#this was written before panda's fan page said he can use phones

[cassanovancats]

felicitate. two.

one < current > three

Jan. 2017

Two months have passed since Yuta’s first day. You were able to convince Satoru that, because he shared the similar disadvantage of not having an inherent technique, you should control his training. Maki was still his primary partner when it came to afternoon sparring. But he was your partner in the mornings.

Every morning, the two of you would focus on a different part of the body or a different form of exercise. You spotted him in the weight room, you logged his mile times, and, most importantly, you became his friend. Over before-dawn laps and cool-down stretches, you got to know Yuta and Rika.

For the first month, Rika stayed as an intangible ball of energy hovering around Yuta. Then, slowly, she began to manifest a form. Only for a minute at a time initially, but with time, she would appear for the entire session. Rika would hover a few feet above the weight bench or make flower crowns from the wildflowers that grew around your preferred trail. Yuta seemed just as surprised as you when she placed one on your head after a week of her practicing making them. She explained how she wanted to make something just as pretty as you, with all the innocence of a child. You had thanked her with watery eyes.

But with all the peace that came after settling into a new routine with Yuta joining your class, something was bound to ruin it. This time it was a required meeting between the big three clans. The invitation that arrived specifically asked for both you and your brother’s presence. Satoru tried to squirm out of it saying, “They didn’t say which brother had to attend,” but Megumi's unimpressed look and point at the name Gojo sprawled across the top ended that excuse.

Which lead to where you are now, dragging your human classmates through the Ginza streets to collect a custom gown. Maki grumbled all morning, but you were finally able to shut her up with a promise of buying everyone coffee, lunch and take-out dinner. Inumaki was content with any excuse to go into the city (even if it meant he had to carry your bags) and Yuta didn’t have the nerve to reject your offer when you smiled so hopefully. Though, he was curious after the employee of the shop greeted you like an old friend. “Why do you need such a fancy dress?”

“I don’t,” you rolled your eyes. “I have, or had, several custom ones already. I donate almost all my clothes after wearing them to these events. These meetings, when me and Nii-chan are both requested, are used as an excuse to find ways to undermine the political status of Gojo’s. Nii-chan did not force me into years of tutoring on sorcerer history and politics for me to get clowned about wearing the same outfit as last time.”

Maki adds, “The Zen’ins and Kamos are the standard for sleazy shamans. Not every sorcerer is as nice as us.” Yuta nods hesitantly, which makes you snort.

“I know us kicking your ass constantly may not seem ‘nice,’ but trust me when I say I’d rather be getting tossed around by Maki or Panda than attending this dinner.”

“Bonito flakes.” You can tell Inumaki is pouting behind his face mask.

“C’mon, Toge-chan,” you draw out the ‘-chan’ and grab his free hand to swing it back-and-forth. “You know I didn’t mean it like that. It’s a good thing to not be grouped with Maki! She’s such a meanie when it comes to training.” Maki moves too fast for you to dodge her punch. Yuta laughs under his breath at your group’s antics. “Anyways, the most exciting part of this dinner will be seeing what Kamo schmuck they dig up to try to convince Satoru to marry me off.”

“They’re still on that?” Maki laughs and throws her arm over your shoulder. “You would think they’d catch the hint after you stopped wearing furisodes.”

“Salted fish roe,” Inumaki offers.

You sigh, “I would, but you know they wouldn’t treat you well. Escorting me would just mean you get to deal with their passive aggressive comments too.”

“What if I escort you?”

Your group stops walking in the middle of the crowded streets. People continue to push past, but the three of you continue to stare dumbfounded at Yuta. “Is it that bad of an idea?” He flushes bright red and turns his head to stare at the ground.

“No, no,” you reassure as you get the group moving again. “It’s just… well, you remember how we reacted when you came into the class initially, yeah? While they would make fun of Toge-kun, the people at this meeting would try to kill you without hesitation. There’s no guarantee even Rika could stop the full force of everyone in both the Zen’in and Kamo clans.”

Yuta gives a small, “Oh.” He continues to stare at the ground.

“Seriously, I would love to have an escort, especially if it was either of you. There’s only so much of clan politics I can take alone. But I’d never ask you or Toge to go through that for me.” You move from in between Maki and Inumaki to bump against Yuta. “Like, these people are the ultimate bullies. I want you to deal with them only when absolutely necessary.” He finally seems to cheer up some and you take the moment to grab his hand, tugging him forward. “Now c’mon! The bakery Nii-chan got those pastries from last week is only a few blocks away!”

The day of the meeting arrives without much fanfare. Satoru took Megumi out on a mission in the morning to exorcise some low-level curse and you were left at the school to start what would be a long day of preparations. You shuffle into the common area and begin making a cup of coffee. It isn’t until you turn to get creamer from the fridge you realize Yuta, Inumaki and Panda are eating breakfast in the same room. You flush, suddenly aware that you didn’t grab any sweatpants when you left your room and you had slept in a stolen pair of Satoru’s boxers. “Please tell me I’m still asleep,” you mutter, shutting your eyes and whipping back around to finish preparing your coffee.

Panda falls over laughing. Inumaki gives a loud whistle. Yuta is redder than you are and has his face almost flat against his rice. Of course, to add to your humiliation, Hakari and Maki come in from training.

“(y/n), I was never here and I never saw you,” Hakari throws his hand over his eyes and immediately turns to run towards his dorm room.

“You know, I don’t see why you don’t just attend dinner in this outfit,” Panda says.

“Of course you don’t, you literally don’t wear clothes. At least Hakari is smart enough to have some shame and not ogle at her.” Maki moves forward to steal a sip from your cup and gags, “God, how much sugar is in this thing?”

You pout, “The appropriate amount to get me through today. I need to borrow one of your thigh holsters, by the way. Nii-chan doesn’t want me to have to use his technique if something happens.”

“Nori?” The three jerks finally stop laughing, though Panda still seems particularly delighted at your embarrassment.

“Mm, I don’t think so. But some elders got pushy when I was sent to the last meeting and not my brother. Satoru wants me to be able to scare them, not maim them.”

“Salmon,” Inumaki still seems hesitant, but you and Maki move onto a different topic easily as you two walk to her room.

Yuta watches until he’s sure neither of you will hear him ask, “Will she really be okay?”

Inumaki, despite seeming hesitant before, gives a stronger, “Salmon.” He gestures for Yuta to pick up his phone (the boy has gotten better at understanding Inumaki, but wasn’t able to have a conversation yet) and sends a message in a group chat appropriately named Da Bois while Panda grumbles about how unfair it is that he has paws and can’t use a phone.

osamu: (y/n)ie is smiley but she’d kill someone if they tried anything lol

fushiguro: what did the idiot do

fushiguro: who is osamu

osamu: ofc u don’t know hq

fushiguro: what’s that supposed to mean

creepy-kun: when did you change my name >:(

Yuta pouts about the name change for the rest of the day and avoids his phone to keep from Inumaki’s teasing. He almost misses the photo you send in JJH Thots.

It’s you and your brother pressed cheek-to-cheek and making faces at the camera. Satoru has on his circular sunglasses instead of a blindfold, even though it’s clearly night in the photo. His bright, blue eyes peek over their edge, his smile wide, and he has one hand throwing a peace sign and the other on your side. Your mouth is tugged back into a snarl, but Yuta can see how a smile is starting to break through and your eyes are lit up. Both of your hands form claws, like you were a second away from jumping through the phone screen and pinning the viewer.

the good gojo: time to annoy some bastards!!

maki: tell naobito he’s a bitch

fushiguro: ^

osamu: you!! look!!! hot!!!!

the good gojo: the way satoru thought that was for him

the good gojo: it’s delusion luv

Yuta has seen the two of you in almost this exact pose in person. But you weren’t dressed like that, with the slightest hint of the black leather holster you wore peeking out from underneath soft layers of tulle. Even his usual carefree teacher is in Western formal wear, with a tie that matches the floral print on your dress. Yuta knew you had bickered over who got to pick and who had to match. He almost couldn’t imagine the people in the picture wrestling like the two of you had. Together, you two are blindingly beautiful. It wasn’t fair.

Yuta covered his face with his pillow and screamed.

[mackenzie-wolf]

I'm Here all Week p.2

MC = Emily/Milly

- Emily meets some new writers and a few new friends who are taking a keen interest in her, much to James' dismay -

Part 1

----

James passed Emily the key-card to her room. As she took it, her nerves started to settle in.

"Hey, James?" She said abruptly, gaining his attention as he walked towards the next door. "You... you really think I should be here? I mean I know I've had a few successes, but... I don't know. Impostor syndrome?"

James took a tentative step towards her and placed his hands on her arms, gingerly brushing them with his thumbs. "Emily, you may not see it, but your writing is well above the average monotonous pages that are published every day." He smiled at her but she never met his eyes. Instead her head was hanging, but James could easily see the blush that she was trying to conceal. "If I'm honest, when I finished the second book of your series, I tried looking for your other works; I was sure that you had written before."

"Why?" She finally looked up at him. Her eyes were tearful as self doubt took its toll on her confidence.

"Because, when I first started writing, it was texts like yours that I aspired to. To hit off with a winning series on your first try is amazing enough. But the intricate way you write is something that would only be expected from seasoned authors."

"You're supposed to say that... You're my friend." At the sound of her words, James' thumbs stopped brushing the soft skin of her arms.

"Yes I am. Which means I owe it to you to tell you if your books are terrible. And when you release one that I dislike, I'll do just that" He said, ever reassuringly. "And furthermore, as your friend, im taking it upon myself to buy the first round tonight. We can meet some other authors, or just drink. Its your choice."

"Ok.." she grinned with new energy. "Give me an hour and I'll be ready. Meet you in the lobby?"

"See you soon" he smiled as he turned back towards the door to his room. As he closed the door behind him, James let out a long sigh that seemed to have been trapped inside of him. He thought about Emily sitting next to him, the whole car ride over, soaking wet. Her clothes clinging to her skin... the way that.. 'Damn it! I can't think way!' James thought to himself.

'Sure we've flirted but she's never admitted to being interested in going further than friends. But...' His mind wandered again. James thought back to the first and only other time he and Emily had gone for a drink.

James checked his phone again, rereading the text that Emily had sent him, giving him directions to the bar. As he saw it come in to view, James gave a laugh when he noticed the sign.

MacKenzie's Bar & Video Arcade

As he walked inside, his eyes strained against the flashing lights of the machines. Walking through a small crowd of people he glanced over at what had their attention. Just over the heads of the crowd, he could see a mess of wavy, brown hair being thrown back and forth to pounding music. James made his way to the front of the assembly and saw Emily playing on the dance machine with practiced ease. The short guy playing opposite her was struggling to keep up. Taking note of the plastic cup of beer in Emily's hand that she was somehow managing not to spill, James went to the bar and ordered two more before walking back to the machine. As the music came to a stop, Emily was the winner by more than double her opponent's score. The short guy flung his arms around Emily, yelling cries of defeat. As Emily turned, she saw James stood a few feet away from the crowd. Finishing her beer, Emily linked arms with her friend and walked over to where James was waiting. Before she had a chance to say hello, her friend said something to her, just out of reach for James to hear it. Then he gave her a long hug and a quick kiss on her cheek before running off and calling back. "LOVE YOU, MILLY!"

"LOVE YOU TOO" Her words made James' stomach sink. He hadn't come here just because he was interested in getting closer with Emily, he genuinely just enjoyed her company. But still...

Emily practically ran the last few steps towards James, enveloping him in a tight hug. James returned the hug. "Hi Emily" He said with a smile.

"Hey James, thanks for agreeing to come. I planned a night out with Zack, but as you saw, he ditched me."

"Oh, I'm sure he must have had a good reason?"

"Knowing him, he's got his eye on someone who he'll be too shy to ask out all night until they eventually catch on and give him their number just because of his big sad eyes."

"Oh. I thought.. isn't he your..."

"Oohhhhh" Emily laughed loudly. "Sorry. No he's definitely not. He's my roommate, and you're more his type than I am" she winked.

"Well he is very handsome" James mused.

"Want me to go get him for you?" She asked with an arched eyebrow before the two of them shared a laugh. The evening went quickly. Emily confided in James that she was under pressure from her publishers to finish her most recent book but she had no idea how to end it. James listened and reassured her. Giving her advice right now would be pointless. She was at least 4 beers in and full of an endless energy.

Nearer the end of the night, Emily had taken to the pinball machine. Her movements were blurred by the alcohol. Looking over her shoulder, she called back. "Hey James, give me a hand"

James positioned himself around her as she studied the movement of the ball. Her fingers linked in with his, making his heart beat harder and harder. As the ball almost fell, Emily managed to hit the button just in time. The jerking motion snapped James out of his slight daze. As she played, Emily seemed to be moving closer, closing the small space between James and her back. As she pressed against him, James let go of her hands. The game ended.

"Is... something wrong?" Emily sounded embarrassed through her slurred words.

"No. Not really, but I don't want to do... that. Not when you've been drinking."

"James, give me some credit. I'm perfec.. perfectly in control." She stammered.

"Even if you were able to speak properly, it wouldn't be fair. For either of us. But I wouldn't mind revisiting this." He said with a laugh. Emily's embarrassed look dissolved in to a warm grin.

James set his bags aside after pulling out the well stored clothes he had brought. He hung them over the roof of the four poster bed before turning on the shower.

He waited in the lobby of the hotel. Having arrived 5 minutes early he sat down on one of the armchairs to wait comfortably. As minutes flew by, James checked his watch. '20 minutes late.' He quickly remembered Emily's earlier nerves and got up to go and make sure she was ok. Upon turning the corner back towards the elevator, James feet stumbled as he suddenly stopped, nearly knocking over Emily. James was speechless as he looked at her.

Emily's was wearing a black dress that hugged her body with the back done up in a corset. Her hair was pulled back and styled in an intricate series of plaits. Her smokey eyeliner matched the dark lipstick she was wearing, making her pale skin more prominent.

James' eyes moved over her body. The dress was classy but not without alure, the hem of the skirt sat around half way up her thighs. Her flat stomach gave way to the curves of her hips and breasts that the black material did little to hide the shape of.

"Emily.. you look..." Words didn't often escape James entirely, but he was at a loss.

"Dammit. Did I overdress?" She asked timidly, rubbing the top of her arm in a nervous way.

"Not at all. You just caught me off guard. You look beautiful Emily." James grinned at her. Emily's confidence was still shaky but she believed that James had meant what he had said.

"You're looking pretty hot too" She mockingly fanned herself with her hand.

"Pretty hot? I suppose I'll take that in stride" he laughed.

The two of them sat at the bar and nursed their drinks, looking over the function room that would tomorrow, be bustling with all manner of writers. A few people were dotted around already. Some were laying out the furniture that the room would be using.

Emily looked around the room, taking in all of the signs and posters that had been put up. She was is awe of the names she recognised, as it dawned in her that she would soon be conversing with them.

As the evening wore on, Emily noticed James' attention falter. "Is everything ok?" She asked with a concerned tone.

"Everything is fine" He said stifling a yawn. "I think the journey here took it out of me."

"I hope you're not staying up on my account" she said sheepishly.

"Not at all. Im staying up because I enjoy your company. That's on me."

"James..." she smiled. "Remember we have all week together." It was music to his ears to hear her say it. James considered that maybe he had gotten ahead of himself. They did have all week and there was no pressure to pursue anything right now.

"Prehaps you're right." He said, somewhat reluctantly. "Besides, we should be on top form tomorrow." He stood up and offered Emily his hand.

"I think I'll drink some water first. If I wake up with a hangover tomorrow, this hotel is going to go very Shining very quickly."

James laughed. "I don't doubt it. If you need me just knock. Im a light sleeper anyway"

"Got it... no overnight guests" she laughed. James wrapped her in a tight hug before bidding her good night.

Emily sat at the bar, waiting for the bartender to step back through the divide that lead to the next function room. Her phone began to ring. Trying her best to shake off the effects of her drink, Emily answered.

"Hello?"

"Emily? Hi, this is Maddison from D&E publishings."

"Hi Maddison, whats up?"

"Oh, not much. I just got back from my vacation to China. Have you ever seen a panda cub? They're amazing! Like little black and white balls of...."

"...."

"You mean, why am I calling don't you?"

"Yeah kind of" Emily laughed

"Sorry. It was a great vacation though" Maddison said nostalgically.

-- "MADDISON!" Another voice called across the phone. "Stop treating our clients calls like they're social engagements. --

The line went quiet for a short while.

"Hello?" Emily asked tentatively.

"Hello. Who is this?" The other voice answered.

"Emily Murphy..."

"Ah yes. Hello Miss Murphy. This is Rebecca Davenport."

"Hi Rebecca. Is everything ok?"

"Everything is fine, we just need your authorisation on the final edits to your book. Annoyingly it's not something that I can get over the phone or by email. I need your signature on the original documents. Can you come in at some point tomorrow to sign?"

"I'm actually out of town at the moment. I've been invited to a convention and..."

"Say no more. Send me the address and I'll mail you the papers."

"Thanks Rebecca, what are your thoughts on the book?"

"I don't really read horror novels."

"Oh.. ok" Emily said, disheartened.

"But if I did, I'd tell you that Devon should end up with Stacy. And that the idea of keeping a crow as a pet is weird."

"So does that mean that you..."

"I'll have them sent out tonight Emily. Have a great week"

"Oh, thanks. You too Rebecca."

"You can just call me Becca" she said, almost flirtatiously before hanging up the call. Emily's attention turned back to the bar where the bartender was waiting with a patient smile. As Emily's eyes landed on him, the quickly swept over his tall body. The dark jeans he wore making the bright white tshirt almost glow as it fit tightly to his abdomen. Emily's eyes were held on the shadows of definition that the muscles underneath were causing. As she met his eyes with her own, she noticed the small tuff of hair that hung down over the olive skin of his face.

"Need another?" He asked. His voice was strong and deep. Looking down at her glass, Emily noticed that she had finished her drink.

"Um.. sure. Why not" she smiled.

"What are you drinking?"

"Whiskey, neat" she said, gesturing toward the bottle of Jameson's just behind the bar. He took the bottle and poured her a generous helping. As she lifted the glass, he leaned back on his hands and let out a long sigh. "Is something the matter?"

"Isn't that what I'm supposed to say? People don't go to bars to listen to the bartenders problems" he grinned at her. His teeth caught Emily's attention. Pure white and perfect. It was a strange thing to focus on, but the smile they produced was blinding.

"If I don't listen to the plight of the bartender, then who will?"

"You must be a saint" he laughed. "Its nothing really. Just a busy night." Emily looked behind her at the nearly empty room before turning back and raising her eyebrows at him. "Oh you don't believe me?" He said, approaching the door to the other function room. He pushed it open slightly and the loud bass of the music almost shook Emily where she sat.

"Wow... so that's..."

"Pretty loud?"

"At least it sounds good" she smiled at him.

"You're a punk music fan?"

"I don't know about that, but I like what I hear."

"Want to join in?" He said, opening the divide of the bar.

"I..." Emily looked around her. With a short sigh, she walked behind the bar where the man stood waiting with a charming grin. "I'd love to."

"By the way... I'm Zig." He said confidently as his hand extended to her.

"Emily." She said, placing her hand in his. Zig raised her hand to his lips, touching them gently to the back of her knuckles.

"Very pleased to meet you Emily."