#since it’s right next to my rehearsal location

[e77y]

Worked on my video for like an hour and got like 20 seconds done 🥲🥲🥲 There’s no way I’m getting 10 minutes by tomorrow afternoon omfg, especially bc I have a concert tonight and am about to head to rehearsal rn. Explodes

[hee0soo]

Don't be a Stranger - A S[e]oul Story -3-

Pairing — Kim Hongjoong x Foreigner!Reader

Summary — Hongjoong just had to use the little time he had while you were still around...

Genre — fluff

AU/Trope Info — Idol!Au, SliceofLifeAu

Wordcount — 1.2k

Warnings — none

Rating — sfw

Disclaimer: this fic is written and copyrighted by ©hee0soo on tumblr. do not rewrite or repost on any other plattforms without my permission.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

The next time you found yourself standing in front of the new KQ Building was just as unplanned as the first time had been. This time however it was an official invitation by Hongjoong himself, which did not make you any less nervous then the first time.

No, it seemed that this time you actually felt even more nervous then before!

So dressed in a bucket hat, mask and sunglasses on your nose you walked up the stairs and through the door straight to the elevator.

It couldn’t be that bad seeing as you already had hundreds of messages on your phone to prove that you had yet to scare him away, yet your nerves stayed frazzled. You had gotten to know him a bit beyond the idol persona through them and he had managed to have you feel comfortable enough to share some things about yourself too. Not once had Hongjoong seemed like he was making fun of you for it, rather he had showed genuine interest in what you liked and what you didn’t. So no, him asking you to see you roughly 1,5 weeks later and with the end of your vacation looming over your head, it shouldn’t be that bad.

It was the last chance where he was able to with schedules slowly filling up again after having slowed for the time being and upon finding out when your flight back home was booked, Hongjoong had demanded to meet up at least once to hang out for a bit as he had said when he had asked if you were interested in seeing him again.

You were apprehensive at first, hanging out with one of your idols should be a dream come true in theory, yet in reality you weren’t so delulu to think that it would be as magical as tiktok edits of them made it out to be. But the selfie of a pouty Hongjoong you got after initially refusing had you melting on the spot.

So yes, americano and your favorite beverage and some snacks in hand you stepped out of the elevator and marched up to the entrance to ring the bell.

Just a moment later the face of Hongjoong appeared behind the milky glass door. You didn’t know why you had expected the woman from last time to be the one to let you in, but something about it being Hongjoong left you giddy inside.

“Annyeonghaseyo!” you chanted out joined by a shy bow and cringed at the way it sounded way to rehearsed. Hongjoong almost cooed at the spooked look on your face, immediately reaching for your arm to pull you back up as soon as you had lowered yourself.

“Ah, you don’t need to! I’m friend.” He spoke softly, his accent audible while speaking English. Pointing at the drink you held in your hands, he asked, “For me?” with bright eyes.

You nodded before handing it to him.

“Yes, I thought since you invited me, I could at least bring some snacks and coffee.”

“Thank you but you no need-“ he began and got promptly cut off.

“I wanted to, so take it or I’ll drink it!”

Pleased to see that you were comfortable enough to tease him, he took the coffee from your hands only answer in pout. “No, that’s mine!”

He skipped a few feet away down the hall, gesturing with his head for you to follow him.

The confused looks you both received from the secretary behind the desk went unnoticed, instead you followed his lead to where you guessed his studio was located.

Opening the door for you to step in first you walked in, taking a seat on the couch. Hongjoong himself sat down in his producing chair, taking a sip of his drink.

You spend the time talking about everything that came to your mind, both you and him bantering with each other like you have know the other for ages. There was no dull moment, no second of silence and not minute of thinking this was a mistake.

You could barely breath from laughing to much at his jokes and the snacks emptied gradually and suddenly it was 9 pm instead of 1 pm and Hongjoong had ordered food for both of you with some soju on the side.

The flavored alcohol had your face scrunching up because of the sweetness and Hongjoong straight up giggled in your face.

“You don’t like?” he hiccupped between laughter’s and you shook your head furiously coughing.

“Not this flavor at least!”

Handing you a bottle of water the rapper snickered at your expression.

“Thank you! And stop laughing!”

To be fair, he tried! It still took him several deep breaths to actually school his face into a calmer one. Not calm, but calmer. You could still see the amusement settling on his face as the corners of his mouth twitched upwards.

“Okay, okay! I calm now!” Another inhale. Another failed attempt.

“Yahh, don’t be mean!” you whined followed by a pouty smile.

“I’m not! I’m sorry!”

“No, you aren’t!”

“I am!”

A knock cut the banter off. Someone who you recognized as Eden walked in, a frown placed on his face when he understood that Hongjoong wasn’t alone in there. You tried to appear neutral to his presence yet polite when you greeted him quietly.

The man seemed to ignore your presence entirely as he addressed the leader of Ateez with a scowl.

“Are you planning on joining us today or…” he trailed off and Hongjoongs eyes widened at the implication of his words. “Ah, I forgot the session! I’m sorry hyung!”

“Just hurry this up and come when you are ready.”

Eden left.

Hongjoong looked at you, seemingly sorry for something you knew wasn’t his fault.

“I-“

“You have to get back to work again, it’s okay.” You smiled, reassuring him that it really was okay.

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be, please! I understand, I just glad that we had so much time together.”

Reaching forward to clean up the mess of snack bags and coffee cups, you got up; getting ready to leave with a heavy heart.

Hongjoong batted your hands away. Not wanting you to feel like he was throwing you out, he took the trash from your hands. “Let me-“

Your eyes met briefly and you wanted to scream at the soft look he gave you.

“Can I walk you the door?”

You nodded. “Of course.”

You took your stuff and followed him out. It seemed like he walked slower on purpose to draw out the moment of saying goodbye, trying the delay it as much as possible before wrapping his arms around you ever so carefully. It wasn’t different to when he had to pose for pictures with female idols, never quite touching you. Yet, it meant a lot.

“Don’t be stranger. I want keep talking with you…”

“I won’t.”

Taglist: @lelaleleb @roronoas-wife @vixensss @bakusatxuki

[mikrokcsmos]

Chubby Bunny

synopsis; in which your son steals the show, and hearts of thousands of people.

pairing; idol!jungkook, dad!jungkook x non idol!reader, mom!reader

genre; fluff, humor, established relationship, marriage au, dad au, PTD LA au

rating; PG-13

warnings; best dad jungkook will destroy your ovaries (along with best uncles as well)

w/c; 2,077

a/n; y’all writing this gave me so many feels, my heart is full. pls leave some love. like and reblog if u wanna see more <3 this is a repost from my old account.

Your son, Hiro’s, favorite song was Permission to Dance. Especially since his father, Jungkook, taught the five year old how to do the chorus choreography, perfectly. Which was a pretty easy task to accomplish, considering Hiro also helped come up with that dance, albeit with a little direction from Hobi in the dance studio during group rehearsals. But mainly it was Hiro’s imagination. Cause let me tell ya, that kid loved to dance, just like his daddy.

Grinning fondly, you clapped your hands to the beat, watching your son dance with his daddy in front of the big floor to ceiling mirrors located in the rehearsal room for their upcoming concert in Las Vegas. It was so cute to watch Hiro with such a look of determination on his face, being just as serious about rehearsals as Jungkook. Wanting to hit every mark with an expert precision.

“You’re doing so good, baby!” You exclaimed enthusiastically, encouraging your son further.

“Thank you, mommy!” He replied without missing a beat.

“What about me?” Jungkook pouted at you in the mirror wanting some form of praise from you as well. Rolling your eyes fondly, you decided to humor the big man baby of yours.

“You’re doing exceptionally well, kookie. Just like you always do, honey. I’m so proud of you!” You feigned being lovesick, batting your lashes at your husband, smiling cheekily. He winked at you in response, accepting the praise, however fake, gratefully.

As they finished up practice for the day, you stood up from your seated position on the floor. Purposely dancing the wrong moves while walking towards your boys, knowing it’ll get a giggle out of your son. You were right. His father lifted him by surprise, throwing him up in the air to catch him. Hooking his arm underneath his son’s bum holding onto him tightly, Jungkook began dancing terribly along with you. All of you making silly faces in the mirror. Your son threw his head back against his father’s shoulder in a fit of laughter, his bunny toothed smile on full display, a direct replica of Jungkook’s current smile. His chubby cheeks making you want to pinch them, so you did, cause you’re mom and you’re allowed to do so whenever you want too. It’s common mom law.

After your little fit of laughter, your son let out a big yawn and rubbed his eyes, a sure sign he was ready for sleep. Perfect, the parents thought. Now he’ll crash for the night and be ready for the big day tomorrow. Day one of Las Vegas.

It was a beautiful day in Vegas, you thought. Sunglasses on your face, and one of Jungkook’s bucket hats on your head to help block the sun, you stretched your hands up in the air and took a deep breath. Letting it out, you put your arms back down and set them on your hips in a superwoman pose and looked out at the ginormous stadium around you that would be BTS’s venue for the concert tonight.

All the boys started to come on the stage to start rehearsal chatting animatedly to each other, so you started to walk back down the long catwalk towards them. Upon close inspection of the group you noticed that your son somehow convinced Yoongi to let him sit on his shoulders. Your son’s chubby thighs were on either side of the normally reserved rapper’s head. His hands settled next to his ears, holding on for dear life and smiling like crazy upon seeing you.

“HEY MOMMY!” He bounced excitedly, making the rapper’s eyes widen and clutch onto your son’s ankles tighter not wanting him to fall off and face the wrath of you and Jungkook. Especially Jungkook. He’s even more protective of Hiro than you, and that’s saying something. As a matter of fact you could see Jungkook’s line of vision go from you with a smile and a wave to a look of absolute terror once he noticed his son start to get excited while on the rapper’s shoulders. His entire body shifted towards the duo ready to jump in at anytime to catch his son incase he somehow did end up falling. Thankfully, it never came to that.

“Be careful baby, you don’t want to give your daddy a heart attack do you?” You asked playfully, shaking your finger at your son, smiling at him to let him know you weren’t serious. “And remember, you have to be more careful with Uncle Yoongi’s shoulder, yeah?” You stated the fact softly in your motherly voice.

“Right mommy. I’m sorry Uncle Yoongi.” Your son then leaned down to kiss the top of the rapper’s head, making his cheeks get a dusty pink color to them. All the members, including you, awed at the sweet gesture.

“No worries, kid.” He replied in typical Yoongi manner, but made sure to give your son a genuine smile to thank him for his apology.

The rest of the members came around Yoongi and your son to take turns ruffling his hair, each greeting you with a hug or high five before walking past you to the markers to start rehearsing. Jungkook being last in line, picked his son up off the rapper’s shoulders finally giving him some relief. Rolling his shoulders, Yoongi walked towards you and gave you his usual fist bump, you complied knowing full well he didn’t do hugs that often, and took his spot at his marker. Jungkook carefully set Hiro down on the floor. Kneeling down to his son’s height, he gave him a hug and a kiss on the forehead and quietly praised him for his good manners. Promising him some sweets later that you weren’t aware of. He never failed to spoil his son any chance he could get.

Jungkook straightened himself up as you stepped closer to them, wrapping his arms around your waist briefly, giving you a short but sweet kiss on the lips, which you happily returned with your hands splayed against his chest. He gave you one last forehead kiss, tapping the tip of your hat with his fingertip and playfully said, “nice hat.” before winking, and walked to his marker, joining the rest of the members. Time to begin.

There was only one song left in the set for their concert for tonight. Your son grinned knowingly, clapping his hands in delight and anticipation. Noise cancelling headphones adorned his head to be sure his ears were safe from the loud speakers that were all around you, you donning your own, having been watching from the side of the stage like you always do.

Jungkook started the song effortlessly, all the members joining in singing during their respective parts and choreography. Then it got to your son’s absolute favorite part, when he watches all the back up dancers join the members on stage to finish off the song in a huge flash mob. You had to be honest, it was your favorite part as well.

You should’ve known that your son was up to something, being the clever little one that he was. The way he kept fidgeting in your lap more than normal, a sure sign of his impending plan to escape your grasp. And he did, taking advantage of the fact that you always trusted him not to run off without permission. But not this time. This time it was his turn to shine like daddy.

He hopped off your lap in a flourish, swiftly pushing the headphones off his head and ran straight onto the stage with the backup dancers.

Your eyes widened considerably, hands flying to your mouth, covering your gasp of shock. All you could do was watch as your son, knowing the layout of the stage, and his dads foot paths, made a bee line towards Jungkook. He was left center stage down the catwalk with the rest of the members, gearing towards the final steps of your son’s favorite choreography. Not even noticing how his son just ran on with the back up dancers, nearly blending in perfectly in his matching outfit he wore like his father.

Popping out from behind the dancers, Hiro stood proudly next to his daddy and executed the dance with a precision that made Hobi wanna cry tears of joy. And you. And Jungkook, of course, who started laughing while still singing his lines and dancing. The entire stadium erupted into laughter, applause, and awe at the little mini me. All the phones being pulled out to catch the intimate moment between father and son that you know will be headline news for days, if not weeks, or months. Never doubt the power of ARMY.

Once the song was over, Jungkook swiftly picked his son up and held him tightly, one hand behind his head and the other under his bum. Crying silent tears of joy and love and straight pride for being the father to this perfect little human he was lucky enough to call his son. Purple balloons and confetti were falling all around them in waves.

Pulling away slightly to give Hiro a kiss on the cheek, Hiro wiped away his father’s tears with his little hands, making Jungkook smile softly at him in response. Jungkook brought the microphone up to his lips, chuckling into it slightly before speaking to the crowd.

“Everyone, I would like you to meet my son, Hiro.” Once again, the stadium erupted into applause, your son starting to get shy by all the praise, hiding his face in his father’s chest.

“Isn’t he such a great dancer?” Hobi chimed in his mic with pride, clapping for the little one exuberantly. The crowd clapping louder in response to the dancer’s words.

“Isn’t he so handsome, like me?” Jin, Mr. Worldwide handsome himself, stated. Winking at the camera that’s been following the members throughout the concert, projecting his image on the large screens. The audience once again erupting in shared wolf whistles and laughter alike.

“I think Hiro is more handsome, actually.” Your voice boomed across the stadium, you holding a mic that the staff gave you, still looking on from the sidelines of the stage. Smirking to yourself, with a wide grin.

Hearing your voice made all the members double over in laughter and scattered applause, nearly crying from laughing so hard. Minus Jin of course, who just cutely pouted towards the camera, once again being displayed on screen. Jungkook could only throw his head back in laughter, still holding onto his son, your son giving a little giggle of his own upon hearing your voice.

“Mommy!” Your son excitedly yelled into the mic being held by Jungkook, wriggling in his father’s hold, making him hold onto him tighter in response.

“Hey, baby.” You replied a second later, gazing adoringly at him.

“That would be my amazing wife, ladies and gents.” Jungkook stated with pride and a gleaming smile in your direction, locking eyes with you for a second and winking at you. You winked back at him, blowing a kiss and mouthing an ‘I love you’ at him.

He mouthed it back right away, turning to look at the crowd once again with a bunny tooth smile and signaled to Namjoon to close the show with his usual heartwarming speech for ARMY.

Hiro signaled he wanted to be put down to his father, which he did a little reluctantly, scared for the boy’s safety on the stage not wanting him to fall off, even though he knew he would never let that happen.

The five year old, in classic five year old behavior, began kicking the purple BTS themed balloons around the stage in glee. Picking up piles of confetti and throwing them over his head. Taehyung leaned down towards Hiro, and even let him throw it on his head willingly. Jimin and the other members mirroring V’s actions, wanting to make the boy equally as happy as he makes them on a daily basis.

Sighing to yourself in content, you crossed your arms over your chest and watched your entire family all become little kids in the span of two seconds. And, you thought lovingly, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

Pushing the headphones off your ears, you gently set them on the chair you were sitting on with Hiro earlier and immediately sprinted onto the stage, joining your family, and deciding it was your turn to turn into a little kid as well.

[and-claudia]

His Heir pt. 41 (Darth Maul x pregnant! reader)

Hey long time no see. Life is a shit show for me, but here's the next part of His Heir. It's not super edited, die like men, IG.

Wordcount: 3334

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gif not mine

The next morning was a whirlwind of chaos. I got dressed in my everyday clothes after I got up and ate the breakfast that was brought to our room for us before heading out to attend to the list Totin had given me. He was busy with last-minute stuff and had me to check that everything and everyone was prepared for the dress rehearsal that evening. It wasn’t too long of a list and was definitely manageable, even being as pregnant as I was. 

First on the list was to make sure that the ceremony space was set up correctly. I loved Totin to death, but he was very particular about things that he has envisioned in his head. This would be no exception, and if a single thing was out of place it would upset him and that was the last thing I wanted to do. 

“This one, it’s missing a flower.” I said, pointing out one of the displays placed at the end of one of the rows. 

“Yes, we know, that’s why we placed it further back, so it was less noticeable.” One of the decorators that was with me explained. 

“No, it needs to be fixed. Nothing can be out of place or missing.” I said, continuing to look around, trying to see if anything else was wrong. 

Everything else seemed to be okay, so I sent the servant droids to round up everyone who would be in attendance for the rehearsal dinner to give them the information they would need. We were meeting in the great hall. Since the palace was so huge it took nearly half an hour to get everyone rounded up and to the meeting location. Once everyone was there and was sitting, I rose from my seat and cleared my throat to get everyone’s attention. 

“Okay, thank you, everyone, for meeting me here. I am just going to give you a rundown of how everything is going to happen for today and tomorrow. Today, after lunch, if you are in the wedding party, meet in the pre-disclosed getting-ready area for hair and or makeup for tonight.

As we all know, Totin and Dasar do not do anything small or simple and everything must be photographed and or recorded. So, please be sure your attire does adhere to the dress code for each event. I highly recommend eating at least something, because once hair and makeup are done, everyone will get dressed and then head to the ceremony space for the rehearsal and who knows how long that will take,” everyone laughed a little at that, knowing how Totin can be about his events, “Dinner will be after the rehearsal. Then tomorrow will look very similar to today but the getting ready process will start after breakfast and not lunch because the ceremony is early in the afternoon.” 

Everyone nodded along as I gave all the details. Once I was finished I allowed them to ask questions to clarify anything, then once everything was settled, I dismissed everyone to continue their day until it was time to get ready for the rehearsal. 

The next big thing on my agenda was to check that everyone’s gowns and suits were ready for them in the getting-ready areas. Maul tagged along to keep me company. 

“Okay, there should be…38 different suits in here.” I said, checking my datapad. 

“38?” Maul asked, shocked. 

“Yup… they know a lot of people. I have all their names and a picture of what they submitted to wear. I just have to make sure they match up and are labeled for the right person. And that the servant droids have pressed and steamed them.” 

“Here, give me the datapad. I’ll call out the names and what they should have and you can check them.” He offered. 

“Thank you.” I said, handing him the datapad.

I didn’t mind that he was getting the easier part of the task. It was my task to do after all, and I was fully capable of doing it alone. I was just happy to have help. 

We had gotten about halfway through the suits when there was a knock on the door. I looked at Maul with my eyebrows furrowed before calling out. 

“Come in!” 

The door opened, and in rushed Totin. He was clearly frazzled. 

“Have you seen the servant droids?” He asked. 

“No. Last I heard, they were supposed to be prepping all the dresses… why what’s wrong?” I asked calmly. 

“I can’t find my suit… Dasar has his, but mine is missing. I told them to steam and press it with all the others, but now I don’t know where it is! Dasar pressed his own and offered to do mine, but I didn’t want him to worry about it but now I am thinking I should’ve let him do it because now mine is gone! I can’t walk down the aisle naked, Yn, I can’t! Well, I could, I would look great, but this isn’t the time nor the place for that…” 

As he continued to spiral, Maul subtly flashed me the datapad. At the very bottom of the list, Totin’s name was there with what he should be wearing as well. 

“Totin,” I took a step towards him and carefully grabbed his arms, “deep breath.” I did the same to get him to do it with me, “Now, did you tell the droids to bring all suits to this room?” 

“Well, yeah. Are we missing another one?” He asked, clearly missing what I was trying to get him to realize. 

“No. Totin, all of them are here.” I said, emphasizing all. 

The relaxation and relaxation was visible all over his body. 

“It’s here?”

I nodded, “It’s here.” 

He sighed heavily, and I released his arms before leading him to the last suit hanging along the wall. 

“You’re a lifesaver. You know that, right?” 

I smiled, “I try. Now, do you want to take this with you now or do you want to send for one of the droids?” I asked. 

“I think I’ll just take it…” he said, carefully reaching up to take it off its hook. 

I continued to get everything else ready that I needed to. It was then a little over half an hour before lunch. Perfect timing. 

“Maul, I arranged to have lunch brought to the room, care to join me for a quick nap? Maker knows I’ll need one to make it through tonight.” I joked, already starting the journey back to the room. 

“It would be my pleasure.” He said with a slight smile. “Just so we’re clear, I mean an actual nap, not a handsy leading to more type of nap.” I said with a small laugh. 

“You’re no fun.” He teased, but I knew he wasn’t really disappointed, he knew I had a lot to take care of both today and tomorrow, and this rest was needed. 

Once we got to the room, we just at half an hour for me to close my eyes before the food got there. After we ate, Maul escorted me to where the ladies were getting ready before heading off to get ready himself. Although he wasn’t actually in the wedding party, he was my date for lack of a better term, so he had to get drug to all the preparations.

Since I had to go double-check that everything was running smoothly, I had to get hair and makeup done first. It was nothing fancy, just some light, natural makeup and a nice touch-up on my hair to keep it out of my face. 

Then, I had one of the girls there help me put on my dress. I used to be able to get into and out of dresses without any assistance, but being pregnant threw me way off balance, so it was nice to have an extra set of hands to help with the zipper. Then last thing to do was to put on my shoes. Tomorrow, for the wedding, I would wear actual heels to match everyone else, but I knew that if I wore them tonight as well, my feet would be beyond sore tomorrow, so with Totin’s approval, I opted to wear flats for tonight. 

Once I was ready, I made sure everyone in my dressing area was good to go and did not need anything from me before I left. Then, I made my way to where those wearing suits were getting ready. I knocked and made sure everyone was dressed before entering. Things were understandably going quicker in here. There weren’t as many needing makeup done in here, so most of them were just getting their hair touched up or fixed for the evening. In Maul’s case, he was doing a quick touch-up on his horns at one of the far mirrors. I smiled to myself, remembering the times I’d gotten to help him. I wanted to go over and offer my help now, but I knew I couldn’t. I had to make sure everything was on track. I made a few quick announcements to everyone and when there were no questions in response, I left with the handful of people that were ready and walked to where the rehearsal was taking place. 

I had a datapad once again with me. This one gave a detailed list of who walks when. It didn’t take long for more people to trickle in and so I began lining everyone up. I called out names and got them in line and told them whether they would stand on Totin’s or Dasar’s side when they got down the aisle. Dasar showed up and stood at the front of the line. It took about 10 minutes from when the last few people arrived for me to get everyone where they needed to be. Luckily, though, instead of walking individually or splitting at the end of the aisle to either side, they had decided that each pair would stand together, alternating which side they would stand on. My name was last on the list, right before Totin, which was a huge honor. I got into my spot and asked Totin if I was good to tell those inside to open the doors and begin the rehearsal. 

“Yes, that’s fine, but why isn’t Maul here?” He asked glancing to where the Zabark in question stood off to the side. 

“He wasn’t on the list…” I said, confused. 

“Well, I thought it was a given that he would be walking you down?” He said as if it were obvious, “Everyone is walking down with their partners if they have one.” 

It was only then that I realized that everyone here was a couple. 

“Oh…” was all I could say before excusing myself to go get Maul. 

He was just as confused as I was for a moment, but regardless, he came over to join me. Once we were back in line, I used the comlink to tell them to start, and soon, the huge double doors opened in unison, and music began to play. Luckily someone was at the doors telling people when to walk, so I wouldn’t have to do that as well. 

I felt a tap on my shoulder as Totin leaned down, “You didn’t really think I would let you walk down the aisle without the man of your dreams did you?” He said right before it was our turn to walk. 

I felt heat creep up in my cheeks as Maul and I walked down together. I was holding onto his arm, stealing glances up at him from time to time.

“What?” He asked quietly. 

“Nothing… I just hope the next time I am walking down an aisle after this wedding is at ours.” I said. 

Maul very rarely smiled genuinely, especially in the public eye, but upon hearing my words, he had the biggest smile out of anyone in that room. 

“It will be, I promise.” He whispered just as we got to the end of the aisle. 

We turned to go stand on the side that Totin would be on and waited for him to walk down as well.

Surprisingly, the rehearsal of the ceremony only took about an hour. They didn’t say their actual vows, wanting to save them for tomorrow. We all practiced our exit, and then it was time to head to the dinning hall for dinner. I was getting really tired as the night drug on, and after eating, my tiredness only grew. I had scooted my chair closer to Maul and had been resting my head on his shoulder. I hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but the next thing I knew, Maul was nudging me slightly. 

“I’m so sorry.” I said quickly, glancing around to see who had seen me asleep. 

“It’s okay, Totin wanted me to come tell you that you can leave. We both know you have been on your feet all day, making sure everything was running smoothly. Which we thank you for, so much. Go get some rest. We will see you tomorrow.” Dasar said gently. 

“Tell him I said thank you.” I said before turning to Maul. 

He stood up before helping me do the same. He bid Dasar a goodnight before leading us out of the hall. The walk to the room felt like it was taking ages. When we finally got there, the moment we were in the door, I was already turning my back to him to get him to help take my dress off. He undid the zipper and carefully helped me out of it. Then he took the garment over to the wardrobe to hang it until the housekeeping droids came to get it. He brought me a tunic to sleep in, as I sat down on the edge of the bed. 

The next morning was a whirlwind of getting ready. I allowed myself to sleep in a little later and just get ready in my room instead of with everyone else. The golden dress fit perfectly and complemented Maul’s tan suit nicely. 

“That’s a good color on you.” I commented as he fixed the jacket in the vanity mirror. 

He hummed in response. 

“I am almost ready. I was just going to repolish my horns one last time.” He said, grabbing what he needed from his toiletry bag. 

“May I help?” I asked. 

“Of course.” He said, moving to sit down in the chair, which I had used to do my makeup earlier. 

I admittedly took longer than I needed to with the task, wanting to soak up every moment of calmness before the inevitable chaos of today started. 

“We need to get going, love.” Maul finally said gently. 

I nodded, “I know…”

Without a word, he stood up and walked me back to the bedroom to help me with my shoes. Then, before I knew it, we were watching Dasar walk down the aisle for real. Their vows were absolutely beautiful. You could really tell how much they loved one another. I slightly cursed my damn hormones as my eyes began to water when they kissed. Maul subtly pulled out a small handkerchief and passed it to me so I could wipe my eyes. 

After the ceremony, there was about an hour lull to allow everyone to change into the reception attire. This dress was a lot more fun than the one I had worn to both the rehearsal dinner and the ceremony. It had sequins that were sure to catch the light and shine and sparkle all night long…or as long as I would last. 

Maul didn’t really change, instead, he just removed his suit jacket, leaving him in just a tan vest over a white button-down. 

Once we were both dressed, we made our way to the grand ballroom, where the reception was to take place. Once again, we were lined up in the same order we were in for the ceremony; however, now, both Dasar and Totin stood behind Maul and me. Someone with a datapad was going down the row asking everyone how they would like to be announced upon their entry. I was a little shocked when they stopped before they got to Maul and me but Dasar told me to just trust him. 

It wasn’t too long before we were next. I was a little confused by what Dasar had said… how were they going to announce us? 

“Now welcome, Lord Maul, Lady Mand'alor Yn, and their heir to Crimson Dawn!” The DJ said, causing a huge uproar of applause as Maul and I walked in. 

I was a bit embarrassed that he included our titles, but everyone here knew of those titles, I just didn’t want to take away any attention from them. Also, under different circumstances, the mention that our son was the heir to a crime syndicate wasn’t something I wanted to be announced; however, again, everyone here already knew that. 

Within no time the party was in full swing. The formalities like cutting the cake, the first dance, and parent dances were all over and now it was time to have fun. I found a few old friends of Dasar and I and danced with them as much as I could. And I must say, despite my center of gravity being completely thrown off, I held my own pretty damn well and was still able to get down. Unfortunately, one aspect of the pregnancy I couldn’t work around was the fact that I get winded much faster now. Unfortunately, I had to take frequent breaks between dancing to catch my breath. 

Maul was dotting over me the whole time, though. Anytime I came off the floor to sit down to take a breather, he was right there with a glass of water for me. However, eventually, I couldn’t keep going much longer and I knew my night would be coming to a close soon. 

I walked off the floor to sit down again and was surprised when I couldn’t find Maul anywhere. Regardless I took a seat, figuring he may be off getting himself a drink or something and would return soon. Which he did. He sat next to me in his chair and grabbed my hand.

“You doing alright?” He asked over the music. 

“Yeah… getting tired, though. I think it may be time to call it quits.” I said with a laugh, though I was very serious. 

“Do you have the energy for one more dance?” He asked. 

“For you, always.” I said with a smile. 

The song that was playing ended, fading into a much slower song. One that I recognized quickly. It was one of my favorite slow songs. Maul stood up and offered me his hand. I took it and he helped me stand before leading me to the dance floor. He held me close to him, and I leaned into him, cheek resting against him. I had slipped off my heels earlier in the evening so he was quite a bit taller than I was now. 

“I love you.” He whispered mid-song. 

“I love you too, Maul.” I said, pulling back just enough to look up at him. 

“I had the housekeeping droids pack our things already. They left us both something to sleep in and something to wear tomorrow to depart in.” Maul said quietly. 

“What? We’re supposed to stay a few more days.” I said, confused and slightly hurt. There was still more celebrating that would happen. Admittedly, they would be much more of a party atmosphere with drinking and even possibly some spice, I wanted to be here for it, for my friend. 

“I know you wanted to stay, but I have arranged something for us, with the help of Dasar and Totin. They said we could return later after the baby to celebrate with them again.” He explained. 

“Okay… what are we doing?” I asked still confused. 

“That is a surprise.” He said with a small smile. 

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[rafecameronsslxt]

Hooked

Warnings: Smut? (Barely a paragraph), Toxic (Always), complete angst.

Synopsis: Adriana learns she's pregnant with Rafe's child. Rafe traumatizes Adriana even further, destroying the once almost perfect life they had. Adriana picks Rafe over her friends. Topper and her kiss, leaving secrets to be hidden and uncovered later.

Rafe Cameron x OC

Part FIVE of series. (Can be read as stand alone)

Part ONE- Part TWO- Part THREE- Part FOUR- Part SIX- Part SEVEN

Masterlist

A/N: Season three coming out on Thursday AND a season FOUR is coming!!! Drew Starkey IS ALMOST 30 girl he looks early 20s!?

Words: 4,536

I spent an hour rehearsing what I’d be saying to Wheezie. She was the only person I could trust not to tell anyone this information. “Wheezie, hi- No. Wheezie, your brother– ugh, Wheezie, I trust you a lot.” Instead of repeating her name a million times to myself, I call her and tell Wheezie to meet me at the park in our neighborhood, but make myself clear for her to walk. 

   Today was sunny, hot, and nerve-racking. At this point, I’d fixed Rafe’s hat on my head about a million times, waiting on Wheezie. The wind barely blows while I stare blankly at the palm trees. They were moving, but it was faint, like they were deciding whether to go with the flow or defy it, or I shouldn’t be using palm trees as an analogy. 

   “Hey, loser. You sounded urgent and scared me.” Wheezie says, out of breath with her hands on her knees. I look over to the swing next to me. She sits down. “Wheezie I’mpregnantandtooscaredtotellanyoneandyoucan’t tell anyone either, not even Sarah.” Although the words coming out of me sounded more gibberish than actual English, her jaw dropped, and she stood up from the swing. “WOW, play back what you just said because I don’t know if I HEARD right.” She puts her hands to her face in astonishment.

   “I’m pregnant with Rafe’s child.” She started jumping around, laughing, and I wished that was me when I’d found out. “That’s amazing, Adriana! I’ll be a step-aunt!” Wheezie seems genuinely happy and proud of me. She takes my hands, let's go and squeals. By the time Wheezie is done freaking out, I’m smiling ear to ear at her silliness. “Wait, since this is a top-secret thing, I can come with you to those baby ultrasounds, so you're not alone.” She sits down on the swing, grinning. 

   I forgot to mention it’s been three weeks since that night with Rafe and me. He hasn’t gotten better. Actually, he owes his drug dealer money but spends it on a new bike like an idiot. Rafe isn’t ready for a child, and neither am I. We’re nineteen, just out of high school a year ago. 

   Wheezie turns her head to me. “Why are you sad? This is the best thing ever. I mean, A BABY. Rafe Cameron's baby! Top news article; Kook gets knocked up by high school sweetheart, kook prince, and psychopath Rafe Cameron. BOOM.” She makes an explosion with her hands. I glance at her with intense sorrow at her insensitive comment. Wheezie throws her hands into the air, surrendering and mumbles, sorry. 

   We start walking to her house. She holds my hand, giving me as much comfort as a thirteen-year-old can. Wheezie had been such a precious child; I know she means a lot to Sarah. 

   I wave to Wheez as she walks inside, a smile engraved on her face. I turned my back and was about to leave when I heard Rafe call out my name. 

   He’s slouched against his bike, looking down at his wrist and cursing. “What happened!?” I get on my knees, taking his forearm into my hand. His wrist is burnt and red. My eyes widen at the look of it. “Rafe, come on. Baby, get up.” I force him to put his arm around my shoulder, and we get up together and walk inside the house to his bathroom.

   I look through the cabinets and find antiseptic; locating a rag might’ve been for the better, but I poured the alcohol on his wrist. Rafe throws his head back, and tears of pain fall down his cheeks. Then I find gauze, wrapping the white cotton around his reddened wrist. My hands go to his face wiping away his tears. 

   My hands run under Rafe’s shirt, feeling his abs. I could think of a million ways to alleviate his pain. 

   Something I’ve realized about being pregnant is my sex drive has been off the rails this week. “Not today, baby. I have to talk to my dad about something.” Rafe removes my wandering hands and pulls me up from my knees. “I hope things go ok.” I give Rafe an open-mouthed kiss. 

   Not much more happened. I walked home, fell asleep, and woke up to my phone ringing. 

   “Hello?” I answered groggily while rubbing my eyes. “We're locking Sarah and Kie on the boat together. You should come, loser.” John B laughs over the phone to me. I start smiling. “Kie is killing you guys and Sarah all in one day. I’m sure of it, but I can’t come. Sorry JB.” I laugh while walking downstairs to the kitchen, skimming the fridge to see if anything entices me. “I’ll give you the details later then. Love you, Ad.” Then Pope and JJ chime in, saying their goodbyes and I love you’s. “Ok, ok, I love you guys too.” I shut the fridge, not finding anything suitable to my cravings.

   A soft knock comes from the front door. I open the door finding Rafe with tears in his gorgeous blue eyes. He leans down and hugs me. I don’t question it and snake my arms around his back. Rafe’s tears start wetting my shirt.

   We stay like this, in the middle of the doorway, hugging each other. 

   “Do you want to talk about it?” I softly ask while my hand is on his cheek and my thumb brushes against his smooth skin. Rafe doesn’t say anything. Instead, he looks up at the bland ceiling, his arms lying on his stomach. One of my legs is laid over his, and I stare at the side of his face. 

   Rafe’s head turns toward mine. A blank stare. His eyes are unreadable because they're everywhere but here. Rafe’s eyes bore into mine. “Imagine if we had a child right now. We’d be so fucked.” He laughs humorlessly. My breathing stops. The oxygen in my lungs dissipates but returns relatively quickly. 

   I nod slowly, Inhaling and exhaling deeply. 

   “If we had a child, what would you name them.” Rafe placed his hand on my thigh. My heart is beating too fast like it’ll burst out of my chest. “Uh, for a girl, I’d name her Lilith and a boy for sure, Renner.” I’d thought about baby names so much that I didn’t need time to ponder. “Mhm, those are pretty.” He mumbles.

   His fingers trail over my shorts. I grab Rafe’s hand and move it away from me. I started to become weird about him getting close to my stomach because a bump had begun to form, and I wasn’t sure if he’d feel that my stomach was hard or more solid. 

   Rafe’s eyebrows furrowed together. “Just let me,” I say slowly. This whole week he’s been trying to touch me, but I pushed him away every time, and I’ve probably given him a record of blowjobs this week, so he’ll shut up. 

   I throw my legs on either side of Rafe’s hips sitting directly on his crotch. I bend down and kiss him. It wasn’t chaste. It had been lustful and needed. I began to roll my hips onto Rafe feeling his dick push into me through his shorts. Since I was home alone, all I had on was an oversized long-sleeve that went down to my knees and silk lace panties, and as much as I wanted to feel him, my nerves got the best of me, defying my body.

   I slide my lips to Rafe’s neck, sucking on his skin until it turns a reddish-purple. My body glides down his. I take his shorts and underwear off, all in one swift movement. 

   Adriana wraps her hands around Rafe’s erect dick. She looked up at him, her forest-green eyes searing into his sea-colored ones. Adriana wrapped her plump lips around his tip, running her tongue roughly over him and then spitting onto Rafe’s cock.

   Her hand surrounds him again, moving up and down. 

   Rafe couldn’t understand why she was pushing him away, both physically and mentally. He felt they’d become two different people, and he needed her. She was his world, and without Adriana, his world would be in pieces. 

   When I go to suck him, Rafe pushes his body up against the headboard. I sit on my knees and give him a questioning face. “I- I can’t do this, baby.” Rafe gets up, putting his boxers and shorts on. My eyes start watering. “I’m not leaving. I think we should just talk, ok, baby.” He says calmly, reassuring my doubts. 

   Rafe and me lay down again, looking at each other. His arm was resting on my lower back and hip. “So, I lied. I was stealing my dad's money and got caught, and shit happened.” I run my hand through Rafe’s dishevelled hair. He waits for me to tell him what’s wrong with me and to get mad at him for trying to steal Ward's money, but I don’t do either.

   “Rafe, I’m not mad. I just want you to hold me and tell me that things will be ok with us after tomorrow.” My voice starts breaking like chemicals that leak into the sea. I turn around and push my body so close to his that there isn’t any room left. Rafe puts his hurt wrist around my waist and doesn’t seem to notice anything about my stomach. Which I was worrying about for so long. 

   He kisses my shoulder gently. “It’s going to be ok, baby.” Rafe’s soft voice says, comforting me. It wasn’t going to be ok because the pogues were filling me in about what’s been happening and their plan. Which is great, but I’m afraid. I am so fucking terrified.

   I hear Rafe’s voice soothing me like a lullaby until I’m deep asleep.

   The room is dark when I open my eyes. The sun barely shone through the closed curtains leaving streaks in my pitch-black room. My hands move around, finding nothing other than crumpled sheets.

   I throw my comforter off me and turn my light on. The room is vacant of, Rafe. I check my phone. It’s two in the afternoon! I hate sleeping in for too long. I run to my closet, throwing out clothes to wear on my bed. 

   One of Rafe’s striped grey and white button-ups that I tuck into high-waisted white shorts with a brown belt. My phone starts ringing; it's John B. “Hey, listen, me and the pogues are going to stop Ward from taking off with the gold.” John B sounds out of breath. “Ok, be careful. Seriously JB. I love you.” We say our goodbyes to each other, feeling like it’ll be my last time. 

   I walk into my bathroom and put my hands on the counter, feeling a substance on my palms. The marbled counter has a perfect line of excess white powder. It coats my hand; I run the water and wash the cocaine down the drain, wiping the rest into the sink. 

   My phone starts ringing for the second time. “Hey, baby. You’re coming with me to visit Ward and Sarah since they’ve decided to go to the Bahamas today.” My face drops at Rafe’s demand.  

   He wasn’t asking. He was telling me I’d be going with him. “I’ll be at your house in a minute. Just wait outside.” His voice isn’t his, and he hangs up. 

   While walking as slowly as possible down the stairs, I call John B over and over. He doesn’t answer, and Rafe’s truck pulls up. No, no, this can’t be happening. 

   On the ride there, we don’t talk to each other. 

   The only thing being heard was Rafe’s light breaths, cars passing by too quickly, or Rafe had been driving fast. “Rafe, can you please slow down.” He keeps his eyes on the road, maintaining the truck at a steady rapid pace. I place my hand on his thigh, feeling a little more secure, but I know I’m not. Rafe doesn’t acknowledge my hand or how it’s squeezing his thigh tightly.

   I tried stopping him. I really did.

Then, a shot rings throughout my ears loudly, I’m listening, but things aren’t going through, properly. It’s white noise running through my body. Sarah looks at me, crying and just as traumatized as myself, but the difference is my body is next to Rafe’s. His murderous hands, while Rafe stands there looking down at John B, trying to help Sheriff Peterkin.

   John B starts talking to the walkie talkie asking for help, and Rafe doesn’t take it lightly, hovering the gun close to John B’s head. The next thing I know, John B starts running, and Rafe begins to shoot, and the three of us get him to stop. 

   My head turns to Rafe, a vacant expression with feelings racing throughout my veins. “Rafe, wha- what did you just do?” My voice is shaky, and so are my hands. My whole body feels like it might fall to the ground at any moment. Rafe’s hands go to my face, and the gun presses against the side of my hair. My hands push his off. I walk back wobbly and unbalanced. 

   “Take Sarah and Adriana to the house. Take them home!” Ward yells at him. Rafe grabs Sarah’s arms, and she fights back, trying to get away from her brother. Her brother that caused death and destruction to the lives we once knew. 

   His red hands grabbed my clean ones, dragging me along with Sarah. I didn’t fight back. I walked and sat in Rafe’s truck lifelessly, but I was carrying a human in my stomach. Would this trauma affect the baby? What if I die while having this baby of a murder? 

   Sarah, the girl I’ve known since fourth grade and told everything to, will never trust me again. JJ a boy who was like my brother and probably wouldn’t understand. Pope was someone I could go to for comfort. John B protected me throughout many things in my life. Kiara, Kie, my girl, she would especially hate me for not being the first person to know I was pregnant. 

   Rafe’s sea eyes glance into the rearview mirror at me while he and Sarah argue. When he does, I’m biting my nails, looking at the trees we pass by quickly. Things- life doesn’t feel expectant. I can’t wrap my head around this situation. 

   My Rafe. Rafe Cameron is unhinged but never a murderer. The guy I’ve known since fifth grade killed someone in cold blood and then told himself he was doing it for the greater good. This is not my boyfriend, the man who kissed my lips and said I love you. We planned our lives together. 

   Tears fall silently. I bite my tongue to keep quiet and wipe my face every time one does fall.

   Rafe and I had started separating like toxic chemicals, but somehow are hanging onto each other. We’d become two separate people but fused the both of us together simultaneously. This baby and our love would keep us together. I feel outlandish for even loving Rafe. I feel crazy.

   The truck door opens, and we’re at the Cameron’s house. Rose is watering pretty flowers that are full of life and color. Rafe holds out his hand, waiting for me to take it. I don’t and get out myself. Rose starts talking, but words aren’t comprehending with me. We walk inside.

   “Adriana, look at me. Please, baby.” Rafe says softly, closing and locking his bedroom door. I can’t bring myself to look into his dark blue eyes. “Baby, please. I need you to tell me you still love me. Adriana!” His words are bouncing off the walls to my ears. So much is happening. I stare into his eyes and see Rafe, but then the gun, blood, everything. 

   He starts crying. His sea is overflowing, while my ocean has been flooding. I push my brunette hair stuck to my wet face behind my ears. 

   Rafe gets close to me, and I stumble back into his desk. “Me or them?” He closes me in along with the indignant question. The flooded ocean cries out more. I shake my head. “No, no, no. Rafe, don’t do this to me, please.” My head lays against his chest, his shirt getting soaked. He knows; he just wants me to say it out loud because it’ll be real. I’ll speak it into existence.

   “You, Rafe.” I fall, but he picks up my limp body and lays me on the bed. His face brightens, and mine darkens, signing away my friends. The people I betrayed and backstabbed. “I’m pregnant, too,” I whisper; his face drops. Rafe’s slicked-back hair is a mess.

   Even if I hadn’t been pregnant, I think I would’ve still chosen Rafe, and I hate myself for that. But, sometimes love takes you like a storm, a hurricane, no- a tsunami, and despite every wrong, I decided him because I’m stupid. But I didn’t want to risk my unborn child's life, running, and the chances of getting shot were high by the police. 

   “Adriana, we- we talked about that last night, and you didn’t say anything.” Rafe stutters, but he’s angry. 

   Rafe stands up, pacing around his room, hands on his head; they ball into a fist, he lets go, and his fingers curl in the air. Rafe starts throwing things. First, a fake potted plant at the door, smashing to pieces by the impact, then everything from his desk falls to the floor; pens, a random book, and two of our framed pictures when we were happy. Finally, the glass shatters into fragments on the wood floor, incorporating indentations into the wood. 

   I cautiously touch my manic boyfriend's shoulder. He turns around quickly, and I take a step back. “Rafe, please stop. We can- you and me can talk about this, baby.” There was so much to talk about, and we’d have to tell our parents. Rafe isn’t in a good place, and neither am I.

   “What’s there to talk about. We have to fucking do this. Adriana, things fucking suck right now. Do you understand that? A baby! My fucking baby! Is this what you wanted. A perfect life, Adriana. Well, here it is.” His jaw clenches, and he grits his teeth. “I think I need to go. I’ll come back later.” I folded my arms over my chest and bit my bottom lip hard until blood drew. 

   Rafe shakes his head at me. “Stop doing that.” He says lowly and opens the door. As I walked out the door, I turned back around. Rafe kisses me. It was grim and full of anger, but it wasn’t rough like he usually would. Instead, it was soft, like I would kiss when we were in fights. 

   Rather than driving to my house, I make my way to The Cut, specifically the beach and call Kiara. I made myself clear when I only wanted Kie to come because I couldn’t handle the whole group's criticism, but I know Kie would not take this lightly either, but she’s my best friend and deserves to know from me.

   After a few minutes, I see Kiara walking in the distance. She runs to me and smothers me with her tight hug, which I take for remembrance. “I’ll start. Why were you with Rafe when that happened?” She makes hand motions but gets straight to the point. “He made me come, or maybe I had a choice to run away, but in the long run, I would've come either way. But Kie, I have to tell you two big things.” My eyes start to sting from tears, and she looks worried. My fingers run through the soft sand. She nods, waiting for me to go on. “I’m pregnant and cannot run with you guys. Rafe made me choose and- I’m sorry.” Tears slip down my cheeks, and she looks at me, processing the words.

   “Adriana- what. A baby. A murders, baby, and you chose him.” Her eyes widen. “What am I supposed to do, Kie? I will not put this child in danger. I know you're mad at me, and I’m sorry. I really am, but I can’t go with you guys.” Her face softens, realizing this might be the last time I see her for a while. Her eyes go red.

   Kiara takes a deep breath in and then out. She clutches onto me, and I hold onto her. “Can I?” She asks, referring to my stomach. I nod and lift my shirt to see a little bump. She puts her hand on my stomach, feeling its hardness. “Can’t wait to see this beautiful baby. He or she will have some good genes from their mother.” She jokes, looking at me with tears in her pretty brown eyes and smiling. 

   “I love you, Kie.” I laugh, crying. “I love you, Ad.” She lays her head on my shoulder. “Make sure you tell the others,” I yell to her from a distance. Kiara puts her thumb up and turns back around into the darkness fading, already turning into a dream. 

   That night I told my parents about me being pregnant, and news about John B had already been going around. They weren’t mad at me, but they did lecture me about John B thinking he’s a murderer when he’s not. Rafe is. 

   Today was my first ultrasound, and just as Wheezie asked, I did. I didn’t tell Rafe about this because I wanted support from a stable person, but I feel bad because it’s his child too. 

   Wheezie turns on music and blasts it throughout my jeep. The sonographer, for which I had to look up the technical term because I don’t know what they’re called, had thought Wheezie was my child. I giggled no, and Wheezie started coughing because she choked on her saliva. The building was comfy instead of all white and brick.

   I pulled into the driveway and saw Rafe. “Bye, Wheez.” I smile at the little girl walking past Rafe and into the house. Rafe gets in the jeep, squinting at me. I sigh, and a tingly wave goes to my fingers. I get nervous. “Where were you guys?” He questions me as if I have something to hide, and I don’t because I was planning to tell Rafe about the ultrasound afterwards. 

   “I was at the ultrasound place with Wheezie. Here are the pictures.” I hand him the black and white strip of pictures. “Wow. He’s adorable.” Rafe looks genuinely happy. He gets tears in his eyes. “I think it’s going to be a boy.” Rafe nods and kisses me. I bask in the feeling of this euphoric moment. He takes my hand and kisses the back of it. “I love you.” 

   “I love you too, baby.” I squeeze his hand, and we let go at the same time. Rafe gets out of the jeep and walks inside with a grin on his sharp face. He took the pictures with him. I did want to hang them up.

   The last stop was Topper. Sometimes I hated Topper and wanted to punch him like Rafe, but it was different. My boyfriend Rafe messes things up because that’s Rafe, but Topper is Top. He sides with his friends over anything despite them being wrong, and at this point, I only have Topper. I haven’t talked with him since Pope or the one sentence at Midsummers, but that doesn’t count. 

   I hesitated to knock on the door, already regretting this. Just before I knocked on the door, it opened. The dyed blonde-haired boy bumped into me. Topper's eyebrows knit together. “Adriana?” He questions, bringing me inside. “Hey, Top.” The smile barely makes it to my face. Seeing Topper is a relief because I know I can tell him things, and he wouldn’t speak to Rafe about it. 

   I start walking back and forth in the foyer of his house. “It’s been so bad, Topper.” I stop pacing around and stare at him. Tears threaten to fall from the ocean. The ocean seems to be a thunderstorm every day, never letting me down. “Ad, what do you mean. If Rafe is hurting you again.” Topper changes from confused to angry in a millisecond. “I’m pregnant. Rafe’s baby.” I start biting my nails. They’re down to the ends and can feel the skin. 

   Topper’s tall figure leans down and wraps his arms around me. I hadn’t felt this safe in a while; Being secured by someone felt pleasant. It was now a foreign sensation. My body falls to the white marble flooring just before Topper can catch me. He quickly picks me up, takes me to the boring white couch, and lays me down. 

   Thirty minutes pass, and I’m covered with a blanket and have water in my hand. “Rafe made me choose, like him or my friends. I know Rafe, and you hate the pouges, but they were my only friend's Topper, and he made me pick, but at the same time, I understand and don’t-” My head is laying on Topper's shoulder blade while we both look at each other. I kiss him.

   He kisses back for a second. Topper has a stubble that scratches against my face, which I never liked. Rafe knew I didn’t like his stubble rubbing against my face, so he shaved it for me. His lips are soft, but not Rafe’s. Rafe’s lips were kissable and mine, and he’d let me kiss him all day if it was possible, and I’d take him in a moment.

   We both pull back, instant regret washing over us. Another wave of hurt falls over me. “Adriana, this- I- no.” He doesn’t know what to say and simply sighs. “I’m sorry. I- it just happened. You’re like my brother.” I spit out in absolute disgust as my voice sharpens like the end of a razor. Topper burst out laughing. “Wow, ok. Honesty is key?” He says in a questioning manner. A smile crosses my face, and I let out a deep breath. “Sorry, that wasn’t supposed to come out like that.” I cover my mouth before I start dying of laughter. 

   We talk more about Rafe. The rest of our conversation consists of random discussions and the baby. Mostly the baby.

   Besides the awkward lips-to-lips thing, it felt like another night I would’ve spent at Top’s house. I would describe it as brother and sister type, but I feel weird saying siblings after we kissed. 

   By the end of the night or morning, the kiss is forgotten and drowned out by laughs and smiles carved into our gorgeous faces. I arrived home by two in the morning and texted Rafe, making plans to have dinner today around three in the afternoon.

   When I lay down, my body instantly loosens up. The fluffy white comforter envelops me in the warmth and Rafe's intense fragrance, still keeping its place in my room. My hands lay on my stomach, which is making a baby as we speak.

This is really happening, a baby. My child.

@beautifulvoidwinner

[vylad243]

first, a sincere apology for this MONSTER of a prompt to come — bless my random half-conscious 4am thoughts for sending me down this downward spiral — BUT: we all know how protective/absolutely fucking feral Alastor is over any implied threat towards Vox’s safety: one can only imagine how horrible a fate would befall the poor, foolish folk who have the balls to ACTUALLY try to harm the Radio Demon’s mate.

Like, imagine Vox just going about his normal every day routine, taking precious baby boi Vark on his early morning walkies when he’s suddenly jumped by a group of very brave, very stupid sinners who either 1) want to get to Alastor through Vox and are SEVERELY underestimating the capabilities of the older overlord because he’s (in their minds) a “washed-up has-been fossil playing guard dog for the princess” who’s gotten soft because he’s in love (barf); or b) are hoping to take down an overlord out of sheer hubris, completely forgetting that Vox is literally a living power grid for Pentagram City, if not the entirety of Hell itself. Either way, f in the chat for their courage I guess. Since this attack is premeditated, our hapless captors made through work of trying to clear this specific area — a shortcut through an alley because not even Vox is immune to horror movie logic at times — clear of any cameras or electrical devices that could ensure an easy getaway and blocking off any potential exits they can.

Naturally, Vox — not being some helpless damsel in distress — puts up a damn good fight, at the cost of constant power shortages throughout the next hour or so. Eventually, however, he gets overpowered/taken by surprise and boom! Realm-wide power outage. Now, the gang at the hotel were already wary when the lights began flickering and the internet cut out during breakfast; their fear only intensifies when a sudden blackout strikes and they can hear a VERY pissed wendigo demon barreling down the stairs. Maybe even they find Vark on the hotel doorstep, visibly distressed and even a little injured (only a LITTLE, because I’m not a monster), with a crudely-written ransom note taped to him. Charlie can barely get through the first sentence before Al is out the door — a fifty ft tall, at the very minimum, mass of tentacles and sickly green static illuminating the pitch black streets, uncaring of those foolish enough to end up in his path.

It takes less than an hour for Alastor to find the dingy warehouse they took his mate to: these gentleman are not only bold in their stupidity but sloppy as well. Thanks to the blackout, he slips in undetected with his shadows and makes quick work of finding Vox. The overlord in question is more annoyed than anything else, bound in an uncomfortable position with angelic rope and put on mute (his captors’ egos couldn’t handle his viscous verbal roasts after he already fried them up pretty bad), but otherwise unharmed. Of course, this is Alastor we’re talking about: so much as the sight of his lover in pain, with a crack on his screen and his clothes visibly tousled is enough to spark a raging fire in the seething Radio Demon that would put the fear in God in anyone foolish enough to trifle with him.

Speaking of foolish, our intrepid group of attempted kidnappers are too busy trying and failing to restore the internet to try and broadcast their Very Spooky Hostage Negotiations stream (they rehearsed it and everything! Brad brought the costumes and eerie mood lighting!) to notice the horrifyingly wholesome lovers reunion going on literally right behind them. Alastor wastes no time in doing away with the bindings and making sure Vox is as comfortable as can be before teleporting him to a safe location outside; his lover is slightly irritated at the prospect of being left out for now, but is placated for now with kisses and the promise of watching these insufferable fools burn for their transgressions against Hell’s most ferocious power couple. Because of this, Vox waits outside for the next hour and makes a point of NOT restoring the power yet as he listens to his amazing and powerful mate torment the sinners psychology: the sounds of screaming are just all the more beautiful and crisp without the distracting noise of traffic and the nagging electric current constantly running through his veins distracting him from the most simple of pleasures.

Eventually though, by the two-hour mark, he gets bored of playing games on his phone, restores the power, and teleports back inside to tell Alastor to wrap things up because he actually has things to do today and he still hasn’t gotten his morning coffee yet, damnit. Al relents, teleporting the sobbing and trembling group of would-be kidnappers to the shadow realm, immediately showering his mate with kisses, cuddles, protective bites, the whole routine. Vox is slightly embarrassed at the entire ordeal (mostly at his own actions that led to him ending up here in the first place) but the assurances of Alastor that he did nothing wrong and the confirmation of Vark being alright soothes his guilt. He even allows Alastor to carry him out of the building bridal style as the warehouse burns down in a beautiful show of green fire and blue electrical fire around them (he thinks the view is fucking hot, literally in this case)

Naturally, Al and the rest of the hotel staff are on protective watch for almost the entirety of the next month — not because they think Vox is incapable of managing himself just fine, no; they just fear the consequences of what would happen Hell-wide if he were to go missing again. Vox can’t bring himself to be annoyed because he, more than anyone, is aware that Alastor would fistfight Lucifer and the entire order of Hell itself to ensure his safety. Not that he’s complaining anyway: his attention-craving ass is VERY much reveling in the almost 24 hour cuddle sessions and kisses, and Vark very much appreciates Al accompanying them during their morning walks now because he gets double the treats.

And the sugar on the cream comes later on in the week after the incident, when a VERY special, extended broadcast of Alastor’s radio show goes live on air, featuring a VERY special guest star: the media overlord himself, who would like to send a little message to the denizens of Hell that overlords are not to be messed with and are in power for a REASON. Alastor let’s him take the reins like the good, supportive partner he is, of course — any fool who dares to touch HIS mate has earned the cruel fate lined up in store, especially those with less than savory intentions (and sue him if he thinks the sight of his lover reveling in the suffering of those who dare cross him is more beautiful and poetic than the stars and moon and oceans combined)

Despite her usual preaching of going for as little violence as possible, Charlie makes an allowance this one time; in fact, she’s their first caller. After all, these sinners are her family, and woe betold you when you mess with the Princess of Hell’s family. Vaggie is only slightly perturbed by this reaction, but the soft look of pure adoration on her lover’s face as they listen in on the broadcast with the rest of the gang, languidly giving a stretched out Vark in their lap head pats, is worth the future nightmares, she reasons.

I didn't do the whole prompt, but I did my best! I hope you enjoy it, anon ^-^ I also included it in my 'A Month In Rut' series so it's vague enough to keep it spoiler-free of any unreleased chapters!

[toujokaname]

Mischief / Episode 3

Characters: Kohaku, HiMERU  

"He wants the world to be a place where those who work seriously are properly rewarded. Is there something wrong with thinking that way?"

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[ Read on my site for a better viewing experience using Ois~su ♪ ]

Season: Spring

Location: An Apartment Room

One week later, in a one-room apartment somewhere in Tokyo.

During the rehearsal for the online broadcast collaboration project "Kohaku & HiMERU's Daily Joyful Cohabitation Life," produced by the independent team "Pastel Color."

Kohaku: "It's Kohaku's~♪"

HiMERU: "And HiMERU's~♪"

Kohaku & HiMERU: "Daily joyful cohabitation life~♪"

Kohaku: ...What the heck is this?! This the "thing you wanted to try" that you were so dead serious about, HiMERU-han?!

HiMERU: Do you have any complaints?

That's right—HiMERU has long been yearning to take part in this kind of tepid... no, rather, heartwarming program.

Kohaku: Whaaaa...?

HiMERU: Instead of a grand, large-scale production under the strict management of a major TV network, he wanted to appear on a cozy, independently produced show.

Kohaku: Huhh... Well, it does feel like this whole thing's put together by some tiny studio I ain't never heard of.

They probably figured it was a long shot and had nothin' to lose, so they were over the moon when we actually took 'em up on their offer, given how popular we are now.

HiMERU: To the end, or rather, even now, it seems like they're still in doubt, wondering, "Are we being deceived? Is this a prank?"

Kohaku: We've really come up in the world, huh. We used to be the outcasts of the industry, and now people are practically grovelin' when we take on their jobs.

HiMERU: ES, being a profit-driven organization, tends to look down upon independent business owners and small to medium-sized enterprises that don't typically yield significant profits.

It seems that in this current, ES-dominated "overarching trend," those who may not excel at profit-making but are dedicated to creating quality work are finding it difficult to thrive.

HiMERU: —HiMERU wishes to save those people.

Kohaku: Y... Yeah...?

HiMERU: He wants the world to be a place where those who work seriously are properly rewarded. Is there something wrong with thinking that way?

Kohaku: No, it ain't wrong at all. If anythin', I actually think it's pretty admirable.

But HiMERU-han, were you always this type of kind and gentle character? It's kinda scary, like you've got some hidden agenda or somethin'.

(No, then again, HiMERU-han's always been good to me since day one.)

(Crap. Bein' in Double Face got me too used to seein' the ugly side of humanity. Made me way too paranoid...)

...Just to confirm, HiMERU-han.

HiMERU: Ask away.

Kohaku: You've really got no ulterior motives, right? You took this job outta pure goodwill, just to help out hardworkin' folks, no strings attached?

HiMERU: Yes. To reiterate once more, this is something HiMERU genuinely wished to pursue.

Rather than being controlled by massive corporations, following a predetermined path without question—

To be able to walk forward with one's own feet, collecting things worthy of love with each step...

That's the kind of life "HiMERU" has always longed for.

Kohaku: Hmm... Well, alright. I'll take your word for it.

Kohaku: (Despite how mature HiMERU-han seems, he's got this weirdly childlike side to him.)

(That contradiction, that feeling of unease, is part of what makes him so charmin'.)

(I guess it's just that his eccentricities happened to be exposed once more.)

Kohaku: Besides, I don't much like complainin' once somethin's already set in stone.

I've already taken on the job, so now I've got no choice but to give my all to what's right in front of me, don't I?

HiMERU: How commendable, Oukawa. You may look as cute as a doll, but you're brimming with an odd sense of manliness.

Kohaku: Must be thanks to my older sisters' twisted way of raisin' me...

The eldest of 'em tried to shape me into a proper man, fit to be the next head of the Oukawa family.

But the younger of 'em spoiled me rotten, dressin' me up in girls' clothes and all that.

As an innocent child, I soaked up all of that twisted upbringin' completely—and ended up basically split down the middle.

HiMERU: It's not a split, is it? Rather, your adorable, girlish side and your rowdy, boyish side coexist within you.

It's highly fascinating.

HiMERU: (And... sure enough, you really do remind me of that boy.)

(How did "I" really want to raise him? —My little brother?)

[ ☆ ]

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[miniscule-meow]

Prologue: New Beginnings (Charlie and Felix)

Writing Masterpost Word Count: ~1.2k Next Part Exposition, World building, Me remastering this story again.

---

“Rosehill University is a prestigious institution, whose fundamental purpose is to build up, and exemplify those with superhuman abilities as altruistic helpers,” Dr. Eric Brune sits behind his desk, resting his chin against his steepled fingers. He adjusts his thick glasses before continuing, “Your abilities should not be treated with flippant disregard for the safety of others. You have a responsibility, especially considering you are one of the most capable young supers to have ever walked these halls, Mr. Westwell.”

Felix resists the urge to roll his eyes as this self-important bastard prattles on about the importance of being an upstanding citizen, blah, blah, blah, the pillars of personal character, yadda, yadda, yadda. He lost track of how many times he’s been called into the Dean’s office just to hear this same spiel. At this point, he’s simply pretending to pay attention so he can say his apologies and get out of here. I’m sorry Dr. Brune. It won’t happen again, Dr. Brune.

“Which is why the Board has decided it would be best to transfer you to Bayshear University. Dr. Brune declares.

“I’m—” his rehearsed apology dies on his tongue, “Bayshear? That’s- but that’s a mundane college,” he states, leaning forward in his chair. He’s the most powerful super this school has ever seen, and they’re about to toss him to a mundane college? Like hell they are.

“Yes, we’re aware. The general consensus from the board was that some time outside of the Hall of Supers might be good for your mental wellbeing. You should feel very lucky, Mr. Westwell, Many people are bending over backwards to ensure you still have a future.”

“And my future is that I’m getting expelled? Exiled to some Mundane community” he asks, his hands gripping the arms of his chair so tightly his knuckles turn white. Dr. Brune doesn’t even blink.

“Only if you choose to look at it that way. I would think of it more as an opportunity for personal growth.” Dr. Brune’s sallow face looks like it’s never known a smile, but Felix could swear that delivering the news that he’s getting expelled almost brought him to a grin. Felix knows this bastard has never liked him. Since day one Dr. Brune has had it out for him, and here he is doing everything in his power to ruin his life.

“I am the top super in this whole school,” Felix fights to keep his voice measured, biting back the choice words he truly wants to say. “You can’t—”

“Mr. Westwell, I most certainly can. In fact, the decision is already final. Your conduct here has been completely unacceptable. If it were to continue as it has been, you’re in for a true expulsion, you’re in for being blacklisted from every super organization in this state, if not beyond. And, heavens forbid, if things were to get any worse well, son, you’re looking at your abilities being dampened or being sent underground,” Underground. Probably not a thinly veiled euphemism for being offed by the government. It’s somewhat of a legend amidst the Supers, a looming threat to keep everyone toeing the line, crossing their T’s and dotting their I’s, making sure that everyone is on their best behavior. It is a creatively named facility that harbors the Supers that become major threats to the public located, you guessed it, somewhere underground. “You understand that, right?” Dr. Brune finishes.

“What I understand is that you and the board are all just afraid of a power that you can’t control,” Felix can’t hold back the snarl from his voice.

“No, Mr. Westwell. It’s the power that you can’t control that is the concern.”

“I control my powers just fine,” Felix swears the edges of his vision tinge with red. He did not work so hard to become what he is now, just to be told by some pompous desk-warmer that his powers are out of control. He’s about to say more when Dr. Brune flops a file down on the center of his desk, flipping it open and adjusting his glasses once more.

“15 classmates sent to the infirmary, Damage to 3 historic buildings around campus, requiring repairs, and 5 visits to my office. All happening within this semester, mind you. You’re noted as being incredibly short tempered and quick to use your power as an intimidation tactic. Son,” he takes his glasses off, tossing them down on the open folder, “the Mundanes don’t take too kindly to supers that they perceive as threats. In fact, they already see most supers as threats anyway. It’s my job to ensure that the students graduating from this school aren’t going to go out there and become problems for the Mundane world. I cannot, in good conscience, let you continue on the path you’re on. The decision is final. We have your paperwork to send over. Once you graduate from Bayshear, if there is a moderate change in your behavior, Rosehill will gladly consider you for our graduate program, if you choose to continue your education. And, of course, we are willing to re-evaluate this decision going into your senior year if there is a remarkable change. Consider this your wake-up call, not the end of the line. Though, it is important that you understand, this will be your final chance.”

After he’s dismissed, Felix grips the manilla envelope in shaking hands as he numbly walks himself out of Academic Hall. Everything he’s worked for, pulling himself up from nothing, clawing his way to the top and fighting to stay there. What was all of that for? Just like everything else he’s ever had it’s just been ripped away from him in the blink of an eye.

This is it then. This is the day his life ends.

---

Two years of community college, two years of scholarship essays and grant applications, two years of countless rejections. But this time, this is her time. She can feel it. She grips the envelope in shaking hands, adrenaline skyrocketing her pulse.

She takes a deep breath.

Please.

She tears the letter open, unfolding it and quickly pressing it to her chest, squeezing her eyes shut.

Please, please, please, please, please.

As if her wishful thinking could somehow alter whatever is written on the page.

“Stop stalling and just read it already!” She whispers harshly to herself to read the page.

Ms. Charlotte Beauxregard,

Congratulations!

On behalf of Dr. Bailey Vargus, President of Bayshear University, we are excited to inform you that you have been selected as a Bayshear Presidential Scholar. Please allow us to express our sincerest hope that you will join our Community, and become a Brilliant Bear.

Go Bears!

Tears stream down her cheeks, the shaking in her hands becoming uncontrollable. She leaps off her bed, and swings open the door. Her brother Marshall was hovering nearby in the hallway, no doubt waiting to hear the news. He jumps when he sees her.

“You didn’t get it?” Marshall asks. “Char, it’s okay. Maybe the next one—”

“No,” Charlotte gasps, “Mars, No, no.”

“Don’t get all pessimistic, so what—”

“Look!” Charlotte shoves the letter towards him, he scans the letter quickly, a beaming grin spreading across his face.

“You got it! Congratulations!” Mars ends up tackling Charlotte with the biggest hug of her life.

The evening is a blur of phone calls to everyone she knows, and happy tears. She has so much to do. She needs to pack, she needs to apply for a job on campus, she doesn’t have classes yet, but she already needs to be studying.

This is it then! This is the day her life begins.

[themultifandomgal]

From 2010- Let’s Go On Tour!

2011

Part 15

15th December 2011

The fact that the boys and I are going on our first tour is mind boggling. How did we go from being just normal people with normal jobs, to having sold out shows across the country. The first part of our tour will be in England, then we will head to Scotland. Of course I’m excited, but I’m also terrified!

“I don’t want to leave you” I squish cookies faces (gently) and kiss her all over “you have to be a good girl”

“YN stop being dramatic” Emma says zipping up one of my suitcases “you will see us in a few days and of course we’re bringing cookie with us. Your dad, Alex, me and our parents will be seeing you in London, then Wolverhampton, Manchester and Birmingham. And I’ll face time you whenever your missing her”

“Thanks Em”

“Your very welcome. Now come on get packing”

“Ok ok” I raise my hands up in defeat

“YN hurry up!” I hear Louis shouting from our living room area

“Hey!” I yell back “I bet Harry hasn’t even started packing!”

“Oi ya cheeky thing” Harry’s head pops round my bedroom door making both Emma and I giggle “I’ll ‘ave ya know I started days ago”

“Hmmm sure you did H” I laugh rolling my eyes

“Harry back to your room and pack, and YN please hurry up” Emma groans

“I don’t even know why we are staying in a hotel since our first show is in London. Like we could literally just drive there”

“Yes but you are all going to be tired. Plus you’ll be going on the tour bus to go to the next location. Now stop whining and pack”

“Woah” I gasp standing in front of the stage where we are set to perform tomorrow night with the boys on either side of me “anyone else feeling a little nervous?”

“Yep” Harry says next to me

“I’m so going to forget my words to at least one song” I say breathing out

“In that case just move your mic to the audience and get them to sing” Niall places an arm around my shoulders “or you can look at one of us and we will help, but I have a feeling we will all forget our lyrics at some point”

“Are we ready for one last full run through?” Zayn asks. We all nod our heads in reply

“Let me get my heals on because I swear if I don’t practice I’m gonna fall”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be here to catch you when you do” Liam pats my back and walks a head of me to the stage

“Thanks for the bode of confidence Liam” I pout slightly

“You’ll be fine, but Liams right if you fall we will be here” Niall gives me a little squeeze

“Don’t know why the stylist insists on you wearin’ these” Harry says taking the heals out of my hand “they’re a fuckin death trap”

“One of these days you’ll be running in heals trust me” Zayn says running onto the stage “now come on let’s get rehearsing”

[ashleywool]

on the absurdity of grief: when these objectively benign or positive things make you intensely sad

-Being enthusiastically recognized at the Drama Book Shop and asked for an autograph/selfie. She was VERY sweet and we had a lovely chat. The sadness had nothing to do with her, and everything to do with me remembering how I frequented the 40th St. location as a tiny baby actressling, poring over all the acting/auditioning books I could find, plagued by a persistent feeling of needing to "catch up." And the saddest part is knowing that even if I could have seen the future back then, I would've been like "but why did it take so long?"

-The folks at my physical therapy clinic telling me "it's rare to see a patient who's as motivated and consistent as you are, even if they have the time and the resources." Why wouldn't I be? I've spent my whole adult life remaining motivated and consistent about pursuing a career that is renowned for the rarity of its success. Of course I'm gonna be motivated and consistent about following a program that has been steadily improving my quality of life within a matter of weeks, AND which my insurance covers in full. It's extremely easy to be motivated to do things that get you immediate, progressive positive results and require no sacrifice. The sadness is because I wish I could get HALF these results from everything else I was motivated and consistent about. And I wish other people could too.

-Going into the cafe I used to take my friends to when they came to HTDIO and seeing the same lovely woman behind the counter who always gave me a discount because of how much business I brought them, and seeing her still give me the discount every time even though I'm not bringing the business.

-Looking at clothes of mine that I specifically remember wearing for certain moments in HTDIO rehearsal, even if I've also worn them ten thousand other places.

-The fact that I'm still using the same cream blush stick that Sarafina (costume designer) gave me for the Syracuse run. Makeup I had in Syracuse should not have outlasted the Broadway run. Makeup I had on Broadway should not have outlasted the Broadway run.

-The intrusive thoughts that come with seeing something in the media about some major Broadway person and then remembering that that Broadway person knows who I am. And the craziest part is, the reason they know who I am is because I am also a Broadway person. Like, I'll be minding my own business, doing the dishes or whatever, and then maybe I'll discover that the milk in my fridge spoiled because I only ever use it for baking and I haven't baked in a while, and then my theatre kid brain will be like, "The milk has gone bad, hold up just a second, why is everything in this fridge warm and tepid?" and the impulse will be to continue the lyrics, but then I remember LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA FOLLOWS ME ON INSTAGRAM NOW and the next thing I know I'm standing catatonically over my sink with the carton of spoiled milk in my hand, my executive functioning having short-circuited so intensely that I forgot that I'm supposed to pour the milk down the drain and not just stare at the open spout on the upright carton hoping the smell dissipates, and then eventually I snap out of it and get rid of the milk and the carton, but then I need to lie down, and then I feel like I have to apologize to Lin-Manuel Miranda because even though he's not physically present, and we haven't directly interacted since he came to the show, and he probably devotes maybe 0.01% of his time to thinking about what that one chick from the autism musical who showed him that Strong Bad gif might be up to right now, I just know he felt that somehow and he does not deserve to be telepathically assaulted by my weirdness like that, and the worst part is that I'm sure the embarrassment I made myself feel as a result of this made-up situation that I made up wouldn't feel nearly as pathetic if the show was still running.

Grief is weird.

[bleachbleachbleach]

12th Division Chair Count

I love learning more about the different rooms that are available in each division--like the 2nd Division Shihouin Receiving Room (Oomaeda Filler Episode), and the second-floor 4th Division Map Room (Bount Arc), and the 6th Division Panopticon Hallway (Zanpakutou Rebellion Arc), and the 10th Division Room That is Not the Office with Exactly One Small Table In It (Soul Society Arc denouement). We also know that the 10th has a courtyard that is apparently better-suited to hosting large outdoor events than other places (Beast Swords Arc).

But I’m pretty sure the 12th has everyone beat for furniture procurement orders. They have so many different seating areas???????? Like, okay, there’s the lab, and then there’s the office. But also like...

The Lab

Here’s Byakuya trying his best to make contact with as little of the 12th’s weird yellow chairs as is physically possible. The camera is bolted to the ceiling and even from here you can tell how much he hates that chair. Look at him:

The Office

There’s also this office receiving area, which looks a lot more like a dental office than a dank basement where chairs go to die:

It even has plants! (There are cubicles on the other side of that white partition, where some of the 12th Division members are working.)

And you’d think that, okay, it makes sense that there’d be two seating areas and two primary work nodes in this place. But then there’s also... this seating area?

Which I took notice of because the plants are different, and I was curious about whether it was a different location or whether the plants in the previous shot had already died and been replanted with something new. But my co-blogger thinks it’s an entirely different seating area, because it looks like Kyouraku is sitting on a second couch in this one, as opposed to the two chairs. And there’s another white partition on the right/a suggestion of additional depth over there that the window(?) in the first shot doesn’t have.

I don’t know what’s going on with that window, but based on the color alone I’m assuming that there’s a full dress rehearsal of “The Dark of the Bleeding Moon” number from the Bleach Rock Musicals going on next door.

So the office has a least two different receiving areas for guests of the 12th. Understandable, since they have more reasons to have guests than any other division outside the 4th. But I’m still impressed that these rooms exist and seem to accept and invite the idea that they will have guests. They could just make everyone stand around like the impositions to the Work that they are, LOL.

And then there’s THIS ROOM. Which is also in the 12th, and looks like it could be the receiving area in the above shot, except there’s clearly more room behind Ukitake, not just wall, and this couch set-up has TWO planters, bookending either couch!

In the scene, Kyouraku and Ukitake are looking at secret Dangai archives, so maybe this is part of some kind of secret Dangai archives reading room, rather than the main office.

THERE ARE SO MANY OF THESE.

[mainstoryarchive]

Revolution - 47: Summer Breeze

Translator: Creampuffs

Mao: Transfer Student~?

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Location: Garden Terrace Kitchen

Mao: Transfer Student~?

I heard you were here at the Garden Terrace, but… it’s been ages since you left, so I decided to come check up on you~

I can give you a hand if whatever you’re doing is taking you a long time.

I wasn’t able to take part in "Trickstar’s" activities much, you know. So I’d like to help out however I can.

And I wanna be good friends with you ♪

Kaoru: Hey.

I’m the only guy who’s allowed inside the Garden Terrace, okay~?

Mao: Oh. You’re Hakaze-senpai from “UNDEAD”, right?

(“UNDEAD”… the unit rumoured to be the most radical and dangerous in Yumenosaki Academy…)

(That’s Sakuma-senpai’s unit. And this Hakaze-senpai is also a member of that unit. What’s he doing here at the Garden Terrace?)

(He just spends all his time hanging out with girls and is pretty much inactive when it comes to idol activities.)

(But he’s definitely got the skills. He’s well-known as a lazy ladies’ man, but this is the first time I’ve actually met him.)

(He’s also one of Sakuma-senpai’s companions…)

(He’s on our side, isn’t he? Our objectives should be the same, so that means he’ll fight alongside us, right?)

(His attitude is giving off the exact opposite vibes, though…)

Kaoru: Hey, could you stop staring at me? It doesn’t make me happy when men stare at me, you know?

In fact, I’m kind of busy right now. Why don’t you see yourself out? Shoo, shoo!

Mao: I can’t exactly leave… Uhh, have you seen the Transfer Student around here?

She’s the girl that just transferred to the new "producer course".

Kaoru: Yup. I’ve heard something like that from Sakuma-san, so that’s why I’m here~♪

Man, she’s cute! I only caught a glimpse of her, but there’s no fooling these eyes~

Geez, I wish Sakuma-san told me about her earlier. I’ve been waiting forever for that sort of good news!

This has to be a gift from the gods ♪

After all, there’s nothing but filthy men in the idol course – it’s hell, quite frankly!

If Yumenosaki Academy was a desert, then the “Transfer Student” would be a single, blossoming flower!

I should harvest it before it gets tainted by someone else~♪

Rei: Kaoru-kun.

I was wondering where you went off to instead of attending practice, but here you are… Chasing after women yet again? Do you not get tired of that? Don’t get carried away now.

Well, I suppose you do perform just fine on stage without rehearsals or practice.

Kaoru: Yeah, yeah. Practice is whatever. Let’s just have fun!

You’re more eager to practise than usual, Sakuma-san. I don’t really want to do anything that makes me feel like I’m suffocating, you know~?

Anyway, why did you give the Transfer Student to the "baby chicks" in the second grade?

You should’ve kept her with us~ All my motivation’s gone down the drain now!

Maybe I’ll quit “UNDEAD” to join their unit~

Rei: No, we cannot have that. Your strength is needed in “UNDEAD”.

The general public will attend the “S1” a week from now. That means there will be women there.

Perhaps you could direct your motivation there and make those girls your fans instead~?

Kaoru: Hmm… That does sound pretty appealing. Geez, I’m no match for you, Sakuma-san~

Whatever. There’ll be plenty of chances for me to talk with the Transfer Student.

I’ll leave for today!

But I’m still not going to practice, okay? I’ve got a date. Bye bye~♪

Rei: …He ran away. Good grief, he truly lives up to his name[*], leaving like the wind.

Hmm. Kaoru-kun’s dislike towards practice is a serious matter. He can do it when he puts his mind to it, though.

[ ☆ ]

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*Title note: Kaoru’s name (羽風 薫 / Hakaze Kaoru) is also made up of the same characters as the word for “summer breeze” (薫風 / kunpuu).

[hyenahunt]

Saga: Rivals - 19

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Characters: Hokuto, Jun

Proofreading: 310mc (JP) & hyenahunt (ENG)

Translation: kotofucius

Hokuto: It felt like my identity as Hidaka Hokuto was getting erased, and I was slowly being reduced to nothing more than the Hidakas’ son… It scared me.

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Location: Sleeping Room

Time: The next day. The first day of Reverse Live has passed, and it is now the morning of the second day.

Hokuto: ………

Zzz, zzz… ♪

Jun: Hidaka-saaan?

Sorry to disturb you while you're resting! Couldja please wake up~? Your phone’s pinging like crazy, y'know~?

Hokuto: Nn… Snz… ♪

Jun: …He’s not waking up. Mmgh~ What should I do?

It's not like he's Ohii-san, so I can’t just smack his head, can I?

Jun: Hidaka-san? Hidaka-saaan, I'm seriously sorry to disturb you but couldja please wake up already? Between the two of us, I’m not the one cut out for the whole “waking a sleeping beauty thing”, y'know?

Hokuto: Nghhh… Don’t call me Hidaka.

Jun: Huh? Wait, but we’re not close enough to be on a first name basis, are we? If that's what you prefer, though, then I guess I'll do just that~?

To be fair… with Hidaka-sensei in my unit, it might get confusing who I'm talking to whenever I say “Hidaka-san”~ ♪

Umm, in that case… Hokuto-san! Wake up, Hokuto-san!

Hokuto: Mm…? Ahh… *yawn* ♪

What’s the big deal…? It’s still early…

Jun: Oh, you finally woke up! Apologies for disturbing you, Hokuto-san!

Seems like some early birds already started rehearsing, so we should probably grab some breakfast and get ready, too~

Hokuto: …Did you say “Hokuto-san”? What are you being all buddy-buddy with me for? We’re enemies.

Jun: Wha? You're the one who told me not to call you Hidaka, y'know?

Hokuto: Mnn? My bad, I think… I might’ve been half-asleep…

Sorry for confusing you. I was getting called Hidaka, Hidaka, Hidaka in both my dreams and in reality…

It felt like my identity as Hidaka Hokuto was getting erased, and I was slowly being reduced to nothing more than the Hidakas’ son… It scared me.

…Wait, woah!? What are you doing next to my bed, Sazanami? Planning to attack me in my sleep? That’s low of you, Lilith!

Jun: Haha. You really are half-asleep~ …But I totally get it. My heart's been pounding so hard I could hardly get any sleep, too.

After all, this is the very stage I’ve always dreamed of.

Hokuto: Mm? Where are we? Ah… That’s right, I felt like I hadn't practiced enough, so I stayed the night.

The nap room was only just set up, so I couldn't remember where I was for a moment.

Sazanami, did you stay the night here too?

Jun: Yeah, sorta… Ibara booked a hotel room for us, but it’s such a pain to go from there to the school and back.

Plus, it looks like your school's got both a cafeteria and showers, so it’s easier for me to stay here since it's just for a few nights.

On top of that, it feels like I've been getting kinda cocky, with how smooth a ride I’ve had since becoming an SS finalist — so I wanted to recall my origins, y’see…

And unlike Ohii-san, I’ve got no hobby of indulging myself. I feel more at home sleeping all crowded together in a small room like this~

Back when I wasn’t a Special Student, I took naps in Reimei’s common room pretty often.

Jun: I was being worked to the bone as staff, y'know. It seriously felt like I'd been tossed into a slave ship.

I don't think how I felt back then is something I should forget so easily.

Getting too used to an easy life will just dull your body and mind, y’know? …And if that happened, I feel like I’d never win against Sagami Jin.

I’m nowhere accomplished enough to be getting full of myself; not yet… But it sucks that it’s so easy to get the wrong idea of myself, y’know~? Like, I’ve somehow become Lilith’s center.

Hokuto: Ahh… I saw your fight against Ba-barrier last night. They did have you in the center.

The pressure must've been overwhelming, performing with my father and Tomoe-senpai behind you like that… I feel sorry for you.

Jun: Haha… It sure was~ See, I’m not the center of either Eve or Eden.

In fact, my role's moreso to make the others look good in those units.

So yeah, it was pretty nerve-wracking. It'd be no laughing matter if all my anxieties wore me down and I just passed out before even fighting Sagami Jin…

Well, at least I had proper practice and all, so in the end I somehow pulled through.

How did it look to you, Hokuto-san? Did my performance rise to the occasion~?

Hokuto: Yeah. To tell you the truth, you’ve improved a lot since I last saw you in SS. I also get excited when I see that my opponents are strong.

…Though your teamwork seemed a bit flawed, since it’s your debut stage and all.

Jun: Ahaha, I guess you’d notice something like that, Hokuto-san~

Actually, we didn't really manage to practice getting in-sync with Hidaka-sensei all that much, since he's been so busy with work.

And there's a huge change in the overall atmosphere depending on whether he's there or not —

He completely stole away the gaze of the entire audience; and it’s probably thanks to the bigwigs’ intervention stepping in, but our production ended up grander than we'd originally planned…

Our demographic is totally different from Eve’s, too, plus I’m not used to this whole DreamFest thing.

I got kinda disoriented and ended up making a bunch of mistakes. Just me, and nobody else, y'know? It’s so frustrating…

Ohii-san and Sensei both performed perfectly, but I was the one dragging Lilith down.

Hokuto: I see. My father is to blame. I’m sorry about him, Sazanami.

Jun: Nah, it's nothing… Honestly, I wondered at first if Sensei wouldn't be used to singing in a unit since he mostly performs solo —

But he carried himself perfectly. You'd never guess he had less practice than the rest of us~

Even though we're a team, I found myself overwhelmed by his presence throughout the whole performance.

It's not that I think he was taking it easy, but even that seemed more like a trial run than anything for him, so it’s scary to imagine what he’ll come out with next.

Hokuto: Hmph. Or maybe that was his limit. My father's getting on in his years; you shouldn’t overestimate him.

Jun: Haha. Hokuto-san, it seems more like you're underestimating him, y'know? I'm not too sure what’s going on here, though — Are you two on bad terms?

Back during SS, you said you kinda understood me, right?

But unlike my old man, your dad's a super idol. One look and even a little kid would stop crying just to watch him.

So it’s been nagging at me all this time. I just don’t get why you’d sympathize with me.

Oh, but I guess getting into the same line of work as our parents means that people just can’t seem to stop the comparisons… Annoying as it is.

The agency promoted me that way too, at first.

'Course, not that my old man’s fame as a loser was any good plug~

Hokuto: Hmm. I don’t think it’s right to belittle yourself like that.

And just from his achievements alone, wasn’t your father worthy of the Super Idol title too?

Jun: I wonder… Well, maybe that’s why he was a good match as Sagami Jin’s rival.

But in the end, he’s still a nobody who couldn’t make a mark on history, yeah?

Project Saga's the revival stage of legendary idols, yet he's so insignificant that he didn't even get invited to it.

Hokuto: …? I don’t think that's the case, though?

I’m pretty sure his name was on the list of legendary idols — At least, in the proposal I received before Project-Saga became official ���

Jun: Nah, there's no need to try and comfort me. My old man’s obsessed with his past, y'know — He would’ve said yes in a heartbeat if he'd gotten an invitation.

So if he's never shown up as a Mentor, then the offer never came…

Must be nice being you, Hokuto-san~ You’ve got an impressive dad you can brag about.

Hokuto: ……

[ ☆ ]

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[strwbrryk1tkat]

Band Mates Chater 1

author's note:

HI all!!! I just want to preface that this is my first time uploading a piece of writing on tumblr. With every new chapter released I will be updating the Band Mates Soundtrack playlist on spotify so feel free to listen to that while you read!!

First, I just want to say THIS FIRST CHAPTER IS NOT THE BEST. If it was up to me tbh this first chapter would not exist, but unfortunately for all of us, the information in this chapter is relevant. I am working on chapter 2 as we speak.

Second, Everything about this story is completely original. The plot and characters all came to me in a dream (lol). I know the only other work on my acc is a fic (😭😭) and that’s like what ao3 is known for, but i just couldn’t think of which universe and which characters would work best for this so i decided to go rogue

Third and last, for this I just have to save plsss be patient with me updating chapters. I’m in my last like 2/3 weeks of high school and i have A LOT going on. Again, this chapter is super short and feels super rushed but that was the best way for me to provide this context.

THANK YOU AND ENJOY

Part 1

Band Member Needed to fill an open space Guitarist and Lead singer suddenly quit Call or Text: ***-***-****

I snap a picture of the poster hanging up on the corkboard in my local cafe. I never look at this thing but the one time I do it presents me with a fabulous opportunity. I’ve had nothing to do since finals ended 2 weeks ago. I feel like I’ve been wasting my time just going between work, home, and the cafe, so this is perfect. My next session starts in about 10 minutes so as I make my way over I shoot them a quick text.

Hey, saw ur poster. when r auditions?

Time to wait.

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

”Just remember what I showed you, the easiest way is to start by memorizing the dates then adding the events.” Jason’s mom hands me my 40 for the session. I honestly feel bad taking it, this kid has not gotten any better, and history is such a hard subject to tutor in. I pull out the phone to check the time when I see a new text.

Whenever ur available

I shoot back.

How about right now.

I get another text with an address. Cool. The location is about 5 minutes from my apartment which is about 10 minutes from Jason’s house.

Be there in 15

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ”No, absolutely not,” the speaker turns to me. “She can’t join.” “Levi, she’s the only one who responded, the least we can do is let her audition.” “We don’t even know if she can sing let alone play guitar.” “That’s the point of the audition, bud.” The guy standing at the keyboard says. They’re talking like I’m not standing in front of them listening to their whole conversation. And who does this ‘Levi’ guy think he is? I’m standing right here with my guitar case. The guy who must be the leader steps forward and stretches out his hand. “Hey, I’m Graham. I play lead guitar but I don’t sing. On keys we have Percy, bass Lewis, and the naysayer on the drums is Levi.” I shake his hand firmly. “Willow.” “Cool, you ready?” Half an hour later I’m sitting in a group with the guys. They’re in a semi circle facing me. “So… Willow?” I nod. “How long have you been a girl?” Lewis asks. “Are you serious?” “No, thought it would be funny.” “Right,” Graham cuts in. “Here’s our rehearsal and show schedule. We want to stay busy this summer, so if you have any outstanding conflicts this might not be the best arrangement for you. It’s really important that you keep a clean image. In a way, you’re the face of our band. You’re the one everyone hears the most and you’re the one most people will be looking at.” Lots of pressure I guess. I’ve kept a clean state, and I believe I’m a nice face to look at. I used to do some modeling before I started college. When my contract expired I decided to not renew it. “I don’t think we have to worry about the image thing, she’s pretty and for bonus points she’s black. 2 minorities.” Percy smiles at me. He sure said it. We’re both black. To provide a better picture of eveyrone in the room, Graham is tall and lanky with long-ish flowy brown hair. Lewis looks just like him. Like seriously identical, if they say they’re not related there’s not a chance I’d believe them. The only different is Lewis has shorter hair. Kind of like the standard for a band leader of this caliber. Percy is talk and black with a shaved head bleached blond. Levi is tall and pretty muscular. I’m the height you’d expect rod a female model. Honestly I never stood out on the runway. I prefer to keep my hair straight with extensions since it’s much easier to manage. After being added to their text chain I have 1 question. “What’s your band name?” “Palin Drome.” Graham responds. Seemingly really proud of this name. “Ok, cool. I’ll see you tomorrow I guess.” I’m officially part of a band with one of the dumbest names I’ve ever heard.

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

“Listen up guys! Our first gig EVER is tomorrow night! We have to lock in. No room for failure today and definitely no room for failure tomorrow.” I’m a little nervous. We just have a cover set for now, we haven’t been playing long enough to figure out our sound. Our set list Red Wine Supernova - Chappell Roan Theatre - Etta Marcus Nothing Matters - Last Dinner Party Everlong - Foo Fighters

I’ve been practicing with these guys for about a month almost every day. They’re all super nice to me except for Levi. I don’t know what’s up with that guy. I’m super nice to him. I say hi and bye and ask questions but he completely ignores me. I asked Percy about it and apparently he’s only like this with me. Great. I try not to think about it but it bugs me so much. What did I do to him? Did I say something weird? Do I looke unapproachable? Is he racist? The last one is the most extreme I know he’s not because he and Percy are practically best friends. Maybe he hates women. Like one of those Reddit incels. But that wouldn’t make any sense either because I’m literally the only person he treats this way. We play through the set so many times I’m worried we’ll start sucking, And that would be terrible because we sound great. I was worried I wouldn’t mesh well with these guys who’d know each other for so long before but I think I fit great.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It’s an hour before the party we’re set to play it is supposed to start and I’m freaking. I’ve been set up warmed up and tuned for about an hour already and I’ve just been waiting for everyone to show up so we can rehearse. I’m not entirely alone though, Levi’s here. He’s been setting up his drum set in complete silence. I said hi when he walked in, still silence. But it’s fine I’m sure I’ll get out of something To help with the nerves I decide to take a shot, or 2. Instantly feel better. I absolutely despise the taste of vodka but I love the way I feel after it. I offer Levi a shot and surprisingly he acknowledges me, but just for a second to take the drink from my hand. I feel great. I’m pumped and ready. The set we play is absolutely perfect. I’m elated. So naturally, I start to party. I’m throwing back drinks when all of a sudden I feel this weird sense of dread. I feel terrible, like something’s wrong that I need to sort out. Then I realize, this bullshit with Levi. I spot him across the room talking up some girls. When we make I contact I make a beeline for him dragging him in to the nearest room and shutting the door behind me. Before he can open his mouth to protest I start. “I need to ask you something extremely important.” No response, great. “But seriously I need an answer.” “Fine.” “Why do you hate me?” He looks at me with a confused look. “I don’t hate you Willow.” “Okay, then why are you so weird to me?” Oh jeez, and now I’m crying. “I don’t know.” What a stupid answer. He knows exactly why he treats me the way he does. “You hate me.” I’m drunk and sobbing to this guy who’s opinion of me doesn’t matter. “No, I don’t.” “You do.” “I don’t, Willow. I have to go.” And he leaves. He leaves! What the fuck. He leaves me sobbing in some random guys bedroom in some random guys house. He’s such a dick.

Notes: Ty for reading! pls give likes if you enjoyed it and feel free to add any suggestions you’d like to see!

[seisoukan]

Wonderful Journey - Chapter 5

Translated by: @seisoukan

With thanks to my proofers: Vulpes

Season: Winter

Time: Several days later, the same day the commercial shoot ended successfully

Location: Karaoke Box

WATARU: — The kabe-don that Keito-kun did at the time looked so handsome, my heart just couldn’t help but beat faster~ It’s such a shame you all couldn’t see it for yourselves ♪

KEITO: Stop adding embellishments to the story, Hibiki. To me, it isn’t an experience I’d like to relive over and over again.

TOMOYA: Ahaha, don’t worry, Hasumi-senpai. I mean, I’ve made myself look like an idiot a bunch of times, so it’s not like I’m any better…

That’s why I’m telling you, Hibiki-senpai! You have to be a little more aware of the amount of problems you’re causing other people!

Eh? Why’re you apologizing for him, Anzu-senpai? You’re saying that because you also participated in the conception of the ‘Closeness UP Campaign’, you’re an accomplice?

No no no, we aren’t actually mad. Actually, we want to thank Anzu-senpai… and Hibiki-senpai, I guess.

WATARU: Tomoya-kun, you needn’t put special emphasis on the ‘guess’, you know…

KEITO: Hmph. You’ve been too reckless after all. You bastard.

Though I don’t know how you two thought up the idea of using shoujo manga tropes to raise the closeness between our members; to my surprise, you achieved your goal in the end.

Afterwards, we gradually developed a rapport, our subsequent rehearsals went smoother, and in the end, we were able to finish the commercial shoot without incident.

In any case, I still hope next time you’ll tell us before you two do something like this. That way, at the very least, we can be mentally prepared.

WATARU: Non~non! That wouldn’t be Amazing at all, wouldn't it? You should know, it’s unexpected situations that really stimulate the potential in someone!

To ensure that our strategy could properly move forward, I had to first inform Tomoya-kun of a portion of our plans for him to carry them out. That was the biggest concession I could make!

TOMOYA: You say that, but I was absolutely clueless for the most part…

SHU: … Right, enough chitter-chatter. Don’t forget today’s main objective.

Since you’ve also invited the little girl to the celebration party, I must take the opportunity to express my gratitude to her in person no matter what. Otherwise, I would never have willingly come to such a crowded and clamorous place.

Just listening to the constant background music playing in the room is making me feel a little overwhelmed.

WATARU: Oya? My sincerest apologies. I was too busy happily chatting with everyone. It’s my fault for being inconsiderate.

Then, allow us to change up the atmosphere! With a snap of my fingers ☆

TOMOYA: (… Wow, the dynamic electronic music instantly became a soothing and elegant piano tune.)

(Not only that, all the bright lights in the room went dim, and only the ceiling and the four surrounding walls are cast in glowing starbursts of silver. It’s almost like—)

WATARU: How about it, Anzu-san? Is this miniature starry sky to your liking?

However, now is far from the time to be astonished! For we shall offer to you even more Amazing things, one after the other ☆

Come, come, my dearest Royal Highness! The grand ball is about to start, so please put on this mask decorated with feathers of pure white… ☆

TOMOYA: Ah, just a sec, Anzu-senpai, don’t raise your head yet… Great, the handmade crown is the right size, too ♪

SHU: This is a handsewn cape made with fabric selected by yours truly. Try it on while you’re at it, little girl.

Hm, as I thought, that wine red color suits you.

TOMOYA: Haha, Anzu-senpai looks exactly like a shimmering, sparkling princess right now ♪

KEITO: Oi, you all forgot to explain yourselves before dressing Anzu up like this out of nowhere. She completely froze up.

… Tonight, Anzu, you are the protagonist of our celebration.

Not just for this time’s commercial shooting. All this time, you’ve done your utmost as a producer to advise and plan for us idols, rushing around.

The four of us had a private discussion, and each of us decided to prepare a gift for you today, so just accept it without any complaints.

Also, this is for you. It isn’t anything precious, so you should put it away quickly—

WATARU: Oya? Anzu-san is so happy, she hopped right out of her seat. I wonder what sort of goody that was ☆

TOMOYA: “Mizuhanome-sensei’s signature”…? Are you a fan of that artist’s work, Anzu-senpai?

Um, I can’t help but think this name sounds familiar. I might have heard of them before at the academy—

KEITO: … Cough, cough, then why have I never heard of them before? You must have confused them with someone else.

That being said, we’ve rented the karaoke box for a limited time. Shouldn’t we get started?

WATARU: Hahaha, your way of changing the subject is a little stiff Keito-kun, but I’ll listen to you this time around.

Actually, the reason we decided to hold the celebration party here, is because the four of us wish to express our heartfelt gratitude towards Anzu-san the way an idol knows best— That is, with our voices.

Then, please listen to our Amazing Ensemble… ♪

WATARU & TOMOYA: ♪ ♪ ♪~

KEITO & SHU: ♪~♪~♪

TOMOYA: Haha, Anzu-senpai seems to be having a good time listening. She’s shaking the maracas along with the music from time to time ♪

WATARU: However, that isn’t the end of it! The next session is the real surprise of today! Let us begin the ‘ES Idol Karaoke Imitation Show’ ☆

SHU: … What? I was never given word of such an arrangement!

WATARU: Certainly ♪ That’s because the idea just popped into my brain, so I did not anticipate it myself either!

TOMOYA: Ugh, by now, I’m so used to Hibiki-senpai’s impulsive style of acting, I can’t even be bothered to complain…

WATARU: Then, allow me to start everyone off! I am able to imitate anyone, so just designate someone at random, Anzu-san ☆

Oho, you’d like to see our fine’s Hime-kun, is it? Not a problem at all![1]

“Ehehe, the world’s cutest Himemiya Tori-sama is right here ♪”

“Leaping like a kitten, then spinning around~♪”

“How was that? I tried my best to perform fine’s representative song, so Anzu-san has to praise me as much as she wants~♪”

TOMOYA: Anzu-senpai! The person in front of you isn’t Himemiya, but Hibiki-senpai! Don’t unconsciously reach your hand out to pat his head!

WATARU: Fufufu, this just goes to show how close my imitation of Hime-kun is to the real thing ☆

And now, Keito-kun is next up! Anzu-san helped you get the signature of that mangaka you like, so in return, you should at least put on a good show, right?

See, Anzu-san is even looking at you expectantly ♪

KEITO: Why does Hibiki know about that? … Fine, Anzu. Whoever you’d like to see me imitate, I’ll give it an earnest attempt.

Fair warning though, don’t expect too much from my imitation skills.

… Um, Nito, is it? I should be able to remember a few of his catchphrases, more or less. Cough, cough… (clearing his throat)

“I… I’m everybody’s Nii~chan! If you’ve got any difficulties, just come and find your reliable Nii~chan!”

“Uunyah! I’m gonna get angwy!”

SHU: …

TOMOYA: Pfft… (holding back his laughter)

KEITO: Now, I’ll perform a Ra*bits song… If I remember correctly, when singing the part that goes ‘pyon pyon ♪’, you have to raise your hands above your head and pose them like twitching rabbit ears…?[2]

… Fine, since I’ve already gone all out, you lot can laugh it up.

WATARU: Fuhahahahaha ☆ I can scarcely believe Keito-kun’s imitation was so entertaining! My stomach hurts from laughing! I have to give you full marks, 100 points!

TOMOYA: Ha… Haha, I don’t even know what to say. This is so different from the Hasumi-senpai I know, I feel like I’m dreaming.

But you know, I can’t say it isn’t an unique type of ‘cute’, so I’m going to give Hasumi-senpai 80 points ♪

SHU: Your judgment criteria is far too loose. I’ll give him 10 points at most! You are entirely unable to imitate even a thousandth of the essence of Nito’s cuteness!

Though, since the little girl is laughing so happily… I shall add another 10 points.

After all, one of the reasons idols exist is to bring smiles to the people of the world. Among those people are the producer who has always been at our side, of course.

WATARU: Oya, oya, it’s rare for Shu to say such sentimental words. We’re all happy to be able to see Anzu-san display such a bright smile ♪

Right, since you’re not entirely satisfied with Keito-kun’s imitation, why don’t you, who has the deepest understanding of Little Rabbit-san by far, try your hand at imitating him, Shu?

SHU: Non! I refuse! I should not have come here today!

The following voice lines are played in Tori's voice.

It is unclear whether the song he is referring to is Melty♡Kitchen or Made in Tokimeki♪, as both songs have 'pyon pyon' in the lyrics.

Wonderful Journey - Masterlist

[aeoki]

Fist of the Shangri-la Idol - After Audition: Chapter 1

Location: ES Staff Cafeteria Characters: Subaru, Hokuto, Makoto & Mao Season: Spring

TL Note:

For those who don’t know, this refers to Izumi.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< A week later. ES staff cafeteria. >

Makoto: …………

Hokuto: ? Yuuki, it’s rude to be on your phone while eating. My grandmother said so.

Mao: Uhh, are you playing a game or something?

Subaru: *Munch munch! Munch, munch, munch~!*

Hokuto: Akehoshi, speaking with your mouth full is just as rude. My grandmother knows all the truths to this world.

Everything will go smoothly if you believe in my grandmother and follow her teachings.

Mao: Is your grandma some sort of god, Hokuto?

Subaru: Hmm~ Oh, you’re checking your messages on “Hallhands”, Ukki~?

Hokke~ doesn’t check his work messages much so you ended up shouldering some of the work for him, huh.

Makoto: Yeah… I’ve set it up so special mail addressed to leaders will automatically be sent to my inbox too.

I’m not doing it because I don’t trust Hidaka-kun, but Tenshouin-senpai got angry at him a lot because he wouldn’t check them so, you know, just in case.

Hokuto: Thanks… Sorry for always troubling you, Yuuki.

Makoto: It’s fine. There’s way too much for a Yumenosaki unit leader to shoulder in the first place, so it’s good to split up the work. Anyone shouldering it all on their own would collapse from it all.

But I’m sure once the “producer course” finally starts running properly, the school will teach them this sorta stuff and they’ll take over these tasks.

StarPro tries to do everything on their own so there’s bound to be weak spots here and there.

They should just hire “producers” from an already existing company, but it seems they don’t like the idea of something that “already exists”.

Hokuto: Hmm. That’s the opposite of RhyLink – If anything, it looks like they harbour a strong dislike for everything “new”.

Tomoya mentioned that it’s lacking in Amazingness.

Subaru: Hmm. I wonder how Shinonon’s doing…? Sounds like each agency has it rough.

Makoto: Woah.

Mao: What’s wrong, Makoto?

Makoto: Oh, it’s nothing. I was just surprised because my phone suddenly vibrated.

I don’t get notifications when I’m waiting for a response, but I sure wonder why they come when I forget about them and I’m just casually chatting.

Mao: Ohh~ Yeah, that happens~ It’s like it knows exactly what you want and don’t want.

Subaru: What kinda message were you waiting for, Ukki~? A love message from Seaweed-head[⁎]?

Makoto: He’s probably asleep right now on the other side of the world. …Uh, I mean, today’s the day we get the results of the “Fist of the Shangri-la Idol” audition, right?

Hokuto: Ohh. Now that you mention it, they should be sending out our results today.

Makoto: Please make sure to know our schedule, leader…

I’m pretty sure you should’ve gotten a notification on your “Hallhands” app too, so make sure to take a look, okay?

Don’t try to take a look at my screen~ That’s also rude – Dunno if Hidaka-kun’s grandma also said that or not.

Hokuto: I don’t remember her saying that, but if it’s the truth, then there’s no way my grandmother wouldn’t have said it.

Subaru: I think Hokke’s love for his grandma’s gotten worse ever since he started living in the dorms…

But I understand how he feels~ I wanna tell my mum about random stuff like eggs are cheap or my back’s itchy.

Makoto: Hehe. Seisou Hall’s a nice place, but you can get a bit homesick, huh.

Mao: Makoto, you don’t have to react to everything being said, so tell us the result of your audition.

I’ve been kinda curious…

Putting the real audition aside, they were really ambiguous during the “rehearsal”, so I had no idea whether they were praising me or looking down on me.

Makoto: Ahaha. It sure was surprising finding out the audition “fine” were judging was actually the “rehearsal”.

The real audition was held the next day and actual people from the film company came.

Hokuto: Hmph. I should’ve known things were fishy when it was an audition with idols judging idols.

Makoto: Well, maybe it couldn’t be helped. The students at Yumenosaki are idols and they’re the ones voting on the cyalumes – in other words, being the judges – during the dreamfests, after all.

That was what’s “normal” for us – it just makes you realise that that sorta thing can happen too. It feels like it really hit a blind spot in our judgement

Mao: Yeah~ Recently, it’s made me realise that Yumenosaki was a pretty weird environment.

Hokuto: I suppose that’s true. We were definitely made fools of.

It seems they all had a fixed impression of us and thought we’d always pull off something bad right before the real thing, so it’s unpleasant to say the least.

Makoto: Well, we have “Starfest” and “BIG BANG” on our criminal record so…

Hidaka-kun, you might not see those events in that way, but the world sure thinks of them as a “screw-up”.

Hokuto: Hmph. Stop speaking like you weren’t involved – you didn’t try to stop us and were there with the rest of us, so you’re just as guilty.

Makoto: Well, I did try to stop you guys, you know? That’s just because you guys wouldn’t listen to me~!

Subaru: Alright, alright… It might be true we caused a bit of trouble to the people around us, but it’s fine since no one died or anything.

Anyway, let’s talk about something fun instead! Tell us how you did for the audition, Ukki~♪

Makoto: Uh, okay… The leading actor would be chosen during the “rehearsal”.

But all the roles would be given out depending on how we do during the actual audition, right?

Mao: Yeah. You’re basically given an informal offer as long as you took part in the audition. All that’s left is to see how nice of a role you ended up with.

Knowing that beforehand would’ve probably helped lessen the nerves in the beginning, but “fine” didn’t tell us that, though.

Looks like we can’t let our guard down sometimes, huh.

Makoto: That might apply to us but I can’t say so for the other units.

I have a feeling “fine” has their eyes on those types of “general idols”.

It seems they’re creating a programme or system that will allow any idol to bring in a certain degree of results no matter how they perform. 

Hokuto: So we’re the perfect lab rats to test that system on, huh. What do they think humans are? I think I want to start another revolution again.

Subaru: Oh? Are we gonna go on another rampage?

Mao: Stop with that happy look in your eyes… Me and Makoto are gonna die from stress if you two keep being reckless like that.

Makoto: …………

Mao: ? W–What’s wrong, Makoto? You look seriously pale. Wanna go see the nurse?

Makoto: Oh, nah… I’m fine. I guess I’m just a bit taken aback from the unexpected information.

Mao: Unexpected information?

Makoto: Yeah… It looks like I’ve been chosen to be the leading actor for “Fist of the Shangri-la Idol…”

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