#probs something to do with contrast -SHRUG-

[salamispots]

last fam gift wip :0

[dullahandyke]

Made the mistake of googling him to try and find a picture of his tits and was faced with the fact that he's from an anime from the 90s and the internet doesnt know shit from shit. And by that I mean they dont know how being intersex works

Like I'm wicked ill-informed abt gynecomastia and afaik it can occur due to medication side effects and such (as is portrayed in bebop) but also afaik that ""might not count"" as being intersex bcos it's a medication effect and not a natural hormonal change? But shrug idk

I suppose the main thing that gets me is how being on 2020s trans tumblr significantly altered the way I experienced this ep? Like him growing breasts was supposed to be some symbol of how prison changed him and it's meant to other him from the audience (the presentation of him leaning over Faye for example reads as unnerving) but it was so jarringly familiar that it actually did the opposite and I latched onto him like a limpet. Yeah dude you went on medication and grew boobs I know twenty people who are doing the same.

Again I havent seen this ep in like a year but like. I have thoughts ! In my research i found that they made gren nonbinary in the live action remake and i dislike the remake on principle but tbh I'm tempted to watch it just to compare and contrast. I feel like I'll probably like remake gren less tho unless they do something really cool with them

Like we love nonbinary rep (note 2 self check if they made ed nonbinary in the remake also. Probs not but a man can dream) but like. I feel like itll lose something if they just put gren in a neat little box. Because they have two options and one is that they're nonbinary (and/or intersex I know how it goes) naturally and it's no biggie, and option two is that they still went on estrogen in prison but they rolled with it and tbh idk how I'll feel about that

Trying to remember wtf happened in Jupiter jazz but all I remember is the antagonist who got forcefemmed in prison and there being a full shot of their chest and taking a minute. Because they had such nice tits

[gojuo]

ngl I always feel bad for criston cole bc imma say it here and it’s prob a hot take but cw for s/a

i personally see it as rhaenrya lowkey did assault him like, idk if we all watched the same thing but she ordered him to go with it or w/e and that’s why I think his friendship with alicent is so tragic like both of them were victims of the wacky woohoo flying overgrown lizard family but nah he’s just a “guy who’s mad he got rejected���

Ugh anon you're gonna make me analyze that godawful scene aren't you....

Ok here goes. Warning, this is extremely long, talks about sexual assault, and filled with screencaps:

The scene starts out with Criston being confused as to how Rhaenyra was able to leave her bedroom and return when he had been keeping watch by her door all night long. When he says he'd warn the Commander, concerned because something was wrong, Rhaenyra opens the door and tells him no. He's troubled (because he doesn't know there's a secret passage in her room) and in this confusion Rhaenyra grabs his helmet and this is his face:

Rhaenyra in contrast is all smiles and is enjoying toying with Criston.

She withholds his helmet from him after he asks for it back. She walks further into the room, forcing Criston to enter her chambers. After a second time of trying to reclaim his helmet, Rhaenyra goes deeper into her room. Criston has his lips pursed and the glint in his eyes is cold. He doesn't find it funny, whereas Rhaenyra is still laughing and giggling.

He asks her if she is finished. Rhaenyra makes a move as if to give him his helmet back, but she feints at the last second. Criston has had enough, and he shrugs, giving up completely and then he tries to leave her room. Rhaenyra is faster though.

She runs to her door that was still open and pushes it closed, effectively locking Criston inside.

You see them stand pretty close. What Criston does next is take a few steps away from her, distancing himself from her and going deeper into the room and further from his goal: the door. Rhaenyra is blocking it from him. His face is still set in stone. He has not smiled once and his lips are pursed, turned downwards as if in disapproval. As if in misery.

Rhaenyra smiles lazily and holds out his helmet. Criston looks like he's contemplating if he can finally get it back. He moves quickly and swiftly, but Rhaenyra moves as well. What she does is kiss him. Criston does not move a muscle during this. What he does do, after Rhaenyra pulls back, is immediately take a step away from her. Rhaenyra drops the helmet, the pretense, and he watches as it falls to the ground. She then moves her hand to her shirt to pull on the strings. Criston tells her to stop.

He does not look well. The look in his eye is troubled, his lips are constantly pulled at the edges, his eyebrows are furrowed the entire time... His overall countenance is not welcoming nor willing. When he tells her to stop, he moves to hold her hand, to physically stop her as well. But what she does instead is push his hand away and shush him. She does not let his hand go and slowly pushes him away from the door, back into her room. Criston goes with her and we can see him take a deep sigh. When she takes his gauntlets off, his eyes are only on his armor, not on her. This is the face he makes as he watches her undress him.

It's not a face I call consenting. During this he only flicks his eyes up at her once, and I would say it was a resentful and contemptuous look. Rhaenyra does not seem bothered. Instead, she is still smiling. Once she sees that his attention is not on her but on his armor, she bends down a little and comes closer, right up into his face so that their eyes meet, and then she pushes his head up, to ask (force?) him to look at her.

He looks into her eyes this time, but it is not him that initiates this second kiss. She kisses him and he's still not moving. Then, he does move. He reciprocates finally. He lifts his arms to hold her waist and she moves her hands to his neck guard to take it off. His face does seem softer after this, like his contempt has melted away, but his face is not washed clean of misery.

The camera cuts to Rhaenyra taking off his white cloak. The sequence is pretty damning. As Rhaenyra is folding the cloth, Criston stares into nothing. He looks very defeated. He still has not smiled a single smile during all of this.

After a few seconds of Criston remaining fixed in place, he quickly turns around and takes the cloak from Rhaenyra, and he stares at it. The camera holds this moment for a while. You see him handling it carefully and wrapping it up, softly placing it on the back of a chair. You would think it was made out of glass, with the way he treats it with reverence. What is noticeable in this moment is that he keeps his hand on the cloth for a second or two, and the camera lingers on this shot.

Then the camera cuts to both Rhaenyra and Criston putting his shoulder and chest armor on the ground. Rheanyra stands back up, but Criston stays hunched over for a while. He is clearly struggling with what choice he should make. He still has not smiled once yet, unlike Rhaenyra. Finally, he does make a choice: it is him now that kisses her, moves towards her, holds her. In this moment he becomes a participant instead of the spectator he was before.

Now, it is Criston that pushes her deeper into the room, towards her bed, actually. They separate at the partition, which is the final barrier. Criston moves his hand to hold that barrier, deep contemplation stark on his face. He breathes a very heavy sigh.

One final time, he looks at the door. Is he looking at it because he thinks of running away, or because he fears that someone will walk into the room? I can't say. When he turns his head back towards Rhaenyra, there is both defeat and despondency on display.

The first time we see him smile is when he willingly takes off his boots.

And here.

These two instances are the only two instances where he shows anything other than reluctance and hesitation and discomfort. To note, there were rumors of Fabien Frankel and Milly Alcock having a fling during shooting, so this might be a case of actors breaking character.

The morning after, Rhaenyra is all smiles...

...whereas Criston cannot look her in the eye. He keeps his head down and his body turned away from her. He's very closed off. When Rhaenyra tells him to come closer, he hesitates and falters in his step, obviously not comfortable with her.

And that's the scene. Before I go to my conclusion, I want to add these screenshots where it is made multiple times clear that Rhaenyra holds the power in this dynamic and that he believes that he owes his life to her. It is clearly a subservient relationship that they have, between the highest ranked noblewoman (sans the Queen) in the realm and a common-born half Dornish knight, far below her station.

So, do I think the sex between Rhaenyra and Criston was indeed non consensual? Yes, it was sex under coercion/dubious consent and that classifies as rape. There is this false belief that rape has to be violent, or to forcefully hold someone down as they cry, but that's not true. Rape is non-consensual intercourse—holding someone down as you overpower them physically is not a prerequisite of rape���and the clear misery Fabien Frankel acted with made it very clear that is was non-consensual. What the director/showrunners did not make clear however, is whether the narrative views the sex between Criston and Rhaenyra as non-consensual. The show seems to want to have its cake and eat it too. Afterwards, we have Criston's proposal, and that proposal was all about his soiled honor, his oaths that he broke through sleeping with Rhaenyra, we have his confession to Alicent and how he makes it clear that the crime he and Rhaenyra committed was punishable by death, we see him spiraling downward, we see him trying to take his own life, etc. So it is clear that this night, to him, had a lack of consent.

The show, however, does not grant him this framing. It is a moment for Rhaenyra to find her sexual liberation, and during that quest, she trampled all over Criston. But the show is extremely lax with framing him as the victim he is, of showing the audience that he is a victim. They keep going back and forth on what to make of this night from the show's POV. After the timeskip, Criston calls her by a sexist swearword, which was so OOC. Why couldn't the show have him call her by what he thinks she is: a rapist? Is she not one? Why was Fabien directed to act in a way that portrays clear discomfort with her actions then before and after the act? His fallout with Rhaenyra on the boat was not about love, it was about trying to rationalize what had happened to him and about trying to regain what he views as his lost honor (typical of a victim of rape), which he thought he could regain by marrying her. It wasn't about love. He was trying to cope with what happened that night.

I've said it before, but HOTD refuses to show Rhaenyra in a bad light and does not tacitly punish her for her actions. The writers & directors keep tiptoeing around this fine line of "Rhaenyra did something bad vs. Rhaenyra does not suffer any consequences so therefore don't think about her as doing something bad". Characters like Criston and Alicent get the brunt of it, because they act as the victims they are the show should be framing them as, but the perpetrator is not framed as a perpetrator. It sucks. It's whitewashing. It's the show refusing to engage with intersectionality of power and race concerning Criston. It's irresponsible storytelling because they're basically saying men can't get assaulted just because they're men. There is also the issue of raceswapping Criston to make him brown and then make him a victim of a white rapist, but then also refusing to see him as a victim of rape. There is this racist framing in the show that brown men are no victims of white women, but if I went deep into that this post would be double the size so I'll just keep it with this.

This night between Criston and Rhaenyra isn't just a night between an older male and a younger woman, it's a lowborn commoner in a feudal monarchical society being forced to please the horny most noblest lady in the entire realm (his superior that can do and say anything she wants because Cole is a peasant who owes Rhaenyra his standing, and is also Dornish) who is also daddy's (The Patriarch of this society) favorite. Criston holds no power over Rhaenyra as a man. This is called intersectionality and it's something the show stubbornly refuses to engage with.

But in conlusion, yes I do believe Criston suffered through sexual assault by his superior.

P.S. Something extra I want to take note of:

This scene, yeah? We juxtapose this always with the Rhaenyra/Criston one. Both women, one is stuck performing her joyless duty (marital rape), the other finds her sexual liberation and takes pleasure for herself. But the issue I want to raise is not the two women, but the two Targaryens: Father and Daughter, both take what they want with no consideration for the other party. The other party who is duty-bound (one is wife, the other is Rhaenyra's sworn protector who he owes his entire life to like we established above). Idk... Some food for thought.

[painsandconfusion]

No One Owns Me

Whumping the Whumpers: Part Thirteen

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(tw: electrocution - taser/cattle prob, beating, creepy/intimate whumper, blind rage, pet whump mention, gore mention, murder mention)

Ethan turned slowly back to gaze at Elias. Did the man shrink back? Just a little? Or was that a squirm?

Ethan gave him a wry smile. Both were good.

He strolled back to the center of the room. Elias twitched, if only slightly, as Ethan knelt in front of him. Exactly where Nate had been. Ethan sat back on his heels.

Even at eye-level, Elias looked different than before. So small. So stuck. His lips were trembling slightly, contrasting his burning eyes. Ethan blindly ran his thumb across the blade in his lap, idly playing with it while looking at the twist of red blood on Elias' shoulder.

For a moment, he paused. This is pretty fucked up, Ethan. Can you really do what they do?

The answer came far too easily, before the question was even fully formed.

Ethan's heart threatened to beat out of his chest, and for the first time in his life, that sensation felt wonderful. It didn't remind him of the fear or desperation. It didn't make him feel small or trapped. He just felt alive.

More alive than he had ever been.

Ethan brushed the tip of the knife across the bloodstain on Elias' collarbone, letting it bite in. Elias sucked in a sharp breath, flinching back slightly. Ethan watched as his eyes flickered up to the ceiling, focused. Trying so hard not to go wide and frantic.

A smile pulled at one corner of his mouth as Ethan trailed the knife along the man's clavicle, resting at the hallow of his neck. Elias’ skin almost twitched under the touch as Ethan brushed the knife up his throat.

It scratched, but didn't quite cut, leaving a quickly fading line of white straight up the center. Elias held his breath, tipping his head back as the blade traced under his jaw and flicked off the bottom of his chin. He let out a shaky exhale once the steel left his skin.

Elias dropped his head back down to glare more daggers at Ethan. Ethan didn't know why the expression seemed so funny to him. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want to say something?"

Elias gave no response, just stared, breathing harshly through flared nostrils. Ethan bit back a grin, pressing the blade flat against his cheek to pry up the duct tape. Elias' eye twitched but he otherwise managed to remain still as Ethan worked back the tape, slowly peeling it back. It pulled up at the skin and stretched it away, leaving it tinged red when it snapped back. Ethan really didn't know how Elias hadn't figured out how to get it off yet.

Ethan balled up the duct tape, tossing it to the side. "Well?"

Elias narrowed his eyes. "What the fuck do you want? An apology or something? Want me to beg for my life like you?"

Ethan searched his eyes. He actually seemed serious. "Not really, but I won't stop you if you really want to beg."

Elias narrowed his eyes. "I'm not begging you for shit."

Ethan smirked. "Oh? You want to follow the rules? What one was that? Seven I think?"

Elias didn't respond; he just stared back, unflinching.

"Maybe you want to try out the rest of the rules while you're at it." Elias didn't falter, but Ethan could have sworn he paled a shade or two.

The rules were still so fresh in Ethan's mind. Even over four years later.

Rule 7: Don't beg unless ordered. That was the one order that came as a blessing to Ethan. It gave him a voice. He had actually looked forward to begging. Looking back, that mentality was just pathetic.

It would be nice to see him begging though...

Elias tugged awkwardly against the cuffs. "What do you want from me?"

Ethan shrugged. "Not much. I just want you to hold still. Don't worry, it should be easy for you."

Elias glanced at the walls, toward the shelf with power tools. "You want me dead."

"Among other things, yes."

His eyes snapped back. Elias lifted his chin slightly, somehow managing to look down at Ethan who knelt above him.

"You can't do it. I know you. I've seen you." He smiled. "You broke so fast, kid. You don't have the stomach for this."

Ethan pursed his lips. "Interesting theory." He pushed up on his knees to stand. "Let's test it out."

Elias' eyes followed him as Ethan stepped around him in a wide circle, surveying the walls. So many options. Nate really did prepare for anything, didn't he? He had made so many additions since Ethan left. There was so much to choose from. Ethan didn't even really know where to start.

He had mostly torn Redd apart with his bare hands, snapping bones and crushing ribs with his feet. He vaguely remembered grabbing a knife at one point, but the whole thing was a blur.

Ethan glanced to the spot on the ground where Redd had gargled his last breath. It was spotless again; no trace of blood on the concrete. No evidence of the encounter that sent Ethan's mind spiraling down this particular path to hell.

That wasn't going to happen again. He wouldn't use up Elias in one burst of anger and thrill. Nate had always worked so slowly. Made him squirm, twitch, and gasp. He left few marks compared to some of the others.

Ethan wouldn't make the same mistake twice. Elias deserved to die slow.

Ethan's eyes locked on the perfect thing. He felt Elias' eyes on his back as he strode up to a shelf on the east side of the room and plucked up a taser.

Wait. He froze, running a finger over it, checking for a label or etching or something. Taser or stun gun? Is there a difference? Some you actually shoot like a gun, but...Eh, fuck it.

It didn't matter what they were called. Ethan gripped the small box in his hands. He pressed the button down, hearing the crackling snaps of electricity. Softer than his. It must be a lower voltage. This'll work.

Elias squirmed back slightly as Ethan approached again.

"Remind me, was the box on the right or left side of the neck?"

Elias' nostrils flared. "Does it fucking matter?"

Ethan shrugged. "You always wanted the burns to stay in one place, so I assume it does." He traced the prongs from Elias' temple, down his jaw, over the soft skin of his neck on the left side. "I think it was about here." He pressed the prongs in, watching the soft skin warp around the biting metal. Elias twitched back.

"Go on. Beg."

Elias set his jaw, spitting the word through his teeth. "No."

"Hm. Shame."

The moment he pressed the button, Elias took in a grunting gasp, jerking away. He locked his jaw, sucking quick, shallow breaths through his teeth.

Not much of a reaction, but amusing enough. Ethan smirked, pressing the prongs back on the indents.

"C-come on. You have to want something. What do you want from me?"

Ethan shrugged. "This is what I want."

He pressed the button again. This time Elias seised up, twitching slightly. He screwed his eyes shut, swallowing a small whine.

When Ethan pulled back, he blinked hard, scrambling for words. "Okay, I get it! Revenge. I get that. But...really? You?"

Ethan shoved the taser against his throat this time, holding the button down one, two, then three seconds. He watched Elias squirm, grinding his teeth.

"Nngh," Elias panted as soon as he pulled away. "Fuck, kid. At least just - just tell me what's going on."

Ethan looked over him. "I've hardly touched you. Don't break on me yet."

Elias' eyes found him, glaring again.

"Know what? Maybe we should take it up a notch. I think you graduated from this."

Ethan stood, strolling back toward the shelf. I swear Nate has a cattle prod here somewhere...

Elias rambled behind him, probably just trying not to panic. Ethan was very familiar with that particular coping mechanism.

"Is...is this your place?"

Ethan didn't give him a response.

"No...can't be. There's too much shit here for someone like you. Is it that other guy's?"

Ethan ignored him, tucking the taser back away. There were several more - larger ones. More voltage. He should probably switch to one of those, but he already had the cattle prod stuck in his head.

"So...who's the blond?"

Ethan sighed, glancing over his shoulder. "Nate."

A pause. "I don't know him."

"No, you don't." Ethan found the cattle prod at the back of the shelf. He grabbed it, turning back to Elias.

"Is he a butt-hurt escapee too?"

"No." Ethan gripped the handle of the cattle prod, watching Elias' eyes run along it.

Elias let out a humorless snort. "So what is he? Your boyfriend? New master?"

Ethan stiffened, gripping the handle tighter.

"Oh shit - are you serious? He's your master?"

Ethan snarled, jabbing the prod against Elias' chest. "He's not my master."

Elias grinned, looking him over. "Oh come on, I can spot it a mile away."

Ethan gritted his teeth pressing the button harder than necessary. Elias barely bit back a scream, it whined and grunted from his throat. He fell back against his hands, writhing back. When Ethan pulled away, Elias barely righted himself. He managed to stay on his knees, but he swayed a little, breathing hard. A wide grin crept across his face as he panted.

"What? You really thought you were in control? You were born to crawl, boy. You think a few tools would change that?"

Ethan ground his teeth. "I don't fucking belong to anyone."

"No, you-"

Ethan stabbed the prod into his thigh, pressing the button again.

This time, Elias screamed. The sound rang off the bare concrete and drilled into Ethan's ears. It was almost like music.

Elias writhed and convulsed, toppling to the side. Ethan followed him with the prod, but…. Fuck it put so much distance between them. He wanted to feel Elias break under his fingers.

Elias. Rolled on his shoulder, pulling against the cuff that still pinned him to the ring on the ground. He panted, but grinned. "Really? Take one look at him and tell me he doesn't own you."

Fuck this. Ethan threw the prod to the side. He knelt down, punching Elias square in the jaw.

He laughed again. "Come on, let me talk to him."

Red blurred across Ethan's vision as he wailed on the man, feeling Elias' nose crunch under his knuckles. Feeling the blood stick to his hand as he pulled back. The impact from the blows vibrated up to Ethan's shoulders. He felt the skin on his knuckles split as Elias' head snapped back over and over again.

Elias coughed, blood and spit sprayed onto his lips.

Ethan stood up, hands shaking. He looked down at Elias, not able to resist giving him a swift kick in the ribs. He bit out the only words he could think of. "No one owns me."

Elias forced a laugh, blood from his nose and mouth already working toward making a small puddle on the ground. "Give it up. You don't have the stomach for this."

Ethan pressed his foot to Elias' shoulder, right on the bleeding spot. He stepped down, forcing Elias to roll back to look at him. The man groaned softly as his arms twisted behind him.

"If that's true, then why are you covered in your own blood?"

Elias lifted his head and grinned up at him, blood smearing his teeth.

"Because you're scared."

Ethan was moving before he processed the words. His foot pulled back and smashed hard against Elias' head, cracking it back onto the cool concrete.

His eyes flickered shut as he slumped back to the ground.

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(tags: @prisonerwhump @whumpawink @mabledonut @heathenwhump @paleassprince @jadeocean46910 @wormwriting @distinctlywhumpthing @happy-whumper @jo-doe-seeking-inspo @azayta @tropes-for-my-md-daydreams @batfacedliar-again )

[jinxfirebolt18902]

I licked it so it’s mine - JJ Maybank Imagine

Words: 1.818

Warnings: none?

Pairing: JJ Maybank x female!reader

A/N: I got this idea from a tumblr pic that read the title in a neon light sign. English isn’t my mother tongue so prob syntax mistakes AND F**** ENGLISH PREPOSITIONS other than that I love y’all, hope you enjoy.

—Okay sweetie, go have a good day and make new friends! —She heard her mom telling her as she gently pushed her by her shoulders towards the group of little girls and boys near the teacher. She took a few steps lacking confidence, not sure she wanted to actually be a part of the class. Minutes later a blonde boy with a face that already screamed ‘trouble’ despite the young age furrowed his eyebrows at her new face. He got closer and observed her attentively making her a little uncomfortable. Matching his personality, she furrowed her brows as well and asked rudely “what?!”

The boy processed the uncommon attitude coming from a girl and smiled at the change, appreciating the feisty confrontation in contrast with the so common cries or runaways of the other little girls he used to annoy. From then on they became inseparable and her mother always invited him over to play. Their play dates often involved fights, stolen toys and ice cream. As time passed, they grew out of toys but not out of ice creams, and they kept going to the small store that sells popsicles and doing their routine: buy the popsicle, go to the dock in front of the store and sit with their feet hanging as they ate the ice cream.

One of the many times, they were nine years old and just as she was about to give her popsicle the first lick he beat her to it and she whined immediately.

—JJ! —he laughed real hard and took it from her hands, provoking his best friend to become even more angrier.

—Sorry —he shrugged his shoulders innocently and then looked at the frozen candy —But I licked it so it’s mine now.

She punched him on the right shoulder and before she stood up and got away, he handed her his still packaged popsicle with a smile. She sent him another glare before sitting down again and not talking to him for the next 5 minutes.

—C’moooon! You can’t ignore me foreverrrr —he dragged some syllables of his words as he spoke close to her just to annoy her more.

—You’re disgusting JJ.

He smiled winningly at his victory. —But you love me anyways.

Years went by, their friendship grew and their group too, with the addition of John B, and years later Pope’s and Kiara’s. After Kie finished her shift at The Wreck, Pope and JJ were done with the groceries deliveries for the Kooks and John B and she were done at the Cameron’s, each with their different tasks, the crew had agreed on meeting at The Chateau to relax and drink some cheap beers.

John B was stargazing with a nostalgic look on his face; Kie was strumming her ukelele; Pope was sitting on an old foldable beach chair while she and JJ were swinging on the big hammock, beers of can in their hands. She was struggling to open hers as she tried to avoid breaking her nails on the process. She pouted as she extended her arm holding the can to the blonde. He took it and opened it easily but before handing it back he made sure she was still looking at him and carefully dug the tip of his tongue into the little hole, earning a protest from her.

—JJ!

He smirked and enjoyed the reaction he was getting from her. —What?!

—It was my beer!!

He let out a deep laugh as his head fell backwards. —You know the rules, I licked it, so…

Their friends laughed as they nodded their heads at JJ’s passion for teasing her.

Months later, summer days began and holidays welcomed free time and Tourons in Outer Banks. New faces, new adventures, new hook ups. The gang had organized one of the very famous keggers at the Boneyard. Music resonated from someone’s speaker, 5 bonfires had small groups of teenagers of all ages sitting around talking and drinking while larger groups were dancing around the beach. She and Kie were at different fires chatting with Tourons while Pope and John B made sure everyone got their refill. JJ being JJ was sweet talking a brunette into his bed at The Chateau. So far, nothing was out of the ordinary. They were all having a good time. Things got awkward the next day, when the crew woke up and saw JJ’s brunette still there, showing no intentions of leaving. She and Kie had passed out on the pull out couch while Pope slept on the other couch but they all looked a bit shocked, and uncomfortable, at the intruder walking around the kitchen as if she belonged there with them. JJ came out of his room minutes later and got his friends curious stares for breakfast. He shrugged his shoulders and twitched the corners of his lips indicating an “I-have-no-clue-why-she’s-still-here” expression when the girl couldn’t see.

In the afternoon, the intruder announced she’d go back to her family and take a shower but also planned to meet at The Wreck for dinner. Once she left the females of the group scoffed at her.

—Dude, she stuck with us like she’s part of the Pogues, what the fuck?! —Kie complained at no one in particular, but sent JJ a quick glare.

—You gotta fix this. —She pointed her index finger into her best friend’s chest. —There is no way I’m having dinner with her.

After everyone had gone back to their place and taken a shower, shared some family time and run some errands, the Pogues agreed to get together after dinner and go for some ice cream.

—Which flavour did you ask for Kie? —she asked as she licked her cookies and cream ice cream before it dripped on her clothes and hands. Kie gave her a funny look and answered.

—Watermelon, it’s really good actually. Sweet and refreshing.

The boys came walking a few steps behind them as they pushed each other like little kids. The girls rolled their eyes but stopped on their tracks as they heard a voice calling for them. Well more specifically, for the blonde surfer and their leader.

—JJ! John B! —the same brunette they were trying to avoid rushed down to the docks they were standing on.

—Hey there… —John B answered, not wanting to be rude.

Once again, the intruder stuck to the group of friends and hung out for a few hours, constantly trying to flirt with JJ. The brunette playfully hit him whenever he teased her, gently grabbed his biceps when they were sitting down on the wooden dock and tried to get him alone by walking slower than the group, her arms circling around his waist. JJ wasn’t used to his hook ups sticking to him like this, he usually made it clear he was up for a one night stand only but this one didn’t want to give him up just yet.

The brunette had also caught interest in the intense relationship between him and his best friend. The intruder wanted to have JJ’s complete attention but his friend was kind of getting in the way of that. As a girl, she sensed his friend was purposely cock blocking him, which started a silent and very subtle war between them.

The brunette laughed at JJ’s joke and got impossibly closer to him, resting her light weight on his chest. She rolled her eyes and made a signal to Kie to make her look at the intruder and then faked a vomit earning a laugh from Kie. John B and Pope furrowed their eyebrows at Kiara’s laugh, confused at why she was laughing. Kie was the only one who could see her little act.

Moments later they decided to go around the docks and throw some rocks into the water. John B felt a bit more comfortable now and teased the brunette by trying to splash her with the rocks he threw. That was the first time through the night that she had gotten away from JJ and she wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to hit back.

She got closer to her best friend and challenged him with just a look. He rolled his eyes as he smirked, knowing he was in trouble.

—Get her off our backs dude. I wanna spend time with my friends, not her! —she whispered urgently looking up at his eyes as he was taller than her.

—What do you want me to do? Tell her ‘hey me and my friends want to be alone, do you mind?’—he mocked trying to make his point clear but she was having none of it. —Yep, that sounds perfect —she smiled and taped his chest as if the whole matter was solved. He raised an eyebrow and focused his eyes on hers. A second later he had a dirty smirk on his features, then it was her turn to quirk an eyebrow. —What?

—Aren’t you jealous, are you? —his smile grew wider as her scowl deepened. He was quick to snake his arms around her middle and pull her close. —Don’t touch me. Let me go, you’re an asshole. —He pouted and cooed her. —Aww c’mon baby don’t be mad I’m not giving you attention, you know I’m yours. —she just rolled her eyes and sighed deeply as Kie laughed near them, enjoying the whole show.

When she heard too much silence, or the lack of an annoying giggle, in the back, she caught a glance from the corner of her eye and saw John B and the brunette looking at them while Pope told something about dead bodies as he drew patterns in the sand with a stick he had found.

—Careful sis, remember if you play with fire, you get burnt. —John B spoke to her in a mocking tone. The rest, except for the Touron, began laughing.

She takes her chance as JJ’s face is not that far from hers and a wicked smile painted itself on her face before implementing her idea. In less than a second she had stuck her tongue out and slid it from under his jaw up to his bottom lip making the boy freeze and set his blue orbits on her. Her eyes were already on his, shining with playfulness. She was having so much fun having her way. The laughs around her turned into gasps.

She then turned to the other girl and spoke mockingly —I licked it, so it’s mine. —the girl’s jaw fell and she winked at the blonde before walking to Kie and throwing her arm over her curly haired friend, who was wearing an incredulous expression.

—Oh my God, I can’t believe you just did that! —both began to laugh as they walked back to the van and hopefully they would all drive back to The Chateau and spend a real night of friends with no intruders.

[blueberrysets]

WITH OR WITHOUT DEATH

pairing: grim reaper!sakusa kiyoomi x f!reader

genre: fluff and angst, probs more angst

warnings: swearing, mentions of sexual activites, mentions of death, angst at the end

word count:  2,482

summary: sakusa was used to a lonely life when he became the notorious grim reaper. he got the cards with the time, place, date, and person of who’s soul he needed to collect, then he would go do his job then leave. that was until he met the bubbly waitress at the 50′s diner with terrible puns but amazing apple pie. if only the council could allow him to keep one, pure soul with him.

reccomended song to listen to: sparks by coldplay

an: okay hI! I’m actually really proud of this little thing I just wrote. This scenario actually takes place in a supernatural realm that I have been developing for ageesss. I’m actually really contemplating on writing a second part to this, so let me know if you’d like that! AND/OR making a writing collection with more haikyuu boys in this universe!! I think it would be really cool to write a supernatural au for the haikyuu boys. lol n e ways, let me know what you think and enjoy!!

sakusa’s breath gets caught in his throat at the mere sight of her. he stands across the street, adorned in his usual black attire and black panama-style hat. a mask covering his identity to the world as he peered into the small diners’ window. she stood behind the counter, chatting with the regulars as she fills up their coffee mugs. a bright smile etched across her face, filling the room with so much joy that his undead heart probably couldn’t withstand it. however for her, it was worth it.

the tacky baby blue waitress outfit matched the 50’s style diner, the color contrasting nicely against her skin. her hair cascades nicely down her back, curled for the dress code she has to withstand. 

“it’s cheesy,” he remembers her telling him one night during her late shift, “but I kind of like it, in a charming way.”

it was always the same routine with them; he shows up at the diner at random times, she doesn’t ask questions as she fetches him his usual order, then she sends him that pretty smile of hers as she leans closer to him to talk about his secret. she was the only living soul to know of it, and the only living soul to have an unknown power over him. he wouldn’t trust it with others, but her? he would lay down his own life to hear her whisper his name just one more time.

the rain falling soaks into his black, wool coat. protecting his skin from the harsh air of late autumn. he finally decides to make his way inside the overly hot diner, before he has another soul to guide. he only sees her when death is present, he wouldn’t be in the human realm for any other reason. that was part of his deal to the council. how amusing is it to be a highly respected, yet exiled demon. the human realm was dirty anyways, in more ways than one. covered in diseases, pervs, assholes, and incubuses that feed daily. they annoyed him the most. loosely throwing around their name like it isn’t the thing that controls them, they just like how their name sounds when a human moans it. disgusting.

his long, bony fingers reach out to pull open the door. the heat hitting him in the face like a sharp slap, knocking the breath out of you if you aren’t prepared for it. the familiar ding from the bells attached to the handle fills the slightly empty diner. only a man sitting at the bar with a burger and a man sitting in a booth with a newspaper fill the occupants. yet his gaze is set on the girl in front of him that turns to meet his eyes. another bubbly smile stretches across her face as she places her hands on her hips. 

“well, hey there stranger,” she states, a slight twang in her voice. he walks closer to the bar, sitting on the awkwardly high bar stool as she places his fresh black coffee in front of him, “long time no see, grim.”

she gently takes off his hat, tousling the curls that are hidden underneath it. he likes to think that she’s fixing his hat hair, but in reality she messes it up more. she finds it endearing how the usual put together grim reaper and can have the cutest curls to frame his face. she places his hat on the counter beside him before hooking a finger into his black mask to pull it down his face. if it were anyone else, he would’ve bitten off their finger and disinfected his whole body from the human diseases. dead or not, it still makes his skin crawl. her, however, she’s so pure and untainted. 

her soul gives off a vibrant, white light. it glows nicely in the middle of her chest, as if waiting for any sort of sin to darken its glow. he also finds it adorable when her eyes brighten a smidge more to see his full face. even with the gray undertone in his skin color, the soulless eyes, and the eye bags; she stares at him like he’s the most beautiful thing to walk this earth. the mask now rests underneath his chin and her eyes are in delight with what she sees. before he could fully examine her face in the close proximity, she leans away to turn her attention to the man two seats down from him. 

“want a refill, mr. k?” she questions as she reaches over to grab the pitcher full of water. 

a single letter, that’s what high ranked demons go by in the human realm. you see, if you know the real name of a demon you have full power over them. it’s crucial for demons in power to keep it hidden, that’s why they usually have humans call them by their first initial. sakusa peers his eyes over to be met with the familiar gray locks of one of his colleagues. koushi sugawara, a hellhound. his usual kind stare meets sakusa’s dead stare, sending a small smile his way. sugawara then turns back to wipe the corners of his mouth one more time with his napkin, placing it on top of his now empty plate. 

“no thank you, sugar,” he states softly as he placed money onto the counter, sliding it her way, “keep the change, honey.”

“you got it, mr. k,” she gleams at him, her eyes squinting slightly from her big smile, “you have a nice night now.” 

sugawara stands from the stool, grabbing his jacket that rests on the chair next to him. shrugging it onto his shoulders as he turns his attention to sakusa sitting next to him. 

“it’s nice to see you again grim,” he nods towards him, “still looking as dead as ever.”

“you as well,” he mumbles towards sugawara, a hand being placed on his shoulder to give a light squeeze before he walks out of the diner. he respects sugawara, as he was one of the few that fought for him during his hearing with the council.

his eyes lazily make their way back towards her, to be taken back by how close she was to him. her elbow rests next to his, her head tilting slightly to rest on her hand. her eyes wide and curious as she pushes the slice of apple pie closer to him. steam coming from the fresh pie and tickling his nose slightly, but the aroma fills his nostrils as his stomach rumbles slightly in hunger. why she was so close to him with that look? he wasn’t sure, causing his eyebrows to knit together in confusion as he picks up his utensils to eat her signature apple pie.

“well,” she asks, her eyes still wide. 

“well what?” he asks back, finally taking a bite. his tastebuds doing a victory dance with the deliciousness that covered them, physically having to hold back a groan after the sweetness hits him. 

“what kind of death was it today?” she asks, her head lifting from her hand as she places it on the counter. leaning slightly closer to him, if he leans in a little more as well their noses would be touching. 

he knows that she does this to keep it quiet between them, but it’s a well known fact that he is the grim reaper. people always ask questions about the unusual deaths he sees on a regular basis. however, he appreciates that she respects his privacy. even though she is a curious little thing. he swallows his food before he answers, the fork still being gripped in his hand. 

“hit and run,” he says with a smirk. 

“tch,” she sneers as she leans back from him, grabbing the rag damp with disinfectant as she begins viciously wiping down the counter, “so much for humanity.”

“what do you mean by that?” he asks with curiosity as he takes another bite.

“well, i mean,” she starts, slightly stuttering over her words. she stops wiping as she stares off behind him, trying to come up with an explanation for how she’s feeling. “I’m beginning to lose my faith in humanity. I mean for crying out loud! we now walk freely with vampires, werewolves, witches, demons! you would think more deaths would be caused by that, but no. it’s still humans killing humans, and i’m glad you help them pass over. you’re more human than any human i have ever met.”

her words drift off at the end as a bashful state takes over her demeanor. the tips of her ears redden as she focuses her gaze on the counter instead of him. it was at this moment, that sakusa knew he would do something he would regret that night. he clenched his jaw as he contemplated his next words. 

“when does your shift end?” he asks in his usual monotones voice. 

her eyes shift to his, expecting him to lecture her about how he was a demon and she shouldn’t say things like that so carelessly. she was used to his scolding, he did it to her quite often. she swallows and licks her lips before replying.

“9 pm.”

“great, ten minutes for me to finish my pie,” he smiles, “let’s go for a walk after.”

                                                  _____________

it’s been fifteen minutes since they first started their walk. his wool coat covers her exposed legs from the cold as her eyes remain upwards towards the night sky. stars twinkle down on them as their comfortable silence is wrapped around them. her mind is gushing over the beauty of the stars, but also over the beauty of him and the two little moles stacked on his forehead. his mind is running a full marathon on how to word his thoughts correctly to her. he’s too analytical, never the one to easily express his emotions. but tonight, for her, he would give it a try. 

his mask remains tucked underneath his chin as his eyes remain on the ground. his bottom lip being gnawed at nervously before he takes a deep breath in. as he releases it sharply, he stops his strides next to her. causing her to halt as well, her head looks back at him as she stopped a bit in front of him.

“everything alright?” she asks in a soothing voice. 

“in all of my years, alive and undead, i have never encountered something like you,” he whispers, his gaze still on the ground. 

“what?” she whispers back, taking a few steps closer to him. the fog of their breaths mixing together at their proximity, she hugs his coat closer to her body as she searches for his gaze to meet his.

“in all of my years, i have never encountered something like you,” he states confidently, his dead  eyes now peering into her much livelier ones. “I have met countless of people, and it’s always the same feeling with them. the greed, the lust, the wrath; it’s always one of those deadly sins that have overtaken their souls. it became redundant, annoying even, to see all of the unruly human souls running around doing whatever they want. then I met you, in a little rundown 24 hour diner with the brightest, purest glow emitting from you. you live for selfless deeds, you put yourself before others, you’re hardworking, honest, beautiful, kind, and everything that it takes to awaken my undead soul. it would stupid for me to say that I am not completely in love with you.”

“grim,” she breathes out, her eyes filling with tears over the beautiful words that he has spoken about her. but more importantly, what it would mean for him, for them.

“you know everything about me, even my weak points. you know about my exile, you know about the little human memories i have left, you know how to summon me, you know my name,” he speaks with raw emotion as his skinny hands reach for her face, the plumpness of her cheeks resting nicely in the palm of his hands, “and i’m terrified of how weak I am for you. yet, i can’t hold it in anymore. you speak so highly of me that i feel alive, but i’m not. god, you make me feel so holy.  like i could walk into heaven right now. yet, i would kill a man if you just gave me a name.”

one of her hands rests on top of his, her eyes never leaving his. a single tear runs down her face, the first drop for a hurricane. his thumb wipes it away, along with the many more that come after it. 

“I’m about to do something, and you and I both know what will happen after this happens,” he explains quietly as he takes one of his hands from her face and wraps it around her waist to pull her closer to him, “but please indulge me, in my own personal sin.”

after the last syllable of the word leaves his lips, he dips his head down to capture her lips with his own. the kiss is deep and full of raw, pure emotion. his grip on her is tight, because he knows that once they separate she’ll have to say it. but all she could focus on was his lips against hers. the saltiness of her tears could be tasted on lips. his skin, which is usually ice cold, is the complete opposite to his warm lips. they fit nicely against hers and move with experience as he continues to deepen the kiss. it seems as if hours had pass in the small minutes of them kissing. she didn’t want it to end, she didn’t want him to pull away. but he did. as soon as their lips part, a sob escapes her body as he rests his forehead against hers.

“send me away, y/n,” he says in a stern, yet soft tone, his hold still tight on her.

“I can’t,” she croaks out, her voice filled with sorrow as her body continues to shake with sobs, “please don’t make me.”

“I’m sorry, my love,” he whispers as pulls her closer to him, “i’m so sorry. but you and i both know, you have to.”

another cry is released as she pushes her face into his chest. her hands gripping the black turtleneck sweater, her tears wetting the shirt as well. he can only hold her, rubbing soothing circles into her back as a single tear runs down his cheek as well.

“please go away,” she sobs, “kiyoomi.”

 once his name leaves her lips, her wish is his command. he vanishes in thin air, a black smoke replacing where he once was. as she sinks down to hug her knees into her chest, she promised to herself that she would see him again.

with or without death. 

[cherryhanji]

rain and you

bulleted scenario. skz x reader

genre: pure fluff (coz i'm feelin soft af), high school au

words: 2.5k

warning(s): none

description: a not so nice weather is approaching and sadly, you didn't bring an umbrella with you.

➤bang chan

• "i'll walk you home, the weather's not good"

• you lift your gaze to the sky, and he isn't wrong, but the fact that chan, your high school senior and also your /crush/ offers to walk you home, shyness enveloped in your whole being making you refuse to his offer.

• "no, oppa. it's okay. our house is just nearby. I can run though."

• "are you sure? you brought an umbrella with you?"

• smiling sheepishly, you shook your head

• "it's okay, oppa. I promise. But, I need to go home now."

• you bid your goodbyes to chan and he did the same before you head to the direction of your home.

• but being the unluckiest human being you are, the strong rain pour making you slightly damped.

• you ran to the nearest convenience store and decided to stay there until the rain stop pouring.

• while waiting for the rain to stop, you turn your gaze to the store's entrance and saw chan, who immediately found you sitting, hair sticking to your forehead and damped uniform thanks to the rain.

• shaking his head, he went near you putting his umbrella at the side.

• "what did I tell you? The weather's not good."

• he grabbed something inside his bag, a big jacket and hand it to you.

• "wh-what will I do with this oppa?"

• "maybe put it inside your bag? Haha! Just kidding! Wear that first and let me take you home. No more buts."

• you just nodded and try to stay calm while your heart is now drumming inside your chest. Your crush, /your crush/ will walk you home. Maybe not bringing an umbrella isn't that bad.

***

➤minho/lee know

• this day maybe the worst day you ever had in your life

• flopping the math exams because you didn't copy the notes you supposed to be reviewing, not able to pass the activity on time. Procrastination sucks, but you still do it. (like mate, stop procrastinating)

• and not bringing an umbrella in this bad weather. seriously?

• stomping your feet because of your stubbornness, you wait for the rain to stop at the school's waiting area.

• you keep on checking the time on your phone when a voice called you.

• you lift your gaze to find the direction of the voice to see Minho, your classmate aka mortal enemy(aka again, your crush) waving at you. Your heart skip a beat but tried to composed an annoyed face. You just furrowed your eyebrows as he went to you.

• "what now minho?"

• "looks like your lonely at the middle of this sad weather. Don't have an umbrella?"

• you grunted at his annoying manner

• "shut up, i'm not in the mood."

• "i think that means no. want me to walk you home?" He said and winked at you and you swear, your cheeks are like tomatoes because of its redness.

• "n-no need! I can go home by myself, i just need to wait for this to stop."

• minho just furrowed his eyebrows and tutted at you.

• "looks like this rain will keep on pouring for hours. Are you sure you'll wait for it to stop?"

• you look at the sky, dark clouds welcomed you and you contemplated to retort because he isn't lying.

• minho chuckled and raised his eyebrows at you.

• you just puffed your cheeks and let out the air in it to calm your insides. Minho is just looking at you.

• "fine!" You just gave up making Minho chuckle and put his arms on your shoulder making you jump at the sudden contact.

• "you can't resist my charms, don't you?"

• you just huffed and rolled your eyes at him

• "shut up! it's, it's just that I didn't have an umbrella with me!"

• he just shrugged and opened his umbrella, "okay! If you say so!"

***

➤changbin

• you and your classmate changbin went to the convenience store after your classes to buy some food when the rain suddenly poured making you frown

• "screw me for being forgetful dude, i forgot my umbrella."

• changbin turned to you and chuckled as he knew that you were a forgetful human being

• "i'm not surprised y/n. you even forgot our assignment in biology a while ago."

• "yeah, okay. poor me. i guess i'll stay here until the rain stops"

• changbin smiled and tapped your shoulder making you look at him.

• "don't be sulky. I can walk you home you know." he winked and showed you his umbrella.

• "hey, is it okay? I mean we don't have the same way going home."

• "it's okay. I can't just leave you here alone waiting for the rain to stop."

• "you can wait for the rain to stop too.." you said matter-of-factly

• changbin stayed silent for a while, realizing you were not wrong.

• "w-why? you don't like me to walk you home?"

• "I didn't say anything."

• "good, now let's go."

• changbin grabbed his bag and yours making you gasp slightly.

• "hey you don't ha--"

• "it's okay. let's go"

• "Uh... The umbrella is not that big, so..."

• changbin wrapped his arms on your shoulders making you moved closer to him.

• "stay closer so you won't get wet."

• you just nodded while your heart is already thudding in your chest.

***

➤hyunjin

• after watching Hyunjin's basketbball practice, you decided to go home now.

• You have a huge crush on the school's varsity player so you won't let the opportunity of watching him play go to waste.

• even if the weather is not that nice since noon and you didn't bring an umbrella with you..

• You just sighed and decided to run to the bus stop even if the rain is already pouring hard.

• you were preparing to run when a guy's voice called you making you stop at what you're planning to do.

• you turn your head and saw hyunjin smiling at you.

• because of how flustered you are, you turned your back at him to hide your blushing face.

• "hey. you're y/n, right? are you going home now?" you eyes widen when you heard his voice near you.

• you slowly turn your head to him and smile sheepishly.

• "ah yes. I'll just run to the bus stop, tho."

• "I'm also going to the bus stop. As I can see, you don't have an umbrella with you. do you mind if I walk with you there?"

• hyunjin offered you as he showed his umbrella with him.

• you just stayed silent as the fact that you're crush is offering you to walk with him at the bus stop.

• "uh, y/n. still there?"

• you shook your head going back to reality and looked at him.

• "uh, sorry. What is it again?"

• "I asked you if it's okay if I walk with you at the bus stop. Since you don't have an umbrella and it's getting darker now."

• you look at the time on your phone showing that it's already 6:30 pm.

• you just accepted his offer even of your heart almost jump out of your chest because of the fact that you're near, and walking with your crush.

• the cold weather is contrasting with the warm feeling that is now lingering on your cheeks.

• "let's go?"

• you nodded and just shed yourself under hyunjin's umbrella.

***

➤jisung/han

• you bid your goodbyes to your friend as you separate ways going home

• but it seems like the weather is not on your side today.

• rain is already falling but you forgot to bring your umbrella with you.

• frowning, you just wait for the rain to stop.

• "y/n!"

• you lift your gaze to the guy who called you who turns out to be jisung, your classmate.

• "h-hey, jisung... why are you still here? dance practice?"

• he nodded and sit beside you. you just hummed and turn your attention to your phone. awkwardness start to envelop between you.

• all your classmates knew that jisung likes you, a lot. Little did they know, you also feel the same, making this situation awkward for you.

• "aren't you going home yet?"

• "not yet, the rain is still pouring, i guess i need to wait for it to stop."

• "uh... i have an umbrella here. i can walk you home if you like."

• your eyes widen out of shock. you felt your heart skip a beat. is this even happening???

• "oh, i... is it okay? i mean are we having the same way home?"

• he just nodded at you and smile sheepishly as the thought of walking his crush home, which is you, makes his heart do somersaults

• "oh, okay... if you say so. thank you..."

• "no prob. i guess you're friend already went home."

• "yeah, because i thought i can go home with no problem. but the weather is quite mean to me."

• "let's go? Before it gets any stronger."

• jisung scooted you closer to him so you can't make yourself wet.

• you slightly jumped at how his hands are warm and soft making your heart again jump.

• jisung is quite shocked because of his newfound confidence but he just brushed it off so it won't make the situation more awkward.

• "thank you, jisung."

• "you're welcome."

***

➤felix

• you are calmly waiting for the rain to stop inside the library.

• you were stucked there for almost 2 hours, because your groupmate already went home. Luckily you have some books there to avoid the seeping boredom in you.

• "y/n?"

• you stopped reading ang lift your gaze, seeing Felix. You smiled at him as he went near you.

• "hey, still studying?"

• "nah, just to kill boredom. I'm waiting for the rain to stop. I can't go home under the rain."

• felix just shook his head as his arms are propped on the table while resting his chin on his palms.

• he straighten his seat as an idea popped into his head.

• hey y/n! i can walk you home. I have an umbrella with me."

• a smile appeared on your face after he said that.

• "really? you're a lifesaver, lix! but, is that okay?"

• "of course! Why not?"

• "i mean, your house is far from ours. You might come home late."

• "it's okay. I'll just tell mom that I helped out a friend."

• "thank you lixie!"

• "come on, while it's still early."

***

➤seungmin

• "that's all. don't forget to bring the stuffs tomorrow okay? so we can prepare earlier for the fair."

• seungmin, your student council president finally dismissed the meetinng for the preparation for the school fair next week.

• "y/n, don't forget to bring the curtains for the stage design, okay? gotta go, my mom is already outside"

• you just bid your goodbyes to yeji and fixed your things, it's already 5 pm and the thought of hearing your mom scold you for coming home late makes you frown.

• but as you take a look at the window outside the room, strong rain greeted you.

• you opened your bag to check if you bring your umbrella with you but you saw nothing.

• "urgh! why does it have to be today??"

• "hey, y/n? is there any problem?"

• seungmin approached you as he heard you groaned

• you thought you're the only one left inside so you were quite shocked to hear seungmin's voice.

• "uh... uhm yeah. I forgot my umbrella. And it's raining outside. but i cannot wait for it to stop, my mom will scold me if i go home late again."

• you blurted out while seungmin is intently listening to you.

• you just sighed and sit down on the chair near you.

• "hey, want me to walk you home? i have a quite big umbrella with me. I think we can fit in here."

• seungmin offered to you showing his umbrella.

• you looked at seungmin for a while, registering what he said to you.

• seungmin is the type of student who is quiet, and has the looks of a smart, intimidating student, that's why you really admire him. and he's also the reason why you joined the student council. In that way, you can have at least some interactions with him.

• seungmin is not the type to talk to people casually especially if he's not really close with them. So him, offering to walk you home, makes you shock and makes your heart flutter.

• "a-are you sure? I mean i can just wait here. I'll just tell my mom I had to wait for the rain to stop."

• he just sighed and grab your bag.

• "come on, i just can't leave you here. And besides, we're on the same way home."

• seungmin said making your eyes wide.

• "really?? how did you know?"

• "it's because I saw you one time. I just didn't call your name because... because I'm shy..."

• he said and you can't be wrong. you just saw his cheeks slightly turned red making you chuckle. he's so /cute/.

• "you know what? Let's go."

• you just nodded and head out of the room.

***

➤jeongin/i.n

• you just finished doing your project and you're getting ready to go home.

• when you heard the loud pouring of rain outside your classroom window.

• you grunted as you realized that you forgot to bring your umbrella with you..

• jeongin stopped at what his doing as he saw your mini tantrums.

• "hey, y/n. you look like you lost from a game. What happened?"

• "i forgot to bring my umbrella with me! And it's raining outside."

• you just slumped yourself at your seat and closed your bag.

• "i'll just need to wait for it to stop."

• "uh, y/n. i think the condition of the sky says no. Look, it's quite dark outside."

• you turn your eyes to the window to check the sky, and jeongin isn't lying.

• "i think i need to run to the bus stop while raining."

• you huffed out of frustration and leaned on the chair.

• "i'll walk you there, perhaps i want to go home too now."

• you straighten up your seat and looked at jeongin.

• "really?"

• he nodded at you and stand up.

• "come on, i badly want to go home now."

• you just nodded at him and grabbed your bag and head out of the room.

• "thank you, innie."

• "no prob, princess."

______

it's been a lifetime since i posted a bulleted type of scenarios and all i can say is-- none. Yeah, anyways this fic was made a long time ago. but i just got the courage to post it today after lots of edits ajd rereadings. I hope u like it and thank u!

--

Special thanks to my forever vivi @peaches-writes for helping me with my struggles. u the best girl💖

[raitrolling]

Calm, After the Storm

[Easy Reading Version on Toyhou.se]

The clean-up for Vernrot Harbour had been slower going than Lusien expected. There was no structural damage to the town, no residents had been harmed as far as he was aware of, and the organisation that’d moved in to defeat the ‘threat’ were able to manage the situation quite cleanly. He had numerous encounters with members of Gaia since the incident: first on the night of the event when he was prevented from getting anywhere close to the shoreline, no matter how many times he insisted he knew the person causing all the trouble; again the night after when a member of the hospital wing knocked on his door to check him for signs of eldritch mental corruption, due to his close contact with a horrorterror (supposedly the results were normal… For this town’s standards); and then at least once a night after that as more people were brought in for clean-up duty.

The clean-up duty, of course, being restoring the balance between the numerous other entities inhabiting the town.

Lusien has always been familiar with the supernatural, and this familiarity has made him attuned to the state of the town. Those Who Slumber In The Deep are placid for a collective of horrorterrors living in the depths of Vernrot Harbour’s, well, harbour. Their influence is subtle, altering the weather patterns to their liking, and infecting the minds of the residents as the eldritch are wont to do. Some are more susceptible to their influence, typically those who live closer to their abode or spend much longer in the ocean than the average troll. But only he, gifted with the power to see the unseen and comprehend the incomprehensible, are aware of just what they’re doing to the residents. The scientist who lives by the shoreline doesn’t know why he feels lonely when he is unable to hear the whispers in the back of his mind, the author further towards the centre of town doesn’t think about why they’re always so drawn to the ocean whenever they feel troubled. And Lusien cannot tell them, the horrorterrors don’t allow them to believe him.

It is the other entities that are of most concern. The shadow beings were more restless than usual, and their home invasions became more frequent. The spirits residing in the lighthouse required more favours to pacify, feeling extra capricious out of spite for their ‘territory’ being infringed upon. Mostly they just required food or a small sacrifice, and while Lusien didn’t enjoy whenever they sought out something more from him, he was still compelled to carry out their wishes. Every other supernatural being that made their home in the town had their own sets of rules to follow, an invisible checklist of tasks and favours that once completed will make them consider not acting out again for an unspecified amount of time. No one else in the town was aware of their existence, and thus it became Lusien’s duty to tend to each and every one of their needs for the sake of the livelihoods of others. No one but him would notice if a resident was spirited away to another realm or possessed by a cranky entity who was rudely awoken by the songs of The Choir, and no one would be grateful for his efforts, but he still felt it was important to help them.

The staff at Gaia had been more than helpful. The trolls they sent were all well-equipped to handle the supernatural in a non-violent manner, although Lusien would often be called over to guide them through the more unpredictable whims of the entities. “Look for the blueblood with the starry eye” became a phrase often spoken by members of the organisation, and it was not uncommon for someone to come running over to the lighthouse to seek him out for an emergency. He would ask about what happened to Thri- The horrorterror they captured that caused all of this, but no one had an answer for him. They probably wouldn’t have an answer if he used his actual name either, given their tendency for codenames and classifications. The best he’d heard is that ‘the creature’ had returned to its troll form, and was currently detained. Lusien didn’t particularly enjoy the way they spoke of his friend, but he’d given up on correcting every single person he asked.

He was at the pier again, fishing up some more flounders to harvest their skeletons for a ritual as his nightly routine had been for the past couple of nights, when he heard the sound of heeled boots stomping on the wooden boardwalk approaching him. 

“Ugh… No one told me there were gonna be some fucked up toads here.”

Lusien turned to face the Gaia employee whining about the wildlife they must have come across, a tall indigblood wearing a white, slightly-translucent coat. They had a company umbrella in their hand that was most likely issued to them as part of their excursion to the rainy town, and they’d pulled up the hood of their coat over their head for extra protection against the wet weather. Through their scrunched-up expression of disgust, Lusien had noticed their eyes were rather striking: He’d never seen heterochromia as intense as their pale purple and reddish-pink eyes. Before he can make a comment about how the ‘toad’ they mentioned was most likely a mutated variation of the juvenile fishmen that plague the waters of the harbour, they’re quick to continue.

“You’re Lusien, right? The guy everyone’s been going on about?” There’s a nice, casual tone to their voice, which contrasts greatly against the horrendous vibes Lusien can see latching onto them. They’ve been deeply tainted by something he cannot quite figure out, but just like all the other residents of this town they seem completely unbothered by it. 

He nods in response to their question, and cannot help but wonder if they’re genuinely unaware of whatever magical influence has poisoned their mind or if they’re simply choosing to ignore it. They smile, in a way that makes Lusien’s hypothesis favour towards the latter.

“Pog. Yeah so I’m guessing you’re used to us coming up to you to give progress reports on the state of the town, but I got nothing. The reports I’ve been getting seem to suggest it’s getting better, so we’ll be outta here in a couple nights once we’re certain it’s all back to your usual level of fucked up.” They shrug. “If it was still out of control, I wouldn’t be here. I’m like a canary in a mineshaft, I’m not assigning myself to check out certain towns if there’s a risk of Shitbrains Syndrome. I already got enough of that.”

Yep, definitely aware of it but choosing to ignore it. Somehow even more off-putting than if they were just as clueless as the residents of the town. Despite feeling disconcerted, Lusien nods again. He’s always polite, no matter how disturbing his conversational partner may be.

“Okay. Thank you for the update.” It wasn’t his place to pry into anything else they had implied, and they probably appreciate that. It’s hard to get a read on what they’re thinking.

“Oh yeah, also. Update from the Starfish himself. I’m not a messenger but he’d probs appreciate it if I told you this-”

Lusien’s ears twitch at the mention of the ‘starfish’. He thinks he recalls Thrixe once mentioning his lusus, in a conversation a long time ago about stargazing. 

“He’s like, legit crushed about the whole horrorterror thing. He asked a couple times if you were alright, but psychological records are confidential and all that so I just told him yeah. Don’t really blame him that much about being kinda emo about the whole ordeal. And no one really wanted to give him any updates cuz, y’know, that’s a wholeass horrorterror we got locked up, but I knew the guy already so it kinda became my job to deliver the goods. I didn’t even get a bonus added to my pay for that...” They mutter that last part as they look away, glancing down towards the shoreline where Thrixe turned. “Anyway. I’m sure he’d probs wanna tell you to your face if the town’s ever gonna want him back here, but. Just thought you should know.”

For the first time in nights, Lusien felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. That feeling of relief with almost as much intensity to that of whenever he sees Anirus’ ship float into the harbour. He was okay. Thrixe was okay. 

“I’m glad to hear that.” The blueblood smiles. “And thank you for being so kind to him.”

The indigoblood was right. It probably won’t be likely that Thrixe would be able to return here for a long time given the whims of the entities, but Lusien would look forward to that night, whenever it may be.

[marveloussupernerd]

Ice Cream - Vanderwood

Uhm so... this idea started w this being abo seven. Then about Unknown. And then about Vandy. Just to clarify, I know lots of different pronouns are thrown around for Vanderwood, but I’m playing the safe route and going by he/him because that’s what the creators said 😀 no judgement if you hc otherwise though! Sorry this is probably gonna be OOC bc I have not played another story so my interactions w him have been slim to none

Summary: You were just kind of... depressed today. With the hacker at large, Seven and Mary Vanderwood III have been tasked with watching you through security cameras. Kinda rough when you won’t leave your room and there aren’t cameras in there. Vanderwood tries to cheer you up

PSA: this lowkey deals w mental health but not explicitly ? Inspired by me bc I get depressed~ esp when I am PMSing (which I am doing now) and genuinely can’t get out of bed and do things (ppl are iffy on mental health so just to say I have been diagnosed and was given birth control to help... which honestly has helped a lil). So I thought this would maybe help me and hopefully some of you, Jesus Christ I’ve prob lost so many of you w all these announcements

You just... couldn’t get out of bed. You had been stuck inside for a few days now, watched over by Seven and Mary Vanderwood III via security cams. But not getting to go outside and have human interaction kinda sucked. And then all your work was stressful too. You just didn’t want to move. And so you didn’t.

You got dressed though. That was a good start. Granted it was in something that could also be considered pajamas, but it felt nice to change your clothes. Felt productive. You went back into bed.

How long had you spent in bed, scrolling mindlessly through social media and watching stupid YouTube videos? You looked at the time; it was 1 pm. You were lucky you had today off, but had hoped to be more productive today. Oh well.

Your video was interrupted. A call from Seven. It was probably important.

“Hey Seven!” You picked up, bringing your voice to its typical cheery state. “What’s up?”

“Are you okay?” The voice on the other line asked. You jumped; it was deep, much deeper than Seven’s, and very serious.

“Are you using a voice modifier?” You giggled. It felt nice to talk to someone.

“Huh? Oh, no. This isn’t Seven.”

You paused for a minute, raising an eyebrow. Your voice caught in the back of your throat. “Are you... the hacker?”

“No!” The voice sounded urgent.

“Tom? Seven’s childhood friend?”

“I’m not fully convinced he exists.” The voice replied, an edge to the voice making it sound like a joke.

“Honestly? Me neither.” You paused, trying to think of who it could be. “I fold. Who are you? And how’d you get Seven’s phone!?”

“Giving up that easily?” The voice was teasing you now. “I thought you’d do more than two guesses.” You huffed out a sigh, making sure your annoyance was heard. “Come on, who would have access to Seven’s phone?”

That literally made no sense though. “...Mary Vanderwood the III?”

“Is he calling me that to you too now?” The voice asked, clearly annoyed. “My name is not Mary Vanderwood the III, and I’m not Seven’s maid. I just go by Vanderwood.”

“Hi Vanderwood,” you greeted. “You’re... a dude?”

“Yes.” He sounded annoyed still. “I don’t know why he’s said all this stuff.”

You giggled. “Well, back to the beginning of the conversation. Why’d you ask if I was okay? Is anything suspicious happening?”

“You just... you haven’t left your bedroom yet.”

“Oh” was all you could say.

“Oh? Are you okay?”

“Yeah of course!” You figured you might as well explain yourself. “It’s just, uhm, I haven’t really wanted to get out of bed and be productive. Sort of a mental block.”

“Oh,” his voice was much more understanding now. “That sucks.”

“Yeah... I think it’s because I haven’t interacted with people in a while. Just kinda holed up in the apartment. Hard to stay motivated.” Why were you telling him all this? He just wanted to know if you were okay. He wasn’t your therapist. “Oops! Uhm, sorry. Didn’t mean to unload that all.”

“You’re okay. I’m... sorry to hear that.”

“I’ve dealt with it before so like... it’s fine. It’ll pass. There are way more pressing matters right now,” you brushed it off, shrugging even though you knew he couldn’t see you.

“Do you-“ he coughed. “Do you like ice cream?”

“Yes?” What a change of topic. “Who doesn’t?”

“Well, if you want something to do, do you wanna get ice cream? If you’re feeling up for it.” He sounded almost awkward. It was kind of sweet.

But still, more pressing issues at hand. “I don’t know if I should with the hacker and everything. Everyone has security but me and so I-“

“I work with Seven. I think I can protect you.”

“Think?” You teased.

“You know that’s not how I meant it. I know I could protect you if need be. If you don’t want to though that’s okay.”

“No!” You shouted. You covered your mouth immediately, embarrassed from your outburst. “No. I think that’d be really nice.”

“I can pick you up outside the apartment in like ten minutes? You don’t have to worry about getting dressed up nice or anything...”

This was all so sudden. “Oh, I guess you do know the address, huh.” You were more saying it to yourself than him. “Wait! What do you look like? So that I don’t get picked up by the hacker or anything.”

“Uh...” he seemed so confident, but very uncomfortable describing himself. “I’ve got brown hair. Kinda long? It goes down to my shoulders. You know what? The lining of my jacket is leopard print. That should help.”

You were silent. Leopard print?

“Don’t make fun of it.” You could hear the scowl in his voice. “Ten minutes. See you then.” He hung up before you could say goodbye.

He did say not to look nice. Which made sense, in retrospect, because he had seen you for the past few days lounging at home. There was no need to try to impress; he already knew how you looked on the norm.

So you grabbed a jacket, your phone, and your wallet (with pepper spray attached to it for good measure), and headed out.

You kind of felt like a hooker, standing out at the curb waiting for a car to drive up and get you. But, you pushed those thoughts out of your mind. You were getting real human interaction today thanks to Vanderwood.

He pulled up in a very standard car, definitely not one of Seven’s babes. He rolled down the window and called your name.

“Wait! Show me the lining of your jacket!” You requested. It felt ridiculous but it was important. You laughed nonetheless, as did he. He pulled the jacket up, showing the intricate pattern. You grinned and got in the car.

“Hi. Nice to meet you in person,” you started, looking over at him. He kept the window down as he drove, the sound from the car loud and the wind blowing through his hair.

“You too,” he shouted, trying to talk over the wind. “Nice day out, huh?”

You leaned your head slightly out the window, the cool breeze a nice offset to the warmth of the sun beating down on you. “Mhm,” you hummed.

Luckily the ice cream shop was only a few minutes away. Good thing too; you weren’t sure what to talk about. You benefited from the fact that most of your words were carried away with the wind; the conversation starters had sucked anyway. You just focused on his surprisingly good driving and the feeling of the sun.

He got out of the car and you quickly followed. He didn’t wait for you, just kept walking to the order window. You scrambled to catch up. “So what’s your favorite?” He asked, sensing you by his side without even having to look.

“Oh, uhm, I’ll have cookie dough. Always a solid choice. How about you?”

He turned to you, a smile on his face that contrasted frankly with the harsh lines of his features. “Dark chocolate raspberry.”

“I can’t tell if I’m surprised or if I expected that.” You let out a little ‘hm’ and shrugged your shoulders. He went up and ordered for the both of you.

“Oh, uh,” you reached into your wallet, but he brushed you off.

“Relax. I can pay for a $3 ice cream cone.”

Your eyes widened. You hadn’t realized that may insult him. “Oh! Uh, that’s not what I meant to insinuate. I’m sorry.”

He glanced over with that smile of his, brown eyes lighting up. Why did it make your heart flutter? You had literally just met the guy. You were such a goddamn simp.

He grabbed the ice creams and handed you yours, his gloved fingers brushing against your bare ones. It wasn’t even skin-to-skin contact! Why did you feel this way from something so small? You wanted to die right then and there. He suggested you eat in the car to maintain a low profile and you nodded, not trusting your own voice.

Were you supposed to talk? Or eat your ice cream? Or both? Your mind chose for you, as words stumbled out of your lips before you could even stop them. “So is Vanderwood your real name?” Idiot. Of course it isn’t!

“God no.” He sounded hard about it. It was hard to take him seriously while he was licking an ice cream cone like that. You tried to hide your laughter. “No, don’t laugh.” His voice wasn’t hard this time. He was almost begging you to go easy on him.

“No I’m sorry! I wasn’t laughing at your name. It’s just... it’s kind of funny when you sound all mad and annoyed but you look so cute eating your ice cream.” No!!!!! Did you just call him cute? This was going AWFUL. You should have stayed home.

“Well, you can make fun of my name. I obviously didn’t pick it. It’s stupid.” Maybe he hadn’t heard the last part of what you said, considering he didn’t bring it up? But why was he blushing?

“It’s not that bad. You could be named Mary Vanderwood the III,” you teased. He rolled his eyes. “Can I give you a nickname? Maybe make it less insufferable?”

“What, you think we’re going to be talking all the time now?” He had a point. Why did you... do any of this? It was so embarrassing. You stared at your ice cream, praying you didn’t blush or shake your leg or do anything to show how much you felt like an idiot. He nudged you, causing you to glance up at him, and he smiled. “I’d love a nickname.”

“Wood.”

“Ha ha,” he laughed sarcastically.

“V! Oh wait... we can’t do that.” Poor V. You had almost regifted his name. “Vandy!”

“Vandy?” He questioned, trying out the name. “I’m not seeing it.”

“I am. Vandy. That’s the one”

“It’s too...cute.” His cheeks flushed red again. He pushed some of his hair out of his eyes. “I’m not letting you call me that.”

“You don’t get to pick your own nickname,” you stuck your tongue out at him. “I think it’s very fitting. It’s cute, you’re cute...” why were you doing this to yourself? You must have hated yourself.

“You’ve said that twice now. That I’m cute,” he mentioned causally, biting down on his cone, the rest of the ice cream gone.

“Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it as an insult.”

“Oh, it’s fine. It’s probably just my toxic masculinity.” It sounded like a joke but he also sounded serious? There were so many mysteries surrounding him.

“Well, if it helps. I think you’re quite handsome too. But that’s a lot of syllables to get my point across.” You were a bit more confident this time. If he was genuinely worried about his image, why wouldn’t you help reassure him.

“Uh, thanks.” He pushed back his hair, pausing midway. “I’m sorry, I’m really bad with gratitude. I genuinely appreciate it, especially coming from you.”

“Well it’s not like I’m lying,” you shrugged. You had finished your ice cream. “Uhm... maybe we should get back. Who knows what Seven’s been up to since you’ve been gone.”

“Oh, yes. Of course.”

The drive back was just as silent as the drive there, the both of you enjoying the sun and the wind again. He turned on the radio this time. It played 80s hits.

He parked in front of the building. “I hope that helped you feel a little better. I mean, I had fun,” he explained. You could tell he was forcing the words out, forcing himself to express some emotion.

“It helped a lot. For real. Thank you Vandy.” You touched his arm gently.

“Can I have your number?” He asked, a small smirk forming at the corner of his lips. “So that I don’t have to call you through Seven’s phone again,” he justified.

You smiled, nodding, wordlessly taking the phone from his hands and putting your number in. Why were your hands shaking? Was he genuinely interested in you? Or was he just a nice guy?

You handed the phone back. “Thank you again.” You smiled, opening the car door.

“Wait!” He exclaimed. You turned back towards him, leaving the car door open. “Can I... kiss you?”

You shut the car door again, nodding eagerly. He pressed himself against the center console to reach you, using one hand to balance himself and the other to brush the hair out of your eyes, cupping your cheek as he closed the distance between the two of you. Your eyes fluttered shut, focused on just how warm and soft his lips were. It was... really pleasant. He didn’t maintain the kiss for long, although you seemed to have lost your concept of time.

He pulled away, hand still on your cheek, smiling that smile again. “Thank you. I hope I made your day a little better. You certainly improved mine.”

Your fingers grazed his own, intertwining with his for a moment as you opened the car door with the other hand. “You did. I’ll look forward to seeing you again maybe?”

“For sure,” he was more flustered now. “Ah, I should probably make sure Seven hasn’t burned down the house. Have a good night.” He regained his composure, winking at you as you exited the car, and driving off, wind still blowing in his hair.

Vandy stans don’t drag me maybe he was OOC but also I wanna think he’s a little less confident in a romantic situation ? Idk. I hope you all liked it tho tyy

[pekorosu]

haven’t read BL in a loooooong time but i picked one up today! no regrets :)

初恋、カタルシス。(First love, catharsis) by Hatokawa Nuko

so basically it’s your usual fluffy slice-of-life romance, except the protag tsukishima ikki is nonsexual! (aka “romantic asexual” in english)

spoilery thoughts ahead:

the story revolves around him and his boyfriend karakida touma, who is your average label-less/straight-with-an-exception BL dude. in contrast, ikki explicitly identifies as nonsexual. 

that said, there still are sex scenes, so it's very much an “asexual who’s okay with sex” depiction. THAT SAID, ikki is also sex averse to a certain extent... and that’s where the consent gets a lil iffy. but it’s the kind of thing that most ace people would understand, i think. the conflict between wanting to assert your boundaries but feeling guilty for not being able to “provide” in that sense, and genuinely wanting to make your partner happy by indulging them...

i mean, karakida is a chill loving dude, but also a v sexual person and so, his pushiness kinda borders on dubcon? particularly so in one scene, which ends up leading to a breakup. and it’s obvious that ikki’s not always okay with it, even when he says he is. although, by the end of it all, they seem to have come to an acceptable arrangement.

personally tho, i can relate and am okay with the gray areas, but i know some people might not be okay with anything that’s not active enthusiastic consent so i’m raising flags here just in case. considering the genre’s infamy for rape tho, i’d say the issue with consent here was tackled realistically.

but speaking about sex scenes, what i absolutely LOVED was the fact that there was NO anal sex at all. heavy focus on relationship moments and NO RIDICULOUS OBSSESSION WITH STICKING IT UP THE BUTT BEING THE PINNACLE OF TRUE LOVE? IVE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN BL GOD FUCKING BLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i do think it's super convenient that the “uke" is the one who's nonsexual tho, bc well, being a “prude” and constantly being pestered by the horny seme is like THE traditional BL setup lol.

but anyway, i don’t actually have an issue with it bc i feel like ikki’s nonsexuality is treated with proper nuance without it being too in-your-face or preachy, if you get what i mean? i get the feeling that it’s probably personal to the artist, or at least, they’ve done their research and isn’t just using this as a quirky trope.

the manga probs won't be very satisfying for ppl who want to read about aces in committed romantic relationships without sex, but well. it's rare enough to find one that acknowledges it's possible to be in love without experiencing sexual attraction, so i consider this a godsend.

also the character interactions are adorable, haha. don’t wanna end up quoting and spoiling everything, but rn my mood is that lil extra where karakida’s like “look snow! don’t you wanna play?” and ikki’s like “how old do you think i am?” and karakida just launches him into the snow and ikki’s like “...pls do it again.” lol

oh yeah, there's a scene where karakida sorta conflates gender with sexuality? he tells ikki "you’re fine the way you are, you’re you, you’re ikkigender" or something like that. idk if it’s a mistake or a cultural difference or meant to highlight karakida’s cluelessness... i’m inclined to think it’s the last one, bc ikki replies with “i have a dick, you know” (implied: i’m still a man) which. eh. casual cissexism but p standard fare /shrug. but anyway for a moment i was like uhhhhhhhhhhh ok. lol.

the art style is nice too... it swings from a clean and beautifully detailed style, to a very uniquely hilarious one imo. see below:

i esp love it when their noses just vanish. looked a lil awkward to my eyes at first but ended up growing on me. so silly looking hehe

anyway if you're interested and can read japanese, feel free to give it a go. i purchased mine from pixiv, but it’s probs available elsewhere :)

[izzyfandoms]

Chosen - Chapter Five

(This is a Gender-Swapped Sanders Sides high school au)

SUMMARY: Logan Berry, Dee Ceite, Patricia Foster, Virginia Picani and Regina and Rena Prince are all 16-year-old high school students. They live relatively normal lives, with ordinary lessons and ordinary crushes and ordinary families, until one day a monster shows up and attacks them after class, and everything suddenly changes.

SHIPS: Moxiety, Logince, Dukeceit

WARNINGS: Sympathetic Remus, Sympathetic Deceit, swearing, siblings arguing, sexual implications

GENERAL TAGLIST: @quillfics42 @ajdraws0430 @phantomofthesanderssides @creativity-killed-thekitten @phlying-squirrel @sly-is-my-name-loving-is-my-game

CHOSEN TAGLIST: @coasting-on-a-wave-of-apathy @littlestr @whispers-stuff-in-your-ear

Masterpost

FIRST CHAPTER | PREVIOUS CHAPTER

“And then Regina was like ‘what? I don’t have a crush on Logan!’ which is super silly ‘cos they’re so obvious and she’s told me that she likes Lo so many times!” Patricia rambled on.  

“Mmm,” Virginia hummed in agreement; she was painting Patricia’s nails with a pretty, dark purple nail polish. “It is pretty silly.”

It was Sunday, and they were currently at Virge’s house, in her room, sat together on her bed.

“Yeah!” Patricia blew a raspberry.  

Virge tapped her girlfriend’s knee. “Stop moving, you’re gonna mess up your nails.”

“Oh, sorry, honey!” Pat stopped moving. “Anyway, Logan totally likes her back, right? I mean, she’s basically told us. And Dee and Rena, too! They’re super-duper in love, I just wanna take their faces and smush them together until they get married and live happily ever after!”

“As entertaining as that would be,” Virge said, finishing Patricia’s left hand and moved to the right one. “We shouldn’t meddle. Let them deal with their own shit.”

Patricia tutted lightly. “Language.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Virge said. She examined her own nails – pastel blue, painted by Pat earlier – double checking that they hadn’t been damaged, though they were already dry. “You know I’m right, though. You’re always telling me not to interfere, no matter how often I want to tell them. They’ll figure it out on their own.”

Pat sighed. “Yeah, I know.” She then giggled. “Doesn’t mean we can’t still complain, though.”

Virginia hummed in agreement again, and the two sat in comfortable silence for almost a minute, as Virge finished painting Pat’s nails. Once she was done, the pigtailed girl looked over her hands appreciatively.

“Yay! Now my nails are your favourite colour and your nails are mine! It’s perfect!” Patricia giggled, beaming.

Her girlfriend gave her a small smile. “You’re adorable.”

Patricia giggled again, softly, a light blush on her cheeks. She leant forward, careful not to smudge either of their nails, pressing a kiss to the tip of her girlfriend’s nose. Virge waited a few moments, watching her girlfriend adoringly, before she pounced, the shorter girl falling back on the bed, the taller almost on top of her.  

Pat spluttered with laughter as Virginia tickled her sides, the purple-haired girl grinning mischievously as she did so.

“Ah, Virge!” Patricia exclaimed between laughter. “You’re gonna- you're gonna make me mess up my nail polish!”

Virginia finally stopped the onslaught of tickling, pushing herself up so she was hovering over her girlfriend, and shaking her head to get her hair out of her eyes.  

Patricia wrapped her arms around her girlfriend’s neck, pulling her down to kiss her properly and closing her eyes.  

Virge kissed her back eagerly, her hands at her girlfriend’s waist. Pat’s lips were soft, as usual, and tasted vaguely sweet, like strawberries – she switched up the flavour regularly, so it was always a bit of a surprise. Virge’s lips, by contrast, were always slightly chapped, as she tended to chew them when she was especially anxious, but, in Patricia’s opinion, that didn’t make kissing her any less enjoyable.

“Ewwwwww!”

The two teenagers pulled apart immediately, their heads turning sharply to face the door, which was now open. Virginia’s eleven-year-old sister, Anne, was standing in the doorway, making a grossed-out face. She was wearing one of her sister’s old black-and-grey hoodies, and she had eyeshadow smudged under both eyes – she'd never admit it, but she was absolutely copying her older sister’s style.

“Get out my room!” Virge screeched, turning red. She sat up and grabbed one of her pillows, chucking it at her sister.

Anne dodged the purple projectile and ran off, laughing. “Mom, Virge and Pat are kissing again!”

“Leave them alone, Dear,” Emily half-scolded from across the hallway, though she was still smiling pleasantly. This was honestly the harshest she ever got with her daughters. She walked up to Virginia’s bedroom door and gave the two blushing teens a slightly apologetic smile. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” She teased, shutting the door.

“Mom!” Virge whined, before turning back to her girlfriend. “I’m sorry my sister’s such a brat.”

Patricia poked her shoulder teasingly. “Don’t be mean.”

Virge rolled her eyes, but pressed a reassuring kiss to her girlfriend’s forehead. “I’m not being mean; this is just what it’s like having a sister. Ask Regina or Rena, I’m sure they’d agree.”

Pat pouted a little at that. “I wish I had a sister. You’ve got Anne, and you’ll probably have Dee, too, soon.”

“You can bond with Logan about it, I guess,” Virginia shrugged.

The pigtailed girl gasped, her eyes brightening. “Logan can be my sister, then!” She pulled out her phone, careful not to mes sup her nail . “I’m gonna go tell her, right now.”  

CATS

Patricia

Logan!!!!!!

Logan!!!!!!!!!!

Logan!!!!

Logan!!!!!!

Logan!!!!!!!!!!

Lo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dee

I should’ve muted this chat.

Logan

Patricia, you now have my attention.

Patricia

Logan!

Your my sister now!!!!!!

Logan

*You’re.

Also, what?

We do not share any parental figures; how can we be sisters?

Regina

God ofc you use perfect grammar in texts ilysm

Logan

What do ‘ofc’ and ‘ilysm’ mean?

Rena

it means she wants to fusdjjkfhfjshfkldjfdkshfjdhfdjfhsdkhfksdlfhsdfh

Virginia

oops guess renas been murdered

Logan

What?

Dee

Ignore her

Regina probably just tackled her

Regina

ur right!!!!!!!!!!!

gina did take my phone!!!!!!!

but I took hers and now im locked in the bathroom!!!!!!!!

i can say whateva i like!!!!!!!

REGINA IS TYPING

Dee

Oh dear

REGINA HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ‘CATS’

RENA HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ‘CATS’

Virginia

using my admin powers for good

“Virge!” Patricia exclaimed, poking her girlfriend’s shoulder disapprovingly.

“What?” Virginia shrugged. “Do you want to hear everything Rena has to say about what Regina and Logan wanna do with each other?”

Pat wrinkled her nose uncomfortably. “Well, no... but it’s mean to remove them!”

“Fine,” Virge sighed. “But if Rena starts talking about sex, I’m going to remove her again.”

PATRICIA HAS ADDED REGINA TO ‘CATS’

PATRICIA HAS ADDED RENA TO ‘CATS’

Virginia

rena if you talk about anything inappropriate from either your phone or reginas im blocking both of you

Regina

I finally got my phone back!

And I agree

Pls don’t do that  

Rena

:(

what counts as inappropriate tho

Virginia

anything that would upset pat

Rena

boo!  

boring

“I’m going to fight her.”

“Honey, please don’t.”

Logan

Patricia, what was it you were trying to tell me at the start? Your statement about us being sisters was factually (and grammatically) incorrect.

Patricia

Were the only people on the chat without sisters!!!!! That means we should be sisters now so were not alone!!!!!

Logan

*We’re and *we’re.

And that does not make sense.

Besides, Dee doesn’t have any siblings, either.

Patricia

She and Virge are gonna be sisters soon right!!!!!!!

And youre my sister now sorry I dont make the rules!!!!!

Logan

*You’re and *don’t.

You were the one who made this chat. You do, literally, make the rules.

Virginia

(just go with it)

There was almost a minute of no texting, though everyone appeared to still be online, and Patricia shifted closed to her girlfriend in the interim, practically seating herself in the taller girl’s lap. Finally, Logan started typing again.

Logan

Fine.

Patricia

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m going to spam you with heart emojis now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Logan

Please, don’t.

Patricia

Okay I won’t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dee

I hate to interrupt

But my mom just got a message from Remy

Apparently, she and her parents are inviting us (and Mr Thomas) and any of our parents who know about the monster shit (her words not mine) to this fancy party at her place next Saturday . We need to dress kinda fancy, like dresses or fancy shirts and trousers, as it’s like tradition or something to hold these parties for each generation of chosen ones

Mom says she can tell any of your parents who don’t know the truth that you’re all at my house

But she also recommends you tell your parents whats actually going on

Virginia

ew party

Rena

ew telling dad the truth about the monsters

Logan

I didn’t think you were one to shy away from the truth, Rena. Wouldn’t it be easier to be honest with your father?

Rena

normally i wouldnt care

but if dad finds out about all this he could get all protective and shit and try to stop us from fighting monsters and all that other ‘dangerous’ stuff

Regina

Ugh, I can’t believe I acc agree with u

Patricia

Im still tryna figure out how to tell my moms!!!!!!!  

I might ask Miss Emily to help me but idk

Virginia

she would she loves u

Regina

Wait lol pat arent you at virges house rn why r u texting  

Patricia

Because I love all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RENA IS TYPING

Regina

Before you speak

Is it appropriate?

Rena

no

Virginia

then dont

Rena

):

Virginia

dee can u get ur mom to text my mom the details  

Logan

Mine, too, please.

Dee

Sure

Regina

Me and rena will have to ask dad later hes busy rehearsing lines rn

Rena

acc hes probs just txting the dude he went out with yesterday lmao

he wont tell us anything bout it and got kinda awkward when we asked bout the guy he went out with

so im assuming they fucked

Regina

I hate you so much

Stop saying that

Fight me

One day Im acc going to fight you and it is going to be brutal

Rena

i will win

Patricia

Hey now!!!!!!!

No fighting!!!!!!!!!!!!

“This won’t end well,” Virge said dryly, rolling her eyes.

Patricia hummed quietly in agreement, her brow creased. “I wish they wouldn’t argue so much, it makes me sad.”

Her girlfriend opened her mouth to respond, but she was cut off by the bedroom door opening again. They both turned and watched as Emily stepped inside, giving them a smile.

“Patricia, your moms are here.”

“Oh, okay!” Patricia pocketed her phone and wiggled out of her girlfriend’s lap, jumping up and stretching. She took a step in the direction of the door, before pausing. She glanced up at her girlfriend’s mom with a slightly sheepish look. “Um, do you think at some point you’d be able to help explain the chosen one stuff to my moms? I’d like to tell them, but I’m not sure they’d believe me straight away.”

Emily’s expression softened; she put her hand on Pat’s shoulder supportively. “Of course, dear. In fact, I’m having dinner with Harriet on Wednesday. Would you like me to tell her then?”

“Yes, please! That would be super helpful, thank you!” Patricia beamed. She then turned on her heel, back to her girlfriend, and leant forward to kiss her quickly. “Bye, Honey! I love you so much!”

“Love you, too, Pat,” Virge responded softly, a little embarrassed that her mom was there to witness this, but still smiling slightly.

[mothmansfriend]

when i’m sad oh god i’m sad (pt. 2)

link to pt. 1

follows a very similar timeline to @tearxofink‘s fic Rules for a Functioning Alcoholic but will prob have differences (such as no established relationships) and takes place in @illogicallyinclined‘s hockey au after the mention of Remus possibly having undiagnosed bipolar disorder

update: i think its important to acknowledge roughly where this takes place in the big timeline bc D doesn’t really drink past freshman yr in this AU because of self preservation and trauma, alcoholism was more an issue before then in high school (when remus and d were Rowdy Boys) but the stress of Logan’s concussion lead to some heavy drinking that was caught quickly by Virgil because Remus Cannot Keep Secrets.

summary: Remus has undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder and is dealing with a severe depressive episode in the aftermath of realizing that binge drinking with D wasn’t just his own search to Feel Something, but was also D’s relapse into alcoholism. Remus comes to the realization of lost time during manic episodes and refuses help.

tw: graphic descriptions of a depressive episode, self harm (burning),  suicidal thoughts, and suicidal intent (but not attempt). unhealthy coping mechanisms, alcohol abuse, mentioned alcoholism, undiagnosed mental illness, miscommunications on shared trauma, ask to tag if i missed any.

There are a number of places that are simply uncomfortable to sleep. Barely sitting up and using the chairs provided by the previous tenants as a pillow is certainly one of them. It takes Remus a moment to identify what woke him up as there's another round of knocking on his door and he doesn’t want to respond. It’s bright out,the sun is blocked from his figure by the curtains covering most of the windows. He hears Roman’s muffled voice as the locked doorknob jiggles, “See? I told you he’s not here, Virge. There’s nothing to be worried about, if he doesn’t show up by tomorrow I’ll go look for him. You know how he is”.

Their footsteps move away and Virgil speaks, “Can you text him? I’m just worried, Thomas said that-” his voice fades as they enter the kitchen.

Remus can barely pick himself off the floor before his phone lit up with a notification.

the shittier twin: You good? LMK when you’re coming home, Virgil is lowkey freaking out  (received: 10:14)

He stares at the words willing his brain to focus as he decides, maybe he should reply.

He sends a photo of a fat pigeon he took outside a club him and D got kicked out of a few weeks ago. It would be clear that the picture was taken at a different time, but does get message of ‘I’m alive’ across. Which is about as much as Remus is willing to communicate to people that haven’t even tried to contact him before now. How sad is it that his twin brother didn’t even check on him until six days later. Or maybe he should be asking if it’s sad that after four days Roman still hasn’t noticed that he’s home, or that it took Roman six to even ask? Remus spends all this time in the theatre and in the arts studio, and still Roman was the only one to ask, though at the request of someone who wants to get mad at him. He considers if maybe that he is a bad person, and that isn’t something he normally would care about, but if he weren’t then people might have checked on him. He usually hangs out with D almost everyday and he swears he’s never been gone more than maybe four days. But no one else seems concerned at all.

He considers reasons why this might be and gets stuck on Roman’s comment that he hasn’t been gone that long, and the implications then of him being gone longer. Things that don’t really make sense, but he knows losing your train of thought and getting distracted is a part of ADHD, but maybe, this is much more concerning. How does he know that he’s only ever been gone so long, maybe those lapses are more than a few minutes of zoning out. Which leads to, does Remus know who he is during these lapses? The contrast between the two prince twins have always been clear in their behaviour, Roman who follows every word their parents whisper in his ear. The boy grew up to be an actor after years of who takes any command without thought at that chance to be on top, and revelled in praise. It’s the cowards way of survival, are you really living if you’re not you? He knows Roman wasn’t quite loving that, but he still complied. Remus has always known exactly who he is and who he always will be. But the uncertainty of who he is in those spaces that seem to be taking up more and more space, maybe he;s been following someones script too?

He’s constantly changing his mind and forgetting where he is, are his feelings his? If everything the thought he knew about himself is slipping through his fingers like sand in an hourglass than how does he make it stop?

—

Virgil slides into the recently empty chair next to Roman the second Patton gets up to ask the waitress for another round of coffee, he steals one of Roman’s sausages and speaks, “By the way, I’m catching a ride to your place with you and D”.

Roman squawks at the sausage thief, “Why? I already told you Remus isn’t home!”

Virgil rolls his eyes, “Yeah I know, just humour me. I went to talk to Joan before we left and Thomas said Remus texted to apologize for missing practice, he’s never done that before! I just wanna come check, you can make fun of me later or whatever.”

“Fine, whatever, I know you’d just show up anyway. I don’t think him texting Thomas means anything though, even if it is weird.”

“Well we can agree to disagree then.”

—

The entry to the apartment the Prince twins share with D was just as full of banter as expected. D and Roman irritating Virgil without effort but Virgil matching that with his own comebacks and determination to check on Remus. “Alright, Emo Knightmare, let’s go knock on his cave door so I can know you again, that he isn’t home” Roman drops his bag next to the couch and heads down the shared hallway of D, Remus, and the storage closet. D walks past him with comments of a essay due tomorrow and disappears. Roman walks down and knocks on the door sternly once maintaining eye contact with Virgil knowing there will not be a response. Virgil follows him and he knocks again after a moment and jiggles the knocked door handle. “See? I told you he’s not here, Virge. There’s nothing to be worried about, if he doesn’t show up by tomorrow I’ll go look for him. You know how he is.” Roman turns and leads them back out into the living room towards the kitchen.

Virgil pauses for a moment watching the door before he follows, “Can you text him? I’m just worried, Thomas said that he actually texted to apologize for not showing up today. You know when Remus is out he never remembers to charge his phone, it just seems weird.”

Roman exhales and wordlessly pulls out his phone shooting off a text to his twin before pulling some leftovers out of the fridge to offer to Virgil despite the fact they had eaten not long ago. Virgil accepts and he puts it on two plates for the microwave. Roman’s phone vibrates on the counter with a text. The emo leans over to read and snorts, “Wait, is Remus’s name actually ‘the shittier twin’ in your phone? He just send a picture of  what appears to be an obese pigeon, that doesn’t answer my question at all!”

Roman shrugs, “Of course it is, and yeah that sounds about right, it’s like he’s trying to communicate through hieroglyphics, he’s just telling us he’s fine.”

Virgil’s dark eyes examine Roman’s face for any reflection that he’s just trying to make him stop bothering him with his concern, but when he sees nothing he drops his defensiveness, “Yeah, okay, he’s your brother, he’s kind of like a cat I guess. He always comes home right?”

The microwave beeps and Roman slides the extra plate in front of Virgil, “Exactly, he’s just like this, I’ll text you when he comes back. You don’t need to worry about it, Virge.”

Virgil shoots him a small smile before taking his plate to the couch closely followed by the oldest Prince twin as they settle down with Netflix until they need to leave for their respective classes.

—

Roman blearily wipes his eyes as he wakes up in his dark room and rolls over to check the time. 2:34am wake up and bathroom break time. He briefly considers just rolling over and waiting four or five hours until he needs to get up for class, but decides there’s just a higher chance of getting a restless sleep the rest of the night. The hockey captain rolls out of bed standing in his room shirtless and only wearing a random pair of soft sleep pants and stumbles out of his room, crossing the living room and entry way he’s about to try the handle of the dark bathroom door when it opens to reveal a tall dark figure.

Roman jumps back with an admittedly embarrassing squawk before recognizing the dark figure to be a freshly showered, exhausted, and almost weak looking Remus. The two stood in silence for a moment, Remus not even reacting to the sight of his brother. Roman awkwardly laughed for a moment, “Holy shit, Remus! I didn't even realize you were home.”

Remus stares emptily, moving to walk away without replying, Roman stops him with a hand on his shoulder, “Are you like, uh, okay? You kind of look like shit”

That was clearly the wrong thing to say as suddenly Remus’s face hardens into a snarl, “Oh fuck you, Roman.” His voice cracks halfway through but it doesn’t do anything to diminish the venom in his voice, “Don’t fucking touch me.”

“Christ! If you’re going to be an asshole then nevermind, I just wanted to check up on you. You know, like a concerned brother just might do?” Roman fires back suddenly feeling defensive. The tone of voice Remus uses almost sounds scared to him but he doesn’t have the energy to pry at Remus in the hallway less than 6 feet from D’s door at 2:30am.

“You don’t get to play any kind of concerned brother role right now! You don’t just get to decide to be concerned one day, it’s all about appearances with you, I dont fuck with that!” Remus’s voice raises as he gets more and more riled up, his voice sounds like shit as if he hasn’t used it in days, “Tell me when you think I got home, Princey, huh? You don't know shit about me and it’s time you stopped asking like you do.” He steps towards Roman edging back down the hallway to the living room.

“Why am I supposed to know when you got home?” Roman fires back, “You’re an adult! You’ve taken care of yourself fine for years, I’m not your parent I don’t need to know where you are twenty-four-fucking-seven!”

Vaguely, Roman hears D’s bedroom door open and feels brief regret that was smashed by Remus shoving him backwards. “You don’t need to know! But, did you ever think to wonder? Did you ever once care enough to ask? No! I don’t remember ever being gone more than three or four days.”

Roman recoils for a second in confusion but counters standing his ground, “What does that fucking mean? You own a calendar, a phone, you should know your average in the last year has been like five to seven days, you can’t blame me that you decide to go on a bender every 6 months or less. Can’t you ever grow up?”

“It means I don’t know where I was for two to four of those days at least! You self absorbed prick! Fuck!” Remus crumples for a second, his facial expression looks so, lost. He violently grabs and tugs on his still damp hair. He stands back up face guarded once again. “I know I never go out without a plan, I have paid some fucking terrible prices for that that you never need to know about. But, you’re telling me that I was out there and I don’t remember it? And no one thought to mention anything to me? And you’re asking if I’m ‘okay’? Fuck that, fuck you. I’m going back to my room, and ideally I’ll fucking rot and die before I have to look at you again,” Remus seethes before turning and slamming his door without waiting for a response.

Roman sags at his brothers exiting remarks, making tentative eye contact with D who waits in the dark hallway. “I don’t know what to do,” Roman says quietly.

D moves towards him moving them to the couch offering a comforting touch to the remaining twin, “Roman, I cannot tell you that I have any idea about what just happened. But, it seems like he just wants you to be there for him, in his own weird displays of affection he does love you and I think maybe he’s scared sometimes that you don’t care for him, and he lashes out. But right now, you need to go back to sleep so you can go to your boring nine am lecture, and I’ll try to spend time with him tomorrow. Sound good?”

Roman examines D, letting himself feel vulnerable for a moment but trusts that D knows what to do. He’s known the twins since high school, if anyone knew it would be him. “Thank you, D” Roman whispers, leaning into the little affection for a moment before he stands up and moves them back down the hallway.

Roman goes to the bathroom as originally planned but thinks about the things his younger brother had said. How much is he missing? What does it mean for Remus to simply not remember days at a time? Is it because of drinking too much or something else?

As Roman tucks himself back into bed, preparing himself for the restless sleep he had been trying to avoid. His mind wanders, and he can’t help but think that maybe he should be questioning blood stains on Remus’s carpet a little more.

[bennifits]

Undercover Martyn (1/???)

Summary: The avengers all coincidentally go to one bar to talk about their emotions and problems to one barmaid with too much time on her hands.

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Original Character (Daisy)

Tags: drinking, bit of angst

previous - next 

On nights where the air was thick and hard to breathe, Bucky would eventually find himself outside in the dark under the broken, flickering streetlamps under the moonlight. Not many people would pass him, not many people would say hi or even throw a smile. They’re either too drunk to reply, too tired or just plain rude, he could never tell.

He mainly went on night walks to clear his mind and at the same time let himself get consumed as he describes ‘healthily’, only throwing on a jacket and jeans before walking out the door without anyone noticing. Steve has caught him a few times, saying that ‘you shouldn’t be alone at night’ as much as he loved Steve, he wished he would stop, he can handle himself just fine without his ‘guardian angel’.

Bucky looks up at the moth filled streetlamp and exhales.

Might as well have a drink, even if it has no effect on him. What he would give to even get a sip of Thor’s alcohol, that’s the only thing he can practically drink now. Bucky knows that earth alcohol doesn’t affect him as much as it used to, doesn’t stop him from over-drinking the stuff.

His eyes were drawn to pub across the street, he’d never noticed it before, the pub was almost hypnotising to look at. From the outside, it looked completely constructed of brick with a few details on the door and windows with maroon painted wood. There was a sign hanging above the door saying, ‘Devil’s Liquor’. Despite the name, Bucky felt strangely at ease.

He looks both ways before crossing the street.

As he opened the door, a little bell chimed above him, almost startling the poor man in the process. The inside looked like he stepped back in time. It wasn’t anything fancy, but I reminded him of the bars back in the 40’s. With the bar stools with a brown circular cushion and freshly polished counter top of brown wood, other than the TV facing the door that’s hanging from the ceiling and the stereo playing the late-night news, he felt immediately right at home.

“Be there in a sec!”

The sound of a woman resinates from the backroom, behind the shelves of various drinks. Without thinking much, Bucky sits on one of the bar stools, running his hands down his face tiredly and moving several strands of hair from his eyes.

“Damn, you look tired”

A young woman who appears to be in her early 20’s emerges from the kitchen, her dark brown roots that brightened into a satisfying blonde hair and was held back by a yellow scrunchie that contrasts greatly against her dark skin which looked so smooth with no bumps or scars. She wore a white blouse and black suspenders that just looked uncomfortable to deal with.

“What can I do you for?” she asks politely, “you look like you need one.”

“Surprise me”

“You look like a rum and coke man” she smirks, turning around and gets to work, picking up a rum bottle and pouring a small glass. Over her shoulder she speaks again. “What brings you down here stranger?” she asks in a fake southern accent. “It’s 2 in the morning, are you on some kind of quest to find yourself?”

Bucky shrugs, flesh fingers softly moving over the table, he liked the feel of it, polished and clean.

“Something like that” he admits

“Do tell, I hear barmaids are great therapists” she turns around and slides him the drink, for a second their hands brush together. He was right, her skin was smooth.

She folds her arms and leans on the bar. “If you don’t mind me asking, that is. Helps to talk about stuff”

Bucky shrugs again, taking a sip. “Thanks” he couldn’t tell if he was thankful for the drink or for the conversation. “But…” he trails off, before shaking his head. “Never mind, it’s stupid”

“No problems are stupid” she says smoothly, thoughtfully throwing down a coaster of a little devil relaxing in a glass of liquid from an aerial view, he had a devilish smirk on his face, like he knew all your secrets and could scream them at any point.

“Mine is” another slurp

“Alright then” she smirks. “I have a problem for you then” she then clears her throat. “When I do up my shoelaces, it takes me forever because one is tighter than the other and I go through this endless loop of untying and tying up my shoes.”

“That is a problem” Bucky replies sarcastically

“I know right!” she throws her hands in the air and over-exaggerates. Bucky chuckles.

“Hey, my mysterious stranger has a sense of humour”

“Fuck you my humour is great.”

“Doubt it”

There’s a moment of silence in the air, Bucky notices that no one has entered the bar, or anyone was in here other than the two of them. It was strangely quiet to the sound of the radio and the hum of the TV about a truck tipping over on the highway and they had to release all the pigeons in it to avoid them getting hurt.

“I keep running away from my problems” he admits “I can’t help it”

“Do you have anyone to talk to you about it?” she asks, rather easily, like she’s done this rodeo a million times already. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“If I can.”

“Of course, I’m all ears.”

“Alright” he sighs, his eyes lowering to the glass, watching the ice melt “Well… something bad happened to me a long time ago… and I became something everyone feared and even I feared.” He takes a deep breath “I wasn’t in control of my own body and I hurt a lot of people, and I don’t mean like 5 people I mean like, more than that and I just-” he brushes some hair from his face and sniffs. “I don’t know how to get over it”

She refills his glass without a thought. “I get what you mean” she says, “Do you have someone really close to you that is helping you at least a little?”

Steve…

“Yeah, yeah I do. He was the one who brought me back”

She smiles. “I’m guessing that person cares for you more than anything in the world then. Talk to him, send a message”

“He worries too much”

“So, do you” she fires back nonchalantly “By the looks of it”

He drinks.

“My advice? Don’t run away anymore, face your problems head on. Talk to him, about your feelings and what has happened, just get it all off your chest in the span of 5 minutes or something” her chocolate brown eyes meet his. “I used to write emails, even if I didn’t send them, I could edit how I would address the situation in whatever way I’d want to express them, and I could take as long as I wanted and create millions of paragraphs or even one sentence. Why don’t you try that?”

“Sending an email?” he asks “That’s a bit informal”

“It’s a good start,” she sighs happily. “You’re in control of this, not anyone else, you decide how you wanna talk about it and when and just, yeah, type your heart out”

Bucky smiles. “Thanks. How much is the drink?”

“On the house” she smiles. She has dimples, Bucky didn’t notice that until now. “First timers get the first round free and I think you’re cool so. On the house”

Bucky’s ears turn red. “Thanks?” he says hesitantly, sliding off the stool.

“No prob, Bob. now go write that email.”

Bucky makes his way towards the door, his hand brushing the handle.

“Thank you…” he turns around and smiles, he wished he knew her name.

“Daisy” she answers “And You’re welcome, White Wolf”

He stops. “How did- “

“Your arm is a dead giveaway,” Bucky glances to his metal hand and smiles, stifling a laugh “Anyway safe travels”

[words-writ-in-starlight]

1 ok part 2 today! I like Olympus, but it all feels kind of surreal. Too perfect? Or perfect in a heavy way, an overbearing way. Marble is gorgeous, but it’s heavy, and so is gold; gems the size of human hearts are just excessive really; gardens that spill their perfume, cloying and inescapable, don’t sound so beautiful somehow. There’s no delicacy in a place like this. The only part that actually appealed to me was the water that tasted like starlight. ++ She’s one of the three big gods, and

2 she was mortal once? Must be a heck of a story behind that. I wonder who was Death before her, or if anyone was. ++ “Olympus was a jeweled setting” An odd contrast to how Crispin was described as a jewel in a setting. But then, he probably did fit into this over-glittering place, or seemed to. But if Olympus is the setting, then Brenneth is the jewel, just as perhaps all gods are, and she’s a jewel that doesn’t fit this heavy ostentation. One that doesn’t glitter much, probably.

I’m so glad that Olympus sounds…like, almost oppressive in its opulence.  On the one hand, that’s largely Brenneth’s perspective on it, but also it’s kind of the truth, you know what I mean.  And yeah, I like the mirroring between Crispin as a jewel in a setting (literally imprisoned) and Brenneth as uncomfortable in the jeweled setting of Olympus (perceived as a prison).  She likes her work and she likes her home and she doesn’t really care for the other gods’ ostentatious sense of decor.  She’s too much of the cranky mortal hero, torn out of her humble forge and quiet village and thrust into the life of a god, of the Rich One, no less, her realm dripping with precious metals and gems.  Brenneth can accept that sometimes finery is called for, but she’ll probably never like it.

3 Her horse melts the snow. Again with Brenneth and heat, fire. And she warms the acolyte, as I was sure she would. She’s so kind, thoughtlessly, for no reason other than to bring others peace. She is well suited to being Lord of the Underworld, to tending to souls for all eternity. It’s my favorite sort of Death - one who cares. ++ “half a lie accompanied by half a shrug” is a great sentence ++ Brenneth forgetting how formal language works these days is hilarious, as is her (presumably

4 exasperated or regretful) sigh turning into a blanket of warmth for the priestesses. ++ I like that Torei is Athena, and it’s interesting that Brenneth worshipped her once. And that she dresses her hair as she did then, when she wants to speak with her. I wonder if it’s more ‘remember the good old days’ (probs not ‘good’ but you get the gist) or more ‘remember that I was loyal to you’. And if so, is it ‘I will be loyal still, as in on your side’, or ‘you owe me a debt’.

There’s this quote from Neil Gaiman about Death of the Endless about how writers tend to write wish-fulfillment Death, a Death they would be willing to go with, and to be frank, I would want Death to think about things like how mortals get cold.  So Brenneth does, both because it’s very in character for someone who’s so purely driven by her heart and because that’s what I would want to god of death to be.  And more than that, she was mortal at one point, and she’s very used to seeing the gods ignore what mortals need, so there’s also a certain level of…kindness born out of spite, if you feel me.

And I think part of the reason Brenneth wears her hair as she did when she worshiped Torei, in this particular moment, is to remind Torei that, not only was she once her worshiper, but that Brenneth was mortal and that she does come down in some degree of opposition to the gods at the moment, as a result.  And because a patron god owes loyalty to those who give loyalty, and Brenneth is reminding Torei that they’ve been loyal to each other through a lot over the years, so this isn’t the moment to break that bond.

5 I’m glad she tells the priestess what’s going on. I know it’s reckless, but it would have felt high-handed if she hadn’t, almost.. not cruel, but not nice either. That’d be unlike her, I know even after so little time. She’d rather bring what comfort she can to mortals, even if it’s the cold comfort of just knowing why the world is frozen, than keep the gods’ silence. When she has to choose between them, she chooses mortals. I wonder if she’s aware of this about herself.

6 Brenneth’s magic is badass :D (also Parthenos isn’t on your greek list) ++ Only Torei and Crispin can count on Brenneth’s good will - not even Erza? Also hey I called it! Crispin did relax when he saw it was Brenneth kidnapping him. He does trust her. (I wonder how he feels about being jailed by her. I wonder if he’d rather it were anyone else, anyone at all. I wonder if he’s glad it’s not.) ++ "Brenneth had to concede that the goddess of battle being in love with the Lord of the Underworld

7 had a certain symmetry to it.” yeah it friggin does, that’s downright poetic that is (also nice job presenting it, it’s very smoothly integrated in the narration) ++ I love the idea of Torei embarrassing Brenneth into better tactics, that’s hilarious. ++ So there was no Death before, and that’s how Shiko raised her armies. Interesting. I guess Brenneth’s there to make sure it never happens again, and all the rest of it - caring for her subjects - is extra.

REAL GOOD CALL, part of the reason that Erza generally can’t count on Brenneth’s good will isn’t because Brenneth is willfully problematic, but because she almost inevitably comes down backing humanity, not the gods.  Erza is the Lord of Olympus and that means she and Brenneth are at odds a fair amount of the time, just because the desires of the gods don’t always line up well with the needs of mortals.  It would have been very much Erza’s preference to keep everything quiet, with the chaos on Olympus, but, A, she technically can’t command Brenneth because Brenneth isn’t an Olympian, and, B, Brenneth would have disobeyed the direct order not to tell the priestesses and taken the punishment without batting an eye.  Erza needs Brenneth’s steady hand on the Underworld too much to kill her for insolence.  She can’t supplant Brenneth with someone less sympathetic to mortals because she knows that no one else would be even-keeled enough to keep things under control.

Also, yes hi I love Brenneth and Torei’s relationship and, for all that Torei kind of fucking haunts the actual novel, I’m terribly disappointed that she doesn’t ever appear.  I’m thinking about working Rada in, though.

8 Unless something wasn’t shown, she was away for a few hours, tops. Denying Crispin food for so little time is a little hilarious. ++ Rada is marvelous and I love him. ++ "found herself looking not at her own chambers, but at Crispin,” ok it might just be that I’m tired but that threw me for a bit, I thought he was in her room or something, dang that would’ve been weird. ++ god Crispin’s reactions are fascinating. That he’s at ease about his execution, but not about being questioned. That he’s

9 at ease about his execution, but not about being questioned. That he’s found some sort of peace, somehow. Has he been going hungry these past two weeks? It won’t hurt him, but maybe he’s been thinking that she’s going to let him starve to death. Maybe that’s even brought him peace, or maybe the peace comes from her showing up in his room, proof that he hasn’t been forgotten or abandoned. If he thinks she’s here to sentence him, maybe he’s glad it’ll be over soon.

Crispin’s death wish is on full display in this whole conversation.  In case you’re curious about what the first act of the novel looks like, just take this talk he has with Brenneth and buff it out to like…forty pages.  He feels like the only way he can find justice for what he did is to pay with his life, and Brenneth…isn’t into that.

10 Oooh, I like this. That he killed quickly. That he refuses to admit it. He probably thought no one would notice - no one would’ve, if Brenneth hadn’t asked the dead. And none of the other gods would have bothered to do that. ++ It’s funny that I don’t doubt he’s telling the absolute truth. Not sure why, I just don’t. He doesn’t even know why he murdered everyone - how horrible, to lose yourself so thoroughly, and then when your head finally clears, you look back and find yourself a monster.

*slams gavel* A kind heart is NOT A WEAKNESS, and Brenneth’s greatest strength and flaw is that she has a heart able to hold a world and everyone in it.  She’s old and tired and jaded, but she still has it in her, both in the novel and in this, to offer kindness and an attentive ear to anyone who needs it.  The other gods would never think to talk to mortal victims, but they’re Brenneth’s people, and by her code, that means they deserve anything and everything she can give them, up to and including two weeks of utterly undivided attention while they cry and she listens.  

11 I wonder if Crispin is even aware he can leave this room. I know Brenneth told him when he arrived, but he might have just forgotten. Probably he just doesn’t care to go anywhere, but still. He must be really bored. (Oh - he probably doesn’t want to face his victims. He doesn’t know which shades are there by his hand, and so he might well imagine they all are. I’d hide in my room too, if the other option was facing all the hundreds of people I’d killed.)

Crispin…doesn’t trust himself, I think.  It’s a lot of his problem in the novel, is that even with all his remorse, all his personal growth and change, all of that, he doesn’t trust himself anymore.  You know that cliche “character is who you are in the dark?”  He’s terrified of who he is in the dark, without someone there to watch him.  So when he’s imprisoned, he’s more relieved than anything else, and when Brenneth offers him free rein of the palace, he decides that everything will just be better if he never leaves his chambers while he waits for his execution. 

12 ok time for sleep, but I did want to say that I also love Rada and am most distressed to hear he is dead in canon. he’s good and I trust him, he deserves better than to be killed by Crispin, which I assume is how he dies in canon but that’s just bc I assume that’s how most people die in canon. PS ‘the unbroken one’ is a friggin badass name for Brenneth, fits so well and so tragically. (wonder how on earth it fit Hades)

RADAAAAAA my darling boy.  I got so attached to him over the course of this piece I’m considering trying to work him into the novel proper at some point even though he’s been dead for literal centuries.  And actually he did NOT get killed by Crispin in canon!  He survived the hunt for the White Wolf, and proceeded to live to a grand old age surrounded by family and friends, and died in his sleep with Torei holding his hand, still almost as young as she was when she first fell in love with an eighteen-year-old smith with a beautiful voice and a strange accent.  His family’s vineyards are still the pride of the southern coast, and Brenneth’s first meal on solid ground in Alleirat has one of their wines, four hundred years later.

The ash did the soil good, you see.

[ainchaseseiker]

Letter

When Ishtar is flustered

When Ishtar, or "Ishy" as Timoria fondly called her, was flustered, there would always be a tint of red rising to her cheeks along with her hands balling into fists as she averted eye contact. And if she was embarassed enough you might get a soul spear thrown at you too.

Timoria found this cute. Such a stark contrast from Blesse who despite being younger was more regal and graceful than her older self. Perhaps the reason Ishtar was like this was because of her stronger contract with Chevalier, which caused her to experience a wider range of emotions as well as expressing them.

Either way, her opinion doesn't change. Ishy was absolutely adorable when she was flustered. So she tries doing the things her younger self does to Noblesse.

Honestly, it was a surprise sweet, cheerful Chiliarch got together with stiff, serious Noblesse after Glave quite literally dumped them all together in Ishtar's territory a few months ago.

One morning, Timoria decided it was a grandoise idea to do exactly what Chiliarch did to Noblesse yesterday. She walked straight up to Ishtar who's back was facing her, careful not to jolt Ishtar's wings, Timoria grinned and wrapped her arms around her, nuzzling her counterpart.

The reaction was priceless! Not that Timoria would ever say it out loud unless she wants a death wish. Ishtar's head turned oh so slowly as if it took a lot of effort to move, shoulders tensing, and when she saw who was hugging her, that blush flared up to her cheeks as Ishtar absolutely lost her shit and shrieked, shoving her off.

Chevalier came bounding into the room with his arm only occupying one sleeve of his coat and marbas in his hand, the overgrown blaster knocking everything off its places. Once he saw the scene, Ciel merely sighed and ushered her out of the door and closing it behind them.

Chevalier looked so much like a parent preparing to scold his child that Timoria can't bring herself to pout, fidgeting under the man's gaze.

"Why do keep doing that?" He asks exasperatedly, running a hand through his hair. Timoria blinks innocently, rocking on her heels.

"Doing what?" She feigned, hoping her cuteness would bail her out. Chevalier sighs for the second time that morning and straightens up to wear his coat properly.

"You keep trying to make Ishtar flustered and embarrased." He points out bluntly, rubbing his temples. Timoria just shrugs and gives an honest answer.

"She looks adorable when she blushes. And besides," she stares up at the servant with a devious grin." Ishy needs to lighten up."

Chevalier raises an eyebrow at her answer. Timoria being childish was one thing, her being honest about the reason was another. Out of exasperation he muttered a statement that was meant to be a joke.

"If you like her that much then stop teasing her, Ishtar won't like you that way."

Unfortunately for Timoria, this just caused her confusion and realization on why she was attracted to her graceful counterpart.

Timoria turned red." W-what do you mean I like her?!" Hands flew up to her hair and clutched it in embarrasment." Sure Ishtar is graceful and pretty! She's nice and she just looks so tired that I want to see her smi-"

Timoria blinked, eye twitching and hands balled to fist in her hair, slowly looking up at Chevalier who had an incredulous expression on his face.

"E-e-EEEHHHHHHHH!!!!!??????" Timoria yelled and not knowing what else to do, started hitting Chevalier with her fists with a red face,

"Chevalier you meanie!"

Chevalier just sighs and blocks her fists." In all honesty, do you actually like Ishtar?" He asks, kneeling down to her eye level.

Timoria pauses on hitting him, face still red. Does she really like Ishtar? Timoria finds her beautiful yes, but she also wanted to see her smile genuinely too, wanted to make her rest and not see Ishtar tired anymore.

The thoughts make her redden even more as she hid her face in her hands. Chevalier sighs for, how many times it was? He lost count, whatever.

"Well that confirms it." He says, patting the poor flustered demon queen. How Timoria can be even more dense than her younger counterpart is beyond her knowledge. Hell, Chiliarch was actually the one who came to terms with her feelings and made the first move!

Chevalier sighs for the what? Fourth? Fifth? He didn”t know, he lost track.  He gives Timoria a small amused smile.

“Go and confess before it becomes too complex.”

Timoria turns red even more and runs the away in embarrassment. Chiliarch laughs when she tells her what happened and appointed herself as Timoria’s official unofficial wingloli- wingwoman.

So here they were, after three days of persuading and denial, Timoria finally resorted to writing a love letter and leaving it on Ishtar’s table.

Only the plan seemed to blow into smoke now that she stood in front of said person’s door, gripping the letter with white knuckles as her face paled.

And now, Chiliarch was trying her goddamned best to make her give the letter to the demon on the other side of the door.

“Come on.” Chiliarch huffed, pushing her frozen older self and failing to move her. Why was he shoes so damn slippery, they just slid on the floor when she tried pushing Timoria.

Speaking off the terror lady, she seemed to back out off the plan now, clutching the letter to her chest and starting to turn away from the door with wide eyes and a red face.

“Fuck this!’ She yelled, voice squeaking at the sheer highness off her voice. Chiliarch would have laughed had she not been trying to pull  her older self back as she yanked on her jacket, damn her shoes again.

They did not help as she was only dragged by Timoria as her shoes slid against the floor. 

“ You can’t back out now!” She yells desperately, Timoria stops and for a fleeting moment, Chiliarch feels a sliver of hope but id blew to bits when she saw Timoria’s face.

She groaned.” Come on, give it to me, I’ll give it to her for you.” She tries to offer.

Timoria nearly said yes, but the thought of Ishtar reading what she spent countless hours on, erasing, racking her head for the right words and thowing crumpled paper at the  trash can made her change her mind.

“I’m not giving it to her!” She yells hotly, hugging the envelope to her chest. Chiliarch pouts and lunges, arms hooking around her shoulder and hip as her younger self starts to literally drag her back in front of Ishtar’s room.

“What’s the point of writing a letter if you’re not going to send it?!” She manages to yell over Timoria trying to push her off by shoving a hand against her cheek and pushing.

Timoria glares over the hot blush on her cheeks, cap becoming askew.” I’m not giving it to Ishtar and that’s final!”

“Give me what?” A new. yet all too familiar voice questioned cooly. Timoria freezed from where she was shoving Chiliarch off her with a hand whereas the latter was trying to drag her back by hooking her arms around her older self’s shoulder and torso.

A wide, happy grin formed on Chiliarch’s face.” Perfect timing~” She coos.” Ria has something important to give you.”

Ishtar looks expectantly at her, she had work to do after all. Timoria stammered then shoved the letter in front of her.

“I-I, here!”

Ishtar blinks and opens the envelope, pulling the letter out. Hey eyes seemed to be boring a hole through the paper and Timoria prepares herself for the upcoming rejection.

“Alright.”

She blinks.” What?’ Ishtar tilts her head at her.” I said alright, just let me finish signing papers the you can take me to wherever you want.” She bows her head at them and gives a small smile.

“I’ll be going now.”

When her wings disappeared around the bend of the hallway. Timoria stares at her hands, then to Chiliarch.

“I can’t fucking believe it...”

She earns a slap and a grin from Chiliarch.” Trust in me a little more no?” She smirks.

Timoria opens her mouth then closed it, finally she speaks.” Thanks Lili.”

Chiliarch grins and takes her by hand.” No prob, now. Let’s get cookies!”

As the duo walks to the kitchen, Chiliarch decides not to mention that she had been plotting with Chevalier, nor did she say that Chevalier told Ishtar, or that she knew Ishtar liked Timoria in the first place.

Unneeded details, she decides with a grin.

[themurphyzone]

His World: Testing, Testing

I deeply apologize. For the life of me I can’t come up with a good sentence in the first story so I just mashed it all together. The second one is based on a true story.

1. I Possess Diminutive Proficiency Over Comprehension of this Description

“Analyze the connotation of the diction through identifying imagery and metaphors throughout the novel,” Bradley recited. 

“What does that mean?” Mort asked. 

Bradley shrugged. “Ask whoever wrote it, because I have no idea.” 

“Don’t tell me you people actually tried to answer the question!” Lydia exclaimed. 

Zack raised an eyebrow. “That’s kind of the point of tests, Lydia. You write down nonsense, try to cheat so your handwriting is bigger than it really is, and pray to the test gods that they’ll have mercy on your soul.” 

He wasn’t going to mention that he’d given up halfway through and his paper resembled chicken scratch because he’d kept crossing words out. He got off lucky, since Milo’s test was completely illegible due to chicken scratch. 

Said chickens were running amok somewhere in the science hall. 

Lydia waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, I got bored and started comparing and contrasting the human and llama versions of Hamilton instead. Think they’ll give me points in creativity?” 

Melissa coughed into her hand. “Theater kids....”

2. Since When Does Anyone Actually Follow That Rule? 

“Oh, that’s easy! Remember how in Episode 41 of Professor Zone when he accidentally transports the entire class into ancient Rome and they mention the trade routes with the Han Dynasty?” Sara asked as she and Kris leaned against the hood of a car as they waited for the fire drill to end. 

“I didn’t really keep up with Professor Zone that much,” Kris admitted. “After the Football Rivalry arc, it seemed like they cast Time Ape to the side all the time. But yeah, that’s the only the question I got stumped on! Thanks!” 

“No prob!” Sara exclaimed. They talked about Dr. Zone for the rest of the fire drill, then took their seats in the classroom to continue the multiple choice portion of their test. 

Then the proctor broke the bad news to them. 

“I won’t single anyone out since you know who you are, but a retest will be scheduled at a date later this month because some of you decided to talk about the test. In the future, remember that sharing questions is strictly forbidden.” 

Sara shrank in her seat, resisting the urge to groan about the unfairness of it all. She didn’t think anyone would actually enforce that rule....

Maybe Dr. Zone was right about the students being bugged in the public school system. 

3. What Time Is it? 

It was 9 am when the test was passed out, Amanda noted. 9:07 am when Milo broke three pencils and was sharpening a fourth.��

It was 9:32 am when Amanda completed the test. Unfortunately, the school designated the entire school day for testing and no new lessons could be taught. And the test was only 25 questions about vocabulary! Honestly. 

She was satisfied with the Scantron at 9:44 am. Everything perfectly shaded with no stray marks. Just the way she liked it. 

9:48 am when the teacher picked up her test. She was bored now. Couldn’t even open a book because somehow that qualified as cheating. 

9:57 am when the last test was picked up. She was getting a kick out of watching Milo trying to balance a pen on his nose. He’d forgotten to retract the tip and there were little blue squiggles under his eyes. She giggled.  

10:01 am. They still weren’t allowed to talk. Amanda put her head down. Maybe she could take a midday siesta. 

The midday siesta wasn’t good for her neck, she realized at 10:06 am. Was it at least time for lunch? 

Of course not. 

10:14 am. Milo had gotten up to grab a tissue and managed to knock a globe over, which fell to the ground with a loud crash. The hall monitor peeked in, berating the class for being so noisy. 

10:17 am. Bradley was sulking again. He did seem to brighten when Melissa threw a paper airplane in his direction. 

10:20 am. Amanda decided to take Lydia’s suggestion and hang out in the auditorium after lunch. Granted, they weren’t supposed to be there, but it was better than being stuck in the classroom. 

10:21 am. Lunchtime couldn’t come fast enough. 

10:22 am. She had nothing better to do but watch the clock. 

10:23 am. Now the hands were just being a jerk. 

10:24 am. The only clock broke and they weren’t allowed to use their phones. Amanda decided to invest in a watch. 

10 something. Still no lunch bell.

And they still weren’t allowed to talk.