#stole a whole salmon fille

[merriblu]

Just a little throwback showing that our giant boy was always a giant. This is when the breeder asked us to take these two together. The brothers were always thick as thieves.

[mx-plugs]

Today in my dwarf fortress game:

Someone stole a large gem artefact from the farmers guild. Main suspect is 'Salmon' the fisherdwarf, a member of the guild.

But my captain of the guard 'Great-Gem' sucks at interrogation and can't get him to admit to the crime.

It looks like the other members of the guild like 'Broiler' conspired with him to steal the artefact. Also 'Great-Gem' made the artefact.

Broke into the cavern layer. Sealed it off until I can make a proper air lock to stop creatures breaching my fortress.

Did work to hopefully prevent overgrazing leading to desertification.

Put a high quality statue of a cow in my unhappiest dwarves room to hopefully cheer him up. (He loves cows.)

A dog had puppies. My whole fortress is filling up with dogs, I have lots of war dogs but no heart to use them in battle.

[suituuup]

pieces - chapter five

Five years ago, Chloe dropped off the face of the Earth. Beca didn't expect to see her again dancing in a strip club, out of all places.

rated: E (drug use and emotional abuse)

ao3 link

*

As the rest of the day ticked by, Beca kept replaying the events at Sarah’s coffee shop over and over, unable to pinpoint what she could have said to make Chloe bolt like that. She managed to focus on her tasks at hand over the afternoon and headed home around 6, groaning as soon as she stepped inside when she remembered she had promised Sarah to cook her dinner. 

She pondered on canceling for half a minute because all she felt like doing was taking a long shower and eating pizza in bed, but she already felt guilty about a lot of things these past couple of days. 

So she took a quick shower instead and put on some comfy jeans and a plaid shirt, tossing her blow-dried hair in a messy bun atop her head. With one of her favorite blues records playing throughout her home, Beca set to work to make creamy salmon pasta with spinach, nursing a much-needed glass of wine as she cooked. 

“Babe?” 

“In the kitchen,” Beca called out over the music, lowering the heat on the boiling water and dropping a handful of spaghetti in. She smiled as Sarah brushed a kiss to her cheek. “Hey.” 

“Hello you,” Sarah murmured, squeezing her hip as she walked past her to set a bottle of wine on the counter. “Smells delicious.” 

“Hopefully it tastes good, too.” Not that Beca was worried; she had been making this dish for a few years. “Wine?” 

Sarah hopped onto the counter next, humming. “Yes, please.” 

Beca opened the fridge and took the bottle out, reaching on the tip of her toes (shhh) for a glass in the cabinet over her head. She poured some wine in and handed it to Sarah. “Sorry I disappeared earlier.”

After Chloe had left, Beca wasn’t in the mood to eat or finish her coffee, leaving a $20 on the table on her way out. 

“Was that the friend you told me about yesterday?” 

Beca puffed out a sigh. “Yeah. She’s…” It’s complicated, Beca was about to say, but she figured she owed Sarah some details after what happened at her workplace. “She’s in a bad place. And I wanna help her, but she doesn’t seem to want any help. I don’t know what to do anymore.” 

Sarah covered Beca’s hand with her own, the pad of her thumb stroking her skin back and forth. “Has it been a long time since you last saw each other?” 

“Over six years. We fell out of touch about five years ago. Well, she cut us all out of her life nearly overnight.” 

Sarah tilted her head to the side. “Us?” 

“The Bellas, from college. Chloe and I were co-captains.” Beca swallowed around the lump forming in her throat as a wave of nostalgia hit her with full force. “She just… she was my best friend.” 

“I’m sorry, baby. Maybe give her some time and she’ll come around?” 

Beca doubted that, but she nodded anyway. “Yeah, maybe.” She shook her head, squeezing Sarah’s hand as she mustered a smile. “Enough about me. How was your day?” 

As the next week ticked by, Beca started to lose hope. In true Beca Mitchell fashion, she threw herself into work to avoid dealing with her emotions, staying at the office until midnight most days. 

A knock on her open-door one night made her jolt. She had lost herself in the view and her own thoughts, unaware someone was still at the office. 

Beca spun her chair around to face the door, finding Luke in the doorway. “Why are you here so late?” 

“I could ask you the same thing,” Luke pointed out, inviting himself in. He set a sheet of paper in front of Beca, then plopped down in the seat on the other side of her desk. “This is incredible. You’ve got to record it.” 

Beca glanced down at her own handwriting, heavily regretting showing Luke that song she wrote a few days ago. “I don’t know, man.” 

“What?” Luke asked, incredulous. “Becky, you haven’t been able to write a lyric for the past three years and now that you’ve got a platinum record worthy song, you don’t want to use it?”

Beca nibbled on the inside of her cheek. “It feels too personal, I’m not sure I feel like sharing it with the world.” She glared at him next. “And stop calling me Becky, this is getting old.” 

“I’m serious, this might be your best work yet,” Luke insisted. “Think about it?”

“I will. Now get out of my office,” Beca muttered.

“You got it, Becky,” Luke teased, easily catching the stress ball Beca tossed at his head, chuckling at her poor attempt. “You should go home and get some sleep.” 

“Yeah. Night.” 

“Goodnight.” 

*

It turned out Sarah had been right. 

When Beca wasn’t expecting it anymore, Chloe called. And she sounded like Chloe. Hope flared within her once more, but she tried not to let it engulf her whole being. While Chloe reaching out was an enormous step, Beca threaded carefully, knowing a lot could happen in five days. 

She wished she had been wrong, but as it pushed 1 pm that Thursday afternoon, it was pretty clear Chloe wouldn’t show. Beca didn’t have her phone number or any other way to contact her. Her heart felt heavy as she headed back to BMLJ for her meeting with Jesse regarding his movie score, and her head was too full of thoughts to completely focus on work. 

“Earth to Beca.” 

Beca hummed, snapping out of her daze. Jesse was staring at her in a mix of concern and curiosity. “Sorry.” 

“Do you wanna do this another time?” 

“No, no,” Beca insisted, straightening up. “I’m okay.” She hated how well Jesse knew her, and heaved a sigh when he gave her that look. “It’s Chloe.” 

“Chloe Beale?” Jesse asked. “She’s in New York?” 

“Yeah. I found her a couple of weeks ago. She’s a stripper at some hyped club in Times Square.” 

“Holy shit, seriously?” 

Beca proceeded to tell him everything over the next ten minutes, Jesse hanging onto every word. “Am I stupid? Trying so hard to help someone who clearly doesn’t want to be helped?” 

“No, you’re not stupid. You’re a softie under that tough exterior and you care deeply about the people you love. Especially Chloe. I was in the front row, remember?” 

Beca grimaced, some of that decade-old guilt surfacing. “Dude…” 

“It’s fine. I’m definitely over all of that, but we both know Chloe is too important for you to just give up. And from how you described her, and that phone call? It sounds like she still cares, but she lost herself along the way and is now in so deep she has trouble coming back on her own. Maybe she just needs to hear that asking for help isn’t giving up, but rather refusing to give up.” 

Those words echoed deep within Beca, and she found herself nodding, filled with newfound energy to fight for this. “I need to go by the club. Tonight. Her boss might kick me out if I show up inside, but maybe I can wait by the back door?” 

“I’ll come with you.” 

“You don’t have to, man. It might be hours before we see her.” 

“That guy sounds creepy, you shouldn’t go on your own.” 

Beca sighed. “Okay, fine. I’ll pick you up around ten.” 

*

Beca felt like they were on a stake-out as they waited in her car hours later, parked across the back alley of the club. Winter had definitely settled in in NYC and waiting in the cold for hours in freezing temperatures didn’t seem like a great plan. 

She texted back and forth with Aubrey, who once more offered to come down, but Beca was concerned Chloe might think they were ambushing her. 

It was pushing midnight by the time a familiar figure stepped out of the building through the side door. Chloe was on her own. 

Beca slapped Jesse’s arm to wake him up. “She’s here.” 

They both stepped out of the car and crossed the street when it was clear, Beca telling Jesse to wait by the corner as she tentatively approached Chloe, slipping her gloved hands inside the pockets of her dark grey wool trench coat. 

She was smoking a cigarette, clad in her glitter dress under an open fleece jacket. Her gaze flickered to Beca when she spotted her, her posture turning rigid. “What are you doing here?” 

There was no bite to her tone but soft curiosity, which reassured Beca further. 

“Can we talk?” 

Chloe glanced over her shoulder towards the door as she nibbled on her lower lip. “Five minutes, then I have to go back inside.”

She met Beca on the other side of the alley, the orange glow of the lamp post over their heads allowing Beca to trace her features. “You didn’t show earlier.” 

Chloe dragged on her cigarette. “I changed my mind.”

“Is that the truth or did someone tell you not to?” She wasn’t dumb; after meeting Chloe’s boss and knowing she was his favorite, she had an inkling the two were somehow involved. And that guy just gave off a crazy possessive vibe. Chloe’s silence was her answer. “Chlo…” 

“It’s more complicated than you think,” Chloe murmured, licking her lips. 

“Then explain it to me,” she demanded, a desperate edge to her tone. 

“Why are you doing this?” Chloe croaked out. “Why won’t you leave me alone?” 

Her question took Beca by surprise, and her mouth moved wordlessly for a few beats. “Because I care about you. And you’re not okay, Chlo. I want to help.” 

“Beca…” 

She thought back on Jesse’s words. “Asking for help is not giving up, Chloe. It’s refusing to give up. And I’m here. You just have to say the word, I’ve got you.” 

Chloe shook her head, closing her eyes briefly. “I’m not--” Her eyes were filled with so much sadness when they found Beca’s that Beca had to remind herself to breathe. “I’m not worth it.” 

Those four words felt like a knife lodging itself inside Beca’s heart. They stole all the air from her lungs and brought tears to her eyes. “What?” She whispered, her voice nowhere within reach as a huge lump formed in her throat. “That’s not true,” she said, with more forcefulness this time around. “It’s not, you hear me?” 

Chloe kept shaking her head. “You don’t know me anymore.” 

“Maybe I don’t know this version of you, but I know Chloe Beale is still in there, somewhere. I heard her on the phone the other day, remember? And I can see her now, under all those layers of sadness and lack of self-worth triggered by outside factors. I know her soul hasn’t changed, deep down. It couldn’t have, because you are the purest, kindest human being there is, and that has to still be somewhere in there.” 

“I’m broken, Bec,” Chloe cried, her eyes filled to the rim with tears threatening to spill over. “I’m a crack addict. I don’t--” A sob spilled from her throat. “I spend all my money on coke and all I know how to do anymore is show my breasts for money.” 

A tear rolled down Beca’s cheek as she reached for Chloe’s hand. “Then I’ll help put you back together. Piece by piece, for however long it takes. Whatever it takes, Chlo. I promise.” 

“Chloe?” 

Both their heads snapped towards the open door, where Marco stood. His features hardened when he saw Beca there, and Beca released Chloe’s hand, looking over her shoulder towards Jesse, who made his way over. 

“What is she doing here?” He spat out as he climbed down the set of steps. 

Chloe visibly swallowed, her fear radiating off her. “She’s just leaving.” 

“No, I’m not,” Beca stated, loud and clear as her eyes shone fiercely. “I’m not going anywhere without Chloe.” 

“You fucking homewrecker,” he muttered, crossing the alley in quick strides. Chloe stepped in front of Beca, as though to shield her with her own body. The anger swirling in his eyes shot a chill down Beca’s spine. “Move, Chloe.” 

Chloe shook her head. “You should go back inside, Marco. Please don’t make a scene, it’s not worth it.” 

Beca had never understood the expression ‘to see red’ until now; until she witnessed Marco backhanding Chloe with so much force she staggered back with a cry. 

Unparalleled rage filled her, the kind of rage she couldn’t control. She stepped forward and raised her fist, clocking him in the face with a mean right hook. She wasn’t sure if the cracking sound came from her knuckle or his nose breaking, the pain in her hand muffled by the adrenaline coursing through her veins. 

Marco stumbled a few steps backward with a grunt, his eyes screwed shut as he covered his nose with his hand. But Beca wasn’t done, taking advantage of his dizzy state and stepping forward to knee him in the balls as hard as she could so he couldn’t walk until they were all safely inside the car. 

“You guys get into the car,” Jesse ushered them, keeping an eye on Marco as he doubled over in pain. 

“Chloe, come on,” Beca coaxed urgently, grabbing her hand and pulling. To her surprise, Chloe didn’t fight her. She seemed absolutely shell-shocked, even once they reached the car, as though her legs were carrying her on their own accord and her brain was miles behind. “Get inside, Chlo.” 

Jesse jogged over a few seconds later and slid behind the wheel without Beca having to ask him, and she climbed in the backseat beside Chloe, relief washing over as the doors locked behind them and the car pulled onto the road towards safety. 

[kth1]

Crosscurrents [Hoseok X Reader] Part 2

Crosscurrents - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Genre: The Little Mermaid AU | Fantasy AU | Series Pairing: Mermaid!Hoseok x Princess!Reader Featuring: BTS Princes Warnings: Angst, fluff, rated G, sorry no smut, mentions of pain, eventual character death, it’s just a fantasy story. pining, angsty? W/C: 8.8k Summary: Hoseok is a carefree middle child among seven princes, each running one of the seven seas. With a curious nature to study the world above, he makes several routine visits to the surface, once even saving an alluring princess who he grows very smitten by. With a strong determination to meet his lovely princess, Hoseok makes a risky deal with the ocean’s enchantress to become human. Author’s Note: Sorry for the wait, but I am still very happy about this story. Now finals and my semester is over - I can continue updating. Thank you all who support me. Portions of the fic is unedited. 🐚🧜‍♂️

Credits: Story includes strong elements from Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’; Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’; and Michiko Yokote’s manga ‘Mermaid Melody’.

☀ CROSSCURRENT MASTERLIST ☀

The aqua prince now knew where his beloved princess lived, after revisiting the area nearly every evening after the first time. He often would approach closer to the land each time, venturing further than any of his brothers ever had to the shoreline. As Hoseok still remembered the touch of dry sand on his slimy tail, the foreign air of fresh land right under his body.

Daringly, the carefree and curious prince even swam up the narrow channel that led under the marble balcony that belonged to the princess. During bright moonlit nights he would only invite himself here so he could watch the princess stare off into the sea, where she believed she was all alone. Little did she know, she had a secret admirer in awe from below.

Human beings in general became more and more dear to Hoseok. Days of eavesdropping on humans within the green reeds of the bank who were sailing the water, listening to their stories and conversations in hiding. Stumbling upon fishermen who casted their nets near the beacon’s light, and if anyone on the dock noticed the rustling of his long aqua tail that treaded water, they excused the sounds to wallowing gulls.

Hoseok was happy when he reminisced about the time he had saved the young princess, hearing about her noble actions and performances. She was told of having a heavenly way with her ballroom dance, knowing several styles of movement. He wished he could see her act with his own eyes and to show her one of his.

In time, Hoseok wished that he were one of them; a human that is. Their large world seemed much extravagant than that of the mer-people. Humans can fly above the ocean in their ships, they can ride around in these carriages pulled by large animals called horses, even humans could climb to the top of those beautiful snow tipped mountains that poked their peaks above the clouds. The land they stand on outstretched further than Hoseok could ever imagine, and there was a whole world around him that he wishes to learn about. He had many dreams and desires, his mind craved explanations.

“Do men live forever? Do they die just as us? How long of a life do they live? What happens to them when they pass?”

Hoseok knows these answers for his species, he knows what happens among merfolk and especially what shall happen with royalty. They become foam on the sea, diminish into bubbles into the water. When one royal dies, another is birthed.

These ongoing thoughts horded the capacity of Hoseok’s naïve mind. His passion for above became a sudden obsession, that princess became more of a worship. “Maybe I’ll get some more answers tonight,” he thought as he travels with the current to the north Pacific Ocean, home of the playful salmon pink Prince Jimin.

This lovely evening, we have a court ball. A ball which held dancing mermen and mermaids to the melodies of the singers and composers. A watering hole of very thick crystal walls, so clear and pristine that the illuminating lights from mussel-shells which decorated in rows along them blared through effortlessly. Numberless fish and folk who swam through the lights would flash their glorious colored tails that amplified within these beams.

Hoseok, Jimin, and Jungkook all danced wonderfully. Linking arms together and with others, displaying their methodologies. They shared many dances with men and women, children even.

Lights gleamed like a galaxy in the subterranean sea, all sparkling like the stars in the night sky. Beautiful pinks, greens, and purples garnished the saloon, ravishing plants and twines tangled around pillars.

The sweet sensual voices of Seokjin and Taehyung filled the room in a magical duet. Back-up singers harmonizing along with their symphony as Namjoon and Yoongi remained lost in their own worlds of instruments.

Jimin twirled around the aqua prince’s tail like a feather, light and soft. Prince Jimin’s eyes were brighter than any blue tail that ever existed, a translucent aquamarine color – no – a luminous crystal blue. A mesmerizing shimmer tinted the orbs in the sunlight as how a cracked geode rock would sparkle.

His hair, much like his tail and lips, were mixes of rose, coral and peaches. Shades fading in and out of another elegantly. He was such a bubbly child – bashful even as everyone could recall times the young Prince would grow embarrassed and the rising pink of his skin would soon match his tail. Jimin danced the best contemporary dance in all of the seas, naturally wiggling his body in expert stretches.

“How have you been, brother?” He hushed his words through a wave of his arms, continuing to dance along to the music with Hoseok. “You look… different.”

Hoseok matched Jimin’s movement, picking up the pace to a slow tempo. “I’ve been doing well.”

The words fell bleakly between the two, Jimin realizing that there was no enthusiasm resonating from Hoseok – no energetic fields sparkling through the waters. Jimin’s intuition can pick up the sudden change of behavior, and he grew nervous for the reasons why his older brother insisted on lying to his face.

“It’s not polite to fib – especially about your feelings.”

Hoseok grabbed ahold of Jimin’s wrist, spinning the pink tailed merman in a quick fluid motion. Dancing around having a private conversation was difficult when they were surrounded with several fish who are also doing the same. A curious ear could overhear them, and Hoseok did not wish to share his secrets to the public.

By the spin of Jimin, Hoseok’s eye catches something – rather, something missing. The chain that snugged around Jimin’s slim waist was colorless, missing its shining pink bead.

“Where is your pearl?” the aqua prince distressed.

Jimin’s crystal eyes avoided Hoseok’s almond ones, swallowing thickly as a shade of pink started breaking through at the tips of his ears. “Come brother, I must show you something.”

Whilst the mermen, mermaids, and fish were still dancing and singing in the palace, the two troublesome brothers stole away past the walls of the pink palace. Swimming freely into the open ocean while being accompanied by their little companions.

Kiko deliberately begged Hoseok to remain back in Jimin’s home, not wanting to cause another mishap event of a storm like the one that happened times prior to when anyone has upset the Mer-King. But the merman ignored his friend, insisting that everything will be alright.

“Jimin where are you taking me?”

“Just a bit further – I promise you will be surprised.”

Soon enough Jimin led Hoseok into a lengthy cave, a narrow cavern filled with sumptuous jewels, gems, and stones. A pleasure-loving treasure of a chamber that was hollowed out, and in the cavity of the cave – past the dark spaces and cracks – they peered up into a grotto. Crystalline formations that grew down from the ceiling, limestones, calcium carbonate and other minerals lined the walls and rocks.

The scene before them was a magical starry canvas. Nothing in any of their realms nor the human world looked better or more extravagant than this place.

“I found this place when I was little, following a stubborn little marine invertebrate.” Jimin narrowed his eyes down at his sticky pet starfish, Bo, that was latching onto his shoulder. “This little guy was a feisty one, but I’m forever grateful that he led me here. Just look.”

Hoseok’s eyes widened around him, eyebrows shot high into his hairline. His thoughts were all about the mystical creations around him until Jimin cut his train of thought.

“It’s what happens when two worlds connect, the sea and the land.” Jimin admired around with a soft smile on his lips.

“Two worlds?” he wondered. “But wait – this doesn’t explain where your pearl is? You have it don’t you? You can’t lose it!”

Jimin chuckled, shaking his head. “Unfortunately, I do not have my pearl.”

Hoseok hovered around, looking at all the jewels and gems that surrounded the two mermen. Anxiety rising from his fins, “Jimin your palace –“

“Is still in great condition, is it not?”

In fact, Jimin’s kingdom was in fantastic shape. Even with the lack of his magical pearl. The ball was extravagant, faces were happy, and his realm was healthy and clear.

“It is.” Hoseok confirmed. “But how?”

Jimin smiled gleefully, satisfied and at complete ease as he hopped up his thin body onto a rock. The pink prince shrugged, “I’m not sure actually. Maybe they aren’t as powerful as we were told. Though they are one of a kind.” Jimin stared at the pearl that dangled off Hoseok’s ear.

“I like to think that they work for anyone who has a good heart. They keep the realm alive with their being.”

Curious, Hoseok pushed for further explanation. “So, if you don’t have it then… you gave it to someone else?”

“Mhm.”

“Jimin?! You can’t just do that – do you have suds in your brain!?”

Jimin’s eyes crinkled with his wide cutesy smile, unbothered at the world. Innocence exuding out from his face. “Perhaps.”

The cavern twinkled around the reflecting lights, blossoming of precious stones and glows from each crevice of the room. Hoseok’s voice echoed off the structured walls along with the silence drips of the moistened stalactites that elongated from the top.

“Who did you give it to?” Hoseok was furious, getting ready to blow up on his younger pink scaled brother until a shuffling noise distracted him, causing him to twist his head in the direction of the sound.

“Her.” Jimin drew his breath in, watching a shadowed movement draw closer. A padding of feet rushed their way into the corner of the grotto where an opening that was not seen before now was. Entered, a small child, with curly blonde and frizzy hair as light as the clouds, stepped in view. She bared her feet, stepping on the smooth flooring below her in a flowing flower sundress.

Hoseok was quick to duck for cover – trying to pull his brother along but remained puzzled how he refused to move. Jimin sat proudly atop his perch, staring at the young child who’s face lit up with merriment.

“Jiminie!” she squeals. “You came to visit me!”

Frightened, Hoseok sunk further below the water. This is going against everything, why is Jimin speaking to a human? Why did he give his pearl to her? He angrily whispered towards the ditzy prince that waved his arm towards the child, “What are you doing!?”

“I’ve brought a friend, little one! Would you care to meet him?” Jimin outstretched his hand towards his brother who hid behind a rock who returned glare at him. Seeing the disproving stare from Hoseok, he spoke down towards to him, “She’s safe, believe me.”

The curious kid stepped closer to the edge of the grotto, before the land dipped into the water as she waited with anticipation. She pondered the words her friendly pink merman spoke, eyes full of wonder as she looked over to him.

Hesitantly Hoseok poked his head out slowly, making eye contact with the blonde bundle of curls. She stood on her tiptoes with excitement, seeing another pretty face that blended well with the sparkling cave. “Hello!” she squeaked.

It felt uncanny, so unnatural for Hoseok to be approached by a creature with legs and not fins. An unreal wave of relief washed over the merman as the child’s instant presence seemed pure. “Hello.”

“Are you a prince like Jiminie? Are you pink like him too?” She questioned, now landing herself on her knees so she can creep closer to the water. Jimin gleamed with amusement, adoring the young little human who he grew acquainted with over time.

Jimin felt the passion within this little being, relating her curiosity of the sea with Hoseok’s interests with the land. In many ways these two were very much alike and he was ecstatic for them to meet.

For the first time this night, Jimin witnessed a genuine smile turnup on Hoseok’s lips. The aqua tailed man moved toward the small being who knelt by the edge. He flipped his tail up out of the water, flashing his fins with a loud splash. Trickles of water cascaded from the air onto surrounding areas of terrain causing the child to giggle.

“Precisely, I am a prince just as Jimin.”

Jimin swam up besides his brother, guiding him closer to the little girl. He smiled towards her as he raised his hand for her to meet his. Together they connected, her little hand much smaller than Jimin’s and a small glow of gold originated between their touch. “See – she’s good. I trust her.”

At closer inspection Hoseok noticed the chain around the child’s neck that had a glass trinket which encased a pink pearl – Jimin’s unique bead. That too glowed a radiating gold shimmer.

“I wish I had a pretty tail like you two!” She looked mournfully at the two clumsy props of bare legs she owned. “Silly legs!” She shouted down with a huff.

“Oh, but with a tail – you could not get back home.” Jimin tested. “We wouldn’t want that now. You’d miss your parents, your family. Even your bed.” He smirked, teasing the little girl.

Hoseok stood witness as he watched the interaction between human and merman. It wasn’t quite like how his interaction was with his beautiful princess back home, but there was a sincere aura radiating between the two that gave him hope for something.

“What color would I have, I wonder!” Her wide eyes scanned both of the mermen’s faces, taking in their distinctive differences.

Jimin smiled wide, eyes forming crescents. “Oh darling, I think pink would suite you very well. A beautiful plush pink for the young angel.” He pokes her nose.

“We should head back before it gets too late. I will visit another time, alright? Keep my gift safe and sound!” Jimin bid the pouting child farewell before descending down back the narrow crevices they entered.

They swam leisurely back to Jimin’s palace, Jimin humming melodic tunes to himself. The clear water was waving like a light breeze, the seabed littered with various plants and scrubs of all colorations.

“Why’d you give her your pearl?” Hoseok questioned out in the blue.

Jimin spun himself around, looking up towards the plane of water way high above the floating mermen. “She is true. I grew to know her over time. I feel no threat from her, and I trust she won’t speak of me to others. I want her to always remember me.”

Hoseok’s thoughts soon returned to the world above him as he could not forget his beauteous princess. And he could not control his craving to meet her. Experiencing a merman and human interact as Jimin did with his, Hoseok was sure he could trust the lovely woman he is fascinated with. Deep down in his heart he hopes she will be accepting of him.

One thing stood out from is encounter with Jimin and the little girl. What struck him was how she wished to be a mermaid – one with a beautiful scaly tail. Why would she dream this when she had legs?

Hoseok hovered around his human-decorative study again, a place he consistently escaped to when he had the free time. He eyed the handheld mirror, the compass that lost its pointing needle giving the device worthlessness, even feathering his fingers through the chest full of useless goods. He stumbled upon a painting, a portrait of a bright and sunny day with land lovers dancing on a street. Building’s surrounding the pairs that were grouped together in a gestured dance.

It then hit him, “A pair of legs for a tail – and a tail for legs.” He grumbled to himself looking down at his slimy speckled tail, fins and all. Kiko who has been loitering around the area shifted towards her merman, “Hoseok…”

“I have an idea Kiko, though you may not like it.”

“When do I ever?”

Hoseok snickered, sighing down at his dazzling leafy sea-friend. He brushes his hands through her leaves, scratching underneath Kiko’s keel. “I’m more grateful than you may think. Please don’t be upset with me.”

Kiko rested in the hands of Hoseok, shimmying herself comfortable. The look in her eyes showed regret and worry, though she waited for her prince – her friend – to continue his thoughts.

“I must travel past the whirlpool. Where the seagrass nor flowers bloomed – grey sands expanding to heavens know where. Where waters were dark, whizzing around in strong forces. To the current that doesn’t connect to ours, the abyss down below. I need to go to the enchantress.”

“No!” Kiko jolted, frantically shaking her leaves. “You can’t! You know that. She’s a demon, a – a monster!”

“I’m going. The witch will be able to help. She’s the only one who could advise me.”

The thought of seeing his princess on two legs gave Hoseok the courage he needed to proceed with his foolish actions. He had traveled to where no merfolk dared to go. Advancing his body though the tough of the whirlpool – pass the boiling under gasses, a thick heavily bog that shrouded the turf.

The enchantress lived in a horrid place, all the trees and bushes were gloomy and of dying bowiea weeds. Serpents shooting up out of the ground with lengthy branches that tickled with disgusting fingers of worms. Polypi dressing the skirts of the seafloor and clustering up this wooded area.

Every plant was twisted and mangled in its own way, clutching onto random items. Skeletons of a number of fish and human beings who had drowned were in the grasps of these eager unseemly trees. He swiftly made his way through these bushes and herbs of horror, arriving to a small place that was occupied by large sluggish snails. In the middle of this terrain, stood a house build of broken shards of ships, bones, and shattered mussels.

Along the entrance way to this house floated a darkened figure, cloaked with a slick seaweed. It turned to face the colorful prince who peered over towards it. A loud cackle noise up roared from the witch; her shoulders shook with each breath. “Oh my – what honor do I have here? Prince of the South Atlantic. What a delicate blue tail you have.”

Hoseok stood still in his area, eyeing the being before him. Tentacles dragged beyond her, her writhing arms dangled to her sides and pieces of her hair abnormally distorted around her head in a wicked manner.

“You know me?”

“I know much. Well. I hear many. I see most,” said she to the aqua blue prince. “I know what you want, and it’s quite mindless. Yet I shall assist you, for a price.” The sorceress hovered; brushing pass her field of snails. “You wish to get rid of your tail for a set of those dainty stilts like those pathetic humans have. You fancy a princess above the water. So, I’ve heard.” The wicked woman snickered.

“What a pity, such gorgeous of blues to be snuffed out. But nonetheless, I shall help royalty with no delay.”

“You will?” Hoseok hoped, enthusiastic to the mysterious witch. “What do I owe for your time?”

The enchantress turned towards the opening of her house, floating down into the pit of it. “Come child, I shall show you.”

A large cauldron rested in the middle of the singular room; every moment new ingredients were thrown into the slump of its dome. Mixed smoke and foams sizzling throughout the water. “I will make you a potion – one you will drink as you make it up to the surface. You shall sit on the coast and swallow it whole, and then your tail of beautiful aqua and gold will shrivel and shrink from under you – to things which men call legs.”

Another puff of smoke plumed in the water, a zap of her ingredients fusing together in a rancid smell. “This transformation will be extremely painful after all; you will feel as if a sharp blade passed through your body though no blood shall spill. You’ll retain that beautiful face of yours, your undulation movements of dance. Light on your feet, throughout days on land it will grow to be more difficult to walk. Imagine thousands of blades slicing through your soles with each step you take.”

Hoseok watched the cauldron fill to the brim, gooey discolored liquids lofting around like a stew. He listened intensely to the warnings of the sea witch, but his dedication held strong within him. “You haven’t told me what the price is.”

The witch cackled once more, cutting her arm to allow thick black blood drip down into the pot. “Your voice is the price I ask.”

Hoseok trembled watching the potion being concocted in front of his own eyes. A level on uncertainty settling in the pit of his stomach. “How long do I have?”

“Until your princess falls in love – shall decide your fate. If you seek the princess’s heart, love to such degree that she leaves her family for you, that you flood her mind and wishes – you will remain human. If sorrowfully on the day she is united to another will you see your sadness. Forced back into a merman and you will surrender your kingdom to me.”

“But if you take my voice from me,” spoke the aqua tailed prince, “What do I have to charm the princess? How am I going to communicate with her?”

“Your graceful form of course,” replied the sorceress. “Your speaking eyes, that handsome face that you bestow. You can infatuate a vain meek human heart with your beauty, can you not? Your dance speaks wonders – I’ve heard many stories.” Her arm laced around the shoulder of the prince, eyeing the dangling pearl that hung from his lobe.

“Now speak into my shell,” she held a conch in his view. “Speak to the sea in return for my magic drink.”

And so, he spoke, whispers of nothings but wishes, of thanks, and hopes. His orotund voice slowly being sucked away by a magical blue hue that breathed from his mouth to the inners of the magical conch.

The witch handed a vial of the finished potion, a translucent liquid that swirled around a clear glass. “Remember to swallow all and prepare yourself for the pain.” Her witch laugh resounded loud through the room.

Hoseok trailed back the same way he came, through the heavily wooded thicket of long polypi that bent away from him the moment he drew near. The foaming streams produced from the buzzing whirlpool laid still as he entered. Scrubs and plants dissipating with his presence.

Once he returned back to his home it was late; lamps in the apartments of the palace were extinguished, families were fast asleep. His halls were dimly lit, the garden shimmered in the moonlight, and his room pitch dark. He was voiceless, the words he wishes to spill to his dear friend Kiko will never reach her. But he chose to try, to gain her attention in her own little quarters.

At her wake she was startled, it was the middle of the night though she heard no noise from Hoseok. His hand tapped on his throat multiple times, signaling a language of no speech. He held the bottle to his pet and shook it with delight. With hopeful eyes he glanced up, referencing the plane between the two worlds. All his attempts to hint his next actions.

“What have you done!?” Kiko jolted from her rest, hollering at the Prince who looked all too pleased with his decision. “Hoseok please, no!”

He smiled his wide bright smile and swam away, not asking for Kiko to follow but she was persistent. She swam alongside him all the way through the dark blue waters to the world above as she did many times before. She wanted to protect Hoseok and be there for him at all costs.

The moon still shone in the sky when they rose from the depts to Hoseok’s casual lounging rocks. The ocean was still, swiftly washing waves ashore and receding back into the sea. He made his way to the shallows, to the area where he once touched when he saved the drowning princess from the wreckage.

A sorrowful look he exchanged with his leafy creature; he was aware of leaving his realm behind on the pursuit of learning about the land and to find his lovely princess. That once he drank this clear liquid, he will turn into one of them, no longer allowed to swim down to his realm because his tail would be no more.

He felt the liquid run down his throat as he tilted his head back, the mix drink oozed its way down his body like a sharp knife cutting from the inside and he fell to the ground clutching his stomach. The excruciating pain sliced his insides overwhelming the human-to-be, a resounded tear of a sudden split of his fin filleting… was last heard before he fainted.

When the sun was reaching over the mountains of the east, Hoseok awoke; and he immediately felt the burning pain in all of his limbs and organs. He inhaled exaggeratedly, clutching his hand over his chest as he leaned up. Fresh air burning its way through his new human lungs, the dryness of his mouth making him feel even more worse. The waters washed him up further on the shore, sand now surrounding his body and his now new pair of legs.

His eyes grew wide looking down between himself and the sea. Looking at the bare of his legs, a set of limbs that do not work like how his tail once had. Naturally, he moved the limbs one by one, turning his ankles, bending his knees, and wiggling his toes. Tiny appendages that matched the ten fingers on his hands, just smaller.

Hoseok sat in complete nude, just basking in the glow of the sun and the breeze of the wind. Until a squeak drew his attention from the water, a flip and a splash. It was Kiko – who must have stayed all night with him.

He opened his mouth, yet nothing came out. Something he needs to get used to now and figure out how to sign language his way through gestures. Instead he waved and smiled excitedly, motioning his hands towards his legs which he waved in the air with joy.

“Are you crazy? Cover yourself up Hoseok!”

Kiko darted around the water, looking for something to give the poor prince for some decency. Pieces of seaweed or kelp won’t do – something bigger needs to cover his bottom half. Lucky for them, remains of the past shipwreck still lurked in the waters. A torn fabric, from a mast, nonetheless, trapped under a broken wooden plank drifted in the sunken water not too far from the shore.

Hoseok remained unphased. More intrigued and preoccupied with these unsteady legs, he almost didn’t notice the added appendage that laid between them. The one thing Kiko was most nervous about, the lack of modesty. That’s no way for Hoseok to go about on land – oh most certainly not!

“Hoseok!” Kiko arrived closer, drawing Hoseok’s attention. “There’s cloth down here, I can’t remove it myself. But you need it, quickly! Come!” She flittered her little fins around the area, “Right down here!”

He bent his knees up, pushed off the ground with enough force to lift his body stable on the flats of his feet. Instantly he started wobbling, teetering left and right as he stumbled towards the water. Not only trying to understand the concepts of walking, looking like a toddler who needed the support to stand up. The witch was right – he felt light on his feet, he swiftly moved with jagged balance. But unfortunate to him, there was a buildup of thorn-stabbing pain with each step.

Hoseok fell, not gracefully, into the water where his limbs straight away felt at ease and cooled off. The threatening pain not causing him anymore discomfort. He drifted towards Kiko, kicking his legs erratically to stay afloat. His eyebrows raised, beckoning a questioned look for Kiko to guide him.

Reaching down through the green weeds, he caught hold of a wet material, yanking it up from under the object it was crammed under. It was thin, but long enough to cover him whole.

Resting his bottom on the sands of the shore once more, he twisted the material around his tapered waistline, right above his prodding hip bones and securing it tight with a knot. A crafted loincloth decorated around him, long enough to reach the tops of his knees. Hoseok’s eyes formed happy-crescent shapes when looking back to his floating buddy, enjoying his small victory.

Kiko observed Hoseok, watched him closely. There was almost a young childlike aspect on is features, his fascination, his wide eyes of wonder taking in his new environment. A wide grin from ear to ear, eyes sparkling in the beautiful sunlight. Hoseok still looked just as handsome as he did when he was adorned his aqua tail. And Kiko prayed from that moment forward that this journey Hoseok choose to take himself – will hopefully play out in his favor.

Seagulls squawked overhead, the gentle air tickling his skin. The reassuring sounds of the waves drifting in and out causing the heart wrenching feeling of home resolve the hollow of his chest.

A sudden uproar of noise startled the prince, coming from the edging of the cliff. A familiar noise he has heard once before but couldn’t quite understand what it was – until he saw it. A black four-legged figure barking along the sands, rushing in every which way with a snout that sniffed up into the air.

Hoseok’s face grew pale when he locked eyes with the creature. He had to get out of there, he didn’t know what this creature was capable of and it sure as well wasn’t human.

The large animal bolted towards Hoseok, yapping it’s head off with excitement. Fearful, Hoseok jumped up on a nearby bolder – one high enough to prevent the beast to touch him as it came close. It didn’t look threatening upon closer inspection; black fur coated this four-legged mut, and it had a tail as well! Is this what a dog was? He’s seen artworks that had these human pets in them, but none looked like this dog that woofed at him.

Hoseok shooed the dog with a wave of his hand, making a disgruntled face. Over the commotion between man and dog, Hoseok didn’t notice a curious wondering human making its way hesitantly. “Toby! Toby where’d you go! You need to help me find these shells – oh my!” A female in a simple tight-fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that covered down to her ankles, crept forward; a netted satchel filled with seashells slinked over her shoulder that she held closer to her body.

Her eyes met with Hoseok’s, frozen. It was her, Princess Y/n. Even though she wasn’t dressed in her elegant gown, decorated in her pretty jewelry, she still looked just as beautiful. Hoseok remained star-struck, as if he was seeing the princess for the very first time. Mouth agape, eyes fixed inquiringly on the stunning girl who stood meters away from him. The continuous barks of the Toby-beast unwavering until the princess scolded it.

“Toby! Down boy! Leave that man alone!” She called her pet back, rushing over to stop him from intruding the man on the rocks space. “I’m so sorry! Toby can be a bit overwhelming. But I assure you he’s really kind!” She managed to hold back her pet, trying to calm him down and get him to sit for her.

Hoseok looked down, preserving his surprised state. He smiled at the princess’s warm features, her soft delicate skin and whisking hair that was pinned out with a bow in the back.

The princess looked up at Hoseok, having a moment of déjà vu – something about this was all too familiar to her. “You seem… are you? Have – have we met before?” The words stumbled out of her mouth, in amazement as her eyes casted up to the glowing stranger. He was gorgeously handsome, his hair long and wavy, his smile so sincere and shining in the sun. Those almond colored eyes that captured the deepest of blues within them dazed back at her.

Hoseok eagerly shook his head – yes yes, they have met before!

“We have met! I knew it!” she exclaimed. “What is your name?”

Hoseok mouthed the formation of his name, but nothing came out. Frustrating the poor man even more, his lips pulled down into a frown. It’s as if his larynx was completely removed from his throat, the voice box completely vanished from within.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” The curious princess spoke with worry. “Can you not speak?”

Exasperated, Hoseok held his fists up in a struggling fight with himself, scrunching his face along with it. This was his one and only time he can talk to her, yet he couldn’t form the words he wanted to say. Panic-stricken, he motions his arms and hands in spur of erratic movements. Trying to signal his distress.

“Oh, something is wrong? You’re hurt? You need help?”

Hoseok reached forward too far, losing his stability on top of the rock and falling forward. He was clumsy, landing in the sand right in front of the princess and blushing from embarrassment. Toby jumped over towards the fallen man, now licking up the side of his face and showering him with a handful of kisses.

“Oh gee – Toby! Off of him!” she hollered, now lunching herself to save Hoseok from her furry dog. “I’m so sorry!” Hoseok’s face was lifted up with a smile again, giggling at the cuteness of this Toby animal.

The princess relaxed, seeing that there was no threat at hand when the stranger started playing back with Toby. She saw how he wasn’t properly dressed, lost his clothes and his voice. Her soft heart churned with sympathy, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you. You must have gone through something terrible recently. Let me help you up.”

The princess escorted Hoseok back to her palace, offering her assistance as he limped oddly while he walked. Once exposed, no thanks to Toby’s cheerful barking, servants brought the nearly naked man a set of expensive clothes.

“Princess Y/n! Who – what do we have here?” A maid rushed over holding out a robe already set open for the guest. “I thought you were looking for shells,” the maid turned to eye Hoseok. Capturing in his natural beauty essence. “not – not a man.”

The princess laughed, hiding a tinted pink blush from her embarrassment. “Ms Gretta, I assure you I didn’t mean to stumble upon this man. Toby ended up finding him! But he needs help! I think he may be sick.”

“Oh, sweet child. Haven’t we told you not to go running off alone? It’s dangerous for a woman of your status to be out there unsupervised!” The maid slunk the robe around Hoseok’s shoulders, covering him up.

The princess smiled softly, “But, I wasn’t alone. I had Toby!”

Her maid tsk’d, rolling her aging eyes. “Dear, Toby is not an excuse. Please next time, would you be careful?” She averted her attention to the strange man who stood still in the center of their foyer. “Come here young one, let’s get you cleaned up.”

The princess’s maid who addressed the man’s hygiene, escorted Hoseok down the hall. He looked over his shoulder in confusion has he was pushed along the tiled floors, looking at the princess who waved innocently. “I’ll see you soon!” she said.

Hoseok was led into a bejeweled decorative washroom. Gold encrusted handles and trimming, a similar color to the specks that scattered throughout his tail. A large bath displayed in the center, filling up with steamy warm water and colorful bubbles. A pricy chandelier hung from the center right above the tub.

“Now now, I’ll leave you to your privacy, sir. And I’ll come back to check on you. I’ll leave your clothes and towels on the counter right here. Please feel free to use whatever toiletries you need.” The maid bowed before stepping out of the room.

Hoseok walked over to the tub, feet now aching terribly. The bubbles reminded him of the foam that he’s seen a hundred of times on the plane of the water. Dissolved organic matter from algal blooms. It surprised him, however, that these bubbles came with a fresh scent.

Stepping into the tub his feet promptly soothed over from the dull pain. His knees bucked from under him, forcing a splash of water to rise above the edge of the tub and splattering across the tile below. The element of water was natural to him, it was alleviating him. Bubbles fluttered in the air, a cascade of them landing down on top of his head. He loved it; humans had all of the elements. Water, earth, air and fire.

“Darling please, no more nonsense of this. We need to focus on your studies.”

Princess Y/n and her mother, the Queen, were enjoying teatime in the dining hall with high painted ceilings and checkered flooring. With additions of a ruby red rug, large window plates, and a fireplace structured on the western wall.

Each dressed in their civil casual wear, a baby blue dress for the princess and an elegant topaz green for the queen. They sipped together while staring off at the scenic views outside. “I understand mother. I just turned a new age, please let me enjoy my time just a bit longer,” the princess begged.

“Darling, you know your positioning. We must find you a partner to be wed. There’s many suitors from several kingdoms who are in your age group.”

The princess remained silent, savoring the last bit of tea from her cup. What the queen didn’t know was that the young princess has been waiting for the day to find that man who had saved her. She wanted to express her gratitude and appreciation to the person on the beach. The princess knew there was no way she had dreamed of the man, but unfortunate for her, she sorrowfully cannot remember his face. Only fractions and figments of her memories weave together of that morning. The sun was glaring down into her eyes during the only time she could see him, but she remembered his voice. The audible feature that made her know that he was real.

The word, the greeting, “Hello.” Was the only excuse for her brain to process that hazy morning as real. She heard the person speaking to her. She wished, all this time to see him once more. Before she had to leave her kingdom for good, united with another man from a different country, she was determined to find that person who had saved her.

Every so often, when her schedule allowed it, she would journey down onto the beach. Strolling along the shore picking up pieces of washed up shells and rocks to add to her own collection of aquatic artifacts. And with each trip, she hoped to see that person once more.

“Y/n, are you even listening to me?” The disgruntled tone in the queen’s voice drew the princess’s attention. She blinked, opening her mouth to speak when suddenly she was interrupted.

“Go on – no need to be shy!” prodded the maid, pushing Hoseok forward.

Hoseok approached through the double-wide doors into the dining hall, now dressed in his borrowed rich clothes. A comfortable tunic that fell loose around his arms, black pants that rolled up by the ankles, and a thick belt that sat snug against his waist. It was a simple outfit, casual and relaxed. The only thing that looked more tasteful to the naked eye, something that looked priceless, was the singular pearl earring that hung from his ear.

He stepped towards the princess and queen with an astonished look on his face. The room surrounding them was marvelous, designed beautifully and almost as beautiful as his back in his underwater realm. He was nervous but happy, twiddling his thumbs between another as he stopped at a safe distance. He curtseyed with regard, gaining both the women of the room’s curiosity.

The princess stood up excitedly, “You look amazing – lively! Gretta has done a great job helping you!”

Hoseok nodded bashfully, his smile still present. The princess swore that there was a sudden twinkle in his beautiful beaming eyes when he reconnected their gazes.

“This is the man you found out on the beach?” the queen addressed the two with a quirked brow. “My, he is quite the visual. Young man, what is your name?”

Both Hoseok and Y/n turned to face the queen properly, a warily grin accompanied the both of them. “Mother, I’m afraid he’s a mute.” Hoseok timidly rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, sending the queen an apologetic look.

Perturbed, the queen pursed her lips and nodded slightly. “I see. That’s very luckless my dear.” The queen’s eyes scanned the innocent male in front of her, seeing no threat in any nature. “You are welcomed to spending time here, as Y/n requested. Please make yourself feel at home and do not hesitate to ask, er – to seek out for any help.” Her lips upturned genuinely.

Hoseok bowed as a sign of respect and thanks. Feeling giddy, his body vibrated with delight.

“Come here, please sit. You must be malnourished.” The queen gestured to a seat at the elongated table. “Food will be served shortly.”

It was a bright chipper day, cool calm and collective. Noisy birds chirped from outside his guest room, a sound he never had the privilege to waking up to. Their squawks and chirps sounding as one of a melodic tune. Little animals making conversations with another, flapping their wings to soar high above the buildings and structures outside Hoseok’s window.

Hesitantly, he pulled the curtain aside to allow the view before him expand. The colors of the palaces garden were gleaming with charm, fantastic brand-new species of plants of all sorts of colors captivated his sights.

He slowly leaned over the railing of the windowsill, sticking his head out further into the air. If he was back in his realm he could simply just swim out, but here he was grounded. Out past the front gates, far into the distance of the forestry, was more building structures assembled. More colorful delight sprung from them, decorations and flags waving in the wind. It indeed was a beautiful day above the water, and Hoseok’s urge to explore was thriving within him.

An echoed knock resonated from the door, causing Hoseok to whip his head in the direction and walked his bare feet over to open the custom designed wooden door. Just before he turned the handle he glanced over at the shallow tub he grabbed from his quarter’s bathroom last night. It was still was filled with cooled water which he used the for his feet.

Another knock causing Hoseok to jump with the sound. He creaked the door open to pry his head curiously through the crack, and he was met with the maid who had assisted him throughout yesterday – Gretta.

“Good morning, sir!” She smiled warmly giving him a tiny nod. It took her a moment to remember she wasn’t going to hear a greeting back, due to Hoseok’s lack of voice. That didn’t derail her train of thoughts though, “I have fresh clothes for you!” She raises the materials in her arms higher up, catching Hoseok’s view.

He nodded, stepping back with the door, allowing Gretta to walk through. Hoseok stood there uncertain with his nightwear still snug on him, watching Gretta make her way to a side table to place the essentials down. She too noticed the tub laying besides the bed, filled with water.

“Miss Y/n was curious if you’d like to join her for the street festival in town today? There are many activities to partake in! She’s grown quite curious about you as well.” Gretta rambled, laying out the selected choice of menswear. It was similar to the previous day outfit, large relaxing soft blue tunic decorated with small detailed floral patterns and another pair of black trousers. There was also a bronzy gold belt laid out along with a set of – a set of…?

“These boots are made out of cowhide, sturdy for long walks on the roads. You don’t need to worry about getting them dirty!”

Oh, they’re called boots. Hoseok mentally noted the two neat glossy brown oddities. But the idea of long walks pulled his face into a grimace – he’ll need a break from walking frequently. He’ll need to find something to soak his feet in to cool of the agonizing stabbing pain that jolted through the pads of his feet the more he stepped.

“Shall I tell the princess you’ll be ready in twenty minutes? We’ll pull a carriage up in the meantime.” Gretta smiled over at the handsome young lad that stood motionless near the door. There was a natural aura about the boy, something ‘off’ for Gretta but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Hoseok bobbed his head excitedly, smiling at the fact he’ll get to see the princess once again. With joy he hurriedly grabbed at the fabrics, with no hesitation or decency to whip off his nightshirt in one swift movement. Gretta hastily turned her eyes away, heading towards the door just as quick. She laughed slightly, “I will clean up the room when you’re out in town.” From there the click of the door was heard with Gretta’s exit, and Hoseok is stumbling over himself trying to place these so-called ‘boots’ over his damn feet.

The carriage carried Hoseok, Y/n, and two guards into town. The settlement was garnished with florals, furnished with twisted wreaths and tangled vines. Banners hung building to building, colors of pinks, greens, blues, and purples scattered universally. Sculptures of flowers made out of papers and sheer fabrics hung down from above. Bodies of men, women and kids moving about another in dance, or between food stands, shops, and miscellaneous vendors.

It was beautiful for a land festival, but for a moment it reminded Hoseok of his brother’s recent party. There were similarities between the two of course, but there was something different at the same time. Nothing could compare to each other because in Hoseok’s view, land and water were forever going to be different.

The princess walked alongside Hoseok, humming herself a soft tune from an ongoing flute player. Peering down at the lovely princess, Hoseok couldn’t help but smile at the way her eyes wondered around as if she’s searching for something in particular. She smiled when greeted by passersby’s, declining offers of home-made treats and gifts.

“You know – I still don’t know your name. Do you go by a name?” Y/n spoke directly to Hoseok, but her eyes were looking through the crowd of people. Once she glanced up to meet his beautiful brown eyes, she had a mischievous smile. Hoseok nodded, furrowing his brows. He had to think of a way to tell her his name or find something that was close enough to relate back to him.

He turned his head left and right, looking for objects or scenery to point at. But there was nothing in his sights that satisfied him or suited him. Maybe a color would be easier? So, he looked around, pointing out the first blue thing he could find.

“Flower?” she questioned, smiling to herself. But with Hoseok responding with an unenthusiastic look she tilted her head. He searched again, grabbing at items and widgets all in different shades of blue. He held them towards Y/n, motioning the importance with his hand on his chest. Me! These are me! He was referencing.

Even the guards attempt to shout out answers to Hoseok’s amusing charade. Band? Berries? Belt? Cloth? Plate? Bracelet?

Hoseok grew more and more frustrated with the wrong answers he sighed in defeat. Sitting himself down on a bench that perched besides a bridge. He was stumped, blowing a breath of air up into his falling bangs.

“It’s okay!” The princess joined him on the bench, patting Hoseok on the shoulder. “We don’t need to worry about it.”

A pang within his chest tightened over his heart when he looked back to the princess’s sincere eyes. That feeling pinched a sensitive nerve within him, he was stunned by the beautiful princess. Dare he admit that he may be smitten over her rosy cheeks, the way her smile drew a smile from him.

Her gaze flickered to the bead that hung from his lobe, the jewel that adorned his single earring. It glittered in the light, something she never has seen before. But Hoseok could see the small twinkle in the reflection of her orbs.

“It’s beautiful. That pearl you have.” Her wondering finger pointed at the ornament.

The moment she inched closer to Hoseok’s jewel he moved back in retaliation, quickly holding up his hand to catch hers. It’s natural for him to protect the one thing that holds his realm intact. The princess drew back her breath at the sudden movement. She didn’t know he was acting on defense, and they both looked shocked at another.

Hoseok held his hands up innocently, waving them as he wished to apologize. His distressed face was frantic and upset.

“Hey! Hey! Don’t worry! It’s okay!” she grabbed at Hoseok’s hands, holding them together. “I’m sorry.”

Hoseok wanted to say that it wasn’t her fault, it was his. And that he was the one who was sorry. He’s the one that was masquerading around with no voice, bending his mannerisms to the ill façade he needed to do.

A deep sigh exhaled through Hoseok, cocking his head to the side and tongue prodding the inside of his cheek. It now dawned on the poor prince that this indeed will be difficult. Between their hands Hoseok caught a glimpse of something resonating, a small glow mirroring off of another’s skin. Another frightened jump came from Hoseok, looking down at his hands.

He’s seen this before. It wasn’t as strong but that glow nonetheless was definitely similar to the one Jimin had with his human friend. It had to be. But this didn’t happen at all yesterday?

The princess looked befuddled at Hoseok’s behavior – such a strange man she thought.

Hoseok ran his hands through his wavy hair, resting his elbows on his knees and chin on his palm. He side-eyed the princess, smirking slightly as if he thought of something clever.

Y/n caught herself staring at the outline of this man’s profile. The silk of his hair shining in the sunlight, the scoop of his delicate nose, the pucker of his smooth lips. If she wasn’t such a headstrong lady she may have been blushing the first moment she came in contact with him.

Unexpectedly, Hoseok got off the bench. He waved on the princess and their two guards towards a vendor he was walking towards. As they approached, they see Hoseok surrounding himself with branches and twines of flowers, folding and weaving them together. ‘Flower Crowns’ labeled on a sign right above the shop, with a handful of premade crowns with ribbons ready to be bought.

But Hoseok took the initiative to interlace his own craft, bending the steams and twigs of these colorful tangerine colored flowers. Once he secured it safely in a round band, he turned, offering the circlet with a wide grin to Y/n.

She giggled, taking an exaggerated bow, and waited for Hoseok to bestow the new fashion atop her dome. It was like uniting his princess, unifying her to be a queen with a beautiful crown. The orange of the blossoms complimented the tint of pink on her cheeks.

“Thank you so much! Here let me give you one!”

Y/n looked around the small shop, eyeing the various cluster of garlands. Her eyes land one a particular one, perhaps it stood out because she was already primed with the color already. A blueish, greenish bundle of flowers knotted within a band; specks of little yellow daisies crisscrossed within them.

‘Interesting’, thought Hoseok. The princess picked out colors of which resembled his long-lost tail. Was it coincidence or – “Hydrangea flowers are so colorful!” She cooed. “Look at these ruffles of aquas and turquoise! And these yellow daisies!”

That’s it! Aqua! She can call him aqua, at least that’s a small portion of his real name. Hoseok pointed at the princess, then back at himself. He waved his hands for her to speak again with desperation in his eyes.

“What? The daisies?” She quirked a brow. No! shouted Hoseok’s inner conscience. He then pointed at the blue petals, running his finger around the anthers and blade of each petal. “The hydrangea? They’re blue?” She questioned. But when Hoseok shook his head severely as emphasis to the word blue, the princess caught on. “Oh! Blue? No – wait… not blue. Turquoise? Oh… not that one. Wait, aqua? You like Aqua!?”

As desperate for a man could be without his voice, Hoseok strained everything within himself from jumping up with glee when she understood the one thing she needed to know.

“Aqua? Hm, that’s a peculiar name.” She rested her finger on her lips as she pondered.

Hoseok pouted, knowing very well that his name is not short from his real title. The princess snickered to herself, thinking it’s quite cute that this ‘Aqua’ guy was pulling a sulky face.

“I like it.” She exclaimed as she raised the crown over Hoseok’s head and placed it gently on top. The flowers suited him; the coloration looked right. And if he wasn’t already a handsome fellow, he sure looked like one now.

“Here, I want to show you something, Aqua!”

The princess zig-zagged through the street full of people alongside her guards. Hoseok trailed close by, taking in more of the views and shops of the town. Y/n led the group to an opening within the city, a larger circled area with one big cast stone fountain with jets of water cascading out of a mermaid statue.  

Folk music was playing, a band off to the side with a handful of instruments Hoseok has never seen before, violins, trumpets, and guitars – but Hoseok didn’t know the names of these. As if they were just like Namjoon and Yoongi. Composers.

Innocent singers harmonizing off to the side, a sweet melodic song. Their tunes were catchy, and the upbeat tempo pulsed within him. Just how Taehyung’s and Seokjin’s voices conducted.

When Hoseok watched the people danced around their merry ways, impulsively he wanted to dance too.

Hoseok looked down at his legs, almost criticizing the way he needed to work with both legs than a tail to do what his body used to do so fluidly beneath the waves of the sea. Maybe he can, maybe he could try.

In the midst of the princess trailing on about how much she adored the fountain and surrounding shells that decorated the sturdy stone, Hoseok wondered into the crowd. Drawn to the music and he started to dance around them all.

Hoseok stretched out his delicate arms, thin but strong as he hovered gracefully between person to person. Every movement, every agonizing step he took, became more and more in symmetry. He twirled with elegance, just as he did in the ocean. His expression of enjoyment, of love and compassion spoke through his eyes and it touched the hearts of surrounding villagers.

Nobody has seen someone move like Hoseok did, and even more spectators joined in the dance solemnly because of how inviting Hoseok looked.

The princess turned her head to the commotion that riled up, noticing that Aqua was no longer next to her but in the crowd. He was performing his best with little experience on two legs.

Hoseok locked eyes with Y/n, who gawked at the way he looked. Effortless motion, stylish and tasteful swaying.

It was then when the princess decided she wanted to get to know this person more; she wanted to know more about Aqua and figure out his background.

Once the song ended, the bodies halted in place. A round of applause cheered about, circling around Hoseok who stood there with the shyest of smiles. He could only stare back at his princess though, blocking out the views and townsmen around him.

“That was wonderful!” The princess encouraged with clapping hands. “You dance?”

With a nod, Hoseok cloaked the impending pain that was stabbing his feet. He shouldn’t have danced – it worsened the torture, but he couldn’t help the way his body naturally coursed to the music. He walked up to Y/n who stood near the fountain, just as he reached her a spasm pain shot up his foot and forced his knee to buckle.

It ached, cramps gnawing away at his muscles. His stumbling landed him on the fountains edge, sitting his body down on the stone.

“Oh, are you hurt? What’s wrong?” Y/n examined over Hoseok’s scrunched up face. He glowered his sight towards his feet as he kicked off his boots. He cannot keep his feet contained any longer, he needs to relieve them before he can’t walk anymore.

“You’re feet?”

His feet were bare, but severely reddened. Blisters forming on the heels of his feet. He turned his head to look up at the mermaid fountain, eyeing the lengthy tail of stone, reminiscing to himself. Though he’s only been a day without a tail, he can only imagine having it as substitute for this pain.

Once he looks back to the Princess, his thoughts vanished. If it wasn’t for his deal, he wouldn’t have gotten these legs. And with these legs, knees, and feet, he was able to meet Princess Y/n – again.

Without thinking clearly about his next course of action, Hoseok spun himself on the edge to submerge his feet into the fountain.

The cool temperature of the water instantly relieved the throbbing ache, soaking his blistering skin.

Appalled citizens shuttered at the act; the guards were quick to lean towards Hoseok but the princess halted them with her hand. “Uhm, Aqua… you can’t do that.” She kept her voice hushed but stern. “If your feet hurt, we can help you back at the palace. But you can’t dip them in the fountain – please take them out.”

Hoseok complied, not wanting to anger anyone. He only reacted based of instinct, he knew the water was going to help him subside at least for a moment.

The princess ordered a guard to fetch the carriage, requesting for them to pick the group up right here. Soon they were traveling back up the lengthy road to the front gates of her home.

© All rights reserved under @kimtaehyunq​ - do not copy, repost, modify, edit, or translate any of my work without my direct consent. This tumblr is the ONLY place my fics are posted.

[etn-story-archive]

Enter the Nomicon - Chapter 3: Awkward is the Word of the Day

.

“H-hey Howard. Our friend Nomi came by and we wanted you to come over and, uh, try out that new online version of Grave Puncher! You said the graphics were the cheese, so Nomi wants to play with us!" In a quick and desperate attempt for Howard not to raise any questions, Randy looped an arm around Nomi's neck and pulled him closer with a large nervous grin. 

Of course, Nomi had to bite back the instinct to pull away, twist his arm behind his back and pin him to the ground like he had been taught to. He felt that they looked extremely stupid like this.

Fortunately, Howard had gotten the hint.

"Oh—yeah! I completely forgot! Heidi, I'm gonna go. Have fun cleaning the house while I bounce!"

Without waiting for her response, the three dashed out of the house in a blur while Heidi threw a tantrum.

...

"Alright Cunningham, who is this guy?"

The three slowed to a walk. Randy panted, trying to catch his breath as he replied in between inhales and exhales.

"It's...a really long...story...wait...my...room."

As they quietly walked to Randy's house, Howard stole glances at the red haired teen. He had to admit, the guy was pretty damn handsome.

Well, maybe not like Cunningham—

There he was again, thinking those strange, forbidden thoughts. He couldn't help it though. Love was a strange, morbid thing that blinded those with its sweet alluring song. And this was certainly no exception, as Howard found himself slowing just enough so he could stare at his friend's butt. When he looked up he realized he had been caught by their apparent new friend. His cheeks heated up, but the male simply looked away as if in deep thought.

There has never been a time where Randy was ever quiet. He was always chatting with Howard. He felt awkward, standing between the other boys, for some unknown reason, and it bugged Randy, so he decided to break the ice. 

"So, Nomi, do you play any instruments? I m-mean, besides the flute?"

Howard turned to the other male who gave him a dark look, which unsettled him.

"Yes. My father taught us that music was as important as education. I learned on my own how to play most of the common instruments like the piano, violin, guitar, clarinet, and even the drums. I know a few pieces of certain songs, but the instrument I play most commonly, as you would have guessed, is the flute." 

With that, the male pulled out the flute from his pocket and began to play the sweet, familiar melody. It created a calm, almost lazy atmosphere.

Howard felt an oddly natural sense of comfort.

Suddenly, Nomi stopped.

"Sorry. Got a little carried away." He muttered, but Randy stopped him.

"Nah dude, that was totally Bruce!!"

Howard simply nodded, still unsure of the stranger that walked with them. The redhead smiled before continuing to play the rest of the way to Randy's house.

...

As soon as Randy shut and locked the door to his room, he was almost literally mauled by Howard's questions.

"Okay Cunningham, who is this guy?!" The short chubby teen pointed at Nomi, who didn’t seem to care about what was going on.

"Howard, this is the Nomicon."

There was a moment of silence, before,

“WHAT?!”

"Yeah, it’s a long story. But apparently the Sorcerer is going to escape, which is why Nomi revealed his human persona to me and you. I guess it’s because he's going to fight the Sorcerer, while I take on Mcfist!" Randy had repeated the whole conversation between him and the human Nomicon in a single breath and was breathing heavily under his friend's stern look.

"Wow, you really are in deep now."

Randy groaned, flopping exhaustedly onto his bed and burying his face in his pillow. He screamed into it.

"Well, now that we're done with introducing each other, I'm going to meditate." With that, Nomi began to disappear into a smoky red mist before a book appeared where he had once been standing. 

"Whoa-ho ho! That is the cheese!" 

...

Time flew by and before the boys even realized it, the sun had gone down.

"Crud. Heidi is going to tell Mom that I’ve been out too late and get me grounded."

Randy barely heard his friend as he concentrated hard on the game in front of him. "Uh-huh. Have fun."

Howard grinned. "So, do you like ketchup and peanut butter sandwiches?" 

"Duh."

"Are you in a porno?"

"I made it."

"Are you gay?"

"WHAT THE JUICE!?"

Howard nearly fell backwards as Randy stood up still, staring at the computer screen. "That’s not fair! I punched that grave to bits!" Randy turned to see his friend staring at him. "What?"

"Nothing."

"Okay then...oh, hey dude, it's almost nine. You better go or Heidi is going to get you grounded again."

Howard face palmed.

...

As Randy came back upstairs after walking Howard to the front door, he found the Nomicon was back to his human form. He was meditating in the middle of his room.

"Hey Nomi, my mom's gonna be here any minute, so you better hide again."

The redhead opened one eye lazily. "Okay. I guess I've done enough for today." He stood and stretched, but was cut off by the sound of Randy's stomach rumbling. He raised a brow.

"You haven't eaten?"

"Nope. I usually just eat an apple or something. Maybe chips I guess. My mom doesn't have time to cook. And I don’t know how to cook." Randy simply shrugged.

"Well then, I guess I can make you something really quick."

...

Randy watched in awe as Nomi sliced and diced a few vegetables in less than ten seconds, cook rice in record time, and slice a small salmon fillets into perfect slices.

Randy realized he was preparing him a small dish of sushi.

Suddenly, a small plate was pushed to him. On top was six salmon rolls sprinkled with sesame seeds. Nomi leaned casually against the opposite side of the kitchen counter from Randy. He watched him expectantly, almost eager to see what Randy thought of his cooking.

Realizing this, he picked up a roll and popped it into his mouth.

It tasted...amazing! Delicious! Flavorful! There was an endless amount of words that Randy could use to describe the little salmon rolls, but didn't care to say them aloud as he happily stuffed them into his mouth, barely remembering to swallow and thank the redhead.

"Wow! Thanks dude! It's really good!"

Nomi gave him a small smile. He was internally jumping up and down with pride. He smirked.

"Your first lesson is to close your mouth when eating." He gestured to his open mouth. The purple haired teen rolled his eyes before doing as his teacher had said.

Suddenly the sound of the doorknob jiggling caught both of their attentions. Nomi was just about to turn back into his book form when the front door slammed open to reveal an exhausted looking Ms. Cunningham.

"Oh! I had no idea you were spending the night, er—Nomi!"

Instantly he relaxed and gave a respectful bow. "Y-yes, I am, if that isn't too much trouble."

"Oh none at all! Hey, how come Howard isn't here, Randy?"

"Uh, he had to go home. Heidi busted him." It wasn't a complete lie at the very least.

"Hm. That's too bad." Just then, her green eyes landed on the single roll that sat innocently on the plate in front of Randy. Without question, she picked it up and put it in her mouth.

"Mmm. You’re not a bad cook, Nomi,” said Ms. Cunningham. “Well, I'm going to bed. Randy, you two better not stay up later than twelve or I swear I'll skin you alive, mister!" Ms. Cunningham made her way to her room.

The two looked at each other, even Nomi being alarmed, before darting upstairs. Unbeknownst to them, the woman poked her head out of her room and smirked before going back inside.

...

"That was inhuman dude, inhuman!"

Nomi nodded with wide eyes. How could she have known that he had made those rolls? He shook his head.

"That was...inhuman."

Randy laughed as he pulled out a blanket, pillow, and a large mattress. Nomi raised a curious brow.

"Uh Randy, you do realize I don't need a bed, right? I can just make myself a book again."

"No! I mean, no, you don't have to, dude. You made me food, so I wanted to return the favor. And besides, sometimes Mom checks in on me at night. She'll grow suspicious if she doesn't see you here asleep." 

"Ah, I see."

Once again, Randy found himself searching in the sea of clothes for some comfortable pajamas for his teacher. He found a pair of shorts. He was about to continue searching for a shirt when Nomi stopped him.

"That's fine Randy. I usually sleep without a shirt."

"Oh. Okay." He handed Nomi the black pair of shorts.

...

Once again it was morning, and the powerful rays of the sun sliced through, hitting Randy's eyes. He groaned.

“I really need to get new curtains...”

He blinked and found that the extra mattress was gone, and only Nomi was left. He was sitting in the middle of his room...meditating.

A sly grin came upon Randy's face as he hopped to his feet with great stealth, marker in hand, but just as he was about to draw on him, Nomi spoke.

"Don't even think about it, Randy. Unless you want to be missing a few limbs."

Startled, Randy jumped and tossed the marker away. "What? I was just going to see if you were awake!"

"Well I am. Now let's get started on training."

Randy groaned. "Aw, come on Nomi, it's the weekend!"

"A ninja's duty is never not done just because it's the weekend, and besides, this will be fun. We're going to the woods to practice your stealth skills. Right now, you’re as stealthy as an elephant with four left feet."

"Hey! I have awesome stealth skills! I just haven't warmed up yet!"

"Alright then. Let's go to the woods and see just how ‘awesome’ your skills are."

"Fine."

...

The sweet scent of pine hit their noses the second they took a step into the small woods.

Randy dropped his gym bag, which was filled with bottles of water, a first aid kit, and his ninja mask. He reached inside, grabbing the said mask and briskly put it on, turning into the famous Norrisville High Ninja.

"Alright. So what are we doing first?"

In swift and quick movements, Nomi removed his casual clothing to reveal his ninja like suit. He pulled the strange black cape out of his gym bag and placed it on. The small green clip that rested on his chest glowed in the dim light of the forest. Randy was in awe.

"For one thing, we need to meditate for one hour—"

"Aw, that's so wonk, Nomicon!"

"It's necessary! You have to learn to be patient. A direct attack will only get you attacked—"

"Can you please stop using riddles? It's kind of unnecessary."

Nomi face palmed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Was this kid really that dumb? "Honestly Randy, are you seriously questioning me? I’m your teacher, you’re my student. I may be biologically your age, but that doesn't mean I’m a child like you. You have to listen to me. Now, I'm very patient, luckily for you. If not, I would have twisted you into a pretzel, or whatever it is you call it. So, without anymore interruptions, let us get on with the lesson, yes?"

“I’m not a child,” Randy muttered, before agreeing to let the lesson start.

They began to meditate. Sort of. Most of the time, Randy wouldn’t keep his mouth shut.

"Are we done yet?"

"No."

"How about now?"

"No."

"What about now?"

"No."

"Now?”

"Dammit, Randy! NO!" Nomi finally stood up. "You know what? Fine. Yes, we’re done.”

“YES!”

Nomi shook his head. “Let's begin with the warm ups."

Randy grinned. “So what are we—"

Suddenly a fist flew towards Randy. He managed to dodge it just in time. He snapped his head towards his teacher, who held a sly smirk.

"Now the real fun begins."

Randy gulped. Uh-oh. "Uh, hey Nomi, w-what are we doing?"

"Warm ups. When you successfully land a punch on me, we will begin the true lesson."

Randy's eyes widened in sudden fear as a barrage of fists came flying at him. The fists barely missed their target.  Randy tried to desperately dodge, duck, and zip past each and every one of them.

"Oof!"

Randy fell on his butt. As he got punched in the stomach, he quickly got up and jumped away, barely escaping Nomi's deadly left hook. Finally, Randy boldly ducked and threw a punch, only for it to get blocked and thrown right back at his face. "Ouch!"

He looked up to see the deep concentration written all over his teacher's face.

“I have to break that concentration!”

With renewed energy, he bobbed and weaved under and over.

"You look like you're getting tired there." Randy teased. The two kept aiming and dodging punches. "Tired!?"

For a brief second, Nomi’s concentration seemed to drop so much that the left hook that was certain to have hit Randy missed and punched the tree behind him. Their noses were so close they could feel each other's heavy breathing.

Realization hit the two as Nomi had pinned Randy against the tree. It took Nomi a second too late before suddenly Randy's fist hit him hard in the chest, knocking him off balance.

"Gah!"

Nomi fell on his butt. He stared up in surprise before it melted into a smirk. 

"Well, you caught me off guard. I guess you win. Now on with—"

"Ahaha! I got you! I just punched the ninja book! Haha! Wow!"

"That maybe true, but I did get you at least a dozen times."

Instantly, Randy's boasting ceased, and a pout replaced the victorious grin upon his face. Nomi chuckled at the quick change of demeanor on his student's face.

"Shall we begin the stealth lesson, Ninja?"

The mocking tone did not go unnoticed by Randy.

He bitterly replied, "Yes."

...

"Uh, where exactly am I?" Randy had been blindfolded.

"You see, Ninja, stealth has different aspects to it. Today we're going to practice sight and hearing. You will be blocking my attacks without knowing where I'll be coming from. After you, it will be I who will be blocking your attacks. Understood?"

"Yup."

Unknown to Randy, they were standing in a small clearing hidden and surrounded by tall pine trees. Nomi smirked as he pulled out his bamboo flute. He placed his hands on each end before pulling it, causing it to extend into a long wooden staff. Oh yes, this was going to be so Bruce.

There was a rustling sound in the bushes. A pause, then the sound rejuvenated in another area. Randy's left hand shot out, ready to block the oncoming attack, only to be hit on his right side.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, a barrage of attacks came out of nowhere. He successfully blocked some of them, but most of the time he was getting smacked around like a ragdoll.

"Gah! Okay, time out! Time out!"

"There are no time outs, Cunningham. The Sorcerer is a relentless enemy and will be hell bent on killing you. Be happy that this is just training and not an actual battle."

"I don't care! Timeout!" 

Nomi huffed as he finally ceased fire. Randy removed the blindfold.

"C'mon, I know the Sorcerer is all tough and shit, but seriously, do you have to beat me with a stick?!" He gestured to the long bamboo staff in Nomi’s hand.

"Well, what would you like me to do then? Throw rocks and boulders at your head? Because if you want—"

"NO! No way! I think I prefer the stick!" He snatched the staff from Nomi's hand. "Anyway, it's my turn!"

An entire hour passed with Randy swinging and flailing the stick at the other male. With ease, Nomi dodged each slow and exhausted swing.

"I...I almost got you that time..." Randy said, panting pathetically. "Almost..."

Finally, out of pure luck, and the fact that Nomi was getting bored, the end of the bamboo staff tapped his arm rather softly. Randy collapsed onto the forest floor with Nomi hovering over him with an amused and concerned look.

"Are you okay?" He almost felt guilty for tiring him out this much. Almost.

"Y-yeah..." Randy moaned pitifully.

Nomi sighed, almost relieved. "Well, that's enough training for one day." 

"Wait, how are you not tired!?"

"I have a lot of endurance, something you human beings don’t have. Even with the ninja suit, it doesn't mean you have the endurance to go on forever. I guess we're going to have to fix that. Tomorrow we're going jogging around the entire block. Also, I'm technically a book. I don't need all the necessities you need."

"Like going to the bathroom?" Randy got up with the help of Nomi. Nomi gave him a curious look. It was obviously a question that has been on his mind for a while.

"Yes...I don't really need to go. I can hold it for...a hundred or so years."

Randy stared at him. Nomi shrugged as he picked up the gym bag, pulling out a bottle of water and tossing it to Randy, who barely managed to catch it. Nomi pulled out one for himself and began to chug it down. He wiped his mouth and let out a small sigh.

"But, there are things I still need. Like water."

Suddenly, a small rumble was heard. Both Randy and Nomi looked down at Nomi's stomach.

"And food...I don't really need it like going to the bathroom. I can go almost an entire one hundred years without a bite to eat."

"When was the last time you ate exactly?"

"Err, 1920? Yes, somewhere along that time."

"What the juice Nomi! Yeah, no shit you're hungry! C'mon, maybe Mom's home so she can make you something to eat!"

In truth, Nomi hadn't eaten since 1816, but he felt it wasn’t important to bring it up. Nomi was, however, surprised by Randy's concern for him. After all, the past ninjas who he had revealed himself to simply shrugged it off and didn't seem to care after he said he didn't need food or any of the other necessities. That didn't seem to matter to Randy as he pulled off the ninja mask, placing it in the old gym bag along with the bottle of water.

Nomi was actually touched by Randy's kindness. 

Randy grasped Nomi's hand as they took off in a brisk jog and in less than a couple minutes they arrived back at his home.

"Crud! If my mom sees you in your ninja suit she's going to ask about it. You think you can take it off?"

But of course Randy wasn’t perfect.

Nomi rolled his eyes. “Why didn't you tell me in the forest?"

"Err, brain fart?"

"I can tell."

Sighing, Nomi dug out his casual clothes from his bag in Randy's other hand before going into some bushes to change. Randy rubbed his neck and turned away. About a minute later, Nomi came out of the large green shrubs, sporting his casual clothing and his ninja clothing in his arm. Leaves and twigs were poking out of his now messy hair. Randy stifled a laugh.

"What?"

"Your hair...” Randy said in between laughs. “...dude...your hair..."

Nomi blinked. With his free arm, he felt his hair, realizing the mess that was now in his hair. He furrowed his brow and plucked them all out of his hair. He walked past Randy, who couldn’t stop laughing.

"Oh god...I'm sorry!...Haha! Okay, okay I'll stop...” Randy snickered loudly. He was trying very hard to stop laughing, but it took a minute to get himself together again. “Okay, now I'm done." Randy wiped at a stray tear as he let out a sigh before opening the door and letting Nomi in.

As fate would have it, Randy's mom wasn't home.

"Hehe, whoops." He gave Nomi a small nervous shrug. Nomi gave him a dark look before plopping down onto a chair by the counter. His stomach growled, reminding the two why they had left the woods in the first place. Randy looked through the wooden cabinets before pulling out two Mcfist's Cup-O-Noodles. Nomi raised a brow before remembering that Mcfist owned literally everything besides the city and the people themselves in Norrisville. 

He watched with curiosity as Randy opened one cup and poured water in from the distilled water machine. When he was done, he opened the black microwave and placed the cup in the center, typed on the control pad three minutes, and closed it shut. Instantly, the microwave came to life and began cooking the noodles, rotating it. Nomi watched in silent awe, but was caught off by Randy.

"So uh, Nomi?"  

The redhead blinked and turned to Randy, who was eyeing something on his cape. It was the green ninja head shaped relic.

"Yes?" He watched as he rubbed his finger over it. He would never tell Randy, but as he rubbed the relic, Nomi felt it was soothing and strange, very strange.

"What is that thing?" He was oblivious to his teacher's emotions, never taking his eyes off the relic.

"It's my life essence. It binds me to the book and my other belongings, so when I turn into my human form I come out wearing clothes." 

Randy nearly dropped the said relic, but before he could reply back a ding was heard, interrupting their suddenly awkward conversation.

"Uh, your soup is ready." Randy pulled out the cup, which was hot. The smell of the cooked noodles filled their nostrils. He placed the cup in front of Nomi before grabbing a fork and handing it to him. 

Randy quickly went to work on his own soup, putting it into the microwave.

"Oh, careful with the soup, Nomi. It’s really hot."

Nomi could sense that Randy was slightly uncomfortable, but he didn’t say anything about it. "Thank you." He focused on the noodles, taking a hesitant bite, but soon finding that it was at least good and edible.

Silence. The two didn't say a word as Nomi silently ate his meal.

Ding!

The silence was over as the chime-like sound cut through the deep awkward silence. Randy walked over and pulled out his own noodles and began to eat it, not caring that it was burning his tongue. He paused and went to the fridge, pulling out some juice boxes, handing one to Nomi and one for himself before continuing to eat.

Nomi finally paused in his eating, swallowing before talking.

"You know, I understand why you were curious, and I apologize for not telling you in a more appropriate manner." His accent made his apology sound so formal.

"No, it’s fine."

The two looked at each other briefly before going into a fit of laughter. They were cut off by the familiar sound of the door knob jiggling slightly. Randy's mother stepped in, humming.

"Oh Randy, you won't believe it! I got promoted, and I got a raise! I'll be working less hours now too! I'm officially second-in-charge of Mcfist and Weinerman Industries! Isn't that great?" The tall woman opened her eyes and was surprised to see that Randy was not alone. "Oh, why hello again, Nomi! I think I'm going to have to make more cookies! Where's Howard, hon?"

"Uh he's at home. He got in trouble."

"Ah, I see. Heidi?"

"Yeah. And congrats on the promotion, Mom! That’s great!"

The woman smiled, blushing lightly. "Well, I don't mean to brag, but I'm just so happy! Now if you’ll excuse, me I have to finish some important paperwork. See you boys later!"

With that, she walked past them and darted into her room. 

Once again they were left alone.

...

The night came and the two sat tiredly on the couch long after Randy convinced Nomi to go to the bathroom. I mean c'mon the guy holds his bathroom for up to a hundred years the poor guy probably needs to go. 

"I'm going to call Howard to see if he's still alive. I haven't talked to him all day."

Nomi nodded as he turned his attention back to the TV. The movie was about zombies. Although Nomi thought it was a stupid idea for humans to come back to life after death, he still found the movie rather intriguing. Well, at least the characters were. Back then the tough, buff males were usually the heroes, and yet here was this movie. The hero was a scrawny male, and then there was this rather feisty female, and they were both fine on their own. They were looking for survivors, forming a large group, or family as they called it, thriving despite their slim chances of survival.

Nomi couldn't help but smile. “That's how life should be. That’s how it should always be.”

While Nomi continued to watch the movie, Randy chatted with Howard on the phone.

"So, Heidi didn't tell on you then?"

"Yeah. She said if I helped her with her stupid online show then she wouldn't say a word."

"What did she make you do exactly?"

Howard grumbled.

"I'm sorry, what?"

More grumbling.

"What?"

Another series of grumbles.

"Howard, c'mon dude, I can't—"

"I SAID SHE MADE ME WEAR A STUPID DIAPER FOR HER PARENTAL SEGMENT! GEEZ!"

By then, Randy had burst into laughter, dropping his phone before picking it back up. "Haha, okay. So can you come over, dude?"

Howard grumbled. "Yes. I'll be there in ten minutes."

Randy grinned. "Alright. Don't forget to change your diaper—"

"CUNNINGHAM!"

Randy burst into another fit of laughter as he hung up on Howard, who was yelling a loud string of swears. Nomi turned to him, having heard only fragments of the conversation.

"May I ask what is so funny?"

Randy finally calmed down enough to tell him. "Heh, Howard's sister made him wear a diaper on her online show."

"Oh, you mean that hideous creature you two call a girl?"

"Yep." Randy didn't even bother to hide the grin on his face.

After about ten minutes, Howard came in without even bothering to knock, startling the two and causing Nomi to nearly karate chop him in half. After a heated argument between Nomi and Howard, they finally sat back down onto the couch and enjoyed the rest of the movie.

"So, the book told me you got pwned in training," said Howard.

"I didn't get pwned!" Randy shot a glare at the redhead, who gave him an innocent look. "When did he tell you this!?"

"When you were in the bathroom. Dude, it took you an hour and a half to punch him? And two hours just to poke him with a stick? While he was blindfolded!"

"Hey, you try it and you tell me if it's easy!" Randy slumped in between the two with a pout on his face.

The night had carried on and soon the movie was over. Howard left, leaving Randy and Nomi asleep on the couch. 

At around ten, Randy’s mother came in the living room to wake up the boys and to tell them to go to bed. They quietly obliged.

….

It was night again. That meant tomorrow they would be going to school.

It would be Nomi's first day of school in over eight hundred years. 

Nomi sighed, staring at the ceiling. He was only a little uneasy. He knew school had changed a lot since the last time he went to one. But how much different could it be? He basically knew everything they were teaching in the school, since when he had nothing better to do, he snuck into libraries of the school and the school itself to read as many of the subjects as he could. School definitely wasn’t going to be that hard.

Nomi looked over the sleeping figure of Randy.

Nomi didn't need sleep. He could go weeks without it. Yet as he watched Randy sleep, he couldn’t help but think that it looked almost fun to sleep, or something. 

Nomi felt an odd ache in his heart. Most of the time his situation just didn’t hit him. He had been so busy being the Nomicon, being the teacher of several teenage ninjas, and nothing more, that he was too busy to even think about his life.

Sometimes Nomi wished he could have everything back. His family, his friends, his home, just everything. At times like these, Nomi wished he wasn't the Nomicon. He wished he was his normal self again, Nomi Conikos Norisu, the middle child of the famous Norisu Nine. With his five other siblings, Mei the little butterfly, his youngest sister, Ming, his clever also his youngest brother, they were the troublesome twins as his family would say. His brother Naru, who was a year younger than him, was bold and was his best friend, sister Yui, who was one year older than him, was the caring and motherly one of them all, and his eldest brother Daiku, the brave warrior and the more loved and respected of his siblings.

“And I the pathetic excuse of a brother, ninja, and Norisu.”

He recalled the events that had destroyed his family. He had been arguing with his grandparents a lot before the fire. Their parents had died, making them the Norisu seven.

Daiki had argued that Nomi wasn't fit to be a true ninja. He claimed that he was too immature, lazy, stupid...the list went on.

The scene became even clearer to Nomi. His brother, who looked like an older version of him, with the exception of his ponytail and golden eyes, arguing with their grandfather, and him tearing up and running off. Then there was the fire that had engulfed the entire village. The one that had wiped out his entire family. There was also his struggle to find the ninja suit and the original Nomicon. Then he had found his grandfather, dying, his last words a request to defeat the Sorcerer and to not put on the Ninja suit and to instead keep on the one he had on.

Back then he had not known why, but now he understood.

After the whole battle and becoming immortalized (and kept alive because his family gave a piece of their soul to bind him together), he had tried to search for his family until he was told by the surviving villagers that they had all perished. 

He had made it his mission to find a ninja to defend the new village, which later became what it is now. 

Norrisville.

Nomi blinked away the tears and soon realized it was early morning. He sat up. He was covered in a thin layer of sweat. He got up, putting away his blankets, pillow and mattress back where they belonged before going to the bathroom to shower. Randy had showed him how it worked, since he wasn't all too familiar with the modern method of bathing. He stripped himself of the pair of shorts and boxers before stepping into the shower. Instantly, the warm water made him feel refreshed.

When he was done showering, he realized he hadn't grabbed his clothes for the day. Nomi stepped into Randy’s room.

The day before, Randy had washed his clothes for him in the washing machine and had left them neatly folded by his dresser. Nomi felt slightly self conscious, walking around in Randy’s room naked. At least he had thought to grab a towel so he had something to cover himself with.

The purple-haired teen was still asleep. Nomi eyed the alarm clock next to the computer. It read 6:59 AM.

"Oh shit."

[riofann]

Rio Random

You don’t know how long you have been standing there but you watch as their body language speaks for them. You hear some words but you can’t really tell what they are talking about it’s loud at the house. An involuntary sharp breath is taken when you see him push her hair back. 

“Y/N?”  Your head snaps towards the direction of your name “Hey!” Marie a long time acquaintance walks over to you looking cheerful “I haven't seen you in so long” she comments

You force out a smile “Hey Marie! how are you?” you ask leaning into the hug

“I’m good! how are you wow look at you!” she compliments

You smile and look down at yourself “thanks you look good too!”

“We should hang out sometime”

“Yea! Yea text me!” 

“Yea definitely!  I gotta run my boyfriends waiting for me.” She gives you another quick hug “I just wanted to say ‘Hi’” 

“Oh okay”  you don't wait till she walks away before your eyes are trained on them but this time they are looking at you smiling. Trying to play it cool. 

You march towards them and their smiles drop they knew they were caught.  Without a word you start grabbing your things

“Y/N” Krystal calls to you sounding apologetic 

“Excuse me” you say as you push past her and Rio

Rio shoots Krystal a mug pissed that she decided now was the for this conversation. He’s close on your tail as you walk out the door calling your name. 

“Y/N!”  he calls to you 

You spin around so fast he almost runs into you “WHAT?” 

“Its not...”

You don’t want to hear anything he has to say so you cut him off “Why not her huh Rio?” you ask repeating the words Krystal said to him “why not her Rio why Me?” You didn't even know what the context was but you could only imagine and your mind was doing circles trying to make sense of it

He’s calm and puts his hands in his pockets “Its not what it looks like” 

You feel like slapping him its almost like he was un-phased by your emotions “Then what is it? I mean I get it we aren't a couple” you start to gesticulate with your hands  “and this thing doesn't really have a label but”  you scoff “for someone who “didn't know” Krystal you sure don't mind touching her!” 

“Y/N!”  You hear Krystal’s voice approaching you. 

You put your finger up for to stop talking 

“We were just talking” she tries to reason as she approaches you 

“About what?” you ask looking at Rio

They both remain silent, but Krystal keeps looking over at Rio almost as a guidance on how to react or not 

“What?” you pause to catch a breath you were getting riled up  “is this some sick joke between both of you?” 

“No its not....”  she struggles to find the words “Its...uh” 

“So why not her huh Rio i mean what was that all about?”  

“Nothing he was just” she tries answering for him and he scowls at her 

You cut your eyes at her “i didn't ask you so shut the fuck up!” 

You turn to look at Rio and he stands there with an expressionless face. 

You nod understanding that he wasn’t going to respond to you “Perfect!” you say before you walk away. 

It's not like you didn't have an idea about who Rio is or what he does. But for both of them to lie to you and pretend that it was though that they met it each other through you is what you didn't understand. If they knew each other from before why not just admit it? What were they hiding? 

-

Even after he calls you multiple times you refuse to talk to him. Damage control wasn’t really going to work on you. Roughly 2 months pass before you see him again. You were with your Aunt Brenda at the country club near her home accompanying her to a charity event taking place. If you can describe your aunt  she was just like Blanche Devereaux from Golden Girls but don’t get her started on the show, cuz she swore up and down they stole her personality. 

You both sit near the front of the court watching the tennis players play. There were 2 separate events Golf and Tennis and she opted for Tennis because walking around in the summer heat watching golf wasn't something she wanted to do. 

She’s cheerful probably from the mimosas shes had, bubbly and talking to everyone around her. She’s never met a stranger is what you always say, it was partially true. 

You stop breathing and your heart palpitates faster when you watch him walk onto the court.

“Ooh who is that?” Aunt Brenda comments a widow on the prowl she would catch anything that glimmered at her periphery 

You pull your straw hat down a little further and look away and down for the majority of the time he plays. When the games end you're glad hoping to make a beeline for the car. 

“Well that was fun!” she comments

“Yea!” you say as you people watch she had been chatting with friends and you drove her here so it’s not like you could just leave her without her knowing anyway. 

A younger man walk by her, he smiles at her and she fans herself “whoo if i was younger!”

“You're only as old as you feel” you comment looking around you feel paranoid he has to be around the corner I mean you were mingling with the players 

“You're right!...Hey! how about we eat here! Instead of driving across town again?” she suggests when no one else comes up to say hi 

“Uh sure”  you say looking around for the nearest exit

“Come on follow me” 

You both walk inside and you find your way to the eatery 

“Hi Mrs. Richmond how are you?” the hostess greets her with a bright smile  

“I’m good Ashley you look cute today!  Can i get a table for 2?”  

“Thank you! Sure! let me see” 

“Make sure it's somewhere I can see everybody... you know me” she winks 

“Yea!”  Ashley giggles at the inside joke as she looks at the seating chart she picks up two menus “right this way” 

You both follow Ashley to the table by the windows it was great spot you could actually see the whole room. It was kind of full and the tables around you were filled with families  you're thankful because that meant he would have a harder time spotting you, seeing that your back was to the door anyway at least that's what you thought. 

You and Aunt Brenda both look at the menus deciding what would be the best cure for hunger after seating in 90 degree weather for half the morning well into mid afternoon

“I don’t know i’m thinking a crisp salad with fruit will be good but hell i want something savory” she comments 

“Yea i feel the same way” you agree  “the sandwiches sound interesting they could be savory with fries” 

“I’m looking at this salmon”  she looks up at you “Oooh!  someones coming  sit up!” she snaps her fingers at you

You do so out of habit she was always for sitting proper and being dainty, you glance back and  feel your stomach drop it was Rio making his way towards you. You shoot him a half smile and turn to face your aunt bracing yourself for the conversation to come 

“Ladies” he speaks his voice sounding like music to your ears it felt like a long time had passed since you last heard it 

“Oooh hi” she says immediately smitten over his voice she daintily reaches her hand out “how are you I’m Brenda this is my niece...”

He grabs her hand and shakes it rubbing his thumb over it “Y/N”  he turns to face you while finishing her sentence

She looks between you two shocked “You two know each other?”

“Yea Aunt Brenda this is Mr. Rio” 

“Mr. Rio” she giggles “call me Brenda.... WOW!  Y/N!  you naughty thing you didn't tell me that you knew him all that pinning i was doing watching him play” 

You smile” uh i didn't know if it was him really playing” you lie 

You are all quiet for a moment before Brenda interjects “You wanna join us?” 

“Sure if you don't mind” Rio comments looking at you not really caring about Brenda

“Yea its fine!” 

“Y/N move!” she says gesticulating for you to stand up 

“What?”  

“Switch seats”  she explains  wanting you to sit in the seat middle you sigh as you shuffle over to the right Rio pulls out your chair 

“Such a gentleman” Brenda comments and you refrain from rolling your eyes 

“Thanks” 

“So!” she leans over perking her bosom giving all her attention to Rio  “how do you two know each other?” 

You didn't know how to describe your friends with benefits relationship  “We met via a friend” you say 

“Oh okay tell me about yourself Mr. Rio”  she says taking a sip of her water

He smirks leaning back on his seat “you can just call me Rio...what do you want to know Brenda” 

Brenda blushes “well Rio first that tattoo... did it hurt?” she can’t take her eyes off it 

He takes a sip of water and the muscles in his neck only accentuate the tattoo more “A little”  he says flirts back 

“Ooh” she fans hereslf taking a sip of water “i need to find the waiter” she says looking around “he needs to bring another pitcher of water im getting dehydrated here that voice!” 

“OKAY BRENDA!” 

Rio laughs throwing his head back 

“What? that voice that tattoo that face mmmm!”

“BRENDA!” you scold looking at her 

“Wha?”  she looks at you innocently

“Can you” you shake your head don't mind her

“Nah i don't mind at all” he smiles 

Things are quiet again and you and Rio sit staring at each other

“Well i’m gonna go to the bar get us some drinks. Moscow mule for you I know Rio can i get you anything?” 

“Nah ’m good with water thanks” 

“Okay you two behave” 

“Yea”  you say glancing up at her

“Shes fun!” he says chuckling at her looking back and winking at him  

“She’s a trip”  you say shaking your head at her comment “what can I help you with Rio?” you ask cutting to the chase 

“You look good” his voice drops lower 

“Thanks!” you try not to blush  “didn't know you played tennis. Played well” you hope to change the direction of the conversation 

“Thanks. I called you” he points out your lack of answering his calls 

“I know I was busy at the time” 

He nods accepting your excuse “we need to talk” 

“No we don’t.... about what?” 

“I'm sure you got questions for me” 

“You're not gonna tell me the truth anyway, so what's the point?”

“Try me” he challenges leaning forward 

You sigh “no” you were defeated 

“What?” he says noticing the expression on your face 

“Was i just a pawn in your game of chess?.... like you didn't care about me?.....At all?”

He holds a puzzled look “Where’d you get that from?” 

“I” you take a deep breath “nevermind” 

He sees Brenda coming back and stands up “i gotta go call me sometime”

“I don’t even have your number you call me on blocked all the time”

“Check your phone”  he says as he walks away and when you do you have a new message with a simple text of ‘call me’

“Where's he going?” Brenda asks as she approaches the table

“He had to go”  you answer

“Why’d you let him leave?” 

“What was I supposed to hold him down?!” 

“Yes! now i have no eye candy” she says pouting 

“I'm sure you’ll find someone” 

“You're right” She turns to face you and looks at you for awhile before saying “so are you wanna talk about what's going on between you two?”

“Not really” you respond looking down 

“Come on you can tell me I'm your Aunty Brenda” 

You sigh she was right you would often go to her when you had relationship problems and you're actually consider telling her how you got to this point.

-

Even after having his number you still opt to not call him. Every time you get ready to you stop yourself remembering how you both got to this point and figure it's best if you don't even open that can of worms. 

Another month passes before you two run into each other. This time at a dive bar that's kinda how you two met anyway at a bar. 

“So Mike tells me he wants  a threesome for his birthday!”

“What?!”  you say snapping back into the conversation with your best friend Mia

“Yea! that is what i said WTF right?”

You take a sip of your drink “Wow so what are you gonna do?” 

“He can kick rocks unless he wants to find me another man to fuck” 

You both erupt in laughter knowing it would never happen 

You spend the majority of the night talking about life before your bladder is threatening to embarrass you, is when you get up and go to the bathroom. 

“I gotta go pee!” you say jumping from the bar stool 

“Go! Go!”  she shoos you away putting her foot on your stool to save it

You walk hastily across the bar and find the bathroom a mini line with one person in front of you.

When you finally get to pee it feels like heaven on earth. And feel like you can finally breathe. It was such a relaxing feeling to pee when you had been drinking. 

There's a knock on the door  

“Just a minute!” You say loudly hoping they can hear you through the loud music 

You finish your business and go to wash your hands when the person knocks again “GIVE ME A MINUTE!” You scream this time but when the knock happens again you're convinced this person was a true dick and you yank the door ready to have an argument only to see Rio standing on the other side

“Really” you say unamused “excuse me”  you go to walk past him but like true Rio nature he backs you into the bathroom instead locking the door behind him

“What do you want?” you snap 

“Wow no hi” 

“Hi Rio you look good i hope life is treating you well!... what. do. you. want?”

He smirks at your sarcastic tone “You supposed to call me” 

“Yea i didn't want you lying to me anymore” 

He sucks his teeth “how you know i was gon’ lie” 

“Ummm well lets see I know absolutely nothing about you. Oh besides the fact that you play tennis I’m sure your name isn't even Rio. You and Krystal have or had something going on that involved me and unbeknownst to me you were both playing me like a fiddle!” 

He chuckles

“Is this funny to you”

“Yea kinda” he says stepping closer to you 

You scoff “of course” you go to walk away from him but he steps in your way 

“Nah I’m not done talking” he looks down at you 

“What do you want to talk about?” you separate yourself from him, you couldn’t be around him, the cologne the voice, 

He says nothing and just looks at you

“You wanna tell me it comes with the territory and i should know these things by now? I do i also know you probably have 10 other girls waiting for you to call so it's not a big deal I’m not a big deal I don't see why you're insisting on resolving things with me!” 

Truth be told he did try to get over you and move on but he found himself thinking about you more often than not

“Krystal isn't who you think she is” 

“And you choose now to tell me that? I kinda figured when you two were looking like exes at the party” 

He takes in a deep breath and watches you

“ Do you know what it's like Rio. I’m completely exposed to you. You know everything! Everything! the good things, the bad things, things I will take to the grave with me things that I don't even want my parents to know about and majority of it i told you, the others you have your “connections” yet I don't even know your name. And then you and Krystal have something going on I don't know what. I don’t get how I’m tied into all of it.” 

He still says nothing and looks at you expressionless jaws tight

“Are you just gonna stand there and say nothing?” His apathy was really getting to you “........What was i a facade or something” 

“Nah” 

You sigh and throw your head back the liquor getting to you “I can't do this i just”  you reach for the door knob and he backs up against it “can you please” you plead with him, he bits on his lower lip he looks like he’s thinking about what to say next but instead he slowly stands straight, his eyes boring a hole into you as you leave the bathroom 

“Wow that took you long!” Mia comments its been close to 20 minutes 

“Yea i ran into someone”

“Who?”

“That guy” your new nickname for him 

“What?” she said confused  “ohhhh Rio” 

“Yea” you say taking a sip  

“What hes here?” she says looking around

“Yea don't make it obvious”

Her head snaps to face you “Sorry... you okay?” she asks rubbing your arm 

“Yea!” 

“You wanna leave?” she suggests 

“NO! Its our night out forget him!” 

“You sure?” 

“Yup fuck him”  

You both drink and the bar gets full and by now you’ve turned to face the crowd and people watch while talking shit at the same time

“Hey” you hear his voice next to you

“Hi!”  you say looking at him “this is Mia” you introduce her, since they never met before, but they both knew of each other 

He smiles “nice to meet you” 

“Mhmmm Hi Rio” she says as she holds an unamused expression

“Must have heard a lot about me huh?” 

“Some good things” 

He nods “what yall drinking” 

“Knock me downs”

“You want another round?” 

“Yea!” Mia responds for both of you 

“Y/N?” he asks you before lightly grazing his tongue on his bottom lip 

“Sure!” you say adjusting in your seat, its fair to say being around him while you were under the influence was asking a lot of you

“Its packed today!” Mia comments bobbing her head to the music

“Yea its a good night! why aint yall on the dance floor?” 

“You see these?”  Mia says pointing to her shoes “these aren't dancing shoes”

“So you just wanna sit and look cute?” 

“Period” you both say in unison

“Y/N?” 

“Yea” 

“What's your excuse”  

“What she said” you said pointing your thumb backwards to Mia 

“Thanks”  he says speaking to the bartender

“Come dance with me”  he says while motioning his head to the dance floor or rather where people were dancing

“Oh no!” you shake your head vigorously 

“Come on please  just one”  he says with his hand open waiting for you 

“Fine!” you say taking his hand in yours

“I'll save your seat!” 

He has a tight grip on your hand as he pulls you to the middle. He stops turns and faces you the music changes and he pulls you closer to him as you dance to bachata 

“Wow” you’re at a loss of words as you both move on the dance floor  

“What you thought this was?” he flirts 

“I didn't think this” you blush as you both move around the dance floor he holds your hand up so you can twirl for him while he smiles at you. For someone who was apathetic he sure did have moves.He spins you around so that your back is to him and you can't help but squeal as he moves your body along with his sometimes with sudden dips, making you hold onto his arms tighter. You feel his breath on your neck as the tempo changes indicating change of songs. 

With arms wrapped around you tightly you both sway to the music you feel a light kiss on your neck “I missed you” he admits 

You wanna call bs but this was diff he wouldn't even as much as say hi to you in public and now all of a sudden you are at a bar dancing with him 

“You heard me?”  he asks not sure because you didn't react you nod in response and step away so you can turn to face him he pulls you close

He looks deep into your eyes “I'm not lying” 

“Okay”  you say as you continue to sway to the music

“Last call for drinks last call” the DJ announces 

You both step away from each other and look towards the dj booth

When he looks at you again you can't help but blush Rio had a way of communicating with his facial expressions without a word being uttered

“You good?” he asks teasing you

“Yup! Lets go!” you say wanting to get out of the dance floor

“WHOO!”  Mia cheers as you two reach her

“That was cute!” 

“What you getting into after this?”

“Going home”

He smacks his lips “com’on ma” 

“No i think i should go home.” 

He nods respecting your decision

“She needs a date with a Denis she’s been grouchy I have a strong feeling you can fix that” 

He laughs

“Okay time for me to take you home” 

“What?” 

“We are gonna go it was nice seeing you” 

He pushes a strand out of your face and you take in a sharp breath “make sure you text me telling me you reached safe or ima pull up”

“Okay”

[rjalker]

[ID: Five digital drawings showing the same scene in different weather conditions. They all show a pale blue rooftop with a window lit from the inside, and the sky beyond it. there is a grey-green stick figure crouched on the roof, with a little black wing floating over its shoulders. The weather shows a clear sky, a cloudly sky, a snowstorm, a thunderstorm, and a night sky filled with stars. The stick figure’s ‘face’ changes to reflect each, with a little ball of light surrounded by clouds to match the cloudly sky, a thundercloud with lightining to reflect the storm, and a silver moon to reflect the night sky. End ID.]

The weird little angel gremlin baby thing from my dream in stick figure form. It was wearing a little grey robe or dress but I’m too lazy to draw fabric.

They were little sort of human-looking creatures that had wings and could turn themselves invisible (by saying “I am invisible” to make themselves invisible, and “I am visible” to make themselves visible).

The wings were for long distance flying, and for shorter distances they could float a few inches off the ground, which helped them remain hidden because people wouldn’t be able to hear their footsteps or floorboards or anything creaking or moving as they walked.

All the ones I saw were little kids, and I’m pretty sure the adults just have the kids and then leave them to fend for themselves. Don’t know where the adults went. Possibly they died like salmon? 

Instead of a face, the area above their shoulders reflected the sky overhead. If it was sunny with some clouds, they’d have a little glowing ball of light, a blue haze, and little clouds. If it was storming, they’d have a stormcloud, and whatever lightning was nearby. Snowing? cloudy grey haze. Night? whatever phase of the moon it was, and whatever clouds or stars were visible.

They were all hunched over and walked on all fours, and couldn’t “straighten up” like a human. They could use their hands to hold or grab stuff, but not as well as a human. They were shaped like frogs, and moved like them when they were walking. 

Most people ignored them or treated them like pests despite the fact that they were literally just children, but one lady I saw was like oh??? I’m sorry??? none of you are going to take care of these kids??? and set up her little balcony/ roof as a place where they could come to get food and shelter and she also got and made clothes for them.

This was a universe where peoples houses were built up instead of out, so her house was five storys tall, because each floor was a separate room, and then the fourth floor had a balcony, and the roof for that balcony was on the fifth floor, and this one little kid was sitting up there in the rain because they were upset and the lady knew they were there even though they were invisible because they were blocking the rain from falling off the roof like it normally does I guess.

She was like “I know you’re there and I know you’re uspet, but you shouldn’t be out here in the rain, you’ll get sick. You should come inside, you can even have the top floor to yourself if you want to be alone. The window isn’t locked, there’s a handle on both sides, so you can pull it open. I’ll put some dry clothes at the top of the stairs for you and some food. You don’t have to take them, but you can if you want.”

and she brought up some like,,,,,,cookies??? made with honey??? which sounds weird but is apparently a thing....and yeah. She was the only person in that particular area looking out for them and I don’t know why. It’s not like they were hurting people or anything.

In the dream at least one of them snuck into some fancy dinner part to see what was going on and was just tiptoeing and floating from table to table just watching people and trying not to get stepped on. A whole bunch of them stole food from the dumpsters afterward.

I don’t know what they were called, or what anyone’s name was. 

[antiquecompass]

Untamed Winter Fest Day 27: Feast

Rhode Island shouldn’t feel like a completely different world to Jin Ling and yet it somehow did. He’d visited before, attending local art festivals with his uncles, but this was the first time he’d ever been to Zizhen’s family home. Which seemed ridiculous considering how long they’d know each other. For years the dorms at Lan Academy had felt like Zizhen’s home, since he was always there, and then there had been his place in London. Now back in Rhode Island, they were looking for their own place, him, Zizhen, and Daisy, but for the interim, Zizhen was staying at his parent’s grand estate in Newport.

Jin Ling only felt a little bit nervous as he saw the entire fleet of cars parked in the driveway. He could hear loud laughter and music coming from the open door, where a tiny woman in a headscarf was standing with a huge platter in her hands.

Jin Ling hurried to help her, Daisy running beside him.

“Let me get that for you,” he said.

The elderly woman turned to him and grinned. “Ling!” she said. She pulled him down to her height, kissing both his cheeks. “So good to meet you! You’re almost as cute as your pictures!”

Jin Ling had no clue who she was, but he didn’t want to hurt her, so he just took it.

Inside the house he was hit with the smell of warm spices and what appeared to be nearly every member of Mrs. Ouyang’s family.

“There’s our sweet boy!”

Jin Ling was pulled down into another hug by strong arms.

“Mamani,” he said as he returned Zizhen’s grandmother’s hug.

He knew Mamani was going to be here for dinner. He didn’t think every al-Jamil relative this side of the Atlantic was also invited.

“Word got around,” Mamani said as she patted Jin Ling’s cheeks. “They all wanted to meet you. To meet the little archer who stole our Zizhen’s heart.”

Jin Ling knew he was blushing, could feel the heat of it on his skin, but he refused to play like he was bashful. Jin Ling was proud of their relationship, proud of Zizhen, and damn proud of the fact he ‘stole’ his heart, won it, even if it had always been freely given to him.

Take that, stupid haggis-eating, bagpipe playing, salmon fishing Scottish lords.

And Dylan Tan and his pathetic seventh-place world ranking could also kiss his ass.

“Did you invite everyone?” he asked.

“Yes,” Mamani said. She kneelr down to pat Daisy’s head. “You should put her with the corgis.”

“Corgis?” Jin Ling asked.

Mamnai nodded. “Farid brought his entire brood. They’ve taken over the front parlor.” She gave him a small shove. “That way.”

The gauntlet of relatives to get to the front parlor took him past the triplets: Laleh, Mahsa, and Safa, all asking if they could braid his hair later; past Baba Joon who had little Vahid in his arms, showing off the Ouyang’s art collection; past so many cousins and aunts and uncles, he nearly collapsed in relief when he got to the front parlor and found only dogs.

And Zizhen.

“I am so sorry,” Zizhen said, carefully putting a tiny corgi puppy back on the couch. “When Baba Joon heard you were coming to visit, he ordered everyone to come. It’s a family feast.”

“I can see that,” Jin Ling said. He let Daisy off her leash to explore and then collapsed into Zizhen’s arms. “Seriously how many of them are there?”

“I don’t know,” Zizhen said.

He wasn’t joking. Jin Ling could hear the truth, the fear of it in his voice.

“Maybe we can just hide here?” he asked.

“Not a chance,” Farid said, sticking his head into the room. “They’re already calling for the both of you to come help and make the mantu.”

“Manti?” Jin Ling asked.

“Whatever,” Farid said.

It was a long-running joke between Zizhen’s Chinese and Persian relatives over the correct name for the dumplings.

“I’ll be there in a second,” Zizhen said.

“You have five minutes to make your little kissy faces and then I’m coming back for you,” Farid warned.

“Kissy faces?” Jin Ling asked.

“Farid may look thirty, but he’s still twelve,” Zizhen said. He did nuzzle Jin Ling’s cheek. “But, if we have five whole minutes…”

“You better do more than just kiss my cheek,” Jin Ling ordered. He ran a finger down Zizhen’s cheek. “How’s your dad doing today?”

“He’s well,” Zizhen said, a serene smile on his face. “It’s a good day. He’s just hiding from all the chaos until it’s closer to meal time.”

“Smart man,” Jin Ling said. He wrapped his other arm tighter around Zizhen, pulling his closer, pressing his fingers into the small of his back, tugging on the ends of his hair there. “Hello, by the way.”

Zizhen held his chin in place as he devoured his mouth in a deep, searching kiss. The kind that made it easy to forget the room full of dogs and a house full of relatives and the impending feast.

“Tease,” Jin Ling said in between the softer kisses to follow.

“A preview,” Zizhen corrected. He kissed him one more time as they both heard the door open.

“Seriously, enough with the kissy faces,” Farid said. “Mamani’s demanding your appearance. Now. She will drag you out of here by your hair.”

“I’ll go,” Zizhen said as they both walked towards the doorway. “You should go see Baba. He’s in his study, just down that corridor.”

“I will,” Jin Ling said. “But I’ll be sure to join the gathering in the kitchen once I’m done.”

“You better,” Farid said. “You’ve been the main topic of the family group chat since before the Olympics.”

“Farid!” Zizhen said, face turning red.

“Yup, after the last family gathering where our little Zizhen announced his intentions.”

“Really?” Jin Ling teased. “So sure of yourself?”

“I made a promise,” Zizhen said. “And I kept it, if you recall.”

He did. He very much did.

“Oh, put that smile away,” Farid said. “No one wants to see that.” He nudged Jin Ling towards the study. “Go pay your respects to your future father-in-law and ask if you can try to win his only child’s hand.”

“Hey!” Jin Ling said.

“And you,” Farid said, pushing Zizhen towards the kitchen. “Go sing Legolas's praises one more time. He's going to need that once they start asking what his plans are for the future."

"Stay-at-home dad and trophy husband," Jin Ling said. "Just like my father."

"He's not joking," Farid said. "How is he not joking?"

"Because he's serious," he heard Zizhen answer.

***********

He’d been intimidated by the large number of Zizhen’s family members when he’d arrived, not that he’d ever admit to that, but here, around the dinner table, it felt very much like home. The food was a little different, some of the words he didn’t understand, and there was an absence of wine or even harder liquor, but it was a loud family, gathered around a feast, reunited and sharing stories, reliving memories, and making new ones. That, that he knew and knew well.

He still didn’t know half their names. He’d met the youngest cousins, and Farid multiple times, and Zizhen’s grandparents obviously, but so many other were unfamiliar faces. He knew pf them from Zizhen’s stories, from his mother’s as well.

And they all made him feel welcome.

Even if they kept putting more and more food on his plate.

“He needs to eat! He’s still growing,” Mamani said.

Zizhen patted his head. “I think this is as tall as he gets,” he teased.

Jin Ling swatted back at him, but couldn’t help laughing. At least he was still taller than his Uncle Yao. Of course, that wasn’t much of a feat.

“I’ve never heard any complaints,” Jin Ling said.

Zizhen smoothed back Jin Ling’s hair, pushing some stray strands behind his ear. “A very powerful pipsqueak.”

“Keep talking,” he threatened. “Go on. See how it works out for you.”

Zizhen leaned closer. “I look forward to it,” he whispered.

“Look at his face!” Farid said. “Separate them, separate them now!”

The room filled with laughter and taunts, the warm kind that existed in the best of the good memories.

Jin Ling shook his head as Zizhen tried to hide behind him, face bright red, and joined in the laughter.

[blackknightgargiefoodtopia]

Charcoal Revisited

Here we are again, in Charcoal (apparently I have totally forgotten that I had a Saturday lunch date with my friends to eat here before I decided to suggest Charcoal as a birthday dinner celebration with my hubby, LOL!). As much as I didn't want to, the food here is just too good to pass up NOT to blog about.

I ordered this salmon salad with pineapple salsa sauce just to give it a try, since I've already tried the Caesar salad. The salmon tastes amazingly fresh, along with the lettuce, just like when I was eating the Caesar salad. I dare say the salmon actually tastes fresher than the sushi restaurant's version! LOL!

My friend ordered French onion soup and I stole a few sips from it. It tastes really flavourful, and the onion is just boiled to perfection of softness. I didn't try the bread though

My other friend ordered some sort of salad that had potato and cheese in it, and I gotta tell ya, while I love the potatoes, the cheesy covering is, well, cheesy! It's so cheesy, you can practically call a meal out of it since the cheese is what makes meals so filling

Speaking of cheese, my other friend even ordered some sort of lasagna, which, of course, has MOAR cheese! Gah! Poor her. It would be a waste not to finish it, since it's pricey stuff, but if she finish it, she would end up being too stuffed for the dinner later that night coz she and her family were invited for a dinner function. LOL!

I ordered Wagyu steak to try the whole meat for my own. It was just as awesome as the small piece I tried last time. Totally worth ordering it! I had french fries and coleslaw for side dishes

This be my friend's Wagyu steak as well and he ordered garlic bread and baked potatoes for side dishes

Our vegan (I know she's only vegetarian, but I just like calling her vegan. Sounds more exotic, lol!) friend joined us finally at last and ordered herself some salad as well, which is roasted vegetables or something with blueberry yogurt as dressing. Looks pretty good, but I didn't try. I still love my meat

She also ordered the main course that I have recommended which has something to do with spinach and risotto and whatnot (Dammit, I can't seem to remember dish names nowadays). It also looks bloody cheesy as well and she couldn't finish it after going through about 2 quarters of it

There you have it. Another revisit of Charcoal. I suppose I have enough protein intake from Charcoal to last me a whole month. LOL!

[fancat-not-fangirl]

It’s Not You: Chapter 18

a/n: I realized that I haven’t posted chapter 18 on here of my fic so here you go. I’m also finally done with chapter 19 (which will be the last chapter) and I will put that up today, as well as add that to the masterlist. Enjoy.

<><><>

His mom was home.

Cas had mixed feelings about that particular fact. On one hand, of course he was happy and excited that his mother was home. After all, he had been looking forward to spending the winter holidays with her for months. But on the other hand, how was he supposed to tell her about what he and Dean had found out? How would she react?

Cas was terrified that his mom would never look at him the same way again. Absolutely terrified. What if she thought that Cas was afraid of her?

The time for thinking and worrying was brief as the front door was soon swinging open and Claire was stepping inside the house, bringing a cold gust of wind in behind her. Cas scrambled up off the couch as she set her luggage down in the foyer. She started unwrapping the scarf from around her neck, also taking off her coat and sighing in relief from the lack of weight.

Cas waited until she was done and as soon as her boots were off and she straightened back up he was launching himself at his mother, wrapping her in a hug. His mom smelled so incredibly familiar. Comforting. Like cookies and s’mores and clothes fresh out of the dryer. He loved it. He loved her.

And her voice. As soon as she breathed his name into his neck, Cas melted. Even though it had only been mere days since he’d last seen her, it had felt like years. 

But it was too soon that she was pulling away, smiling up at him as her eyes then went past him and caught onto Dean, who was leaning against the wall, softly smiling at the reunion in front of him. Cas grinned and stepped aside so that Claire could bustle her way past him and pull Dean down into a tight hug. Dean hadn’t been expecting that by the looks of it, and Cas almost laughed out loud at the shocked look on his soulmate’s face. But a split second later Dean was smiling again and wrapping his own arms around Claire.

“Merry Christmas, Claire,” Dean said as they pulled apart. “We were lost here without you.”

Claire gave him an amused look and patted his cheek. “Merry Christmas to you too boys. But I doubt you had too much trouble here. After all, the house is intact. You both are alive. What could possibly have gone wrong?” 

And as they all stooped down to pick up the luggage she brought in from the car, Cas exchanged a look with Dean. If only she knew.

Which she soon would.

Cas’s stomach flipped a bit at the thought of what was to come, but he plastered a grin onto his face and took one of the bags from his mom’s hands, insisting that he’s got it. “I bet you’re tired, mom. Dean and I’ll make dinner. You go rest a bit.”

“What about your presents?”

Cas smiled at her. “After dinner.”

“If you say so.” But as Claire turned away, Cas caught something on her face. He didn’t know how to place it. The only thing he could have possibly called it was dread.

“You okay, mom?”

Claire looked back up at him and smiled, the previous haunted gaze vanishing. Maybe he had just imagined it. “I’m just tired. Don’t worry about me.” And with that, Claire gave them one last, adoring look before making her way upstairs. They could hear the shower turn on, and soon, his mother’s off-key singing filled the house.

Rolling his eyes, Cas set out to help Dean unpack some of the luggage. All of the dirty laundry they immediately put into the washing machine, and the various books and pens they brought up to her rooms.

“Your mom’s really bad at singing,” Dean whispered under his breath to Cas as they walked past the bathroom, which was radiating the wrong notes and tunes of Jingle Bell Rock. Cas rolled his eyes. “Tell me about it. Sometimes, it sounds like someone’s strangling a cat with a severe case of bronchitis.” At Dean’s amused laugh, Cas’s eyes widened. “Don’t you dare tell her I said that.”

Dean smiled devilishly. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it, angel.”

Pointing an accusing finger at his soulmate, Cas threatened, “No, I mean it, Dean. One word about that to her, and you’ll be the one that’s getting strangled.”

Dean laughed again, and Cas firmly decided that if Dean even breathed in Claire’s direction with the intent of telling her what Cas had said, he would make sure that Dean never saw the light of day again.

Future plans of revenge were soon forgotten though as the boys stared down at an empty kitchen.

“So,” Dean started, opening the fridge. “Nothings changed, has it? We still only have leftovers?”

Cas mentally kicked himself. Of course nothing changed. He and Dean hadn’t gone to the store after their trip to IHOP, and the few meager pancakes wouldn’t nearly be enough for a full dinner.

“What do you want to do?” Dean asked, closing the fridge and not even bothering to open other cabinets to see if they contained anything dinner-worthy. “If you want, I can make a quick trip to the store, get us the stuff we need. Or,” Dean offered, “We could always order take-out.”

Cas thought for a moment. His mother would be done in the shower in around twenty more minutes. That didn’t give them much time. Dean would only make it to the store by that time. Of course she could wait until he got back and they prepared dinner, but that would take too long. Take-out it was.

“Sushi?” Cas asked hopefully. He hadn’t had sushi in a while. In fact, the last time he’d had it was weeks back, when he was at college. Not unlike his preference of hamburgers, Cas only liked specific sushi. And so did his mom. Which made ordering all the more easy.

“Sure,” Dean shrugged, taking out his phone and going on the nearest sushi place’s website. Cas didn’t need to see the menu to know what he wanted. He always got the same rolls, as did his mother.

Dean seemed to have a harder time deciding. 

“There are hundreds of them here!” He gestured helplessly at the menu. “How am I supposed to choose one?” 

Cas smiled and gave the confused Dean an amused look. “Choose two then.” As if that solved his problems.

“That doesn’t help me whatsoever!”

Cas chuckled. He leaned over Dean’s shoulder to read the items on the menu. Reaching over, he pointed to one of them. “That one. The Godzilla Roll.”

“Should I get that one?”

“No. The opposite. Stay away from it.”

“Well gee, that really helps me narrow it down. Thanks a lot, Cas.”

Cas playfully hit Dean’s shoulder, but when Dean gave him an injured look, he smiled and leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek.

“You know what, whatever.” Dean grumbled. “What’s this one with?” He picked a random roll on the menu and skimmed through the ingredients. “Avocado. Sure. Fish? What type of fish is this?” Before Cas could answer, Dean raised a hand to cut him off. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll get it anyway.”

And half an hour later Claire was coming down the stairs just as the doorbell rang with their delivered order. Paying the shivering delivery man, Cas took the bag into his hand and kept the wallet in the other, shutting the door behind him with his foot. He didn’t mention the fact that he lost his balance and almost went crashing down onto the floor with their food.

He set the bags down on the table, taking out the boxes and chopsticks, setting them before each person. Dean warily eyed the mess of a roll before him. Taking the chopsticks into his hands, Dean gave his roll a suspicious poke. Looking up at Cas, Dean asked cautiously, “Are you sure this is what I ordered?”

“I don’t know Dean,” Cas laughed and sat down before his own rolls, which beckoned him to eat them. “What did you order?”

“Do you think I remember?” Dean mumbled, and Cas and his mother laughed.

Patting Dean’s hand, Claire grinned at him. “If you don’t like it, you can always have some of mine.”

Dean gratefully looked at her before his gaze turned to Cas, who already had his chopsticks in hand and whose first roll was halfway to his mouth. “Don’t you look at me, Dean. You’re not getting any of my food.”

Dean stuck his tongue out at Cas, who did the same before stuffing his face full of food. Claire followed, cramming as much of her salmon into her mouth as she could. Dean was left staring helplessly at the monstrosity in front of him. He picked one up and examined it from all sides, as if checking to see if anyone had rigged a bomb to it. Determining that it was safe, he put it into his mouth.

Cas and Claire looked on in anticipation as he chewed and then swallowed. His face remained impassive for a moment, then it split into a grin. “This is actually pretty good. I don’t know what the hell it is, but it’s really good.”

They all laughed and dug in, silence filling the room as they focused on their food.

The silence didn’t last long, because soon, Claire began fidgeting, throwing them nervous glances, and Cas had to know what was wrong. “Mom, are you sure everything is ok?” So maybe he hadn’t imagined the look she had on her face before she had gone to shower. 

Claire sighed. “Boys, I have to tell you something.”

Cas froze, and from the looks of it, so did Dean. Did something happen to Gabe? To Sam? There had been plans that they would spend New Years together with Sam and Gabe. Were those plans off? Did something else come up?

Claire seemed to shrink in on herself. Oh, this was bad. Did something bad happen at work? What if she got fired?

Seeming to just want to get it over with in one, big breath, Claire braced herself before blurting out, “Dean, I’m the nurse that messed up the medications for your mother.”

Oh.

There was a moment of silence. Nobody moved.

Then, Cas and Dean stole a glance at each other and, seeing the look on the other’s face, burst out laughing. It would have been a momentary thing if only they hadn’t then looked at Claire’s face, which, with it’s shocked and horrified appearance, sent them into another fit of laughter. 

Cas didn’t think he’d laughed that hard since the time that they had their whole Soulmate Screw Up thing back in October. But now he was cackling just as uncontrollably as he did that day, if not more. Because this really was hilarious. The thing that he had dreaded telling his mother for days had been the very thing that she had been dreading to tell him. As if he didn’t know everything already. 

Dean seemed to find this situation just as hysterical, and had now almost fallen out of his chair with the wheezes of laughter that were coming out of him.

The only person that seemed to find the entire ordeal unamusing was Claire, who was sitting rooted to her chair, an expression of utmost bafflement and terror slapped onto her face. She was looking between the laughing boys as if they had suddenly gone insane. But who could blame her? She had just confessed to being the one that deprived Dean of a mother, and instead of the expected reaction of shock and anger, she had gotten cackles and howls of laughter.

“That was the last thing I was expecting,” Dean managed to get out amid cackles. “Tell us something we don’t know.”

If anything, Claire looked more confused. “What? But I don’t-”

Regaining his ability to form complete sentences without breaking into fits of laughter, Cas cleared his throat. “We already knew that, mom.” Before she could say anything else, Cas launched into an explanation. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about on the phone. We found Mary Winchester’s files in our basement, and so we tried calling you so that you could tell us if you were the nurse assigned to her. But,” Cas gave Dean a guilty look before continuing. “We couldn’t get ahold of you, so we assumed the worst and got into a fight.” Seeing the wide-eyed look of worry on Claire’s face, Cas quickly added, “But it’s ok now. It wasn’t even that big. We’re ok. I promise.”

There was a brief moment of silence.

Claire smiled. “Well then, that just makes my job a hell of a lot easier.” She visibly deflated, the stress seeping out of her. It was obvious that she hadn’t been looking forward to breaking the news to them after- after what?

“Wait, mom, why did you decide to tell us this now?” Cas asked.

“Your brothers, that’s why.”

Cas and Dean shared a look. Sam and Gabe knew? How had they found out? Did they have a fight as well?

“You know that amulet that Gabe only wears on special occasions?” Claire directed the question at Cas, who nodded. “I never told you boys this, but it belonged to Mary Winchester.” Cas heard Dean suck in a breath. “She gave it to me as a thank you gift of sorts. Something I can remember her by. And when he was a kid, Gabe loved it. He’d always steal it from me and I’d catch him wearing it around the house. I don’t really know why. He was a strange kid.” Cas snorted in agreement. That was an understatement. “So I gave it to him with the promise that he wouldn’t lose it because it was very important. And then he started wearing it on holidays and to parties and such. And so he wore it on Christmas. And Sam recognized it.”

Dean looked like he was thinking, then interrupted Claire. “Would this amulet look like some type of weird face with horns on it? Maybe a bronze color?”

Claire nodded.

“In all of the pictures of my mom I’ve seen, she always wears it.” Dean said. “No wonder Sammy recognized it.”

Giving him a small smile, Claire continued. “Gabe couldn’t remember how he got it, so he and Sam decided to call me. To ask me if I knew a Mary Winchester. I said I did. And it all escalated from there.” Cas and Dean both winced. They had wanted to keep it a secret from Sam and Gabe for this specific reason. So that they wouldn’t cause any rifts between them. But unfortunately, it couldn’t have been avoided. 

“After a lot of accusations and, I’ll admit, a little screaming, I explained everything and they understood. That’s when we decided that you both had to know as well.”

Dean snorted. “The irony. When we found out, all of us decided that Sam and Gabe didn’t have to know.”

Claire’s brow furrowed. “‘All of us’?”

And so Cas and Dean told her more specifically the story of how they found out. From how Cas was upset after she left, to them going to the basement to look at photo albums, to the spilling of the files (Claire had them swear that they put all the files back in order), to the broken record, and to Dean storming off to his father’s, coming back the next day with apologies and presents.

“It seems as if your boys’ break wasn’t as boring as I had thought it was,” Claire said at the end. “I leave you two alone for one day and this is what you do.”

Cas and Dean both gave her their guiltiest looks. They hadn’t meant to cause so much trouble. But, if it made him feel better, Cas did admit that even if they hadn’t had their argument, they still would have found out the truth sooner or later. Even if sooner had come a little too quick for his liking.

Claire suddenly gasped. “Speaking of presents, I have some for you two.” She shot out of her chair and quickly flew up the stairs and into her room. Cas too, had gifts to give, and he also rose from the table. Instead of going up the stairs, though, he went down, and into the basement. Next to the place where he had hid Dean’s presents were Claire’s, and Cas grabbed them and padded back up to the dining room, where he saw Dean and Claire already there, presents in tow.

Dropping into his seat, he slid his gift across the table to Claire. “Merry Christmas, mom.” A present came sliding back to rest between him and Dean. “Merry Christmas, boys.”

They watched her open their presents first.

Rustling and crinkling filled the room as she unwrapped Dean’s present for her. Her face filled with adoration as she removed a salmon pink, painstakingly knit hat from its wrappings. It was obviously made by Dean. There were loose ends sticking up in places, and the pattern was a little uneven, but Cas knew just how long Dean had spent on it.

Dean looked somewhat bashful as he watched. There was no doubt that he was nervous. “I know how much you like knitting,” he said quietly, “so I decided to try my hand at it. I know it’s not the best, but…”

 But Claire obviously loved it. She immediately pulled it over her head and struck a pose for them. “How do I look?”

Cas laughed. “You look as great as always, mom.”

She beamed at him, and then at Dean, who was practically glowing with relief. She gave him a wink. “If you ever want me to teach you some tricks of the trade, you just let me know.”

Dean grinned. “I’d like that.”

Next was Cas’s present.

Claire gave the soft package a curious look as she stripped it of its paper. She let out a small gasp as she pulled out a onesie. It was bright red, and was peppered with small reindeer heads. The hood had antlers on it, and when Cas had seen it at the store, he had immediately known that it would be perfect for his mother.

“Oh, I love it, Cas.” She whispered, examining it from all directions. Her face lit up when she saw the sewed in Claire Novak on the left breast pocket. 

“Dean helped me with that,” Cas admitted. “I suck at sewing.”

Claire instantly excused herself to go put it on, and when she came back, both Cas and Dean barely held onto their laughter. 

“And that’s not even the best part,” Claire’s eyebrows rose at Cas’s words. “I got one for each of us. Including Sam and Gabe. So that we could all be matching on New Years. Kinda like in those magazines where the entire family has a matching onesie set.”

Dean hadn’t been on board right away with that idea, but after lots and lots of pestering on Cas’s part, he had finally relented. And it was a good thing, too, because Dean looked absolutely adorable in a onesie.

Cas didn’t think Claire's smile could get any bigger, but as soon as he was done talking, it proved him wrong. 

He and Dean both received lung-crushing hugs from his mother, as well as way too many cheek kisses.

But now it was their turn. Unwrapping the paper around their gift, Cas and Dean both let out exclamations of surprise at the sight of what was inside. It was a box. A puzzle box, to be exact. And on the cover was a picture collage of them. No wonder his mom had taken so many photos. 

There was one of them cuddling on the couch. Another had them kissing under the mistletoe. Others depicted them outside, making snow angels or building snowmen. 

There were dozens of them, all arranged perfectly.

They opened the box and were met with hundreds of puzzle pieces that no doubt organized themselves to make that collage on the cover of the box.

“How did you-?” Dean got out, picking up puzzle piece after puzzle piece, as if to make sure they were real.

Obviously enjoying their surprise, Claire grinned. “I have my ways.”

Then it was Cas and Dean’s turn to wrap Claire in hugs, although they refrained from giving her too many cheek kisses.

“Let’s build it now?” Cas suggested, glancing at Dean for approval. His soulmate nodded, and they were about to leave for the living room when Claire stopped them with a stern look. She gestured at the still messy table, and the boys sheepishly put the puzzle down and started helping clear the table.

Claire insisted on doing the dishes this time, and shooed them away to go do the puzzle.

They pushed the half-built Death Star aside and decided to focus on making the puzzle. But, seconds before spilling all of the pieces onto the floor, Dean snapped his fingers and his eyes brightened. “Fort! We should totally build a fort!”

“A fort? Here?” Cas hadn’t built one of those in years. Not since he was still in elementary school. But back then, the forts could be small and he’d still be able to fit in them. He didn’t know how they would both manage to squeeze themselves into one now.

But Dean was fully confident in his fort-building abilities and nodded. “And then we can make the puzzle in the fort!” And the excited gleam in Dean’s eyes flushed all of Cas’s doubts away as they began assembling a fort.

Dean was in charge, that much was obvious. He’d point at the coffee table and gesture at Cas, who took it as an order to move it in the direction that Dean motioned at. He instructed Cas to get as many blankets as possible, as well as pillows and chairs. While Cas was getting the materials, Dean was pushing couches together and lugging chairs from halfway across the house. 

And when Cas returned with armfuls of blankets and pillows, Dean slipped a pillow from the pile and swung it at Cas’s head, prompting a pillow fight. 

You would think that these were two five year olds instead of students at college age.

Claire had bustled in at one point to see what the noise was about. At the sight of the LEGO Death Star sitting on the floor in the middle of their playful battle, she had shrieked that they immediately move it away, out of harm’s reach.

The pillow fight turned into a wrestling match, and the boys rolled around on the floor, trying to pin the other to the ground, crashing into most of the objects that were positioned as the inner structure of the fort. Cas had almost succeeded once, having tickled Dean into submission and trapped his arms to his sides, he was seconds away from announcing victory when Dean had heaved himself upward and turned them over so that their positions were reserved. He grinned fiendishly and straddled Cas’s waist, pinning his arms to the ground with his hands. Cas struggled against him but resistance was futile. 

“I win,” Dean declared and leaned forward, lowering his voice to a whisper. “What’s my prize?”

Cas stuck his tongue out at him and tried bucking Dean off but the older boy held fast, only leaning down more and more until their noses almost touched. They didn’t move for a moment, savoring the closeness. And then Dean’s soft lips were pressing onto his own, moving slow and sweet. Cas relaxed into the touch, kissing Dean back with such love and affection that his head swam. 

Dean loosened his grip on Cas’s wrists, bringing one hand to Cas’s head before running it through the messy hair there. Cas took the opportunity to lunge forward and flip them over, this time pinning Dean to the floor and pinning his arms to the ground, using Dean’s own previous position against him.

Cas beamed down at the struggling Dean. “Guess you don’t win after all.”

But then Dean wormed his hand out of Cas’s grip and pulled Cas down, their lips meeting again. This kiss was just as sweet as the last one, more even. It was sunshine and snow angels and Christmas trees and songs on the guitar. 

It was home.

[sage-nebula]

I’ve been taking a lot of screenshots as I’ve played through Splatoon 2, but I’ve neglected to upload them because it’s difficult to stop playing long enough to do so (whoops). However, I’m going to do so now in order to get caught up, and hopefully be better about posting screencaps of cool things in the future.

So, first, as per usual, the game starts off with a broadcast. In Splatoon, the Squid Sisters were the ones who always handled the broadcasts. But now, in the sequel---and I have little doubt this has a lot to do with the story mode, as well as just wanting to introduce new characters (and it wouldn’t surprise me if Marina being Octarian played into it), the broadcasts are handled by a pop duo known as Off the Hook, starring Pearl and Marina.

Anyway, the introductory broadcast to the game introduces the single-player campaign, of course, and I love how Pearl references the fact that the Octarians stealing the Great Zapfish is the exact same plot from the first game’s single-player campaign. However . . .

. . . there is a twist this time around, since Callie is “missing” as well. Hmmm . . .

Pearl gets over it pretty quickly, though, lmao. (And really, the fact that Pearl doesn’t care about the Great Zapfish is, I feel, another clue that Inkopolis doesn’t necessarily need it, at least not more than the Octarians might . . .)

Once the broadcast ends, the game decides to show you all the different features of Inkopolis Square, just in case you’re not bright enough to explore the place yourself. In so doing, it introduces the new Salmon Run part of the game . . .

I love how they keep hammering home that this is sketchy and shady and not that great, hahaha. That said, I get the feeling that the Salmonids, like the Octarians, are more victims than villains, despite how they’re being painted. I especially feel that way in this case, since we’re stealing their eggs for some sketchy dude’s profit. :/ Man . . .

Rude af. I can’t believe I have to already have a job and work experience to get a job to get work experience in Splatoon 2 as well. Art imitates life.

When you have more experience you can work, though, and like I said, I really love how they keep hammering home that this is not a good job, you are making a poor life choice.

Inklings can’t swim, though. Tf are you trying to say to me?

Anyway, after I did Salmon Run a couple of times, I went and played some (more) multiplayer, and . . .

I tried, OK. I did my best. I have no regrets. (Especially since I scored more points than anyone on the winning team, because remember: The winning team gets an extra 1000 points. The highest score anyone on the winning team had before the bonus was 729. I was better than that. Sadly, with two teammates disconnecting partway trhough the match, there was not a whole lot I could do . . .)

tfw you win a match by .3%.

And once again, I was the highest scoring person on my team, even if the highest scorer on the losing team had a slightly better score than I did. (Only slightly, though.) I’m still not as consistently good as I was in the first game, but I’m getting there. Once I have better gear / better weapons, I’m sure I’ll be back on top form, especially once I get used to all the new maps. (Though they better add Kelp Dome in an update at some point or so help me . . .)

Anyway, it soon became time for some story mode / single-player campaign playthrough, and once I realized I could unlock Hero Dualies this way, that’s all I’ve been doing. That said . . .

THERE SHE IS---THE BEST GIRL, THE SUPERIOR SQUID SISTER, MY LOVELY MARIE. ♥

When you go to talk to her, Marie explains about how she wants to go get the Great Zapfish back from the Octarians after they stole it, but that she can’t leave her post because that would mean leaving it defenseless, and so she needs someone else to go get it back and thinks you’d be perfect for the job. She also drops not-subtle hints about Callie, but those, I think, were supposed to be under her breath or in her inner thoughts. Regardless, she recruits you as Agent 4 (Callie was Agent 1, Marie is Agent 2, and you were Agent 3 in the first game) and sends you to go fight the Octarians. You may remember that I mentioned in an earlier post about how Marie is particularly savage toward the Octarians, and, well---

I was not kidding.

This really leads me to believe that Marie thinks that the Octarians kidnapped Callie as well as the Great Zapfish. Of course, I now think that Callie took the Great Zapfish when she defected to the Octarians, but Marie doesn’t seem to know / realize that’s what happened.

Rude af. I am Agent 3! (I can’t believe it’s already been two years since the first game came out, though, omfg.)

I can’t believe Marie betrayed me like this. (I looked it up and apparently the pineapple pizza debate was a Splatfest topic in the EU for the first game, and Marie was anti-pineapple, and they won . . . but I still feel so betrayed she’d take that stance in the first place. How could you Marie? I know you’ve betrayed me other times, with other Splatfest topics (the Red Version vs. Blue Version debate comes to mind---Callie was right there, too, and you know it), but still!

The win screen for whenever you clear a level is really cute, though.

. . . as is the screen when you clear it for the second time and rescue a Zapfish plushie instead, hahaha.

I can’t believe they dragged Spyke like this. (This is from the book you fill in as you find the pages in the levels. They’re similar to the sea scrolls from the first game, but are more current. ... Pun not intended.)

SHE’S INVESTED IN ME. ♥ Ily, Marie, even if you don’t know what good pizza is.

mfw:

YES, YES IT WAS. (I’m sorry, no offense to Off the Hook, but their catchphrase is just so stupid . . .)

Anyway, at the end of every section you have a boss battle, and there are wireless transmissions at the end of each boss battle. And at the end of the second boss battle . . .

HMMM, I WONDER . . .

I have the same reaction whenever Sheldon starts talking, tbh.

This was the second time I was forced to use a godforsaken charger in one of the maps, and I just

UNFORTUNATELY, despite it being a “request”, you don’t have the option to say no. You have to play through the level with the assigned weapon at least once. I already complained about this enough yesterday, so I won’t do it again, but god, I hate it so much, particularly since it means I have to play through most levels twice since you have to clear every level with your desired Hero weapon in order to unlock it for multiplayer, and I want the Hero Dualies. Ugh.

♥

Hahaha, I didn’t grab a screenshot of it, but in an earlier level after making a particularly risky jump, she asks if I consider myself to be “the reckless type”, and that she sure does consider me to be the reckless type. I mean, I am, I won’t deny it.

I love her.

mfw:

It was for a boss fight, too. I FELT SO #BLESSED. Oh, and here was the boss:

And then I destroyed him and his sweet new coat. Sorry, bro. :/ (Oh, and if you’re wondering, he was a boss from the first game, hence why he was “back”.)

But since this was a boss, that means that we had a post-battle wireless transmission, so . . .

She loves Callie so much. ;__; And I say this, because look at the word choice: “Even more than the Great Zapfish, I want to find my cousin Callie.” Marie is sending Agent Four after the Great Zapfish because she views it as a duty. This is a necessity, it’s something (and anyone she can recruit to help) must due because Inkopolis (supposedly) needs it. But she wants to find Callie, and she wants to find Callie even more than the Great Zapfish. Callie means that much to her. Callie is her best friend. Biologically, Callie might be her cousin, but in her heart, Callie is her sister. And something tells me she’s going to be in for a lot of emotional pain when she learns the truth . . . poor, poor Marie. ;__;

Anyway, she goes on to explain about how she’s Agent 2 and Callie was Agent 1, and---

OH, so THAT’S the excuse for why your inkling from the first game is just mysteriously out of the picture, haha. Though that begs the question . . . what is your inkling from the first game doing with Cap’n Cuttlefish? Why is your inkling from the first game with Cap’n Cuttlefish? Things aren’t safe with him! He’s not wise! He gets captured because he’s distracted by crabby cakes! Like, bruh! Have some sense!!

Anyway, then the transmission was interrupted again---

HMMM, I WONDER WHO IT COULD POSSIBLY BE . . . :/

I mean, I guess there’s still a chance that Callie hasn’t defected. Maybe she’s telling Marie to leave because she’s worried Marie will get hurt, or maybe she was kidnapped and is now brainwashed. Her eyes are red in that icon, after all (but so are the Octolings’, so that could just be because of some fancy goggles). Either way, that’s very obviously Callie, and if she’s helping the Octarians decorate their bases, something tells me she isn’t here unwillingly. Right now, I’m sticking by the theory that she is the one who stole the Great Zapfish (and all the other Zapfish) for the benefit of the Octarians, and that she has defected willingly because she has come to see that they aren’t all evil and that peace should be made between the two races. (Though why she isn’t working to actually make that peace doesn’t make sense. You’d think she’d come forward and talk to Marie (and Cap’n Cuttlefish) about it, rather than letting Marie think she had been kidnapped and is in serious danger, but . . . well. The plot has to happen some way, I guess.)

Anyway, I’ll post more as I can get to it. Stay tuned, and as always . . . stay fresh. ;D

[arcisfoodblog]

Not necessarily a “must-try” post (although you definitely should have a go at poutine), but more an overview of some of the restaurants we tried during our stay. Spoiler: none of them was disappointing.

Vancouver has an impressive food scene. Entirely in line with Pacific Northwest-style cooking, the BC focus is on local and sustainable food (and seafood as a whole, of course), but usually with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Very good street food is available via many trucks and stalls as well, but we resisted the urge to try them as well.

On Granville Island, we had lunch at Granville Island Brewing (1441 Cartwright St, www.gib.ca) and sampled pretty much their whole range of beers (6 regulars and 4 seasonals: Vienna Fassbier, Big Day IPA, Watermelon Lager and a West Coast Saison), with their West Coast IPA and Northwest Pale Ale as our favorites. For food, we had some tasty burgers, served with a side salad(!), tempura vegetables, and made our first acquaintance with a Canadian food icon: Poutine.

The poutine originally hails from Quebec and consists of French fries covered with cheese curds and a slathering of gravy. So you have crunchy and slightly soggy fries, squeaky cheese curds that start to melt from the heat of the usually quite salty gravy on top. It could very well be one of the best late-night/hangover dishes ever… No wonder it goes down so well with a couple of beers! Artery-clogging and unhealthy stuff, but strangely addictive, so we tried quite a few poutines during our vacation. Some were excellent, but like pizza’s, even half-decent poutine is still pretty tasty. I loved poutine, the kids didn’t like the cheese curds all too much, and Chantal really dislikes soggy fries so always stole my crunchy ones.

Poutine definitely is a staple dish and you will find it on the menu of the bulk of Canadian menus. There are even quite a few restaurants in Vancouver that actually only serve poutines and get creative with various toppings. These “loaded” poutines are definitely getting traction elsewhere too as we have seen them ranging from meaty (like pulled pork, braised beef, taco mince, donair) to crunchy fried tofu.

With Vancouver’s population consisting of about 40% Southeast Asian ancestry, the quality of that type of food is also amazing. After having walked from East Vancouver to West End, we had a great lunch at Dinasty Dumpling House (1719 Robson St, dinesty.ca) where we saw dumplings being hand-made in the open-kitchen window while waiting for a table.

Dinesty is renowned for their steamed Xiao Long Bao, the soup-filled pork dumplings. We sampled the regular ones as well as those with XO sauce, and they were deeply gratifying, as were their signature Pan-fried Pork and Shrimp Potstickers. As the Green Vegetable and Egg Dumplings were sold out, we sampled the Chinese Toon Buns and Springrolls as vegetarian options. Also, a Chicken Wonton Soup was ordered. These were all good, but not as remarkable as the XLBs and potstickers. We washed the food down with some excellent Pale Ale and IPAs by Four Winds Brewing (Delta, BC) and while the kids had some refreshing, albeit slightly sweet, fruit teas delivered to order from next-door’s YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea.

For delicious woodfire pizzas, I can recommend Nicli Antica Pizzeria (62 E Cordova St, niclipizzeria.com). We tried the classic Margarita, the Cavolo Nero e Funghi (black kale, mixed mushrooms) and the Pesto (house-smoked bacon, tomatoes, pesto, fresh basil) as pictured below. Very tasty, thin, and crispy bases and high-quality toppings. No cutlery for pizzas here; just a pair of scissors to get creative!

No pictures, but an honorable mention goes out to Donair Dude (164 W Hastings St, www.donairdude.com) which has several outlets in Vancouver. To ease Koen, Erica, and Madouc into their jetlag, they dropped by at our Gastown AirBnB for some drinks. Not feeling like going out for dinner after a 10-hour flight, we decided to get take out. We ordered (lamb and chicken) donair as well as falafel pitas from almost next door’s Donair Dude. Overall, high-quality ingredients and freshly made, they were delicious. However, the thing that surprised us most was the size of their pita bread. At approx 25cm /10″, it is basically twice the size of pita bread ordinary in the Netherlands and also somewhat thinner. Our smaller pita bread is cut open at the top and filled to the brim and therefore hugely messy as the sauce trickles down and spills from the cracks in the bread at the bottom. These larger ones are brilliant because after applying the requested filling and topping to about 1/3rd to halfway, they fold one of the sides of the pita bread over the mixture and then roll it all into a snug parcel. This multilayering avoided spills despite the generous amounts of garlic and tahini sauces that were applied. Obviously, big pitas = big servings, so we had also secured some tasty leftover snacks for later on.😎

As our kids craved sushi and noodles (when do they not?), our last dinner in Vancouver was at nearby Momo Sushi (375 Water St #6, momogastown.ca). The multi-level Sushi/Japanese/Korean restaurant has a pretty basic interior (and limited storage space as we were sitting next to a couple of cases of Asahi beer), but the fresh food was very tasty and affordable. As starters, we had crispy, not fatty, vegetable tempura, garlicky chicken kara-age nuggets, and nigiri with big slabs of salmon. Then came huge bowls of chicken katsu and beef ramen noodle soups.

And my chicken katsu which was served on a searing hot cast iron pan, which gave a nice caramelization of the shredded cabbage underneath the super crispy chicken:

Around the World – British Columbia road trip​ (2019) – Vancouver – Wh​ere to Eat Not necessarily a "must-try" post (although you definitely should have a go at poutine), but more an overview of some of the restaurants we tried during our stay.

[bookreadalongs]

Lola and the Boy Next Doors

Lola and the boy next door 68. Cricket is the sweetest little cricket ever 69. Cricket is literally the most sweet and thoughtful guy ever. Ryan can love St Claire 70. Yeah…that’s a rough situation 23:12 Oh yeah, didn’t she, like, tell Cricket Lola didn’t like him or something? Hence, his pain when Lola saw his face? They’re basically dating. They almost kissed. I love it. I love them. I love Cricket! He missed her, like, tryouts for worlds for the first time or something. 72. Honestly, she’s pretty great too. She’s disillusioned and young, but so full of spirit. She’s getting him an obscure gear. I LOVE that. I’m very confused. Perhaps, this was him choosing Callipoe? On their birthday? When he didn’t choose her before? 73. Oh. He just didn’t want to make it harder. 74. He loves you. Aww…poor baby Cricket. I love him. He’s so sweet. He’s just…bad at communicating. 77. Obviously, Cricket will also be home. I can’t imagine these two boys so removed from the social scene 79. Does he ever bring another girl home? Doubt it 82. Does he have aspbergers? 91. I. Love. Cricket. Bell. 92. That’s so sad. Way too much. I love him 93. This was the cool girl, looking good scenario Lola wanted. Cricket had little to do with her after his sixteenth birthday. Steph Perks is good at pulling these things in. I wonder if I ever noticed before. The stars in my eyes reading before… 95. Did he think, like, physical hurt…or sex hurt? 96. He so doesn’t fricken believe you 100. He didn’t come home for laundry. He came home for you. He came back for you. He went to Berkeley for you. The only friend he’s ever had aside from Calliope 101. Steph Perks is so good at creating this tension. She knows she’s making the readers think “but…Cricket would go on a double date in a heartbeat.” Mastering subliminal thought…manipulation? Make people think they’ve come to conclusions without your help 103. St Clair is cute, sure. He’s sweet and thoughtful and caring…he’s so extroverted and cool and likeable…then there’s Cricket 104. Doesn’t St Clair have crazy good hair? Or something 106. These things I didn’t realize when I first read this…was it while I was in Kansas? Tenth grade 80+ book year? Spunk. That yellow stain. Sex anything. 107. I LOVE him 108. Aww he doesn’t want to flirt…out of respect 110. Did I mention I love him? 112. Haha TWO WEEKS? But, honestly, a lot can happen in that time. As I tell Trev, a lot can happen in a day 114. People just closed their eyes whenever they’re under any sort of stress 115. “It’s maddening how someone so easy to read can be so impossible to understand.” 117. AHHHH SECOND HURTS. Cricket…who put others before him for so long…only to always be second to…everything. Calliope. Skating. Max. 118. Was I always enticed by Cricket’s slight self deprivation? 120. Only Lola would make me wrinkle my nose in delight “OH DEAR GOD. WHY WOULD I SAY THAT?” 122. Why is he so cute? His genuineness? Genuity? 123. I too sighed. Cricket Bell is…perfection, really. He could be a little funnier…like Percy, but, hey. He’s wonderful. There’s no objections to that. 125. Not talking about guys…that litmus test…it’s so not called that. The test about girls talking without talking about guys. I think about that often ish now. Let’s amend that to: my boyfriend, cricket This is the subliminal stuff I’m talking about 127. Oh my gosh. He was breathless when he saw her. That’s amazing. I could never do that. 129. I love it. He’s so awkward. He’s so sweet. I just want to protect him from the world. 131. He’s so flipping considerate. Asking if it’s okay to eat salmon in front of her 132. He does stuff with her whole body…I guess only face her. St Clair laughs or something with his whole body, making him more European looking Ah, yes. The lie. Kind forgot 133. I need to look at their exchange again. 73. He still initiated conversation after she didn’t come. He’s so sweet. He’s so much. I love him. The word was totally Lola. He’s got something going on. He will take her hand now. That’s how he’s changed. He’s worked so hard…and she’s totally been a motivation. I love that. He would have a present for her on his birthday. Oh my gosh, that is just so sweet. 134. He thought she’d give up on him, but he never wanted to give up on her. That went both ways but just AWWWW 135. He’s…he’s really not a bad guy. He’s being honest instead of pretending to be the good guy only to swoop in “unexpectedly”. Sure, it’s hard to hear, but…she knew it. It was only fair for them both to have it out there 136. He cares about her so much He taught her not to care about what others thought. That’s so powerful. He helped allow her to be who she wanted to be 137. She had a feeling when the Bell’s moved back 139. “I release a breath that I didn’t realize I’d been holding.” 141. Family. I like that plot line here. I think I’m appreciating this book more now than I did before. Cricket is so thoughtful. 143. The subliminal messaging that Cricket would make her feel better in a positive way rather than fuel her flames. 145. The hurt of Cricket… 146. I really like her reactions. Ryan said she may not have liked Lola as much because she was so unrelatable…but she’s so endearing “WHAT’S THAT? WHO’S HERE? Who did my parents send?” Almost hoping for someone to rescue her 147. Cricket talks to St Clair…that warms my heart. They’re an adorable pair of friends. 150. He should be pissed. They came for her. Anna was so excited to meet Max. 151. The moon. The mom she never had. Does Cricket always hear all of this? 152. I love that seeing him never gets old. He felt guilty for falling asleep. He’s so amazing. 153. Max didn’t help. I’ve been filled with shame before…still sometimes. 155. Did she not see or communicate with Cricket whatsoever when he returned the following week? I find that hard to believe 157. Oh. It’s only been a day. 161. What the frick, man? 163. HAHAHAHAH MIIIIIIIINE. Has cricket ever asked anyone besides Lola out? This is so a double date. What a bro 165. He’s embarrassed because it’s a fluke. He doesn’t feel proud of his heritage because that guy stole the fame from who deserved it. Cricket is such a innocent soul 167. Oh, St Clair. My poor cricket 170. Obviously, Cricket is taking her home. He’s beautiful. 171. What does Cricket have? 172. He’s so…genuine. 175. He said he couldn’t come…but he came for Lola. Awk Of course she knows where Lola works. Doubt Cricket can keep everything secret 178. Throw back to when Lola was talking about what she needed super early on 182. A parting. She’s leaving? Or max. Or Lola from her past 187. Part of me loves Calliope. I remember respecting her a lot reading the first time through. Cricket was a saint in helping the reader like her 188. They’re both so selfish and in the wrong…but they’re also sympathetic characters. I want to make that. I want to be a person like that. 189. Isn’t max like cheating on her? 190. Oh, Lola, Lola, Lola. Does she see him with a girl? Maybe? I’m excited. I kind of want her to. She deserves it. She needs it. They need each other. 196. It’s so true ahah I guess I still like when books appreciate how opportunities are so serendipitous 199. He told rando girl about Lola! He is so precious. My heart is breaking. 201. He gives her the utmost respect in so many ways 203. Hahah Crickets response of “um” Yes, there’s another one. Cricket is a hot commodity 205. I wonder if Calliope has visited. This is the other life he lives without her too. I just…it’s complicated. They’re twins. They care about each other so much 207. Oh, Cricket. This page. This argument needs to go further. He shouldn’t be the one always apologizing. I know that’s a tad unfair to Lola, but she’s a tad unfair to him. 208. Lost him again? Break up with Max! It’s what they both deserve…I guess it would be awful kind of if she was like actually I do love him more and think he’s better for me and I’m better for him after all….plz take me back. It’s because I have HE knowledge that he’s a jerk that I have the freedom to be so liberal about these thoughts. She’s been happy with Max in the past…it could be hard 211. Maybe it’s the delirium isn’t the right word-exhaustion hitting in, but I laughed a little too hard about the fact that Cricket’s hand just said boo. I should sleep. I need to drive 7.5 hours tomorrow. I love reading though 1:33 213. Their banter is just so cute. It sucks if their mom really is hard on Calliope about her figure Maybe it was just a joke though 219. BREAK UP BREAK UP BREAK UP! Will she have to wait to be cheated on? Could only remember their walks vaguely because I loved the line “then we stopped pretending”. Forgot I loved that line until I came upon it again. Remembered vaguely that their birthdays were important 222. Her capital letter thinking is so funny. I also love cricket completely frozen because he’s so not dressed 223. She needs to let him go and stop jerking him around. Or hold him tightly and never let him go plz after breaking up with Max 224. I love boys next door. Probably because I know I’ve been considered a girl next door before…if I’m that obsessed with myself 226. Genetics. Why did I not love this book as much before? It’s a tinge more real? It faces actual problems? This is better than Anna. I know it. The culture was cool, the love story was great, but it was all…predictable. I wanted to say flat. It wasn’t. 227. She remembers everything. All of his achievements that others don’t… MY guess is Calliope is not berated by her mother that much because that’s why they laughed, right? Just pondering 230. Chapter twenty three. I need to sleep. I need to drive tomorrow…maybe I will take another day here…probably not. I need to finish this book. I love it. 1:52 AM 5/17 1:58 could not stay away 231. Josh’s dad cameo 232. Brunch was REQUIRED? Was that ever explicitly said? I knew he said he’d have to toughen out the meals, but I thought that was just because it’d look terrible if he said no 239. Norah asked too. Wow. Maybe I’ve grown more interested about my adoption after CJs RSA program 254. I like that she breaks up with him on her own accord, not because he’s cheating. He truly thought he loved her too 255. This is it. This is when you’re like, oh. That’s why she didn’t do this earlier. It was just that hard. She loved him 256. She isn’t looking for a Cricket rebound. It’s good. I like it 258. It’s so…deep. She doesn’t know who she is. That’s just it. She doesn’t know who she wants to be. She just doesn’t want to be hurt. Nice little Lola didn’t work out with Cricket. But…she loves him. But…who is she? Not her mom. That’s all that matters. Love it 261. Break 2:22 to write another post Crap. I cancelled it. 2:38 I wrote some 273. My foot started shaking excitedly like a dog. I tested up. It's too late for this shizz. I remember loving this classically corny line. "If the person is...Lola?" "Only if the other person is Cricket." AHHHHHH 278. The way this all flies by...she is depressed. Indisputably so. 279. The fact that they both have so little confidence is heart breaking. Also, I know Cricket has had them the whole time, but what up with the rainbow bracelets? 281. He gets her. He understands her in a way no one else does...partially because no one else has tried to I just want to read forever and not have a job or future that includes serious job stuff 282. Bourgeois...boujee 283. True. She wanted to hear Cricket. 285. AWWWWW MOMMY DAUGHTER TIME 289. Maybe that's why I thought he was cheating...because he was totally cheating on her at gigs earlier 292. Has she kept that wrench there the whole time? 294. Ah, yes. That thing hahaha 296. AWWWWWWWWW I CANT 305. Oh, dear Calliope 307. I can picture it. Pretty girls face like kind of unsightly between her duh and her slight disgust and her you're truly and idiot face 311. I read "Calliope does not find the joke funny." Three times. Then laughed. Soon. Sleep is imminent 316. He's still to shy to call her? He asked her out tonight, tomorrow night and all of the nights after that 318. She worked so hard. I've learned those feel good things where underdogs win irritate me now. They don't work all that time that the others do. I've always loved underdogs. It's just...unfair of them to win with such less effort 324. The weird similarities between Calliope and Lola. The people in this book are all so talented...everyone is though. Maybe that's it? If you follow your passion, that's enough? But nah 325. Gotta love the socks 327. What the frick this is so cute. The stars on his hand. They're always her. Everything is Lola. 335. I thought sohereitis ihopeyoulikeit was some mystic codeword to have a clever box open with those sounds together like that...nope. STEPHS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO HER HUSBAND FOR RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF A SCHOOL DANCE AND SWEEPING HER OFF HER FEET AND WEARING MATCHING CHUCKS AND ALWAYS MAKES HER FEEL BEAUTIFUL AND FLYING ACROSS THE COUNTRY THAT IS SO CUTE 3:40 4.55 stars