#so if anyone asked where you got your dress you would give them the dressmakers name

[harrowharks-earing]

Fascinating implications as to the state of the fashion industry in Dungeon Meshi here

Laios cuts the tags outta his clothes like an autistic king confirmed

[lovetorn]

cardigan [diego hargreeves]

Diego Hargreeves x Fem!Reader

PART 2 | PART 3

Summary: Five finally finds you, Diego’s best friend, in 1963, but when you try and meet up with Diego again, things don’t go to plan.  Inspo: cardigan by miss Taylor obvi Warnings: cursing, angst Word Count: 1.3k A/N: This is shit and a bit short and very punchy. I didn’t spend too much time on it if you couldn’t tell lol but I just wanted to get something out since I haven’t posted in over a month. I’m sorry ahahha I’m a bit rusty. enjoy x

You miss the lips in the sidewalk as you sprint towards the alleyway you were dropped into 6 months ago. You throw a metal trash can out of the way as you run. Having the power of telekinesis was one that did help in everyday life, especially when you're in such a rush like this. Your dress swishes against your calves when you stop to take a few breaths. The small white heels make your feet ache, and your hair is going in all directions. Your lips are painted a deep red despite your obligations against it earlier that morning. 

You glare at the sky in resentment of Five, your best friend’s adopted brother. You mumble a few curse words as you catch your breath. You shake your head, then drop it towards the footpath. Your hands on your hips, you shield your eyes from the sun as you squint down the street—3 blocks left. A few people look at you in disgust when you begin running again; how unladylike. 

Living in the 1960s had meant that you didn't have as many freedoms as you did in 2019. And god, you missed Allison, she wouldn't be taking shit from anyone here. The men that assumed you knew nothing wherever you went, especially when you had gone for that job in the tailoring store 5 months ago. It wasn't until one of the men's wives had stepped in and said you were suitable for the job, but you didn't see her after that. Nonetheless, the men had turned you away and said you should find a career in hairdressing or dressmaking. This left you fuming. 

So, instead, you had crossed the street to the opposing tailoring store and made sure they knew you knew what you were doing. And you got the job. And when you weren't at work, you were asking people if they had seen anyone in your family—describing them as 'a really big man', 'one with knives on his belt', 'a very kind girl with a caring face', 'one with questionable fashion for this time who looks like he's talking to himself, but he's not', 'a 13-year-old boy in a school uniform', and 'a small, shy girl who is a wonderful person when you get to know her'. You wished one day someone who would say that they recognised one of the people you were describing, but that day never came. 

Instead, 5 months later, you're leaving your work after Five showed up. You had been quick to ask him about Diego, to which he mumbled a half-arsed answer about him being in a mental hospital. Confused, you only nodded and sipped from your tall glass of water. 

And since then, seeing Diego was the only thing on your mind; the most important. Before the end of the world in 2019, he had confessed his life-long crush on you, to which you reciprocated. Being here for 6 months was the most confusing and heartbreaking thing, never knowing where your family had scattered about, but now you knew. You knew they were here and you've never been more excited to see them all. 

Diego had helped you overcome the utter heartbreak you had from the break up with your ex-boyfriend. Diego drew stars around your scars, making the split bearable and easier than you originally thought. You knew him. From dancing down the street drunk with him to him giving you his weekends, you knew you would last, even before you confessed your feelings to each other. 

Turning down the alley behind Commerce and Know street, you could cry at the relief you feel when you see Five through the window above. Your heels clack against the cobblestones and then up the brick stairs. 

Pushing the door open, you peek inside, seeing Five talking to a stranger. 

"Hello?" You call, gaining the attention of the two sitting at the table. Five gives you a tight-lipped smile, while the other looks at you wide-eyed. 

"There's more of you?" He asks. Five mumbles an answer before standing and walking towards you. 

"Where's Diego?" Five pales. The other man's ears prick as he stands from the table also. 

"He's in my room with Lila." You freeze at his words. You tilt your head at Five as he brings his fingers to pinch the bridge of his nose. Who's Lila?

You throw a thumb back at the door behind you as the man nods. You roll your lips inwards as you back towards the door. 

Five shakes his head as he goes back to the man, who you still don't know the name of. You place your hand on the cold handle, not quite prepared for what you might see. 

But you open it and instantly regret it. There lies Diego with a girl on top of him. The sound of the door halts the two laying down, and your eyes meet his. 

"Y/n?" You stand in the doorway, trying your best to keep it together while you watch him push the girl away. You aren't sure why your legs aren't moving, but you stay put as he pulls his pants on. At the very last second, you turn and walk out into the kitchen, a half-dressed Diego trailing behind you. But he stops as the door slams right behind you, your hand flying out to emphasise your power.

The door swinging open again and there are tears in your eyes as you spin to meet his pleading ones. Five and the man had disappeared from the table before you had the chance to ask them for an explanation. Diego's fingers wrap around your wrist, but you snatch it away faster. 

"Why?" Your voice is small, but he hears it. 

"She's been here for me, even when I was put into that hospital." His eyes meet yours as you furrow your eyebrows.

"I didn't even know you were alive Diego! How was I supposed to be there for you?" You cry, your hands going every direction. 

"I've been here for 6 months, and I haven't tried anything with anyone else! I waited for you. But you clearly couldn't." Diego's demeanour changes from an apologetic one to one full of resentment. 

"Don't give me that look, Diego. I doubt she even knows your last name." He only rolls his eyes. 

"You're so dramatic."

"How? I have every right to be angry right now. I'm not the one who cheated."

"How could I cheat if we were never even together?" He spits as his fists clench beside him.

"Did you even think about me when you got here? Because I'm starting to think I just slipped your mind." You say, glaring at the man in front of you. His hair has grown out.

"Don't accuse me of not thinking about you, Y/n, because I did! Every night I laid in my bed in that damn institute thinking you were dead. Thinking about how I was going to kill Five if I ever saw him again. So don't you ever say that I didn't think about you, I care about you too much." 

"You didn't care about me enough! 6 months ago I got here, and every waking moment I tried to find you. But you weren't looking for me. Honestly, I was hoping to be hugging you instead of arguing right now. I was hoping that you would be glad to see me after all of this shit." Your eyes go towards the bedroom he was just in with the girl. 

Diego shakes his head and goes to turn around before your voice stops him.

"Where are you going?" You whisper. You see him huff as he throws you a pointed look. 

"Back to Lila if you're trying to guilt-trip me into picking you," Diego bites as he changes direction and moves closer to you.

"I'm not telling you to pick me, Diego. I never said anything about choosing. I'm just saying that it would've been nice to have a loving reunion than walking in on you with another girl."

"Well, I'm sorry that didn't happen. And I would choose Lila in every timeline."

And now you're bleeding. Once you were his favourite, but now that's changed.

[devnicolee]

The Chosen Ones (One-Shot): Surprise

A/N: Very random but it is what my brain wanted this weekend lol Also I miss Asha lol my fav! Anyway, enjoy!

***

Asha’s hand covered her mouth as she yawned, resting her book on her chest and letting her head gently fall on the mountain of propped up pillows behind her.

“You have been really tried lately, firecracker?” M’Baku called as he walked out of their bathroom to grab his pajamas at the foot of the bed. Asha nodded lightly, her mind immediately distracted, like a child with a new toy, as her eyes gazed over his naked body. They had only known each other for a year, been married for six months, and his body still managed to take her breath away.

She licked her lips lightly, desire flaring in her eyes as she ignored his question and her previous exhaustion. M’Baku chuckled as he examined her.

“Are you listening, my queen?”

She smiled slyly, pulling herself from under the covers, sexily crawling down to the edge of the bed where he stood.

“I’m sorry, my king. You are just my greatest distraction,” she whispered seductively in his ear, her teeth gently nipping at his earlobe, his favorite spot.

He groaned before pulling back slightly. “There will time for that later. But I am serious, Asha. Are you sure you are feeling ok?” His eyes examined her closely as if he could see a mysterious illness in her eyes. “You usually only sleep one or two nights a week and you have been dead to the world every night this week.”

“Maybe it is our late night activities,” she winked before kissing his neck. She ended her ministrations as she heard the frustrated sigh leave his lips. Her usual methods of distraction weren’t going to work this time.

He wasn’t wrong, she usually didn’t need sleep or, at least, not much of it. She spent most nights working with T’Challa, who was usually awake as well, or reading in the library. That is, after she and M’Baku finished their intimate time, which was continuing at a rate of every single night. She was wondering when he would slow down, get tired of her… but that day had yet to come. She was convinced that was part of it, M’Baku had more energy than her. He pushed her body to its limits most nights, even after a long day, he was rarely satisfied with lazy sex.

“Sorry, I know you are serious. I don’t know what it is though… nothing has changed. I-I’ve just felt really tired the last week or two. I’m sure it will pass, don’t worry about it, ok?” She kissed his cheek.

Silence fell over them as his eyes examined her. “If it continues, you will go see a healer, yes?”

“Of course. Now…” her small hands drifted to the hem of the shirt he just pulled onto his broad frame and started to pull it back off. “Why don’t you come over here and give me a reason to be exhausted?”

M’Baku climbed over her as their lips connected and their tongues explored each other.

“Anything you wish, my queen.”

****

Asha groaned slightly as she turned over in bed, the sheets sliding off of her naked body. M’Baku instinctively turned with her, his arm resting over her hip as she tried to get comfortable again. She glanced at the clock, surprised at how long she had slept. But she wasn’t surprised, M’Baku seemed determined to send her to new heights that evening, pouring all his love and energy into worshipping her body. She reached for her beads, finding a missed message from T’Challa.

She groaned as she remembered she was supposed to be going over some treaties with him that evening. She quietly got out of bed to get her tablet to call him. However, as she stood up, she felt her stomach start to turn, an unfortunate wave of nausea overtaking her. She sat back on the bed, her mind running through the food she ate throughout the day to determine what caused this.

After a few minutes, she felt that unmistakable churn that forced her to leap off the bed. She barely made it to the toilet before she began throwing up. It felt as if her body was trying to rid itself of every substance she ever consumed. After a few minutes of heaving, she rested her head on her arms, exhaustion settling in, as she waited for the next wave she knew would be coming.

When the second wave hit, she didn’t even notice M’Baku behind her, holding her braids back for her. When she was done, she felt a damp rag wiping her forehead. She offered him a small smile and a feeble ‘thank you.’

“What happened, baby?” He whispered as he rubbed her back.

“I-I don’t know. Just one of those stomach bugs probably,” she waved his concerns away.

“Maybe we should go see a healer tomorrow, firecracker?”

Asha immediately shook her head. “No, no. I promise I’m fine.”

She pushed herself up and walked slowly over to their wooden counter. She discreetly leaned against it as she reached for her toothbrush. “Look, if I get sick again, I promise I will go see a doctor. But there is no need to fuss. I feel much better already.”

“Ok, one more incident and you are headed to the doctor, no complaints.”

“Yes sir. Now let me brush my teeth and then we can go back to bed. I’ll be there in a second.”

She watched M’Baku’s back retreat from her as he returned to their bedroom. She slumped forward, her head resting in her hand. Something was off, she knew that much.

***

“Are you sure you are ok?” M’Baku asked as Asha wrapped her arm in his as they strolled through the market. She rolled her eyes.

She appreciated M’baku’s protectiveness, truly. But sometimes it felt overbearing. Aside from that bout of sickness two days ago, Asha had felt fine. Still tired but fine. And yet, he has asked her how she was feeling every hour for the last 48 hours. But when she thought about the husband she almost had, she chose to be grateful for this quirk of his. It just meant he cared deeply and wanted her to know that. She would always appreciate that about him… the lengths he went to ensure she felt loved, cherished and protected every single day. He wanted her to be around as long as she possibly could be and wanted to protect her from anything that could stop that.

“When are you going to stop asking me if I am ok?“

“When you are back to my usual energetic, non-sleeping, sickness-free fire goddess,” he mused.

“I promise, it was just one night. Even goddesses get sick, my king,” she teased, as she waved at a few vendors as they passed by. “Seriously, I’m good.”

“If you say so,” he muttered, his usual response to her assurances, an indication that he didn’t really believe her.

They approached Asha’s favorite shop in the market, a dressmaker who was a true magician with fabric. Asha had dragged Nakia, Okoye, and Shuri here to see Adisa, firmly believing her dresses were better than 99 percent of the dressmakers in the Golden City.

“My king, my queen,” Adisa saluted them as they entered the shop.

“Asha!”

“Neema! It is Queen Asha, you know that. Be respectful,” her mother called as the little girl barreled toward her chief and chieftess.

Asha smiled as Adisa’s daughter came rushing up to her and rammed into her legs for a hug. She didn’t particularly care about the young girl, or anyone in the tribe, calling her by her title. She was still getting used to that part.

“Oof!” Asha exclaimed as she wrapped her small arms around her legs. “Have you gotten stronger since I was last here? I think you have found your next great warrior, M’Baku,” she mused, sharing a wink with her husband.

The young girl glanced up at M’Baku, her eyes big with wonder and excitement. “Reallyyyy?” Her baby voice asked. M’Baku swooped down and picked her up, the girl immediately resting her head on his shoulder.

“I agree! We need strong warriors like you. You will train hard, yes? I will be looking for you to join us in a few years,” he remarked, smiling at the young girl.

It always made Asha’s heart melt watching M’Baku interact with children throughout the tribe. They all adored him. He had such a way with them, gentle and loving.

He placed her feet back on the ground, offering her another big smile before she turned her attention back to Asha.

“Can you make the fire, Queen Asha, pleasseeeee?”

Asha smiled before taking a few steps back, to put a healthy distance between her and the young girl, and stretched out her hands. While she enjoyed free use of her powers in Jabariland, she honestly didn’t think much about them anymore or use them often, especially this time of year. They were a joy for everyone during the winter months, instant fire at her fingertips whenever they needed it. But in the summer, Asha’s gift wasn’t as necessary as others were. Only one year into living among the Jabari and she truly appreciated how the Chosen were seen as gifts and help to the tribe, each one stepping up to fill a need or a gap when necessary.

Asha concentrated as she stretched her hands out, several flames emerging before forming three small gorillas. She and Neema watched as the gorillas ran around in her palms, the young girl getting close enough to watch but keeping a safe distance to ensure she didn’t get hurt.

She giggled and clapped her hands at the show, before Asha closed her palms, causing the fire to die out.

“What do you say?” Her mother prompted as she carried several large garment bags out of the back of the shop.

“Thank you!”

She gave Asha another hug before running to the back room. As she straightened back up, Asha swayed slightly for a second, unexpected dizziness washing over her. She took a deep breath, ignoring it briefly.

“Thank you for always entertaining her. She just loves that.”

M’Baku took the long garment bags out of her hands, trading them for a stack of Wakandan dollars.

Asha waved her hand, “It is nothing. She is a dream, so sweet. And thank you for the new pieces. So happy I have something for King T’Challa’s birthday this weekend.”

“I hope you like them! Will I see you again next week? I will have some new things for you to try?”

Asha nodded, “Of course!”

She and M’Baku said their goodbyes before heading back into the market toward their carriage. She leaned against M’Baku, using him to help her walk as the dizzy feeling grew. She wanted to ask him to stop but didn’t want to send him into a frenzy in the middle of the crowded market. But after a few more paces, she realized she couldn’t take it any longer.

“My love, can we s-slow down for one second?” She asked, her feet coming to a halt.

“Of course. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just felt dizzy all of a sudden. I am sure it is nothing.”

His hands went to her waist as he examined her. After a few minutes of deep breathes, Asha finally opened her eyes to see the extreme concern in his.

“Better?”

She nodded, “Much. Thanks.”

“Good. And we will have no more of this. I am calling a healer as soon as we get home.”

“M’Baku…” Asha whined. “Please, don’t make a big deal out of this. I just needed a minute.”

“And I need for you to be ok, really ok. And you aren’t. Lying about that for my benefit isn’t helping either of us. Even if it is something small, I would rather know about it so we can deal with it. Understand?” He kissed her forehead gently.

Asha nodded, accepting that this was not a battle she could win. “Understood.”

***

Asha paced up and down their bedroom as she waited for M’Baku to come home from his office. He had demanded she take the day off and rest, rearranging her entire day for her and arranging for his private healer to come check in on her.

The healer had left over an hour ago, leaving behind a diagnosis Asha hadn’t never thought to consider.

She was pregnant.

She almost fainted when he told her. She even asked him to check again to be sure.

Asha couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t tell whether to be excited or terrified. Asha had always wanted children but convinced herself for years that she would never have them. And then M’Baku came along and changed all of that. He made her impossible dreams feel possible again. And they both wanted children, him an army of them. But not this soon, they had barely been married.

She worried they were moving too fast. After all, they had dated, gotten engaged and gotten married all in less than a year. Asha regretted none of it, even if the move to Jabariland came with a steep learning curve. She had figured it out and she had never been happier. However, children were not something you rushed, they were something you planned for. And they hadn’t done any real planning yet.

Part of her worried how M’Baku would react, but only for a second. Regardless of the timing, he would be ecstatic, beside himself.

She had spent the last hour pacing their quarters, wondering how to tell him. However, she wouldn’t have to wait much longer as she looked up to find him walking into their quarters.

“My love, you are supposed to be in bed,” he chastised lightly, kissing her on the forehead. “What’s wrong?” He asked immediately as he took in the stressed look on her face. “What did the doctor say?”

Asha stared at his chest. She knew there was a better way to tell him this, something cute and romantic. But she was freaking out and needed him… his strength, his steadfastness, his wisdom. He would forgive the lack of fanfare in the announcement.

“Nothing bad. I’m ok… I-I’m just pregnant.”

She stole a glance at his face, finding a smile slowly growing there like a blooming flower.

“What?” He asked for clarification.

“I am pregnant.”

“Ah!” Asha let out a light scream and laugh as she was suddenly swept off her feet. M’Baku captured her lips as he spun her around. She giggled lightly.

“Are you happy?” She asked.

“You have made me the happiest man in the world, Asha. I love you more than anything.” He kissed her deeply.

He clapped his hands and laughed as they broke apart, immediately launching into a speech.

“We have to celebrate! In the Golden City this weekend! Oh and we have to tell our families. AND the Council. They will be ecstatic at this news… an heir. Wow. Oh he or she will be the greatest leader the Jabari has ever seen.” Asha watched as he paced and talked, his excitement flowing out of him like the rivers cut the mountains. “I will carve them a knobkerrie and I s-should start on the crib now. Do you th-“ he stopped as he looked over at his wife, his words dying at the sad smile on her face.

“What’s wrong, usana?” He asked, immediately coming up to her and rubbing her bare arms. As he looked at her, he could see the signs of her anxiety and fear, the unshed tears she was desperately trying to hold back glistening vin her eyes. “Are you not happy?”

She shook her head immediately, “No, no. I am happy. Of course, I’m happy,” she emphasized looking up at him. “I ju-“ she shook her head again, hesitant at sharing her fears with him… fears she knew he wouldn’t share. “N-nothing, it’s nothing. I am happy, really.”

“Stop. No, do not do that. Something is bothering you. Tell me.”

Asha looked away from him, her fears growing as she struggled to voice her anxieties to her husband. This was the part of marriage she still struggled with, being vulnerable and letting him in.

“Hey, look at me, baby.” His hand gently guided her chin so her eyes were back on him. “Whatever you have, whatever you are feeling… the good, the bad, all the complicated feelings in between, I want to hear them. I want all of you, always, Asha. Please, tell me what is troubling you.”

“Do you think I would be a good mother?” She whispered.

M’Baku tilted his head in confusion. Of all the things he expected her to say, this was not it. “Of course. Why would you ask such a thing?”

Asha sighed, a tear falling down her cheek. “Y-You know how my parents were. I mean, I basically died a-and my mother didn’t even check on me. She never protected me o-or loved me. The moment she could rid me from her life, she did. I probably don’t have a mothering bone i-in my body. I don’t know how to do this a-and I thought we would have more time for me to figure it out. A-and I am terrified… terrified I will disappoint them a-and you.”

M’Baku settled next to her, a comforting hand rubbing her back. “You are nothing like your parents, Asha. What’s that American saying, ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?’ Well, you and your siblings seemed to have fallen in a different field.” His heart lifted at the little smile at graced her face at his joke. It shattered him to hear how little she thought of herself, how her parents’ actions still haunted her. He understood, saw it every time they were in the Golden City.

She had begun healing from her relationship with her father since she spoke with him in the Ancestral Plane… she had closure at least. But her mother… that was a minefield he, T’Challa, and Shuri tried to avoid, at Asha’s insistence. They maintained pleasantries at official events and in front of the Council, for the sake of optics. But other than that, M’Baku couldn’t think of the last time she and her mother had uttered two words directly to each other or been in the same room without T’Challa and Shuri. However, that didn’t stop the snide remarks sent her way from her mother.

Asha pretended it didn’t bother her to be ignored, disrespected by her mother continuously. But M’Baku saw it, the way her heart fell - even just for a second - every single time. He remembered her coronation 6 months ago, two days after their wedding. He still remembered her face when the rest of her family and friends descended from the Talon but her Ramonda didn’t. T’Challa’s sorry attempt to find an excuse for her couldn’t hide what they all knew: the Queen Mother simply didn’t care to attend. It crushed her, he knew, to never be accepted by her. He cursed himself for never thinking about how that might affect her feelings about parenting their own children.

He wrapped his arm around her, her body immediately nestling into his. “I have seen the way you are with our nieces and nephews, the other children here. They all love you, Asha. You are nurturing and kind, gentle. But most importantly, you affirm them always, you uplift them and do everything in your power to ensure they know how valuable and important they are. You are already leagues and bounds ahead of your mother. I have no doubt in your mothering abilities because you are a mother to everyone in this tribe who needs you. I have no doubt you will be the same for our child,” his hand rubbed her stomach through her thick knit sweater.

“You think so?” She asked quietly, wiping her tears.

He kissed the side of her head, “I know so. And I also know there is no shame in fear, usana. Fear is the consequence that comes with growing and stretching ourselves as people. Parenting is hard, it will be the hardest thing we ever do. And I am scared too,” he nodded, nonverbally reiterating his statement at her skeptical eyebrow raise. “I am. But I will lean on Hanuman and I will lean on you, as I always do when I am scared. And I hope you will do for me. We can do this, Asha. You can do this.”

Asha nodded, smiling at him, “You are amazing. How did I get so lucky?” Her lips connected with his cheek, his coarse beard tickling her lips.

“I ask Hanuman the same thing everyday about you,” he whispered back, kissing her forehead. “Come on firecracker,” he laughed as he watched her try to hide a yawn. “My Queen deserves all the rest and relaxation.”

He helped her strip down to her undies before giving her one of his sweaters to sleep in and helped her into bed. Before she settled fully, she waved her hand to extinguish the fire across the room, her body heat being enough for both of them. Once she was settled, he joined her as she draped her body over his bare chest.

“This will be good, Asha. We will be great parents,” he said as they laid in the darkness.

Asha smiled, the first genuine one since she found out the news.

“I think we will too.”

***

Tag List: @destinio1 @muse-of-mbaku @jellybean531 @skysynclair19@ashanti-notthesinger @gloriousgam3r @archivistofwakanda@leahnicole1219 @mygirlrenee @dramaqueeenamby

[lu-undy]

I'm not sure if you've already written something like this, but what about Spy showing Sniper his face for the first time?

Here it is!

"Mh…"

"Mornin' gorgeous." 

Spy smiled as he felt Sniper's lips on his back, peppering kisses there. The taller man was spooning him, his hands slid along the Frenchman's slim silhouette, on his pyjamas. 

"Sniper…"

"Let me just…" The Aussie's hands had laced up to Spy's collar. He undid the first few buttons before he pulled down the shirt, freeing Spy's shoulders to kiss them. His rough hands touched the porcelain white skin and his lips gently grazed it, slowly melting from here to there. Spy lowered his head and closed his eyes, feeling Sniper on his back now. Their legs slid against each other's, under the blanket. 

"S-Sniper…" 

"Don't worry, I won't remove it." He whispered back, pushing the edges of the mask up to reach further up Spy's back. He kissed and nipped, gently. "Gosh, you're so soft." 

Spy smiled, his eyes still closed, and he bit his lip. 

"You of all people should know it by now." He answered before he heard Sniper chuckle behind him. 

"Spook?" 

"Oui?" 

"Will you let me see your face one day?" 

Spy opened his eyes and frowned. 

"I… Do not know." He rolled to face Sniper and the Aussie slid his hands to the Frenchman's masked face. 

"I'm sure you look gorgeous under that thing." 

"Merci, but…" Spy averted his gaze. "I do not think it is a good idea. Not at all."

"Oh, ok… I-I mean we're alone here, the doors are closed and all, no one else would see you." 

"It is not about that." Spy answered. 

"What is it, then?" 

"A lot of things." He buried his face in Sniper's chest. "One of them is that you will realise that I am far older than you are, far more grey, tired and beaten up by life."

"No you're not. And even if you were, I couldn't care less."

"Sniper, I… I am not the arrogant womanizer that people see in me." 

"I know, you also like men." 

"That is not what I meant." 

"Oh?" 

Spy frowned harder and sighed. 

"I cannot show you my face, I am sorry." 

"It's… Ok, alright. I don't really get it but it's not worth fightin' over."

Spy raised his eyes to his lover. 

"What?" 

"All I'm sayin' is that well, I'd love to see you entirely but it's fine. I guess we can go on like that." 

"You have seen so much more about me, Sniper, I have lain naked in front and under you before." 

"I know but… It's odd that in your head you should hide your face more than your… y'know." 

"Well, people can recognise me with my face, not with what I have between my legs." 

"Yeah, I get it but… Still, a bit of a shame, I think." 

Sniper removed his hands from Spy's face and looked away. Silence fell in the Frenchman's room. The only noise was the tireless ticks and tocks of the alarm clock on the night table. 

"I am superstitious." Spy's voice slashed the silence. 

"What?" 

"I am superstitious." Spy repeated.

“What’s it got to do with what we were talkin’ about?”

“Everything.”

“Spook, you make no sense.”

“Of course, I do.” Spy closed his eyes out of annoyance. "You just do not understand."

"Tell me." 

Spy laid his head on Sniper's chest and took his large hand in both of his. 

"I thought it was only stories but I now fully believe it. Each time that I show my face to a person that is dear to my heart, they… They go away." 

Sniper's eyebrows jumped. 

"What?"

"It is a curse. Anyone I have shown my face to ends up leaving me, either just moving on away from me, or worse." Spy explained before he sat up on the bed, next to his lover. Sniper sat up too and laced an arm around Spy. 

"So you always wear it now, because you're scared it'll happen again?" 

"I remove it if I do not care about the person my heart chose." 

And Sniper understood that if Spy kept his mask on at all times with him, it was because the Aussie counted an awful lot to him.

"I… Hold on, you say that people went away as if they have left you in the past. How the hell could they leave you?" 

Spy lowered his head and sighed. 

"Because at some point, they discover who I am and… and it is better that way." Spy freed himself from his lover and stood up. He slipped on his dressing gown and locked himself up in his bathroom. 

Sniper watched him move away and sighed. He both found Spy's words ridiculous and heart-breaking. He wished he could do something to help. He scratched his naked chest and ruffled his hair on his head. 

Well, he should get up and make some coffee. That would give Spy some time to feel better maybe. 

Sniper got to his feet and grabbed his shirt that he put on, but kept open. He went to Spy's kitchen and got the cafetiere ready. He put two mugs next to it and started to gather the toasts and butter, from the fridge. He turned the radio on and let the chatter occupy his thoughts. 

When the coffee was ready and the smell gently floated in the Frenchman's suite, Sniper readied a pan and broke a couple of eggs in a bowl. He knew that Spy liked an omelette in the morning, so he got to work. After beating the eggs vigorously, he went to the fridge to take that goat cheese that his lover liked so much and added some to the mix before spreading it on the oiled pan. 

Sniper watched as the liquid eggs hardened while the goat cheese melted. Suddenly, the light switched off in the kitchen. He raised his head to the bulb and headed to the switch when a hand stopped his wrist. 

"Non, please." 

"What?"

"Don't turn the light on." Spy hugged his lover, and Sniper's pupils retracted to a dot as his eyes snapped wide. He didn't feel the fabric of Spy's mask on his chest, no. He felt Spy's skin, and even some of his hair. "Close your eyes." 

Sniper obeyed and felt Spy move away from him. 

"I will blindfold you."

"My eyes are closed, Spook."

"I don't want to risk it." Spy answered as he turned around Sniper, who felt a smooth cloth over his eyes. Spy was behind him tying the cloth. "Now…" He took Sniper's hands and stuck them on his face, one on each of his cheeks. 

The Aussie's eyebrows rose as he touched a face he wished he could do more than touch. He closed his eyes behind the blindfold and tried to project the image of what his curious digits were discovering. 

Eyebrows, eyelids, yeah, he knew those. Gosh, Sniper could feel the lines at the corner of Spy's eyes. He loved those. Whenever he smiled, they smiled with him. And the Aussie had the same too… 

Nose, mouth but oh my God, what was that…? Spy's hair… Rather short on the sides and behind his head as well, longer on top. So soft and straight, it flowed between Sniper's fingers like threads of silk.

His thumbs brushed Spy's forehead, his eyebrows and down his temples, his naked cheeks to end on his lover's lips. They were pursed up in a smile. 

"I-your hair feels amazin'." 

"Merci. It is grey at the front here…" Spy took Sniper's hand and guided him. "And on the temples, here and here. The rest struggles to stay black." 

"Gosh…" Sniper bit his lip. "I wish I could see it… And see you really. It's hard to imagine it all with just my hands touchin' you."

"I am sorry. I wish I could but…" 

"Hey, it's fine. It's ok." 

Spy put his hands flat on Sniper's, which were sandwiching his face. 

"I… I cannot afford to lose you. I know it is egotistic, but non. Y-you are… non." 

"Hey…?"

"I would rather lie to you about my face and live with the guilt of lying to you continuously, rather than risk losing you." 

"Love… I… I don't want to force you and I'm not forcin' you but you know I'm not gonna leave you. You know I don't care about what you look like, you could look horrible and I'd still stay, cause I don't just like you for your face. I just… You're such a good bloke, and a pleasure to live with."

"Sniper, I have heard these words a million times before and yet…"

"Mundy. Name's Mundy. I have only my parents, no siblings. They… They adopted me. They own a little farm in the Outback, nothin' big, just enough to pay the bills and keep them busy. I… When I was a kid, I was bad at school and dropped it as soon as I could. Been workin' with huntin' contracts ever since because Dad had shown me how to and there was nothing else I was half-decent at."

Spy frowned. 

"Why are you telling me all this?" 

"Because I want you to understand that I… I-I… I don't just stay with you to spend the nights and all… It's… What do I need to do for you to get it? I… I bloody love you!" Mundy burst out. "I won't leave you, I… If I could I'd stay with you forever!" 

"If you could?" Spy asked. 

"If… If… I was never the one who left anyone. I was always the one who got dumped."

"Why?" 

"Because people don't see themselves buildin' anything with me! I'm a weirdo who lives in a van, I don't have a house or a flat of my own, my address is still my parents'. It's-it's not like I have a normal job and a normal life and…" Sniper pulled Spy's head against his chest and held him close. "You're one of the very few blokes I really feel like… Like we can be a bit more than just what we are. I mean… It makes so much sense. No one gets it, you and me, but-but I feel it. I feel comfy with you, like you've always been with me and… Spook, please… What do I need to do for you to believe me?" 

Silence fell for a while and their embrace was intense. 

"I would love to believe you." The Frenchman said and felt one of Sniper's hands in his hair, his fingers between his locks and pressing him against his bare chest. 

"Why don't you?"

"I am scared… Mundy." 

"Don't be. I'm here." He bent his head down to kiss Spy's hair. "Gosh, even your hair smells of you." 

"Thank you."

"Spook…"

"Lucien." Spy answered, nuzzling in his lover's chest. "My name is Lucien. My parents left this world a long time ago and I have no other family left. My mother used to be a dressmaker, and my father, a lawyer. They lived in the South-West of France, where I was born and raised, under the sun, and between green and red grapes."

"Why're you tellin' me all this now?" 

"Because I am more scared than ever." 

"Why? I got you here, you're in my arms, nothin's gonna get to you."

"Oui but… Hold on." 

Lucien pushed himself away from his lover's embrace and Mundy felt the cloth around his eyes go. 

"C-can I open my eyes? You put your mask back?" 

"Oui." Lucien flipped the switch to turn the lights on. 

"Gosh, Spook!" Mundy slapped his hands on his face as soon as he realised that his lover had lied and he hadn't put his mask back on. "Bugger I nearly saw you!"

"Please…" Sniper felt his lover's hands on his wrists, pulling them down. 

"Spook…"

"Lucien." Spy corrected him and as he removed Sniper's hands from his face, he saw that the Aussie had kept his eyes closed. 

"But you said you didn't like it if I saw you." 

"I have changed my mind." 

"Why?" Mundy continued to speak with closed eyes. 

"Because of what you said." 

Mundy felt his lover's hands on his naked chest. He opened his eyes.

"Oh bloody hell… Look at you… You're…" 

His hands immediately went back to Lucien's face and touched again, stroking, brushing, grazing, his eyes darted left, right, up and down. 

"My God… H-how…?"

Lucien tried smiling, but not too much. He was very self conscious about his age showing in the million wrinkles on his face when he smiled. 

"What do you think - mh?!" 

Spy was surprised mid-sentence by his lover's lips. And the intensity, the force with which he was pulling his body and his hair, his very lips too into the kiss. The Frenchman almost felt his feet take off of the ground. 

"What was that about?" He asked, although being as breathless as his lover. 

"How could you ever think you're too old or ugly or whatever? You look better than in my dreams, you look… Y-you… I-I don't know what the word is, or even if the word exists or-or maybe there's a sentence or maybe an expression? Bloody hell, what am I sayin?!" Mundy's voice was high-pitched and broken, he was out of air and stopped to catch his breath for a while. "You're gorgeous, you're so beautiful, you're… How could people leave you after seein' your face, you look bloody fantastic." Mundy pulled his lover close and hugged him all over, ending with his cheek on top of Lucien's head. 

"Mundy…?"

The Aussie rolled his eyes and closed them in bliss, scratching his lover's head as he would a cat. 

"Say my name with that accent once more and we're gonna skip breakfast to go straight for lunch." He growled. 

"Mundy?"

"Gosh…" 

"May we still have breakfast?" 

"Maybe." 

Both smiled and Mundy kissed his lover on the head.

"Lucien?"

"Oui?"

"Why did you change your mind?" 

Lucien raised his eyes to his lover. 

"I told you, because of what you said." 

"What did I say?" 

The Frenchman smiled and blushed. This time, Mundy could see it so clearly that he couldn't help but stare, and his own cheeks turned pink. 

"You said that you loved me." Lucien answered. 

"Yeah, and I do." 

Their smiles widened. 

"It is the first time you tell me this." 

"Yeah, it's hard to say." 

"Indeed, it is." Their eyes met and lingered. "I love you too, Mundy." 

"Alright, you looked for it…" The Aussie dragged his lover out of the kitchen. 

"What-? Where-?"

"Bedroom, now. Breakfast in bed…" 

"What?" Lucien asked as he was led to the bed.

"C'mere…" The Aussie pushed his lover deeper in the sheets.

[perseusjackson-jasongrace]

Empires on the Horizon Epilogue

Jason is a CEO: Epilogue

When i started this fic (around 9 months ago-- holy hell we could have had a whole human in that time) i didn’t expect it to go in the directions it did or to produce the characters and story it did. While it’s not one of my more action-packed fics it is still very special to me because 1. it’s my first jason centered fic (of which we don’t have much of); 2. it’s my first really long multi-chap (the longest before this was 10 parts); 3. i got to explore so many of my crackships and dynamics of friendship i may not have been able to if we (for example) stuck to canon; 4. most importantly i love this fic because it started out (the very first chapter) as an original story that just was not going anywhere but when i decided to make it a fanfic, suddenly ideas were pouring from my fingers like wine from a split barrel. these characters feel as much mine as they are Rick’s (which is a dangerous path to go down and i’m not actually claiming they’re mine-- gods please don’t sue me). in short i love this fic dearly, i’m so proud of how far all these little babies have come (especially jason) and i hope you feel even a smidge the joy i feel over this, as you go on to read the very soft conclusion to Jason Grace as CEO.

masterlist; my links

[image has alt text]

There was something almost magical in the gleaming silhouette of the Manhattan skyline. There was something hopeful about it too. 

Jason Grace stepped out of his car, relishing in the sound of the gravel crunching under his feet and the babble of people all around him. His suit—  a deep blue, dark enough to look black, and glittering with tiny silver diamantes that looked like stars— clung to his shoulders and hugged his legs. The theme of the evening was “Starry Night”. He figured coming as the actual night was accurate enough. Drew and Silena had done a beautiful job on his outfit, to no-one’s surprise. He would see them here tonight, along with their husband, and the rest of his friends. And tomorrow, oh tomorrow, he would be off to Rome, with the man that filled his life with overwhelming light.

“Jase,”  Someone called out from the darkness, “Are you hiding from us because you put two different shoes on again and are too embarrassed to say?”

“Shut up Annabeth,” He laughed, “I’m coming.”

He walked towards the group of silhouettes, making out Leo and Annabeth, and Nico and Will, and coming from behind them were the dressmakers and their Charles. Hazel and Frank would be making an appearance later in the night.

“You all look beautiful.” He smiled, hugging them, kissing cheeks and foreheads, relishing in their closeness and their comfort, as he has always done. And they did in fact look beautiful. Annabeth in a dress of blue swirling around her and pooling at her feet— the colours matched the sapphire on her ring finger; Leo in a matching floor-length skirt and a sheer polo-neck that showed off every clean brown line of his skin; Nico and Will, in contrast, were complete opposites, the former in a black suit with silver jewellery, and the latter in an off white with gold accents; Silena, Drew and Charlie all had on suits with various parts of the galaxy embroidered in gold, threading a spectacular tapestry through the emerald green. All in all, his friends were really hot.

“Y’all ready?” Will drawled, tilting his head to the entrance of the hotel a little way away.

“Let’s go celebrate!” He winked in response.

And then they’re walking towards the bright lights, launching into conversations and updates and work and jokes. It was familiar in the way driving home after a long time away was, or catching a waft of the specific smell of your elementary school art room, or seeing someone from your childhood and slipping into a comfortable back-and-forth.

“Jase,” Charlie scooted next to him, breaking away from his conversation with Nico, “How’s the construction for the new section of the outdoor center going? I heard you hit a snag last week with the design?”

“Yea there was a few centimeters off with one of the structures and it caused the whole area to be off balance,” He scrunched his nose, remembering the horror from last week. “I’m just grateful we caught it in time.”

“I can’t believe it’s been a year since that center went up,” His friend marvelled, eyes wide with the disbelief of time. He knew the feeling well.

“It’s crazy. I came back from my holiday and then everything was just on fast forward.” He shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “I’m happy though, with the progress and how far we’ve come.”

“You’ve just burst and grown and brightened,” There’s that soft smile, the one that made all of Jason’s insides turn to mush. The one that told him he was loved in every capacity.

“I know.” He felt the blush creeping up his skin, pale after the long winter months. “I don’t owe it to myself though. All of you guys have—” 

“No way mister,” Annabeth chimed in, “You absolutely owe it to yourself. You got yourself there, we just cheered you on.”

“Yea,” Leo nudged his arm, a gentleness shimmering in his brown eyes. “You were the hero of your own story.”

He muttered thank you’s and tried to embrace the blush but their love and joy and pride still drowned him. Before anyone else could pile on the sincerity they were walking into the lobby and being ushered to the large, elegant ballroom three doors down.

There was a collective gasp from their group, audible even above the low hum of chatter, and the soft jazz drifting through the speakers. The entire room had been made to look like they were standing inside the middle of “Starry Night”. Like they were the townsfolk parked outside their houses witnessing the strange and magical sky above them. Swirls of blue in the draping curtains and circles of yellow in the chandeliers and wisps of the cypress trees growing from the walls as if the very room had been built around a tree.

“This is—” He didn’t even have the words to fully express his awe. If he were an art major he would have died from the beauty of it all. As it stood he could barely keep himself up.

“I know,” A voice said quietly from behind him. “It’s almost divine.”

He didn’t say anything, didn’t even turn around to see who it was. He simply stepped back and let arms envelope him. He didn’t need to check, because he knew, he would always know. In the heat of their skin, and the hum of their voice, and the love that radiated between them like scorching summer sun.

“Moró mou,” He sighed, tipping his head back to rest against a shoulder. From this angle he could see blazing green eyes and jet-black curls, and impossibly high cheekbones, and a jaw sculpted by Michaelangelo.

“Hello my love,” Percy Jackson smiled. “How are you?”

“Happy.” He muttered, lips brushing against his boyfriend’s cheek.

“Good,” The man nodded, squeezing his waist where his arms still wrapped around. “Are you going to be okay tonight?”

“I will not just survive through it,” His eyes crinkled at the corner as pure joy washed through him, “I will live through it, and I will enjoy every minute of it.” He knew the reason for the question, for the concern. But tonight it was not needed. He was nothing but excited and elated for the hours, and then days, weeks, years to come.

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

A glass tinkled somewhere to their right, grabbing their attention. And then Zoe and Reyna were stepping together and drawing people towards them as if they were gravity, magnets, the center. They looked it certainly: Zoe in a stark white dress, hugging her figure, shimmering like stardust every time she moved; and Reyna in a watery blue, gauzy and flowing in time with her body, where she goes it will ripple behind her.

“Thank you,” His lawyer started, giving them a dazzling smile. “For being here. All of you.” She looked them each in the eye, her own filled with love and… were those tears? From his no nonsense, boss lady lawyer? Oh he was so going to give her a hug and then tease her endlessly about it. 

“We have a thousand people to thank for all of this,” She gestured to the room, “And a thousand more to thank just for being here, but that will come in the form of surprise take-me-homes at the end of the night.”

“However,” Zoe’s voice, still as strong and quiet as ever, rang out across the room. “There are two people we would like to thank right here, right now.” Her smile lit up the world as her eyes landed on them. “In typical us fashion, it’s a little out of the ordinary but please can both our ex-boyfriend’s come up here.” 

The crowd burst into laughter, him and Percy with them, as they detangled themselves from each other and walked hand in hand to the front of the room.

“As you can see,” Reyna grinned. Jason held in the groan he knew would accompany her next words. “We did a Partner Swap.”

The laughter only loudened, people whistling, and clapping in time with their amusement.

“I will spare you the sordid details,” Zoe’s own giggling softened to a smile, “But two years ago, after Jason and I had broken up, I called him in a panic asking for help. And despite being on a much needed holiday where he happened to meet a certain someone,” She winked at them, eyebrows waggling comically, “He listened to me, then made use of his contacts and connected me with Reyna.”

“And after I charmed the suit off of her, and won her lawsuit,” Reyna stepped in, grinning wildly, “She agreed to pop open a bottle of champagne and celebrate our win.”

“I’m not quite sure about the charming part, angel.” Zoe quirked an eyebrow, “But yes one champagne bottle and the rest was history.”

“In conclusion to this whole ordeal,” His lawyer turned to them, “Jase, Percy, we have a present for you, to thank you for loving us, and for loving us enough to let us go, and furthermore for bringing us together.”

Zoe handed them an envelope but before they bothered to open it they pulled the women in for a hug, thanking and congratulating them. He would not change what they had for the world. He will be grateful forever. He will love them even longer.

Percy ripped open the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper. He leaned over his boyfriend’s shoulder and read with him.

The universe has a funny way of pulling stars together but we know with certainty that the four of us are born from the same constellation. Thank you for everything. We know we can never really repay you but please accept this as a start. 

Tucked into the last fold of the paper were two plane tickets to Japan. The holiday they had discussed once, a Saturday game night that ended with the four of them huddled around the fire in Zoe’s apartment, chattering softly about this and that. Printed in small font at the bottom of the page was a cherry blossom branch and more text that read,

Get married losers, we want joint holidays so we can get the couples packages.

He bubbled with laughter at that, and looked up at his friends, tears pooling in his own eyes.

“Alright everyone!” Reyna clapped her hands, gathering the attention of the humming crowd. “Let’s get this engagement party started.”

And then music filled the room and people dragged each other to the middle of the space and there were cheers as the song came into focus and truly Jason understood the meaning of life that night.

After they had thanked Reyna and Zoe again, and chatted with their other friends Percy pulled him to the dance floor.

“Jase,” His boyfriend cupped the back of his neck, arranging their bodies into a work of art. “We have wonderful friends.”

“The very best,” He agreed, swaying their hips in time with the beat. “We have built an empire with them by our side.”

“Will you be the emperor then?”

“There is no monarchy in this kingdom,” He smiled, blue eyes glittering and bright. “It is just us, and our love, and everything beautiful the world has ever had to offer.” He saw oceans reflecting back at him, wonder soaking in his words, happiness pressing against his lips.

His boyfriend pressed their foreheads together, bodies still moving to music far away. “And if we look further?” Percy breathed, “Past the empire, to the horizon beyond?”

“It is all home,” Jason Grace smiled. “We are home, my love.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay there are so many people to thank and you best believe i’m going to thank them all because this fic would literally not exist without them.

@nishlicious-01​​ my favourite person, my biggest supporter and the only person who gets to shout at me when im writing fanfic at 1am because i’m not sleeping but also because ‘why am i not reading it ciara????’

@queen-of-demons-and-hell​​ for every comment, every like, every complaint you took when the writing demon was on strike. you have my heart. id be lost and a little lonely without you.

@leyontheway​​ your comments on this fic were golden and i often came back to them just for that extra burst of motivation and serotonin. i found a friend in you and now i can’t imagine my life without you.

@msdrpreist​​ Sky, mi cielo, you are one in a billion and i cannot believe i found you (and you me) across all this space and time. thank you for your unwavering support and your wonderful thoughts.

@larrikin-is-a-himbo​​ when we started this fic i believe you were @/queenbrunnhilde (or something to that effect) but although your username has changed your loveliness and endless support hasn’t. Thank you for sticking along for the ride

@spoopylucy​​​ Lucy... what do i even say to the person who singlehandedly changed my day, week, mood every time i saw a reblog from them? your tags were the start and the end. they made every upload an exciting task. and i knew no matter what happened in the fic or how long it took as soon as i got a notif from you i couldn’t be anything but happy. thank you my Luce, you’re an angel!

@not-hiesenberg​ for being my ‘ciara what the fuck even does this say? do you know how to spell?’ checker when i was too tired (more like too lazy) to do it myself.

@lesbian-peanuts​​ thank you for the love! you were one of the first people interested in this little universe and i can never thank you enough for that​

@legendary-cupcake​​ your spam when reading this was such a happy moment in my life and im ecstatic that you stayed for the ride! thank you​

to all the people on my tag list, who have liked this fic, and especially those who have commented: i see you, i love you, and i thank you with a heart full of happiness. you changed my world.

[mommymooze]

Big Girls, Big Hearts

The Golden Deer are devouring their lunch on a sunny fall afternoon. The conversation is lively as they are quite the boisterous bunch. Rumors are spreading about strange things happening in Remire Village. Everyone is working themselves into an anxious state about the perplexing rumors being overheard. Hilda decides it is time to lighten the conversation.

“You know, every year they hold a ball at the Academy. The students get the chance to get to know each other better in a more friendly environment and its sort of a reward for working so hard as well as a possible way to find future partners.” She grins widely.

“A ball?” you ask. “With dressing up and dancing? I’m a commoner. It’s only for nobles, right?”

Hilda scoffs. “No silly! It’s for everyone! Dancing and romancing!  Time to find love and intrigue, hugs and kisses.”

“Um, this is an optional event, right?” You ask nervously. You’ve never been to a ball. Never had to learn to dance. You would rather beat up 500 bandits than go to a single ball.

“Come on (y/n) . You are the bravest person I know. What’s so scary about a little dance? Getting to hold a special someone in your arms for a bit, maybe even a kiss in the moonlight…Ooooh so exciting!” Hilda clasps her hands together daydreaming wistfully.

“Maybe I can catch the plague by then.” You grumble at your empty plate in front of you.

“No! Don’t even think that. We are going to get you ready and dressed up and you will not believe how beautiful you will look.” Hilda stomps her foot at you.

“Yeah, like putting lipstick on a pig, but with fat swollen lips because I’m allergic to it.” You further groan.

“Pish Posh! We can accentuate your good qualities yet keep you comfortable. I may let you wear shoes with less than 3 inch heels even.” Hilda puts her finger on her chin plotting further ways of dressing you up.”

“Balls are for petite cute girls like you and Marianne. My arms are like tree trunks. I am bulgy and lumpy. Not a sweet and delicate flower such as yourself.” You moan on, hoping she gives up soon.

Hilda puts her hands on her hips. “Yes, I can be a delicate flower. I also wield an axe just like you. Those things are heavy and take strength to swing around. Yes, I will admit to having a few muscles. Not everyone wants a delicate maiden that falls over from the slightest breeze. Some want a good hunk of warm and loving body to squeeze them back until they can’t breathe. Everyone knows you are incredibly strong. Didn’t I hear about you carrying Dedue to the infirmary not that long ago? I bet Felix or Sylvain couldn’t do it at all, but you just whisked him up and hauled him across the monastery like he was a little kid and ran him up the stairs to the infirmary.”

You blush furiously. “What was I supposed to do? I walked into the greenhouse just as he slipped on the wet rocks and he was knocked out. I couldn’t just leave him there.” You are hiding your face in your hands, feeling incredibly embarrassed.

Hilda laughs. “(Y/n), We watched you carry him bridal style running to the infirmary. I heard that when he found out he blushed for a half hour straight.!”

You want to crawl under the table, settling for crossing your arms and burying your face in them.

Hilda tugs your arm, “We are hitting up the dressmaker in town. Gonna get you a killer dress, show off those muscular toned abs and legs, and get you set up for the night of your life.”

“Nightmare of my life more like.” You mumble to yourself.

-----------------

The battle at Remire is terrifying. Thomas turns into a really creepy ghosty old guy. The Flame Emperor shows up being threatening. The worst part is the villagers. They are going crazy killing everything, even their own families. They didn’t know they are attacking their own loved ones, their own friends. The Deer try so hard to rescue as many villagers as possible. You work to subdue as many of the possessed ones you can. They are still someone’s family and hopefully the madness is temporary. When the battle is over you look at the village, not much is left of it. The smell of smoke and burnt everything is thick in the air, choking everyone, making their eyes burn.  Finally, after the cleanup is done and all the villagers are treated for injuries, it is time to head back to the monastery.

The Golden Deer are unusually quiet as they silently march back to the monastery. Even Hilda is quiet after what she had seen. Ignatz makes his way over to you as the group keeps walking back to the academy.

“You ok?” He softly whispers to you.

You take your sleeve and wipe the tears from your eyes. “Yeah, I just got a lot of smoke in my eyes there. Thanks.” You mumble back, hanging your head a bit lower than it was before.

It is a long walk back. Everyone finally makes it into the monastery gates and the group splits up, everyone going their own direction.

Claude takes you aside. “Are you going to be okay? I’d be happy to chat if you want to. The professor is a great listener too.” He says with a look of concern in his eyes.

You don’t know where your tears are coming from now. They haven’t stopped since you were in Remire village. You open your mouth but nothing comes out. Professor Byleth comes over and puts her arm around your shoulder, leading you to her room. She pulls out a tea set and prepares tea.

“You know I lost my parents in a fire. Watching the village burn brought the whole thing back.” You stare down into your teacup.

“I’m sorry.” Byleth responds. Her face is not extremely expressive, but you can tell she is being very sympathetic from her body language.

“Do you think I can talk to Seteth about helping them out some? Isn’t this something like what the church would do? It is so late in the year and many of them don’t have secure homes to live in.” You ask, the tears slowing.

“My father and I spent a lot of time at that village. That was where the church found us.  I will talk to him as well.” Byleth nods.

You return to your room to try to sleep after such a nightmarish week.

---------------------

The next morning you check with Seteth about assisting the village. You find that he has already spoken with Captain Jeralt and Lady Rhea feels that this is an excellent idea. After a few days of gathering supplies and materials, a small caravan heads out to Remire. Professor Byleth, the Golden Deer, Shamir, Jeralt and all his former mercenaries who had been incorporated into battalions, Alois and some of the Knights of Seiros, and surprisingly, Dimitri and Dedue.

The town elders meet with your group, discussing their wants and needs. Repairs to the structures that are salvageable should begin quickly. Tasks are divided between those that are experts in certain areas assisted by warm bodies that can lift, move or hand things to others. Ignatz is working on a map of the to be reconstructed village. Since assistance has arrived so quickly, there are fewer residents that will be leaving for other towns, happily staying now that they have some support. Everyone has something they can do. Cutting trees, clearing branches, gathering wood and kindling, sifting through burnt houses for useful items that can be salvaged like utensils, plates, and tools. The young go with the old to fields gathering heather, reeds, and straw for thatching the roofs.

You start with gathering salvaged bricks together to repair buildings. Even Lysithia can carry a few bricks at a time, you tell her 30 are needed at this house, 15 needed here. A few Knights head off to a local riverbank for sand and water to make the mortar.  You clean and prepare the bricks, measure the materials and have someone stir the mortar mixture. Soon you find yourself up on a ladder with a full mortarboard spreading an even layer of the compound, then place a brick, lay more mortar between it and the next brick. Starting with the smaller repairs first there are now several restored residences that will keep the wind and weather out.

As the sun goes down, everyone gathers in the center of town around large cauldrons full of soup, together with fresh baked bread made by the residents from the supplies brought by the Academy volunteers. Many of the townspeople are crying thanking everyone for their help. The Knights certainly push that this is by the grace of the goddess and the church. Others are simply happy to help in any way they can.

You grab some soup and take a seat near Dimitri and Dedue. They greet you and welcome your presence.

“I am surprised by your bricklaying knowledge. I had no idea of your talents.” Dimitri smiles.

“My older brother was a bricklayer, I helped him out often when I was growing up. I can’t wait to get my hands on some hammers and nails once the brickwork is complete.” You grin. “I am surprised to find the two of you here.”

“Hey your Princeliness, Dedue, (Y/n). Mind if I join you?” Claude takes a seat next to you. “We really appreciate your help. We did not expect other houses to send anyone.”

“I am very interested to see firsthand the reconstruction after disasters such as this.” The prince says excitedly. “It is wonderous seeing everyone come together with a single mindset of rebuilding. Everyone is helping in so many different manners. The strong are carrying bricks and trees, cutting wood, lifting loads. The weaker are preparing food for everyone, gathering materials and completing more delicate work. I am amazed at how much has been accomplished in just a single day.”

“Agreed. Many hands make light work.” Dedue nods. “I am happy to lend my strength.”

“Both of you are certainly welcomed with open arms. There is plenty of heavy lifting to do.” Smiles Claude. “I hope we can replace a few homes before we leave. Talking with the elders, there are some families doubled up in the same house. At least if each family has their own place it would be much more pleasant making it through winter.”

“Another important thing is to provide these people support and comfort.” You softly speak. “Let them know there are others out here who care for you as your fellow man. I do not know any of these people, but I do know about losing things to disaster. People that had no idea who I was helped me, kept me going when my life was crushed by disaster. Now here I am, helping out someone else that I have no idea as to who they are. I just want to help them. I hope it keeps them going as well.”

Dedue nods and smiles. The two house leaders agree that this is a great learning experience for everyone. You take the empty dishes leaving them to chat amongst themselves and head over to Byleth who is sitting with her father and their former mercenaries.

“Byleth, Jeralt. I wanted to thank you personally for helping bring this together. It didn’t sit right with me leaving these people behind and in such a ruined state.” You say, a smile finally crossing your lips.

“If Seteth would have said one word about not helping with this I would have punched that ‘No’ right off of his face.” Jeralt laughs. Byleth smiles. “This is a great learning experience for everyone. I think all of the classes should complete a project like this. Hands on learning is the most practical. Even Lorenz is finding some hidden talents as a result of this experience. I think he has a greater respect for Leonie too. That girl can turn a pile of trash into 100 different useful things.”

After dinner there’s not enough light to work on building without making it dangerous. So you decide to knit a sock or two. That way you can talk to everyone and when you’re done, someone has a new pair of socks. Win-win! There is plenty of chatter to go around the campfires with everyone in the village telling interesting stories of its history, or funny residents who did silly things, famous village romances or deeds. They also share stories of when the Blade Breaker came to town to save or help them. Being in a village isn’t all peace and quiet. There were some exciting and spicy tales shared until the cobwebs filled everyone’s heads and it was time to sleep.

The next day is just as busy with more homes being made whole by the end of the day. Construction is started on two different houses. One for a larger family, one for a smaller. Everyone gives their all in some way or another. Gathering kindling, firewood, food, finding the animals that were scattered by the calamity. Suddenly Saturday morning arrives, the last day the group from Garreg Mach will stay for rebuilding. What a difference everyone has made! Every family in Remire has their own place to stay without having to share. There are a long row of stalls for wares in the new Marketplace. There is even a barn and stable to keep horses for the community. Firewood is stored to keep the homes warm. It is everything the smaller village needs to get them through the winter. There is a celebration in the village center and tears are shed. However, these are all tears of joy as new friendships have been forged and the feeling of a job well done can be left with the people. The march back to the monastery is full of high spirits and happy hearts.

---------------------

Back at the monastery you look forward to a warm bath and sleeping in your own bed. Just as you’ve changed into your nightgown there is a knock on the door.

“Um, I was just about to go to sleep. Can we talk tomorrow?” you anxiously respond to the knock as you stand at the door.

“It’s just me.” Says Hilda. “Come on. We’ve got some girl talk to do.”

You roll your eyes as the chipper pink ponytailed girl comes bouncing in your dorm.

“You haven’t forgotten the ball now, have you?” She winks.

“Oh yeah, that.” You stammer. You kinda sorta did forget.

“Tomorrow we’re going to town and getting a dressmaker to take your measurements. I know exactly what you need to wear.” She bubbles out excitedly. “I think you would be adorable in yellow. I saw the most darling shimmery satin material that would make you look like a princess.”

“A muscular, big shouldered princess.” You whine.

“Girl, you have no idea how to work with what you have, and you have a lot going for you.” Hilda smirks. “Now, I’ve been thinking. I know that you can’t wear lipstick, but I was hoping you can do some lip gloss. It has different things that go into it. Some are even flavored. Have you ever tried any?”

“Um. No.” You shrug sheepishly.

“Great! Hold still now.” Hilda has you in her grip as she plunks you down in your chair and starts carefully applying some gloss to your lips.  “There. How is it?”

You mush your lips together. They aren’t tingling or stinging. They don’t feel like they are getting fat. She pulls your mirror from your dresser to show you your lips.

“They’re just shiny.” You say, looking confused.

“Shiny is healthy. Gloss makes your lips slippery. It’s really good for you in the winter. When the cold air hits them, they stay soft and won’t peel. Your lips are really pretty. They’ll be lined up around the building wanting to get a turn to kiss those cute shiny lips.” The pinkette grins.

“But this is a dance. Where is the kissing coming from? Do I have to? I’m so confused.” You plunk back down on your chair with a big frown.

“Listen and listen good. Pretty soon we’re going to graduate, everyone is going to go their own way and you’re my friend and I’m just trying to help you get the most out of life. The ball isn’t just a celebration for nobles. It’s a chance to get to know the other students better in a different environment, a casual and fun environment. So many people have met the love of their life at this very same Academy event! Who knows what will happen on that glorious evening? The magic is calling for you, I can hear it!”

You look at her like she has two heads.

“Come on! Loosen up! I told you I will get you through this. Let’s start with the dance lessons. If you are dancing with a guy, he’s supposed to lead. If you dance with a girl, then either of you can lead, just agree who is to lead before you start. So I am going to lead. That means you put your left hand on my shoulder on the same side, and put your right hand into my palm on the other.” She grabs your hand and waits for you to put the other on her shoulder. “Good. Now don’t stomp on my feet, you have socks on, so put your toes on mine so you can follow me. The lead person is going to take their right foot and step forward, since you are following, you take a step back on your left foot. You will be moving backwards mostly, so the lead person watches to make sure you don’t crash into anyone…” Hilda goes through the basics of the box step for the waltz. You don’t quite crush her toes, and just maybe you do get the hang of it a bit. She tells you to look at her face, don’t look down. Stop looking down. Looking down will mess you up. You crash and fall over on the bed laughing once and she makes you get up and try again.

“Enough for your first lesson. You did great.” Hilda smiles. “So tomorrow after breakfast, we hit the dress shop.”

You yawn, “Sure…” and wave as you see her out the door. You would have bad dreams about going to the ball and stomping on everyone’s feet, but you’re too tired to even do that and actually just have a good night’s rest.

-----------------

After breakfast Hilda practically drags you to town.

“Maybe I should just wear pants.” You grumble.

“Come on, you would look so cute!” She giggles.

“Cute is a bunny or a baby chick. I feel more like a silly goose.” You whine.

She hauls you into the dressmakers where a tall redheaded woman with a lowcut red dress assists you. “Hello dahlings.” She greets you at the door. Hilda curtseys, so you do too.

“Madame Palmyre, I’ve brought you another beauty in need of a dress for the ball.” Hilda proclaims.

“Hmmm. Hmmmm. Well. Athena. Hmmmm. No, Artemis! With the shoulders of Atlas. Oooooh. Yes.” Madame coos and ahhs as she walks around you touching your shoulders, lifting your head, raising your arms. “We must measure, quickly!” and shuffles you to the back where you are hastily stripped to your undergarments.

Madame’s hands work at a fast pace. She’s put special strings around various parts of your body, writing numbers down. Hilda stands next to her and they chitter and chatter with each other for a while. You decide to put your clothes back on.

“Lovelies, I shall have it ready two days before the ball. She will be magnifique!” Madame Palmyre raises her right hand with a flourish and a wide smile.

Hilda drags you to the cobbler to see what sort of shoes would be best. You glance at the boots longingly.

“No. “The Goneril girl shakes her head. “Cute. Not clunky.”

“Hilda, I have feet shaped like a duck.” You groan.

“Come on, work with me.” Hilda finally finds the shoes she is looking for. “Check this out. There is almost no heel, the toe is rounded but the way it is made, it gives you room for your wider foot to be comfy. Still cute!”

You look at the shoes, then at your friend. “I know you know what you are doing. I am so clueless. Just promise me I won’t want to cut off my feet by the end of the ball and I will wear whatever you want me to.”

“Gotcha, fam!” Hilda smiles as she puts in the order. The cobbler takes your measurements and says they will be ready next Sunday.

Hilda takes you to the final store of the day, which is great because this is really getting confusing and exhausting and overwhelming.

“Hey Mattie!” Hilda greets the owner. “We’re here for lipgloss and earrings.”

“But I don’t have pierced ears.” You look at her puzzled.

Hilda grins. “You will.”

You are a brave girl in battle. You fight and punch bad guys in the face. Intentionally letting someone stab holes in your ears is a whole different story. You were brave when they created the first hole and stuck the earring through. But when they stabbed your other ear with the needle, the needle that kept getting bigger the more you looked at it, the tears were shooting out of your eyes like rain.

“It’s done, its done. You’re fine! Look! So pretty!” Hilda is patting you on the back showing you the mirror. Mattie gives instructions to turn the earrings frequently and keep them clean. They should be well healed by the time of the ball. She helps you pick out some mint and honey flavored lip gloss.

You feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Not even fresh treats from the bakery tempt you. You just want to go back and hide. And maybe punch out a Duscur bear. Do something more familiar and relaxing.

That night you can’t sleep well. You always sleep on your side and no matter how you crunched up or mauled your pillow it still hurt your ears. You are going to die from lack of sleep long before the night of the ball. That is a welcome end, you think to yourself.

--------------------------

The next morning, dark circles hang heavily below your sleep deprived eyes, you barely make it to class in time. Lysithia notices something different as soon as she comes into the room.

“Your ears are pierced. That is so cute! I’ve been thinking about it. I may do that too some day.” The white haired girl muses.

“Hey (Y/n), Lysithia! Look who has more holes in her head! Just kidding.” Claude says as he taps his own earring while looking at yours.

Hilda strolls into the classroom followed by Marianne. They come to sit beside you.

“My ears are killing me. You better take good notes. I am going to sleep through class.” You warn the mischievous pinkette.

“And you’ll be cute doing it too. Yes, sometimes beauty can be painful, but it will go away soon.” Hilda tries to reassure you.

“I wish I could use magic on it, but it might make your earrings stick to your ears.” Marianne comments looking at her hands.

You rest your hands on your books and your chin on your hands. Nothing is touching your ears and you fall asleep before Hanneman comes in and starts his lecture about crests.

----------------

The excitement surrounding the ball continues. Your stomach starts to twist in knots every time you hear the word “Ball”. You have your new shoes and Hilda makes you practice dancing in them and walking around your room in them so they are broken in enough to not hurt you on the night of the..you know.

Hilda drags you to town the Sunday before the ball to get a fitting for your dress. She’s being a real stinker, because she makes you wear a blindfold so you can’t see it.  It comes with a special bustier, lifting your bust to be plump like a partridge (Madame Palmyre’s words). You had no idea what a bustier is in the first place. They picked and primped on you for a few minutes and then took the dress away, letting you get back into your comfy clothes. It wasn’t too uncomfortable, but you certainly wouldn’t battle in the dress, you chuckle to yourself.

Hilda continues with dancing practice. Marianne joins so you can observe them dancing as well. Marianne, the best dancer in the Deer glides gracefully across the floor. You feel like you are stomping around like a moose with four left feet. You are getting better though, you hardly step on Hilda’s feet any longer.

Soon, too soon, the fateful day arrives. The ball is this evening. They have classes in the morning so that everyone can get ready or in your case, panic in the afternoon. You just know you have a fever, you’re sick to your stomach. You should go to the infirmary so they can pronounce you on the brink of death and give a written note excusing you from the…the thing.  Class finally ends, before you can escape, Hilda, Annette, and Dorothea grab you and physically take you to Hilda’s room for hairstyling and makeup. You try to excuse yourself because you forgot your lipgloss, but they are on to you and will not let you go. You have no idea how they can fit so many females in the same room and still have room to work on them all. You hope you can escape when getting lunch, but no, they are too evil and have lunch brought in for everyone.

“(Y/n), I have the perfect jewelry to match your look.” Hilda giggles. She holds up gold crescent moon earrings, bracelet, and a matching necklace. Many “oohs” and “ahhs” are heard from the others. The stones in the bracelet are perfect, they are a pale yellow and black, matching the colors of the dress. Hilda sends you off to your room with Annette and Dorothea to get you into your dress. The songstress shows you how to put on the sheer and dotted with gold sparkles thigh high stockings without ripping them, teaching you how to fasten them to the garter belt. They adjust the lacing of the bustier so that you can breathe easily and move, yet your bust is enhanced, which is quite embarrassing, but then you look over at Dorothea and she’s super enhanced and ready to spill over the top of hers any second. Finally they help you lift and pull the dress on. Soft yellow chiffon at the top, gathered under the bust into its empire waist. A black airy stretchy panel starts there and goes to the bottom of the dress, flaring out a bit. The front is just past your knees, the back a few inches above your ankles. It visually pulls your waist in. Dorothea has that perfect hourglass figure with a waist so tiny that you could almost enclose it with your hands. You have much more um, meat, around your waist, the muscles alone make you twice as wide as her, but with the black panel it flares so you really do look, dare you think it, feminine. You thought the slightly puffy sleeves would make your shoulders bigger, but they just give you more freedom of movement. This is the most comfortable and beautiful dress you have ever worn. Madame is a magician.

Dorothea nearly has tears in her eyes. “Our baby looks all grown up.” She sniffles.

“Wow.” Declares Annette. “I need to meet this seamstress. She really knows her stuff. Its like you’ve been magically transformed. If I didn’t know it was you under there (y/n) I would say it was a different person.

“Come on, you are going to make me cry.” You were emotional before, but seeing the whole outfit, you do feel like the princess Hilda wanted you to look like.

Suddenly it is time for everyone to head to the ball. Many of the women head off to meet their dates. Hilda and her date, Marianne, look adorable together. They have the same purple flowers in their hair and their dresses complement each other perfectly. They walk with you toward the sound of music playing. The students are filing into the large room for the dance, the variety of colors and styles are striking. Everyone looks so beautiful.

You wander over to where the Golden Deer have congregated on the side of the room. Raphael is wearing a shirt that fits across his chest, although his muscles in his arms still look like they are about to burst through the sleeves.

“Hey, (y/n). Glad to see ya. You sure look pretty.” Raphael grins. You take it as an amazing compliment, he usually only notices food.

Ignatz is nervously pulling at his collar. “I haven’t been to a Ball before. The monastery really went all out for this. The food, decorations, and presentation are a work of art.”

The house leaders are called to the front accompanied by Hilda, Hubert, and Mercedes. They perform a special dance together that includes changing partners. Of course, Claude has to ham it up by dipping Edelgard who is a bit shocked but recovers well from the unexpected move. The special dance ends and the surrounding students now fill the dance floor.

Leonie sits next to you with a plate of appetizers and sweets. “Go grab some food, (y/n). They have some amazing things on the banquet tables. I tried this gray stuff, it’s delicious.”

You quickly shake your head. “My stomach is so jittery. I’ll stick with apple juice.” You weakly smile as you take a sip.

Looking to the left, there is an anxious Lysithia trying to drag a dressed-up Cyril out to the dance floor. You laugh because he looks more nervous than you. Hilda has Marianne out on the floor, the couple gliding along smoothly like the floor is made of ice. Annette is smiling widely as Ashe is guiding her safely around the other couples. They look too cute.

“Ahem! (Y/n)” you suddenly hear a male standing next to you, breaking you from your trance.

You jump a little in your seat to see the Prince of Faerghus bowing low and asking you for a dance.

You stand up and stammer, “Oh, yes. Thank you.” You place your right hand into his left as he leads you among the dancing couples. Hilda’s dance practice pays off as you have yet to stomp on the Blue Lions leader’s feet or trip over your own. You chat about how happy he is having participated in the rebuilding of Remire and how some day he will rebuild Duscur as well. Just as the song ends, he bends closer to your ear.

“I think Dedue would like to have a dance with you as well. He is a bit shy, but if you wait patiently close by him he may gather enough courage to ask you, unless of course you ask him first.” Dimitri smiles as your face turns completely red.

You can feel the burn of the blush all the way to the back of your neck.  You curtsey as the song ends and he leaves to find another partner. You just happen to be close to where Dedue is standing, the tall man is against the wall, his hands behind his back, eyes flitting from couple to couple. You decide to stand not far from the Duscur male.

Watching the students dance, Claude pulls Professor Byleth out onto the floor. You laugh at the shocked look on her face. Balthus is dancing with Manuela. He has a grin from ear to ear as he twirls her around, making her laugh. Perhaps this is what everyone needs, to have a night to forget about their problems and issues going on and simply enjoy themselves, if just for a little while. You find yourself swaying with the music as you look over at Dedue who takes a step towards you.

“Are you enjoying the ball?” Dedue asks softly, smiling pleasantly.

“Yes. I was not looking forward to it, however now that I am here it is nice. It is good to see our friends simply being happy.“ You answer him. “Would you like to dance?”

Dedue bows, “It would be my honor.” He says, taking your hand in his.

He is so incredibly tall. The top of your head is well below his shoulders. You have to crane your neck to look into his face, but it is worth it to see his gentle smile.

The white haired man looks down at you, “You are small.”

You nod as you smile, trying not to laugh because compared Dedue, absolutely everyone is small.

Dedue continues, “You are very strong.”

You blush, mashing your forehead into his chest. This giant man just said you were strong.

He is not finished. “And cute.”

Your ears are burning because you are blushing so hard. You’ve never been cute before. You’re having a hard time looking into his eyes while you are blushing so hard, so you decide to focus your sight on his strong handsome chin. Breathe, don’t forget to breathe.

“You have many wonderful talents. Not only fighting and helping Dimitri.” You tell Dedue, daring to look in his eyes again. “In the village I was impressed by your construction skills. Your assistance helped us complete more buildings than we had originally planned. Thank you.”

You both smile at each other as you continue to dance for the rest of the song, as it ends, you curtsey, he bows.

Before you take one step toward exiting the dance floor, Claude mysteriously appears behind you, taking your right hand in his. He kisses the back of your hand.

“May I have this dance, my Deer?” Claude smiles widely at you.

“I cannot say no to our Leader-man. That would be against the rules. Not that you pay much attention to rules, Claude.” You laugh as you place your left hand upon his shoulder.

Dancing with Dimitri and Dedue had been proper and elegant. Their steps carefully measured, in perfect time with the music. Dancing with Claude is like holding on to a leaf in a whirlwind. You moved up, then down back then right then spun and twirled. One time he had spun you around you thought he was trying to fling you into the middle of the orchestra. You think it strange, then funny, then you begin to laugh. He twirls you away from him, then pulls you to twirl the opposite way around toward him, your chest lightly crashing into his as you laugh together.

His steps suddenly fall back in with the tempo of the music, you following. Your laughter calming, you gasp a bit as you are slightly out of breath, and dancing very closely with Claude. You feel his right arm around you, his fingers close to the center of your back, his chest is warm against you.

“Hilda told me that if I play my cards right that I might get to dance with a beautiful princess tonight.” Claude purrs softly in your ear. “I think I have a winner here.”

You blush profusely, trying to look away from his dazzling emerald eyes and failing. Claude’s grin is as wide as you have ever seen it. Suddenly the music concludes. The orchestra takes a brief break.

He bows and you curtsey back.

“Thank you, princess (y/n).” Claude Grins.

“Thank you, Duke von Riegan.” You smile.

Hilda runs up to drag Claude off to gossip about who knows what as you grab a seat and catch your breath. You will have to honestly thank Hilda for making you go to this. You catch your breath in the quiet during the orchestra’s break. Your heart has simmered down after beating at such an excited rate for so long.

You glance about the room. Looking left you see the orchestra has returned, preparing to begin, to your right you see two different redheaded gentlemen headed your direction. Oh my…

[unicornbitchface]

Raat ki Rani

Pairing: Henry Cavill x OFC

Background: A story set in the colonial past of India.

Beta’d by my lovely friend @madbaddic7ed​​ !

Warnings: harsh languange

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Chapter 3

The hall looked magnificent as if the ghosts of the past had brought them back to the days of glory. The chandelier was lit up, its jewels reflecting light upon every nook and corner.

The musicians played with vigor, expecting a heavy reward for their best efforts and the sweet-scented welcome of every guest added to the pomp.

Every high born around the state was to be present in the feast, and there they were, happy to make the acquaintance of the new British resident. The only glitch was that the said officer was nowhere to be seen, making the Maharaja jittery and a little annoyed.

Soon everyone would start asking questions, for how long was he supposed to distract guests with starters? With this thought, Ganga nodded at Kulwant, asking him to get an update.

*******

Late again! But the blame was on the delay with the dress they insisted to be worn. What was wrong with the old ones? Nothing when I see them!

Who in their right minds would wear these? UGH. I will have to talk to the culprits after this goddamn feast for that buffoon!

As Damini walked through the seemingly deserted halls of the palace, fixing her stubborn hair, adding a gajra and cursing the dressmaker, she did not realise that she took a wrong turn.

Distressed by her woes of fashion and etiquette that mandated her presence in that debauchery, she walked in a jiffy towards her dear friend, Ashwanth.

The gajra, long forgotten, embraced the side of the marble tile near a very special room. Only the melody of her heavy gold trinkets echoed in the air paired with a certain gift, attracting the attention of a handsome blue-eyed devil who was switching to his suits after giving the Indian kurta a chance.

The sound made him curious like the first night, and his feet dragged him to the halls. Only half dressed, shirt unbuttoned, he looked around and tried to trace the echo. All that he could concur, was a moving shadow with the curves of silk, the bells moving in sync with those voluptuous hips. Coming back to his allotted room, the only remnant of that siren laid across the floor.

The gift.

That smell.

His hand snatched the bunched flowers, as if the grounds would swallow them if he wasn’t quick enough. One whiff and he knew he needed it in his life more than the opium his friends favoured.

So, it belonged to a person after all, and by the accompanying silhouette, a woman.

His woman.

A sudden realization had his pupil dilated, as he went back to the room. She might be at the feast.

If he heard them right, everyone significant would be present in that hall, and she was the most significant.

He chuckled at his poetry, what is wrong with me, he thought. He moved around the room with swiftness but also a renewed interest, humming tunes while he applied a dash of cologne and adjusted his jacket to perfection.

He passed the mirror one last time, stopping to fix his hair. He had to look perfect for his sweet maiden. His brows furrowed, a troubling thought flashing his mind. What if she was spoken for? What if she was claimed already, her heart in someone else’s hands?

Blue eyes turned colder than a foot of ice.

Hands on the desk,

He looked at himself,

A crooked smile gracing, 

Then what?

Then,

A war like no other.

A war that would put Trojan and Mahabharata to shame.

A knock at the door tamed the raging storm in his eyes. Lord Cavill looked up, frowning at the distasteful intrusion upon his whims and fancies.

Ah, the big bad boulder.

“Come in, General! I assume you are here to escort me to the venue?”

“Khamba Ghani Cavill Saab. I heard that the British people are always on time, and yet here I find you, barely dressed for the occasion.”

A smirk laced the British resident’s face as he retorted, “Well you’re not wrong, but I happen to be the guest of honour and I may arrive whenever I may please. In fact, just for that comment, I would like to take a few more minutes before I leave.” And he turned towards his desk and picked up a recent correspondence from the Crown. 

Kulwant couldn’t help but roll his eyes, a movement instantly caught by the blue-eyed man. 

“Keep going! I will take an extra minute for each time you roll your eyes, kind sir.”

It was beyond the General’s comprehension that a man as petulant as this entitled bleached monkey, could even hold the post of a hawaldar in court, let alone be a Lord of some sort. Nevertheless, he was a guest, and of honour at that.

Thus, the loyal servant of the court stood tall and quiet while the firang made his point, albeit unnecessarily.

Once he was done having fun at the General’s expense, Cavill agreed to be escorted to the event. He reached the hall, and couldn’t believe his eyes for a minute. 

The hall looked straight out of a fairytale, and the worth of the mere jewels studded on the walls could help him buy a couple of kingdoms.

He reigns in his musings, and walks toward Maharaja Ganga Singh. 

************

“We don’t have time! Baba will decorate his court with my head! Let’s go!”

“Damu! Come on, wait! You don’t even have flowers in your hair.”

“You think I care, Ashwanth!? I can barely move in this outfit! It’s so heavy and so unnecessary! All for that invader and his honour! What can be more honourable than stealing lands you have no business with, right?”

“Damu, don’t be silly! You’re a princess, and you cannot just march into the hall like a maid! Here, let me put these roses and..Can you just.. oho! THERE.”

“That’s right! I am a princess and this is my palace! Watch me..”

The two friends kept bickering along the way. Anyone who had seen these two would mistake them for longtime lovers, and yet things remained strictly platonic, at least from Damini’s end. 

For someone with an expertise in strategising, warcraft and literature, the princess often missed the veiled looks Prince Ashwanth threw at her. How he always brought gifts, only in exchange for her ruthless company and how he bowed down to all her incessant demands, all for her pleasure.

To Ashwanth, she was the key to his future and beyond. To Damu, he was the ever constant confidant, seemingly balanced and loyal to a fault.

As they moved towards the hall, she made eye contact with her father and naturally started walking to him, just like she has been trained to, her seat to his left calling out to its rightful master. What she didn’t realise was a figure moving in the same direction.

Lost in conversation and the pull of the decorum, she collided with a commoner, which only fueled her frustration.

“Dekh ke nahi chala jata kya? Humare raste aane ki himmat kaise hui?” (Can't you see where you're going? How dare you get in my way?)

“What did you just say?! How dare you use that tone with me?

“Poore mahal mein yeh gorey deemak ke bhaanti badhte hi ja rahe hain! Ek din ka bhi chain nahi hai!”(These white people are everywhere, like pests! Give me a break)

“Damu yeh..”(Damu this is….)

“Honge apne desh mein nawab, yahaan pe inki aukaat humaare naakhoon baraabar bhi na hain! Aur aise kya ghoor rahe hain yeh, laaj lajja kuch hai inko?” (He might be a Lord in his country, but here he isn't worth my toenail! And why are you staring at me like that? Have you any shame?)

Lord Cavill fumed at this disgrace of a woman, one who dared to look him in the eye and dared to speak while addressing him directly. Although he could not understand her words, her tone and posture were enough to get her backhanded, had they not been in the presence of company.  

This unruly child must be taught a lesson.

If anyone asked Lord Cavill, a woman’s tongue is only good for two things, sewing her mouth shut and on his cock whenever he pleased. If he didn’t expect the siren of his dreams to be in attendance, he would have put her in her place. Even if he could not punish this puny, dusky troll, he still had a reputation to defend.

“You listen to me carefully woman! You are messing with the wrong man, and spewing gibberish in some primitive language is not going to save you! Do you even know who I am? You are in MY bloody court and if I please, I can rip that serpentine tongue out of that pretty little hole! So you better apologise!”

“Cavill Saab.. please.. that’s my..”

“APOLOGISE? For what? Standing on my own soil? Or comparing you to a termite? None of which are false in my eyes. So get out of my way and know your place or you know what, go cry to your incompetent Lord!”

A storm raged in their eyes, wrath of all oceans combined in his and a black blizzard stirred concurrently in hers.

“Eyes down now, foreigner. ” The Tigress growled in warning.

The entire hall was suddenly quiet at the outburst. The musicians had stopped playing, and by the look of amusement on their faces, this was not the first time Damini Bai Sa had been the centre of attention.

Ashwanth tried pulling her back, her father was shooting daggers at her, while her siblings stood with aggravated expressions, exasperated by this wild child. It was Ganga Singh, who walked towards the ruckus and roared, which broke the deadly silence that had thickly draped the occasion.

“DAMINI! Are you out of your mind?! Do you even know WHO that is? Forgive me my Lord! This is my youngest child, Rajkumari Damini Bai, and I do not know what got into her, she is nothing like this!”

Renu and Revati Bai snickered at this comment and tried to hide their glee when they could see their father’s plan failing. No way will Lord Cavill bed this wild boar! They were preparing themselves for saving the kingdom, all the while reaping the seeds of pleasure from it.

“Damu, this is Lord Cavill himself. What is wrong with you, my child? Apologise, right now!”

“I would rather do Jauhar..” (light a pyre)

“DAMI..”

“It’s alright, Mr. Singh! I cannot expect common courtesy from uncultured brats like her. It just saddens me that you bear this burden on your shoulders! She certainly must have brought tremendous shame to the title of a Princess!”

Damini was about to give him a piece of her mind when Ashwanth pulled her back and gave her a solid glare.

Lord Cavill continued, “ Forgive me, but Maan Singh and your daughters seem like true blue-blooded beings. Has she been adopted from the streets?” His condescending tone should have had all the swords in the realm drawn up, but the language barrier and a father’s resolution to shove his daughter at him, saved the British neck.

Damini could not tolerate the insult and charged at him, “ Oh this is it! You goddamn plague sore! I will..” but was blocked by Ashwanth who was done watching her embarrass the Rajputana pride like a common whore.

“THAT IS ENOUGH DAMINI! Go take a seat!” The Maharaja ordered. But when she moved to her designated seat, her father grabbed her by the arm and lashed out with gritted teeth, “Sit with the guests. That seat belongs to your Master now. And don’t you dare embarrass me further. You are to serve him, and make sure he is left wanting for nothing. Nothing.”

Tears threatened to fall as the Tigress straightened her back, the princess coming to the fore, taking her position in the room, finding her place in the oppressive hierarchy.

Cavill watched her change her stance, a subtle nod to whatever her father threatened her with and for a second, he was impressed by the precise mutation. That is when he noticed the princess for the first time. Not so bad for a desert kingdom, blooming in all the right places. 

Back home, feisty women were his speciality, and he would often tame the likes of this woman, ploughing through their virgin lands.

His eyes wandered to her navel, as she walked to the guy who took her away earlier. Must be fucking her, and not enough at that! If she were in the right bed, she would be blissed out and her tongue tired. He could see her under him, screaming for an entirely different reason.

As the lust awoke, the mere thought of breaking this ballsy female had blood rushing to his groin, steeling his resolve as well as his cock. He had never bedded a princess, and was primed to claim her body for one night.

If that man could have her, she was fair game to all.

He strode towards the prize, steps decisive and eyes frigid. That is when he heard her voice, lowered but not discouraged by any means.

“Ashwanth, they let him take my seat, MY seat! And how could he say that about my lineage!? It was my seat!”

Ashwanth patiently replied, “ Don’t create a scene Damu, a chair does not define your position in the house, neither does some outsider! And can you please stop talking in English? You know how our people feel about it!”

Damini was feeling suffocated and needed to take a breath, but her luck soured the moment she felt thick fingers grabbing her arm, and felt his breath at the nape of her neck.

“You don’t need to get so riled up, princess. You know you can always sit on my lap like the little bitch you are.”

Damini looked at him with such fire in her eyes that it would have put Hestia to shame.

"Take. Your. Hands. Off. Me."

Taken aback, Cavill's grip loosened and she jerked out of his grasp with a rippling force. Much to the astonishment of the onlookers, she turned on her heel and stormed off.

The pride of her tears matched with the stride of the Tigress, refusing to fall before anyone.

***********************

Hindi Terms:

Khamba Ghani: Rajasthani salutation and a way to say hello. 

Firang: A derogatory term used for Europeans/ Colonisers, loosely translating to outsider.

Saab: Sir

Maharaja: King

Gajra: A traditional weave of scented flowers used as hair accessory by women.

Chapter 2

Tags:

@madbaddic7ed @henrythickcavill @toomanyfandomsshreya @inana999 @maximumninjavoid @mistress-of-ward

[jinmindeulle]

crowned ∣ jwy (4)

anyone but you

word count: 2.7k

genre: royalty au, prince!wooyoung x dressmaker!reader ∣ angst, fluff

warnings: a lot of minor swearing

a/n: if you want to be in the tag list so that you don’t miss the updates, just comment down below and i’ll happily add you! ♥

bring your tissues once again :(

Three weeks go by, and I never come across Wooyoung. Not once.

The first two, I kept myself busy inside the sewing room, with both of the dresses that the Queen had requested, a tuxedo for the King, and the wedding suit for the love of my life, who happens to be marrying someone that is not me.

San kept me company most of the time, trying to lift the mood every time he saw sad eyes and frowns on my face, or sensed that I was about to cry as I got started with the wedding gowns. I tried not to think much of it, but it was clearly impossible.

When the time came for me to choose the wool and cashmere for Wooyoung’s suit, I had the breakdown I was expecting to happen ever since that day. I was lucky to have San with me at the fabric shop, keeping me away from the curious glances from the shopkeepers and making sure I was breathing normally again. At the end, he just bought the fabrics for me and held my hand until we reached the palace gates.

Having San by my side was a blessing. He never failed to make a smile appear on my face throughout the whole wedding suit process. He hugged me tight, squeezing the life out of me when I gave it the last stitch, and whispered in my ear that he was really proud of me.

So now, having finished those and with just a couple of simple dresses to create for some of the royal maids, I had more time available to wander around the palace by myself, trying to figure out my next move.

The breakdowns came to an end the day I stored away the wedding suit. I chose that moment to be the closure that I needed, letting the last tears flow down my cheeks.

But no more, y/n.

I reach the kitchen, offering myself to give some help after realizing that the maids are busier than ever, going in and out, running here and there, cutting, mixing and boiling what seemed like a hundred meals at the same time.

“Have any of you seen my son?” I turn around, and with wide eyes, I bow at the presence in front of me.

The Queen inside the kitchen was a rare sight to see.

The half dozen women behind me chant a ‘No, your Majesty��� that seems to have been meticulously rehearsed. “What about you, miss y/n? You’re a friend of his.” She smiles softly, painfully reminding me of Wooyoung’s tender smile.

“Uhm…” I gulp, taking my eyes off of her to stare at the wooden floor. “I… I’ve been busy in the sewing room so I haven’t seen him in a while” I mutter.

She sighs “I’ll go see if San has. Tonight’s the engagement party and I can’t find him anywhere. Well, if you happen to bump into him, please let him know I’m looking for him. Thank you, ladies.” And with that, she leaves.

Just when I thought that everything was getting better for my mental health.

“I’m… I’m heading back to my sewing room, girls. Just in case… you need me.”

“Go, y/n. It’s okay, we can handle the kitchen by ourselves.”

I simply nod without looking up, and slowly go back to my work place.

I enter, and with the same pace, I go to what are labelled as Wooyoung’s drawers. I open the third one, revealing a perfectly folded and ironed Prussian blue suit. Without second thoughts, I take it out and put it on my desk. Right after, I open his wardrobe doors, looking for a black turtle neck shirt. I neatly fold it and place it over the suit. With this, he won’t need me.

It takes me a while to find matching shoes and a belt, but once I have them with me, I take a look at the clock hanging on my wall. Five thirty-nine p.m. Just in time.

I quickly make my way out, going down the hall and taking the paths that lead me to my destination. When I reach that wooden door, I sigh heavily, and go inside.

I take in my surroundings, making sure that he’s not here before he’s supposed to. All clear.

Carefully laying the outfit on his bed, I run away from there without looking back.

It’s been two hours since I’ve started this book and I find myself unable to go further than page three. I read the sentences but I don’t understand their meaning, because in the enormous garden that is right by my chamber’s window, an engagement party is being carried out.

I should be there, actually. Every person that works for the crown was invited, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I asked San to inform that I was ill, and that I was not going to able to make it.

When it was time for San to go to the party, he kissed the back of my hand and urged me to wait for him, because he wanted to come by and check up on me before going to bed. I nodded as a response, and threw myself into the middle of my bed, flat on my stomach.

Luckily, my windows draw out the noise, so I am barely able to distinguish the fancy orchestra playing and the light chatter of the guests.

I take my eyes off of the sentence that I’ve been reading for the last ten minutes and I sigh, annoyed at me and my foolish heart for falling for a man that I knew since the beginning was untouchable.

I throw that stupid book away from me, sitting down against the head of my bed. Closing my eyes, I try to think of something that can keep me busy the three hours left that I need to stay awake.

As I’m about to head out of the room so I can quickly go to the kitchen for food, I hear the music stop, the voice of the Queen resonating everywhere.

“I am so happy to be gathered here. Tonight, one of the most special nights…”

My mind goes blank, and I just stay still. Right in front of me, through the damned window, I can see his face. His defeated, shattered expression making my heart rate immediately stop. His eyes are glued to the dinner table sitting in front of him, and I gasp, knowing what’s about to come.

You promised that you would never cry again for him, y/n.

Well, fuck it.

As if my body was in a sort of trance, I slowly make my way to the window, touching the cold hard material with one of my hands.

Right by his side, a gorgeous young lady engulfed in a silk white dress, is grinning like she’s won the lottery, listening attentively to what her future mother-in-law has to say. The truth is I can’t hear her seemingly deep and emotional message, because my mind can only take Wooyoung’s sorrowed face.

His eyes leave the banquet, taking a look around the garden, as if he’s searching for something (or rather, someone) in the crowd that surrounds him and his soon-to-be fiancé. Suddenly, his dark orbs go wide, and the light that they seemed to have lost makes its way back where it belongs.

Right, he’s caught me staring at him through my own window.

I quickly take five steps back, trying to disappear from his sight as soon as possible.

Shit.

Earth, swallow me, please.

I keep going backwards, so at one point I just bump into my bed and lay there, too astonished with my stupidity to move an inch.

San left.

After the engagement party came to an end, he showed up in my chamber. According to what he told me when I met him for breakfast the following morning, I was soundly asleep, all spread and hugging my favorite pillow. He didn’t know that I’d seen Wooyoung, but I thought that the best option was to stay quiet about it.

We chatted about my future plans and his intentions of helping me get over him in any way possible, even proposing the idea of staying with him from the time being. However, with the softest smile that I could master, I nicely rejected San’s offer. I had to take into consideration the fact that he still was Wooyoung’s best friend and in one way or the other, I would keep myself attached to him. He ended our conversation by adding that he had to go back to his land for some time, because, after all, he had work to do before the great day.

I hugged him as tightly as I could, wishing him the best and thanking him for everything that he had done, was doing and would keep on doing with the mere intention of just pulling me out of the hole.

So then, all by myself, I did not do much. When I felt like it, I went out of the palace with some of the maids and helped them get the enormous quantity of kitchen items, ingredients and decorations that they needed for that day. I took long walks along the lake at sundown, sometimes taking my book with me and reading a few paragraphs before my mind wandered somewhere else. Or rather, with someone else.

I finished the maid’s dresses within one week, so the only work that I had left was patching up the royal staff uniforms, with which I took my time, because I had a whole month left before resigning.

However, time flew by.

Without me even knowing, a month and a half went by with me and Wooyoung crossing paths not even once.

All of my stuff was already packed, waiting for San to come for it after the wedding. I didn’t want to give explanations to everyone in the palace, so I just threw the essentials inside a bag and hoped for them to be enough until San could pick up the rest for me.

 The morning of the wedding day, everyone was ecstatic. The busiest I had ever seen them, but ecstatic anyways. Maids running everywhere, wedding planners shouting and screaming instructions at anyone that crossed paths with them, guards making sure that no stranger entered the confinements of the palace, and the braid’s dressmakers going in and out of the lady’s chamber with cold sweat running down their faces.

I, nonetheless, had taken care of the gowns a whole week before the event. I took them with me to the King and Queen’s dressing room, smiling at their content expressions and bowing in gratitude.

⤷ A week ago

“I also wanted to bring you the Prince’s wedding suit.”

The Queen looked at me with a quizzical expression, giving away her dress to her lady-in-waiting for her to put it aside. “He actually requested you to be there and help him get ready. You know about his unwillingness to learn how to tie his ties.”

Right. Damn you, Wooyoung.

“Oh, yeah. Okay, then. I’ll just take it back with me. Good evening, your Majesties.” And with a last bow, I abandoned the room. “You just had to do that, right Jung Wooyoung? Fuck.” I mutter, going back to the sewing room.

Present time ⤶

I should’ve known that after what happened at the engagement party, even if it was as insignificant as staring into each other’s eyes for three seconds, getting away from him wouldn’t be that easy.

So now, pacing in front of Wooyoung’s chamber’s door, I tell myself that it isn’t a big deal.

Just go inside, give him the suit, tie his tie and leave. Easy.

Ha, right.

Taking at least five deep breaths, I shut my eyes tight and slowly knock on his door. I take a look at the suit in my hands, cursing the stupid tie that rests above it. I hate you so much, I want to yell at it.

But as I’m about to actually do it, the door flies open and a strong arm wraps around my wrist, shoving me inside of the room. The hatch is closed as fast as it was opened.

“Stop fucking avoiding me”

Oh? He dares to accuse me of avoiding him after having done the same? And he curses at me in the meantime?

I stare at him in disbelief, a shocked expression taking over my face. “Don’t pretend like you actually didn’t do it too.”

“Can we please talk?” his angry, accusatory tone suddenly changes for a more saddened, desperate one. “San told me you’re resigning.”

“We don’t have anything to talk about, Wooyoung. We have already said and done things that hurt each other, so I think that we are better off this way.” I quietly answer, giving him his outfit. “I’m here just so I can tie your tie for you.”

“Right.” He whispers, staring at the pieces of clothes that I placed in his arms. He keeps on rumbling, but his voice is so low and broken that I cannot make a word out. Without looking back, he goes behind his folding screen and starts changing into his wedding suit.

I feel tears picking my eyes and a lump on my throat slowly growing. You can do this, y/n. You just have to do one last thing and then you are free.

Free of what?

The discussion keeps going on my head, and I just let it be. I’ll never come to terms with myself if I don’t allow my mind to come up with nonsensical questions that hardly ever have an answer.

The quiet shuffle wakes me up from my daydream, and I know it’s time. I take the tie away from his hands, trying not to make physical contact whatsoever.

I breathe in and out while hanging the fabric of his neck, my eyes never leaving it. I take my time so that it can be perfectly done and no second tries are needed. I complete the knot by tightening it and drawing it up snugly to his collar, my hand lingering there for a few seconds before letting go.

“There you go” I mutter.

Just when I thought that I had made it, I make the mistake of my life.

My eyes land on his own, and damn it.

His dark orbs are nothing but glassy, defeated, hopeless. His cheeks are flooded with what seem like a million tears. His lips are trembling, threatening to let out a pained sob in any minute.

“I love you, y/n” his voice is soft, broken, pleading, shattering everything inside me. The sorrow and grief that had been raging in me for almost two months finally gets me, and I break down in front of him.

“I’m so sorry, Woo.” I whimper, as I feel his hands take the sides of my face. “I’m so sorry”

He takes a step closer, no more space between our bodies. His eyes are fixed on mine, their visible pain affecting me ten times harder than expected. I let out a choppy sigh, and with it, more tears.

“I love you, y/n” he repeats. “And I’ll never love anyone but you.”

I want to answer him the exact same, but he never lets me.

His soft, plump lips make contact with mine and all I can bring myself to do is lean in closer. His touch is desperate, hot and heavy, like he’s trying to take in every single part of me. Wooyoung’s hands leave my face but quickly make their way towards my waist, tightening his grip around me to shove me even closer, as if that was possible. My arms go around his neck instinctively, letting him take control over my lips.

We slowly, unwillingly, break apart gasping for air. Our tears keep flooding, but small smiles are taking over our swollen lips.

“What am I supposed to do without you?”

I shake my head ‘no’, leaning in for the last kiss that we’d ever share together. This time, is me who takes control, bringing him closer with my hands on his soft wet cheeks. “I love you so much.” I mutter against his lips, quickly letting go of him and making my way out.

I dare to look back once more, just to find him breaking down all over again.

“I’m sorry, Wooyoung.”

And with that, I leave the love of my life’s chamber.

part five: whatever it takes →

Here’s the fourth part of crowned ♥ I know this hurt even worse, but it’s getting better soon!

If you are reading this, thank you so much for being here, it means a lot to me ♥ Leave your comments, suggestions and ideas on the comments below!

Happy reading!

⇢ jinmindeulle

[sugarfreecapsicle]

binding

royal!au bucky barnes x reader

word count: 1800+

A/N: I’m rusty, but I hope this is something you can enjoy! I had originally planned for this to be much longer (including smut) but I got bored of the detail I’d put in and didn’t want a reader to tire of it. Feedback is always appreciated - please forgive small errors as I use google docs and it doesn’t quite catch everything. Big thanks to @moonstruckbucky & @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan for beta-ing the very rough draft!

Within the hour, you’d become a wife, and the week, a queen.

None of your previous years of schooling and training prepared you for this. The dressmaker interrupts her last minute stitching and hemming with a hand on your leg to steady your balance. As a young girl, imagining this occasion comprised of so much more than political arrangements. Love, adoration, joy. Instead, you are shuffled from one room, one person to another, and the world blurs.

No one outside the castle, not even the court, had seen your betrothed since the war - many spread rumors that he’d already died and the king couldn’t bear the thought of losing his country, that the young soldier and prince had run away to a neighboring land out of fear while defending his own people. 

A duty to your family keeps you planted, flexible only to instruction from your new assistants. Your sister, young and frail, would be on the market as a working girl. Your mother would be devastated - her hard work in the quiet night voided should anyone of power discover her educating the poorer children. Father...well, he’s the mastermind of your marriage. Debts forgiven, as it were. But at what benefit to the throne?

Wavering at the thought, the dressmaker supports your legs with some poorly hidden irritation. You were the only woman of title who could bear children for miles, and with tensions remaining in the aftermath of war the king found no solace in the potential of his neighbors.

There’s no time to waste once your dress is done. You’re escorted to the door of the hall where music bellowed off the walls and murmurings of court carried over the banisters. Your father says nothing but threads your arm with his, a hand over your clammy one. 

A maid enters from a small door across the foyer, and by order of the dressmaker fusses over every detail one last time. The words leave you before you think better of it. “Is he kind?”

She blushes. “Immensely, Your Highness.”

The music begins to swell, large oak doors creak open, and the room stands. Your heart pounds with every step nearer, the knot in your throat bobbing and scratching. Could you sound smooth, deliberate in promising your vows? Could he be full of dread?

The prince, your betrothed, stands poised - the perfect soldier. Broad shoulders, dark velvet blue accentuates the chocolate brown hair pulled together neatly at his neck. A prominent dark metal hand inlaid with gold clutches one of flesh behind his back. The exchange of your hand between your father and prince moves slow, deliberate. The new sensation of cool metal pricks against your clammy hand, and a silent prayer asks that the hardness in his slate blue eyes is a result of ceremony rather than the prospect of marrying you specifically.

The priests words run together in baritone, the vows hardly more than white noise behind the pounding of blood in your ears. Something  in your chest stretches tightly. Vision darkens at the edges. Breaths shallow.

And then, the prince’s voice reverberates through your touch.

“I swear upon my life and my kingdom.”

You’re next to swear your vows before the gods and the court, and sweat begins to bead on your hairline at the priest’s silence.

“I swear upon my life and my kingdom.”

Rings are exchanged, (could his hands be trembling the same as yours?) your arms link, and you turn as one, the room bowing deeply followed by cheering applause. You’re both escorted onto a carriage and paraded, waving, tossing candied fruits to those around the streets.

Once paraded, you return to the castle and the pair of you are directed to a set of bedchambers, men standing guard outside. Part of you wants to believe in a higher power when there are no guards or attendees inside to...observe.

He’s staring, eyes roaming over your finery in some kind of assessment. Jaw still clenched, eyes cold. 

“If you disapprove-“

“I don’t.” Short. Effective. “You’ll make a fine queen for my people.”

Not at all a romantic.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

He bows and doesn’t give a reason for his dismissal from the room. A sob crowds the knot still trapped in your throat. The rest of your days would be spent trying to tolerate a frigid man with no love for you while trying to do what’s best for the people. 

Weeks pass with no affection. James, your new husband, is busy with matters elsewhere that keep him occupied. Not that you have too much time of your own to notice - your new role commands attention to multiple details across the grounds, interior, even some event coordinating. Most nights it’s all you can to do fall into bed and snore before your head hits the pillow. Your husband rarely finds bed before you and is always out of bed before you wake.

Some of the maids and help around the grounds provide a little solace, most with stories of his quiet action to their aid. James - reserved, a man of action, subtle, caring, kind. Give him time, they’d said. He has his reasons.

Once ready for the day, you smooth your skirts and expect to plan the first of many holiday celebrations but your train of thought is stopped. James stands nervously at your door and smiles. 

“Good morning.”

The smile broadens. “Good morning. Would you...walk with me? If you have the time.” James offers his arm and without breaking eye contact, you accept.

A sharp breeze dances in the sunset leaves, and the day new enough to glimmer of morning dew on the shrubbery. Orchids in bloom fill the air with pleasant sweetness. The two of you have hardly spoken as you walk together, guards’ eyes following.

“The gardens are beautiful.” It’s a start, you suppose. He’s trying.

“Thank you.” You grin over at one of the fountains collecting fall leaves in a pool of water. “Shall we sit? I need the sun more than I thought.”

A true gentleman, he waits for you to arrange your skirts and move to sit before taking his place next to you by the fountain. Somewhere in the trees birds chirp and sing, chattering along.

“My mother always loved the birds,” James murmurs with eyes darting in the treeline. “She insists on the feeders hidden throughout.”

“I’m sure you gave your mother some reason to hide them,” you smirk, tucking an errant waft of hair behind his ear. His cheeks flush, even his ears turn a shade of red. 

“Plenty of reason. And often.”

You breathe out a laugh and notice a page rushing over with a sealed letter in hand. So much for an easy morning.

Although you can’t get the thought of his smile, the way he grins more on the left side of his mouth than the right, out of your head all day. Plenty of your advisers noticed your distraction but said nothing. Finally, just before dinner, you settled back into your own right mind: You won’t bed him without love. You’d rather claim a mistress’ child as your own than compromise yourself. According to other ladies of the court, it happens all the time.

A visit to a nearby village is announced at dinner, and James’ parents decide the opportunity for the two of you to make an appearance as the future rulers of the country. Notorious for his solitude, you fully anticipated an excuse of important meetings from James - but once again, he surprises you with an agreement.

The scheduled visits happen semiannually, and traveling to the further reaches necessitates a week or more. By the third day, you’re not sure how you’ll remember all the names of lords, ladies and other important members of the court. Sunset warms you through the window of the carriage, rolling green hills and farmland passes by. Your accompaniment including your husband keeps quiet - the adviser sleeping, your husband keeping a watchful eye on the countryside. 

His head lifts from his hand, the dark metallic one reaching at his hip for his blade. Blue eyes meet yours in an instant.

“Stay here. Don’t leave this carriage no matter what you hear. Do you understand?” 

You nod once and remember the knife you’d stashed in a garter beneath your skirts. The noise of battle cries and swords clashing interrupts the rhythmic clip of horse hooves and wooden wheels. An ambush - assassins, spies from Hydra coming for you, or the future king, or both. 

A blink, and he’s out of the carriage with a slam of the small door. The chaos of yelling and metal on metal has you scrambling for the knife, shaking hands grasping the opalescent handle. 

James grunts, shrill iron against his arm sparking with anger, and shoves the assailant backward. Thuds of fists landing punches, knives ripping fabric all overwhelm your senses. Coppery blood even scents the air around you.

As quickly as the fight began, all became silent once again aside from crunching pieces of road and rock beneath heavy boots. A set ends just outside the carriage door - your adviser cowering in the floor.

“Princess?” James pants and knocks three times. “If I open the door, you swear not to impale me?”

“Only if you speak for yourself and not in surrender.”

Hesitantly, the small door opens, and James peers and you with a tired smile. “To you only, I would surrender.”

Once the men are settled and wounds triaged, you’re able to inspect the prince. James is scratched and bruised, a bit bloody and finery torn. Without thinking, your hands are wiping at his busted lip with a handkerchief and worry twists your expression. Most of his lip is clean when you notice a tenderness you hadn’t seen before - something in the way his eyes settle on you, in the set of his mouth, the way his flesh hand lets his fingers brush your free hand.

“I know I can’t stop you from it, but I wish you would consider the kingdom before rushing at murderers.”

“You are my kingdom,” he says a bit breathless. “If my wife commands it, I will make it so.”

His hand doesn’t leave yours the remainder of the ride home. 

That night, you’re twisting a thread on your nightgown wondering if perhaps there was more to your prince than your first impression. Meetings and duties keep him away from you for most of the day, and over dinner you catch up on what you’re not involved in directly. He keeps certain things from you - direct threats, certain uglier parts of his duty as heir to the throne. 

It’s in the quiet of night, few candles crackling, when you ask the tired man next to you, “Do you love me?”

He turns from his back onto his side and holds your cheek, “I would lay down my life for you and everyone in this country without hesitation. Do not think for one moment that I don’t love you as a king. And as your husband.”

You haven’t kissed since the wedding but his lips on yours work gently to ask permission and light kindling in your chest. He pulls away too soon for your liking, unadulterated want dancing behind the glittering yellow flame over blue. 

“My kingdom, my home, my land benefits from your thoughtful consideration. You refuse to demand more than what our staff can provide, and you have a kindness I’ve never seen from title. I cannot find nor will I look for any reason not to love you.”

[slothgiirl]

shadowplay ch 2 (alex turner x reader)

Your phone rings, vibrating on the sette while you try and decide what to order for dinner. 

Work had run late and you had really just wanted to finish to jacket tonight and not have to pick up where you left off tomorrow. Not expecting any calls, you hit ignore and decide on chinese. Fried rice and pot stickers sounding heavenly. 

Your phone rings again and you decide to answer just to see who could be calling you. 

It can't be work. And your friends would've texted you. 

"Hello," you answer. If it's some telemarketer you can always hang up. 

"It's Alex." 

"Who?" You don't know anyone named Alex. 

"ugh you pretended to be be my girlfriend that one time," he trails off. 

"Oh yeah. Sorry my brains at like half charge right now."

"Long day at work," Alex asks. 

"Basically," you answer, "my hands are beyond cramped. You know you could've texted. Who calls anymore?"

"If I can't do something face to face," he counters, "callings the next best thing."

"Okay grandpa."

"I just wanted to well. . .ask if you would mind much doing it again." He pauses as if working up the courage to say the words. Taking so long I think he might have hung up. "Pretending to be my girlfriend that is."

"What happened," you can't help but asks, already wondering what kind of situation he got himself into. 

"Arielle sort of told some mutual friends and now. . ."

"Your friends think we're dating."

"Exactly," Alex finishes. 

"You could just come clean. No shame in that." Though the idea of seeing him again alone is worth considering faking a relationship. 

"Yes," he protests, "it's embarrassing. Arielle's getting married and I pretended I have a girlfriend. I 'fink I'd 'ave to live under a rock after that."

"Are you free right now?"

"Why," Alex asks.

"So we can talk things through. Oh and can you pick up food on the way. That'll save me the delivery fee."

"So you'll do it Love," sounding so hopeful you almost say yes on the spot. 

"Well what's in it for me?"

Alex snorts, "I'll grab you dinner or something. Anything you want for saving my bloody arse." 

"Well like I said, you can start by picking up dinner." You give him your address. 

A small flat at the top of some old building with a tiny balcony that was the main attraction. You had been looking at houses but had yet to find something in your range and one that you also wanted. So here you still were. 

You buzz Alex in, looking dapper in blue jeans and a strokes shirt with a different leather jacket on. This time sans glasses. 

"Thank you so much," you tell him as you unpack the food onto your coffee table, but not before making sure he takes off his leather boots with more of a heel than you could walk in. 

"No problem love," Alex says with a smile, "least I could do right." 

"Your learning."

He chuckles, taking a seat next to you on the sette. The great british bake off plays, an old episode. You haven't paid enough attention to know what's going on. 

"So. . ."

"Yes Al," you grin playfully. 

"Would you like to be my fake girlfriend?"

"Not until you explain what's actually going on."

He ducks his head as you start on the fried rice. Shoving forkfuls into your mouth without a care about how you look. Lunch seems to have been ages ago for how hungry you feel now. 

"Like I said over the phone. Arielle told a bunch of our friends and now Jaime invited us over and I said yes. And now I can't just fess up."

"You could though," you note, offering him a fork too. 

"I'd look so bloody pathetic."

"So if we were to do this," you ask carefully, not meeting his eyes, wondering what you were getting yourself into. But as the weird girl in college with only one good friend, you knew a thing or two about being embarrassed. And it sounds amusing. 

Not to mention Alex is beyond hot. 

He sighs, relieved. "It's just be once or twice. Then we break up and no one ever has to be wiser."

You sit up straighter, studying Alex. His well defined bone structure, his expressive brown eyes, and the way he couldn't quite meet your eyes, unsure as you felt about the whole thing. He looked like a proper douche with all the hair gel and habit for wearing sunnies when the sun had gone down, but you'd enjoyed talking to him. 

You still can't imagine it being hard for him to get a girl. And yet here he was. "Alright. I'm game if only because I think this whole thing is ridiculous. They're your friends. Not to mention I'm such a nice person." 

Alex laughs, which has you smiling hard enough that your cheeks hurt and for once not caring that it might look weird, might make your face look fat. 

"Oh thank god I was about ready to book a flight to LA and pretend I had work or something along those lines."

"I wish I could do that whenever I didn't want to deal with my aunt. My cousin got married last summer and now everyones looking at me every time we get together. I'm twenty six. Practically a child bride!"

It makes Alex laugh again. 

"If we're going to do this though," you tell him, opening up a fortune cookie, "we have to like establish details and have our story straight. Like I still don't know what you do. That'll raise eyebrows."

"True enough," Alex acknowledges. "I can already tell you'll be the smart one in this relationship."

You snort. "Tell that to my maths teacher."

"I was thinking, we've only been seeing each other for a weeks. I've flying back and forth quite a bit. It adds up," he states casually, like people just flew back and forth from one home to another all the time. "Haven't told anyone because we we seeing where this was going."

"Makes sense. So where did we meet? Musicians are supposed to be creative aren't they?"

"Are you really going to make me come up with everything by myself love?"

You roll your eyes, "I really should stop getting take out. It's bad for the planet but I'm so out of it after work."

"How about you tailored some clothes I needed fixin'," he suggests with a dangerously flirty grin. 

"That's so unprofessional Al," you protest, "I'd get into so much trouble for something like that."

"Which is exactly what you said when I asked you out," he continues, looking gleeful as the whole scenario plays out in his head, "but I was persistent. And said I'd never be a customer again if you'd give me a chance."

"And you pouted so much I just couldn't say not to that face," you add with a giggle. "I work at Hargreeves by the way. Mostly suiting through there are quite a few dressmakers there too."

"I have a little band called the Arctic Monkeys," Alex offers, watching you carefully. 

You shrug, "never heard of them."

"The last shadow puppets too," he adds, still studying your reaction carefully.

"You any good?"

"We're signed love so I 'fink we're doing all right."

"I don't think you're being a reliable source Al," you note, googling Arctic Monkeys instead. "much too humble."

"I'd sound like a twat otherwise."

Your eyes widen at the number of results and articles right off the bat. "doing all right my arse! You're bloody famous!"

"Only a little," Alex protests, running a hand through his hair, pink dusting his cheeks. 

You tell him about going to trade school and your apprenticeship  "Something right out of the devil wears prada! Kept pricking my fingers so badly!" Your friend Sam who does dresswear and complains about how, "everyone wants the same boring sillouttes! Can you believe dropping ten thousand pounds on a dress you could get at Harrods!" 

He tells you about growing up in Sheffield, about his band mates and old friends who have all gotten together or married by now, about his love for the strokes and Miles Kane. 

Alex talks about moving to New York for a girl, about moving to Los Angeles for a different girl. "I guess I'm a romantic at heart," he confesses. 

You blab about wanting to work for an Atilier like Valentino and how you still feel weird about spending money on things like a Chanel bag though you can justify it. About devouring magazines while your mum shopped. 

It had been that initial love for fashion and your grandmothers own seamstress skills that had led your down the path you'd taken. "Poshmark is bad for the environment and the clothes don't even hold up," you ranted. 

Old clothes done by hand had lasted much longer and there was something about making things. "It was always just fun to design something and then see it come together through I nicked myself a lot and my mum made sure I finished my assignments before spending hours in my room." 

Alex asks you about your taste in music which is, "hasn't really changed since college I mean Britney spears still slaps and who doesn't love the spice girls." 

Your shamelessness has him laughing again."I mean your not wrong about the spice girls love."

It's past ten when he finally makes to leave. "So next week at Jaime's," Alex asks once more, worried you might have changed your mind. 

"Yes. Text me the details. Or I guess call if that's more comfortable for you." 

He smiles, resting against the doorway, looking down at you with his soft brown eyes. "Can I kiss you? For practice I mean. . .they'll be expecting us too. . ." 

If you let him go on, it might take two years for him to get to the point and you've already set boundaries. Hand holding, hugging, all the typical couple stuff except for sitting in his lap. 

That was too much for you. A kiss here and there for believability but obviously you wouldn't be making out in public. 

Or at least, if this was real you wouldn’t go overboard in public so there was no reason to with him. 

So you kiss him on his lips, light and quick, just a goodbye kiss. And send him off.

[ficsandpieces]

(for the prompt fest!) Papa!Camus ♦: Slow dancing (with his bby girl PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE 😭)

Congratulations, I don’t know how it happened but you’ve made me soft for papa!Camus now. (*´ ▽ `*)

* * *

Prisms sparkled in the light of the little girl’s eyes, the same light blue as her father’s shining as she peered with wonder into the beautifully inlaid wooden box.

“Papa, what are these?”

“Pick one and see, angel.”

Curious eyes darted between the shining crystals, each one lovely and tempting in its own way. Little hands finally chose and closed around one. Candlelight glinted off its ends, sharp and pointed as two rapiers placed handle to handle. She looked up inquiringly at Camus. Long fingers reached forward and stroked the top of the prism, eliciting a gasp of delight from his daughter on his arm when it glowed blue and white, the tingling notes of a harp flowing forth from it. 

“Do all of them play music, Papa?”

A rare smile tugged at Camus’ lips. Passing his free hand across the remaining crystals embedded in the box he was holding, a running scale sounded up and down, lights glowing and winking like fairies dancing under his palm. His daughter clapped her hands in delight, the prism she had chosen still clutched in one fist. 

“What would you like to listen to, darling?” he asked, idly tapping a crystal at random, elaborate notes floating from it into the air. 

The way his daughter’s eyes lit up when she heard it was so much like his wife’s that he felt himself falling in love all over again. 

“I like that one. It sounds like the song you and Mama danced to when you got married!”

“Ho?” Camus marveled, one hand casually selecting the diamond-shaped crystal out of the box. “Now how would you know what that sounds like, angel? I don’t recall you being there. Has someone been showing you things behind my back?”

Dropping the prism she had been holding back where it came from, the little girl threw her arms around Camus’ neck and looked up at him pleadingly. 

“You mustn’t blame Mama, Papa. We were taking measurements for my new dress when the dressmaker said that the pattern we chose reminded her of the bridesmaids dresses for the wedding. I was the one who begged Mama to show me how they looked like so she did.”

Camus was half-way wondering when his wife had learned to work the magic needed to use the crystal the extravagant wedding was recorded on (which he had to admit took much longer than both of them had anticipated to plan because they couldn’t agree on so many things. It was nothing more than a miracle blessed from the Queen they had been able to compromise enough to have held it in the end) when he remembered the existence of something called a Blu-ray player in the house. 

“Besides, it was so beautiful,” his daughter said dreamily, her head leaning against his chest, her hair soft under his chin. “Mama’s dress was so wonderful, the train sweeping so elegantly across the floor when she danced with you. Papa, you looked so handsome too! Just like a king from a fairy tale!” She sighed in longing. “I wish I could have been there. I would have liked to dance with you too.”

Camus’ expression was carefully schooled as he processed the implications this scenario hinted at.  

“Well then,” Placing the crystal in his hand on the mantelpiece where it balanced perfectly by itself, he closed and kept the box away, his daughter perched on his arm while his free hand caressed the diamond, making it glow silver and white. “I would not be much of a king if I could not fulfill such a simple request from my little princess.” Letting her down so that her feet touched the floor, he bowed, one hand sweeping the air, the other behind his back, elegantly enough to put most butlers to shame. “May I have this dance, my small lady?”

He felt a warmth blossom in his chest at the smile spreading across his little girl’s face at this gesture. 

“Of course. My first dance with Papa!”

She dropped into a curtsy, slipped her hand into her father’s waiting one and straightened up. 

“I’m not very good at dancing yet though. It would be terrible if I stepped on your feet, Papa.”

The music started from the beginning again, piano and harp tinkling into existence. Camus held on to his daughter’s hands fondly. 

“Do not worry, my snowflake. All will be well if you follow my lead.”

“I know.” His daughter’s trusting smile up at him made his heart clench again. “I trust you.”

Her feet were sure, following where her fathers’ went without hesitation, her steps graceful despite her young years. Candlelight lit by magic reflected off her face, so very much like his and his wife’s. 

The pride Camus felt leading his daughter around the living room threatened to overwhelm him, and it was with much difficulty that he forced it down, his body language never betraying the struggle within. He took it slow, his strides measured, his sweeps small to accommodate his little daughter who was leaning into him, her full trust in him evident in every movement. 

“This is fun, Papa!” His daughter beamed up at him as he lifted his arm to spin her carefully. “Was it like this when you danced with Mama?”

Camus allowed the slightest smile to escape, the memories of his wedding resurfacing with every step he took with his little girl. “Your mother was not as good a dancer as you are, my darling girl. I’m afraid she may have much to learn from you. Perhaps I should be sending her to your dance lessons instead.”

“Oh Papa,” The sound of her laughter warmed him to the core better than any fire could. He was loathe to admit it but his daughter had been the one crack in his armor since the day she was born. “You are always so stern with Mama, but I know you don’t mean it. Not truly!”

“Oh dear,” They whirled past the mantelpiece, Camus casually running a finger over the crystal in passing and renewing the music. “I must be losing my edge, if I am so easily seen through.” He bent down slightly, his daughter giggling and letting go of his hand to touch his hair falling over one shoulder. “Shall we keep this a secret between us, my little snow bell? Something that only us father and daughter have knowledge of.”

The sheer delight that lit up her little face made her shine brighter than the brightest star to his eyes. A secret between her and Papa! Something that belonged only to them! 

She nodded eagerly, her composure broken as she bounced on her feet in excitement. 

“Oh yes! Let’s do that! I promise I won’t tell anyone!”

It was with great effort that Camus kept his face stern. His daughter remembered then they were still in the middle of dancing and stopped, her cheeks burning as she peered up at her father.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have stopped while the music was still playing.”

The way she apologized, her little hand slipping back into his bigger one, made Camus’ heart ache. It reminded him of himself at a slightly older age than she was now, surrounded by adults and expected to behave like one of them as well. She would never be able to grasp just how large an impact her existence was on his life. To him, her being here, her little hands in his, was more magical than anything he could ever conjure up or even dream of.

His wife had asked him once, in a rare tender moment between them, if he would give their child the freedom he had never known in his own childhood.  

Now with his little girl in front of him, doing her best to dance as she had been taught, her steps following his unerringly, the memories of his wedding, his strict childhood, his daughter’s birth and the wonder of watching her grow up without the shadow of obligations, happily and carefree with a joy that he never had and could give her now, the answer was so obvious it made him wonder why he hadn’t been able to reply back then. His daughter made a sound of surprise when he broke his own posture to bend down and scoop her up in his arms.

“You never have to apologize to me, my darling little girl. You may tear out my heart, stab me in the chest and break every bone in my body yet I will always, always forgive you without question. You must always remember this, my angel. You will always be my pride and joy, no matter what you do.”

Relief mixed with delight flooded her face. Throwing her arms around her father she happily buried her face in the crook of his neck, dancing completely forgotten. Camus hesitantly lifted a hand and gently stroked her hair, still swaying slowly to the music playing out its final notes. 

“I love you the most, Papa!”

Much to his surprise, Camus found that he wholeheartedly returned the sentiment and meant every word. 

[arabellaflynn]

If I read one more article on "Marilyn Monroe's dress size", I am going to roll my eyes so hard I will be stuck staring at my own frontal lobe. Marilyn Monroe did not have a dress size. She had a range of measurements which would not have fit into any commercial garment, or commercial garment pattern, then or now, without extensive modification. The reason she looked so good all the time is that literally everything she wore was either custom made for her, or tinkered with by a dressmaker who knew their stuff. You will not look like that in anything you buy from a store. Marilyn Monroe would not look like that in anything she bought from a store. Clothing just does not come in that shape. This rant is inspired by a shopping trip I took last week. I went to buy jeans, because A) it's my birthday on Monday, and B) all of my pants are falling off again. I blocked out an entire afternoon for this. Partly that was me assuming that if I wanted to get a pair of jeans that would last more than a month for under $10, I was going to have to embark on an epic quest through every Goodwill in Boston. But also that was me armed with the knowledge that when I try on clothing, I don't get to ask, "Does this fit?" It does not. I get to ask, "Can this be fixed to the point where it fits, and how long would it take?" The reason for this is because of fit models. A fit model is the standardized body shape that a designer drafts all of their sizes to fit. Fit models are why women's fashion has divisions like juniors, misses, women's, and plus -- all of these ranges overlap in physical size, but they're all cut for different body types. Juniors, for example, is theoretically designed for teenage bodies. For a given hip measurement, a juniors garment will generally assume a straighter figure (less of a hip/waist and bust/waist difference) and a higher bustline than a misses garment, which is aimed at women in their 20s and above who are statistically more likely to have had children, with all the bodily changes that entails. Women's lines are, or were originally, aimed older than that, for a more traditionally middle-aged figure. A 16W in the women's section will allow greater room in places like the upper arm, thigh, and bust, than the same garment in a 16 misses. Structured garments in plus sizes -- as opposed to, like, caftans -- are a relatively new thing, so the fit models for plus sizes are all over the place. One of the greater challenges in designing a garment that fits a plus figure is that, while skeletons all tend to converge on the same average shape, adipose deposits go wherever the hell they want. A lot of plus lines have subdivided their collections into top-heavy, bottom-heavy, middle-heavy, and hourglass shapes, because it's nigh impossible to design one line that will do well with all of those. Different companies use different fit models for their designs. They vary pretty widely. Topshop (aimed at juniors) shows a pretty consistent 7" bust/waist difference, and 9" waist/hip difference in their size charts. So does Rodarte for Target. XOXO for Macy's assumes an 8.5" bust/waist and 10" waist/hip difference. These differences are sometimes graded down for smaller sizes; in general, patterns err on assuming that people who are smaller have less flesh on an average bone structure, rather than an average amount of flesh on a smaller bone structure. Or, to put it more bluntly, that the thinner you are, the less T&A you're going to have. I have an 11" difference for both bust/waist and waist/hip. Nothing fits me. Ever. And nothing would have fit Marilyn Monroe, either. Based on personal experience, she probably had her swimsuits tailored. I've had to alter both leotards and leggings to make them fit. There is a limit to stretch; if it's got enough give to get over my backside easily, then it might not have enough elasticity to hug my waist. Stretch things that are loose at the waist very quickly become stretch things that are trying to roll down your hips as soon as you move at all, so they can hang at the widest point of your body. [I have also altered bras. Yes, you can tailor bras. No, you shouldn't. Bras should fit as purchased and be replaced as either you change sizes or the elastic wears out. I just bought more of the damn things, and the good news is that one of them actually fits. The bad news is that it's the 30E, and I would probably need a 30F if I wanted one that wasn't a plunge. Those of you who own and maintain boobs may correctly translate that size as 'fuck my life'. It is a magical unicorn bra size that almost doesn't exist. It means that all of my bras are going to be in completely deranged colors from now on, because black and ivory don't survive long enough to go on clearance, and full retail for these things is $60-80 a pop. If anyone feels the need to throw money at me for surviving to 38, a gift card to Bravissimo would be great. If you do want to spend money but don't want to buy me underwear, then please direct it to the MSPCA. Their Angell clinic down on Huntington has helped me with many a rat. They are good people.] The jeans I eventually came home with were American Eagle Outfitters bootcut stretch, size 2, and they needed to come in about 2" at the waist. I considered this a victory, because I did not have to take the garment completely apart to fix it. As a rule, you can take something down a maximum of 1-2 dress sizes before you're just disassembling it to make new clothes out of the pieces, and there are some lines I just can't buy from at all because they make assumptions (e.g., a long torso, where I am very wasp-waisted) that just can't be fixed without just hacking the entire thing to bits. Making clothing is not necessarily a better solution. Unlike commercial dress sizes, pattern sizes are standardized, so they do in fact mean something. A size 14 Butterick pattern should fit pretty much the same as a size 14 Simplicity pattern, at least in theory. Like commercial patterns, however, they assume a lot less than 11" of difference between B/W and W/H measurements. Moreover, they are almost all drafted for a large-ish B cup, which makes the back too big and the bust darts too shallow for me even if the overall measurement is right. I've made lots of clothes and purchased fewer than half a dozen commercial patterns in my life, because frankly I find it a lot easier to just trace something that actually fits and then pick at it until it works. In summary, Marilyn Monroe's "dress size" was a random number from 2 to 16 depending on your context, which wouldn't have meant anything anyway because everything she wore was extensively and professionally altered to fit her. Also click bait is annoying, and I hate having to buy replacement pants. from Blogger https://ift.tt/2PULFYX via IFTTT -------------------- Enjoy my writing? Consider becoming a Patron, subscribing via Kindle, or just toss a little something in my tip jar. Thanks!

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 97

from school plays, to plant priests

 Asher: "So, where we going again?"

izumi: festival square.

Asher: "..." *starts walking in the opposite direction--*

izumi: *drags them by the hoodie* come on, it'll be fun!

Asher: *dragged, their shoes along the sidewalk* =___=; "There better be something I can beat with a stick..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: "W-Will you be there?"

soul: of course i will. *head pat*

Damon: QwQ *hug*

soul: *hugs*

becky: *hugs*

Hyde: *wipes a tear* "So precious."

soul: ^^;

Damon: "??? Uncle Hyde? Are you coming?"

Hyde: "Well, how many tickets?"

soul: we'll save you and licht seats.

Hyde: "Goodie! I promise not to be too harsh in my review."

Damon: "... 'Review'?"

Hyde: *holds up a press pass*

becky: -_-; how many jobs do you have?!

Hyde: OWO "I NEVER SLEEP!!!"

Damon: Q___Q *hides behind Soul*

soul: -_-;

-elsewhere-

zhanna: *looking through paperwork*

Coworker: <Busy day?>

zhanna: <yeah.> *sigh*

Coworker: <??? You slept at all?>

zhanna: <of course i did, why wouldnt i have?>

Coworker: ._.; <I was just going to say sleep helps to get through the kind of fully scheduled days you tend to have...> ^^;

zhanna: <right.>

coworker 2: <hey, zhannya, you got a phone call from the states!>

zhanna: ?? <oh?>

Caller: <Hello? Miss Pushkin? Death City Insider here...>

zhanna: <yes, hello. what did you want to ask me?>

Caller: <I was reading about your work in Golden Cockrel. Our viewers would love to hear more!>

zhanna: <oh, w-why thank you.>

Coworker: <Don't accept! Ask that they fly you in!>

zhanna: <i'm sure it'll be fine, i wouldnt mind that.>

Coworker: -3-

Caller: <Um...Did you want to come to the States?>

zhanna: <of course, i wouldnt mind.>

Caller: <Let me check with my boss, and we'll let you know which dates and times are available for your flight. I look forward to meeting you in person!>

-elsewhere-

Ogun: *hands a box to Nozomi* <That's the last of it. I think we're ready to get back on the road!>

nozomi: ^^

fang-hua: *waves*

Mr. Huo: *waves*

Ling: <Come back soon, Sister!>

shinra: ^^

Takeru: <Onward to the Renewed Land of Potatoes!>

Pan: *shifts gears on the van*

-elsewhere-

felisia: *looking around*

Patient 1: *looking uncomfortable, eyes darting around the room*

felisia:.... *looks down*

Patient 2: *reading a magazine* "Hmm..."

felisia: *cough* mm-mm....

Patient 2: "??? Oh dear--you okay?"

felisia: j-just nervous is all ^^;

Patient: "First time?"

felisia: it's....complicated.

Patient 2: "Oh...Sorry. But how are you?"

felisia: nervous, excited. not sure if i'll do a good job...

Patient 2: "Then I think you're feeling what most new moms do." *smiles*

felisia: y-yeah......

Patient 2: *looks at Felisia's fingers* "You knit?"

felisia: ah, y-yes. i do a lot of sewing and dressmaking too.

Patient 2: "D'aw! Imagine the outfits you'll make for your little...um...Boy or girl?"

felisia: a boy.

Patient 2: "A nice suit, then?"

felisia: i suppose.

Patient 2: "...Who's waiting to take you home, dear?"

felisia: well, my family. *smiles*

Patient 2: *nods* "Good! They excited?"

felisia: *she nods*

Patient 2: "...I think my kids are jealous..." ^^;

felisia: oh? how old are they?

Patient 2: "6 and 4."

felisia: oh that's nice. ^^

Patient 2: "Their aunt is watching them. What's your name?"

felisia: felisia.

Patient 2: "Helen."

felisia: *smiles* so do you know what you're having?

Helen: "A girl."

felisia: have you picked out a name?

Helen: ^^; "Not sure. Keep looking through those books. I'm so desperate I'm going to Tolkien."

felisia: ^^; i've already chosen a name for him, but it's a secret for now.

Helen: "Oh? Not even your family?"

felisia: not just yet.

-elsewhere-

Meme: *wipes sweat off her forehead* "One more log to chop."

mio: *in weapon form* *panting*

Meme: "??? Okay, break time..."

Enrique: *squeezing berries for juice*

mio: *changes back* *phew* im dead. *collapses onto the ground* =A=;

Enrique: *offers a cup of berry juice*

mio: *sips* ahh... thanks enrique.

Enrique: "Goh!" ^w^

Tezca: *in a horse mask* "Okay, I'll shoe the next one."

Horse: O_O;

-elsewhere-

Older Witch: *grinding herbs*

younger witch: i'm back.

Older Witch: "Welcome. You retrieve them?"

younger witch: got them right here.

Older Witch: "Were you seen?"

younger witch: i dont think so.

Older Witch: "Good...Good work. Did you see anyone?"

younger witch:....those shibusen brats are still hanging around.

Older Witch: "...Tch. Tourists." *tosses down herbs*

-elsewhere-

Yosano: <Well, you seem to be doing well.>

leo: thank you, doctor. *smiles*

Yosano: "You're welcome. Did the medicine help?"

leo: yes.

Yosano: *nods* "How are your ankles?"

leo: ?? my ankles?

Yosano: "Sometimes the weight gain can affect the lower extremities."

leo: really? well, not that you mention it, it has been harder to get my shoes on.

Yosano: "A little swelling...I'll pick you up some shoes." *flashes credit card* "I needed a shopping trip~"

leo: oh, i wouldnt want to trouble you-

*The credit card says D. Kunikida*

Yosano: "It's a business expense."

leo: ._.;

Gin: *pops in* "Please pick us up new socks."

Tachihara: "And soda."

leo: ._.;;; oh. oh goodness....

Yosano: "Excuse me, are either of you pregnant?"

Gin: "No."

Tachihara: "...I don't think?"

Yosano: ^^# "Then leave. Now."

leo: ._.;;;;;;;;

Gin: -_-;

Tachihara: Q_Q *backs away*

Yosano: ^^ "Leo, how's your back? We can get you more pillows, too."

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *looking out the window* "What's the first thing you'll do when we get back to Death City?"

shinra: give rel and iris the biggest hug.

Ogun: "D'aw..."

Takeru: "Give these fruits to Patty to try!"

fang-hua: i'll check in with how the 7th's been surviving.

Viktor: *still reviewing notes* "Determine why pi was in the Shintai..."

Arthur: "...Now when you say 'surviving'--"

Ogun: "How about you, Juria?"

juria: eh, same old.

Ogun: "Property damage?"

juria: perhaps.

Arthur: "And you, Nozomi?"

nozomi: research.

Ogun: "It'll certainly keep you busy..."

nozomi: yeah, no kidding. ^^;

Ogun: ^^; "And you, Tamaki?"

tamaki: im gonna practice my nun training.

Takeru: "Your fighting technique was incredible, too! I owe you my life..."

tamaki: ^^

Takeru: "And almost no bad luck or embarrassment!"

Arthur: "..."

Ogun: "..." *facepalm*

tamaki: ....dont jinx it, please.

*The van hits a bump in the road*

tamaki: ACK! *she fell out of the truck*

Ogun: O_O; "...YOU SEE?!"

Arthur: "Oh, no...Captain, Tamaki fell out!"

-elsewhere-

Helen: *looking uncomfortable*

felisia: are you alright?

Helen: "I-I think you better get the doctor here now..."

felisia: o-oh goodness. ._.;;; u-um, d-doctor?

Doctor John: "??? Oh, Helen! Let's get you to the room..."

Helen: "Y-YEAH! About time--AH!"

felisia: ._.;;;;;;;;;

Helen: *looks at Felisia* "I-I'm fine! It's going to be okay..." *weak smile*

felisia: *gulps*

Doctor John: "Nurse, prep the bed."

nurse: on it!

Helen: *panting, breathing*

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: *looking at the contest list* " 'Fashion show'?"

naho: i'm totes gonna enter.

Sakuya: "Ideas what to wear?"

naho: there's different categories for the show, so i'm gonna enter the 'cute' category!

Sakuya: "I see..." *taps her nose* "Gonna need the best dress to accentuate your cuteness."

naho: ^^

Sakuya: "Something in your closet, or something new to buy?"

naho: i have a few things~ ^^

Sakuya: "I bet..."

-elsewhere-

Mr. Noto: *raking the ground* "Phew!" *wipes his brow, looks at the setting sun* "...???"

-there is a truck in the distance-

Mr. Noto: "!!!" <They're back!>

Takeru: *outside the window, waving* <Hello!>

Pan: -_-# "Get back in the truck before your height hits a tree branch..."

mrs noto: !!! takeru!

Takeru: *laughing happily* <We solved the great potato case--> *falls out the window, landing on the ground, while the truck keeps moving forward*

mrs noto: D8> <my baby!!>

Mr. Noto: O_O;

Takeru: *sits up* <I'm okay.> ^w^ *he has a small nosebleed*

mrs noto: *HUGS*

Ogun: <Hello, again, Mr. and Mrs. Noto.> ^^;

Pan: *unpacking a tent from the truck*

fang-hua: <it's nice to meet you again.>

Mr. Noto: ^^; <Thank you for watching our son. Are you all okay?>

mrs noto: <please, come on in, dears. i was just about to get dinner ready!>

shinra: <more or less, yeah.>

Pan: *drops a box--picks it up, pockets it*

Mr. Noto: <Well, you'll need to eat up. How long you staying?>

fang-hua: <we'll be leaving the day after tomorrow.>

Mr. Noto: <Make yourselves at home. Fang-Hua, you visited your family?>

fang-hua: <yes. they're doing well.> ^^

Cow: *confused 'Moo?'*

Mr. Noto: -_-; <Please ask your friend to stop.>

-elsewhere-

Damon: *practicing his lines to himself again*

becky: *waits for him to finish before entering the room*

Damon: *stops* "..."

becky: *opens the door* hey, dad made pizza rolls.

Damon: "!!! O-Oh? Thanks..." ^^

-elsewhere-

Anya: "And how did you come to join the DWMA?"

kirara: it's a long story.

Anya: "...Oh." -^- "I suppose I can relate to that."

esther: ah yes, it was such a long time ago, i barely remember it, fufufu~ well, i met kirara at the DWMA japanese branch and we've been best friends since. we're practically like sisters~

Anya: "Awwwww! And what was the Japanese branch like?"

kirara: it was busy work. eventually we were asked to become teachers at the DWMA.

Anya: "Which subjects do you like to teach?"

esther: i teach battle strategy and kirara teaches mythology and japanese history.

Anya: "Oh. Ms. Mortes, could we review some strategies?"

esther: of course~

-elsewhere-

Konro: "So..."

Benimaru: "..." *nods*

kabuki: congratulations!

Benimaru: -\\\-;

Konro: *bear hug* TwT "I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO!"

kirei: ^^;

Benimaru: -\\\\\-### "Let go."

Tsukiyo: T~T "D'aw..."

-elsewhere-

Nurse 1: *checking vitals*

baby: *crying*

Helen: TwT "There, there..."

Dr. John: "Your baby is healthy--and loud." ^^;

Helen: "Runs in our family."

nurse: have you picked a name?

Helen: *nods* "Kayla..."

nurse: what a sweet name. ^^

Dr. John: "I hope our other patients won't be too disruptive--we ran out of beds, so--"

Shotaro: *bandaged* ^^; "But Mana, I won two quarters!"

mana: -_-;

Helen: "I'm sure it'll be fine. Has my sister shown up yet?"

*Tiny footsteps are heard in the hallway*

???: "You're going the wrong way!"

mana: ?? *pokes her head out*

???: "I SAID I KNOW WHICH WAY TO GO! They said Room 417! *walking right past Room 417--and spots Mana* "?!! Mana?!"

mana: bryn?!

*BEAR HUG*

Bryn: "WHEN DID YOU HAVE A KID AT YOUR YOUNG AGE?!"

mana: >.<; i didnt! im here because my friend fell off an ice pillar and hurt himself.

Bryn: "..." *All Might laugh* "HA HA HA! Oh, the passion of youth..."

Shotaro: "Mama Mana! Mama Mana!"

mana: -_-; so what brings you?

Bryn: "This woman!" *hugs Helen* >W<

Helen: ^^; "Sis, please..."

kayla: gu?

ellie: auntie! *HUG*

Bryn: "And these little rugrats needed a 'sitter..."

Micah: "..." *pokes Shotaro's bandaged arm*

Shotaro: "OUCHIE!"

-elsewhere-

Takeru: "--and then they traded the potatoes they took with these delicious fruits!"

mrs noto: <oh my.>

Takeru: <But no one will be stealing from our farm again!>

Arthur: *whispers* <Except fire scorpions...>

shinra: *elbows him*

Arthur: >_<#

-elsewhere-

Meme: "That berry pie smells great, Tsugumi!"

tsugumi: thanks!

Meme: "Care for some, Any--"

Anya: O_O;;;;;;;

mio: um...anya? you ok?

Anya: "B-Battle strategies...Scary..."

-elsewhere-

Duncan: "So, what do you say? Be my meister~?"

girl: *MANIC LAUGHTER* no.

Duncan: QwQ "B-B-But I told you how awesome I am!"

girl: doesnt mean im impressed.

Duncan: "W-Well, you should be! Just wait--I'm going to show what an awesome weapon I am! And then you and every other girl in this academy will be around the block just begging me to be their partner--and I'll laugh in your face!" >_<

girl: *already talking to someone else*

Duncan: D : < "Nuts to this!" *turns, walks--into a wall*

genny:.....so lame. *nom*

Kanin: ^^; "It's hard not to feel some sympathy..."

lei-lei: ^^

Kazue: "..." *snore*

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: "..." *crumbles up a sheet of paper, tosses it* "...Damn it."

preston: mah, mah, you seem rathuh troubled.

Yafeu: "...Writing to someone."

preston: oh?

Yafeu: "...Orphanage, if you want to know!"

preston: ah, ah see.

Yafeu: "I just have trouble putting words on paper--SO IT'S REALLY HARD!" *slams his fist onto the table*

preston: perhaps trah typin' it on ah typewritah?

Yafeu: "It's the words giving me problems, not the device!"

preston: maybe get tutorin?

Yafeu: "... ... That's not a bad idea. Thank you."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "How is she?"

stocking: nervous.

Kid: *nods* "Have they induced labor?"

stocking: not yet.

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: *rests her head on his shoulder*

Kid: *strokes her head*

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *holds her hand*

felisia: *breathing hard*

Dr. John: "Time between contractions is narrowing...Get her to the room."

felisia: Q_Q;;;;

Mephisto: "It's going to be okay, darling--this is how to make sure our baby is delivered healthily..."

felisia: o-o-ok...

Dr. John: "Sir, you'll need to put on scrubs. Nurse, take him while we bring Felisia to the room..."

-elsewhere-

Emine: "Here, I brought you these." *hands Shotaro flowers* "I stole them from a patient who fell asleep."

Shotaro: "D'aw!"

Bryn: "Ha ha ha! You have some wacky friends." *nudges Mana*

mana: ..... *sweatdrop*

Bryn: "So, which one's your boyfriend?"

mana: *SPITTAKE*

Emine: "..." *points at Shotaro*

Shotaro: ^^; "Well, I am a boy and a friend."

Bryn: "Wonderful!" *grabs Shotaro's hands--and squeezes hard* "IF YOU BREAK HER HEART BEFORE OUR FIGHT, I'LL RIP OUT YOUR SPINAL CORD AND STAB YOU IN THE HEART WITH IT." ^^#

Emine: ("Hmm...Three bad deeds in one day. I'm doing quite well.")

mana: *covers her face* oh my gooooood....

Shotaro: OwO; "...I bite on bones so not to die from such injuries?"

Bryn: "??? Is this some young-people talk?"

Emine: *snaps a pic of Mana with his phone*

mana: it's....a long story.

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *rolls out his sleeping bag in the barn* "I will sleep here in the dragon's den."

Cow: O_O

shinra: ... *sweatdrop* classic arthur.

Takeru: Q_Q <Please don't upset her...>

nozomi: ^^;

Ogun: *finishes the tent* "All set here!"

tamaki: awesome!

Pan: *passes out sleeping bags*

juria: zzzzz

Takeru: "???" *sets sleeping bag down over her*

juria: *snort snore*

Takeru: ^^;

Pan: "We'll be up early to help around the farm."

-elsewhere-

Joker: *points at the map* "They keep their fortress out in the open so they can see anyone coming in..."

izzy: what a bunch of pompous assholes.

Joker: "Well, it is a religion that sees itself as above all other religions..."

izzy: someone needs to knock them down several thousand pegs.

Joker: "That's why I am seeking help. This is not a one-person job." *points to the underground* "Unfortunately, getting there underground is nearly impossible, especially after the Kishin attack years ago."

lust oni: darn, that limits our options...

Joker: "How many of you would be needed to knock down the door?"

izzy: well, we have a few powerhouses in our ranks.

Joker: "Hmm...Good. I think we'll grab someone else, too."

-elsewhere-

{*There's a boy sitting in an alley*}

{child: hey kid, you're on our turf.}

{???: "..."}

{child: what are you, stupid or something? this ally belongs to the sheep, now buzz off!}

{???: *mutters* "Shut up..."}

{child: eh? *grabs him by the neck* the hell did you say to me?!}

{Child 2: "Hey! Easy!" *pats his arm* "Just let the kid down easily, okay?"}

{child:... tch-}

{???: *silent* "..."}

{girl: what's your name?}

{???: "...Chuuya."}

{girl: nice to meet you, chuuya. my name's may. ^^ are you lost?}

{Chuuya: "...Don't know..."}

{may: ?? do you have parents?}

{Chuuya: "..." *shrug*}

{may:.....}

{child 3: where did you come from?}

{Chuuya: "I don't know."}

{may:....why dont you come with us?}

{Chuuya: "..." *grunts*}

{may: it's ok, we wont hurt you. *smiles*}

{Chuuya: >_>; "...Where?"}

{may: to the sheep's base.}

Chuuya: "..." *pulls up something on his phone: 'Sheep'*

mito: *asleep on his lap*

Chuuya: *it's just images of sheep* "..." *pets Mito, as he searches 'death city sheep'*

-nothing-

Chuuya: *sigh* "Damn it."

mito: *soft purring*

Chuuya: *strokes her* ("What happened to them...Are any left?")

-elsewhere, in the woods-

-there is a colony of large tents-

girl: we're back! and we brought supplies!

Boy: *holds up a paper bag* "Here..."

riko: alright, let's see. batteries, snacks, duct tape, bottled water. nice job guys.

Boy: *nods* "We tried..."

riko: hey, any supplies is good supplies.

Boy: "..." *nods*

riko: bring it to levy's tent so he can take stock on it, ok?

Boy: " 'Kay..." *moves to a tent* "Hello?"

???: "State your name!"

girl: albert hemmingsworth pendleton the third.

Boy: ._.; "...Zack?"

???: *throws open the tent* "I know those are not real!"

girl: hey, cut us some slack, levy, you know i have to tell a lie every day as my condition.

Levy: -^-; "It hardly makes you trustworthy...What did you bring?"

girl: *hands him the bag*

Levy: *checks* "Batteries, bottled water...Where's what I asked for?"

girl: what did you ask for?

Levy: "My tin of meat!"

girl: it's in the bottom.

Levy: *pulls it out--and rubs his cheek against it* ^w^

girl: weirdo.

Levy: *taps the tin* *makes lip noises* "Come here, sweetie! Dinner's here..."

Boy: "...How come he gets to adopt a stray, Hachi?"

hachi: i dunno.

*One of the boxes in the tent shakes--as a cat with one eye pops up*

hachi: hey miskit.

Miskit: *meow* *starts sniffing the can*

-elsewhere-

juria: *walking back to the farm with a stray dog following her*

Pan: "... ... ...What is that?"

juria: >->;;;;;; present for the notos.

Pan: "...'Present for the Notos'? How is that a present?"

juria: WHAT DID YOU WANT ME TO DO, LET IT BE SLAUGHTERED?! D8<

Pan: "Who would be killing a dog?! You expect that story to fly?"

juria: *GIVES HIM A LOOK*

mrs noto: ........^^; <we'll see if we can find him a home.>

juria: thanks. gonna hit the sack, lates. *walks off*

dog: o^o~?

Pan: "Of all the nerve..." <I'm sorry for her behavior...>

mrs noto: <it's fine.>

-elsewhere-

Patty: *walks into the waiting room, drops a pile of snacks* "...I may have broken the vending machine."

liz: -_-;

Kid: ^^; "It's the thought that counts..."

-SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM-

stocking: OxO;

Kid: O_O;

Patty: "??? Did someone pass a watermelon?"

stocking: .w.;;;; that's natural, that's natural, that's natural... *shaking*

Kid: *holding her* "It's okay. Your mom is safe."

stocking: right, right. owo;;;

Patty: "Maybe take the drugs when they offer them..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *pulls up another blanket* "Brr! Even though it's warmer weather than winter, the insulation in old buildings sucks..."

mio: *SNEEZE* =~=;;

Meme: "..." *hug*

mio: mmmmm *nuzzle*

Meme: *smooch*

mio: =///////=

Meme: "Same...I love you."

mio: love you too, meme... *nuzzles into her breasts* =/////= im so glad boobs are a thing.

Meme: O\\\\O "...Y-Yeah...Soft, huh?" ^\\\^;

mio: *purrs*

Meme: *strokes her head, hums lightly*

-elsewhere-

naho: *looking through her wardrobe*

Magaki: "...Anything?"

naho: almost got it. in fashion competitions, it's important to know what kind of theme your outfit will have, and to coordinate the proper accessories and color scheme.

Magaki: "And what theme is this outfit?"

naho: still working on it.

Magaki: "Hmm...Something 'cute'?"

naho: yep! the contest as a few different categories; cute, elegant, sexy, gothic, and costume.

Magaki: "...You're a bit too young to go for the 'sexy' category, young lady."

naho: >3< i'm older than i look, you know! i'm only 20!

Magaki: "...You look younger."

naho: i became a vampire when i was 18, so i guess so.

Magaki: "Hmm..." *looks at their hands, then at mirror--and sees nothing* "..."

naho:....hmmm....

Magaki: "Yes, well...Have you asked Lavender?"

naho: she said she'd do it too. ^^ i bet she'll look so cool on the stage! ^^

Magaki: "Sounds like fun...Do you think Tsubaki will?"

naho: i havent asked her yet.

-elsewhere, early morning-

baby: *crying*

felisia: *smiles*

Mephisto: TwT "Hello, little one~"

felisia: *strokes the baby's head* happy birthday, shion.

shion: *opens his eyes*

felisia: he has your eyes.

Mephisto: "And your cheeks..."

shion: ??

felisia: ^^

Mephisto: *strokes Shion's head*

stocking: *enters* we came in as fast as we could.

felisia: stocking, say hello to your brother, shion.

shion: ah?

stocking: *smiles* hey little guy. i'm your big sister. ^^

Kid: *watching* QwQ

-elsewhere-

Meme: *yawns* "Morning, everyone..."

tsugumi: morning!

Anya: O_O

Meme: "Everyone sleep well?"

ao: yes, though i did hear some odd noises in the night.

Tezca: *brushing his teeth...on the mask...while his mask has a cucumber mask* *pretending his voice is muffled by brushing* "Oh? What kind of noises?"

ao: like howls and scratches.

kirara: hmm..

Meme: "A squirrel got inside?"

Anya: "What squirrel howls?!"

tsugumi: hmm, lets take a nature walk!

Meme: "Yes!"

Tezca: "Watch out for bears."

kirara: -_-;

Anya: "Please tell me someone brought bug repellent...and bear repellent..." T~T

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *raking* <Here's where the new seeds can go!>

shinra: ah. *planting*

Ogun: *playing with the dog*

nozomi: hehe. ^^

Ogun: *tosses a ball* "Fetch!"

dog: 8D

Ogun: ^^ "Good pupper..."

-elsewhere-

Eijiro: "Here you go, little one!" *moving a ladybug outside on his finger*

Bakugo: -_-# "Is it gone yet?"

sero: yeah, it's out. you know, ladybugs are actually a sign of good luck.

Eijiro: ^w^ "Then maybe we'll have good luck at summer training!"

-elsewhere-

Dabi: "..." *chuckles*

twice: think up a good joke, fam?

Dabi: "Surprisingly, I'm looking forward to the next mission."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: <--and then the animals paid us back with these fruits, and this kitsune appeared, and Shinra was empowered by a woman in a black cloak-->

fang-hua: *covers takeru's mouth*

Takeru: OxO "Hmm?!"

mrs noto: <sounds like quite the adventure> ^^

Pan: <We're happy to have gotten through it unscathed.>

-elsewhere-

Kid: *packing the bag*

liz: you two gonna be ok?

stocking: *she nods* it'll just be for a while.

Kid: "And we'll be able to help around the house."

Patty: "??? ...I thought that was what maids are for--"

-chop-

Patty: >~< "OWIE!"

ellen: -_-#

Kid: ^^; "We'll be helping Stocking's parents, as well as the new baby."

lord death: should give you some more practice for when you have lil kiddos of your own one day.

Kid: .\\\\\.;;;;;

stocking: ^///^;;

Yumi: "Don't tease them..."

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *holds up a leaf* "And look at this specimen!" *it has a butterfly on it*

children: wooow!

Motojiro: "Soon this one will set eggs down, which hatch into--what's the answer?"

philip: cat-a-pillers?

sonia: actually it starts out as larvae.

philip: oh. ^^;

Motojiro: "Correct!" *puts a star stamp onto Sonia's worksheet*

sonia: ...thank you.

Motojiro: ^^ "You're welcome."

sonia: *nods and listens silently* ....

Motojiro: "And what butterflies consume for sustenance?"

sonia: *looks at one of the other kids*

Jakob: *yaaawn*

tom: flowers?

Motojiro: "More specifically, their nectar!"

maggie: ah.

-elsewhere-

Dr. John: "All set?"

felisia: i think so...how long do i need to recover?

Dr. John: "You'll be fine to move around after 2 weeks, but your perineum will need 6 weeks. We have your next appointment in four days."

felisia: i see.

Dr. John: "Just remember, my medical opinion is based on human physiology, so I may be over- or under-estimating. But call if you need anything or have any questions."

felisia: *she nods* ok.

Mephisto: *knocks on the door* "Your ride awaits~" *brings in a wheelchair*

felisia: ^^;

Dr. John: "Um, Mr. Pheles? Our hospital staff is the only one permitted to operate the wheelchair to guide Felisia out..."

Mephisto: Q_Q "...But it's custom!" *presses a button on the chair--and 'La Cucaracha' starts playing*

felisia: *trying to suppress laughter*

Dr. John: ^^; "Heh...Well, that'll be useful--around your own house. For now, Miss Blair and Mrs. Albarn--I mean, Sachiko will help."

felisia: thank you.

sachiko: ^^;

Blair: "Let's do this!" *grabs the wheelchair handles*

felisia: OwO;

Dr. John: -_-; "Blair. Go slow, especially around the corners."

Blair: -3-

-elsewhere-

-dazai's phone rings-

Dazai: *answers* "Hoi hoi."

???: you're osamu dazai, yes?

Dazai: "...Is this about a pretty woman? Please say yes."

???: .....i've been told you're good at getting information, correct?

Dazai: ^\\\^; "Well, I don't mean to brag..."

???: let me just get to the point. i have information on something big that's about to happen in death city. but i'm going to need you to help me in return.

Dazai: "...Yeah, this is boring me. Goodbye--" *moves to hang up*

???: shibusawa and dostoyevsky are about to make a move on death city.

Dazai: "..." *takes back the phone* "Those names again, please."

???: tatsuhiko shibusawa and fyodor dostoyevsky.

Dazai: "...What do you need?"

???: ...help me find my mother.

-elsewhere-

Belkia: "Aren't you all spruced up~!"

naho: *she's in a cute green and brown themed dress with matching ribbons and shoes* thanks. i decided to go for a mint chocolate chip theme.

Sakuya: *thumbs up* "Adorable."

naho: ^^

lavender: good luck today. ^^

Higan: "We'll be cheering you on."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Hello?" *walks inside*

maid: welcome.

stocking: *waves*

Kid: "Greetings." *sets down luggage* "We are here to help the new parents."

maid: glad to hear. you'll both be staying in the young madam's room.

stocking: oh sweet. ^^ my old room.

Kid: "Excellent!" *follows Stocking*

stocking: *opens the door to her room* *inhales* ah...

Kid: "Good memories?"

stocking: i suppose. *lays down on her bed*

Kid: *closes the door behind him, lies down as well*

stocking: ....

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: mmm.... u////u

Kid: "??? Stocking?"

stocking: hm?

Kid: "..." *nuzzles*

stocking: mmm... it's funny. thinking about how far our lives have come...

Kid: ^\\\^ "Heh...I was so nervous to talk to you..."

stocking: yeah....*hugs*

Kid: *hug, pat pat*

stocking:...*crying slightly*

Kid: "Stocking?"

stocking: j-just memories of the past...

Kid: "..." *nods* "I think I understand that..."

stocking: ......private school was a bad time for me.....

Kid: *nods* "Yes...And you're here now."

stocking: right...right......

Kid: "...Do you feel safer?"

stocking: *she nods*

Kid: "...Are there any regrets?"

stocking: .....when we were just children, i shouldnt have gotten mad at you back then...i would have loved to have been childhood friends with you...

Kid: "So would I...and I wasn't very, well, easy to deal with back then..."

stocking: i guess. *chuckles* but i find it more endearing now than i did.

Kid: ^\\\^; "Maybe with age, better qualities make themselves more obvious?"

stocking: i suppose, hehe.

Kid: "For example, your kindness only grows more every day."

stocking: aww. u///w///u

Kid: "I know everyone appreciates you...and so will your new brother."

-elsewhere-

Bryn: "I'm staying with my sister's family. You live near the hospital?"

mana: actually, we live in the kasamino district.

Bryn: "Oh? What's that like? I don't know the area..."

Emine: *mutters* "Given how lost she got..."

mana: *elbows emine* it's nice.

Emine: >_<#

Bryn: "Just you three?"

mana: there's lots of people, like yohei, chie, tuhl, saki, lin, medea, nea-

Bryn: O_O; "...Girl, how many kids you have?"

mana: they arent my kids! if anything _we're_ the kids... it's kind of like a boarding house in a way where we live.

Shotaro: "Like 'Hey Arnold'!"

mana: sort of like that.

Bryn: "I love that show! I put it on for the fam all the time! And you work 'round here?"

mana: mostly odd-jobs here and there.

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "Fashion show? Sounds trendy!" ^w^

Asher: *eyeroll*

lukas: 7///7;

Saria: *pat pat* "I'm sure it'll be fine..."

Duncan: "Ha! Like any of you would even win a competition like that." *bishie pose* "Not like me...I've done professional modeling!"

Zeke: "So, want to try out?"

Asher: "Hell no." *they are ignoring Duncan*

Duncan: D : <

Yafeu: "THAT KILIK RUNG GUY DID MODELING BEFORE! I HEARD HE DONATED THE MONEY TO CHARITY!"

axel: i thought is was lunge?

hibiki: eh. *shrug*

Yafeu: >\\\\<####

Duncan: *spots the sign up sheet* "..." *light bulb, devil horns* *smiles wickedly*

lukas: ??

Duncan: *writes onto it, sets it back, walks away whistling*

lukas: ??? *looks*

*Looks like certain NOT students just got signed up*

lukas: D8>

hibiki: huh.

Asher: "Oh, hell no! Grab it--"

*Someone on staff grabs it*

lukas: AHHHHHHHHH!!!! D8>

Saria: Q___Q

Zeke: "...Huh?"

axel: what just happened?

Zeke: "We're going clothes shopping, bro!"

axel: aw sweet!

-elsewhere-

Mantis: *obsessively rubbing the back of his hand along his face*

izzy: calm down, would ya? you're giving me the jeebies.

Mantis: "I'm grooming! I groom before missions, fights, and bed!"

izzy: okay then?

Mantis: *grunts, looks around* "And the rest of you all should get ready, too!"

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *opens the door*

stocking: welcome back, guys.

felisia: *nods*

shion: zzzz

maid: KYA~! SO ADORABLE! >w<

felisia: shh!

Kid: ^^; "Can you blame them?"

felisia: ^^;

shion: ?? =A=

Mephisto: *whispers* "Hello, Shion~"

shion: *yaaaawn*

felisia: ^^

Kid: "He's so small..."

stocking: he kind of looks like a mini you, dad. (i fear for him.)

Mephisto: ^^ "You think so?!"

stocking: yeah, same eye-shape and all.

shion: =A=

Mephisto: "D'aw, I'm blushing~"

Kid: *looking at Shion* "???"

stocking: *sweatdrop*

Mephisto: "What do you think, Shion? Do we look alike?"

shion: ah.

Mephisto: "See? He agrees!"

stocking: whatever you say, dad. *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: "I look forward to getting home. It'll be a welcomed return."

shinra: yeah. *yaaawn*

fang-hua: *packing*

Ogun: "Need any help, Fang-Hua?"

fang-hua: sure, if anyone wants to help, feel free.

tamaki: will do!

-elsewhere-

Kuro: *sipping the broth out of the ramen* "Ah." *holds up bowl* "More."

waitress: coming right up.

mahiru: TTwTT;

Kuro: *burp* "How's your money?"

mahiru: i may have to bury my wallet...

-elsewhere-

Yohei: *holding up Toru* "How's his outfit look?"

chie: he looks so handsome, dont you lil guy?

toru: rawr! *in a little dino costume*

Yohei: ^^ "Big dino!"

chie: ^^

Tool: "Good look, kiddo. What brings this on?"

chie: thought we'd get him dressed for the parade today. ^^

Tool: "Neat. I think I heard Kepuri saying something--"

Kepuri: "Out of my way!"

chie: OxO;

toru: ??

Kepuri: *in a bug-themed dress* "I got a competition to kill!"

akaderu: knock 'em out, babe.

nea: wait up for me! >3<

Shinoda: "You'll do great!"

Kepuri: "Then pick up your feet! I'm driving!"

nea: QvQ;;;

Tool: "..."

Yohei: "Relax. I put speed controls on the car..."

Kepuri: "I DISABLED THEM!"

Yohei: "..." *covers Toru's ears* "No need to hear Daddy's language..."

toru: ah?

nea: ....shinoda, hunny~ would you please drive us~? *puppy eyes*

Shinoda: "Of course~" ^\\\^

Kepuri: -_-###

chie: *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *falls onto a couch* =w=

leo: <busy day, motovya?>

Motojiro: *nod nod* <They learn so much...I hope.>

leo: *smiles and pats his head*

Motojiro: =w= <And how are you two?>

leo: <doing well, trying to take it easy...>

Motojiro: <That is valuable...> *sits up* <How may I help?>

leo: hmmm. <i suppose later down the line, you and the others could help with housework? i apologize if this is a lot to ask of you->

Motojiro: *suddenly full of vigor* <I would love to.> *smiles*

leo: oh, um t-thank you. ^^;

Motojiro: "Of course--you're welcome! Shall I begin with dusting?"

-elsewhere-

Kanin: "Wow, that's unfortunate."

Kazue: *grunts*

hibiki: should be fun, though, i guess

Zeke: *holds up bowties* "Which one, bro? I'm going for an Eleventh look."

Asher: T~T

axel: hmm, go with the red in that case.

izumi: asher? you ok?

Asher: "...How the fuck am I supposed to afford a fucking outfit?"

Zeke: "But which red, bro? Cherry, brick, or scarlet?"

izumi: how about i get you something?

Asher: "I don't need your charity..."

izumi: its not about being charitable, dummy! it's because i'm your partner, and partners look out for each other!

Asher: "...Tch. Stop with the 'power of teamwork' crap, okay...Let's just get this over with...Like I even know what to wear..."

izumi: then we'll help you find out. ^^

Asher: *grumbles* "What a shit-show--"

Yafeu: "ENOUGH LANGUAGE! LET'S GO!" *picks up Asher over his shoulders and carries them*

hibiki: off to the mall we go.

axel: woot woot!

Zeke: "Awesome!"

Kanin: ^^; "It's nice how close they are, huh--"

Kazue: "Zzz..."

lei-lei: it's so sweet~<3

genny: it's nice. *taking notes*

Duncan: D : < *Grinch face* "THAT'S NOT HOW THIS PLAN WAS TO WORK! They should be at each other's throats!"

genny: duncan. you're a dick. fuck off.

hibiki: you know we can hear you dude, right?

Duncan: "... ... ..." *runs--into a wall*

Kanin: ._.; "..." *takes out a first-aid kit*

-elsewhere-

Meme: *watching birds* "That's another!" *marks it on her bingo card* "What a fun nature walk!"

tsugumi: ^^ *looking around for footprints or scratches on the trees*

Anya: *adjusts her bonnet, looking up through the trees* "Really bright out..."

ao: indeed.

tsugumi:... ??

Anya: "Oh? What?"

-seems to be some footprints-

Meme: "Human?"

tsugumi: seems more beast-like.

Meme: "Hmm..." *checking a guidebook*

tsugumi: maybe the source of the footprint is the same as the one making those noises??

Meme: "Hmm...Looks canine to me..."

ao: well, there are wolves in the area from what i've heard.

Meme: "Maybe that's what has gotten around, clawing up things at all hours of the night--"

Anya: Q_________Q

-elsewhere-

Iida: "I have made sure to pack only the essentials--yet I am struggling to locate an adequate first-aid kit."

bee maid: would you like some assistance?

Iida: "That would be appreciated--thank you!"

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "So 1B is going too?"

sero: seems so.

Bakugo: "Shit...Like we need more extras there..."

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *rocking the baby to sleep*

shion: zzz

Mephisto: =w= *yawn*

felisia: *resting her head on his shoulder*

Mephisto: *nuzzle*

-elsewhere-

*He opens his apartment door...*

girl: *groans*

Man: "..." *sets down a knapsack*

rosemary: fa.....the....r....

Man: "I'm here..." *sits before*

rosemary: *tries to look at him*

Man: *smiles weakly*

rosemary: .....

Man: "I'm almost ready. Just wait a little longer..."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "..." *unlocks apartment door*

mrs blythe: *asleep on the couch* *snoring*

Asher: "..." *quietly carries their bags to their room*

mrs blythe: *snort snore*

Asher: "?!" *looks back*

-still sleeping...-

Asher: *frowns, continues into their room*

-everything seems to be as it was that morning-

Asher: "???" ("Sis must be at work...")

-elsewhere-

sonia: *hiding in a blanket fort, reading*

Chuuya: "???"

sonia: hi papa.

Chuuya: "Hi. What an impressive structure!"

sonia: thanks...

Chuuya: "What are you reading?"

sonia: the hungry caterpillar.

Chuuya: "How is it?"

sonia: it's nice......*sigh*

Chuuya: "...You okay?"

sonia: still having trouble relating to the other kids.

Chuuya: "...I'm sorry. Did you have lunch with them today?"

sonia: *nod* i dont mean to sound vain when i say this, but i think i might be ahead of the other kids, academically? does that make me weird to them?

Chuuya: "No, not at all. Do they treat you as 'weird'?"

sonia: i dont think so, but i feel like i am...

Chuuya: "...I know this may not be encouraging to hear 'everyone goes through this,' and I won't pretend that what you've experienced is...typical. But I do know one thing..."

sonia: ...

Chuuya: "You're smart, compassionate, and caring. And those traits will give you all you deserve and want..."

sonia: hmm.....

Chuuya: "...You're so much like your mother..."

sonia:....want to come in?

Chuuya: *smiles* *nods* "I hope I'm not too tall to-- ... ... ..." TwT

sonia:....*rests her head on his lap*

mito: *mii*

Chuuya: *pets Mito, strokes Sonia's head*

sonia: love you, papa...

Chuuya: "I love you too, Sonia."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *snoring*

Arthur: "Zzz..."

Ogun: "..."

fang-hua: ....

juria: zzzzzz.....

tamaki: finally, we'll be home soon...

Ogun: "It'll be good--but it'll mean getting to work with this new info--"

Pan: "And being careful who learns it."

Viktor: "..."

nozomi: ...

Ogun: "...Yes, sir. But when people learn about this, how will they react?"

Pan: "We'll have to anticipate that..."

nozomi: *nods*

Viktor: "..." *writes on his pad*

Ogun: "How you think your commander will react to your return, Fang-Hua?"

fang-hua: well, if a bit grumpy as he tends to be.

Ogun: ^^; "My sympathies..."

-elsewhere-

naho: the first day of the fashion contest was a success!

Sakuya: "Great work out there!"

lavender: congrats in making it to the next round. ^^

Black Star: "When's Round 2?"

naho: this weekend, for my next outfit, i'm thinking of doing a sailor type outfit.

-elsewhere-

Konro: *knitting*

Tsukiyo: "...I'm just...Wow, sir."

kabuki: ^u^

Konro: "Best to be prepared..."

Tsukiyo: "It's like 17 onesies, sir..." >_>;

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *tossing in bed* "..." *sits up* =_= *gets up, walks to the kitchen*

atsushi: zzzzz

sylvia: *sleeping on the couch*

Kyoka: "Hmm..." *opens the fridge* ("Please let there be leftovers...")

-seems there is-

demon snow: ~seems you're in luck~

Kyoka: *takes out tofu, opens the microwave door*

sylvia: nnh....

Kyoka: *starts heating it, turns to check on Sylvia*

sylvia: ....

Kyoka: *sits by the couch while waiting for the tofu* "..."

sylvia: mm....miss- k-kyouka?

Kyoka: "Hello. Sorry. Did I wake you?"

sylvia: i-its ok...

Microwave: *ding*

Kyoka: "...Hungry?"

sylvia: *shakes head*

Kyoka: "Well, feel free to share..." *takes out the tofu and some soy sauce* "Sleep okay?"

sylvia: i guess.....

Kyoka: "That's good...Couch okay?"

sylvia: i-its much more comfortable than the floor was...

Kyoka: "...Oh..." *sets down the plate* "Maybe we can find a bed already..."

sylvia: i-it's fine, i-i wouldnt want to trouble y-

Kyoka: "It's only a little effort. We'll see what is available and affordable. I'm sure we can buy something. Any preferences?"

sylvia: *shakes head*

Kyoka: "Not even a waterbed?"

sylvia: n-no.

Kyoka: "Ah. I'm sure Yosano knows a bargain. And Kunikida can take some money out of Ranpo's snack budget..."

ranpo: *from his room* dont you muthafuckin dare

Fukuzawa: "Language."

Kyoka: "….We'll make it work."

sylvia: ...

Kyoka: "...Do you need more blankets, or..."

sylvia: i-i'll be ok...*tries to smile*

Kyoka: "...You need and deserve a good bed for good sleep."

sylvia:....c-can i...

Kyoka: "...?"

sylvia: s-sleep in....y-your bed? >///< s-s-sorry i-if that's t-too we-weird to ask-

Kyoka: "Yes, you may."

sylvia: O////O r-r-really??

Kyoka: "It's only fair: you need your sleep..."

sylvia: o-o-o-o-k-kay t-t-then....

Kyoka: "..." *finishes her meal, sets the plate into the sink* "..." *walks to her bedroom, leads Sylvia*

sylvia: *gulps, sweating*

Kyoka: *sets another pillow onto her bed, pulls back the blanket, lies down* "...Is there enough room?"

sylvia: *plops in* .////////////.

Kyoka: "..." >\\\> *pulls up blanket* "Warm enough?"

sylvia: *nod nod*

Kyoka: "Good..." *turns off the light* "Sleep well, okay?"

-morning-

Kunikida: *preparing breakfast*

aya: so, any plans for golden week?

atsushi: golden week?

Kyoka: "Japanese holidays also observed in Death City." *sips tea*

atsushi: ...i've never actually celebrated golden week before. ^^; but i do know my birthday is around the end of golden week.

Kyoka: "Then we can combine the two..."

atsushi: i guess.

aya: when is your birthday, even?

atsushi: may 5.

aya: you were born on children's day? lucky you!

Kyoka: *nods*

atsushi: ^^;

Kunikida: "Just because it is Golden Week does not mean our office will be any less busy." *sets down breakfast*

atsushi: *nods*

Kyoka: "Hmph. As long as it doesn't get in the way of Greenery Day..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "May we get you anything?"

felisia: we'll need extra diapers and baby powder, also what kind of food would be best for him to eat? should it be organic??

stocking: easy mom, easy.

Mephisto: ^^; "I put in an order for diapers, and I'm reading a delightful book on food preparation--"

*The book is titled 'Making Babies with Excal--'*

Kid: *tosses the book out the window*

felisia: ._.;;;;;

shion: =A=;

Kid: -_-#

Mephisto: =3= “Rude.”

stocking: ^^;;

???: *a voice outside* "Ow...A book."

stocking: sorry 'bout that!

felisia: amaimon?

Amaimon: "That's me. Where have you been? I came here days ago..."

felisia: hospital.

shion: ah.

Amaimon: "??? ...Who is that?"

felisia: your nephew. ^^

Amaimon: "...Huh. Does it have all its limbs?"

stocking: of course he does. -_-;

Amaimon: "Hello, spawn. I am Amaimon."

shion: ama.

felisia: i guess that's your way of saying hello, isnt it, shion?

shion: ah.

Amaimon: "Hello, Shion. What are your abilities?" *starts typing on his phone*

stocking: uncle. he was literally born yesterday.

Amaimon: "Shh. I have to share this online..."

-elsewhere-

Neuhaus: *smiles* "You must be excited...The Festival."

michelle: *she nods*

Neuhaus: "I'll be ready in another minute. Best get your jacket..."

michelle:...*nods*

Neuhaus: *grabs his own* "I hope the weather holds out..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: *walks up to the stage*

soul + becky: *watching in the audience*

Hyde: *holding up a sign: "YOU CAN DO IT, DEMAN!" *the "E" and "A" are crossed out to fix the spelling*

licht: *in disguise*

Damon: O_O; "..." *looks at 'Dorothy'* "Of course, I don't know, but I think it'l get darker before it gets lighter..."

girl: do you suppose we'll meet any wild animals?

"Tin Man": "M-Maybe?"

girl: oh.

Damon: O_O "Animals that...eat straw?"

"Tin Man": "Some--most likely tigers--er, lions, tigers, and bears."

Hyde: *whispers* "Bullshit. Lions don't eat straw--"

Becky: shh!

-elsewhere-

sachiko: *looking at files*

Blair: "How're the patients?"

sachiko: fairly well.

Blair: "I just got the little ones to sleep..." *yawns* "Cat nap..."

sachiko: ^^

Blair: "I'm going on break. Can you cover?"

sachiko: sure thing.

*POOF*

Blair: *in cat form on Sachiko's lap* =w= "Zzz..."

sachiko: *sweatdrop*

Dr. John: "Oh, how cute!"

sachiko: one of those death city things, i suppose.

Dr. John: "Weird town..." *sits* "Speaking of, the festival's going on..."

sachiko: yeah.

Dr. John: "Is Izumi going?"

sachiko: i think so. *smiles*

Dr. John: "That'll be good--can't have her studying without a little fun."

sachiko: i think..this has been good for her.

Dr. John: "She's enjoying her lessons?"

sachiko: *she nods*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *adjusts collar* =^=

izumi: it looks nice on you. ^^

Yafeu: *devil-horn hand pose* "ROCK ON!"

lukas: *hiding*

Saria: *in a pink sweater, black skirt, and a scarf* "It's okay, Lukas..."

lukas: *steps out.....in a skimpy maid costume* TT~TT

Saria: "... ... ..." *nosebleed*

axel: dang.

Zeke: "Bro, we got our work cut out for us..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: ^^; "H-How was it?"

becky: you did great!!

soul: way to go, little man! *head pats*

Damon: T\\\w\\\T "Th-Thanks..." *hug*

becky: ^^

Hyde: *writing notes* "I think the scenery needed work, the musical score sounded like it was played off of someone's cell phone--"

becky: to be fair, it _is_ an elementary school play.

Hyde: "THE THEATRE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS! We need to hold every actor to a high standard!" *looks at 'Tin Man'* "You got at least 9 lines wrong--"

"Tin Man": Q_Q "..." *punches Hyde in the balls*

director: have you considered helping out with the school arts department?

Hyde: Q~Q *clutching his crotch, high-pitched voice* "Oh? Is there an opening?"

-elsewhere-

Kid: *wiping the floor*

felisia: l-like this? *attempting to breastfeed*

stocking: *nods* give the head plenty of support.

felisia: right.

shion: *suckling*

Mephisto: *in the kitchen, prepping snacks*

felisia: you hungry, baby?

shion: *lets go* ma!

Kid: *hearing outside* "Oh? Did Shion already say his first word?"

felisia: i-i dont really know yet. ^^;

Kid: "Well, sounded like 'Ma' to me...I'm just about done cleaning the hall and--UMPH!" *it sounds like he fell*

stocking: kid?! *runs out to check on him*

Kid: -_-# *he tripped over Amaimon, who is sitting in the hall, reading comics with 3 empty or half-empty cans of soda*

Amaimon: "...When are snacks?"

stocking: *helps kid up* -_-# if you're going to loiter, do it in your room, NOT IN THE HALL.

Amaimon: *whines* "But it's so far away..."

stocking: *picks them both up and carries them*

Kid: .\\\.

Amaimon: "???"

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *reviewing worksheets* "Hmm..."

ayako: *fiddling with a fidget spinner*

Motojiro: "Students are doing well with this lesson...How is the 'project' coming along?"

ayako: lookin' good.

Motojiro: *grins* "Marvelous."

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: "Hmm..."

kirei:....?? *notices someone approaching*

*It looks to be a set of priests?*

Benimaru: "..."

Konro: "Oh...Church of the Sun?"

reimi: hello, may we help you?

Apostle: *smiles...it looks fake* "Greetings. We are here to speak with Benimaru Shinmon."

reimi: any particular reason?

Apostle: "Regarding your shrine...and our Church."

reimi: ...

kirei: *looks at benimaru*

Benimaru: "..."

Apostle: "You see, um...heh, 'Sister,' we wish to preach the word of our savior to your people."

reimi: with all due respect, we already have-

Apostle: "No, you don't. What you have is an affront to our lord...and we want to show you the light..."

reimi: *sweating* i-i can take you to the shrine head-

Apostle: *smiles* "How lovely. I suppose it is true what they say about shrine maidens here: they will obey..."

reimi: ....

Benimaru: *watches* "..."

Apostle: "Now, be a good girl--" *puts a hand on Reimi's shoulder*

kabuki: is there a problem here? ^^#

Apostle: "??? Oh? Why would you say that...Are you from around here?"

Benimaru: "..."

kabuki: i'm a captain of the 7th.

Apostle: "Ah, well, this is a religious matter, not one for those engaged in low combat practices..."

kabuki: and that gives you the right to touch the young lady without her permission?

Apostle: *removes his hand, smiles* "It meant nothing! I'm just being friendly. Was I not friendly, Sister?"

reimi: *she doesnt say anything*

Apostle: *sneers* "See? She's fine. Now let her lead me to the shrine, and mind your own business: your appearance offends me."

kabuki: how so?

Apostle: "Are you even a real man?"

Benimaru: "..." *he's gripping the porch...and it's starting to splinter...*

kabuki: 100% XY chromosomes.

Apostle: "Ha! I find that hard to believe--"

*BOOM*

reimi: !!!

*Where the Apostle stood is now a line in the sand--before a loud crash is heard, and an outline of his body in the wall of someone's house*

Benimaru: *still sitting on the porch...his fist is flaming*

kirei: are you alright, reimi?

reimi: i-i think so...*shaking*

*Inside the house, the Apostle is collapsed, unconscious*

Apostle: X_X

Baby: *in high chair* "...Goo?" *flings food from spoon at the Apostle*

apostle 2: *picks the first apostle up and flees* this isnt over yet!

Benimaru: -_-#

mother: *hitting them with a spoon* <GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! OUT! OUT!> D8<

apostle: >~<;;

Baby: ^w^ "Ha ha ha!"

-elsewhere-

shinra: here we are, home sweet home!

fang-hua: i cant wait to get back to asakusa and take a long na-

*GLOMP*

fang-hua: AH!

Tsukiyo: *nuzzle* "I missed you!" >w<

fang-hua: ^^; hello fang-hua.

iris: *waves*

shinra: rel! iris! *HUG*

Relan: ^\\\\^ "Hey, there!" *hug*

shinra: i really misses you two a lot.

tamaki: how's everything on the homefront?

iris: we actually got two new recruits.

Relan: "We did, too...The 8th needed more power while you were out...But we got more help now."

shinra: oh sweet!

Patty: "TAAAAAAAAAAAAKEEEEEEEERUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!"

Takeru: OWO;

*CRASH*

nozomi: ^^;

karin: hey kiddo! *waves*

Ogun: "Heh--they're happy."

nozomi: auntie! *hugs*

Vulcan: *waves* "Yo."

karin: ^^

Ogun: "??? Um..."

nozomi: right, ogun, this is vulcan, he's also with the 8th.

karin: and you know who i am, right?

Ogun: "Right, Doctor--we met before." ^^

Vulcan: "??? 'Ogun'? Like the god of smithing?"

Ogun: "Yeah...Nice tats."

karin: so, how're things with you and my niece then~?

Ogun: "..." .\\\\.

nozomi: auntie! >///<;

karin: smells like a good sign to me~

Vulcan: "??? Doc, maybe don't tease them..."

Viktor: "..."

tamaki:... ?! kana?!

misery: hello~ kana wanted to greet you on your return.

Kana: *hug*

tamaki:.........................*hugs kana and sobs* TT~TT

Kana: >~< "I missed you, Big Sis."

Arthur: "..." *small smile*

???: "THERE YOU ARE, MY BOY!"

Takeru: *holding Patty in his arms* "!!! C-Commander!"

Honda: *bear hugs Takeru and Patty* "THERE YOU ARE! WELCOME BACK!"

hito: *salutes* welcome back.

Pan: "..."

Takeru: *awkward salute*

Honda: "OH, CAPTAIN PAN! Good to see you as well."

Pan: *salute* "Sir."

juria: tch-

Honda: "??? Oh! The ill-tempered one! What was your name, cadet?"

juria: your mom's ass-

tamaki: she's Juria Itagaki.

Honda: "Hello, Momsass Juria Itagaki!" *salutes* "A pleasure to meet you!"

juria:..................

tamaki: ... *sweatdrop*

Ogun: "..." *stifling a laugh*

-elsewhere-

Anya: "Then there's this mushroom..."

tsugumi: *nods nods*

ao: any signs of anything suspicious?

mio: so far none that i've seen

kirara: ...

Tezca: "Avoid the mushrooms that make you see fairies and elves..."

esther: and dont step on any fairy circles.

Anya: "???"

Tezca: "...I mean, you _could_, but you'd need a flyswatter--"

kirara: tezca no.

Tezca: =3=; "You don't let me do anything."

esther: ^^

kirara: i'm just making sure you dont get yourself hurt or arrested. again.

Tezca: "Joke's on you! I got this!" *pulls out a Monopoly card*

kirara:.......*sigh* -_-;

-elsewhere-

Hibana: *writing notes at the judge table*

Announcer: "Next in the Elegant category...ZEKE CALLAHAN!"

axel: you got this bro!

Zeke: *adjusts his tie, walks* ^^;

Boy in the audience: *claps*

uwabami: oh my, he's really rocking it out there.

Zeke: *poses*

Hibana: "Hmm...Seems to be trying too hard. A little nerdy..."

Girl in the audience: "Woo!"

Saria: *looking at the stage* "He's doing really well." *has tissue up her nose*

hibiki: not bad at all.

Zeke: *walks back to the backstage, gets beyond the curtains...and falls to his knees* "Oh, man, bro! I was so nervous, bro!"

axel: you were on point AF! *thumbs up*

Zeke: QwQ *fist bump*

hibiki: want a capri sun?

Zeke: *nod nod* "Thanks, Hibiki..."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "Welcome home, son."

shinra: *hug*

Akitaru: *pat pat* "How're you doing?"

shinra: exhausted. have lots to tell you about what happened.

Akitaru: "I look forward to it--so how about you take a nap first."

Petra: *adjusting glasses* -^-

shinra: will do... oh, you must be the new recruits! my name's shinra.

rita: *signing* <it's nice to meet you.>

Petra: "Rita has said 'It's nice to meet you.' I am Petra, and I suggest you deal with your jet lag by napping for no more than 6 hours so as to adjust yourself to the time zone change..." *checks her pocket watch*

shinra: um....okaaaay?

Akitaru: ^^; "Sister Petra is like clockwork when it comes to time..."

Petra: *signing for Rita, while staring intensely at Shinra* O^O

shinra:..riiight.. ^^;

Petra: "Hmph."

Ogun: *RAMBLE RAMBLE* "--talking animals!"

Vulcan: "SERIOUSLY?! Oh, man, I wish I was there! What about *RAMBLE RAMBLE blacksmithing talk*--"

Pan: *seated on a couch, holding a suitcase* ._.;

lisa: they seem to be getting along well. ^^;

miwa: oh hey! you're back!

sayu: BIG BRO SHINRA! *tackle hug* WELCOME BACK! ^u^

Pan: "Indeed. Ogun has a flexible personality to speak to many..."

Petra: "!!!" *dodges the tackle hug*

nozomi: *smiles*

Petra: "How large _is_ this division?"

tamaki: well, miwa and sayu are part of the mercenary fire brigade, squad 0.

Petra: "I see..." *looks at Tamaki* "A nun?"

tamaki: yes, i also work as a soldier. so i guess i'm like a battle sister. ^^

Petra: "Hmph. That explains the missing habit." *glances at Arthur* "..."

-elsewhere-

leo: *URK*

pushkin: *holding leo's hair out of the way*

Gin: "Easy..."

leo: *panting*

katya: yeah, i'd had mornings spent praying to the porcelain deities. but in my case, it was from being drunk as all hell.

Gin: "...Charming. Shall we call the doctor?"

leo: *cough* *pants*

katya: may as well.

pushkin: *holding leo up* steady now lev, we got ya.

leo: t-thank you...

Gin: *dials*

leo: *laying down*.........*crying*

Gin: "...Oh dear."

kouyou: *pats her back* there there.

leo: *sniff*

Motojiro: *walks in--and--* "!!!" <Leo?>

leo: *sniff* i-im ok...i-i think it's just the hormones...*smile*

Motojiro: *nods* "Please, rest...We'll have the doctor here soon..."

pushkin: *getting water*

Gin: *on the phone* "Yes...Okay. See you in a bit." *hangs up*

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: OwO; *spots the damaged house* "...What did Commander Hottie do while we were out?"

fang-hua: ...i'm back, everyone!

kirei: oh, fang-hua, welcome.

kabuki: how's your family?

fang-hua: they're well.

reimi: glad to hear...*sipping tea, her hands shaking*

fang-hua:...?? reimi? are you ok?

Konro: "...An unfortunate encounter." *smiles* "We're glad to have you home. We'll need you here now."

fang-hua: understood. i'll do my very best.

kirei: although for now, i suggest sleeping. you did have a long journey, after all.

fang-hua: isnt _that_ the truth...

Tsukiyo: ^w^ "Let's get you tucked in..."

fang-hua:.....*smile* (it was nice seeing my family again...but i think i'm home now.)

Benimaru: *walking by*

fang-hua: *nods* i'm back, commander.

Benimaru: "..." *small smile* "Kohana."

fang-hua: ^^; guess some things dont change.

Benimaru: "...Can I speak with you?"

fang-hua: of course, what's up?

Benimaru: "...For the time being, avoid the other brigades."

fang-hua: sir?

Benimaru: "The Church of the Sun encroached on Asakusa. We do not need more prying eyes while...while a lot is about to change here."

fang-hua: ...

Benimaru: "You saw the damage to the Ito residence? You can blame the Church for that."

fang-hua: ?! commander...what all happened here while i was gone?

Benimaru: "I don't know why, but the Church has increased its interest in us, I anticipate to proselytze."

fang-hua: hmmm....

-elsewhere-

juria: *mumbling*

*It sounds like a whine nearby*

juria: ?! (dafuq?) *glances*

*There's something shaking in a cardboard box in an alley*

juria: .___.;;;; (oh....oh fuck no.)

*There's a puppy inside, shaking, looking underfed*

juria: *sweats* oh no, dont you fucking dare try to make me feel bad for you. >////>;;;

Puppy: *saddest eyes--coughs*

juria: well what the hell do you expect me to do?! im not in a fucking position to be bringing a dog back to the ba-

Puppy: *nuzzles against her leg*

juria:.......... *picks up the puppy and runs* FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

-at the 6th-

-LOUD KNOCKS-

Asako: "???" *answers*

juria: hey four-eyes, you got anyone where with dog allergies?

Asako: "?! 'F-Four-eyes'? I-I don't know--"

juria: *shoves the dog into her face* HERE! IT'S YOUR PROBLEM! DONT LOOK AT ME! *RUNS*

Asako: O_O; "..." *looks at the puppy*

Puppy: *shivers...licks Asako's face*

-elsewhere-

Kid: "He seems happy--and he looks adorable."

shion: zzzz

Kid: ^^ *tucks him in*

-elsewhere-

Bryn: *prepping dinner*

Helen: "Zzz..."

mr renouf: thanks again for coming over, bryn.

Bryn: "You're welcome--and she's my sister, and I get some frequent flyer points for this trip..."

mr renouf: glad to hear.

Bryn: "More travel for more competitions...How's work treating you?" *sets down two cups of decaf*

mr renouf: pretty well. i do have one frequent customer who gets really estatic when her packages arrive. i guess the mail is really important for some people, and i'm glad for that.

Bryn: "Good to be excited about your work--and people depend on the mail for good news."

-elsewhere-

Saria: OWO;;; "..." *awkward penguin walk on the fashion show stage*

Kanin: *in the audience, polite clap* ^^;

Duncan: >_>; "This is hardly as funny a prank as I thought it'd be..."

Hibana: *jotting notes*

saria's dad: you're doing amazing, sweetheart!

saria's father: YEAH! THAT'S OUR BUGBEAR! ^u^

Saria: ^W^;;; *awkward wave*

Hibana: "...Hm. Well, she has the 'cute' routine down..."

-elsewhere-

Pan: *sets down his suitcases...puts a long box on his bookshelf*

4th captain: welcome back, pan.

Pan: *nods* "Hello. Good to be back. Has the Commander requested my presence?"

4th captain: if you have anything to report back to him, then go on ahead. ^^

Pan: "I will..." *looks back at the box before departing for Commander Arg's office* *knock knock*

arg: come in.

Pan: "Captain Pan Ko Paat, returned from Qingdao, sir." *salutes*

arg: ah, welcome back. i take it the mission was a success?

Pan: "I hope. We have found new information that may lead us to answers regarding...Adora."

arg: !!! *right in his face* please. tell me. e v e r y t h i n g.

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: *drying her hair, setting down 2 cups of milk* "--and then with the Commander and the Mrs. getting pregnant--well, that's just shocking."

fang-hua: wow, congratulations to them. *smiles*

Tsukiyo: -3- "Yeah, yeah--but don't act like you aren't jealous, too."

fang-hua: why would i be jealous?

Tsukiyo: "You were crushing on the Commander, too, right?"

fang-hua: no! it wasnt like that!

Tsukiyo: *eyebrow raised* "For real?"

fang-hua: to be honest, i always considered the commander to be like an older brother.

Tsukiyo: "...Oh. Sorry. Didn't mean to misinterpret..." *sips milk*

fang-hua: it's fine, some people just view things in certain ways i guess. *side glance*

Tsukiyo: "...Yeah..." *smiles* "Did you change your hair again?"

fang-hua: i just let it down since i'm going to bed soon.

Tsukiyo: "Ah..." *finishes drying her hair* "Hope sleep will help you--you must've been exhausted..." *sits by her*

fang-hua: yeah.

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *sips water*

hans: i'm back with groceries!

Chuuya: "Let me help..." *takes some* "How was it?"

hans: it went well. got some more wine for johann, too.

Chuuya: "He packs it away, huh?"

hans: yes, we do have a wine cellar here, after all.

Chuuya: "... ... ..." *shaking*

hans: sir?

Chuuya: "IT'S FINE!" *clears his throat* "F-Fine..."

hans: o...kay then.

Chuuya: "Does our benefactor ever...share his wine?"

hans: hm? well, we have had drinks together. 7//7

Chuuya: "Would he be interested in sharing some with me?"

hans: oh? i could ask him to consider it. would you be interested in talking to him? i cant guarantee anything, such as him even being awake at the moment 7-7;

Chuuya: "I can try, thank you..." *gets up, walks to Goethe's room* *knocks*

goethe: the door's open.

Chuuya: "Excuse me, Mr. Goethe?"

goethe: hmm? oh you, you're...nalahara, right?

Chuuya: "Yes, 'Chuuya Nakahara.' Hello...So...Um...Wine."

goethe: you a fellow connoisseur?

Chuuya: "Incredibly so." *sits*

goethe: well, i just so happen to have a bottle of merlot in my stock.

Chuuya: "...May I sample just a bit?"

goethe: by all means, i am a generous hedonist, after all, hoho!

Chuuya: ^^; *uncorks the bottle, sniffs* "Ahh..." =w= "So fragrant~"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *comes off the runway* =\\\\\=;;;;

izumi: you did really good, asher!

Asher: "Th-Thanks...That was mortifying. They were whistling..."

lukas: ._.;;;

Saria: *still stiff, shell-shocked* OwO;;;; "Uh...Uh..."

lukas: is it too late for me to bail out?

Zeke: " 'Fraid not, bro-seph."

Saria: >\\\< "YOU CAN DO IT--I BELIEVE IN YOU!"

lukas: *gulp*

Announcer: "Next on stage in the Sexy category--Lukas Hollinger!"

lukas: *steps out* TT~TT;;;

Girl 1, Girl 2, Boy 1, Boy 2: "... ... ..." *nosebleed*

lukas: (KILL ME)

Hibana: "Wow, boy..."

uwabami: he certainly pulls the look off quite nicely.

Hibana: "You can say that, although 'boys in maid outfits' seems cliche. You should see the Eighth--it's like their alternative uniform."

judge 3: still his shy demeanor does add a layer of charm.

Hibana: "True enough..." *writes her score*

Yafeu: "YEAH, LUKAS!"

lukas: TT~TT;;;

Saria: =\\\\= "It's okay, Lukas..."

-elsewhere-

Man: *adjusting flower on his lapel*

-people seem to be enjoying themselves-

Man: *adjusts his tie, sweating a bit* *sighs*

woman: sir?

Man: "F-Fine...A bit thirsty, I'm afraid. W-Water?"

woman: there's a drinking fountain just a little ways down the path.

Man: "Thank you..." *nods, walks...* *takes out an empty bottle*

woman: *nods and walks off*

Man: *at the bottom of the bottle look to be seeds and some moss...he fills water into the bottle*

-elsewhere-

Bon: "Yo, Shiemi--got your drink."

shiemi: thank you, bon. ^^

Shima: "And thank you, Bon, for--" *reaches--and there's no drink with his name on it in the tray* OwO; "...Where's mine?"

Bon: "..." *sips long on his drink*

Shima: QWQ

unagi: you can have mine.

Shima: "...Thanks?" ._.;;;;

Bon: *judgmental look at Shima*

izumo: -_-;

Bon: "Oh, and yours..." *hands one to Izumo*

izumo: thanks. *sips*

Shima: "Tch...Happy couple."

izumo: we're not a couple! >_<#

Bon: "WHAT SHE SAID!"

Shima: *whistles innocently*

konekomaru: ^^;

Shima: "I don't know, man--I can feel the ground shaking under my feet~"

-rumble rumble-

Bon: "Wait...I can too--"

*BOOM*

izumo: ?!

shiemi: ???

-screams from outside-

Shima: "What the hell?!"

*It looks like...vines?"

madoka: !!! come on!

sayaka: *following*

Rin: *gripping his sword, running* "Can't we just have fun for once?!"

-outside, there are plant monsters-

Zeke: O_O; "...Bro, all those times we didn't eat our vegetables have come back to haunt us..."

hibiki: welp, guess it's our first official battle. axel, zeke!

axel: sweet! henshin-a-gogo, baby! *kunai mode*

Zeke: "What he said!"

hibiki: *runs out*

izumi: ...lets go, asher!

Asher: -_-# "Don't damage the clothes--we'll have to give up the deposit we made..." *transforms*

lukas: !!! s-saria!

Saria: "R-Right!" *transforms*

preston: yafeu, if ya'll'd be so kahind. [translator’s node; kind]

Yafeu: "IT'S NOT ABOUT 'KINDNESS'--IT'S ABOUT KICKING SOME PLANT ASS!" *transforms*

genny: i think i'll wait this one out.

lei-lei: *already running into battle*

Kanin: O_O; "Duncan! Let's go!"

Duncan: "?!!! M-Me?! Bu-But I can't do this! This is dangerous and--"

Kanin: "And your weapon form sucks."

Duncan: >_< "HOW DARE YOU--"

Kanin: *grabs Duncan by the ankles, running* "Let's go..."

Duncan: O_____O "H-H-Hey!"

genny: *slips out* (cant have my camera getting damaged, i need it for references!)

Duncan: *still getting dragged along the ground* "OW OW OW OW--"

Kanin: "Please transform already, please!"

Duncan: >~< *whines--as he turns into...a yoyo*

lei-lei: *punching and kicking away plant monsters* HIYA!

Kazue: *still sleeping in a row of seats* "Zzz..."

Plant Monster 1: *ROAR--*

Kazue: *sleep punch, knocking the Monster away*

-outside-

Rin: *slicing, as vines wrap around his ankles* "Darn weeds!" *slicing*

madoka: *shooting arrows at the vines*

Plant Monsters: *stack up on each other shoulders, rushing at bystanders*

Rin: "CRAP! Madoka, give me cover!" *rushes at the tower*

madoka: on it!

sayaka: *defending civilians from the monsters*

Rin: *swings at all targets--but gets pinned* "UMPH!"

Plant Monsters: *slobbering on Rin*

madoka: *shoots arrow at the monster*

Plant Monsters: *arrowed-up, slowed down, but not down yet--*

Rin: "You jerk!" *charges up his sword--*

???: "Naberius!"

*CRUSH*

*Plant Monsters are being decimated now*

Rin: "..." O_O;

*Standing behind the monsters is...Neuhaus*

madoka: mr neuhaus!

plant monster: *SCREEEE*

large spider: *attacking the plant monster*

Rin: "... ... ..." O______O;;;

michelle: is everything alright with you two?

madoka: we're ok, i think.

Rin: "Y-Yeah?"

Neuhaus: "What a disappointing student, Okumura. No better than your introductory courses."

Rin: >_<#

kyouko: *CHOP* you've been getting sloppy, rin.

Naberius: *petting Rin* "SOWRRY, YOUR HIGHNESS..."

Rin: T~T

michelle: ^^;

jorogumo: *returning to inside michelle's eye socket*

kyouko:....that's so horrifying.

michelle: i've gotten used to it now.

Neuhaus: *taps his own eyepatch* "Agreed."

kyouko: no time to stall now, we got more weeds to take care of.

Neuhaus: "Naberius! The plants only, no mortals!"

Naberius: "AY!" *picks up Rin, runs* "ONWARD, YOUR HIGHNESS!"

Rin: Q___Q;

madoka: *follows*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "On your left!"

hibiki: *SLICE* how do you like that?

axel: hell yeah!

Zeke: "Bueno, Hibiki!" ^^

izumi: *looking* alright, hibiki and preston have the ones to the left and behind, and lukas is dealing with the one to the right-

lukas: *tied in vines* TT~TT;;

Saria: O\\\\O;;;

Asher: "...Define 'dealing'..."

izumi: ...so that means we deal with the one's ahead-

*STOMP STOMP STOMP*

Asher: "!!! Izumi!"

izumi: !!!

Plant Monster: *slams into Izumi*

izumi: *knocked back* AH!

Asher: *knocked out of her hand*

izumi: ngh...ow...

hibiki: izumi!

Zeke: "Hibiki! Incoming!"

hibiki: !!! *SLICE*

izumi: (come on, get up) *trying to get back up*

Plant Monster: *lunging for Izumi's head*

izumi: !!

Asher: "SHIT!" *reverts to human form, turns their arms into tonfas, blocking the attack* "GET UP, IZUMI, DAMN IT!"

izumi: *getting back up* ....

Asher: "Now do something!" *swings the tonfas, knocking back the Monster before reverting to weapon form into Izumi's hands*

izumi: !!!! (come on izumi, do something! please!) *tears falling as she screams and tries to attack*

Plant Monster: *swings an arm, easily knocking her away*

izumi: grk- dammit, god dammit just go DOWN ALREADY!!!

Asher: "That's not going to convince it! Get back before--"

Plant Monster: *swings vines at Izumi*

izumi: !!!

Asher: "!!! Oh God--"

-BANG BANG-

izumi: !!!

Plant Monster: *ripped apart*

preston: mah, mah, what a beastie.

Yafeu: "EASY TARGET, THOUGH! NOW SHOOT THE NEXT ONE!"

Asher: "..." *disgusted groan*

izumi: ...

-elsewhere-

Kanin: OwO; "...So...What do I do with you?"

Duncan: -____-;;; "I don't know. I'm a yoyo, so unless you have a strong soul--"

Kanin: >w>;;;; "Um..."

*Suddenly spikes form along the yoyo*

Duncan: O_O;;;

lei-lei: that's new.

Kanin: "Please, stay back. This may get spiky..." *swings the yoyo in a variety of tricks--ripping apart plant monsters* ^^;

lei-lei: that's quite impressive.

Duncan: "...Hang on...Are you--"

Kanin: *knocks down the Plant Monsters* ^W^; "Th-Thanks...Just a little thing I--"

*CRACK, SPLASH, SPLURT*

Duncan: *knocked away...with blood on himself* "..." *screams*

Kanin: OwO;;; "..." *his arm and shoulder were ripped off*

lei-lei: !!!!!!! KANIN!

-from the rooftop, there is someone watching-

girl: hmmm...

-back on the ground-

Kanin: "...Oh, um...Oh no! Um...Ah!" *bad acting* "I've lost an arm! I'm...Um... ..." *sad sigh* "..." *takes off his shirt* "Well, this is ruined..." *tosses it down*

Duncan: "WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKING-FUCKETY-FUCK ARE YOU, YOU FREAK?!"

Kanin: "..." *frowns, takes off his glasses, hands them to Lei-Lei* "Hold these..."

lei-lei: oh, um…

Kanin: *looks up at the Moon* "..." *inhales*

lei-lei: !!! you're...

Kanin: *panting, until it starts to sound like--* *HOWLS, as his arm regrows from his socket--but hairier, as his face elongates, revealing him to be a werewolf*

genny: *looks*.... .///.

Kanin: *rushing on all fours, tearing plant monsters in his path*

Duncan: "Gross! Th-They let that-that _thing_ into this school?!!"

plant monster: *ROAR*

Kanin: *stops--and roars louder*

plant monster: OxO;

Kanin: *rushes through the path, knocking the plant monsters out of his way*

-elsewhere-

Plant Monster: *subdued by Nee, just looking up at them* ._.;

nee: nii! ^^

*Something is rumbling...as it looks like a blossom is forming up underneath the fashion show stage*

Hibana: "Ah, heck! What even is this town anymore...Pretty, though."

uwabami: ?!

shiemi: ???

???: "It is rebirth."

rosemary: *SCREEEEAM*

Hibana: *looks behind her--to spot the Man with the water bottle* "...That's not cryptic in the least. And who are you?"

*He removes his tie and shirt, revealing a reverend's collar underneath*

shiemi: !!!

Hibana: -_-# "Great...Someone else to bastardize 'god.' And what do they call you? Father Limp Dick--"

*A vine swings--knocking back Hibana*

Man: "Father Thorne. And I have my own mission..." *walks up to the blossom, guiding the girl*

Hibana: *crashes into the chairs, but conscious* "Ow...Okay, now I'm pissed!" *but gets tied down by vines before she can summon a flame*

uwabami: *attacking the vines with her head snakes*

???: X-SLASH!

-two flame slashes attack the vines-

Hibana: *gasps, finally able to move a hand to summon a flower, burning away the rest* "Thank goodness...'Bout time..."

mikami: are you alright, commander?

Hibana: *adjusts herself, brushing away leaves* "No. This was a new coat..." *tosses the coat away, pulling a fan out from the sleeve* "Good work, Mikami. Follow me...Girl! Stop that priest!"

shiemi: right! *follows*

Thorne: *still guiding Rosemary to the blossom, which is opening* "Rest in there...Just sit down and--"

shiemi: hey!

Thorne: *sighs* *looks back* "Please, this will only be a moment--"

shiemi: why are you doing this?

Thorne: "As I said...rebirth." *holds Rosemary close with paternal protectiveness*

rosemary: *groan*

shiemi: but why cause all this chaos? why hurt these innocent people who havent done a thing to you?

Thorne: "My child...To give her the life she deserves, it is not enough to cure the body, but to allow an utter rebirth from the soul. The production of these demons, for the sake of creating her new body, is an unfortunate but necessary byproduct."

shiemi: how do you know this will actually help her?

Thorne: "...Because I have the power to make it work." *snaps his fingers, summoning more demons*

shiemi: ...nii, we need nonoka!

*A flytrap springs out of Nii*

Thorne: "!!!"

-elsewhere-

*The plant demons persist, but it looks like their numbers have dwindled for now*

Rin: "Yeah, you better run!"

kyouko: *panting*....!!! oh boy.

Rin: *looks up* "...Ah, shiitake..."

*it's a giant mushroom*

madoka: *battle stance*

Rin: *grins, giggling madly* "Oh, this is great...I can't wait to make a dinner of this..."

Mushroom: "..." *lets out a 'purring' noise*

kyouko: i dont think it's too edible...

Rin: "What? Of course it's edible! It's a mushroom!"

Mushroom: *falls over...and rolls along its 'back'*

kyouko: !!!

sayaka: KATAMARI DAMACY!!!

Rin: "Ah, hell!" *runs, as the mushroom rolls down the street*

Mushroom: =w=

kyouko: got any plans?

Rin: "Do what Mario does--JUMP!"

kyouko: *jumps up*

sayaka: *follows* woo-hoo!

Rin: *slices his sword into an elevated bridge* "Hang on!"

*The mushroom, still purring, is rolling at them*

kyouko: *grabs one leg*

sayaka: *grabs the other*

Rin: *grunts, as he pulls up on the sword--and the mushroom misses them, continuing down the road*

sayaka: ok, so now what?

Rin: *pulling up* "Get up on this bridge...and find the source of this veggie madness..."

kyouko: right.

-elsewhere-

Shima: *swinging his staff, knocking back plants* "This area is clear!"

konekomaru: alright.

unagi: *panting*

Bon: "Hang in there, Unagi..."

Mike: *shaking the remains of a plant demon like a ragdoll*

-elsewhere-

'nonoka': *biting at the demons*

Thorne: "Why?! Why are you doing this?!"

shiemi: i wont let you hurt innocent people like this!

Thorne: "God already did that!" *a vine shoots out of his sleeve at Shiemi*

shiemi: *dodge*

Thorne: "I want my daughter back!"

rosemary: *groan*

Thorne: "...She was 14 when it happened..."

{rosemary: f-father...}

{Thorne: *holds her hand, kneeling his head, praying* "Lord, protect the soul of this child..."}

{rosemary: *vomiting* i think...something's wrong with me....}

{Thorne: "Please, Rose...Just hang on a little longer..."}

{rosemary: i'm scared....am i going to end up like mother?}

{Thorne: "..." *shakes his head* "No...No, I will make sure of that."}

{doctor: ...*sigh*}

{Thorne: "This can't be..."}

{doctor: we've done the best we could, but i dont think it will be enough for her...she might have a few years left, at most...}

{Thorne: "That is not sufficient!"}

{doctor: i really am sorry, all i can suggest now is just to be there for her...}

{Thorne: "..." *sets down his Bible, picks up another book* "I assure you, I will..."}

Thorne: "This demonology...It allows for the reconstruction of the body, starting from the soul itself."

shiemi: is this...what she would have wanted?

Thorne: "...What? Of course it--"

shiemi: look at her! how do you think she feels about all this, in this state?

Thorne: "A state that will end in her rebirth! That is what I want for her! What I...want..."

shiemi: you didnt even think about what she wanted, did you?

Thorne: "...No..."

shiemi:....

Thorne: "...I had tried to resurrect her...I want her to live..."

shiemi: ...i can understand you want that for her, but for her to live like this?...

Thorne: "...I can't just let her die..."

shiemi: ...flowers are beautiful, but they dont live forever, and eventually, they wilt away. but they do leave behind seeds, and the cycle begins again. even if it's cruel, there's still hope for something beautiful to be born again.

Thorne: "..." *weeps*

rosemary: fa...the....r....

Thorne: "..." *holds her* "My child..."

rosemary:....*she closes her eyes* ....

Thorne: *crying* "...'Ego dimittere te'..."

rosemary: *she smiles as her body wilts into dead vines* *there are a few seeds left behind*

Thorne: *falls to his knees*

shiemi:...*she pats his back* i think...she forgives you.

Thorne: "Rose..."

shiemi: *she looks at the seeds* maybe you should plant these.

Thorne: "..." *scoops them up*

-elsewhere-

Rin: "Get back heeeeeere!"

Mushroom: Q_Q *rolling away*

kyouko: *running along the rooftops* ok, it's heading to an intersection! if you can stop it there, then we're golden!

Rin: *aims his sword* "Let do it!" *leaps* "AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"

Mushroom: Q_____Q *loud shriek*

kyouko: NOW!

Rin: *flames on*

*SLICE, FA-WOOM!*

Mushroom: X___X *sliced apart*

kyouko: guess there's not mush-room for this demon here, huh?

Rin: "...Ha!" *cooks a slice*

kyouko: you sure you want to eat it?

Rin: "Why not? What harm could it do to a demon?"

sayaka: i'll try it. *takes a bite*...................

Rin: "How is it?"

sayaka:.........*she's tearing up*

Rin: "???"

sayaka: *opens her mouth- she's breathing fire*

kyouko: ._______. holy shit.

Rin: "?!!!!" *leaps back*

sayaka: TT~TT my mouth tastes like burning.

Rin: "..." *sets the mushroom slice down* "Jeez...We could bottle this stuff as a new hot sauce..."

sayaka: it tastes like a ghost pepper from the center of the sun!

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *hugging Axel* "Bro, I was so scared, bro!" T~T

axel: did you see that shit just now!? that was so awesome! hibiki was like- SLASH SLASH VREEN! and preston was like- BANG BANG!

izumi: .....

Asher: "..." *sitting with her* "How's your head?"

izumi:...could have been worse...

Asher: "...What happened back there?"

izumi: ....*sigh* my first actual battle, and i screwed it up... *hides her face in her lap*

Asher: "..." *carefully pats her head and shoulder* "You're okay...That's the first step..."

izumi: i guess.....i was trying to be strategic, and it ended up screwing me over...i feel like such an idiot...

Asher: "So, strategy more than instinct?"

izumi:.....*sigh* guess i need to practice more, huh?

Asher: *nods* "Both of us."

izumi:...are you ok?

Asher: "..." *looks at stain on their outfit* "...I'll live."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Get me a report of what happened here! Get clean up teams on 1st, 3rd, and 5th! And--" *looks* "...What the heck?"

Kanin: *still in werewolf form* OwO; "...Hello, Mr. Barett." *wave*

nygus: huh, well i'll be.

Sid: "...Kanin. I think you've not been entirely honest with us."

Kanin: ^w^; "I suppose not, sir..."

Duncan: -_-#

marie: still, we've had stranger things happen. so a werewolf student isnt too odd, but it is rather rare.

Kanin: "I-I didn't feel comfortable sharing it, given how others would...look at me." *awkwardly shifting*

lei-lei: i dont think it's too weird.

genny: i dont think it's weird either... 7///7;

Kanin: "..." >\\\\> "C-Could I get a shirt? Turning back to human without one is kind of embarrassing..."

nygus: here.

Kanin: *slips it on--while turning back to human* "Th-Thank you, Miss Nygus..." ^\\\^;

marie: but in less fortunate news, the 3rd round of the fashion show will need to be on hold until the stage is rebuilt.

Sid: "Well, that's a shame. Hope the judges aren't too mad."

-morning-

kirako: *in the hospital room*

Dazai: "..."

Dr. John: "Well, well...Looks to be--Oh, wait, did you want to know?"

kirako: ...sure.

Dazai: *nods*

Dr. John: "Looks to be a boy."

kirako: *smiles*

Dazai: "That's great!" *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *hug* "I was so worried!"

izumi: *hugs*

Spirit: "How are you? Do you need to go back to the infirmary?"

izumi: ....can i stay home today? i dont...feel too well...

Spirit: "Of course. Want me to bring anything?"

izumi:...can i have some cake?

Spirit: ^^ "Of course...I can pick some up in a few minutes."

izumi: ok...

-elsewhere-

Asher: *trying to get out of the apartment* "I'm going out!"

cassidy: *pulling them back* no you're not! you need to rest!

Asher: >~< "I can rest at the arcade!"

cassidy: you can go to the arcade _AFTER_ you get some more rest!

Asher: *grumbles, whines* "This sucks..."

cassidy: ....*sigh* i'm just worried for you.

Asher: "..." *nods* "Sorry. Just felt locked up. Even makes me want to go to school..."

cassidy: i know...want to watch one of our DVDs?

Asher: "..." *nods* " 'Jedi'?"

cassidy: sure thing. *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Dad, I'm fine, really..." ^^;

saria's dad: *HUGGING HER* oh we were so scared! i'm just so glad you're alright!! TT~TT

saria's father: ^^; babe, you're gonna crush her. ^^;;;

Saria: O~O "Ow, ow, ow..."

saria's dad: oh my gosh i'm so sorry! D8>

Saria: "It-It's fine..." ^^;;;;

-elsewhere-

shiemi: and that's what happened.

Mephisto: "I see...It sounds like you de-escalated the situation well enough."

shiemi: *she nods* what will happen to mr thorne, then?

Mephisto: "That pending an investigation regarding the amount of damage and injuries his demon summoning caused...I'm sure a good word put in for him may help."

shiemi: *she nods*

Amaimon: "I expected nothing better from my wife." *in a tuxedo*

stocking: *PUNCH* behave you. *drags him away by his hair spike*

shiemi: ._.;

Mephisto: "Please excuse my rude sibling--he is a bit jumpy since my newborn came into this world..."

shiemi: oh, i've heard about that! would it be inappropriate to ask to see him? ^^;;

-elsewhere-

shura: …

chelsea applebee: it's gotten that bad already?

shura: damn, i dont think we were prepared for this...

seiya: it's like theres no end to them...

chelsea applebee: but you have to admit...

-on their phones, thousands upon thousands of baby pictures of shion, sent by mephisto-

chelsea applebee: he's sooooo cute! >w<

shura: =_=; i swear, my phone's gonna just explode if this keeps up.

Yukio: "I know how to solve this..."

shura: oh?

Yukio: *holds up a hammer* "I blessed this to remove all baby photos sent through the magical telecommunications network!"

shura: you're not smashing my phone!

-elsewhere-

Thorne: *sitting in a cell* "..."

stocking: ....tea?

Thorne: "O-Okay..."

stocking: *hands him a cup* it's chamomile, hope you dont mind.

Thorne: "...I like chamomile...She liked it...I think...I don't know anymore."

stocking: ....

Thorne: *he's holding his satchel of seeds*

stocking:....where do you think you'll plant them?

Thorne: "I don't know...Will I even have a chance to?"

stocking: ...if you arent able to leave, then one of us will plant them for you, would that be ok?

Thorne: "..." *nods* "I'm just afraid of trust...How do I know to trust you here?"

stocking: ....*sigh* do you need more time to think on it?

Thorne: "...Could you come back when you know where you'll plant...and can assure me that she'll...that they'll be protected?"

stocking: i will.

Thorne: *nods* "Thank you..."

-elsewhere-

Zeke: Q~Q "I swear, we're fine! See? No bruises!" *holds up arm to the webcam*

mrs callahan: seems you two had quite a busy night. ^^

axel: oh you should have seen us, mom! we kicked major plant ass! it was so epic!

Zeke: ^^; "We did alright, Mom..."

mrs callahan: *she smiles* you two are growing up now, and we're so proud of you.

Zeke: QwQ "Aw, Mom..."

-elsewhere-

Petra: *looking at her watch* "..." *sighs* *pulls out a musical triangle--and starts beating it*

Arthur: *bolts up in bed* "H-Huh?! Siren's calls!" *swings a plastic sword he slept with*

shinra: zzzzzzzzzzz.........

Petra: "..." *sets down the triangle, walks to Shinra's door--and puts a mecha arm over her own* "Aim..."

shinra: *leg twitch* *snores*

Petra: -_-## *signs* "Hand me the blowhorn..."

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "Man--what a mess. When're they going to get the show back on?"

naho: when the stage gets fixed up, but it does give me a change to better coordinate my next outfit!

Belkia: "Yay! A plant theme could be...appealing!"

naho: nah, too soon for that. but i do have something in mind, and belbel said he'd help me with it too!

Belkia: ^w^ "Ready to help!"

-elsewhere-

Burns: "We've received a report." *puts it down on the table: it's a folder labeled '7'*

dia: *examining*

*Looks to be a dossier from the Church of the Sun on Benimaru*

dia: ...

Burns: "Stay on alert, be careful when interacting with anyone from Asakusa."

dia: understood, sir.

Burns: *nods* "Any update on our monitors following those returning from China?"

-elsewhere-

Kanin: *gobbling eggplants and tofu* *holds up an empty plate* "Another dish, please!"

lei-lei: more rice, please!

waiter: coming right up.

genny: *looking at her pudding* ...

Duncan: *having a glass of sparkling water--with a curly straw* *siiiiiiip*

Kazue: "...So, what did I miss while sleeping?"

lei-lei: plant battles mostly.

genny: *nod nod*

Kazue: "Neat. And you figured out Kanin was a wolf?"

Kanin: *gag* OWO;

lei-lei: OwO

genny: .....INEEDTOUSETHERESTROOM! *flees to the bathroom*

Duncan: "...Who even let you into this school? Your kind are wanted by Lord Death."

Kanin: ._.; "...One reason I hid it..." *looks down at his plate*

lei-lei: i can understand why you'd be worried. one of my friends is actually a witch. and besides, death city is a place of second chances.

Kanin: *nods* "A-And I wanted to be here, to learn how to use my skills to help others. I don't want people to get hurt..."

Duncan: >_>;

lei-lei: we believe in you, kanin! you can do it!

Kazue: *nods*

Kanin: ^\\\\^; "Th-Thanks..."

Duncan: "..."

genny: b-back… 7////7;;;;

Duncan: "What the hell were you doing in there--"

lei-lei: *CHOP*

Kazue: *holds up a kunai threateningly*

Duncan: X~X

Kanin: ._.;;;

-elsewhere-

Anya: *reading* "--and the likelihood that those executed were really witches remains in doubt."

tsugumi: ...

Meme: "M-Maybe we can focus on the immediate task--like how we still can't find the source of those scratches?"

ao: perhaps the culprit is nocturnal.

Anya: "Oh, a late night stake-out?"

Meme: "??? With Dew?"

mio: *gulp*

Meme: "..." *holds her hand*

mio: r-right. .//.;

Meme: ^^

Anya: "Let's find a spot for the evening..."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *holding up fruit* "PLEASE ACCEPT THESE FRUITS AS A GIFT AND ITS SEEDS, MR. AND MRS. DEATH!" *bows, holds out the fruit*

Patty: ^w^

Yumi: ._.;

lord death: why thank you, takeru. ^^;

Takeru: OwO *nod nod nod* "Plant them, and let me know how they taste!"

-elsewhere-

Falcon Witch: *stirring a bowl--then drops a ladle of soup into smaller bowls* "Eat up."

squirrel witch: thanks for the meal!

Falcon Witch: *nods* "Fill up--you'll need it."

Squirrel witch: *she nods*

Falcon Witch: "Any progress on your reading?"

squirrel witch: i think we have a lead to where they were buried.

Falcon Witch: *stops* "...Map it for me as soon as we finish."

squirrel witch: *she nods*

Falcon Witch: "..." *shivers*

-elsewhere-

Asako: ^^; "I almost have 'house training' done..."

kayako: have you thought of a name for you new friend?

Asako: "I wasn't sure yet...They are our golden lab for the lab." ^^;

kayako: hmm, well, i'm sure you'll think of something soon.

Asako: " 'Goldie'?"

kayako: it does fit.

Asako: ^^ "Goldie, it is."

-elsewhere-

Neuhaus: "Feel better?"

michelle: i think so...

Neuhaus: "...You helped a lot of people."

michelle:...*smiles*

Neuhaus: *smiles back* "...Hungry?"

michelle: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *sipping dark coffee* "Ah..." *rubs his head*

naoya: rough hangover?

Chuuya: ^^; "Maaaaaaay have over-done it."

sonia: *putting jam on a slice of toast* want one, papa?

Chuuya: "That would be delicious, Sonia."

sonia: any flavor in mind you want?

Chuuya: "Strawberry, if you have it."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Welcome back to class, Izumi. How are you?"

izumi: doing a bit better, i guess.

Sid: "Well, I've re-scheduled 3rd period for study hall for class, so just go at your pace today."

izumi: thank you sir.....

Asher: *seated in fourth row* "..." *waves*

izumi: *waves*

Zeke: *looking around* "???"

Yafeu: "MAN, CLASS IS GOING TO BE SO BORING AFTER A FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!"

lukas: TT~TT;;;

Saria: "It's okay...It happens to the best of us...I think." ^^;;;

Sid: "Okay, settle down. We have a new student today."

izumi: oh?

Asher: "..."

Kanin: "?"

Kazue: "Zzz..."

Duncan: "..." *whispers* "She's short."

girl: hello, my name is Amelia Lowell. please take good care of me. *she bows*

Sid: "Welcome, Amelia. Please have a seat."

amelia: *nods and sits in a corner seat*

Sid: "We'll start today reviewing last week's test, so take notes and open your textbooks to review which pages to re-read..."

Saria: "She seems a little shy..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "One clean blanket for you." *hands it to Felisia*

felisia: thank you, kid. ^^ .....how do i wrap it again? ^^;;

Kid: "I think you start by folding one corner of the blanket down about the length of your hand..."

felisia: ok.

Kid: "... ... ... Actually, maybe a little straighter--" *trying to fix the fold* "No, still not quite..."

felisia: um... ._.;;

stocking: kid, breathe.

Kid: OwO;;; "...Right! Sorry. um, set him down now onto the blanket..."

felisia: *doing so*

Kid: "Oh, wait, do it diagonally..."

felisia: ._.;;;;

stocking: *pats kid's shoulders- both of them* easy kid, easy.

Kid: *inhales, sighs* "R-Right...It is to be diagonal, though..." *tenses* "Fold the right side first to cover him."

stocking: want me to help her, kid?

Kid: *nod nod nod* *covers his eyes*

stocking: ok, fold it like this.

felisia: *following along*

-after a few moments-

stocking: there you go.

felisia: *smiles* thank you both, so much.

Kid: *nods* "Y-You're welcome."

stocking: need anything else?

felisia: i think i'm ok for now.

stocking: ok. we'll just be around then. ^^

Kid: *nods* "Anyone need a drink?"

felisia: some water would be fine, or should i have milk?

Kid: "Both are good, as is fruit juice."

felisia: right, i just want to know what will help the baby be healthy.

Kid: *smiles* "How about a platter with options?"

felisia: i suppose i'll go with that. ^^;

Kid: *nods* "Okay...Be right back."

stocking: *follows* you ok, kiddo?

Kid: "J-Just...annoyed with how I am..."

stocking: *she rubs his back* you're trying your best, and i'm proud of you for that.

Kid: *sniffs* "R-Really?"

stocking: *she smiles and nods* i'm here for you, whenever you need me to be.

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: *kiss*

Kid: ^\\\^ "Th-Thanks..." *smooch*

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "What a hot mess...Can't even have fashion shows without dumb fights."

gabriella: at least it was against plant monsters and not among the competitors. ^^;

Hibana: "True--I don't need a repeat of Milan 6 years ago..." *looks at her nails* "Can't afford to break another..."

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *has set up multiple soda bottles* "Let's discuss sucrose!"

children: oooooh!

wilhelm: are we gonna do the mentos thing?!

Motojiro: "..." *slowly holds up a tube of Mentos* ^w^

wilhelm: *eyes light up* yesssss!

Kafka: *watching from afar* *cringe*

Walter: "Ah, let them have their fun!"

Motojiro: *opens each bottle* "Put on your rain slickers, kids!"

hans: bad memories of the twins releasing a mentos bomb in your office that one time?

Kafka: "DAYS! OF WINDOW CLEANER!!!"

hans: ^^;

Motojiro: "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" *drops the Mentos in*

*BOOM*

children: *cheering*

Walter: *looking up* "It's so pretty! Like sugar and colors and a water show all in one!"

etta: neato!

Kafka: *grunts*

*A strong wind blows...*

leroux: i guess you could call that a real soda fountain.

etta: *giggles* good one, roro! ^^

Kafka: "..."

Walter: "Ha!"

Kafka: "Of all the--"

Motojiro: OwO; "Um...At that velocity, the soda stream may--"

*SPLAT*

Kafka: *drenched*

leroux: oh dear.

etta: .w.;

Kafka: -~-; "..." *licks his lips* T~T "Delicious...and so sticky."

-all the kids (sans sonia) are laughing at kafka-

Kafka: *covers his face, trying to rub away the soda*

Motojiro: ^^; "Maybe don't laugh at the adult, children...Let's now discuss why the reaction took place..."

Walter: *hunting for tissues* "I got nothin'..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *drops off a bag* "Time to make late night snacks!"

tsugumi: awesome!

Anya: "Some fruit cups, perhaps?"

Meme: "I found great berries along a path..."

ao: ooh. *checks guidebook*

Anya: "So what's our plan?"

tsugumi: keep our eyes and ears peeled for anything out of place.

Meme: *looks around* "We'll have a good vantage point here."

mio: ok.

Anya: "Anyone want to hazard a guess what we'll find?" *smashing berries*

tsugumi: a monster?

Meme: "A bear?"

mio: wolves?

Anya: "All good guesses...We'll need to be armed." *pulls out a tranquilizer blow-pipe*

mio: >-> tsugumi, she does remember the two of us are weapons, right?

tsugumi: ^^;

Anya: *puffs her cheeks* "Can either of you knock someone unconscious?"

mio: .....well, i think if i use my hammer- *hammer arm*

Meme: "Just don't shatter the bear's head."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "...This news is troubling. You think it's accurate?"

shinra:...*solemn nod*

Akitaru: *sighs* "Okay...This is some earth-shattering info, son."

shinra: i'm really trying not to break down and cry like always. i really, really am....

Akitaru: "Hey, none of that right now..." *pats his shoulder* "This is some tough information to hear..."

shinra: ....

Akitaru: "Unfortunately, we can't verify it just on what you heard in the Link: we need more evidence."

shinra: *nod*

Akitaru: *sigh* "It's going to make going to church feel more uncomfortable...If we tell them what you found, I don't know how they'll respond."

shinra: .....

Akitaru: "...Give me a few days to figure this out, see whether there's someone at the Church I can ask on the, um...DL?"

shinra: ok. i'm still trying to wrap my head around it too...

Akitaru: *nods* "Could you go see Squad 0 about something?"

shinra: sure thing.

Akitaru: *nods* "Let the squad leader know. I'm going to talk to the nuns..."

shinra: ok then.

Akitaru: *nods, walks to the living room*

-elsewhere-

Konro: "How was your rest?" *passes a cup of tea to Fang-Hua*

fang-hua: great, very much needed...*sips*

Konro: "That's good. Ready for patrols?"

fang-hua: yep.

Konro: *walks* "Has much changed while you were out?"

fang-hua: *glances at some building repairs* i take it the commander's been busy as always?

Konro: ^^; "Wouldn't be normal if he wasn't...Although, there's something different this time."

fang-hua: ?? how so?

Konro: "Aside from the pressures of impending fatherhood? ..." *slaps his hands on his cheeks, shifts* "Oh my God, they're going to have a cute little baby!" >w<

fang-hua: *steps back a bit* ._.;;; (the commander and kirei's child...) *imagine spot of a small kid with an inferno behind them and glowing eyes* (oh jeez...)

Konro: "..." *clears his throat* "So, the pressures of increased responsibility have affected his aim and the intensity of his power..."

fang-hua: mm, mm...(maybe they'll inherit kirei's kindness?) *same imagine spot with the kid now having a gentle expression* (THAT DIDNT HELP MATTERS AT ALL!!!)

Konro: "??? Fang-Hua? What's wrong?"

fang-hua: ?? oh, n-nothing at all, captain. ^^;;;;

Konro: "Okay...Well, take it slow getting back into work. I'm sure your report will be fascinating when I get to read it."

-elsewhere-

shibusawa: *reading, humming to themselves* ......

Nox: "..." *clears their throat*

lux: *peeeeek* whacha reeeading~?

Nox: -_-

shibusawa: just a novel.

lux: you read that one a lot, is it good?

shibusawa:...i suppose. i already know how it ends of course.

Nox: "As to be expected. So why return to it?"

shibusawa: perhaps because it's an interesting story...*sigh*

lux: you've had to have read everything in this study by now, master shibusawa. you need new reading material =3=

shibusawa: perhaps, but i'll likely figure how it ends based on what all i've seen before.

lux: =3= .... *lunges*

shibusawa: *dodge*

lux: =~= ... >~< NO FAIR! i can never surprise you!

Nox: "Lux, please." *sets down a tea tray*

shibusawa: chamomile and biscuits again? thank you. *nom* and i take you brought the child her dinner as well?

Nox: "Of course."

shibusawa: good. *sips* ....i wonder if death city will truly have what i'm searching for.

Nox: "All in good time, I'm sure. Yes, Lux?"

lux: indeed big bro indeed! ^u^

Nox: "..." *small smile*

shibusawa: *sighs and sets the book down* (i think i did have that something briefly, but it's gone now...and _she_ is what's left of that)

-elsewhere-

Asher: *puts notebook back into backpack* *yawns* "Well, that was surprisingly informative for once..."

Zeke: *folding paper* "Yeah! And we had a study break to kick back!"

amelia: *still taking notes*

Kanin: "???" ("Must be dedicated...")

lei-lei: you ok?

amelia: *still note taking* just fine. how about you?

Kanin: ^^; "Class did end a few minutes ago, so okay..."

Duncan: *eyeroll*

amelia: that's nice.

izumi:.....so.....

Yafeu: "WHAT ARE WE DOING AFTER SCHOOL?!"

Asher: -_-# ("Loud...") "...Food."

izumi: where to? wendy's? pizza hut?

genny: i cant have gluten.

Kanin: "Vegetarian, please."

Saria: "Hmm...Well, there's one place Dad goes to..."

amelia: ?

Saria: "It's small but has a range of dining options." *smiles*

lei-lei: sounds great!

amelia: shall i join you?

Duncan: *muttering* "Tch. I could find something better..."

Saria: "The more the merrier!" ^^

-elsewhere-

Shima: "Woo, that was some battle out there at the Fashion Show. I'd love to tell you all about it over a drink~"

izumo: *drags him off by the ear* =_=#

Shima: Q__Q

Bon: *sighs* "Cleaning up is the real pain..."

unagi: *trimming*

Rin: "Good job, Unagi." *picks up plant trimmers*

unagi: thank you.

shiemi: *smiles*

Rin: "Although, I think we could have a great topiary here..." *imagines a Rin topiary* -w- "Hee hee hee..."

unagi: ..... *imagines a princely shima topiary* =///=

Shima: "???"

Bon: "Knowing our luck, it'd be Sir Pheles designing one..."

izumo: .......*excalibur face*

Shima: "..." *imagines a sexy Mephisto topiary* "..." D : < *strangles Bon* "WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?!"

Izumo: *CHOP*

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "So, that's the report I received from Tamaki and the others. This information is not to leave the Eighth until I say so."

rita: ....

maki: understood.

Petra: *looks like she's fuming*

iris: sister petr-

Petra: "You think for a second there is any truth to this malarkey?!"

iris: ...

Petra: "We're supposed to accept some story by, what, some sort of Vulcan mind-meld?!"

Vulcan: *sneezes*

Akitaru: ._.;;; "..." *looks at Iris and Tamaki*

tamaki: well it's better than having no information at all, right?

Akitaru: "And we know looks can be deceiving. Many of us are members of the Church and don't want to jump to conclusions..."

Vulcan: -_-; "The Church doesn't even give my family credit for the Amaterasu..."

rita: <then what do we do?>

Akitaru: *nods to Petra to sign for him* "I'm having Squad 0 start their own investigation, keeping an eye on the Church to see whether there is some information that could corroborate the China story."

rita:.....*nods* <i believe you.>

Akitaru: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Everyone has their order ready?" *sets down her menu*

Asher: *looking around*

Yafeu: "THIS PLACE LOOKS NICE."

Zeke: *grabs more free breadsticks*

izumi: *looking at her menu*

*the menu includes pastas, salads, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers for individuals or groups*

Kanin: *tapping a finger along vegetarian options*

amelia: i'll take chicken salad.

Zeke: "The house burger--hold the onions, please."

axel: bacon fries please!

Yafeu: "STEAK!"

hitomi: ok, coming right up. ^^

Asher: "...So, where're you from, Amelia?"

amelia: ...out of town.

Asher: "..."

Duncan: "Gee, that's helpful."

amelia: sorry, i'm not one for small talk.

Asher: *shrug* "Same for some of us..."

izumi: ^^;;

Zeke: "I'm kinda bummed we didn't get skipped a few grades for that fight, though. We survived and all--or maybe get a medal..."

hibiki: we're still just learning the basics. you dont just become a pro overnight.

Zeke: "Yeah, but I kinda think we learned some basics. Y'know, like when those Quirk kids fought supervillains?"

axel: oh yeah, that was some tight shit!

Asher: "Yeah, if you're looking forward to dying."

amelia: ...

Zeke: "Hey, come on..." ^^;

izumi: ^^; asher, do you want some of my fries?

Asher: "..." *nom*

-elsewhere-

Older Witch: *listening outside* "..."

squirrel witch: *bringing meat out to a shed*

Older Witch: "Be careful..."

squirrel witch:....*leaves the basket of meat by the door and backs away*

*growling is heard*

squirrel witch: din-din time!

*A claw reaches out, grabbing the food*

squirrel witch: *steps back in the house* *phew*

Older Witch: "Hmm...Faster reaction time."

-elsewhere-

Cementoss: *laying down more cement at the old fashion show stage*

worker: thanks again for helping us.

Cementoss: "Heroes are always happy to lend a hand." *thumbs up*

-elsewhere-

Thorne: *sits in his cell*

shura: brought you tea and a visitor.

shiemi: ...

Thorne: "...Ah. The shopkeeper."

shiemi: you can call me shiemi.

Thorne: *nods* "Shiemi..."

shiemi: ...so how are things here?

Thorne: "...Given the circumstances, hardly as bad as everything else."

shiemi: hmm...

Thorne: *clutching his satchel*

shiemi: you havent planted them yet?

Thorne: *shakes his head* "Still debating the best location...Not even sure how to plant someon--...something like this."

shiemi: well, it's important that they get a good amount of soil, water, and sunshine.

Thorne: *nods* "Yes...I was more focused on planting those blossoms in the Nether, where there was no light..."

shiemi: im not sure that would be wise. if these plants are from her, then maybe plant them somewhere she likes?

Thorne: "...When she was young..."

shiemi: *listening*

Thorne: "...the garden she loved..."

shiemi: that sounds perfect. ^^

Thorne: *smiles...crying*

shiemi: *offers tissue*

Thorne: "Th-Thanks..." *wipes his eyes*

shiemi: no problem. *smile* *she looks so much like her...*

Thorne: "..." *stares*

shiemi: ?? mr thorne?

Thorne: "?! S-Sorry..."

-elsewhere-

Pan: *exits the Commander's office* .______.;;;;

captain: how was it?

Pan: "...I need to sit for a bit..." *shudders*

captain:...........that bad?

Pan: "The Commander is still on a tear about 'Adora.' This trip has only excited him."

captain: yeowza.

Pan: *sighs* "I think I'll get a drink..."

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: *groans* "I'm so full...I couldn't have another bite..."

Zeke: "Oh, the dessert menu--"

Yafeu: "I HAVE A SIXTH STOMACH FOR ICE CREAM!"

Asher: "..." -_-;

genny: i'll pass.

Kanin: ^^; "Wouldn't hurt...Amelia?"

amelia: chocolate parfait.

Saria: "Ooo, good choice! Hmm...Lukas, want to split a cookie?"

lukas: um... sure.

Saria: ^^ "Allergic to peanuts, or would a snickerdoodle be okay?"

lukas: just a sugar cookie please.

Saria: "That sounds delicious."

Duncan: "Velvet cake."

Kazue: "Zzz..." *holds up a sign: 'Slice of lemon pie'*

hibiki: maybe some macarons.

Asher: "...Izumi?"

izumi: i'll go with some ice cream.

Asher: "Ah."

Kanin: *waves for the waitress*

hitomi: all set for dessert? ^^

Kanin: "I think so...And a slice of carrot cake, please."

-elsewhere-

Anya: *holding binoculars*

tsugumi: *stretching*

Meme: "Zzz..."

-ROOOOAR-

Anya: "!!!!"

Meme: *falls over* "Wh-Wha?"

mio: *gulp*

tsugumi: welp, we found our culprit, l-let's go!

kirara: not without us you dont!

Tezca: *has a smoking cigarette hanging out of his bear mask, dressed like Rambo, holding a water gun* "Let's do this..."

kirara: *sweatdrop*

esther: fufu, do you really thing we were going to let you girls have all the fun~? ^^

Meme: "Oh, well that should be helpful." ^^

Anya: O_O;

ao: shall we be off now~? ^^

Tezca: "Onward! Let's do this, Enrique!"

enrique: gao! >u<

Meme: *follows them through the woods towards the noise* "Mio, transform!"

mio: right! *hammer-axe mode*

Anya: "Tsugumi!"

tsugumi: right! halberd form up! *weapon mode*

mio:....WHAT WAS THAT?!

tsugumi: thought i'd try something new. ^^;

Anya: "...Uuuuuum...Okay?"

-elsewhere-

Nayumi: "Fun. But how do we make sure the Church isn't noticing us?"

miwa: we could use disguises!

Nayumi: "..." *looks at her own outfit* "I guess I would stand out, even like this..." ^^; "What kind of disguises?"

miwa: that would be a work in progress.

misora: i volunteer~! ^u^

Nayumi: "Yay."

sayu: yippie! ^w^

Nayumi: "Maybe civilian attire..."

serina: sounds good.

Padma: "Just don't go overboard..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *trying to steady her breath, looking around*

-something is visible not far off-

Anya: *gulp*

kirara: *waiting*

*growl*

ao: here it comes!

Meme: *tightens her grip* "Be ready...We need to just disable it, unless..."

Anya: *nods*

-the figure moves slowly towards them-

*it sounds like something slithering through the leaves*

mio: !!! look out!

Meme: "?!!"

*Meme's ankle is caught, knocking her onto her back*

mio: meme!

???: *roar*

*it sounds like a claw is coming for Kirara's head*

kirara: *dodges and tosses an ofuda*

*RIP*

*the ofuda is tattered, landing on Kirara's face*

kirara: !!!!

*a claw grabs Kirara's throat*

kirara: GRK-

esther: !!!

Anya: *slices*

???: *shrieks*

kirara: *cough* thank you, anya.

Anya: *smiles, but shaking* "Of course...We need to contain this beast..."

*the figure hides in the shadows, but its snorting can still be heard*

Meme: *back on her feet, checking her ankle* "I-I think I got scratched..."

mio: are you going to be ok?

Meme: "I-I think so..." *stands, her leg wobbling* "Yeah."

mio: *changes back, holding her up*

Meme: "Mio, what if it comes back?"

mio: i'll protect you. even if i'm scared, im more scared of losing you.

Meme: "...Mio..."

*Something wet drips down*

Meme: *her eyes widen* "..." *looks up*

tsugumi: !!!! anya!

*It's saliva...coming off the horns sticking out of the beast's mouth*

Anya: "!!! Tsugumi! The branches!" *leaps swinging the weapon* "Mio! Run!"

mio: *helps meme to get away*

Meme: *limping with Mio*

Anya: *slices through the branch*

???: *ROARS, falling down and landing in the bushes*

ao: tsugumi!

tsugumi: got it! *scythe blade enhance*

ao: HA! *SLICE*

*SPLURT*

*the beast is bleeding*

ao: *phew*

???: *growling, clawing at the floor...it is revealed in the moonlight, looking like the back and tusks of a boar, a long tail with a tip at the end, and the claws and mane of a lion*

tsugumi: ....

Beast: *howls at the Moon*

tsugumi: um...what....exactly are you?

???: *choking out words* "Chi..."

tsugumi: !!!

ao: kae?

Anya: " 'Kae'?"

???: "Chi...mera..."

kirara: !!!

esther: and here i thought chimeras were extinct.

Anya: "??? What's a chimera?"

esther: a being that is several animals fused into one being.

Meme: "Who would do such a thing? Did those animals die?"

tsugumi: can you tell us who did this to you?

???: *growls* "No..."

tsugumi: .....

Anya: "Can't, or won't?"

???: *grunts*

Meme: "Hey, we're sorry to attack you. But we just wanted to not get killed...We may have to restrain them so they can't hurt anyone--"

Anya: O_O;

esther: allow me~ *iron maiden arms holds the beast in place*

Beast: O_O *confused grunt*

esther: *her eyes widen with excitement*

Anya: ._.; *hides behind Ao*

ao: ....do you know who made you like this?

Beast: "W-W-Witches..."

tsugumi: ....

Anya: "From the old times?"

Beast: "..." *looks away*

esther: *tightening her grip*

Beast: *gasps* "STOP!"

kirara: *places an ofuda on esther* sai-na-men-go san-nee-o!

esther: *faints*

Beast: O_O;;; "...What?"

tsugumi:...so...what now?

Meme: "...Maybe ask more nicely which witches?" *slaps hands together* "Pretty please~" ^w^;

-elsewhere-

Rin: *knocks on Pheles Manor door*

maid: yes?

Rin: "Yo! Is the new mom here?"

maid: yes, but she's resting at the moment.

Rin: "Ah. Well, I brought someone eager to help!"

maid: oh?

Rin: *points to Ukobach, who is on his shoulder*

maid: ah, i see. *she nods* right this way.

Ukobach: *tugs on Rin's ear*

Rin: "Ow! I heard her!" *follows* -3-

-elsewhere-

[ladyborel]

Lovers in Starlight

Etien sniffled. “But they need me, Aymeric.”

“You came home to be at my side for Starlight, promptly came down with an infection from the Mystels of the First, and now you want to go out in the cold to conduct a choir?”

She nodded, though her expression was a little sheepish.

“Dear-heart, you only just have the strength to wipe your own nose.”

“I’ll come right back!”

“That you will. But moreover, if you insist on going,  I’m coming with you.”

“I won’t try to fight you on th–” she was racked with another coughing fit, tears slipping from the outer corners of her eyes. “You’re not going to let me go like this, are you?”

“I would prefer you stayed here, where you can be kept warm and I can make sure you stay properly hydrated and nourished, yes.”

Etien sighed. “That’s reasonable.”

Aymeric shifted around her, so he was closer to reclining beside her instead of sitting up and looking down at her, letting out a satisfied hum. He stroked her hair slowly. “Thank you.”

Etien’s brow knit. “For?”

“Actually looking out for yourself for once.”

Her expression shifted from amusement to disappointment.

“Oh, kitten, what did I say?”

She shook her head, then looked away. “No, it’s that you’re right. I got myself sick from running ragged and now I won’t even rest.” She twisted her handkerchief in her hands. “You have to practically hold me down to get me to stay in bed.”

“Which is odd, because when you feel well, you want to stay here all morning.”

Etien laughed once, dryly. Despite that, she relaxed against him. “When you’re here, I don’t mind staying. I am still a little afraid of getting you sick, though.”

“Spend your time on better things, like recovery.”

She sighed. “All right.”

Etien had fallen into a light doze, but when her eyes opened again, Aymeric picked up the conversation as though no significant amount of time had passed.

“The real pity is I was in the beginning stages of planning a party.”

“You were?” Etien asked, still sounding a little sleepy.

Aymeric nodded. “Half a Starlight gathering, half a celebration of having you home for a while. But now, socializing would likely be too much for you.”

“I can–”

“Etien. You could. You do not have to.”

She let her eyes shut, as if to return to sleep, and replied to him. “You could still invite Estinien over, if you wanted to.”

Heath returned quickly once Etien resigned herself to rest and Aymeric’s doting, so when the day of the very small planned gathering arrived, she was able to walk around, and yes, take a quick trip to Gridania to conduct the choir—twice.

Aymeric was in attendance now not to ensure she didn’t pass out, but to hear the performance. And it was beautiful. He’d seen her play instruments every so often, but never conduct. It was fluid. He adored it.

They returned by Aetheryte so he could give her one of her gifts for the holiday a little early– a dress he had seen when a local dressmaker was showing off her wares, and he was sure would look good on Etien.

She had no knowledge of this, though.

He presented the box to her, wrapped in pretty paper.

“Can I open this?” She asked, gaze lifted to his.

He nodded. “I encourage you to, so you can use it right away.”

So she peeled away the paper—less carefully than Aymeric did as a habit, but with her own method of neatness—and moved to opening the box as he took the paper from her hands.

She let the box close and fall to the floor as she pulled the dress from it.

“What a beautiful shade of green,” she breathed, hands curling in the fabric. “Do you want me to wear this tonight?”

Aymeric nodded again. “If you like it, that is.”

“I love it! You’re remarkably good at selecting clothing for me.”

Now he beamed. “I simply choose things I think would flatter you and accentuate the beauty that’s already present.”

Etien smiled, though she flustered a little, too. “So… did you have more plans for what I was going to wear?”

“I did, but if you have your own routine you would prefer–”

“Nope!” She draped the dress over her arm and presented her hands palms-down for him to take. “I’m your doll to dress up and style as you please.”

Aymeric cleared his throat, not expecting her to be quite so willing to let him take charge of her appearance. “Well, I would appreciate your feedback during the process.”

“I’ll let you know if I don’t like what you’re doing,” she said with a little laugh. “But I trust you.”

He let Etien strip out of her festive-but-warm clothes for conducting in Gridania, bathe, and get into her undergarments and the new dress on her own, but he gently moved her hands before she could zip it up.

He had every confidence she could do it, but he wanted to.

She laughed, catching his eye in the mirror. “Funny. Usually you do that in the other direction.”

Aymeric blinked as he processed her comment, then chuckled, flushing slightly before running a finger along her exposed shoulder. “Usually, yes.”

“Are my red shoes all right?” she asked, lifting one of them to show him.

“Yes, those should be appropriate,” he replied.

She slipped her stocking-ed feet into them, giving a little nod. Aymeric returned the nod, then gestured for Etien to sit down in front of the mirror.

Her hair was close enough to dry now that it would be more helpful to expose it to the air, so he did just that, removing the cloth she’d tied it up in and picking up a comb.

He worked through her hair with slow strokes, more focused on trying to relax her than detangle it. She had already washed out the sweat and finger-combed out the knots. This was for vanity.

…and so he could, in some small way, take care of her.

Her hair returned to its titian sheen, so he left it alone, for fear of over-working it. As he put the comb down, he told her, “I also took the liberty of inviting Edmont, Artoirel, and Emmanellain. I thought they might want to see you, after all.”

The smile she gave him was so sweet he could have used it in his tea. “So we’ll have the whole family together,” she mused.

He returned her smile. “Precisely. Though, speaking of… I know we spoke about it during the harvest, but do you miss the others?”

“Why? Because of the season?” She shrugged.

“Do you think they were at the choral performance?”

“I didn’t see them,” she replied. “Did you?”

Now Aymeric laughed. “Maybe I would have, were I to know what they look like.”

“Not like me,” she said quietly. “Or… people say they do, but not at first glance. They all have dark hair.”

“How strange.”

Etien shrugged again. “Some traits just crop up randomly,” she said, playing with a strand of hair. “The only family that matters at the moment is you and the Fortemps.”

“And Estinien?” Aymeric added.

“And Estinien,” Etien confirmed.

They were quiet for a moment as Etien slid her finger in and out of her wedding ring, before she mumbled, “I should just put it on.”

She unclasped the chain to remove the ring, and Aymeric kissed the top of her head before telling her, “I have something else for you.”

He presented a small box to her, this one unwrapped, and she opened it to reveal a pair of emerald and sapphire earrings.

“Another beautiful accent?” She asked, raising her eyes to meet his.

Aymeric nodded. Etien removed the earrings from the box, slotting them into her piercings.

She put her chain of various pendants back on, sighing. “Is there anything else I need done?”

He looked her over. No need for gloves… everything else was handled… “No. You’re perfect.”

She laughed. “You mean I’m ready.”

“I did mean you’re perfect,” he insisted. “Though I am also wondering if you’re ready, my lady? Our guests should be arriving at any moment.”

Etien laughed, her lip pulling back to expose her glittering eyeteeth. She rose from the chair, taking Aymeric’s offered arm. “I am.”

They peered toward the door as they left the room, waiting for someone to be announced.

“I feel bad I didn’t get to help you decorate. It all looks so lovely,” Etien said to break the silence, comfortable though it was.

“You were occupied with something more important,” Aymeric said simply. “I did it for you, anyway. As much as I always have enjoyed and celebrated Starlight, I never did things on this grand a scale.” He laughed a little. “In some ways, I suppose I’m glad you were too sick for me to plan anything bigger. I might not have been able to handle it.”

Etien smiled, rubbing his arm. “I would have helped, like I have every time you needed me to.”

“Every time I so much as mentioned I could have used help from anyone,” he corrected.

“Now, come on. Did you really want just anyone helping?”

“I suppose not, but it did lead to you being criminally overworked.”

Etien nodded. Before she could speak, a voice rang out, announcing the guests.

Ah, all four of them had arrived at once. Convenient, if nothing else.

Aymeric called for them to be let in, then began to lead Etien down to the door.

She left his arm to wrap hers around everyone in order, starting with Edmont and working her way to Estinien, warm greetings and tight hugs for each. She’d missed them.

“You’re looking better now than it sounds like you have in some time,” Estinien said when he let her go.

“Aymeric took good care of me,” she replied with a laugh.

“So we have him to thank that you made a full recovery?”

Etien coughed a little. “I wouldn’t go as far as ‘full,’ but I’m certainly better now than I have been in recent days. And yes, we all owe Aymeric a lot of thanks for it.”

He rubbed between her shoulders, smiling when Etien leaned into his touch, and started greeting everyone in turn as well.

There was food, of course, and drink flowed for those who wanted it as easily as did the chatter.

“Now, you must tell us of your travels since you left us!” Edmont insisted to Etien.

She laughed demurely, putting down her drink and crossing her ankles. “I certainly can do that. What sort of story do you want to hear? There was flying on Amaros, or my time in Eulmore, or I suppose I could tell you of Holminster Switch, but then you’ve all seen what I’m capable of with a bow…”

“Tell us of Eulmore!” Emmanellain cried out. “It sounds the most interesting.”

“It was! It’s a pretty place, but you know, the prettiest flowers are sometimes the most poisonous. The thing I remember most, other than that poor singer who lost her voice to a polyp, was the Beehive.”

“The Beehive?”

“Yes. It’s a place for entertainment in… the Canopy, I believe it was.”

“Like the Gold Saucer?” Emmanellain asked.

“Hmm, not quite. It would be the most apt comparison, but their similarities are, ah, few.”

“Then what sort of entertainment is there to be had?”

Etien cleared her throat. “Well, I went there to gather information while Alphinaud was keeping our hosts occupied. So I wasn’t exactly exploring all it offered. However, I did have to– uh. I played cards!”

Aymeric cast Etien a look out of the corner of his eye. “Cards? Like triple triad?”

“No, no. I’m awful at Triple Triad! This one was more of a… well, I suppose it was guessing. Sort of a game of speculating.”

“I see.”

“I want to hear about this Holminster Switch,” Estinien interrupted. “If for no other reason than you think it boring, Etien.”

She sighed and deflated, though she straightened her spine again, her earrings swinging from her ears. “Hmm, how to tell this tale without having to explain too much… Well, suffice it to say there exists there a breed of monstrous creature that demands even more careful handling than even the dragons did. We fought an especially powerful specimen to save the vestiges of a town, and now I’m as fabled there as I am here. Though I was encouraged to hide my identity in the aftermath, to prevent too much of a stir.”

Everyone but Etien laughed. “Well, it must be nice to be anonymous somewhere,” Artoirel commented.

“You certainly are not around here.” Edmont added.

Etien squirmed. “That’s true.” She scrambled, patting at her hips as if searching for something. “I was going to ask that you all teach me some songs of Starlight, but I think my singing voice is still not perfectly primed.” She hissed a quiet curse. “I don’t have any of my instruments out here with me, though, so perhaps I’ll have to sing anyway.” She took a deep breath, coughed briefly, then sang a few notes. “Well, it’s not going to bewitch anyone, but it should do. Shall we?”

At the sound of the other five voices stumbling through a carol or two beside her own, Etien beamed to be part of the experience.

It was late in the night when the Fortemps trio made their way back to their home, and Estinien shuffled off not long after that, but not without long, affectionate goodbyes.

When the door shut, Etien and Aymeric were alone again.

Etien sighed.

In total silence, Aymeric took her hand and led her to the tree. “I have one more thing for you.”

“Oh?” She smiled, squeezing his hand before he let go to pick up the gift for her. There were two layers of paper this time, as though the artisan had wrapped it and then Aymeric had added another layer of decorative paper.

Etien peeled both back to reveal a strange wooden bowl. “A bowl?”

“It’s for knitting,” Aymeric explained. “So I can hold yarn for you without it tangling. You see, the yarn loops through this slot, and you can draw from the ball easily… and without my interference.”

Etien giggled. “Well, that should come in very handy in the future. I can’t wait to use it.” She beckoned him down so she could kiss his cheek. “I didn’t wrap your gift, but let me go get it.”

She took off through the house, and returned with a thick pile of fabric draped over her arms. “Here it is!”

Aymeric took it off her hands, unfurling the piece and shaking it out.

“What is this?” He asked after a moment.

“It’s a blanket! And it depicts Ishgard! Only how I see it, I suppose.”

Bright blues, pure snow whites, grays that held hundreds of years of history’s weight, all combined to paint a pretty picture of the land she called home now.

“When did you find the time to make this?”

She counted on her fingers, as it if made a difference. “I’ve been working on it since I left Ishgard the first time.”

Aymeric cocked his head. “How did you hide it from me?”

Now Etien grinned. “I only did it one square at a time. You never saw the pieces together.”

“Well, I absolutely adore it.” He clutched it to his chest. “Thank you.”

Her smile warmed. “It was my pleasure. Happy Starlight, darling.”

Aymeric took her hand again, leading her towards their bedroom. “Come, we need to get you out of those and into bed. It’s late, you need all the rest you can get, and we have wonderful new bedding to use besides.”

When Etien was buttoned into her nightgown, half-asleep on her side of the bed, Aymeric rolled onto his side to look at her. He let his fingers glide over her cheek, brushing back a twisting lock of hair.

Unsure whether she would hear him or not, he whispered to her, “Happy Starlight, my dearest.”

The blanket was wonderful, he would never say anything to the contrary, but this sheer domestic bliss was the best gift he had ever gotten.

[istxrmbxrn-blog]

( — ACT i. SCENE i )

01. SOLD LIKE A BROOD MARE

 [ I've been sold like a broodmare. ]

For those who don't know, this is GoT (I just change the names, though sometimes I'm too lazy to rewrite some) and the Thor movies put together. So, this is based off the show 'Game of Thrones'. Just saying this before anyone begins saying, "you stole it!"

"LAELIA! LAELIA! I'VE GOT SOMETHING FOR YOU!"

Laelia's brother, Aeneas, cried as he rounded the corner to the bath chambers. Laelia turned her head slightly at the sound of her name, and as he called to her once more, she went into the chamber through the curtains. "It is the finest silk from the old dressmaker in that ruddy old shop. C'mon, feel it." Laelia ran her hand across the grey silk. "Mmm, beautiful isn't it?"

She nods her head in answer, looking up at her brother, seeing his familiar blue eyes and silver hair. "You're slouching," Aeneas gives the dress to a maid and stares at Laelia until the maid is nowhere in sight. "You're a woman now." He unties the dress and lets it slip to the tiled floor, his sister's nipples hardening in the cool air. He runs his finger over the rose-colored bud, Laelia's breath coming out in a shaky manner.

"You need to show off your body; let the world see it," he whispers. "You would be married off to one of Asgard's princes in order for me to get an army to take back my throne. You would be good to him, please him in all manners. I would let him and his men - Hel! Even his horses - fuck you if that's what it took to get it. Do you understand?"

"Yes," she nods, swallowing thickly.

"You don't want to awaken the dragon, do you?"

"No."

"Alright, then. Hurry with your bath, he's going to be here in the next hour. Wear the dress!"

Aeneas walks out of the bath chamber with a flourish, Laelia turning to her steaming bath. The water still boiled slightly. She stepped up onto the edge of the large pool and once she took a step in the water, a maid hurries behind her. "It's too hot, M'Lady."

Laelia keeps stepping deeper into the bath, not feeling any pain from it, only comfort. She remembered her house's motto: Fire and Blood. The Greystones were known for their ability to walk through fire, for their ability to withstand its heat, and for their ability to speak to dragons. Dragons were long gone now, but as a gift, she was given a dragon tooth ring as a child. She wore it every day - it was too large for her when she was younger so she kept it on a necklace - but now she wore it on her finger. She prayed to the gods that her encounter with her future husband was a good one.

↴ ↴ ↴

LOKI AND SOME OF HIS FOLLOWERS rode through the outskirts of Asgard, in a place where they were separated by houses, not mixing amongst one another like all the others in the city. The grass was high; the winds were turbulent, and the sun was beating down on them with much more heat than they could fathom. "How can people live in these conditions?" One of his men asks. Another speaks up. "They were born and raised in this weather; they are used to it unlike us."

"Would you be quiet you oafs?" Loki snaps.

The men quickly shut up, riding into the streets of a small villa. "They live in the Great City, Aeneas, they will not be punctual."

Soon Loki and his followers reach the villa's main house, seeing a man with two people in front of him; one was a girl, whom he presumed was his future wife and Aeneas. The girl walks up to him and he realizes that she isn't wearing a bra; he could see the outline of her nipples through her dress' grey fabric. She looks beautiful to him, with her innocent blue eyes, silvery-white hair; she would make an amazing wife.

He says nothing as he turns to leave, and he hears Aeneas beginning to ramble in the background.

"Wait! Where are they going? Why didn't he say anything? Doesn't he like her?"

"Believe me, Aeneas, we would know if he did not like your sister."

↴ ↴ ↴

AENEAS AND ATTICUS WALK side-by-side, Laelia following close behind them like a lost puppy. She had just met the man she would marry, and she was honestly terrified at her encounter. He had looked at her with such an icy glare that sent chills down her spine; she did not know what went wrong. Was she not pretty enough? Was she not the right woman for him? Did he think that she was too young for him? Al these questions ran through her head aimlessly, no sign of any type of answer nearby.

"When we sell her off -"

"I don't want to be his queen. I just want to go home."

Aeneas turns to his sister, putting his hand gently on her throat and running his finger across her chin. "I do too, dear sister, but if I do not get his army, what chance of home would we have? Hm? Just to let you know, I would let him, his army, and even his horses fuck you if that's what it took. Understand?"

"I understand."

[marvelandponder]

Bling-Bling, Darlings

Really, what we’re asking when we pose a question like that is what is Rarity’s character based on. It’s more than fair to say at this point the Elements of Harmony themselves are obsolete, but they undoubtedly helped to form the characters and set a course for their development in the series as a whole. 

And since the real aim of this post is to map Rarity’s character-arc over the course of all 7 seasons and counting, it only made sense to me to start at the beginning.

Or, rather, before the beginning, in the show’s very development!

Once upon a time, when Lauren Faust first dreamed up our main cast, all the Elements were pretty well the same as what they would be in the show. All, except Rarity. Before she was the Element of Generosity, she was the Element of Inspiration.

When I was looking over Rarity’s biggest lessons and teachings, I found that the themes of inspiration and creativity carried over into the show in interesting ways. Not just that she’s a dressmaker, and uses her medium to bring out the beauty in others, but that that creativity may have turned into her biggest character flaw. Her greatest tool and yet her biggest burden.

I think Rarity’s generosity still very much defines the core of who she is, but what I’ve always admired about Rarity is her complexity. Her versatility, her presence. All of these things are owed, in part, to the theme of her development: Expectation Versus Reality.

Of course, this is just my interpretation, but as far as I see it, this over-arching theme usually presents itself in either one of three ways:

How we see Rarity, and how she really is

How others see Rarity, and how she really is

And most importantly, how Rarity's flights of fancy (emphasis on the fancy) conflict with reality

So, this fashion week, I’d like to take some time to appreciate the true beauty that is Rarity. Finally. With this, every member of the main 6 finally has their own editorial (I... clearly didn’t time this out well), and so it seems we saved one of the best for last. Here’s to you, Rarara!

A Tale of Two Rararas

From the beginning, we knew Rarity always dreamed of living in Canterlot. And already, I want to pause in the episode-by-episode run-down to say the fact that Rarity never conflicts with Twilight over this just speaks to her strength of character. 

Sure, there are certainly times when Rarity can be petty, but as Green Isn’t Your Colour proved very early on, even when she does feel envious, her selfless, giving nature wins out, and she won’t hold it against anyone. A far cry from most diva characters, isn’t she?

But to round back to the point, I always found it a tad ironic Twilight lived the life Rarity thought she wanted. Growing up in Canterlot, rubbing elbows with nobles and royalty, and even becoming a princess. The glamour! The intrigue! The... socially awkward bookworm who saw none of these things as opportunities to be taken advantage of.

A part of me thinks that if Rarity were to grow up in Canterlot instead of Twilight, that Rarity wouldn’t be nearly as down-to-earth as ours is. And whether she’s self-aware enough to realize that or not, Rarity’s never once begrudged Twilight for living out some of her dreams. Instead, she’s just dying to hear about it and support her.

Which leads us to the first major Rarity storyline, in Ticketmaster: wanting to marry a Prince she hasn’t met. This is, of course the set-up for an example of what I was talking about early, the whole expectation versus reality thing with Rarity’s fantasy of a perfect love life coming into conflict with the reality of the jerk she was fantasizing about.

So, we next move onto Look Before You Sleep, and it’s here where we give props to the Rarijack shippers: they’re not wrong that this relationship is cute and important. 

This touches on the second part of the theme that I mentioned, how other characters continually learn that Rarity is more than meets the eye. Applejack and Rarity getting to know each other on a deeper and deeper level throughout the series is one of the bigger demonstrations of Rarity’s true depth.She’s not just about frilly dresses and all things frou-frou, as AJ initially believed.

In fact, to skip ahead by one, she’s not your damsel in distress or the frightened princess, either. A Dog and Pony Show is among the classics of season 1 in my book because it’s one of the first times they just straight up tell you Rarity’s resourceful and capable without mincing words. Because hell yeah.

That’s one of the episodes that really play with audience expectation for Rarity, and having it relatively early on was an excellent way to establish Rarity has more character depth than most other fashionista characters in shows for little girls.

Going back to the one we missed, you’ll find another true classic: Suited for Success. I could argue this has a connection to both of the Elements Rarity was initially thought to embody. Her generosity is on full display, not only making these dresses out of the goodness of her heart, but tailoring them to each of her friends’ tastes despite being a fashion expert herself. Then of course there’s the inspiration or creative aspect of it, how Rarity’s struggles perfectly emulate the struggles of real-life professional creatives trying to please all kinds of picky customers.

To add on, I just want to say this episode made me admire Rarity quite a bit. Both her determination to make her friends feel beautiful and her savvy business tactics combined with her creative passion are wonderful traits to have at her core. As entertaining as her dramatics can be (a special thanks goes to Tabitha St. Germain, who never once makes Rarity’s explosions of emotion anything but endearing), have not one but two deeper layers to Rarity makes for an excellent main character.

As we would come to see, both of those core traits have their pitfalls. Green Isn’t You Colour is a fun example, though, because it plays on the negative side to Rarity’s Inspiration Element and yet the positive side of her Generosity. Rarity’s always dreamed of living the glamorous life of a famed seamstress, which leads to her being envious of Fluttershy when she gets to live that out (by the way, if you hadn’t guessed by now, Rarity’s extremely relatable to all creative types). And yet, it’s her giving nature that stops her from being selfish and greedy. 

Next in chronological order is the Cutie Mark Chronicles, and this is one of my bigger arguments for the theme I’ve been talking about so far.

So, Rarity’s horn leads her to a rock, and I think with that long build-up of being dragged all over, there’s that expectation being built up in little Rarity’s mind that this must be important. Again, her tendency to dramatize things gets the better of her. Which is why she freaks out when she gets there and it’s just a big dumb rock---but we all know the rock itself breaks her expectations even further when it’s broken, revealing the true beauty deep within the layers.

Expectation, meet reality.

Speaking of, the Best Night Ever is all about that theme, and I think it goes without saying how Rarity experiences it firsthand like the rest of the girls.

Next up is Sisterhooves Social, and I could make the argument that Rarity’s expectations for her little sister not accounting for her well-meaning intent is what causes the conflict. As well as the fact that the reality is, as a little filly, Sweetie Belle isn’t yet capable of garnishing a breakfast the “proper” way, or doing laundry without shrinking the clothes. Rarity’s an adult with adult responsibilities, so really the lesson becomes about appreciating that inner-beauty/good intent that her little sister has while forgiving the lack of ability.

Then, Sweet and Elite happens, which is probably my favourite Rarity episode to date, in part because it reminds me of an excellent Simpsons episode, Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield. Rarity’s had dreams of living in Canterlot since before the first episode, expertly demonstrated by the song The Type of Pony Everypony Should Know.

But even though there are wonderful elites like Fancy Pants in Canterlot, Rarity finds the bullshit of devaluing ponies like her friends is in fact pretty damn toxic, and that the social hierarchy that she’s admired for so long would put ponies she loves at the bottom. Again, awesome episode, really demonstrates what you might think would be a simple story about Snooty Rich People v.s. Humble Country Bumpkins into a story about a character’s changing worldview on class systems.

After that, we move onto Rarity Takes Manehatten and--- wait, that can’t be right... What do you mean there wasn’t a Rarity episode for almost two seasons?!

I seriously had to have this pointed out to me by the ever insightful @digikate813 because as much as I love Rarity, I didn’t even notice until I really looked.

In part, you could argue because Rarity got so many episodes and starring roles in season 1, that might’ve been the reason they held off on developing her in season 3 (that, and obviously the shortened 13 episode run), but still, not a fun time to be a Rarity fan.

Anyway, Rarity Takes Manehatten. Season 4 was all about showing how the characters could either betray their Element, like Rainbow Dash and Applejack, or be betrayed by it, like Pinkie, Fluttershy, and of course Rarity. Twilight ended up literally having to choose between magic and friendship (which, by the way, still shocks me that her fatal flaw is that, to quote my favourite book series from my childhood, she “would give up the world to save a friend”...). 

And for Rarity, her episode ends up being the antithesis to Green Isn’t Your Colour, where she’s at her best creatively, but her giving nature ends up biting her in the ass. And yet, it’s still the same overarching theme: with the blind trust she places in Suri Polomare with her fabric, Rarity fully expects that Suri is well-meaning. She doesn’t even for a moment hesitate until it’s too late, and the reality of, as Suri puts it, being in the big city.

After that, it’s time for more Rarijack, as we take a look at Simple Ways. Essentially my take away from the episode in terms of Rarity’s overall arc is that she and Applejack, at this point, know each other better than they know themselves, which continues the theme of looking below the surface to find the true beauty within.

Speaking of true beauty, next we have Inspiration Manifestation, which is the episode I first thought of when thinking about the theme of this post: that in some ways, they ended up using Rarity’s old Element of Inspiration as her biggest flaw.

Yes, you can argue that the greedy Rarity we see in Return of Harmony is the literal antithesis of our beloved fashionista, but you can’t deny that the delve into the dark side of Rarity’s dramatic imagination and expectations for how things should/will be much more, this episode being the prime example.

Under the dark magic’s influence, Rarity’s version of Ponyville is... really gaudy. Gold paved streets gaudy. What’s interesting about that is that it becomes more about glory than it is about making it aesthetically pleasing, because when she comes out of it, she seems really taken aback by it. This wouldn’t be Normal Rarity’s ideal Ponyville, it’s just a way of showing herself as the most creative, most beloved pony there is.

And honestly, again, Rarity is extremely relatable to creative types. How many of us have wished we could just manifest our creative thoughts instantly, no work required (but would probably end up abusing that power if it were real)?

Continuing on, we have Canterlot Boutique next, and as Rarity’s very own Magical Mystery Cure or Crusaders of the Lost Mark, it really does emphasize the theme I’ve been talking about. Rarity’s expectations for owning her own boutique in Canterlot and creating a dress known all across Equestria comes into direct conflict with the reality of the business aspects of it all. 

To the point that her business manager is made to seem to the audience like a villain for a while there, until Rarity finds the solution and we realize Sassy Saddles isn’t evil, and can in fact help Rarity’s dream. Even the solution itself is to make her business (manager) work by her rules, and cultivate her creative expression. An excellent episode for an excellent end-cap to Rarity’s goal.

Now, here’s a question: did Rarity’s character arc end when her goal was reached?

Drama Horse Sans Drama?

Because up until this point, that whole expectation V. reality thing has mostly been centered around Rarity learning how to be more grounded, appreciate intentions as opposed to results, and realize her dreams of living the high life often don’t take into account what that might actually entail.

But in Canterlot Boutique, well, she did learn the harsh reality of that situation, but I don’t know that she applied it universally, realizing that she herself didn’t account for how difficult it might truly be.

I think it was a huge step in her development, but she’s far from done growing, and far from done being overdramatic about things. But there is a shift after this to Rarity teaching others.

Rarity Investigates! is an easy example. Rainbow Dash doesn’t have faith in Rarity’s deduction skills because she assumes(/expects) that Rarity’s focus on details is only frivolous.

In Made in Manehatten, Rarity’s main role is to reassure Applejack that even if she’s out of her element, she’s still useful and contributing. On the flip-side, Applejack’s “Day” Off demonstrates how close they are by having Rarity make Applejack relax for once.

The Cart Before the Ponies is an exception to many things, though. Here, Rarity’s once again the one in need of a lesson, as she gets lost in her pursuit of righting a past wrong to the point that she’s blind to the reality of her sister currently wanting to try making her own cart.

P.P.O.V. might seem to buck the trend of Rarity and Applejack understanding each other, but I think that’s due in part to how each character was trying to get out of their element, and thus, totally confused the ones who know them so well. So, yes, Rarity doesn’t understand the “sea madness” Applejack has.

Moving on up to season 7, Forever Filly has Rarity again in the student role, learning the opposite of what she did in Sisterhooves Social. There, it was that Sweetie was too young to be as capable as Rarity expected of her, but here, it’s that Sweetie Belle can’t stay young forever. I see what you did there, writers.

Honest Apple shows Rarity helping Applejack not be a dick about her opinions, and giving young, up-and-coming fashion designers a platform she would’ve killed for at their age. What a good horse.

And then we have Fame and Misfortune, an episode that showcases, among many other things, Rarity’s response to harsh criticism. The episode sets out to prove the mane 6 still have flaws, and it certainly does, proving that even though Rarity’s learned quite a few lessons, that Element of Inspiration in her/her creative side still wants to be loved and valued for her work.

But I’ll leave us off on her part in Campfire Tales, because while it may be a small role, it proves, in essence, what Rarity truly values is a blend of both the Elements I’ve been rambling about. Rarity admires Mistmane not for her popularity or status, but for the way she gives to others by spreading beauty. Generosity and Inspiration combined.

Just like Rarity herself whose proved herself more entertaining, more heartfelt, and more beautiful than meets the eye. I wouldn’t say she’s done growing, but whether it’s the knowledge she’s gained through personal growth or fashion advice, Rarity will always share beauty.

I do MLP editorials like this and MLP episode reviews for all your MLP needs! and here’s the last three things I did, featured:

Triple Threat Review, Campfire Tales Review, and Top 10 Lost MLP Content

Also to celebrate finally finishing all members of the mane 6, take a look here to see me go through the other girls’ character arcs and other mane cast related topics:

Sunset, Pinkie, Rarity, Spike, Twilight, Starlight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack editorials

Year of the Pony

Header Image Wouldn’t be Possible Without...

Rarity by Flizzick Fancy Rarity by RegolithX

Go check out those talented artists!

Yours Ever, R