#poor girl thought that she was gonna miss the podium again when she was so close

[lewanarta]

🐝🥉🥹

[freakymcnastys]

“cruel to be kind” - katsuki bakugou x fem!reader

━━ . ˚₊ ꒱ "means that i love you baby. "

content: quirkless au, american au, ochaco rich girl au, its 1999 so flip-phones yall…, um idk if ppl are ooc here i’m sorry😭

"KATSUKI BAKUGOU! I SEE MAKING our visits a weekly ritual." Ms. Midnight says taking a seat at her desk. "Only so we can have these moments together--should I hit the lights?" Katsuki said with a sarcastic smile on his face. "Oh, very clever, blasty boy." She replied, eyebrows raised looking down at her papers. "Says here you exposed yourself in the cafeteria?" Katsuki just sighs. "I was joking with Lunchrush, it was a bratwurst-" This made Midnight pull her glasses down and look through her brows at the boy. "Aren't we the optimist?" She remarked as Katsuki gave a disgusted look at the counselor.

"Well next time, keep it in your pouch, okay?" Midnight smiled before flicking her hand. "Scoot!" And with that, Katsuki left. "Weird ass lady-"

As Iida and Kirishima made their way through the courtyard the blue-haired boy stopped in his tracks when he saw the brunette wearing a dress. "Oh my god.."

"What group is she in?" He asked, adjusting his glasses. "The 'don't even think about it' group." Kirishima rolled his eyes at the new student. "That's Ochaco Stratford. She's a sophomore." He shrugged. Iida sighed, not taking his eyes off the girl while walking. Kirishima just laughed lightly. "Mhm, ya know she's beautiful and deep. I'm sure.."

"Yeah but there's a difference between like and love. Because I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack." The girl related to her friend, walking next to her. "But I love my Skechers?" Momo asked, a confused look on her face. "That's because you don't have a Prada backpack!" Ochaco smiled as Momo let out an 'ohhh' look.

"Anyways forget that their incredibly uptight father and it's a well-known fact that the Stratford sisters aren't allowed to date." Kirishima explained, the two now stopped and looked in the direction of the girls, walking off as the bell rang.

━━

Taking a seat near the front, you settle down in 5th period, English. "So what did we think about 'The Sun Also Rises'?" Mr Aizawa asked the class from the podium. Hagakure raised her hand. "It was so romantic~" This ticked you off as you whipped your head around to the girl. "Romantic? Hemingway?" You let out a sigh before turning back to the front of the class. "He was an abusive, alcoholic misogynist who squandered half of his life trying to nail Picasso's leftovers." You finished as Aizawa sighed in irritation but before he could continue his lesson a blonde boy spoke up.

"As opposed to a bitter self-righteous hag?" He laughed along with some others in the class, even daping one up. "Shut it blondie." Aizawa sassed the boy whose smile fell from his face. "Maybe in this society being male and an asshole makes you worthy of our time." You turned back to Monoma with a tight smirk. This made the class erupt in 'oohs'.

As you were speaking about other amazing female writers, a boy with blonde spikey hair and a bag on his shoulder walked into the classroom. "What'd I miss?" He asked, panting. Taking a quick look at the boy before looking back with a heavy sigh. "The oppressive patriarchal values in our education."

"Good." Katsuki nodded before leaving the classroom as Mr Aizawa called after him. Monoma spoke up once again with the same shit-eating smirk on his face as before. "Mr. Aizawa, is there any chance we could get y/n to take her midol before class?" This makes the class chuckle as you throw a glare towards the boy.

"One day you're gonna get bitch-slapped and I'm not gonna do a thing to stop it." The teacher shook his head and continued his lesson, shutting up the boy.

━━

"You heard about the whole nirvana thing?" Mina asked you with a slight frown. "Oh yeah, poor Frances.." You grimace. "Ugh, I wish I got to see them--" Before Mina could continue the thought, Monoma pulled up in his bright red sports car.

"Hey, your little mad max look is out, y/n." He smirked, hand still on the wheel. "Didn't ya read last months Cosmo?" Cosmo? Is this guy serious? No way he's into women..."Run along." You flick your hand in a 'keep moving 'motion before walking off with Mina.

While getting into your car and turning it on you see your sister Ochaco and Momo riding in the back of Monomas car. "Well, that's a charming view." Mina scoffs from the passenger seat. "Ugh, that's disgusting." You groan before pulling out of the space. That's until a boy with red hair on a bike almost runs into you. Clearly annoyed from the entire school day, you yell at him, saying something along the lines of getting his head out of his ass before driving away to leave Mina at her house.

"You okay?" Iida asked, shocked at your antics. "Yeah, just a minor encounter with the witch. That's your girlfriend's sister." Kirishima gestured to the car that was driving away. "That's Ochaco sister?" Iida stuttered in disbelief. "Stay cool bro." The boy on the bike waved goodbye to his new friend.

━━

Sitting comfortably by the window, you read the words of 'The Secret History' as your dad came up to you with the mail in his hands. "Hello y/n. Make anyone cry today?" He asked, not looking up from the mail. "Sadly no, but it's only 4:30." You half-joked, looking up at your dad with a smile as he returned it. "Hi, Daddy!" Ochaco practically skipped to your dad, leaving a quick peck on his cheek. "Hello, precious."

Closing your book to look at your sister. "And where have you been?" You asked knowingly. You knew that you sounded like a complete bitch but you just didn't like the thought of her hanging out with that prick Monoma. "Nowhere." She practically sneered at you. Your dad pulled out an envelope from the bottom with a confused look on his face. "What's this? It says, Sarah Lawrence?"

This made your face light up, snatching up from him before throwing yourself onto the couch and opening it. Holy shit, it says you got accepted! "I got in!" You yelled, giddy from the news. "That's great sweetheart but isn't Sarah Lawrence on the other side of the country?" Tsunagu sputted, walking over to the couch, Ochaco following suit. You kept reading the lines of the paper with a smile. "I thought you were gonna stay here for college--be a hero like me!" He then made the university mascot pose which was a regular hero pose. "No, you decided! I think I'm gonna go--" Before your dad could say anything Ochaco chimed in with a smile.

"Let's hope so!" You sometimes can't believe how she's even related to you. Getting up to go upstairs, hearing your sister and dad argue about dating until you heard your name being said. "Ugh, y/n why can't you just be normal! Where did you come from planet loser?" The brunette huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "As opposed to the planet 'look at me! look at me!'" You mocked her, standing at the staircase, now pulled back into the conversation.

"Okay old rule out, new rule" Tsunagu began. "Ochaco can date...when y/n does...oh yes I like this.." He proposed a sly smile on his face. Ochaco protests, making meaner remarks than before, you decide that it is high time for you to finally go upstairs.

Closing the door to your room you let out a long sigh. Running a hand through your hair, you throw your school bag on the bed to work on some homework, hopefully, it would take your mind off of the dumpster fire that today was.

━━

Iida and Kirishima are now in Biology and cooking up a plan to get y/n to date someone so Iida can take Ochaco out. That was the easy part. Finding someone willing to date 'the heinous bitch' was the difficult part.

"What if we can't find anyone.." Iida groaned lightly to his friend. "Wait hey what about him-" The boy pointed at a blonde guy who was playing with the bunsin burner before his friend with black hair stopped him. "Hey no don't--don't look at him.." Kirishima told Iida. "Not him, I heard he sold his kidney for a set of speakers." He whispered. Iida didn't immediately respond, looking at the guy before saying with a smile. "That's our guy."

Kirishima didn't completely agree but shrugged. "Well, we need a backer because I don't have any money bro." They looked around but the bell rang for lunch so they continued their conversation in the halls to the cafeteria.

"Oh wait how about Monoma--I mean he'll do it super senior and stupid?" He joked as they saw said senior sitting with his friends. Iida nodded along, taking a seat at the table and waiting for Kirishima to finish talking to Monoma. To be frank, Iida was nervous, he wasn't too sure if this plan would work and he wasn't sure what he'd do if it didn't. Seeing Kirishima come back with something drawn on his face.

"He'll do it."

━━

Finally last period arrived and it was gym, more specifically soccer. I mean you did choose it but there weren't many good options to be fair. Finishing up the game, Coach Nezu told you that you were being 'too rough' which you scoffed at before heading back to grab your gym bag when a boy with spiked blonde hair came up to you.

"Hey there girlie." He smirked down at you. You rolled your eyes, not stopping for this wannabe. "How are ya?" He pressed further. "Sweating like a pig actually! and yourself?" You smiled, sarcastically at him as he gave you a faultered look. He cleared his throat before picking up his smile again. Those 50 bucks aren’t looking like the right price anymore.

“Lemme me take you out.” You scoffed at his offer. The guys at this school keep getting more and more annoying. “Psh mhm—do you even know my name screw boy?” You rolled your eyes, now stopping to face him. “That’s what the dates for idiot-“

“Yeah real nice—“ And with that you leave the field, leaving the boy in his tracks. “Shit…”

Iida and Kirishima watched the entire scene unfold, their hopefulness slowly disappearing. “We’re screwed..” Iida sighed into his hands. Kirishima whipped his head to his friend. “Nope I don’t wanna hear that defeatist attitude dude!”

“We’re screwed!” Iida said with more enthusiasm (and sarcasm.) “Yup that’s it..” The red haired boy replied in a whisper.

━━

(PART ONENEN i swear part two is better! this is gonna be a three parter because it’s based off the movie and well there are to many fire scenes I have to include 😈😈 HOPE YALL LIKED IT!!)

- love always, kat

[mrsnancywheeler]

I’m back with more thoughts (I’ve been harassing you with the jealous Finnick and first time being intimate asks IM SO SORRY)

Imagine the pain Finnick feels when he has to walk to the reaping, seeing his sweet girl-no not his sweet girl anymore…seeing her at any point hurts him. It hurts his soul. His heart feels like a fresh bruise being pressed on when he sees her. But then, then her name is called, and instead of a bruise his heart is ripped from his body, chewed up and spit out by the capital. He gave her up so she’d be safe, he hasn’t felt her touch in two years so she wouldn’t be touched by the capitol. And yet, here she is. Walking up to the podium, on her way to a death game.

The heartbreak that he feels in the moment is probably unimaginable. The realization that giving her up, breaking her heart, breaking his heart; which she owns, was all for nothing.

Anyway I hope I’m not annoying you with these little thoughts haha! I’ll stop if so😅

Bye!

i love being bombarded with these sm please send me all your thoughts, pookie 💕

again I will probably get into this in the river more but like my poor boy

I swear this man he tells you not to be around, but he needs to see you. he'll make rounds around the market to try and catch a glimpse just to get jealous when you're happily talking with Conway or anyone else (I'm resisting the urge to say thing's I'm saying for the river and it's so hard) he told you not to come to his parties, but they're not fun anymore. now he's just sad when he's drunk, there's no giggly you around. and there's no comfort to his sadness without you. he wants to beg you to come back, to be with him, but he can't. no other girls his age hold a candle to what he felt with you and he feels like he's betraying you by just entertaining them.

and oh my god, of course you notice the way he spends all day, circling around the marketplace. you hate it because of how much I makes you love him, for keeping an eye on you even if he won't have you. how are you supposed to accept your life when he's giving you hope everytime he passes by? and he's such a masochist by continuing to even though it makes him miss you more every time

and I'm not saying that reader was reaped intentionally by snow to teach finnick a lesson, but that is what I'm saying.

and she's going to be sent to her death and then right beside her is the person who was supposed to take his place in your life, conway, and finnick hates that if this was going to happen that he gave you up to a life with conway when he could've been openly loving you all along

and maybe after all this time you've stopped loving him back, loathed what he did to you, but he doesn't care because he's going to spend as long as he can making it up for you and making sure you come home to him. finnick knows you so well that he sees that look on your face when conway is called, just for a brief moment and he knows his sweet girl is also a smart girl, he knows you have a plan to survive even if it breaks you in the end. and he knows it's selfish, but maybe it's worth it if he gets to be yours again and be the one to help put you back together.

no I literally love these sm and talking about them, it makes me think about what I'm gonna write later too, helps me brainstorm

[huihuiheart]

Hongjoong’s Angels - Hongjoong w/ f! Yeosang + f! San

-req by @pirate-hongjoong

Pairing: Platonic Hongjoong (Speaking in italics) + f! Yeosang + f! San + Female Reader (ft. the rest of Ateez)

Summary: The angels are about as elite as they come, but all of them are at risk now. For a mission that they would have assigned a dozen angels to, it comes down to just three. Would that be enough to prevent their whole world from falling apart though?

Warnings: Spies, violent themes, espionage, guns, suggestive themes, seduction, kidnapping, breaking and entering, fight scenes, tasers, explosions, lies, missiles, betrayal, some member x member themes (the couple is a secret to prevent spoilers), death.

Word Count: 8,086

Note: I still have not watched the most recent movie and this is an original piece, so please don’t give me backlash for it. I was very excited to do this though, because the original Charlie’s Angels movies were my childhood, so this seemed very fun. 

“Once upon a time there were three very different little girls....”

“I’m sorry the only spot we have open is for a mascot.” The head cheerleader mocked, but Yeosang simply smiled, her braces on full display.

“Oh my god, that’s great though! It’ll be so much fun! And I still get to dance!” Yeosang practically bounded out of the hall, tripping over her own feet at the entrance and falling flat on the ground.

---

“Ladies and Gentleman, that does it. Your winning rider is Choi San on her prized horse Blue Ballad. The youngest yet to win this competition.” The announcer called over the sound system. Choi San standing proudly on the podium for photos with her horse standing behind her, taking in the applause.

---

“Y/L/N Y/N! You get in here right now young lady!” The principle called from her office, you smirking as you walked in and plopped down opposite her, “ Would you explain to me why we have you on camera spray painting the school wall?”

You snickered as she showed you the film they had, “Oh look that’s my favorite part.” You muse as you watch the clip of you giving the camera the bird before spray painting over it.

---

“Who grew up to be three very different women...”

Yeosang held the little hairless kitten in her arms, giggling at it as people gave her strange looks in passing.

“Maybe you should put that one down Yeosang, no one’s gonna adopt...it....”

“Awe, but there’s nothing wrong with her. Besides she’s so cute...and she doesn’t do that...”Yeosang counters gesturing to one of the hairballs from the other cats in the shop.

---

“Prep OR3 and tell them I’m on my way. We have to move people, this is life or death! Now scrub me in!” San huffs, washing her hands, as one of the assistants puts the gloves and scrubs on for her. San opening the door to the operating room with her back to not contaminate anything.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

---

“Hi, welcome to Good Burger. What can I get for you today?” Y/N droned over the drive-thru headset in the same monotone voice you did everyday, with a huff. 

The car pulling up moments later, a rambunctious group of young men in the car, “Hey sweetheart, why don’t you give us a show with that meal?”

You gave them a deadpan look, before holding up the paper bag with their order in it and shaking it, throwing it into the window of their car before closing your drive-thru window with a fake smile and walking away.

“What they have in common is that they’re brilliant, they’re beautiful, and they work for me. My name is Hongjoong.”

“Good morning, angels.”

“Good morning Hongjoong!” You three replied in unison, sitting on the couch across from the little speaker. The device is your only connection to the mystery man that was your boss.

“So Hongjoong, what do you have for us today?” San questions, hugging your arm slightly as she sits to your right, eager to get a new assignment.

“Well, angels, we’ve recently been hired by Jeong Yunho, CEO of Jeong Technologies. They’re currently the largest private technology and information firm around. Their lead engineer Song Mingi was kidnapped, there’s footage of three assailants taking him from the front of Jeong Technologies science building the other night and there has been no sign of him since.”

 “There any leads so far? Anyone who wants to see Jeong Technologies fall?” You ask, looking over the tape on the screen one last time, watching the poor engineer get shoved into the van by some masked men.

“Bosley hasn’t given you the files yet, has he?” Hongjoong chuckles over the speaker, “Where has my good friend gone off to now?”

“Bosley? I thought you told me your name was Wooyoung?” Yunho’s brows furrow as he walks in with the man in question.

“It is my name is Wooyoung. I’m simply in the Bosley family....it’s a term of endearment at this point.” Wooyoung shrugs, gesturing for Yunho to sit on the couch opposite of you, “I was just greeting our guest Hongjoong, no need to rush anyone.”

“Well, angels, it looks like you’re in capable hands. If you need anything, Wooyoung will provide you with it. I’ll be in touch.” With that, the speaker was off, and Wooyoung was handing you each of your respective files on the case. Almost identical, but each with slightly unique details based on your unique skill sets.

“So, you’re Jeong Yunho then?” Yeosang looks at him while offering her hand, each of you following suit and flustering the young, shy CEO who shakes your hands.

“I-I am. I-I just want to say that whatever you girls need to get him back, I’m happy to help. Mingi is more than an employee, he’s also a friend.” Yunho is flustered at first, but slowly it changes to concern for his missing friend.

“If you don’t mind me asking then, is that why he is so special? I mean, a kidnapping is usually handled by the police, so what about this makes it a better fit for us?” San inquires, barely looking up from the file finding bits of information that might prove useful.

 “Not exactly. You see, we’re a private firm, but we recently landed a government project, and that’s what Mingi was working on. The intelligence involved in this project cannot get out, but Mingi’s the only one who currently knows how to access it or lock it down. Which is why we need to get him back before they can get it out of him.” Yunho explains, catching the attention of all the angels.

“What kind of information are we talking about here?” You finally dare to ask, not sure you’d like any answer that he would give you. 

“Potentially limitless information. The program is designed to screen through all sources public and private without interfering with people’s privacy. What I mean is no person is scouring through people’s information. It uses facial recognition and voice recognition software to track people internationally based on the specs you give it. That person’s trail. With hopes of finding the most wanted criminals who have fallen off the face of the earth. When it pings with that, all the computer saves is the clip with their voice or face. Then it shares that with those who need to find that person. Without sharing private information about the person whose device it was with said investigators. Like an anonymous tip phone call of sorts, but it also provides a location. However, in theory, those safeties can be removed and you could potentially access any information on anyone from anywhere in the world.” Yunho worries his lip between his teeth as he explains the purpose of their latest program.

“And Mingi is the only one who knows the system well enough to do anything with it? To allow or prevent that from happening?” Yeosang sucks in a breath at the sorrowful nod that Yunho answers her with.

“Who would have the most to gain from kidnapping Mingi? People who knew of this program? Of its potential? Or, just have something to gain by taking him?” You look for the page you know you saw when skimming the file, the one that listed off Yunho and Mingi’s enemies.

“Honestly, we kept a tight lid on the information flow only those working on the project and myself knew. Everyone was very adamant about not discussing it outside of the work area for safety reasons, so unless someone got that information elsewhere, I don’t know. However, there is one person I have in mind...Park Seonghwa. My leading competitor, he’s been known to send spies into our staff to steal ideas and information. I wouldn’t put it past him to kidnap our lead engineer in hopes of getting ideas to put out before us.” Yunho shakes his head, “That man never gives up, I’m telling you.”

The angels nod in unison, turning to Wooyoung and handing back the files.

“Yunho we’re going to need access to your building. We’re gonna see if they left anything behind where they took Wooyoung.” San explains, to which Yunho immediately agrees.

“Also, we’ll need to check your systems to see if anyone did get in and access confidential information,” Yeosang added before the two looked at you.

“Then we’ll check Park Industries too, just in case. Though before that, we should probably make sure your home is secure, for all we know they could be after you too.” You try not to worry Yunho too much while still telling him the reality of the situation.

“Alright, angels, let’s move.” Yeosang jumps up, catching the keys that Wooyoung tosses to her so that the four of you can head out to Jeong Technologies to start unraveling this mystery.

“Find anything in here?” Yeosang asks, joining you and San from checking out the scene where Mingi was finally grabbed.

“Good luck, angels! I’ll be checking in!” Wooyoung calls after you before sighing as he sits down again, left all alone now.

“I’m not seeing any immediate signs of someone snooping around, but not that we’re in. I'll have the computer at the base run a more thorough analysis and let us know,” San responds, looking to you and Yunho.

“I haven’t found any bugs or signs of forced entry if there was something here, it would have to be moving in and out on an employee. I say we check them out, just to be safe.” Your suggestion is met with nods from the other two, “What about out front?”

“Ah, I found a few things...our van had some specialty tires on it based on the treads it left behind. We could look for suppliers and cross-reference based on that to find who’s van it is. Also, there was some debris left I’m assuming when the kidnappers jumped out of the van. We’ll see if these little plants can tell us anything about where they were before being here.” Yeosang proudly beams, holding up her prize.

“Okay, why don’t you two get those back to the base and Wooyoung. I’ll go check out Yunho’s house and make sure it’s safe for him there.” You insist, causing the two to roll their eyes slightly at you.

“Please, you just want to go with him because you think he’s hot,” Yeosang mumbles, making San chuckle while you fluster and throw a glare at her.

“Not my fault, the yummy CEO hired us! Now get out of here.” You hiss quietly at the two before shooing them as they laugh. Before turning to Yunho, who was flustered and blushing after watching that exchange.

“C-Come on, I’ll drive us.” He offers leading the way out of the building and to his car so that he can drive you to his home. Of course, solely for professional reasons. Pulling up to a large modern home after not too long, it somewhat secluded in the woods. Yunho welcomes you in and helps you with your jacket, offering you something to drink while you immediately set to work and stumbling across an interesting photo.

“Isn’t this Park Seonghwa with you?” You question holding the photo up to Yunho, who nods in response, only further intriguing you, “I thought you two were rivals?”

“We are now, but things weren’t always that way. In fact, I’d prefer if they still weren’t.” Yunho sighs softly, holding out a glass to you, “We went to school together growing up, even picked the same university to attend. Honestly, he was more like a brother to me than anything. Until he tried to steal my final during our last year...he was found out and kicked out of the school, but money spared him most of the consequences. He blamed me for what happened, though, and now it seems he wants to get me back in any way at all.”

You nod, placing the picture back down, feeling worse for the Yunho now, “So you lost one close friend already, and now the other is missing...that must be tough.” When Yunho nods, you reach out to gently squeeze his arm in reassurance, “Don’t worry, we’ll get Mingi back, and we won’t let anything happen to you. The house is clean, and I’m leaving you this panic button. If anything is wrong, you just press it, and the closest one of us will come right away.”

“So if I pressed it right now, that would mean you would come, right?” Yunho asks, stepping closer as you start to step away, flustering you some.

“Well, yes, but I just checked the whole house Yunho and nothing wrong.” You chuckle despite being shy, thanks to him.

“Yes, there is.” Yunho blurts, a little too quickly, making you raise a brow in question, “W-What if I don’t feel safe being here all alone? I-I think you should stay for a bit...y-you know just in case.”

He was so impossibly close right now, standing right before you. Not even letting you respond, though, before the two of you were kissing. Your coat slipping out of your arms again as you slipped them around his neck, not letting him go again.

Yunho pouts, hearing your phone ring, and you chuckle, answering it.

“Y/N, we need you back here, we’re going to regroup and talk to Hongjoong. How far out are you?” San asks over the phone, and she and Yeosang finish up in the lab, looking over their results again.

“Not too far, I’m just at Yunho’s.” You answer before cursing internally at giving that away, while the CEO besides you blushes.

“Still? Why? Was something wrong?” San’s voice is teasing, but you know she genuinely wanted to know in case there was an issue, and you just hadn’t gotten the chance to ask for their help yet.

“N-No, nothing’s wrong...I-I’m heading over now.” You quickly hang up before she can question you anymore, giving Yunho an apologetic look, “Well, duty calls. If anything happens, though, hit the panic button, alright?” 

Yunho nods, slipping his arm around your waist and pulling you in for another kiss, “ Be careful out there, okay? If you have to leave me, then at least come back in one piece.”

“I will.” You give him one last kiss before slipping out of his grasp to leave, knowing there was still plenty to do before Yunho would be safe and have his friend back. 

San and Yeosang, smirking at you as you walked back into the base, their looks suggestive, now armed with the knowledge that you had spent the night at Yunho’s place. You sighed with a soft blush and brushed them off, taking your seat with them for yet another morning. Wooyoung, laughing, and accepting the incoming call.

“Good morning, angels.”

“Good morning, Hongjoong!”

“Do you girls have an update on the situation?” 

“We looked into the tires, and it leads back to Park Industries. They have an arrangement with one of the shops they like this specific brand on all their trucks and vans. They also have vans matching the make and model of the van that was used in the kidnapping.” San closes her file on the track report, having nailed Park Seonghwa or at least his company to taking Mingi the question now was just where.

“The plant material was interesting, it allowed me to narrow down to a fifty-mile area where they had been before, the only problem was that any way we cross-referenced things, in that area we found no connection to Park Industries at all, whether directly or otherwise.” Yeosang added with a shrug, “Unless they’ve managed to keep that hidden very well from us.”

“The computer didn’t come up with anything either. It looks as though Park Industries never got into Jeong Technologies computer.” Wooyoung continues before looking at you, now that they had pretty much covered all the leads before speaking up for you, “Oh, and Yunho’s house has been cleared.”

“It seems like whoever is hiding those details from us is doing a very good job of it. Get into Park Industries and see if you can find the last few things that you need to find Mingi, we might not have a lot of time left before they get that information.”

“We’re on it, Hongjoong!”

“So what’s the play then, angels?” Wooyoung inquires, leaning across the desk and smiling at you, “And what do you need for it?”

“You know...we could actually use your help on this one, Wooyoung.” You smiled at him, “How would you like to play a young, up and coming CEO? Willing to give Park Industries exclusive access to specialty supplies?”

“I’ll be your assistant, there to help you if anything happens and seduce Seonghwa enough to get the key for San to get in with.” You reassured Wooyoung as you three pull up the building specs.

“I’ll distract the others around, so San will just have to worry about security making their rounds and cameras on the outside. Once inside the room, though, there is a laser grid, moving, very high end. The code to disable them changes every five minutes. so it’s not likely we’ll be able to get that unless Y/N can manage it in Seonghwa’s office somehow.” Yeosang added before looking to San.

“I’ll be in and out with what we need before you even know it.” San nods looking at Wooyoung, “So what do you say Woo, you in?”

“Well...whatever the angels need, the angels get.” Wooyoung shrugs before chuckling softly, “I’m in.”

Sitting in your van outside of Park Industries and doing final preparations, San spotted something watching the building for any last-minute security changes. She couldn’t be sure, though, until she pulled up a still from the kidnapping video.

“Guys, I just realized something we’ve been missing.” San turns to the rest of you, showing the clip where a snake tattoo is visible on the kidnapper’s ankle, “We should have run with this from the start.”

“Well, what good does that do us now? We can’t call this mission off.” Yeosang frowns softly and San tsks, shaking her head.

“We won’t, we just would have gotten here sooner.” San zooms in on the building security guard from the camera hidden in the side of the van, “Considering this is the tattooed man.”

You look at the screen before initiating the facial recognition software and grabbing molar mics for you and Wooyoung, “When you figure it out, let me know. I’m meeting Wooyoung now.” 

You slipped out of the side of the van that faced away from the building, sneaking a few blocks away to where Wooyoung was waiting in the driver’s seat of a black Lamborgini Huracan. Smoothing over your dress one last time, you get into the passenger seat, handing him his mic and earpiece before putting on your own.

“Ready, Mr. Jung?” You smirked softly at Wooyoung, who chuckles in response, starting up the car.

“Honestly, if it means getting to do stuff like this and driving nice cars all the time, I might just have to tag along more.” He drives off to head towards the main entrance of Park Industries, you two needed to be the first to go in. 

“Y/N, we got a match over facial recognition. His name is Choi Jongho, he hasn’t been working for Seonghwa long, but they have a history. We better keep an eye on him though, he has a pretty remarkable rep. Numerous fighting styles mastered, history in dealing with arms. Keep an eye on him, don’t let him catch you off guard.” You hear San over the mic, knowing Wooyoung does too as you notice him tense while driving.

“Relax Wooyoung, just act natural, and nothing will go wrong. Besides, even if it did, you have the three of us there to protect you.” You assured him, leading him to take a breath and relax slightly, as he pulled up. Parking the car and the both of you got out. Showing Jongho your identification in passing, him eyeing you both up for a moment before opening the door to let you through.

“We’re in, work your magic girls.” You whisper, before taking over at the front desk, “Hello, we’re here for the meeting with Mr. Park. His 2 o’clock.”

The lady raised a brow at you, clearly not impressed until Wooyoung spoke up, “Is there a problem here? I’m a busy man, but I made the time to meet with CEO Park out of professional courtesy, I’d appreciate it if you made it happen, doll.”

She flusters, stuttering a bit behind her desk, “O-Of course CEO Jung, my apologies. It won’t happen again.” 

“Good work Wooyoung!” Yeosang cheered over the mic as the lady led the way for you both through the building. That being her cue as she slipped out of the van next. Heading up to the building with a blinding smile as she stopped in front of Jongho.

“Hi, I think I’m supposed to go in here, yes?” Yeosang fumbles through her bag for show, before finding her company id for him, “It’s my first day, so I’m just a little lost.”

Her helpless giggle and clueless innocent nature must have done the trick, Jongho scanning her id and even giving a small smile back before getting the door for her. San drove the van around to the back, preparing to make her entrance. 

“Let me know when we’re good, Yeosang.” She says, grabbing her ‘delivery’ and going in through the service entrance, before slipping into a bathroom to change into professional clothes, hiding her face from cameras the entire time.

“Give me five minutes,” Yeosang responds, stumbling into the room where the various cubicles were by the mainframe, blushing and giggling as people start to stare. Yeosang works her charms, pouting softly and twirling her hair, “I’m new, and I think I managed to get lost. Do any of you think you could help me?” 

Yeosang played further into the act as they scrambled over each other to get to her, and show her the various areas of the building. More than eager to be around a beautiful woman after being cooped up at their desk for hours without end. Giving her verbal cue to San who slipped out after the group had passed and headed in the opposite direction as them, just waiting for the key to be dropped off.

“You make a very appealing deal, Jung Wooyoung. Draw it up and send it to me, I’m more than interested in it.” Seonghwa smiles from his spot across from Wooyoung.

“That won’t be necessary, my assistance already drew it up. I hope it meets your liking?” Wooyoung gestures you forward. You round the desk and lean forward to place and open the drawn up papers on the desk, letting Seonghwa see your form in the process. It is a good distraction as your free hand slipped the key card off his desk, before taking your spot besides Wooyoung again. Slipping the card into his hand as Seonghwa reads and signs the document, Wooyoung signs afterward before collecting up the document, as his phone rings.

“If you’ll excuse me, I forgot I have another appointment. However, my assistant can stay to discuss anything else about the contract with you.” Wooyoung shakes Seonghwa’s hand before answering the fake call and stepping out of the room to hand the card off to San and get out of the building. The exchange, going successfully.

“Just keep him occupied for me Y/N.” San moves towards the room, hiding her face from view as she slips in to look for access. The easy part passed now just came the harder part of slipping through the lasers.

You trailed your fingertips over Seonghwa’s desk as you moved back to the same side as him, “Is there anything I can help you with, anything at all?”

Your hands, moving to massage his shoulders, noticing something sitting proudly on his desk that you hadn’t the first time. The same picture you had seen at Yunho’s house, of the two of them together.

“Oh, angel, as enticing as that sounds coming from such a beauty, I’ll have to pass. After all, I’ve got so much to do you know...with kidnapping people and all.” Seonghwa grabs your wrist-twisting you around and pinning your front to the desk beneath him. The others heard what happened clear as day.

“I’ll get Wooyoung out, you just finish up getting what we came for San and then help Y/N if necessary.” Yeosang is already in the ladies' room, slipping up and into a vent to make her way out without being swarmed again, dropping out and finding Wooyoung, but too late as Jongho pulls him through a door and shoves him into a van, while a man blocks Yeosang. 

“Jongho got Wooyoung.” She announces, flipping a switch in all the angels. None of them were happy that their Wooyoung had been taken.

“San get that stuff back to base, we’ll clean up here.” You say before twisting enough to elbow him in the face. Still, missing something, though, as Seonghwa tased you in the side. The world, going black and leaving the mission up to the other two for the time being.

Slowly you come too, eyes shifting around for any sign of Wooyoung or Mingi as you do. Instead, you hear someone tsking, followed by footsteps, drawing your attention forward and away from the dirtied surroundings. Yunho before you, as he leans down towards your face, pinching your jaw between his thumb and forefinger to make you look at him instead of at Seonghwa behind him. 

“I may have underestimated you, girls...I thought it would be easier to snatch all of you at once. The others got away, though, with something that belongs to us, and you’re going to help us get it back, angel.” Yunho’s glare only hardens further when you smirk at him, feeling the molar mic still in your mouth, even if they took your earpiece, knowing it’d help Yeosang and San even more.

“See that was your problem, you underestimated us. Besides, there are more than just three angels, a lot more.” You shrug, leaning back in your chair, knowing it was only a matter of time before help showed. Not that you couldn’t break out of the chair if you wanted to, but it was more fun letting them think they’d won and spilling everything to you while you learned everything about their security from the inside.

Seonghwa stepped over and joined Yunho, slipping his arms around Yunho’s waist and resting his chin on Yunho’s shoulder, “Oh, we know Y/N. After all, once an angel always an angel, right? And there are quite a few from what we can tell.” 

Seonghwa tilts Yunho’s body away from you, letting you see the monitors working on trying to break into Hongjoong and the angel’s database, not able to get much more than the number of angels at this point. You knew security was the best there was.

“If only there were a way to get access to their personal information, though? You know...so anyone who wishes could get revenge on the angels...oh wait, we have this.” Seonghwa tauntingly waves Wooyoung’s phone in front of your face, “Almost like when Hongjoong calls, we can use his voice to gain access to the system or something of the sort.”

Your heart races, knowing that was the one way to gain access to everything there, even to information on angels who retired, “Why would you want to do that to the angels? Just money? There’s plenty of easier to access information you could sell than this.”

Yunho scoffs, rolling his eyes, “No angel, this one is personal. Seonghwa’s sister was an angel, on a team much like yours...only her team didn’t bring her home. So we’re gonna teach the rest of you a lesson.”

“Once I find the two that left my sister, though...I’ll handle them myself.” Seonghwa hisses before letting Yunho go, gripping on your chair as his gaze darkens, “Now let me guess, they took what they got from me back to your little base and are going to try and find us?”

“Try?” It’s your turn to scoff now, “Don’t tell me you’re already underestimating us again, they won’t try...they will find us. And then breaking into the database would be the easiest challenge you’d have to overcome today.”

Yunho clicks his tongue, pulling a gun out of the back of his pants before putting it up to your temple, the click of the safety echoing in the room, “Just answer the question, or we won’t let you see any more of what we have planned. Which would be a real shame considering things are just now starting to get interesting.” 

You sigh softly, gaze shifting to Yunho for a moment, before back at Seonghwa, “Yeah, that’s what they would do.” 

Seonghwa smirking as he leans back, “See angel, that wasn’t so hard now, was it?” His eyes flick over to Yunho now, “Come on, babe, put the gun away. The little angel is cooperating now, and we want her to see just what’s happening, don’t we love?”

Yunho rolls his eyes, putting the gun away again, pulling out the duck tape and toying with it some, “ I hope you know, you won’t be able to depend on Yeosang and San much longer...they’ve got their own problems to deal with.”

He nods to Seonghwa, who pulls up the coordinates of your base, turning to you again, “I’ll give you a moment to look and say goodbye, they’re about to get quite the bang.” 

“Wha-” Your statement is cut off by Yunho putting the duck tape over your mouth and putting a finger over where your lips would be, shushing you.

“Shh, isn’t that much better?” Yunho chuckles as Seonghwa clicks enter on the keyboard, launching a missile straight at the coordinates of your home base. Leaving, you to hope that Yeosang and San heard enough to know to get out by now, but not quite sure if they did.

“We gotta move fast San, who knows what that could mean,” Yeosang calls, snatching one of the bags of supplies from the base and slinging it over her shoulder so they could have something while they rushed out.

“I know, I’m shutting this down now. I’ll be right behind you.” San responds, finishing up, before grabbing her bag and rushing out behind Yeosang. The two almost at the car by the time the missile hits the base, the force of the blast throwing them tumbling to the ground. Thankfully, though, with little more to worry about than a few scratches.

“Yep, they definitely want us dead.” Yeosang grunts, picking herself up off the ground with a groan and dusting off.

“Well, unlucky for them, I know where they are now...Seonghwa didn’t have any buildings in that radius, but Yunho does...that’s where we’re going.” San pulls herself off the ground too, before getting in the car and putting the location in. Letting Yeosang drive as they head towards the location, and parking a safe distance away from where they wouldn’t be seen.

“Security looks pretty tight, we won’t be able to just storm our way in without help...”Yeosang sighs, shaking her head as she lowers the binoculars she was using to get a better view of the front entrance.

“So, we’ll just have to make our own way in then.” San shrugs, “Come on, I have an idea.”

Seonghwa spotted the tear that rolled down your face before you could spot it and chuckled, “Aw, who knew angels could cry~”

He mocked you before having Jongho bring Mingi in and shove him into the chair in front of the monitors before going back to guard Wooyoung until he was needed, “It’s almost time, Mingi. I’m going to need you to get us set up. Or there’s gonna be consequences.” 

Yunho smirks playfully, brushing a finger over your cheek and collecting the tear, “You know you were rather pretty that night...but I think I prefer you this kind of broken.”

You glared at him, pulling away from his touch, which only made him chuckle. Until Jongho brought Wooyoung in. Seonghwa handed him the phone that was hardwired to the headset he handed Yunho, and the computer.

“You’re going to call Hongjoong for us.” Yunho demands of Wooyoung, pointing the gun at him. Wooyoung looks at you, with big frightened eyes. You nodded as you spotted a flash of Yeosang’s blonde hair in the security camera for the attic of the building. Seonghwa noticed the same thing and sent Jongho to deal with it. Wooyoung dials Hongjoong’s number, but when there’s no answer his hands shake, going to call again until Seonghwa stops him.

“Let Hongjoong call back, it’ll work better for our plan.” Seonghwa insists watching and waiting until the phone rings again, gesturing for Yunho to answer and Wooyoung to keep his mouth shut.

“H-Hello? This is Yunho.” He puts the front on again, despite grinning wickedly at you, “Wooyoung can’t come to the phone this second.”

“Oh, hi Yunho, this is Hongjoong. Are you with the angels again?” 

“Yeah, they had a lead, and since they weren’t sure where it was secure, they just had me go back to the base and hang out with Wooyoung. I think he went to the kitchen or something though, he shouldn’t take too long, hopefully, that’s okay.” Yunho watches Seonghwa and Mingi for the signal saying they got enough to use, to get into the system.

“That’s perfectly fine, Yunho. I’m glad you can be someplace safe right now. I don’t mind waiting for a few moments. Have the angels been doing alright?”

“Oh, the angels are perfect. Thank you so much for all the help, I honestly don’t know what I would do without you guys.” Yunho answers, and you here Hongjoong give an intrigued hum.

“Wonderful...you said you were at the base with Wooyoung, right?” 

“That’s right, I think I hear him coming back right now if you want to wait. Or I can take a message for you?” Yunho licks his lips as Mingi tells Seonghwa that they need just a little bit more.

“That’s interesting cause I thought I heard that the base just blew up.”

Your eyes widen, Wooyoung prepares to yell for Hongjoong to get help, but not quick enough as Yunho hangs up, “You’re gonna have to make that work Mingi, and fast. I don’t think we have a lot of time.”

“I-I don’t know if I can...”Mingi’s hands shake with fear as he works at the computer, Yunho huffing, impatiently as he puts the gun to Mingi’s head now.

“I don’t believe that was a question, Mingi. Now do it.” Yunho insists, taking over and making Seonghwa chuckle with a smirk.

“You’re so hot when you’re pissed.” Seonghwa winks at the other man, the pair cocky until Yeosang drops down from the roof, behind Seonghwa, cocking a gun at his head.

“Put it down, Yunho.” She glares at him, Yunho grumbling, but doing as she asks, only because it’s for Seonghwa, “Now kick it over to Wooyoung...Wooyoung I want you to take the bullets out.”

Wooyoung is obviously scared out of his mind. He does as he’s told, though, knowing that right now Yeosang has the upper hand. The girl chuckling afterward, the three of you from the agency, knowing something that the others didn’t...angels don’t use guns. Wooyoung quickly moved to undo your ties before they had a chance to get the upper hand again, so at least the odds would be a bit more even.

“How did you get past Jongho, though?” Yunho asked, only further infuriated by the current situation. Yeosang’s brows furrowing at the question.

“What do you mean, I never saw...”Her words fade out, glancing at the security cameras to see Jongho making it up to where Yeosang had come in. Her eyes, widening knowing that San was up there right now. Seonghwa, taking the opportunity to grab her wrist that held the gun and twisting it around until she dropped it, picking it up and pointing it at Yeosang.

“That was a mistake. You should have just run away, little angel.” Seonghwa hisses before pulling the trigger, thrown off by the click sound that it gave instead of going off. 

“Wow, for having a sister as an angel, you don’t know much hm?....angels don’t use guns.” You smirk, expecting a fight, but you don’t get one. Seonghwa simply snatched the drive with the locations from the angel’s database on it and clicked enter again.

“That one’s special......that one’s Hongjoong’s.” He growls before running off, with Yunho rushing behind him.

“Wooyoung, get Mingi out of here and call Hongjoong to try and warn him in time. Y/N and I are going after them since San is trying to get to the angels and warn them if she can...plus she has her hands full with the henchman.” Yeosang tells him before you and Yeosang are racing after the two men who hold the key to all the angels’ past and present, confidential information.

San was linked into the satellite they had been using to access the angels’ database, not there in time to stop them, but able to copy and document everything they had gotten. That way, they could get to or warn the angels at risk before the information got out if they weren’t able to stop Yunho and Seonghwa. Seemingly clueless to the fact that Jongho was coming up behind her. Only noticing something when he pulls out a knife, the metal reflecting sunlight flooding in from the window in front of her, sending a glare over her laptop screen. 

San noticed and spun to sweep Jongho’s leg, knocking him over in surprise and dropping the knife over the edge of the floor, dropping floors below. She’s quick to close the laptop and secure it in the case, slipping the strap around her form, where it could safely sit on her back. Jongho flips back onto his feet, to find her tying a knot into a rope hanging from one of the beams in the roof. Stopping her from going anywhere, by grabbing her hair and pulling her back so harshly she stumbles back and out of his hold with a yelp. It is a miracle she didn’t crush the laptop, but obvious that Jongho wasn’t going to let her get away without a fight.

San slipping on her gloves, getting an idea. When Jongho surges forward to get her again, she slips between his legs, sliding across the ground and grabbing the rope. It was supposed to be her way down, as the other end was secured to a sandbag. If Jongho didn’t want to let her slip away so easily, though, maybe he’d rather take that trip instead. 

“You really can’t stay still, can you? You’re a real pain.” Jongho frowns, that turning to agitation when San smirks at him.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be so slow.” She taunts back, hoping to get the response she wants of him. Knowing she’d need an opening to be able to get the rope in place. Jongho gives her just that when he turns and kicks, aiming for her face. Only San ducks, the hand with the rope slipping around his foot, before pulling the knot tight as she rolls out of his way. Moving quickly to get on her feet again, jumping up and grabbing onto one of the beams before swinging and kicking full force at Jongho’s chest with both legs. 

Jongho spills over the edge, plummeting stories down. San, bouncing off the edge after him and grabbing the bag as it reaches the top, now having to use Jongho as a counterweight. 

Wooyoung and Mingi, stopping abruptly and shrieking when Jongho is suddenly hanging upside down in front of them before suddenly heading back up where he came from, soon replaced by San. The pair have paled in shock and fear, trembling as they look at San with shaky eyes.

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to join you, girls, on missions anymore.” Wooyoung’s voice is soft as he blinks at San. The whole experience, proving to be far more than he was used to or expecting.

San giggles and kisses his cheek, handing him the laptop bag, “You’re doing amazing, Woo. Take this and warn the other angels, I’m going to help Y/N and Yeosang. I’ll see you soon.”

With that, she runs off, leaving Wooyoung and Mingi to take the laptop and bolt for one of the cars while security was preoccupied with helping Yunho and Seonghwa out. Easily snatching one of their cars, Wooyoung hands Mingi the laptop bag.

“Hold on to that! We have some angels to save.”

Wooyoung pulls up to the carnage remaining at Hongjoong’s house, the whole place gone. He chews on his lip, uncertain where to go now. Until he gets a phone call, answering with furrowed brows.

“I’m sending you an address Wooyoung, meet me there...we’ll have everything we need to help our girls.”

Seonghwa and Yunho closed a door behind them and secured it so that Yeosang and Y/N couldn’t get through. Even as they tried to bust it down, the pair cursed as they can’t get it open, even together.

“Hold on! I’m coming.” San yells, watching the struggle from where she races to meet them, the trio trying again together now. It finally being enough to breach the barrier. The guards, turning along with Yunho and Seonghwa.

Yunho pushed Seonghwa towards the car that had been started right before the angels got through, “I’ll take care of them, just go get your revenge.”

“Yunho’s mine.” You tell the girls, eager to finally be able to pay back the man for the way he’d played you since the beginning of this entire involvement. 

“I’ve got the guards, Yeo you go get Seonghwa,” San tells the other, who quickly snatches a motorcycle from one of the guards, slipping on a helmet and chasing after Seonghwa before anyone can stop her from doing so. Leaving San to handle roughly five guards unless you could finish Yunho quickly and get there to help her.

“Awe, is the little angel angry? That’s too bad.” Yunho jabs, evidently not at all fearful of you or the threat you pose to him, “After I kill you, I’m going to join Seonghwa in taking out each and every angel...painfully.”

“Show me your worst then, tough guy, cause I’m not going down without a fight.” You taunt right back, waiting for him to come closer. Though thrown off as his foot tosses a board up, kicking it in your direction, instead of coming straight for you. It's something you can easily deflect, but it hides Yunho’s form long enough that you aren’t prepared for him to be at you, metal chain in hand, and quickly wrapped around your throat. Leaving you gasping and squirming, barely able to turn around before he presses you against the wall, your hands gripping the metal tightly, trying to pull it off your neck enough to get a breath. 

You’re lucky to get a foot on the wall, using the leverage and walking up the wall to flip over Yunho. The chains now in your hand instead of around your throat. You twist, pulling the chain, and Yunho along with and onto the ground. Hovering over him before landing a hard punch to knock him out, while he was still stunned.

“You okay, San?” You question hearing the sounds stop from the other group, the girl huffing as she flips her hair out of her face with a soft chuckle, before approaching footsteps.

“Yeah, just a normal day on the job. You good too?” She asks, watching you secure Yunho with the chains with a nod. Doing it on the off chance, he regained consciousness before someone came to get him. She laughs at his state, “Was it really necessary to leave a mark like that?”

“Yeah...it was.” You shrug, backing away from him to head towards another motorcycle sitting there and grabbing a helmet, “Come on, let’s go help, Yeo.”

Seonghwa spotted Yeosang in his rearview mirror as he drove away, the latter quickly working to close the gap between the two of them. Seonghwa moving to take a more public road now, weaving in and out of cars hoping Yeosang wouldn't spot one before it could hit her. It didn't matter, though, as she reached his Jeep, jumping off the bike, to grab onto the back of it. Yeosang holds on tightly as Seonghwa made a sudden turn trying to throw her off. Yeosang hanging on long enough to be able to pull herself up and into the back, though. 

Just because Yeosang no longer had to worry about the risk of being flung off the car immediately, didn't mean she had time to catch her breath. She was quick to climb up, punching Seonghwa and trying to gain control over the wheel, though he was not thrown off for long, before shoving her back off him. Yeosang slamming back into the car door on the opposite side. It popped open just as she grabbed the frame of the car to pull herself back in. Shutting the door behind herself, but getting an idea from what had happened. 

Yeosang grabbed the frame of the car, kicking across the center console to throw Seonghwa against the door on his side. It popped open like the other one had his grip on the wheel the only thing keeping him inside until she did it again at least. Seonghwa rolled out of the car as Yeosang hopped into the driver's seat and safely pulled it over and to a stop. You and San, reaching them as Seonghwa pulled himself back up.

"Hongjoong is gone and your base is gone. What can the three of you do to stop me at this point? You're alone and don't have anything." Seonghwa continues to refuse the fact that he didn't stand a chance. Rejecting defeat until the very end. 

The three of you standing, side-by-side in front of him, in the signature angels ass-kicking pose. You shake your head, "You're wrong, Seonghwa. You're the only one here who's alone." 

"Besides, once an angel, always an angel." A voice calls from behind Seonghwa. More angels, currently, and returned surrounding him down, "You picked the wrong fight." 

The three of you looking at each other and smirking, before knocking Seonghwa out while he was distracted. Wooyoung and Mingi driving up, the former immediately jumping out, still frantic.

 "I see you girls got reinforcements. Did I do alright? You're all fine, right?" Wooyoung questions looking over you girls, making you chuckle and nod, to which he breathes a soft sigh of relief.

"What about Hongjoong, is he okay?" Yeosang asks, voicing your worries. Wooyoung smiles, pulling out his phone and clicking the button. 

"Hello, angels. Good work on another successful mission. I think you girls have earned yourselves a vacation... don't get too comfortable though, it's only until you get a new base."

 "Thank you, Hongjoong! We're glad you're okay." 

Wooyoung hangs up, turning back to the car as Mingi flusters and opens the door shyly for Yeosang. His cheeks tinted a bright pink, smiling softly at her as his eyes sparkle.

 "T-Thank you for saving me." Mingi looks her right in the eyes, "M-Maybe I could make it up to you...o-over dinner sometime? U-Unless you're seeing someone?" 

"Yeah." Yeosang smiles, before seeing his face fall and realizing how that sounded, "I-I mean, yeah, I'd love to do dinner or something... I-I'm not seeing anyone."

You and San roll your eyes, laughing softly. Before you finally speak up, "Come on you two, get in the car."

"Yeah, Hongjoong's giving us a vacation, and I want to soak in as much beach time as I can get before we're off again," San adds, Wooyoung rolling his eyes at your antics and getting in the driver's seat once more to drive the whole group of you off. 

The vacation on Hongjoong this time, it being the least he could do to take care of his angels.

[the-peak-of-despair]

Mahiru Koizumi x Blackend!Reader

I NO LONGER HAVE ACCESS TO THE ORIGINAL ASK! 

anon asked:  Omg I just read the Fuyuhiko angst and it was amazing 🥺💖 Anyways I was wondering if I could have the same sort of plot with Mahiru if it’s not too much trouble? I love your blog💖💞💖

Definitely don’t listen to as the world caves in by matt maltese as you think about Mahiru watching your execution. I’m kidding, do it. Interalize it. -Mod Akane

Holy shit.

Holy.. fucking.. Shit.

You’d done it.

You’d killed Peko Pekoyama. 

You watched her eyes, she was there, at your feet, dying, looking up at you. So many emotions warped her red eyes. She rasped, as if she wanted to say something, but then.. Her eyes.. The light faded, near a gray dull color as she expired in front of you, moonlight shining down and giving her body a light glow, the most light it would ever give off again. 

You never thought you’d kill someone. Let alone the Ultimate Swordswoman. But still, looking down at her now, lifeless...bloody… a knife still in your hand….

The world around you collapsed, as you started to realize...

oh dear god, what had you done?

---

As everyone shuffled into the courtroom once again, Mahiru warily looked around, eyeing down anyone suspicious as she put her hand in (Y/N)’s, approaching her podium cautiously as (Y/N) joined right next to her. 

“So.. where shall we start..?” Sonia trails off as everyone settles. 

“I’m not sure, but whoever did this..” Mahiru starts, “it’d be better to just fess up.” She feels (Y/N)’s grip tighten, for only a second.

“W-Well, for now it might be easier to start with Mikan’s autopsy results?” Hajime suggests. 

“A-Ah, y-yes..!” Mikan starts. “W-Well, it’s obvious, her c-cause of death w-would be the gash o-on her neck.. T-There’s signs of a struggle with her clothes and scratches on her t-torso, b-but that’s a-about it..” She plays with her thumbs, looking down and away from the rest of the trial. 

“Man, to think someone got the jump on Peko..” Akane says, scratching the back of her head. “It’s hard to believe, you know?” 

“Maybe someone close to her betrayed her?” Sonia suggests. “It is the only thing I can think of, for such a skilled fighter..” 

“Hey.. Fuyuhiko.. You alright..?” Kazuichi asks, turning the room’s attention to Fuyuhiko, who was breathing heavy and gripping his podium, staring down at the floor.

“I-I’m fine. Just get o-on with the stupid trial..” He mutters, briefly glancing up at everyone else in the room. (Y/N)’s grip tightened once again, and Maihru glances at her. Eyes widened and almost like she was shaking.. 

“..You okay?” Maihru asks quietly, worried more about her lover than everyone else as the trial moved on.

“Y-Yeah. I-I’m fine.” (Y/N) turns to Mahiru and smiles weakly, before turning back to Hajime, who was rambling something about finding the murder weapon.

As a photographer, Mahiru knew smiles in and out. Better yet, she’d known your smile like she knew photography. She’d fallen in love with it. Which is why it concerned her, realizing that your smile was forced, and most likely fake…

Had you been hiding something from her? 

“Well, obviously, the weapon was a knife. We’d seen it at the scene, correct?” Nagito asks, a blatant rhetorical question. It was only the second trial, but it was pretty clear that this is how he would be acting during every trial.

“Well, duh! We saw that much, genius.” Akane rolls her eyes. “That doesn’t help any.”  

“Maybe it could help..?” Sonia suggests. “Does anyone know where the knife came from?” 

“U-Um.. judging by the size of it.. And the d-design i-itself.. I-I’d assume it’s a k-kitchen knife..” Mikan comments, shaking like a leaf. 

“Well, the only people who go into the hotel kitchen are.. Mahiru and (Y/N).” Kazuichi points out. Mahiru drops (Y/N)’s hand in shock.

“Me? You’re going to accuse us?” Mahiru asks. “Why would- would either of us have any reason to kill Peko? That’s ridiculous!” She waves her hands around dramatically, akin to a mother lecturing her children. 

“We haven’t accused either of you yet..” Hajime comments. 

“Still, the notion is ridiculous!” Mahiru argues. 

“I-I did it.” (Y/N) states, shaky yet a calm demeanor plastered over her face.

“W-What..?” Mahiru turned quickly, looking at (Y/N) with fear. “I-If you’re joking, this i-isn’t funny…” 

“I..I killed Peko.” (Y/N) takes a heavy breath, eyes brimming with tears. “I- I didn’t.. I don’t want you guys to argue a-and potentially get hurt c-cause of me..” “T-This isn’t funny, (Y/N)!” Mahiru places a hand on her shoulder, as she begins to cry. “S-Stop trying to joke around!” 

“I-I wish I was..”

“Y-You..” Fuyuhiko begins.. “Y-You bastard!” He takes a heavy breath, finally standing up straight before beginning to scream at the girl. The girl Mahiru loved- the girl- who killed their friend- oh God..

“L-Leave her alone!” “Like fucking hell I will! She fucking- she- sh-she killed Peko! Whatever fucking punishment she gets, she can take it!” Fuyuhiko argues, refusing to even look at (Y/N). 

“Take that back!” Mahiru reprimands him. “I don’t care, she didn’t kill Peko!”

“Mahiru..” (Y/N) sets a hand on her arm, even though she was still wincing from Fuyuhiko’s verbal assault. 

“I’m not gonna believe it! Not until there’s cold, hard evidence!” 

“You can deny it all you fucking want, she’s a FILTHFY FUCKING KILLER!” Fuyuhiko screams. “I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU WON’T BELIEVE!” 

“Guys, please stop argu-” Chiaki tries to intervene. 

“Stay out of this, Chiaki.” Mahiru stops her, without even looking at her.

“Mahiru!” (Y/N) snaps for her attention, and finally Mahiru- along with everyone else- finally turns and looks at (Y/N). She rolls up her sleeve, to reveal a gash across her arm, still slightly dripping with blood. “This is proof. When P-Peko fought back..” 

“N-No..” Mahiru covers her mouth, going as far as biting her hand to hold in her sobs. This isn’t happening. This was a dream, she’d wake up any second, or maybe Hajime would prove (Y/N) wrong..

“See?! There’s your fucking evidence!” Fuyuhiko yells. “Let’s just start fucking voting already!” 

“Weeell, if you insist!” Monokuma cheerily intervenes. “NO!” Mahiru starts screaming as she turns to her classmates, already pulling their levers. “PLEASE! She’s not- she’s not guilty! Please! You- You’ve gotta believe me!” 

“Stop, Mahiru..” (Y/N) sets a hand on her shoulder, even as Mahiru votes for herself instead of (Y/N). She turns, tears streaming down her beloved’s face..dear God, this was a nightmare. The world began to cave in around Mahiru as it was confirmed, (Y/N) was guilty.

“W-Why? WHY’D YOU FUCKING KILL PEKO?” Fuyuhiko slams his hands against his podium, daggers in his eyes as he stares down (Y/N) with daggers in his eyes. “I WAS PROTECTING MAHIRU!” (Y/N) screams. “I-I played that stupid game Monokuma set up! A-And- I saw what happened! And I heard you talking to Peko, Fuyuhiko!” 

Fuyuhiko’s taken aback. “What?” 

“Sh-She was your friend! Your bodyguard! And Mahiru- Mahiru just wanted to talk to everyone and- and fix everything! That’s why sh-she even wanted to invite Hiyoko, and Mikan, and I-Ibuki!” (Y/N) argues, wiping tears from her eyes.

Mikan looks between them, overwhelmed. “O-Oh, dear, l-l-let me t-take care of your arm-!”

“Don’t you fucking dare, Mikan!” Fuyuhiko interjects, earning a startled shriek from Mikan.

“Please, fix her arm, Mikan!” Mahiru adds, only overwhelming the poor girl.

“What am I missing here?!” Akane interjects. “What the hell happened?” 

“That- that game! I-It was about- our school life- our memories. and Mahiru just wanted to talk to everyone involved- b-but Fuyuhiko and Peko were planning to kill her! Because F-Fuyuhiko’s sister-”

“Don’t you fucking DARE-” Fuyuhiko starts to yell, before taking a deep breath- “talk about my fucking sister.”

“Heey, hey, hey hey!” Monokuma interjects. “The vote’s over, y’know! (Y/N). Is. Guilty!”

“N-No! M-Monkuma, d-don’t-” Mahiru begins pleading, and some part of her is praying to every god she’d ever known, please, don’t take away (Y/N), don’t take her away.. 

“Don’t whaaaat? You know the rules, sweetheart! (Y/N)’s the blackened! And I’ve prepared a veerry special punishment for her!” “Wait, I’m still confused..” Sonia stops Monokuma. “Let them explain..”

“Heey, I’m sure Mahiru and Fuyuhiko can do all the talking! Come on, stop delaying me!” Monokuma complains as Mahiru pulls (Y/N) into a hug, holding her close. 

“D-Don’t leave me, p-please..” Mahiru starts sobbing, hiccups to boot. “P-Please, (Y/N)! Tell me you didn’t kill her!” 

“I-I’m sorry, Mahiru..” (Y/N) wipes Mahiru’s tears as the hug ends, and Mahiru leans into the touch. “B-But it’s like y-you said at the s-start of the trial, right..? T-The killer d-deserves to be punished..” (Y/N) forced another smile. 

The realization slams into Mahiru as she realizes what she’s said, and what she’s done. “Oh, god, n-no..” Mahiru can’t even protest as she starts to cry even more, maybe the last time she’d ever see (Y/N) alive begins to blur with tears.

“Come on! Iiiiit’s PUNISHMENT TIME!” Monokuma shouts with glee as (Y/N) walks away, out of her grasp. “I’ve got an extra special punishment for our Ultimate (talent)!” 

Mahiru can’t even speak as she watches the execution. Her entire world, maybe even the Earth around her itself, began to cave in on her. It all became blurry, through her tears and her screams of protests.. All she really knew anymore was you were dead by the end of it all. No one said a word, not even after the execution was over, the room was near silent aside from Mahiru, on her knees crying and screaming for (Y/N) to come back, her entire personality itself shattered. 

No one said a word on the way back to their cottages. The killing game would continue, if you were there or not...

[suggiebabe]

A Whisker Away

Imagine (Part 5)

↳ “The line between human and animal starts to blur after a girl transforms herself into a cat.”

Pairing: Bakugou Katsuki × Fem!Reader

Warning! NO quirks (this is an au), characters may seem ooc

Word Count: 1.4k

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4 // Part 5

A/n: This was made a collab with @bozowrites​ so check her out! We actually worked on this SUPER COLLABORATED LOL!!!! Like I would stop in the middle of a sentence, then she would continue it, then vise versa, ITS CRAZY IF U THINK ABT IT!!! 

L/N laid in Bakugou’s arms, a warm feeling spreading through her heart. It was strange being so close to someone who she used to only admire from afar. Now she was seeing a whole different side of him and feeling his calm heartbeat against her paw. She felt his breathing become calmer, and when she looked up at his face, he was asleep.  

Slowly, she removed herself from his embrace, deciding that now was the time she should probably go home. Though she’d rather stay there and remain in his warm embrace, she knew her dad would eventually find her missing from her room. She quietly snuck out of his room, through the window.  

“Did you tell him?” She heard a familiar voice came from a nearby vase. The suddenness of his words and form popping from the small vase scared her. “What? No, of course not!” 

“So, at this rate, you’re never going to tell him, you may as well stay a cat forever then... You’re closer to him this way anyway.” 

“No way! I can’t do anything for Bakugou if I’m a cat!” She yelled out at the larger cat. 

“You can’t help as a human either.” The mask seller grinned, knowing he was getting under her skin. It was all part of his plan... 

“That’s not...” 

“It’s not true?” He interrupted. She looked down in defeat, knowing he was probably right. “As a cat, you’ll be able to stay close to Bakugou! You’ll be able to observe him, sleep, have him feed you, sleep, poop, sleep! Isn’t that wonderful? Bakugou will be happy too-” “Shut up, shut up, shut up!” L/N yelled, shaking her head. Not wanting to hear any more of his words, she ran back to her house as fast as she could, turning back into a human in the process. 

When she got back to her room, she had this strange feeling that someone had been inside. Like, something was different in the atmosphere of her room. “Something doesn’t feel right. Was Ms. Kaoru in my room?”  

She lightly walked over to her living room, where she heard both of her parents conversing, trying to figure out where she went.  

Her shoes are still here... She must’ve gone out the window, she’s been sneaking out lately.” she leaned closer to the door, trying to listen some more. As she turned her head to put her ear up against the door, she noticed Kaoru’s cat sitting across the hallway staring at her. L/N swore this cat had something against her, because as soon as she noticed her, the cat began to meow loudly, then she pounced on L/N, making her fall on her butt. 

“Y/N?” She heard her stepmom call out to her. Slowly, she got up, glaring at the cat, and walked to the living room to face her parents. 

“What is it?” She asked, quietly closing the door behind her. “Did you go somewhere? I went into your room to see if you wanted to have tea together, but you weren’t there.” She could hear the worry in her stepmom's voice. “Oh... I was on the roof!” She lied straight through her teeth. “I just wanted to uh, to feel some air on my face is all! Well, I’m feeling pretty tired, goodnight guys!” She faked a yawn and quickly walked out of the room back to her own. “Goodnight...” Her parents said in unison, confused as to what their daughter could be up to. 

She sat at her desk looking at a blank piece of paper. She knew she what she wanted to tell Bakugou, but she didn’t know how to put it into words.  

“I don’t want empty words to protect myself. I’d rather have Bakugou’s scathing instead.” She shook her head as she read what she wrote down out loud. “That just doesn’t sound right...” Her hands found their way into her hair as she tugged on it in frustration. “Who needs Y/N L/N? Y/N Bakugou...  That sounds better.” 

The next morning, as L/N sat at her desk she let out a loud yawn, tired from staying up so late into the night. “Did you really stay up studying? That’s unlike you...” Jirou asked, looking over at her. “I was thinking about my life.” She said, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.  

“Hey, Bakugou!” Kirishima yelled out as he saw Bakugou enter the classroom. The blond just grunted in response and stomped to his seat. L/N had her eyes on him the entire time, silently whispering a “good morning” as he walked past her desk, to which he didn’t respond.  

It was weird to L/n. Bakugou could be this angry person at school, but at home, he showed small smiles and laughed. He was someone completely different at school and she could only wonder why. He’d never tell her of course. Why would he?  

Her eyes followed him, and once he sat down, she knew it was her time to strike. She stood up and marched over to his desk. When she reached him, she held out an envelope with his name on it. He looked up at her, his usual scowl turned to slight confusion. “The fuck is this?”  

“That’s a good question, Mr. Sparky! What exactly is this?” Monoma asked, that well-known smirk across his face. “Go away, Monoma.” She glared. Her heart was beating hard already, but the added tension from Monoma made things worse.  

“I don’t think I will. So, L/n, let us see.” L/n retracted the envelope. She didn’t need the whole class to see it, just Bakugou. Bakugou could only look between the two. He didn’t care, nor did he want to know what was in the envelope.  

Bakugou sat at his desk, a bored look on his face as he watched L/N and Monoma wrestle for the piece of paper. Once Monoma was able to shake her off, he ran to the front of the classroom and stood behind the podium so she couldn’t reach him. He grinned at the frustrated girl, and stuck out his tongue. After she seemed to accept the fact that she wouldn’t be able to reach him, she just stood there, her face painted with a rotten expression.  

“Now... let's see what's in this piece of trash.” He said as he started to tear into the envelope, L/N’s eyes widening. She didn’t think he would open the envelope! Her feet were frozen, the thought of her letter being read out loud caused her head to go blank.  

Monoma tore open the envelope and started to read her words out loud for everyone to hear, especially Bakugou.  

“Bakugou... You remind me of the sun on a warm summer's day! Words cannot describe the way I feel about you...” he read the letter dramatically. Once she heard the words coming out of his mouth, she came back to her senses and jumped towards him, trying to get her love note back. Seeing how upset Monoma was making L/N, Kirishima, Kaminari, and Jirou all also tried to catch him, running around the classroom.  

Though he hated to admit it, Bakugou felt a twinge of guilt in his stomach, but he still sat at his desk, not feeling guilty enough to do anything. Monoma once again ran to the front of the classroom, L/N trailing behind him. He raised it over his head making her jump up to try and get it. “Is this that embarrassing for you?” He grinned. “My feelings aren't for you to make fun of! Give it back!” She yelled at him, continuing to jump up, trying to reach it. Monoma narrowed his eyebrows, almost feeling a bit of remorse for the poor girl. Once he remembered his task, he looked over to Bakugou. 

“So, you gonna accept her confession boom boy?” He said, the grin on his face becoming wider. Bakugou stood up and marched over to the bully, snatching the paper away once he reached him. L/N looked at him, a bit of hope in her eyes, would he accept it? He had told her he admired her personality while she was a cat, would he accept her feelings?  

“Bakugou...” He looked at her, with what looked like a glare? “I-I just wanted to make you feel better, I’m just like you! I have a hard time saying how I feel too!” “Shut up idiot,” he said coldly, sending shivers up her spine, “You don’t know how I feel. Don’t you understand that this is just a distraction? Gosh... I hate people like you.” He said, turning back to his desk, the whole room silent. “Th-then if I were to tell you in person...” “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE! I SAID I HATED YOU, NOW BUZZ OFF!” 

“You... hate me?”

Taglist: @katsushimaa​ @effmigentlywithachainsaw​ @sir-knight-slytherdor​

[kayr0ss]

Appointments Chapter 5: Headaches and Some Music

[LWA, Diakko, Small Town AU, Fluff and Slow Romance, Pining™ lol]  

Chapter 1 & Table of Contents AO3 Link

Diana pursed her lips, locked in a heated stare-down against the newest occupant of her apartment.

“Please behave yourself until I return.”

The cat ‘mew’ed’ in reply as though he understood and resumed licking the back of his paw. All things considered, he seemed to be a surprisingly well-behaved cat. Who looked polite. This small comfort was enough to make up for the ridiculousness of having to talk to a cat, and Diana realized that she had never been more excited to return to her clinic as she was now.

The normalcy of work, she thought to herself, is beginning to feel like a comfort versus the absurdity of my home’s current state of affairs.

She stepped through her doorway into a lovely Blytonbury morning. The habitual glance towards her watch read 09:51, urging her to walk at a quicker pace than usual. She regrettably strode right by Jasminka’s café—there was no time to pass by tea, and she hadn’t woken up early enough to make some for herself that morning.

Of course, because of the cat.

The day prior, she’d had to return home later than usual to fetch her feline tenant the basic supplies: a small can of cat-food, a litterbox, and two bowls for food and milk. The real challenge was in the ‘teaching him not to leave any form of excrement where he shouldn’t.’ Pleasant behavior aside, it seemed Toby was actually quite intelligent—although by the time it was two o’clock in the morning, her NewTube suggestions were a peculiar mix of medical lectures and ‘How to Potty Train Your Cat’ videos.

She made her way through the crosswalk—ensuring that no brunettes were running about—and mentally prepared herself for the day she was about to have. There were no scheduled patients before lunch, giving her enough time to review case files for a busy afternoon.

When she stepped through the glass door to her clinic, Barbara was already lounging behind her desk and flipping—as usual—through a novel.

“Good morning,” she peaked out from behind ‘NightFall 12: The Oblivion of Love’. “You’re on the dot today.”

“I always am,” Diana replied lightly. “Good morning to you as well.”

“You’re always at least fifteen minutes early,” Barbara corrected, smiling kindly. Then the nurse leaned forward, scrutinizing Diana with an observant gaze. “You’re…”

The blonde lifted her eyebrow in silent response.

“Something.” Barbara said slowly, as if trying to figure a puzzle out. She waved a hand to dismiss the thought. “Must have been my imagination, just thought there was something off. Anyway, I’ve laid down the patient files for the afternoon. We’ve got ourselves a slow morning.”

“Thank you,” Diana nodded politely, slipping into her whitecoat and thankful that she didn’t have to explain the kind of morning (and evening) she’d had. She settled into her chair, entertaining the thought of going through the documents Barbara had prepared before deciding she wasn’t in the right headspace for that. A headache. Massing her temples, she ascribed her irritability at a lack of sleep and constant worrying over her furniture’s wellbeing. She inwardly cursed her lack of morning tea—and really hoped her furniture were okay.

Learning back with a sigh, her eyes drifted towards a pamphlet at the edge of her table. It was the St. Beatrix MMC residency brochure on Cardiology. She’d probably read its contents nearly ten times over by now. In truth, the hospital had already reached out to her: she was “everything they were looking for”, or so the chief resident had said—a young doctor with an impeccable educational background. Diana had been truly grateful, but she was committed to taking the time she’d need to be absolutely sure. Which she wasn’t. At least, not yet.

There was a knock on her door, and Barbara was peeking through the doorframe. “Water. And an aspirin. Because for some reason you look—uh.”

“Off?” Diana tilted her head.

“Like shit.” Barbara nodded, and Diana would have had something to say about her choice of language if it weren’t for the fact that she was probably right. “Did anything happen?”

“Just a few issues to iron over at home,” she replied cryptically.

Barbara looked like she wanted to ask more, but decided not to prod. “That won’t do. We’re having lunch over at the Russian lady’s and getting those croissants you love so much, but in the meantime drink that Advil because someone’s gotta look after the doctor looking after everyone else.”

Diana smiled and felt a wave of gratitude pour through her over Barbara’s thoughtfulness.

“Which reminds me,” the other woman set the items down to Diana’s desk, “the cat’s gone.”

The blonde immediately looked down at the suddenly-very-interesting-patient-files. “I—Indeed.”

“You know, I think I’ll actually miss him. He was kind of cute.”

Diana was ready to remind her of the importance of workplace cleanliness when the front bell chimed louder than usual. The glass pane of the door practically swung open with force.

“Heya, doc! And miss nurse!”

Oh.

Barbara was the first to recover. “Where did you fall in this time? Was it a ditch? Or did you fly off your bike again?”

Atsuko Kagari-with-blood-ty—Oh, enough of that! She’s just Akko!—had come barging in with a large paper bag, effectively elevating Diana’s headache through several numbers up the VNRS pain scale.

“I—” Akko shot the nurse a smug look “—have yet to experience an accident this week!”

“That’s a first,” Barbara crossed her arms.

“But I’m here for you!”

Those stunning red eyes locked themselves onto Diana, and suddenly she couldn’t speak. Me? The brunette strode into her office. She dropped the paper bag onto her desk.

“I’m not quite sure I follow. What is this?”

“Child support!”

Diana flinched. Barbara blinked. Akko simply nodded to herself in smug satisfaction.

“For Toby. Since we’re co-parents now.” Akko clarified, looking completely serious. “There’s a bunch of cat food that should last a while, a cute mouse squeaky toy, and animal milk.”

The blonde felt her ears redden at the incredulous look Barbara was giving her, and seriously—was this seriously happening right now? “C—Co-parents?”

“Yes.” Akko nodded with a determined glint in her eyes. “And I’m no deadbeat mom!”

“I—I see.”

“Anyway,” Akko took one of the pens from Diana’s stand without asking (“Don’t do that.”), and leaned over to write on the blank prescription pad on the blonde’s desk. “Here’s my number so you can text me about anything he needs and so we can arrange my visitation rights!”

Visitation rights?

“Oh.” Akko paused, lifting her thumb to her chin. “We probably need to schedule a trip to the vet and get him a collar, too.”

We?

Not knowing what else to say and still completely blindsided by Akko’s—well, everything—Diana simply complied. “I… know a veterinarian. He’s a childhood friend.”

“Perfect!” Akko beamed.

Once again, it was disarming. She really had to stop doing that to Diana.

“I’ve got to study for a test so I gotta bounce but I’m so excited to see him again!” Akko leaned across the table, moving around at a pace faster than Diana’s sleep-deprived-due-to-Toby’s mind could follow. The brunette wrapped her hand around her forearm and gave her another smile. It was warm. “But really—thank you Diana! I’ll see you around!”

She turned on her heel like the bundle of energy she was and bolted right out the door with a wave to Barbara.

Barbara—who looked right about ready to explode into laughter in the wake of Akko’s departure.

“You kept him.”

“Please don’t.” Diana pleaded.

The nurse finally caved, leaning against the doorframe to her office for support while she snickered. “That’s why you look completely out of it! You’ve got to tell me everything.”

But then the thudding sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation yet again and the door swung open. Poor thing. Might need to have its hinges checked at this point.

“I almost forgot!” Akko came bursting into the room like a cannon ball. “I got this on my way here for you!”

She slammed a paper take-out cup from Jasminka’s café onto Diana’s desk.

“I have no idea what it is to be honest.” Akko yelled, already rushing back out in a hurry. “I just asked Jas for a cup of whatever your usual is! Okay-bye-for-real!”

She was gone in a flash. Diana could smell tea.

English Breakfast, prepared exactly the way she liked it. The aroma was enough to chase away the tension along her brow, and when she glanced towards Barbara, who looked just as lost as she felt—

—they shared soft laughter.

The whole thing was absolutely ridiculous. Including the fact that her cup was labeled: ‘Dr. Grumpy >:(’

 ---

 It was 5:30PM and Akko was in despair.

“Chikusho! That was a disaster.” Akko banged her head against the lecture room desk. She was reeling from the mental assault that was ‘Applied Physics Examination 1.’ Judging by the scowl on Sucy’s usually nonchalant face, it hit her pretty hard too. “How’d you do?”

“Tanginang test ‘yan.” She glowered in her native language.

“I’m going to assume that was a string of curse words.”

“For once in your idiot life, you are correct.”

“Mou!” Akko huffed.

“I’m out.” Sucy declared, and likewise, every fiber in Akko’s being wanted to get the hell out of this classroom as soon as possible. The purple-haired girl lazily slung her bag over shoulder and looked down at Akko (who was still very much slumped over the desk) through one eye. “So are you coming or should I leave you behind?”

Akko groaned. And then sighed. And then groaned another time while pointing towards the podium because—“First I have to walk over there and ask if she wants to join the running club.”

“The professor?” Sucy blinked.

“Ya, dude.”

Then Sucy was grinning daggers. “I think I’m gonna stick by and see if she’ll actually murder you this time.”

“Not funny!” Akko pouted while finally standing up and cursing the fact that she can no longer exist as a worry-free blob on a desk.

“It is. A little. Now go.” Sucy prodded on, repeatedly poking at her arm.

“Going, going!”

While the students slowly filed out of the room—in despair, mind you—Akko approached Dr. Meridies with Sucy lingering a safe distance behind her.

The lilac-haired professor looked up from a test sheet she was inspecting, looking, as one would say, way too tired for this shit. “No amount of begging is going to convince me to pass you.”

“I wasn’t going to!” Akko crossed her arms defiantly.

“Then why are we having this conversation?”

Well. There wasn’t any other way for this to go down than directly, so it was best to just blurt it out. “Do you want to join the running club?”

Dr. Meridies reeled, squinting. “The running club?”

“Yes.” Akko nodded. “The running club.”

“So many people are asking me to join this running club that I think I’m gonna start declining just out of spite.”

“Ugh!” Akko groaned. “I tried—can’t force you! Maybe Professor du Nord can, Kami-sama, why did I even both—”

“Wait wait wait—” Dr. Meridies raised a hand to shut Akko while scowling. “du Nord?”

“Yeah,” Akko said looked to the side with slumped shoulders, “the club moderator. And I’m here cause Diana asked so now that I’ve done that I’m just gonna boun—”

Oddly enough, the exasperated professor seemed to have tuned out. “Chariot du Nord, from Humanities?”

“Uh, yeah.” The brunette blinked. “Do you know her?”

“O—Of course.” The older woman began stare so hard at the table she could have burned a hole through. “Faculty and all.”

Akko caught on like a wolf, grinning mischievously. “You know her!”

“Like I said we both teach—”

“You know know her.”

“Out!” Dr. Meridies barked, “of my classroom!”

With a devious glint, which Akko swore she could see in Sucy’s eyes too, she waved in exaggerated politeness and made her way to the door.

“Okay, professor!” Oh, she loved this sort of drama! “Just saying—it’s on Monday evenings!”

--

“You should have seen her face!” Akko squealed with almost manic glee. “Oh, Lotte you’re gonna love it—I know you’re a sucker for this kind of stuff.”

“But I can’t imagine it! How does Professor du Nord—” Lotte gestured towards her life with both hands for emphasis “—who seems super sweet and kind of introverted but is generally made of sunshine, find herself with a history of romantic involvement with someone like Dr. Meridies—” she made a quick jerking motion towards the right. “Who I haven’t actually seen in person, and if I were to base my judgments off your descriptions she sounds like some mad-scientist antagonist in an anime who’d wear a cape.”

Akko blinked. “That’s a good one.”

Sucy actually nodded.

“It makes no sense!” Lotte shook her head. And then… she swooned. “But love never does, does it?”

“Makes about as much as sense as this idiot getting that doctor to adopt the cat.”

“’The cat’ is named Toby!” Akko chided, “and you’d be hard-pressed to deny him if you’ve seen that cute little face of his.”

The three women were lazing about Lotte and Sucy’s living-and-dining area, with Akko sprawled across the couch that she’d be sleeping on since the pair—or just Lotte—invited her to stay over. There was take-out and beer (which Sucy and Akko had picked up on their way home), and the mini-get-together served two purposes: to recover from that horrid examination, and to keep Akko company because “tomorrow’s my first day of work and I am way too nervous to fall asleep without beer or Lotte nagging me to!”

There was something deeply comfortable about the small apartment. The furnishing didn’t match up and yet every piece felt like they belonged. Pots and pans hung above the stove, used yet well-maintained. They always had an extra set of everything—as though guests were welcome and often come and go. She loved it. And loved how welcome she felt in it. And though she’d never impose unless invited, Akko felt… cozy. Books, and mushrooms, and odd test-tubes, and literary manuscripts and all.

Lotte was in the middle of sharing the gist of her latest writing exercise when Akko felt her phone buzz.

“Hold on,” she excused herself, “I swear if this is a Canvas notification I’m gonna cut a bi—oh!”

“What is it?” Lotte asked.

-

18:53 Good evening. This Dr. Cavendish’s number – I’ve been able to secure an appointment with Dr. Hanbridge, the veterinarian I had mentioned. I apologize for the short notice but his soonest availability is tomorrow at around 1:30PM. Check-up aside, an agent in his clinic should likewise be able to assist with any documentation that needs sorting out given our arrangement. Your prompt response will be appreciated.

18:54 Heeeya Doc! 😊 u sound like an e-mail. :P

18:54 But sure lol I get off work @ Arcturus school around lunch time

18:55 Is it gonna be far?

18:55 But srsly lighten up abit it’s just me we can me at the bus stop or whrvr

18:56 I’ll be hailing a taxi service from my home and will collect you from your workplace at 12:30PM. Please be on time.

18:56 PLS add me on WhatsUpp through this number PLS omg I want pics of my little bby!!!! DO U FEED HIM and I can send you memes to show him so he’ll laugh LOL

18:56 LOL wtf ‘collect’

-

“It was Diana.”

Sucy cocked an eyebrow, “’Diana’?”

“I have a vet trip with Toby tomorrow!” Akko buzzed. “Oh bother, now I’m never going to get any sleep.”

“Is she for real?” Sucy indifferently pointed towards Akko while speaking to Lotte. “She’s like some ‘instant-friendship’ anomaly. Even I feel personally victimized.”

Lotte only smiled. “You have to sleep lest you subject poor children to a zombie for a teacher tomorrow.”

“That’s mean!”

Akko shared a laugh with Lotte, urging her to carry on with her story. They were getting to the good part—Edmund was about to confess!

One successful synopsis reading and a few topic changes later, Akko’s phone had buzzed once more.

It was a picture.

She squealed so hard her cheeks hurt.

“Akko, down! Yes—I see him—stop screaming or else I’m going to poison your drink.”

 -

 The driver pulled up at Arcturus School’s main driveway at exactly half-past noon.

“Please wait a moment.” Diana politely requested, mildly aware of the fact that she was beginning to miss the luxury of having her own car and service.

“Sure, just don’t leave me alone with that little fella, don’t matter how cute he might be.”

With a sigh—which was one of many at this point—she gently peered over to Toby whose head was poking out of the most comfortable canvas tote bag she could scavenge. It was that or nothing at all, and no, she wasn’t going to carry him in her arms.

‘Mew.’ He stared back up towards her. At least he seemed comfortable—and she tried to fight it but then she gave in and chuckled.

“Oh, come on then.”

Diana stepped out of the vehicle with Toby in tow. She pulled out her phone, putting a call through for the latest addition in her phonebook.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Typical. She wasn’t picking up.

Fortunately she had anticipated this, there was a half-hour allowance in her schedule. Instead of bombarding the brunette with several missed calls, she opted to walk towards what looked like the waiting area where children were fetched. She took a moment to look around, noticing that the school grounds had an abundance of trees—much like the rest of Blytonbury and the campus of LNU. The morning classes were dismissed and children ran about. A few of them began to notice her special baggage, and one little girl ran up to her and nearly hugged her legs.

She had hazel eyes, and big, goofy grin. “You’re so pretty!”

Diana blinked. “Thank you.”

“Is that a cat?”

“Yes.” She lowered the bag a little, appreciating the wonder in the little girl’s voice. “But I can’t let you pet him yet, I’m afraid. He still bites.”

“But I—”

The little girl was cut-off by the sounded children cheering. Diana followed her line of sight and saw…

Akko.

She was playing music. And laughing. But more than that—everyone around her was smiling just as bright. Children sang while they danced in a circle around her, clapping their hands to the beat of what sounded like a ridiculously complicated rendition of the ABCs on the violin. The pace was quick while she played a progression of eight and sixteenth notes. The feel of the song was less classical and more like an upbeat Celtic dance.

And dance they did. Laughing, and clapping, and bouncing around in mirth without a care in the world.

Akko played with such joy and passion that Diana could feel the warmth from several meters away. She kept still—already forgetting her earlier dismay on being behind schedule—and simply watched.

“Do you know her?” The little girl with hazel eyes asked in a small voice.

Diana nodded, smiling to herself while trying to wrap her head around the conundrum that was Atsuko Kagari—who had red eyes, who tripped over nothing and scraped her knee, who could barely make it to her classes on time and yet could bewitch a crowd with a smile and a bit of music.

“She’s…”  

Even Toby looked he was watching.

“…my friend.”

 -

end chapter

-

A/N: Hello everyone! Hope you're doing well, stayin' safe and staying home. So anyway here's another chapter and admittedly I only have a very rough outline of where I want this story to be and well... I like writing one shots because I'm REALLY bad at plotting out longer stuff like seriously, when I started this, I thought it would be 5 chapters long at most and yet here's chapter 5.

So I've decided to just go with it and take the time to explore and narrate the relationships/interactions I've got in my head AND I don't know anything about taking care of cats I AM SORRY IT PROBABLY SHOWS

Hope you're enjoying it so far! (AND I still owe Diana a happy birthday fic that may or may not involve feet due to some shenaginas I've seen on tumblr which I don't know if are jokes or not)

[stoopsbookstore]

Kinktober Day 6 (10/06/2019)

Kinks - Pecattiphilia (fetish for sinning and breaking religious rules) & Exhibitionism (fetish for performing sexual acts or being naked in front of others)

Warning - Minor Character Death, Blood warning, Part 3 of the Demon!Taeil series

"I think I've been possessed."

Taeil looked at the gentleman in front of him, his body drenched in sweat as pain overcome his body like lava was in his veins.

"I'm in so much pain being in here right now, but I figured it was worth the agony if I was about to talk to you," Taeil keeled over, his face unseen by the pastor, who showed sympathy from Taeil by placing his hand on the young male's shoulder.

"Dear son, you'll need to be exorcised, cleanse yourself, but we must make sure," the pastor removed his hand from Taeil, walking over to a small ornate bowl holding some holy water.

The pastor filled up a cup with the special liquid, turning to Taeil not on the front row, an empty church presenting itself to the godly man.

"Son? Are you still there?" An echo in the spacious area, a tap on the pastor's shoulder startling him, spinning around to a red-eyed Taeil and a slit throat.

"You poor, naive bastard. Believing every sad soul you see, you can save," Taeil licked the blood off his knife, tucking back in his pocket, all the lights in the church going out.

Taeil took his phone out of his pocket, texting Y/N, asking to facetime. His eyes going back to normal, the line rang three times until Taeil was met with Y/N's voice.

"Hey you, what's up?"

"Nothing much, just walking around town. I found this cool church, would you like to meet me here?"

"Is this going to be another late night haunted house situation where all the other guys come and Chenle almost gets his foot cut off?"

"I was thinking more of a 'fuck you on the preacher stand' if that's okay with you," Taeil flashed his signature smile, Y/N's laughter heard from the speaker, "it's been a month since we last slept together."

"And? That is breaking like every sin in the bible."

"Good."

"Can't you just come over?"

"What's fun about missionary in a bed? Isn't Rena home?"

Y/N sighed. Taeil was right, her roommate was home and they couldn't do much with her there and interrupting them.

"Just send me your address and I'll be there as soon as I can."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twenty minutes later, Y/N met Taeil, her purposely short and low-cut dress was covered by a cardigan, Taeil whispering as he walked up to her.

"Hey miss," Taeil circled Y/N, his hand playing with the hem of her skirt, "could you tell me where my friend is? She's beautiful, her body is amazing and her mouth is to die for."

Y/N playfully shoved Taeil, "I could ask the same about you, Mr. Insatiable Sex Drive."

"What can I say?" Taeil grabbed Y/N's arm, pulling her to the preacher's stand, the only light source dim candles around them, "you awakened something inside me."

Taeil sat on the stool behind the podium, palming at his pants, keeping track of Y/N walking, staring at the candles and admiring the stained glass artwork.

"I've always thought stained glass were beautiful pieces, they're stunning in the morning."

"I think I'm looking at the most beautiful piece right now," Taeil signaled for Y/N to come over to him, the girl walking over him, gliding her hands over the prominent bulge.

"Oh yeah?" Y/N leans in for a kiss, Taeil happily obligating, "tell me more."

"Her eyes are the brightest you've ever seen. The color memorizing," Taeil stood up, switching spots with Y/N.

"Her skin, flawless no matter what tries to ruin it," Taeil took Y/N's cardigan, throwing it on one of the pews, moving the straps of the dress to trace his lips down her shoulders.

"Open or closed, her smile puts all the models and Instagram whores in the world to shame," his voice going deeper, Taeil's hands cupping Y/N's breasts, "look out to the pews. Imagine all of the seats filled, all of those Jesus heads staring at the sinful display, my cock in you."

"Oh my God, Taeil, keep going," Y/N shut her eyes, Taeil reaching between her legs with one of his hands, his eyes going red.

"Let me move this podium, princess, show all of our friends," Taeil took his hands away, moving the obstruction, Y/N opening her eyes, seeing some of Taeil's friends sitting in the pews.

"Is tha-" Y/N's words were cut off by Taeil, kneeling in front of her, burying his face into her panties.

"Johnny, Doyoung, Taeyong, Jaehyun, Kun, Ten, even a few of your friends, Joshua, Jun, Seonghwa and finally, that pest, Yuta. Always all over you," Taeil started to eat Y/N out through the fabric, nipping and licking the barrier, "I know how much you love having an audience."

Taeil took off his shirt, revealing a dried pentagram he drew using the blood of the pastor, guiding Y/N to the center of the pastor stand.

"Y/N, lay down," Taeil gently commanded her, his seductress jokingly getting on all fours, wiggling her ass while turning to get on her back, Taeil spanking her, "beautiful, naughty goddess, all mine. I changed my mind, don't lay down, get up on your knees."

Y/N felt Taeil unzipping her dress, helping her to her knees, Y/N shimmying out of the dress, leaving her in her bra and panties in front of the crowd.

"You love the thrill of being watched, in the house of God," Taeil growled in Y/N's ear, Y/N moaning as the people in the pews started feeling their pants grow uncomfortable, "they're all aware, they even came willingly. Would you believe people are actually attracted to the dark, the taboo, the unusual?"

Y/N listened to Taeil whisper in her ears, Taeil smearing a liquid on her stomach, his clean hand making its way up to Y/N's neck.

"I know you know I'm not a human anymore, Y/N and yet you stay," Taeil's hand tightened on Y/N's neck, "is it the danger of knowing what I'm capable of?"

Y/N shook her head, the wetness in her panties getting uncomfortable, tubbing her thighs together in a vain attempt to satisfy a little bit of the discomfort, Taeil spreading her legs apart.

"What is that then," Taeil pulled Y/N closer to him, his chest fully flushed to her back, his pants at his ankles as he rubbed his cock inbetween Y/N's thighs, "is it the power that I have? The protection of having a demon on your side?"

Y/N sighed in content as Taeil found his answer.

"I'll always be here for you, my princess," Taeil turned Y/N's face to kiss her, "I won't ever leave. How long have you known?"

"Last time we were together, at the club," Y/N dreamily smiled, thinking about the moment, "when you shot that one guy, he was clearly a demon. Something had to have happened to you, you normally would've tried to talk the guy down before even thinking about harming him."

Y/N reached behind her to put her arm around Taeil's neck, the demon making some sort of noise in acknowledgement.

"So a month. When were you going to tell me?" Taeil began to prep Y/N, his fingers penetrating her as her squeal filled the church, half of the audience staring while the other had started to play with themselves.

"I was waiting for you to tell me," Y/N giggled, Taeil, in a rare soft moment, nuzzling into her neck, "it was your secret, you would've shared it with me when you felt comfortable."

Taeil finally pushed into Y/N, a lengthy groan coming out of him and out of Y/N, a high-pitched moan.

"You always feel so good, whether it's my fingers or cock," Taeil begun to hump Y/N, thrusting at an angle that drove her insane right away, "the best I've ever had in 25 years."

Y/N looked out the pews, all of the boys now masturbating as Taeil fucked her, Johnny focused on pumping his cock, Kun watching Taeil's thrusts go in and out of Y/N, Ten arched up into his hand.

"Fuck, Il-ie," Y/N dugged her nails into Taeil's thighs, an intense feeling going through her, "keep going, push me as far as you can."

Taeil grunted, pulling out of her as she quietly whimpered at the loss. Taeil kicked off his pants and disappeared, leaving Y/N alone in front of their 'fans.'

Taeil came back after a few minutes, blood coating his arms as he brought out the pastor he killed earlier.

"You want me to go rough, Y/N?" Taeil looked at Y/N, her reaction indiscernible as he gently angled her chin up, "If you don't want me to do so, tell me now. I don't want you to regret anything past this point."

Y/N eyed the corpse, the shock of seeing Taeil covered in blood, the pentagram now dripping, wearing off as she stood up, unclipping her bra and dropping it to the side. Walking to Taeil, she gave him a sensitive kiss.

"Do whatever you want."

Taeil's eyes went full blood red, the pupils gone as he picked Y/N up like a feather, kissing her breasts and using the blood to draw a circle on her chest.

"This is your last chance, princess," Taeil asked a final time, Y/N's arms limp around his shoulders, looking for sign of hesitation, "will you be okay?"

"Yes."

Taeil finished the pentagram, an upside down star, as Y/N felt a sense of protection over her body. Taeil again penetrated Y/N, the boys in the crowd watching as Taeil begun to bounce Y/N in his arms, her ass on full display.

"No one will ever fuck with you again," Taeil began to chant, keeping his face in Y/N's breasts, singing praising of her as her moans became squeals and screams, the members of the audience starting to make a mess of themselves, Yuta being the first to orgasm, "I'm gonna make your mine."

"Taeil, make me yours, I'm all yours," Y/N whispered in the demon's ear, her hand tagging at his hair, "I don't want to be with anyone else other than you."

"You're stuck with me," a breathy laugh coming from Taeil, "we belong to each other now."

Y/N's eyes were shut again, her orgasm erupting from her as Taeil continued his dirty talk.

"All mine, no one else's," Taeil came in Y/N, the white liquid making its way out of her princess, the pair catching their breaths, Y/N's head resting on Taeil's shoulder, both sweaty and bloody.

A few moments passed, Taeil still holding Y/N, gently rubbing her back as those who were in the seats of the church were all asleep now. Taeil waved his hand, the boys fully clothed and cleaned as they woke up and walked out of the glass door, the boys having a vauge idea what happened. Taeil's cock still inside her, cum dripping onto the floor, he clenched his hand, opening it to reveal a box, Y/N's eyes widening at the surprise.

"Will you be my queen?"

[daybreak-academy-fanfic]

Daybreak Academy: Chapter 12

Debate Session Disaster

Summary: In which Pyra’s debate with Brain is cut short. Word Count: 1,592 First | Previous | Next ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆

This was the first time she was actually attending one of the monthly house activities. She knew what they were, she just never felt inclined to attend them. Had it not been for Pyra, Anora would not have gone to the debate.

“I'm up against this guy named Brain.” Pyra idly said to Anora. “No pressure, am I right?”

Anora gave her friend a small tilt of her head. Pyra had been told ahead of time what the topic she was going to debate once, and she had even made some very good notes on the subject. But now as the moment was coming, it was easy to tell that Pyra was nervous. Anora carefully put her hand on Pyra's shoulder and gave a bright smile. It was this bit of small encouragement that made Pyra smile right back.

“You're right,” Pyra agreed. “I've got this.”

“And for our next debate,” the announcer called from over the speaker system, “On the subject of school uniforms, we are proud to announce Mister Brain and Miss Pyra!”

“Here we go.” mumbled Pyra to herself. Anora once more put a firm hand on her friend's shoulder. They both knew she had it in her, it was just a matter of getting up there to start.

“In favor of this topic, please give a round of applause to Mister Brain!”

The crowd gave a lukewarm applause as a boy walked up on the platform. He looked pretty well dressed for the occasion; wearing a black, unbuttoned coat with rolled sleeves, a pair of relaxed dress pants in grey, and black cowboy boots that reached to roughly mid-calf. To complete the look, he wore a black fedora, adorned with a red and white feather. When he reached the podium, he pulled up a fedora a bit so the crowd could see his light grey eyes in earnest.

“And for the opposition, please give a round of applause to Miss Pyra!”

As with Brain, the audience gave a modest applause as Pyra started to walk over to her podium. Anora watched as her friend was less certain as she took her place. Behind her back, Anora crossed her fingers and wished Pyra the best of luck.

“Brain, you may begin your debate when you are ready.”

Brain gave the vice captain a nod before taking a small breath in. He looked up at everyone with the glimmer of determination shining in his eyes. When he began to talk, not even butter could have melted in his mouth.

“It is a great honor to be chosen for this debate.” he greeted the audience with a smile. “It is certainly a topic that I had not considered before, but do find it rather beneficial to our current student body. As many of you are aware, there is a severe lack of unity at Daybreak Academy. And, while uniforms can not change that over night, I do believe that it could be a step in the right direction.”

As Brain continued his argument, Anora could almost feel herself zone out. It wasn't much of the argument itself, it was more of the tone of Brain's voice. His voice was exact, and each word was said with a purpose. Brain spoke in a tone so certain that it was almost bizarre to think it came from someone in Pyra's grade.

“You drive an interesting argument Brain,” Pyra started to counter, surprising Anora out of her trance. “But I fail to see how allowing making the students wear uniforms allow us to work better together. As you said, it would not happen over night, but taking away our individuality through enforcing uniforms will not reduce in-school bullying. Our unique individuality was the reason why we were placed in our houses, after all. Without our individual sense of style, what school would Daybreak Academy be? To quote the storyteller A. A. Milne; 'The things that make me different are the things that make me.' If we enforce student uniforms to reduce bullying, then what of our creativity?”

“I agree with you, the creativity and individualism that Daybreak Academy exhibits is bar none. Moreover, it is not impossible for students to incorporate their unique style in the uniforms; hair accessories, nail polish, even a pair of socks. However, in this time of increased bullying, we need to find some middle ground on a grand scale- which can easily include the introduction of-”

The sound of a fearful scream brought everyone to stop dead in their tracks. After someone shouted “They have a gun!” and the sounds of popping that definitely did sound like gunfire, that was when pure pandemonium broke out in the auditorium. If no one had ducked, then several were making a mad dash to the exit. Anora didn't react at first. There was just something so… surreal about what was going on. From where she was, she could see students fall into the panicked crowd and no doubt stepped on. It was only when Pyra yanked Anora down to the ground that she gained some sense of reality again.

“Come on,” Pyra said to her, for the first time Anora had known her, her voice was low and dangerous, “There's an exit close to us.”

Anora only gave a nod. Her ears were ringing- or maybe it was still the sound of the gunshots going off? How many rounds were in that gun anyway? Regardless, Pyra led the two of them to an emergency exit; the alarm above the door almost immediately went off in reaction.

“Get back here Unicornis scum!” someone hollered at the girls. Immediately, they turned around and saw an older boy now standing at the exit entrance. He had a matchbox in his hands, which Anora found was odd and made Pyra immediately on edge.

“Where did you get that?!” she demanded. The boy immediately pocketed the matchbox and sneered at her.

“What are you gonna do about it?” he challenged. “You're only Unicornis, you wouldn't have a spine if it got you in trouble with your headmaster.”

And with that, the boy started to charge at the girls with intent to harm. Pyra was ready to fight them, but someone jumped in the way. Pyra's would-be attacker growled at the interventionist as the two started to wrestle each other.

“Go!” the new person demanded. Without being told twice, Pyra and Anora turned on their heels and ran for safety. They didn't stop running until they knew they were in a safe place.

Pyra took several gasps for air before rasping, “I think… that was Brain. I couldn't tell... But it really looked like him… Huh?”

Anora gave a quick nod as she also tried to catch her breath.

“Poor Brain...” Pyra then mumbled. Again, Anora nodded.

For a long time, the two remained in that spot as they tried to regain their breath. It was hard to ground herself after such an odd whirlwind. Anora tried to replay what had happened over and over again, still not quite understanding what had happened. Both of the girls jumped when they heard someone shout;

“Are you two okay?”

The girls turned around to see a worse for wear Brain coming up to them. His hat was gone, his clothes were torn in several places, and a thin streak of blood was coming from his -possibly broken- nose.

“Brain!” Pyra was the first to remark. “Your nose!”

For a moment, the boy gave her a funny look before placing two fingers under his nose. When he pulled back his fingers, there was a bright red substance dripping off of them. He shrugged it off.

“It's just a little nose bleed. A little ice will help with that no problem.”

“But…!”

“Are you two okay?” Brain once more asked, cutting Pyra off.

Pyra and Anora looked at each other before looking back at him. Nervously, Prya responded with, “Y-yeah. I think we are.”

“Good.” the boy sighed. “I don't know what bug crawled up that guy's butt, but it sure made him mad. I thought that kind of anger could only be channeled during finals. Eh...”

“Do you know if anyone else got hurt?” Pyra then asked.

At this, Brain hung his head. “I don't.” he admitted. “But the entrance was an absolute mess. I wouldn't be surprised if people were stepped on by accident.”

“Yikes.”

“You girls did the smart thing, choosing the back exit.” Brain then said to them, folding his arms in thought. “Unfortunately, that's where bug-up-my-pants was also planning their escape.”

“Where are they now?” Anora felt inclined to ask.

Brain looked at Anora as if it were the first time he had seen her. He raised a neat eyebrow before telling her, “I assume the headmaster's office. Or the nurse; I didn't exactly hold back in our fight.”

“Thank you,” Pyra then said to Brain. “You didn't have to step in like that.”

Brain looked at her as if he had not been expecting a compliment. He gave a small half smile before he held his hand out to her.

“Let's finish our debate another time.” he suggested. “I feel like you had some good notes prepared- it would be a shame for them to go to waste.”

It was Pyra's turn to look up at him in surprise. She looked over to Anora (who didn't have much of a reaction) before looking back to Brain. As she took his hand to shake it, she said to him, still quite surprised by everything, “I'd like that.”

[queerchoicesblog]

Cheetah (OH, Kyra x F! MC)

This OH Kyra x MC fanfic was requested by an adorable Nonny and I’m more than happy to give some spotlight to a wonderful yet unfairly neglected lady like the sweetest Edenbrook patient!

Ideally set after Kyra’s first operation, this fic is kinda fluffy and light-hearted (at first at least! OH is so full of drama that sometimes we need to catch our breath!) and, as I did in my previous Harper fic, it gives some background story info about our sweet girl. I made it up starting from what we know about her, that is to say, that Kyra was a pretty sporty girl once. In short, Dr. Meredith Valentine pays Kyra a visit before going back home and a little chat leads to sharing memories and some cuteness. Hope you all like it, especially you Nonny! 😘

Prompt: "Don't get up, I'll do it!"

Word Count: 1871

Perma Tag: @brightpinkpeppercorn @bbaba-yagaa @abunchofbadchoices @silverhawkenzie @bhavf @begging-for-kamilah @melodyofgraves @crazypeanat @kennaxval @strangerofbraidwood

Kyra Tag: @gayestchoices

_______________________________

When Dr. Meredith Valentine finally finished her rounds for the day, she quickly checked the time then headed towards the elevator. But she didn't go home. Instead, she exited at another floor and politely knocked on a half-open door before poking her head into the room.

"Hey there, can I come in?"

Kyra raised her eyes from a magazine and flashed her a smile.

"My my, two hot doctors checking on me in one day? Must be Christmas!"

"I just wanted to stop by before I go home. Thought it would be nice" the intern commented walking in and taking a seat beside her bed.

"It is nice! And so did Surfer Boy: he came to say hi half an hour ago." 

Then she threw a playful look at Meredith.

"But worry not, there's enough room in my heart for both of you"

They both giggled then Kyra spoke again, leaning back.

"How was your day, doctor?"

"I'm quite sure that was my line? Except for doctor"

"I know, I know, here it's always the other way round. And by now almost all the nurses of this floor or well, half of them as well as a couple of doctors know how my day was, how I'm doing and so on. But I wonder if sometimes patients remember to ask you how your day was. If you're okay. You wear scrubs but you're human too so here we are. How was your day, Dr. Valentine?"

Meredith sighed but managed to give her a tired smile.

"It was a long day. This competition is getting tougher than I expected-"

"Gordon is giving you a hard time?" Kyra inquired.

"Gordon?" the intern frowned her burrows.

"Ramsey" the young woman explained. "I wonder if they're related. I'll make sure to ask him one day"

"Oh my god, I wasn't expecting this" Meredith burst out laughing.

"Well, the other day I saw him roasting one of your friends, that blond guy..."

"Landry?"

"Yeah, Chicken Little"

Meredith laughed even louder this time: she had always found a resemblance between the two of them but never dared to say it out loud.

"Did you assign a nickname to everyone?"

"Almost, my favorites are Cinnamon Roll, the braided-haired girl...Sienna, right?"

Meredith nodded in confirmation.

"Gosh she's adorable! And so is Wonder Man, aka..."

"Elijah"

"That's him! He stops by too every now and then. Oh and how can I forget your boss! She waved at me the other day, I was so excited!"

"Hold on! Did you give Dr. Harper Emery a nickname? That Harper Emery?"

"It's Beyoncé in my book"

"Beyoncé?" Meredith repeated, barely stifling a laugh.

"I don't know, she gives me this 'Who run the world' vibe" Kyra explained, striking a Beyoncé pose.

"It's safe to say I'll never look at the Chief of Medicine the same way" the intern chuckled.

"You're telling me you never thought that? You disappoint me, doctor" Kyra mocked a shocked face.

"Anything else, nickname generator?"

"Well, there's also Rhianna"

"Rihanna?"

"Low knot, raven hair, incinerating gaze...don't know her name?"

"Oh it must be Jackie then. But why Rihanna?"

After a moment, they answered at the same time.

"Because all she is care about is work work work work"

They were still laughing when Kyra's phone beeped twice on her nightstand. She grabbed it and checked the notification. A smile formed on her lips.

"It's Jazmín, my sister. She sent me a picture of my nephew" Kyra showed the intern the screen of her phone. "Here, look."

A kid of four or five was standing in front of an aquarium, hands and eyes glued to the glass as a man -his dad probably- was squatted beside him pointing at a colorful tropical fish.

Meredith involuntarily read the message attached to it. "Lots of fun at the aquarium! Just wish you were here too, sis". She felt a pang of sadness.

"He's my amazing nephew, Luis. He's so little yet so smart, you should see him! Now he's into aquarium stuff: I talked to him last week and he said that he wants to study fishes. I guess he means marine biology"

They both chuckled.

"He seems a fine little man, are you two close?" the intern asked, handing back the phone.

"Of course we are! He's just a little sad we've been seeing each other less than usual lately but we're good" Kyra answered, smiling weakly.

Then all of a sudden her face brightened as she sat up on the bed, slowly moving towards the edge.

"And to prove you I'm the best auntie ever, woman of poor faith...let me get my suitcase-"

Meredith immediately stood and gently guided her back.

"Don't get up, I'll do it!"

The intern flashed the young woman a bright professional smile. Kyra returned it.

"As much as a gorgeous doctor deeply concerned over my wellbeing makes all my Grey's Anatomy's dreams come true, I can still stand, you know that, right Dr. Valentine? I literally have to stand and walk across the room to reach the bathroom so-"

Meredith placed a hand on her shoulder, the reassuring smile still lingering on her face.

"I know, but now I'm here and I'm more than happy to help. And you sure rest, by the way: Dr. Valentine's order" she insisted with a final wink. "Will you concede me this time?"

Kyra dramatically sighed and adjusted the bed. A hint of a blush on her cheeks.

"Okay, okay, you win this, doctor. But only because I don't want you to lose sleep over the missed chance of knowing my best auntie secret"

"Very much appreciated, Kyra. My sleeping schedule's pretty messed up already"

Meredith placed a floral painted trolley at the end of the hospital bed and Kyra unzipped it. As she rummaged into it, the intern moved her chair closer.

"Here" Kyra announced triumphantly.

The young woman turned and proudly showed a fluffy cheetah plushie.

"It's a gift from Louis. It comes straight from the Philadelphia zoo shop" she explained, handing it to the doctor "my sweet little man gave it to me because...well, there's a story behind this gift. I've always been into sports: a cheerleader in college, player of the softball team at college, the one who goes for a morning jog every day and eats healthy...when I graduated I took some training and became an aerial yoga teacher. In the meantime, I started to make quite a reputation in bike races. Amateur competitions, obviously, but I was quite good: I even got an offer to join a professional team once"

Kyra took an old article showing a picture of a younger self rising a small cup on the top of a podium.

"Read the title"

"'Kyra 'Cheetah' Santana is on her way to stardom'" Meredith read "'Quite good' is definitely an understatement Kyra! You rocked! And...aww, he bought you that plushie because it was your nickname?"

"Yeah, I was 'as fast as a cheetah'" the young woman beamed before putting the article away. "Long story short, one month after that race I started being sick. Went to the doctor and...well, the rest is history, I guess"

"My god, I'm so sorry, Kyra" the intern frowned and reached for Kyra's hand.

Kyra shrugged and gave her a weak smile.

"Don't be, shit happens, right? When I got my diagnosis when I heard the word 'cancer'...I felt the world crumbling under my feet. Luckily Jazmín, Robert and Luis were there. They immediately came when I told my sis what was going on. A few days later we went to the zoo to take my mind off things if it makes any sense and they got me this plushie. I had a cheetah toy but sadly I lost it during a relocation. So they got me this little cuteness because the previous one always brought me good luck. And 'even if you don't race now, you'll always be our Cheetah'"

"That was so thoughtful and sweet of them" Meredith commented as a lump formed in her throat.

"Yes. They will come visit next week to celebrate me getting out of here. No offense!" they both laughed before Kyra squeezed the doctor's hand and met her gaze.

"What I meant to say earlier...is that I'm fine. So much changes when you become sick: people start seeing you as an ill person and nurse you around all the time. And it's frustrating, you know? Sometimes you need help but when you don't, it's disappointing to see they don't change. When you become 'a patient', when you get some serious illness, all you want is a cure, obviously, but also to be reminded that you're still a person. That your previous self isn't gone and dead. Metaphorically...gosh you also get some morbid humor!"

"I get it, Kyra. At least I think I do" Meredith said, rubbing the back of her hand with her thumb. "It's perfectly understandable and I'm sorry if I was insensitive, even without meaning it. I just...I guess you could say I care for you, that's all".

The intern diverted her eyes, her cheeks blushing slightly. Kyra's gaze softened as she spoke again:

"Aw, can I get a hug, Dr. Valentine?"

Meredith looked back at her. Then she stood and pulled the young woman into a hug, gently stroking her back. Kyra contently rested her head on the intern's shoulder and snaked her arms around her waist. She could feel the doctor's heart racing against her chest as they lingered in the unexpected embrace. After a moment she whispered: "I'm gonna be fine, Meredith. The doctor smiled when he visited me: you guys smile when things are okay, right? Worry not, I'm stronger than I look"

"I know you are, Kyra" Meredith said, pulling back to look her in the eye. "I never doubted it"

The patient smiled at her.

"I don't know if I'm overstepping but you're not my doctor so...why don't you join us on our family party? If you're not busy obviously! Your wondrous friends can come along too if they feel like celebrating too"

"I'd love to. Text me the address, you have my numb-"

As if on cue Kyra's phone started beeping again.

"I guess that's my cue" Meredith smiled apologetically. "But first, this".

She carefully placed the plushie into the suitcase and picked a little notebook out of her pocket. She quickly wrote something and handed it to Kyra.

"My number. For emergencies or parties only" she winked.

"Duly noted, doc" Kura mocked a salute, giggling.

The intern headed towards the door but stopped before crossing the threshold. She turned back to the sweet patient.

"Hold on, you never told me what's my nickname! You assigned one to everyone, I'm pretty sure I have one too"

Kyra playfully raised an eyebrow to her.

"Smart girl. Of course you have one too, d'uh! Don't tell me you haven't figured it out yet"

Meredith furrowed her brows concentrating but couldn't find an answer.

"You had a long day, you should get some rest too: it's Kyra's order" the girl commented, smiling affectionately.

Meredith was about to wish Kyra a good night when the other woman spoke again:

"Thanks for stopping by, McDreamy".

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 026: Obstacle Course Part 2 (Conclusion)

Previously on BnHA: The kids of class A busted their way through the sports festival obstacle course like the young gods-in-the-making they are. Everyone was like, whoa, these kids are kicking ass. Momo made a gun and I may have cried a little. Some girl from the support course macguyvered her way through with moon shoes and a utility belt. Fucking Deku tore through the entire thing carrying a giant metal plate and just whomping robots left and right and shimmying across the floating islands of Pandora like fucking Spider-Man. He then catapulted himself onto a bunch of mines in a fucking minefield and fucking surfed the resulting explosion and I’m fucking done you guys.

Today on BnHA: Deku nearly commits a murder but it nets him first place. Todoroki spits in the face of continuity. Everyone in class A advances to the second round of the festival. Midnight announces that round 2 will be a cavalry battle. Deku has a target painted on his back because no good deed ever goes unpunished.

(As always, all comments not marked with an ETA are my unspoiled reactions from my first readthrough of this chapter. I’ve read up through chapter 48 now, so any ETAs will reflect that.) 

oh my god look at these huge text boxes. are these all Deku?? this kid is fucking twacked out on something right now I swear

yeah I guess this is Deku’s POV from when he was like “RARRRRRRRR [BOOM]” from before

seriously this kid is out here channeling the Hulk or something

holy shit he actually dug up the mines in order to jump on them??

All Might what have you done. look what you’ve created

more like blasting shounen maniac

also I forgot Kacchan’s arm was frozen and I had to stare at it for a sec before my memory filled in the blanks there

so we’re all in agreement that Deku has actually gone crazy right?

“yup this is intense” totally fucking bananas

Kacchan has such an over the top wtf expression that for a moment I actually thought Deku had hit him in the head on the way down

he didn’t think about the landing. of course not. shounens never think about the landing

well maybe this guy can inadvertently help you out with that somehow

wow look at his face. Deku what have you done

now Todoroki’s making an ice path

by the way, so Todoroki apparently doesn’t need to physically touch whatever it is he’s freezing, then? because here he’s just stomping on the ground and it’s immediately turning to ice, but he’s wearing shoes. I can’t remember if he’s done this before, but I feel like up till now it’s always been his hands

in fact, I just went back and checked his intro in chapter 11 and it specifically said he freezes things with his right hand (left hand is the fire one). so I consider this panel a plot hole unless Horikoshi decides to come along and explain it later

(ETA: not only did they not explain it, they didn’t change it for the anime either. WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE IS THIS. I CAN’T BELIEVE THE ENTIRE SERIES IS RUINED JUST LIKE THAT OMG.)

Deku seems more worried about losing time on his landing than he is about, you know, landing badly and breaking every bone in his body. I guess once you’ve already done that a few times, you kind of become accustomed to it and it’s no big deal anymore

(ETA: let’s not talk any more about Deku not giving a shit about his own broken bones holy shit.)

why do shounen people always take such a long fucking time to fall

lol the other two are rushing past him while he’s slowly drifting into the frame upside-down

grab onto them and use them as your sled dogs!

holy fuck what is he doing lmao

this kid is really out here with his HEEERE’S JOHNNY face deadass about to commit murder live on camera in front of 100,000 people

oh thank god he didn’t actually hit them. though I feel like it wasn’t for lack of trying

he hit the ground again and of course, more land mines

I feel like he ended up murdering them anyway tbh

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TEACHING THOSE KIDS ERASER HEAD” lmao sob this chapter is epic

and EH is all “I didn’t even do anything they’re just like this”

Deku actually made it back first! holy shit. and all he had to do was go completely off the deep end and murder two of his classmates to do it

oh my god his mom is watching

I mean, of course she’s watching, but it only just occurred to me. is he actually going to use his quirk here at some point or what? and if he does, just what the hell is she going to make of that?

I hope he comes clean with her afterwards, honestly. I have faith in her ability to keep a secret that would put her child’s life in jeopardy otherwise

(ETA: Deku is a liar and a thief and his poor mom deserves better)

and speaking of that, scrolling back up to the panel above Izumama, there’s this other random guy watching Deku who seems to also recognize him

what’s this about exactly? a year ago would be right around the time of the Sludge Incident. does he remember him from that? or does he somehow know Deku from back in his middle school days?

(ETA: it’s the former, I overthought this)

actually there are a lot of people who went to school with Izuku and specifically knew him to not have a quirk, come to think. what are all of them going to think if he suddenly busts one out here in front of the entire country? I feel like that’s going to seem really fucking suspicious and raise a lot of questions

anyway, moving on here, it seems Tomura is watching too. what a creep

and his hands are gone, just like when he visited the school that day and (presumably) broke in

aww. Deku sought out All Might’s face in the crowd and he’s grinning at him and he looks so proud. he’s crying again sob. and All Might looks fucking ecstatic

now All Might is having an internal monologue about how so many modern heroes are in it for the fame and so they’re selfish, but Deku isn’t like that, and that’s why he chose him. and interestingly he says he thought that quality would be a potential weakness, but he’s happy to be proven wrong

“but you gotta stop crying all the time!” aww, let him be, he’s emotional, there’s nothing wrong with that. I was gonna add “and he’s still a kid”, but that implies that there’s anything wrong with an adult being emotional which isn’t the case either. I know he’s all about the whole “smiling through the pain” thing, but Deku’s not the type to keep his feelings so hidden, and honestly I think that’s also a strength rather than a weakness

people from the business course are discussing Deku’s draft stock now, and speculating on how they would market him

yeah All Might I kind of see what you mean here. it’s all about the PR, and the actual hero stuff has almost been taken out of the equation

there’s a panel explaining how the business course members don’t participate in the sports fest directly and instead they just walk around doing boring business things. I’m not at all interested in this but I am dutifully making a note of it

(ETA: though I would be interested if they did some more shit dealing with sudden fame and celebrity and marketing deals. it’s still ridiculous to me that a country with as huge an idol culture as Japan would not be attempting to do this with at least some of these U.A. kids.)

(ETA 2: finally in the latest chapter I read we at least had someone filming a commercial.)

Kacchan and Todoroki have arrived back at the stadium out of breath as losers. sorry losers

poor Todoroki. IN FRONT OF YOUR FAMOUS DAD AND EVERYTHING

Kacchan’s super pissed but what else is new. is your arm okay bud. also you probably could have blasted your way across that final part of the course similar to how Deku did, but you didn’t. you literally have only yourself to blame

oh wow, Ochako and Iida rounding out the top five! what a pleasant surprise

(ETA: yeah this misconception will be rectified shortly, so I’m leaving it)

Iida’s depressed because being fast is His Whole Thing and he still came in like fifth. honestly I feel like that does hurt him a little more than the rest, because if any heroes out there are on the lookout for a speedster, they’re probably going to be less taken with a guy that didn’t even manage to make the podium in the speed competition. but you still have the rest of the festival, Iida. and if all else fails, you’ll still have two more chances after this

Deku is literally hiding his face because Ochako came right up to him and started talking about how great he was

it was not close, Deku

now he’s saying he got lucky. that was part of it, sure, but dude you were a fucking beast out there. honestly it was scary

Momo made it in sixth! along with this piece of drifting garbage that seems to have gotten stuck to her somehow

I’m sorry you had to see this, everyone. Momo is brilliant, but I feel like she missed a golden opportunity to make another gun or something and solve our Mineta problem for good. they did say no rules, after all. any lawyer worth their salt should be able to work with that

oh wow, I thought Iida and Ochako were fourth and fifth, but apparently that Poison Ivy girl came in fourth! Ibara, huh? I like her a lot

and this Dia de Muertos guy came in fifth!!

MY GOD IIDA, SIXTH?? YOU HAD ONE FUCKING JOB

and Ochako is #16?? EVERYONE, WE’RE GONNA RIOT

class B seems to only have a few standouts, really. thank god tbh. it was hard enough trying to memorize the first twenty kids’ names

(ETA: for a brief moment it looked like this might not be true, but then it was true again lol)

can’t believe Kaminari’s all the way down at #24. what happened?

are there... two invisible kids here?

(ETA: this literally never came up again??!)

and Aoyama barely made it. the cutoff was at #42 for some reason. they could have easily set it at the much more normal number of 40, but they just liked you that much, Aoyama!

Midnight’s about to announce the second event, but she’s dragging it out so damn much and I can’t take it

“Cavalry Battle”! yay! what’s that

Tsuyu says they’re teaming up but imma need more deets

“participants will form, on their own, teams of two to four members each” okay I can already foresee a few problems here

-- and get into a horse and rider formation, oh my god

I LOVE IT

for a brief moment I was like “wow this is really tame compared to the first event.” but then I remembered that they all have powers and will presumably be trying to kill each other and I can see this getting really fucking violent actually

that said! I’m definitely here for it lol

damn she’s still going on. apparently each kid has been assigned a point value based on the results of the previous event. so that means Deku has the highest value I guess. well, he wanted to stand out

TEN MILLION POINTS wow. this seems a bit broken to me

Deku’s face is

pretty good

what kind of fucked up olympics punishes you for doing well though

ten million points, though. damn. and meanwhile that lucky s.o.b. Aoyama is only worth five

and wow, we’ve reached the end of volume three already! well that sure was fun

BONUS:

Mt. Lady again?

she’s ordering takoyaki

she’s trying to get it for free omg

it worked omg

that’s it. that’s the comic

wow

now there’s a second comic that seems almost identical to her first comic from an earlier volume. this accountant guy is complaining that she’s lost them so much money

she can apparently grow from her normal size up to about 67 and a half feet. and that’s it. nothing in between

aside from that slight bit of additional detail, this is literally the exact same comic strip from before. I want those twenty seconds of my life back damn it

[darkenedrosepetals]

Worth

Chapter Two

Ezekiel was accustomed to the turbulence that came with the first day of summer camp. It was why he insisted on the meticulous preparation to keep things running as smooth and painless as possible. It was not to say problems were completely avoided, as there was always a problem that needed his immediate attention.

 Such was the case now at the front desk with an overly concerned parent who was re-enrolling her son. Unfortunately, last year the dear boy by whose name was Theo, had an allergic reaction at lunch. The mother declared it was the result of poor practices in the kitchen and demanded that whomever was in charge be fired and replaced.

Ezekiel was certain poor practice was not the cause. He was certain that his kitchen staff followed the rules and made sure not to cross contaminate any of the foods and to properly inform the children of the food choices. Although, he knew it was not uncommon that things happened such as the kids sharing their food from their own home prepared lunches.

So, to say, he handled the situation as careful as possible. He kept his composure, but he was inwardly glad that interaction was over. He couldn’t afford to be rattled. Not this early in the day.

Ezekiel plastered on a smile as the next parent stepped forward with their child. A woman with short curls, bright blue eyes, who was dressed in a modest sundress that stopped a bit under her knees.  The young girl was a splitting image of her mother with the exception of her strawberry blonde hair.

“Good morning,” he greeted warmly. “How may we help you?”

The woman returned his smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’d like to sign my daughter up for summer camp.”

Ezekiel nodded, handing her the necessary paperwork, clipboard and a pen. “Yes Ma’am. Please complete this application. If you have any issues or questions, I will be happy to assist you.”

“Thank you,” The woman accepted the clipboard, their fingers brushing briefly. She beckoned for her daughter to follow her to the area designated for filling out paperwork.

Ezekiel cleared his throat and reached for his thermos, his mouth suddenly dry. The water was enough to snap him back to his senses for the time being to continue assisting Debbie at the front desk. He snuck a glance at the woman and her daughter. Her brow was pinched as she concentrated on filling in the many lines of information. He knew the packet was lengthy, but he was a thorough person and disliked surprises.

More children appeared, some with their parents and others were alone. Many had their ID cards ready as they were already accustomed to the check in process. He greeted each of them, some by name and the other just as warmly even though he didn’t know their names yet.

By the time the small crowd of parents and children was cleared, the woman returned with the paperwork and clipboard. Debbie thanked her and scanned for the lines for any need corrections or missing information. After a few beats, she nodded and smiled. “Thank you, Mrs. Peletier. Am I saying that correctly?”

“Yes Ma’am,” she stammered.

Debbie smiled gently, sensing the woman’s nervousness. She began to explain the remainder of the application, which was mostly details pertaining to the basic rules of the center and proper protocols should issues arise. She then accepted the due payment, making the correct change and producing a receipt. She then made copies of the paper work and created a temporary ID tag. After all of that was done Debbie turned her attention to the young girl. “This is for you to keep with you at all times until you get your official one. It contains your name and ID number.”

The girl accepted the sticker and promptly put it on her shirt. “Thank you, Ma’am.”

Ezekiel couldn’t stop from grinning. The young girl was meek in nature but showing to be respectful. He leaned forward and read her name tag. “Sophia. Is that correct?”

Sophia nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

Ezekiel stretched out his hand. “Welcome to Summer camp.”

----

Carol felt like it was the first day of school all over again for Sophia. She was sure she was over reacting, but she couldn’t shake the feeling. She supposed that this is how it would be when it was time for Sophia to go off for college. She shivered. She didn’t want to think about that just yet.

The entire process was a lot simpler than she anticipated but she was still on edge the entire time. The fact that she was going behind Ed’s back in signing Sophia up summer camp was both exciting and nerve racking. She was quick to decline the option for Sophia to be picked up in the mornings. She would just take Sophia to the center after Ed went to work for the day. Fortunately, Ed went to work two hours before the center opened and returned in the evenings way after the recreation center’s closing hours.

Sophia said her goodbyes, hugging Carol tight around her waist before following the waiting camp counselor. Despite the unease in her gut, she felt pride in knowing that she was finally able to do something for her daughter.

“She’s in good hands Mrs.Peletier,” The man said as if he was listening to her thoughts.

Carol nodded and readjusted her purse strap. She hadn’t paid any real attention to the man behind the desk, instead giving it mostly to the younger woman. It was a habit she was trying to break, but was still struggling to do. It was a habit that helped avoid confrontation with Ed. He didn’t like if she showed too much “attention” to other men.

The little streak of rebellion inside her was quick to remind her that Ed was not here at this very moment. So, she allowed her eyes to study the man behind the counter. Her eyes roamed to his tag that read ‘Ezekiel’. It was foreign on her tongue, and she decided that it was perfect for the man that sported long salt and peppered dreadlocks and had a rich, smooth voice. One that commanded your attention. While filling out the paperwork, she’d listened to the brief interactions of Ezekiel with the other parents and children. He appeared genuinely pleased to see each person and his voice reflected as much.

So, to say, Ezekiel’s assurance of her daughter’s wellbeing set her at ease.

“Thank you,” Carol said quietly. She made eye contact this time, realizing with a start that Ezekiel had rich, expressive eyes. They were warm, like his voice and had the power to pin her where she stood. On top of that, his easy smile was contiguous. Quickly she averted her eyes and made way to exit the lobby. On her way out, she noticed the boy from the grocery store named Henry. He had a small back pack this time.

Carol wondered suddenly if Sophia would befriend Henry. It wasn’t that Sophia was anti-social but she was quiet by nature and shy, so she didn’t have too many friends. She was hopeful, as she didn’t want her daughter to grow up without having some type of social life. One that involved much laughter and plenty of memories to last a life time.

----

Ezekiel leaned against the door frame of the cafeteria, watching the room slowly fill with children. Some of bursting with energy, greeting their friends while other trudged along clearly still sleepy. His eyes fell to the one of the newest members, Sophia Peletier. She had seated herself at one of the round tables and was curiously looking around at the other children. He noticed the way she tugged nervously at her fingers and chewed at her lip.

So far, no one came to sit with her as they passed by. Which was to be expected as she was new and many of the children weren’t. Some of the children were obvious with their judgmental stares, while other were just as nervous and averted their gazes.

By the time everyone was in the cafeteria. Ezekiel joined Jerry who was waiting at the podium. The tall man offered a thumbs up, signaling that they were ready to roll.

Ezekiel grabbed the microphone causing a hush to fall open the room. He cleared his throat and began his speech. It was the usual, a full greeting to the children, a run down of the rules and the necessary protocols. The talk lasted no more than twenty minutes, opening the floor for Jerry to say his share and even initiate the brief ‘get to know a new buddy’ session. It was a activity they developed to help break the ice between the old and new members.

“Alright, Alright everybody let’s make this quick,” Jerry grinned, waved his hand. “For those of you who are currently sitting alone at a table, please join the nearest table to you. C’mon don’t be shy. No one’s gonna bite.”

Ezekiel watched as each person that was sitting alone did as they were told. His eyes automatically located Sophia among the crowd. She was hesitant at first but joined a table that seated two other boys he knew, as they were regulars to recreation center for going on three years now.

“Now, please introduce yourselves and talk about something you like to do.” Jerry instructed the room. Then, after a hearing a couple of groans, he added. “Even if you know each other already, just welcome one another back and catch up.”

Chatter began amongst the tables, and even some laughter erupted in some areas. Again, Ezekiel attention drifted back to Sophia’s table and was pleased to see her accepting a hand shake from one of her table mates. She was sitting taller now, seeming a little more confident than before. It was a good sign.

The job of being a camp director required that Ezekiel not only be observant but mindful to the behavior of the children taken under his care. It was heart breaking, to know not all of the children lived happy, healthy lives. He wasn’t there to judge, but rather show as much kindness and affection to them as he possibly could.

There was something about Sophia Peletier that made Ezekiel want to keep a special eye on her.

‘”She’s in good hands Mrs.Peletier”

Ezekiel mentally shook himself. It was both corny and a little creepy now that he thought of his earlier statement. It wasn’t the first time a parent was unsure of their choice, but this time he could feel something was different. He felt the need to assure Carol Peletier that she wasn’t making a mistake. Perhaps it was because he could see the inner conflict that was taking place behind those solemn eyes. Or the way she studied him so deeply before nearly running out of the lobby.

Ezekiel huffed and shelved the thought for later.

[la-voce-to-me]

AU August

Day 10

On Ao3

Chat stared at her as she put on her lipstick. They were parked slightly outside the main line of cars for the red carpet. The noise from the gala was still audible despite the distance, but they paid it no mind. Even though she could feel the weight of his green eyes on her, she continued to slowly swipe the tube over her lips.

“Do you need something?” she asked, finally snapping her compact shut.

“Is that the poison lipstick?”

Ladybug stared at her partner. His face was neutral, no sign of a joke or sarcasm given away in his usually expressive eyes. She blinked at him a few times before facing forward in the car, tapping their driver on the shoulder.

“Jade honey, your best friend better be more competent than he sounds,” she said smoothly, taking small delight in the indignant sound her partner made.

“I know how he comes off Lady, but I promise he’s the best at what he does,” the driver responded with a chuckle.

Chat huffed, slouching back in his seat with a small “unbelievable,” muttered under his breath.

“To answer you question, newbie,” a voice said, crackling to life in their ears, “having a poisonous lipstick would just make Ladybug sick. She just likes having red lips when wearing a black dress.”

“Thank you, Vixen,” Ladybug said with a clipped tone.

“Welcome Bug Babe,” Vixen replied. She could practically hear the woman stick her tongue out at the headpiece.

The next few moments were spent in silence. As much as Marinette loved her job, being Ladybug was always nerve wracking with a new partner. Her previous one had only lasted two missions before being switched to a lower tier at his request. The girl before him lasted longer, around four months, but she quit the agency after working with Ladybug.

Her team was the top tier at the agency. Jade Turtle was their man on the ground, a getaway car, a bodyguard, and informant all in one. Vixen had been Ladybug’s partner the longest until she got injured in the field, but stayed on as communication and detail master. Ladybug was the face of the operation, the only one who had a reputation, and the only one whose face was recognizable.

Working high profile cases as a new recruit had been a poor career choice, as it turned out. Her favorite missions were the ones where she could just be a secret agent- not the Lady in Red, not that one bitch who stopped an assassination by tying the hit man up with a yoyo, just Ladybug.

That’s why this one had her nervous. Jade had recommended his friend, a high profile model, to be her partner. This gala would be the first test to see if his fame could overshadow her infamy, and still be productive.

They had already attended Fashion Week together to start the rumours circulating, then fed her civilian identity to the press. It had been a month since then, and the press could not get enough of the newest couple to Paris’s fashion scene. A good cover, so long as it didn’t prevent them from doing work.

“Okay kitty, let’s move,” Ladybug said, ushering her partner outside the car.

The noise was instantaneous. The had slowly crept forward in the line of cars, until they were right in front of the gala entrance. Reporters shouted, cameras flashed, and Chat smiled. He wrapped an arm around her waist, posing every few feet on the carpet.

“M. Agreste, what do you think of the gala being announced just a week after your fathers?”

Ladybug felt her partner’s hand squeeze for a moment before he answered.

“You can really never have too many charity balls, in my opinion. If dressing up is what people need to do in order to donate to good causes, then I’m all for it,” he replied breezily.

The hand on her hip tugged them almost through the entrance until one question reached them, clearer than the rest. “Mlle Dupain-Cheng, what are your thoughts on the primary auction item this year?”

The pair of them paused, and Ladybug turned to face the reporter.

“You know, this is just awful of me but I’ve been so busy with clients that I don’t happen to know what item you’re referring to. I’m sure it’s a treasure, whatever it might be.”

“If that’s all, we’ll be heading in now…” Chat cut in, once again placing a hand around her waist. She heard the cameras clicking during the action, rolling her eyes.

They strode through the crowd, occasionally pausing when Ladybug would signal for Adrien to stop and greet someone. Their target was easy to spot but hard to track, so his casual conversation was convenient cover.

“LB, it looks like there might be an issue…” Jade said, voice low in her ear piece.

“Really,” she said, turning away from Chat with a small smile. He nodded, heading towards a group of people trying to catch his eye.

“Adrien’s dad is here…”

Chat’s head snapped towards the door, and Ladybug flinched at the action. As much as he had proved himself in the way of stealth, there were certain things Adrien just hadn’t gotten the hang of. Reacting visibly to information coming from a headset was one of those things.

Ladybug strode over to her partner, whose eyes were still fixed on the silvered head of the figure making its way into the entertainment hall. She clasped Adrien’s hand, hoping for a moment that he would understand that this was her being a friend, rather than a partner in (stopping) crime.

“Pardon me, if I could steal my date for a moment, I believe he promised me a dance,” Marinette said, addressing the curious faces of the people Adrien had been talking to. “Adrien, are you alright?”

“Why is he here?” Adrien hissed back. “He said he wasn’t coming. He said it was an offensive move from Armani to do this!”

“Adrien, look at me,” Marinette said, her voice low. He did as instructed. “Fashion politics don’t make sense. Knowing what I know of Gabriel, he could be here because he saw the answer you gave that reporter and hightailed it over here.”

“What if you have to arrest someone! He’s going to give me such grief for dating outside his approved circle…” “I can handle him, okay?”

“Stop worrying Chat, you have a mission,” Vixen interjected. Adrien breathed in deeply, and Marinette could practically see his Chat Noir mask slide back into place.

“Speaking of…” Ladybug murmured, eyes narrowing. “Kitty your dad is talking to the target. It’s the first person he’s talked to in the whole time we’ve been there.”

Chat turned slowly.

“That’s our target?”

“Didn’t you look at the file I provided?” Vixen’s voice rang shrill in their ears.

“I didn’t recognize the name and I guess she looks different in greyscale. That’s, well, I know her as one of his assistants.”

“...how did I miss that…” Vixen whispered. They could hear a lot of typing through the com, and then a small “shit.”

“Adrien, shall we claim that dance?” Ladybug asked, guiding him towards the dance floor. Many people were already swaying to the music that flowed from the orchestra. She turned to face him, clasping his shoulder. “Okay Vix, talk to me.”

“Chat I don’t think you’re gonna be happy, but I think Gabriel might be the actual target…”

“What? How could my father have anything to do with this… black market whatever?”

“That’s some pretty big news my dude, are you sure we should go through with the mission?” Jade asked.

“This is the only opportunity to retrieve the stones, regardless of who might be arrested that is our primary goal for tonight,” Ladybug cut in, resting her head on Adrien’s shoulder.

He smiled at her tightly, seeming to be caught between appreciating the comforting gesture and realizing his father might be behind one of the largest artifact heists in history.

The music slowed to a stop, and they turned to applaud the orchestra. A man in a tuxedo walked onto their stage, taking a microphone from the podium.

“Welcome everyone to the Harvest Charity Ball, hosted by Armani and the Human Rights League! We will shortly be starting the silent auction, so please continue to dance and mingle, but do not forget to take a look at the auction items!” There was chatter as the announcer paused, smiling widely.

“Of course, the main object of the silent auction is a guided tour for inspiration, donated by Gabriel Agreste!”

Ladybug scrunched her brow, shooting a look to her partner. He wore a matching confused expression. Suddenly, she remembered the reporters question from outside.

“Did she ask me because I’m an up and coming designer, or was that a hint?”

Chat seemed to understand what the question referred to. The clapped politely as the rest of the big name silent auction pieces were announced, and turned to each other once the music began again.

“Lady, I can’t find anything about the big auction piece being announced before today, I think you should find that reporter…” Vixen said, worry creeping into her voice.

“I couldn’t see who it was, but I think she went inside after you two…” Jade said.

“Okay, after this song we’ll look,” Chat said, letting the first impish smile of the night creep onto his face.

They didn’t have to wait until the end of the song, however. As soon as the music hit its peak, the lights cut out. Ladybug pulled out the small knife she kept sheathed in the shoulder of her dress, while Chat let his hand rest on the staff hidden under his jacket.

“Follow me,” a small voice said, appearing between them and gone just as fast. They looked at each other, then back where the voice had been. A swath of red slipped around a nearby pillar. They followed slowly, trying to jostle as few people as possible.

“He needs to be stopped,” the voice said again, just as the red cloth disappeared around a corner.

“Wait here,” Ladybug said. Chat obeyed, resting against a wall.

The room was as dark as the main hall had been, but there was one item on a silent auction table that seemed brighter than all the rest. She crept forward, looking around the room for the voice that had led her there.

The item was a simple but high end coat. She reached out to run a hand along the silhouette of the coat, when she felt a rush of power seep through her hand.

“My name is Tikki. I am the goddess of creation. Do not be afraid, my dear ladybug. I need to save my siblings.”

The voice came from everywhere and nowhere, seeming to originate from her own body. She let out a gasp, causing Chat to rush into the room.

“Your eyes-” was all he got out before his own began to emit a small but definite glow.

“Ah, your Chat Noir is here too. Plagg will instruct him as I will instruct you. Listen carefully…”

Ladybug was having a hard time understanding what exactly was going on, but the calm that had seeped into her bones made following Tikki’s guidance easy. She knew with certainty that this was the right thing.

The coat was a disguise from the buyer- there were several sacred artifacts sewn into various places of the coat- artifacts that apparently contained the spirits of gods. She deftly undid the coat, handing each of the artifacts to Chat. Just as the last one had been freed, the lights came back on.

“Adrien, son. What are you doing here?”

Tikki’s presence fled with the return of the lights, allowing Marinette to take back over.

“We happened upon this room when I was looking for the restroom, and I couldn’t help but notice- this coat is your handiwork, is it not?”

Gabriel seemed to only notice Marinette after she had spoken.

“Ah, Mlle. Dupain-Cheng, very astute. This designer does have a very similar construction to my own but…” His voice trailed off as he fingered the opened seams.

Marinette took the moment to snap one of the black handcuffs that had been previously embedded to the lining of a pocket in her dress. Gabriel looked at the metal around his wrist, then back to the woman holding them.

“This is how your mother and I met,” he said, turning to Adrien. “I’ll go quietly, not to cause a scene.”

“Your son had nothing to do with this,” Marinette couldn’t help but say.

Gabriel’s impassive face turned into a soft smile.

“Neither was I when I first became her partner.” “We’re not partners in crime,” Adrien said softly.

“But partners nonetheless,” Gabriel said.

[tweedpawn]

Duality of Dweebs- Zaharian and Della

@gabedoodles

Technically, Zaharian was a man with chestnut hair, scarred face, and a good build under charcoal-grey uniform. His peers, however, still referred to him as a boy with chestnut hair, and that was as much as they were willing to give credit to. So when assignment “Lottery” came, as Zaharian referred to tasks haphazardly given with little thought, he could sense a bit of confusion from his mates.            It was a “resource acquisition” mission. That was to say, it was a heist. The boy at least had some dexterity going for him, but was still rough around the edges in his developing skills. There were failed attempts at bribing the vending droids. There was the thing he did when he thought he was alone and would pretend to sneak around while humming his own theme song. 

           On the other hand, he was very gifted with technology. Once it was made clear that the resource being acquired was a foot-sized kyber crystal that had been polished and cut into the shape of a goblet, they understood that it would take someone who knew a thing or two about security systems.            Zaharian was thrilled. The mission was set in a museum, of the great metropolis of Coruscant. He could grab a good cup of caff, get the goods, and then settle for a nice dinner with the fat bonus that goblet was going to get him. So far, everything was going as planned.            He had disabled the exterior security systems. The doors were kept locked, to avoid too much suspicion. Security droids were outdated and slow to react. They might as well have been eating doughnuts and sleeping.            Zaharian was able to get rooftop access, slip into the attic, and then cut a hole past fiberglass, wood, and plaster. With a good bit of effort, any cameras nearby were currently replaying scenes of quieter days.            Zaharian carefully removed the panel he had cut. Not dropping a single spec of dust. He tapped a few lines of code into his datapad. Just to be certain that the proper security mechanisms were disabled. He strapped a grappling rope to the harness on his chest. With a smug dive, he lowered himself slowly to the precious object below like an outstretched spider.               The Chalice of the Force had been commissioned by a wealthy family who were lucky enough to own the land the crystal had been found in. Like many wealthy families, the idea of donating something valuable to a monastic order was met with restrained contempt. They found it much more contributable to society to carve the stone into a wineglass made further useless by ornate gold work and jewels.            Now it was going to be useful, but for the Empire. Waste not, want not. Zaharian always said. He flexed his fingers ready to finally commit to the thievery. Alarm systems were disengaged, so the glass top was removed without a sound. The chalice seemed to gain a greater weight without the enclosure.            Zaharian tilted his body to the side, to carefully set the glass case down without making noise or breaking it. It required a bit of finesse to avoid tipping anything over.            Then, looking back up, he saw ears. Long, sable, rabbit ears. They were attached to a pair of large staring eyes. His heart suddenly jumped. His breath leaped away from him, leaving only a tight throat. His face felt pale and his fingers turned to ice in a brief moment.  

Zaharian nearly screamed out of shock, instead biting his lip so only a high pitched whine was emitted. Instead, he bunched up, nearly scaling up his own grappling rope, and tilting the podium.            The rabbi- No, girl, Rabbit. Girl. Girl-rabbit. Grabbit. The thing managed to prevent the entire display from falling over. They locked eyes. Hers were dark-colored, almost brown. With a strange combination of curiosity, and the wild stare of a woodland animal.            Zaharian’s were blue, mixed with confusion, relief, and the look of someone who just noticed an uninvited guest. The two were silent, and Zaharian began to wonder if a poor teenager had been locked into the museum and needed help getting out.            He opened his mouth to silently ask her. Before a sound left his lips, he noticed that the girl was slooooooooooooooowly sliding the cup towards her. Zaharian protested, reaching out for the cup. Before his fingers could touch the gilded chalice, the rabbit darted back, and the podium fell over, shattering the glass case with a loud crash.            Zaharian gasped. He and the girl broke froze still. As soon as the alarms sounded, the girl leaped onto the Imperial’s rope and started to scale it like some common tree mammal.            “Hey! Wait!” Zaharian shouted. His arms flailed until he recalled the feature that would allow him to zipline back up to the attic. Zah situated himself to grab the girl as he jetted up the line.            It worked like a charm. He scooped both girl and cup into a grip before entering back into the attic. He had half a mind to just drop her, but the teenager suddenly clung to him like velcro.            “You’re in big trouble, little lady!” Zaharian barked, trying to wrestle between Chalice, Girl, and a blaster pistol. But, he wasn’t watching his head, and there was a thunk as he hit a wooden support beam his rope was tied to.            It didn’t take him out, but he was now in a tangled heap of limbs, frantically making sure the prize token didn’t fall. He couldn’t hold everything. The blaster pistol was knocked just out of reach onto some dated insulation, and the girl managed to slip out, running to the open window Zaharian had climbed through earlier.            “Nope!” The imperial grunted, quickly disconnecting the rope, reaching for his weapon and firing a plasma shot. He missed on the first shot. He realized that he was firing a lethal bullet at a teenage child and a great guilt flexed in his mind.            Stun would be just as effective, eh? And maybe after all this, as he dragged her sorry ass to a cell, they could all laugh about this little mix-up and convince a ragamuffin to enlist in a potential new career path with the Empire.            Scrambling over antiques, and forgotten cleaning supplies, Zaharian adjusted the safety on his pistol and set off to firing more shots. They all missed. How were they missing? The girl slipped through the window, Zaharian close behind her, but now needing both hands for climbing.            They scrambled over piping, ladder, and ledge. Zaharian managed to give a great lunge, grabbing the girl by the legs and causing her to fall.            “YOU. ARE. UNDER. ARREST!” He shouted, trying to scramble over the thief, and then watching in horror as the chalice slipped out of the girl’s grip, tumbling down a firescape and into a street gutter. Girl and Boy once again looked at each other, before madly climbing over one another to get off the roof first.  

           It hit the third floor fire escape first. Zaharian was there in a flash, a stroke of cat-like reflexes as he caught the cup from falling further. Already, the gold was getting bent and grimy. It was unfortunate, but the Empire could easily patch that up.            “Well, Miss, It was a pleasure meetin-” Zah had imagined himself slipping away, leaving a less agile street urchin in the dust. In his mind, he saw himself being witty and suave. A bit of flourish as he waved farewell.

What actually happened was the girl tackling Zah from the rooftop ledge, landing right in his chest, nearly causing the two of them to fall backwards over the railing to face a future splattered on concrete.  Zah’s iron grip and short stature saved them both from an unfortunate fate.            “You’re gonna get us both killed!” Zaharian cried, the hand with the goblet trying to stay out of reach of the rabbit as she climbed him like a spider monkey. He didn’t dare let go of his grip on the railing. Finally, he attempted to shove the teen off using his leg, only to lose balance and slipped, dropping the chalice.            It bounced down to the second level fire escape. The girl slid down the ladder and scooped up the cup, before making another leap off the second story and landing solidly on her feet. She grunted and Zaharian winced. Leaping from the second story was never as harmless as it looked. She was probably dealing with a sharp pain in her ankles and shins. Zaharian was a trained Imperial Agent, and well versed on safe landings.            First floor was bypassed, as security officers were frantically trying to scurry within the museum to look for the thieves that slipped from them. Flashlights flickered and searched with their great gaze for the chalice and its new owner. The alarms were growing more frantic and loud.            On the ground level, security droids were starting to deploy, the two thieves both turned to the direction of their new threat. The girl still had the chalice, but was now in tandem with Zaharian in the scurry to escape. They were matched for running speed. Red and blue lights flashing behind them.            At the same time, they saw a narrow cranny in between two crowded tenements. Zaharian was the first to enter, and grabbed the girl to pull her in. There was no way she was going to slip away from him. Holding her against the wall opposite from him by the arm, he twisted it behind her pressing the teen against the wall.            The droids passed them both by. Zaharaian breathed a sigh of relief as he started to search his pockets for anything that would restrain his new charge further.            “Miss, for interfering with-”            “Silfay hraka!” she spat.

Translation not found; Language unidentified. Zaharian’s comlink chirped in his ear. Zaharian balked.

“Wait, What do you mean not found? What did you say, kid?” Zaharian spat. The girl huffed, and then suddenly tossed the Chalice off to the side into the open street. Zaharian couldn’t help but make a dive. A gemstone bounced off the cup. It rolled into a storm drain. Nope, not reaching for that one.

Zaharian grabbed the cup and shouted triumphantly, before the red and blue flashes of light caused a sinking feeling in his stomach. A row of security droids beamed down on him. Their sights targeting him in a cluster of tiny, red dots.            Zaharian was starting to reach desperately for his pockets for his low-range EMF blasts. He activated the detonator, causing the droids to black out and power down.  He gave a sigh, before his torso was suddenly flattened to the ground as the girl leapfrogged over him. She ran some space ahead, and before Zaharian realized what was happening, the goblet suddenly drew to the rabbit.

“Force user! Oh stars, she’s trained? That does it!” Zaharian growled. He scurried to his feet, drawing out his pistol and firing a stun blast for the head. The girl squealed, and dived down covering her long ears. Damn, she’s fast. Probably that damn Force Instinct.

She avoided being stunned, but was at least not running. Zaharian tackled the hapless teen, pinning her back to the ground. He panted, holding her by the wrists, and straddling her stomach as he tried to catch his breath.              “You...are...oh stars...hang on...one sec...under...arrest…” He gasped as the fidgeting rabbit tried to squirm out. He had more strength on her. Thank goodness for the little things in life. Zaharian then noticed that the rabbit was making a strange gurgling sound. It was like a growl, and a purr. A wad of snotty spit hit him in the eye.

He screamed in disgust. He instinctively scrambled to wipe the glob from his face, feeling nauseated and angry at the same time. He felt felt a sharp pain in his hand. She was biting down in the fat part of his palm, and it hurt like a mother kriffer.

           He delivered a punch in her gut, knocking the wind out of her. It was done mostly out of instinct. Zaharian left himself wide open as the girl gasped like a fish on dry land. So when nails suddenly dug into the left side of his face, it was a reminder to be more careful about how he threw his punches.

           “You damn rabbit!” He shouted.

           “You are ass- HOLE” her accent was thick and it was clear that Basic was not her first language. What language was she speaking earlier?

           “I’m going to wash that mouth out with soap, young lady! After we learned who taught you those fancy Force powers!” He had pinned her hands down, taking care to avoid another potential glob of spit. What he had not expected, was the girl to suddenly thrust her hips upward, throwing him off balance, and his ears close enough to scream loudly into his ear piece.

He squealed this time. He pulled away but she kept screeching. It wasn’t until he started to reach for her mouth to force it close that the Rabbit stopped. Zaharian rolled off, grasping his ear to check it wasn’t bleeding. His head buzzed with pain.

Of course, the girl dashed off. Zaharian was slow to realize that he was still without the artifact he came for. The chase was on again. Neither of them got far. The streetway emptied into a sudden drop into a busy roadway with local vehicles dashing back and forth, up and down as organized birds. Water flowed under the ships, filled with trash and whoever was deemed appropriate to be dumped there. The girl stopped right at the edge, nearly dropping the chalice.

The teen turned behind her to see Zaharian charging after her, his pistol once again drawn and ready to fire, this time certain to hit her. The rabbit squealed. In a moment of desperation, she suddenly scrambled up a drainage pipe to scatter across a shop’s awning.

Zaharin almost made the mistake of falling into traffic. He wildly looked around, before the rabbit climbed out of sight like a raccoon. Zaharian wanted to call for reinforcements. He was getting desperate.

And then what? Explain that he was being outsmarted by a teenager? One that could barely speak Basic? She had a certain blank quality to her gaze. Did the Force compensate for intelligence? Not to mention that by the time the reinforcements arrived, the situation would have drastically changed, or they would simply shoot her down like a dog. Zaharian couldn’t live with that on his conscience.

He ran under the awnings, matching her speed. He kept his eyes open for gaps in the covering. He grinned as he saw the end of the coverings. He would prepare for her landing, and then nail his shot.   

But she never landed. Stars, could the Jedi fly now? No, she was no jedi. Sure she knew a trick. But this child lacked the discipline, skill, and ability of her properly trained peers. This spastic pipsqueak was probably being taught by someone on the downlow. Some old hermit or outlaw trying to keep the training to a minimum.

Zaharian blinked as he slowly approached the edge. He found a chair to stand on, and then peeked above it. Careful to avoid any more spit.

She was still there, now looking guilty. Zaharian started to scramble up and pointed the blaster at the girl. She didn’t move. Was she finally getting wise?

“There’s a lass. Now, you’re gonna come quietly with me, with that fancy cup. We’re going to have a nice evening chit chatting and by the end of all of this, you’re going to feel quite silly for all this running around.” Zaharian said. He set his blaster down to finish hoisting himself up.

It wasn’t until he stood that the girl suddenly stepped into an open window of the building.

“Come on!” He groaned loudly. This was getting tiring.  Zaharian quickly ran into the window. He leaped in without a second thought. He first noticed that he was in a pastel pink bathroom. Then he noticed that the door was closed.

He dashed for the door opening it wide. He heard a clatter behind him. He turned to see that the rabbit had managed to slip back out the window, knocking over a few toiletries.  Zaharian heard a scream, and realized that he now faced a living room full of sorority girls who saw him as a threat. Before he could explain himself, he was assaulted by a storm of pencils, dishes, and anything the girls could spare to throw.

“Just let me out!” he shouted. He pushed through the tempest of screams and fury. Finally reaching for another open window that lead to freedom. He wanted to scream in frustration. This entire situation had gotten out of control.

When he stepped out, the girl collided with him. Knocking them both off the awnings and back onto the ground. The Chalice bounced to the ground and started rolling away, jewels now scattering, the gold busted beyond repair.

It kept rolling this time. Both thieves gasped. The chalice headed towards the traffic, and the murky waters that flowed. They made another exhausted dash in unison.

“Oh no!” Zaharian pointed. The girl looked, but there was nothing there. Instead, she was shoved by the Imperial for her trouble.

“Two can play at your game, Rabbit!” he shouted. Zaharian didn’t expect the girl to grab him to stop her fall and cling to his arm. Another tumble, hands and knees getting scuffed. He felt a push, thrown back by an invisible hand. Which pushed the Chalice closer to the edge.

“You daft girl! You almost-” The chalice, which was rolling, now teetered just on the edge. Zaharian gulped. The wrong vibration or gust of wind would ruin everything. The girl’s eyes were like saucers. They now approached the goblet very slowly.

Zaharian readied his pistol, pointing it at the girl. His other hand reached out for the cup. The girl was also trying to carefully step to the prize. They stepped in tandem. Not daring to breathe. The ground rattled for a moment from a nearby freighter.

The cup miraculously stayed. They gave a concerted sigh of relief. A speeder bike then dashed by on the freeway. It carried with it a great wind that finally knocked the chalice off balance, and into the sewage tainted depths below.   

Zaharian let out a high pitched whimper. He fell to his knees and grasped the sides of his head. Tears stung his eyes. Finally, he cried out cursing and wailing. The girl sulked, her ears lowered and she gave a long drawn out sigh.

“I was so close! I had everything perfect. They’re gonna kick my ass when I get back.” Zaharian moaned. He sniffed. He then turned to the girl. He huffed. The girl looked taken back the attention. She stepped against a wall and some trash cans.

“I’m not going back without you.” Zaharian said. He was furious now. But the bright spot would be that with a force sensitive captive, he would have proof that the clusterkriff wasn’t his fault. At the very least, they could identify her species, her weird language, and who was training her.

“ Your cooperation is imperative at this point. It will determine exactly how you will be treated when I transfer you to my superiors.” Zaharian growled. The girl did not attempt to run. She was against the wall, between the trashcans. Zaharian grabbed her by the collar of her shirt.

“You are under arrest in the jurisdiction of Imperial Law. From this point on, you will be judged and tried for your actions. Anything spoken will be recorded for use in your prosecution. You wi-”

“What mean this word?” the girl asked. Her expression furrowed.  

“What?” Zaharian said.

“Pro-SEcoo-cien. Juurr-ree-sition”

“Jurisdictio-” There was a metallic sound suddenly in his head. His vision blacked out in his right eye and his right ear went deaf. He was knocked over by the rim of a garbage can lid. The tinny squeal of his hearing aid failing rang in his ears. He dizzily tried to get to his feet. Then another strike.

When he finally regained his senses, the girl was gone, the trashcan lid laying next to him. Zaharaian screamed in frustration. But it was finally time to face the fact that he had completely failed the mission.

[drv3imagines]

Hello everyone and welcome to Thirsty Thursdays where we only serve you Despair with a side of Mod Tojo’s bad humor. Prepare to suffer. Upupupupupu~ 

Spoilers Ahead 

Rantaro Amami 

* It was the last day before Monokuma would flood the school with killer bears and everyone would die.

* You decided that the best thing for you now was to hope your ‘principal’ was bluffing, or… the worst case.

* Your last hours were spent lying with Rantaro, but you could tell he just wasn’t comfortable sitting there knowing everyone was going to die in the morning.

* He had a plan to get everyone out, even when the odds were obviously stacked against him, but he needed your help.

* You were shocked by his sudden request, but he wouldn’t let you falter.

* “S/o, you’re the only one I can trust to do this with me. Do you trust me too?”

* Of course you did, he protected you and loved you throughout this entire process. There were many opportunities where he could have just done you in, but it was obvious how strong your relationship was.

* “Then let’s go.”

* You follow close behind him in the shadows of the hallways, keeping a close eye out for any desperate lurkers who could have caused you harm.

* Finally, you reached the library.

* “Over there on the bookshelf is a tablet, it has a recording on it that’ll show us a way out. I just couldn’t get to it untill now.”

* You nod and make your way over to the shelf, sifting through the books to find the hidden item. Once you located it, you made your way to return the pad to Amami. That is until a flash went off behind you.

* What was that?

* As soon as you went to check, a metallic ball rolled from the top shelf and fell in the space between you and the books.

* While your guard was down, your loving and adoring boyfriend loomed over you, his plan to get everyone out definitely worked out in his favor. But what he didn’t tell you was that the only way to get out of the school was in a body bag.

Korekiyo Shinguuji 

* It started with a few obscure comments every now and then followed by “only 100.”

* “Only 100 what, Shinguuji?” You’d ask him.

* But you could tell he was brushing you off with some half-baked lie about it being a significant number in human history.

* Your curiosity about it grew stronger each time one of your classmates died or were executed, but most curious was Kore’s behavior.

* He seemed…noticeably clumsier, almost careless even as if he had just relieved himself of an extremely heavy weight.

* You began to visualize that weight slowly lifting off of him as more of your classmates died. Perhaps he was glad this game was going to end soon…

* It wasn’t until the fifth death and execution that he seemed completely lax and practically carefree…so carefree he even removed his mask.

* What the actual-

* “I am so happy big sister finally has enough friends, s/o!~ She wanted to thank you herself! Please be kind to her!”

* …What?!?!?!?!

* “I needed this perfect opportunity to send the purest, most worthy girls to accompany my sister in her resting place. Now that I have finally accomplished my goal, I no longer need to hold you all here as captives. You are free to leave.”

* Free to… resting place… sister?!?!?! *cue major freak out*

* “Oh those poor innocent blackened students had no idea what they had gotten themselves into… and the last despairing expressions on their scared faces? Humanity truly is B E A U T I F U L.”

Kaito Momota 

* He was angry.

* This was bs! Total crap! Not cool!

* How tf was he found out so suddenly? There was no way Shuuichi had seen through his ploy, even if he was the so called SHSL Detective!

* This was some kind of ruse!

* He stood behind his podium, his classmates expecting him to answer the accusations.

* Even worse, you were among them, horrified and stunned into silence, hoping Kaito would prove them all wrong. He could not be the mastermind. There was just no way!

* Kaito shook his head trying to clear his head, thinking hard about the situation he was in.

* Of course he was the mastermind…but he wasn’t going to let them know that, he still had a duty to protect them all…that way when the time was actually right, the despair could really be scarring.

* “Kaito are you just going to stand there or are you going to admit that-”

* “I’m not the mastermind.”

* You seemed a little relieved, but still held your worried gaze. There was no way that was it. He had to have some sort of explanation behind his actions! He couldn’t just stand there and say that-

* “S/o is…”

* What

* The

* Actual…

* “They were the one’s behind this whole operation. They threatened to kill me if I didn’t do as they said.”

* You were so shocked, you nearly forgot to defend yourself against your classmates…who were actually buying this story?!?!?!?

* “W-whoa! Wait! I am not the mastermind! He’s lying! We have evidence that-”

* “Guys just think about it for a second, everything that I did, none of it really traces back to me, there was still more clues…”

* The odds were definitely not in your favor this trial.

* But…but you didn’t have to take the punishment, there was still proof that–

* Were you really going to sell out Kaito, who was the real mastermind, to save yourself…

* Or were you actually going to go along with this, let the other students go free because the “mastermind” was dead and take the execution?

* Kaito was sacrificing you so this game could stop…it seemed like…the right thing to do…

* You never found out if the game ended with this trial or not, instead you bitterly said goodbye to your classmates and headed towards your death.

* Spoiler Alert! The game didn’t stop and the real mastermind left an “AI chip” forcing Monokuma on to allow the game to proceed.

Kokichi Ouma 

* You were having a lot of nightmares lately, but who wouldn’t when you were trapped in a high school with the next Ultimate Killer ready to pluck off this week’s pickings? 

* Each dream had something to do with Monokuma strangely and a grey figure you could never identify. 

* Was it the mastermind? Who knows, but all you knew was that this nightmarish dream was keeping you from sleep. * Deciding that sleep was inevitable, you sat up planning to pay a visit to one of the coolest guys you knew, Kaito Kokichi. 

* The morning announcement hadn’t gone off yet, so the dining hall was still off limits, however, your boyfriend’s room wasn’t~ 

* Okay maybe it was…he never let anyone go in there, what was the deal with that, anyway? 

* When you approached his door, you froze. 

* It was wide open. 

* Weighing your options you figured it would be best to enter, even though he wouldn’t have wanted that, he could’ve been hurt especially at this hour! 

* Rushing through the doorway, you paused at the sight before you. 

* Images from your nightmares suddenly became vivid… but the most prominent was the DICE poster hanging above Kokichi’s bed post. 

* “Like what you see, s/o?~“ 

* No way…it…it wasn’t true. 

* There was no way Ouma was the mastermind! It just couldn’t be after all he was so helpful during investigations…and…and… 

* “I’m sure you and the others are all so curious as to what my secret organization does~ Perhaps you’d like to take a guess~ It starts with a D, and it can flood an entire city 😉" 

* “Ouma there’s no way you could be the mastermind! It’s just not true!“ 

* He just laughs to himself, practically crying with how despairing this situation was. Time to kick it up a notch. 

* “Ouma are you listening to me?! You have to let everyone go! It’s not fair to keep us here!“ 

* “It’S nOt FaIr To KeEp Us HeRe!“ 

* He was mocking you and you’ve just about had enough. If he wasn’t going to stop, you- 

* Ouma let out a heavy sigh as he watched you faint in the arms of one of his followers, a cloth covering your mouth and nose. 

* “Took you long enough. Now go stage a murder scene, or make a real one, whichever you think will cause more despair. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯" 

Shuuichi Saihara 

* It’s the final class trial. The time to reveal which one of you is the real mastermind. 

* The sacrifices it took to reach this point would not be forgotten and Shuuichi reassured you that everything would be okay. 

* That is until Shuuichi stopped the trial altogether.

* “No, no, no. This is all wrong. How are you all missing the important details?”

* Huh?

* Your remaining classmates were just as puzzled as you, but Shuuichi only shook it off, insisting that the debating continued.

* Then it happened again.

* You turned to your strangely behaved boyfriend, questioning his motive behind stopping the debate this time, only to have him curtly cut you off.

* “You’re all missing the point here, there is no way the mastermind could have sealed them self off inconspicuously if he intentionally baited you all to lead you to your deepest despairs! Just stop and think about the one person who grew closest to each of your hearts!”

* What is he going on about?

* Shuuichi only seemed more frustrated to everyone’s “oblivious” answers, if this went on you were sure he’d blow a fuse or something.

* “It’s obvious no one’s gonna get it. This whole thing isn’t even as despair-inducing as I thought it would be, it’s just disappointing.”

* That’s when it hit you…

* “Shuuichi…are…are you the mastermind?”

* “Well, ‘Detective S/O’ it sure took you long enough to figure that one out!”

* There…there had to have been some mistake…even if he admitted it…it just wasn’t true!

* The rest of the class trial, the battle for Hope and Despair…you mentally checked out. There had to be some way he was lying? The sweetest guy on the planet could not have been for the killing game, there was just no way-

* Your own despair was interrupted when ‘Punishment Time’ echoed in the trial room.

* “Shuuichi stop this! You don’t have to go through this. What if I forgave you for everything? We…we could just go back to the way everything was before…what if-”

* He was laughing at you again, the same laugh you had heard from Monokuma throughout your prison life here, was the same laugh being projected around the room endlessly…

* He was too far gone…but perhaps there was another solution, another way you could have him back to normal.

* “Then…I’ll go with you.”

Kiibo 

* Kiibo only wanted to learn about human emotions.

* This entire killing game was just one of his many tests to see if he could experience them all.

* There weren’t any robot laws preventing him from forcing humans to engage in murderous activity, it’s just that he physically couldn’t harm a human no matter what. :3

* Every time a murder happened, he was excited to check the cameras, hoping to witness new emotions under such dark circumstances.

* He kept them recorded in his internal hard drive, replaying them to himself, enjoying the shouts, screams, laughs, sobs, and so many more sounds that emotions could produce.

* But could he himself experience these things if he could experiment them hands on?

* He decided to ask you how to go about this tough situation.

* “S/o, what brings you despair?”

* You were taken aback by your boyfriend’s sudden dark question. But you figured there could be no harm in it…maybe he was just feeling left out because of this whole ordeal was nothing but a wave of confusing emotions, despair being lost somewhere in it.

* “Well, a lot of things can bring on…um despair… Having your secret leaked, losing someone you love, or maybe realizing a mistake you’ve made could have a huge impact on your life…”

* Kiibo perked up at those suggestions.

* They were easy, and he didn’t have to kill anyone…well directly anyway…to do it!

* “S/o, of you don’t mind I would like to try it out with you…”

* “Kiibo, despair isn’t something you want to feel, it’s…” you trail off wondering if it would be right to tell him this.

* Of course you’d never want your boyfriend to suffer because of despair…but it would be wrong to deprive him of it…the emotion was necessary because you learned so much from it…especially how to prevent it from happing again.

* “Okay…I guess…but be careful with it…it’s a really delicate emotion, you know-”

* “I’m the mastermind!”

* …

* Before you could even question him he struts off with a joyful pep in his step.

* He must have been joking…phew…for a second there…his serious face almost convinced you… But this is Kiibo we’re talking about, he’s a sweet guy, no way he could trap people in a prison school against their will, haha, so funny that guy.

* The next day went on smoothly, Kiibo never mentioned the conversation you had yesterday and all that mastermind talk was way in the past.

* But days grew on, and Kiibo had started to look a little glum.

* “Kiibo, what’s wrong?”

* “You said despair could be felt if I leaked one of my secrets! No one believes me when I tell them I'm the mastermind, and I don’t feel any despair!!!”

* “Kiibo, that’s not funny cut it out!”

* “But I’m serious, come see for yourself!”

* Reluctantly, you tag along, hoping that if you just played along, Kiibo would stop saying ridiculous things about him being the…mastermind…

* There in the library…a hidden room was kept tucked away from visible sight… Every camera in the school showed images of your classmates’ activities.

* You glanced at the center screen, where “Monokuma’s Central Control” was written.

* Despite your obvious horror, Kiibo was rather pleased with himself! The second cause of despair was now accomplished! Now for everything to go horribly wrong!

* He didn’t stop you from running off to warn the others of his horrible actions…but he wished he had when he watched the screen showing right outside the library.

* His mistake was letting you go, when he should’ve trapped you here, to protect you from this killing game.

* Instead, his secret caused him to lose you…and another student took the opportunity to kill you unexpectedly.

* This must have been what true despair felt like…

* And he loved it.

Gonta Gokuhara 

* Cute, lovable, clumsy Gonta.

* Gentle spirited, and would literally never hurt a fly.

* He was proud to have someone to call his s/o, someone he could show his bugs to, and listen to if they ever got lonely.

* Not that he would ever let his s/o become lonely.

* Not when he had access to the biggest bug emporium known to mankind.

* Some were pesky, others were nice and friendly- those are the ones he really liked to keep around.

* But sometimes accidents happened and a bug would do something very bad and he had to punish them.

* When it was Punishment Time, the other bugs would cry (or not, depending on how naughty the other hurt bug was).

* His s/o was not a naughty bug though, because he would not let despair reach their bug- or um big heart.

* Even though he could easily enjoy the despair of squishing the other bugs, he wanted to observe them interact and create their own despair.

* If only they knew that Gonta was the hive king behind the bug emporium.

* If only those other bugs knew that was how Gonta saw them all…tiny insignificant bugs who would all meet their despair soon enough…

* His temptations and curiosity with despair was already brushed once and his favorite bug got crushed in the end…so he decided that all of the other bugs would be punished, even if it meant he would also be squished.

Ryoma Hoshi 

* You ignored his warning from the start.

* Yeah, he was a killer, but that didn’t mean he was some monster…he had a good reason behind it…the mafia had taken his family.

* These were the excuses you’d told him, yourself, and anyone who questioned you.

* It wasn’t likely that someone so docile, and kind-hearted would kill in cold blood, even if they were placed in the right environment.

* At some point he had just learned to accept your love and move on. He couldn’t let the shadows of his past haunt him forever.

* He wouldn’t let that sadistic, blood-thirsty, enraged weaponized version of himself loose.

* He especially wouldn’t let the other students who had loved ones to return to– while his own family were mercilessly slaughtered after his performance in the underground tennis tournament– suffer the greatest despair of them all.

* Even when disgusting, stupid, bigoted, loud-mouthed, sneaky, or shady students lurked hoping that they’d kill to recieve their freedom- only to realize that no one would leave unless he wanted them to.

* No, of course not…not at all…

* Because he loved you…and even though sometimes the one’s he loved caused him the greatest despair…he would hold onto the hope you gave him.

* The hope to spiral the rest of your classmates into a well-deserved despair…

* His empty gaze stared at your lifeless body, your gaze forever frozen in shock from when he revealed his role as the mastermind to you.

* It wasn’t as dreadful as he thought it would be…but maybe that was meant to be your despair.

[animationnut]

To Gravity Falls, From Piedmont: Chapter 29

Summary: It’s a long way until next summer. Until then, Dipper and Mabel share their daily antics and life problems with their lifelong friends and attentive great-uncles through an endless string of e-mails. Distance makes the heart grow fonder after all, and there’s no place Dipper and Mabel love more than Gravity Falls. 

                                                      Chapter List

To: Wendy Corduroy (Lumberchick); Soos Ramirez (QuestionMarkDude); Grunkle Stan (StantheMan); Grunkle Ford (Highsixer); Dipper Pines (GhostHarasserfan)

From: Mabel Pines (ShootingStarRainbowUnicorn)

Subject: WE'RE GRADUATING

We did it, my people!

Dipper and I will be graduating from Piedmont Middle School. Our ceremony takes place on June twenty-third and then we're gonna blow this popsicle stand! We'll film it so everyone can see it!

Much love,

Mabel

See all messages in this thread (Expand)

Dipper Pines: We still have two days before we get our final report cards.

Mabel Pines: Not this again.

Wendy Corduroy: Dude, you have nothing to worry about. Well, not about passing the eighth grade, at least. You should totally be freaking out about high school.

Dipper Pines: Thank you for your poor attempt at making me feel better.

Mabel Pines: It's no use. He won't stop panicking until he has his report card in his hands that tells him that he's once again an honour student.

Dipper Pines: It's irrational, I know. But I'm mostly made up of irrational fears.

Soos Ramirez: Congrats, hambones! I wish I could be there to see you dudes graduate.

Dipper Pines: Us too. But two days after our ceremony we're getting on a bus to Gravity Falls, so we'll be there before you know it!

Mabel Pines: WOO-HOO!

Grunkle Ford: And we'll be there to meet you.

Grunkle Stan: Geez, I can't believe it's been a year already.

Wendy Corduroy: Speak for yourself. It felt like summer would never get here.

Grunkle Stan: That's high school for you. Sorry we won't be there to see your graduation, kiddos. A freak storm got in our way. Darn nature.

Mabel Pines: Don't worry, it's fine! We'll show you the video.

Grunkle Ford: Don't miss a second.

Dipper Pines: She won't. Pretty sure she's going to attach a Go-Pro to her head.

Mabel Pines: Thinking about it.

Dipper Pines: But it's only middle school graduation. It's really not that big of a deal.

Grunkle Stan: We'll be the judge of that. And we say it's a very big deal.

Grunkle Ford: You've successfully finished one stage of your life and are ready for the next. That's a great accomplishment. You should be proud.

Wendy Corduroy: Dominate that stage, dudes. Who's your valedictorian?

Mabel Pines: We actually don't have one at our school.

Soos Ramirez: Boo! You would have made a great valedictorian, hambone.

Mabel Pines: Aw, thanks!

Grunkle Stan: Are your parents going?

Dipper Pines: Yup! They promised they'd be there, and they never make promises they can't keep.

Grunkle Ford: I'm glad they'll be there to see you cross the stage. We'll be with you in spirit.

Grunkle Stan: In the not-dead way.

Wendy Corduroy: I'd be with you physically if I could but my dad would kill me if I skipped my last exam.

Soos Ramirez: Have fun, dudes!

Dipper Pines: We will! Thanks everyone!

Mabel Pines: Class of 2013, we're out! Peace!

White-sandaled feet moving against the scuffed tiles of the mall, Mabel darted her eyes back and forth across the corridor. Pastel sun dresses, flowery shirts and faded shorts lined the store windows, sprucing up mannequins in full summer outfits. Dipper trailed after her, hands shoved into the pockets of his dark blue vest.

"See anything you like?" he asked, trying not to let his boredom show in his voice.

"No. It's not as easy as finding a tie to match a suit," she answered knowingly.

"You could wear a suit, if you wanted," replied Dipper.

"I could," Mabel agreed. "But I'd rather wear a dress. I know I'll find one, I just have to find one that speaks to me."

"It's been two hours," said Dipper with a slight groan. "If nothing is speaking to you yet it's probably because they're not feeling chatty."

"Boo," said Mabel, failing to hold back a laugh. "That was terrible."

"Of course it was. That's the kind of joke Grunkle Stan would make."

It took another hour of searching, but Mabel finally found her graduation dress in the sixth clothing store they visited. It was hanging in the back, among a collection of other prom and graduation dresses of varying styles and colours. It immediately stood out to her and she walked towards it, like a moth attracted to a flame.

The colouring was lilac and it was an A-line sweetheart style. The length was on the shorter side, looking as if it might reach her knees. There was a darker purple bow tied neatly just above the torso, the entire upper part covered in silver rhinestones. With a wide grin on her features, she eased it down from the rack and rushed off to the change room. Dipper sat down on one of the wooden benches to wait, and a couple of minutes later she swept back out, the ruffled layers swishing around her legs.

"What do you think?" she asked, looking at her reflection. The stones glimmered under the fluorescent lighting.

"It's perfect," said Dipper sincerely, who had spent most of the day watching his sister model different dresses.

"I think so too. It's even on sale! Talk about fate." Mabel did a little twirl, watching her movement in the vertical mirror mounted to the wall. "Good news, bro. We are officially done shopping."

"Good, because I'm starved. Want to get something from the food court?"

"Cheap, greasy, low-quality fast-food? Of course."

Mabel changed back into her magenta sweater and white skirt and paid for her dress. She linked arms with her brother and they started for the mall's food court. Dipper glanced at Mabel and remarked, "You know that my dress shirt and tie are also purple, right?"

Mabel stared at the bag he carried, which contained his newly bought clothing items. "I totally forgot," she exclaimed. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Well, it's not quite matchy-matchy. And I don't mind wearing coordinated colours if you don't mind."

Smiling warmly, Mabel said brightly, "Not in the slightest."

To: Pacifica Northwest (GravityFallsPrincess); Wendy Corduroy (Lumberchick); Candy Chiu (SweetasSugar88); Grenda Gosling (Hugsx0x0)

From: Mabel Pines (ShootingStarRainbowUnicorn)

Subject: My graduation dress

1 Picture Attachment

Hey, girls!

I found my graduation dress and thought you might like to see it. What do you think?

Much love,

Mabel

See all messages in this thread (Expand)

Candy Chiu: It's beautiful, Mabel!

Grenda Gosling: I love it! It's perfect!

Wendy Corduroy: It definitely suits you, babe. You'll rock it.

Pacifica Northwest: You've got better taste than I thought.

Wendy Corduroy: Would it kill you to give a direct compliment?

Pacifica Northwest: It might. I don't want to risk it.

Mabel Pines: Thank you! I love it, and I'm super happy I found it.

Pacifica Northwest: I'm surprised you didn't make your dress.

Mabel Pines: I thought about it. I don't really buy fancy dresses all that often, so I decided to treat myself. I added all the glitter to the bottom part of the dress, though.

Wendy Corduroy: It looks amazing. You better take pictures.

Candy Chiu: And send us them!

Mabel Pines: Will do!

The morning sun shone brightly, bathing the rolling grass field in a golden glow. Dozens and dozens of folding chairs were neatly lined in rows, a wide gap between the two sections to allow for the student procession. Families of the graduating students were already seated, chatting amongst themselves. Silver of flashes of light occurred at random intervals as pictures were taken, from digital cameras and cell phones. The staff of Piedmont Middle School were gathered on the platform set up near the back of the soccer field, seated behind the oak podium. A red banner was hung from the two supporting metal pillars of the platform, and in bold yellow letters it read, 'Piedmont Middle School Class of 2013'.

The school band was situated directly in front of the platform, comprised of the seventh-grade members in full band uniform. The music teacher led her students into Pomp and Circumstance, and soon the graduating students were filing out of the school's side entrance and onto the field. They followed the red carpet that stretched from the entrance all the way to the platform.

Mabel's lilac dress glimmered in the sunlight, but her smile was much brighter. Her long brunette hair was tied into a high ponytail, held in place by a butterfly pin. Her white flats moved in rhythm with her peers. She spotted her parents amongst the crowd, sitting close to the front. Mrs. Pines was in a burgundy dress, her short hair just reaching her chin and framing her face. Mr. Pines wore a dark grey suit with a red tie, the sun casting a glare on the square frames of his glasses. Mabel waved wildly at them and they beamed back, Mrs. Pines raising her camera to snap a picture.

"Dipper, look, it's Mom and Dad! Hi Mom! Hi Dad!"

"Yes, I can see them. Stop waving your arm like that, you're going to hit me in the face. I'd rather not walk up the stage with a black eye."

Mabel stuck her tongue out playfully at him but lowered her arm. They made their way down the aisle and took their seats. Dipper adjusted his tie and glanced around, taking in the scenery. It seemed a bit surreal that he was really graduating middle school. It did not seem like long ago when he was attending his first day of classes.

"What are you looking at?" asked Mabel, leaning over and resting her chin on his shoulder.

"Nothing. Sorry. Just thinking."

"It's officially summer and in about an hour we're going to be officially finished with middle school. The time for thinking is over!"

Dipper was about to retort, but refrained when he saw their principal, Mr. Han, get up from his seat and walk up to the microphone. The audience fell silent and he cleared his throat before speaking.

"Before we get started, I ask you all to please stand for the National Anthem."

There was a slight commotion as everyone got to their feet and then the band struck up the beginning notes of Star-Spangled Banner. When the anthem was finished, everyone took their seats and Mr. Han delivered his opening monologue. When he finished, the presentation of diplomas and subject awards began. It took a bit to reach the twins, and Mabel felt her heart beat with anticipation when her row stood and began towards the stage.

"Here we go, bro."

"Please don't let me fall down the stairs," whispered Dipper.

"Mabel Pines; receiver of the art award."

Mabel let a whoop as she charged onto stage. She shook Mr. Han's hand and accepted her diploma and award with a wide grin. As she started for the other side of the stage, she turned toward her peers and called, "See you on the flip side! Mabel Pines is out!"

"Oh geez," muttered Dipper as their peers and most of the audience dissolved into laughter.

"Mason Pines; receiver of the history award, science award, math award and English award."

After initially flinching at the use of his real name, Dipper crossed the stage with more reservation than his sister. He could help but smile when he heard Mabel's chant of "Dip-per, Dip-per," rise above the applause of the audience. He returned to his seat with his awards, glossy wooden plaques that bore the school's logo and his name engraved below the subject heading.

"Good job, you didn't fall," said Mabel cheerfully, clapping her brother on the shoulder. "Probably because you looked down at each step before you took it."

Dipper sent her a look. "If I hadn't I would have tripped over my own feet. I'm surprised you didn't do a cartwheel across the stage."

"I thought about. But I figured it probably wouldn't go so well considering I'm wearing a dress. Hey, do you have your phone on you?"

Managing not to drop his awards, Dipper removed his phone from his pants pocket. Mabel snatched it from him and held it out, grinning widely. "Graduation selfie!"

She took the picture and studied it. She and Dipper had their heads close together, teeth flashing in large smiles, their diplomas resting on their laps. Mabel happily attached it to an e-mail and typed out a quick message before sending it off.

"I wish Grunkle Stan and Grunkle Ford could have been here."

"Me too," said Dipper feelingly. "But I think that require a very long explanation, considering Mom and Dad think only one of them is still alive. And I think that's a sit-down, in-person kind of explanation."

"Good point. But hey, we did it. We're middle school graduates."

Dipper glanced around. "I think I might miss it, even though it hasn't always been the greatest. Is that weird?"

"No," answered Mabel honestly. "It's familiar. We always miss what's familiar when it's taken from us."

Dipper stared at her, eyes slightly wide. "Wow. That's deep."

"Thanks! You know, I'm going to miss this place too. There may have been some bad times, but there were good times, too." Mabel closed her eyes, feeling the sun against her neck and listening to the humming chatter of her peers. "That's the great thing about memories. No matter where you go or how much time has gone by, you always carry parts of the past with you."

Dipper went quiet for a moment, knowing just how powerful one's memories could be. "Yeah," he agreed with a smile. "High school might be scary and unfamiliar, but we'll get through it. We have each other."

"Always," said Mabel, reaching and giving his hand an affectionate squeeze.

It took another hour or so for the ceremony to completely finish, and once Mr. Han gave his closing remarks everyone stood up and started to mingle. Mabel went over to speak with her art club friends and Dipper said goodbye Diego, Justin and Len, promising to keep in touch. After a while, Mr. and Mrs. Pines came over to give their children hugs.

"Good job, kids," praised Mr. Pines, ruffling Dipper's hair. "We're very proud of you."

"You look beautiful, the both of you." Mrs. Pines smoothed down a few loose strands of Mabel's hair. "I know there are refreshments in the cafeteria, but how would you like to go out for brunch instead?"

"Yes!" said Mabel instantly. "All the maple syrup!"

"No drinking it from the bottle!" called Mrs. Pines as Mabel raced off towards the parking lot. She let a fond sigh and started after her.

"Make sure she doesn't drink maple syrup from the bottle," muttered Mr. Pines, wrapping an arm around his son's shoulders.

"On it," promised Dipper.

They went out for brunch and when they returned home, it was to see two items on their doorstep. One was a massive flower bouquet, so large that it took up most of the porch space. The petals were of varying shades of pinks, blues, yellows, oranges, reds and greens. They were tied together with a glittery silver bow.

Mabel squealed and rushed over to it. She removed the attached card and opened it, where she found the signatures of everyone from Gravity Falls. "Aw, I love them!"

"How sweet," said Mrs. Pines, gently touching the petals. "You must have made quite an impression on your friends in Gravity Falls."

"I think you could say Gravity Falls made an impression on us," replied Dipper, sharing a secret smile with his sister. "Maybe you could come visit this summer?"

"I don't know, we'd have to see," said Mr. Pines, though he sounded doubtful. "But you kids have a great time. Here, I'll bring this in for you."

He hefted up the flower arrangement and brought it into the house, Mrs. Pines following after him. Dipper and Mabel picked up the package that remained and tore upon the brown paper. Inside were two black jewelry cases. In the one addressed to Dipper was a silver pocket watch, his name engraved on the inside along with the date of his middle school graduation. Mabel received a matching wristwatch, tiny diamonds surrounding the face of the watch, with her name engraved on the strap.

Dipper held the pocket watch against his chest, feeling his heart pound with excitement. "A few more days. Then we'll be there."

Mabel held up the card that came with the watches, which was signed Grunkle Stan Ford, a space between their names so if their parents happened to open the package, they would assume it simply read as Stanford.

"Another summer, another new beginning," she said. "I can't wait."

To: Grunkle Stan (StantheMan); Grunkle Ford (Highsixer); Wendy Corduroy (Lumberchick); Soos Ramirez (QuestionMarkDude); Dipper Pines (GhostHarasserfan)

From: Mabel Pines (ShootingStarRainbowUnicorn)

Subject: We did it!

1 Picture Attachment

We just got our diplomas, which means we are officially done middle school! I'll send other pictures and the video of our ceremony when we get home!

See all messages in this thread (Expand)

Soos Ramirez: You guys look great! Congratulations!

Wendy Corduroy: That was the easy part. Wait until high school.

Wendy Corduroy: Just kidding! Sort of. But seriously, you dudes rock and you should be super proud of yourselves.

Grunkle Ford: Congratulations, kids. I know it hasn't always been easy, but you always came through. We're proud of you.

Grunkle Stan: Yeah, those jerks who made fun of you aren't going to be laughing when you become their bosses. Great job, runts. We'll see you in a few days!