guy who can’t even keep his word. It’s too much that we let Yakuza get this fuckin’ soft all this time, only caring about makin’ money and being on top. Ain't shit without the strength to back it up.”

Majima turned around and sighed before walking over to the window, he placed his elbow above his head and stared down at Kamurocho like a lion watching and guarding over his pride.

“Is this about Makoto Tateyama-san?”

Once again, silence.

You could hear Majima’s breathing getting heavier as he thought about how he wanted to approach this with you and you sat there ready to take it all, he needed to get his emotions out and into the open. Carrying a torch for someone for 21 years wasn’t exactly healthy and the only way Majima knew how to take his mind from it was filling his days with menial tasks, or finding people to fight to prove to himself

“It’s been 4 years since she left the country with her family” you could see Majima’s fist tightening and the scowl on his face getting even angrier as he continued to stare out of the window.

His voice was low, almost a growl, and nothing like his usual scratchy tone “you should know when to shut up and to keep her name outta your mouth”

“I can tell you how she’s doing if you wish, I have people checking on her and her family often to make sure she’s safe”

Majima’s breath hitched in his throat and he looked over to you, his eyebrows still knitted together but now in a combined look of anger, curiosity, and affection. “Why? I never ask’d ya to do that, how’d ya even know?!” He took a step towards you, his arm falling down to his hip and hands still balled into fists. You stood up and clasped your hands behind your back keeping eye contact with him.

“When I joined the family I had my sights fixed on becoming your captain as fast as I could so I dug into your past. The things that happened with Shimano-san and Saejima-san, Yuki-chan and Makoto-san.” He stopped and stared at you, eye wide with awe and mouth slightly agape along with his still knitted brow, “I’ve made it my goal to make sure no loose ends come and bite you in the ass in the future, and that the people you care about are taken care of no matter what. I had hoped to keep your mind at ease.”

“At ease?” Majima’s voice was barely a whisper, the words only just crawling their way to your ears as you stood your ground. “Finding out one of the only people I trust is going behind my back to get info on me, that’s supposed’ta put my mind at ease? Huh?!” Majima’s voice rolled into a roar as he took a step towards you, the anger radiating off of him and his mad eye shaking around as he bore a hole into your skull with glare alone.

“Yes.”

Your reply was short and abrupt, the final tipping point before Majima ran towards you and grabbed your collar pushing you back into the wall. You both grunted at the impact as books fell off of his shelves. Your hands came up and gripped his arms in a futile effort to keep him at bay, there was no way you’d be able to take The Mad Dog in any kind of fight, not that you’d want to but you had to try to calm him down somehow.

“The fuck you think you are?! Huh?!”

“The one person who’s always on your side no matter what Majima-san!” He didn’t budge, “I didn’t do it for blackmail or for any kind of leverage, if I wanted that I wouldn’t have worked so fucking hard to get to where I am now. Here! Right by your fucking side where I plan to stay!”

Tears blinded your vision as you poured your heart out to him, the things you admire most about Majima flashing through your mind as his grip on your collar loosened.

The way he never backed down from fights.

His loyalty to the people close to him, especially his family.

The promises he never breaks no matter how hard it is to get to the result.

How hard he fights when he lets loose, especially when he fights Kiryu.

His smile.

His laugh.

His nose.

His lips.

Him…

“Sei- no… (Y/N)-kun…” him saying your name made your heart skip a beat and the breath in your lungs disappear. His hands lay on your chest, slightly smoothing down the fabric of your creased shirt and he averted his gaze, almost sheepishly, as he realised what he had done.

“Unless you throw me out yourself I don’t ever plan on leaving you, Majima-san. Not for all the Yen in Japan, not even to start my own family-“

“You’d be a great patriarch, y’know”

You smiled and lightly sighed, “not nearly as great as you.”

A small gasp made it’s way past his lips once more before his gaze made its way back to your own, eye slightly watering as you studied him making sure to remember every little detail you could. Only now could you feel how close he had gotten, Majima’s breath a small breeze upon your lips, both of you breathing in eachothers air.

All the blood in your body became intimately known to you as well as where it was rushing to. The heat rising in your cheeks and the small, rushed, beating of your heart echoing into your eardrums.

Majimas voice was barely above a whisper as he leaned his head forward, eye now focused solely on his gloved hand smoothing down your shirt. “Seiko I…” he let out a breathy sigh before a small smile made its way into his lips, Kansai accent slipping from his words, “I haven’t felt this comfortable alone with someone in years, I don’t even know how I’m supposed to feel… not anymore”

“I know” you were in no position to give him advice about how to feel when your own emotions were hardly ever in check, “I’ll be here whenever you need to feel comfortable. No matter how far away I am, even if another family has me locked up. I’ll fight my way to you with every fibre of my being, nothing will keep me from you Majima. Our world has no enemy I won’t kill to make my way back to you.”

He leaned his head down slightly, eye closing as he became more and more vulnerable the closer he got to you, and you felt the same about him. Your breath became shakier as your heart continued to beat out of turn, you leaned your head forward and pressed your forehead against his, feeling how hot his body was, your noses barely touching and your hand resting on his bicep.

Kamurocho stopped in those few seconds, no sounds, no lights, no traffic, just the two of you alone on this earth.

Majima was the first to move, his hand creeping up to the side of your neck and his head tilting to the right as he brought your lips closer together, your breath trapped in your lungs as you anticipated his lips upon yours. Your eyes had been focused on anything but his gaze until now, you looked up and he had already been studying you. Just as your lips were about to touch there was a knock at the door, both of you jumped and parted before someone walked in and bowed, looking like he had bad news.

“Sir, I’m sorry to interrupt but there’s a phone call from The Chairman, he says it’s urgent”

Majima sighed and turned away from you, the lingering heat from his hand on your chest slowly fading away as you averted your gaze. All of the trapped air in your lungs made its way out and you stood there out of breath and embarrassed.

“You should get that! I’ll leave you alone. Thank you for seeing me Majima-sama, have a good night.” You bowed and Majima opened his mouth to protest but before he could you quickly made your way out of the door and down the hall to the elevator, face red and still short of breath.

Once the elevator doors closed, and you were alone, everything hit you and you couldn’t stop yourself falling onto the wall for support, the cool metal of the lift. All breath left your lungs as the emotions took over, arms wrapping around yourself and eyes fixed on the floor as you tried everything you could to calm down the thoughts in your head and the thoughts in your heart.

You remained that way until the elevator came to the floor of your office. You stepped out, having regained your calm persona, and walked down the halls with your hands firmly by your side, the right one almost burning as you remembered the feeling of Majima’s bicep in your grip. Your chest aflame with his handprint as you continued trying to keep your composure, determined not to let any of The Family see you like this.

You spent the remainder of your night awake and alone in your office, laying down on your couch with a pillow for company and the Kamurocho sounds, and rain, for ambience. Each thought was of him, how close the two of you had gotten, and how much closer you were about to get before you were interrupted.

[fairlyspnfanfic]

The Ties that Bind Us

Summary: When your past comes back to haunt you, who will prevail?  Hunting had been your life since your were 4 years old.  The monsters that started you on that path were resurfacing, and you knew what you had to do.  But nothing is ever truly secret, and nothing is ever that cut and dry with the Winchester’s in tow. 

A/N: This is a new one that is coming from a few requests.  I’m not going to post the actual requests because...well because it would spoil the story line and I’m pretty into this one. 

Words: 2826

Tags: Angst, Fluff, nightmares, all the fun stuff. 

I wrang my hands together nervously.  They were all sweat; clammy and cold while simultaneously uncomfortably hot.  My breathing was deceptively calm, though every other part of me shook as my anxiety climbed.  I closed my eyes, pushing my hands down on the mattress on either side of me and took a deep steadying breath.  Talking myself into pushing my body into a standing position, I opened my eyes and left my room, consciously putting one foot in front of the other.  

“Guys?” My voice rang out in the echoey halls, shaking and hoarse.  I cleared my throat and ran my hands through my hair as I continued making my way into the main room.  There they were.  Dean, his feet kicked up on the table, a large, brown dusty book sprawled on his lap and a beer firmly clasped in his hand as he focused on the words on the page. Sam, pacing back and forth silently behind him.  

It had been weeks since we had found a job. The last actual gig we had been on was pretty small-fry. A pair of ghouls wreaking havoc in a college town that we had taken care of in less than a weekend. The local fraternity parties didn’t even notice, and the drunken sorority girls went on with their lives none the wiser.

But this?  This job was going to be huge.  If not in scale, then in emotion alone.  Not for the boys.  They wouldn’t have any clue; I’d make sure of that.  The pack had been on the prowl for decades, maybe longer.  Long enough to have destroyed my life, killed my family, and upend everything I knew to be true when I was only four years old. And now they were back.  I rubbed the sweat from my palms that would have given me away on the back of my jeans, before grabbing the chair opposite from Dean.  The wheels moved faster than I expected as it began to roll behind me.  I lowered myself quickly into the seat, as if the mishap was entirely intentional, but the smirk at the corner of Dean’s smile let me know my attempt had failed.

I hated the chairs in the map room. The side armrests dug into my hips and I was never quite comfortable in them.  But who was I to question generations of decorum?  I crossed my legs as eloquently as I could, adjusting so that I was practically sitting on one hip in order to keep the bars from digging into them.

The laptop Sam had out on the table was still booted up.  I reached out, grabbing it and quickly pulled up the article that I had found this morning.  “Woman’s Body Found Mangled in Historic District.”  I spun the screen around, allowing Dean to see.  He skimmed through it quickly before sneering. “Doesn’t really scream monster there, Y/N.”  I rolled my eyes, returning control of the computer to myself and pulled up three more articles, all within the last two months.  “Teen Killed in Apparent Pit Bull Attack,” followed by “Couple Maimed in Forrest Preserve” and “Missing Child Found Had Been Attacked by Unidentified Animal.”  I pushed the screen over to Dean again.

“Well, maybe that does merit a look-see.”  His tune changed.  Whenever there was a lapse between jobs, Dean would get antsy.  His temperament changed, he was jumpy, and nothing could make him happier than a new destination and a big bad to gank.  

“What’s that?” Sam said as he practically skipped up to the table like an excited puppy.

“Get this,” I began before Dean cut me off.

“Y/N,” he chastised.  “That’s Sam’s line.”  He winked at me as a smile spread widely across his face.  That smile.  The one that could bring world peace as far as I was concerned.  At the very least, it made my knees weak, breath hitch, and I lost all train of thought.  

I quickly pulled myself back together and pushed my daydreaming mind back to the task at hand.  Dean pushed the laptop over to Sam, allowing him to read through them quickly.  “So, what are we thinking, Werewolves? Hellhounds?”  

“Werewolves,” I said definitively.  My face was deadpan, and it didn’t seem to go unnoticed.  “Look at the descriptions.  There’s something they aren’t saying.  The bodies were all attacked at night, and each one was during the full moon. Plus, the missing kid?  He was 8.  That’s not enough time for any demon deal to go down and a Hellhound to get involved.  No, it’s a werewolf.  No doubt in my mind.”  I was all seriousness and they knew it.  Sam simply nodded, his eyebrows creased suspiciously, but he didn’t question me.

“Well then,” Dean said, clapping his hands together as he all but jumped to his feet.  “Let’s get on the road.  It’s a little over seven hours to Missouri.  You’ve got fifteen minutes to get ready.”  He was like a kid at Christmas as he bounced down the hallway to his room.

“Only guy in the world to get the warm and fuzzies from a bunch of dead bodies,” I laughed, shaking my head, closing the laptop, and uncrossing my legs.  I stood up slowly and stretched my arms above my head.

Sam didn’t take his probing eyes off me as he crossed his arms.  “Y/N?”

“Yes, Samuel?”  I mocked him in response.

“What aren’t you telling us?”  

I did my best version of shock and outrage, looking around as if I wasn’t quite sure what he was alluding to. “What?”

“You’ve never been so adamant about a job before.  Hell, you’re usually the one trying to talk us out of taking jobs.  What gives?”  I rolled my eyes as dramatically as I could.

“Nothing.  It just seems like a pretty clear gig to me.  And if bodies are dropping every month, and more bodies each time?”  I shook my head.  “Then the next ones are on us.”  I locked eyes with the younger Winchester, attempting to convey my point with a look.

His expression still seemed doubtful, but he nodded his head and walked towards his room, patting my shoulder as he passed by me. “Whatever you say, kid.”  

Half an hour later, we were all piled into the Impala.  Dean driving, Sam riding shotgun, and I lounged across the backseat, scouring the news for any updates.  The next full moon wouldn’t be for another week, but I wasn’t willing to allow anything to be missed.  Not when I could stop it.  

A couple of hours later, my eyes began to droop, and my cell phone slipped from my hand, crashing to the floor between my feet.  But my exhaustion won out over my need to secure the phone.  

I looked down at my hands. They were sticky and coated with a thick layer of blood.  I had no idea if it was mine or someone else’s, but the terror that rose in my chest didn’t care.  All around me, the only sounds I could hear were the violent gnashing of teeth, the moist squelching of flesh being torn from bone, and the small, muted whimpers from someone that I had yet to lay my eyes on.  I looked around but everything around me was coated in darkness.  Only my hands were visible in a dim red light that seemed to come from nowhere.  I took a step forward, feeling my foot slip as the wet floor beneath me was coated in that same tacky liquid that was all over my hands.  Looking in front of me, I came eye to eye with a single pair of vibrant yellow orbs that seemed to stop me in my tracks.  Paralyzed with fear, I froze, unwilling and wholly unable to continue forward.  A low grumble began emanating from those same eyes as they moved closer to me.  The grumble turned quickly to a growl; vicious and hungry with a deep, bone chilling timbre.  Suddenly, the eyes were directly in front of me, inches from my face. So close that I could feel the hot, rank breath on my cheek before a loud, piercing snarl rang in my ear.  

My eyes snapped open and the sweat running down my neck sent a chill down my spine.  My sharp inhale was the only sound made and I did my best to calm down before making any further noise.  My nightmares had always been the same and had always been my own.  Nobody had ever found out about them, especially the boys, and I fully intended to keep it that way.  

Stretching my arms to my sides as best as I could, I made a dramatic show of waking.  “Where are we?”  I asked.

Glancing to the front seat I could see Sam slumped against the window, his head tilted back, mouth open, and very much asleep.  Dean was still in the driver’s seat, bobbing his head and mouthing along with Steven Tyler as he belted out the lyrics to “Dream On.”  His eyes met mine in the rearview mirror, giving me that same world-peace smile that only he seemed to know how.  

“About 100 miles outside St. Charles.  I’ve gotta stop for gas though.  You hungry?” I nodded back to him as I rubbed my eyes, clearing out the sandy bit of sleep that had formed in the corners.  

“Do you need to change out? I can drive the last of the way.” I offered, knowing he’d never go for it. He never had before.  

“I’m good.  Got a solid three hours of shut eye last night.” He winked at me in the mirror. Pushing down the butterflies in my stomach and doing my best to suppress the blush that I was sure was creeping to my cheeks, I looked out the window.  The sun had just come down, creating an orange sky with just a hint of pink.  I took a deep breath and turned back to facing the driver.  

Dean pulled off onto an exit ramp and turned into a QT Gas Station.  “What are you in the mood for?”  he asked me. I shrugged.

“Surprise me.”  The glint in his eye and the devilish smile that he gave me in return elicited an exaggerated eye roll from me.  “Just go get some road food.”  I waved him away.  “I’ll pump.” I opened my door as quietly as I could and stepped around to the gas pump.  I twisted the gas cap, put my card in the machine, or rather Stacey Abrams’ card, and began filling the tank.  

I watched Dean walk up and into the convenience store, his bowed legs taking long strides as he did so. He grabbed the door and held it open, making a big show as he gestured for the woman coming out the door to pass before him.  The leggy blonde walked by, tucking her perfectly silky hair behind her perfect ears as her perfectly perky tits bounced their way out of the shop.  I watched as Dean’s eyes followed her out, obviously and lustily eyeing her up and down, appreciating the view.  

The sharp stab to my chest wasn’t new.  The jealousy mixed with disappointment happened pretty frequently after all.  But each time felt like ripping off a band aid before the wound had begun to heal.  

The gas pump stopped, the telling “clunk” of the machinery drawing my attention back to my task.  I tapped the spout on the edge of the tank before fully withdrawing it and hanging it back up on the pump.  I ripped the receipt off quickly, shoving it into my back pocket as I walked back around the car and settled into my seat again.  

“You know, you could always just tell him.”  Sam’s voice rang out, surprising me, from the front seat.  

“Shit, Sam.” I said.  “I thought you were asleep!”  

“I’m serious, Y/N. Tell him.”  He had turned around now, staring me dead in the face as if we were locked in a staring contest that I hadn’t agreed to participate in.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said a bit too defensively.  

“Right.”  He rolled his eyes at me.  “You do realize I know every tell you have, right?”  

I shook my head at him, chuckling.  “Samuel, I think you must still be dreaming.” 

“Like that.”  He pointed at me.  “You’re biting your cheek.  You only do that when you’re lying. Next, you’ll be pulling on your ear lobe, just like that.”  He accused me as I did just as he said.  

“No, I’m not.”  He glared at me in response.  “Shut up.”  I bit at him, jokingly, sticking my tongue out at him as I crossed my arms.  

Dean opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat.  

“Dude,” he said excitedly, holding up a white paper bag.  “Taquitos!”  

A little over 100 miles later, we were pulling into the local motel.  Sam had gone to check us in while Dean and I grabbed the bags from the trunk.

“Peartree Inn?”  I said, dejectedly.  Dean looked at me, a curious expression on his face.  “Just once, it would be so nice to stay at a 5-star hotel.  Hell, I’d settle for 4 stars if it meant a comfy bed that didn’t have my back aching in the morning and a hot tub to soak in at night.” I closed my eyes and sighed, dreaming.  

“I’ll be sure to get you a hot tub at the next place we stay in.  Long as I can join you,” he said, cocking his head towards me with a smile. I rolled my eyes and playfully shoved his shoulder.  

“Hey,” Sam said, running up to us both.  “So, they only have rooms with two beds max. No roll-away’s or cots.  But I got us two rooms.  Best I could do.”  He handed a card key to each of us.  A small sticky note was attached to each.  “Dean, we’re in 213.  Y/N, you’re in 436.” I nodded my head, handed Sam his bag and headed inside.  

The front desk clerk waved at me as I went in and pointed towards the elevators.  Thanking her, I walked over and pushed the call button.  The doors opened instantly, and I stepped in without waiting for Sam and Dean to catch up.  Once I dropped off my bags and went to the bathroom, I planned on heading to their room anyway to go over our plan.  

But just after I’d used the restroom and rinsed my face, there was a solid knock at the door.  “Gimme a second,” I shouted as I grabbed a hand towel and dried my face off.  The peephole on the door was small with a silver dongle covering it up until you swung it to the side.  I checked to see who it was before unlatching the deadbolt and opening the door.

“Bad news, Y/N.”  Dean said as he walked in, making himself comfortable on my King size bed.  He was lounging back, his head resting on a combination of my pillows and his own hand as his legs sprawled out in front of him.  “No hot tubs in the whole joint.”  I laughed at him, throwing my hand towel into the bathroom.  

“So, where’s Sam?  I figured we needed to get our plan of attack sorted.”  

“Oh,” Dean said, straightening up a bit.  “He’s down in our room. We didn’t get the fancy penthouse view you did.”  My eyes wandered over to the balcony and the sliding doors that lead out to it.  I pointed to it and tilted my head, silently asking if he’d like to join me outside. He all but leapt out of bed and over to the door, yanking it open.  The track was rusted and in desperate need of some WD-40, but he was able to grant us egress.  

We walked onto the balcony and looked down.  The penthouse view as Dean called it wasn’t the greatest.  A moderately busy highway for as late at night on a weeknight as it was, and some unkempt trees just barely allowed us to see the airport beyond it.  But the fresh air and the sounds of the cars rushing by was a tonic to the anxiety that had been eating at me all day.  

I leaned on the railing, my hands clasped together, as I inhaled the fresh air and felt my hair blowing ever so slightly in the wind.  I could feel Dean walk up and join me.  “Feels pretty nice out here,” he said softly.

I smiled. “Yeah, it does.” I opened my eyes and looked down again, remembering the reason we were here.  As peaceful as it felt right now, there were monsters just down the road. The very monsters from my nightmares.  And no matter how terrified it left me, I wouldn’t be leaving before I drove a silver bullet through each of their hearts.  

To Be Continued......Part Two

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[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

Snap Part 1

Read on Ao3 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Inspired in part by the lovely @random-snippets‘s post here

Warnings: roman angst and everything that goes with it. self-esteem issues, self-hatred, insecurity. sympathetic everyone

Pairings: roceit, platonic DLAMPR

Word Count: 5540

Most things in life are flexible to some degree. You can push and pull and bend them in certain ways and, to some extent, they will comply with you. There are some things that you can bend and bend and bend. Creativity is one of these things. Creativity, imagination, dreams...they can be shaped and changed into whatever you want.

Bend...and bend...and bend...until they snap.

Janus enjoys teasing.

He finds that it often reveals true intentions much better than simply taking someone at their word. Plus, the range of reactions he gets is endlessly amusing.

Patton will stutter and stammer adorably, or he’ll put on his Dad Voice™ and attempt to scold. Logan, depending on what sort of mood he’s in, will sass him back or give him a death glare. Virgil definitely isn’t the type to snipe back, keeping up with Janus blow for blow. Remus is…Remus.

But Roman…Roman is different.

Roman used to be the most fun to tease, puffing himself up in a fit of righteous princely indignation to defend himself, going red in the face only to be set off again moments later. Janus could spend hours just tilting his head this way and that as Roman muttered himself in and out of circles and paradoxes and contradictions. It used to be quite an effective way to shut the prince up, letting him stew in his own thoughts.

It’s still an effective way to silence Roman, but it’s changed.

It started after the wedding.

Roman had shut himself away in his room, much to the chagrin of the others. They expected a temper tantrum, they expected sulking. Logan and Patton were constantly on standby for the minute Thomas would start being affected by it.

They didn’t expect Roman to emerge a few days later and quietly ask to talk to each of them.

He apologized.

A proper apology; for mocking his name, for calling him evil, for dismissing him out of hand. Janus can only guess by the looks of pleasant confusion mirrored on the other Sides’s faces that they received similar apologies.

Janus hadn’t been surprised when Roman extended a nervous offer of having him and Remus come around to their side of the Mindscape more often, saying that they had…valuable insights to offer. He hadn’t been surprised to see Roman extend the olive branch to Remus, only for Remus to promptly snatch it up and hug his brother so tightly Janus winced in sympathy for Roman’s ribs.

Patton, as was to be expected, was overjoyed, throwing his arms around the princely side in what could only be described as euphoria. Logan had been surprised, saying he hadn’t expected Roman’s surprising amount of maturity regarding the issue, including the way Roman had promised to listen to him more often. Virgil had shrugged, saying it was about time Roman started doing that anyway.

He hadn’t thought anything of it, not really. And it had been pleasant, being listened to. Not being treated like a villain.

He should’ve known it wasn’t going to be only a few days for Roman to completely change his black-and-white view of the world.

Roman listened more, that was true, but he didn’t talk as much either. He stood quietly, occasionally asking softly for clarification.

“…L-Logan?”

Logan pauses mid-sentence, glancing over at Roman. Roman sits there, twisting his fingers together.

“Yes?”

“Can you…slow down a little bit?”

Logan blinks. He’d been talking about recent discoveries made in the field of quantum physics, just getting to the part about how SUSY particles could reconcile the different interpretations of the expansions of the universe. Roman had been the only one who volunteered to listen, and he half-expected Roman to dismiss the topic entirely or say he had some important thing to go to. He had not been expecting this.

Roman did not seem to interpret his silence in this way.

“It’s just,” he stammers frantically, “it’s not that I’m not interested, I am, I can assure you, I’m just…I’m having trouble keeping up with you.”

He balls his hands up tightly in his lap, staring at Logan with a frantic sense of urgency.

“It’s okay if you can’t or you don’t want to, y-you’re not boring me, I promise, and I don’t want you to stop, but can you please try and talk a little slower? I don’t…I don’t want to miss anything,” he trails off.

“It’s…it’s quite alright, Roman,” Logan says carefully, “I’m happy to slow down.”

Roman’s face breaks into a relieved smile. “Okay, thank you, I don’t know what’s going on with me today.” He taps the side of his head with a self-deprecating smile. “Not all here, it seems. Sorry, Specs.”

“You needn’t apologize, you haven’t done anything wrong.” Logan adjusts his glasses. “I would be more than happy to slow down. Are you quite sure I’m not boring you?”

“Absolutely not.”

Logan smiles. “…good.”

“C-can I say what I’ve gotten so far,” Roman asks hesitantly, “and then you can correct me where I’m wrong and then jump back in when we get there?”

“Of course.”

Roman had Remus share almost as many ideas as he did, but he didn’t share his own as much either.

“Roman? Do you have anything to add?”

Roman shakes his head, a small smile on his lips as he watches Remus bounce excitedly on the balls of his feet.

“I believe we have a solid idea,” he says, gently elbowing Remus, “and there is nothing I can do to improve it.”

“You know, Ro-Bro,” Remus says, shoving Roman back, “you’ve gotten so much less boring.”

Roman chuckles lightly, picking himself up off the wall. “I’m glad you’re happy.”

“Oh, I am!” Remus claps his hands. “But are you sure we can’t build in the part about—“

“We are not unearthing a roadkill corpse, Remus.”

Roman didn’t puff up when he was teased anymore, but he didn’t defend himself in any other way as much either.

“Could you be more extra,” Virgil sighs, nudging Roman, “really, Princey?”

Roman pauses, before slowly lowering his hands. “I am, aren’t I?”

Virgil’s eyes widen. “Guys! Guys, I got Roman to admit that he’s extra!”

“You did what?” Remus vaults over the couch. “You did it!”

“That is in fact a marvelous breakthrough,” Logan says, drinking his coffee, “especially for Roman.”

“Good to see you’re finally developing some self-awareness, kiddo,” Patton says with a wink, patting Roman on the shoulder.

Janus smirks, shifting in his chair. “Yes, because Roman’s observational skills have always been at the forefront.”

“Alright, alright,” Roman says finally, waving his hand, “I’m extra, I get it.”

It took far too long for them to realize that just because Roman’s behavior had changed, it didn’t mean he wasn’t still struggling with the ramifications of it. It took them far too long to realize that Roman still clung to the ideas of heroes and villains, the roles had just shifted. It took them far too long to realize that the ego, still hiding its black and blue skin, was still living in fear, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

It took Janus far too long to realize he wasn’t doing his job.

“Oh, come now, I’m only teasing.”

“And that’s supposed to make everything better, is it?”

Janus pauses, the sharpness in Roman’s voice killing the follow-up in his throat. His eyes don’t widen at how Roman looks at him. For the first time in a long time, Roman’s gaze is filled with fire as he stares at Janus. It gives him pause for a moment. Just a moment. Then his smirk is back.

Good. You were starting to get boring.

“You realize that saying you’re teasing doesn’t make it hurt any less, right?”

“Oh, sweetie, there’s really no need to get so worked up—“

“Don’t pretend that your intention has not been to make me uncomfortable.”

“Then why’re you letting it get to you so?”

“…so if Remus tries to knock me out with his morningstar, I shouldn’t get hurt because it’s his intention to hurt me?”

Janus blinks. This is absolutely the direction he thought Roman was going to go. “That’s not quite the same thing.”

“So I shouldn’t prioritize emotional and mental pain the same way as physical pain?”

“…I didn’t say that—“

“Oh, I’m sorry, is it frustrating to have your words taken out of context and applied in ways you obviously didn’t mean? Wow, I wonder what that feels like.”

Janus’s surprise is hidden quickly as Roman takes a deep breath in. He expects Roman to bite back, to push, to hurl acid-laced insults at him. Given how Roman has been taking most of…this lying down as of late, he expects it, even if he would be a little...disappointed. In some way, he doesn’t deserve it.

That’s exactly what happens.

“…I understand that you care and you help in your own way. And I’m grateful for it, really, I am. You…you make people look at themselves—really look and you make me think and it’s great but it’s exhausting.”

Roman buries his face in his hands, pressing his fingertips hard to his eyes. It doesn’t hurt to see him so…tired.

“I can’t—I can’t do this all the time. I can’t do this most of the time. You know that. As a matter of fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if that were the point.”

“…I do have a point.”

“You always have a point. That’s the problem. You are nothing but points, there’s nothing to you but—“

Roman stops, taking a deep breath and pressing his forehead with a fist.

“No, sorry, that’s…that’s not true. The version of you that you choose to present to me and to the others most of the time is nothing but points. There is no softness. No give. Not an ounce. It’s always a fight. I have to…double and triple check every single thing that comes out of your mouth, and I’m not…I…”

Another deep breath. Something softens.

“I respect you. I admire you. I like you. But I don’t know what you want from me.”

Janus isn’t shocked.

Not just at the fact that Roman is expressing all of this out loud, not just at what Roman is saying, but how the bitter taste slowly filling his mouth isn’t coming from any of it.

Roman isn’t lying. Not about this.

What happened in those days when you shut yourself away?

It takes him a moment to realize Roman is waiting for an answer.

“I don’t want you hurt.”

Roman huffs. No malice behind it, just exhaustion. “You enjoy putting me in situations that actively make me uncomfortable and you have enjoyed hurting me in the past. Try again.”

There’s a moment of silence. Then Roman sighs.

“Look, I don’t think I’m in the right space for this conversation and the last thing I want to do is mess this up any more than I already have, can we…can we do this later?”

He nods slowly, even though it takes him back to hear Roman ask for something. It doesn’t sting a little to know he isn’t the one that’s made it easier for him to do so.

“Thank you, I—you...you know I care about you, right?”

Not many things can take him by surprise, not many things can make him more surprised than this conversation already has, but this…this earnest confession, this does. He nods.

“Good.”

They don’t speak for days. They don’t even see each other for days. Then Roman has an episode.

The others are away, helping Thomas. Roman is alone. He rides the attack to its end but he’s still trying to recover. This one was bad. He needs to get up, he needs to eat, he needs to drink, he needs to but he knows if he stresses out too much about this, he’s just going to send himself into another attack. He’s trying to breathe but it’s hard. It’s so hard.

Janus wasn’t even looking for him. And yet there he is, sprawled on the floor, hunched over, hands trembling as he struggles to breathe. For a moment he worries at how much he can feel that Roman’s afraid. Afraid of Janus. Janus…he hasn’t exactly shown him his…full capabilities.

And, in his defense, really, Roman is so clever, so sweet, so open that he can’t help but play with him, test him, poke at his comfort zone just enough to see him squirm. And Roman is lovely, truly, he is. And yes, part of him was thrilled when Roman finally snapped at him, but he’s right. Janus is…he has not been good to him.

Time to change that.

He approaches slowly, crouching, and offering a hand. The suspicious look that he gets doesn’t hurt his chest. He does blame him. But Roman trusts, he trusts too easily sometimes and this wouldn’t be the first time Janus has ever taken advantage of it. He tries to convey that he won’t break it when Roman takes his hand. He tries not to think about how much of this is Roman going along with it if only to prevent himself from being hurt.

He leads Roman to one of the common spaces on the Dark Sides’ hallway. It’s almost never used anymore, not since the barrier between Light and Dark started breaking down. He looks at Roman to see such an unsure expression that he can’t help the soft noise when he guides him to sit on the couch.

Janus keeps Roman in the corner of his vision as he carefully shrugs off his cloak. He considers draping it over Roman’s shoulders but decides that might be a bit too much. Too much for right now, even as his mouth starts to taste bitter.

What does he want? Roman can’t stop thinking it. He’s three seconds away from another attack, what’s happening, what’s going on, I don’t know what to do—

A gentle hand cups his chin and he distantly thanks whatever higher power there may be that Janus’s gloves aren’t a bad texture. But then he has to make eye contact and oh it’s the worst. He doesn’t know what’s keeping this fragile peace. He knows Janus will see through any mask he tries to put on right now.  

But not wearing a mask…he’s not sure he remembers how to do that.

He tries.

I’m trying, I’m trying so hard, can’t you see? Can’t you see that if you just tell me, I’ll be good? Whatever you want, I can do it, I promise, I’ll be good, I can be good, but I can’t do it if I don’t know what you want and if you tell me I’ll do it, just tell me what you want me to do, I can’t figure it out, I want to be good, but I don’t—I can’t—what do you want?

Janus sees. He sees all of it and it doesn’t break his heart.

He lets Roman go, the ache getting worse when he immediately shuts his eyes. He crouches, waiting.

When Roman opens his eyes again, he tries to offer. What do you want? Let me help, if you want?

Too much, perhaps. So he tries smaller.

Roman’s unsure when he offers his hand again. He…Janus doesn’t like being touched. But would he really be offering if he wasn’t okay with it?

Janus smiles when Roman reaches a trembling hand out. Slowly, carefully, he takes it in two of his, playing with it gently. Running his fingers over the back, tracing the knuckles. Roman’s hand is so much more...worn than the others. There are calluses, scars, so many stories that Janus can’t help exploring, smiling a little when the light touch makes Roman twitch. Even here, Roman’s scared of doing something wrong. His fingers tremble, try and move to match the shapes he makes.

Keeping Roman’s hand in his, Janus stands, tugging in a gentle ask for Roman to come with him. Roman stands up too fast and a second pair of arms shoots out to steady him. He looks so small…smaller still when Janus sits them down on another couch, between his legs.

Stay with me, Roman.

Playing with his hand again gets his attention, the second pair of arms holding Roman close. He waits. Waits to gently tug that hand a little closer. Roman shuffles. His phone tumbles out of his pocket and Janus catches it with his third pair of arms, setting it carefully on the table.

He lays back, all six arms accounted for. Waits.

Is something you want?

Roman looks so apprehensive, reaching out with his other hand. He folds Roman in gently, letting him move at his own pace, easing his weight down on top of Janus like they’re afraid of hurting him. As soon as he’s all the way down, still propping himself up to keep the weight off of Janus, Janus embraces Roman tightly, smiling a little at the way he instantly goes limp, exhaling sharply. Part of him takes a little selfish pleasure at having Roman in his arms; he’s so warm, he’s just the right weight, he fits so perfectly. But he’s still so tense, poor thing…

Just as he did with his hand, he explores gently. He lightly traces up and down Roman’s sides, wiggles his fingers as he runs them along Roman’s spine. Smirks a little when he feels Roman’s muscles tense and shift as he squirms under the gentle attention. Sweet little thing is ticklish too, hmm?

Like Roman, he doesn’t want to risk breaking this moment with too much noise, but he has to really fight the urge to coo and fuss when he starts scratching his hands through Roman’s hair. Roman whines for him, completely involuntarily, and it’s so small and tired and hopeful and adorable that he can’t help seeing if he can make him do it again. He can.

They have no idea how long they lie there but an alarm on Roman’s phone breaks the silence. Janus barely glances at the label—‘stop and get back to work’—as he shuts it off. He laments its intrusive presence as Roman startles horribly, scrambling up. And he can’t help himself, he catches him.

Roman should get back. He should do so many things but Janus is being so kind and he’s not too warm and Roman has no idea how he’ll react and what if they never get this chance again and he’s holding him so gently and the way he’s looking at him…

Is this something you want?

Janus lets out a soft oof when Roman throws himself at him, wrapping his arms around him so tightly he’s sure it hurts. But it’s the thing he wanted and the thing Roman wants and it’s perfect.

He clings to Roman just as tightly until his own arms ache from it. Still, he holds on, until Roman slumps, burying his warm face into his scales without hesitation. Roman’s breathing stutters, he’s still so scared...so Janus softens, gentles his grip, goes back to the soothing touches from before. Tries to lull Roman back into that half-doze they were in before. It takes a long time, much longer than he’d like. Roman keeps jerking himself awake, his fists clenching and unclenching, unsure where to put his head, where to put his arms.

He breaks finally when his fingers hit a sensitive spot on Roman’s back and Roman gasps, Janus instinctively holding Roman closer and smoothing the hair away from his ear.

“Shh…shh…” One pair of his arms come up to hold Roman’s hands. “Shh… shh…”

I want you to calm down, Roman, that’s all I want right now. Shh…

It takes several minutes of careful shushing to get Roman to relax, several more before his breathing evens out and he dozes, right there in his arms.

They still need to talk. Roman’s carrying so much grief with him that, now that he’s looking, he can see the strain. Roman is so tired, he can feel it. And he desperately wants to know what happened to turn Roman into this frightened creature, constantly bracing for a blow, so confused in the face of any affection. But for now…

He’s self-preservation, protection when protection is needed most. Of course he can be caring.

He leaves Roman in Patton’s care, giving them the space they need to make sure he doesn’t push. Not now, perhaps not ever. He receives a gentle thank-you when they happen to pass in the corridor. And it’s…good. There’s a sweet aftertaste in his mouth when he talks for a few days.

A few days later, his mouth tastes horribly bitter again and he knows it’s time. He appears to see Roman sitting ramrod straight, staring at the wall.

“…well, you certainly look as calm as can be.”

“Oh. Hi, Janus.”

“Hello. What seems to be troubling you?”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry. I’m alright.”

The lie tastes sour. “May I join you?”

Roman nods.

“Thank you.”

“Did you need something?”

“Are you…in a proper enough headspace to have that conversation?”

“…yes. Yeah, I think so.”

He can’t quite taste another lie. This is probably what Virgil means when he says it’s important to trust people about their own boundaries.

“I have a proposition for you. I would like you to hear me out before commenting.”

“Of course.”

“…you lie quite often.” Roman nods. “You are not of the opinion that lying is inherently wrong.”

Roman shakes his head nervously.

“You use lying as a defense mechanism to protect yourself, don’t you?”

A new wave of bitterness.

“…do not be afraid,” he says quietly, “it’s quite common.”

Roman’s brow furrows a little.

“Your first response to any question that causes a heightened emotional response is usually a lie,” he explains, “because your instinct to protect yourself kicks in and forces you to say what you think the asker wants to hear.”

Roman’s mouth tightens.

“It also coincides with the need to make yourself as small as possible. If you…do not require many things, or if you do not actively contribute to things that require any extra effort, odds are you will not be hurt.” Janus tilts his head. “I believe Virgil calls it ‘being low maintenance.’”

Roman huffs a laugh and looks away.

“Does that sound about right?”

“…mhm.”

Janus fiddles with the cuffs of his jacket almost absentmindedly. Roman has developed a…particular style of dishonesty that intrigues him.

Roman is very open about vulnerable topics; speaking freely and without hesitation about how he feels about his looks, his mannerisms, his sexuality, pretty much every aspect of themselves that the Sides can think to ask about. But that’s not the same as actually being vulnerable. It’s hiding behind too much honesty, taking advantage of the fact that others don’t tend to talk about those types of topics in that much detail to let them mistake it for actual vulnerability. But it’s not. It’s just a different type of hiding.

It’s not a lie. Not even a lie of omission. Which means it’s harder for Janus to detect. Even harder for the others. So it’s easier for them to believe Roman is more honest than they are. Which let him get away with lying, let him get away with sacrificing his own needs, let him get away with hurting himself.

The pitch is the easiest part, Janus decides. Definitely.

“Virgil and I have an arrangement of sorts,” he opens with finally. “Logan helped us figure it out. If…one of us receives an answer they believe is untruthful, a second chance is offered.”

“A…what?”

“If I ask Virgil a question, or if Virgil asks me a question, and we don’t believe the answer we receive to be true, we say: ‘second chance.’ Then we have another chance to answer. There are never any consequences for lying, or choosing to take the second chance.”

“…so…”

“So if I were to ask you what’s troubling you—“

“It’s fine,” Roman says quickly, “really, it is.”

Janus gives him a small, sad smile. No, no it isn’t, but this will serve as a good point.

“Second chance?”

Roman’s mask slips. It’s a good mask. Right up there with Patton, and Logan, if he’s being evaluative. Perhaps even up there with his own. But it’s cracking.

“You know it’s unwise to try and lie to me, dear,” he pushes.

Ah. Too much. Fear swells up behind Roman’s eyes and he stammers.

“…I…”

“If you do not wish to tell me,” he soothes, “I will not force you too.”

“Then I would rather not say,” Roman says carefully, each word laid down for Janus’s inspection.

“And there are no consequences.”

The wave of pure relief that washes over Roman is enough to make Janus smile properly. There’s a horrible moment where he looks like he doesn’t believe it, he’s waiting for the punchline, but then it doesn’t come and Roman just slumps, a massive weight rolling off his shoulders. Janus can’t help but watch the corner of his mouth tick up higher and higher as he realizes it’s okay.

“Well, judging by that expression,” he says, “this certainly will be awful for you.”

Another thing about Roman is that for some reason, probably tied to his connection to the Imagination, is that he has this…field around him. Janus is sure Logan’s not interested in it at all and they haven’t spend hours upon hours talking about it. But he can feel the wave of care and love and relief that hits him, making his heart ache pleasantly in his chest.

It’s gone far too quickly and Janus isn’t saddened by it, his brow furrowing when Roman fidgets with his hands, obviously trying to work up the nerve to ask something.

“…why…when you said this was common,” he says eventually, “what did you mean?”

Ah. This won’t be difficult at all.

“The…sophistication of your coping mechanism indicates that it has been developed over a long period of time,” he starts.

“…okay?”

“Not uncommon in victims of abuse.”

“What…what are you talking about,” Roman stammers, obviously trying to laugh it off, “I—I haven’t been abused.”

Oh.

Oh, that’s…oh, Roman…

“We have ridiculed you for expressing vulnerability,” Janus murmurs, “we have ignored you when you express deep feelings. Sometimes, when you attempt to speak about them, we tell you that your feelings are not worthy of your reaction, or we are indifferent.”

Janus shifts, letting his regret bleed into his voice as he continues.

“We have manipulated you to get what we want. We have used shame to make you feel bad.” Janus clenches his fists in his lap. “We have led you to believe things are your fault when they aren’t. We have pushed you to question your sanity.”

There’s an awful silence.

“We’ve been gaslighting you, Roman,” Janus murmurs, “and worse. Tell me, what does that sound like to you?”

Any semblance of relief from earlier vanishes, replaced by denial, worry, panic, and so much anxiety for a moment Janus worries Virgil’s going to be summoned.

Then his mouth fills with an acrid taste, coating his tongue so much it almost chokes him.

“…I’m sure you know that I’m summoned by continuous lying.” Why I appeared in the first place.

Poor Roman barely hears him enough to nod.

“I know what the lies are when I hear them.”

Another nod.

“Which means,” he murmurs, reaching out and gently touching Roman’s temple with two fingers, “…I can hear these.”

Roman freezes.

“There. That.” Janus’s eyes widen. “Oh, oh no, sweetie, I’m not here to be cruel to you.”

Roman doesn’t hear him.

“Breathe, honey, come on…in for four, hold for seven, out for eight.”

Roman’s not breathing at all. Janus leans forward to try and help when Roman’s mouth opens, his voice sharp and determined.

“When people lie,” he says, “does it hurt you?”

“What?”

“Does it hurt you?”

He knows what Roman’s asking and he adores it, of course he does. He adores that Roman’s so worried about hurting him, not himself, Janus, that he’s willing to punish himself by forcing away a defense mechanism that he’s had for years because it might be hurting Janus. He loves it.

“…no. Not a direct correlation,” he says, “no. More often than not, I can tell or sense what the truth would be and…that is not often pleasant. But no, Roman, you are not physically injuring me when you lie.”

“And what about when you’re telling the truth?”

“…sweetie, stop. You’re going to hurt yourself far more that you’re going to hurt me.”

Roman’s face pinches as he looks away, so determined that it looks completely painless. It doesn’t hurt.

“Would you like a hug?”

“N-no, no, I’m fine.” Roman’s hands don’t shake. He doesn’t hunch around himself protectively.

“Second chance?”

“…please?”

“Come here.”

He’s warm, but not warm enough. His aura is relieved, but not relieved enough. He’s still, but not still enough.

The bitter taste in Janus’ mouth isn’t horrendously painful.

“No, sweetie, you’re not being inconvenient.”

You have hidden this so well, so well we never realized how much this hurts you.

“I’m not angry with you for trying to protect yourself.”

I will be the first to admit that I have…not acquitted myself well from the things I have done to you, please let me try now.

“You’re not hurting me.”

Don’t deny yourself comfort, especially when you need it so badly.

“And no, sweetie, I don’t hate being touched as much you think I do.” Janus does find it easy to cry, he does get overwhelmed easily. And yet the lies he can hear right now threaten to make tears spill over. “…must you be so cruel to yourself?”

“…sorry?”

Ah, yes, apologies. That’s a conversation for another time. Janus sighs, running a hand through Roman’s hair. “At any rate, it’s not like you’re nice and warm and much better suited than the others.”

Finally, the bitterness recedes, just a little. Janus swallows, washing away the last vestiges on his tongue, cuddling Roman closer. He looks down, seeing his mouth open and close. Laying a finger gently against his lips, he shushes Roman as he tries to speak.

“Hush, you don’t have to say anything, sweetie. I understand.”

“Okay,” Roman huffs, “I will say the whole…mind-reading thing is not ideal.”

Fair enough. “I am only paying attention right now because you seem to be having some difficulty speaking,” he murmurs, chucking him gently under his chin, “I will not be all the time.”

“Okay.”

“Or you could simply…not lie to yourself.”

“Unrealistic.”

It makes him laugh a little. “Something to work on, no?”

Roman nods, gently head-butting Janus’ hand. He smiles, cupping Roman’s chin, idly tapping his fingers. The smile grows when Roman closes his eyes, tipping his head back so Janus can scritch lightly.

“Perhaps it will help you with these,” Janus murmurs, lightly stroking his fingers over the shadowy bruises just below Roman’s collar, “hmm?”

“…Thomas, huh?”

Janus raises an eyebrow when Thomas summons him. “Well, this is entirely expected.”

“I need your help.”

“Then this can’t be serious at all.”

“It’s about Roman.”

Janus pinches off the rest of his sarcasm. “Tell me.”

“I, uh, I made a…discovery,” Thomas says, “about…things.”

“How remarkably descriptive.”

“You know the phrase ‘bruised ego?’”

Janus stiffens at Thomas’s words. “…I am familiar.”

“…turns out it’s a lot more literal than I thought.”

Oh.

Oh, no.

It’s Janus’s job to protect the ego.

What…what has he done?

“He doesn’t care for you at all, sweetie.”

Roman opens his eyes, peering up at him with poorly disguised hope.

“Neither, for that matter,” he continues, running a thumb over Roman’s jaw, “do the others. Virgil, for one, despises you for being able to make him feel so wonderfully safe.

“Patton thinks the absolute worst of you—“ he pats Roman’s cheek— “and the care that you give so freely to others.

“Remus, well, he of course doesn’t value you at all,” he drawls as he tucks a loose piece of hair behind Roman’s ear, “let alone your willingness to touch and interact with him as he’s so used to that.

“And Logan would definitely prefer it if you were to never be so clever and considerate ever again,” he finishes, stroking his thumb across his forehead.

“I don’t think,” Roman murmurs, “that I’ve ever been so glad to be pretty fluent in sarcasm.”

“Yes, your sarcasm is absolutely awful.”

“Yes, I know, I love you too.”

He expects a familiar bitterness to wash over his tongue. It doesn’t.

Oh.

Oh.

“You don’t have to say it,” Roman mumbles, almost about to doze off in his arms, “you don’t have to say anything. It’s just…it’s there if you want it.”

“I definitely won’t take it,” he says as he presses their foreheads together, “and you definitely can’t fall asleep right here.”

There needs to be another conversation. He needs to know what happened after the wedding. He needs to know how, or perhaps more accurately, why Roman changed in the span of only a few days. He needs to know how Roman got so good at pretending.

He tries not to think about how much worse he’s made it.

…he also would like to know exactly what Roman meant when he said he loved him.

[idio-cies]

Jatp- Perfect Harmony Dissection

Holy Moly this show has taken me by surprise in the best possible way.

I forgot how good Kenny Ortega is... and omg the dynamics in this show are just *chefs kiss* anyway that’s for another post

All of these songs left an impression with me, but Perfect Harmony just got the cogs working in my brain so I wanted to dissect it because I can’t stop thinking about it.

This will be long but I hope people will bear with me.

I found out that Madison and Charlie wrote this one together for the show, so that’s cool. So, even if this is Julie’s fantasy/daydream, it objectively also has “Luke’s” input as well, considering Madison and Charlie were writing with the characters in mind.

The lead up to this song is Julie realising she is falling for Luke, and has Luke on the brain, so she slips up with calling Nick, Luke yadayada significant to say her crush has changed as well blah blah blah.

I first thought it was strange that they are all in black? They weren’t performing for anyone other than for merit. However Black is of course associated with death, mystery etc, but in this context ,with them being “fancy” it deems them as more elegant than anything. I like using this site for colour reference. Please make of it what you will, but I’m sticking with classy and mysterious with this performance.

Then I noticed how Julie and Nick are the centre of attention, plus Nick and Julie seem to improvise? They aren’t doing as the others are. Whether they are meant to or not. I think this is meant to draw parallels, with Nick sliding on the floor and Luke tumbling, then also the lift, how here it’s short and sweet, yet with Julie and Luke there are two and the second is drawn out and more meaningful etc.

I think she must be dancing normally in reality throughout this, but I’ll come back to that later.

So let’s get into this song.

“Step into my world”- I find this interesting because Luke is the one stepping over into hers, but also this is like some “in-between” that they're in;  significant of the Limbo that the guys are currently stuck in and also the fact that Julie is the bridge. The world is probably metaphorical for music as Luke helps re-establish it in Julie and is also the guy where music is his whole world, as he lets all of his emotions out and connects with people. It’s a running theme being called up again. However, you cannot deny the possible connotation of Julie potentially stepping over with them. It’s also ironic as Luke “steps” into Julie’s world “I’m sorry we came into your life” - Luke, ep 1, and literally steps over here.

“Bittersweet love story about a girl”- undeniable. Their story is bittersweet. Impossible to be together; yet have a connection that runs so deep.

But now we see the scenery, and it’s all monochrome and the candles just scream romance, but also to me, of serenity.

I mean even the dancefloor reflects to make it look as if they are dancing on water or in an in between world. The reason why I point out monochrome gives the intention of “black and white” there is a lack of complexity, it is clear about how true their bond is, and to them it isn’t complex. Also I can’t help but think of yin and yang which can also be included here as they balance each other out. Julie yin, Luke yang. This is ironic considering Julie is always symbolised with light and Luke the contrast with a dark and being, you know, dead.

I also came across a gifset of the parallels to dirty dancing that Perfect Harmony dance had, and again, the colours are flipped with the pair which is just... interesting in this instance.

“Shook me to the core  “Voice like an angel, never heard before”- pretty simple, Luke has always been amazed with Julie’s talent, plus a metaphor commonly attached to Julie, being called an angel. He is also calling her unique. Passage of touch.

But then we get the touch. So I think this whole hand passage thing is reflected in the time they tried to hold hands, then the last time and they could then touch. In this instance though it’s like Julie is the one being resurrected. Again, this could be another metaphor of his hand in helping her find her music again, but you cannot overlook the other implications.

So here is where they dance. I am no dance expert, but dance does have it’s own language that I think everyone can interpret, but I will try my best to explain. I also think “harmony” can be a way to express dance partners as well.

“Here in front of me”- I do think this is in reference being able to touch them, but the drawing up to her hands is so interesting because of the eye contact and draw. It’s more intimate.

Then they go into something similar to what the routine is meant to be in reality, but instead they make it like a pulse on the line “they’re shining so much brighter”

I point out a pulse because it’s “living” and it just juxtaposes with who Julie is talking about; the guys.

A twirl and lift on “than I have ever seen”- This is Julie talking about the guys. Ray calls them angels and then at the end of season they literally freaking glow so... (also pronoun change to collective when Julie starts singing)

“Life can be so mean”- ep 8, after Luke told him their demise would be one of three ways, Julie was going to be hurt all over again. Julie and Flynn had an understanding that the world was being cruel when they were discussing it. Also I just feel their dance here is like they are interpreting a rough ride/rollercoaster. They swing arms then tuck and twist.

“But when he goes, I know he doesn’t leave”- Luke will be in her heart, like she found with her Mum. She did let them go, and she understands she will have to do that, but they will live on in her heart.

Also hand over heart, as she “falls” into him and he doesn’t let her fall. That’s just cute.

“The truth is finally breaking through”- either their feelings or just what will be revealed to us. Though they are parted and Luke does the spinning on the ground so I expect a pitfall somewhere along the way (probs Caleb)

But he rolls right back to her

“Two worlds collide when I’m with you”- Well, the fact that they are the living and the dead.. so. Plus in-between. Don’t know how to interpret the dance here, I just like the swishy steps

“A voice is rising so, so high”- how Julie comes out of her shell. Also can’t help but link to the angel motif. Plus, Julie is lifted up, she is the catalyst, she is rising up in fame really. Luke is one of the people who helps her soar as well.

“We come to life, when we’re in perfect harmony”- Julie always being told she looks “alive again” when she’s doing music again.  Music and playing with Julie is what makes Luke and the guys feel alive. I gotta say, Charlie and Madison do exhibit some good harmonising.

The lift that happened is like the improv that Nick and Julie do, but then Luke and Julie here make eye contact as she comes down again, but goes back to similar to the dance she is meant to be doing. Until she reaches up on the line “We say we’re friends”, he also helps lift them up.

“We play pretend”. I mean, they kinda do. Luke tries to pass off his feelings with the guys, but that boy is WHIPPED.

“You’re more to me”- right off the bat, I like it. Arms out and a hug. YES. Also just look at that bliss on her face, bless her.

“We create” well yes they create “the perfect harmony”

The cut off is abrupt as Julie snaps back to reality. Then she looks in the mirror and realises Luke isn’t there and that she must’ve gone insane. This is what gets me. I think this is the moment that she realises that her feelings for Luke are deeper than she realised and I think she truly thought that they may have been dancing together in the end.

Is this just an extremely vivid daydream, because she had one of these when she mentally performed “I got the Music” and she must’ve done something during that time as she took someone’s drumsticks during her little renaissance. So what happened in real life? Did she just dance around a little, humming a bop? I just... I imagine that this is just a very lucid daydream, which is fair enough, relatable, but it just interacts so much with real life rather than actually just being all in her head. I just find it interesting.

The full version has some lines that I also want to point out. In the second verse there are these lines:

”You set me free”- Luke sings this line which can mean that she will set his soul free- she is a part of his “unfinished business”

“You and me together is more than chemistry”- Julie sings this line. We know that chemistry was pointed out by Alex and Reggie to Luke, and I believe Flynn also says about them being an appealing pair when performing. But they are more than chemistry. I mean they do work well together and they care about each other deeply, but I also can’t help but think of the “signs” her mother was giving her, and believing that the guys were sent to her.

“Love me as I am, I’ll hold your music here inside of my hands”- This is sung by both of them. They already do this, but holding their music in each other’s hand is interesting. I guess this is saying about trust and that they will do it together. I also think this relates to being able to finally hold hands. It’s like the saying “Whatever’s mine is yours”. They share pain, they share lyrics, their passion for music etc.

Then in the bridge we have the lines “I feel your rhythm in my heart”- I have a feeling that they are in sync with each other, they can immediately click and tune in with a melody. It’s also ironic as Luke doesn’t have a heart.

“You are my brightest burning star”- Luke sings this line. It makes sense. As I have said previously, Julie is this beacon of light, Luke clearly is in awe of her and inspires him. He also straight up calls her a star in ep 9 as well

“I never knew a love so real”- oh man, the irony. Their connection is pure and true, it’s just so annoying that he’s a ghost

“We’re heaven on earth, melody and words”- again with the metaphor of the middle ground where I suppose Julie sits. I understand the idiom and the bliss that they feel, and the connection they have and share with people. It’s just interesting as at the moment earth is currently Luke and the guys’ afterlife.

Anyway, that has been my dissection of Perfect Harmony. Thanks for reading if you’ve gotten this far 😅

PS. the lack of visual aids is because Tumblr hates me, I apologise

[huacheng-zhu]

ok so 2ha. vague spoilers ahead (important spoilers are warned but watch out)

that’s a solid 4.5/5 for me. this novel RUINED me and I loved it for it. it made me feel like very few novels (and even stories in general) did. today I’m STILL shaken over a part of it that I read two days ago, despite the happy ending. I have A Lot of thoughts (shout-out to @whateverwuxian​ who can testify that I couldn’t shut up about it, love you buddy!!) so I just went ahead and [gestures below]

starting with the negative so we can enjoy all the positive later. feel free to discuss but I’m extra sensitive and these are only my personal feelings so they probably won’t change anyway, so be nice please!

what I didn't like:

too many r*pe scenes. I get that the non-con """makes sense""" narratively and thematically but like. they didn't have to be explicit. at the very least not all of them. sorry but too much is too much. there are more non-con sex scenes/flashbacks than consensual sex scenes! stop! we get it! enough now!

not a fan of a 26yo falling in love with a 16yo. if cwn had initiated Anything I would’ve thrown the novel out the window. but thankfully it didn’t happen, I got invested, and nothing mutual happened until mo ran was 22, so I mostly got over it, but I’m still somewhat uncomfortable with it for very personal reasons.

their first time putting it in. it felt so unfair and I was very upset over it. it could’ve worked without going There? why. was that necessary. and it's heartbreaking for both of them, because mo ran didn't want to do it either. he wanted them to take all their time. he wanted to go step by step. all he wanted was to make sure cwn would be happy and comfortable and never hurt again in bed. for their first time that way he wanted it to be special. but it was just. taken away from them, and for what? for nothing there’s absolutely no reason for it. I get there’s the metaphorical foreshadowing of the upcoming reveal aspect (spoilers) both of them not consenting, mo ran being horrified -> the reveal that mo ran was cursed and so would’ve never wanted to treat cwn like this in the past either if he’d had control (end spoilers) but still?? and it’s never brought up again? I know they don’t get the time until the very end but hhhh. yeah I have Feelings over this

some plot twists hit good emotionally but had no point? thinking of the one about xue meng here.

there’s horny, and then there’s mo ran. it’s not a bad thing, it’s just not the kind of stuff I like reading about and book 1 and 2 are A Lot on that side so in book 2 after a while ME, THE BIGGEST ASEXUAL WHO COULDN’T CARE LESS ABOUT SEX SCENES, WAS LIKE, “oh my god have mercy please just fuck already I beg of you” and indeed they chilled a bit after that. like they were still horny but. less intensely and less all the fucking time. thank god (I still think the farm arc was hilarious to witness though, and I did love it)

kinda wish their reunion at the end was longer and more emotional but that’s just because I love that shit

(spoilers) kinda wish we got to see shi mei again before he went off doing his blind wandering doctor stuff. a talk with ranwan would’ve been very interesting. (end spoilers)

xue meng didn’t get a hug

that one thing at the end you know the one. maybe I'd be more into it if it'd been given time to be explored seriously and wasn't played off as a joke. it kinda ruined the mood of their last scene for me. (spoilers spoilers spoilers this is the end of this section if you don’t want to get spoiled) in that scene I wanted chu wanning to ride off into the sunset with mo ran, not txj. like, txj is the alternate world’s “if there had been no transmigration” version of mo ran 2.0. the whole point is that mo ran IS txj in book 1, but changes and becomes mo ran 2.0. mo ran 2.0, who by the end of the novel has already done all the redemption and deconstruction of his dubious habits. who he was as txj is long behind him. at this point txj will always be a part of who he was, but they are pretty much two 'different' people now. txj disappearing into dust after everything that happens at the end was beautiful symbolism. it meant something. to me there was no point keeping txj around after all that other than for “haha split personalities fighting over cwn’s attention uwu” THAT SAID the fact I'm not a fan of the idea doesn't mean I don't like txj. I care txj a lot and have Emotions over him, and I will definitely eventually explore this in my writing

(still spoilers) the demonic blood reveal was a bit.... deus ex machina? plus I personally would've preferred mo ran staying a regular person (end spoilers)

alright what I liked now:

the themes, both regarding the characters and the various plot elements. this novel really challenges your morals and what you think is right or wrong, what’s redeemable, what’s punishable, and how much one relies on first impressions, amongst other things. this novel is the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover” but also “look further than the first page” in so many ways

the romance. like I don’t need to say anything there. just, the slow burn, the longing, the yearning, the romance [clutches heart]

the plot twists/reveals. I’m so glad I was barely spoiled (I was spoiled two Big things but very vaguely so I was still surprised) because pretty much all of them had me shouting “WHAT” and/or gaping and/or various “what the fuck!!!”/”holy SHIT”/“NO” reactions

the way a lot of those reveals just completely change your view on things/characters?? that’s my jam

wontons. that was the first time I cried and my first very physical reaction to an event in this novel. I literally felt like time froze. I heard my heart beating. it was painful but AMAZING.

might be nothing in the grand scheme of things but honestly, all the food! I love that mo ran is an excellent cook and can make all those delicious dishes for cwn. as someone who loves to cook for their loved ones I think it’s so lovely that he gets to do that

the character growth. for everyone, but mo ran in particular? like I just. I started off not liking mo ran very much, straight up despising him at times, and in the end I was fucking sobbing over him and cried myself to sleep only to wake up in the middle of the night to cry some more so there’s that

chu wanning? there were aspects of him that I related to heavily, and that felt both like the Mortifying Ordeal of Being Known and very special because it doesn’t happen to me that often

the whole deaging arc. that was deaging done right and it had a purpose in the narrative and their relationship growth, I was “!!!!”

I LOVE how they took their time with EVERYTHING once they got together? that it spanned over several weeks? that it started with the confession, then just holding hands, then kissing, then making out, then sex, and even the sex was step by step! it said A LOT about mo ran’s character growth and it respected SO MUCH the fact that cwn is a 32yo (unrelated but (spoilers) I like to argue that yeah he’s been alive for 32 years but when you’ve been asleep and not aging physically nor growing mentally for five years in a way that makes you a 27yo. so when he calls his body “mature and old” and compares himself to shi mei I’m just. buddy your body is just three years older than shi mei’s there’s barely any difference in maturity right there. I know it’s your lack of self-worth speaking, and believe me I get it, but don’t be so hard on yourself. (end spoilers) anyway, this is an unimportant and unrelevant thought that I had during the mirror scene) who has no experience in any of these things whatsoever. he's not pushed into sex like he's going to be comfortable right off the bat and like it isn’t such a big change in a life that’s been ascetic so far. mo ran is aware of that! and when they have their first time mo ran, who’s been maybe even more horny than cwn all this time - seriously horny is that guy’s middle name, who initiated the sex, what does he say!!! "don't worry about me, tonight, I just want to make you feel good"??? mo ran?? your character development??? I appreciated that so much.

the pain. I’m still bleeding on the floor despite the happy ending but yeah. I like angst and I was not disappointed. it didn’t feel that gratuitious to me, more like, brutally honest? I don’t cry that easily but by the end I think I’d cried, what, close to ten times??

quite a few excellent quotes [lies down] “I realized - I had grown into the you in my heart”?? “hell is too cold”??? I highlighted more but those two are the ones that always come to my mind first

most of the time the flashbacks were perfectly inserted for maximum emotional damage and I respect that skill

xue zhengyong. like he’s not my favourite, my favourites are xue meng, nangong si and ye wangxi but? I just adored him so he gets a special mention

the side characters? like, I legit loved Everyone? when I cry over side characters you know it’s serious

THE CONFESSION SCENE. LIKE. HOLY SHIT MY HEART. it comes reaaally close to the vocal one (because hua cheng confesses so many times without words) at the end of tgcf for me. it was beautiful. I was so emotional. the fact that cwn can't say it no matter how much he feels it. like it's always been plain and clear just how much he loves mo ran. but he can't say the words yet and I just. the fact that mo ran gets it? that he doesn't need the words, just that squeeze of fingers, just what cwn is, at that moment, able to give him, and it doesn't mean less to him than words would? it hit home real hard

unless I think of something else, that’s about it! I can’t recommend 2ha enough, that said, I beg of you, heed the warnings. they are NOT overstated. and even if there were no warnings, take care anyways. the angst is serious, it haunts you. angst always makes me feel like my chest is being squeezed and that’s precisely the feeling I’m looking for when I choose to read angst. I have good tolerance to it, so despite not doing entirely well lately, I thought I was tough and went for it, but I’m a CLOWN. the way it’s written ruins you. this morning despite reading the hardest part of the angst on saturday evening, I still had some physical chest pain. so I recommend it with all my heart, but take care of yourselves. 2ha doesn’t fuck around.

[slashingdisneypasta]

MultiVillains x Reader || Drabbles

Plot: You’re with, and are in love with (Villain A), but for a long time now you’ve noticed that they way they treat you… isn’t up to scratch. And now this other guy, (Villain B) comes along and you feel loved and beautiful and competent all the time, with them. It’s a choice between someone who makes you believe that without a doubt soulmate are real and this person is yours, and the one that makes you feel really, really good. You give (Villain A) a choice.

Includes: Drayton Sawyer / Mayor Buckman (Horror Villains), Eric / Peter Hayes (Misc), Nina The Killer / Candy Pop (Creepypasta), Riddler and Edward Nygma / Barbara Kean (Gotham), and Human!Scar / Human!Shere Kahn (Disney Villains).

Warnings: Toxic or unhappy relationships, BLOOD (Nina and Candy Pop’s part- only a little but still), swearing, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (Riddler.)

Notes:

Inspired by ‘According To You’ by Orianthi. You can also listen to the Elise Lieberth version if you’re gonna!! It’s a lot more soulful and matter o’ fact, rather than mad and desperate. Both are soooo good, though.

Quick directory: If you’re looking for anger, I will send you to the Riddler and Eric and if you’re looking for sad I will show you two Drayton and Nina and if you want a happy ending, go to Scar! 

This is in your POV

~~~

Drayton Sawyer (Villain A) and Mayor Buckman (Villain B)

According to you I'm stupid I'm useless I can't do anything right

“Drayton!” Get back here, you basta-

“I’m too busy for this talk, girl / boy / kid!” He cuts off my thoughts with that dreaded phrase, that I hate hearing come from him and waves his arms dismissively without even turning to look at me. That phrase. That awful, familiar phrase. ‘I’m too busy for this talk’. Jesus Christ, it hits a nerve. He’s always too busy! “And so’re you! Grab the other end a’ this hay bale for me. We’re movin’ it on to the truck- Nubbins thinks I can get some money off ’em from passin’ famers. Better then having ‘em sit here and get eatin’ by Bubba.”

Gaining courage from my frustration, I march over there and slam my foot firmly down on the bale of hay. Drayton looks up from the side he was gearing to pick up and scrunches his face up in his own frustration. “What the hell are you doing? Get your lazy ass foot off this bale!”

“We have to talk, Drayton.”

“About what?!”

Has he already- Forgotten- What I-

I was just talking to him about it!!

“Oh my god Drayton, how self-absorbed can you be?? I was just talking to you about it!”

I feel stupid for feeling guilty for what’s going on, now. I suddenly remember what drove me to this situation- he doesn’t care one lick about me!

“Uhh… “He has the good manners to look ashamed for a moment, voice hesitating as he tries to remember something he knows just isn’t there in his head at all. “My bad.”

“Yes, your bad!”

He sighs in frustration, standing up straight and setting his hands on his hips with an annoyed vigour. He raises his eyebrows, as if to say ‘I’m waiting??’ and I control the urge to growl at him. This is not the way I wanted it to come out, and if he was even a little less infuriating, I would check myself and calm down- but he isn’t a little less infuriating and I want to throw this bale of hay at his scrawny ass.

“Well what’s goin’ on, girl / boy / kid?”

Ohhh, fucking Christ I hate it when he calls me that. Like I’m a child. This may fly with your brothers, Drayton, but we’re the same age! Goddamnit.

Mirroring his actions by putting my hands on my hips in an exaggerated way and raising my eyebrows back at him, I blurt it out firmly. Leaving zero room for him to possibly hear me wrong. “I’m having an affair.”

A moment of silence passes, and of course, now is when I immediately start to feel all the emotions that anger just a moment ago was blocking out. Regret, guilt, heartbreak… I take my foot off the hay back to the firm ground and my eyes well up with tears from the sheer force of the feelings. Drayton’s hands slip off his hips.

“… that Mayor?”

I’m surprised for a moment that Drayton knows. He could pick up on who it must be, which means he was noticing me. Its sort of good, to feel that he actually paid attention to me that one time, when we met... Buckman… but it isn’t enough to make up for the past decade. Looking away from him, I breathe and mess with my hair a bit simply for something to do with my hands. “… yeah.”

Dumbly, he tilts his head slightly to the side. His voice even stutters, which is so not Drayton. “… why?”

I hate myself for hurting him.

Looking back him, some tears break free down my cheeks. “Because! I forgot what it felt like to be liked. It… took me by surprise.”

“Maybe we should have a, ah, a sit down, then. Lets, lets go then. While the boy’s are out. To the kitchen, yeah. Come on, girl / boy / kid.”

He turns around as he says it, plus a lot more that isn’t important is just his ramblings as we walk off, but I wince from the name he gave me again.

Eric (Villain A) and Peter Hayes (Villain B)

According to you I'm difficult Hard to please Forever changing my mind I'm a mess in a dress Can't show up on time Even if it would save my life

The cruel grin on Eric’s face as he stands over me, doesn’t scare me. It just reminds me of how hurt he is. It’s true, I haven’t done anything… but now he knows what I’ve been thinking. About Peter, of all people, and probably more importantly what I’ve been thinking about him; Eric. “He’s not much better than me, you know.”

Grimacing, I fiddle more nervously with my hands that are in my lap and look down the barren hallway that I was able to corner him alone in. That’s very true. “I know that. That’s not the point.” When I look up, he’s scowling at me.

“Then what is the point?” He sounds mad. Like, bull mad. But I don’t waver, because under this shame- I’m pretty damn mad, too. I feel like my eyes flash at him not understanding the situation after I already, explicitly, explained to him what was wrong with our relationship two seconds ago. But its like all he heard was that I thought another man, Peter, a boy my age and not my instructor, was making me feel better than he was and he ignored everything else. If I wasn’t so pissed, I would understand. Jealousy is a serious emotion. I get that.

But he isn’t jealous.

Eric is possessive. Which is only one of our problems.

“The point is that I love you. I want, you.” It’s so true. Every word. I want Eric. I want him! Goddamnit, if I could genetically engineer a man who looks, acts and thinks like Eric, but with Peter’s attention span then I fucking would do so in heartbeat. “But you treat me like I’m just this small part of your life, like a hobby you can pick up and put down any time you like! And, god, you insult me! You disrespect me. I know you’re overworked and hormonal, but I don’t know how much longer I can wait it out before it isn’t a phase anymore!”

His goddamn nostrils flare, this time. “So you want to break up?”

Oh my god. My heart leaps up into my throat and, instantly, the word ‘No’ leaps right out of my chest, clear as day. “God, no. I don’t want to break up! I want to work through this together. I just want one thing in these negotiations Eric, and that’s to be liked by you.”

He breathes out slowly through his nose, and watch his shoulders and chest slowly drop. His eyes focus on the ceiling. “Y/N, you know I love you- “I get up from my seat abruptly and square up to him.

“Yes I know that! But that isn’t the same thing as being liked!” I am begging him. I am pleading that he understands, and we can be happy again.

… Because if he doesn’t, I have to do what’s best for me.

And as far as I can see, that is Peter. Or being alone! But honestly, the Peter option is looking better and better every second. Peter is an evil little shit, and violent, and deeply messed up, but he treats me well. He would never hurt me- emotionally or physically. And damn, I like spending time with him! And I really, really want that.

With Eric, if I can.

But all I’m seeing in this conversation is that option getting smaller and smaller.

For a good few minutes, he just stands there. First, he was breathing heavily… but now he’s just thinking. I watch with round eyes, and wait patiently. What’s happening? What are you thinking? Please, Eric.

Finally, he reaches over and squeezes more arm for a moment. It’s a comforting gesture, but when I look into those blue eyes of his, all I see is empty. He’s leaving. “We’ll talk about this later, k? I’ve got shit to do, now.”

For me, when he walked away, that was the end of everything right there. The last straw. I feel empty, too.

Nina The Killer (Villain A) and Candy Pop (Villain B)

According to you, according to you But according to him I'm beautiful Incredible He can't get me out of his head

“NINA!” I cut off her screaming with my own, nearly damn well shredding my vocal cords to cut through. But I succeed, and she’s now just glaring at me, twisting the tip of her knife into the tip of her finger. At first it wasn’t affecting her, just a nervous habit, but now theirs blood and I wince. Moving forward, I gently remove the knife from her hands, put it away in my hoodie pocket and carefully take her hands in mine, instead. Then I look back up at her, and look firm. “You’re just distracting us both. Don’t you wanna work through this with me?”

Through grit teeth, barely moving her face, she tells me. “I feel betrayed, Y/N.”

A rush of guilt for hurting her floods me -my stomach, my heart, - and I feel physically nauseous. “I know. I’m so sorry.”

“Why?”

“Are you really gonna listen to me?” I counter, causing her to flinch at the very thought of hearing me out. She looks away, but doesn’t remove her hands from mine and after a moment, sighs in utter defeat and frustration and nods fine. “Okay… um.” I hadn’t really thought about explaining what’s going on, to her. Being with a Creepypasta like her, who’s been traumatised and emotionally wrecked, you learn to keep your problems to yourself in fear they’ll relapse and hurt you. It’s not a fair or decent relationship in the slightest, I know, but it’s what we have. It’s what I’ve been perfectly happy with for years now. It’s what we’re fighting for.

So… I guess… I don’t have much of a choice, now. Taking a shaky breath in, I start and hope I don’t get murdered. “I feel like… you hate me.” She freezes under my touch but I don’t look up to see her face. “Like Jeff will always be more important than me, to you. He’s the one you want, he’s the one you have the connection to... and I understood that at first. I could take it… but- but the longer we stayed together I realised I always thought you would become more accustomed to me; That you would want me. But you don’t. Its always him-“ She tries to wrench her hands from me, but I clamp my grip down hard on her and drag her back, looking up into her face with a determined, probably pretty pissed off look on my face. “Nina. Still talking, here.”

“Its… its not true!” She doesn’t look so sure, her own determined-pissed off look dissolving into nervousness, chewing on her bottom lip.

“It is.” That look is all the admission there needs to be. Theirs no more supposing about it- Jeff will always be a step ahead of me. That Michael Jackson looking bastard. “And if I‘m going to be with someone, then I want to be number one. And, i-if you can’t… “I chew on my cheek to force myself not to cry. “Nina, Pop does want me like that.”  

I want to show her through my eyes, how serious this is. My desperation for her to just step up for me, and my stubborn desire to be wanted like he wants me.

God, I thought this conversation might help- but I don’t feel like stopping what’s between Pop and I now, ever.

I think its over with me and Nina, as she looks innocent and wide eyed and lost and… heartbroken.

It is the end, then.

She detangles her hands finally from mine, and cups my face in thin, freezing cold, shaky hands. “I wish… “I gather her middle against my body, in between my arms and bury my face in her neck, tears running freely down my face now. “Oh god, I wish.”

I wish we’d met before all that with Jeff. It definitely would’ve been us.

Me too.

Riddler and Edward Nygma (Villain/s A) and Barbara Kean (Villain B)

She's into me for everything I'm not According to you I need to feel appreciated Like I'm not hated, oh no Why can't you see me through her eyes? It's too bad you're making me decide

My back hits the wall a little too hard, causing my head to knock back into it and my vision to go blurry as he speaks his ironically phrased ‘peace’, so all I see is a very deep scowl and green. I’m pared from his crooked teeth and the dark, hateful way his eyes will be zeroed in on me. “How could you do this to me?? I allowed Ed to keep you, I- “He makes a constipated face as my vision clears up, his fingers digging deeply into my hips. I wriggle and twitch slightly, and try to quietly pull them out of my skin, but they are not moving, and I don’t even think he feels me struggling. So I give up, focusing instead on just regaining my vision. “I STARTED TO LOVE YOU TOO!”

Rolling my head against the wall in boredom, like a student waiting for that bell, and I don’t even flinch when he screams in my face at this point, although I do admit; It of course isn't pleasant. “Ugh, Ed, your breath stinks- “

“I AM NOT ED!”

“Okay, Riddler, your breath stinks.” Same-Same, for me. 

“Treat this seriously- you’ve betrayed me.” He is so mad. No matter how vehemently this guy tries to tell people he isn’t Ed- he sure is controlled by his emotions like Ed. He wouldn’t be this mad if he wasn’t heartbroken. Fucker was born from emotions.

Well guess what Riddler? I’m heartbroken too. And you put me here.

He scrapes his fingers against my skin, and I just grin wider.

There is nothing quite like annoying this man- especially when he’s treating me with such little respect. My eyes flash up to his and I grit my teeth. “I thought you were smart, man. I don’t love you the way I loved Ed- the way I now love her. Mistake number 1. You shouldn’t have ever let yourself fall as deep as you have, here.”

“But you do love me?!” He’s desperate and trying to reassure himself, and at the same time remind me of that fact. And oh god, I know. I know that I love him. Despite his many, maaany faults, I love him. He is what’s left over from Ed, my first love, who’s a whole lifetime away from me now. I’m attached to him, the Riddler, whether I like it or not!

And I don’t like it.

That’s why I’m leaving.

“Mistake number 2. You couldn’t just check yourself- because you’re so perfect, right? You couldn’t just look at how you were treating me and work on it? If you had, we wouldn’t be here right now. I wanted you… but you can’t see me the same way Barbara does.  

I wrap my fingers around the object in my pocket, feelings its need. It’s about fifteen centimetres long, and black, with little nibs at the end designed to leave a nasty lasting impact.

He’s looking at me, waiting for what else he did wrong. Always a learner, and a sucker for pain. “Mistake three- the Hamartia. You then gave me a choice, between you and Barbara. You should’ve known I would never pick you. I love you, yes.” For a second my voice is soft, and I let go of the weapon to reach up and cup his, and more importantly Ed’s, beautiful face. My grip becomes slightly tighter after a second. “But I love her, too. The difference is just that she sees me and sees someone beautiful. You see a possession. I.e. you think it’s a given that I’ll be with you.”

His eyes go cold, and even darker. His mad, laughing smirk makes its appearance, and I move one hand back into my pocket. “What makes you think I’ll even let you leave?”

“I didn’t think that.” I admit, watching for his reaction. As soon as his smile broadens like the sad, mistaken gremlin that he is, I pull out the taser and push the button, pressing the needles into the Riddler’s neck.

He immediately loosens up everything, and flings back awkwardly to the floor. 

“I’m so done with you. You took Ed from me.” My voice wobbles and I cover my mouth, pressing my lips tightly to each other for a moment to pull myself together. Then I glance back down at the Riddler’s twitching body one final time. “And don’t think for one second that you’ll just come pick me up later; I’m going to Oz’s.”

Human!Scar (Villain A) and Human!Shere Kahn (Villain B)

But according to me You're stupid You're useless You can't do anything right

We spent all day fighting, and now I’m just… tired. And sad. I’m so tired, of pleading with him to like me. Always doing more, for him. Making his favourite meals, smiling when he tells unfunny jokes, agreeing ‘to an extent’ -a bare faced lie, - with the shit he spouts… Today, an actual fight about how I feel, was just the crux of this mess that I’ve been hoping was a relationship for so long. But it isn’t a relationship; Not a proper one.

If it was, I wouldn’t be killing myself trying to be happy.

So I’m leaving, officially.

I give Scar one more cuddle, burying my head in his chest for a good minute, begging myself to be strong and let go, then slip out of the bed and collect my suit case. I packed this while he was cooking dinner earlier, and hid under the bed. Of course, I’ll have to come back and get the rest of my stuff… but Kahn say’s he’ll help me.

Even still in this room, where Scar’s and my relationship turned from beautiful to a monster, the thought of Kahn makes me smile- I can’t help it. Just the mention of him in my head, and then his face comes to mind -Smirking at me, about to tickle me and I know it,- and the corners of my mouth perk upwards and my teeth show. It feels really, really good and I can’t wait to see him.

Taking a deep breath, I leave the room and the apartment all together. There is a slight nauseous feeling in my stomach from doing so, but I push on and the further I get to the exit, the freer I feel. 

Finally, I twist front door open and take a deep breath through my nose, feeling one last moment of longing to go back, but knowing I wont. I cant. It’s violet walls that Scar and I painted together when we first moved in, that now give me headache... And its white wood theme, that was supposed to brighten up the place when he used to leave me alone a lot at home... and the knitted coasters I spent time choosing and making to avoid hanging out with him… I leave it all, closing the door behind me. 

Thinking about all that makes me want to cry, but I’ve already cried to much about all of this- it would feel like overkill.

Besides, I need to focus a little more on not smiling, which would be in such bad taste, when I see Kahn waiting for me outside. I tilt my head to the side. “No car?”

“Nope, we’re walking darling. I thought it might be better for you tonight.”

I take a deep breath of the fresh air while Kahn takes my hand in his. It feels good. “Yeah, you might be right… That sounds good.“

[artificialqueens]

Pretty in Pearls, Chapter 5 (Jankie) - Plastiquedoll

read on ao3 💄| previous chapters

A/N: hi! here's a short update but I still hope you enjoy it! thank you for reading it! <3

-5-

“Good evening, welcome to Lucky’s… I’m Jan, how can I help you?” She smiled brightly.

The flash of Crystal’s phone almost blinded her.

“Aw, look at you. First day of work!” The ginger cooed.

“They grow up so fast.” Jaida pretended she was crying.

Crystal was definitely crying.

“You guys…” Jan whispered. “I work here now… try to keep it cool… please?”

“How dare you? We always keep it cool.” Nicky crossed her arms on her chest.

“Aren’t we banned from that bar in the city?” Heidi asked.

“Technically, that wasn’t our fault…” The blonde mumbled.

Jan counted the people in the group; Widow and Gigi were there too, Widow was telling Gigi something but the girl was a bit too concentrated on certain ginger –she had said yes to their invitation in the blink of an eye when they told her Crystal was going to be there- Rosé and Lagoona would arrive after their rehearsal but still…

“Where’s Jackie?” Jan tiptoed, looking around.

“She had to close the copy room and told us she would meet us here.” Jaida explained.

“Oh… okay.” Jan displayed a new smile. “I’ll take you guys to your section.”

She walked the group to the booths and assigned them two tables next to each other –they were going to need a third table by the time the other girls arrived but for the moment, it would do- she distributed the menus and left them to check her other clients just like Denali had taught her earlier that day.

She had met some of her co-workers -there were other two waitresses working that night, Kandy and Olivia, Olivia was a sweetheart meanwhile Kandy was hilarious- and the day manager, Britta; for what it seemed, the night manager not being there was a recurring thing so Denali walked her carefully through every detail. She explained how the register worked, how to add tables and mark them as occupied or free, she also told Jan about the standards and rules with the diners, what to do, what not to do… and when she thought Jan was ready, she sent her to her first table ever.

“And don’t worry, if something goes wrong you can always say that you’re new and get away with it. I still do it sometimes.” Denali shrugged. “But I’m convinced you’ll do well.”

Jan did perfectly; she served two high school students who stopped by right after school. They ordered milkshakes and Jan was more than excited to prepare their drinks and deliver them while wearing a dazzling smile. They left a good tip for being teenagers so she took that as a good sign.

And obviously, her friends were going to drop by on her first day. She just hoped that Denali wouldn’t scold her in extension so she had asked them to behave… as much as they could.

Rosé and Lagoona walked in next.

“Look at you, baby!” Rosé celebrated her roommate. “Stunning!”

“Let me have a glance.” Lagoona gestured for her to twirl.

“Y’all…” Jan blushed but did as requested showing off her red and white striped uniform.

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you in a dress or a skirt.” The pink-haired girl noted. “I’m not counting the skorts you wore when we went bowling.”

“You didn’t want me to wear sweatpants to it.”

“Bitch…”

Jan had no proofs or doubts Rosé would have burned the skorts if she had the chance. She knew it was a questionable fashion choice but hey, they surely were comfy.

She also hoped she never told Nicky or Gigi about them.

“Everyone is here already… well, except for Jackie, she’s kind of running late.” Jan guided them toward the booths.

The other girls immediately cheered when the other two girls joined as if they hadn’t had lunch all together the day before.

“I’ll check on you in a minute.” She said before running to the table that was calling for her.

Rosé’s words echoed on the back of her head. She didn’t have anything against skirts or dresses only she had never consider buying one for herself. Other girls looked ethereal with them but Jan still had war flashbacks from that time she attempted to buy a dress for her graduation with her mom… it hadn’t gone well.

Plus, sports clothes always fit her and were practical.

Denali had offered both options –the candy cane striped dress and an alternative set of pants and a white shirt with an apron- but she had opted for the dress for some reason. She wanted to fit into that environment and copying the black-haired girl seemed the first step to it. Trying it on had been a bit weird; she almost didn’t recognize herself in the mirror but the more she looked at herself the more she liked it.

At that moment, Jackie arrived.

She was apologizing even before completely trespassing the door when she lifted her gaze and met Jan’s eyes.

“…and I’m sorry for…” She began losing her ability to speak as she got in a trance.

Seeing Jan always gave Jackie butterflies on her stomach –the good type of butterflies- and she wasn’t going to admit it to her friends not even in a million years because she wasn’t the kind of girl who believed in something as cheesy as butterflies but most importantly, she had promised herself she wasn’t going to fall for that again.

But there she was, with that smile that made all the other smiles in the world irrelevant.

Seeing Jan in a dress made her brain malfunction –not because of the dress itself but because the girl was glowing while wearing it.

Jackie wetted her lips, she had forgotten what she was going to say.

“So… what do you think?” She stretched the dress with her hands. “You can be fully honest.”

No, she couldn’t.

“You look… very happy.” The brunette made a great effort to reply. “You look nice.” This time the words came out a bit more articulated.

Jan smiled, satisfied with that answer. “C’mon, the girls are over here…” She started walking and Jackie followed her. “Don’t you love this place? It looks like it’s been ripped out of the fifties or something.”

For the first time, Jackie actually paid attention to the diner.

“Oh, that’s right… the aesthetic…”

“Hey girls, Jackie’s here!” She announced.

“Miss Cox!” Heidi yelled.

Suddenly the table turned in her direction; they created a fuss, full sentences or loose words were hardly able to comprehend but Jackie was used to it, she spoke the loud language better than anyone. She looked at Jan before sitting with the rest of the group and cracked a secret smile just for her then she rolled her eyes and got entangled in one epic story about the time a cat crashed in the dorms.

Jan cleared her throat and asked very nicely if she could bring them something to drink. She listed soft drinks, mostly cherry coke, regular coke, diet coke, Sprite, and an ice cream soda for Crystal. She walked behind the counter and pressed some buttons to make sure she got it all correct.

It took her a moment to understand the computer’s system for the tables as in the abstract but now that she had some practice with it, she was getting faster at it. She charged table eight and then added a new order of fries for table twelve and finally opened the bill for her friends.

Denali approached her at some point while she was juggling with a couple of trays.

“Hey, how’s it going?” The black-haired girl asked. “Are you okay handling that big group by yourself?” She typed some numbers and printed the receipt without blinking.

“Ah, yeah… Don’t worry, they are all my friends.” It was the first time she had said it aloud and it filled her with pride.

Denali looked at the table; it was a colorful ensemble of people that were having a blast. They were loud and they burst into laughter every couple of minutes. Jan spotted Widow covering her face with second-hand embarrassment while she was laughing underneath, Heidi cackling next to her, Nicky and Jaida holding hands but still participating in the debate, Rosé holding her stomach, Lagoona trying to add something but cracking up as soon as she started a sentence, Gigi with a blank stare trying to discover what she had said that was so funny, Crystal in an attempt to explain it to her –laughing still- and Jackie shaking her head, knowing the situation was irredeemable.

Those were her friends and it filled Jan’s chest with warmness to see them there on her first day of work.

“They came here to support you?”

Jan nodded.

“Aw, that’s so cute!” Denali beamed. “Let me know if I can help you with their order though.”

“I probably will… they already found out there are mozzarella sticks in the menu and when they say «bring mozzarella sticks» they mean all the mozzarella sticks.”

Denali chuckled. “Alright.”

Jan returned to the tables with the drinks and placed them carefully remembering who ordered what. Her friends ordered a ton of food and she had to write it down and register the order on the computer.

They were talking about Rosé and Lagoona’s latest news, they had started preparing the winter musical for a class but one of the girls that were taking part had to step out of the play.

“She said she didn’t want to brag but honestly, Sydney, who the fuck cares if you’re doing Hamilton now?” The blue-haired girl sighed. “Anyway, so we need to recruit someone else this month to play that part.”

“What’s the play about?” Widow asked.

“We’re honoring the one and only Lindsay Lohan and decided to adapt the fictional musical Eliza Rocks from Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.” Rosé explained.

“So… Pygmalion?” Gigi frowned.

“No, no… well, yeah… It is Pygmalion but with a twist… a remake if you like.”

“So the Glee version of Pygmalion?” Heidi tried to connect the dots.

“There’s nothing new under the sun anyway.” Rosé gave up.

“We still have to, write the music and the script… but that’s the big project of the drama department.”

“We could help you with the costume design,” Nicky suggested. “That could be interesting.”

“I don’t know if-” Gigi whispered.

“I love all the theatrical stuff, can I help you?” Crystal volunteered.

“Alright, yeah… we’re helping with the costumes.” The other blonde corrected herself.

Jan shook her head and left them to discuss other details.

She was tapping the screen of the computer when Jackie sat on one of the stools of the bar.

“Look how the tables have turn… Literally.”

Jan giggled. “Right? The food will be ready in a second… I’m just finishing here.”

The brunette watched her work. “You know, that role on the play Rosé and Lagoona are putting together… you could do it.”

Jan stopped what she was doing and stared at Jackie. “What? Me?” She shook her head. “No, no… I just sing in the shower and when I’m alone… that’s it. I’m not a singer and I’m not an actress.”

“You could be one. Nobody was born knowing but you can learn. I’m sure they’d love to have you on their production.”

“Jackie, I don’t know… It’s really not my thing. Besides, they already have a lot of work to do, I don’t want to delay them even more.”

“It sounds to me that you would be doing them a favor. Just… think about it. This is the perfect time to try new things… maybe.”

“I won’t promise anything.”

“Alright.” Jackie stood up. “By the way, you should bring extra ketchup… talking from experience.”

“Okay, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

Jan delivered the food with Denali’s help as she had suggested and then let them enjoy it until it was her time to call it a day, hang her apron and change her dress.

“Great job today. You're a good new addition to our staff.” Denali congratulated her on the back of the restaurant.

“Thank you! I’m glad that you hired me.”

“Don’t even mention it. Now go have fun with your friends.” She winked at her and left Jan to collect her things.

She then saw with her friends and let a big sigh out of her chest.

“The first day is over…”

Her friends congratulated her as well and took turns to compliment her as if it was a Yelp review.

“Let’s make a toast for Jan’s new job!” Jaida raised her glass in the air.

“For Jan!” The table cheered in unison.

“Five out of five stars, excellent service.” Heidi qualified.

“Speaking of…” Rosé whispered just for Jan to listen. “Who is that girl that helped you earlier?”

“Denali? She’s basically my supervisor at this point and she hired me.”

“She’s cute… like… very cute.”

Jan had never seen Rosé blushing until that moment –not even when Heidi had dropped some of her –arguably- best pickup lines during one lunch.

“Oh, so you think she’s cute?”

“Do you know if she’s single?”

“I’ve worked here for a day or so…”

“More than enough time.”

“I can ask her later but she’s like my boss now, you have to promise me you’ll be chill.”

“Baby, have you seen the people around us? I’ll be the chilliest of them all.”

That wasn’t the most reassuring thing to say.

The second week, Jan was more used to her work but her teachers started setting deadlines, and with her baseball practices on top of everything else, she ended up being exhausted by the time her head touched the pillow.

After a long day, the only thing she wanted was to take a long hot shower and put on some pajamas. She walked into the hallway, yawning and carrying her little bathroom basket with shampoo, soap, and a towel.

She had followed Nicky’s advice and always wore flip-flops to the shower. The bathroom was covered in steam most of the time so the girls had to clean the mirrors to brush and dry their hair hoping to see their reflection.

Jan politely greeted two girls from the dorm and got in the shower before closing the curtain. She heard the door as the two girls left and with that, she was left alone. She turned on the shower and let the water cover her entirely to wash off all the stress of the day.

While shampooing, she unconsciously started humming some random song she had heard on the radio earlier in the diner. She closed her eyes and got under the shower when someone moved the curtain.

“I knew it!” Rosé yelled. She had her pink embroidered bathrobe on and her hair was dripping wet.

Jan screamed. “Rosé!” She covered her body with the plastic curtain. “Holy sh… You nearly gave me a heart attack… I thought we had agreed on no Pitch Perfect reenacts.” Her heart was beating faster than ever.

“I didn’t know it was the whole movie, I thought it was just the songs… you know, I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes-” She hummed.

“Rosé…” The shower’s water continued running. “Get out.”

“Okay fine.” The girl closed the curtain. “But I heard you before, you hum when you’re happy.”

“Yes? Like a normal person?” She said on the other side.

“No, no… you’re good. Why didn’t you tell me you were good?”

“Because I’m not a singer… I don’t sing like you or Lagoona.”

“But you could! This is great… I knew you were good.” She repeated.

“Wait a minute, were you waiting for me to come shower?”

“No bitch, I was exfoliating… I wasn’t stalking you.”

“Okay… sure… this definitely crosses some boundaries but okay…”

“Sorry about the curtain thing but hey, here’s a fun idea… you should drop by the auditorium tomorrow. We’re holding auditions this week and I’m just saying… you could be what we need.”

Jan finished showering and stepped out wrapped in her towel.

“Look… I’m flattered that you even consider me good but I’m not… musical theatre material, trust me.”

Rosé stared with supplicant eyes. “I know you can do it… but alright.” She raised her hands in the air in surrender.

She sighed. “Listen, Rosé, I’d love to help you but my plate is full right now… I wouldn’t be able to do it all.”

“Don’t worry… I won’t insist and I won’t bring the subject anymore just… please, consider it overnight. You don’t have to say no right away.”

“Fine… can I brush my hair in peace or is Lagoona going to jump out the sink and start a number about why I should sing?”

“We don’t have that budget but I’m sure she can improvise a song if that’s what it takes.”

“See you in the room and remember that you can’t bring this up again.”

“For someone who’s cheerful all the time you surely are picking traits from Miss Jackie Cox, aren’t you…?”

Jan blushed. “No, I’m not…”

The following day, Jan found herself roaming outside the auditorium for no particular reason.

Well, that was what she kept telling herself.

Because she wasn’t there for the auditions.

No.

Not at all.

She took a deep breath before walking in.

Luckily, most of the auditorium was empty except for the stage where most performers were still doing warm-up exercises and no one noticed the presence of the girl when she entered. Instead of standing still in the middle of the rows, she sat at the back and hid behind another seat hoping no one would spot her from there.

That was a mistake, she wasn’t supposed to be there.

She had told Rosé she would think about it but she chickened out the second she stepped in.

The rehearsal began and some of the members of the club started reading fragments of the play. It was really funny, Jan found herself holding back her laughter at some dialogues and performances. Lagoona played the piano and Rosé sang along with her and some other students joined for the chorus of the song.

It was mesmerizing to watch it from afar and maybe that was all she had to do. She could be supportive this way, without getting too involved.

“Now, what on Earth are you doing here?” The voice made her startled until she noticed it was Jackie who was now hiding next to her.

“Shhhh… keep it quiet. They don’t know I’m here… wait, why are you here?”

Jackie was so close, Jan could smell the green apple notes of her perfume.

“After my shift ended, I went to the administration office to talk with the dean and when I left I saw you walking in.” She explained.

“Ah… well, I’m leaving already so…”

“Please, don’t mind me.” The brunette assured. “So, what really brings you here?”

“Rosé is trying to get all Pitch Perfect and recruit me for this. She heard me sing in the showers.”

“Understandable. I’d call it the troyboltonification of Jan.”

“I’m not… I won’t get troyboltonificated. I’m here just to… take a look… That’s it.”

“Aha, sure.” She didn’t sound convinced. “What is holding you back from this? Obviously, you want it.”

Jan lowered her gaze. “Back in high school… I secretly wanted to participate in the drama club but the rehearsals were at the same time as my baseball practices and well… I always picked baseball over it because that’s what I’m good at it… plus it was an excuse to hang out with Nathan after the practice.”

“I see…” Jackie mumbled.

“Besides, I didn’t think I have what it takes… yes I can hit a couple of notes but that…” She pointed at the stage. “What they do there is art.”

“Listen… you’re not in high school anymore. It might be difficult to juggle the extracurricular activities with your studies and work but… if you want this, you should give it a try.” Jackie said candidly, her eyes reflected the sincerity of her words. “If it’s not for you, at least you can say you tried it.”

“Do you really think I could do it? I mean, being in front of a stage like them?”

“I’m certain about it. Some people might be born with it but I’m sure they had to practice a lot anyway and they probably failed more than once before they could get better. It is easier to say it than doing it but you’re a spitfire, if you put your mind to it you can do anything.”

She smiled even though they were in the darkest place of the auditorium.

“Thank you, Jackie. I don’t know what I did to deserve a friend like you, seriously.”

“Whenever you need it.” She smiled back.

Then, Jan stepped out and walked down toward where the stage was.

“Hi!” She approached shyly the people there, Lagoona stopped playing and Rosé was more than happy to see her. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you guys but I was told you have a vacancy for a role…”

The pink-haired girl jumped out of the stage. “Fellas, this is Jan… she’s my roommate and she has a great voice. I think we could use her talent here.”

They welcomed her warmly, introducing the team.

Jan turned around before going on stage and Jackie gave her a thumbs up.

“Break a leg.” She murmured even when the younger couldn’t hear her from there.

[ae0nx]

FRUITS BASKET EPISODE 10 AKA THAT BASTARD, SHIGURE

Ok... I just wanna let you know now... that I might swear a lot in this recap, all because of this super shady guy... and if you’re uncomfortable with it then this ain’t the one for you

I hate love him. This is gonna be a long one, sorry!

- Oh no! Kitten is having a nightmare... Also, his mirror is covered... am I reading too much into things? (a bit of a stupid question considering this anime)

- Did they add some extra visual flourishes to the opening or have I just been non observant and more so distracted by the beautiful opening song? (Still in love with it after 10 episodes)

- Hana’s cuckoo phenomenon 😂I love her but she definitely reminds me of those people who are naturally gifted and super intelligent but never use their gifts unless they feel an emotional draw to do so or if it is directly affecting them and their happiness and wellbeing... Another Shigure parallel... huuuh...

- The ‘Kyon-Kyon’ nickname is always so cute, I love that he’s so used to it now that he doesn’t even object to it. Although his mind was kind of preoccupied so...

- Outfit appreciation time! I really liked Kyo’s jacket! It suited him! Green is a good colour for him. A solid B grade.

- What a grade A shit stirrer. I can’t. And is it just me or are they drawing Shigure extra sinister in this version?

DIS BITCH. I’m so worried. And I don’t know why I like it but I just dooo *twirls around listening to Whitney Houston’s ‘So Emotional’*

- Ok this is where my memory of the manga fails me and I don’t know what any of this means but I’m fascinated and horrified and Kyooo what happened?! (Don’t tell me) (EDIT: I JUST LOOKED A LITTLE CLOSER AND TOTALLY REMEMBERED. OH SHIT. Still trying to put the pieces together as to what this moment has to do with how Kyo feels about Yuki...)

- It’s a simple thing but I like the way they frame Kyo’s beads in certain scenes throughout the show... I just realised how weird that sounds if you don’t know the full story lol

SO.

GOSH DARN.

GENTLE.

My heart...

- It’d be a beautiful moment if I didn’t despise Shigure and Akito so much... and also on the low-low... it kind of gave me ‘Jacob falling in love with Renesme’ in Twilight kinda vibes? Icky...

YOU IN DANGER, GIRL. Although, there was something very gentle and sweet about the way he said goodbye to the kids in the english dub, kudos to John Burgmeier. I’M SO FUCKIN CONFLICTED.

This was a really interesting moment! Tohru not being sure how Shigure actually feels because he is always smiling made me parallel it to her earlier moment with Kyo in the forest.

Kyo using his anger at Yuki and pretty much everything to protect himself and his fragility (or ‘innocence’ as Hana put it) is interesting when you put it in comparison to Shigure who uses his cheery disposition as a ruse from whatever twisted plans he has in mind. I dunno, I just thought it was funny how in this situation, the guy who’s always smiling is the most sinister. 

I do love parallels.

And yeah same, Yuki.

- I had the same reaction when I rewatched Pokemon 2000 as a girl in her twenties (plus I’m a Digimon stan, sorry)

YAAAAS, DRAG HIM.

- Does Hatori even like Shigure? I guess it’s kind of like when you can somewhat tolerate someone’s bullshit even if it is terrible because you’ve known them for so long now that you can’t help but still care about them?... but when it comes down to it, is it even a true friendship in the end?

I’m so fuckin frustrated. SO FRUSTRATED. Cos the worst thing about this. Is the fact that he KNOWS what he’s doing is bad and will break his ties with a lot of the zodiac members but he just doesn’t CARE. WHILE BEING CARING AT THE SAME TIME. It’s so intriguing but it’s sooo fucking awful. I want cuddly 2001 Shigure, ahaha. (I kid, I’m so invested in manga Shigure)

- That poor editor! I used to find her hilarious when watching the old anime but getting all that information about Shigure in this episode before seeing her just has a grey overcast on that now and I just feel sorry for her 

I want Tohru to crush Shigure with kindness. CRUSH HIM.

This was way too long. Like long enough to make me question why I do this every week. Ah well, at least my thoughts are dumped somewhere. NEXT WEEK IS THE SPA EPISODE! ONE OF MY FAVOURITE EPISODES. Can’t wait!

[miraculouslbfangirl]

April Fools’Day - alternative end

AO3

This the alternative version of my piece for April Fools’. If you read the other version you can skip the italic part.

Hope you guys enjoy this one as much as the other. 

Ladybug and Chat Noir fist bumped for the third time since the beginning of the day with a lack of energy that showed how terribly tired they both were.

“I’ve never liked April Fools, but I think I hate it now.” Ladybug said while trying to regain her breath. “It’s the third attack today and we’re only in the middle of the afternoon” she groaned.

“I have a feline that Hawkmoth was looking forward to today.” Ladybug ignored the pun, too tired to even roll her eyes. Chat Noir sighed heavily. “I hate it too. I’m exhausted and I still have to meet up with my friends.”

Ladybug looked up at him with a start. “Gotta go. Bug out.” She said already launching her yoyo in a nearby building leaving a confused Chat Noir behind.

He shook his head and checked the time in his baton. “Damn! I’m late.”

Adrien and Marinette ran into each other at the park entrance sharing a worried glance when they noticed Alya and Nino waiting for them near the fountain, talking excitedly about something on Alya’s phone.

“I’m glad I’m not the only one late,” Adrien said relieved.

“Me too. I hum… I was held at the bakery by an annoying client that couldn’t decide which flavor of macaroon to buy.” Marinette said hoping that he would buy her excuse.

“Can’t blame them. They’re all delicious. Especially the ones you make.” He grinned at her.

Marinette felt her cheeks burn with the praise but was spared of an answer when Alya and Nino came running towards them. They had strange looks on their faces as if they were sharing some kind of secret.

“You won’t believe what we found out…” Alya started panting.

“We discovered Chat Noir’s identity.” Nino continued while she caught her breath.

Adrien stiffed forcing himself to remain calm. There was no way they have figured him out. “And how did this happen?” He swallowed hard when his friends shared a mischievous grin.

“Oh, I saw him detransforming.” Alya’s eyes sparkled causing Adrien’s stomach to twist.

“What? How?” Marinette asked incredulously. Why were they telling them?

“I was running here after the attack when I saw him…”

“Actually, Alya even snapped a picture that she’ll post on the Ladyblog later.” Nino cut his girlfriend off a little too eager.

Marinette sensed something was off. Alya wouldn’t post that on the Ladyblog. Ever since she became Rena Rouge, Alya was being careful with any information she’d let out. And she knew the importance of a secret identity, Marinette was sure she wouldn’t even tell her. Maybe Nino, but just because he was a superhero too. Her reasoning was interrupted by Adrien’s voice.

“You can’t post it.” He ran a hand through his hair trying to decide what to do.

“Why not, dude? Alya’s been waiting for this opportunity ever since it all began.” Nino took Alya’s phone from her hand. “Plus the picture is awesome.”

“What do you want?” Adrien asked; hands closed into fists by his side, panic starting to take over him.

“What?” Nino asked while the girls watched the interaction with confusion and interest, trying to understand Adrien’s behavior.

“What do you guys want to keep your mouths shut? Is it money? Just name the amount.” When they just stared at him he continued. “I can’t have my life turned upside down. I have too much attention already as Adrien. If people know that I’m Chat Noir my life will be over and…” Three loud gasps interrupted him.

“You’re Chat Noir?” Alya was the first to regain her voice even though it was shaking.

“Didn’t you know? You said you saw me detransforming” Adrien was completely confused looking from the surprised faces of Nino and Alya to Marinette’s indecipherable one.

“It was a prank,” Alya said; too ashamed to even elaborate. She ran a hand through her hair looking at Nino with a regretful expression just to see her regret mirrored in her boyfriend’s face.

“I’m sorry, dude. We didn’t mean to uncover the truth. I admit it was a terrible joke.” Nino said hanging his head low.

Marinette kept silent, in part because she was trying to process the fact that Chat Noir had been right in front of her from the beginning and she hadn’t seen it. And in part, because she saw the desperation in his features and wanted to reassure him that everything would be okay, but couldn’t do it without revealing her own identity.

__________________ Alternative end

Adrien sat on a nearby bench with his head in his hands. “I can’t believe I fell for that. You guys seemed so sure of what you were saying and that expression of yours…” He trailed off sighing disheartened.

Marinette couldn’t take it. Controlling her own internal freakout, she sat beside him. “It’s not so bad, Adrien. We’re your friends and we’re not going to tell anyone.” She put a hand on his shoulder comfortingly even though she wasn’t so sure of her words. Their secret identities were too important; she couldn’t foresee the consequences of such revelation. However, she couldn’t make him feel worse than he already did.

“Not so bad?” He looked at her desperately. “Ladybug is gonna kill me when I tell her.” He slumped against the bench and looked at the sky as if it could offer him a solution.

“Then, just don’t tell her. She certainly won’t get to know through us.” Nino offered.

“Of course I’m going to tell her. I can’t hide this from her. I mean, I won’t mention names, but I have to tell that three of my friends know who I am. It’s a dangerous situation.” He groaned tucking his head in his hands again. “She needs to know the mess I’m in and make some damage control.”

“What kind of damage control?” Alya asked apprehensively.

“She might take my Miraculous back, I guess.” He ran his hand over his face dejectedly, joining them to rest his chin on top.

“You’re overreacting, she can’t do that.” Marinette almost laughed, he thought she had the authority to decide his superhero life?

“Maybe not, but the Master can.” Adrien looked at her and she saw in his eyes how desperate he was.

For what she knew about the two sides of him, being Chat Noir was something he treasured. She knew Master Fu wouldn’t take his Miraculous back. Alya and Nino weren’t mere civilians as Adrien was thinking. The guilty look on both their faces and the crestfallen appearance of her partner pushed her to a decision.

Master Fu never actually forbade them to reveal identities; he had just said it could be dangerous and supported her in her decision. Tikki even questioned her once why she wouldn’t let even Chat know who she was. Maybe it was time; at least it was what her instincts were telling her. Life could become less complicated for all she knew. She chuckled remembering the times she had protected Adrien while complaining about Chat Noir not showing up.

“What’s funny?” Adrien asked glaring at her.

She chuckled again “Nothing. Let’s go to my house… for some privacy.” Marinette extended her hand to him smiling. He accepted it with one raised eyebrow and got up. Alya and Nino looked at Marinette suspiciously as she linked her arms with Adrien’s.

They entered her house through the door beside the bakery and headed for her room. She didn’t even bother with the pictures of Adrien on her walls; there were considerably fewer than it had when it was broadcasted on TV. Plus he had already seen them as both Adrien and Chat. A light blush covered her cheeks when she remembered that Chat Noir had seen them up close and that it meant Adrien too. She didn’t think he would even bring that up, but she should have known better.

“There’s a lot fewer pictures of me than I remember.” He said looking at her walls as he entered her room, then turned to face her. “Losing interest, Princess? Or just hiding them under your mattress?” He asked jokingly.

“Princess?” Alya and Nino glanced at each other confused. “Where did that come from?” She whispered to Nino.

“I see that you’ve already forgotten about the identity thing.” Marinette knew he hadn’t. He was just covering his worries up with a smile, as he always did.

“No, I haven’t.” Adrien frowned “I was just curious.” He let a smirk tug at the corner of his lips.

“Well, I took them down because I want to hang some pictures of ‘Kitty Section’ there.” Marinette could swear Adrien’s expression shifted at the mention of the band and he definitely had muttered ‘Luka’ under his breath. But she pushed that thought to the back of her mind. He loved Ladybug. He couldn’t be jealous of Luka with Marinette, right?

Adrien cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. “So, about my identity...”

“We won’t tell anyone, Adrien,” Alya assured him. “I may not know Ladybug personally, but I don’t think she’s gonna take your Miraculous back because of this. Didn’t she allow Chloe to still be Queen Bee even after she blew away her identity to everyone?”

“Yeah! But Chloe’s case is different. She isn’t a permanent hero…” Adrien began.

“But in your case, it’s just the three of us…” Nino continued.

Marinette watched amused as her three friends sat on the floor and talked about the predicament Adrien was in. She decided to let them suffer a bit trying to figure a way out of the mess they created and sneaked to the bakery to get some snacks.

“Are you going to tell them?” Tikki asked floating beside Marinette.

“Yeah. I think it’s for the better. Do you think Master Fu will agree with me?” She couldn’t help but feel a little insecure.

“Not if you are following your instincts. He has great trust in you, you know?” Tikki smiled at Marinette, who returned the smile affectionately and entered her room.

“Where were you?” Alya asked. “We need you to help us find a solution.”

“Adrien won’t back down from his resolve to tell Ladybug.” Nino glanced at his best friend.

“That’s out of question.” Adrien glared at Nino. “I need to convince her that my friends are trustworthy.” He crossed his arms, still looking at Nino. “I won’t get it lying to her.” His loyalty to Ladybug made Maritnette’s heart swell, but it made her feel a little guilty. It seemed like she was testing him and it wasn’t the case at all.

“Have you thought about telling her who they are? That might help.” Marinette replied. She looked at Alya and Nino, they knew it would help, if only they have told Adrien they were superheroes too. She had given them space to tell him. Apparently, they failed to catch on that.

“Oh, sure. She is totally going to trust the girl that runs the Ladyblog and has been trying to uncover our identities from day one.” Adrien deadpanned. Marinette had to suppress her laugh.

“I’ll have you know that Ladybug thinks I’m a completely reliable person.” Alya crossed her arms over her chest inclining her body in Adrien’s direction.

“Really? And what makes you think that?” Adrien retorted not letting himself get intimidated by her.

Nino had his hands tied. He couldn’t choose a side, so he just watched helplessly.

“Stop” Marinette raised her hand with her palm facing them. “You were supposed to be finding a solution, not arguing.” Were those her teammates? She knew Alya was hot-headed. But Adrien? She had thought he was a sensible person. But then again, Chat had had some issues with his temper. He was just letting that side of him show now.

“If you were helping us, we would probably have one by now.” Alya spat.

“You are the one with the great ideas here,” Nino added.

Marinette pinched the bridge of her nose. “What are you guys going to do when I’m not around?” That was something they certainly had to work on. Something they would be able to do knowing each other identities. She didn’t wait for an answer, though. “To answer your question, Adrien. Alya knows Ladybug trusts her because she has chosen her to be Rena Rouge.” Her three companions gasped. “And Nino to be Carapace.” She smirked seeing their surprised faces. “They could have told you, to begin with.”

Adrien was shocked to discover that his friends were his comrades all this time. “I can’t believe you told Marinette you were a superhero and didn’t tell me,” Adrien said to Nino with a hurtful expression.

“I didn’t.” Nino looked at Alya expecting her to confess she had told her best friend, but she just shook her head.

“I’ve never told her.” It was all Alya offered.

“I was serious when I said it wasn’t so bad that we discovered your identity, Adrien; since we’re all superheroes here,” Marinette said grinning.

“Ladybug?” Said three stupefied voices.

“Surprise?” Marinette waived timidly, uncomfortable with their reactions. Alya was the first one to get out of her stupor.

“Girl, how did I not see it?” Alya almost crushed her best friends in a hug, and then held her at arm’s length to look at her. “It’s so obvious now. You look basically the same. Gosh! You even dressed like her.”

Marinette giggled “Magic?” She looked at Adrien and took a deep breath. “Well, you don’t need to worry. I’m not going to take your Miraculous back, as you can see.”

“Why did you tell us?” He asked cautiously. “You said we couldn’t know our identities.”

Marinette sighed “The ideal was that they had remained a secret. However, the damage was already done. A bad joke…” Alya and Nino had the decency to look ashamed “…some lack of better judgment from your part and your secret was out. I trusted my instincts and here we are.” She opened her arms in a vague motion.

“You’re not mad then?” Adrien asked.

“Seems like I am?” He shook his head and smiled. “I’m starting to think we can actually benefit from it.”

“What do you have in mind, boss?” Alya joked.

“First, I’m not the boss.” ‘Really?’ could be read in her friends' different expressions. “Ok… maybe a leader, but not a boss. We’re a team. Second, the Master once told me that if we want to be stronger than Hawkmoth, we need to trust each other completely. He said that between him and me, but I think it can be applied to us too, aside from Chloe, of course.”

“I always thought that way. But I also understand the risks of knowing who we are.” Adrien took Marinette’s side to face the others. “It’s important that from now on we be more careful with anything we say, or keep it cool when someone suspects us. I was just lucky that it was you guys.”

“We’ll be more careful,” Nino stated sneaking his arms around Alya’s waist.

“Of course we will.” Alya nestled her head on Nino’s shoulder.

Adrien couldn’t help feeling a little envy that he couldn’t do the same with the girl beside him. He stole a mournful glance at the only picture of ‘Kitty Section’ already hung up on the wall, but covered it quickly with a smile. He wasn’t quick enough, though. Marinette had seen it. If he wasn’t jealous of Luka before, he certainly was now. Probably thinking Luka was the guy she was in love with. Marinette cleared her throat.

“So, there’s one more thing. You guys need to learn how to work without me. Really, guys. What if I can’t make it to a fight?”

“Guess we haven’t thought about that, dudette.”

“We always took Ladybug’s appearance for granted.” Alya pondered.

“You’re right. I haven’t been able to make it to a bunch of fights, for a variety of reasons. That can happen to you too. We’re going to work on that. Plus, we have to have a plan since only Ladybug can set everything anew.”

“Of course, but not today. It’s getting late and you’d better go home.” She said looking at Adrien.

“We actually need to go.” Alya nudged Nino seeing the need for a conversation between the other two.

“Yeah, yeah. I have… things to do. See ya at school.” Nino almost tripped on the hatch, Alya facepalmed.

“Bye, guys. See ya.” Adrien replied taking his eyes from Marinette reluctantly.

“Are you okay?” Marinette asked shifting uncomfortably under his intense gaze.

Adrien noticed her discomfort and averted his eyes taking a step back. “Relieved, as if a ton had been taken off my shoulders.” He grinned. “I’m glad it’s you.”

“I’m glad it’s you too, Adrien. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.” Marinette smiled.

He smiled back and reached for his phone in his pocket “I need to go. Natalie will look for me soon.”

“I’m taking you sneaked out as Chat Noir then.” She wondered how often he did that; probably a lot.

Adrien took her hand in his “You know me so well.” He kissed her knuckles “See you tomorrow, My…” he stopped glancing at the picture behind her. “Marinette.” He let her hand go and didn’t wait for her reply as he turned on his heels trying to hide his emotions.

Marinette knew what he was thinking and wouldn’t let him go like that. “Adrien” She called making him stop, but he didn’t turn around. “It’s not Luka.”

Adrien turned to face her, his face blank “Whoever he is, he is lucky to have you.”

He started making his way out of her room and Marinette couldn’t believe how blind he was. “I have one picture of Luka’s band in my wall and you think it’s him.” Adrien looked confused at her from the stairs. “Have you paid attention to the pictures on my walls?”

Adrien slowly climbed up the stairs looking at the pictures of him as if it was the first time he was seeing them. “You said you were into fashion…”

“Oh! Because you’re the only model in the whole world.” She said with sarcasm, her eyes shining with amusement.

“Oh!” He didn’t know what else to say wanting to kick his own butt. Marinette laughed “You’re making fun of me.” Adrien said with mock hurt.

“Of course I am. Actually, I’m making fun of both of us.”

“We’ve been kind of blind, haven’t we?” He took a step closer to her.

Marinette pressed her hand to his chest preventing him from getting even closer. He blushed at the sudden contact and Marinette step away avoiding his gaze. “Look, you’ve told me you loved Ladybug and… well, it’s no secret now that I love you” she motioned to his pictures “but I think we need to sort this out, give us some time to adjust our feelings to these new personalities we just found out about the ones we love.” She shook her head “I don’t even know if I’m making sense right now. It’s just…���

“You need time. I get it.” He could give her all the time she needed. There wasn’t another boy, he didn’t need to worry. And he had his own feelings to work on. “I need it too. I’ve spent way too much time convincing myself that Marinette was just a friend…” Adrien took a deep breath and glanced at Kitty Section’s picture once more. “I just hope you don’t decide to trade the piano for a guitar. I know how much you like rock ’n’ roll.” He teased her.

“Oh, I may like guitar better than piano, but fashion has my heart.” She smirked looking at him from under her lashes “And… I may have a thing for black cats.” She threw him a wink for emphasis.

Adrien felt his cheeks burn realizing that nothing would be the same between them. He sure needed time to adjust to that or he wouldn’t survive to a teasing Marinette. She was way too cute for him to handle. He decided it was better to take his leave before he did something stupid. He took her hand again and brought it to his lips slowly gazing at her, mischief shining in his eyes “See you tomorrow, Bugaboo.”

Marinette watched him leave with the Chat Noir trademark smirk on his face. She reached for her desk for support. The next days – or weeks – wouldn’t be easy. That’s the only thing she was certain of.

[mikotyzini]

Red Carpet Romance - Ch. 34

Here at last, the next chapter! And it's a long one (~10k)...

I actually set this up as a goal for my p/atreon page and they met it, so I finished this up as soon as possible! This story still holds a really special place in my heart, and I totally started working on the next chapters before getting caught up in Bumblebee and White Rose weeks (check those out soon!  @bmblbweek and @white-rose-week).

I appreciate everyone's patience with this story, and I hope it continues to make you smile/laugh/get those nice, warm fuzzies. I know it still does that for me :)

Morning routines were easy to develop.  Wake up, follow a second mini routine in the bathroom, pick out an outfit, and head out for whatever the day might bring.  There might be several twists and turns along the way, but that morning routine almost always stayed the same.

Which was why waking up and knowing that the routine had already been thrown off course was discombobulating - and not in a pleasant way.  

Normally the bed beside her was warm, but today it was as cold as if she’d spent the night alone.  Blinking her eyes open, Blake confirmed that the bed was empty - the sheets throw aside when someone left them far too early.  Stifling a yawn, she covered her mouth with one hand and sat up right as Yang walked out of the bathroom.

“God.”  Stopping in her tracks, Yang playfully rubbed her eyes before shooting Blake a wide grin.  “I should get up early every day if it means seeing the most beautiful girl in the world wake up.  Like - wow.  You’re a dream come true.”

Blake’s response to the exceptionally early compliment was a blush deepening on her cheeks - which only grew deeper when Yang walked over to the bed and kissed her good morning.

“How long have you been up?” Blake asked only after Yang’s lips left hers, leaving behind a warm, tingling sensation.

“Like half an hour.  I wanted to get ready for breakfast!”

Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, Blake laughed.

“Don’t pancakes take about fifteen minutes to make?”

“Yeah, but I need to run to the store first.  We don’t have everything.”

“Flour, eggs, milk, butter,” Blake said out loud while mentally confirming that those items were currently in their kitchen.  “What else could you possibly need?”

“Clearly you’ve never seen Ruby eat pancakes,” Yang responded with a light laugh.  “We need about a gazillion toppings. Plus, I wanna get a whole bunch of different juices that she can choose from!  I don’t know which one’s her favorite right now - it switches every couple months or so.”

When Yang spoke about Ruby’s juice preferences, her expression filled with good cheer and an ever-present smile that was different from any Blake had seen before.  This entire side of Yang was different from anything Blake had seen before - and she was greedy to learn more.

Watching Yang and Ruby interact was like watching two baby pandas roll around playing together - and Blake could probably never get tired of it….which was why she’d suggested that Ruby come over for breakfast.  Little had she known that the invitation would mean that their regular routine would be completely broken and they’d be trekking out to the grocery store first thing in the morning.

“I’ll come with you?” Blake offered, swinging her legs out of bed and resting them on the soft carpet.  Yawning again, she raised both arms above her head and stretched her back until feeling that slight tension that felt oh so good.  Dropping her arms to her sides, she blushed when she caught the way Yang’s eyes were lingering on her stomach - where her shirt must have just ridden up.

Tugging at the bottom of her shirt, she stood and pressed a quick kiss to Yang’s cheek.

“You’ll wait for me, right?” she asked before heading to the bathroom, already knowing what the answer would be.

“Absolutely!”  Following Blake to the bathroom, Yang leaned against the doorframe while watching her get ready for the day.  “I mean, you know how long it takes me to get ready - but you get ready super fast! So I just figured, ya know, I’d get a head start on things so we can leave soon.”

Glancing at Yang in the mirror before closing her eyes to wash her face, Blake wasn’t convinced that Yang was being entirely honest.  For one thing, the way she was shifting back and forth between her feet suggested that she was more impatient than she was currently letting on.  But she must also realize that it was still several hours before Ruby would arrive, so there was no need to rush.

“Oh!  I know what’ll help.  I’ll go incognito.”

Curious, but mostly amused, Blake carried on with her routine while Yang disappeared from the doorway and rummaged around in the bedroom.

They tried to stick to a routine when at all possible, but - between both of their somewhat chaotic lives - the day was normally thrown into disarray at some point.  Today, the unexpectedness had merely begun a little earlier than usual.  By now, Blake had learned to adapt and be pleasantly surprised when the unexpected developments turned into a moment they never would’ve shared if not for the disruption.

“Ok, ok - how do I look?”

Putting her toothbrush back in the drawer and closing it, Blake grinned into the mirror and spun around to take a good look at Yang.  Dressing ‘incognito’ apparently meant wearing a hat and pair of dark sunglasses.

“You look like Yang Xiao Long in sunglasses,” Blake answered with a laugh, reaching up to remove the sunglasses so she could see the lilac eyes she adored so much.  “Honestly Yang, you’re way too beautiful to hide behind some glasses.  You’ll need to wear a full Halloween costume or something.”

Yang’s only response to the comment was to give Blake that dopey smile that made her blush and turn away.  Yang must be called beautiful a hundred times every day, but it was only when Blake said it that Yang smiled like that - and that smile always released a kaleidoscope of butterflies in Blake’s chest.

“If you’re worried about people recognizing you, how about I run out and pick up everything we need?” Blake offered, meeting Yang’s gaze once again.

“Are you kidding me??”  Smile gone, Yang waved both hands in front of her while simultaneously shaking her head.  “You’ll have all the boys swarming you in a heartbeat.  I’m not letting you go out there without me being around to beat them back!”

Blake smiled while stepping past Yang to find an outfit to wear.  Yang followed, of course - just like Blake wanted her to.

“You’re still upset about that boy from last night?” she asked, picking out a warm-purple, long-sleeved shirt and dark, dark pair of jeans that she knew Yang loved.

“Pfft…yeah right.  What guy from last night?  I don’t remember anyone other than you.  And you were amazing, as usual. Oh, and there was this really annoying mosquito or something at one point, but I swatted him away and he didn’t come back.”

“You only remember me from last night?” Blake teased while quickly getting dressed - making sure to avoid Yang’s greedy eyes so they could sidestep any delays.  “What about Weiss?  It was her birthday.  Or Pyrrha.  Or, I don’t know, maybe your sister finally came back after being away for what sounds like was forever.”

“Okayyy so there were other people there, but definitely not any guys worth mentioning!”

“Admit it -” Blake finally said, turning around and giving Yang a small pout.  “You were jealous.”

“I was so jealous, Blake,” Yang admitted with a far more serious expression than Blake had intended to illicit.  “I don’t like the idea that anyone else could...could be with you - other than me.”

Touched by the honest sentiment, Blake stood on her tiptoes and kissed Yang on the lips.

“I don’t like that idea either,” Blake said, meeting Yang’s eyes and tucking several loose strands of blonde hair behind her ear.  “So let’s not even think about it.  Because it doesn’t matter who might be interested in me - I’m the one who gets to decide who I love.  And I’ve already chosen you.”

Blake watched the smile grow - first in Yang’s eyes before landing on her lips - and smiled in return.

“Yeah?” Yang asked, sneaking her hands onto Blake’s hips and tugging them closer together.  “So you don’t even care if it’s a bizarro male version of me?”

Laughing, Blake leaned into Yang’s embrace before playfully pulling away.  “I thought there weren’t any boys at the party last night - especially not bizarro male versions of you.”

“Right.  You’re right,” Yang replied with a pleased nod before swooping in and stealing another kiss.  “But we should get going!  Ruby’s gonna be here in like...three hours and we’re not ready!”

By now used to the rapid changes in subject, Blake accepted Yang’s hand and was pulled willingly out of their room and into the living room.  While Yang hurriedly slipped on the first pair of shoes her hands fell upon, Blake decided to have a little fun of her own.

Yang was normally a pretty patient person.  In fact, she was normally the one who was late or causing them to be late by dragging her feet.  Now that the tables were turned, wasn’t it only fair that Blake take her own sweet time?  There was no way of knowing whether or not a moment like this would ever present itself again, after all...

Walking over to the closet, Blake held the door with one hand and stared thoughtfully at the shoes paired up inside.  Being that she had little interest in fashion, she already knew exactly which pair she was going to wear...but Yang didn’t know that.

“Hmm…” Blake breathed out while studying her options.  Feeling Yang’s intent stare, she tried not to smile - that would only give away what she was doing.

Reaching into the closet, she picked up one pair and stood up...only to put them back and pick up another potential candidate.  Yang shifted her feet, but managed to remain quiet.  Impressive!  Maybe she was even more patient than Blake was giving her credit for.

Putting the second pair back in place and retrieving the shoes she actually intended on wearing, Blake calmly sat down on the sofa and slowly slipped them on.  All the while, Yang watched and fidgeted nearly nonstop.  And, as soon as Blake stood up, she bolted for the front door.  

“Ok, let’s go!” she said, practically out in the hall already.

“Oh, hold on!” Blake called out, turning around and walking towards the kitchen table.  “I forgot my bag.”

“Blakeeee!” Yang finally whined, having reached her limit of patience.  Blake couldn’t help laughing at the adorable sound while quickly grabbing her bag and meeting Yang by the door - with Yang slowly figuring out what was going on by the way Blake playfully shook her head.

“You’re just messing with me?” Yang asked, grinning when Blake nodded.  “Well could you mess with me on the way to the store instead??”

“I suppose that'll do…” Blake joked, accepting Yang’s hand and heading towards the elevator that would take them down to the lobby.  “Although it’ll be harder to do when you’re getting what you want…”

“Oh?”

Blake didn’t need to look at Yang to know exactly what expression went with that single word question.  And she probably shouldn’t look at Yang right now, because the elevator ride down to the lobby was short and other people were often waiting right outside the doors when they got there.  That wasn’t enough time to do anything that Yang might want to do…

“You know what I mean,” Blake replied, blushing regardless as her own mind considered the possibilities.  Hearing Yang laugh as they stepped out into the lobby, Blake smiled as they made their way out into the early morning sunshine.

“I wanted to thank you, by the way.”

Blake glanced over at Yang, surprised by the unexpected gratitude.

“For what?”

“For being absolutely incredible!” Yang answered with a big grin.  “But also for how much you helped with Weiss’ party. And by helped, I mean basically set the entire thing up yourself.”

“No need to thank me.  I was happy to help.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t have to and did anyway.”  Yang squeezed Blake’s hand to express even more appreciation before carrying on.  “Do you think she had a good time?”

For the answer to that question, Blake thought back on the second half of the party - the part after Ruby arrived and Weiss came down from her tower.

“I think she did.”

“Good,” Yang answered with a nod.  “I hope she did.  I just get the feeling that she’s used to people...using her.”

“But that’s not you.”

“No way!  I just want to be her friend!  And use her to get all the free concert tickets I want!”

Laughing at the joke, Blake lightly squeezed Yang’s hand as they continued their early morning stroll.  For the day having started off the way it did, it was actually a nice surprise to take a walk with Yang when there were fewer people than usual around.  Sure, the store wasn’t far, but that didn’t mean Blake wouldn’t enjoy their temporary privacy while it lasted.

“It’s nice out,” she said - commenting more on the company than on the weather.

“It is.  Although I’d walk out into a blizzard as long as I got to walk with you.”

Chuckling at the line, Blake squeezed Yang’s hand and pulled them towards the small, neighborhood store that would surely have everything they needed.  Fortunately, the store opened even earlier than either of them normally woke up.  Walking through the sliding glass doors into the fully air conditioned space beyond, Blake paused and looked to Yang for direction.

“What are we getting exactly?”

“Ok, uh...well we have flour and stuff, so we need strawberries, raspberries, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, whipped cream - the extra creamy kind, not that regular stuff - rainbow sprinkles, fudge sauce, and about five different bags of candy.”

For a few seconds, Blake merely stared at Yang in surprise at the list that had been rattled off.

“I thought we were making pancakes?” she eventually asked.

“We are!”

“But...that sounds more like an ice cream bar.”  Seeing Blake’s consternation, Yang laughed and picked up one of the hand baskets to be filled with...sugar, apparently.

“Just wait, Blake.  Just wait.”

“Don’t keep me waiting long,” she teased, sending Yang a wink and immediately blushing when Yang subconsciously licked her lips.  Clearing her throat, Blake turned back towards the aisles in front of them and tried to wipe that thought from her mind.  “What do you think - divide and conquer?”

When Yang scoffed at the suggestion, Blake looked over in surprise.

“Yeah, right!” Yang said.  “We stick together. That guy over there is already making eyes at you.”

Finding the guy Yang was referring to, Blake laughed.

“Yang, he’s looking at you.”

“No, he’s totally staring at you!  Oh, and now he’s coming over.  Ok, try not to make him fall in love with you.”

Shaking her head while Yang tried to act nonchalant, Blake watched the young man approach them.  He was around their age, decently handsome, and most definitely far more interested in Yang than in her.

“You’re Yang Xiao Long, right?” he asked, stopping a polite distance away and lifting one hand in question.

“You know, some mornings I think I am, but others I’m not so sure,” Yang answered with an easy smile that made him laugh.  As usual, she found a simple response that put people at ease - breaking a bit of the ‘unapproachable celebrity’ vibe some of her coworkers had all but perfected.

That aloof persona was so far from who Yang was though - and it was just another trait that Blake adored.  Yang had a smile ready for anyone and everyone, but...there were certain smiles that were only for Blake.  That little caveat worked wonders in keeping the feelings of jealousy at bay.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Yang’s newest ‘favorite’ fan said, taking a step forward.  “But could I get a picture with you? I’m a huge fan of your movies.”

“Sure, no problem!”

Grinning at his good fortune, the guy scrambled to pull out his phone - very nearly dropping it when it fumbled out of his pocket.

“Want me to take it?” Blake offered, slightly worried he would hurt himself trying to take the photo while being so close to Yang.

“Yeah, sure!  Thanks!”

When he handed the phone over, Blake stood in front while Yang gave her a bright smile before turning to their newest acquaintance.

“That’s my girlfriend, by the way,” Yang said in a loud whisper.  “Isn’t she beautiful?”

It was a trick question - with neither answer likely to make Yang happy.  Thankfully, the young man was too absorbed in Yang’s presence to fully formulate a response.

“U-uh, I mean, yeah, I guess,” he sputtered, his eyes never leaving Yang as she laughed.  Apparently he’d just passed the test.

Turning to Blake, they both smiled and she took a couple of photos in a row so he could choose the best one.  

“Thank you so much!” he said, taking his phone from Blake before giving them both a huge smile and rushing off - most likely dying to tell all of his friends about his good fortune.

“You just made his day,” Blake said, walking back to Yang as she picked up the basket again.

“Now let’s make mine!” Yang replied, taking Blake’s hand and pulling her towards the nearest aisle.  “We have pancakes to make!”

“And ice cream sundaes,” Blake added, smiling at the sound of Yang’s laughter as they whizzed through the store together.  

They ended up with six different kinds of candy to go along with the fruit, ice cream, whipped cream, and three types of juices - orange, apple, and grape.  Blake carried two of the bottles of juice up to the counter - one in each hand - since Yang had vastly underestimated how much food a small hand basket could carry.

“Ruby’s probably still sleeping,” Yang commented while the clerk rang up their items.  “She said she’ll text me when she’s up - and she gets hungry like minutes after waking up so she’ll probably come over right away.”

“Ok.”  Paying for the groceries and giving the clerk a quick ‘thank you,’ Blake grabbed one of the bags and followed Yang towards the exit.  “So what you’re saying is that once she texts you, we don’t have much time to prepare.”

“That’s why we need to get ready early.”

“Well let’s get home then, slowpoke,” Blake teased, playfully bumping her bag into Yang’s side to get her moving faster.

“I’m the slowpoke??  Who’s the one that takes forever to find their shoes?”

Catching Yang’s grin, Blake shook her head.  “If you didn’t have so many pairs in the closet, it’d be easier for me to find what I want to wear.”

“Ok, ok.  I know better than to try to fight that battle -”

“Because you’ll lose,” Blake joked, smiling when Yang laughed and nodded.

“I’ll absolutely lose.  But I always lose to you - hard to win when you’re so freaking gorgeous!”

The two things seemed uncorrelated in Blake’s mind, but the compliment warmed her heart anyway.  And, as Yang held the door to their building open, Blake stopped and gave her a grateful kiss on the lips before heading inside.

“You realize someone probably got a picture of that.”

“I don’t care,” Blake replied, stepping into the elevator and trying not to smile at the huge grin Yang was wearing while practically skipping inside.  “If they did, hopefully I can get a copy and keep it forever.”

“If you want more pictures of us kissing, all you need to do is say the word.  And if you want more than that -”

“We’ve already had that conversation, Yang,” Blake interrupted, her cheeks heating up regardless of them being alone in the elevator as it took them back to their home.

“I just love seeing you blush,” Yang replied, far too happy with how successful she’d been yet again.

“I’m curious,” Blake added, a change of topic thankfully appearing in her mind as Yang used the keys to unlock the door to their shared home.  “Where does Ruby stay when she’s in Vale?”

“She has a little apartment nearby - nothing fancy.”

“She does?”  Surprised by the answer, Blake sent Yang a glance as they set their bags down on the island in the kitchen.  “She keeps paying for it even though she’s not here?”

“Oh, no.  Wait, I haven’t told you this before?”

“Told me what?”

“Well, uh, I pay for it,” Yang answered, giving Blake an almost apologetic smile for the reply.

“You do?”

“Yeah.  I mean, it’s not expensive.  She wasn’t going to keep it, but I wanted her to always have a place to come home to.  I hope that’s ok?”

Blake’s surprise in this moment had everything to do with the revelation that there was still more to learn about Yang, even after all this time.  Living together, she’d expected most of the mysteries and unexpected discoveries to fall by the wayside but...well, Yang found a way to keep things interesting.

“Why wouldn’t that be ok?” Blake asked, pulling the ice cream containers out of a bag and putting them in the freezer.  “That’s your decision.”

“Yeah, but…”  Pausing that thought, Yang shook her head and turned away, but not before Blake caught the soft blush that was growing.

“But what?” she pressed, leaving the groceries in favor of walking over to Yang.  It wasn’t like Yang to be bashful - at least, not since they’d first started dating.  Seeing this side of her return was a treat indeed.  The shy, slightly lowered gaze, the ever-fidgeting hands, the shuffling feet...Blake loved every bit of it.

“It just...kinda feels like it should be our decision,” Yang finally answered.  The implication nearly made Blake take a step backwards in surprise, but instead she stepped forward - into Yang’s space in order to take her hands and squeeze them reassuringly.

“If you’re asking me,” Blake said, her heart swelling in affection from that single statement alone.  “Then yes - I’m completely ok with paying for a place for your sister to stay.”

When Yang grinned, Blake leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her lips.

“Glad you agree,” Yang said only after Blake moved away.  “Maybe...maybe we can make more of those decisions together?  Or like, all of them?”

Up until this moment, they’d kept their finances separately - neither of them hurting for money, but neither of them feeling the need to have a major discussion about it either.  Blake felt that maybe Yang wanted to wait and see how things turned out, but...maybe Yang had been waiting for Blake instead.

“I’d love that,” Blake answered, giving Yang’s hands a little shake of happiness.  “You’re very sweet, you know that?”

“I hope you still feel that way after you see how much I spend on shoes…”

Laughing at the joke, Blake looped both arms around Yang’s neck and pulled her down for a kiss.  Blake loved kissing Yang in the morning.  Or the afternoon.  Anytime, really, but morning kisses seemed more satisfying for some reason.  Maybe it was because they weren’t able to kiss for the entire night while they were sleeping, and this was what it felt like to make up for lost time.

Either way, she enjoyed morning kisses immensely.  With nowhere to be and nothing to do for several hours, they were free to savor it in full - which Blake could feel Yang doing as their lips locked together and she slid her hands down Blake’s sides.  Gently, Yang pressed Blake up against the island, and those wandering hands started fiddling with the hem of Blake’s shirt.

Feeling a surge of passion course through her, Blake dropped one arm from Yang’s neck, but felt her elbow knock into something on the way down.  

The sound of metal hitting granite shocked them both apart, before Yang stretched to one side and caught the bottle of whipped cream before it rolled off the counter.

When Yang held up the whipped cream, Blake fought a furious blush that she’d been the one to ruin that moment so handily.  Clearing her throat, she tried to find a set of words that might save her from her current embarrassment.

“So, uh…” she said, before shaking her head and giving up.

“If you wanted to get a little more frisky, you could’ve just said so.”  When Yang grinned like a fool and shook the can, Blake playfully shoved her shoulder.

“Don’t we have breakfast to make?”

“Yeah, yeah - but after!”  Yang gave Blake a questioning look, but Blake pretended not to see it in favor of taking their myriad of fruits to the sink to be washed.

“I’m totally taking that as a ‘yes,’” Yang said, laughing while putting the can back on the island - this time further from the edge.  “Ok, how about I start the pancakes, and you wash the fruits and cut them into pancake-friendly pieces?”

“You mean what I was already going to do?” Blake asked, raising one brow and gesturing towards the fruit in front of her.

“Ok, it’s really hard to think of things before you do!  Take it easy on the poor dumb blonde, won’t you?”

“Never.”  Turning on the faucet, Blake shot Yang a teasing smirk.  “That’s not why you’re dating me.”

“That’s the truth.  I’m dating you because you’re unbelievably smart, incredibly sexy, super fine -”

Chuckling at the list, Blake washed the strawberries and raspberries - and Yang was cut off by a buzzing sound.  Looking over her shoulder, Blake watched curiously as Yang picked up her phone and smiled at whatever she read on the screen.

“Listen to this,” Yang said before reading aloud, “‘Thank you for the wonderful party last night.  I really appreciate the effort both you and Blake put into celebrating my birthday.  I enjoyed spending time with you and your friends, plus having the chance to meet your sister.’”

Reaching the end of the message, Yang grinned.

“That was sweet of her,” Blake replied, feeling her own heart warm at the thought that Weiss had enjoyed her birthday.

“She had a good time!” Yang cheered, raising both hands in success before dropping them just as quickly.  “Oh dang, we should’ve invited her for breakfast!”

“She has plans this morning with her family, remember?”

“Oh.  That’s right.”

“But we could always invite her over another time,” Blake added, pulling out a cutting board and knife so she could cut the strawberries into smaller pieces.

“You’re right, we should do that...oh!  We should invite Pyrrha though!!”  As the idea occurred to her, Yang typed out a message and sent it off with a grin.  “Pyrrha loves Ruby.  I’m sure she’ll stop by if she’s free.”

“If she’s even awake this morning,” Blake replied with a shake of her head.  “I bet she’s still sleeping.”

“Me too.  But she can get here late!  No pancakes for her.”

“No pancakes for anyone if you don’t start making them soon,” Blake teased.

“Relax, Blake.  Pancakes take like...fifteen minutes to make,” Yang replied, flashing a grin and ducking the strawberry Blake flung her way.  “Ok, ok!  I’ll make ‘em,” Yang added, grabbing the stray fruit off the far counter and popping it in her mouth.

While Yang was pulling supplies out of the cabinets, her phone buzzed a second time.  Leaning over, Blake checked who the message was from.

“It’s your sister.”

“What??”  Walking over with a bowl in one hand, Yang tapped the screen.  “She woke up early?  Oh crap.  I forget she’d still be on Vacuo time…”

“Well I’m almost done with my tasks…”

“Oh shush,” Yang said, laughing while quickly finding the ingredients she needed.  While Yang mixed up a batter and started frying up three pancakes at a time, Blake piled all the fruits into bowls before doing the same with the candy they’d gotten.  Those went onto the dining table before being joined by plates, silverware, and napkins - then glasses and the three bottles of juice.  Last, but certainly not least, she pulled out both cartons of ice cream and set them down with the canister of whipped cream.

Honestly, it looked far more like an ice cream bar than a breakfast table...

“Oh, syrup!” Blake exclaimed, suddenly realizing they’d forgotten the most quintessential pancake topping during their quest to get everything else.  “We don’t have any syrup, do we?”

“Naw, don’t worry about it.  She uses the ice cream instead.”

“What are we supposed to use then?” Blake asked.  Turning away from the pan for a few seconds, Yang shrugged her shoulders and laughed.

“Whipped cream, maybe?  Or do what Ruby does and put candy in between pancakes so it melts into a gooey, chocolatey mess.”

Seeing Blake’s expression of disbelief, Yang nodded and flipped a few more pancakes out of the pan.

“You’ll see…”

A fast, double knock hit the door - making Yang spin around with a huge smile in place.  

“That’s gotta be her!”

“I’ll get it,” Blake replied while walking over to the door, unwittingly smiling at how happy Yang looked.

Admittedly, Blake was moderately nervous about seeing Ruby again.  When they’d met last night, there were plenty of other people around - many of whom knew Ruby and were excited for the chance to speak with her.  There hadn’t been much opportunity for Blake and Ruby to spend time getting to know one another.  And...Ruby was very important to Yang, so it was important that Blake earn Ruby’s blessing.

Unlocking the door and pulling it open, Blake was immediately greeted by a wave of energy.

“You need to see -!” Ruby immediately said before her eyes widened upon seeing Blake.  “Oh, hi Blake!  You’re already here!”

The word choice made Blake tilt her head in confusion.  

“Ruby!” Yang called out from the kitchen.  “Get over here, shortstack!”

Sending Blake a blinding grin, Ruby skipped inside to say ‘hello’ to her sister with a huge hug.

“Already here?” Blake repeated while following Ruby to the kitchen, trying to figure out why the comment didn’t make sense to her.

“Yeah!  I mean, I thought I’d get here first, but I guess I woke up kinda late so…”  Words trailing off, Ruby shrugged and chuckled at wherever that thought had ended up.  Glancing around the apartment, she grinned at Yang.  “Did you redecorate?  Looks awesome!  When’d you get so many books?”

When Ruby waved towards the bookcase in the living room (which was filled with Blake’s books), Yang glanced that way before her eyes widened in shock.

“Ohhh my god,” she said, shooting Blake a look before turning back to Ruby.  “I never told you that Blake moved in!”

Ah - that’s why the phrase seemed off kilter.  

“You moved in together??” Ruby asked, the shock quickly wearing off as she hit her sister in the shoulder.  “How could you forget to tell me that??”

“I don’t know, how could you forget to tell me you’d be back in Vale last night?” Yang responded, playfully smacking Ruby’s hand away from the plate of finished pancakes.

“Guess we both have terrible memories.”  Shrugging, Ruby waited until Yang’s gaze returned to the stove before snatching a pancake and shoving the whole thing in her mouth.  “Tha-sh aw-shom tho-”

Yang shot her sister a suspicious glare before nodding towards something Ruby was holding in her hands.

“Whatcha got there?” Yang asked, flipping another set of finished pancakes onto the platter filling with them.

“This?  Oh, uh, it’s nothing.”  

“‘Nothing?’  Since when do you carry around ‘nothing?’”

“Since forever!” Ruby said, holding what appeared to be a magazine behind her back and sending Blake a worried glance.  “It’s no big deal, Yang.  I can show you later -”

“Come on, hand it over.”

Watching in curiosity, Blake could read the emotions flitting through Ruby’s eyes - an openness of emotion similar to Yang’s own expressive eyes.

“Fine,” Ruby finally agreed, handing the magazine over to Yang.  Taking it and giving Ruby a teasing slap on the shoulder, Yang flipped it around to read the front page - and let her jaw fall slightly in surprise.

“Oh.”

“Yeah,” Ruby replied.  “I saw it on my way over and wanted to warn you!”

Now fully curious, Blake looked between Ruby and Yang before walking over to see what was causing such a stir.

“What is it?” she asked, reading the cover over Yang’s shoulder.

As it turned out, it was one of the tabloid magazines Blake religiously stayed away from.  On the cover was a huge photo of Yang and Pyrrha - the two of them were eating lunch together, but the picture caught them at a moment when Yang was leaning across the table.  From the camera angle, it almost looked like Yang was leaning in for a kiss...and the headline certainly didn’t help.

‘Writing’s on the Wall?  Yang Xiao Long spotted being more than friendly with Pyrrha Nikos.’

To add insult to injury, they’d included a photo of Blake - only to add a graphic that made it appear as if she was being torn off of the page.

Taking the magazine from Yang’s hands, Blake shook her head while looking at it.

“You’re cheating on me again, Yang?” she said, adding a few ‘tsks’ before holding the magazine up so Yang would look at it.  “And with Pyrrha this time?  What am I going to do with you?”

First Yang read Blake’s eyes, searching for any hint that Blake was truly bothered by the photo.  Finding none, Yang laughed and shook her head.

“You know me - can’t keep me caged for too long.  Sooner or later, you’ve gotta let me fly!  Or, you know, go out to lunch with other people.”

Chuckling, Blake shared a smile with Yang before noticing the way Ruby was looking back and forth between them, completely floored by the interaction.

“You aren’t mad?” she asked.

“Of course not,” Blake replied.  “It’s not true.”

“Well yeah, I figured that.  But like...I was worried you’d be nervous or something.”

Shaking her head, Blake casually tossed the magazine facedown on the countertop.

“I’ll only be nervous when someone can make her blush like I can,” she answered.  To prove her point, she leaned over and gave Yang a quick peck on the cheek - causing her to turn bright red in the process.

Ruby stared at them, but with this goofy smile on her face.  And then she started laughing - this infectious giggle that made Yang chuckle while turning off the stove.

“You’re really cool!” Ruby added, nodding enthusiastically.  “Cinder flipped out about that stuff, remember?”

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Yang replied.  Picking up the plate of pancakes, she gave Blake a warm smile while nodding towards the table.  “Now come on, let’s eat!”

Following Yang and Ruby to the table, Blake took the seat across from Ruby and waited for Ruby and Yang to serve themselves first.

If someone was looking for a reason to be upset, that photograph would certainly do it.  But if Blake looked for reasons to be upset, there’d be no feasible way for the two of them to stay together.  With Yang’s visibility and popularity, photos like this were bound to happen - catching her in just the wrong position at just the wrong time.

It wouldn’t be fair to punish Yang for something she had little-to-no control over.  Plus, Blake knew - in the way Yang looked at her, spoke to her, touched her, kissed her - she knew in every ‘I love you’ that Yang would be careful with her heart.

And she knew that, if she ever felt the tiniest bit insecure, she could talk to Yang about it - and that she’d be reassured in droves.

That was one of the most wonderful parts of their relationship...that it took no effort at all to trust one another, regardless of what the world threw their way.

Reaching over, Blake gave Yang’s hand a loving squeeze before watching in fascination as Ruby spread a handful of candy between each layer of the pancake tower she’d built before piling ice cream on top and using the whipped cream to cover the sides.  Basically...Ruby added sugar until the actual food was no longer visible.

Deciding to try out a little bit of the ice cream with fruit on top, Blake created a far more subdued breakfast while Ruby began demolishing hers.

“Mmm these are so good!”  Cutting off another forkful, Ruby sent her sister a grin.  “I’ve missed your cooking so much!”

“I’ve missed you so much,” Yang replied, not at all embarrassed to admit such a thing.  “You’re sticking around for a while, right?”

“Yeah!  I mean, I don’t have any plans to leave right now.”

The response was noncommittal, but Yang still looked thrilled while she finished a bite of her own breakfast.  “Cool!” she said after.  “Want me to get you some parts?”

“Oh yeah!  Can you?  That’d be fun!”  Before Blake could even ask what they were talking about, Ruby turned towards her.  “Yang gets me parts as an extra at the studio!  It’s really awesome.”

“Ruby’s actually been in way more movies than me,” Yang added, giving her sister a proud grin for that accomplishment.

“I have!”

“That sounds like fun,” Blake said, watching Ruby devour another pancake in between breaths.  “What have they asked you to do - as an extra, I mean?”

“Lots of stuff!  I’ve gotten to run from zombies, and run from explosions, and run across a bridge that was about to fall…”

“So, you run from things, basically?”

Ruby beamed and nodded.  “Yup!  Although they didn’t actually have zombies chasing us.  That was a bummer…”

Sensing the genuine disappointment behind those words, Blake couldn’t help but to chuckle.  Ruby really was a unique, endearing soul...  

“What was your favorite part?” Blake asked, both curious and seeking to keep the conversation going.

“Oh!  Well, this one time there was an explosion in a building and everyone had to run down the street away from it.  But Yang was standing outside saying, ‘That way, that way - keep going!’ and waving people in the right direction.  When I ran past her, she rustled my hair!”

When Yang laughed at the cute memory, Blake decided that Ruby might just be the most adorable person she’d ever met.

“They kept that shot in the final cut too,” Yang said, her eyes positively sparkling as she looked at Blake.  “You can just barely see it with how the camera angles worked out.  I can show you later.”

“Please do.”

“I wanna watch too!”

“Ruby, you’ve seen that movie like a hundred times.”

“So?  It’s awesome!”  Reaching for another pancake, Ruby grinned across the table at Blake.  “Yang’s movies are my favorites.  I love watching her be the hero!  Except I always cry when she gets stabbed…”

“One time I got stabbed - and I’m completely fine!”

“Now you are!”  Shaking her head, Ruby pulled the ice cream container over to her.  “I skip that part.”

“I remember that scene,” Blake said, sending a glance Yang’s way.  “You sold it too well.”

“You guys are simultaneously complimenting me and making me feel horrible for doing my job!” Yang whined.  “At least choose one or the other!”  

Smiling, Blake reached over and patted Yang’s hand.

“You’re fantastic at what you do,” she said, watching Yang’s eyes light up in delight at the compliment.  “Sometimes it’s just a little painful for the people who love you.”

“Aww...you guys are so cute!”

Yang smiled while Blake felt the hint of a blush dust her cheeks.  Ruby seemed to say whatever popped in her mind, or was unafraid to say things others might normally hold at bay.  It was a refreshing, if not mildly embarrassing, trait.

“Yang said you’re the best writer in the whole world!” Ruby said between bites.  

“Did she?”  Blake sent Yang an appreciative smile for the exaggeration.  Even if it wasn’t true, it was nice that Yang believed in her so fully.

“Yeah!  ‘The most talented writer ever,’ was what she said.  I think.”  Ruby paused for a second and tried to remember before shaking her head.  “But I’m excited!  Have you written anything I might’ve read?  I totally wanna read your stuff!”

“You hardly read, Ruby,” Yang teased.

“I read sometimes!  Like billboards or, I dunno, menus?  Texts from Yang when I have a phone or service?”

Chuckling at the answer, Yang popped a raspberry in her mouth.

“What’s the last book you read?” Blake asked.

“Uhhh…I think it was like...something about how the number seven kills people.”

“Unlucky Seven?”

“Yeah!  That was it.  Oh man, I remember being super paranoid about the number for the longest time.”

“It was a good read,” Blake agreed.  “But if that’s the type of book you’re looking for, I don’t know that I’ve written anything remotely close.”

“Oh, I don’t mind - I’ll read anything!  Besides, you’re practically family now, so I should read all your books.  Just like I watch all of Yang’s movies!”

The kind words were far more than Blake expected at this point in time, but Ruby sent a genuine smile across the table to go with her acceptance.

If Blake had been worried about winning Ruby’s approval...well, she was a little less worried now.

“I’ll get you copies of everything,” she said, smiling back to Ruby.  “But please don’t feel like you have to read any of them.”

When Ruby made a happy noise and finished off her plate of pancakes, Blake turned to find Yang looking between the two of them with a huge smile in place.

“Has Yang read all of them?” Ruby asked after her breakfast was done.

“You bet I have!” Yang answered with a proud smile.  “Just a warning though - there are a lot.”  Pausing for a second, Yang laughed when a thought occurred to her.  “When we first started dating, I stayed up basically all night for a week straight reading them.  I didn’t want to look dumb, but instead I think I came off like an exhausted, crazy stalker.”

Blake laughed at the memory.

“Just a bit,” she joked.  “I wasn’t expecting you to have read any of them, so when you started quoting passages I was...well, shocked, to say the least.”

“Shocked enough that you fell in love with me!”

“Absolutely.  I knew you were a keeper if you were willing to do that.”  

The two of them shared a smile, fondly remembering that period of their relationship before Yang turned back to Ruby.

“You’re gonna love ‘em though.  They’re so freaking good.  Love, betrayal, action, adventure, basically all the good stuff.  And did I mention love?  Because man there’s some great romance.”

A small blush heated Blake’s cheeks from the endless compliments, which Yang never seemed to run out of.  To make matters even more humbling, Ruby was nodding enthusiastically at her sister’s words.

“I can’t wait to read them - I could use some more love in my life!”

“Good thing you’re back then!” Yang replied, reaching over and lovingly tussling Ruby’s short hair.

“Yangggg!”

“What?  I haven’t gotten to do that in forever!”

“That doesn’t mean you need to do it now!”

While they playfully bickered, Blake sat back and watched.  

Pandas.  Adorable, adorable baby pandas.

When Yang finished giving her sister a hard time, she let out a happy sigh and gestured at Ruby’s empty plate.

“Are you done eating?”

“Yup!  I’m stuffed!”  Immediately after the reply, Ruby hopped to her feet and grabbed her plate.  “I’ll clean up.”

“Naw, leave it for now - I want to hear about your trip!”

While Yang swiveled in her seat, Ruby walked into the kitchen and set her plate in the sink.

“At least let me clear off the table first!” she said, coming back to the table and grabbing the cartons of ice cream while Yang stared in surprise.

“Since when do you volunteer to clean up??”

“Since the time I didn’t and some crazy old guy told me I’d die a horrible death!”  When Yang’s jaw dropped in surprise, Ruby solemnly nodded and said, “True story,” before heading to the freezer.

Catching Yang’s stunned expression, Blake smiled and stood to help clear the rest of the table.  While dumping the bowls of candy back into their respective bags, she watched with interest as Ruby put the bottles of juice into the fridge before finding a small container to put the leftover fruit in.

It was strange to realize that Ruby had been in this apartment far before Blake was ever in the picture.  It showed in the way Ruby knew her way around the kitchen, and in how comfortable she was opening and closing cupboards that weren’t her own.  Of course, why wouldn’t she be?  This was her sister’s home - she was probably over here all the time whenever she was in Vale.  

Which meant that she’d be over all the time for the foreseeable future.  Surprisingly, the idea didn’t bother Blake in the slightest.  They’d known each other for only a little while, but Ruby was a joy to spend time with.  Her general aura was...uplifting.  

“So how’d you like the party last night?” Yang asked, gently bumping Ruby’s elbow as they put some of the dishes in the sink.  “Have fun?”

“It was awesome!  So fun!”

“Yeah?  And you got to meet Weiss!  Did you like her?”

“Oh - yeah!  I mean, she was...really, really cool.  I didn’t expect her to be so pretty.”

Blake’s attention perked up at the word, but when Yang chuckled she decided that Ruby didn’t mean anything by it.

“She is pretty, huh,” Yang replied before looking around to see if they were done.  Finding everything off the table, she clapped her hands and said, “Ok, story time!”

Ushering everyone into the living room, she motioned for Blake to sit on the sofa while Ruby paced the room.

“I really like all the changes!” Ruby remarked, her eyes scanning the shelves full of Blake’s books before moving on to the lavender window curtains Blake had picked out.  “It feels a lot more...cozy.”

While Ruby stood by the coffee table, Yang sat down next to Blake and gently squeezed her knee.

“I think so too,” Yang said, leaning over and pressing a kiss to Blake’s cheek.  “But tell us - what’ve you been up to?”

“Right!  Oh man, I saw so much cool stuff - you wouldn’t believe it!”

Beaming at Ruby’s enthusiastic introduction to her trip, Yang bumped Blake’s shoulder.

“This is one of my favorite parts of Ruby coming home,” she explained.  “Well, besides having Ruby at home again.”

“And it’s one of my favorite parts of coming back!” Ruby replied.  “Well, besides getting to see Yang again.”

“You two are so cute,” Blake finally said out loud, shaking her head in utter disbelief at their adorableness.  After they shared a smile, Ruby did a little hop for joy.

“Ok, story time!  So I went to Mistral first because...why not?” she explained, her voice speeding up in excitement.  “And I think I was only there for a couple days when I met this guy -”

“Hold the phone.”  Yang raised her hand and paused Ruby’s story.  “This guy isn’t a romantic interest, is he?”

Ruby giggled at the question - pretty much all the answer anyone needed before she said, “No, Yang - he was in his forties or something.”

After giving Blake a relieved smile, Yang leaned back and waved her hand.  “Ok, then continue.”

“Alright, so I met this guy - the non-romantic guy - and he tells me about this treasure chest buried in the middle of the city!”

“Like beneath the streets or something?” Yang asked.  “How would they do that??”

“Or maybe it was in a park?” Blake suggested, and Ruby nodded vigorously.

“In the middle of a park - he had a map and everything!  But there were a bunch of rules, like you had to dig at exactly the right spot at exactly the right time otherwise you wouldn’t find it.  He asked me to help him because he needed someone to hold the watch and make sure he started digging at the right second.”

“And I’m guessing you agreed to help him?” Yang asked.

“Of course!  It was a lot of fun, too.  We had to walk around the park, backwards as some parts, and then tap a few special trees.  When we finally got to the right spot, he dug a deep hole.  I wasn’t expecting to find anything, but we totally did!”

“Really?” Yang asked in surprise that Blake silently felt.  “What was it??”

“An old watch.  It was broken, too.”  Chuckling to herself, Ruby shook her head.  “He was kinda disappointed, but it was a fun treasure hunt while it lasted!  Anyway, while I was leaving the park, I realized I still had his map stuck in my pocket.  When I pulled it out, my phone went flying and landed in the middle of the street!  Then it got run over by a couple cars before I could get it...and that’s how my first phone died.”

Blake stared in shock at the tragic turn of events, but Yang laughed in delight.  And, before Ruby could continue her tale, there was a soft knock at the door.

“Oh, that’s probably Pyrrha,” Yang whispered, standing up to answer it.  “You stay there,” she directed Ruby.  “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

Ruby watched intently as Yang walked over to the door and pulled it open.  When she stepped out of the way, Pyrrha walked inside and found Ruby with an affectionate smile.

“Ruby,” Pyrrha barely managed to get out before Ruby let out a small squeal of excitement.

“Pyrrha!” she said before running over and launching herself into Pyrrha’s arms.  Pyrrha managed to catch her - letting out an “oomph” while taking a step backward to cushion the unexpected force.

“At least you caught her this time,” Yang teased Pyrrha as she and Ruby separated.

“Oh, I’m really sorry I knocked you over last night!” Ruby quickly apologized.  

“That’s ok,” Pyrrha replied, setting one hand reassuringly on Ruby’s shoulder.  “I just wasn’t prepared then.”

“Had nothing to do with the gallon of champagne you drank,” Yang whispered loudly before yelping in surprise when Pyrrha landed an elbow in her side.

“Good morning, Blake,” Pyrrha said, nodding politely Blake’s way while Ruby looked between the two of them.

“Did you know they moved in together??”

The question made Pyrrha laugh and shake her head.

“That’s a good question seeing as how your sister hardly tells me anything.  But yes, I did know they moved in together - mostly because Yang made me help clean the day before.”

When Blake shot her a curious look, Yang chuckled and ran a hand through her hair.

“I would’ve gladly helped, you know,” Blake said.

“Yeah, I know.  But I wanted it to be perfect when you got here without you having to lift a finger.”

Flashing a modest grin, Yang only succeeded in making Blake’s heart melt a bit more.

“That’s very sweet of you,” she said, smiling and reaching over to squeeze Yang’s hand in appreciation.

“Yes, so I had to help instead,” Pyrrha added.

“But I’m sure you did a great job!” Ruby cut in.  “Cuz you’re the best at everything!”

“Hey!” Yang shouted while Pyrrha smiled widely.  “I thought I was the best at everything!”

“Oh I have missed you, Ruby,” Pyrrha said, giving Ruby a loving hug.  When she pulled away, she sent Yang a triumphant smile before turning her attention back to Ruby.  “Let’s get lunch sometime. Just the two of us - we don’t need her anyway.”

“That sounds like fun!”

When Pyrrha sat down in an oversized chair, Yang all but collapsed onto the sofa beside Blake, grumbling under her breath all the while.  Meanwhile Ruby stood in front of them, and Blake could see why - Ruby really liked to walk and gesture while talking.

“You haven’t moved in with anyone while I was away, have you?” Ruby asked, narrowing her eyes at Pyrrha as if trying to read her mind.  Opening her mouth, Pyrrha thought about the question for a second before smiling and shaking her head.

“No, I haven’t.”

“Wait -”

Blake grinned as soon as the word left Yang’s mouth.  People might have many assumptions about Yang based upon her appearance and profession, but she was one of the most emotionally observant people Blake had ever met...especially when it related to opportunities to tease a friend.

“Did you catch that, Blake?” Yang asked, giving Blake a look that begged confirmation.

“I did.”

“What??  What did you see?” Ruby asked excitedly.

“Pyrrha!  Is there something you’d like to tell me?” Yang asked.  For her part, Pyrrha looked down at the arm of the chair before meeting Yang’s gaze with an innocent expression.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh nonono, you’re not getting off that easy.”

“You paused, Pyrrha,” Blake added, earning Yang’s vigorous nod of approval.  

“You paused!” Yang repeated.  “You have something you’re hiding from us!”

“Ok, fine.”  Caving, Pyrrha leaned forward and motioned calmly with her hands.  “Jaune and I might have talked about potentially moving in together, but it’s no big -”

“It’s a huge deal!” Yang interrupted.  “I’m so happy for you two!”

“Nothing has been decided yet -”

“But the fact that you’re even thinking about it is awesome.”

When Pyrrha looked around the room and found nothing but cheerful smiles, she finally smiled - a bright, genuine smile that expressed a bit of her own inner happiness.

“Then you’ll help me clean if he decides to move in?” she teased.

“Woah, woah.  Dunno if I’d go that far -”

“I’ll help!” Ruby offered.  “I’ll help move furniture or paint or whatever you need me to do!”

“I’ll help too,” Blake added, giving Yang a sweet smile in response to her look of dismay.

“Ok, now you’re both just making me look bad.”

Laughing, Pyrrha leaned away and waved one hand to dismiss the topic.  “We haven’t decided anything yet, but I appreciate your offers.  But enough about me...I’m sorry that I’m a bit late.  I didn’t miss much of the story, did I?”

“Nope!  Not much!”

“We just heard the demise of phone number one,” Yang added, one of her hands now playing with Blake’s hair.

“Run over by a car after a treasure hunt,” Blake explained as Ruby bounced back to her spot standing in front of them.

“That’s a common one - the car part, at least.  It’s actually surprising that you’ve never been hit by a car, Ruby,” Pyrrha commented with a light laugh.  Her laugh slowly trickled off when Ruby scrapped one toe across the floor, scratching her head and laughing nervously.

“Uh...heh heh...that brings me to my next story…”

“What?!”  Yang sat straight forward and gestured with her hands.  “Who was it?  I need their name and address.”

Blake laughed at the reply and patted Yang’s back.  

“And what are you going to do with that information?”

“I’m gonna pay this guy a visit, that’s what I’m gonna do!”

When Blake and Pyrrha both laughed at the response, Ruby waved her hands to get everyone’s attention once more.

“One, it wasn’t even a guy!” she said.  “Two, it was kind of completely my fault.”

Sitting back and leaning into Blake’s shoulder, Yang let out a loud sigh.

“Were you running across the street again?”

“No!  Well, maybe.  But it wasn’t my fault!  I mean, running into the street wasn’t.”

As Ruby launched into another story, Blake alternately listened while shooting glances at Yang and Pyrrha.  Each time she did so, she was greeted by a smile or a laugh bubbling to existence from Ruby’s antics. Pyrrha’s eyes sparkled in happiness watching Ruby gesture widely while going through her stories.  And Yang...Yang’s eyes followed Ruby with such adoration that Blake felt her own heart glow with love.

It felt like her family had grown again - first to include Yang, then Pyrrha, then Weiss, and now Ruby.  Sure, Ruby seemed like the type of person who would perpetually break routines, but Blake would willingly sacrifice any routine she had if only to see Yang this happy.

[aion-rsa]

Boss Level Pushes Action Movie Time Loops to Their Limits

https://ift.tt/3qllac6

The new action sci-fi thriller Boss Level begins with former Special Forces agent Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo) and an unnamed woman waking up in Pulver’s bed, fully clothed, after what looks like a rough night. But things get rougher very quickly, as an assassin enters Pulver’s apartment and attempts to kill him. Pulver defeats him but ends up dying anyway–only to wake up the next morning and do the whole thing again, perhaps living a little longer and getting killed by someone else, but still dying.

In a running voiceover, Pulver casually informs us that this is the 140th time he’s done this. And he still can’t figure out why or how it’s happening, or how to break out of the time loop he’s stuck in. All he knows is that he will wake up again on the very same morning and despite doing everything he can to prevent it, will nevertheless get shot or stabbed, or beheaded or run over, for reasons unknown. He also knows that his destiny is linked to that of his scientist ex-wife (Naomi Watts), the son who doesn’t know Pulver is his father (Rio Grillo) and his ex-wife’s sinister boss (Mel Gibson).

Boss Level is directed and co-written by Joe Carnahan, who revamped a script originally written by Chris and Eddie Borey. It’s the first feature film Carnahan has directed since 2015’s Stretch, and continues his exploration of taking different approaches to hardcore action and crime thrillers, a track record that includes movies like The Grey (2011), The A-Team (2010), Smokin’ Aces (2006), and Narc (2002). But Boss Level is different in that it also represents Carnahan’s first full dive into sci-fi territory.

“The Boreys wrote this really great script called Continue,” says Carnahan when we connect via Zoom. “I had read it. It started out as kind of a rewrite job. I dug it, because I’ve always loved, as I think a lot of us do, the subgenre of the time loop. It’s kind of a proven commodity in movies. As I got into it more, I was like, ‘I’m not really a sci-fi guy.’ But [late director] Tony Scott, rest his soul, was one of my great mentors. I always loved the way he treated Déjà Vu, which is a great kind of brick and mortar approach to time travel.”

Carnahan says he applied the same approach to what eventually became Boss Level, explaining, “The more fantastical elements of it, I wasn’t really concerned about. But I did love the idea of kind of combining Groundhog Day and Die Hard–the way I think that Doug Liman did it with Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow. But I thought it’d be much funnier if the guy was just bored stiff by all of it and didn’t know what the hell to do.”

The title of the movie itself is a gaming reference (the “boss level” is the final and usually most challenging level of a video game), and Carnahan admits that the narrative is set up to mirror the way a player moves through the levels of a game–sometimes repeating them over and over again.

“That was absolutely deliberate,” he says. “I’m not a huge gamer. But when I was a kid, I played all those games. And it’s funny, I play with my kids now, I have an old stand-up that’s got all these games on it. I got to load up that arcade with all my favorites, Robotron, Galaga–all these dumb games that I loved. So I built that in, but I never wanted that to overwhelm the central core of the story.”

Incredibly, Carnahan’s journey to get Boss Level made started as he was finishing up The Grey more than a decade ago. He had worked with Frank Grillo on that film (now a minor cult classic) and wanted Grillo for the part of Pulver in his time loop tale. But getting the backing to make it was an entirely different story and took 10 years, eventually employing what Carnahan describes as “not a traditional financing structure… every piece of bad luck you could encounter, we basically went through it all.”

Read more

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Boss Level is now premiering on Hulu, a result of its long, twisting road to existence, the rise of streaming outlets and the effects of the pandemic on traditional theatrical releases.

“I think the age of our traditional theatrical exhibition is done as we knew it,” says Carnahan confidently. “I think it’s going to shift in ways that people who are at the leading edge of that right now are figuring out… But I don’t think we’re going to go back to 350, 400 seats in a traditional kind of–I just don’t think you’re going to have that happening. Not for the foreseeable future.”

The future, both long term and short term, is very much at the heart of Boss Level. Grillo’s Roy Pulver begins to gradually extend his lifespan on each turn of the loop, living a little longer every go-round and discovering another piece of information that he needs to solve the puzzle he’s trapped in. But while Pulver’s life, those of his wife and son, and possibly many others are at stake, Carnahan says that first and foremost he wanted to make a bonkers action movie that pushed the genre to its limits.

“I was able to make an action movie/Three Stooges film,” he says. “So it was kind of an ideal scenario for me, because we could really go bananas and gonzo with the stuff that we were doing. But listen, you’re always looking to evolve the form. I think that we want to keep pushing it. I don’t know that you’re going to be able to do just the straight action film anymore without any kind of emotional content–without some sort of heart and soul. I think the Marvel films have done this so well, combining this big kind of spectacle action filmmaking with heart, with these small, idiosyncratic and quirky moments.”

Boss Level is the latest movie to emerge from Warparty, the production company that Carnahan and Grillo officially began in 2016. Grillo, of course, has enjoyed a long career as one of film’s most reliable tough guys, especially in movies like The Grey, End of Watch, Zero Dark Thirty, The Purge: Anarchy, and The Purge: Election Year, while also playing the villainous Brock Rumlow/Crossbones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Carnahan says that their similar tastes and outlook is what makes the partnership work and drives their acquisition of material to produce.

“We’re always looking for kind of elevated genre stuff,” Carnahan says. “Stuff that we think we can sink our teeth into and make better than the sum of its parts, [so] that we’re not just doing an action film, or a horror film, or a thriller. We want to plus it up. Frank and I have a great ease of use. We have a great shorthand at this point. We just know how the other one’s going to move in a situation and what to expect, and so on. There’s great comfort and certainly great creative strength in that.”

With both men producing, Grillo acting and Carnahan directing or writing or both, the pair have several formidable projects coming down the pipeline. One is an English language version of the already classic 2011 Indonesian action thriller The Raid, which has yet to start filming, while the other, Copshop, is now in post-production. The latter film teams Grillo with Gerard Butler, and Carnahan promises that the sparks will fly between the two action heavyweights.

“They’re dynamite,” the director exclaims. “I’ll say right now, I don’t know that Gerry’s ever been better in a movie. That’s how good he is in Copshop. He’s dynamite, man. He’s really, really something in this film. I think people are going to kind of be blown away. And then there’s this young woman, Alexis Lauder, who’s basically the lead of the film. She’s just a movie star. She’s just absolutely captivating. And the movie is really good. I’m very proud of it and I think audiences are going to dig it.”

As for whether we’ll see Butler and Grillo go head to head in a fight sequence or two in the film, Carnahan doesn’t want to get into details but adds, “We’re not going to disappoint people.”

Right now, however, Carnahan is focused on getting the word out about Boss Level, and is not shy about what he thinks he, Grillo, and their team have accomplished with it.

“I think it’s the best action movie of the last five years,” he says. “I just think it’s awesome and it’s funny. It’s rare that you make a film where everything that movie tries to do, it succeeds at doing. I think that’s a great testament to the people involved in it and how, even when it seemed like it was born under a bad sign, we still persevered. I just think it’s a blast, and a hell of a lot of fun on a Friday or Saturday night.”

Boss Level begins streaming now on Hulu.

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The post Boss Level Pushes Action Movie Time Loops to Their Limits appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3c61XWH

[dreamsofpilots]

A Boy and a Flower

Josh Dun x Reader fic.

I had the idea for this with the intention of turning it into something happy…and now this…oops. 

Might make it a series, don’t know how many parts yet. Enjoy. 

Warnings: Panic attacks, anxiety, little bit of depression. 

There are happy bits, I promise. I’m not sure about it so let me know what you think! 

My pulse thrummed in my ears. 

Ba bum

Ba bum

I couldn’t seem to catch my breath, my lungs straining with the effort. The world tilted and I had to catch myself against the wall.

Ba bum

I bent over, placing my hands on my knees while trying to take deep breaths. 

“I have to get out of here.” Lifting my head I glanced around. The throng of people rushing around me was suffocating. Everything was just a little too bright and just a little too loud. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be, I was supposed to have control of this. I hadn’t had an episode in months, and yet here I was, fire in my lungs and cold sweat on my skin. 

I sprinted from the academic building, dodging strange glances and backpack wearing bodies. 

Ba bum

Clamping my jaw down tight, unwilling to let the nausea take over, I stumbled through campus, blind as to what my direction was. A few passerby’s asked after my well-being, clearly reading the distress on my face, but I shrank away from them, the human contact making my panic worse. 

When I finally found a quiet place with a lack of people, I found that I was in the botanical gardens. The blooms were full and dewy, reaching for the midmorning sun. I planted myself next to a bed of pink flowers, not sure what kind they were, and forced myself to breath. In and out, in and out. I reminded myself of the advice my therapist had given me, trying to turn my negative thoughts into positive ones, all the while taking deep breaths. 

I wasn’t sure what had caused this one. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep, or the stress of midterm exams coming up. I hadn’t been eating properly lately, maybe that was it. Maybe I was dehydrated. I wasn’t really sure, but then again, I never really was in this situation. Sometimes they just happened, coming over me like a sudden storm. 

My pulse began to slow as I sat there with my face cupped in my hands. Breathing became easier, the nausea subsided. When I felt as if the worst of it was over, I allowed myself to take in my surroundings. I had rushed into the gardens without taking anything in. The place was vibrant with color and the perfumed air was sweet and inviting. How had I managed to go through half the school year without meandering through?  It was full and lush and absolutely stunning. The kind of garden that would bring about whimsical daydreams. 

Cobblestoned paths traversed lazily through the oasis. Small tufts of grass poking up between the stones waved hello. I wandered along, taking in the scenery, glad that I could finally breathe deeply. I allowed myself to run my hand along the blooms as I walked, the dew from their morning watering wetting my fingers. 

When I stopped to sniff a rose, I became aware of the sound of rhythmic beating. Confused, I followed my ears to the sound, going deeper into the maze of flowers by doing so. 

Turning a corner by a patch of sunflowers, I saw a guy sitting on a wooden box, slapping his palms and tapping his fingers against the sides, creating a deep and rhythmic beat. I wasn’t entirely surprised to see him, with his piercings and tattoos, this school was full of artists and creative types, but I did find it a little strange that he was playing his box-drum-thing in the middle of a garden. 

He didn’t notice me at first, not glancing up until I was standing in front of him. He was lost in his music, bouncing his legs and head along with it. Watching him was mesmerizing. He gave off such a happy energy while he drummed that it made me want to move too. So, while he continued playing, I began to dance. 

I had come to this school as a dance major, finding that I was able to forget about everything else when I focused on my fluid movements. Dancing was an escape, a vacation from the everyday. Like going south for the winter. I was no longer the timid anxious girl chilled to the bone with fear. Instead, I was warm beaches and lazy waves. I was a gentle breeze or a bubbling brook. Dancing brought out my true self, the person that I was when I wasn’t so insecure. 

The colorful boy continued to drum, keeping me in time while he watched me. He didn’t seem to mind me joining him, and I was grateful for a reason to dance. 

It felt good to move my limbs, shrugging off the tightness that had occurred during my attack. I twirled and leapt and glided in front of him, the yellow from the sunflowers filling my vision, the beat of his drum resounding in my ears. A light feeling in my chest made me feel like I could take flight. A fairy in a garden of sunshine.  

When my muscles began to burn, and sweat slicked my skin, and my heart was filled with joy, the boy brought the song to an end. 

I posed, completing my dance, panting, but smiling a mile wide. When I turned to look at him, a huge grin was spread across his face, mirroring mine. “That was amazing,” was all he said. 

“Thank you.” I took a few more gulps of air. “I really needed that. I’m glad I heard you drumming.” 

He stood from his box, lifting his backwards facing cap for a moment to run a hand through his hair. My eyes widened at the sight of the brightly colored strands, but I didn’t comment on it. The color suited him somehow. He was as unique as the flowers that surrounded us.  

“Yeah I normally try and find places away from people so that my playing doesn’t disturb their class or their studying. Plus I really like flowers, so I tend to come here.” He waved a hand, acknowledging their surroundings. 

 I liked that he wasn’t afraid to admit that he enjoyed flowers, secure in his masculinity. Why shouldn’t boys like flowers? “This is my first time here actually. I just needed to get away and I somehow ended up here.” 

“Oh, are you alright?” his voice full of concern. 

I turned to him in surprise, “What?”

“Are you okay? You said you needed to get away, and when I feel like that…” he trailed off. 

“Oh..” I shuffled nervously, “Yeah, I’m alright. I managed.”

He gave me a tight lipped smile and a sympathetic look. He knew what I was talking about.

I held my hand out towards him, wanting to change the subject, “I’m Y/N.”

“Josh,” he said, grasping my hand. His hand was warm and large, the hint of callouses scratched against my skin. They must have formed from practicing his art. 

“Nice to meet you, Josh. I like your box-drum. It sounded really nice.” 

He chortled, rubbing a hand against the back of his neck, displaying the colorful tattoos along his arm. “Hey thanks. It’s a cajon. Easier than carrying a kit around.” He punctuated that with another small laugh.  

“I can imagine,” I giggled. Josh looked at me then, his hooded brown eyes alight with something I couldn’t quite place. Excitement maybe? The rush from playing still running through him? I smiled back at him with my own version of excitement. 

“Hey, you’re a really great dancer.” Josh told me with a blush. 

“Oh, thank you,” I could feel my own cheeks beginning to burn. “I’m sorry for barging in on your little pow wow for one, there.”

Josh shook his head, “Oh, no don’t worry. I mean, that’s what music is for right? For people to feel something?”  

I nodded in agreement. I liked Josh, he seemed easygoing and relatable. Not to mention, he was easy on the eyes. 

“Well, I better get to class.” I stated abruptly, feeling suddenly nervous. “I’ve probably missed some of it already…” I didn’t feel like bringing up my incident, knowing that was the reason that I was late. He seemed to be aware of it anyway.

“Oh, yeah, sure.” he nodded. “Thanks for the dance session. I’ll see you around?”

“Sure,” I agreed, giving him a little wave goodbye.

I headed to the academic buildings after finding my way out of the garden, feeling more comfortable that I had when I entered. 

The next couple of days were uneventful. I slipped into my easy routine of classes, eating, and sleeping. I kept to myself mostly, finding it hard to open up to my peers. There were times when I saw Josh while walking around campus. He was always with a group of guys, either skateboarding or playing music together. Sometimes I saw him with just one other guy who had short brown hair and black band tattoos on his arm. They seemed to spend the most time together. It must be nice, having a best friend. 

Whenever I saw Josh, I would wave, and he would always wave and give me a huge smile back. His buddies would laugh and jostle him around when they saw the interaction. I didn’t really know why.

I passed my dancing midterms, the teacher telling me that I was one of her top students. When I called my mom about it, she showered me with support to the point that I was drunk on happiness. But after I hung up, the feeling faded and I began to instead feel gloomy, not having anyone else to share my accomplishment with. I wondered that, if I told Josh about it, he would get as excited as I had been. 

My gloom seemed to settle in more and more as the days dragged by. Dancing didn’t even seem to hold the same amount of appeal. I wondered what was wrong with me, but my therapist just suggested that I try and make some friends. Get out more. Try. The thought terrified me. How do you just walk up to people and create a friendship? Is that how people do it? “Hey I’m so and so, let’s be friends?” “Oh sweet, come sit new buddy.”

I don’t think so. 

So instead, I let myself slip further and further into this isolation until it all bubbled up again in another attack. 

I had been fine. I was just walking to dance class, like I do every day. But then I started to notice all the happy faces, all the friends that laughed and walked together, and I started getting hot, my stomach twisting into knots. I tried to just breathe, to calm down, but I couldn’t. So I ran. 

Ba bum

Unlike last time though, I had a destination in mind. 

[bigskydreaming]

I want it on record that this is all @quicklikelight‘s fault, because she said wing fic and then she said Scydia and then my brain did a thing.

Scott McCall didn’t show up to class on Tuesday.

Normally, this was not something that would be on Lydia’s radar. Normally, Scott McCall was not something that would be on Lydia’s radar. But AP Bio was one of the only two classes Lydia allowed on her schedule that possessed at least the potential to challenge her. Nobody else whose opinion she cared about was in it, and neither were any of them in the pass/fail History of American Literature elective she’d selected to be her alibi in case any of them ever asked what class it was she had that period. (They never did).

Ergo, when forced to partner up with a classmate for an assignment worth half of one of the only grades she actually cared about - despite her best articulated arguments - she’d done her research before selecting Scott McCall to be hers. Perfect attendance, rarely volunteering answers but always having them once actually called upon, no extracurriculars or social life whatsoever as far as she could tell. In summation, reliable and unlikely to stand in the way of her ending the class with that A she damn well better end this class with. The perfect patsy.

Partner. She meant partner.

Point is, when one Scott McCall both failed to be reliable and stood in the way of that A by failing to show up to class two days in a row, Lydia figured she deserved an explanation for that. Some might call that entitled. She called it - fine, it was entitled. Sue her. Her dad had good lawyers.

And so here she stood in a part of town she hadn’t really ever registered existed other than in a vague, abstract sort of way, standing on the porch of the McCalls’ house. It was small, picturesque and possessed of a quality she didn’t know how to describe with any word other than ‘cozy.’ She had no idea what to do with that, so she got back on task and knocked, sharp and brisk enough to bruise her knuckles on the wood paneling. She could hear the echoes resonate through the house on the other side of the door. She heard nothing else. She knocked again.

When she tried the doorknob after further knocking produced similarly ineffective results, it was simple frustration, really. It wasn’t like she expected the door to be unlocked. Who leaves their front doors unlocked?

Apparently the McCalls, however, because a simple twist of her wrist was all that stood between her and access to their home. Maybe they were the kind of people who counted on basic human decency to keep uninvited strangers on the other side of that door? Hmm. Can’t relate. Food for thought though.

Lydia ventured down the darkened hallway towards the stairs cautiously, because there was always the other possibility she’d accidentally stumbled onto a crime scene. One could never be sure. And when she made her way up the staircase, it was less about being entitled and intrusive and more about following the trail of photographs chronicling the evolution of Scott McCall from chubby-faced baby to gangly adolescent. It was slightly adorable. Don’t quote her on that though, she’d sue. Her dad had good lawyers.

And when she saw the door to the bedroom at the end of the upstairs hall ajar with light from a lamp spilling out into the gloom, then of course she had to check to make sure everything was alright, because why would somebody be at home and yet not answer the door if everything was alright? It was just basic mathematics at that point.

Whatever Lydia Martin expected to find when she pushed open that door, however, it was definitely not Scott standing shirtless in front of a mirror, with large, brown, gray and tan wings sprouting proudly from his back while he awkwardly tried to trap them against his sides with an ACE bandage. Feathers littered the floor; evidence this had probably been going on for quite some time.

In retrospect, that was the moment where Lydia Martin’s life got weird.

Look, she wasn’t just some small town girl who thought the world began and ended at the state line. She’d been to Paris. She’d mastered archaic Latin because she was bored. She actually understood Euclidean geometry and she was well aware that the world was bigger and stranger than anyone could possibly imagine.

All of that did nothing to prepare her for the sight of a classmate with actual wings, actual functional wings, if the haphazard flapping of the twin appendages were suggestive of anything.

So having absolutely no prior experience, knowledge or frame of reference to fall back on in the face of something THIS bizarre and inexplicable, Lydia did what she did best. She compartmentalized.

First off, they were massive. The tailfeathers drooped down to the carpet and they peaked a good foot and a half over his head, she put him at about five foot ten, maybe five foot eleven, did some quick calculations of the height by the approximate breadth of the wing folded tight against his body…Lydia whistled softly. They were looking at a fifteen foot wingspan, easy.

Lydia also whistled out loud, she realized belatedly. Mostly as a result of Scott whirling around with a startled gasp, hands scrambling to hide both wings behind his body, tucked behind him like a shield. Totally futile, of course. But precious. Definitely precious.

“Jesus,” Scott yelped. “Don’t you knock?”

“I did knock. Twice,” Lydia said, still tracking the curve of his wings with her gaze, comparing and contrasting the shape and hue of the feathers with a lifetime’s worth of nature documentaries. At a glance, she wanted to guess they most resembled the wings and feathering of bubo virginianus, aka the great horned owl. Not a species native to this part of California, but then again, teenage boys with wings weren’t exactly native to any part of California so she might just be parsing semantics at this point. “I think you were…preoccupied.”

That put Scott back on the defensive, even though it hadn’t been her intent. He shifted his weight from foot to foot awkwardly. Arched his back as though to try and shove the tips of his wings lower and more out of sight, but really all it did was make his nicely toned chest jut out more. Not that she was opposed to that angle either.

“It’s not what you think,” he tried.

“I think you have wings, Scott.”

“Okay, so, I can explain.”

Lydia tilted her head. “Can you? Really?”

Scott deflated. “Well. No. Kinda? I don’t know. Look, not that I’m complaining, but why aren’t you fleeing in terror right now?”

She shrugged. “You have fluffy brown wings, McCall, not fangs and claws and smoke coming out of your nostrils. Should I be fleeing in terror?”

“No, of course not, its just…I don’t know. Look, its not like I have an instruction manual here. You’re the first person to even see them.”

“I’m honored.” Weird thing is, she actually was. Okay, let’s be real, the weird thing was still the classmate with giant wings sticking out of his back, but relatively speaking. “So not to be crass or anything, but elephant in the room. How is it you have wings, exactly?”

Scott cocked his own head, a surprisingly bird like motion given the appendages framing it, and he shot her an odd look. As though he had any right to be the one acting like there was something strange about this Twilight Zone scene she’d found herself in. “How, huh? Kinda figured your first question would be why do I have wings.”

“Why implies there’s a reason or purpose for your having wings, which is an assumption with no practical basis. How implies simply that there was some mechanism or event by which you developed wings, which is a certainty given that I am one hundred percent confident you didn’t have those last week. Hence, how takes precedence.”

He continued to scrutinize her, and she resisted the urge to fidget, because fuck that, ladies don’t fidget, they make boys fidget. It wasn’t like Lydia was unused to the sensation of all eyes and attention in the room being focused on her after all, but there was a weight to this inspection that was not exactly uncomfortable, but wholly unfamiliar.

“You know, you’re not at all what most people expect.”

“Neither are you, McCall,” she said dryly. “Yes, I have a brain, you have a wingspan, shocking revelations all around. Back to my question please.”

He sighed and flopped onto the edge of his bed. She took it as an invitation to sit next to him. She had a suspicion they were going to be there awhile. Plus it increased her chances of accidentally brushing up against those wings and getting a sense of their relative softness. Purely for the purpose of adding to her mental notes, of course. Look, it was literally for Science.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Scott tried at last. She gave no ground.

“Five minutes ago I wouldn’t have believed what my eyes are telling me. Yet here we are. I’m a believer. You were saying?”

“It’s kind of a long story. A weird story,” he said, trying again. Lydia progressed to full-fledged eye rolling. God, it was like pulling teeth with this one.

“Let’s start with the Cliff Notes version. Once upon a time there was a boy with no wings. Then he had wings. How?”

“I was bit by a werewolf, okay?!”

Lydia blinked. Okay, point to him for that one. Her snark subsided ever so slightly.

“Okay. So. Werewolves are a thing, apparently. How does that equal you having wings instead of claws and an insatiable hunger for human flesh?”

Scott shrugged and scratched his head, a fresh downfall of feathers cascading to the floor following his motions. “I’m not sure I get it entirely myself, but according to this guy, Derek - he’s a werewolf, but not the one that bit me - so like, there’s some old werewolf proverb or whatever about how the shape you take reflects the person you are? I dunno. But apparently, turns out, I am not a wolf.”

He turned pensive. “I’m still not sure if I’m offended by that or not. Derek seemed to think that’s a bad thing, but he’s kind of a dick. So. Yeah.”

“Huh,” Lydia said as she digested this. “So rather than lycanthropy being a contagion that replicates exactly in each new host, its more like the bite of a shapeshifter is simply a catalyst for transformative magic the new host’s spirit provides the blueprint to follow. Fascinating.”

She refocused on Scott in time to catch him staring at her. “What?”

“You got all that from what I just said?”

She blushed before she had a chance to body check her basic physiological response to flattering male attention and since when was Scott McCall flattering male attention. Eww. Weird. Focus, Lydia.

“What, like its hard?” She joked, falling back on Legally Blonde quotes as her eyes drifted back down to his still bare chest and she remembered oh no, he’s hot.

“No,” Scott said, corners of his mouth twitching. “Just that I knew there was more to you than met the eye, but from what I picked up while working on our AP Bio project, I figured it was all science oriented. But you’re really running with this whole ‘magic is real’ thing, huh? I mean, it took me a second and I’m the one with the freaking wings.”

“Magic is just science we can’t understand yet,” Lydia shrugged, averting her eyes to the floor. She resisted the urge to twirl a lock of her hair. She. Would. Not. Fidget. Dammit.

“You read Asimov?”

“Who doesn’t read Asimov?”

“Touche,” Scott laughed. He ducked his own head. “Umm. Okay. Maybe it’d be more productive if we both just agreed to stop assuming things about each other?”

She studied him. “I can work with that.”

“Cool.” He grinned and held out his hand. “So hey, I’m Scott McCall, and I’m part bird, apparently.”

She smiled and took his hand. “I’m Lydia Martin. I like birds.”

“While we’re at it, any chance I can get you to stop eyeing me like I’m the blue ribbon at next year’s science fair? I mean, I totally get it, its just…yeah.”

Ooops. Busted. Lydia recovered with a casual hair toss. “Well, you’re just going to have to prioritize there. I can look at you like a marvel of the modern scientific world, or like a shirtless teenage boy who makes for great eye candy. Dealer’s choice.”

Scott blushed again. Point to her. “Don’t you have a boyfriend?”

She shrugged. “Me having a boyfriend doesn’t negate you having nice pecs. Kudos on those by the way. You should consider wearing tighter shirts.”

That was the wrong thing to say, apparently, and the playful climate they’d cultivated evaporated.

“I can’t even get a jersey on with these things, let alone anything tight,” Scott said, turning pensive again. “My mom thinks I’m just sick and holed up in my room but that’s not gonna work for much longer and if I don’t figure out something soon, I really am going to be next year’s science fair exhibit.”

“So there’s no way to get rid of them? They’re just part of being a…were…owl?”

They were definitely going to need to come up with some more expansive terminology, just for the record. Lydia Martin flat out refused to make it a habit of regularly saying things like wereowl with a straight face.

“I don’t think they are, but I honestly have no idea. I don’t think Derek even knows, like…he tracked me down after I was bitten and the fact that I’d already healed proved I was a shapeshifter, but then when he tried to teach me how to shift, like…this happened instead? And he pretty much lost interest then because apparently a werebird or whatever the fuck I am doesn’t help with whatever it is he wanted me for,” Scott said. With no small trace of bitterness.

“But he shifted into a werewolf form, right? And then changed back?”

“Yeah. So I mean I figure its gotta be possible for me to change back too, I just…don’t know how. Nothing I’ve tried has worked.”

“Well, that gives us our basic parameters to start with,” Lydia said briskly, standing and stalking over to his computer. “Clearly, we have two immediately available courses of action. Figuring out how to shift you back, knowing that it is theoretically possible, or else figuring out how to disguise your wings until we figure that out, acknowledging that it might take longer than we’d like to figure out the proper mechanism. Which direction should we tackle?”

“Umm. We?”

“Yes, Scott, we. How did you think this conversation was going to end? A fist bump and me leaving with a ‘cool story, I gotta get to the mall, see you in class if the government doesn’t cart you off to some black ops lab first?’”

“Have you ever given someone a fist bump in your life?”

“Not the point, Scott, I was deliberately emphasizing the ridiculous. Focus.”

He hesitated, standing, but still clearly uncomfortable and undecided. His shoulders slouched, his wings drooped…he definitely should never play poker while shifted, she noted absently. Those things were absolutely a tell. Who knew human-proportioned wings could be so expressive?

“Look, don’t take this the wrong way, because I’m really grateful that you didn’t go fleeing in terror the second you saw me like this, but…why are you trying to help me? I mean, I’m trying not to assume the worst here or anything, but its not like we’re friends, and I have a lot to lose here, so how do I know you’re not just interested in writing a paper about me or turning me over to some science lab for a cash reward and a byline?”

“I have money, Scott, I don’t need more,” Lydia answered abrasively, not knowing how to address his perfectly valid concerns any more delicately than that. For all her varied skills, handling with care was not something ever likely to appear on her resume. So she fell back on playing to her strengths. When in doubt, steamroll them. “And as for the rest, you’re right, I absolutely could turn you over to the science community and solidify my place in history for all time. Fortunately for you, not all of us are attracted to science for altruistic purposes and because we want to spread and share knowledge and information with all for the betterment of mankind. Some of us are just smug bitches who like knowing we know more than anyone else, and knowing I’m the only one who knows all this right here? That’s my catnip.”

“Now sit,” Lydia patted the edge of the bed closest to his desk, having already claimed his chair for herself. “I’m thinking our initial approach should be delving into psychosomatism and the effects of the id and the superego on our physiologies. Obviously there’s a mental trigger involved in the shift from human form to your altered state, and such triggers frequently involve psychological factors like confidence and self-esteem, both of which, no offense, I don’t suspect your cup overfloweth with, so it seems worth a try.”

Scott shook his head and resumed his seat on the bed, albeit closer to the desk. A bemused smile played across his lips. “You’re kind of a force of nature, you know that? Hurricane Lydia.”

“Mmm,” Lydia said absently. She booted up his browser, gratified that his search bar didn’t autofill with various porn site selections. What a treasure. “I prefer to be classified as a tropical storm. It leaves me the option of upgrading to a full scale natural disaster when appropriately pissed.”

“Noted.”

“I always knew you were a smart boy, McCall.”

“No you didn’t,” he scoffed, though he seemed more amused than offended. Curious. “You didn’t even know my name two weeks ago.”

“An oversight on my part. Don’t worry. I learn from my mistakes,” Lydia assured him. They exchanged sidelong classes, complete with smiles. Something shivered along her spine. In retrospect, the wings were the moment Lydia Martin’s life got interesting. This right here? This was the moment Lydia Martin’s life got very, very complicated. That awareness would come later though. For the time being, she simply turned back to his computer, fingers poised above the keyboard, ready to begin the search of a lifetime. “Now in the immortal words of every teenage boy in the history of modern English: Let’s do this already.”