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darley1101 · 6 years ago

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Halloween Trick

A/N I love writing the creepy, spooky, and angst-riddled, which makes October and Halloween an exciting time for me. I had several prompts come in that sort of melded together into this one shot. It started with a request from @endlessly-searching-for-you “What God awful demon possessed you to wear that?” “There will be a lot of screaming tonight.” and “The legend said it only goes after virgins...so sucks to be you I guess.” Right after her request came in I got one from @choicesfan44 for a heated argument between Chris x Aria/MC, followed by an anonymous one for them to go to a haunted house. How could I not combine those three requests together? Especially since Braidwood Manor is nearby.

Characters: Aria/MC, Abbie, Kaitlyn, Zack, Tyler, Chris and Becca (Please note that Chris is technically with Becca but very much has feelings for Aria)

Setting: This is set during The Freshmen. I am taking some liberty with the time frame, so Chris is still bumbling through his so called 'relationship' with Becca.

Rating/Warning: Mature readers only. Strong language

Halloween Tricks

“The moon has awoken with the sleep of the sun, the light has been broken; the spell has begun.” -Midgard Morningstar

Uncertainty flickered across eighteen year old Aria Forbes pretty features as she studied her reflection in the full length mirror that was fixed to the back of her closet door. She barely recognized the creature staring back; which was the point she supposed since it was Halloween. “You need to let your hair down Ari,” her best friend Kaitlyn had told her. “Like, literally let your hair down. And it won't kill you to let Abbie do your make up. You've moped over Chris long enough.” It had been futile to protest because deep down Aria knew Kaitlyn was right, she had spent the last two months either crying or moping around over some guy that had ditched her for a sorority girl who put out. Silently acknowledging that Kaitlyn was right didn't keep Aria from wanting to just spend the evening curled up with a feel good romance novel that made her forget her bruised ego and cracked heart. In the end, she had caved under pressure and quietly sat on a stool while Kaitlyn did something with her long brown hair and Abbie, like the artist she was, transformed her face from fresh faced to sultry. She'd even submitted to putting on the over sized orange sweatshirt with a jack-o-lantern face printed on the front that Kaitlyn insisted counted as a costume. Now, as she stood before the mirror, staring at the end result, she doesn't know if she can go through with whatever plans Kaitlyn cooked up. She wanted to wipe the make up off, exchange the Halloween sweatshirt for the old flannel shirt she'd stolen from her dad, and hide under the covers.

“Don't even think about it,” Abbie warned from the doorway, her arms crossed over chest and her eyes steely with determination. “I am not going to be stuck partaking in whatever Halloween hi-jinx Kaitlyn has planned without some back up.”

“I don't like Halloween,” Aria sighed. She turned away from the mirror and strode across the room to plop down on her bed. “Do you know how many times bigger kids stole my candy? Or how many parties I was intentionally excluded from in high school?” Her nose wrinkled up at the unpleasant memories. In grade school she had been the smallest and the slowest, which made her an easy target for the bigger, meaner kids out to steal as much candy as possible. In junior high and school she had been persona non grata thanks to her mom being the high school principal; nobody wanted to date, befriend, or invite Mrs. Forbes precious daughter. To say her formative years had been lonely was an understatement. It was probably why she latched on to her suite mates as quickly as she had. Especially Chris Powell. Her cheeks flushed, thinking of the fool she'd mad of herself over him. Their first night in the suite she had let Kaitlyn talk her into a drinking game that had led to her inviting Chris back to her room. She'd been just drunk enough to make a complete fool of herself by rambling about her pathetic high school experience and how she was probably the only virgin in her graduating class. The V word had been like throwing ice water on Chris. He'd gone form hot and heavy to Mr. Cuddly.

“Girl, you're preaching to the choir. The last time I went out on Halloween I ended up covered in what I pray was fake blood and not something those assholes picked up from the butcher shop.” A visible shudder rippled through Abbie's slender body. “My parents used to try to make me take my younger sister...childhood experiences and memories...” she paused to roll her eyes, “but we usually found some church having a fall festival and then hit up Wal-mart for a bag of mixed candy so mom wouldn't question us.”

Bending slightly at the waist, Aria tugged on the black above the knee socks Kaitlyn had given to her when she'd forced the sweatshirt. Apparently they, too, were part of the so called costume. The only thing Aria could figure out was she was supposed to be some sort of sexy pumpkin. Didn't Kaitlyn realize pumpkins weren't sexy? “Think we can get away with talking Kaitlyn into something similar?”

“Yeah right.” Abbie rolled her soft brown eyes before moving to stand in front of the mirror. She leaned forward, patting her middle finger next to her eye where a clump of glitter had settled. “She's not in it for the candy, she's in for the scare. I overheard Zack telling Tyler that she was bragging about knowing how to get into Braidwood Manor.”

“Braidwood Manor?” A chill rippled down Aria's spine. Why did that name sound so familiar?

“Yeah. It's this abandoned estate about fifteen minutes from here. Supposedly its haunted.” Abbie continued to pat at the glitter, spreading it up into her hairline. If Aria was a sexy pumpkin, then Abbie was a sweet ghost with a fetish for glitter. “And supposedly that's where we're all going tonight.”

“We?” Aria's heart lurched and a familiar panic started tightening in her chest. Please don't let Chris or Becca be part of that we. For about five seconds Aria had thought Chris liked her, that maybe just maybe a boy was looking at her and actually seeing her. Ha. What an idiot she had been. The same night she worked up her courage to tell him that she liked him, he hooked up with the blonde bitch that had dumped iced coffee on her the first day of the semester. Becca Davenport, president of some stupid sorority that wore too much pink and so beautiful it hurt. Chris had wasted no time in sliding in Becca's designer silk sheets, leaving Aria confused, heart broken, and a pathetic mess that cried at night when she thought her suite mates were sleeping. College was turning out to be another round of high school.

“Yeah. And before you ask...I don't know who all that entails. I think half of Hartfeld goes. Its sort of a right of passage. Seeing which students last the longest.” Abbie turned from the mirror, a sympathetic look on her face. “If they do show up, maybe we can push her down a set of stairs and blame it on a ghost.”

Aria let out a small laugh. “We can't do that Abbie.”

“Uh, yeah, we can. Bitch has it coming. She's a heinous troll.”

“Whose a heinous troll?” Kaitlyn demanded. She breezed into the room in a cloud of colored hair spray and Victoria Secret's Love Spell. “Ohh. Wait. Let me guess.” She cocked her head to the side, chewing black lip stick off her lower lip. “You wouldn't happen to be talking about Becca would you?”

“What gave it away? Heinous, troll, or bitch?” There was no ignoring the sarcasm in Abbie's voice or the tension that was crunching up her features. “Seriously, Kait, if that bitch is there...”

Kaitlyn chewed off the remainder of her lipstick, her gaze dropping to the floor before darting up to meet Aria's. “Look, I didn't invite either of them but I can't guarantee that they won't show. Darren knows, plus going to Braidwood Manor on Halloween is a Hartfeld tradition.”

Swallowing the lump of dismay that was threatening to form in her throat, Aria forced a wobbly smile. “Who cares about Chris and Becca? They deserve each other.” The words tasted sour on her tongue, a lie she told herself to ease the pain of rejection. It seldom worked and now was no exception. Despite his unholy attraction to Becca 'Queen Bitch' Davenport, Chris was a nice guy. He deserved better than the blonde viper he was currently sleeping with.

“That's the spirit!” Kaitlyn exclaimed clapping her hands together in excitement. “Okay, let me put on some more lipstick and we can blow this joint.” An excited squeal followed her out the door.

“You're getting better,” Abbie murmured. “I almost believed you this time.” Aria opened her mouth to deny the accusation but let her lip fall into a sad smile. What was the point in arguing against a truth she had just acknowledged herself? “And my offer to be the friendly ghost that does the world a favor by pushing her down a staircase still stands.”

A real smile spread across Aria's lips as she hooked her arm through Abbie's and motioned for her other best friend to lead the way. “Shall we see if that opportunity arises?”

“We shall,” Abbie laughed. Her laugh faltered when they entered the living area of their suite and found Chris chatting with Tyler while Becca stood nearby with a scowl fixed on her face. “Great,” she muttered. Aria started to pull back, to retreat to her room and lock the door. “Oh hell no,” Abbie whispered, “I'm not going to let you give that bitch the satisfaction of you running and hiding.”

“I don't think I can deal with her tonight,” Aria pleaded. She tugged her arm, trying to free herself from Abbie's grip but it was pointless. The other girl had an iron grip.

“There will be a lot of screaming tonight,” Zack squealed, his eyes shining bright with a feverish sort of excitement. “A guy in my lit class said you can practically hear the ghosts of the children crying out for help. Can you imagine...being murdered by your own mother because she wanted to protect you?” Chris responded with something Aria couldn't hear over the buzzing in her ears. Why did he have to look so good? His tall, athletic form was garbed in the traditional Grease T Bird uniform of dark washed jeans, white t shirt, and black leather jacket. Of course Becca was dressed to perfection as a Pink Lady. It was enough to make Aria gag.

“Ew.” Becca let out a sneer, her full lips twisting into a ugly grimace that made her look a lot like the heinous troll Abbie insisted she was. “What god awful demon possessed you to wear that?” It took Aria a moment to realize that she was the one Becca was talking to. “Would their name happen to be Abbie?”

“Actually,” Kaitlyn cleared her throat, “I'm the one who picked it out and I happen to think she looks amazing.” The smaller, petite girl strode over and wrapped an arm around Aria's waist. A defiant look crossed her face. “Don't you agree Chris? Doesn't Aria look amazing?”

“Yeah,” Chris answered softly, his blue eyes colliding with Aria's. For a moment the connection Aria had felt that first night sparked to life, holding them hostage.

“Whatever. It's not like she's going to last long at Braidwood Manor.” Becca rolled her eyes. A wicked grin stretched across her pink lips. “The house, specifically the mother, loves girls like Aria.”

“What's that supposed to mean,”Abbie demanded.

“Oh. Haven't you heard. One of the things the mother was trying to protect her precious daughters from was the wicked, delights of the flesh. She couldn't stand the idea of her innocent daughters succumbing to lust. So... she protected them by killing them. So now that's what the house craves.” Her grin spread even further as she leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Aria. “The legend says it only goes after virgins...so sucks to be you I guess.”

It felt as though ice cold water had been thrown on Aria. Everything in her froze. How the hell did Becca know that she was a virgin? And then it hit her. Chris. Chris had told Becca about that first night and how Aria had chickened out on having sex because she wanted her first time to be special. “You're such a fucking asshole,” she screamed, blood rushing to her pale cheeks. “I can't believe I ever thought you were...” Her lower lip started to tremble and the room started to blur. She could hear Becca laughing. Abbie threatening to punch someone's lights out. And Kaitlyn...Kaitlyn was rubbing small circles on her back, telling her it was going to be alright. Aria jerked away. “It's not going to be alright,” she sobbed. “I'm sick to death of not feeling good enough, of people acting like there's something wrong with me because I don't...I'm not...I'm not Becca.” She spun around to glare at Chris. “I trusted you. I thought you were at least my friend. Turns out you're just like her!” She jabbed a finger at Becca.

“And what would that be Aria? Beautiful? Popular?”

It took every ounce of her will power not to walk across the living room and smack Becca across the face. “No, an empty shell of a human being who makes up for her own short comings by trying to make others feel bad about themselves.”

“I'm not...that isn't me,” Chris protested.

Aria snorted. “Right.” She pushed past Abbie and yanked open the door to the stairs that led up to the roof. Her feet thundered against the wood, her eyes burning as her tears liquefied her mascara and eyeliner. She let out a gasp as the cool autumn air hit her, a strong gust of wind pushing her hair off her face. Wrapping her arms around her middle she ignored her chattering teeth and stood staring out across campus. Students of all ages were running around in various forms of costumes, laughing and having a good time. If not for Becca, she would have been one of them. It was pathetic that she was letting one person ruin her night but that was her middle name: Aria “Pathetic” Forbes. She let out a sound of disgust. Was this really the person she wanted to continue to be?

“Can we talk?”

Her body stiffened at the sound of Chris's voice. She should have known that he would follow her outside. It seemed to be a pattern. Becca would make her feel like crap, she would run off and Chris would follow. In the past she had used it as an opportunity to beg him to pick her, to choose her. He never did. His loyalty to Becca was baffling. “You're the last person I want to talk to,” she bit out, tightening her arms around her middle. Her fingers twisted into the soft fabric of Kaitlyn's sweatshirt. “Why don't you go run your mouth to Becca some more. You seem to be good at that.”

“That's fair,” Chris sighed. “But I'm not going anywhere until we talk. Not until you let me apologize.”

“What is there to talk about?” Her fingers twisted tighter into the fabric, pulling at it. “Every chance she gets, Becca makes my life a living hell. A lot of times right in front of you. And you're either too blind to see it or you just don't care. Either way, don't you dare stand there apologizing for sharing personal information with someone who openly hates me.” Untangling her right hand, Aria reached up and wiped at her cheeks, grimacing at the smears of black that were left on her fingertips. She could only imagine the mess her face was. All of Abbie's hard work down the drain. “You know,” she whispered, “I am sick to death of being made to feel bad for being nice or wanting to wait for the right person.”

“There's nothing wrong with being nice or waiting Ari.” His voice was closer, so close she could feel the heat radiating off his body. “I need you to know I didn't tell Becca. Not directly. Darren and I were talking about why I pulled back from you. I told him I didn't want to hurt you, that I'm not in a good place for a serious relationship and that's what you deserve. I didn't want to be that guy who took advantage or for you to look back and regret your first time because you threw it away on a guy who doesn't know what he wants.”

His words cut to the quick. It would have hurt less if he had told her that he had intentionally told Becca. “You need to leave,” she whispered. “You say you don't want to hurt me but you being here, telling me these things, knowing that you're going to walk out the door with Becca...that hurts. It hurts more than you will ever know. So please, if you care about my feelings as much as you claim...just go.”

There was a pregnant pause, silence hanging heavy between them, before the weight of his jacket settled on her shoulders and the soft sound of the door clicking shut echoed in her ears. Aria bit back a sob, burying her face in the still warm leather. No matter how many times they did this song and dance, she couldn't bring herself to let him go. It wasn't an obsession, she'd considered that. It was more like this awareness that there was something between them that could be magical if he would just give it half a shot. Instead, they both spent their nights miserable. Her crying alone in her bed while he lay next to someone who was mean for sport.

Tagging people I think might enjoy: @mysteli @brightpinkpeppercorn @theroyalweisme @kinkykingliam @fullbeaumonty @cocomaxley @annekebbphotography @bobasheebaby @brightpinkpeppercorn @captain-kingliamsqueen @ehkw1989 @fluffy-marshmallow-heart @innerpostmentality @kennaxval @katurrade @kawairinrin

Chris x MC tag: @maxattack-powell @starstruckpixelberryhistoryvoid @syltti78 @jellybean-marshmellow @flowerpowell

Perma tag: @debramcg1106 @josieschoices @speedyoperarascalparty @zackzilberg @christopher-powell @tmarie82 @mfackenthal @hamulau @endlessly-searching-for-you @damienazariostan @drakelover78 @penguininapinktuxedo @stopforamoment @writtenbycandy @lizeboredom @alicars @leelee10898 @choicesfannatalie @liamxs-world @katurrade @jadedpixiescribbles @indiacater @gardeningourmet @boneandfur @blackcatkita @umccall71 @eileendannie @choiceslife @hopefulmoonobject @hellospunkiebrewster

#pixelberrychoices #choices fics #choices the freshmen #choices chris x mc #darley1101 writes

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the-ash0 · 6 years ago

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surviving paradise ch 26 - loss

Lekus was dead.

They stood outside Frieza’s on-world throne room, the giant doors slammed on them after the shortest debriefing ever, and it just would not stick. His head throbbed with the attempt to find the logic in a timeline of completely unrelated events.

Lekus was dead. What had just happened?

The Saiyans had returned a day late. Just a day, but one day should have been enough for another epic prose session detailing their failure. Not to mention that Vegeta had expected another public debasement, another one of Zarbon’s great tales. He had also expected Frieza to reiterate its proposal where the tyrant implied that Vegeta was not cut out for command. That he shouldn’t bother with any delusions about being self-reliant; he should just sit at Frieza’s side from now on and wait on the Icejin’s orders before he acted.

He had been ready to accept the offer.

But none of that occurred. Frieza had given Zarbon one warning to ‘keep it short’, then still cut him off after less than a minute, dismissing his elite with a: “so, the mission was a success. Great” Next, the Icejin turned to the Saiyans and addressed the whole group in another out of character act. ”You’re all on stand-by until further notice. Well done.”

It wasn’t fucking well done. Vegeta was infinitely aware of that; aware that he’d finally and irrevocably messed up. Frieza should have sensed that. The lizard should have been well aware that any advantage the Prince had gained last time could have been taken back with interest in that very moment. Yet Frieza had acted distracted and absent-minded. So, apparently, any game they had been playing was already over.

Why had Frieza lost interest? Vegeta was nearly sure he could have just ordered his squad to turn around and go back after one look at that planet and their defences. That he could have reported to Frieza the job was impossible and he needed to send the Ginyus or something, and he’d still have gotten the same glowing review. Hell, in its present state of mind, Vegeta could have taken the squad on an intergalactic pleasure-cruise and the tyrant would still have complimented him on a good job and sent them on their way.

It didn’t make sense. Frieza was nothing if not perfect: immaculate, obsessed with cleanliness and time-tables, and devoted to micromanagement. For the lizard to just drop his modus operandi was unsettling. And Lekus? Lekus was dead, and it didn't even seem to matter.

Nobody gave a fuck. Not Frieza, not his Saiyans... No one. Couldn't they see? Couldn’t anyone see? Granted, Vegeta supposed he should not have expected the lizard emperor to care. But his own men, he had at least expected to be somewhat upset. Instead, they stood around outside the doors, clapping each other on the back in congratulations. An odd relief was expressed on their faces, any tension long gone. All his Saiyans, except for Raditz, who was still in the tanks because his wounds had worsened on the return trip despite cryo sleep. And Lekus...

Lekus was fucking dead, and Vegeta had just gotten congratulated on a job well done.

“A celebration is in order!” Jack roared, as coarse and boisterous as ever.

Nappa guffawed right back. “Let’s get shit-faced drunk!”

Even Nion, who believed himself to be the voice of reason, laughed. “Drinking is called for.” He paused, then looked the prince's way with uncertainty. “Will you toast with us? In memory of Lekus?”

Why were they happy? Vegeta snarled, countering his own pounding head. “In Lekus’ memory? You fucks crazy?”

“My prince, please relax. We did well. We received a good review and some down time, finally. And he earned it for us, together with your outstanding tactics, of course. We should celebrate!”

Vegeta wasn’t really sure why that set him off. Nion was not smart enough for this level of sarcasm. Still, a ‘job well done’ was a bald-faced lie, and it lit the Prince’s face bring red as he screamed. “Fuck that dumb fuck for getting himself killed. And fuck you all!”

With a punch to Nion’s gut, Vegeta shoved the elder out of the way then growled a warning at the others. They stepped back, cowed. Still, the Saiyan teen felt suffocated. Smothered, like he was drowning. Outside; that’s what he needed. With an angry tread he took the fastest way out one of the ornate balconies, then pushed off and flew up into the white clouds overhead.

The air was frigid cold on his face, whipping in his ears so loud it hurt. But the cold, wet air calmed the rage and numbed his pounding head. After a little while, it felt good to just dive down and wind through the white-topped jagged peaks that covered most of the planet’s surface. Vegeta was not one to notice beauty, and he hated this planet too much to consider such a possibility. But the action was mildly entertaining, perhaps even enjoyable when done at a speed that made the curves a challenge.

When the novelty had worn off, Vegeta returned to the heights above the clouds, watching his long shadow in front of him in quiet contemplation. A prince should practice cold logic, even if his gut felt like it was on fire. Vegeta felt like that a lot lately, and he hoped it was an age thing. He was royalty, and only lower classes were supposed to be susceptible to bloodlust bad enough that they could not see past their own rage.

And looking at it now with a literal cooler head, he wondered why he had been angry at all. Vegeta had planned to downplay the loss. But he had been so sure he would have been called out on Lekus’ death, that when it did not happen it caught him off guard. In fact, Vegeta though he would have preferred it if someone had blamed him. It would have made it easier to brush off.

Yes; brushing it off had been what he had intended to do. Act casually. Drinking with the men would have been perfect for that. It's what commanders did. Probably. He’d just been blindsided by these fool reactions. And Frieza’s. Which worried him to his core.. But. No, he should have accepted the offer to go drinking.

It would not do to turn around and find his squad though. If Vegeta showed up now, someone might think he was apologizing for his earlier behavior. But he couldn’t keep flying like this indefinitely either. At the rate he was burning through his ki, even a Saiyan could not keep the cold at bay for much longer. The small sun was already half-hidden behind the jagged peaks, so it would be dark soon and colder still. Besides, he had worked up quite an appetite. After getting his bearings, Vegeta grudgingly opted to go back to Frieza’s ship and get a filling meal.

On return, he checked the med-bay first to find Raditz still immersed in healing liquids. At least the third-class was going to live. Not that he cared; at least not enough to have his mood lifted. Vegeta trekked to the mess hall next, thankful that most staff had disembarked. He was in no mood to talk to anyone.

Sadly, there was still a short line at the feeding station. Five men out of the six in the room stood waiting, and the line did not move. At all. After a minute, Vegeta shoved past the waiting men until he found the culprit: a tall, thin green alien that moved slowly and deliberately, collecting his slob with agonizing slowness. Like an old man, although Vegeta doubted the creature could be much older than himself. Vegeta growled at him, but when the man turned, recognition fluttered inside the Saiyan’s mind.

The feeling, it turned out, was mutual. The creature froze, and the closer Vegeta studied it, the more disgusted he felt. It was too thin and had grown up weak. Then the man started to shake as well. This was not an unusual reaction to the Prince of Saiyans from a civilian but for a soldier… it was just odd.

“Don't I know you?” Vegeta pondered.

The green man’s face contorted, either in rage or fear. Or both. “You...” it hissed. Then it seemed to lock up and as it looked down at its ugly, crooked fingers.

What a mess of a man. How could Frieza allow something like that to work for it? Vegeta mused, and yet. He knew this creature… well, it didn't really matter. Food, now that was important.

“What the hell is the hold up?” he inquired.

The look of shock that came over the man’s face sparked another memory. Of someone younger, a lot healthier looking, and... Yes, this was the boy... The one that could... cook … right? Vegeta certainly didn't remember him being this ugly and crooked, or this weird in the head.

A purple face pushed the tall green thing to the side, and this one Vegeta definitely recognised: Cui. “Can't even remember his name, can you, Vegeta? This is Cordwell. You’ve caused him a lot of suffering, you know?”

If Cui had meant to talk for the gaunt thing, he met some opposition from the creature in question. The thing called Cordwell leaned over Cui’s shoulder, and pushed round fish-like eyes close to Vegeta’s face as it spat out: “It’s all your fault!”

Vegeta returned the challenge with another snarl. How dare he speak that way? Lekus... No. And now this creep? No. he was not responsible. “You might want to be more specific. You upset I didn't kill your mom before she had you or something?”

Cordwell made an attempt to climb over Cui, long limbs reached out and twisted fingers grabbed for the prince. “You put me up to it. Put us up to it.”

It foamed at the mouth now, and the spectacle was disgusting enough to make Vegeta rethink fighting the creature. Maybe he’d eradicate it from a distance, but he didn't want to catch whatever madness held the lanky alien. Its words made little sense, and despite any real belief that this thing was capable of intelligent conversation, Vegeta heard himself ask: “What?”

“We tried to run,” Cordwell panted, having made a path over and past Cui, who now tried to restrain him from behind. The squid didn’t have enough footing, and so the green mess inched closer to Vegeta. “You told us we’d die if we didn't. That we should take the pods. But we were caught.”

Confused, Vegeta fixed Cui with a questioning glare. But he was met with such a hostile look that he had to ask: “What nonsense is this freak talking about, squid?”

Cui tisked at him, then violently wrestled the much larger alien back. “You gonna deny this now, monkey? Everyone knows your father was a traitor. But you had to go on and pull us down with you, didnt you?”

“What are you talking about?” Vegeta inquired, disgusted.

The foaming, sick thing accused with a voice that jumped another octave: “When your stupid old man got himself killed. You told us they’d come for us too. That we’d be killed. That we should run. But we only ever got the pods to lift off before we were retrieved. And we ran, so we were guilty. I’m... I’m all that’s left. We... we... we should never have listened to you. You killed them.”

That didn't make sense. Vegeta had not known about his father’s coupe until after it had happened. He’d not had the chance to tell anyone anything, with Frieza smacking him around. And even if he had... What the man claimed was impossible. No one could get a pod to take off without clearance.

Nothing the boy said made any sense. None of whatever was supposed to have happened to those boys was his fault... and Lekus...? That wasn’t his fault either. Vegeta stared down at the tray in his hands, red pushing up and around his vision. The tray shook as his hands threatened to bend it, until found the perfect place to bury it: right in that lying green slime’s lying face. The Saiyan didn’t pause before he socked Cui in his tentacled mouth. Vegeta turned again to charge a blast at Cordwell, but the thing was already swinging its own tray at Vegeta. It contacted with a smack to the side of his skull, but the Saiyan took it with a grin, just so he could fire off the ki he held.

It was not rage that overtook him, rather something empty and uncaring. Vegeta swung punches without even blocking, and when he felt Cui rain blows on his back he took the punches to his kidneys and spine as well. He was probably smiling, perhaps even laughing. Vegeta’s fists throbbed with every impact, and he clung to that feeling regardless of any other body parts screaming that he was taking actual damage.

Vegeta didn’t give a fuck anymore, he just methodically punched the tall green creature to the beat of some alarm that had gone off and now blared across the mess hall. He turned to exchange fists with Cui again, only slightly hampered by the green beanstalk that now tried to restrain him. Vegeta swung out his elbows left and right, not even caring what he hit. This bought him a few seconds, which he used to turn his assault back to Cui, until something dropped on his head hard enough to daze him.

It must have been Cordwell, dropping something hard on him. But it was impossible to tell, because his head was ringing. It didn't matter though. With a shake of the head, Vegeta waited for his vision to clear enough so he could pummel the first shape he made out. He’d drink it up, all of it, drink it up and spit it out tenfold. And it was working. Cui and Cordwell were so confused and rattled by Prince’s willingness to take anything they dished out that they guarded more than attacked.

With one last hard hook, Vegeta pushed Cui back far enough to make another one-eighty turn and lounge at Cordwell. But the creature had already backpedaled at least six paces and then dropped to his knees, eyes wide as he looked off to Vegeta’s left and cowered. It was not as the Saiyan had it pissing its pants though.

“Dodoria.” It shuddered, like that monster was something worse than the Prince. Vegeta was less impressed. He just turned to face this new threat, and charged up another blast.

The pink brute reached out a large fist and engulfed Vegeta’s entire arm, blast and all. “Making trouble, little Prince? And while our master is getting ready for his guests no less? Bad timing.”

What guests?

“Fuck you,” he raged and tried to pull his arm free, unwilling to extinguish the shot, even when he started to smell cooked flesh. That ki was intended for Dodoria’s face, to wipe that ugly smile off it. Vegeta bared his teeth.

Dodoria blinked, then smiled a toothy smile. “Oh yeah. I think you need a little time to cool off, don’t you?”

“Fuck. You.” It burned, and it occurred to Vegeta that his hand would sear off before he even pierced Dodoria’s thick skin. Logic. He was going to think, not act like some blood-raged… The ki went out.

“I’m guessing that’s Saiyan for yes.”

read the rest on https://archiveofourown.org/works/15338988/chapters/35590152 or ff.net

#surviving paradise #vegeta #fanfic #dbz #dragonball

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futurewriter2000 · 7 years ago

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War

A/N: Heyoo, I’m back with the imagine I had finished so long ago but totally forgot about. No jk, I finished it today but started it like few motnhs ago. The ending is a bit different but I really didn0t know how to finish i so sorry.

PAIRING: none but I put Fred Weasley x Potter!reader

Requested by anon: please could you do a Harry Potter imagine where the reader is Harry’s sister and they end up having a fight at Grimauld place over her wanting to join in the war and either Sirius or Remus comforts her? (Of course Harry apologises at the end, he loves her too much to stay mad at her!)

TAGS: @shadyladyperfection, @nadinissavage, @geeksareunique, @huflerin

Part 2

War. Tearing everything apart since even before it starts. It happens every day. Between enemies, lovers, friends and family.

Its war. Nobody loves it.

This war was different though. Far different. It was a war revolving your younger brother, Harry James Potter.

On 31. October 1981 he was marked for his entire life, an infant only with you in the next room. Somehow he didn't know. Somehow you were missed by Lord Voldemort, it will always stay a mystery to you why your brother was chosen instead of you. Why didn't Voldemort come after you before Harry like he did with your parents.

You were unprotected, your father running downstairs to face The Dark Lord himself while your mother stayed in the nursery with Harry. Mystery. Such a dark mystery.

And now you were here. Starting your last year in Hogwarts, arguing with your little brother.

"I'm your older sister Harry!" your shout came from the locked room in Sirius' old bedroom.

They were far away, yet the arguing echoed through the whole house, to their curious ears. They didn't talk, only listened.

"Excatly, (y/n)! That's why I need you to be safe!" Harry shouted back.

"You will not boss me around Harry James Potter! I swore to protect you and I did nothing more than trying to keep you safe from all of the trouble!"

"Well, congratulations. You did an amazing job. " he spoke in sarcasm.

"I did not choose this life Harry! I did not get to have my own name like you did! Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived! Who was I !? Oh thats (y/n) Lily Potter, Harry's older sister."

"Then why are you complaining if I was just in your way!"

"Because I am your sister and you are the closest thing I have for a family!" you exploaded, your fingers cramping from all the anger and the clenching. " Mom and dad would never forgive me. So I'm joining this war. Whether you like it or not." you finally finished and stormed out of the room.

Harry was left alone. All alone, defeated.

It was his fight. His.

And you.

You were his older sister. The one who protected him from the Dursleys. The one who everybody loves. The smart, funny and the loving one. The one who read him bed times stories, argued with Petunia and Vernon until you were kicked out. You had good grades, an intership waiting at the Ministry after Hogwarts, a bright future ahead of you.

And your dreams. Damn your dreams. The ones who told about the cute apartment you would buy after Hogwarts. Staying with your best friend Oliver Wood and then with Harry moving in after his graduation. All three of you would have a dog or a cat. Mostly a dog because Oliver hated cats, saying they are little devils with furry faces and adorable round eyes.

He can't. He just can't. Not you.

He stormed out of the room, walking in the living room where everybody sat except for you and Remus.

"Where is she?" he asked impatiently, walking around with his eyes searching for you.

Sirius stood up from his chair and walked over to Harry. Touching him by the shoulders he gently pushed him down to sit. "Harry. Your sister. She's a stubborn young lady. She won't give up on this. She won't give up on you. "

"I don't want to lose her, Sirius." sighed Harry and looked down on the picture he always carries around. "You know she kind of reminds me of mum. She may not see it but I do." he simpered and brushed his thumb over the photo.

Sirius chuckled and looked down on the photo. "You know Lilly was also so stubborn. It was her way or no way at all. All innocent on the outside yet so fierce on the inside. "

Harry looked up at Sirius and smiled. "What else?"

"The first time your sister called me Padfoot, she actually said Patwoof. It was so adorable I screamed so high that the next day I lost my voice. And now, whenever she calls me Pads or Padfoot, I almost feel like your mother is with me. " he laughed and took the photo in his hands, Harry carefully watching as Sirius' eyes flickered of pain for a small second. "You know she wrote me every day. She believed I didn't do it. No matter what the paper said she belived me. She said a man like me would never betray a man like James." he smiled and gave photo back to Harry. "I didn't reply though. Not to a single letter. Yet she still sent me till the day I finally broke out. To be honest her letters seemed to make my days in Azkaban a lot more tolerable."

"She won't give up. Will she?" Harry suddenly spoke making Sirius chuckle and pat him on the back.

"My dear boy, she will kill you herself if you don't appologise."

And suddenly the door burst open and the whole pack of red heads came bursting in.

"You two are the absolute worse! Crookshanks is just a cat." spoke Hermoine with her ginger cat in her arms.

"If by cat you mean a ginger ball of fur from hell, than yes." said Ron and fistbumped George.

"Oi, Harry! Where's my beloved (y/n)? Did she miss me?" grinned Fred and sat behind the table.

"Still not giving up, eh Fred?" snickered George and wrapped his arm around his twin as he sat down.

"You never give up on love Georgie."

-----

You sat on the balcony. Your eyes set on the stunning blue moon and the night sky. You kept looking at the moon because somehow it calmed you down and some days, it was the only thing that seemed to make you feel better.

"Hey." said a soft and low voice from behind.

You turned your head over your shoulder to see who it was, only to set your eyes on the tall and handsome man.

"Remus." you simpered and turned your gaze back on the moon. "It's not full yet so you can relax." you added without taking your eyes off it.

He sat beside you, his eyes drifting to the moon but quickly turning away. "You know (y/n) he only wants to protect you."

"I'm the one who needs to protect him." you replied and hugged your knees as you felt a slight cold breeze brush your skin. "I won't change my mind."

"Oh, I know you won't." he chuckled and took off his coat only to wrap it around you.

"Thanks." you replied and grabbed the coat to wrap it a bit tighter.

"You know I once won an argument with you mother."

You shot your head after you heard this. "Really?"

"Yes. She was stubborn, just like you but she was also afraid back then. So I think that was also one of the reason why I won... That night, the October 31st, you weren't home with them. You were with me and Sirius." he sighed and looked at you from the corner of his eyes only to find you listening carefully. "I convinced her that it's safer for you to be somewhere else if The Dark Lord decided to attack." he paused for a moment. "It was Harry though, who I wanted to take first but she insisted on me taking you instead because it would be the only way she would know at least one of her babies were safe. After we found you a safe place we went back to get Harry but it was too late."

"Thats why." you suddenly realized. "That's why I couldn't believe Sirius did it. Because he was with me the whole time. He never left my side. He could have never gone to The Dark Lord and betray my parents. Because he was afraid to leave my side."

"Yeah. I wish I knew that sooner too. All I'm trying to say, (y/n), is that no matter if you join the war or not, it won't be pretty. Somebody will die and you will lose the people you love. But with Harry you have to be a little more understanding. He lost so much, he just can't afford to think he'll lose you too."

He was right. Of course he was right. He was Remus Lupin, he was always right. You glanced at his emerald green eyes and smiled. "So I guess, I need to talk to him...again."

He slightly nodded and got on his feet. "Come on. I'll come with you."

------

As soon as you got closer to the room you heard a loud chaos and laughs coming from it.

The Weasleys. They always seemed to be the loudest.

You walked in the room with Remus by your side and all eyes were on you, especially Fred's since he always fancied you.

"Missed me?" he winked at you and put another spoon of mashed potatos in his mouth.

Messing his hair, you leaned your elbows on his shoulders and whispered in his ear. " Still not giving up Weasley?"

"Never." he smiled and tilted his head backwards to meet your eyes.

You rolled your eyes and stood back up, just to see if you could find your brother. But he wasn't here, nor was Sirius.

"Where's Harry?" you asked and looked around the table.

"He went upstairs with Sirius." replied Ginny.

"Okay, thanks." you said and put your hand on Ginny's shoulder as you ran up the stairs.

-----

You were standing in front of Sirius' bedroom, door slightly open and his voice softly talking to your brother.

"When they brought her home, the whole gang waiting for her, I couldn't be happier. I mean she was just a bald potato back then but she was so beautiful and so small."

"Okay, I'm coming in." you said after hearing him say that, making both of them look to the doors.

Sirius' mouth curved into a smile and before you could say anything to Harry, he cut in first.

"Come here, dear. I was just talking to Harry about your childhood days."

"Yeah, I heard. I'm the bald potato." you sighed and plopped down next to Sirius.

"Figure of speech." he defended before placing his hands on both of yours and Harry's knees. "James and I were more than best friends. We were brothers and even though we pranked and we laughed, had loads of great time and unforgetable memories, we also fought."

"Please don't let this be a lecture." you groaned and leaned your head on Sirius' shoulder.

"Shh, dear child. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time." he shushed you and put his hand on your cheek. "So, as I was saying James and I used to fought. A lot. I was used to tidiness, living with my mother I had to live in tidiness, but James... he was such a mess. There were many days where we faught about the mess, the essays, projects we had together, girls, Remus.."

"Remus?" asked Harry.

"Yeah. He was the most responsible one so Remus was always the best for projects and plans." added Sirius before continuing with his lecture. "Look. You two are brother and sister. It's obvious you want to protect her and she wants to protect you. But the two of you need to stick together because that is the only way you will be able to protect eachother. Trust me. I would know."

After hearing what he said, both you and Harry wrapped your arms around Sirius and squeezed him in a tight hug.

"Thank you Patwoof." you added, making Sirius slightly chuckle.

"Patwoof." he repeated, holding back the tears as if it was the first time he ever heard it.

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multifandomimaginesandstuff · 7 years ago

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In The End | Part 3

In The End: Part 1 Part 2

Fandom: Teen Wolf

Pairing: Isaac Lahey x Reader

Author: (me) multifandomimaginesandstuff

Word Count: 1505

You ran your fingers gently through Isaac’s hair. You sighed heavily when your hand came back covered in sweat. He wasn’t getting any better. His breathing now came in labored gasps and his face had become even paler than it was before, if that was even a possibility. He looked as if he was the breathing form of death and you hated it. You felt so helpless. Scott was in distress and the love of your life was dying and Stiles was getting antsier by the hour.

Lydia was distraught by the death of her best friend; everything was a mess and with night approaching at lightning speed a plan needed to be made. You sat on the bed, in the room that you shared with Isaac slowly. You didn’t want to shake him awake after he had just fallen into a fitful slumber. You knew that the sleep would be filled with nightmares, but at least you would be there to try and keep them at bay.

You positioned yourself so you were looking at his face. You didn’t want to think the worst, but if he were to die in this house, you wanted to remember every little detail about his face. You wanted to remember the curve of his lips and the way that his nose twitched while he slept. You wanted to remember Isaac in peace, not in pain and dying.

The plan to escape had been made, and you hoped that it went as you had all discussed, but you all knew that would never happen. It never did. The five of you would try and get about halfway through the plan and then the giant ass monkey wrench would get thrown into the mix and you would all be royally screwed.

You shook your head. You didn’t want to think about any of this. You just wanted to be in your living room with Isaac as the two of you watched reruns of Star Trek. You wanted to be warm in your OWN bed, not one that was set up in some rickety dank freaking haunted shack. Why the hell did you even let Isaac talk you into this? All you had to do was put your foot down and he would have listened to you, but no, you just had to make him happy and go along. A lot of good that did all of you.

You closed your eyes and hoped that a cat-nap would help with all the crap that you would soon have to do. You were just starting to drift off when another scream pierced the stagnant air of the house.

You jumped off of the bed, making sure to tell Isaac to stay where he was first, and ran out into the hallway. You met with Scott and nodded before running in the direction that the shriek had come from. You knew who it was.

Your fears were confirmed as Scott kicked down the door and rushed into the room. It was Lydia.

Stiles was on the ground with Lydia’s head in his lap. His whiskey brown eyes were filled with sorrow as he looked down at the lifeless body of his lover. The tears that made tracks down his face were all too familiar to you now. They were the same fat droplets that made their way down Scott’s face the day before..

“We’re getting out of this house tonight. I don’t care what we have to do, but no one else is dying here.” The finality in Scott’s voice brought a little hope into the room.

Maybe the rest of you could actually make it.

***

“So, why has nobody noticed that we’re gone yet. I mean we told your mom one night and I’m pretty sure that we’re pushing the second one here.” Stiles’ voice held some of his old snark, but it would never be the same, not with Lydia gone.

Scott shrugged. It was the only answer that would be given in this situation.

An eerie silence fell over the first floor room that you were all gathered in. The raspy voice of Isaac was the one that eventually broke it, “how the hell are we going to get out of here?”

A look of thought came over the face of each boy, but you were the first to formulate a plan. “What if we burn down the house?”

All heads whipped around to look at you, but no one spoke, so you continued with your thought. “I mean, there is lore everywhere saying that if you burn the house a spirit is attached to it will perish, so what if we gave that a try? The worst that could happen is… well… we die, but we’re going to die if we stay here anyways so let's take the risk.” You cringed at the open mouthed stares that were coming your way.

“Okay, miss freaking Winchester, how the hell do you think we will get out of this house before the grandma keeping us here burns out? She has the doors sealed! If she doesn’t go before the house is ash then, well let's hope we make good freaking fertilizer for the new plants that’ll grow!” You sent a glare at Stiles.

Now was not the time for the pale boy’s sarcasm. You were trying to think of a way to save his skinny ass and he was giving you nothing but sass.

“What if instead of the house...we burn the bones?” You smiled a little as Isaac made a suggestion.

“Yeah, okay Dean. You got salt over there Mr. Righteous?”

“Y’know what Stiles? Why don’t you take your pessimistic ass and check?” A small smile made its way onto your face as the lanky male complied.

***

The four of you were standing in the basement of the rotting shelter, looking down at the hole that had been ripped in the floor to find the bones of the dead woman. “Stiles, if you ever tell another horror story, I’m going to rip out your tongue and stick it in your pocket.” The boy laughed nervously, knowing that you would follow through with your threat.

You poured salt over the bones and lit a match. In your time in Beacon Hills you had done many things, but this was never something that you would have ever thought would be happening in all of your life.

As the bones were burning you heard a screech, one that you would never forget. It was the screech of a desperate spirit, wanting so badly to be saved from the fate that it was being sealed to. You clung to Isaac tightly as it grew louder, and even in the state that he was in he pushed you behind him, something that he always did when there was danger near by.

When the spirit of the girl finally came into view you knew that the plan had worked, she was almost completely burnt out and when she was finally gone everyone in the room heaved a sigh of relief, that was until Isaac collapsed.

“Isaac, Isaac please! It’s over, you have to make it out now.” You looked up to Scott with pleading eyes.

“We have to get him out of here Scott, this house is killing him!” Scott nodded curtly and pulled Isaac up into his arms.

“Stiles, go try and open the door, Y/N burn the house down.”

You could see the sorrow in Scott’s eyes as he realized that burning down the house meant leaving the bodies of Lydia and Allison behind, but you could also see that he knew it had to be done. It was with a heavy heart that you began sprinkling salt all across the decaying mansion.

You ran outside once you struck the match that would hopefully end all of this. You stood between Scott and Stiles and cried with them as you watched the house burn with the body of your friends inside. “What are we going to tell people Scott.” The brunette shrugged.

“It’s an old house, not all of the wiring was in good condition and it caught fire, we barely escaped alive.” You nodded, all too familiar with lying to the police, but this time it was different, you weren’t covering up the justified death of the newest bad guy to come to Beacon Hills, no this time you were covering up the death of pack, of family.

Isaac coughing is what finally made the three of you start moving. The black blood had finally stopped flowing from his mouth, but he wasn’t out of the woods yet he still needed more help than any of you could give him. You looked back at the house one more time before turning back and moving on. It hurt too much to think about the people that you were leaving behind.

The only things that mattered now were right here with you, the pack that you still had, and the boy that you loved.

(Wow you guys it’s literally been a year since I last posted on this blog...I guess I just got out of writing but for some reason I just got a wild hair to maybe start again so who knows what the future may hold. My style of writing had changed a little, but hopefully you all will still like it when I post new stuff, but here is the end of In The End, FINALLY! I hope that you all have a nice morning/afternoon/night or whatever it is where you are! (Sorry for any mistakes the majority of this was written a year ago, I just kind of added onto the end.))

#isaac lahey imagine #isaac lahey x reader #isaac x reader #isaac lahey #teen wolf imagine #teen wolf #x reader imagines

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stargleeksil-blog · 7 years ago

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Criminal Minds s04e25-26 To Hell and Back review - or more aptly named, HOLY SHIT!

Episode 25-26 – To Hell and Back

Hey guys! So this is it, the finale of season four! Holy shit, I cannot believe I got here! So happy that I’m getting to see this all for the first time, it’s like going back in time.

So let’s see what happens. I’m literally vibrating with excitement (nope, I don’t have a vibrator lodged up in there).

Oh my god! Sharif Atkins!!!! I love him so much! So excited now.

Look how pretty my baby is!

Wait. Is he a cop or a mob guy? So hard to tell.

We’re in Detroit, by the way.

Why is Sharif going to Canada? What’s going on?

Why is he being so reckless? What’s going on?

Why did he hurt himself?

I’m not so excited anymore, more like nervous.

“You’re gonna want to call the FBI. I’ve killed ten people in the last month.”

What? What’s going on?

“Do we have confirmation these people are even missing?”

Well, they all appear to be transient, so I doubt it.

“Like a bloodhound, sir.’

I love you.

Wait. He was a soldier? What the fuck?

“Do we think he’s legit?”

“I think it’s too many bodies to take chances.”

Yup. And this just got soup-serious. Damn

Flannery O’Connor: “If there were no hell, we would be like animals. No hell, no dignity.” Wait, what? I’m confused here.

“I hear Detroit is beautiful in the spring.”

Oh Emily, your sarcasm is much appreciated.

“He’s not gonna want to talk to anyone but he person he thinks is in charge.”

A subtle way of putting that Rossi and Hotch have more authority and will be better off interviewing him. Damn.

“So you let him sweat.”

Yup.

“Anything seem strange to you?”

What’s weird about homeless people putting up camps?

“People on the street don’t usually care about safety in numbers.”

Ah. Gotcha.

“Look at this. Drug deals out in the open. Prostitutes seem to be working in groups.”

“I mean, if this guy did kill ten people, I don’t know how he could have done it without witnesses.”

Wait. What? So now there’s a whole other ball of theories? Oh damn.

“Why don’t you start with the junkies and I’ll take the working girls.”

“Keep dreaming.”

Oh god, I love Emily and Derek as BFFs.

“But he messes with you, right?”

Oh boy.

“I need to know everything this brother does.”

I love it when Shemar talks ‘hood. It’s sexy.

“No one cares about those people. Why should I?”

“Here we go.”

“An interrogation doesn’t really start until you get the first lie.”

Huh?

“Are you investigating these murders or not?”

So he wants them to investigate, period? Why the fuck would he go to all that trouble?

He didn’t kill those people, why do it?

“If you thought people were being killed, you should have gone to the police in Detroit?”

“I did. Three times.”

What?

“They said that’s how life on the street works.”

Oh god.

“I got home from Iraq. First thing my mother told me was that my baby sister Lee was on the streets. She asked me to find her.”

Oh god.

Oh god, so he did all this because his sister is back on the streets? Oh my poor baby.

“As far as I can tell, if your license doesn’t ping for any prior felonies, you’re pretty much gonna pass go and collect two hundred Canadian dollars.”

Oh god, I love the writers of this show.

Wait. So they’re going to Canada? Oh boy. Bring some maple syrup back to me.

Why does that dude carry a toolbox around a farm? I don’t like this.

Oh shit. That is a human being tied to a draining table. Fuck.

Oh god, oh shit. This is gonna be one fucking nasty episode.

Fuck!

Oh my god, this is fucking sick. Shit.

Did they actually show rotating pigs on a skewer? With their skin still on? Oh boy.

Wait. What is he injecting him with? Oh god.

I hate needles.

“We want you to release William Hightower into our custody.”

Yup. He’s their best chance at catching that fucker.

“Are you getting pressure from above?”

Oh boy. I hope he does the right thing.

“Your shop, your call.”

Honey.

They did so good on the special effects of his missing leg! Wow!

At least they got the DPD on board.

“Sherlock, it’s Watson. I think I’ve got something.”

Oh my ray of sunshine, you are sorely needed right now.

“That’s just it. He isn’t some drugstore cowboy.”

Oh honey.

Oh honey, they’ve brought in William’s mom because of Lee. Oh boy.

“We know how this is gonna end.”

Uh, no, they don’t.

“You did a stupid thing.”

Oh my god, I don’t know where I know this lady from, but I love her so much.

Oh god. This is horrifying. Fuck.

“We’ve met.”

Wait what?

Fucking shit.

“People gotta have secrets, even on the street, Walter.”

True. I have my own shit I don’t share with my coworkers.

Wait. Did William just see Lee? Oh, he thought he saw her. Got it.

Poodle on the job.

Oh boy. So he gets this victims depending on where they cash their welfare checks? Oh boy.

“This is one of those money secrets you were talking about?”

They go to a motel where they cash the check for thirty cents on the dollar providing you don’t take the room. Oh boy.

“So you walk away with drug money, but you’re still on the street.”

Crap. Oh god. I hope they find them.

“In the civil war, Detroit was the last stop for a slave before they escaped to freedom in Canada.” Oh wow.

“Well, if I remember right, they built a series of Victorian homes along the river to signify safe passage. Some of those homes might still exist.”

Shout out to black history!

“Is it possible to cross-reference civil war maps with Victorian homes that still exist in the Port Huron area?”

“Well, I’m gonna take that question as rhetorical, and … got one.”

Yeah, you do.

Mason Turner. Go to hell.

I love Sharif so much.

There’s no way that guy is the unsub. He can’t even move or breathe on his own.

“That’s another reason I hate these damn woods. It messes with the sound.”

Well, there’s no need to go around cursing, pretty man.

“I don’t know as much about pig farms as you might think.”

I love you, Prentiss.

Did Derek Morgan say ‘oh my god’? Oh my god.

I’ve never seen Derek this freaked out.

Damn.

“Pigs are omnivores.”

Wait what? All of a sudden I don’t feel that bad eating bacon.

“Did you find my sister?”

Oh god, I really don’t want them to have to tell him the truth. Fuck.

“Did you find anyone in the house?”

“Is he in custody?”

“Not exactly.”

Right answer.

Paralyzed from the neck down.

“Well, that’s a pretty good criminal defense.”

Oh boy.

“BAU tech center, where you should definitely pay attention to the girl behind the curtain.’ I love you so much.

Wait. They want Garcia to come over to Ontario? Oh boy.

“Oh my. Not over the phone.”

“I don’t think we’re gonna be in Kansas anymore.”

Oh my lovely, you are amazing.

“What you need is something to make you look less like the monster that we both know that you really are.”

Oh damn.

Mason, you fucker, go to hell.

You’re just selling out your softie brother like that? Fuck you.

“On it.”

Yup.

“We should shoot first.”

Yeah, that’s not brotherly at all.

Puppy!

89 pairs of shoes so far, and she’s got 35 open missing cases? Oh dear.

“He asked for help and nobody ever looked for his sister.”

Oh honey.

“Well, these are just all throwaway people to you anyway, right?”

Damn.

“That’s not fair.”

“Isn’t it?”

It so is, baby.

Wait. Lucas didn’t have a room? Why?

“Do you need anything, Dave?”

“No, me and Mason are having a great time. Aren’t we, Mason?”

Oh god, his sarcasm is overflowing, it’s insane.

Ew. Why do they have a stash of rats? So gross.

Oh shit. They found the dog tags that William gave his sister before he went back to Iraq. Oh honey.

“Hotch, I gotta get outta here.”

Oh my baby.

“I’m gonna hook up with Prentiss on the search party.”

Yup. He’d rather be doing something helpful than standing around watching the grieving families. Fuck. I hear you.

“I doubt that he’s psychotic.”

Wait, what?

I knew Mason was a lying asshole.

“There’s a collection of drawings up here that suggest autism or moderate mental retardation. Now, retardation and psychosis in the exact same subject is exceedingly rare. It’s more like he doesn’t fully understand the acts that he’s committed.”

Damn.

“He’s very childlike. I think that when we find him, he’s gonna be scared and probably confused.”

Uh yeah.

Wait. Derek’s been on the BAU for seven years? Damn.

“No matter what we do, no matter how hard we work, no matter how good we are at what we do, this is never gonna end.”

And then Shemar would be unemployed. So minuses and pluses.

“As long as I don’t have to hang out at that damn pig farm, I’m good.”

Yikes.

“Ok, defense system, let’s see what you’re made of.”

“Bang – like Berlin – another wall falls, the world opens up.”

Oh god. I needed you, baby girl.

“I’m feeling so Dorothy Gale today.”

“Auntie Em would be proud.”

I love how she desperately tries to make jokes to forget where she is. I love Penelope.

“Garcia?”

Why is my goddess looking so horrified?

“They were doing experiments.”

Fuck.

“He tried to fix himself.”

Ew.

“They were human beings.”

“They were transients and drug users and prostitutes. They were useless to society. I gave them the chance to be part of a cure. To be of use.”

Oh god. That’s gross.

Oh my baby, you are amazing.

Oh my poor, poor Atkins. I feel you.

Oh Kelly is amazing.

Bunny rabbit!

“Prentiss, I got someone sneaking around about thirty yards ahead of me.”

But he’s too skinny and small to be Lucas.

Aw, did Derek sprain his wrist? Cutie.

“What do you think’s in that bag?”

“Pretty sure I don’t want t know.”

I’m with Derek.

God I hate Mason.

Yes, they can find her.

Oh my god. The poor thing.

Oh thank god my poodle has a brain.

They fucking found her.

Thank god.

Babykins, don’t. You don’t have to do this.

God. This slow motion is making everything more ridiculous. Sorry. I just imagine them going about this in slow motion and cracking up. Sorry.

Aaron Hotchner: “Sometimes there are no words, no clever quotes to neatly sm up what’s happened that day. Sometimes you do everything exactly right, and still you feel like you’ve failed. Did it need to end that way? Could something have been done to prevent the tragedy in the first place? … Sometimes the day just … ends.”

Fuck!

Foyet is back! Shit! Oh my god! Why did they do that to me?????

Oh god, so this episode was just one big pile of OMG all over the place, my heart went through so many fazes it just gave me whiplash and I’m so exhausted emotionally. This is seriously one of the best series I’ve ever encountered ever. So, Sharif is obviously amazing beyond belief, I love him. And I loved every moment in this episode except for the graphic parts and it was just … puke-worthy.

AND OH MY GOD GEORGE FOYET IS BACK!!!!!! FUCK!!!!!

Let’s hope I get to season five soon.

I’ll leave this here. And we’ll see each other tomorrow for the season premiere of season five XD

Bye lovelies

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hard-satin · 7 years ago

Text

Alpha Pact (3.11)

Masterlist

With Scott gone, there was only one werewolf to turn to. Stiles and I went back downstairs for Derek. He still wasn’t awake. Stiles dove to him and started hitting him. Yelling at him to wake up. Just before Stiles could punch him in the face Derek jerked awake and grabbed his arm.

“Where is she?” Derek asked looking around.

“Jennifer?” Stiles asked.

“She’s gone. Along with Scott's mom.” I told him not moving from my position by the stairwell.

“She took her?” Derek asked.

“Yeah and as if that’s not enough of a kick to the balls Scott left with Deucalion.” I told him as Stiles helped him up.

“The police are coming. We need to get you out of here.” Stiles told him as we made our way outside.

We helped Derek into his car, but Stiles and I held back. We needed to head off the cops. We walked silently to the lobby sitting side by side in the waiting room chairs. It wasn’t until a familiar voice graced my ears that I looked up. I groaned when I saw agent McCall. Scott’s father spotted both of us and headed over. Stiles and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes.

“A Stilinski and a surrogate Stilinski at the center of this whole mess. What a shocker.” Scott’s dad told us. I flipped him off.

“Do you think you can answer some questions without the usual level of sarcasm?” He asked us. I snorted.

“If you can ask the questions without the usual level of stupid.” Stiles told him.

“Where’s your dad and why has nobody been able to contact him?” Scott's dad grilled him.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in hours.” Stiles answered truthfully.

“Is he drinking again?” Scott’s dad asked. I growled low taking Stiles hand. Both of us needed support when it came to this tool.

“What do you mean again? He never had to stop.” I told him with a growl behind my voice. Stiles hand squeezed mine.

“But he did have to slow down. Is he drinking like he used too?” Scott's dad pushed.

“Tell you what, next time I see him we’ll do a field sobriety test. We’ll do the alphabet, start with F end with U.” Stiles told him. Scott’s dad smirked at us.

“How about you just tell us what happened here.” He told us.

“I don’t know what happened here. Jamie and I were stuck in the elevators the whole time.” Stiles told him as I resisted the urge to rip his throat out.

“You two weren’t the ones to put the name on the doors? Were you?” He asked us.

“What name?” I asked in confusion. Stiles looked just as shocked as I was.

“Argent.” He told us. I felt my blood run cold.

Stiles and I left for Allison's as soon as Scott's dad stopped giving us the third degree. We met them in the lobby and followed them up in the elevator explaining what we found and what it meant.

“The word is gaurdian Allison, you more than anyone know that isn’t exactly a role I’ve lived up to lately.” Chris told her as she tried to convince him of what we found.

“But she took Scott’s mother, and Stiles father. That’s not a coincidence.” Allison argued with him.

“Yeah, you might also what to consider that someone put your name up in large block letters on the elevator doors.” Stiles reminded him.

“Just something you might want to consider.” I told him becoming a little numb to everything.

“I think it might be Morell. She knows a lot more than she lets on and she might even be trying to help us.” Allison told us.

“Well she needs to get on that a lot faster okay. Seeing as though the lunar eclipse is less than two freaking nights away.” Stiles told her slumping into Argent's chair.

“Stiles, don’t give up hope.” Chris told him.

“They could already be dead.” He pointed out.

“I don’t think so. There’s something about Jennifer's tactics. It’s like she’s still positioning, still moving pieces into place.” Chris told him, I could only find marginal relief in his words.

“And you’re one of them.” Allison reminded him.

“Then let’s not wait around to see who makes a move. Everything she’s done has been on the telluric currents. So Melissa and the sheriff have to be somewhere on one of those currents.” I came over to the table, Stiles hung back.

“Stiles if we’re going after her we need your help.” I told him trying to coax him from his state of hopelessness.

“You seriously want to go after her? I mean what if she just takes you like the others? No offense but what’s the difference between you and them?” Stiles asked looking to Chris.

“I’m carrying a 45. Maybe she can heal from a shot to the leg and a couple slashes to the face, but personally I’d like to see how she holds up to having half her skull blown off.” Chris told him loading his gun.

“Me too.” I agreed.

“We’ve got one priority right now and that’s to find Melissa and your dad. We’ve got a map and every clue we need to figure this out. The only thing we don’t have is time which is why I need all three of you.” Chris told us as we all looked to Stiles.

“Where do we start?” Stiles asked finally looking up. I smiled at him.

“The places where the sacrifices have been committed are usually different from where the bodies have been found. I think the placement has to do with the strength of the current. So there’s the school, the animal clinic, the bank.” Chris pointed out.

“Wait a second. She wouldn’t use the same place twice would she?” Stiles asked as we all looked over the map.

“Only if she didn’t succeed the first time.” Chris told us.

“The bank, with Deaton.” I speculated.

“That’s only one place so far. We’re going to need a lot more help.” Chris told us.

“What about Lydia?” Allison asked turning to Stiles and I. “Lydia?” We both asked confused.

“Lydia? What can she do?” Chris asked.

“Lydia’s got sort of a talent. She somehow ended up finding a couple of the bodies. Without actually looking for them.” Stiles told him.

“Well what is she? Psychic?” He asked us.

“She’s something.” I told him.

Allison and Chris jumped into motion. Grabbing weapons and ammunition and packing case after case of terrifying tools of their trade. It was the first time I really appreciated that they were no longer hunting me.

“I thought you guys were retired.” Stiles told him as he looked over the arsenal spread out on Chris’s desk.

“Retired yes, defenseless no. Now make sure your phones on. If either of you hear from Scott you let us know immediately.” Chris told us.

“Yeah, I’m think that’s going to be kind of unlikely.” Stiles told him as we both checked our volume.

“All of you try to remember he’s just doing what he thinks is right.” I nodded before a scent invaded my senses. I groaned inwardly as I turned to face Isaac.

“I can’t shoot a gun or use a crossbow, but I am getting pretty good with these.” Isaac held up his claws.

Stiles and I left for Lydia’s and the rest of them went to check out the bank. When we got to her house Stiles explained everything that had happened.

“I don’t believe it. Scott can’t really be with him. He can’t be.” Lydia told us as if she was pleading with the universe.

“You didn’t see the look on his face.” I told her saldy.

“Then what can I do? I mean I get that I’m some sort of human geiger counter for death, but I don’t know how to turn it on or off yet. All I know is that she tried to kill me because...” She trailed off.

“Because of what?” Stiles asked her.

“Lydia, what?” I asked her.

“When she called me a banshee, she was surprised by it. What if that’s not why she tried to kill me?” Lydia asked.

“Then why did she?” Stiles asked her.

“That’s what we need to find out.” I told them.

The three of us went to school. It seemed like a waste of time, but Chris had told us to maintain a normal appearance. The three of us were walking through the hallway when my phone buzzed. I read and reread the text, I didn’t even noticed Stiles had gotten the same one. Not until he was already having a full blown panic attack in the middle of the hallway.

As soon as I saw Stiles like that I stopped worrying about myself, about what I had to lose and I grabbed his arm steering him to the boys locker room. He collapsed against the lockers and I sunk down with him, Lydia hung back.

“Try to think of happy things.” She told him.

“Like what?” He asked her as he fought for breath.

“Friends, family.” She told him, I glared at her.

“Stiles I need you to slow your breathing okay. Focus on that.” I told him rubbing his shoulders.

“I can’t.” He panted out. I needed to shock him. I needed him to hold his breath, like he did last night when I kissed him. It dawned on me then. I took his face in my hands and kissed him. This time was different from last night. It was slower, less desperate. This time it lasted until Stiles started to kiss me back. That’s when I knew he was okay.

“How’d you do that?” Stiles asked his voice unsteady.

“When we were smaller and you were having panic attacks after your mom died, I would make you hold your breath to stop them from getting bad. So when I kissed you, you held your breath.” I told him my hand moving over his cheek.

“I did?” He asked.

“Yeah, you did.” I told him smiling now that he was better.

“Thanks. That was really smart.” He told me.

“We’re a team Stiles. I always have your back.” I told him shoving his shoulder lightly and moving back when I realised how close we still were.

“I’ve noticed.” He told me.

“That was amazing Jamie.” Lydia praised.

“Thanks.” I told her watching Stiles out of the corner of my eye.

“Although Stiles still should sign up for a few sessions with the guidance counselor.” Lydia told us. Stiles and I sat up at the same time, turning to look at each other.

“Morell.” We said at the same time before getting up and taking off for the guidance counselor's office. When we barged in there was already someone inside, but not Morell.

“Are you here for Morell?” Stiles asked the girl.

“No I thought this was gym class.” She sassed.

“Sweetheart, we’re not in the mood.” Lydia whirled on her. I put my hand out to push her back.

“Down girl.” I told her.

“Do you know where she is?” I asked the girl.

“If I did I wouldn’t be sitting here waiting for twenty minutes so how about you three back out the door and wait your turn.” She told us.

“We’re not here for a session.” Lydia told her.

“Well I am and I have some serious issues to work on.” She told us.

“Wait. You’re Daniel. You’re Heather's best friend.” Stiles realised.

“I was Heather's best friend. We’ve been working on that issue three times a week.” She told us.

“Hold on. Did you say Morell was twenty minutes late?” Lydia asked her.

“I don’t know why. She’s always on time.” Daniel told us.

“I was seeing her at the beginning of the semester, she was never late.” Lydia told us.

“Then she’s not late, she’s missing.” I told her.

“What if we’re not the only ones who thinks she knows something?” Lydia asked.

“Then I want to know what she knows.” Stiles told us before he made his way to her filing drawer. It was locked but I shooed him aside and yanked it open breaking the lock.

“What are you doing?” Daniel asked.

“Trying to find her.” Stiles told her as he sorted through them.

“Those files are private.” Daniel told him.

“Yeah, she’s got a point.” Lydia told us. Stiles handed me two files.

“That one’s yours and this one’s yours.” I gave Lydia and Daniel their files to shut them up. I watched Lydia as she sorted through hers.

“Wait. Lydia that drawing.” I told her moving to look at it better. Stiles got up too.

“I know. It’s a tree.” She told me.

“That’s the same one.” Stiles pointed out realising the same thing I had.

“The same as what?” Lydia asked him.

“It’s the same one I always see you drawing in class.” I told her.

“It’s a tree. I like drawing trees.” She tried to tell us.

“No but it’s the exact same one. Don’t you see.” Stiles told her showing her the other drawings side by side. They were identical.

“Okay, you can have my session. You’ve got bigger issues.” Daniel told us leaving.

“What is this?” Lydia asked horrified.

“I know where they are.” Stiles said as it dawned on me. He had turned the drawing upside down and it wasn’t a tree anymore. It was roots.

“It’s the Nemataunt. That’s where she’s keeping them. It has to be.” Stiles explained to Lydia as we made our way through school.

“Stilinski! Surrogate Stilinski!” I looked down the hallway to see Scott's dad. I growled in frustration.

“Alright go to Derek and Peters. They’ve been there before, they’ll know where it is. Tell them it’s the root cellar. They’ll know.” Stiles told Lydia as Scott's dad made his way to us.

“If they say they don’t remind them it’s where Paige died. I’m sure that will jog their memory.” I told her turning to face pure evil.

“Did you know Noah’s car is in the school parking lot and has been since last night?” Scott's dad grilled us right off the bat.

“No.” Stiles and I told him in sync.

“What does that mean?” Stiles asked.

“It means he’s officially missing.” Agent McCall told us. Leading the way to an unoccupied classroom.

“Why am I getting the feeling that you two know something that could help us find Noah?” He asked us.

“If we did why would we not tell you?” Stiles asked him.

“If it meant helping your dad why wouldn’t you?” He asked right back. I squinted at him and the stupidity of his question.

“So you’re asking me to tell you what we wouldn’t not tell you?” I asked him.

“First I have no idea what you just said. Second how about you just help me help the both of you.” He told us.

“Well we don’t know how to help you help us tell you something that would help you if we don’t know it.” Stiles told him. I had to bite my lip to keep from smirking.

“Are you doing this on purpose?” He asked looking between us.

“We don’t know anything alright.” I told him.

“Can we just go?” Stiles asked him.

“Where are your other friends?” He asked us.

“You mean Scott.” Stiles told him.

“I mean Scott. I mean Isaac Lahey, Allison Argent, these twins Ethan and Aiden. I’ve been told your whole little click didn’t show up for school today.” He told us.

“Isaac is not our friend. He’s my ex. He fucked up and I told him to get lost. I’m sure you can relate. As for Allison she’s been taking everything really rough and probably stayed at home. The twins were never our friends.” I told him viciously.

“Stiles, Jamie, come on. There’s been quite a bit of violence in the county the last few months. Several murders tied to this school. I don’t know what’s going on here but it’s serious.” He told us. Stiles and I stayed silent.

“Fine, but I don’t want you two going home alone tonight. Do you have someone you could stay with?” He asked us.

“They’re with me.” Deaton answered standing in the doorway.

Deaton took us back to the clinic where we met up with Lydia, Allison, and Isaac. We all knew where they were being held we just didn’t know where the nemataunt actually was.

“It has to be on a telluric current. All I know is that’s where Derek took Paige to die.” Stiles told Deaton.

“My dad said he and Gerard were there once, but that was years ago. They couldn’t remember where it was.” Allison told us.

“Then how do we find this place?” Isaac asked. We all looked to Deaton.

“There might be a way. We’re going to need Scott.” Deaton told us. Stiles Deaton and I left to get him.

“How did you guys find out?” Scott asked when we pulled up to meet him on the preserve.

“Lydia. You?” I asked him.

“Morell. None of the other alpha’s know where it is either.” He told us.

“So if this works are you going to tell them?” Stiles asked.

“How about we focus on finding them first.” Deaton told us.

“What’s the plan?” Scott asked.

Essentially, you Stiles and Allison need to be surrogate sacrifices for your parents.” He told him.

“We die for them?” Scott asked.

“But he can bring us back.” Stiles told him.

“You can bring them back right?” I asked Deaton.

“You remember the part where I said it was dangerous?” Deaton asked.

“If it goes right the three of you will be dead for a few seconds, but there’s something else you need to think about. This is a dangerous thing for more reasons than one. You’ll be giving power back to the nemataunt, a place that hasn’t had power for a long time. This kind of power is like a magnet, it attracts the supernatural. The kind of things that a family like the Argents can fill the pages of a bestiary with. It will draw them here like a beacon.” Deaton explained.

“I doesn’t sound any worse than anything we’ve already seen.” Stiles told him.

“You’d be surprised by what you have yet to see.” Deaton told him.

“Is that it?” Scott asked.

“No. It will also have an effect on the three of you. You won’t be able to see it, but you’ll feel it everyday for the rest of your lives. It will be a kind of darkness around your heart, and permanent. Like a scar.” Deaton told them.

“Like a tattoo.” Scott said.

“Can I go for Stiles? Noah has always been like a father to me and I’m a werewolf so I have a better chance of making it back.” I turned to Deaton pleading with him.

“Stiles is the only one.” Deaton told me sadly. Stiles hugged me to him to reassure me.

Nothing more was said as we got into the Jeep and made our way back to the animal clinic.

When the three metal tubs were filled with water, ice and mistletoe Deaton turned to Stiles, Scott and Allison.

“Alright. What did you bring?” He asked them.

“I brought my dad’s badge. Jennifer kinda crushed it in her hand. I tried hammering it back out a bit. It still doesn’t look great.” Stiles told him.

“It doesn’t need to look good if it has meaning.” Deaton told him.

“Is that an actual silver bullet?” Isaac asked Allison noticing what she was holding in her hand.

“Yeah, my dad made it as kind of a ceremonial thing. When one of us finishes learning all the skills to become a hunter we forge a silver bullet as a testament to the code.” She explained holding the bullet tight.

“Scott?” Deaton turned to him.

“My dad got my mom this watch when she first got hired at the hospital. She used to say it was the only thing in her marriage that ever worked.” Scott explained. I looked to Stiles. Scott didn’t know his dad was back yet.

“Alright the three of you will get in. Each of us will hold you down until you are essentially, well dead. But it’s not just someone to hold you under. It needs to be someone who can pull you back. Someone with a strong connection to you. A kind of emotional tether.” Deaton told us.

I watched Lydia walk to Allison’s side. Deaton was Scott's tether. That left me or Isaac for Stiles. I didn’t have to guess which one of us would be his tether. Especially when Stiles hand found mine. Like it always did when things got scary. I led him over to the middle tub stepping back to allow him to get him by himself. Before he could I grabbed him and spun him around.

“No matter what happens. I’m going to save him.” I swore to Stiles knowing that’s what he needed to hear. He nodded at me tears in his eyes before pulling me to him in a bone crushing hug. Before he pulled away completely he kissed my forehead. I backed away to let him do what he had to. The three of them climbed into the tub together slowly. Sinking under the ice cold water.

“By the way if I don’t make it back and you do. You should probably know something.” Stiles told Scott when only their heads were above the water.

“Your dad’s in town.” Stiles told him.

Together Lydia, Deaton and I stepped up and pushed them under the water.

#stiles stilinski #agent mccall #noah stilinski #melissa mccall #scott mccall #chris argent #allison agrent #lydia martin #alpha pack #deaton #isaac lahey #derek hale #peter hale #cora hale #teen wolf

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dimensiontripperhibiki · 7 years ago

Text

Addiction (20/?)

Thanks again for all of the comments and reblogs etc guys, I really appreciate them. Here’s the next chapter as promised. Hope you enjoy!

Warnings: Cheating (not so much now but past cheating), swearing, angst, sexual scenes, mention of sex toys? Um...I think that’s it.

Umi hadn’t thought that her return to school would be too overwhelming. After all, nobody really knew about what had happened besides Honoka, Maki, the third years and Hibiki and she trusted all of them not to say anything to anybody who shouldn’t know. It still felt like people were watching her though, whispering about her. She told herself to stop being paranoid and continued to rummage through her bag for the book she would need for her next class. She was sure she’d packed it away the previous night but she’d been so distracted lately. “Damn it…” She muttered to herself when she failed to brandish the book. She gritted her teeth together. She wished Honoka was with her but she’d been whisked away by someone claiming to have a ‘club emergency’. Resisting the urge to slam her fist against her locker she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to focus herself.

“Umi-chan!” Umi turned at the sound of her voice being called and her stomach plummeted when she saw Kotori running toward her. The last thing she needed was for Kotori to try to pick another fight with her about Honoka. She was about to tell her just that when Kotori reached her, colliding with her in a fierce hug. Umi’s breath left her for a moment, both because of the impact and the surprise of Kotori actually touching her. “K-Kotori?” “I heard what happened.” Kotori hugged Umi tighter, her eyes tightly closed. “Hibiki told me. Are you okay?” Umi’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes misting with tears. Hurriedly she hugged Kotori back, basking in the embrace. She hadn’t been sure Kotori would ever want to touch her again. Or even speak to her. She nodded against Kotori’s shoulder though she really wasn’t sure she was fine. She didn’t feel like it was getting easier like it was meant to. “I don’t know what to do.” She mumbled into Kotori’s shoulder, her voice slightly choked. “I don’t know what to do, Kotori.” Kotori rubbed Umi’s back, trying to soothe her while suppressing her own lingering resentment toward her. “It’s going to be okay.” She muttered though she wasn’t sure how that could be the case. For the most part the only thing she could do was stand there and keep hugging Umi as the girl clung to her. ---- “I’m sorry, okay? I-I just felt like I had to tell her!” Hibiki exclaimed helplessly. Umi hadn’t even said anything since walking into the room a moment ago but Hibiki knew why she was there. Umi sighed, leaning back against the door. “You’re such a softy. I’m...kind of glad you told her though. It was...nice. With her there, trying to make me feel better. Reminds me that I miss her though.” Hibiki smiled broadly, relieved that she hadn’t done anything wrong. “I’m certain she misses you too.” Umi nodded vaguely though she wasn’t all that convinced by it. “Hibiki, have you ever had to...um…” “Come out?” Hibiki asked knowingly. Umi nodded in response. “Yeah. But it was by force…” “B-By force?” Umi’s eyes widened in surprise at the admission. “What do you mean?” “Uh…” Hibiki anxiously rubbed the back of her neck. “I don’t know if I should be telling you. I don’t want you to think any less of me…” “It won’t. I know it won’t.” Umi said quickly. She moved forward, hovering close to Hibiki’s stool. “Please?” “Umi-tan…” Hibiki trailed off helplessly as Umi stared at her pleadingly. “Fine. Um...I was messing around with an older girl and we got caught. She was the headmasters’ daughter. As far as he was concerned she could do no wrong. She said I seduced her and I ended up being kicked out.” Umi blinked at Hibiki in surprise for a moment. “Hibiki, you know Kotori is…” “Yeah. Ironic, isn’t it?” Hibiki gave a sharp laugh and ran her fingers through her hair. Umi swallowed thickly, still letting the information sink in. “Ho-How old was she?” “She was a second year from the high school division. Well that’s when I met her. I was kicked out before her graduation. When I was fourteen.” Hibiki answered, averting her gaze from Umi’s. “She was four years older than you?” Umi asked, her stomach sinking at the thought. “Hey, at least I wasn’t ten.” Hibiki awkwardly laughed the comment off. “I was...mature for my age. That’s why she liked me. Despite being short, I was usually mistaken for a high schooler when I wasn’t in my uniform.” “That’s the literal opposite of Nico…” Umi murmured to herself faintly. She shook her head, quickly snapping herself out of her daydream. “But Hibiki, about this girl…” “Come on, Umi-tan. Don’t look at me like that.” Hibiki kicked out her leg, gently nudging Umi with her foot. “It’s all in the past now. I’m just saying, I didn’t have a good experience with coming out. That’s all.” She smirked but it looked forced. “At least I lost it before you.” “Wait, you…” Hibiki nodded. “I haven’t told Kotori.” Her smile faded as quickly as she’d pasted it to her face. “I don’t want her knowing I’m used goods, not when she looks at me like…” She trailed off, a familiar feeling of gloom washing over her. “Great. My depression is acting up.” She took a deep breath, trying to push past the ache in her chest. “If what you wanted to know was how my parents took it, my dad barely talks to me about it. He told me never to talk about it and...he wants it to be an incident. A phase I’ll grow out of. He’s pretty much in denial. My mom...well she died when I was five so I barely remember her. My stepmom wants to disown me though...stupid bitch.” “Hibiki…” Umi said softly, her voice filled with sympathy. “Ugh, don’t talk to me like that.” Hibiki said with a roll of her somewhat teary eyes. “And hey just...promise me you won’t tell Kotori about this. I don’t need her looking at me the way you are now and I definitely don’t want her knowing that she’s dating dama-” “If you say damaged goods, I’ll slap you...gently.” Umi stepped closer to Hibiki and wrapped her arms around her tightly, closing her arms against her own tears. “Kotori and I have our problems but she doesn’t see things that way. She would never think of you like that. You know, she told me she likes you...” “Really?” Hibiki brightened for a moment before blushing with embarrassment. “Shut up. Of course she likes me. What’s not to like?” Umi managed a laugh and gently swatted Hibiki’s arm. “I know I wasn’t onboard at first but...you do like her, don’t you? Kotori?” “If I didn’t like her I wouldn’t be...sleeping with her. Or whatever it is we’re doing.” Hibiki lightly pushed Umi away. “Listen I’m not going to sit here and talk about how she understands me and how ridiculously pretty she is and how I admire so much about her. But I do like her. And as my friend, we can talk about how hot the sex is if you want.” “NO!” Umi exclaimed quickly. “No, no, no. Thank you. But no.” “She ties me up.” Hibiki smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Not something I’m usually into but with her it’s different. She’s hot. REALLY hot. And god, does she have skill with her tongue…” Umi yelped, her face ablaze with embarrassment and covered her ears. “SHAMELESS!” Hibiki laughed at the reaction. “Sorry, Umi-tan!” ---- Yukiho took a deep breath as she looked up at the house in front of her. “This place is huge. I wonder how many times our house could fit in this place.” “I really don’t want to think about that.” Yusuke said as locked up the car. He couldn’t help but look up at the place too though, wincing at the thought. “Great, now I’m thinking about it.” “Fifteen times?” Yukiho guessed, laughing when she earned a light nudge from her father. “I’m just saying.” “Brat.” Yusuke grinned as he started toward the house. “Let’s just go in there and get out with Umi’s stuff, okay? I don’t want to spend any more time in there than we have to.” “Got it.” Yukiho answered as she walked toward the doorway with her father. She stood to the side as he knocked on the door and waited for an answer. After what must have been a full two minutes, the door opened to reveal Umi’s dad standing there. Yukiho gritted her teeth, willing herself not to say anything. “Sonoda-san.” Yusuke greeted respectfully despite wanting to punch the other man square in the jaw. “We’re just here to pick up Umi’s things, as I mentioned on the phone.” Ame nodded in response and stepped out of the way to allow the two entry to the house. “If you could be quick, I would appreciate that. Her bedroom is on the second floor, third room on the right. The sooner I can get every trace of that girl out of my house the bett...OW!” He winced as Yukiho stepped on his foot. Hard. “O-Oh, I’m sorry!” Yukiho exclaimed as Ame stared at her in shock. “I’m so clumsy sometimes. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” “That’s quite alright.” Ame said, stepping quickly away. “I’ll let the two of you get her things and see yourselves out.” Yusuku put his hand on Yukiho’s shoulder to keep her from kicking Ame in the shin. Or something equally as bad. “That’s kind of you.” He said, more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t pass what you said onto your daughter.” Watching Ame’s face turn red with fury was strangely satisfying but Yusuke didn’t stick around to see the aftermath. He guided Yukiho quickly up the stairs. “That was awesome!” Yukiho grinned as she followed her dad to Umi’s bedroom. “I don’t know how you don’t want to punch him though.” “I did, the guy’s a fucking asshole. I’ve wanted to punch him since we were kids.” Yusuke said angrily. “Our mother’s were close but he’s...he’s a prick.” “Swear jar times three.” Yukiho quipped as she stepped into Umi’s room. She paused and looked around, stunned by the size of it. “Whoa…” “Shit.” Yusuke muttered. Hikaru would kill him for swearing so much. “Swear jar. I’m going to be rich by the time we get home…” “Yukiho, please don’t tell your mother.” Yusuke pleaded as he closed the door behind them. “What? How am I supposed to put it in the jar?!” Yukiho asked in outrage. “Well, I guess you can give it to me under the table, huh?” “I’ll give you 2242 yen if you shut up.” “Double it and you’ve got yourself a deal.” Yukiho smirked as she walked over to Umi’s closet and threw it open. She found a duffel bag stuffed in the bottom. “Fu-” Yusuke trailed off as Yukiho turned and raised an eyebrow. “Fine. Deal.” Yusuke ran a hand over his face and sighed. “You really do take after me…” “That’s why I’m your favourite.” Yukiho pointed out as she unzipped the bag. She quickly began to toss Umi’s clothes in them, being a little bit less careful in favor of speed. “Onee-chan has your determination then. And courage.” “Yeah well your mother still scares me.” Yusuke muttered, glancing around. He spotted a set of drawers across the room and headed over to it. “Whoa, wait!” Yukiho exclaimed. “How about we switch? I don’t think Umi-san would be happy to find out you’ve seen her underwear.” Yusuke paused and smacked his forehead with the heel of his hand. “Good idea. I’m still scarred from seeing your mother’s when I’m not supposed to…” “Oh yeah, she told me the story of how you two met. With you bumping into each other and you…” “IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!” Yusuke exclaimed, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Just switch with me, okay?” Yukiho laughed to herself as she switched with her dad. They were silent for a few minutes, each of them focusing on getting Umi’s things into her bag. When all of Umi’s clothes were in the bag, including her uniform, Yusuke glanced around. “Um...I believe we should get her toiletries.” “Good idea. She must have specific products compared to our stuff.” Yukiho made her way to the en-suite bathroom to get what Umi would need. “She’ll need her toothbrush too!” Yusuke called to Yukiho who emerged a moment later, her arms full of shampoos, conditioners and other products Yusuke wasn’t sure of. “Got it.” Yukiho put the products into the bag before she zipped it up. “Remember when Onee-chan hated brushing her teeth so you had to do it for her? I remember I could always hear her complaining in the bathroom.” Yusuke chuckled under his breath. “She may have hated it but it had to be done. She has your mother’s smile…” “You should tell that story at the wedding. If you make a speech.” Yukiho suggested with a shrug of her shoulders. Yusuke gave a nervous laugh and blushed. “I don’t know about that. I’ve never been good with crowds. People get intimidated.” “They shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. You’re a big softy. Even if you do swear a lot.” Yukiho walked over to Umi’s nightstand and picked up a photograph, of Honoka, Umi and Kotori when they were younger. “Is it really okay if Umi-san stays with us? Even if it’s until she graduates or something?” Yusuke paused before answering. “She needs a home. I don't want her to be afraid. Nobody deserves to go it alone for something they were born as. I don't want to be those people in those stories that come from America. So yeah, it’s okay for her to stay with us if that’s what she needs.” Yukiho walked across the room and hugged her dad tightly, his arms going around her in return. ---- Kotori closed her eyes, letting the music playing through Hibiki’s room wash over her. “So where are you parents anyway?” Hibiki, who was lying on the bed next to Kotori, shrugged her shoulders. “Some kind of business trip. This happens a lot.” “Okay.” Kotori rolled onto her front and leaned up on her arms, looking down at Hibiki. Something caught her attention on the bedside table though and she looked over at it. It was a picture, of a woman and a young girl. Only four of five, Kotori would have guessed. “Who’s that?” Hibiki followed Kotori’s gaze to the picture. “Uh...that’s my mom.” She felt tears prickle annoyingly at her eyes. “She died a year after that…” “Oh.” Kotori’s eyes widened in surprise at the admission. “Oh...Hibiki, I’m so sorry.” Hibiki shrugged her shoulders and wiped quickly at her eyes to make sure Kotori didn’t see her tears. “It’s not like it’s your fault. Just forget I said anything. I don’t usually talk about my parents.” “Okay.” Kotori said softly. “But you can if you want to. Talk to me, I mean. I’m your friend, right? So we can talk about...anything you want. I’m good at listening.” “What can I say? Cancer is a bitch.” Hibiki muttered, willing the tears to stop filling her eyes. She absolutely could NOT cry in front of Kotori. “She was a painter too. I get it from her.” “That’s sweet.” Kotori said with a small smile. She reached over, placing her hand gently on Hibiki’s stomach, causing her to flinch. “It’s okay, it’s just me.” Hibiki reluctantly met Kotori’s soft stare and felt her lower lip start to tremble. “I hate when you look at me like that…” “Like what?” Kotori asked, unable to hide her surprise. “I’m not looking at you like anything.” “Like you want to understand. Like you care about me.” Hibiki answered softly. “You shouldn’t want to care about me, Kotori.” “Kind of too late for that.” Kotori said with a shrug of her shoulders. “You’re my friend. Of course I care about you. Why wouldn’t I? I mean...I wouldn’t have slept with you if I didn’t.” “Well now you know. Some of it.” Hibiki said quietly. “Bad girls always have a bad past. We don’t become like this for no reason, you know?” Kotori nodded and settled down next to Hibiki. “Turn onto your other side, okay? Facing away from me. Please?” Hibiki hesitated but did as she was told, turning onto her right side. She felt a warm body press up against hers a moment later, an arm sliding around her waist and suddenly she was being held against Kotori’s warm body. “Kotori…” “It’s okay.” Kotori lightly kissed the space behind Hibiki’s ear. “It’s okay, I’m right here. Just let me hug you for a little while, okay? I give good hugs, everyone says so.” Hibiki gave a choked laugh at that and clutched Kotori’s hand in front of her chest. “You really do. I need to move though.” “Okay.” Kotori loosened her embrace, expecting Hibiki to pull away. Instead the blonde turned over and huddled close to Kotori, burying her face in her chest. She cried softly, so quiet that Kotori could barely hear but her shoulders shook. Kotori gently pressed her lips to the top of Hibiki’s head, trying to soothe her. She rubbed her back in gentle circles, content to stay where she was until Hibiki calmed down. She was surprised by how small the girl suddenly looked. She’d never seemed so small before. Maybe that was because of her confidence, she supposed. Finally, Hibiki drew away, wiping her eyes. “I-I’m sorry. That’s...shit, that’s embarrassing.” “Don’t be embarrassed around me.” Kotori said softly, brushing her fingers across Hibiki’s cheek. Hibiki looked up and Kotori noticed that she wasn’t wearing her piercings. Her hair was a mess but she looked nothing short of adorable in her simple shorts and t-shirt. “You’re beautiful…” “A-Are you kidding?” Hibiki asked, turning red. “I don’t even have makeup on and I should really repaint my nai-” Kotori cut Hibiki off with a sudden kiss, cupping her face gently in her hands. “I really really like you, Hibiki. Seriously.” “I’m not sure why.” Hibiki said with an awkward laugh. “Maybe you need better taste.” “I have fantastic taste.” Kotori smirked, her hands falling to Hibiki’s shoulders. “Hey, look at me.” She ducked her head to lock eyes with Hibiki. “I get to decide who I like, don’t I? All I need to know is whether you like me. Do you?” “Who wouldn’t like you? You’re amazing, I just…” Hibiki trailed off uncertainly. “I-I really like you, Ryoko.” A younger Hibiki announced nervously. “I really like you too, Hibicchi. You’re a really cool girl despite being so short.” Another girl said, smiling in response. Hibiki sighed. “I’m serious!” “So am I!” Ryoko exclaimed, taking Hibiki’s hands. “I really really like you, Hibiki.” “Hibiki?” Kotori prompted when Hibiki seemed to space out. She gave a worried smile as Hibiki blinked rapidly. “Hey...are you still with me?” “I don’t know.” Hibiki said faintly, distracted by the memory. It seemed like just yesterday in some ways. “I...had my heart broken before, Kotori. I’m not ready to tell you my true feelings. Just know they are good feelings. Please. Just give me some time, okay?” “Of course.” Kotori whispered. She began to move away but Hibiki grabbed her hand to stop her. “I said time, not distance.” Hibiki tugged Kotori toward her again. “Can we maybe just go back to the hugging? That was nice.” “You’re such a softy.” Kotori said, smiling softly as she took Hibiki back into her arms. Hibiki didn’t complain about the light teasing. She held Kotori close, basking in the embrace. “You’re warmer than her. You’re so warm…” She mumbled, almost to herself. “Too warm?” Kotori asked, assuming Hibiki was talking about body heat. “Honoka-chan always said I was like a furnace when she slept over…” Hibiki laughed and shook her head. “No, it’s perfect.” She leaned up and kissed Kotori as gently as she could, her fingers sliding into soft, ashen hair. “You’re perfect.” ---- Maki hovered nervously behind Eli as they waited for Nozomi to open the door. Nozomi had invited Eli over to study and had mentioned that Maki could come too if she wanted to. As worried as Maki felt she couldn’t help but smile at how happy Eli looked as she waited for Nozomi to open the door. She knew how much it meant for her to have her best friend back. Nozomi opened the door and smirked at the look on Maki’s face. “You’re not even in the apartment yet and you’re already looking at her like that. Do you need a minute, Maki-chan?” “Ah, no!” Maki exclaimed, looking away as Eli looked at her curiously. “I’m fine. Um...thank you for having me.” “No need to be so formal. Come in.” Nozomi wandered back into the house, letting the two of them enter behind her. “About time, you two!” Nico groaned from the living room. “We’ve been studying for an hour! Have you even started yet, Eli?!” Eli rolled her eyes as she took off her jacket. “Not yet!” “That’s not like you.” Nozomi teased, leading the two of them into the living room. “I assume you’ve been distracted? Not that I wouldn’t if I had a hot, younger girlfriend.” “HEY!” Nico snapped, lifting her head. “I heard that!” “I’m kidding, I’m kidding…” Nozomi laughed, returning to her seat at the table next to Nico.

“You have studied though?” Maki mumbled, confused by Eli’s denial. “I just want to piss Nico off.” Eli whispered back, leaning close to Maki. “She doesn’t need to know everything, right?” “Oh…” Maki said quietly. She blushed when Eli quickly kissed her cheek. “Nico is making dinner too. So we can eat after we study.” Nozomi said as Eli and Maki joined them at the table. “Ah, Maki-chan...this might be a bit boring for you. I didn’t think…” “No, it’s fine! I brought my own textbooks. I need to study too.” Maki said quickly. She wasn’t sure how she felt around Nozomi now. She didn’t feel awkward but she felt like she needed to be more careful with what she said. She knew she didn’t really deserve her forgiveness. Nozomi nodded and the four girls fell silent as they began to study, Eli and Maki taking their books out of their bags to start doing so. About twenty minutes passed by until Eli noticed Nozomi hadn’t moved her pen in a short while. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, I’m just stuck on a question.” Nozomi sighed. Eli leaned across the table to look at it. “Ugh, math. I’m not the best at math. Maki is though.” “You are?” Nozomi shot Maki a hopeful look. Maki shrugged sheepishly. “I’ll take a look if you want.” She skirted around the table to Nozomi and looked at the question. “Oh, I know this. I’ve been studying it for the past couple of weeks.” “You do third year math in your first year?” Nico asked skeptically. “Uh...no, I do this on my own. First year math is easy.” Maki said hesitantly. As she’d predicted, Nico scoffed and rolled her eyes. “What? I have to get top grades. A-Anyway, I’ll show you how to do this, Nozomi…” Nozomi hummed in response and looked down as Maki began to explain how to work out the math problem. She barely paid attention though, distracted by the way Maki kept glancing over at Eli. “Hey, Maki-chan. Will you come with me to check on dinner?” “Eh?!” Nico looked up in outrage. “I’M cooking.” “Fine, then you can come too. Elichi, you stay here, okay?” Nozomi got up, tugging Maki with her and quickly went to the kitchen. Nico followed close behind. “Nozomi, I don’t really know anything about cooking…” Maki said warily as Nozomi tugged her into the kitchen. “Um…” “You keep staring at Elichi.” Nozomi pointed out, keeping her voice hushed. She could still see Eli from where she was standing. “You’re not going to pop the question, are you?” “NO!” Maki exclaimed loudly, causing Eli to look up from studying. “Is everything okay?” Eli called in concern. “Y-Yeah, everything’s fine!” Maki stuttered back, looking over her shoulder at Eli. She waited until the blonde went back to studying before she turned to Nozomi again. “No, of course not….not yet.” “Not yet?” Nozomi smirked as Nico checked on the food. “So you will? When? Don’t think I haven’t noticed those matching bracelets you’re wearing.” “Ah, I don’t know! The bracelets are just...a graduation gift.” Maki looked down at her own bracelet. “I’m not planning anything yet. But I am thinking about something.” “Spit it out then.” Nico sighed, turning away from the stove. “I want to go back to studying.” “It’s...really personal.” Maki said, her cheeks turning red. She really didn’t want to have to say what she was thinking. “It’s...you know, sex stuff.” Nozomi looked unfazed. “So? Come on, Maki-chan. Spill it.” Maki looked over her shoulder at Eli. “Damn it, I’m...I-I was just thinking about new ways to...you know, like um...get her off. And I was looking some things up and…” “You want to fuck her with a dildo.” Nico concluded for her. “NICO!” Maki yelped, embarrassed beyond belief. Eli finally stood up and made her way to the kitchen in time to hear Nico’s next comment. “You’re going to need lube.” “Huh?” Eli stopped short in the doorway, her eyes shifting between her embarrassed girlfriend, a smug looking Nico and a snickering Nozomi. “Wait...who needs lube? Why would anyone need…?” “I’m going to the bathroom!” Maki squeaked, quickly dashing past Eli. “Maki…” Eli turned toward Nozomi and Nico, fixing them with an accusing look. “What did you say to her?” “Just some lighthearted fun, Elichi. Don’t worry.” Nozomi said reassuringly. “We were talking about our sex lives, that’s all. Maki-chan just got embarrassed.” Eli huffed and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I don’t appreciate you ganging up on her…” Nozomi laughed and reached out to touch Eli’s arm. “Nobody’s picking on her, don’t worry.” “Eli, do you really let the first year top you?” Nico asked, clearly amused. “For real?” “EH?!” Eli’s eyes widened in surprise. “H-How do you…? Damn it, Maki…” “Well she was telling us about how she wants to get you off.” Nico explained smugly. “Makes me think she starts it.” “You really are spoiled sometimes, Elichi.” Nozomi chimed in, smirking as the blonde looked between them, at a loss. “I’m going to check on Maki.” Eli said faintly, turning around. She made a beeline for the bathroom. “Make sure she doesn’t push you against a wall and have her way with you!” Nico teased. Eli rolled her eyes as she made her way to the bathroom, doing her best to ignore the laughter behind her. Those two were really too much sometimes. She noticed the door to the bathroom was slightly ajar and let herself in, finding Maki staring at herself in the mirror. “Maki?” Maki turned around and grabbed Eli’s shirt, drawing her into a deep kiss. She pushed her back against the door to close it and pressed herself flush against Eli. Eli almost laughed at the irony. Nico had told her this was going to happen. She relented though, wrapping her arms around Maki’s neck. “Do you want to know what I asked?” Maki mumbled against Eli’s lips, snaking her hand under the blonde’s shirt. Eli nodded. “Y-Yeah. What’s this about lube…?” Maki bit down on Eli’s neck, sucking on it sharply. She pressed forward, slipping her knee between Eli’s legs. “I want to try something new. Something...really dirty. I don’t know if either of us will like it but I want to try it.” Eli whimpered at the pressure of Maki’s knee. “W-What is it?” “It’s a secret.” Maki whispered, letting her lips brush against Eli’s. “You’ll find out soon enough though.” She gripped Eli’s ass, earning herself a load moan. A sudden knock on the door caused Eli to jump in alarm. “I told you two not to fuck in there.” Nico said accusingly. “We’ll be out in a minute!” Eli called back, casting a heated glance at Maki who chuckled under her breath. “I’m still not telling you.” Maki kissed Eli once more before she stepped around her and opened the door. “Sorry, Nico-chan.” She smiled innocently at Nico and went back to the living room, making sure to add a sway to her hips for Eli’s benefit. --- “So um…” Umi cleared her throat, looking awkwardly between Kotori and Hibiki as they walked along. Honoka wasn’t really saying much. “Hibiki was telling me that you met when she bumped into you in the rain?” Kotori nodded simply in response. “I was shopping for fabric. She bumped into me and made me drop my bags. And then she dragged me over to a bus stop and forced me to take her jacket.” “You make it sound weird.” Hibiki huffed. “It was romantic. I was being chivalrous.” “I think it was sweet.” Kotori said, lowering her voice slightly so Umi and Honoka couldn’t hear what she was saying. “You’re sweet.” Honoka was too busy watching Hibiki to listen in anyway. The girl looked as cool as always, her bleach blonde hair falling around her shoulders under her cap. She was wearing a black over the shoulder long sleeve shirt, a jean skirt with black legging underneath, a brown cord jacket and as always she was wearing her red chucks. What caught Honoka’s attention though were the piercings in her ears. “You have double piercings!” “Huh? Oh yeah…” Hibiki lightly touched the piercings. “I’m thinking about getting my bellybutton pierced too maybe.” Kotori faltered in her step, rather indecent images flashing through her mind. She didn’t say anything though. “Oooh maybe I could get mine done.” Honoka lifted her shirt slightly, staring down at her own stomach until Umi yelped in alarm and pushed it down. “Honoka, we’re in public!” Hibiki noticed Kotori’s reaction and leaned close, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Or maybe by nipples, hmm? Or I could get a tongue piercing to really…” “I get it, I get it!” Kotori said quickly, her face aflame with embarrassment. “S-So what are we going to do first? You don’t come to an amusement park just to walk around, do you?” Honoka scoffed and rolled her eyes, earning herself a nudge from Umi. “Be nice.” “This was a stupid idea.” Honoka whispered back. “Who goes on a double date with their ex-girlfriend and the girl she cheated on her ex-girlfriend with and the girl who confessed to her current girlfriend?!” “Please, Honoka.” Umi said with a sigh. “I want this to go well. I miss her and I know you do too even if you’re angry with her for some reason.” Honoka grumbled under her breath. “I saw some food stalls nearby.” Hibiki suggested, her hand grazing Kotori’s. She pulled away slightly when she felt Kotori flinch. “Um...or I could do one of those games where I win you something?” She winced as soon as the words left her mouth. Maybe that was too coupley. “We could go on a rollercoaster?” Kotori thought about that for a moment before she looked over at Umi. “What do you think Umi? Should we go on a rollercoaster.” “I’d rather not.” Umi muttered, looking a bit sick at the thought. “Let’s do the second one. The games. I bet I can win more for Honoka than you can win for Kotori, Hibiki.” “You’re on, Umi-tan!” Hibiki grinned and hit her open palm with her fist. “I hope you don’t shoot yourself this time.” Umi quipped as the two picked up their pace to get to the nearest stall, leaving Honoka and Kotori alone. Their gazes met for a split second before they both looked away. “So how are we going to do this?” Hibiki asked, coming to a stop at the stall. “We both play three times and the person with the most wins overall?” “Sure. Whatever you want.” Umi said with a cocky smile. “I’ll let you go first.” “Game on.” Hibiki paid the man at the stall and glanced at the instructions. “Shoot three ducks down to win. Oh, this is…” She trailed off, a feeling of dread washing over her. She was playing against the best archer in the school. “Okay, I’ve got this.” “Try not to get a pellet in your hand like last time with the arrow.” Umi teased, leaning into Honoka’s side as she watched Hibiki line up the shot. “Screw you!” Hibiki retorted. She took a deep breath and aimed carefully. She fired but missed. She hit the second time but missed again the third and fourth. “Damn it!” “Oh, my turn?” Umi took the gun from Hibiki and paid what she needed to before she lined up her own shot. She easily managed to knock down all three ducks. “YES!” Honoka grinned proudly. The guy manning the stall looked to her but she shook her head. “I’ll wait to collect all of my winnings at the end.” Umi laughed nervously as she handed the gun to Hibiki. “I don’t know if you should have that much confidence in me…” Hibiki huffed out a sigh. At this rate she wasn’t going to be able to win anything. She lined up her shot and took it, hitting one duck. She hit the next one too but missed the third. “God DAMN IT!” “You’re getting there.” Umi said encouragingly, noticing Hibiki looked disappointed in herself. She took the gun and fired her shots off, wincing guiltily when she managed to hit all three and Hibiki let out a cry of dismay. “Sorry…” “I’m not going to stop until I win that damn bird!” Hibiki took the gun again and focused as intently as she could. Her first shot hit the duck, as did her second. She paused for a moment, adjusting her grip before she shot a third time. She managed to hit the duck this time. “FINALLY! Hey, you. Can I get the Rowlett for my...friend, over here?” “Sure.” The guy took down the plushie and handed it to Hibiki who turned to Kotori, proudly holding it out to her. “A bird for my little bird.” Kotori held back a laugh with her hand. “You’re so cute sometimes.” She took the plushie, hugging it to her chest. “Thank you.” Hibiki beamed at the response. “Let’s go and get something to eat, okay?” She glanced back at Umi who was taking her shot. “Uh...they can catch up.” Kotori nodded and followed Hibiki away from Honoka and Umi. --- Kotori wasn’t sure where Honoka and Umi had gone off to but she couldn’t bring herself to care. She was too content, sitting with Hibiki’s, a container of fries between the two of them. The park was busy but they had finally managed to find a free table to sit at. “Sorry I couldn’t win you anything else.” Hibiki said with a sheepish smile. “I guess those games aren’t my thing. Besides, Umi-tan had an unfair advantage. I wonder what Hocchi chose...” Kotori finished chewing contemplatively on a fry and turned to Hibiki. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Uh...sure.” Hibiki said with a hesitant shrug. “Why don’t I have a nickname?” Kotori asked hesitantly. “I mean I know you like giving people them. Umi-chan, Honoka-chan, Maki-chan. So I was wondering why you don’t give me one.” “Oh geez…” Hibiki mumbled. She felt her face heat up with embarrassment. “I just really like your name. It suits you, it’s cute. Anyway…” She gestured toward her mouth. “Feeeed me.” Kotori laughed under her breath and reached for a fry. “You’re so spoiled.” She mumbled, moving the fry to Hibiki’s lips. She was surprised when the girl took it into her mouth, gently clamping her teeth down on her fingers. She blushed, drawing her fingers back. “You’re such a tease.” Hibiki gave a scoff and shook her head. “Not if I intend to follow through on my teasing. Which I very much do, when we get back to my place.” “Don’t tell me that, I’ll want to leave now.” Kotori muttered, glancing away. Hibiki laughed under her breath but relented, deciding not to tease Kotori any further. She leaned back, taking in the sights and sounds around them for a few minutes. She reached for a fry at the same time as Kotori and they both jerked their hands back. “Sorry.” Kotori said, motioning for Hibiki to go ahead first. Hibiki did so with a soft sigh. “Hey um...I get that we’re just friends and all. Intimate friends but just friends. But can I hold your hand? Would it bother you if I did?” “N-No, not at all. I kind of wanted you to earlier, when we were walking.” Kotori answered, a bit flustered. “I mean...would really like it if you held my hand. If you want to do that.” Hibiki grinned and reached for Kotori’s hand, entwining their fingers. The hand in her own was warm and soft. “I could get used to this…” Kotori smiled bashfully and ducked her head. She was sure she could too. She was surprised by just how attached to Hibiki she was, even after such a short amount of time. “Let’s just…” She was about to suggest that they just go home when Honoka and Umi entered her line of sight. She visibly deflated. She’d really wanted some time alone with Hibiki. Honoka was holding a puppy plushie under one arm, a stuffed bear in the other. She sat down at the table and automatically reached across to steal some of Kotori’s fries. It was only when she’d shoved a handful into her mouth that she hesitated. “Sorry.” She mumbled, her mouth full. Kotori shrugged in response and Umi and Hibiki shared a look. Umi had said it would be awkward but this was ridiculous. Honoka and Kotori had barely spoken since they’d gotten to the park. “Hey um...let’s do something together.” Umi spoke up suddenly. “Let’s go to the haunted house! It’ll be fun!” “I never took you for a haunted house kind of….” Hibiki trailed off as Umi tilted her head toward Honoka and Kotori. “Ooh right. Yeah, let’s do it! I’m getting bored, just sitting here.” Honoka bit her lip uncertainly but she didn’t want to say no to Umi. Her girlfriend had been so upset lately. “Okay…” Kotori nodded in reluctant agreement and they got up from their table. “Are we doing what I think we’re doing?” Hibiki whispered to Umi who flashed her a coy smile and gave a slight nod of her head. Hibiki was quickly distracted by a hand sliding into her own. She glanced at Kotori who gave a nervous smile. Beaming herself, Hibiki squeezed Kotori’s hand. “Let’s get going then.” As the four of them walked to where the haunted house was, Honoka looped her arm through Umi’s and pressed close to her side. Umi winced, remembering that Honoka was probably going to freak out. “You’ll be alright.” She said softly, rubbing Honoka’s hand. “As long as Umi-chan is there.” Honoka said softly. Umi’s stomach knotted with guilt. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea. She didn’t want Honoka to be afraid and she knew her girlfriend would be without her there. She was about to change her mind but they had already reached the haunted house and Honoka had let go of her arm, a determined look on her face. “Alright, let’s go.” Hibiki tugged Kotori forward and pushed them both in, the doors closing abruptly behind them. “W-Wait, what?!” Honoka turned toward the door only to find it closed tightly behind them. “Umi-chan! UMI-CHAN! Damn it...” Kotori sighed as she looked around, trying to get her bearings in the dark. “Looks like the only way out is forward…” “Damn it.” Honoka repeated, resting her forehead against the door. She turned toward Kotori, the awkwardness she’d felt all night returning. “Why do you think they locked us in here?” Kotori shrugged and reached out, grabbing Honoka’s hand. “Come on. I used to have to drag you and Umi-chan out of here crying when we were kids. Let’s just get through this as quickly as possible, alright?” “Why do you even care? I thought you hated me.” Honoka said as Kotori led her further into the house. She was thinking about pulling her hand away when she heard a creak and flinched toward Kotori. “Honoka-chan, I don’t hate you. I was upset. I was upset at a lot of things.” Kotori whispered, seeing no need to speak at a higher volume. “I was upset with you and Umi-chan for….what you did. And myself for not seeing it coming. I was stupid and naive and I really liked you a-and I might have used your feelings for Umi and her feelings for you against you. I should have at least told Umi-chan that I knew.” Honoka wasn’t sure what to say to that. “You’re no-” She trailed off, screaming as a ‘mummy’ jumped out at her. Quickly enough, Kotori hurried them away and Honoka took a shuddering breath to calm down. “Um...I was...you’re not going to hurt, Biki-chan, right?” “I don’t go out of my way to hurt people, Honoka.” Kotori said, a bit disappointed that Honoka had to ask her that. “Of course I won’t. I’m not going to walk away from her.” “I think she really likes you.” Honoka said quietly, thinking back to Hibiki’s disappointment with herself earlier. “Surprised?” Kotori asked without really thinking about it. “Uh...sorry. I like her too. I really do.” Honoka fell silent as they continued to walk, jumping at the occasional fright. “I’m sorry too.” She finally said, glancing at Kotori. “I should have just told you how I really felt. I shouldn’t have ever said yes, I just...wanted to feel that way about you. I didn’t want to turn you down or hurt you. You’re my best friend.” “Still your best friend?” Kotori tugged Honoka close to her side as someone jumped out at them. Thankfully the shock was less than if Honoka had been standing right there. “Of course.” Honoka said with a small smile. “And you’re Umi’s too.” “Good. I...could never really hate her, you know that, right? I just said that because I was hurt and angry and...I don’t know. It felt good to lash out.” Kotori said with a helpless shrug. She noticed the sign for the exit straight ahead. “I hate her dad though. I want to kick him in the nuts. Or key his stupidly expensive car.” “Kotori-chan!” Honoka exclaimed in surprise. “Maybe you’ve been spending a bit too much time with Biki-chan?”

“I don’t think that’s possible…” Kotori said thoughtfully as she pushed the door open. They emerged into the outside air and almost immediately spotted Umi and Hibiki. “I’m sorry, Honoka!” Umi quickly rushed to Honoka. She looked guilty, worried and relieved all at once. “Are you okay? You weren’t too scared, were you?” She cupped Honoka’s face in her hands, worriedly looking her over. “I’m fine, Umi-chan.” Honoka reassured her worried girlfriend. “I’m not happy that you tricked me into going in there though.” Hibiki walked over to Kotori and wrapped her arms around her waist. “You seem calm.” Kotori gave a soft laugh. “When we see a horror movie you’ll realize I’m immune.” “Crap, no way are you dragging me to a fucking horror movie. I hate them.” Hibiki said, her eyes wide with panic. Kotori giggled at Hibiki’s dramatics and surprised her by pressing a light kiss to her lips. “How is it possible for someone as bad as you to be so damn cute?” “Shut up.” Hibiki grumbled, lightly swatting Kotori’s arm. “Hey, what are you guys doing here?!” The four of them looked up, recognizing the voice only to see Nozomi, Nico, Eli and Maki walking toward them. Nico was grumbling under her breath, a panda tucked under her arm while Eli was carrying a fox plushie and holding Maki’s hand. It was Nozomi who had called out, jogging forward with Nico. “Double date.” Honoka answered. Umi was happy to hear that she didn’t sound as displeased about it as she had a few hours ago. “What about you?” “Double date.” Maki echoed as she and Eli came to a stop near the others. She supposed it was laughable that half of the people there were ex’s “Oh, Biki-chan! I didn’t know you’d be here.” Nozomi gave the girl a swift hug before she stepped back, taking Nico’s hand again. “So how do you know Hibiki, Kotori?” Nico asked curiously, noticing how friendly the two seemed to be. “Is she your new…?” “Friend.” Kotori said quickly when Nozomi looked at her. She didn’t want Hibiki to feel pressured into anything. “My um...good friend.” “Oh?” Nico looked between Kotori and Hibiki who looked a little bit disappointed. “Oooh, I see. Like Nozomi used to be my...” “Okay, we get it, Nicocchi.” Nozomi interjected quickly. She hastened to change the subject. “Nicocchi and I were goi-” “It’s not like that.” Kotori said sharply, effectively cutting Nozomi off. “I care about her. I’m not using her for anything.” “Didn’t say you were.” Nico said with a roll of her eyes. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I’m dating Nozomi now? I love her? If anything I’m giving you too much credit…” “Alright, alright!” Eli stepped between the two before Kotori could make a retort. “Let’s just all have a good night, okay? We can go on the ferris wheel or…” “Go for food?” Honoka asked hopefully. She flushed when everyone turned to her. “I haven’t eaten yet. Neither has Umi-chan.” Kotori saw her chance and grabbed it. “Hibiki and I already ate so we’ll go ahead. Call me when you want to leave!” Without another word, she hurried off, tugging Hibiki with her. “Kotori…” Hibiki protested, her face red with embarrassment. She smiled when the second year glanced at her. “Nothing. Here...” She took her cap off her head and put it on Kotori instead. “You look cute in it.”

Kotori grinned and adjusted the cap on her head. “I’m already wearing your jacket though…” “Just like a boo.” Hibiki smirked. Kotori laughed in response and squeezed Hibiki’s hand. “God you’re obsessed with the west…” “Can’t help it, their lingo rocks.” Hibiki teased, bumping her shoulder against Kotori’s. “Ah, stop.” The second year in question groaned though she looked mostly amused. Hibiki couldn’t quite wipe the smile from her face. “So do you wanna go on the ferris wheel with me or what?” “Sure. Unless you’re scared?” Kotori playfully hip-checked Hibiki who let out a playful growl of annoyance. “No chance.” Hibiki answered with a grin. She grabbed Kotori’s hand again and hurriedly led her off toward the ferris wheel. Thankfully, the line wasn’t all that long and within a few minutes they were seated. “Are you sure you don’t want to hold my hand?” Kotori teased, holding out her hand. She was surprised when Hibiki immediately grasped it. “What?” Hibiki asked smugly, noticing the look. “You asked whether I wanted to hold your hand, not whether I’m scared.” Kotori shook her head in amusement and leaned back, closing her eyes as the ride began to move. “This is kind of...romantic, huh?” “I suppose so.” Hibiki glanced at Kotori was a small smile. “I don’t mind it much, do you?” She shifted closer, her leg brushing against Kotori’s. “I like it.” Kotori admitted, reaching up to brush Hibiki’s hair from her face. She heard the girl’s breath hitch and leaned in to kiss her slowly. “I really like you.” Instead of answering, Hibiki cupped Kotori’s face in her hands and drew her into a deep kiss. She didn’t want to say the same thing. She felt it but she wasn’t ready to admit it out loud. She would only end up getting hurt if she said something like that. She slid her fingers into Kotori’s hair and drew her closer, tracing her tongue over the girl’s lower lip. Kotori whimpered almost inaudibly and parted her lips for Hibiki’s tongue. She turned, leaning into the kiss as Hibiki’s tongue met her own. Feeling the girl’s hand go to her hip, tugging her closer, Kotori crawled into her lap, straddling her. She pushed her fingers into Hibiki’s hair and kissed her harder, needing to feel every inch of the girl’s mouth. Hibiki slid her hands up Kotori’s thighs, under her skirt, trailing them over every inch of her thighs and ass as Kotori whimpered against her lips. It was getting to be addictive, taking so many risks with Kotori. Kotori’s lips slid away from her own and Hibiki had the brief thought that she was going to pull away. Kotori’s lips were on her neck a moment later though, teeth grazing against her skin and her tongue soothing the sting. “Fuck…” Kotori grinned against Hibiki’s lips and lowered herself down further so that she was sitting in the girl’s lap. “I guess it makes sense that you’d be an exhibitionist.” She murmured against her friend’s skin. “Does it turn you on? Thinking about doing it up here with all of those people down below?” Hibiki whimpered and shifted beneath Kotori. She didn’t answer but that was more than enough of a response. “We only have about twenty minutes.” Kotori mumbled, her hand sliding to Hibiki’s chest. She squeezed her breast through her clothes and grinned innocently. “I don’t know what we could do with that time…” Hibiki swallowed thickly. “C-Come on, Kotori…” “It’s a good thing you have a skirt on.” Kotori looked down, an idea formulating in her mind. Smirking to herself, she slid off Hibiki’s lap and knelt on the floor. “Take off your tights and panties and scoot closer to the edge of your seat.” Her eyes wide, Hibiki did as she was told, only standing briefly. When she went to sit back down though, Kotori was there, pushing her skirt up, all the way to her hips. Hibiki gasped slightly when she sat down, the seat a lot colder without clothes in the way. “Kotori, what are…?” She trailed off with another gasp as Kotori pushed her legs apart and wasting no time in moving her head between her legs, licking firmly at her centre. “Shit!” She closed her eyes and bit her lip as Kotori’s tongue roamed freely over her, licking everywhere it could reach. She yelped as she felt two fingers slide easily inside of her. “Oh fuck...Kotori!” Kotori paid Hibiki no mind, too focused on what she was doing. She thrust her fingers quickly, having realizing that Hibiki was more than ready and licked and sucked at the girl’s clit. She basked in the answering sounds from Hibiki. The girl really did moan, groan, whine and whimper beautifully. Her hands slid around to Hibiki’s ass, pulling the girl closer to her face. Kotori stood up, feeling Hibiki relax. Noticing the girl seemed a bit out of it, she helped her up and tugged her skirt back up for her before she helped her put her tights back on. “I think I’ll keep these.” She smirked, pocketing Hibiki’s panties. Hibiki was panting heavily as Kotori joined her back on the seat. “W-What the hell…?” “I have my own secrets, Hibiki.” Kotori said with a mysterious smile. “Ah fuck, I’m a terrible influence.” Hibiki muttered, brushing her hair back from her face. “No, you just make me feel free.” Kotori disagreed softly --- Maki grinned to herself as she watched Eli carefully place her fox plush on her bedside table, leaning it against the lamp so it didn’t fall over. Eli glanced at Maki and rolled her eyes at the look on her face. “I still think this should be the other way round.” “What? Just because you’re older than me?” Maki grabbed Eli’s hand and pulled her onto the bed with her, kissing her soundly. “Besides, I wanted to get you something.” “You don’t have to keep getting me things.” Eli giggled as Maki lay down her back drawing her closer to her. She hummed softly as Maki pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Maki…” “Sssh, just relax.” Maki whispered, kissing Eli again. She threaded her fingers with Eli’s, smiling against soft lips. “I really had fun today. Seriously, I would trade a thousand fundraisers just to be able to go to the amusement park with you once.” Eli felt her cheeks warm, a similar warmth expanding over her chest. “I had fun too.” She said quietly, brushing her fingers through Maki’s hair. She felt the redhead pull away for a split second only to rest her head on her chest.

“Why did you choose me? I still don’t get it.” Maki mumbled, comfortably basking in Eli’s warmth. “You could have anyone you want.” “Honestly?” Eli asked, unsurprised by the question. “Your personality. Not that I didn’t like Nozomi’s but there’s something firey about you. Mysterious. You’re someone I wanted to learn more and more about. I mean yeah, you’re hot and all but what really made me fall for you was getting to know the real you. It didn’t help that your kisses were explosive.” Maki blushed at the compliment. “I’ve never kissed anyone else. That kiss with you was my first.” “For real? Damn…” Eli said in surprise. “I was sure you’d done it before.” Maki shook her head in response. “You’re my first everything.” Eli smiled softly and turned, brushing her lips against Maki’s cheek. “I love you, Maki. I don’t even know how to...” “I know.” Maki whispered back. “I never want to be apart from you.” Eli continued quietly, her throat tightening at the thought of all of the time they’d be spending apart when she graduated. “I know.” Maki looked up at Eli but the blonde wasn’t looking at her. “Do you want to know why I love you?” “Huh?” Eli anxiously met Maki’s gaze. “Oh, y-yeah…” “I love you for a lot of reasons.” Maki pushed herself up, smiling gently down at Eli. “I love you for your kindness. You’re so cool and confident and just someone I look up to when I have a hard decision to make. I’ve always been a bit decisive with stuff but meeting you showed me a different path. You’ve really changed me, for the better I think…” “I feel the same way.” Eli leaned up and gently kissed Maki, lingering for a second before she let her head fall back to the pillow. “I wish I could take you with me to college. Can’t you just…?” “I still have two years left.” Maki reminded Eli, causing her to let out a huff of annoyance. “It’s not like you aren’t smart enough…” Eli grumbled unhappily. “I know. But I’ll visit you all of the time.” Maki reassuringly rubbed Eli’s arm. “Don’t worry about it, Eli. You don’t have to worry about us anymore, we’re...good. We’re happy. And we’ll be happy when you’re in college too. And after that, when we live together. I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy.” Eli smiled softly and wrapped her arms around Maki, holding her close. “Tell me about it. What you imagine in our future.” “Uh…” Maki paused uncertainly. If she told the truth it would certainly be embarrassing. “Well I see us together obviously. I’ll be a doctor and you’ll be a hotshot lawyer. We’re um….” She coughed, her face turning red. “Married. A-And happy. We’re just really happy.” Eli was taken aback at the mention of marriage and was about to say as much when there was a knock at her door, followed by her mom’s voice. “Eli?” Eli panicked and shot up from the bed, hurrying to neaten her hair. Maki sat up too, folding her legs underneath her. “Uh...come in!” Eli called back. Her door opened and her mom stepped into the room, her gaze flitting between the two girls. Eli felt her hands tremble slightly at her sides. She was still somewhat nervous of her mom ever walking in on her with Maki. “Dinner will be ready soon. Are you staying over again, Nishikino-san?” Irina asked quietly. “Y-Yes.” Maki stuttered nervously as Eli’s mother looked at her. “If that’s okay.” “That’s fine. I’ll see you both downstairs.” Irina turned back to her daughter. “Could you remind Arisa when I call you? She has her earphones in.” “Sure…” Eli said softly as her mom turned and left the room. “I don’t think your mom likes me.” Maki said quietly as Irina chose to leave the door open and carried on down the hallway. “Of course she does.” Eli said, sitting back down on the bed next to Maki. “What kind of parent wouldn’t like you? Me on the other hand...I can’t imagine what your mother thinks of me. Leading you astray and all, like I did…” “Oh, she likes you.” Maki said quickly, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “She says you’re a good influence. She’s even trying to get me to try her wedding dress on…” “Huh?” Eli’s eyes widened in surprise. “B-But…” “Don’t worry about it.” Maki laughed at Eli’s panic. “My mother’s really weird, that’s all. The point is she really does like you. You’d know that if you ever came over.” Eli winced. “Your dad’s kind of scary though…” “He’s supposed to be.” Maki turned and lay down, her head in Eli’s lap. “He’s treating you like any of the boys he’d try to arrange me with. This is good, it means that you’re dating me.” “Yeah well he’s still scary.” Eli mumbled, shrugging her shoulders. Maki laughed and reached up, briefly touching Eli’s cheek. “You should come over. Mama and Papa would both like it if you did. They could get to know you better.” “Uh…” Eli was hesitant to say yes but she couldn’t with Maki looking at her. “I guess. If you really want me to.” “I do. I’ll arrange it with them.” Maki pushed herself up and kissed Eli quickly. “Thank you. And if it makes you feel any better, at least my parents like you. I have to sit with you mom glar-” She shrieked as Eli let out a playful growl and tickled her sides. “Stop, stop! I’m sorry!” “You’d better be.” Eli said with a faux glare. She relaxed back against her pillows, gently stroking Maki’s hair. “So fluffy…” “I’m not your damn teddy bear.” Maki said though there was no malice behind her words. Eli laughed softly in response. “Yes, you are.” TBC

#EliMaki #Nozoeli #Honoumi #NozoNico #KotoHono #KotoBiki #Fanfiction

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metasandmagic · 8 years ago

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From My World to Yours

Summary: Her life was one bad decision after the other. A mirror image of a heroine in the world that she was currently trapped in. With Earth 1's Laurel dead and Earth 2′s Laurel trapped here, Siren decides that this is the second chance she had always deserved. Especially with the man she loved.

Pairing: laurel lance/oliver queen

AO3

@emileablake

Once you started the dominoes going it was nearly impossible to stop them. The only difference was that with dominoes you could see the pattern before you pushed the first one and nobody was that lucky in life. Laurel hadn’t known that when she said goodbye to Oliver as he got on the Gambit it would be the last time she saw him. She hadn’t known that moving to Central City would result in her gaining new abilities and that those new abilities would cause her everything left she loved.

Than Zoom had offered to teach her control, to give her a new start and all she had to do was follow his orders. She would get revenge on everyone who had looked at her like a monster. It had been easy and she had enjoyed watching the people who had hurt her be hurt. It hadn’t matter that they were innocent, they had been human. There was nothing worse in her eyes in any world.

Than she had come here and been beaten, lost the one person she had come closest to trusting and seen what it would have been like to be loved. As much as she hated to admit it Laurel Lance of Earth 1 hadn’t had the easiest life either. She didn’t know what would be worse, to know Oliver was dead or watch him fall in love with someone else.

It had been easy to hate her, when she had just seemed to let him go. To hate Felicity who had stolen the man she loved and to hate him for not loving her. Except she could see how much he did care and looking at him woke something in her. His words had stayed with her long after she had been in the cell. Working for Argus, had started to make her rethink being a hero. Especially when she saw the impact she could have.

The vast majority of people she didn't care about, but the innocent. Those who actually tried to make a difference, they were the ones she didn't hate saving. It gave her this sense of satisfaction and the destruction she was able to commit allowed her to still feel powerful and even when you caged a tiger it was still dangerous.

Maybe she would never be a hero but that didn't mean she had to keep killing either. The man walking toward her cell was unexpected but not unfamiliar. "Oliver Queen as I live and breathe. To what do I owe this honor?" The sarcasm was thick in her voice as she leaned against the bars of her cell.

"I've come to make you an offer." She perked up a little at that and glanced around noting Lyla standing by the door. Whatever the deal was seemed to have the approval of Argus. That meant it could be either very good or very bad. "You've been showing that there is a lot of good in you. Working with the suicide squad and making a difference. I'm offering you the chance to do the same with my team."

He was actually offering her another chance. Laurel had to wonder what blondie had to say about that. She didn't say anything, just continued to look at him as she stood up straighter. "You'll be monitored and under my authority but it's better than here, right?" He seemed to change as he walked closer to her cell, becoming more threatening; darker. "This is a second chance but screw it up and you won't get another one."

A way out of this cell and all she had to do was keep being good. Freedom and fresh air, it was to good to pass up. "Deal."

It had been three months since Laurel had joined the team and she had quickly taken to being called Dinah. It was easier than reminding everyone of who she was not, especially when she had to stare into the eyes of the father she had lost as a teenager and remind him of his dead daughter.

Those months had not been easy, her methods were different than the teams. Most of the team, at least. Oliver was watching her like a hawk, going so far as to keep a camera in her room, which she had made more than a few comments about, and of course the damn inhibitor collar around her neck for when she wasn't going out as Siren.

Both of them were quickly learning they weren't like their lost lovers and yet so much of those people existed in them. It made her wonder if the feelings she was experiencing were for the man she was getting to know or the one she lost. It was a surprisingly quiet weekend and she had for once seemed to be up before her roommate.

Dinah made her way to the kitchen and gather what she needed to make pancakes. Banana chocolate chip pancakes, she hadn't made them since... Well since before her world had finished crumbling under her feet. The soft footsteps would have barely alerted anybody who didn't live their life on constant surveillance but even as well as this second chance was going she was always on guard. "Should I be worried about you burning the apartment down or trying to poison me. Laurel always managed both." The laughter surprised them both.

It was the first time since she had met these people that the comparison to her Laurel Lance hadn't set her off. Maybe it was because she was proud of finally finding something she did better or she was just coming to terms it was them talking about an old friend and not necessarily comparing the two of them. "No, after my father died I had to learn to cook for us. My mom was a mess. It's what started my long list of bad decisions." Two teenage girls in a prep school and doing it all on a teachers salary.

If only her father hadn't quit his job and opened his own PI firm than maybe they would have been fine but there was never any point of thinking of what if's. Dinah could remember stealing food and clothes. A dress for Sara for the dance, some shoes for her. A necklace for her mothers birthday. She had been good at it too. Looked sweet and innocent and attracted the wrong sort of attention. When she had started dating Oliver she had mostly turned her back on that life, until he was taken from her and it was her old friends that got her through it.

The revelation had shifted something between them and both of them talked about their lives like they were new friends instead of people reconnecting.

She missed home but she had been on this Earth for over a year now and working with Green Arrow and his team for eight months. Eight months since she had taken the second chance she was given and decided to actually try. She would never be their Laurel but she was starting to have them warm up to her. Enough so that they had taken the collar off around her neck, but she was still living with Oliver, sans the video camera in her room.

Tonight they were hosting a dinner party to celebrate, she wasn't sure what exactly, maybe just being alive. Somehow Dinah and Ollie had gotten volunteered to cook, more like he volunteered them and Dinah wasn’t going to disappoint her newly found friends. “I don’t see why we had to do this?”

He reached behind her to grab the needed ingredients and glanced over to her with a frown. “I thought you liked to cook?” The two of them worked well together, either in the battlefield or in the kitchen, they just naturally understood the other.

“I do like to cook. I even like to cook for the team. I don’t like being told I’m going to do it. I though we had this figured out by now.” She knocked over the coco powder they were using for dessert and cursed. His chuckle did nothing but annoy her more and she took a handful and tossed it at him.

The laughter stopped at that and he took a handful of flour throwing it at her. “You want a fight Lance, you got one.” The two ran around the kitchen throwing various ingredients at each other and laughing like children. The kitchen was a mess and nothing was getting done but they were just having fun.

It wasn’t until Dinah went for the water did he think about stopping her. “Di, don’t.” The warning growl was met with a smirk and Oliver knew it was a bad idea before she even soaked him. He grabbed her around the waist and spun her away from the sink, both of them laughing as he turned off the water.

His arms loosened but didn’t completely let her go. “You should have known better than to tell me what to do, Ollie.” Oliver was only half listening as he glanced at her lips. He leaned down and kissed her, her hands coming to rest on his neck.

“You had some chocolate on your lips.” The kiss only lasted a few seconds and he was still breathless.

“Yeah how did it taste?” Dinah looked up at him nervously, standing on her toes to be closer to him.

“Good, but I think I need another taste.” He leaned down as he closed the gap between them and kissed her again.

#laurel lance #oliver queen #lauriver #laurel lance/oliver queen #E!2 Laurel Lance #fanfic #mine #I debated giving her the canary mantle but I like the idea of siren earning her place as herself

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drshaffopolis · 8 years ago

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More Gallagher than Milgrim

“Okay, ready?”

“Ready.”

“Let’s sweep the garage.”

“Just a crawler over here, nothing I can’t handle,” Jason kept his fireteam updated as he gunned down a small robot, “I see three heading your way, Admiral. Look like maybe brutes … can’t make them out from here.”

“I’ve got your back,” Carrie decloaked, taking down one of them by surprise with a shimmering energy sword, “Uh, bad move!” She jumped back, just out of the reach of the two creatures angrily swiping their claws in her direction.

“Show off,” she said, as two perfectly aimed sniper rifle shots pierced their skulls.

“Nice work, Admiral.” Jason’s voice again, “Hey, check it out, there’s a car over here.”

“I call gunner seat!” Andrew opened the car door, as it was rocked by two explosions, “Shit! I didn’t realize there were traps in this game mode! Shit! I’m a dead. What a freaking noob move.”

In the upper-right corner of Jason’s screen, the name RearAdmiralPoopants2029 turned from blue to red.

“Any other vehicles in the garage?” Carrie asked.

“I don’t see any. We’ll just have to see how far we can get on foot without our sniper.”

“Right, opening the door… Oh, great, a big empty fucking field. That’s perfect!”

“Think you have enough cloak to make it to that clump of trees?”

“I can try. I say we both run for it; you’re not gonna do much good back there with just an assault rifle.”

One-third of the way across the field, an opposing team’s vehicle drove toward them, spraying fire from its mounted machine gun. Jason had nowhere to hide.

Carrie’s cloak gave out before she made it to the cover of the trees; she listened to the other team’s taunts as they ran her over.

* * * * *

“Well, that was embarrassing.” Andrew said at the between-rounds loading screen.

“Yeah… what are we going to do next time? Does anyone have a bomb defusal skill?” Jason asked.

“No, sorry.”

“No. Is Scout online? He always equips something like that,” Carrie was asking rhetorically, of course – she could see as well as anyone that he wasn’t.

“Probably doing his biology project that’s not due until next week,” said Andrew, “we go to school together IRL and he’s, like, a total goody two-shoes.”

“Ugh god, don’t remind me how much of an old lady I am,” said Carrie, the 53-year-old sales executive, who couldn’t decide whether winning or losing was more embarrassing, but was having fun, anyway.

"Well, I have one multi-tool. But it looked like there were two bombs,” said Jason.

Andrew suggested, “I can take out one with a grenade—”

Carrie interrupted him, “Sure, yeah, let’s just blow up the car. Fuck that car, we don’t need it, anyway.”

“No, no, the model TX just has a cargo compartment up front, so setting off that mine would barely affect it. The explosion will probably trigger the other mine, but if we time it perfectly, you can probably get in there with the multi-tool and disable the second one.”

“How does he know that? How do you know that? I’m picturing, like, fake car schematics on posters on your wall. You’d better be an automotive engineer when you grow up.” One never quite knew which side of the line between sarcasm and earnestness Carrie was on.

“He’s not even old enough to have a job, he has time for this stuff,” Jason was a college student, home for winter break. “You and me have more important things to learn.”

“You’re probably a really annoying intern. I take my coffee with two sugars. Write that down.”

“Looks like the rest of the teams finished the round,” Andrew read out loud, “49th out of 50. Yeah! We weren’t dead last. Suck it, SquadDoobieDoodz!”

“Whoo!”

* * * * *

The second round went more smoothly – the team’s plan to disable the bombs worked, they drove their slightly damaged car out of the garage and scored 7 kills before getting knocked out.

“24th out of 50, not too bad!” Jason exclaimed.

“Okay, kids, I do have work tomorrow, so I’ll be signing off on that wining note.”

“Good night, Carrie.”

“Peace.”

“Hey, looks like Scout’s online. Hopefully he’ll join the party.”

“Yeah, we’ll kick ass with him in here. I’ll ping him and tell him to play his infiltrator.”

“Leave it to Carrie to play an infiltrator without any ranks in explosives,” they chuckled.

“Um, guys?”

“Carrie, sticking around for another game after all?”

“Well… I can’t sign off.”

“Neither can I, that what I try to tell my parents every night.”

“No, I mean, I… Can’t. Sign. Off.”

“Just plug your headset into the charger, it’ll be fine. You’re worse than my grandma.”

“No, I really can’t!”

“It’ll boot you for inactivity. You don’t care about your stats, anyway, stop being such a drama queen.”

“I mean, I can’t take my headset off.” Carrie sounded seriously distressed.

“What, how can you not take your headset off? Like, you’re trapped in the game?”

“Stop being so gullible, Andrew,” Jason said, “She’s messing with us.”

“No, I’m really not, I swear. I think I might be having … I don’t know, a stroke? I can’t move my arms. If I give you my address, can you call the police?”

“Okay, but if I call the police and it’s a prank, it’s gonna be a prank on yourself.” Jason started to sound more serious, “I’ll get a pen.”

“Hurry, please… I’m having some trouble remembering my address… it must be aphasia or something…”

“I hope you’re okay. I’ll send a card to the hospital,” added Andrew.

“What the fuck! Oh my god. Oh my god. I can’t take off my headset, either.”

“Now you’re both definitely pranking me. I wasn’t born yesterday.”

“No, Andrew, try to take yours off.”

“I’m not going to fall for it,” he lied. Then a few seconds later, “… oh my god, I can’t either!”

“How is this possible?” Jason asked.

“It really shouldn’t be,” Carrie was trying calm herself down, “these things tie into your senses of sight and hearing, but they can’t control your motor cortex. The FDA inspects these; there’s no way.”

“Well, maybe it’s an illusion of some sort… MOM! MOM!” Jason was yelling through his microphone, “Don’t worry, they’ll hear me.”

A few tense moments passed.

“MOM! I’m serious; come help me! I’m stuck! I need help! DAD!”

Another tense minute.

“Okay, okay, nobody panic. Even if we can’t talk out load, or whatever, someone is going to stumble onto one of us pretty soon. Either Andrew’s mom is going to call him for bed, or something. We’ll all be fine, and someone at OctopusGames is going to go to jail.”

Jason didn’t like the idea of sitting around. “If we’re going to be trapped in here for another hour or two, maybe we should explore. Try to figure out what’s going on? If they’re doing some illegal experiment, we’re better off knowing what it is, right?”

* * * * *

The team walked cautiously out of the garage. The saw a grenade explosion halfway across the field, and an opposing player spinning around and firing wildly into the air. He started walking toward them, fired a few more shots into the air, and continued walking in their direction.

“Looks like we’re not the only ones. He wants to talk.” Jason also fired wildly into the air, displaying their new ad-hoc signal for non-aggression.

BOOM! The player who had been walking toward them was gone in a blast from a tank that just rolled over a hill.

“Back to the garage!” Andrew yelled, “Looks like not everyone got the memo!”

They ran inside and sealed the door.

“This is ridiculous, there’s no way they can actually hurt us,” Carrie said, “for all we know, getting killed is our ticket out.”

“Maybe, but if you’re wrong, how hard would it suck if we had to stare at a loading screen in silence all night until Andrew’s mom comes to take him to school?”

After a few more minutes, they all heard an announcement, as if over a loudspeaker, “All players, please congregate in the valley for further instructions. Do not fire on each other unless ordered. Failure to comply will result in ejection from the game.”

“Do we listen?” asked Andrew.

“I don’t think we have a choice,” said Jason.

“We might at least get some answers,” agreed Carrie.

* * * * *

Players from dozens of teams were gathered in the valley. The valley was ringed by tanks, and hovering helicopters. In the center, a ring of soldiers surrounded a tank. These new characters were wearing military police uniforms, in stark contrast to the colorful anime sci-fi outfits that the players were wearing. The military police had firepower at their disposal on an order of magnitude greater than that of all the players combined.

The one standing on top of the tank was speaking through a bullhorn, “We’ve brought you all here for a little experiment. You’ll be participating in a series of drills, and will be released in 6 hours, when we’re all finished.”

Whispers and mumbles cascaded through the crowd. A shot rang out, hit the speaker in the head. The game character slumped over, dead. The helicopters fired a salvo, obliterating the shooter, his teammates, and a few other players unfortunate enough to be standing nearby.

Another MP climbed onto the tank and calmly continued, “Fighting against us is futile. We’re the moderators. If you break the rules, you’ll be killed.”

“You’d better have a good lawyer!” Shouted Carrie. “I refuse to participate!”

“When the time comes, we shall see. For now, I want you all to stay in this valley, except for you, you, you, and you.” MPs ushered four players from different teams into a prison bus.

* * * * *

Over the next few hours, players were ushered out, onto the bus, a few at a time. Everyone was talking amongst themselves.

“Where are they going?”

“So far, no one has come back.”

“What’s happening to them.”

“Maybe that’s the experiment. To see how long we put up with it.”

“What are we going to do? We can’t fight them.”

“What if getting killed is the ticket out? And we’re all afraid for nothing. I mean, it’s game. We’re wearing $500 headsets.”

“What if the bus is the ticket out? I mean, like, if someone figures out how to unplug, instead of the game character disappearing like normal, they just program it to hop on a bus.”

“If someone figured out how to unplug, wouldn’t they just disappear?”

“I mean, that’s what usually happens, but it wouldn’t be that big of a modification to have your avatar stay even if you unplugged, just like an NPC.”

“And then they’d program it to get onto the bus?”

“Maybe.”

Similar conversations were happening all throughout the valley.

Jason, Andrew, and Carrie stuck together. “We need a plan,” Carrie said, “but we also need to be careful; if they’re experimenting on us, there’s no way they can’t hear what we’re saying.”

Someone behind them coughed. They turned to see the floating text above his head, it read ScoutRegiment4lyfe, the fourth member of their squad.

“Scout! You signed on just as this weirdness was starting. Did you hear about it? Was it on Twitter? Did you come to get us out?” Jason was excited.

Scout didn’t say anything, but instead of motioned into the distance. Of course! The clubhouse; why didn’t we think of that before! The four of them split up; they had the first step of a plan.

* * * * *

Jason sensed his opportunity when another bus departed – the guards were distracted and not looking at him. Sure, they probably had some centralized tracking that told them where everyone went, but a handful of players among hundreds could sneak off without anyone noticing, so long as no one was looking directly at them when they did it, right?

Jason made his way out of the valley into a forest. The trees grew denser, as he approached the edge of the world. He stepped between the trees, until he found himself unable to continue moving. Here, even where there were gaps between the trees, an invisible wall blocked him. He turned “north” and kept moving, until he reached a small hut with no doors or windows.

Jason faced away from the hut, and did a spinning backflip onto the roof. Thud! He never got that right on the first try. Again… thud!

On the third try, instead of hitting the roof, he went straight through as if it weren’t there. The walls of the hut were only partially visible from the inside. One wall had a giant black triangle with pulsating edges. Another was see-through from this side. Players were clearly not meant to be in this part of the level. It was a design flaw; almost every map in every game had something like it if you looked hard enough. More importantly, the game’s built-in tracking and logging functions didn’t work, here. Unscrupulous players would often come in here to activate cheat programs; it was the one place they wouldn’t get caught and banned. Carrie, Andrew, and Scout were already there, along with two players they didn’t recognize – their gamer tags read JoeyBiddleRocks! and CowboysFan45252.

“Okay, I think that’s everyone we were expecting from our team,” said Scout, “Now, as for the plan to get out of here…”

“We know a glitch that’ll crash the game,” said CowboysFan, “sometimes we do it to troll if we’re losing.”

“Ass-hats.” Carrie hated playing against people like him, but that seemed unimportant, now. “Whatever, I guess you’re just kids.”

“Actually, I’m a corporate lawyer by day, believe it or not.” That was JoeyBiddle.

“Even worse.”

“Anyway, look, the way it works is this. If you hit a friendly tank with enough explosives to flip it over, while the tank is firing its main gun, it crashes the game.”

“So, that means we need to capture one of those tanks, and then we’re going to need like … 5 rocket launchers?” Jason asked.

“Two will do it if you put five or six mines under it.” Rocket launchers appeared, instantly, in JoeyBiddle’s and CowboysFan’s hands. “Here, trade weapons.” Andrew dropped his sniper rifle on the floor and grabbed the rocket launcher from CowboysFan. Another appeared to replace it a second later.

“Pretty handy cheat.” They all equipped themselves with rockets and mines.

“Now we just need the tank,” Scout sounded optimistic, “Carrie, you maxed out your stealth ranks as usual, right?”

“Of course, but… are we sure this is going to work? I mean, is crashing the game going to get us out of here?”

“Well we have to try something, are there other ideas?” asked Jason.

“Civil disobedience,” suggested Carrie.

“What’s that?” asked Andrew.

“What do you mean, ‘what’s that’? How do they not teach you that in school? The civil rights movement? Come on. Like, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks and all! Ring a bell?”

“I have this feeling I really should know who they are.”

“Joey? Didn’t you just say you were a grown up? And a lawyer? Tell me you’re joking!”

“No... No, I’m not… This is really weird… could they be blocking out our thoughts or parts of our memories, too?”

“That’s insane!”

“All of this is insane! Look, we have to move!”

“Okay, okay. I’ll use my cloak to get into the tank and execute the driver. Let’s try this.”

* * * * *

They filtered back into the valley one at a time, so as not to get caught. There were still hundreds of players milling around, talking amongst themselves. There were a few dozen corpses, as well, as if another firefight had broken out. Hopefully someone else hadn’t tried their plan. If the moderators were prepared for it, it’d never work.

Carrie hid behind another player and engaged her cloak. She stepped out. No one seemed to react. So far, so good. She stepped slowly toward the tank. (cloak at 85%) She very carefully tiptoed through the ring of guards. (cloak at 30%) She quietly climbed on top of the tank, and slipped through the hatch just as her cloak gave out. The driver was facing the controls, and didn’t see her. For a moment, she could see her own avatar put its hand over his mouth as the game transitioned into its “assassination” animation.

Now, I just need another minute for my cloak to recharge; I can get out and under the tank to drop these mines and hop back in. This is the easy part, thought Carrie to herself.

At that moment, she heard a clank behind her. Someone had tossed a stun grenade into the tank’s hatch. The gig was up.

For the next 30 seconds, all she could see was her health indicator and heads-up display. Her ammunition bar went to zero – someone had taken her weapons. When her avatar’s vision returned, she was on the bus, along with the rest of their band of conspirators, with several MPs.

“I’m sorry, guys, I let you down.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” said Jason. “That stun grenade came from another player. They had the same plan as we did, and didn’t realize you were in there. It was just bad timing.”

“Quiet! We’re taking you to a detention facility.” Yelled one of the MPs, “You’re going to be disciplined.”

Carrie didn’t acknowledge the MP, and kept talking to her comrades, “A detention facility? On a bus? In a game world? When will any of this start making sense?”

“I said quiet!” The guard hit her avatar with the butt of his rifle, and Carrie cried out in pain. It sounded real.

“I will not be silent. I refuse to comply!” He struck her again.

“La la la. I’m still talking. La la la.”

“Another word, and we shoot you,” two of the MPs aimed their weapons at her head.

“Whatever, enough of this bullshit. Kill me! I’ll stare at a loading screen for a few hours. My body is probably lying in a hospital bed by now. And I’ll see you on a real prison bus.”

Pop! Pop! Pop! Carrie’s avatar stopped moving. For a what seemed like nearly an hour, no one said anything.

Finally, once the guards turned their focus toward looking out the windows, Scout whispered, “She’s not really dead, right? She can’t be. I mean, her real dead body, on her couch in her house? Or in a hospital? That’s murder.”

Jason answered, “My new theory is that this is all an illusion. It feels like hours, but it’s really only been a few seconds, like a dream. They can’t make us feel pain and we’re not actually paralyzed.”

“Her screams sounded awful real.”

“So do our guns, and they’re not. I mean, for all we know that wasn’t even her voice. You can pipe any sound through a video game.”

“Maybe we should all get ourselves killed.”

“Maybe.”

For the moment, however, no one was willing to risk it.

* * * * *

“Jason! Dinner’s almost ready!”

Jason stood up from his desk, closed the lid on his laptop, and walked down the stairs. He could smell the tomato sauce and meatballs. His parents always cooked his favorite comfort foods when he was home for the holidays.

“Playing that new game again?” his dad looked up from the newspaper to ask.

“Actually, I was reading about it. Sort of. It was a story about AI research.”

“AI research,” his mom said, “You work hard enough between your classes and internship that you need to just relax this week.”

“It was really interesting, though. Octopus is partnering a company called with DaveyAI—”

“Hah! I met their founder a few years ago at a conference!” His dad put down the paper, “What a quack! He’s one of those ‘singularity’ nut-jobs, thinks he’s going to live forever in a computer, like a god. You know, five years ago, this guy bought a bunch of warehouse drones and had them act out the Milgrim experiments?”

His mom chimed in, “Are you talking about BattleBotGhazi?”

“Yeah, that’s the one, he had these things ‘torturing’ each other, and talked big philosophy, ‘oh the ethical ramifications of the drone inflicting pain on each other because they were ordered to.’ He got some bad press and relished it. For a minute, he got to be the guy who was starting the conversation: Is it time for us to start treating robots as living things? To empathize with them? Do they have rights?”

“So, what happened?”

“Well, it all lasted about a week, before we collectively realized how absurd the situation was. I mean, here’s a bunch of inanimate objects, that are programmed to roll up and down aisles until they find a certain barcode, and literally nothing else, and he’s trying to get a reaction from all of us by having them smash each other to bits?”

His mom laughed, “A video went around where the drones had these big comical-looking mallets attached to them; the whole thing was more Gallagher than Milgram.

“Tell us, what’s he up to this time?”

“He said in the interview that they were going to use players’ in-game data from Octopus’s shooters to make simulated versions of our personalities, then put those simulations into various scenarios in the game to see how they respond. I don’t know how I feel about my data being used to create a copy of my personality; a computer program running around thinking it was me.”

“Hmmm… Let’s take checkers, for example. I could write a program that recorded you for a bunch of games, analyzed your play style, and emulated you.”

“Yeah, that’d be pretty easy.”

“And if mom played that checkers program, she wouldn’t be able to tell that she wasn’t actually playing her son. My checkers-bot would be indistinguishable from the real you.”

His mom pointed out, “But that’s not a real Turing Test. Sure, the checkers program would play checkers just like you, but it’s still just a few hundred lines of code. It wouldn’t, quote unquote, ‘think it was you,’ it wouldn’t ‘think’ anything at all.”

“Right, it’d fool you perfectly into thinking it was me, but only up until you tried to do anything besides play it in checkers. Then it would obviously not be me.”

“Now, using data from a shooter, a much more complex program that took a big team years to develop would be more impressive… especially if they fed in information from your headset chats.”

“I get it, though. You’re saying it wouldn’t be fundamentally different from the checkers program.”

“Exactly. A really good program might even be able to simulate your voice, chat about game tactics, but it wouldn’t be you.”

“It wouldn’t know anything about you that you didn’t talk about in the game. It wouldn’t have the same skills you do in the real world, it wouldn’t know what you learned in class last week, it wouldn’t even know what you had for breakfast unless you talked about it while playing the game.”

“Yeah, it’s still kind of creepy, though.��

“Well, it’s a privacy issue if, nothing else. You sign one of those EULAs, you don’t expect them to use your game activity for something like this. They should have to ask permission.”

His mom turned off the stove. “Let’s eat!”

#sci-fi & fantasy #scifi #ai #fiction #video games #singularity #short story

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percontaion-points · 5 years ago

Text

Let’s Play “Moments: Siren Song” Part 8

At school on Monday, the only thing anybody can talk about is the quadruple murders. Everybody is anxious about the idea of a murderer being on the loose, and they're canceling their plans and making sure not to be out after dark. They're also throwing around possible suspects. Cecilia has to fight back the urge to look in the direction of the area that they cleaned up... which I think was some VIP crap, because I don't remember this. She also envy's Bee's ability to keep a straight face during all of this. But she's confident that nobody knows, and that they did a good job cleaning up Lyle's mess.

In class, Brandon and Ryan are also talking about it. Brandon also brings up about how Jonah hasn't been seen in a while, and it could be the serial killer, too. DID NOBODY FUCKING FILE A POLICE REPORT ON HIM? WHERE ARE HIS PARENTS? WHY HAS THE SCHOOL DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT?! Cecilia doesn't want anybody speculating, and least of all about Jonah. She tells him that the killer's likely lying low, what with all of the media coverage and the entire town on edge.

And then Ryan says that this is clearly murder by monster. And like dude... we get it. You believe in monsters. But the actual monsters are serial killers. HUMAN ones. However, Brandon is having exactly none of Ryan's bullshit today, because people are dead. But Ryan insists that he is serious. Brandon then starts to go off about how insane that this MK stuff is, and Cecilia backs Brandon in the hope of pitting Brandon against his “friend”. Brandon counters everything Ryan says with a perfectly logical explanation. The killer dismembered the bodies, and then animals got to the pieces.

But Ryan is clinging to his insanity, and says that there's evidence. He says that there were no witnesses. YES, BECAUSE IT'S A FUCKING MURDER, YOU MORON. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY WITNESSES THAT THERE ARE TO REGULAR MURDERS?! He also argues that there's no way that a human could kill four people all at once... which goes back to my first point that... you take out your witnesses. And nobody said that they were killed in the exact same moment... JFC.

He starts to go on about how good and nice of a person that Marta was. But Cecilia's like... uh-huh. Right. You say she died a hero, I think that she died going for an evening walk... But the girls express their sympathy over what happened. Ryan then talks like Cecilia and Bee still give a flying shit about MK, about how they should be training and investigating this. Brandon points out that the police are already investigating, and he couldn't sound more bored. Cecilia doesn't want anything to do with this, but she decides that she should just to figure out what MK's really up to. Plus, it would be funny and ironic to help Ryan look for... well, herself and her friends. So she agrees to help. Which confuses Bee something fierce. However, Ryan seems to think that Cecilia speaks for Bee and Brandon as well, which irritates them.

He then brings up searching at the school, and about how they can't go into the German classroom. Which freaks Cecilia out... despite the fact that the police were already there when the four of them showed up, so... they clearly know something's going on with the school. But she doesn't say anything to Ryan about this. After all, she thinks opening her mouth might tip him off. Ryan said that it was kind of suspicious that the German teacher's books were on the desk, and the teacher always takes them home for the weekend. Wow, totally proof of a crime u gais!! But then he says that the police took all of the evidence, and wishes that he could look at it.

Bee then pulls the ultimate get out of “socializing” card: my mom would worry if I didn't get home. She told me to go home right after school. Hahaha. Ryan respects that, and doesn't want for Bee's mom to be angry. Cecilia is full of envy, and wishes that she could lie like that.

After school, the boys and Cecilia go to the crime scene at the park. Cecilia continues to be amazed that literally nobody is around to stop people from going into the area. Although at this point, all major evidence would have been collected anyway, so I don't really see a whole lot of point. Brandon doesn't want to go into the area, and is freaked out by the sight of the (stale) blood on the grass.

Ryan says to look for clues as to what might have done this, which fills Cecilia with confidence that she'll be able to spot any clues that they overlooked before Ryan does. Ryan pulls out a magnifying glass and starts to examine the ground, but Cecilia “accidentally” steps where he's about to look. He continues looking for a while, but eventually seems to give up, which pleases Cecilia. She tells him that just because he couldn't find anything doesn't mean that he failed Marta. Brandon insists that they should leave this to the actual police, and let's just get out of here before they come back. But Ryan insists that there must be something, and he wants to keep looking. But Cecilia is quick to point out that it sounds like he doesn't know what he's looking for anyway.

He then starts to uh... meditate, I guess? He says that it helps him find the “presence that doesn't belong”. Cecilia's like... yeah right. But he insists that he feels something. Cecilia's like “I'm just going to go now...” Ryan goes to a tree, starts laughing like a maniac, and pulls out some hairs that the group of four must have missed the other day. Ryan seems confident that it's werewolf fur. However, Brandon's like “looks like dog fur to me.” But Ryan's like “you still don't believe me?” Uh... dude. No. You literally just plucked some random pieces of fur from a rock in a public park. Wow! Proof of monsters!! /ALL THE SARCASM

Ryan asks Cecilia what she thinks, which freaks her out, because she wonders if he felt her presence when he was meditating, and that he's just toying with her, too. She pretends to do the meditating thing, and tells him that it's probably a werecat. Ryan asks how she came to that conclusion, and she says that she had the urge to cough up a furball. Ryan takes this very seriously, and says that he'll include it in his report. He then puts it into a lockbox in his backpack, and says that he'll take it back home, so that he can properly identify it. Brandon sighs over the fact that they'll be dragged into this next part, too. So they leave the park.

#let's play #percontation points plays dating sims #Moments #Siren Song

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wastedwishesandhope · 8 years ago

Text

Sonder

The morning sun was halfway to its noon position, and long shadows stretched from the west side of the building in Gangnam district. Park Jimin motionlessly sitting on a long white soft sofa next to a wide glass window and quietly staring and watching all the moving cars passing by the streets of Seoul. It looks like toy cars being played with little children’s.

In contradiction with the bright colors of the city, mixed with different shades of sky and clouds, his feeling looks gray and black. His eyes fixed in one direction, he seems watching but there are no images won to catch his attention. Slow breaths passing through his nose, the whole room filled with piercing silence and the sun glowing on his skin gave up to fill in his mood.

His chin rests on his knees, arms draped around his legs and eyes fluttering open with its reflexes. Every second feels so steady, the clock seems running out of battery, he can hear each hands ticking slowly, like an old man tired from running in a race without gravity.

Park Jimin closed his eyes, trying to remember each detail of her face, her body and even her hair. He’s trying to remind his self how soulful her voice was, how her laugh can light up his gloomy world like a bright sun show up behind the thick- dark clouds. How he melts the way his name slipped from her lips and how she stares at him make his knees weak.

Everything about her is just so painful, he feels like he wants to throw his self from the 32nd floor of his condo unit, and die from his bleeding body, soul and heart. His fist balled, his nails dug into his palms and sooner or later, it would mark and might scar. He bit his lips, trying to control his quivering body. He’s broken and dead. He’s asking why he needs to be punished this way. Why does everything happening after getting the reason of living and breathing? Why do their paths need to be so fucked up like this?

After a few seconds, a familiar scent lingers around the place, he keeps still and doesn’t bother to check if his hunch was right. He just heard the door open and footsteps getting louder as if the owner of the shoes was running.

“Damn it! I knew it! You’re just here!” the loud husky voice rung around his room. Jimin still keeps his eyes close, not moving an inch on his spot.

“Park Jimin! Everyone was so damn worried about you!” Taehyung yell at him and he heard a loud thing fell on the floor. The tired boy fell his body on the bed and he threw his shoes into the air just like how a lazy young boy do every time they arrived at their bedrooms.

“Namjoon and Jungkook expect to see you at dorm, they thought you’re sleeping in your room, everyone is so worried and Bang PD-nim even thought you sneak out again. Thank me I’ve not yet tattled you but I would be gone worried if I didn’t found you out here,” Taehyung said again breathing heavily from running on the condominium lobby to catch up the closing elevator.

Taehyung stare at his friend’s taut shoulder and wide back, with his thick eyebrows frowning with his eerie silence. He got up from the bed and examined his immobile friend as if it was a weird painting.

“Hey! Aren’t you going to speak?” he said again but Jimin remained silent. It started alarming him so Taehyung stood up and walked to sit next to his friend. He saw Jimin with closed eyes and thought he’s sleeping while sitting but when Jimin took a deep breath, that’s where he figured out his eyes was just close and his friend ain’t sleeping.

“Did something happened?” Taehyung asked again full of worries on his voice.

Jimin’s eyes fluttered open and he let out an exhausted breath as if he just broke the surface of water.

“Yah, Chim? What’s going on? Is this about Anna?” he asked again, Taehyung face suddenly went to sadness as if he was also affected on how his both friends relationship went downhill.

Jimin opened his mouth, trying to compose his self to release a single word, but he just closed it again and waited for the courage to be enough before exposing what really had happened.

“I’m dying out here of curiosity, just so you know. No pressure!” Taehyung said again with sarcasm.

Jimin shifted in his position, leaning his head back, staring at the ceiling and resting both his palms on the soft sofa to balance his body from falling all throughout. It seems like he’s surrendering now his soul to anyone.

“I’ve totally push her away now,” he answered.

A pregnant silence engulfed the room. Kim Taehyung wasn’t sure what to say now, or how would he react after what he heard. He knows the entire struggle his friend had for the past months by keeping his self away from Anna. Jimin control his patience and did all his best not to be weak and let his self running back to her. He knows well how Jimin became so strong in keeping his distance from the girl he loved the most. Even though if it’s an illegal love.

Park Jimin bitterly smile whilst still staring at the ceiling remembering the scenes of last night, letting an exhausted breath like a steaming volcano through his mouth. There again, the growing lump in his throat, the moist occurring on the corner of his eyes. There he is again. Feeling like crying all over again.

Who would have thought he’d be more miserable than he had ever been when Wangbi died..

Losing his control, Jimin stepped his feet closer to the princess he just hurt like a slave. Just for the one last time, he let their flesh touch, he let himself feel her warmth. Just for the one last time, even it is the dumbest thing he had ever done in his life, Jimin grabbed her hands, pulled Anna to him, extended his other hands to get a hold of her crying face and kissed her so deeply.

It was that kind of kiss that he had never felt even before. By the seconds their lips touched, he felt all the walls inside him crushed. He felt like the whole world burned and turn into ashes. He tried to control his self. He did all his best to hold back his tears. For the first time in forever, he cried for her.

His tears stream on his eyes, the cold- salty water fell also on her cheeks. He had never thought Anna knew that he was crying. Their eyes closed, savoring each moment while he still can. Like a tsunami hitting the city, his emotions was hitting them both. She was confused and he was vulnerable.

Second passed, clock ticking, the temperature grew colder, the shadows of them can’t wait any longer. Finally, Jimin made up his mind, he bit her lips, thick- copper blood sipped from her mouth, just like the old times he kissed her before and bit her lips to mark her.

But now, he bit her lips to unmarked her.

He now freed the princess locked in a dungeon of his selfish love and killed her for a million times of the torturous acts and emotions he has thrown at her knowing it is for the best. But no, it is for the worst- est.

He tightens his hold of her waist, pulling her closer to memorize the shape of her body, the temperature of his skin, and the smell of her hair.

Then he said in a language nobody could hear,

“I know soon you’ll forget the sound of my voice and what color my eyes were. You’ll forget how much I love music and how I loved you in pajamas. Soon you’ll see me as a stranger; walking by without recognizing me. You won’t even know me while I’ll be getting drunk, trying to forget your name.”

— — —

Her eyes snapped open as if she had a nightmare. Breathing heavily and her chest moving up and down as if she ran for a hundred miles. Her heart was pounding and she can hear her shuddery breath. Sweats formed on her hairline and she was staring at someone else bedroom ceiling. She cast her eyes on the whole room trying to figure out on which part of the hell she’s at right now.

Anna peeled herself off the bed and look around. Her head feels fuzzy and she felt like she wants to be frantic but with no reason at all.

The door opened and she saw her best friend’s face looked so relieved with a towel draped over her naked body and glittering dotted liquid on her skin. Obviously, she just came back from a shower.

“Hey! Glad you’re awake now! Are you hungry? Mom prepared breakfast for us! I’ll just get dress and I’ll go next to you.”

Anna didn’t respond and just watched her walking into her closet to pick shirt and pants. She’s still sitting on the bed. Even her head was pounding and she felt like throwing up.

“Did we get drunk last night Deby? I feel like I have hang-over” she asked out of nowhere. Her friend turned her head to look at her with a very confused face.

“No? Yep, you’re a sobbing mess last night but do you think mom would allow us to bring alcoholic beverages here? You know she’s old school for that stuff. But I ain’t sure with you, you suddenly went missing in action in the middle of the night, were you?” she answered while shaking his head.

Anna’s eyebrows furrowed and think deeply about what her friend has said. Everything was so confusing, different- shallow and vague memories was swarming her head. She looked at Deby again.

“You said I was a sobbing mess last night?” she asked with dubiety in her voice.

Her friend immediately answered with only her bra ons, “Yep?”

“And I suddenly leave at the middle of the night?”

Deby hummed for a yes.

She’s so baffled and looked around again, “Okay. Deby I am so confused, first things first, why am I here in your room? Did we had a sleepover?”

Deby pulled down the shirt she just wore and looked back at her friend, hands resting on both sides of her waist.

“Anna, I don’t know what the hell is going on but last night I’ve insisted on making you sleep here with me because you’re so wrecked and I thought it wasn’t safe if I’d let you sleep alone back at your apartment. Can’t you remember that? You’re on the verge of giving up the whole world because of your family and this certain guy God- who-knows-who- he is. We both fell asleep and I woke up in the middle of the night been trying to look for you. I’ve even thought you went back to your apartment but when I opened the door outside, I saw you lying on the ground sleeping. I’ve even thought you pass out but damn when you started snoring, I felt relieved because you’re damn ass just went outside to sleep on the dirty cold floor of the hallway.”

She went speechless and bewildered. Deby was so confused on her friends face reaction.

“Don’t tell me you can’t remember a thing?” she asked,

She opened her mouth, trying to decipher all the information’s her friend just thrown at her and absorbing every little piece of it.

“Y-You’ve mentioned a guy? Do I have a boyfriend without me knowing, Deby?”

And there. Deby backed out with her friend’s confusing question.

— — —

After their lips parted, Anna’s body fell into his arms. Jimin just hold her tightly and there he knows that the next morning she’ll wake up and she won’t regret anything in life starting now. He just stood there for a few seconds, her head is leaning against his chest, her eyes are closed, she’s breathing gently as if the world is not conspiring against them.

He scooped her up into his arms and started stepping on the wet, cold floor of the icy temperature of 4 AM. The shadows imprinted on their feet vanished as he stepped onto the dark area of the street, like the audience turning their heads of the sad love story they watched on film. The wind blew softly and Jimin just inhales the cold air to soothe the pain in his throbbing chest.

After just a matter of seconds, they’re now standing in front of her apartment, he wants to tuck her in bed but he doesn't have the audacity to let his feet step on her apartment’s floor. He doesn’t have the rights to do that now. Jimin decided to lay her tired body on the cold floor in front of her best friend's apartment instead. He’s worried she might get sick if she would stay there for long so he had decided to call out Deby’s attention whilst sleeping through his mind, and it works. When he felt Deby’s wake now, he left.

He left together with the remorse he had.

He left together with a pain so bad.

He left feeling stabbed with a knife.

He left with no life.

She is a story, he would rather leave untold.

— — —

“Park Jimin, learn to forgive yourself,”

Those his words when he found out the tragic ending of the love story he witnessed the entire time. Kim Taehyung just quietly sat next to him watching the clouds moving passed above them. He, too, was so affected by all the results of this tear- jerking outcome of the story he watched through his eyes. He can’t do anything but to show sympathy and make his best friend feel the empathy.

“Burn your tongue on a cup of tea. Eat too much chocolate. Cry for a few hours, or cry for a few days. It’s okay to make mistakes and it's okay to not be okay; you will always learn how to heal.”

Never ever in Jimin’s wild imagination that he would hear his best friend saying things like this. He’s the goofy Kim Taehyung and you would never imagine he spilled beautiful words that make sense in just a matter of second. He just suddenly doesn’t know who lives in this world a hundred of years. He’s acting so fragile when in matter of fact, he should know how cruelty run in this world.

But like what he had said, it’s okay to not to be okay.

“There’s always a reason why this is happening to both of you, Chim,” he said full of emotions. Jimin turned his head to look at his best friend eyes who are now watching gracefully the sky.

“Two souls don’t find each other by simple accident.”

Suddenly, it becomes too much and he just break. He becomes numb in the world around him, people pass him by, they speak to him, but he can’t hear them. He can only feel the numbing pain of emptiness. He see the world moving around him but he’s not moving with it, he just blend in to the background, unimportant, forgotten. It all becomes too much, he don’t know how to live a normal life anymore, he can’t take it, he finally give up, and the world around him turn to dust.

Jimin stood up and went straight at the bathroom.

[Jimin’s words]

I slid my back down the bathtub and before I knew it water dripped from my eyes down the bridge of my nose and onto my cheek. I had told myself I was fine that day, I will be fine today and pushed my demons back in their cages. Before I knew it, I was sobbing, muffling my quiet screams of anger, frustration and sadness. I was a broken record.

And now the credits are rolling and we’re not together. We’re not driving into the sunset, we’re not kissing under the stars, and we’re not in a church exchanging vow. The end.

#JiAnna Jimin Anna

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