#the world oughta know bout it..

[todayisafridaynight]

I FORGOR to tell you but I grabbed kewpie mayo from the market bc you mentioned using it so often - it's not something I've ever just kept around. My life is changed.

DO I mention kewpie a lot ???? i believe it...... it's really good aintit......

[cinnamonlouu]

Flour & Fire pt.2

Smokestack twins x baker!reader

People talked.

Of course they did.

Two men and one girl. Two brothers no less. And Lily the bakery girl? The one who’d never caused a stir in her life. Shy thing. Always wore lace at her collar and kept her eyes low when she passed men on the street.

Now? Folks said she walked different.

And she did. A little straighter. A little softer. Like somebody loved her good and slow.

Because they did.

Stack and Smoke weren’t easy men. Never had been. They fought dirty when they were boys and flirted worse when they got older. Stack with his grins and gold tooth flashing, always talking too close. Smoke with his silence and principles that had women wanting more.

They weren’t gentle. Not to nobody.

But with her… Lord. With her, they were something else.

⸻

At home, being with them felt was very different from what she was accustomed to.

Stack would pull her into his lap in the middle of the day, flour still on her arms, and kiss her and Whisper things that made her knees buck.

“You can’t say stuff like that,” she’d murmur, fingers playing with the buttons of his shirt.

He’d grin. “Why not? Ain’t it true?”

Smoke didn’t say much. He showed it instead. In the way he carried her to bed when she fell asleep in his lap. In the way he rubbed her feet after a long day.

Late at night, she’d lie between them. Stack behind her, arm tossed across her hip. Smoke in front, watching her like he was making sure she was still real.

“You alright?” Smoke would ask, low and rough.

She always nodded.

But the truth was, sometimes she still couldn’t believe it.

⸻

She didn’t go out much. Not since folks started whispering about her, she wasn’t one with gossip.

But one Saturday, Stack looked up from tying his boots and said, “You comin’ with us tonight.”

“To where?”

“The juke,” he said like it was obvious. “Ain’t no reason you gotta stay hid.”

She hesitated, fingers tightening around the cup in her hands.

Smoke met her eyes. “Don’t worry ‘bout what they gon’ say.”

But she wasn’t worried about them.

She was worried about being seen. About standing in their world with her soft, unsure steps. About not fitting beside men like them.

Still, she nodded.

⸻

The juke joint sat on the edge of the woods the old saw mill. The night pulsed with music even before they reached the door. Harmonica and piano. Laughter and liquor.

Inside, filled with people and heat. Men leaned too close to women. Tables crowded with gin and cards men gambling they life away.

She shrank toward Smoke without meaning to, and his hand found hers immediately.

Stack was already grinning, slapping backs and laughing like he belonged to the place, which he did. Everybody in there knew them. Knew they were trouble. Knew they could fight if they had to.

But when Stack looked back and saw her still pressed close to his brother, he came back just as fast.

“You want somethin’ to drink?” he asked, voice softer than he used on anybody else.

Lily shook her head. “You know I don’t drink.”

He nodded, hand brushing her lower back. “I hear you baby.”

They stayed at her side, stack and Smoke behind her like a shadow. Men looked, of course they did. But not for long. Not with both twins standing near enough to make their intentions clear.

One bold fool tried to cut in while Stack was laughing with someone across the room.

“You don’t look like you belong with them boys,” the man said, leaning too close, voice thick with liquor. “Pretty lil’ thing like you oughta be treated gentle.”

Smoke stepped in before Lily could speak. Grabbed the man’s wrist in a way that didn’t look angry, but made the drunk freeze up all the same.

“She is treated gentle,” Smoke said, low.

Smoke whispered something to stack, but Lily didn’t catch it.

As smoke grabbed the man by his shirt she assumed to kick him out. Stack had distracted her, hand going to her waist.

“C’mon,” he murmured. “We dancin’.”

“I don’t dance,” she whispered, cheeks burning.

“You do with me.”

And he was right.

Because when Stack pulled her into the center of that room, it didn’t matter how many people stared. She didn’t care. Not with one hand on his shoulder and one held tight in his, moving to the rhythm of the piano and fiddle. Not with his mouth close to her ear, saying things only she was meant to hear.

She danced because he made her feel confident.

And later, when the night stretched long and Smoke drove them home, Lily rested her head on Stack’s shoulder and let her hand curl into Smoke’s lap, just resting there.

⸻

Back at the house, Stack peeled her out of her dress slow, mouth warm against her neck, murmuring, “You smell so good, sugar. It’s gon be a long time before we let you come out the house.”

Smoke kissed her shoulders, pulled her into bed like she was something sacred.

Stack then kissed her not like earlier, not playful. Deep. Slow. His tongue swept past her lips with no hesitation, and she let him in, hands trembling as they found his chest.

Behind her, Smoke moved steady. He let his hands wander over her stomach, up between her breasts, fingers tracing her skin, like he was memorizing the shape of her.

She gasped when his mouth found her shoulder, and Stack kissed her harder at the sound.

They took her to the bed together, Stack pulling her down onto the mattress while Smoke undressed behind her, moving without rush. She was caught between them again.

Stack’s tongue traced her skin Down her collarbone, across her chest, licking at her nipple until she whimpered and tried to close her thighs.

“Don’t hide from me now,” he said, grinning into her skin. “You so damn soft. Let me taste all of you.”

Smoke settled behind her, bare now, his hand spreading her legs.

“You wet already,” he murmured into her ear. “That for me or him?”

“Both,” she breathed, voice high and shaking.

Stack chuckled against her belly, his mouth trailing lower.

Until then his mouth was on her clit hot, wet,pleasing her with slow licks, his tongue working her until she bucked under him, helpless, the sound of her moans swallowed by Smoke’s mouth as he kissed her.

They took their time.

Stack went slow, lips and tongue teasing her until her whole body was trembling, her thighs clenched around his head. Smoke kept her grounded, hand rising to her jaw, mouth by her ear, whispering how good she was doing.

When she came, it wasn’t quiet. Her voice broke into a soft cry, her fingers in Stack’s hair, her body arched and shaking between both of them.

Stack wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, eyes dark. “You ready?”

Lily could barely nod.

They laid her back, and Stack took her first, slow, deep, his mouth pressed to hers while he filled her. Her legs wrapped around his waist, her hands wrapped around him as he whispered filth and sweetness into her mouth, into her throat.

When she came again, it was with his name in her mouth and tears in her eyes.

Smoke didn’t rush.

He held her after, kissed her lips soft before easing into her from behind, one arm around her chest, holding her close to his chest as he pushed into her slowly, deeply.

She was sensitive, but she needed him. His breath stayed low against her shoulder, and she moaned, caught in the heat between both their bodies.

It was different with Smoke. He didn’t talk, didn’t tease. Just gave her everything she needed whether it was rough or soft.

When it was over, she was limp between them, heart thudding, lips parted.

Stack kissed her shoulder, her cheek, her hand. “You okay?”

She nodded, too tired to speak.

Smoke tucked the cover over her body, brushing her curls away from her face.

“Rest,” he said.

And she did, not just because she was tired, but because she knew she was safe.

Because when she lay in the center of their bed, she knew this was hers.

All of it

[millermouth]

what if maybe potentially perhaps you wrote a rick grimes fic

Rick Grimes x You

listen you didn't give me an actual request so what did you expect? || lightly smutty MDNI 18+, no zombie outbreak, promise I dont support cheating but I just wanted the dialogue, post coitus, dirty talk ||

The room’s quiet, your body loose, and everything smells like sex and him.

You’re laid out on the bed, sheets draping around your lower back, phone in hand as you lay on your belly. The dying afternoon light paints the room golden and warm around you as you scroll lazily through Tumblr.

The smell of sweat and Rick’s cologne—masculine spice and musk, all heat and skin and him—envelops you even as he stands feet away.

“They want me to write about you,” you say aloud, not looking up.

Rick’s by the window, shucking on a pair of jeans, belt buckle clanging as he tugs them up over his hips. He glances over his shoulder, amused.

“’Bout me?”

“Mhm,” you murmur, scrolling through your ask box, “They’re real worked up.”

He chuckles low in his throat, leans to peer out the window like he’s checking for enemy lines, then mutters, “Best hope Lori don’t have Tumblr.”

You smirk. “Or Carl.”

His head jerks around, eyebrows raised. “Or Carl,” he agrees, a little more serious this time.

Then he starts walking, slow and sure, that same gait he used to have on patrol—like he’s got all the time in the world and knows exactly what he wants. The bed dips beneath his weight as he settles behind you, broad hand sliding the sheet down, peeling it away until your bare skin is all he can see.

"I know somethin' you could tell 'em about," he murmurs, lips brushing your ear, voice thick with amusement and something else. His hand glides over the curve of your ass, palm warm, fingers greedy. “How ‘bout you start with just twenty minutes ago. Tell ‘em how you were beggin’.”

His hand smooths down your thigh, then trails back up with purpose, fingers slipping between your legs like it’s just a natural part of the conversation. Like this is still small talk.

“You could tell ‘em how wet you still are,” he murmurs, lips dragging along your jaw, voice all smoke and syrup. “Tell ‘em how I hadn’t even finished bucklin’ my jeans before you started squeezin’ your thighs together like that.”

Your breath stutters. The phone shifts slightly in your hand.

“Tell ‘em how you whined into the pillow, cryin' for more.” His thumb circles slow, lazy, practiced. “Or how you said you couldn’t take another one, and then you did. Pretty little thing, takin’ it everythin' I gave you, ain't that right?”

You let out a shaky breath, the screen of your phone blurring as your hips start to move without permission.

Rick chuckles. “Bet they’d like to hear what you sounded like when I made you come the second time. Or the third. You remember that third one, sugar? That sweet little cry you made—yeah, that was a good one, huh?”

The phone slips from your fingers, hits the mattress with a soft thud, forgotten as you twist around to face him. He grins down at you wickedly.

“They’ll live,” you mutter, voice gone hoarse.

“You sure?” he says, leaning in. His hand cradles the back of your head like he’s got all the time in the world to ruin you again.

You roll your eyes, but he’s already shifting, slotting between your thighs, mouth brushing yours in that cocky, half-teasing way that still manages to melt your spine.

“I oughta make you write it down,” he murmurs against your lips. “Every filthy little detail. Timestamp that shit. Make ‘em feel it.”

Your breath hitches as his hips grind slow against yours, not even fully hard yet but already making your legs fall open without a thought.

“Tell ‘em how I talked you through it,” he continues, voice low and lazy, like he’s reading you a bedtime story. “How I made you look at me. Made you say my name. You think they’d wanna know how many times you came on my cock last night?”

You nod—barely. Don’t even realize you’re doing it.

Rick’s eyes flick down, watching the way your mouth parts, breath catching. He shifts again, pressing in closer, just enough to make you gasp.

“Thought so,” he mutters.

Then he kisses you deep and slow, like he’s claiming it. Like the evening isn’t over. Like you still owe him a few more things worth writing down.

The phone buzzes on the mattress somewhere beside you, screen lighting up with another ask.

You don’t even look.

Let ’em wait.

hehehehehhehehe okay hoped you liked it byeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[ladybirdswritings]

Pretty Thing - Cooper Howard (Ghoul) x Reader

Summary: You’re a shiny, pretty prize worth more caps than can be counted on ten hands altogether. There’s something special about you, and the Ghoul is determined to figure out just what it is.

Notes: I’ve been wanting to write for this cowboy for days now and I’ve finally come around to it. Cowboys are my specialty lately <3. Lmk if u love this and I’ll write more (feel free to leave me lots of comments and interactions, I love those!!)

A03 | masterlist | next chap

pretty thing…

“Well lookie here, seems you vaulties ain’t as perfect as you promise to be, huh?”

A furrow of chocolate brows, offense and confusion from sweet Lucy MacLean. This vault promised development in weaponry that the new world had never seen before. It was a thing of storybooks, the kind of thing her dad told her right before her head hit the pillow.

Now, here she was; and it wasn’t a caged weapon she was staring at… no, but rather a caged person.

“This violates all of our policies…” she muttered softly, worry stitched in her soft features as she looked on at the mangled cowboy beside her.

“Tsk tsk, sweetheart. You oughta be more careful with trustin’ these shit-eating freaks. Ain’t you learned your lesson first time round?”

Lucy sighed, falling to her knees and grazing a warm hand against the metal. She looked on at you with pity. Weak, hazy you.

How did you end up in this predicament? You didn’t know. You didn’t remember.

It was as if the entirety of everything you’d ever known was only stitched within your brain in jagged, disorderly flashes. This had to be one too. A flash.

A vault dweller and a ghoul, side by side.

It was most certainly a flash.

“What do we do, coop?” The brunette wondered, doe eyes gazing up at the mangled creature. He only smirked.

“We split. You find your precious tin-man you can’t stop yappin’ bout… and I’ll snatch up this dyin’ cargo. Comprende?”

Lucy had come to trust him, and maybe it was a stupid thing to do. Reality was, though, he’d kept her alive this far. Maybe she owed it to him to follow orders. With a huff, she parted— and then?

It was just you and the ghoul.

Heavy footsteps circled your metal cage, like shark to labored minnow. You were far too exhausted to pick up those pretty eyes of yours from the ground they gazed at.

Chains wrapped round your wrists and ankles, cold metal burned against your spine and cheek. There were two ghouls in your peripheral vision, and each one was the same amount of horrifying.

The footsteps halted, and suddenly the mangled, noseless blur was clear as day before you. Kneeled to your level, observant— cold.

“Well well— look at you, huh? Pretty thing. Now I understand takin’ precautions but damn, sweetie. That’s a lotta chains, hm? What’s so scary bout’ you?” He whispered the last part, thread laced finger lifting to slowly push a loose locket of hair from your dampened face through the cage.

You blinked, forcing your gaze upward so to try and meet his eyes. It was exhausting.

He observed you like you were a foreign object, a diamond in the radiated rough.

“I’d wager to say that you’re just the weapon we was lookin’ for, ain’t you?”

God, he didn’t know just how right he was.

If there was one certain thing you could remember clear as day, laced through the flashes, it was your powers. Each and every one of them, laying dormant now.

You were far too poked and prodded, too drained to even think of lifting a finger.

“Been doin’ this for centuries, pretty thing. Centuries and I ain’t ever seen this kinda experimentation on a little fawn. Hm. Guess you was just unlucky.” His breath was warm as it hit your face. Musing and eyeing your exhausted, slumped figure. Observant, taking his time. Your keepers would be coming soon— he didn’t seem worried.

“Tell you what. You look like you gon’ make me lots of money. So you’re comin’ with me. Don’t you worry, I prefer ropes stead’ of chains, sweetie. You’ll be nice n’ comfortable.”

The more he spoke, the farther away he sounded. You were aware he was a ghoul, that much was certain. Yet even so, no part of his voice, no part of his fading threats were even a little bit startling. No.

His voice was a soft yet strong southern drawl and god— it was far more comforting than the chains and cement floor you’d always known. Perhaps that’s why you let the exhaustion overtake you. Perhaps that’s why you closed your eyes.

Did it matter why? No. All that mattered was that you did.

The rest was a blur. The last thing you remember? Frayed ropes being wrapped round you tight as you were freed from your chains. Mangled, coat covered arms lifting you from the cement and golden teeth pressed against your aching ear to whisper:

“C’mon now, pretty thing…”

Then?

Slumber…

¿to be continued?

[miintsprigz]

Hi! I was wondering if I could ask for the Demo, Engie, and Heavy for the fear-punch prompt if that's okay. Thank you!

FINALLY WRITING THIS. I appreciate your patience so much, Anon. It means the world to me.

GN!Reader fear punching the Mercs, part 2

Characters: Demoman, Engineer, Heavy (Team Fortress 2)

Warnings: uh some stuff relating to anxiety/panic attacks, cuz fear response.

Part 1 can be found linked below!

Demo ⚔️

You finally had the base to yourself, or at least, you thought so. Everyone had been all up in arms lately, it was just exhausting. Having fixed a cup of your preferred hot drink, you went to walk back to your room.

A door suddenly opened loudly behind you, and with your free hand, you swung, not even registering what you were doing until your fist made contact.

“Hey—oof!”

Your mug clattered to the floor, breaking and spilling everywhere.

“Demo!?”

“…oh! Did I scare ya there? Sorry ‘bout that!” His eye caught the mess on the floor as you tried to catch your breath.

“…now, that won’t do—”

“Tav, lemme—”

“No, no; I scare you, you drop it, tis only fair that I clean up the mess—”

Stumbling over to the closet to grab a broom, mop, whatever else he might need—still a little hungover—Tavish got to taking care of it in no time. He worked with surprising efficiency.

“Now, we oughta replace that drink o’ yours.”

“…Tav, I’m sorry.”

“Wha? Whatever for?”

“…I punched you…” Your voice shook a bit. The guy had only just woken up, and you’d socked him in the face.

He seemed confused at first, then touched the side of his face that you’d struck tenderly, realizing.

“Ah…that ya did.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Oh no, no! That’s alright, luv. Sometimes ya just get spooked. Used to do it to me mum all the time.”

“Really?”

He smiled in a somewhat tired sort of way. “Yup. Ya’d think I’d be more careful, especially cuz she couldn’t see me, but I guess I sorta forgot m’self there.”

Demo gave you a pat on the back, gentler than the usual. “Sorry ‘bout that. I’ve definitely knocked a few lads on the floor m’self, so trust me, I get it.”

“Thanks, Demo.”

“O’course, mate!” Your hair was lightly ruffled, and you couldn’t help but chuckle. “Want me to help ya replace that drink though? Heh, maybe I’ll make one for me, too!”

“That might be good. Do you want some ice though?”

“…nah, nah I think I’m good.”

Engineer ⚙️

It had been such a long day. You were more exhausted than you’d thought you were capable of being.

So when you arrived back at home base, you basked in the peace and quiet and decided to kick back and read for a bit.

Hearing sudden rapid, thundering footsteps, however, your adrenaline skyrocketed again, and so when the “intruder” inevitably entered…your adrenaline did the work.

The Engineer bursted into the room, clearly quite excited about something he was working on.

“Ah, (Y/N), c’mon, I gotta show ya—agh!!”

Your eyes locked onto him, staring daggers in fright as he rubbed at his jaw, wincing.

“Now what in Sam Hill—oh. Oh no.”

Those wide, terrified eyes told him all he needed to know. He didn’t even realize how suddenly he’d come flying in…

“…oh, darlin’. I scared the daylights outta you…”

“A little…” Your voice came out as a squeak, and all at once, everything became all too much. Tears flooded your field of view.

“Honey, I’m so sorry…”

“I, I didn’t mean to hit you…”

“Shh shh shh, I know…I know, I’m okay… lemme just…”

Offering open arms to silently ask first, Engie wrapped you in a hug when you stepped closer, petting your hair softly. He didn’t say anything really, aside from the occasional coo of reassurance that it really was okay.

There was a slight sway to him as he held you, trying to soothe the sudden rush of anxiety he’d accidentally triggered.

You knew, but between the fright and the guilt you felt for socking him in the face like that when he was just excited about something…you couldn’t help but cry for a minute or two.

After a bit, he pulled back, looking almost as though he could cry himself.

“I’m…sorry about that. I wasn’t thinkin’. I know ya had a long day, I just…”

“You were just excited to show me something.” With one last sniffle, you smiled over at him. “It’s okay.”

“…would ya still wanna see? I get it if uh, you’d rather have some time alone…”

“No, no! I’d love to see…”

That warm smile returned to his face once again. “You promise you’re alright?”

“I promise, Dell.”

With a nod, he took your hand sweetly. “Well alrighty. I think you’ll really love this, (Y/N), I’ve been tinkerin’ with this new feature for weeks, and I think I finally got it down!”

Chuckling, you followed after him, feeling your frantic heart slowing once again as his fingers gave your hand a light squeeze.

Heavy 🥪

You are in the thick of it now—bombs flying all over, a hail of bullets seemingly around every corner.

Truthfully? It was too much. But you had no intention of letting the enemy team know that.

Although it seemed cowardly to you, you ducked behind a corner for a minute to just…exist uninterrupted for a moment.

Your overwhelming didn’t go unnoticed though. Help was on the way…but you were unfortunately not able to fully recognize it.

A tap on your shoulder sent the tension building in your mind over the edge. Your fist made contact with the stiff gray of Heavy’s protective vest.

“(Y/N)! Is only me! Do not be afraid. Am here to help you.” Thankfully, the person you’d struck was basically a brick house. He had hardly felt it. He didn’t look angry…actually, he seemed worried.

“Uh…Heavy?!” “Da, it is me.”

“Well. I punched a friend. Great…” Looking down at your hands as you went to pick your dropped weapon up, they were shaking.

“Hold one moment, (Y/N).”

One huge hand carefully cradled yours, holding it steady.

“All due respect, I am giant man. Is very hard to hurt me. So do not feel so bad, okay?”

You tried to breathe, and it caught in your throat. Carefully setting Sasha to the side for a moment, Heavy looked down at you. Even with the chaos nearby, his eyes were so soft when he looked at you.

“Take deep breath.”

You followed that direction as best as you could.

“Very good. Again?”

It got easier.

“Perfect. Battlefield can be scary place…I know that too. Is okay to be afraid.”

He gave you a quick hug—it seemed he really was full of surprises today. His hand practically covered your shoulder as he gave it a pat when you pulled apart again.

“You need minute? Heavy is here! Giant man is on your side, remember?”

Now that you thought about it, maybe you’d be a little more prepared if you had a minute or two to yourself. “…could I just take a second back here out of range? I know it’s kinda chicken of me—”

“Not at all, (Y/N)! What do you think I carry sandvich for! Even big strong man need break. Smaller strong one like you no different.”

To your surprise, he actually handed you half of the tasty treat in question.

“Here. Enjoy, eat, and do not worry.” Picking up his minigun, Misha gave you a determined smile. “Heavy and Sasha will crush anyone who move too close until you are ready.”

If you weren’t where you were right now, it honestly might have made you cry. “Thanks, Heavy.”

“Of course, (Y/N). You are very important to me, you know that?”

A bit of warmth rushed into your face as he gave you one last grin before walking back out from behind your little shelter to face the opposing team.

“That’s right, I AM BACK! YOU MAY NOW RUN AWAY! HAHAHAHAHA!”

You couldn’t help but chuckle as you took a bite of the sandwich and breathed easy, knowing nobody would get within range of you anytime soon.

Whew! I hope that was good, Anon. I had fun writing it. I’d love more Heavy, Demo, and Pyro requests! I don’t write for them much but they’re a lot of fun!

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Personal Story - Akehoshi Hinomiya, Part 1

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

TL note:

(edit) Thanks to Imai for letting me know that Kyousuke is actually a reference to Kyousuke from Stand My Heroes!

For clarification, Hinomiya is referred to as Ninomiya in an instance. This isn't a typo!

Ain’t sayin’ working yourself to the bone or yer surroundings don’t play a role.

I’ve seen folks pullin’ it off.

The real thing… Talent as ya say, got no mercy… 

Livin’ in high cotton, all the luxury, don’t come to mind no more.

No doubt I wished a lifetime supply of it by now. 

Akehoshi: ….

Akehoshi: (..... I’m home?)

Akehoshi: (Eh… managed to get back home properly. Good goin’)

Moving my head a wee bit while probing ‘round for my phone was ‘nough to make my world spin, making me all sluggish. 

Akehoshi: (Aaah. Still hammered as I can be. I’m parched…)

Akehoshi: …Ah. Darnit

Akehoshi: (Ain’t refilled dispenser’s bottle.)

Akehoshi: (Do recall thinking ‘bout 30 minutes before leaving the house yesterday, how I gotta swap it out since I’d wanna have a sip in the morning.)

Ain’t like anybody’s gonna complain ‘bout sleeping in on a sunday with no plans in store.

Even then, I sorta had a hunch I wouldn’t be able to hit the hay a second round if I tried to.

Feelin’ as if I was lifting a heavy load, I stood up.

Akehoshi: …Bwech

A wave of nausea washed over me yet again from gulpin’ down lukewarm tap water ‘till the last drop.

Akehoshi: (Shoot. Reckon I went too far yesterday. Sitting here and not rememberin’ what got me plastered like this just means I’m done for.)

Akehoshi: Shoulda called it quits halfway through…

Woman: …Huh! Don’t tell me, is that Ninomiya Akehoshi?

Man: Whozzat?

Woman: He’s a celeb. Y’know, that “way too angelic child actor!” guy. He showed up in TV dramas until he grew quite a bit. 

Akehoshi: Ahaha. Sure can see through the darkness in here, eh. You watched ‘em? Thank ya kindly

Woman: Eeeh, oh my god…! He’s the real deal!

Akehoshi: (....Real deal.)

That’s right, yet it ain’t.

Unfortunately, I was different.

From beginning to end, all the way through.

Akehoshi: (….Oh)

Akehoshi: Someone’s awake. Morning

Yuragi: …You’re alive.

Akehoshi: Ahaha, do feel like I’m on death's doorstep. Am muddling through one way or n’other

Akehoshi: Did I cause a ruckus in my drunken stupor when I got back? Pardon me for waking ya up if I did. 

Yuragi: Don’t you remember

Akehoshi: Not a darn thing for a while now. But good goin’ on my part for making it back home, right?

Yuragi: …

Akehoshi: (Huh. What’s that look for.)

Akehoshi: …Reckon that it ain’t~

Yuragi: Yesterday, what did you do.

Akehoshi: Eh? That’s new. Usually it’s in through ear and out the other with you when I’m doin’ the talking.

Akehoshi: Was just havin’ a drink to answer ya, though

Yuragi: Anything else? 

Akehoshi: Other stuff… nothin’ in particular?

Yuragi: …. ‘Kay

Yuragi: Then, s’fine

Akehoshi: Eh. Wait

Yuragi: What

Akehoshi: Naw, ain't it my line to ask what

Yuragi: …

Akehoshi: (If I did do somethin’ wrong, he oughta been pissed the moment he saw me, no? Seriously, what… Ah)

Yuragi: ---You scared me… Lights aren’t on either, what are you doing

Yuragi: …Can you stand?

Akehoshi: ….

Yuragi: Water. Want some?

Akehoshi: Don’t

Yuragi: Eh

Akehoshi: ---I said, I don’t need anything.

Akehoshi: … Aaah….

That feeling of swatting his hand away, the sound of water hitting the floor.

And then, the tone of voice I usually never use against other people.

Akehoshi: (....That ain’t a look of anger. It’s one of concern, huh.)

Yuragi: Remembered?

Akehoshi: I did

Akehoshi: Had been mullin’ over it myself of how I kinda drank a wee bit too much yesterday.

Akehoshi: But turns out it was more than that. Sorry for all the trouble I caused ya

Yuragi: ….

Without a word Yura turned the other way with a hmph, opened the freezer and started diggin’ through the stock of ice cream.

He picked out one, and while I was thinkin’ he’d just go back to his room-- He put that popsicle on that table, leaving it as is. 

Akehoshi: …Eh. You mean you’re giving this, to me?

Yuragi: I’m going to bed, don’t wake me up.

Akehoshi: Ah. Sure, thanks

Akehoshi: ….Reckon I made him worry.

Around the time I headed to my room after a quick shower, my mood improved somewhat compared to when I woke up. 

Akehoshi: (....Still rock solid, eh.)

I absentmindedly looked around my room while hitting the top of my ice cream with a spoon.

And then my eyes caught a glimpse of a DVD set from that old TV drama that was brought up plenty yesterday. 

Akeboshi: (...Watched it more than enough by now.)

Ain’t like I had anything I wanted to do, so I opened the DVD set to kill some time until my ice cream thawed.

Out of the six CD’s, I took out the 5 with ease and put ‘em on playback.

Akehoshi: …..

A child actor lucky enough to hit it big, his career lasted just short of 10 years until retirement. As a final conclusion to his acting career he received a spot in a TV drama set in a school.

I reckon that I, a so-so kid who wasn’t fated to be the main lead until the very end, received the main focus in an episode as a gift of kindness. 

However.

Akehoshi: …Yer amazing no matter how many times I watch it. Kyousuke-san. 

Akehoshi: The “real deal” is different.

He debuted a few years before I called it quits, and he made a beeline for the top spot within my generation.

What kinda connections or brute force got nothing to do with it, that much is clear when you sit through it just once.

Akehoshi: (That’s why… no matter how many times I watch it.)

Akehoshi: …What’s with that? That awkward silence just now. 

Reason why it didn’t take him 10 years to have grasped them roles as a rookie wasn’t luck or his surroundings, and this one episode makes me realize again and again each time. 

Akehoshi: (Aah, shoulda stopped right there before turning around.)

Akehoshi: (S’important line, yet it’s all pouring out--)

Akehoshi: …. Haha, 

Doing it more like this woulda been better, doing it more like that woulda been better.

Realizing I hadn’t learned my lesson thinking ‘bout stuff that wouldn’t reach my past self, a halfhearted chuckle escaped my mouth.

With my own strength, I wasn’t able to grasp what I wanted. 

It didn’t come true.

Just like this TV drama that’s frozen in time, no matter how many times I’ve seen it by now, it won’t change.

Akehoshi: …..I’m sure the Akehoshi-kun on screen wouldn’t wanna hear the ramblings of a guy who got off that ride a long time ago either, eh. Let’s just stop here

“My one and only wish, won’t come true anymore.”

Once I got that through my head, not a single thing mattered anymore.

But, I reckon that was for the best.

Rather than obsessing ‘bout what I can’t get, taking what I do get is a way of living that’s more suited for the likes of me.

Akehoshi: (Ah, spoon’s getting through.)

A blend of vanilla, chocolate and cookie cream. 

I stuffed my mouth with a spoonful while wondering where you can even find these sorta things, and sure enough it was so sweet I could only laugh.

Akehoshi: (Felt it in my bones this ain’t the thing to stomach when yer hungover.)

Akehoshi: (But, it do seem to be the flavor Yura likes. Let’s just eat it all up.)

Akehoshi: ….. Thank ya.

Looking at the wall, I gave my word of gratitude to Yura who’s surely drifted off to dreamland by now, and I took one more bite.

This sweetness so strong it’ll jolt you awake, slowly melted away together with this lazy afternoon.

[ibukirewritten]

Illuminated Fortune: The Tale of Kagetsu - That Which You Await Eludes You: Episode 7

“So, Hasumi, ya wanna see Taki succeed, don’tcha?”

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[ For improved formatting, try reading on your desktop. ♪ ]

Season: Summer

Location: Seisoukan Apartment Courtyard

Keito: (We ran all over ES searching for Taki, but we couldn’t find him. We asked the other people he’s friendly with, but no one seemed to know. We tried to knock on the door of his dorm, but no one was home.)

(Where in the world is this guy?)

Kuro: Hey, Danna. I can tell yer real stressed over this.

Keito: …

Kuro: It’s gonna be okay. We’ll find Taki, and we’ll set things right. 

That kid’s got passion. Ya said it yerself, remember? 

Whatever’s driven ’im into hidin’ right now’s not gonna last forever. He’ll turn up, and we can get back to business as usual.

Kanzaki’s out lookin’ for his roommates right now. They oughta know somethin’, yeah?

Keito: Right… Of course. We just need to—

Keito’s phone rings.

Keito: …? 

?! It’s Taki!

Kuro: See, what’d I tell ya? That dude wasn’t gonna just take off without a word.

Keito: Hello, Taki?!

Ibuki: Hasumi-san! Hello, hello~. 

You left me about 100 voicemails, hu~h? How are you~?

Keito: A little exhausted from scouring ES searching for you after you didn’t show up for practice this morning! What have you been doing?! Are you okay?!

Ibuki: Hiiji, hiiji~![^1] I’m fi~ne. But ye~ah, you would tire yourself out doing that.

’Cuz I’m not at ES, after all~.

Keito: Where are you, and why didn’t you answer our calls?!

Kuro: Easy, Danna…

Ibuki: Ooh, is Kiryuu-san with you~? Yo~.

So, like, the reason I didn’t pick up was ’cuz there’s no cell reception on planes, y’kno~w.

Keito: Excuse me?

Ibuki: Huh, maybe the service is bad over here, too~? Though, it hasn’t really been a problem before~?

Keito: Taki. Where are you?

Ibuki: I’m in Okinawa.[^2]

Keito: …What?

Ibuki: Nn,[^3] this morning I caught a flight and left. Well, I booked it last night, thou~gh.

Keito: Why the hell did you do that? I’ll arrange for you to be flown back as soon as possible—

Ibuki: Don’t bother~. I did it ’cuz I changed my mind, ’kay~? 

I don’t wanna do a live show with you anymore. 

You guys should do it on your own. The rights to Tenshou KAGETSU are in the hands of that agency of yours, anyway~.

Keito: I- I don’t follow. Is this a joke?

Ibuki: Na~h, I’m serious as can be~!

Keito: Do you realize how ridiculous you sound?

We’ve been preparing for this for months. You cannot just decide on a whim that you don’t want to do it and back out.

Ibuki: Don’t worry to~o much! I’ll be back eventually~.

Keito: This is irrational. Tell me what’s going on, and we can figure it out.

Ibuki: Mm, no~pe! There’s nothing for us to figure out~! 

Thanks again for letting me work with you, though. Honestly, I mean it. It was pretty fun~.

Keito: Taki, I—

Ibuki: Anyways, that’s all I wanted to tell you~. Nyahaha! Make sure to pass my gratitude onto Kanzaki-san, too~. 

Ibuki: It was nice getting to know you a~ll! Mata yaasai~! ♪[^4]

Keito stands, frozen, as the dial tone rings in his ear.

Kuro: …Hasumi?

Keito: …

Kuro: Did I… hear that wrong, or did Taki say he’s in Okinawa?

Keito: You�� heard correctly.

Kuro: That’s… Can’t say I saw that comin’… 

Keito: That would make two of us…

Kuro: Well, shit… What do we do now…?

Souma: Hasumi-dono, Kiryuu-dono! I bear alarming news! 

According to Mashiro, it would appear Taki has evicted himself from the dormitory!

Kuro: Uh, yeah. ’Bout that. Apparently he left for Okinawa.

Souma: …Oh.

Kuro: Yeah… Said he’s callin’ quits and leavin’ the project to us.

Souma: I see… Taki has now wholly demonstrated his villainy… 

It is most unfortunate. In the end, what with all the conflict he aroused, it appears he was truly an adversarial force.

Keito: Adversarial…? He’s not an adversary, Kanzaki.

Souma: …? Has Taki not significantly disrupted our unity with his antics? 

When one considers not only his capricious departure but his general irreverence as well, it becomes evident that he has not been as invested in our work as we.

If Taki truly wishes to retire from this project, AKATSUKI has the ability to perform Tenshou KAGETSU without him. We must merely make minor adjustments to line distribution.

Keito: What are you saying? Taki composed Tenshou KAGETSU. Obviously, he’s—

Kuro: Kanzaki. We’ve all been workin’ our asses off to make this collaboration possible. Even the agency’s been givin’ us a hard time ’bout it. 

Taki runnin’ off just ’fore the show’s not somethin’ to party ’bout, and it’s not normal. Somethin’s clearly wrong here.

Yeah, Taki’s free-spirited. But leavin’ Honshu[^5] like this without givin’ us any kinda heads-up? That’s too extreme.

Souma: Ah… When you word it that way…

’Twas foolish of me to take the circumstances at face-value… 

I… I did not intend to cause offense. Please forgive my harsh remarks.

Taki’s room for reform does not negate his contributions. Furthermore, I did not mean to imply his departure is a celebratory occasion.

Indeed, we seem to have witnessed an incongruence…

Kuro: It’s okay. What matters is yer reflectin’ on it. 

’Sides, I know ya wouldn’t really be satisfied with lettin’ Taki just make off after everythin’ we’ve done. 

Souma: That is… true… 

Though I find that boy troublesome, I admit I am not content with this outcome… 

’Twould be best to hold Taki accountable.

Kuro: See? Don’t let’cher knee-jerk reactions steer yer thoughts so much. Right, Hasumi?

Keito: I’m just… at a loss.

Kuro: …

Keito: How do we rectify this? He seemed adamant over the phone that he has no interest in coming back…

Kuro: …Then, how ’bout we go to ’im?

Keito: …You don’t mean to suggest we retrieve Taki from Okinawa?

Kuro: Actually, that’s exactly what I’m sayin’. 

Keito: But—

Kuro: Last time, yer the one who asked me. So, Hasumi, ya wanna see Taki succeed, don’tcha?

Keito: …I do.

Kuro: Yeah, I know. Just like ya did for me and Kanzaki. In fact, I’m willin’ to bet that’s the main reason ya picked Taki, huh? 

Yer a strategic guy, and once the idea crossed yer mind, ya realized it would be an opportunity to lend yer aid to ’im, too.

I brought it up back when ya first suggested Taki, but I think it’s real obvious now. 

Ya care ’bout that kid a lot. That’s the kinda person ya are. 

One way or another, he resonates with ya.

So, I’m sayin’ ya should go offer yer hand to ’im one more time. 

If he rejects it, he rejects it. But I got this feelin’ there’s somethin’ more goin’ on—somethin’ more Taki needs help with.

Keito: Kiryuu…

Souma: …

Hasumi-dono. Let us go to Okinawa.

Keito: ?!

Souma: I cannot say I absolutely understand the circumstances, nor that I have much faith in Taki as it is now.

However, I have faith in you. 

You must have entrusted your hopes in Taki for a reason. You must want to help him for a reason. For that, I admire you, and thus I shall stand by you without wavering.

Keito: …Thank you.

Kuro: See, we’re all with ya. So, don’t give up—not on Taki and not on yerself.

Keito: …Yeah.

[ ☆ ]

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Footnote 1: "I'm good, I'm good!"

Footnote 2: The island of Okinawa is located in the Okinawa Prefecture, which is the southernmost prefecture in Japan. It is about 3 hours away from Tokyo by plane.

Footnote 3: "Yeah"

Footnote 4: "Catch you later!" (masculine language)

Footnote 5: Honshu is the largest island of the Japanese archipelago, and it is there that Ensemble Square is located.

[nekroligion]

MARIUS ULLAND

i wanna move / i oughta feel / i need to drift into a world so unreal

Born to Kristian and Sonja Ulland, Marius is a Norwegian man, aged 22. He has dirty blonde hair he cuts himself, a crooked, arched nose, jacked up teeth, scars all across his arms, and eyes that have been described as ‘dead’ over the years.

He is not a perfect man, and he has never claimed to be.

Marius came up with the idea for Nekroligion in high school, shortly after moving to Sweden and meeting Joen Lindqvist. The two were both obsessed with all things metal, and vowed to create the best band in the world after graduation.

The two of them met Adrik Antonov on one of their weekly scope-outs. Marius knew he had to have him in his band after seeing him perform so passionately. So he stole him.

He’s pretty sure it was the best decision he had ever made.

Now, Nekroligion is on tour, with a pretty decent kvlt following. Little does Marius know, the worst is yet to come.

he’s got charisma, but when he’s all alone / he curls in a ball and wishes he was / home again, home again, home again

FACTS:

Born January 26th, 1973. He’s an Aquarius (although he doesn’t care what it means).

Has hypersomnia. He’s slept through whole days.

Struggles with bouts of depression and suicidal ideation. Has gone to the hospital for excessive self harm multiple times. He’s used to it.

Craves validation.

His nipples are pierced! He was dared to. His parents were not very happy when they found out.

Has two younger siblings: his sister, Janne (aged 17), and his brother, Aksel (aged 7). He hasn’t seen them in a while.

Grew up Catholic.

Hates his father.

Is bisexual. Will not admit this to himself.

–

Read more about his past here.

Look at his Pinterest board here.

Listen to his playlist here.

[themattress]

Clips from the videos I recently linked to.

Out of all the main characters, Nomura and Oka's writing in Kingdom Hearts III (and the preceding Dream Drop Distance + 0.2 Birth by Sleep for that matter) significantly derailed five of them, four of whom the video above discusses and the other whom I'll bring up myself.

Axel then: A deeply selfish guy whose pursuit of his own agenda above all else puts him into conflict with others, even his own friends. Has a fiery (heh) side but is usually cool and collected, with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor, and is very smart and calculating.

Axel now: Honestly still selfish but in a bratty petulant way rather than a mature interesting way, and the narrative pretends like this isn't the case and portrays him as this great guy and wonderful friend. He's also hot-headed dumbass whose style of humor is more "wacky", based in catchphrases and self-aware jokes. Yes, I'm aware he has a heart now, but that explaining the difference doesn't work when the series is now claiming he had a heart all along as a Nobody anyway! If Lea's gonna call himself "Axel", he oughta resemble him more!

Kairi then: Spunky and sassy. Prone to reckless actions due to following her heart without thinking. Will fight to the teeth against any enemy trying to chain her down and will always use her agency every chance she gets, even if it's simply sending a letter. While she obviously loves Sora, she cares deeply for others too and does all she can to help them.

Kairi now: Meek and polite, a "Yamato nadeshiko" type. Frantic and self-doubting, to the point of freezing up in combat. Greatest contribution is "believing really hard" rather than doing anything, and who will write a flowery love letter for the sake of it but never send it. Her care for others is de-emphasized in favor of her love for Sora, even though he barely if ever thinks or talks about her when she isn't right in front of him, making her look pathetic.

Riku then: Starts out as a rude, arrogant jerk who uses darkness and falls prey to it, ends up a still rude but humbled and considerate guy who overcomes his darkness and turns it into a unique power of twilight. At peace with following his heart more ("which is Sora-esque").

Riku now: Totally polite, nigh-infallible hero who just uses plain darkness, not twilight, without consequence. Acts like a dull stick in the mud who barely shows emotion from the heart.

Sora then: Just a regular kid/teenager. Could be kind of a dumbass but not to the point of chronic idiocy that's always being made fun of. Reacted proportionately to events around him and was prone to bouts of depression that he covers up with his usual cheerful attitude.

Sora now: More childish than he should be at his age. Stereotypical shonen Idiot Hero, to the point of everyone making fun of him for it. Reacts over-the-top and excited to everything, is seldom if ever depressed about anything short of people dying. "Weak" yet OP all at once.

Ansem, Seeker of Darkness then: Profoundly arrogant in order to cover for his insecurities. Feels as though everything he does is justified. Cares for no-one but himself + darkness.

Ansem, Seeker of Darkness now: Will openly admit to his insecurities and stow his pride. Knows and acknowledges what he does as evil. Apparently cares for "Subject X", and Riku to a degree, plus chides Ansem the Wise for his cold treatment of others. Seems on board with Xehanort's plan which evidently is meant to safeguard the worlds against darkness.

[an-ecu-harrypotter-au]

TCS Part 4: Heroes Or Hoaxes

Ah was real shocked ta see an owl in the kitchen after wakin up.

"Pop where'd ya get this?"

"Made an early trip ta Diagon Alley this mornin. What do ya think?"

Ah get close ta the owl an Ah'm amazed that it's so small.

"Aw. Look at you. Got pretty big eyes."

The owl chirps an comes up ta me like it wants head scratches.

"What's yer name lil buddy?"

He chirps again an now Ah feel confused.

"Ya wanna be called Pig?"

"What? Why'd a bird wanna be called Pig?"

The owl chirps a lot.

"Ohhh. He really liked seein doves. Apparently pigeons an doves're considered ta be the same here."

Pop just nods like he can't think a somethin ta say.

"Do ya mind if Ah say yer so cute, Pig?"

He rubs gainst mah finger as he chirps.

"Aw that's great. Yer gonna be a good owl."

Pop clears his throat.

"Yeah Pop?"

"Ah think ya oughta send yer letters an see if he can get 'em ta yer friends."

"Oh yeah Ah gotta do that."

Ah grab the letters an tell Pig where ta go.

"Think ya can handle goin ta two places Pig?"

He hoots an grabs the letters before flyin away.

"Ah sure hope nothin gets confused cause Pig's got two letters."

"Ah wouldn't worry bout it Toby. All the owls at the store's got the same magic. Pacer an Jacklin seem like they're good owlkeepers. It'd probly take longer so yer owl can rest between trips."

Pop's right. Pig's a tiny lil owl. Arthur's at least full grown an can handle long trips. Pig's gotta travel all the way ta England. Ah jus hope there ain't no storms.

Time Skip

"Toby ya got Jacklin's owl down here. Come an get yer letter."

"Comin Pop."

Ah walk down ta see Holly lookin scared by Arthur.

"What in the world's that?"

"Tha's Arthur. Mah friend Jacklin's got an owl that sends letters. We got wizards all over an these owls know exactly where ta go once ya tell 'em."

Holly's lookin at me like Ah'm crazy.

"Then how come ya don't have one?"

"Cause we was movin round. But Pop bought an owl a couple days go."

"How come Ah didn't see him?"

Ah remember somethin.

"Oh yeah ya weren't here. Pig sent mah letters ta Pacer an Jacklin."

"But why's Jacklin's owl here? And why's his name Pig?"

It takes me a while ta explain an by that point Arthur let's out a loud squawk.

"Oh sorry. Ah didn't forget ya Arthur. Ah jus don't want Holly gettin scared a you."

Ah take the letter from Arthur and pat his head.

"Yer a good owl Arthur. Ya need a good rest."

He nuzzles mah finger then leaves.

"Huh. Ah guess cause Arthur's so used ta flyin, goin all the way past the sea ta Ireland an back ain't a long trip. Oh well. Least that means Pacer or Jacklin knew ta keep Pig safe for a while so he can rest."

Ah open mah letter an start readin it.

"Ah gotta tell Pop bout this."

Ah go over ta Pop.

"Pop Jacklin's letter came."

"What'd it say?"

"Oh Jacklin says Holly's in the system now an she wants us ta connect our fireplace ta the Flu Network."

Holly follows me an looks confused. Ah show Pop mah letter an he reads it real carefully.

"Well now. This' some real serious business. We're gonna be havin some govment fellers in this house."

"Is Jacklin an 'er dad gonna be here?"

"It'd sure make thangs easier. So go on an write ta Jacklin sayin we'll be here waitin."

Holly looks even more confused.

"Pop wha's all this about?"

"Well Holly, in the wizardin world, people use the fireplace ta travel real far an not draw no attention. But cause the govment don't want no crimnals havin that bilty, they gotta go ta each house an put magic on the fireplace. That way they can keep track a who's got 'em an who don't. Now Jacklin's dad works wit the govment so Ah wanna have 'em over an explain what the govment'd wanna do ta the fireplace."

"Ok Pop."

Time Skip

"Toby Ah think your owl's back."

"Huh?"

Ah look up an see Pig.

"There ya are Pig. Glad ya made it back. Ah heard on the tv that there's gonna be a real bad storm later taday."

He hoots an nuzzles mah hand then goes over ta his lil owl house. Pop never wants him stayin in a cage since it's bad for owls. Once the storm passes Ah give 'em mah letter.

"Jacklin's house please, Pig."

Pig takes the letter an starts headin ta Jacklin's house.

"Oh wow another owl."

A big owl lands at the window.

"Uh thanks."

Ah take the letter from the owl an open it. The owl quickly takes off agin.

"Pop this' fer you."

Pop takes the letter.

"Awright son."

He opens the letter an reads it.

"Go on an get Holly. Her Hogwarts letter jus came in."

"Ooh."

Ah go ta Holly's room.

"Holly. Ya got yer magic letter."

"Mah what?"

"Come on an Pop'll tell ya."

We go downstairs an Holly reads 'er letter.

"Pop? How're we gonna get all this?"

"Well Holly we'll be usin some a Toby's 1st year supplies since he ain't gonna be needin 'em no more. The rest a yer stuff we'll have ta buy."

Ah look at Pop.

"What bout me?"

"All yer clothes fit ya good. Only book Ah gotta get ya's the spell book fer 2nd years. But this year ya can take yer broom ta school."

"Wow! Ah gotta write ta Pacer."

Ah go up ta mah room an write mah letter.

"Toby why's there another owl here?"

Ah feel confused an go down ta the kitchen.

"This ain't Arthur is it?"

"Naw that ain't Arthur. He's an Eagle Owl. This' Pacer's Hawk Owl named Walker."

Holly jus shakes 'er head an goes back ta her room. Ah don't mind it though. Ah know it's all cause she's gotta get used ta this jus like Ah did last year.

"Thanks Walker. Ah'll send Pig on the return journey. You can go now."

He hoots then takes off. Ah open it an realize Pacer didn't wanna tire Pig out so he sent Walker instead. Now that was real nice a him. Ah'm glad he's a good friend. Now Ah gotta figure out how ta give 'em a phoenix book.

Time Skip

"Pop what time'd Jacklin say her an 'er dad was gonna be here?"

He looks up at the clock.

"Aw they ain't gonna be here for another couple hours. Why'd ya wanna know?"

"Cause they ain't like owls where they know how ta get here. What if they get lost?"

Pop puts down the paper.

"Toby this' a wizardin family that's had magic over 1000 years. They got a way."

"Well awright then Pop."

Ah go back up ta mah room an take a nap. Ah got a feelin it's gonna be a real long day. Ah wake up sometime round noon an hear a knock on the door. Pop goes over ta answer it.

"Henry good ta see ya!"

"Thank you Samson. Had minimal winds across the Celtic Sea so it was a good flight."

"Oh yeah? How long's it take ya ta fly from Cornwall?"

"Oh no more than 2 hours by broom I say."

Ah start rubbin mah eyes.

"Toby, Jacklin's here."

"Comin Pop."

Ah get outta mah bed an walk downstairs ta see Jacklin holdin her broom.

"Whoa! Ya got a real broom."

She chuckles as she walk inta the house.

"Oh yes. I wanted to keep it a surprise until I saw you again. This is a Nimbus 2001 broom. It's the fastest broom to be made and has spells protecting it from being jinxed."

"Whoa. Really good idea ta get one like that now that ya can fly. Ever since yer first game Ah got real scared somebody'd try ta mess wit yer broom again."

“Here give it a feel.”

Jacklin hands it ta me ta hold it an Ah feel real proud.

"Ah can't wait ta bring mah broom. A Comet 260's a good broom right?"

"Of course it is, Toby. It's a very respectable broom to have since you don’t feel very comfortable traveling by broom. Father was originally going to buy one for me before he found out I made the Quidditch team."

“Wow.”

Ah see Holly outta the corner a mah eye.

"Oh. Jacklin this' Holly. She's got magic too."

Jacklin turns ta see 'er.

"Hello Holly. It's nice to finally meet you. I know this is a very stressful experience, but don't ever feel like you're going through this alone."

The girls shake hands an Ah think Holly's gonna like havin Jacklin as a friend.

"Now Henry, what exactly's gonna happen? Ah don't want the kids gettin spooked."

"Ah. Don't you worry, Samson. All that needs to be done is for a member of the Floo Network Authority to cast a spell on your fireplace. I already scheduled Mr. Heyward to arrive at 2 pm. In fact, I must be on my way to help him get here. It took some time just to find your house, and I don't want him to get lost."

"Well ya jus do what ya gotta do. Jus knock when ya get here an we'll get started."

"Very well then. Jacklin you can stay here with the Kwimpers. I shall see you soon."

Jacklin's dad shakes Pop's hand. Then he jus disappears outta thin air.

"Jacklin who's Mr. Heyward?"

"Mr. Heyward runs the only shop in the United Kingdom that has the license to make Floo powder. He was named an immediate member of the Floo Network Authority because he knows exactly how to make it."

"Wow. Floo powder ain't somethin that people'd wanna kill him ta get it is it?"

"No it isn't. Even though making Floo powder is a complete mystery and only comes from one shop, it's very easy to buy. Only 2 sickles a scoop."

"Oh. Well at least it ain't like poor Flamel. If it's real easy ta buy then it probly don't matter that it's a secret."

There's a knock on the door.

"Pop Ah think Jacklin's dad's back!"

"Ok son Ah hear it."

Pop goes over ta the door an opens it.

"Samson this is Mr. Heyward."

"Nice ta meet ya Mr. Heyward."

“Pleasure’s all mine.”

They shake hands an Ah get a good look a him from the other room. Ah feel like he looks like somebody Ah saw in a movie not all that long go.

Time Skip

"Now that the fireplace is set up, I say we test it out. I can show you how to get to Diagon Alley from here."

"Perfect, Henry. Ah was plannin our trip anyway. Defnitely saves money an time if yer sayin this'll take us right ta the shoppin center."

Ah turn ta Jacklin.

"Do we gotta wear our robes Jacklin?"

"I think it would be best if you wear your robe over your regular clothes. That way you're helping Holly get used to seeing wizards wearing them."

"Awright then. Now Ah know why yer dad's not wearin a suit taday."

Pop comes up ta us.

"Toby Ah'm gonna get Holly. You an Jacklin go by the fireplace so we's can all go ta Diagon Alley in one trip."

"Ok Pop."

Ah put on a robe Ah got an go by the fireplace. Pop comes downstairs wit Holly.

"Ah yes now that everyone is here, it's time to show you how to get to Diagon Alley. Now Holly, since this is your first time using such a system, I will personally take you and your father."

"Yes sir."

"Jacklin when you take Toby, make sure to go right to Flourish and Blotts. There's sure to be a line, so I want you two to get there straight away."

"Yes father."

Ah go wit Jacklin ta the fireplace.

"Now you just grab some Floo powder, Jacklin. That's it."

She grabs a small handful of Floo powder.

"I have to say this very clearly. Diagon Alley."

She throws the powder in the fire an Ah make sure ta close mah eyes an hold Jacklin's hand.

"We made it Toby."

Ah open mah eyes.

"Wow. Maybe it's cause a yer Veela magic but Ah felt better doin that this time."

"I think it was because you were nervous the first time, Toby. Now all we need to do is find Flourish and Blotts. It shouldn't be too far from here."

"Ok."

Ah jus follow Jacklin as she looks fer the book shop.

"Where're we?"

"This is the Leaky Cauldron remember? When you use the Floo Network to go to Diagon Alley it immediately takes you to the Leaky Cauldron because it has the doorway. A lot of shops don't have a fireplace."

"Ohhh."

We enter Diagon Alley an walk ta the bookstore. Ah start ta see the end a the line.

"Wow. Yer dad weren't kiddin. This' a real long line."

"It's because a famous author is having a book signing session today. Do you remember hearing someone by the name of Gilderoy Lockhart?"

Ah think. Jacklin sure taught me a lotta stuff. Ah dunno if she ever got ta the part a culture bout wizardin story books.

"Mayyybe. Ah jus know ya'll got a buncha wizards that write stories. Ah dunno if they're all real but they sure sound interestin."

"Well father told me, that Headmaster Dumbledore told him, that Gilderoy Lockhart will be the next Defense Against The Dark Arts professor."

"Cause a his books?"

"I believe so. Of course father thinks that a lot of his stories are exaggerated. He did agree that Lockhart is a wizard who’s capable enough to handle such a position though."

Ah try ta process all that as we wait.

"Why'd Dumbledore tell yer dad this?"

"As the only descendant of the founders, all personnel decisions must be made with his approval."

Ah start ta think bout a buncha wizards sittin round in the dungeons an havin ta drink a potion ta see who's worthy a bein a teacher. Then Ah realize Ah've been thinkin bout this so long Ah haven't said nothin ta Jacklin.

"Ya know somethin Jacklin. It's jus like the PTA."

"I certainly never heard of that organization before. What do they do?"

Then Ah realize Ah dunno what it is either. Before Ah can come up wit somethin Jacklin looks behind me.

"I wonder where father is. I hope he managed to get your Pop and sister here."

"Well if he did they oughta get here soon. Ah don't want people thinkin they're cuttin the line."

"Oh there he is."

Ah turn an see Jacklin's dad wit Pop an Holly. A man comes outta the bookstore an goes right to 'em.

"Oh Mr. Gryffindor sir. Come right in. Clear the way, clear the way."

"Come along children."

Ah follow Jacklin behind her dad as we go right up to the front a the line. At least people don't look mad at us. Sometimes Ah forget Jacklin's dad's one a the wizardin kings cause nobody's mad at all.

"Mr. Gryffindor welcome, welcome. It's an honor to have you come into my shop in person."

"Thank you, yes, well I was just helping the Kwimpers test out their fireplace. The Floo Network is very particular you know. I figured it was best to test it with a trip to Diagon Alley."

"Well thank you for coming to my shop. It really is an honor. I'll make sure Gilderoy meets with you personally."

A man wit a fancy wizardin camera pushes past me, Pop an Holly.

"Excuse me, excuse me this is for the Daily Prophet."

He takes a picture a someone an Ah move ta see a man in his late 20s signin books. He immediately gets out of his seat an goes right ta Jacklin an 'er dad when he sees 'em.

"Ah Mr. Gryffindor sir. Lovely to see you and your lovely daughter today. Come right up. Smile everyone."

Everythang's goin so fast but Ah think cause Jacklin's dad's one a the wizardin kings even a wizard like Lockhart'd think he's real famous.

"Now can you imagine my surprise today to find out that THE Gryffindor family would take time out of their busy day just to purchase my latest book. I owe it all to Mr. Gryffindor for giving me the honor of letting me teach his only daughter. Little did he know that she will be leaving with my complete collection of books for my class free of charge."

The crowd in the bookstore all clap an Ah got no idea if Ah'm spose ta clap too. Jacklin looks a bit shocked but Ah guess if her dad got 'em the job a bunch a free books' a good way ta return the favor.

"Thank you for the lovely gift Gilderoy, but if you can please extend your generosity to my guests, the Kwimpers. I would very much appreciate it."

Ah see Lockhart's attention turn ta me an Holly. Somethin bout the way he's lookin at us makes me feel weird. Ah got no proof sayin he's plannin somethin bad but he's defnitely thinkin somethin.

"Why of course I will, Mr. Gryffindor. A signed copy of my latest autobiography for both of them. Step forward please, young lady."

Ah watch Holly go up ta him as Pop watches. Jacklin comes up ta me wit all 'er books.

"I already have all of his books. You can have them for his class so your Pop won't have to buy all of them."

"Oh Ah don't wanna take 'em from ya Jacklin."

"These books all together cost 35 galleons. I know your family has been doing better, but it's still a lot of money."

Ah realize she's right an make a big decision.

"Ya better tell Pop bout this before he does buy books. Ah don't want 'em ta think Ah'm takin vantage a ya bein nice."

Ah watch Jacklin go ta Pop as Holly comes back wit two books.

"Oh Mr. Lockhart's amazing."

"Why?"

"He noticed Ah wasn't lookin so cheerful an asked me what was wrong. Ah told 'em it was cause Ah'm celebratin mah first birthday without momma an daddy. So he gave me a signed journal an a copy of his book for free. Isn't that so nice a him Toby?"

Maybe it's cause Ah'm startin ta get smarter but Ah don't think Lockhart's doin it jus ta be nice. But since Ah dunno what he'd want Ah jus nod.

"Come on up young man. You need a copy of my book as well."

Ah turn an see Lockhart lookin at me. So Ah walk up ta him.

"Now how do you want me to sign your copy?"

"Toby Kwimper."

"Kwimper. How is it spelled?"

Ah spell mah last name an Ah watch 'em sign mah book wit this purple type a ink.

"Now then. What is that you want as your gift?”

Ah spend a lotta time thinkin.

"Oh I get it. Haven't met a famous author before and you're shy."

Ah realize Ah ain't been lookin at Lockhart.

"Uh no sir. Ah was thinkin bout what ta give mah friend Pacer. Ah wanna give 'em a birthday gift but Ah can't give 'em a book on plants."

"Why not? Herbology is a lovely art. Why I'm thinking of dedicating my next book to conquering the many dangerous plants inhabiting the Amazon."

"Oh Ah like Herbology a lot. It's just cause Pacer's family runs an apottacarry so big, St. Mungo's got a deal wit 'em ta buy potion ingredients. He’d probly have more books than this store. So Ah asked ‘em and Pacer told me he wanted a book bout phoenixes."

Lockhart's startin ta get a look in his eye again an Ah dunno what he's gonna do next.

"You know the Burton family?"

"Ah know Pacer. Ah only met his parents once at the robes store."

"In that case he must have a copy of my book Phoenix Pleasantries where I describe my lovely trip to India. It has everything he'll want to know about such a wonderful creature."

Ah have no idea if he really wants ta be nice but he's givin me a free gift ta Pacer so Ah hope it's a good book.

"Thanks Mr. Lockhart."

Ah walk back ta Pop. Ah think he can see the face Ah'm makin an know what Ah'm feelin.

"Henry Ah think we oughta go home an go over what we got taday. All these books're gettin ta be too much."

"I understand, Samson. Before we depart, why don't we stop by the ice cream parlour as a treat for the children?"

"Yeah. Yeah Ah think tha'll help cool us all down."

Pop turns ta us an Ah can tell he's just as confused as me.

"C'mon kids we're leavin."

"Ok Pop."

Me an Holly follow Pop as Jacklin's dad helps her carry the books. We walk ta the ice cream shop.

"Good thang everyone's at the bookstore. Almos got the place ta ourselves."

We all get different thangs an at least it helped make us all feel better. Ice cream always helps make thangs better. Tha's just how it works.

"Toby why did you order a rocky road?"

"Why wouldn't Ah wanna order rocky road?"

Ah laugh a lil at what Ah thought was a joke till the ice cream man puts it down in front a me.

"Wha's this?"

"That's rocky road."

"No it ain't. Rocky road's got chocolate ice cream wit walnuts and marshmallows on top."

At this point Ah think Jacklin's realized wha happened.

"Toby we call rocky road a dessert with the same flavors made into a type of biscuit because Australia is still a significant member of the Commonwealth and invented it."

Mah head hurts too much so Ah start eatin it.

"Well yer right bout it tastin similar."

An ta me Ah think that's all that needed ta be said.

Tagging: @arrolyn1114, @nemos-rapture, @xanatenshi, @briefpandatimemachine, @hooked-on-elvis,

@vintagepresley, @aliengoth3, @smokeymountainboy, @bigdaddyelvislover, @mercsandmonsters,

@pledgingmylovee, @presleysgirl6, @thetaoofzoe, and @elvispresley4life.

[dave-brubot-real-life]

oi piano man! ive got somethin to tell ya. before you get mad yes i found out scrap's login but that doesnt matter. Toonie's in mad love with you, I wont beat around the bush and make some joke I'm just gonna be straight forward. She adores you, she wants to spend every waking moment with you. How do I know all this? because she wont shut her yap when we're tryin to brawl. or when we end up somewhere together and arent in the mood to fight. its annoying as shit but shes also too dumb to really notice somehow. much like you. youre both dumb as shit. but its bout time someone told one of you and brought you two together so the world can stop collectively groaning at how oblivious you both are. (@ask-toonie-cogsworth Salty Westerdile🐊)

...Mad love?

With the musical monster of melody himself???

Well- who doesn't love Dave, that's the double slimes juckpot one trillion quiz question of this suggestion-!

But Dave ain't done yet with ya, glorified rug, he's got something else to say to your scaly mug- be a hater all you want, Dave knows ya ain't surviving the winter with a stone cold soul in control like that-!!! But leave Toonie Baby outta this! She ain't dumb or annoying, hold those words to the mirror, stand in the spotlight, and you see with your eyes that it's the right, the the left, the left to the right, the flip-flop of dumb and annoying! Can't see it? Well lucky for you, Dave can see, she sees all the time, right through her own eyes, a list of what makes this jellyfish the brioluimenesscanecce decadence that's got the every single fin flapping and floundering, wishing they could be like her!!!! Their soft swaying locks, a beat that never stops, a sour devilish record, moves to match, a shell to catch, a savvy suit, a sweetheart from the start, lock breaking, piercing bite, a sense of humor that any animated amigo oughta find delight, accessories for days, a master of rave, and through it all, a sweetheart soft touch that's got THIS Da-

Oh.

OH.

OH.

[@ask-toonie-cogsworth]

[squallsong-survival]

Hey, could you leave my friend alone? He hasn't done ANYTHING to you. He's just a damned kid for crying out loud. I'd let you taste the wrath of Ho-oh and Lugia myself if it wouldn't just prove you right in your fucked up mind.

I don't know what the hell is up with your universe, but in most universes, humans work alongside pokemon constantly. Maybe you should think about that before saying shit to people on the site that connects to the damned multiverse.

Leave Gen alone, he doesn't deserve the shit you're threatening him with.

//Hiya, @silveredfeathers mod here! Feel free to ignore this if it's too much.

oh, well at least this one’s around my age. not that it seems ta have given him much more sense.

Gen is a kid, yes, and frankly he oughta grow up. he ain’t that young and here he is bawling ta all his little friends about the scary man who didn’t sugarcoat it for him. very cute invokin’ legends as if that’d scare me off, by the way. nobody sees them shits fer a reason: they know ta mind their own fuckin’ business. the prospect ain’t even that scary. ya gotta have similar levels a experience ta me, so surely ya know at this point that even some renowned horrible monster ain’t much against a well-placed strike.

besides, the whiner is so prone ta tears I don’ think it’s possible ta have a useful conversation with ‘im. poor bastard kinda proves my point ‘bout these freaks livin’ pathetic miserable little lives. he ain’t even worth puttin’ out of ‘is misery, myself. crossin’ borders’d be such a pain. if he’s lucky maybe someone local’ll take note of ‘im.

and the fuck do you mean, universes? there’s only one world pal, and we’re all livin’ in it.

[drunkelreporter]

Vash was definitely perceptive enough to notice the stare of a stranger boring into the back of his head, Roberto watching him intently from where he leaned against a wall, smoke streaming idly from the end of his cigarette. This was clearly not who he was looking for; no blonde in his hair at all, a decidedly meek and slumped manner to him that wasn't like their Typhoon at all, tall and gangly and worn.

The coat had caught his eye at first, because of course it had. When looking for a blonde in a red coat of course he was going to notice every red coat in the vicinity. But there was something about this guy that was all-too familiar, something other that he'd gotten used to with their Vash. It made the hairs on the back of his neck stick straight up.

He blinks, realizing he'd been staring too hard.

"Hey there friend," he half slurs, raising his nice, shiny, new flask in a salute. "Sorry 'bout th' starin', think I mighta had too much to drink, you know? You're looking an awful lot like someone I know, though you ain't him at all. Lookin' run down though, you oughta have a drink and relax a bit, quit lookin' like you're carryin' the world on your shoulders."

Helpfully illustrating his point, he tips his flask back and takes a hearty swig. Its half to sell him being a harmless old drunk and half because he feels like he's going to go crazy of he looks at this guy for too long.

"Take it from an old coot like me: you'll age more gracefully if you spend more 'f it drunk and less of it worryin'."

@amoirsetpacis

[afteriwake]

She Has Nice Silk Knickers, Too

So this is an old songfic I wrote for the Buffyverse fandom challenge group "You Got The Stones?" for our main mod Collie. All I did to it was reformat it for AO3, but I hope you all enjoy some drunken Spike!

She Has Nice Silk Knickers, Too - Spike decides Tom Petty should rot in hell.

READ @ AO3

May Tom Petty rot in hell. How'd he get so filthy stinking famous by writing songs like...well, like this? Take a listen, mate. I mean, who'd pay money to listen to dribble like this?

Oh, we got another one, just like the other ones Another bad ass, another trouble-maker I'm scared, ain't you boys scared?

Not a bad beginning, right? Simple little ditty, there's another bad ass in town, la-di-bloody-da. I know what you're thinking; sounds a bit like me when I arrived in this little hellhole, Sunnyhell, home of the Hellmouth. But you know what? I was the bad ass, the trouble maker. And then Angelus had to take over the poofsters body and my life went straight down to the brink of hell. Making that deal with the Slayer didn't help much, either.

No, wait...listen to this next verse.

I wonder if he's gonna show us what bad is? Boys, we got a man with a dog collar on You think we oughta throw ol' Spike a bone?

See? See? Now you're gonna say this is all true, that this is what the Slayer does to Spikey here. Well, bugger off. I'm not a man with a dog collar on unless I decide to put one on and go to one of those S & M places or something or other.

Anyway, she thinks I'm just a neutered little puppy. The big bad Slayer doesn't think I have any stones, and that she has to throw me a bone. Oh, look...made a rhyme.

Here's another misfit, another Jimmy Dean Bet he's got a motorbike, What'a y'all think?

Bloody hell, no, I don't have a motorbike! I have a De Soto. You've seen it...blacked out windows, filled with alcohol bottles, keeps getting dented from running into that blasted welcome sign. Why won't they just learn to take that hideous thing down?

And I'm not a misfit, not anymore than that Slayer. She isn't like the Chinese bird I got in the Boxer Rebellion, or that afro'ed freak I got back in the 70's or 80's. She thought I was a Billy Idol worshiping freak, that bloody...bloody...

But this Slayer. She has family. She has friends. She has nice silk knickers, too.

Bet if we be good we'll get a ride on it If he ain't too mad about the future --

What do you mean, how do I know she's got silk knickers? I've stolen a pair or two. Tracking her scent and all that. Not a better scent to track than the one from that region, know what I mean? Course not, you're not a vampire. It's the primalest of scent. Well, now primalest is a word, mate. Cuz I said so. Anyway, it's the primalest of scents. You can use all the deodorant in the world and drown yourself under a hundred bloody showers but when a woman gets aroused...easiest scent in the world to attract.

Maybe we oughta help him see The future ain't what it used to be

Attract our kind, mate. And her scent's different from the others.

Of course the underwear's not clean! Well, some of it, anyway. Think she'll always smell like Mountain Fresh Tide with a bit of Downy Fabric Softener and a Bounce Gentle Breeze dryer sheet thrown into the mix?

Yeah, I have more of it at home. and you can't have any. It's mine. So there.

Well, she's my Slayer, my mortal enemy, and I don't feel like sharing.

Hey Spike what do you like? Hey Spike what do you like?

I am not nursing an affection for the Slayer! She kills my kind, she dated Mr. Cardboard who helped do this chip job to me, she wouldn't have me get it out cuz she knows the first thing I'd do is go after her with a railroad spike and some rope and...

Hey, Willie. Can I get some more O Neg with another shot of tequila? Yeah...want to be nice and drunk when I go back to Harmony, that airheaded git. That way I won't remember anything.

Hey Spike what do you like? Hey Spike, you're scarin' my wife Please Spike, tell us 'bout life?

As I said before, I think Tom Petty should rot in hell, the filthy wanker. Why's he so popular, anyway?

[deviatory]

@talentforlying sent : ❛ not many would have accepted the offer. ❜ / for vincent?

There is a sour look adorning Vincent’s deceptive youthful features from behind a disheveled flop of ebony. “Fuck off.” In his hand he smacked the old flashlight against his knee, as the light flickered in and out over the overgrowth and man in the garden. He made it out as if he was going to do this shit for free. “What’s a soul anyhow when you need time. It’s got boring over ‘ere anyway.” It would have come across as a scoff. His lips twisted somewhere diced between smirk and sneer. Vincent was, however, an ill mannered, foul mouthed and temperamental thing. 

His face turned slightly. He could kill him if he wanted. He thought he could enjoy strangling the blonde until nothing else mattered again and he was alone. Ew. He shrugged.

Sitting perched over the back of the bench, his legs crossed over an old muddied set of pale acid-washed denim ensemble. Vincent was, and had been for sometime now, a fading echo of the past. He didn't care. The world didn't about him so why should he care about what it thought. The silent large figure of one of the boy’s (definitely not dead) wolfhounds resting beneath. How the hell did he end up out here again? With company. He could have played into the role of the boy. He could have. He would have loved to, but the man had caught the pint size necromancer on one of his good days (the lucky bugger). “You know, I don’t know who told you ‘bout where to find me, but I think if you see them again you oughta tell them youse should start to pray–” He held little grace to the way he spoke. Despite his “aunt’s” best intentions, his good little upper middle-class upbringing, it was London and all its curb kicked kids who he found his place with. There was a chuckle. “ ‘Cause you really don’t know a bloody thing ‘bout me.” And you really don’t want to.   He slid onto his feet, his silvery eyes scanning over the man’s attire with a judgmental scowl. Heh. Tie. What a weirdo. “So! Who we digging up? Or – we do som'thing real fun.”

[mainstoryarchive]

Troublemakers - 43: Break

Translator: Peace

Proofreader: nazunyan427

Mitsuru: Let's chow down~☆

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

Location: Saison Avenue

(More time passes.)

Mitsuru: Let's chow down~☆

Mm-mm-mm, dewishish! This "Saysome Hullabaloo" bread's outta this world!

Tomoya: You mean "Saison Avenue", Mitsuru?

Mitsuru: Yeah, that! How am I supposed to remember that kinda name? They oughta shorten it like ES does, three letters max!

Tomoya: I'm not the guy to talk to about that.

Hajime: Heehee. But just ‘cause you abbreviate something, that doesn’t always make it any easier to understand… I still don't even know what the MDM stands for, as an example, and that's being held at the end of summer vacation.

Mika: Ahaha, sayin' th'full name each an' every time's real annoyin' to me, so I've been callin' it "The Ave" myself.

Tomoya: That just makes me think of an old-fashioned shopping district..!

Mika: Nnaaah, guess it might be kinda bad t'call such a fancy-schmancy place that, huh…

Hajime: Heehee. It really does feel like a high-end mall though, doesn't it? It's filled with so many shops…

Wasn't this built around the same time as the ES building, though?

Tomoya: Yeah, that's why there’s still a bunch of shops not open just yet.

It sure is something else though–All the shops here accept L$, so this whole neighborhood feels like Idol Country!

Mika: Fer suuuuure, though Oshi-san's been shadin' it as a "repulsive toybox" 'n stuff instead.

If yer lookin' to live on the cheap side, L$ is a real lifesaver… 'Specially fer me, since I'm just startin' to live on my own an' all – s'real expensive.

Hajime: Ah, so you didn't move into Starmony Dorms, Kagehira-senpai?

When I moved in, all I could think about was how much money I could save and how much more space my younger siblings would have room-wise when I was gone.

Mika: Nah. I'd always been in the dark 'bout ES an' that place an' all, so this is really comin' out of nowhere, y'know?

An' when I already got a place all rented out fer myself too– If I don't at least live there fer a li'l while I ain't gonna see a yen of my deposit money back either, so it's a real waste in that way too…

But compared to the dorms, my place is pretty outta the way, so I guess I'll give some thought t'movin' out one of these days.

Hajime: Heehee. It really was all of a sudden, wasn't it? Eichi-onii-chan can be so bad sometimes!

Mika: … Ya call that guy yer older brother?

Hajime: Ah, just out of habit. There's Ritsu-onii-chan and Nii~chan too of course, I'm so happy to have so many big brothers…♪

Mika: …Mmmm. So what's goin' on with Nazuna-nii lately anyway? Y’all still in touch? He went off t'university, yeah?

Hajime: Yes. Nii~chan's still a member of Ra*bits on paper, so we still talk business along with just about everything else over the phone.

It seems as if he's enjoying his university life to the fullest. I can't afford to go myself, but it looks like a lot of fun.

Mika: Studyin' is yer strong point though, Hajime-kun, so I think ya oughta consider yer future a li'l more.

As fer me, there ain't no road fer me to go down besides bein' an idol– heck, there ain't no road fer me to go down besides Valkyrie.

Between you 'n me though, I ain't cut out for this CosPro stuff… The only person I follow th'orders of is Oshi-san, but they're really stickin' their foot in the door.

An' since I keep gettin' confused by what I'm bein' told, lately I've ended up goin' back to doin' part-time jobs like I used t'do. Like m'goin' back to square one…

This time I'm workin' with all y'all in Ra*bits though, so s'real relaxin'. ♪

Tomoya: Ahaha, we're happy to help. … Rather, Kagehira-senpai, do you still keep in contact with Itsuki-senpai?

That guy's like your version of "Nii~chan", right? So if you asked him what to do, then I think all of your worries would just fly right away–

Mika: Nnah~, Oshi-san's startin' a new life of his own overseas, so he's real busy himself. He's got a habit of forgettin' t'stay in touch when he gets real enthused about creatin' somethin' new.

'Cause no matter where he is, he's always, always makin' the most amazin' art the world's ever seen.

Tomoya: That's the spirit, senpai! Well, I guess that sounds like I know it all, huh… ♪

Mika: S'fine, none of y'all in Ra*bits are strangers to me. In fact, it kinda reminds me of home– y'all're like a buncha li'l brothers to me.

Hajime: What an honor. ♪ In that case, should we call you "Mika-nii-chan" after all?

Mitsuru: I'm one step ahead of you there!

Mika: Ehhh? But the best big brother for you guys is Nazuna-nii… And for me, it's something like Oshi-san.

Hajime: …Eep?!

Mika: Wh-what's up, Hajime-kun? Ya made a real weird noise, y'know..?

Hajime: S-Sorry to worry you. Since I had the chance to, I thought I'd check my phone since I had it turned off during work… and the moment I turned it on, I was bombarded by notifications and the like.

Tomoya: Ah, I oughta check my own too. HoldHands sure is convenient, but it kinda feels like we're being controlled every step of the way… It's weird.

Mika: Ahaha, everyone was real against the wristwatch when they started makin' them too, 'cause they felt like their time was bein' restricted.

I can't get used to it. But it ain't like I hate bein' controlled either…♪

'Course, I'd toss my cookies if anyone but Oshi-san tried controllin' me though.

Hajime: Toss your cookies, huh… Waaa, huh?

Mika: Mm? Ya did it again, somethin' happen? S'cute every time ya cry out, y'know. ♪

Hajime: Eheheh, it just kind of slips out; I can’t really help myself…♪

[ ☆ ]

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