#proving i can actually finish a multichapter fic... two years late

[dark-elf-writes]

Surprise bitch, I bet you thought you saw the last of me.

[marshunter06]

@elskamo because I adore you I will write a thing for it, but tbh this really should be a multichaptered fic. I’m just the worst at writing those, so here’s a shortened version. Also you should totally write that alternate world tour idea, it sounds super dope!

“If you think he’s cute, why don’t you just go talk to him?”

“Who are you even talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, I know you Duncan. Just because things didn’t work out with us doesn’t mean you’re not still my best friend. I can read you like a book.”

“You should stick with reading actual books Princess, don’t you have other people to bother. Like Trent?”

“Stop trying to change the subject, he’s literally looked over at you at least twice now. Go say hi.”

“Not interested, besides you know I only have eyes for you Court.”

“Not interested.”

“You break my heart Princess.”

“And you’re unbelievable. Oh look, there’s Heather and oh!”

“What?”

“Looks like she knows your guy.”

“No, Courtney! Don’t you dare!”

Too late, his ex girlfriend proves to still be a pain in his ass as she waves down Heather and motions for her and her handsome friend to join them in their booth. Courtney makes sure Heather sits next to her as they’re all introduced to Alejandro, a childhood friend from her daycare days who she managed to keep in contact with.

“Duncan, Court, this is Al.”

“Heather.”

“Kidding, his name is Alejandro. He just moved here, so he’ll need all the social interaction he can get.”

“I was doing fine on my own.”

“Sure, that’s why I found you napping on the couch with a documentary on whales playing in the background. You need to get out more.”

“I told you already I had it on for the ocean sounds.”

“Dude’s got a point, waves are pretty soothing… um… you know at least that’s what the homies… I mean Geoff tells me.”

Courtney shoots Duncan a pointed look as to say I told you so when he just had a brainfart and blanked out on the words, it had nothing to do with how distracting his new… friend is. None at all.

😏😏😏

Heather: You know if you wanna talk to him, you should’ve just done it. I’ve never seen you this nervous before, I really gotta meet this guy.

Alejandro: Haha, really funny Heather. The only reason why I’m even looking at him is because you’re running thirty minutes late.

Heather: Right… it’s why you’ve only been sending me messages about him when there must be at least twenty other people at the diner.

Alejandro: The guy has a green mohawk! It’s very in your face!

Heather: Oh yeah, not that you were paying extra attention to him or anything… I mean you must just have keen observation skills to see that his eyes are a unique shade of light blue you’ve never seen before and that he has a dimple only on his right cheek when he smiles… but you would notice that about anyone.

He was still struggling with a reply when he catches the guy he totally hasn’t been checking out, no matter what Heather thinks, looks over at him for the third time since he’s been in the corner spot. The sound of the door chiming along with a pair of heels on the tiles lets him know his lunch buddy has finally arrived. She doesn’t even apologize for being late, just glances at her phone and smiles at her while firing away a text message before putting the phone back in her purse.

“You’re not even going to say hello?”

“No time, we have some people to meet.”

Before he even has the chance to question her further, she’s already pulling him out of the booth towards, the guy with the green hair and his friend… that Heather clearly knew and didn’t tell him about. Great, he’s been set up. She shoots him a wink as she sits down next to the brunette he knows as Courtney, leaving him no choice but to slide in next to Duncan.

😏😏😏

“Wait, oh my gosh Duncan! This is big! Your first date together! Where are you guys going?”

“Slow your roll Princess, it’s not a date. We’re just going to watch that new scary movie since someone bailed on me.”

“Going to a movie is a date, I knew you liked him!”

“Yeah, no. Dude seems chill and he was free, that’s the only reason. We’re just two guys hanging out.”

“Sure, just like how Trent and I are just two friends who text each other everyday.”

“We don’t text everyday…”

“Ha! I knew you had his number!”

“... of course I do… we’re friends… don’t wait up.”

😏😏😏

“Wow, look at you getting all dressed up, hot date? Actually don’t answer that, where’s Duncan taking you?”

“I’m just wearing a button down and how’d you know I was hanging out with Duncan?”

“From the way you were smiling at your phone even though you two have been texting non stop all day, and is that what you’re calling it? Hanging out.”

“We’re just going to see a movie.”

“Netflix and chill.”

“No Heather, at a movie theater.”

“Oh, a bit voyeuristic for the first date, but I’m not judging.”

“We’re just friends. Nothing’s happening. I don’t like him like that.”

“Right, just remember to use protection.”

😏😏😏

Somehow they end up having a picnic in the park a couple weeks after their movie not date. Clearly neither of them are interested in being anything more than friends, though their roommates keep trying to push them together. Even though again, they were just friends. Just two bros eating homemade food they made for each other on a nice sunny afternoon in a secluded part of the park next to the lake. Totally normal and definitely not a second date. It’s easy to confuse it as one, especially when they start talking and get to know each other more, what their families are like, favorite foods, hobbies. Just questions to get to know each other better, as friends of course.

😏😏😏

“So when are you going to make things official with Alejandro?”

“Nice to see you too Heather. Courtney’s over at Trent’s.”

“Dodge the question again. I dare you.”

“Al and I are just friends.”

“Woah. This is serious.”

“What?”

“Alejandro doesn’t just let anyone call him Al. He hates being called that…”

“Yeah I know cause José’s a douche… stop looking at me like that.”

“And you’re still trying to convince me there’s nothing there?”

“He doesn’t like me like that and I don’t see him that way. We’re just friends.”

“You two are impossible I swear.”

😏😏😏

“Courtney? Heather’s not…”

“I’m not here for her, what are your intentions towards Duncan?”

“I don’t know what…”

“Don't finish that sentence. You guys have been dating for the past two months. Is this just a fling? I need to know how invested I need to be in this. Duncan’s been through a lot already…”

“I know, his parents, really his dad is an asshole.”

“He told you that…”

“Yeah, of course he did. I know about his time in juvie too, he had a crush on…”

“Dylan. Alright, I guess we’re done here.”

“You’re just gonna leave now?”

“Yep. Oh and by the way, his birthday is coming up…”

“This saturday.”

“Exactly… and I’ll be busy working overtime that day which means I’ll probably end up crashing at Trent’s since it’s so much closer to the office…”

“Didn’t you request his birthday off months in advance.”

“He doesn’t know that.”

😏😏😏

A whole year passes and somehow Duncan and Alejandro are still in denial. They act like a couple, invading each other’s space, giving each other gifts for birthdays and anniversaries, and holding hands in public. Courtney and Heather have both caught them on five separate occasions of them in promising positions with red lips and hickes they tried to hide. It’s exhausting getting them to admit they like each other and are together in a relationship. At this rate, the girls have given up, as long as they’re happy.

😏😏😏

“You’re going to smudge your mascara, I thought you used the waterproof one.”

“Guess I grabbed the wrong one. I’m surprised you’re not crying? How did I become the emotional one.”

“Probably because I’m still annoyed at them for denying they’re relationship when they’re literally getting married right now! Who does that?”

“Let it go Court, they just don’t want to admit we’re right.”

“Okay, but doing this for tax breaks is a lousy excuse. Just like when they were claiming they wanted to save more money by moving in together when our leases were nearing its end.”

“Boys, what are you going to do. Speaking of…”

“This is their day Heather. Look at those two. I swear they’ve only had eyes for each other since the day at the diner.”

“About that…”

“... no… you’re kidding!”

“Fate works in mysterious ways. Who would’ve known they met when they were kids and never forgot about each other.”

“Well that explains why they were so drawn to each other in the first place.”

Duncan and Alejandro both gave a special smile to their former roommates finally acknowledging that they were right to think there was something more to their friendship. Funny how they kept trying to convince themselves there was nothing there when it couldn’t be farther from the truth. They were always meant to meet and continue falling together.

[sarkywoman]

Fic Writer Interview

Tagged by: @spikeymarshmallows​ (find her version of this here) Name: sarkywoman, sometimes people just say sarky.  Fandom(s): At the moment, The Umbrella Academy is my dominant one. I rarely ever give up on one entirely though, as can be seen by some of my recent Destiel reblogs. (I’m also excited for some of the upcoming Marvel content. Okay, I say ‘some’, I just mean Mackie’s Captain America really XD) Where you post: Archive of our Own , though I still need to upload a lot of my older work that was posted on livejournal. I often post a link here on tumblr when I write something new, but not always. Most Popular One Shot (by kudos): ‘Noble Blood’, which just proves you should always chase your bliss, as it was an utterly indulgent vampire AU written as a gift for my then-gf in A Song of Ice and Fire fandom. Most Popular Multi-Chapter (by kudos): Eek, an unfinished WIP not updated since May 2014! D: Sorry people. ‘A Song of Bastards and Wards’, with Joanna Snow instead of Jon Snow. I think these fics have more kudos because the ASOIAF fandom was so big, rather than due to quality relative to my other work. Favorite story you’ve written so far: Ooof. I have been writing for a long time, this is such a tricky question! It would probably be easier to just split all my fic into two categories: fun to write vs not-fun to write. I like to be experimental, so fics like Story and Sorcery for Loki or The Aimless One for Misfits or The Price Of Parenthood for Umbrella Academy let me try new things, but I notice my mind does tend to go to a particular Tales from the Borderlands fic, Young God. I wrote it in a fit of inspiration for a friend one evening and it encapsulated what I wanted from the Jack/Rhys dynamic more than anything I wrote for them since, I think. I was also happy with some of the imagery and how I managed to maintain and build on the tone throughout. Only 4k words, doesn’t overextend, but I enjoyed writing it. It flowed very well. Fic you were nervous to post: Krystalline. Not due to its quality, just... I know what this fandom’s like when it comes to pairings. I write fic for myself and my friends and this was for a friend. I originally sent it to her privately but it seemed weirder to hide it than to post it. It’s good writing, if I may be so bold. Other than that, I get nervous posting final chapters on multi-chapter fic. I don’t want to let down people who’ve invested time in it! How do you choose your titles?: Varies. I’ll often use song lyrics. I often write to appropriate music and a line will jump out at me. Otherwise, it will just be a fitting phrase, like The Weak Link for an AU fic where Klaus is led to believe he’s too weak to have powers. Do you outline?: Not often, but if it’s a multichapter fic, more frequently these days I will, to avoid WIPs that dwindle into nothing because I don’t write as quickly as I used to. How I go about it varies. Sometimes it’s just a list of stuff I want to happen that I vaguely order, sometimes it’s a scene-by-scene adaptation, like the aforementioned Weak Link AU or Song of Bastards and Wards. Those involved noting scenes from the show/book and figuring out how they would change with the new circumstances. Complete: 

Waheyyy... *dabs or something, idk* I have... oooh a lot more that needs uploading to AO3 but it’s a case of finding the time to reread old work so that I can tag it properly. With all that’s been happening lately I checked my SPN folder and found to my alarm that I wrote over a hundred stories that I saved while I was in the fandom, but only 5 of those are on my AO3. I did some for Marvel that aren’t cross-posted either, a bunch for NCIS... once we start going back more than ten years the quality is a bit cringy though.  In-Progress: Uh... I don’t want to give up on any of my WIPs officially but the only one I can actually say I’m actively working on is a Kliego AU for my Bad Things Happen Bingo. Diego is a detective, but I promise I’m not ripping off @spikeymarshmallows​‘ ‘City Two-Four’! Mine’s more of a noir. It’s for the ‘Paranoia’ square and Diego has bad paranoia, but it might be justified given he’s investigating the Commission crime syndicate after the kidnapping of Allison’s daughter Claire and after they’ve destroyed at least two of his loved ones. Not a happy fic but hopefully not too painful either. (I like to sit in that middle ground where readers go “Oh no! Awww... Oh thank god.”) Maybe when I watch the new Loki series I’ll be motivated to go back to my Cap/Loki AU fic, It is Not Fantasy... Coming soon/not yet started: I really should write more original stuff at some point if I want to be a novelist... but I’m very much enjoying bad things happen bingo, will carry on doing gen or shippy fics for that in UA fandom Prompts?: Can do. Have done in the past. Only issue is when people really misjudge what I’m into, lol. Or they give a ‘prompt’ so thorough it’s more like a sparknotes guide. Upcoming work you’re most excited about: I’ve been working on my ‘Paranoir’ (working title) for a while now. Mental health has led to a bit of a hiatus on my writing, reading... and my entire life. But it’s so nearly finished. Paranoir, I mean. I just need to write an eensy bit more Allison and figure out how to organise all the bits I’ve done. 

I tag anyone who wants to give this a go :)

[its-love-u-asshole]

Twelve Hours [Ch. 9]

Pairings: Kuroo Tetsurou/Tsukishima Kei

Summary: Kuroo Tetsurou has dealt with a lot since he was eighteen, each year bringing the same depressing challenges on the same depressing night. He expects this time to be no different, but the universe is trying desperately to prove him wrong in the most bizarre ways imaginable. So screw it, Kuroo’s only choice is to buckle in and hope he doesn’t die. Easy enough. And hey, with some new allies at his side, maybe he has a chance. Who knows? At least Kuroo is sure of one thing in life when it comes to March 15th, and he stands by this unwritten law, no matter what happens:

If you try to kill pizza delivery boys on Purge Night, you’re irrevocably a bitch.

Rating: T

Tags: Purge AU, mentions of violence but nothing graphic or too bad, no character deaths here okay, this is borderline crack and idk what I was thinking, first meetings, other characters, shenanigans and just…a lot of fun (it seems angsty but its not)

Note: I realized just now as I was looking through authors notes that I forgot to say this fic was almost over last time so...NOW YA KNOW LOL. Okay but seriously I can't believe I'm so close to finishing another multichapter for this fandom, it's the most I've ever done for just one, and just...wow? thanks so much to everyone for all your support! ALSO if you don't know what postmates is, it's a food delivery service lol. Big thanks to @emeraldwaves for reading this over!

Read on AO3!

Something about seeing the streetlights in the distance made a chill climb up Kuroo's back, and it sat there, like he was frozen in time and unable to shake the feeling of being cold, inside and out.

No one had to ask where they were.

The steady disappearance of corner stores and graffiti gave way to fancy buildings and grocery stores Kuroo wouldn't even think of setting foot in. High end stores, neat landscaping...they all faded away too eventually, the invisible gates of suburbia not offering the slightest bit of comfort. They looked like nice, cozy homes, but looks were always deceiving in Kuroo's mind. Everything felt empty.

Were these homes even lived in? Were those tacky doormats and flags just staged?

If he didn't know any better, he'd say they'd wandered onto a nuclear testing plot, set to be demolished at a moment's notice.

That's how ghostly the houses stared back at him, passing by as Tsukishima drove. Blurs.

Then it ceased. Tsukishima pulled over and cut the engine, gravel crunching under tires which had seen better days, and the sharp noise echoed into the darkness. The whole car exhaled as they stared on ahead, and Kuroo glanced at the nearest street sign.

Polished and clean, unlike the faded and rusty ones by the pizza parlor.

West Elm.

Kuroo's hand fisted into his seat, and he stared forward too, but not at the homes.

No, he waited for his orders, from the two people at the front of all this, people he now trusted with everything he had.

Tsukishima cut the lights, letting the car get eaten up by the shadows of the night sky.

Terushima's shaky breathing filled the space as he looked between the windshield and Tsukishima, like he'd missed a step in their plan. "Why'd you stop?" he asked, his voice dry and thick with nerves. The rest of the car flinched, like even from this distance they'd be detected.

"There will be guards," Tsukishima muttered, like he was distracted, and Kuroo understood then. Tsukishima was forming a plan, and he bet the blond's eyes were already scanning the perimeter. "Not many. The gates are intimidating enough, and this area isn't exactly easy to rob. But still, we have to be careful."

Not to mention the individual home security systems...

"Can't we just say we're with Postmates?" Yamamoto offered, his voice booming with an attitude unbefitting of the atmosphere. Kuroo was about ready to throw him out of the car.

Some would argue the poorly timed comedic attempts which had plagued their voyage were good for dissolving tension. Kuroo didn't know if he believed that anymore.

"Why the fuck would we be with Postmates?" Terushima hissed before Kuroo could, his head resting against the glass of his window. Maybe he was contemplating smashing his head through it.

"I dunno, we're like...five hours late?"

Suga squinted. "Er...how does that relate...exactly?"

Yamamoto huffed a laugh, and actually...Kuroo couldn't argue with his point. "You've obviously never used Postmates."

"Okay," Tsukishima said, far more patient than Kuroo expected. "You're right, but...shut up."

"Sure."

"I mean I am dressed up as a delivery guy," Kuroo offered, but even he knew that was farfetched. He didn't have a pizza, first off, and he was pretty sure rich people wouldn't be ordering from their Purge Specials Menu.

He could hear Matsukawa's voice in his head. "Bleeding from the waist down? Don't let your wallet suffer along with you. Two large pies for half off!"

Kuroo couldn't wait to quit his job.

He'd mostly been joking about the 80s detective level plan, but then Tsukishima's eyes were on him, assessing him up and down.

Kuroo would never be over that gaze, not for the rest of his life, and he was confident it would be for the rest of his life. It felt like Tsukishima could pick him apart right there, analyzing mechanics and skills Kuroo didn't even know he had.

It was exhilarating, but nerve-wracking, especially given their new...relationship.

"Babe, I don't know if this is the time for bedroom eyes," Kuroo tried to jest, but his laugh just came out dry and unconvincing. Tsukishima paused in his examination, his eyes widening cutely before he rolled his eyes, but the fondness there didn't help Kuroo's breathing situation.

"You two are disgusting," Futakuchi muttered, but watched Tsukishima anyways. At this point, everyone knew when the blond had an idea, and they were all too happy to help.

"Don't worry, I need him with his clothes on," Tsukishima said, opening his door in the brave yet reckless fashion which had Kuroo swooning. The next words were just condemning him further to death. "...today."

Listen. Kuroo promised he'd never die during the Purge, but this...this was too much.

Actually no, Tsukishima's small smile at Kuroo's stupid grin was too much. Way too much.

Futakuchi sank further into his seat. "Like I said..."

"H-hey, what are you doing?" Kuroo asked when Tsukishima opened his door, beckoning him out.

Kuroo did as he was told though, because who was he to argue?

"It's what you're doing actually," Tsukishima said, and then his eyes were back on the road, scanning it until he found a parked car, luckily undisturbed. "You're going to be our distraction."

Then, before Kuroo could ask, Tsukishima was undoing his bulletproof vest.

Kuroo's hands immediately flew up to stop the blond's quick fingers, keeping him locked in place. For a moment, he didn't care about the plan, or his role in it. There was no way in hell he was letting this happen.

At least Kuroo could say he had some edge on the blond, with how Tsukishima struggled in his hold. Kuroo was thankful he'd never let himself go after college.

"Kuroo--"

"No," Kuroo said, and Tsukishima flinched at the seriousness of it. Honestly, so did Kuroo. But if he could have anything go his way, it would be this. He would not let Tsukishima take off that vest. "I don't care what I have to do, I don't need it."

I need you though, I need you safe. We all do.

Tsukishima's pout wasn't adorable enough to make Kuroo waver either, nor was the misty look in his eyes. "Kuroo...if you go up to those guards and they decide not to show mercy--"

"Hey, I've gotten out of stickier situations before," Kuroo said, trying his best to form the cocky smirk from when he'd initially left his friends at the parlor. At Tsukishima's look of disbelief, Kuroo's grip on the blond's hands tightened. "Kei, trust me. I'm not bullshitting you, I would never. I can do this, I'll be fine."

Tsukishima stared for what felt like ages, and Kuroo didn't rush his response. They both knew it wasn't a guarantee, but Kuroo was asking Tsukishima to trust him again. It hadn't let them down yet, had it?

A moment passed before Tsukishima's trembling fingers gently pulled away from Kuroo's grip, refastening the vest securely around his torso. Kuroo sighed, and he hoped Tsukishima felt the depths of his relief.

Thank you.

Tsukishima nodded, but his scowl pinned Kuroo to the spot, merciless. "I'm holding you to that, understand?"

Kuroo nodded. He had a lot to live for still anyways, first kiss included. "You ready?"

It wasn't their mission, but he had to ask.

He and Tsukishima had become the watchdogs, and they still had things to see through. Their jobs weren't over until Terushima was in that house, face to face with the man who had wronged his family.

Tsukishima nodded; he knew. This might've not been the way their night was meant to go, but they weren't backing down now.

The blond glanced into the van as Kuroo turned to face the same direction, meeting the concerned gazes of the group he'd come to respect, even through their terrible jokes and poor timing.

They would make it, they had to.

And he was pleased to say they looked about as ready as he and Tsukishima did.

No more detours, no more holding back. Decision time had arrived.

Tsukishima breathed in, his exhale long and suffering, just the right amount of done to make everyone crack a smile. "Alright, here's what we're going to do."

--

Another fact about Tsukishima: he could hotwire a car.

No one had been particularly surprised. Tsukishima was a mechanic's son, but Suga still muttered about ice cream machines for a good five minutes while Tsukishima discussed the plan with Kuroo.

Now, Kuroo was here, in a stolen car which smelled too much like cigarettes and peppermint candy, the kind which would stain his clothes. It was probably the least concerning thing about his situation, but sue him.

He hated smelling like smoke.

Then of course, he remembered Tsukishima's words

"Better than smelling like gunfire."

Right.

Kuroo should focus, especially when he was a mere few feet away from two huge dudes with machine guns.

Uncalled for, honestly.

"I already told you, this is West Elm," one of the guards repeated, and oh...the cosmic irony. "Elm is on the other side of the city."

Kuroo winced, drawing it out as long as possible, and he swore he saw the guy's eye twitch.

"That's not what my GPS says. Hate these things..." Kuroo mumbled, shaking his head as he messed with his phone. He really hoped he'd be relieved of his duty soon, because anymore of this and he'd get shot. "And you're sure about that? Like 100%? This pizza is really late."

The guard took a step forward, and it was not an appeasing stance. Kuroo's hand went to his gun as subtly as possible, ready to peel out of there if he had to. He promised Tsukishima he wouldn't try to handle it on his own, but...

The guard reached for his gun as well, eyes narrowing. "Sir, if you don't leave, I'm going to have to--"

One kick to the back of the legs, and a brick to the head later, and he was down. Where Suga got the brick, Kuroo wouldn't question; his eyes flew to the other guard, but before he even had a chance to move, he was lying on the floor too.

Both of them out cold, in the blink of an eye.

Tsukishima hadn't needed a brick though, just a rag dabbed with chloroform, and a steady grip.

Was it too early for Kuroo confess his love?

Tsukishima tossed the rag away, disgusted, before he was by Kuroo's car window, peering in. Kuroo cut the engine immediately, not risking the extra noise. Besides, the old purr of the car made it harder to hear Tsukishima's voice. "Are you okay?"

"Not a scratch on me," Kuroo said with a smirk, and Tsukishima sighed, shoulders slumping.

"Oh my god!" Suga said from behind them, and Tsukishima turned around, giving Kuroo a full glimpse as Suga looked at the two bodies on the concrete. His arms were still hanging in the air from where he'd grabbed the guy, and he dropped his brick from the shock, frantically staring between the two. "Did you see that? I did the thing!"

Tsukishima snorted, ducking his head as Kuroo nodded in appreciation. "You sure did."

As dangerous as that situation had been, looking on the bright side was their only option. It summed up the whole night in Kuroo's opinion.

Maybe they'd become too desensitized; at the start, Kuroo wished they'd stay the same, instead of falling into the pit he and Tsukishima resided in.

But well, he and Tsukishima had grown out of it in their own way too, and it was naive to think any of them would stay the same, even after only one night.

Kuroo smiled, even as his eyes drifted to Terushima's lone figure as it stood in front of the gate.

No one approached him, not even Futakuchi. From here on, it was Terushima's call.

Yet, it didn't stop them all from worrying, or from thinking their own, selfish thoughts for possibly the last time.

Parents, friends, regrets.

Kuroo just looked at Tsukishima, and Tsukishima's hand came to curl around his.

In a way, it was liberating, no matter how the night went. They'd fulfilled their impulse of a promise, had forced themselves to remember their past selves and the things they'd valued, while also acknowledging that a lot of those traits would never return.

For Tsukishima, it must've been deja vu to the worst night of his life, but he'd answered the universe's call in that respect. He made sure not to leave Terushima to fend off the night without a guide.

And Kuroo...

Kuroo hated the Purge as much as he always had, no getting around it. But he liked himself a little more, respected himself, and felt like he'd at least started the journey down a new path.

It was enough.

Above all, they had each other. They'd had each other for at least one night.

With that in mind, Kuroo didn't feel dread when Terushima turned around, eyes as alive and serious as a burning brush fire, consuming and merciless to everything in their path.

He looked to his friends just as their heads raised; after all, he'd taken them out here, had promised them they'd make it. This was his way of making good on that promise, of saying his thanks in more than one way.

They nodded back, and Kuroo knew it was time to get moving.

Terushima opened the gate.

"Let's go."

--

They pulled the car up to the side of the gate, close enough so a quick getaway would be possible. But they crossed the last leg of their journey, a distance spanning two houses, with heavy feet instead, silent steps carrying them until they planted themselves on the crisp cut lawn.

Dr. Takahashi certainly lived well, a thought which Kuroo knew Terushima wouldn't take sitting down. The leader's shoulders were tense, and Kuroo wasn't used to seeing him hold a gun at his side, poised to attack.

Kuroo looked away, but not from disappointment or nerves. It was inappropriate maybe, to marvel at the columned architecture of the home, the way the dew sat on the grass like it would any other day.

Nature didn't care about what was about to happen, about the way they disabled the door alarms and made their way into the house. Apart from their intentions, it felt like every other day for these people.

Clean, safe, warm.

Kuroo almost envied them, but then again...no, he was happy with what he had. The only thing he lacked happened to be the lack of concern and caution.

It would've benefited Dr. Takahashi to inherit some of Kuroo's anxiety. Maybe then, he wouldn't be sleeping so soundly in his bedroom as Terushima slipped through the front door.

Kuroo never slept anymore, and he nearly rolled his eyes as he stepped onto the porch, eyeing the cheesy slogans and garden gnomes plastered around fake planters.

A 'Best Doctor Ever' flag was buried in the artificial mulch, and Kuroo took it out in an instant, throwing it as far as he could.

No one questioned him.

Tsukishima held the door open for him, waiting, and not daring to speak.

Right, they had to go. Terushima needed them.

Turning around, Kuroo nodded to Suga, Futakuchi, and Yamamoto, who knew their job already. They stayed on the lawn as lookouts, hidden in the shadows despite the way Futakuchi rocked on the heels of his feet.

They wanted to go with Terushima; surely they knew his mother, had some less than kind words for the doctor as well, but...

Kuroo exhaled as Tsukishima pulled him into the house, those honey eyes telling him to not worry about it. They all knew their place.

Suga smiled encouragingly at him, and Kuroo finally acknowledged that Tsukishima and himself were who Terushima truly needed in this situation. His friends had taken him as far as they could, and they'd gladly be there in the aftermath.

Kuroo smiled back, and then clicked the door shut on the outside world, but the lawlessness still filled the air.

Thankfully, the sleek hardwood floor didn't make any noise as they walked through the living room. The home was an even more decked out version of Tsukishima's, and twice as customized. The furniture looked new, as if from a store window, the chandelier glistened even in the dark. Certificates and awards lined the wall high bookcases, but the lack of photos containing family or friends spoke volumes. It was another mask, a look into the wealth and prestige of a man who cared about little else.

Even the railing of the long spiral staircase with the handcrafted spindles didn't impress Kuroo, knowing all that.

But there were no signs of weapons, not even an interior camera or locks to each individual room. The doctor hadn't even bothered to put anything away.

Easier for them, Kuroo guessed, and he found himself thankful for the lack of concern Dr. Takahashi had after all.

Seeing all he needed to, he faced forward, just as Terushima opened the master bedroom.

Everyone looked peaceful and innocent when they were asleep.

Kuroo looked to Terushima and Tsukishima, expecting the same shock, but found no trace of it. The stone faces persisted, void of sympathy. Tsukishima had stood in this position before, so he wasn't so naive anymore.

But Terushima...

The anger in his eyes just told Kuroo how ready he was to face this, and a bit of twisted pride came from that.

Kuroo also realized that up until this point, things had seemed so disjointed and slow, like they were walking on the border of reality and peering in. It took one glance at Terushima to remember they existed; this was real, and there was no going back.

Without finesse or ceremony, Terushima hit the end of his gun against the nearest surface, jolting Takahashi awake.

He sat up in an instant, his eyes blinking through the haze of sleep to reach over to his nightstand. Before he could even get close, Tsukishima shot the handle of it, discouraging any further attempts.

A split second, and then everything froze again.

Takahashi pulled back slowly, hands raised, trembling. "W-what do you want?"

His voice was small, but comforting. No wonder he was so easy to trust. Coupled with the respected gentleman act...

People like Terushima's mom hadn't stood a chance.

Somehow, it made Kuroo's anger grow, but he stood still and silent.

"I-If it's money you want, there's a safe downstairs, I'll give you the code just...please," the doctor stammered out, and when Terushima took a step towards the bed, he flinched.

His shoulders still trembled, half his face concealed by the darkness, but Kuroo could sense the coldness there. If only this was about money.

"Get on the floor," Terushima said, devoid of hesitation or a trace of a threat.

A simple order, said just above a whisper, and yet Takahashi listened. He lowered himself from his plush comforter until his knees hit the cold hardwood, his joints and bones cracking from the unexpected movement.

"Who are you?" Takahashi asked, and Terushima stepped closer, his glare deep enough to rival Tsukishima's. Actually, it would probably win.

Had Terushima's breathing always been that loud?

Kuroo had barely noticed it, how well Terushima was keeping all his rage and emotions back.

The leader asked one question, the only question that really mattered. "Terushima. Sound familiar?"

'It better,' went unsaid.

Takahashi squinted, running the name through his ears and his mind. Terushima.

The look of confusion had Tsukishima grabbing Kuroo's wrist, as if he might lunge at the guy himself.

But when it clicked, it showed. The doctor's eyes widened, and he cowered some more, like any show of fear prior to this had been an act. This time, he seemed frantic, scooting until he hit the wall, his gaze leaping to the window. Too far up to jump out that way.

Terushima couldn't take it.

He snapped, raising his gun without prompting, his glare turning into a snarl. "That's right, you son of a bitch. You know exactly who I am! Why I'm here--you--"

Takahashi tried to fumble, shaking his head, and Kuroo felt Tsukishima's nails dig into his skin. The doctor's panic was as good as any admission of guilt. "Please you--you don't understand, what happened was an acc--"

"Don't you dare tell me it was an accident! What, you tripped and all of a sudden my mom's money was gone?" Terushima accused, his laugh humorless. He'd begun to shake more, but even with poor aim, Takahashi would be hit.

Terushima's words spilled out in a panic, like he'd never gotten to properly vent; he'd saved all his rawness for this moment, unbothered by the mistiness in his eyes or the tremble in his tone. "She...she trusted you! I trusted you! All those appointments and advice...she thought you were helping her."

Kuroo could imagine. When he'd been a highschooler, he'd been right by his grandmother's side through every checkup, every clinic visit. Worried, caring, but above all, hanging onto the doctor's words like they were the word of God.

This guy was no doctor.

"I tried, I tried to help!" Takahashi claimed, ducking his head as a scowl formed on his face. He liked to play the victim, they all did. No once had an apology slipped from his lips.

"No, you didn't, you only wanted to help yourself!"

"It just didn't pan out for her," Takahashi threw back in Terushima's face, fishing for an excuse which might stick. "There was nothing--"

"Because of you! You planned it that way, admit it!" Terushima stepped closer, as if to show he as serious. That gun certainly wasn't fake, Takahashi had to know that at least.

"Watch your mouth!" The doctor hissed, resigned to his situation. Kuroo didn't want to see his true colors for once, didn't want confirmation that people were really this awful, though he'd seen it plenty of times. "I'm a respected member of this community, your mother knew that."

"And look where it got her, heh," Terushima replied, cold as ice. "In fact, look where it's gotten you."

He raised the gun higher, and Takahashi flinched, his scowl growing. His desperation had left, melting off to expose his real nature. The 'Do no harm' mug sitting by his bedside also deserved to be smashed. "You...you little shit, if your mom hadn't been so concerned about you, she wouldn't have needed my advice. Her only son, struggling through school. Now what would she think?"

Tsukishima stepped forward, and Kuroo's arms wrapped around him, keeping him there even as he wanted to strangle the guy.

Maybe he and Tsukishima should've done this themselves after all, if only to spare Terushima the vile words.

Terushima didn't falter. "Shut up! You don't know anything about my mom! She loves me!"

"I know enough, you're hurting her just as much if you do this, you really think she'd approve?"

"That's a nice lie, but I'm done believing you," Terushima whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. The doctor kept getting worse; maybe Terushima had been looking for an ounce of redemption, an excuse to not pull the trigger. "And no, she wouldn't like this at all. Mom is too nice. You preyed on that, on us, because of our situation. You take from people with nothing..but you're a coward, and I'm nothing like you."

He knew what had to be done.

Kuroo still didn't know if he approved, not deep down, but he respected the willingness to decide, Terushima's trust in himself no matter what happened.

Yet, until his last breath, Takahashi would trample him and all those reasonings. "You lost, and you should've accepted that," the doctor said, delirious, his laugh bubbling awkwardly into the room. "That's all anyone will ever know if you kill me, I'll die the same. Renowned, adored...nothing changes."

Tsukishima flinched in Kuroos arms, all too familiar with the concept.

Terushima wavered, but his words rang true even as his eyes beaded with water. "Maybe, but I'd sure sleep a lot easier, you know?"

Takahashi's eyes widened, and he too began to cry, seeing no way out. He bowed his head, staring at the hardwood instead of the gun's chamber. Kuroo might've done the same, but then again, he was too stubborn for that.

Terushima didn't shoot though.

He just stood there, eyes slowing losing the ferocity, the murderous passion. They softened, unsure, uncertain, not unlike the Terushima from earlier in the night.

This was a different hesitation though. Not guilt or reluctance, but realization.

More agonizing seconds passed, filled with nothing but the doctor's tears and heavy breathing.

Tsukishima squirmed in his arms, and Kuroo let go of him carefully, letting him cross the room until his hand sat on Terushima's shoulder, his other on the handle of the gun. Tsukishima voice echoed so steady, so forgiving. "Terushima...you don't have to, remember that."

At the reminder, Terushima closed his eyes, breathing in once, twice.

"I know," he whispered, swallowing a lump in his throat. His gaze drifted to Tsukishima, looking for a clue, but found a blank canvas. He had to do this himself, but he wasn't alone. He'd never been alone. "Hey Tsukishima, you know I...I hate the Purge."

So obvious, said before. But Tsukishima didn't comment with sarcasm. "I know."

Terushima nodded. "Like I...I really hate it. It ruins everything."

And it would keep ruining everything, they all knew. Takahashi was just one example of its corruption.

Terushima sighed again, his mouth staying open until the sound found a pathway. "But I think I learned that…people who are shitty are just shitty year round. The Purge just helps them have an excuse. Right?"

Tsukishima hesitated for a moment, struggling for a response, before finally he acknowledged the truth. The blond's hands fell from where they rested on Terushima's, hanging limply at his sides. "Mm, yeah. I think that's...correct."

Kuroo squinted, but he already knew where this was going before Terushima spoke up again.

All he could do was look at Takahashi, and think one thing. You don't deserve it.

"He's right you know?" Terushima said. "If I shoot him, his name, his practice lives on..."

A recognized surgeon, maybe the best in the city. What a load of garbage. Kuroo ducked his head and waited though, as Terushima's words hit him far too deep in his soul.

"People like him deserve punishment in the real world, in the eyes of the law, without the Purge," Terushima said, and what he was proposing...it was a grander plan than this whole night. Although, maybe Kuroo shouldn't have been surprised. Terushima always thought big, never settled for less than what he believed.

But a just law system could only exist without the Purge, without even the slightest trace of it. The two had become so intertwined, Kuroo had nearly forgotten what it was like before.

It would not be easy, but...

Something told him Terushima knew that.

Terushima glared at Takahashi one last time. "And maybe without the Purge, people won't become so awful. Or at least, they'll have no reason to hide it. What happened to me, and what happened to you...it won't go away but..."

Tsukishima shushed him with a hand to his wrist, his eyes a storm, beautiful and strong.

An unspoken 'I believe you' sat between them.

Terushima smiled, so out of place in such a terrible home, but it made the tension in Kuroo's shoulders evaporate in an instant, the finality coursing through him.

Terushima handed the gun to Tsukishima, who took it with a smile of his own, and the blond rejoined Kuroo against the wall, basking in the same feeling.

A hopeful tomorrow.

"You know doctor, I guess I don't care if you live or die," Terushima said with a shrug, his hands on his hips to steady himself. It had been a long night. "I just can't stand the thought of you getting away with what you do while you're breathing. I won't let it happen again."

Takahashi's glare dissolved into genuine fear; it was simply the effect Terushima's words had. No matter how much work it would be, or how long it took, the determination in that voice told the world he wouldn't lose.

Kuroo would bet his life on it.

With that, Terushima turned away from the doctor as he began to quietly sob, stopping just in front of Kuroo and Tsukishima with a calm smile.

"Thank you," he said, and then his hand curled around Kuroo's shoulder. "Both of you."

Then he was gone, like the journey there hadn't been agonizing. Down the stairs, out the door, where his friends waited to congratulate him no matter what.

It was what he deserved.

However, Kuroo couldn't help but feel like there was one more thing they weren't addressing. He and Tsukishima looked over at Takahashi's pathetic form. He had money, resources, allies...

It didn't sit well with him. "You know, there's a chance there might be retaliation if we leave him here."

No one would believe Terushima's side of things until he got proof, and in the meantime, it would be easy to get Terushima and his mom out of the way through subtle means...

"I know," Tsukishima said, glaring as he sighed at the inconvenience. Seemed like they both wanted to protect Terushima as long as they could, even as the night came to an end.

As sickening as it was, an agreement formed between them, with Tsukishima willing to do the deed itself. Always looking out for Kuroo.

They shared a look, and as much as Kuroo's stomach churned, he would do nothing to stop this.

"Terushima was too noble to kill him," he said instead, and let the pride sit there, a reminder that this hadn't all been for nothing. Especially not Tsukishima's next steps towards Takahashi.

Looking to Kuroo, he tilted his head towards the wall, and Kuroo was already looking away. "Yeah, but I'm not."

Then, Kuroo heard Tsukshima load the gun.

--

By the time they exited the house, the group had already pulled up the car, ready to go as usual. What a bunch of losers, Kuroo thought as he grinned, far too fond for people he'd barely known for twelve hours.

They seemed in good spirits, and that's all that mattered to him.

Terushima perked up when he saw them both, and he stood up from where he leaned against the door. "Hey slowpokes, what took you so long?"

Tsukishima's hand was in his side immediately, jabbing him hard. "Ow, fuck you!"

"No thanks," Tsukishima scoffed, and the question was avoided.

Kuroo really did adore the blond for that.

"Why are you in such a rush anyways?" Kuroo asked, ruffling Terushima's hair. He was swatted away, but it had been a success. (Perhaps not as messy as Kuroo's, but oh well.)

Dutifully, Kuroo opened the door, and Futakuchi scooted himself over to make room. Okay, maybe this car wasn't so bad, though Kuroo liked his delivery mobile better.

He simply didn't hate this hunk of suburbia anymore.

"I'm hungry," Yamamoto said, followed by a chorus of 'no.'

Christ.

When Tsukishima reached for the handle of the driver side door, Terushima grabbed his wrist, stopping him. The blond's face twisted in confusion, but listened.

Terushima grinned, rubbing the back of his head like he was some dumb kid again, and Kuroo quickly exchanged an amused look with Kuroo.

Kuroo had a feeling their night wasn't over after all.

"Actually Tsukishima, can I drive?" Terushima asked, which really made Tsukishima's eyes widen brilliantly. "There's one last place I wanna go if that's alright. I won't crash into anything this time, I promise."

Futakuchi laughed, and it was contagious, the car erupting in idiotic snickers. It had been a really long night. Terushima blushed, throwing his jacket at the nearest target (Suga's face). "Shut it! I can do it!"

Despite his claims, even he looked like he'd seen a ghost when Tsukishima dangled the keys in front of his face, conceding to his request.

Terushima took them with shaky hands, his smile hesitant, like Tsukishima would take it back at a moment's notice. But no, the blond was all too happy to pile into the back beside Kuroo, shooting Terushima one last smirk over his shoulder.

"We'll see about that."