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goth-albino-angel · 4 years ago

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Yugiri's smile is everything. She has so many of them and they all mean different things. When she's relaxed, when she's excited, when she's confused, when she has no clue what's going on but everyone else is happy so she's happy, when she's relieved, when she's proud... She has so many different smiles and if Tumblr didn't have the 10 image rules, I would absolutely gush about every single one of them in detail. Unfortunately, if I do that, all of those posts will probably be eaten out of the tag, so instead, here are my top 10 favorite Yugiri smiles so far, images included. (Pre-Revenge episode 9)

10. Season One, Episode 2: The First Smile/ 9. Season One, Episode 10: The Sentimental Smile

Episode 2 is the first time we ever see Yugiri smile. Before this, she seemed relatively nonplussed or generally disinterested in pretty much everything going on. Even though she was in a different time period with complete strangers and a madman demanding her to be something she has no knowledge of, she was fairly calm. Then the first time we see her smile, it's when she sees something completely familiar. Her own face. Not only that, but she directs that smile toward the character that is going to become basically her little sister. The first one means so much and it's so important.

Within the same vein, her smile to Kotaro in episode 10 is one during an emotionally heavy moment. It's the first time he's hit an actual snag in his plans. Sakura's singular focus on the Arpino show rather than on the bigger picture of the group as a whole would have been a massive roadblock had she not realized her mistake.

Yugiri is the only one who properly realizes the reason they were sent into the mountains in the first place. Instead of simply sitting on the information, she's proactive about it and actually goes to discuss the problem with Kotaro. She wants to understand his reasoning so that she might be able to help him. And when she turns toward him, she also gives him the observations she's witnessed throughout her new life. This smile may be low on my list of favorites, but it's still unbelievably important.

...Also, when they released the preview image of this smile, my brain short-circuited for ten minutes, so it had to make it onto the list regardless.

8. Season Two, Episode One: The Professional Smile

This smile isn't much out of the ordinary for what we've come to expect of Yugiri, but it's on here because this was our first look at Yugiri after basically two years of very little. None of us knew how the group would come back, how the writing team had incorporated the unexpected pandemic, how things would play out, or what would be happening. The Promo showed Tae's hand flying off to knock off Sakura's head, but as 2018 displayed, the promos can't always be trusted. This showed that, even in this new world where she's only been awake for a year, she's putting her skills to use and working just as hard as the others. Thanks to the conversation from Episode 10 of the first season, we know she was trained as a geisha which would make service work much easier than it would be for the other girls.

I don't have too much to say on this one, to be honest. I do like that she's in softer lighting, as opposed to the others who were all surrounded by harsh lighting on their season two introductions. The softer lighting lends itself well to the lack of pigment and coloration in the girls' makeup, allowing Yugiri to look like she has some color, even if she still looks somewhat pale and tired. It doesn't give her quite the same sickly look the others have at their jobs. The red dress? 100/10. Perfect decision.

7. Season One, Episode Five: The Proud Smile

SHE. DOES. GYMNASTICS. She has every right to this smile! I did the math for this specific part of the episode and Yugiri got third place. The judges liked her rope aerobics so much, they shot her all the way to third place even though her distance was zero meters. It wouldn't have gotten her interviewed, but it would have at least put Franchouchou at the forefront. I still applaud Tae snagging first place, but Yugiri deserves some praise. She really did go face first into the mud on a bike and said, "Never again." She's so proud of herself. I'll be gushing about the actual gymnastics part in a different post a little later, too, but she definitely deserves to be proud of herself. I'm really gay...

6. Season One, Episode Four: The Cute Smile

Originally, this was just going to be me doing some keysmash version of a squeal or something, but there's something I'd like to draw attention to. I'm pretty sure that, by this point, Franchouchou only knows two songs. Yomigaere, which was supposed to be performed in episode 2, and Mezame Returner, which is what's being performed here. Of these two, Yugiri has more experience with this one, but from what the audience had been shown, it wasn't good experience.

Memorizing the lyrics would have been the easy part for her. It's that a good portion of the dance practice was also spent helping Lily get the steps down and potentially calming her frustrations. Then the performance itself would have been a complete disaster if Junko and Ai hadn't gotten over themselves at the last minute to finally help.

This is the first successful performance of Mezame Returner we're witnessing and it's clear the group's had more practice since then. You can see how excited and happy Yugiri is here because this one is actually going well. They had a bit more time to prepare, the two lead roles were actually involved this time, and the audience also was clearly enjoying the performance. She's so happy and it's just so heart-warming to see. Yes, even with the CGI. Don't @ me, she looks adorable.

5. Season One, Episode Seven: The Sassy Smile

This one also was just going to be a squealing keysmash thing, but again, I have something to point out. Look how much more confident she is now that Junko and Ai have, once again, gotten over themselves. Yugiri sees the effect that Junko stepping in had on the others and just like the rest of the group, her movements are more relaxed and free.

It's more obvious, actually, if you look at the way the other girls are moving directly after Junko helps Ai up in comparison to how Yugiri is moving. She did a spin while waiting for Sakura and Lily to finish their segment, and she could be cheeky during her own. She sensed that the tension had mostly dissolved and because of that, she allowed herself to relax and could properly throw herself into the performance. When she throws out this smile and wink, it's not actually directed at the audience. It's Yugiri telling the others that they've got this without breaking the performance.

4. Season Two, Episode Four: The Gentle Smiles

I put both of these here because Yugiri's just... so... caring? So much of what she does is passive that you don't realize just how much work she puts into relieving the stress from the other girls until long after the problem has been resolved.

In the first, she's speaking to Sakura. No doubt, Yugiri probably noticed how worried Sakura was about Junko. Even though Sakura was trying not to let the others catch on just how anxious she really was, Yugiri still knew that something was bothering Sakura as well as Junko. Yugiri knew that the key to easing Junko's mind lay in placating Sakura first. She's seen what happens to them all when they fall apart and she wants to avoid that at all costs. So, Yugiri lifts Sakura's spirits and gives her back the fire and determination to make a great performance.

In the second, Yugiri is watching Junko eat. Unlike the others, it's clear Yugiri knows that Junko is in much higher spirits than when last they saw her. Junko would likely have still been a stuttering, quivering mess otherwise, but she wasn't stuttering and her actions were purposeful and self-assured. Yugiri is very observant. She would have caught on that something had happened to make Junko feel better. What makes this smile even better is that she's not the least bit disappointed. The reason she made dinner was to help Junko, but she doesn't view the meal as a waste of time. She's so focused on other people, that she's happy Junko is feeling better at all and even offers her different platters to help keep her mood up.

These are high on the list for two reasons. One, they're a show of just how much Yugiri does for her girls. Two, YUGIRI COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS HEADCANON CONFIRMED BITCHEEEESSS!!! I GOT ONE RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!!

3. Season Two, Episode Six: The Affectionate Smile

I will be completely honest, I have no idea why this one is as high as it is. I admit, I did spend three hours replaying this single thirty second scene because it's really sweet and Yugiri and Tae don't interact very often, so seeing Yugiri not only be worried for Tae, but also be immediately reassured that Tae would be fine was just something my heart didn't know it needed until it had it. The sheer level of affection Yugiri shows toward Tae is too adorable. Especially since Yugiri usually only has moments like those with Sakura and, to a lesser extent, Lily. This smile's really cute, it's in the middle of a wholesome scene, and it made me love both Yugiri and Tae that much more.

2. Season One, Episode Three: The Excited Smile

Once again, an entry that was going to be a simple squealing keysmash until I realized there was something to point out here as well. This is the first smile we ever see from Yugiri that's genuinely enthusiastic. She has plenty of them, especially during her performances, but this is our first time seeing her fully incorporate herself into the group as an actual member and actually look excited to do something with the others. This was an omen of adorable things to come and damn did it deliver.

Honorable Mentions.

I'm only going to touch on each of these briefly because to be honest, there are a LOT of smiles I could've picked.

The first one is from episode 6 when the group is talking about their very first meet-and-greet. Lily asks Yugiri if she's keeping up okay, and Yugiri remarks that she's taking things as they come. This was a small look into the kind of character she is. As I mentioned before, she's very passive in the way she operates, but that's to the benefit of those she cares for. This is her admitting that she doesn't want to be a problem and it's just sweet that even though Lily is worried about her, Yugiri's still highkey thinking about everyone else.

To the right is a shot of Yugiri during Electric Returner. This one is just the squealing keysmash because she looks so genuinely ecstatic, it's contagious. She's NO DAMN CLUE what happened or why they sound so different, but she is absolutely living her best second life.

The next shot comes from the beginning of Yomigaere and is somewhat of a repeat of the above. She's excited to perform for such a big crowd, she's glad Sakura finally agreed to actually participate, and she's living her best second life. Whoever animates Yugiri's CG model? I love you. I want to send you a gift basket. She's always so happy during performances.

Then comes her smile after the group finds out Sakura's memories are back. She's just glad Sakura, her Sakura, has come back to them, that she accepts her crap luck and is still willing to stay. For Yugiri, this goes under the list of Best Possible Outcomes. Her family is whole again and she's so relieved.

Last in the top row is the first full frontal shot we get of Yugiri in the Saga Jihen music video. She's so unbelievably adorable here. I wish I could've gotten her first expression, but the curtain was still rising and without photoshop, I'm not editing an image to the degree needed to get her whole face lightened. Point is, she's cute and everyone deserves to see her adorable face on the first song she got to be center for.

First on the bottom row is Yugiri looking apologetic from episode 8 of Revenge. She's so cute. It was an honest mistake and she had no way of knowing the paper belonged to Kiichi. No doubt, that was probably why she offered to help him rewrite them later.

Next is how cute she looks in big sister mode. She's wiping the mud from Kiichi's cheeks and is taking such care with him. Throughout the entire episode, she treats him like a little kid and it's likely because her role was big sister for so long that she doesn't know how not to treat him that way. It really does shed light on just how kind she is to everyone, though, that she doesn't even think about her dirty kimono and focuses on cleaning him up a little first.

Then we have her smiling at Kiichi as she remarks on how beautiful his dream of reviving Saga is. She even says she hopes it comes true. His dream means something to her. She can't even fully see it, he can't even fully see it, but they don't need to. What Itou didn't understand this whole time is something Yugiri understood immediately just from listening to Kiichi talk. They don't need to see it in their minds, all they need is to feel it in their hearts, and that's something Yugiri knows.

And lastly on the honorable mentions, because this post is already super long, Yugiri smiling while she's cooking for her guests. It was a tossup between this or the pinwheel because it's just really nice that Yugiri can simply enjoy mundane things. I chose this one because it's a direct contrast to how she was at the beginning. Before, she ate with a disinterested expression, but now, she's cooking for guests rather than just for herself. The lift in her mood is obvious, and it's something so small but so heartwarming, I couldn't resist.

I would've put the pinwheel moment anyway, but unfortunately, as a com major, formatting and design are everything and an extra picture on the top or bottom without a balancer would've thrown the whole thing off. Maybe next time.

NOW FOR NUMBER ONE

1. Season Two, Episode Eight: The Softest Smile

This should have been expected. There's something genuinely touching about the fact that Yugiri really does give her everything, even to complete strangers. These girls barely know her, everyone in town barely knows her, but because her dance students suggested Yugiri go out and actually experience, Yugiri gives it actual thought. She doesn't dismiss them, she doesn't deride them, she doesn't make them feel foolish or anything like that. She treats their suggestion the same way she would if it had come from a close friend. And she does actually take them up on it.

Later, we see her come into contact with Kiichi to demonstrate that even full-on strangers aren't exempt from her kind heart, but this means more. All we know is that these girls take Yugiri's dance class, and from the way they speak when we first meet them, it's clear Yugiri has a professional wall between herself and those she instructs. But she still treats them as she would the girls back in Shimabara. It's proof that, even in the past, Yugiri really was just as kind-hearted as in the present. It's a show don't tell kind of thing that just speaks so deeply to the writer in me. I love this smile. It's everything. Her smiles are everything. She's everything.

#Yugiri #Yuugiri #Zombieland Saga #Zombie Land Saga #Zombieland Saga Revenge #Zombie Land Saga Revenge #Angel has spoken #rip mobile users #I'm sorry but I needed to do this #also sorry about the slight passive aggressiveness for entries five and six #I'll do better

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chinguwritings · 4 years ago

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A 3RACHA Fan-Fiction

|| Ch 1 || Ch 2 || Ch 3 || Ch 4 || Ch 5 || Ch 6 ||

A/N: Sorry this took even longer than the other chapter ;-; work has honestly just been driving me insane and running me down so much that I couldn't bring myself to write. I'm finall quitting this week though sooo hopefully I'll be back in the swing of things really soon. ~Admin Kay

Chapter 5 - Better Late Than Never

Genre: Angst, Hanahaki AU

Rating: PG (swearing, mentions of sex)

Word Count: 3.8k

Bright rays of sunlight peeked through Changbin’s window, making him squint as he stretched out his arms and slowly sat himself up in his bed. For a minute he simply sat there, eyes half lidded while he pent up enough energy to actually will himself out of bed, that was until he got a surprisingly strong whiff of freshly cooked food from somewhere nearby. Suddenly alert, he quickly panned his room and noticed a plate on his desk that was filled with breakfast foods and next to it, sat a little piece of paper. Curious to know what the deal was, Changbin quickly untangled himself from his blankets and made his way over to his desk.

Good morning, Changbin-hyung! I made you breakfast today. I hope it’s yummy… Enjoy! :)

~Jisung

A puzzled expression formed on Changbin’s face as he tried to make sense of the situation; was Jisung trying to prove something? After giving it some thought though, Changbin was able to quickly put two and two together, determining that this was Jisung’s way of trying to make it up to him. Of course, cooking him a meal this one time wouldn’t suffice as a proper apology, however, he did appreciate the thought and the free food.

He took his time eating what Jisung had prepared before heading out to the kitchen to wash the plate, but to his dismay, Jisung was currently occupying the sink to wash the dishes he’d used to cook.

“How was it?” Jisung asked, a bright smile on his face as he finished rinsing the dishes and glanced over at Changbin expectantly.

“Um…” Changbin cleared his throat, awkwardly turning his head away as he spoke, “It was good, thanks.” With that, he was about to walk back to his room and come back later, but out of the corner of his eye he saw Jisung approaching him.

“I can take your plate, hyung. I’ll wash it for you.”

When Changbin looked up, he was met with Jisung’s innocent gaze, his hand held out to take the used dish from him. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything as he handed it over to him, a guilty feeling building up inside of him as he watched Jisung make his way back to the sink. It was clear that these past few days, Jisung had been trying really hard to make up with Changbin with his apologies and attempts to talk to him, and now doing nice things for him… but Changbin, on the other hand, hadn’t really tried at all to amend things with Jisung; not once did he ever think about apologizing to Jisung or even just talking it out, even though he knew he was in the wrong too. He felt better about himself when he evaded the situation as a whole and put all the blame on Jisung instead.

He felt shitty for it, but he decided to avoid Jisung yet again, going back up to his room to change. On their off days, Changbin normally liked to go to the gym to work out and today was no exception. If anything, he needed it more today than any other day to one, get away from Jisung, and two, to relieve his stress and get his mind off of things, particularly his conscience; it was really starting to get to him and it was becoming a nuisance.

Once he’d finished changing, he made his way to the kitchen to pack his things, passing by Jisung on the way, who was sitting on the couch watching tv.

“Hyung,” Jisung called from the living room, hearing Changbin scavenging through the kitchen cabinets, “I made your protein shake already. It’s by the door… and I packed you a little snack for after too.”

Changbin froze for a second at Jisung’s words, shocked that he’d gone out of his way for him yet again even though the day had just barely begun. Awkwardly making his way out of the kitchen, Changbin mumbled a quick thank you to Jisung before darting out the front door to get to the gym.

“Ergh!” he grumbled to himself as he walked down the sidewalk, frustrated by Jisung’s actions. If his goal was to guilt trip him, then he was doing a damn good job… Changbin thought a good workout would ease his mind so that when he got back home, he’d be able to go right back to ignoring Jisung, but no. Every time he took a sip of the protein shake, and every time he even just glanced at the snack bag Jisung had prepared he felt sick to his stomach. How could Jisung be so kind to him, when all he’d done was treat him like shit? Why couldn’t Jisung just ignore him back?

Unable to finish working out peacefully, he decided to call it quits and head home early. Maybe it really would be a good idea to talk things through with Jisung; ignorance was a bliss for a little while, but he had to admit the burden of losing his best friend over his own dumb feelings was pretty petty and it definitely didn’t feel good.

“Oh, you’re home early,” Jisung remarked as he passed by Changbin, who was making his way to his room, “I was just about to prepare a bath for—”

“Don’t,” Changbin replied solemnly, making Jisung frown.

“Is everything okay?” he asked worriedly.

“We need to talk.”

As Changbin entered his room, he quickly set his things down before taking a seat on his bed, Jisung following suit and seating himself on the opposite end of the bed to provide some space between the two of them.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Changbin blurted, his eyes glued to the floor, too embarrassed to look up at Jisung.

“Why wouldn’t I be? You’re my friend so of course I’m gonna be nice to you…”

“But you’re being particularly nice today…”

“Well… it’s just… I really missed you… you were being so distant after our fight and just… I don’t know, I was scared that I’d lose you if I didn’t do something.”

Changbin’s heart ached at Jisung’s words; Jisung really did care about him a lot more than he gave him credit for. In the end, Changbin was the one not giving a care about Jisung and completely disregarding his feelings.

“No wonder Chan likes you,” Changbin scoffed, his eyes welling with tears as he continued, “Who would like someone as selfish as me… someone who doesn’t even know how to properly express his feelings or contain them when he needs to?”

“Changbin…” Jisung whined, scooting closer to him to place a comforting hand on his shoulder, “I don’t think that’s—”

“Listen Jisung, all of this is my fault, I’m sorry,” Changbin sniffled, “I shouldn’t have lashed out at you about going out with Chan and I shouldn’t have said all that stuff about him using you, I was just jealous. Who you date, who you have feelings for, who you have sex with, all of that isn’t my business, and I shouldn’t have gotten upset that you never told me anything… I didn’t tell you anything either so I was also being a hypocrite. I’m really sorry, Jisung.”

“Changbin, it’s okay… I’m not mad that you didn’t tell me. It’s just… if I had known you were into Chan I wouldn’t have gone for him. I think I’m more upset that you didn’t tell me you were sick… I’m sorry that I haven’t been doing a good job showing it with all my sneaking around and doing things behind your back, but I do care about you a lot, and finding out about your hanahaki disease when you’re already in the fourth phase is really concerning… why haven’t you said anything about it this whole time? What if you died?! You did such a good job hiding it too, I would’ve never known…”

“Well, if it was bad enough I was going to get the flowers removed. I already started looking into it actually. The truth is though, I didn’t tell you because…” he trailed off, letting out a sigh before continuing, “You know what… I should just tell you everything. After all you’ve done for me you deserve to know.” Taking a deep breath, Changbin prepared himself to explain his situation with Chan. He knew it would probably end in another flare, or maybe multiple, but now that Jisung knew the jist of things it was a lot easier to discuss the sensitive topic with him.

“So, it was shortly after we’d started making recordings for 3racha that I’d first taken an interest in Chan. At the time, liking a guy was pretty foreign and so I assumed that what I felt wasn’t romantic or anything like that. I thought I was just admiring Chan as a good rapper, producer, and leader. Over time though, my feelings for him started to grow stronger and maybe about a year ago, I realized that I genuinely liked Chan, and that I really am sexually attracted to men. Obviously, seeing as I’m terrible with expressing my feelings, I tried to subtly hint at it and initiate hang outs and what not, but really, nothing was happening between us. He seemed completely oblivious to my feelings and we kind of just stayed as friends… until the Christmas party this past winter.

After dinner had finished and everyone was hanging out down stairs, Chan pulled me aside and took me to one of the bedrooms upstairs. He said he’d stayed there before with JYP when he had events to go to in the morning. Prior to the party, we talked about buying each other Christmas gifts, but agreed on not getting each other to be frugal, and instead, just spending time together or something like that. Since we weren’t buying each other anything, I just decided to make him something really small, a bracelet. I’d made us matching ones and while we sat together on the balcony of that room, I gave it to him. From there, everything escalated; it started with him holding my hand, and then a kiss… and then next thing you know we were in bed together…”

Changbin paused for a moment, feeling the dreadful sensation that he’d been patiently awaiting starting to surface as his thoughts surrounded that night with Chan.

“Hey,” Jisung spoke feebly and gently rubbed Changbin’s back, sensing his unease, “You can take a break if you need, there’s no rush. Just breathe, and clear your head.”

“No, I’m okay…” Changbin sighed after inhaling deeply, “I’d rather just get this over with.”

Jisung nodded in acknowledgement before Changbin continued, “He never told me anything that night in regards to feelings or anything like that, and of course, I wasn’t going to be the one to ask, so I just left it. I kind of just assumed that if Chan was the one to make the advances, then it meant he liked me, but apparently I was very wrong to jump to a conclusion like that. Once we started getting back to work after the holidays finished, nothing. I’m not sure if I’m just being subjective about the situation because I was hurt, but it seemed as though Chan had actually become distant and a lot less… friendly with me. He was still nice, as always, but he didn’t talk to me as much as before and he didn’t text as often… he only texted me about work related things.

A few weeks after that, just barely into the new year, was when I developed the first symptoms of hanahaki disease. It was the worst in the beginning; I went from phase one to two in less than a week, but after that, I was able to keep it somewhat under control… I managed to stretch out phase two and three over the span of six months or so, with just occasional flares when I’d have major interactions with Chan. Before my recent recording with Chan, I was actually doing really well and hadn’t had a flare in almost a month. I thought I’d finally recovered to be honest… but y’know the matching bracelets I made for us? I still carry it with me in my pocket and when I was leaving the recording room, I accidentally dropped it and he picked it up for me… and then he commented on how I don’t wear it anymore… which bothered me because he only wore his for like, the first week after I gave it to him.

And also, I figured out that you went to see him the night before my recording, because I went to check on you right before I went to sleep, but you were gone. I didn’t think too much of it at first, but when I asked you about it the next morning, your reaction made me suspicious. Chan also seemed a little more tired than normal during our session so I kind of put two and two together. Finding out you and him were going out made my disease flare again, and worse this time… My fifth stage flowers actually started blooming last night, when you went home with Chan after practice. I went through stage four in less than a week, just like I did with stage one, but breathing and coughing up the petals is becoming a lot more painful these days. As for the reason I never told you about any of it, is because for one, after my encounter with Chan, I didn’t want to admit to anyone else that I was gay, and then I didn’t tell you I was sick because I thought you’d see me as a pathetic loser who’s so hung up on some guy who doesn’t even like him back.”

“Changbin…” Jisung whined, hurt that Changbin felt that way about himself, “You’re one of the strongest people I know, I would never think of you as a pathetic loser. You’ve literally been suffering for over six months on your own and you hid it so well that I didn’t even have a clue. I wish you didn’t have to go through all of that, but the fact that you could bear that is amazing… If I were you, I don’t think I would’ve been able to handle something like that by myself.”

“Thanks, Jisung… but I still think I’m pretty pathetic. I even got mad at you and blamed you because of my own jealousy…”

“If I had to go through what you’ve been through, I’m sure I would’ve done the same, you don’t need to beat yourself up about it… it’s really okay. The big issue now is figuring out how to help you recover. You know, I was thinking that you were right though, about only having spent a few days together with Chan and that I might be delusional about us, so I decided that I should just give him up on him, and then you’d have an easier time—”

“No!” Changbin blurted, turning sharply to Jisung and finally looking him in the eyes, “Don’t give up on Chan. You guys definitely have something special that he and I never had… I told you Jisung, everything I said before was just a load of bullshit that I blurted because I was just jealous of you. You should be with Chan if you really like him… d-don’t let me stop you.” Changbin could feel himself getting choked up, his eyes welling with tears again as he thought about what he’d just said. He did genuinely support Jisung and wished him happiness in his endeavors with Chan, but on the inside, it still hurt… he wanted more than anything to be in Jisung’s shoes, to be the one Chan liked.

“Hyung… don’t cry…” Jisung pouted, grabbing Changbin’s hand and squeezing it tight, “How can I pursue Chan if it hurts you like this?”

Breaking eye contact once again, Changbin hung his head, letting his tears fall down into his lap. He could feel his chest tightening with each sniffle, a growing pain in his thoracic region soon accompanying, making his face twist in pain. Jisung didn’t fail to notice the few petals that trickled past Changbin’s lips after letting out a few small coughs, so reaching for the small trash can that Changbin kept in his room, he knelt on the ground, placing the small bin down just between Changbin’s legs before comforting him through the painful process.

In a matter of seconds, Jisung noticed Chanbin become noticeably tense, the excruciating sensation he felt written clearly on his face as he expelled a bundle of petals into the container, right in front of Jisung.

“I,” Changbin started, obviously still in pain as he gasped for air, “I’m s-sorry you… had t-to see that.”

Jisung’s lips began to quiver and a lump formed in his throat as he stared at the green and blue petals piled in the bin, some of which were speckled with small, red blood stains.

“J-Jisung…?” Changbin addressed worriedly, “Why are you crying?”

Jisung hesitated to answer, sniffling and trying his best to collect himself before attempting to speak, “It’s so painful…” he looked up at the older boy through his glossy, tear stained orbs, “To see my best friend, and one of the strongest people I know suffering this much.”

* * *

The rest of the day went well. Besides the abundance of angsty emotions surrounding Changbin’s situation with Chan, everything was good. With Jisung and Changbin’s close relationship finally restored after their absence of communication for the past few days, they decided to celebrate by going out to dinner together.

“Good choice eating here, hyung,” Jisung hummed contentedly as he dug into his food.

“The last time we came here was for your past birthday, so I figured it’d be nice to come again,” Changbin nodded in agreement.

The boys were quiet as they ate, but of course, the silence was different from that of before; the atmosphere was light and comfortable, with two best friends simply enjoying each other’s presence as much as they were enjoying their food.

It didn’t take long for them to clean their plates, the two of them slumping into the big, cushioned seats of their booth as they waited for their waiter to come back with checks. They sat again in a comfortable silence for a few minutes until it was broken by Changbin’s phone buzzing loudly against the table. He sat himself up properly as he reached for the vibrating device to check who was calling, but when he saw the name displayed on the screen he almost had to do a double take to make sure he wasn’t crazy.

“Who is it?” Jisung spoke up, noticing Changbin’s sudden change in expression.

“It’s…. Chan,” he uttered.

“Answer it,” Jisung replied calmly.

Changbin was starting to look a little pale, the life completely sucked out of his features as he swiped his thumb over the screen to answer the call and lifted his phone up to his ear.

“H-hello?”

“Thank god, you actually answered,” Chan let out a sigh of relief before continuing, “How are you?”

“Uh… I’m okay…” Changbin replied nervously, “W-why?”

“Jisung told me you guys fought, so I kinda just wanted to check up on you… my gut feeling was telling me that it had something to do with me.”

“O-oh…” Changbin stuttered, taken aback by Chan’s statement. Although he was right, Changbin didn’t want to outright say, ‘yes, it had to do with you,’ but at the same time, he didn’t know what else he could say. As he pondered over what his next words should be, he ended up creating an awkward silence in the conversation, which Chan ended up having to break.

“Um… well if you don’t mind, we could meet up and talk about it tonight. I have a few things I’d like to say to you too.”

Changbin gulped at the proposal, still feeling anxious about the idea of facing Chan in a non-work environment. It’d been nearly half a year since they'd had a genuine conversation just for fun, and that was a little while before their one night stand… after that incident, he really didn’t know what Chan thought of him and it scared him enough to avoid speaking with him all this time.

Just as he’d been doing, once again, he decided he felt more comfortable avoiding Chan, but without a valid excuse he ended up telling him, “I’ll think about it…”

“Alright. If you decide you wanna talk, just text me. I’ll see you later,” was the last thing Chan said before hanging up, and Changbin let out a sigh of relief as he set his phone back down on the table.

“What’d he say?” Jisung inquired, seeing as Changbin wasn’t going to mention it if he didn't ask.

“He wanted to meet up and talk… so I told him I’ll think about it,” he replied nonchalantly, shrugging it off and hoping Jisung wouldn’t prod further… but of course he did, it’s Jisung after all.

“Why don’t you do it?” Jisung asked bluntly.

“I can’t face him…” he sighed, defeated, “I’m a fucking coward.”

“You’re not a coward,” Jisung assured, “Approaching a crush is nerve-wracking for anyone, but I think it’s hard for you to get over Chan because you lack closure with him. You’re probably scared because you feel like Chan has negative feelings toward you, but I’m ninety-nine percent sure he doesn’t. You should ask him what really happened after your one night stand; I’m sure it's not as bad as you think it is.”

“I don’t know, Jisung… It’s been months already…”

“Better late than never.”

Letting out another sigh, Changbin decided that maybe Jisung was right. Everything he'd said about him being scared and lacking closure was true and honestly, even though he was able to put it off for a long ass time, he did want to know what Chan thought of him and what had really happened between the two of them.

Reluctantly, Changbin reached for his phone and quickly scrolled through his archive of text conversations to find Chan’s. Upon finding it, he clicked on the text box and slowly began to type: “I’ll be free in about an hour if you still want to talk.” He could feel his heart pounding against his chest as his thumb hovered over the send button, still debating if he should follow through or not.

“You’ll be okay,” Jisung spoke up, placing a comforting hand over Changbin’s, seeing that he looked distressed, “In the end, you’ll be relieved that you talked to him. If you don’t do it, you’ll probably regret missing the opportunity… right?”

With that, Changbin let out a deep sigh as he nodded at Jisung and finally hit send on his message. He knew Jisung was right, and he knew that he would feel better afterwards, but that didn’t take away from the fact that he was nervous as hell right now. Only moments after he set his phone back down on the table, it buzzed again, nearly giving him a heart attack as he glanced over at the bright screen.

[Chan 7:46 PM]: I’ll be there by 9

|| Ch 1 || Ch 2 || Ch 3 || Ch 4 || Ch 5 || Ch 6 ||

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angelwars11 · 5 years ago

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At Ara'Novor (Part 3)

What's up what's up everyone!!💯 We're fucking back with the 3rd and final part, the ending to At Ara'Novor 🎊 I wanna say something before you all read this. This story was created over 2 MONTHS ago: planned and started in December to 3 parts completed and posted in January. This story has been an amazing journey with my Captain @colorfulloverbatturkey and I literally would not have made this story without having meeting her, she's literally the best; the story is emotional and can pack quite a punch to the feels of any Star Wars nerd or Fanfic reader!

The 3rd part was made super long anddddd... There's a special BONUS at the end for our loyal readers, anyone who's followed and read this story from the very first post. The BONUS is a gift to all of you💕 my fingers are tired now from typing so here it is! I finally give to you *drum roll* At Ara'Novor part 3 and BONUS. Content warning: (ooo, our first one😱🤣) There is cursing in this part (not Star Wars universe related) I mean like, the F-word and stuff. Also, we've snuck in a Rex thirst scene for all our fellow Rex lovers😍 (not explicit or anything but still, here's a warning)

Btw! Here's a link to part 1! And here's a link to part 2!! Enjoy!! 👋🏼 "I'mma head out."✌🏽 *gives a two fingered salute and uses instant transmission*

Previously.... On "At Ara'Novor". Cody made it back to the village and told General Kenobi Rex was missing was a little girl. Cody sends out Jesse and Kix to retrieve them and bring them back. Rex spends some quality time with the little girl, he soon learns her name is Eida, and they bond over a long conversation. Kix and Jesse finally reached them.

*echoing footsteps*

"Captain? Rex, are you ok?" Kix said, spotting his Captain on the floor before him. Silence was the only response he'll receive so he rushed over to Rex immediately, crouching down next to him to start, he obviously needed treatment right away. He was about to lift Rex‘s hand off the wound when he cocked his head to the left and hissed, "Her first, I'm ok." Kix eyed him doubtfully, but proceeded to get up, appeared on Rex’s left and kneeled down before the shivering girl. He took off his helmet, "Hello there little one, is it ok if I examined you real quick? It won’t hurt, I promise!“ Kix smiled. He treated many children during other raids and commissions, and the practice of trying to help and calm down scared vod made it easier.

He knew how to comfort patients. Eida looks up to Rex for reassurance, and when he nodded, she looked back to the medic and said with a trembling voice, "Okay…" Kix smiled and pulled a blanket out of his bag and handed it to Eida, who gladly took it and wrapped it around herself. She sat patiently as Kix checked her heart, her pulse, and her lungs. He also checked her reflexes and shone a flashlight in her eye, after which she blinked furiously. Kix chuckled "Ur all done, kid. you got a few bruises and you’re probably still in shock, but you’ll be able to sleep it off.“ Kix knew she didn't understand what "shock" was but sleep, definitely. Poor thing looked exhausted.

Eida snuggled back into the warm blankets and stares at the medic. She was looking at Kix's face and tries to process something, then Jesse takes off his helmet as well, this confirmed her suspicions and her eyes grew even wider, "You all look the same!“ She pointed in awe, looking between the three.

"As I said, they’re my brothers!“ Rex said, smiling as best as he could in his state, but it looked more like a grimace and Jesse smirked at Eida. "Sir, you’ll have to take your hand off so that I can inspect the wound.“ Kix said, kneeling beside the Captain, opening his bag and pulling out tools. Rex hesitated because he had his hand on the wound for so long and he was feeling a little nervous, but he did it anyways with a hiss. Shaking with effort he slowly moved his bloodied hand away from the sticky, painful wound. Kix shone another light onto the injury, inspecting it. "Kriff, I think we have no choice but to start treatment right away. You’ve been sitting here far too long!“ He murmured, handing the flashlight to Jesse so that he had free hands.

"You mean… perform surgery? Right here?“ Rex said, his eyes widening for a second and he shivered. It's starting to hurt quite a lot again. "Yes, Sir, if you try to move the wound it'll only get worse. It is cauterized, but still sensitive, and it's in a place where it will only rip open further if jolted wrong. We’ll have to perform mild surgery here.“ Rex took a deep breath. Don’t be whiny. You’re a soldier and you’ve been worse off than this. He thought to himself. Rex looked over to Eida, who was staring at the wound with terrified eyes. When she looked up at Rex, he said "Kid, I need you to go outside, this could turn really nasty, I don’t want you to see that." Eida's eyes widened even further, and tears started to form once again.

"No! Don’t hurt him!“ she whined, shuffling closer to Rex and wrapping her hands around his left arm. "We’re not gonna hurt him, we have to treat his injury. We have anesthesia, uhh, something that'll block the pain. Don’t worry.“ Jesse reassures her, he walks over to Eida, extending his hand for her to take. "No, I'll stay!“ she refused and clung to Rex‘s arm even tighter, Rex held in a slight groan as her nails dug into his forearm, but she wasn't the reason, it was the goddamn wound. It's hurting more. "Kid, please you really should'–" Rex started, but then Eida crossed her arms over her chest once again, pouting.

He sighed in defeat. Knowing that arguing with this girl was pointless. "Fine. But please, go over there, you really shouldn‘t watch something like this.“ He said, nodding to Jesse behind her. Eida accepted his terms and slid further away from the three men, still looking at Rex. He smiled back at her reassuringly, only to flinch a second later when Kix started to sterilize the wound. Here goes nothing Rex thought, focusing on a spot on the ceiling as Kix injected a bit of anesthesia close to the wound. "Sir, just so you know, we can only use a bit of anesthesia here, because this particular anesthesia doesn’t do too well if combined with bacta, and we don’t want your injury to get worse. So, I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm afraid you’ll have to fight through this one." Rex rolled his eyes.

Of course. Great.

Kix started by delicately removing pieces of dirt, shrapnel and other things that don’t belong in a body from the wound with tweezers. "This–isn't so bad." Rex murmured to himself. However, he could still feel every little thing Kix was doing. that's going to be a problem. "Yeah, about that—there seems to be some form of unusual crust in some places, an infection's starting to develop… we’ll have to cut those away, otherwise the bacta-spray won’t properly help with the healing…“ Kix said, glancing at Rex sideways, only to be met with a neutral expression. "So… it’ll...hurt, probably. Sir.“ Kix said. "Yeah no kidding, just get on with it so we can get out of here!“ Rex gritted through his teeth, letting his head fall back against the wall again. "Yes sir. “ Kix said. He quickly grabs a scalpel and steadies his breath. "I'm gonna start now.“

It was completely quiet in the room as Kix slowly cuts away the crust of the wound and placing the pieces on a towel. The only thing that could occasionally be heard was when the Captain's breath caught in his throat whenever Kix hit an extremely painful spot. Kix was almost done cutting away the last bit of crust when...

*ACHOOOO*

Rex let out a blood curdling scream when Kix’s scalpel dug deep into his flesh, startled by the pain and the sudden noise of Eida sneezing. "God dammit!!" Rex slammed the back of his head into the wall behind him and he whined, the wound in his abdomen was burning with incredible and unbearable pain. He moaned and rocked his head side to side and tries to ignore the raging river of lava deep within his abdomen, "Kriffing…. K-K-Kriff… F-F-Force." he was trembling violently as the pain smacked him in rough waves, like an ocean during a storm. Jesse immediately rushed to Rex’s side, holding him down by the chest and trying to calm him while Kix was quickly wiping away the fresh blood that was oozing out of the wound. Rex whimpered when Kix grazed the jagged edges of broken skin and he stared up at the ceiling.

All the while Eida walked backwards, away from the man she had hurt. "M- I'm sorry I–" Eida whimpered, moving closer to the still grunting Rex "I–I didn’t–" "Just be quiet!“ Kix shouted, he didn't mean to but it was the stress. He tries to get the scalpel out of Rex while Eida ran out of the room towards the exit, her cries filling the entirety of the cave. "Kix that really wasn’t–kriff!" Rex screeched at Kix, only to be cut off by the excruciating pain coming from his abdomen.

*panting*

"Jesse *chokes* go after her…dont–fuck! Don’t let her run away!“ He was squeezing his eyes shut, trying not to move so Kix could patch him up again. Rex held his breath but let it out very quickly as his lips trembled, his head hurt and it was just everything. Everything hurts, force, why does it hurt so much. Jesse made sure Kix would be alright on his own before he grabbed the blanket the girl dropped and jogged after her, the tiny sobs still echoing off the walls.

Rex's breaths were drawn in and out in shallow gasps and panting, the wound was burning. "Hey, Rex, I need you to breathe for me. I know it hurts but you gotta take a breath alright. " Rex took weak, shallow breaths, heat surrounded his wound and it hurt so badly, but he followed Kix's direction well. Kix moves to grab the medical equipment again but Rex was trembling too much. Not good, not good at all ori'vod. So he placed his hand on his shoulder to calm him. "Sorry sorry. " Rex apologized and tried again, Kix only nodded in an encouraging manner. That seems to work. Rex stilled and Kix continued what he was doing before while his brother kept up tranquil and steady breaths; he just hoped that Jesse caught up with the kid in time.

Jesse found Eida sitting at the exit of the hideout, her cheeks and nose bright red from the cold and probably the crying. She was resting her head on her knees, leaning against the wall to her right. Jesse carefully sat down beside her and put a hand on her shoulder, to which she flinched. “Hey–it’s ok. It’s only me.” Jesse cooed, taking his hand off her shoulder to drape the blanket around her, protecting her from the crisp night air. They both sat in silence for a while, looking at the dark forest trees that hovered above at the top of the ravine. “I'm sorry. " she suddenly apologized, followed by a sob. “It’s not your fault, ad'ika. Accidents happen, don’t blame yourself.” Jesse said calmly, turning his head to face her. “He got hurt because of me! I didn't want to hurt him." Eida sobbed, new tears forming and rolling down her cheeks.

“Rex is fine, I checked up on him. He was just startled, nothing more!” Jesse half lied, kind of. Rex was hurt but he'll pull through and Jesse figured that lying was definitely okay in a case like this. *sniffles* “Really?” she quietly asked, wiping her face with her hands. “Yep, he’s okay. Honestly, I was about to sneeze as well, it’s verrrrryyy, dusty down there!” Jesse joked while wiping his nose and Eida let out a giggle. “So, are you ok now ad'ika? Wanna go back inside? I think they should be done by now.” Jesse smiled, standing up and offering his hand to pull her up. She was hesitant. “Aren’t they going to be mad at me?” She asked, her worried eyes looking up at him. “No, I promise.” He replied, and she took his hand and he pulled her up with ease.

They walked back inside to see Rex sitting upright, wearing a fresh set of blacks. Slightly pale but a bit of color had returned. A medical patch was visible through the tight fabric where his wound was. Kix was putting away all the supplies when they both lifted their gaze to the figures walking inside the room. “Hey! There you are!” Rex smiled warmly at the sight of Eida. She walked over to him in tiny steps and mumbled “I'm-I'm sorry.” keeping her gaze to the ground. “What for, ad’ika?” Rex questions, wanting to lift the child’s spirit. “Yunno…when I sneezed.” she explains, looking up at the two men. Kix kneeled down beside her and with sincerity he said, “No, I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that, you did nothing wrong. I'm sorry.”

Eida was hesitant, then extended her arm,"I accept your apology, sir!” She was obviously trying to sound grown-up. Kix chuckled at that and took her little hand to shake it lightly. She then turned to Rex, taking a seat beside him, looking back and forth from his face to his covered up injury. “Are you feeling better now?” She asked, pointing to his stomach. “It still needs to heal, but yes, I am feeling better.” He smiled. His brothers stood behind the two and watched the cute interaction.

– – –

A few minutes later, they had everything packed up, Rex was wearing most of his armor again, for warmth and protection, and he was being supported by Kix; after insisting that he could walk alone and almost falling over. Eida was getting sleepy and the night air was extremely cold, so Jesse carried her on his hip and it seemed so paternal. Her head lolling slightly with each step that he took. Rex leaned heavily onto Kix and whimpered, this worried his brother. "What's wrong?" Rex tilted his head and shook it dizzily, "F-F-Feel hot. " Kix felt his forehead and murmured to himself. His hand felt amazing to Rex and he moaned with a sigh. Jesse looked over, "What?" "He has a fever, we need to hurry it up a bit." Kix walked a little faster while dragging Rex along, Jesse followed and tried his best not to jostle around the sleeping child.

– – –

Corel Village

Time: 0740 (7:40 p.m.)

The sun had completely set hours ago and it was so cold. A lot of voices echoed from the huts surrounding the outer part of the village, this is the part Rex and the others passed by. They overheard the villagers discussing plans, comforting each other and tucking in the children. They also heard footsteps that could be identified as military boots pounding into the dirt and the voices of many brothers speaking through their helmets with hushed voices, talking about further actions and how much they wished they were on a warmer planet. As soon as the four walked further into the village they were immediately recognized and spotted by two brothers in 501st blue, who approached them in a hurry. “Captain Rex, sir! Jesse! Kix! You found him." One of them gaped, it was Tup, one of the shinies. He strolled around to Rex’s right and supported him with his left arm. “He needs to lie down, come on Captain.” Kix led them to the nearest shelter.

Dogma, who was the second approacher, started to walk with Jesse. He was still carrying the now sleeping child. “So, what happened?” Dogma asked in his usual loud and nosey voice. “Shh, keep it down will you? She's asleep!” Jesse hissed, gesturing to the girl. “Right. Sorry.” Dogma replied, now more quiet. “We found them in a hideout about 15 klicks from here. The Captain was shot while trying to rescue the little one on their way there. That's all I know.” Jesse whispered. Dogma nodded. “And what now? Where do we put her?” He asked, looking at the kid and raising an eyebrow. “We are not ‘putting’ her anywhere. We’re gonna find her parents, so she can go home safely!” Jesse said, rolling his eyes at Dogma. “I don’t think that's our job. She’s back in the village, whatever happens to her is not our problem.” Dogma replied, visibly annoyed. “Leave that up to me, will you? If you won’t help me, I'll find the kid's parents myself.” Jesse said, starting to walk towards the biggest hut where he assumed the Generals would be.

He walked through the door and immediately trailed over to where the Generals and Commanders were. The group wasn't talking at the moment, they were just staring at a hologram and it looks like it's one of the masters from Coruscant.

"Yes Kenobi, when you finish up there then come back to Coruscant immediately."

"Of course." General Kenobi responded and then the call ended.

Ahsoka turned around when she noticed another's presence behind them, Jesse stood in the doorway with Eida snuggled into his arms, for a soldier who was placed into violent situations he was shockingly handling her with such care very well. Ahsoka became distracted when her eyes landed on the tiny little thing and she moved closer and chooed. "Awww, she's so precious. " And Eida made a gurgling sound and rubbed her cheek into Jesse's armor, then she sighed and stopped moving again. Anakin and Obi-Wan had noticed they came in but they were too busy talking about war issues and the call they had received a couple seconds ago.

"What's going on?" Jesse whispered. "Oh, we'll have to return to Coruscant soon after this. " Ahsoka shrugged and then stared at the child again. Jesse chuckled under his breath, Ahsoka was so predictable when it came to younger children. Sometimes. "You wanna hold her?" Ashoka nodded with such an eager movement, Jesse softly handed Eida to Ahsoka and she immediately walked over to a table in the corner and cradled the youngling. While Eida was occupied Jesse deemed the time was right to go ask Commander Cody a question. "Sir?"

Cody turned around and nodded, he was watching the generals argue again. "Yes." Jesse straightened up a little at attention, "I have a question sir, about the villagers. Sir. " Jesse added an unnecessary "sir" At the end, but it was only because of stress. Cody smiled and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You can relax. The battle is over vod. " Jesse physically relaxed, shoulders slumping slightly and he sighed in relief because sometimes it hard to stay at attention when you're tired. “Captain Rex rescued this girl. ” Jesse pointed to where Ahsoka was standing. She was poking the child on the nose with a soft "boop" sound to make her laugh. She was entranced by Eida's adorableness. “We need to get her back to her parents, but we don't even know how to start to look, Sir?” He asked the Commander for a solution, perhaps he would know. Cody stroked his chin in deep thought, looking at the girl.

“Good question. No one has reported a missing child, maybe her parents are injured. Knocking on every door will take too long and will only further stress the villagers. We shall find the girl’s parents tomorrow.” He nodded and turned around to work on some reports. “And where will she stay the night, Sir?” Jesse asked, to which Cody turned back around. “Uhh, the barracks are too loud, definitely. We can’t just drop her off at a random house either…” Their conversation peeked Ahsoka's attention and she walked over to them, "I'll watch over her, she can stay with me for the night." She offered. Cody and Jesse exchanged looks and then they agreed. "Alright Commander, good luck." Cody smirked and walked away. Jesse placed his hand on Eida's forehead and sighed, "Well, guess I gotta head back out. Watch her for me will yah?" Ahsoka smiled, "Of course." And Jesse gave one last look before leaving the hut.

Ahsoka sat on the bench a little longer till her Master walked over and placed his hand on Eida's head. "Hm, and who dropped this little one off?" Anakin smiled to himself when the little girl snuggled closer to Ahsoka. "Jesse did. I'm taking care of her till tomorrow, then we're going to look for her parents." Anakin nodded and slipped away, "Well, get some sleep snips. The both of you." Then he left the hut with just Ahsoka and Eida still inside.

Rex's POV

Rex laid on a cot in one of the many shelters. He felt hot again and he was confused on where he was, he thought he was back in the Hideout with the kid but then he looked to his left and saw a brother. He was laying next to him on another cot and didn't look too good either.

"Hey vod, looks like you finally woke up." His brother waved at him with a wonky smile. Looks like he was on drugs. "Uhh–" "Hey! Don't bother, he's conked out too!" Another brother on his right side yelled and then silenced himself when Coric walked past them. He gave them a suspicious glance and smiled with enjoyment, then he walked away.

"Shitttt, now look what you did! He's going to get Kix!" The drugged brother on the left hisses at the other. Rex stared at the ceiling in exhaustion, why are they so goddamn loud. "It's not m-m-my fault!" The other brother on his right yelled and then crossed his arms over his chest with an "umph", there was a shuffling sound and then a raspy and brute like voice from the cot on the other side of the tent. "Hey! Shut up will yah! Before you get us all in trouble." He demanded. Rex raised his hand and smirked when the two on either side of him sat up to defend themselves, this caused an all tent brawl of yelling insults back and forth.

*curtains shuffle*

*immediate silence*

Kix walked in with Coric right behind him, he had a sly smirk on his face when the yelling of insults quieted down. Kix walked to the middle of the room and glanced at every single one of them, giving them the stinky eye. "So, does anyone want to make anymore commotion and bring more droids down on top of us! Or are you going to be quiet." It was not a question, if one unaware and unlucky shiny opened their mouth to answer then they were all done for. A shiny who was a cot down from the brother on Rex's left sat up slightly and his mouth opened just a smidge, found the unaware shiny, and then the brother on the left from Rex launched himself over and pressed his hand over his widening mouth. "Be quiet." he whispered in warning to the vod'ika who just nodded along nervously. "Good. Now go back to sleep everyone." Kix walks towards Rex's cot with a satisfied grin, he likes having control of the patients. He was notorious for it.

Kix was checking a couple things next to Rex and then waited for Coric to finish checking up on his patient, Coric walked over and then he took some stuff out. Antibiotics. When did they get those? "Hey Rexter, stay still for us ok." Kix said and then he began to unwrap the bandages around his chest and abdomen. Coric stood away but he was ready for anything, IF anything happens at all. The bandages were unwrapped and Kix immediately started to check the wound while Coric searched for clean bandages. Rex looked down at his stomach and hissed, it looked kind of red but it was also healing at the same time. "It's infected, we'll have to use our antibiotics on it so it'll start to heal faster and then we'll bandage it up." Kix talked Rex through the process of what they were about to do. This usually calmed down his patients.

*panting*

"Ok." Rex nodded. Kix dabbed the alcohol onto a wash cloth and then he nodded to Coric who had a tight grip on Rex's arms. The wash cloth touches his abdomen and he yelled and groaned while gritting his teeth. The antibiotics stung like the fires of hell were dancing on top of his stomach, it hurt so bad! Kix rubbed it in and then went for MORE of the stuff and Rex couldn't handle it again. He reacted in an involuntary flight-or-fight response as he tries to get up off the cot but Coric pressed all his weight into his arms, "ahh, k-kriff! Let g-go! You son of a-a Bantha!" Coric however only smiled down at him and made a "tsk tsk tsk" Sound with his tongue, "Your insults don't scare me sir. And I've heard worse. " He calmly teased and continued to hold him down.

Kix reached down with the wash cloth in his hand, ready to wipe it on his abdomen again. Rex stared at it and then looked up at his brother's eyes pleadingly and Kix just looked at him with a blank stare. He wasn't going to pull away in mercy, that just wasn't his style. The cloth landed on the wound again and he screeched, slamming his head down into the pillow behind his head and he moaned loudly. All the clones in the tent were trying really hard to go to sleep and not piss off the medics by watching them take care of the Captain. It was very hard not to, if they managed to look away and simply ignore then they should earn a gold medal for not being intrusive. "Rex, breathe for me." Kix whispers.

*inhale*

*exhale*

"K-Kriffing…Haar'chak." He exhaled and shivered, Coric patted his right shoulder and Kix inspected the wound and nodded in satisfaction. "You're alright Vod. We should see some improvement by tomorrow. You can settle down now Cap." Kix began to wrap up his side while Coric stared at the brother behind him lying on the cot on the right side, he gave the medic something and then smirked. Rex looked over to see what the trooper gave him, in his hand was a wrapped piece of candy; the wrapping was red and has a golden stripe on it and it was round. Coric held it in his hand cautiously and when Kix spotted it he laughed to himself and snorted. "Yeah, he can have it. Apparently this di'kut says it calms those who are in pain. And guess what, his theory was actually true." Kix gathered up his equipment and Coric shrugged and tosses it over.

"Huh." Rex lazily caught the small orb and stared at it, then he glanced over at the fellow bed-ridden brother. "Do it vod. You won't regret it." He nodded with a silly grin and then leaned back so he could go back to sleep. Rex unwrapped it, observed the tiny thing and without hesitation he popped it into his mouth; with everything he went through, a little candy was the least of his concerns even though it was contraband. The chocolate melted in his mouth as the saliva began to break it down and Rex moaned in appreciation, then he turned over and snuggles down into the blankets. Kix came back around and smiled to himself.

"Guess it worked." He asked Rex. "Yeah, definitely." Kix took the rest of his stuff and touched Rex's forehead again. "Still have a slight fever. Here, drink this and it should be gone by tomorrow." Kix handed him a small cup filled with liquid. Rex tilted his head back and swallowed half of the white, pasty stuff and he instantly gagged. "Choy bu kriff!" Rex cussed and Kix snorted, he said, "It's not that bad, now take the rest of it and go to sleep. Night." And he walked away. "Goodnight Kix." Rex felt slightly disgusted, yet warm and better, the wound had stopped hurting a while ago and he was just happy. He hopes that tomorrow he'll be blessed to see Eida before they most likely get picked up by the larty. But for now, he needs some well-earned rest.

Corel Village

The next day, 0700 (7:00 a.m.)

*birds tweeting*

The beams of the rising sun warmed up the surface of Corellia, painting the landscape in a warm hue. It felt good to not be in a cold environment anymore. The troops were already up and busy cleaning up the village, aiding the injured and slowly starting to load up the ships again. Jesse and Kix were ordered by Captain Rex to pick up Eida from the main hut to help them search for her parents. When the two entered the house Eida immediately ran towards them and jumped so Jesse could pick her up. He scooped her up into his arms, "Hey ad'ika! You slept well, I assume?“ He chuckled. Eida nodded, smiling brightly, "Yep!" She wiggled in his grasp, "Glad to hear it.“ Jesse replied. "We came to pick you up, it’s time to find your parents, don’t you think?“ Kix chimed in, motioning for them to go outside. "Yes! I miss them so much!“ She said, getting excited about seeing her family again.

They walked outside and just stood there for a minute. It was quite a big village. Where would they start their search?

"Do you know where your home is? Could you point us in a direction?“ Jesse asked Eida while Kix was looking around. "Um, I don’t go outside alone, always with my family. But our house is close to a big fireplace and our house has little bells hanging on the door.“ Eida replied, trying to picture her home in her head. She then looked around, trying to remember which way they would always take to get back home. "I think that way!“ She yells, pointing to their left. They started walking in that direction, they pointed to every house and hut asking Eida " This one?“ Every time, to which she shook her head. About a couple minutes passed and Jesse thought about what they could do in the meantime. "So, what are your parents names?“Jesse asked, maybe it would help with the search. Also, he was trying to start a conversation.

"Uhh…“ Eida was confused, "Uhm, I don’t think children call their parents by their names, Vod.“ Kix replied, chuckling slightly. "Oh.“ Jesse replied dumbfounded. It surprised him every time when they were out on missions how little they actually knew about the outside world. They continued to walk for a while, pointing to more houses and asking Eida if they were hers. They reached a fireplace which was surrounded by beautifully painted benches and tree trunks. "This is the fireplace! Over there is my house!“ Eida squealed excitedly, scrambling out of Jesse‘s arms and running towards her door. The two troopers followed her, coming to a halt beside her. Eida had already knocked on the blue and yellow painted door, it had intricate swirls and circles painted onto the wood and there were purple bells hanging from the doorframe.

The girl hopped from one leg to another, when a Brunette woman, around the age of 24 opened the door. Her eyes widened immediately and she picked up Eida with a relieved sigh and held her close, stroking her hair. Kix and Jesse watched the pair, smiling. The woman looked back into the house and shouted, "Lillian! Eida‘s home!! She’s back!!“ while tears streamed down her smiling face. She turned back to the men, never letting go of her daughter and grinned, "I can’t thank you enough! We were worried sick! Thank you for bringing her back!“ Jesse stepped up to explain what happened, "Actually, Ma‘am, our Captain rescued her, not us. She was running into the forest and Commando droids followed her. Our Captain was shot, but he‘s fine now.“ He glanced over at the medic and Kix nodded.

In that moment, another woman with black, curly hair came running towards the door, and when Eida spotted her she squealed, "MOMMY!“ and practically jumped into her arms. Meanwhile, the Brunette woman extended her hand to the two men, who shook it gently. "I cannot express how grateful we are, my wife and I, we didn't want to believe she was..she didn't make it. Our two other children got hurt pretty bad, so we couldn’t leave them to go look for her yet! Please tell your Captain how thankful we are! If there’s anything we can do. "— "Thank you, Ma‘am, but it's our job. We’re glad the little one is safe now!“ Jesse replied. "Then… I'd like to at least thank your Captain personally. If it weren’t for him, She might not be… I don’t even want to think about it!“ The woman said, looking at the two soldiers with hopeful eyes.

Her wife came to stand next to her, putting her free arm around her while still holding the happy girl in her other arm. "I’d like that too! It's the least we could do." Lillian smiled. Jesse and Kix looked at each other, not sure if that was allowed and then they both shrugged and turned back to the family. "The Captain is in one of our shelters, he’s still healing, but I don’t think he would mind saying goodbye to Eida!“ Jesse replied while turning to gesture in the direction where the shelters were. "We should go now since we are leaving quite soon.“ Kix suggested, checking the time. The two women looked at each other, silently communicating. "I’ll come with you, my wife has to stay with the other kids.“ Lillian replied. The Brunette nodded, thanking the soldiers one last time and gave her daughter a pat on the head and her wife a kiss, then headed back inside when she heard their son cry.

*door closes*

– – –

The four were on their way back to the shelter. During their walk, they talked about the attack on the village and about the rescue of Eida. The two men found out that Lillian helped to fight off the droids while her wife tried to find all the village younglings and helped the injured. "That was very noble of you." Jesse respected her. They arrived at the shelter a few minutes later and went inside to discover it was way more empty than it was when Kix was last in there; most of the beds were empty and a few troopers were already starting to put away equipment and getting ready for pickup. To their left was Rex. He was sitting on his bed leaning against the wall behind him, reading a holopad.

When Eida spotted him she wiggled out of her mom's grasp and ran towards him, jumping onto his bed, to which he dropped the holopad; startled by the sudden movement. When he spotted Eida though, he smiled brightly.

"Hey there ad‘ika! Glad to see you’re okay!“ He said warmly, putting the holopad beside him on the table. "Yes! Your brothers brought me back to my home! That’s my mommy!“ She said excitedly, pointing to Lillian, who approached the bed. She extended her hand to the Captain, who took it and offered a small bow of his head. "Captain, you have our eternal gratitude. Without you, our daughter would've never made it home. Everything you and your troops have done to protect the village will never be forgotten." Lillian gestures to him and to the many men gathering their equipment with a soft, motherly smile on her face. The gratitude was gleaming brightly in her eyes like the hot orb of Helios. Rex felt warmth crawl up to his cheeks. Not many people thanked him for his work and his sacrifices, he'd accept awards, medals and even the Jaig eyes that now rested upon his helmet but they were definitely not like this. He looked at her and then at Eida.

"Uh–Thank you, Ma‘am. But this is our job, it’s what I was trained to do. I’m glad to know that the little one is safe!“ Rex smiled, trying to sound formal. The woman smiled back. "If there is anything you’ll ever need, our family will forever be in your debt.“ She replied sincerely. Rex looked at her and wanted to reply but figured it would be best to just simply nod in appreciation, so he did. They both smiled at Eida, who was playing with a bandage that she found at the edge of the bed, trying to neaten it up again. The three of them kept a light conversation for a few more minutes when a trooper in 212th colors approached Rex‘s bed and stood at attention.

"Sir, everything is being packed up and brought back to the ships, we‘re leaving at 01000“ He said, handing a datapad to the Captain. "Understood. Thank you. " Rex dismisses the trooper before reading the pad.

The trooper saluted, Eida watched the military gesture before he walked away to help with the packing. "Well, I guess I better get up, before they put me away along with the medical supplies.“ He joked, starting to get up. "And I think it's our time to leave, tell the Captain goodbye Eida.“ Lillian said to her child, who was looking up at Rex with big wet eyes. "Can you stay?“ Eida asked, tears welling up. *sighs* Rex wished he could. He didn’t want to hurt the child. Don't get attached. he thought, but he knew it was already too late.

He would definitely miss the little ad‘ika. "I… gotta go home, just like you did little one.“ Rex sighed. He couldn't give her the, "I'm a soldier and I have a duty" speech, she was too young to understand. But the one thing she definitely would never hear from him is the truth, that he was "a slave to the Republic and had no choice but to follow his Superior‘s orders". "Will you… will you come back? Please?“ the little one sniffled. Haar'chak! Why was this so difficult? It broke Rex’s heart. He would love to come back. But he knew he wouldn't live long enough to do so. "One day, I will. We'll see each other again, little one. Ok?" Was all he could say. It was a lie, he couldn’t promise anything. But he couldn’t bare to look at the child's eyes and see her heart break.

*sniffles*

Eida started to cry and crawled over to the Captain to hug him, trying to hold back her sniffles as good as possible. Rex was startled at this, he wasn’t used to hugs, but he smiled down at her and patted her head. "Ok." Eida responded with a sigh into his chest and smiled to herself, Rex's core felt warm; like something in his heart was budding, he's had this feeling before when he bonded with his brothers between battles and during cadet training on Kamino. It made him feel good, like he was just, happy.

Entrance of Corel Village

01000 (10:00 a.m. Larty pick-up)

The ships were fully loaded and ready for takeoff by the time 10 a.m. rolled around and all the villagers gathered at the front to say farewell. The Generals along with Commander Cody, Commander Tano and Captain Rex spoke with the Village Chief, saying their goodbyes. "Your village should be armed and prepared well enough. If they come back, we'll send assistance if able to. The Separatists are relentless.“ General Kenobi informed the Chief kindly. "Thank you, General Kenobi. Your help is much appreciated. If there is anything you should ever need, our village is forever in your debt." The Chief smiles, he offered the Generals' a small bow. The Jedi mirrored the gesture while the two Clone troopers stood at attention and saluted. Eida watched the military gesture from the crowd once again, she was surrounded by her family.

All the troopers lifted themselves up into the larties and looked down at the villagers. The younger villagers cheered and waved. Commander Ahsoka joined her crew in the 2nd larty with her Master. *engines starting* A few moments later, the ships lifted upwards into the sky, leaving the small village below. Force, I need to take a nap when I get back. The Captain looked out the open bay doors and stared at the ground below, the only thing he saw was a little figure running over to the empty ground where they had been, waving. "Goodbye! Goodbye Rex!" Eida screamed. Fives and the others chuckled and Jesse smiled, "Heyyy! Stay safe kid!" He yelled out, even though she might not have heard them.

Ahsoka elbowed Rex in the side. He turned to look at her and General Skywalker, "Looks like you made a friend Rex." Anakin grinned and Rex chuckled and waved back at Eida. She smiled and then lowered her hand to imitate the military salute, she memorized what the troopers did to each other. Her figure grew smaller and smaller, so far away as they lifted further away and her mothers' stood at the entrance with her siblings they were watching her. Rex smiled to himself. "Goodbye Ad'ika." And they were enveloped in darkness.

*Bay doors shut*

~Fin~

That's the end of the story!!! 🎊 *pauses* *leans over to listen to Captain* Oh. Oh! Really?! Well then, hold on folks, just wait. I just received word that there's a bonus!! Yes, you heard right, it's not quite over yet!

BONUS

Coruscant

2 weeks later

Clone troopers walked up and down the lowered ramp of the Resolute as they were docked on a durasteel platform. Everyone was moving around in patterns, hopping left and right and dodging each other when they almost collided and then they just continued on. The shinies were struggling to keep up with their ori’vod, they are more experienced in these kinds of pickups but the younger clones were not; so if they got in their way they basically got trampled. Used as doormats. Tup watches his older brothers speed walk down the long ramp and disappear into the crowd, he decided to stand next to the wall and wait till someone told him to join in and actually work. Jesse’s gaze scanned the entire pickup platform till his eyes landed on the infamous blue Jaig eyes of Captain Rex. Jesse walked up to him, as he got closer he saw that the Captain was inspecting the cargo, new supplies probably. “Sir, do you need any help with this?” Jesse asked, pointing to the shipment boxes. The Captain shot his brother a quick look and said “Yes, actually I was going to get someone to help anyways, your timing is perfect.”

“Great.” Jesse reached over and started to heave up a big, heavy crate from the transport ship and set it down outside next to the ramp. When he went back inside to pick up the next one he spotted a metal crate that had colorful splotches all over it. He read the label and said, “Hey, Rex! We got some new paint! Finally, our armor really needs some touch ups!” he lifted the crate and carried it outside as well. “It’s been a long time since you touched yours up, too. And it’s been ages since you added anything to it!” He mentioned and turned to the Captain.

Rex looked at him and picked up another crate. “I don’t really have time to worry about my armor Jesse.” he said, thinking this would dismiss the topic. “But what about adding something new, how about a little tribute to that girl on Corellia, what’s her name, uh..” “Eida." Rex said immediately, “Uh… that wouldn’t be appropriate for a Captain.” Rex added, walking back to the ship. Jesse followed him and said “Ah, come on Rex. We could give her a name...Cuyan! You could put that on there! It wouldn’t be obvious!” Jesse recommended. “Jesse, I said no. Now, help me unload this ship so we can get some rest.” Captain Rex replied, picking up another crate, leaving a frowning Jesse in the ship.

5 minutes later….

The clone troopers finished loading up the cargo and made their way back into the Resolute, some empty handed; specifically the shinies, and the older troopers were holding extra crates. Ahsoka and General Skywalker observed from the platform as their men worked and Ashoka helped from time to time but usually the men wanted to do it themselves. Either they were trying to show off to their fellow brothers or they just didn't want the Commander doing their job, Ahsoka insisted and she helped maybe 5 troopers with the work till she couldn’t find any others. “Well, that’s the last of it.” Jesse smiled at the crate he just lowered to the ground, “Guess we’re going to lift off sometime soon around dinner. Wanna join me in the mess?” Rex looked over at Jesse when he realized he was addressing him. “Oh, um, yes. After I undress and everything.” he nodded before heading towards the bay doors which led to a hallway.

*silence*

“Alright, spit it out.' Rex said, he knew Jesse wanted to say something, he just groaned in annoyance when he heard it, "I swear it wouldn't be a bad idea just to paint 'Cuyan' on your armo–" "I said no! Now drop it." Rex glared at him. Jesse raised both hands in surrender and shrugged, "Ok, fine fine." He gave the Captain a side glance before keeping up with him. Jesse exhaled and shook his head, "I'll probably just ask Kix if he'll want to do it with me then. You know, it would be nice because I don't want to be alone doing it." Jesse tried to guilt trip him. Rex just continued walking and contemplated the idea for a moment, "Yeahh, you should do that." Jesse did not guilt trip him at all, he failed.

Jesse raised an eyebrow and followed his Captain down another right turn. "Oh, and I'd like to see the design you plan with Kix. Yeah." Rex smiled and headed down a left hall towards the bunks. Jesse stood alone in the blanched, brightly lit hall and watched Rex continue forward until he disappeared around a corner. "Ok Cap. We'll see about that." Jesse smiled to himself and walked in the opposite direction towards the med-bay.

Back in his quarters, Rex unclipped his chest plate and pulled it off with ease, he's done it so many times it's like muscle memory. He had his own space and didn't sleep with anyone else, just him; but sometimes it got pretty lonely so most times he goes to the mess, the sparring room or shooting range. Anywhere where there were fellow brothers he could talk to, or he used the comm. *sighs* Rex left his armor on the bed and stepped into the shower in the next room over. A small bathroom meant for one person use only so here he was, privacy finally and no obnoxious vod'ikas. The shower turns on by a simple press of a button and hot water was sprayed out in consistent rainfall, the perfect pressure and temperature.

(Warning: Rex thirst inbound *panicking sounds*)

Rex groaned as the water got into the creases and crooks, loosening the tightness in the overworked muscles; he closed his eyes and relaxed as the water droplets dripped down his bleached hair softly and it just cascaded down upon his perfectly toned body and the water defined his well organized, worked out frame. It pretty much massaged his aching muscles, his lips parted as he inhaled deeply in relaxation. Rex slapped his palm onto the wall in front of him, closing his eyes and allowed the water to flow down the back and front of his neck. The sensation of the steamy water calms me, it just takes my mind off of things. His thoughts swirled, it was like he was standing under an everlasting waterfall. The steam lifted from the shower and floated around the room above, making the tiled floor gleam and the mirror fog up.

4 minutes later….

Rex stepped out of the shower wrapped in a white towel and made his way back into the bedroom, he shuffles on some fresh blacks and mosied on out of his bunk. He planned to go to the mess and eat something before heading up to the sparring room. A good plan for a good day. Rex walked further and further from his room until he was far from earshot. Out of the corner Jesse snuck his way around and chuckled before smashing in the code to Rex's room, how he got the codes? No one will ever know. Jesse looked over both his shoulders, making sure no one saw him before he went into the room, the door closing behind him with a *swoosh*. He looked around the room and he couldn’t remember ever being in Rex's bunk before. The room was illuminated by a light coming from the small desk; the bed was neatly made, just like the rest of the Captain's room and there was a dresser where his clothes were probably located. Jesse decided against snooping around because he didn’t want to further violate his brother's trust. He did however, spot three photos attached to the wall right over the pillow where Rex slept.

The first picture was of: Rex, General Skywalker and Commander Tano, after a battle, the second one showed Rex and a few of his brothers and Jesse could easily spot himself on the picture too. He smiled at that. The third picture showed no one, it was just a beautiful sunset; a purple sky dipped into a ray of orange and yellow, peaceful and it made Jesse feel warm just looking upon it. Jesse didn’t understand the last one though. Why would the Captain hang up a picture like that? He shrugged and picked up the chestplate from the neatly stacked pile of armor and put it on the desk before him. He eagerly puts down the paint and his brush, when he halted in his movements. Should he really do this? He and the Captain trusted each other with their lives and he didn’t want to break that trust. Jesse placed down the brush and picked up a piece of paper from a stack resting on the desk and a blue pen, and started writing. When he was done, he read it over again, smiled and sat down to start his brilliant plan.

— — —

The mess hall was loud, just like after every mission. Rex didn’t understand how his brothers could muster up the energy to be this loud after an exhausting mission. Must be all the adrenaline. He decided to block out the constant chatter and continued eating his ration bars. Rex never realized how hungry he really was until he started eating. It’s like his body pretends not to be hungry just so that he can stay focused. He was peacefully eating his meal when suddenly, three of his brothers slid onto the bench across from him. Hardcase, Kix and Jesse. Ah, here we go again…

Rex looked up at them, slightly annoyed that they disrupted his state of tranquility. They were all smiling like innocent angels. "Heya Captain!“ Hardcase said in a loud, excited voice. "Hello Hardcase." Rex answered in a normal monotone voice, continuing to eat his ration. When no one said anything else he raised his head again and asked, "How are you guys? I barely saw you the last few days. Except for Jesse. Everything's okay, I hope?“ The three troopers looked at each other and then back at the Captain again. "Yes, we’re fine, as usual. I'm sorry in advance if I am reading too much into this, but is everything alright with you, Sir? Because you don't look so fine yourself.“ Kix asked, looking at the Captain slightly worried. "Yes, I'm fine. Just very busy, nothing else.“ Rex replied, and when the trio still looked at him doubtfully, he gave them a slight smile. That seemed to sell it.

They all talked about the upcoming training and about other half–important things for a while. When the conversation shifted to an uncomfortable topic for the clone captain, he excused himself, got rid of his tray and headed back to his room. Jesse watched him leave and raised an eyebrow mixed with confusion and concern. When Rex exited the mess he felt eyes following him, but he decided not to turn around because he was way too exhausted to be bothered. Screw the sparring room. While walking he went over his mental checklist. He still needed to write a few reports and then he can finally go to bed. Rex reached his room at last and turned on the lights, scanning his room just like he always did; the Captain immediately noticed his chest plate resting on the desk—where he definitely didn’t put it—and walked up to it. Frowning, he spotted the piece of paper that was neatly placed over the piece of armor and he picked it up.

Sir,

Don’t worry, I didn’t touch your stuff. Just this chest piece. Since you weren’t going to paint your armor, I did it for you and look, you can thank me later. Hugs and butterfly kisses,

Jesse

P.S. I did look at the photos. I love you too, brother! :)

Rex rolled his eyes and started getting angry. What was this little di‘kut doing in my quarters? The next time I see him, I swear to all nine hells I– That's when Rex spotted the blue word painted on his chest piece, just above where the chest piece meets the stomach, 'Cuyan', was written in Aurabesh and looked to be very neatly done, with a few accents surrounding it. Rex wanted to be mad at Jesse for breaking into his quarters, and for vandalizing his armor, but all he could do was smile. He reached for the chestpiece and ran his thumb over the dried words.

The next day

0600 (6:00 a.m.)

The 501st was getting ready for duty. Everyone was in full armor already when their Captain stepped into the barracks. “Captain on deck!“ Someone shouted, and they all stood at attention simultaneously. “At ease, brothers.“ Rex replied, scanning the room for Jesse. He approached him immediately and Jesse was getting visibly tense. The Captain came to a halt in front of him and just when Jesse readied himself to get yelled at for breaking into the Captain’s quarters, Rex poked him in the chest once and said, “Don’t go into my quarters ever again, understood?“ He said it in a low but stern voice, Jesse looked up at his Ori’vod and he thought he was going to see a frown and eyes filled with disappointment but instead he saw the corners of the Captain’s mouth form into a smile. They looked at each other for a second, communicating without speaking, and Jesse said “Sir, yes, Sir.” and smirked.

Jesse was glad he didn’t get in trouble, he knew however Kix would reprimand him for it later but he wasn’t scared of him; until he gets his hands on a syringe. But Jesse was going to make sure he couldn’t find him for the rest of the day. All the troopers went on with their business. Carrying heavy loads around: crates, carts and machinery, they spoke with one another and quickly made way for incoming brothers who were carrying extremely heavy loads to the hangar bay. The sun was shining down on them again and the city in the distance was as beautiful as ever; hopefully they didn’t go back out into battle anytime soon and just stay here on Coruscant, where they were safe. But that was unlikely because they were soldiers.

Ahsoka waved from where she stood next to Anakin as Rex passed and he gestured back to them. Rex learned something during this commission and he was sure his brothers did too: that the ones you saved become your family in some way, they’re appreciative and never forget; especially the little ones, Eida will always remember the soldiers that saved her and her home. War has its ups and downs, negatives an all, but it can also have some positive things result from it as well. Rex passed Jesse and the boys and they all smirked at him. Captain Rex smiled back, gave a two fingered salute and they all grinned happily in response, especially Jesse. Mission accomplished, Jesse thought. Rex continued walking, he inhaled the lukewarm summer air, everything was the usual except for one thing; the Captain of the 501st seemed to be puffing out his chest more than usual, and some people even caught him smiling. What a strange thing to notice? Not something you see everyday.

The End.

Its over guys!! *falls to knees* It's finally overrrrr!! *voice echoes* This was such an amazing journey from start to finish and I just want to say, thank you for joining us! 💕💕 This was amazing and I loved every single minute of it and just.... *sniffles* My brain hurts though, just saying🤣 but anyways! THANK YOU for joining me @angelwars11 and my special Captain @colorfulloverbatturkey on this wonderful journey and I hope to see you again soon! (Not too soon though, cause I'm tired😵) Goodbye everyone!! 👋🏼👋🏼

The song down below is for y'all, this fucking story and my Captain @colorfulloverbatturkey 💕 because brahhh this is amazing and I can't say goodbye, so I'll see you again. Brah *cries* please like and comment, on this post and my partner's! And please please PLEASE reblog! Thank you all! Ok I'm actually leaving now, BYE! *teleports away*

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funtimebunnyblog · 4 years ago

Text

Diamante d’Italia: Chapter 1

After his Father "generously gave" the teenager a whopping amount of money Josuke finds himself vacationing in beautiful southern Italy.

However, being the trouble magnet he is, he ends up getting caught in Famiglia affairs.

Being so far from his home and his friends, Josuke needs to make some powerful allies to help him out of this mess...

(Chapter 1: Culture shock)

"--and remember to-"

"Yes Mom. I know." Josuke sighed into the phone, rolling his eyes. "I've got everything on me. You know I can protect myself."

They'd had this exact same phone conversation at every other airport he had called from so far. By now the teenager had memorized it all and knew exactly what his Mother was going to say.

Standing in the airport of Naples Italy wouldn't make a difference.

"Ok. But just be careful Josuke. Italy is so far from here." She said over the background clatter. "And you don't even know any Italian."

There was a crackle over the phone as she sighed, he could hear the sounds of dishes clinking in the background followed by running water.

He almost had to plug his other ear to drown out the loud voice on the intercom so he could hear her talking.

"...I know Tonio."

"That joke was horrible, Josuke."

If there wasn't the sound of dishes still being done, he would've been sure his Mother had hung up on him.

There were no words exchanged for at least a full 10 seconds and with each passing second the teenager tried harder and harder to contain every giggle that tried to escape his lips, waiting with baited breath on her reaction.

The teenager couldn't hold in his laughter anymore, wheezing a little as he leaned on the glass wall of the phonebooth.

"I know." He cackled. "But it's kinda true. Tonio told me so much about Italy! It can't be that bad here..."

A change of scenery would do him good. Especially after all he had been through in the past little while with all that serial killer mess.

He had been daydreaming about this trip, this place, but most importantly; the cuisine, for almost a month now.

After his Father so generously "gave" him his wallet upon departure of Morioh, Josuke Higashikata decided it was time for him to see some of the world.

It was definitely time for a vacation and what better place to visit than the country with food that made Okuyasu and him squabble over every single morsel cooked and served to them by Tonio.

He earned a punch to the shoulder however from Okuyasu after telling him the news. His friend wasn't spiteful however and laughed, telling him that he could finally have Tonio and his fine chef skills all to himself while he was away.

Neither of them had really looked at "normal" food that same way after tasting fine Italian food so he couldn't think of a better place to go for some rest and relaxation.

He had also heard that Italy held some beautiful sights.

Josuke promised to bring him home a shitload of souvenirs anyways. He was also considering getting something for Koichi and his Mom back home.

There was another crackle over the phone along with the running water in the background suddenly being turned off, making it a little easier to hear the woman as she spoke.

"If you say so..."

It also made it easier to hear the undeniable concern lacing her tone however.

"Say, what time is it over there anyways Mom?" He questioned, mostly out of curiosity, but also for the sake of taking his Mothers mind off of any worries she held for him.

"Just after 5." She answered with a hum, the sound of a plug being pulled and a draining sink accompanying it.

"Oh wow!" He blinked, peering out off the glass booth to squint at the overly large clock of the airport terminal. "It's only 10AM over here."

"If you're going to call home, please do it around this time Josuke." She told him, a laugh lacing her voice as she spoke. "I wouldn't appreciate being woken up by the phone at 3AM."

The Highschooler laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. He should probably write that down just in case he forgot, the last thing he wanted was to be screamed at by his Mother over the phone for waking her up in the middle of the night.

"Right..." he murmured. "Anyways. I should probably go now Mom. I'll call you from a Hotel or something tomorrow."

"Ok Josuke."

He could hear her hesitation to let him go in her voice alone.

"I'll be fine. I love you Mom. Talk soon!"

"I love you too."

He hung up the phone at last, a small smile gracing his lips.

Gripping the handle of his luggage tightly, he stepped out of the booth with his head held high.

He was worried about his Mother too of course. She was going through a lot too, especially when she was still grieving for his Grandfather.

However, once he was in possession of his newly aquired money (not stolen! Where would you get that idea?) He had given her a good portion of it and told her to spend the time he was away getting her nails done or treating herself in anyway she saw fit. She needed this little break as much as he did.

"Time to find a cab."

☆☆☆

Easier said than done.

Here he was on a sidewalk, finally into the City after nearly 2 hours of waiting for an open taxi to take him from the airport to the city, his pompador all in a stressful ruffle over the whole ordeal.

His eyes darted back and forth between the outstretched hand of the driver and the meter on the dashboard.

"120 000 Lira?!" He squawked at the cab driver, his aquamarine eyes going wide in their sockets as the man held out his hand before him.

Josuke wasn't exactly a mathematician, but he knew enough to know that amount was absurd! "Th-there's gotta be some mistake, sir! You only drove me to the edge of the city."

This was highway robbery (no pun intended), there was no way it could've been that much!

The taxi driver had rolled his eyes at him and told him otherwise, demanding he pay up or he'd drag him straight to the Police Officers who were standing idle near the Cab on the streetcorner.

Josuke peered into his wallet with a sigh from where he sat on the curb. Damnit. He'd have to think twice about taking another cab. He only had so much money to blow, necessary expenses like food and hotelrooms were his main priority, and he still needed a ticket home to Japan when all of this was over.

He'd just have to settle for walking the entire time he was here.

He tucked his wallet away safely, flicking out a comb and began to straighten out the poof of hair he so adored. He'd have to put some more hairspray in it later if things kept going like this, good thing he packed 8 whole cans.

His Lunchhour.

He stood up, grabbing his suitcase once more and keeping it close to his side.

"Well... I guess it's time to find a hotel." He mused. His thoughts were interrupted however by a punctuating growl of his stomach. He hadn't eaten much on the plane at all and from the position of the overhead sun, he could tell it was noontime.

"Ooh." He breathed, a hand moving to his stomach in surprise. "I'm running on empty..."

However, maybe it was better to ask for directions.

He supposed a Hotel would have to wait. What he really needed right now was a restaurant.

From all the stories Tonio told him about Italian cuisine and the entire culture behind it, he was sure it wouldn't be too hard to find one of those around here.

"Um- excuse me--" he tried to grab the attention of a passing man. The guy kept on walking without even giving him a side glance.

Another man approached him from behind and Josuke turned, stepping in front of him somewhat to gain his attention.

"Er... oh! Sir! A moment please, I'm--"

There went another one, very much like the first.

"Excuse me sir, could you tell me--" he started again. The man stopped in his tracks, nearly bumping right into Josuke.

"Ey! What gives?!"

"Outta my way, bastardo!"

The Highschool student barely had a chance to blink before the guy was right in his face, a fierce scowl pulling on his face.

If looks could kill, Josuke would be getting murdered in that moment.

The man grunted and shoved him further out of his way, balling his fists and grumbling to himself, too low for Josuke to hear, but the teen knew it was all in fluent Italian.

He held up his free hand in surrender, backing up and out of the way of the angry stranger.

"S-Sorry sir!" He practically squeaked. "I... I didn't mean to bother you!"

He rubbed his arm, a frown found its way to his face as he watched the furious mans back.

Sheesh. And here he thought he had been in a rough town back in Japan.

Maybe he should just start walking...

☆☆☆

He was starting to wish he took some language courses with Koichi in this years last term.

Or maybe he could've learned some basic words and stuff from Tonio, the man always seemed eager to share in the wonders of his culture after all.

Or maybe he could've not been an absolute dumbass and bought an Italian to English dictionary to use.

Or worse.

Josuke had been walking up and down the streets for nearly an hour, passing by buildings and signs galore, none of which he could read.

He was tempted to stop another stranger to ask what any of them meant, or even just plain ask where the nearest restaurant was, but he didn't want to get screamed at again.

Staring at the signs like a toddler who didn't know how to read but was trying made it all the worse.

"This is hopeless..." he grumbled, kicking at the sidewalk, sending a small stone bouncing down the white concrete.

He was actually contemplating calling his Mother again to ask her what he should do.

Maybe he could even call Tonio. Or Koichi. Or Okuyasu. Or his Nephew. Or fuck, ANYONE at this point.

Maybe he shouldn't have traveled alone and brought one of them along...

He had a feeling this was going to be a long day and he dug in his coat, whipping out his comb again. His pompadour was getting all ruffled again.

"Ei, tu."

He paused. Did someone... speak to him?

"Um... Hello?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did you say something?"

Frowning, he turned to locate the voice, finding himself facing an alleyway that lead off the street.

A figure stood there, leaned against the brick wall of a building, their eyes gleaming at him. There were others too, just two others, all of them looking at him.

The one closest to the alley entrance, a tall thinner male, looked him up and down, "Sei il ragazzo?" A question of some sort.

The one who spoke sported disheveled brown hair and clothes that were even more so, with strange sunken in eyes that seemed to hold a never ending stare. His two friends were not much different, they all had that same stare and it was locked firmly onto him.

Josuke frowned a little deeper, he didn't really understand what the man wad saying. Did he want something? Or maybe... was he trying to help him?

The Highschool student looked around before stepping into the alley, closing the distance between him and the group.

"Um... I'm sorry I don't understand." He flashed an awkward smile, looking between the three men hoping that someone could understand him or at least translate. "Can any of you help...?"

It sort of reminded Josuke of when he ate his Lunch at the neighborhood park back in Morioh.

The dogs that hung out around there would all approach him, then sit and watch, with their ears up and their backs straight, unblinking and expecting him to give them a piece of his sandwich.

He always thought it was a little creepy, but it was even creepier somehow to see it in a person.

The brown haired one pointed to the suitcase he held, "É questo?" That sounded like another question to him.

This was getting nowhere. He heaved out a sigh, throwing his hands up as he began to back away. "Sorry. I have no idea what you're saying... I-I really got to go."

The more he backed up, the more the blankness of stares seemed to disolve into... anger?

Yeah, suddenly these guys were looking pissed. All three of them were staring even more intensely into him, most especially the brown haired one.

"Prendetelo!" One of the others barked.

"Dacci le maledette droghe, cazzone!" The brunet man screeched and Josuke realized there was a fist coming for him. He stepped back quickly, the closed hand swooping loudly through the air, barely gracing his chest.

What was happening? Why were these men suddenly after him? Josuke barely had the time to consider the options of running away or trying to talk his way out of all of this mess before he was suddenly on the ground.

"Darlo a noi!"

They tried to pull the leather bag from his grasp and he pulled back harder, now full on clutching it to his chest as the fists now rained down on him.

Josuke couldn't even cry out. Everything was happening all at once. His thoughts were loud and his heartbeat was louder. The noise around him had gone to nothing but whitenoise. His only thought was to not let them take his suitcase.

And then... it all stopped. Just as quickly as it happened.

The teenager opened his eyes to find that all the kicking and punching had ceased on him. One of the men was on the ground and there was another person standing over them, yelling into his face.

But here he was. Defending a fucking stranger from a group of junkies.

Leone Abbacchio hated getting involved with common street fights. He hated it especially more when he was supposed to NOT be fighting someone today.

It was his day off after all. Bucciarati told him he could spend his time how he wanted it and he wanted some alone time.

All the Mafioso wanted to do was listen to his damn music and get some lunch when he noticed this damn idiot (obviously a tourist) trying to converse with the men.

'Just keep walking.' He tried to tell himself over and over, trying to pacify the unease building in him.

It wasn't his affair.

This was their problem.

He was a bystander.

He wasn't even in the alley.

He was on his way somewhere.

He shouldn't even give it a passing glance....

And then he watched the punk get knocked to the ground.

Now here he was, kicking the shit out of a damn dirty junkie.

Josuke winced at he the sound of a fist hitting hard against a nose, the crackle of bone filling his ears.

"FUCK OFF!"

One of the men who had been attacking him came up behind the silver haired figure and threw his arms around him in an attempt to pull him down.

Abbacchio didn't even flinch and hauled the man forward, bending so he came right over his head and smacked into the brunet who was holding the nose that was gushing with red blood.

He definitely owned up to his name then and there because to Josuke his gruff and booming voice was like the roar of a powerful Lion.

That was all it took. All three of them were clamoring to their feet and booking it down towards the other end of the alley.

It sort of reminded Josuke of that time he broke that seniors nose.

Thank God his hair was still ok though, after checking quickly he sighed in pure relief. That was truly what mattered to him, along with his luggage.

His eyes turned to his savior and he slowly got up from the hard ground, wincing as he did.

He was definitely going to hurt in the morning. He could already feel a bruise spotting on the center of his back.

"Th... Thank you." He spoke at last watching as the new stranger turned to face him at last. "I just wanted to ask for directions but I didn't know what they wanted..."

The duel coloured eyes of the man burned into him as he looked over him, making the high schooler start to sweat under the penetrating gaze.

"You... seem familiar." Abbacchio said at length. He had seen someone before with the same kinda face, he was sure of it. He squinted at the Highschool student as he wracked his brain for answers.

The teenager was sure of that. He was sure he would've remembered this man purely by the way he looked, let alone the strong and intimidating presence that radiated off him, if he had even glanced in his direction before.

Josuke blinked, his expression not unlike a deer staring into the headlights of an oncoming car.

"Um... we've never met before."

Abbacchio rolled his eyes. "Tch. No shit." He spat. "I've never seen you before either stronzo. You just seem kinda familiar."

Josuke winced slightly, averting his eyes to the ground lamely.

"Sorry."

He really hoped this guy could take a joke. He just got off the ground and didn't want to be thrown back down onto it.

He really was. For what exactly, he wasn't sure, but apologies always spilled from your lips in these kind of situations, regardless of whether you did something or not.

He broke off into an awkward laugh, shrugging as he struggled to meet the mans gaze. "I'm the only one I know who has such stylish hair like this so I don't know what would seem familiar to you."

"Whatever." The Goth finally said, shaking his head. "Judging by what just happened I can tell you're not from around here. You a tourist or something kid?"

Abbacchio folded his arms, looking him up and down again, making him painfully aware of more sweat beading on his neck.

This man was so hard to read to Josuke, kind of like his nephew in that way, he had no idea what the hell he was thinking.

"Oh sure am!" Josuke smiled brightly, a little more at ease. This guy was making some small talk with him, which was usually a step in a good direction.

A direction where he hoped he wouldn't get beat up and almost mugged again...

"I'm kinda on a vacation. I got some money and decided I wanted to see the world..." He rocked on his heels a little, studying the man before him just as much as he was him. "You live around here?"

"You could say that..." Abbacchio hummed, glancing back towards the street. "I don't exactly have a home but I live here."

"Oh!" Josuke had to refrain himself from covering his mouth after letting out that noise in surprise. He averted his gaze, absentmindedly scratching the back of his neck.

"Oh." He said, much softer this time, feeling very awkward. If only he had the ability to make the ground swallow him up. "I'm sorry...."

Leone offered no response.

"Do you like... have a place to sleep at least? Like at nights?"

"Yeah. I tend to move around a lot though." He answered vaguely. Best to keep all that extra information to himself. This brat didn't need to know the ins and outs of his life.

He nodded this time, because he did. He mostly slept at Bucciarati's house, whether upstairs in one of the guestrooms or on the mans couch downstairs.

Sometimes when out on missions, whether alone or with the others, he checked into a hotel (sometimes a Motel) and stayed there.

Other times he slept in the back of a van while on the road to or from said missions.

At least he wasn't drinking himself to death somewhere in the gutter anymore...

He turned his gaze back to Josuke who seemed a little more at ease hearing his words. He narrowed his eyes, "You're not.... in the Famiglia? Are you?"

Josuke blinked a few times. The.... what?

"Fam-eel-e-ah?"

That alone answered his question.

Who the hell other than a Mafioso sported a fucking pompadour?!

Raising one pointed eyebrow, he looked the kid over again. He never would've guessed he wasn't associated because he certainly dressed like a Mafioso.

What with that black coat adorned with those shiny golden hearts, not to mention the peace sign and the anchor as well, and that hair...

This twerp apparently...

Abbacchio huffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Nevermind. Just... watch yourself Kid. More importantly, watch your wallet."

Oh Christ! His wallet! He might've dropped it in that scuffle! Those bastards might've took it!

Josuke panicked, hands instinctively slapping his pockets in a frantic search. Ah! It was there! As soon as his hand found the bulge in his pocket, he let out a breath as relief washed over him like a warm tidalwave on the beach.

"Oh- yeah, yeah... of course." He breathed. "Th-Thanks for reminding me-" here he paused, his pale blue eyes blinking. "I never... got your name."

To his own surprise, Abbacchio complied.

"Abbacchio." He said. "Leone Abbacchio."

"Abbacchio..." Josuke tested the name out, bobbing his head as he idly scratched his chin. "Ha! Cool name. I'm Josuke Higashikata, I actually come from Japan."

The dawny eyed mans frown deepened as he contemplated telling him that his last name literally just meant "lambchop", a far cry from "cool" if you asked him, but he thought better of it.

Yeah. There was no way in Hell Abbacchio was going to try and take a crack at repeating that last name. He'd be there all day.

Just "Josuke" would have to do.

"Japan, huh?" He said aloud, more to himself than Josuke, stroking his chin in thought. "I hear the streets are much nicer there..."

The events of the past couple of months suddenly came flooding back all at once to Josuke. How he and his friends had been attacked left and right, going against all odds, all on a search to hunt down their towns serial killer.

The blaring siren of that Ambulance still haunted him in his sleep and he woke up in a cold sweat each time there came the sound of a head being popped each time it replayed in his head.

He laughed a little, forcing a smile on his face as a hand swept through his hair. "Yeah... you could say that."

Now desperate to change the subject, he decided to steer the conversation to something much lighter. Something that didn't make him remember a massacre.

Or a hand-fetishing serial killer getting his head squashed like a grape.

"You've... got quite the fashion sense." He commented, pointing to the mans open coat lined with laces and purple lipstick maybe a little rudely. "I like your eyeliner."

Leone hardly batted an eye (a well lined eye at that) at his words. If anything, he was surprised the kid didn't outright say anything like "ARE YOU A GOTH?!"

He was quite used to that one, even if the answer was yes it was still irritating.

Besides... that one little girl on the bus that time told him he looked pretty. And that was enough for him.

Or there was always the "Why are you wearing makeup? You're a MAN!"

Now that one always made him fucking furious. Just because he was "a man" didn't make any damn difference. Makeup was to make you look good so it was for everyone.

"Thanks." He huffed. Though his voice hadn't lost any of that gruffness, he truly was thankful for a genuine compliment. "I like your coat."

He wasn't quite like Koichi however. The silver haired teenager thst only came up to his hip wore his heart on his sleeve everywhere he went.

Josuke, very unlike Abbacchio who seemed indifferent to it all, blushed at the praise. His friends always told him he was very expressive and that was true.

When he was happy he walked with bounce in his step, when he was sad it all came out in tears and when he was angry... oh... he was told the sight wasn't very pretty.

"Ah, thanks. It's my school uniform, I really like it."

Here Abbacchios eyebrows shot right up, a frown twinging at the corners of his mouth. A school uniform? This kid must have been living some kind of high life, or maybe at least went to a pretty decent school, if this was just a plain old uniform.

He pursed his lips, the punk kind of reminded him of a stand-user. He had a hunch.

"I see..." he hummed, folding his arms across his chest. "You really are still just a kid then."

Bucciarati often said that stand-users (natural or otherwise) tended to gravitate towards one another. Like "strings of fate" or some cliché sounding shit.

But maybe it was possible. This kid wasn't a Mafioso... but he could very well have powers.

Like lightning striking, Josukes expression changed again. His eyebrows went together and his lips into a sort of a pout.

"I'm 16." He told the man, trying to sound as rough and tough at least as half as this stranger was (Abbacchio quirked an eyebrow, looking completely unfazed at his attempt however, probably because he just watched him get beat up). "Besides. I think I'm pretty mature..."

"I won't call you a kid if you don't call me an old man. Deal?"

This kid was starting to kinda sound like Mista. However if the punk started spewing shit about how the number 4 was unlucky, he would get as far away as possible.

He half chuckled (it was more of an exhale), coloured lips quirking somewhat into a smirk.

Josuke shrugged, uncrossing his arms as his lips pulled into a smirk of their own, cocking an eyebrow at the other.

"Hmm, depends. How old are you?" He questioned, almost playfully. The man must have been at least approaching his 30's but he wasn't sure.

"Well into my 20's." Abbacchio grunted, keeping his exact age number vague to the young teen. "But I've seen more shit than other people do in a lifetime."

For all he know he really could be an old man. He had white hair after all and certainly had the gruffness of an older man.

Maybe he was hiding some wrinkles under that makeup or something?

Only in his 20's? Jeeze... he believed that last part. Most especially when the dawny eyes suddenly locked onto his, staring at him with all seriousness.

"Listen to me, I don't really care what the Hell you do, but when you get out of school... stay away from the bad stuff. You hear me?"

Josuke swallowed, his mouth now felt way too dry, and he nodded to the man almost knowingly. He had been through some bads too... however, he couldn't help but wonder how much similarities there were between him and Abbacchio.

Leone huffed quietly, giving the kid one more solemn nod, before turning on his heel and quietly going on his way down the alley, out towards the street.

The teenager watched him go, feeling painfully out of place all of a sudden, like a puzzle piece that had been jammed into the wrong spot.

"Uh- hey!"

He didn't even realize that he had called out until Abbacchio halted in his tracks, turning to look at him with a deep frown.

Josuke fidgeted on the spot, stuffing his hands in his pockets to avoid fumbling with them out in the open and look somewhat composed under the older mans stare.

Once again, Leone Abbacchio found himself feeling surprised.

"Uhh..." he cleared his throat, trying to focus his thoughts clear enough to speak without stuttering.

"This might sound kinda weird but -uh... you wanna... like grab a coffee or something?" He smiled sheepishly at the man whose expression didn't change. "I mean, you just kinda saved my skin back there and you seem pretty cool. I don't have anybody traveling with me and... we could like... talk more? Ah- only if you don't mind!"

Ah, fuck it. He had already gone out of his way.

Normally when he was out and about and people were forced to interact with him in any way, shape or form, they tended to want to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible.

Hell, he had people practically jump out of his way sometimes when he was just walking down the street.

Plus, he was getting hungry.

He nodded to Josuke.

Josuke was now jogging up to him, the man swore he saw stars in the teens eyes to match his bright smile.

Tonio definitely didn't tell him that part about Italy...

He wasn't even sure if he had even been that long here in Italy.

Josuke did his best to keep up, Abbacchios steps were long and deliberate making him quite fast for a man who was just taking a stroll, keeping just a little behind him to avoid bumping shoulders with the people on the streets.

Abbacchio started down the alley again, waving him to follow.

"Comrades, huh?" He laughed a little. "What? You in a gang or something?"

It was meant to be a joke. Something to get his newest companion to roll his eyes and give a half-hearted chuckle. Josuke felt his stomach become as heavy as a brick when Abbacchio swiveled his head to look at him, his white hair flinging slightly over his shoulder as he stared him in the face.

The teen wondered briefly if his new ally would suddenly beat him up like those dealers tried to do and he gulped, preparing to turn tail and run as fast as he could down the street.

The former policeman frowned deeply. Did this stronzo know nothing about the mean Italian streets? The Mafia? Of fucking course he was in a Gang, did he think he was just a streetwalking freak that kicked the shit out of druggies and junkies alike for fun?

Abbacchio leaned closer, his expression radiating all seriousness.

"S-Sorry..." he muttered somewhat lamely, his voice so quiet Abbacchio probably wouldn't have heard him if he weren't so close.

Any idiot would know the true meaning to that answer and Josuke didn't consider himself an idiot.

The man grunted in response and simply kept walking, no more was said as Josuke continued to followed him down the street to this supposed spot.

On the bright side of things... he now reminded him even more of his nephew Jotaro.

Even if it wasn't in a good way...

More importantly, he was finally going to get something to eat.

#Diamante d’Italia #josuke higashitaka

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make-them-laugh · 5 years ago

Text

Code Lyoko Secret Santa

@thedarkflygon @codesecretsanta

"Long time no see, Aelita," Yumi smirked as the pink haired girl entered the library.

"I know! It's been what, since breakfast?" Aelita giggled quietly as she started pulling books from the return bin. Yumi laughed too before she turned to help a patron find something. When she came back, Aelita was frowning at her phone.

"Let me guess. Jer's flaking on date night," Yumi sighed. "But it's important, isn't it?"

"His dad's company had a major data breach and they asked him to find the root of it," Aelita took a deep breath and smiled. "But he's going to take me to breakfast tomorrow and to feed the ducks before he has to go to class."

"Well, we'll have a girls night in after I get home. You want a scary movie or a funny one?" Yumi rubbed her back gently and smiled.

"Surprise me," Aelita grinned. "Oh! Did you find anything out about that cute guy in your martial arts club?"

"Never said he was cute," Yumi corrected. "Just weird that he comes to a club and doesn't talk to anyone. But no. I tried talking to him and I think he said a total of 5 words to me. He's kind of an ass, actually."

Aelita shrugged. "Could just be anxious. You said he just joined two weeks ago, right?"

"There you go, always believing in the best in people," Yumi rolled her eyes with a smile and sighed. "That's true. He does seem pretty tense when anyone approaches him."

"See? Just give him some time to acclimate and he'll probably be more comfortable talking to people," Aelita grinned. "And speaking of comfortable talking to people, I'm meeting my cousin at the Starbucks he works at and he's gonna get me a free drink. Want me to see if I can bring a plus one?”

"I would kill for a white chocolate peppermint mocha right now, so sure," Yumi laughed.

The head librarian came by at that point and gave them a fond look. "Oh, to be young and working with my girlfriends again. I'd scold you for chatting on the clock, but you always go above and beyond, especially when you work together. Keep up the good work!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Both women grinned and continued what they were doing.

☕☕☕☕☕

"Hey, good buddy, best friend, amigo, my greatest of compatriots-"

"What do you want, Odd?" Ulrich rolled his eyes.

"Aelita is coming to get my free drink, but she's bringing a friend and I've only got the one?" Odd pretended to pout and Ulrich sighed.

"Okay, you can use my free drink, but you owe me lunch on payday," Ulrich smirked.

Odd grinned and hugged Ulrich tight and Ulrich patted his back.

They finished their opening duties, and Odd was working drive-through while Ulrich took the counter. He smiled when he saw a shock of pink hair.

"Hey, Princess! The usual on Odd's tab?"

"Yep! And a white chocolate peppermint mocha, extra whip, crushed peppermint on the cream if you can," Aelita grinned as she held the door open. Ulrich froze as Yumi walked in and nodded at the order.

"Coming right up. Odd, I'm putting in your number for your cousin's drink!" Ulrich called to the back.

"Cool! I'll swing by and put yours in for her friend in a second!"

Yumi's eyes widened as she realized who was behind the counter. "So, you work with Aelita's cousin?"

"Yeah. We carpool from our apartment."

Realization dawned on Aelita's face and she grabbed Yumi's arm.

"I'll be back in a second, Ulrich. I need to ask Yumi something privately."

He nodded, confused, as he started on their drinks. Aelita dragged Yumi outside.

"Is that him? The guy from martial arts club?"

"Yes! How do you know him?" Yumi raised an eyebrow.

"He and Odd have been best friends since Middle School!" Aelita nodded. "Yeah, he's really anxious around new people and gets really stressed out in new places. I don't know the whole story, but once you get to know him, he's like the nicest guy ever. It takes him a while to warm up to people, but he is ride or die once he does."

"I'll… Give him another chance. Because you like him," Yumi sighed. Aelita grinned and hugged her tightly.

"All I ask."

Aelita led Yumi back inside and smiled as Ulrich was setting down their drinks. Odd looked around cautiously and Ulrich rolled his eyes.

"I'm manager on duty, Odd. Go hug your cousin."

Odd raced around the counter and grinned as he pulled Aelita in. Ulrich sighed and smiled. "I can see Nicholas just punched in so I have to go do stock now. Thanks for coming in, Aelita. I'll… See you at club tomorrow, Yumi?"

"Yeah. See you then. Thank you… Ulrich."

He nodded and practically ran to the back as Odd squeezed Aelita one last time.

"We still on for cousin lunch Sunday?"

"Always," Aelita nodded. "My treat this time since you covered last time."

"You're an angel," Odd grinned. "I gotta get back behind the counter but I'll see you later."

Aelita and Yumi waved as Odd went back behind the counter. After they were outside, Odd went to the back and grinned. "So. That was Yumi-from-martial-arts?"

Ulrich didn't glance up from his clipboard.

"I'm not talking to you about this."

"Too late, you already told me about her, so as your best friend, it's my business now," Odd smirked.

"Too bad," Ulrich counted boxes and still refused to look at Odd. "Go back to the drive-through, or I'm putting you on bar."

Odd groaned and rolled his eyes. "I'm not dropping this. I'll figure out everything eventually."

"That's what you think."

🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️

Aelita and Yumi looked up when the door opened and Aelita jumped up off the couch. Jeremie shuffled in and she smiled as she kissed him softly.

"There’s a plate of pizza, a glass of water, and your meds on your nightstand. Eat, drink, get some rest. I'll wake you up for breakfast in the morning."

Jeremie smiled tiredly and kissed her cheek. "How did I get so lucky? Sorry I had to cancel tonight, but I couldn't pass up this job."

"I know. And Yumi kept me company," Aelita grinned. "Oh! I meant to tell you! Apparently martial arts guy is Odd's friend!"

"Oh, Ulrich! That makes sense!" Jeremie nodded. "I tutored him in a couple classes, he's a nice guy."

"So Aelita says," Yumi rolled her eyes. "I've yet to see it."

"You will, don't worry," Jeremie chuckled. "Uh, try talking to him about Aiya."

Yumi raised an eyebrow as the Afghan Hound in her lap perked at her name. "Dog lover, huh?"

"As long as it's not Kiwi," Aelita laughed. "But he has a soft spot for dogs, yes. He's actually got a dog too. A Shih Tzu named Mila. She's a spoiled pup, for sure. And doesn't take any nonsense from Kiwi."

"Okay. I'll give it a try. Hey, why did he call you Princess?” Yumi shifted to hold Aiya closer.

Aelita laughed. "Odd started it, but I knew Ulrich and I were really friends when he started calling me that. He doesn't do it all the time, but it's sweet."

"Okay. I'll try to talk about Aiya when I see him next. But for now…" Yumi stood and picked up a leash. "Wanna go for a walk?"

Aiya howled and stood, dancing back and forth on her feet as Yumi clipped the leash on her collar.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Ulrich coughed as he opened the window and glared at Odd. Smoke billowed out and he waved his hand in front of his face.

"Odd, how many times do I have to tell you to turn the vent fan on when you cook bacon?! You always burn it!"

"Apparently one more time," Odd grinned.

Ulrich sighed and grabbed a leash from his coat hook. "I'm taking Mila for a walk. Text me when the smoke is gone."

He put headphones over his ears and walked out.

🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

"You've got to be kidding me," Yumi muttered under her breath when she saw Ulrich turn onto the same path as her. She could tell the second he saw her, because he froze up. She paused, Aiya coming to her side as Ulrich walked up.

"Hi, Yumi," Ulrich looked down at his dog and cursed softly. "Sorry, one second. Mimi, you got twigs stuck in your fur. Let me get those."

Yumi watched as he pulled a tiny comb from his pocket and combed out the twigs and leaves from the ponytail over her eyes.

"So… Aelita told me your dog's name is Mila? This is Aiya."

"Yeah," Ulrich nodded as he stood and put the comb and his hands in his pockets. "My dad's ridiculously allergic to dogs, so I got one as soon as I moved out."

Yumi chuckled and nodded. "My dad hates pets, so I did the same thing. What commands does she know?"

"She knows up, down, spin, shake, bed, out, and basket," Ulrich stroked Mila's back and smiled as she turned to kiss his hand.

"Basket?"

"We have a basket for her at the edge of the kitchen so when she's underfoot while I'm cooking, I can send her there."

"Oh, okay. We have a crate for Aiya. We decked it out though so that it's more like a comfy cubby," Yumi smiled and stroked Aiya's fur.

Ulrich fell quiet and Yumi shuffled her feet.

"I'm sorry, Ulrich."

Ulrich looked up at her in confusion and she continued.

"I didn't really give you a chance because I thought you were just antisocial and rude. I know how hard it can be to join a new group, even if you love the core component, and I didn't really make a welcoming clubmate," Yumi sighed. "If you want, we could… Hang out? Sometime this week?”

Ulrich looked back down and shrugged. "Yeah. That sounds fun. What do you wanna do?"

"Lunch and arcade? I haven't done that in a while. Aelita and Jeremie got bored when they finished all the games and I hate going alone," Yumi put her hands in her pockets and shrugged.

"Sure," Ulrich nodded. "It'll be nice to play with someone who isn't Odd for once."

"Cool," Yumi smiled. "How about Saturday after Martial arts?"

"Can't, Saturday I volunteer coach a kids soccer league," Ulrich shook his head. "Monday?"

"Gymnastics club and work," Yumi pursed her lips. "Next Thursday?"

"Thursday is good," Ulrich smiled. "Meet here at about eleven?"

"Eleven on Thursday," Yumi grinned.

"See you then," Ulrich nodded. "I've gotta get back, early classes tomorrow. It was nice talking to you, Yumi. And for what it's worth, sorry I wasn't a little easier to approach earlier."

"Water under the bridge," Yumi stroked Aiya's fur. "See you Thursday."

Ulrich nodded and started walking with Mila. When he turned back to look at Yumi, she was turning back to look at him. He blushed and hurried home.

🕹️🕹️🕹️🕹️🕹️

Yumi looked around the arcade as they walked in. "Oh man, Dance Dance Revolution! Aelita and Jeremie never wanted to play! You… Probably wouldn't want to play that either, huh?"

"No no, let's do it, it's fine," Ulrich chuckled as he climbed onto one of the mats. "Odd always makes me play it when we come."

Yumi smiled as she got onto the other one. "Thanks. So you guys come here a lot?"

"Every two weeks on payday, we play a few games and get lunch," Ulrich scrolled through the songs. "Any of these looking good? I'm indifferent."

"That one looks good," Yumi smiled. "So, I guess if he makes you play that often, you must be pretty good."

"Decent. I don't have as good a sense of rhythm as Odd does, but he's a film major with a minor in musical scoring, so I would honestly hope that's the case," Ulrich shrugged.

"What are you going to school for anyway? I'm a women's studies major."

"Sports therapy and education," Ulrich smiled as he started the game. "My high school gym teacher was really cool and I looked up to him a lot."

The conversation fell quiet as they played and Yumi laughed when Ulrich won by a significant amount.

"For someone who says he's got no rhythm, you're pretty good!" Yumi smiled as she picked the next song. "Though, I suppose sports lends itself well to dance games."

"There you are, Yumi! Jeremie and I have been looking everywhere for you!" Aelita smiled as she came up behind Yumi and Ulrich. Jeremie followed behind her, their fingers laced. "Having fun, you two?"

"As much fun as I can for being a stick in the mud," Ulrich chuckled.

"I never called you that!" Yumi scowled.

"Oh no! That wasn't a dig at you, just everyone I went to high school with," Ulrich held his hands up in surrender.

Aelita sighed. "It's true. High school kids are jerks."

"Ah, yeah, I'm familiar with THAT phenomenon," Yumi sighed. "Anyway, Aelita, why were you looking for me?"

"Oh, I just forgot you were hanging out with Ulrich and thought the three of us could do something," Aelita shrugged.

Ulrich looked around and smiled. "Actually, there's a new game over there we can all play! It looks like there's five headsets, I can call Odd!"

"Hmm, Lyoko. An adventure in a virtual reality world," Jeremie read the description. "It sounds fun!"

Ulrich pulled out his phone as the girls put on their headsets. Soon Odd was there, and the five of them started a game together.

#code ss19

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lovemecharlie · 6 years ago

Text

Uh Oh, Charlie

This is directly after Good Time, Charlie. Italics were written by Angel and taken from her fic 32 Weeks.

“I think we should fuck consistently until you’re over him.”

“Tuh.. Sounds like a lotta fuckin, let’s get started.”

Over the month Charlie had been messing with Trevante, they barely spoke about her husband, choosing to act as if she were single. In Charlie's mind, she was. Charlie knew burying feelings was an ineffective and unhealthy way of dealing with the anger and bitterness of rejection, but she also didn't want to dwell on negative feelings knowing that her life had to go on. Trevante was more than willing to play distraction, wining and dining her at cute spots that were out of his comfort zone. It was cute and he was honest. She felt more herself than she had in a while.

As for their arrangement.. It was sex, sex, sex, and more sex back to back and for hours whenever Charlie and Trevante had free time. They'd had sex on the hotel bed, chair, in the shower, on the sink, in the women's bathroom on the main floor, in the pool, in her car, in his car, in his barber's chair at work when no one was there.. that was her favorite because he gave her a clean undercut after.. in his bed, on his kitchen counter and table, in his bathtub, on his couch. The sex was great and it was often.

However, something strange had been happening. For perhaps the fifth day in a row, Charlie woke up feeling like Hell above ground. She woke with nausea and an aggressive case of heartburn that felt like acid reflux. Her body was fatigued and she felt achey like a virus was coming on. She still felt the ghost of Trevante's strong fingers hard on her sides and on her hips. Rolling from the bed, she ran to the bathroom and emptied the contents of her stomach, wiping her mouth with tissue and rinsing with mouthwash. On her return to the bed, Trevante was awake and he looked concerned.

"That's the fourth time that I've seen you vomit this week.. and that's only what I've seen. I think you should go get checked out and before you say you're fine.. you're not fine." His voice wasn't loud or accusatory like N'Jadaka's would've been in that moment. Trevante was way easier to deal with.

"It's probably a virus or maybe I got food poisoning from the Thai restaurant we went to last week."

"We ate the same thing. I don't think so," he squinted. "Plus, if you had a virus I'd be as sick as you as much as I'm around and up in you."

"I don't know what else it could be," Charlie shrugged crossing her arms stubbornly.

"I have a guess," Trevante's brow raised and they stared at each other in a long moment of silence.

"...It's probably heat exhaustion. Oh my God, it's a heat stroke." The look in Trevante's eyes said he knew the truth and Charlie needed to accept it and come to terms. She didn't want to even think of it. "Tre, it's probably the heat," she reasoned again silently begging him to agree. The hotel had A/C, it wasn't the heat. She simply felt awful. "...And I'm supposed to go to Angel's gender reveal party today and be all fancy in a gown and heels? I don't know how this is going to work."

"You don't owe anyone an explanation of what we've been doing." His hands folded behind his head, vibes of tranquility wafting from him to Charlie, keeping her calm.

"I don't wanna talk to my estranged husband at all. I don't wanna see him, I just want to support my Angel on her big day." She moved to the small closet to grab her white and gold dress laying it on the bed. "I think I'm pretty much over my anger and the whole situation, but real talk. I've been thinking about this for a while. What if my husband found out we were fuckin and came to attack us?" She stared at Tre as his calm smile widened. He didn't take it seriously. "Tre, I'm serious." She felt paranoid, but she knew Erik's mind.

"With all due respect, Charlie? Like I've told you again and again.. I'm not afraid of him. I'll be in the same barbershop he saw me in before, cutting hair. It's good. He can come through anytime, get a shape up," he joked.

"You're not taking this seriously, do not underestimate him. He's done some things."

"He's crazy, I know," Trevante nods rolling his soft eyes. "Half the niggas on my block crazy. Everybody crazy. Don't worry about me, beautiful, I've been crazy too. I can revert if need be."

"How are you so level-headed and unbothered about all this?" Charlie sighed. He sat up and climbed from the bed, still fully naked in all of his chocolate glory to wrap his arms around her in an embrace.

"Stop worrying so much. Peace is attainable if you're vigilant."

"You and that poetry," she smirked.

---

"Okay, everyone!" An ever stunning Janelle Monae spoke into the microphone. Angel had asked her to host the event, and much like most people, couldn't tell her no. "It's time for the moment we've all been waiting for! Ryley and Henny planned the coolest gender reveal ever, a firework show! So if you're ready, let's travel outside of this lavish tent and see the show!"

Charlie felt as though she were being watched and she had the suspicion that it was of Erik's doing. It was definitely something he'd do, hire people to watch her. Her nausea increased. How much had they seen? There were people left and right and she looked at all of their eyes. Erik's eyes were the only ones she avoided since she could sense a conversation in those dark brown peepers that she didn't care to have.

It was a sticky situation she found herself in. She absentmindedly felt on her own stomach pudge, praying for the nausea to be a product of food poisoning as everyone watched the night sky. A baby was not ideal. She'd been good on her own needing Erik for nothing and she'd already begun to rediscover herself and her own happiness. She refused to go backwards.

"Charlie! Come sit with the fam," Homie pulled her so that she sat with the other wives who greeted her warmly with hugs. She did miss them all, each and every one. They looked beautiful in their stark white, glittering gold, and deep emerald green. Angel herself looked exquisite and was glowing. Girl had gotten thicc enough to bite.

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” They watched as fire shot up into the sky, flying up at the speed of lightening until….

Charlie's jaw dropped and tears slipped down her awed face thinking of what it meant as blue and pink lights rained down.

Pink and Blue. A boy and a girl. Twins!

The house would be getting boy and girl twins. She couldn't wait to hold them and squeeze their cheeks and read to them. She wondered if they'd be tiny babies or fat like cherubs. She hoped they were fat like cherubs.. and healthy. Health was most important. Her hand went to her stomach again. She didn't take back her wish for food poisoning, but she figured that maybe having a baby wouldn't be so bad. Angel was already on the road to childbirth.. all Charlie would have to do was watch and take her cues from what Angel did. She could make it work.

After the fireworks, she caught up with her sisterwives, glad they weren't asking too many questions. She just wanted to talk about the twins and how everyone had been without her. Angel was happy to see her, giving Charlie a careful hug, her baby bump serving as a large barrier. As Charlie stood talking to Homie and Kimora, she looked over and saw Erik coming her way. That was her cue to leave.

“Hold on, Shy.” He spoke before running over to Charlie. “Ayye,” he said before grabbing a hold of her arm to stop her. She froze as she felt his touch, stopping in her tracks. “Where you headed off too? You leavin already, Charlie?”

Charlie turned around with a deep breath to look at him before speaking. “Yeah Daka, I’m a bit tired. I wanna head home and rest.”

“Home huh?” Erik said, looking her over, analyzing her body language. She did look tired, but she also looked nervous…. he could tell she was hiding something. He also noticed how she had unconsciously placed her hand on her belly. He decided he’d let her off easy this time, wanting her to come to him on her own. He wouldn’t let her keep her secret for too long however.

“Alright princess, take it easy then.” He said as he went in for hug. Being sure to take in the scent of her full hair.

“Y-yeah, I will.” Charlie said as warmth filled her body from Erik’s tight hug. Her sensitive body quickly being effected from his touch. She was sure she was covered in goosebumps.

Dammit, she thought feeling powerless all over again. No matter how far away she went physically and mentally, he still had this effect.

“Alright Daka, let me go big boy.” She said with a laugh, ready to get away from him. Her thoughts were becoming too clouded & she was afraid she’d do something she’d regret.

Finally Erik loosened his grip, giving her his signature smirk. Naturally he knew what effect he was having on her, he always did.

“I’ll let you go. For now.” He said, his eyes filling with fire & a promise.

---

"He's watching us," Charlie blurted over the phone when Trevante picked up. She was changing out of the white and gold gown in her hotel room that had become more of an apartment. "Remember what I said to you?"

Trevante wasn't afraid and no matter what Charlie said or how much money she offered him to leave and start over elsewhere in financial comfort and safety, he wasn't with it. "Have some faith, shawty. It'll be okay." She could hear the buzzing of his clippers in the background. He was so unbothered.

Charlie on the other hand was sick physically and with stress. Trevante said to take a test and common sense told her to take a test, but she didn't want to take it and see a positive because then she'd have to deal with the fallout and plan the rest of her life around a surprise factor. She put it off like she pocketed her feelings for her husband.

"Hello? Charlie.. Charlie.." She heard the clippers stop.

"Huh? Sorry, I zoned out thinking about the chaos that is my life!"

"You're the one who has to make the decisions. Don't panic until you take a test." Solid advice.

@poosypoosy @bastioncarterstevens-udaku @hennessystevens-udaku @itsangeludaku @alyshastevens-udaku @itskimorafireudaku @allhailnjadaka @bidibidibombaclaat @blackpinup22 @destinio1 @hold-me-like-a-heart-beat @leahnicole1219 @vikkidc @thehomierobbstark

#the kompound #charlie #fics #erik killmonger x oc #erik killmonger #erik stevens

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virgofabreakdown · 7 years ago

Text

Chapter One - Double Lives AU

Prologue | Next Chapter

One Year Later

Patton's POV

Blackberry Cafe 2:30 PM

"Virgil, where are the rest of the cookies from this batch?"

"What do you mean?" Virgil shouted from the bathroom. "That's all of the ones from that batch."

"What do you mean that's all the cookies from that batch?! The recipe makes over 30 cookies, but there's only 2!"

"I just sampled some of the cookie dough!"

"Some?"

"Most of the cookie dough..."

"For the love, Virgil. Why?" Ding! The bell at the front of the store rang across the store.

"Hello, welcome to Blackberry Cafe. Can I help you - oh, hi Roman!"

"Hey Pat, can I get the usual?"

Virgil came out of the back, "depends, are you gonna pay this time?"

"Probably not," he admits. I package up two cookies and three scones and hand them to him.

"Two chocolate chip cookies and three rosemary ham and cheese scones, on the house!"

"Patton, no," Virgil sighs. "I was trying to get him to pay for once. He can't just always get free food."

"That's just the perks of having an little brother who owns a cafe," Roman states with a wink.

"Plus, if I didn't give it to him, he probably wouldn't eat until dinner."

"Well maybe that would teach him to pack a lunch," Virgil reasoned. "Or better yet, actually pay."

"But he's hungry..." I pout at him for a minute before Roman cleared his throat.

"So, guys, me and Logan are going on a date tonight, if you guys are interested in joining us...?" Virgil looks at me. "It's up to you guys, of course, you don't have to, if you don't want to."

He trailed off, looking at the two of us. I shrugged, "I have work off tonight, so it shouldn't be a problem for me. What do you think Virg?"

"I don't think I have work. Sure, why not," Virgil looked at me with a smile. "We could use a date night anyway."

Roman gave us a big smile. "So, we've got a reservation for nine, so let's plan to meet up at my place around...eight, eight thirty?"

"Wait, you were planning on us coming?" Virgil sighed in frustration over the fact that his brother made the reservation without knowing if they could come. "Let's do eight, just to be on the safe side."

"Awesome," Roman said, walking towards the door. "See you later, then?"

"See you later!" I shout, waving to him.

"I can't believe he didn't ask us first! What if we couldn't have made it?"

"Then they would have a slightly bigger table," I say. Virgil looked very worked up. "It's fine."

"Yeah, but still."

"Now," I say, placing a hand on my hip. "Mind sharing why exactly you ate almost an entire batch of cookie dough?"

Time Skip

The Black-Berry Residence 7:30 PM

"Hey Virg? What do you think of this tie?" I shout across the apartment.

"I don't know, it would be a lot easier to tell if you weren't on the other side of the house." He sounded stressed.

I walk out of our bedroom into the living room and do a little twirl. "How do I look?"

Virgil seemed to be at a lack for words. "You look great," Virgil admitted. I wasn't wearing much, just some slacks and a loose blouse. I added a small blue bow to match my shirt. It was slightly fancier than my usual attire, but Virgil seemed to like it. We stared at each other for a moment. Nothing was said, but a comfortable silence filled the air. And then my phone rang. It pierced through the air with a certain, yet annoying ring.

I sighed, "one second." I picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey, we need you to come in." I walked back into bedroom.

"I'm sorry, what?!"

"Look, I'm sorry, sir, but we need you to come in."

"No way, it's date night!" I protest. "I've got plans. Call someone else in."

"It is imperative that you come in to work," the man on the other end insisted.

"What could be so important that you need me too come in on my one day off," I demanded. "I mean, honestly, it's bad enough that -"

"Dracowitch. We have a lead on Dracowitch."

"Draco -" I shout, before lowering my voice. "Dracowitch? But how? He's been off the radar for months now."

"Which is why you need to come in. You are the best man we have."

I sighed, "fine. You better be paying overtime for this."

"Once the job is done, we will. But you must get here as soon as possible."

"I'll be there."

"Good. Farewell, and may you be fruitful."

"As to help the company grow," I say, finishing our company motto, before hanging up. Walking back into the living room, "so bad news," I look at Virgil, who had just hung up a from his own phone call. "Oh, who was that?"

"What, oh, I was just on the phone with Roman. So, what were you saying?"

"Oh, yeah. Unfortunately, I just got called into work. They need someone at the shelter for a few hours. Something about someone being delayed at the airport...? I don't know. All I know, is that I have to go to work because no one else answered the call." I felt bad lying to Virg, but I couldn't just tell him the truth. Honestly, I wanted to tell him the truth, I really did, but it was against the rules and could put him in danger. If something were to happen to him because of me, I couldn't live with the guilt.

"Oh, that sucks," he says. "Honestly, I want looking forward to sitting in a fancy restaurant and paying 50 bucks for spaghetti, anyway."

He was trying to make me feel better about the whole situation, bless his heart. This is why I love him, he was willing to do anything to make me happy and that, I lived for. Virgil restores my faith in humanity, no matter what happens, he finds a way to cheer me up.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's fine. I'll call Roman back and explain. You go to work."

"Okay. Thank you." I head back into the bedroom for the third time that night to get changed. I get changed and grab my bag. "I love you," I say giving him a quick kiss.

"Love you, too. Now, go take care of those dogs like no one had taken care of them before!"

I giggle. "Be back in a few hours!" I say before closing the door.

Virgil's POV

Patton closed the door. I look out the window, watching for his car to leave. A blue Prius passes by the window. Correction, Patton's blue Prius passes by the window. I watch as it rounds the corner. Poor Patton. I knew he was looking forward to this. We hardly get to go on dates anymore.

I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Someone was calling me. Again. The first time was Roman and now it was, I look at the caller ID, work. Of course, work always picks the worst times to call. I hesitate for a moment, before picking up.

"Hello?"

"Hey, you need come here, like right now," the person on the other line spoke quickly and sharply, while also sounding rather rushed.

"What? Why?"

"We got a lead on Dracowitch and they put Morality on it. You're his backup, so you need to get here."

"Are they sure it's Dracowitch?"

"Yep. And this is the only good lead we've had in weeks, if not months."

"Alright, I'll be there in about half an hour."

"I said now."

"That's the soonest I cam be there," I insist.

"You live approximately eight minutes away, therefore you will be here in ten minutes. This is more than enough time."

"Fine, I'll be there in a few."

"Be there in five. Farewell and help guide the path."

"To lead the company to greatness."

And with that, I grabbed the keys to my car, a dark blue Honda, and ran out the door. I hopped down the flight of stairs at the front door and popped the trunk. Taking out an extra shirt, I close the trunk and climb in the car.

I hate my job, I really do. If I had the choice to just stay home, I would, but the bakery doesn't bring in enough money. So, I work for the 'print shop' and Patton has been helping by working at the local animal shelter.

My real job most definitely pays well, but it's not something that I would openly tell people about. Even if it wouldn't result in me getting fired. I am...a hacker, in a way. The term that the company hired us under is 'Personal Guide'. Which was true, we do guide people, just not the disabled and elderly. Think more along the lines of hitmen and assassins.

Our job is simple. Aide our assigned partner through their missions by briefing them on the mission, hacking into the security of buildings, giving them directions, and letting them know if anyone was up ahead. Typical hacker things. Oh, and keeping track of their location, incase they need backup. Typically, your partner will need backup occasionally, four to five months is the company average. But I've never had to call backup. Maybe it's luck, but I'm almost certain it's not.

I believe it's my partner, rather than luck. He is literally the best assassin this company has. When they paired us up, everyone was curious as to why. Based on all the rumors flying around, this guy was a legend. No one truly understood why he had been paired with a newbie with no prior experience in anything related to computers or the company.

Until they saw us work together. We just clicked. I would have locked doors slide open as he approached them, as he responded with the witty pun that made me groan. In the middle of missions, we shared our stories about life outside of the company. We'd swap jokes and recipes, recommend restaurants for the other to try, we literally would just talk about anything. Morality, as he was called, was the only thing that made this horrible job worthwhile.

Our current target was an online personality by the name of Dracowitch. It seemed to be a German, or possibly Russian name, seeing as it was pronounced Draco-vitch. They've been untraceable, up until now.

I pull up to the print shop. Even though the store was a small local business, it seemed to be bustling with life. The lights were on and about half a dozen people were running around doing various things.

Taking a deep breath in, I walk inside and straight to the counter, where a man sat, attempting to hide the fact that he was watching cartoons with a book. I cleared my throat, before simply giving him a "hey."

"Ah, Mr. Black-Berry. I don't believe you have work tonight," the man said, pausing his show and closing his book.

"Got called in."

"I see, your husband must be mad."

"Doesn't know, he got called in too, so I left after he did."

"Be careful with that. Do it one too many times, you'll get accused of cheating. I did that once and she signed us up for therapy."

"Oh, how is the Mrs.?"

"She's fine. Been a bit better since therapy."

"That's good. Well, have a good night, Larry. Say hi to Dot for me!"

"Will do!" And with that he pressed a button under his desk. The door behind him slid open, revealing an elevator to the basement.

End of Chapter One.

@vaugleysassygrunt

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chickenstuffedwithmozzarella · 7 years ago

Note

Hii love!! How are you?? Hope you had a great time at yesterday's dinner. Yes, i still have a month of exams. And a lot of essays and assigments that i dont want to do. But hopefully i'll be free soon. Nop. I didnt see that. Which one was it? Crying in the club? I remember seeing that song in the track list at the beginning of the tour. But i havent seen anything else. (1)

Hi, love!! Finally I get to answer you. I’ll try to make it “short”, jajja, but I talk too much, so, no promises here, jajjaja.Yeah, we had a good time. We bought some pizzas 🍕 (lol, Honey 🍯 senses when I’m writing you, and he comes to lay on my 😌). I told them if they wanted to watch Dunkirk, they told me they rather no, jajajaj. But, well 🤷🏻‍♀️, their lost. A day more, is a day less. Soon you’ll be free, and will forget about the stress.Oh, I think it’s that song, yes. I didn’t knew he was covering it on his tour. He also sang a Sting one, too. 😩😩 I didn’t know it, what a fake fan 😅.

Yes. I think i started wearing them when i was 7. I’ve been wearing glasses for more than half of my life now. They are part of me and people dont recognise me without them. Kind of sad if you ask me. But it is what it is. Is the surgery that expensive? I havent even looked that up bcs getting surgery it’s just a dream at this moment, i dont need reality to discourage me (2)

Well, if it’s of some relief, I’ve wearing them for almost three years, only, and even my family see something weird in my face when I don’t have them on, so 🤷🏻‍♀️. Well, when my mom look it up, it was around 3000€. But I think my friend told me last year that it was around 1800€, I think. So, yes, it’s very expensive, but all the people I know who have had it are very happy with it.

Yes. I know. I get that it’s easier to give them the ipad and all of that, but i dont think that’s really good for them mainly bcs they dont get the attention they need. But well, parenting is something very personal, and technology also has its perks. Maybe nowadays kids learn in a different way, but it’s still learning. I guess it’s the same as when Game Boy and so came out. That was supposed to “pervert” us all, but i think we ended up being just fine. Mostly. (3)

Oh, yeah, well used, technology is the best. But sometimes parents just give their children their phones so they don’t bother them, and that’s not good for kids. Like when they’re waiting at the doctor. I actually hear a psychologist saying that that teaches kids that to be relaxed they need a phone. And it’s a way to conditioning them. Like when a dog does something well and you give it a treat. And then the dog does that thing, so you have to give it another treat. But, yes, like you said, parenting is something very personal, and I think it parents reflects what they had/hadn’t from their parents on their kids.

Ohh! I havent thought about that. Yes yes. I hope they are not recognisable then. Do you know if there'a any project for Nialls show? Like the rainbow flag they did for Fire Away in Amsterdam (was it Amsterdam?). I havent heard about one. JAJAJAJAJA. Of course buying a bigger house is the easy option. Of course😂. I’d take a pic of the door, but then i dont know how i would send it?? An anti or a het? Please no. Never. I have eyes and i know how to use them. And so does she (4)

Oh, I haven’t looked for projects yet. I always remember to look it up when I’m driving, bc is when I’m hearing Niall’s album, lol, but then I get home or work and I forget 🙄. I’ll look it up, and let you know. I’ve thought on bringing those big balloons that have a cord at one end? (I’ll try to find a pic, so you see them) and throw them to the crowd at some point and people can play hitting them, you know (we did that at my sister wedding and we had a lot of fun, I think here it would be funnier). But I’ll see. I’m very shy, so, even if I bring them, I’ll probably keep them in my bag, lmao.I think you can submit pics on anon. Just log off, search my blog, and submit it. You have to put an email, that can be anó[email protected], jajja.

Your dad also knows their names? My parents barely know that One Direction exist. They only remember it as the opposite to good music. “This is music, not like that direction you like"😤😒 Jajajajajaja. Dont be so hard on you all. I’m sure there will be a lot of people of your age. You are not old!! (Yes, they are young babies. But mostly, they are lucky babies. Only 16 and already living their best life). (5)

Well, it would be too hard for my family to not know them, lol. All the people that has any contact with me, knows that I like them, lmao. My dad doesn’t like English music in general, so he isn’t a big fan (of me, listening their music 24/7, oops). Well, I’ll let you know after the concert, jajajajaj, of how much old people I see. The good thing is that it’s a small crowd, so less people judging 😅. And yes, they’re very lucky!! but if they can, good for them. I got to see Andy&Lucas when I was 16, 🤣🤣🤣🤣, almost the same, jajaja.

Only two weeks!! It’s around the corner!!! 😱😱😱😱😱 Yes. I should have bought a ticket for myself. But i’m not that sad. I’ll go another time. And also, the timing of the concert id disastrous because i start exams that week and going there + the show would mean 2 days less to study. And less time to study = more stress and crying. I’ve resigned myself to the idea. Next time. (6)

Yeah, I always look for the good point on everything too,jajaja. Also, that you have to see them next time they come, is the perfect excuse for them to come back again,jajajajaj. But you’re right. And it’s not just those two days you wouldn’t study. It’s the week before and after, thinking about the concert and getting distracted. Thinks come the way they do for a reason. So just think that studios are first. 🤷🏻‍♀️.

He tried to catch a duck? 😂😂😂 Nooo. Videos for cats? What are those? I know about cats’ videos (i love them. They are so cute), but not about videos for cats. What do they show? Oh, dont worry!! Notifications dont bother me. They dont make any sound. They are just there. And i only get one, no matter how many posts you reblog. (7)

Yes!! Cats are so funny. I laugh so much with them. If you search on YouTube “videos para Gatos” you’ll a lot, jajajaja. They’re just a cartoon mouse running and hiding, and cats try to catch it. Boring for humans, funny for cats.Ah, that’s good then,jajaja, because I was afraid you’d get 1837453 notfs, jajajaja.

Aaaargh. I’m trying to think something because I dont want to give you my name. It’s nothing personal. I swear. I’m just a very private person. That’s why i dont have SM and that stuff. But also, i cant think of a nickname bcs i dont have many, and i think my sister follows your blog and if she sees it there, that would be strange😂🤷. I dont knooow. I know names are not a big deal, but. I’m just shy. I’ll think about something and then i’ll tell, if you dont mind. (8)

WHAT??? Your sister follows me?? Oh my god!! This is so weird!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣I hope she isn’t reading this then, so you don’t get discovered. Now more than ever I have to try to put everything under the cut,jajajajja. Don’t worry about the name, that’s why I didn’t want to ask you. I was thinking something like flower anon (I don’t know why I call you flower i my head,jajja), or something like that. Or just smiley anon. I didn’t mean your actual name, of course. I’m very shy like that too (I know, hard to believe), and I always talk on anon to people. Don’t worry. Ah!! And don’t worry about thinking a name at all. If you’re comfortable with the notifications, keep with it. I just thought that if you were searching in my blog that tag anon, it would be easier for you to have your own tag, with your own things,jejejeje. But whatever you think is better, seriously.

8 months? So young!! She just discovered her hands?😂 Glasses are the first target, but i bet she’s going to go after your hair next. All did was laugh? I would have cried for sure. Omg you are brave! I love kids, but i wouldnt have known what to do. “Well, if you could tell me what is a girl/boy toy” 📢 📢📢📢 Say it louder Soraya!! I love saying remarks like that. Some people get so angry and i’m like ???? Chill and think about what i just said pls, it’s all true.(9)

Aaaawwwww, I was with her today too, she’s so cuteeeee. And yes, she goes for my hair too, but that’s my fault, really, because I tickle her with it, so she just plays with it. And I was with my cousin yesterday too!!! You’d have to see him. He has a “problem” in his brain, so he doesn’t develop normally. Doctors even thought he had autism (I don’t know the correct way to say it in English, bc I think they use a different verb, but you get it) for some time, because he behaved like that. Anyway, he has photographic memory, and also when he learns something, he doesn’t forget (he’s just 4). Well, yesterday, he just taught me in English the weeks days, months of the year, numbers till 20 and the weather. All of that singing it and pointing to his black board (the tv) like he was a teacher. He’s just amazing. He has learn how to read some words all on his own… and he can recognize written words since he was 2. He learn my car plaque before than me… I love him so much. ☺️. (Did I have a point with this story???? I just love to talk about him, sorry, jajaja)Hey, look, I do t usually say good things about me, but I’ll say one. I think I’m good on how I treat people at work. Like I know how to read them, and if I can joke with them or not. And I talk a lot with people, even if I don’t know them,jajaja. Well, when someone says something like that (a toy for a girl; can you make a candy cake, but it’s for a boy so nothing pink, please…) soy la persona más seca que te puedas imaginar 😒 (I don’t know how to say that in English). Like, no, lol, what will it do to him to it something pink? It’s just mean it taste like strawberry 🙄🙄🙄. I can’t I can’t.

Today i did a survey for a friend who is studying to be a teacher, and it was… wrong The aim of the survey was good, but the ways… the first question was “¿Q opinas al respecto de que existan orientaciones sexuales distintas a la heterosexual?” & also “¿como d normal t resulta q un niño juegue con muñecas?”. That’s wrongly put. Like, u are not asking what people thinks about sexuality. U are assuming that hetero is cool, and then u are asking about the nonhetero ones. And that annoyed me. 10

Yeah, that way of asking is wrong. Even more because is a written question, so you can’t catalogue the way the person asked is answering. But I sometimes ask question the wrong way so people shows they true colors, y'know? Like I ask in a way that it looks like I’m thinking the wrong way (gay things are wrong) and when they answer as if I were right… bye. But, again, that can be done in s face to face conversations. That survey was wrong yes, because they didn’t ask how you see that a boy play with a gun (which is worst that playing with a doll or a kitchenette…). But also, who wrote that survey? Your friend? Did you tell them what you thought about the way it was written? Did they listen to you??

Well, I reached the end!! Jajajja, I had to put my iPad to charge. Why do I talk so much??? We have this joke at the shop, with a woman (she’s also my sister neighbor), and she talks a lot A LOT!! So much, that my sister sometimes has to close the shop and walk with her to their flats… jajajaa. Well, I always say: ja! yo la doy conversación. Cuando se cansa de hablar, la saco otro tema!! That’s how much I talk,🤣🤣🤣🤣. I think is because I spend so much time alone at home, without opening my mouth (only to talk to my cats), that when I start talking with someone, I don’t know how to stop,jajajja. But I’ll stop… NOW! Bye!! 😚😚

#anon #argggg I always think bout something to tall you in the tags when I start writing #but when I end It's 3 hours late and I have forgotten #🙄🙄#Eit: I remembered !!#I was going to tell you that Niall had kitties yesterday #as of tonigh there's only one alive #I’ll keep you informed about the progress

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