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maria-eve-falcon · 2 years ago

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Never thought I'd meet you here

Never thought I’d meet you here

An : you’re a cowboy like me

**********

He couldn’t help but be excited to see the lights flash before his eyes. Though he is afraid someone may see how, just how excited he is.

“And action,” says the man behind the cameras.

Well he just met him like..a year ago? But he could actually swear he met this old man he now adores and respects head over heels yesterday. Just yesterday he thought this was gonna be just a fun clip to make and now he was there. Right there. Re shooting a movie he only would imagine to be watched by him while he made the bbc gig his dad helped to get and think about how great it would be to side act in a movie made by none other than Ang Lee, let alone star as the lead.

They finish the scene. And he gets called by the director.

“It’d be great if you focused young man”

“Yes sir” he agrees. He really should focus. But he just couldn’t but think about how weird it is to be this excited still brushing his thoughts off he tries to focus on the shoot.

“Those last bits are kinda the worst '' garrett, his co star sighs.

“The worst bits to shoot are the best” he smiles “well yk what is the worst worst one?” Joe gives garrett a confused look “What? You don’t?”

“You know the best,” he shrugs at his co-star. “C’mon! The sex scenes!” he winks at him Joe couldn’t help but blush. He was right though, they are the worst and the..well…the most awkward scenes.

“C’mon,” Garrett drags him to a bar. It was already like 8pm. “Wow” he says to himself looking at the clock in the bar. It’s crazy how each day just goes flying. He could feel the ache as he remembers how he hasn’t texted any of his friends or literally anyone back home in the past busy week. And another busier week is to be looked forward to. Change. Something he is afraid of. Gets the best outta him.

“You know what place this is?”

“A dive bar?”

“Hmm..a celebrity friendly dive bar”

“Like echo friendly?”

“Yup!” Garrett says popping the p in the end

they both chuckle. Seriously though. He could get just by the looks of this a rich people’s bar. And it would definitely be a crime to say it’s a drive bar. Because a dive wouldn’t give me a chance to breathe . He smiled to himself thinking about the days when he and his friends would finish bottles together.

“Hey guys” garrett yells at a couple…well..he assumed they were one as the woman was sitting on the man’s lap in a counter , half facing the counter.

“Hey garrett” they say in unison as joe and garrett stand in front of them

“Meet Joe” Garrett introduces Joe to his fellow friends. “ the new star”

“Hello” says Joe, offering his hand, blushing.

“I am Caleb” caleb shakes his hand with gratitude , “ and this is my wife, lily”

“Nice to meet you” Joe shakes Lily's hand.

“Nice to meet you too” lily smiles at him. “And this is my friend , Taylor” Lily shows an empty spot beside her.

“Uhh” Joe , who was certainly in an awkward position, hesitated.”Hello I guess?”

Everybody laughs.

“Wait..sorry.no I’m not crazy, .maybe she is taking a call”

“It’s fine, '' Joe says with a grin. '' besides you're too pretty to be a sane person anyway”

“Uhm” Caleb coughs. “Well you're not wrong though” he says, earning a grimace from Lily.

“Can I get another?” a platinum blonde asks while sitting on the counter and the bartender gives her a bottle. “Thanks”

She looked familiar to him. He couldn’t put his mind to it though. She had a very deep shade of red painted lips. He kept staring at her trying to remember who she was until it was awkward and he moved his gaze. Only to be uncomfortable. He blushed as the group of three were looking at him.

“Wachcha looking at joe?” Garrett coughed. And it was clear he was high.

“nothing” he mumbles

“Ok you don’t have to hide it haha” lily scuffed. “Like we all know she’s pretty”

“Ok you guys are high” joe chuckled to himself

“Well, not enough to ignore what you were just doin’!” Caleb trolled. “You were definitely checking taylor out”

That’s when it hit him. Shit. of course! It was taylor. Taylor swift. Shit. and he couldn’t recognize her. Shame.

“That’s taylor..like swift?” he asks to reassure, blushing.

Everyone laughs. “Yes,” Garrett pats his back.

But anything that was happening was completely oblivious to the blonde blue eyed. Who only, well in the most stressful casual way sipped her beer bottle. And which was soon finished.

And she was drunk. Her nose is a little red, her head is an ache. She just wanted to shut every voice in her head but all she could shut was the voice in the background.

There was something that made her upset and she didn’t even know what. All her head and heart could give her away was that she was lonely. She had an event coming,some paps outside, the pressure of making a new album as soon as possible and the stress of what to tell the paps in the Met gala.

Like what she hated about Adam not coming to the event was not that she had to attend it alone, she had to face the interviewers alone. She didn’t care anymore that he wouldn’t come to places she was invited, not him . she was over and out and admitted the fact that he would never attend a place as her plus one.

But the worst parts were the tabloids, the freaking reporter making jokes about her bnot being able to keep boys. Well, they were boys right? Why would she, a 26 year old, keep a boy when she needs a man like an adult? Who’s the stupid one here?

These thoughts were all she could hear. Over and over and over. And she wanted it to get out. The voice, the screaming and crying. She wanted it to get out as if it were vomit she wasn’t throwing up making her stomach hurt.

And that made her think how she didn’t have her period in months. She knew she wasn’t pregnant cause that’snot possible when you use condom and take birth control pills and didn’t have sex that often anyway. But she still had checked recently.

But she knows why she doesn’t get her period. She knows why her stomach hurts and she always feels like throwing up. She just didn’t wanna admit it.

And she wanted to tell her mom, but she’d say it’s normal. She wants to tell her dad but he will never understand. Her brother was too busy and her boyfriend was, well her boyfriend thought it was good. It was good to overthink and calculate your steps in public and life. It was better to have a stomach that flat.

Her head started dizzying. Her body said it was enough alcohol already. But her heart wanted more as she could hear the voices in the bar.

“Whiskey on ice” she asked the bartender. She clutched her head and sat there with her chin on the counter.

“Too much drink don’t you think?” a deep probably british male voice caught her attention. She didn’t expect one ,unless it was a fairytale and her boyfriend was here. But he must be too busy fucking some other woman , well at least that what she thought.

She looked up to see a blonde , blue eyed guy with a soft smile on his face. She didn’t know him. She looked at her friends she came here with and could see a new face. Garrett hedlound. “Is this guy with garrett?”

She sipped her drink and ignored the question.he kept staring at her in an awkward way like he was embarrassed, sure, you’ll be disappointed and embarrassed if you messed with people’s business.Standing up from her seat she walked over to her friends.

“Hey guys” he taps garretts shoulders who was already too high to talk.

“Hey gal '' Garrett said, tripping. “This is lily, caleb and that’s joe, joe alwyn ''garrett very drunkenly pointed at joe who was now standing beside garrett who was sitting next to lily and caleb.who were also, very drunk.

Taylor looked at joe once again. He smiled at her. “They are quite drunk” which she again ignored.

“Damn she is weird” he thought. “Or maybe she is just drunk” he just stood there awkwardly sipping his drink.

“Lily” taylor finally said, “let’s go my place later, we’ll play with the cats”

“Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo '' Lily said with harmony. “My baby will miss me” lily said while caressing Caleb's cheeks and giving him a peck on the lips. And they all just laughed.

“Heyyyy taylor..” Caleb started. “Meet Joe, the new..what’d you say garry? Star”

“Who is Joe again? Joe jonas?” she said and laughed and thought why was everybody so eager for her to meet him.

“Umm no, not Jonas unfortunately.” Joe started.”I am Joe, Joe Alwyn” he offered her his hand.

“I-I Am HoE alWyn” taylor mocked “I LiKe tAkInG cAre of PeOplE wHo are taOo drUnK”

They all laughed at her drunk fake British accent .

“Thank you thank you” she said and as if it were some standup comedy show, they all clapped. Even Joe was laughing at everyone being drunk except him.she walked over and sat down at her empty seat.

While Joe thought about how he could easily draw on all of the three faces with permanent pens and have a laugh. But he remembered how he had worked the next day and looked at the clock. 10 pm. Shit. he didn’t even know where they were.

“Maybe I should give them time” he thought and sipped his wine. Plain red wine. It was better than being hungover at work. He stole glances at Taylor Swift sitting just two seats in front of him with her head in her hands.

Joe was checking his phone and texting his mates how it was crazy here. He wanted to say how he met Taylor Swift but maybe he didn’t meet her. After all , she was just a woman who was drunk and mocked him that night. And that he couldn’t count as a meet.

“I am sorry” the tall blonde woman was right in front of him. And he was astonished at her words.

“W-why?” he asked, clearly unprepared.

“I just mocked you soo” she said blushing. It was soo embarrassing. All she could hope he didn’t tell anyone.

Joe laughed. “It’s fine,” he said “you were drunk anyways.”

She felt glad. And for the first time took a good look at him. He looked cute but his hair looked real funny. But overall, not bad so far.

“No, we just met and-”

“And it’s ok” he smiled.

“But” she didn’t know how to ask him not to talk about this meeting.

“But what?” he looked at her, finally standing up right in front of her. Only leaving inches between them. “Do you want me to do something else?” he asked. His voice completely captivating her. His body too big compared to her. She finally looked at his face and said,”would you please not tell anybody?” and bit her lip slightly in embarrassment .

He smiled and walked away a little. “Don’t worry I won’t and you were cute to be honest.” he looked at her piercing blues once again.

"Thanks" She smiled. "I am Taylor by the way."

"I know" He chuckled, "And I am-"

"Joe alwyn" She blushed.

"Not Hoe"

"We'll see.." she gave him a toothy smile.

"Anytime" He smirked and turned to look at the clock. And it was 11 already. "shit" he thought.

He looked at her, who was still looking at his back. Thinking. “I gotta go now”

“Umm sure” she responds.

“Maybe you can tell garett on behalf of me?” he pointed at an asleep garrett.”I tried to wake him up a while ago but” he gave her a weak smile.

She nodded with a smile on her red lips.

They waved at each other. And hoped they would meet again.

Joe goes out of the bar taking a last glance and taylor. He looks at the bars name and location and puts it on the uber app thinking how messy he was to not even know where he was for hours.

He typed ‘the bowery bar, sunset and vine, la’ as his current location

***

Taylor walks out of her car as her bodyguard opens it for her.it’s always safe to make her bodyguards do stuff like this especially at night. Her bodyguard opens her apartment door She goes up to her apartment and sighs to see it empty. A big large house with nothing but emptiness. Not thinking anymore she runs to her bedroom upstairs and throws her bag and clothes, smudges off her makeup and puts her night pajamas on.

“Meow” a curious olivia benson meows at her and jumps on her lap.

“Hey olive, where's mere?” she asks the cat to just get another meow.

She laughs and takes her laptop and sits on the bed.”meow” meredith, who was most probably sleeping on the bed shreaked.

She laughed again. “oh mere” she cooed and sat on the bed, covering herself with the blanket.

At first she searched up her name. Just to find some 3rd party tabloids running her name. She smiled and went incognito mode. She usually uses this for weird stuff but today she had another weird thing on her mind. She smirked to herself and searched up ‘joe alwyn’

She stalked for a while to find nothing. Well except for some pictures of him being in billy lynn and a pic by him of a plane which was really bad, basically nothing . Then after a couple of minutes, something caught her eyes, a weird photo on twitter which she clicked on to find at least 1 video and 5 photos of joe alwyn and some other guys and girls.

Mostly being drunk and weird. She crackled hard looking at the video and pictures. God. she just met this guy and was stalking him like a teenager.

Like a little school girl who just met a boy she doesn’t know , who wants to suck up all the details about him as soon as possible.she wanted to let him know her, she wanted him to make him know her the way she wanted to be known, not the wa tabloids made her look. Maybe he did know her tabloid version. But still.

She smiled to herself remembering how he moved and smirked. How his eyes were concerned when she was drinking too much. And the way he talked..the way he talked.

She threw herself on the bed smiling. She didn’t even know him. It wasn’t a good first impression from either. But still, he seemed like a good person, annoying but good. Maybe.

Just maybe.

She scrolled a little more and went off incognito. She took her phone from the nightstand keeping her laptop beside her.

She knew she couldn’t sleep even though it was midnight. She scrolled through her phone until a post from one of her fans threw her off. It said, “Will Calvin come to the met?” and various people said he will cause a good boyfriend does. Many said no, because his name wasn’t on the list.

She felt fragile knowing that they knew and they were right. But another thing caught her mind. The list. She never considered looking at the list of guests in the met but this time, she wanted to. She wanted to know who was gonna be there. If he will be there.

And there it was, after looking through numerous pictures, she finally found the right one, Joe Alwyn, with the Burberry team.

He’ll be there.

She smiled to herself and threw herself under the sheets. Even though it was ridiculous of her . But she couldn't help but be happy that,

He’ll be there.

____________________________________________________________________________

#he looks up grinning like a devil #taylor swift #joe alwyn #love love love #swiftwyn #life #hash #garrett hedlund #fanfiction #makenzie leigh #cowboy like me

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obeymebabes · 4 years ago

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Could you do a second part to Mammon running away where the brothers run into him or track him down and they see how terrible he looks and/or they saw him drinking alcohol and just let himself go not caring what happens to himself and when he looks them in the eyes they just see how broken he truly was 💔💔💔💔 I'm a hoe for angst and I just think Mammon needs more appreciation then he gets and I apologize if you're not taking asks I'm kind of new to Tumblr

I don't think I'll ever get tired of writing angsty Mammon HCs.

Warning: Angsty angst. Sad boys. Painful.

Lucifer

When Lucifer first found his brother, he felt his heart shatter all over again.

His sense of pride was completely lost, seeing what he had done to the person he wanted to do nothing but protect.

“Mammon?” He would ask, quietly, as guilt was now visibly written all over his face.

Lucifer could physically see the emotional damage that was done when Mammon turned to him.

The pain that flashed on Mammon’s face upon seeing his elder brother really hit Lucifer hard.

That pain was quickly hidden by anger, Mammon was both pissed off yet somewhat relieved that Lucifer finally came to find him.

“What are ya doin’ here?!” Mammon would scream, eventually letting his anger break him down to tears, ending up in Lucifer’s arms begging to come back, apologizing profusely.

“Shh, it’s okay Mammon. I’m here. I am so sorry. I should have never driven you past your breaking point. Please, please come home, we miss you. I miss you.”

It’s rare to get Lucifer to the point of tears, but in this moment, with the knowledge that his brother was now safe, he was sobbing.

“I never stopped looking for you. I promise I won’t let this happen again. Please, just talk to me next time. I can’t lose you again.”

It was a heart-felt moment that they knew they both needed.

Levi

We all know Levi doesn’t get out much, so running into his brother had completely caught him off guard.

He honestly didn’t even notice that it was Mammon.

It felt like a scene in an anime. Everything slowed down, Levi’s heart feeling the weight of his previous actions. He was frozen in shock. He hadn’t expected to ever see his brother again.

“Is it really you?” He hadn’t even noticed that he spoke out loud.

Mammon looked just as shocked as Levi.

“What are you doing here?” Mammon questioned, trying to sound defensive, but in reality he was happy to see his otaku brother.

Levi, snapping back from his frozen state of shock, nearly ran to hug him.

He was a mess, having thought he would never see his partner in crime ever again.

This also meant that he would have a chance to get his money back.

“Hey hey whadda think you’re doin’?” Mammon was quick to try to shove off Levi, messing with him a bit.

Levi would just sit there embarrassed, fiddling with his fingers and mumbling “oh, sorry.” and then Mammon would smile, grab him, and just squeeze him.

“I’m kiddin’. I don’t think ya understand how happy I am to see ya. I’m sorry for leavin’ ya. It was wrong of me to do.”

“I’m sorry for everything I’ve said to you. I was just jealous, you know? You’re just.. The Great Mammon, and I’m just lame old Levi.”

“Ya didn’t run away like I did, and that makes ya a lot stronger than me. I’m proud to be your brother, Levi.”

With a smile, Levi went back to squeezing Mammon, which was quickly followed by “Dude, you reak, when’s the last time you actually took a shower?”

Satan

He wasn’t the first one to notice his brother. No, instead Mammon was the first to notice him.

“Satan?” Having heard his name, he turned, seeing a very sad looking Mammon standing before him.

“What in Devildom happened to you?” Satan couldn’t help but question him. Mammon looked terrible. Like he hadn’t slept in weeks.

While Satan was generally cold to his elder brother, his heart pained at the sight of him so broken.

Without much warning, Satan went in to hug Mammon, explaining to him that he knew what it felt like to feel out of place.

“Please, Mammon, if you ever need someone to talk to, know that I am there for you. I know I contributed to the mess, but I am sorry. I don’t mean to take it out on you the way I do. I hope you can forgive me.”

Mammon nodded, sending a smile to the Avatar of Wrath.

With a smile, he ruffles Mammon’s hair.

“Besides, I can’t keep pranking Lucifer without you.”

Asmo

Running into Mammon while he was out shopping was not the way he wanted to see his brother that he felt responsible for driving away.

Upon seeing him, Asmo nearly collapses, dropping his bags, his eyes watering, chest tightening.

He was temporarily frozen in time, right until Mammon caught his gaze, Asmo then lost it.

The Avatar of Lust was now sobbing in the middle of the shopping plaza, but he quickly wiped his tears, launching himself at his brother.

“Oh Mammon I never thought I’d see you again! I am so so sorry.”

Mammon was incredibly confused at the heartwarming actions from the brother that he thought hated him most.

“Asmo? Are ya alright?”

Holding Mammon’s shoulders, looking at him through watery eyes, Asmo nodded, smiling.

“I never should have said such awful things to you. You are my brother, and no matter how much you get under my skin, please know that I will always love you.”

With a sign, and a few tears, Mammon nodded, finally giving in and being the one to pull his brother into a hug.

Asmo let out a soft chuckle, letting go to wipe his eyes and retrieve his bags that he dropped moments ago.

“How about I treat you to a makeover? You look like you could use one. Hehe.~”

Beel

He had seen Mammon lingering around the outside of a restaurant, practically digging through the trash for what he could only assume were food scraps.

Feeling a heavy weight on his heart, he quickly went inside to buy a whole slew of items for both himself and his struggling brother.

When he returned outside, he headed over to his brother, letting out a soft cough to let him know he was there.

“Look I ain’t doin’ anythin’ bad alright! I just- oh. Beel? What are ya doin’ here?” Eyeing the food that Beel had before him, the gluttonous demon handed it to him.

“Take it. It’s for you.” Beel reassured him.

Taking the time to sit down at a nearby table, Mammon explained why he decided to run, and how he regretted every moment, but he felt so ashamed to come back. Especially after the angry letters that he had written.

“Mammon, you have all of us worried. We are your family. We are here for you no matter what happens. I know that everyone is harsh on you but we still love you.”

Beel smiled at his brother, watching him enjoy what looked to be his first meal in possibly days.

When he was finished eating, Beel pulled him into a hug, trying to reassure him that everything would be okay.

“Please come home, Mammon. You don’t have to keep struggling like this with us by your side.”

Belphie

Having woken up in the middle of the night to yet another nightmare about Mammon’s departure, he was taken by surprise when he saw Mammon actually sneaking back through a window into the House of Lamentation.

Rubbing his eyes, he tried to make sure he wasn’t simply hallucinating.

“M-Mammon? Are you really there?”

Jumping at the unexpected voice, Belphie quickly realized that he wasn’t dreaming or hallucinating his brother’s sneaky return.

“Wait-” Belphie grabbed his arm before Mammon tried to flee. “I just want to talk. Please. Everyone else is asleep. I won’t even mention that you were here if you don’t want me to.”

Mammon groaned, giving in to his brother’s request, sitting down to let him talk.

Even through the darkness Belphegor could see the hurt and pain that was lingering across Mammon’s face from just being back in the very place he fled from.

When talking to him, Belphie explained that he understood the hurt that he was going through. He had also mentioned that he had kept having nightmares about when he ran away, fearing that Mammon would get hurt.

Taking it to heart, and realizing how much this had affected his brother, as well as the others, Mammon reassured Belphie that he would stay.

“Thank you, Mammon. I am glad that you’re here.” Belphie smiled, followed closely by another yawn. Hopefully now he would be able to get proper sleep, knowing that his brother is alright and safe.

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dialovers-translations · 3 years ago

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Diabolik Lovers LUNATIC PARADE ;; Ayato Route ー Chapter 4

ー The scene starts in front of Bernstein Castle

Yui: ( I just hope the Count will let us see him... )

*Knock knock*

Excuse me. Um...

ー The gate opens

Butler: ...We have been awaiting your arrival. Please, come in.

Ayato: Che, seems like the Count knows exactly what’s up after all.

Yui: Yeah...

( However, if he’s allowing us inside the castle, that means he’s willing to listen to what we have to say, right...? )

ー The two of them enter the castle

*Pssh*

*Thud*

Butler: Master will arrive shortly. May I please ask you to wait a few more minutes.

Yui: ...Thank you very much.

ー The door opens

Count Walter: Why hello, you two. Since you have chosen to return to this castle a second time, I assume you have set all of your misconducts straight?

Ayato: Che, this guy has no shame, does he? Look at him talk as if he doesn’t already know everything...

Yui: Well, actually...ーー

ー Yui explains everything

Yui: ーー And there you have it. Therefore, we are unable to fix the key...

Count Walter: Hm, I see. However, that means you fail to meet my conditions.

Unfortunately, I fear I won’t be able to return the heart to you...

No, however...A key, huh...? My apologies, could you perhaps show me said key for a second?

Ayato: ...? The key? Sure? It’s broken and can’t be used though.

*Cling*

Count Walter: ...This is...!

Ayato: ...What? Is there somethin’ fishy ‘bout it after all?

Count Walter: I want you to tell me everything you know about the individual who handed you this key.

Yui: The individual...? Well, he’s the owner of the cellar which connects to the underground waterway...

Ayato: From the looks of it, he’s plottin’ somethin’ with a bunch of other shady dudes. Their sneaky behavior really screamed trouble.

Count Walter: ...I see. Just as I thought...

Yui: Um...Does it ring a bell, perhaps?

Count Walter: ...I assume those people are the gang of young Wolves who have been causing trouble all around this area as of late.

This key most likely opens the door to my personal basement. ...They must be planning to invade this castle.

Yui: Eh...? Then...

Ayato: Then what should we do? We can’t get them to forgive us unless we get that key fixed.

But if we repair the key, we’ll pretty much help them commit a crime, no?

Count Walter: ...Well, that’s what it would come down to.

Yui: Then, this case...

Count Walter: ...Fufu. Do you perhaps think that this has solved everything, Miss?

Yui: ...I mean...

( To get the owner of that house to forgive us, we have to do something which would directly disadvantage the Count... )

( So wouldn’t it make sense if he lets this one slide to avoid having his own castle invaded...? )

Count Walter: Please do not panic. I will not deny that these are unforeseen circumstances.

Let me make you a new offer.

Ayato: Haah? What do you mean!?

Count Walter: For example, if you lend me a helping hand in seizing those Wolves...

I would not mind returning the heart in question as a reward. ...How does that sound?

Ayato: Aah!? Where does that suddenly come from!? Can’t we let the Police handle that gang!?

Count Walter: Haha. What a funny thing to say. Ayato...Seems like you’ve taken your Father’s orders to heart and have become rather adapted to your life in the human world.

A convenient organization such as the ‘police’ does not exist in this town. Have you forgotten that? Fufu...

Ayato: Che, oh fuck off! It just slipped my mind for a second!

Anyway, we don’t know how many opponents we’re dealin’ with, so how are we supposed to handle this all on our own?

Count Walter: Like I said, slow down. I never said you had to do it on your own, did I?

Oi, bring our guests in!

ー The doors open once more

Yui: ...!

( These people... )

Ayato: O-Oi, these guys...

Count Walter: I had them gathered here because I had a hunch this might happen. What do you say? They seem familiar, no?

Yui: ( The Pretzel and Crepe Vendors...As well as the Locksmith...Everyone... )

Count Walter: Every single one of them has decided to give you their forgiveness.

On top of that, they are willing to help us take care of this gang.

Pretzel Vendor: Those guys who tried to destroy my shop belong to that gang as well.

The Parade is when we make the most money, so I don’t appreciate them getting in the way of my business.

Locksmith: I can’t stand the thought of knowing that I nearly ended up helping a bunch of thugs commit a crime either.

My skills are to help others, not to aid someone in their thievery.

Count Walter: ...As you can tell, the people of this town are more than fed up with this gang.

They have been playing with the idea of taking care of them soon. You could say that right now is the perfect opportunity.

Ayato: Heeh, so basically we’ll all work together to completely wipe out this gang, right?

Sure thing. Count me in. However, I do have one condition.

Count Walter: ...What would that be?

Ayato: Return her heart right here, right now.

Yui: ...!

Ayato: I’ve been on edge this whole time, worryin’ that perhaps she’ll collapse again.

I’d be way too distracted to efficiently take care of some gang when like this...

Besides...I don’t want to see her suffer one second longer.

If you return her heart, I’ll assure you that I’ll take care of those thugs down to the very last one...

Yui: Ayato-kun...

Ayato: Please! Save her...I’m beggin’ you...!

Count Walter: ...

Yui: ( Ayato-kun...Having to lower his head to someone should be the thing he hates most... )

Count Walter: ...Sakamaki Ayato. You were not lying just now, were you?

Ayato: Aah? Lyin’? As if!

Count Walter: ...I see.

But are you sure? By returning her heart, she will once again become the target of other Vampires.

Ayato: I figured that might be the case, so I had Mr. Four-Eyes Smarty-Pants arrange me some Vampire repellent.

Besides, I’ll be there to protect her, so she has nothin’ to worry ‘bout!

Count Walter: ...Very well. I must say I am impressed by your words just now.

One could say that entrusting the two of you with said heart once more could be interesting in its own regard, I suppose...

Yui: ...!

Ayato: ...Then!

Count Walter: Very well. I shall return the heart to you for now.

Yui: ...Thank you very much!

Count Walter: ...However, it is too early to be relieved, you see? Depending on the actions you take, I could easily steal it once again.

If you fail to catch the gang, to give one example. Understood?

Ayato: Of course! We’ll make sure none of them get away!

Count Walter: Fufu. I am very much looking forward to that. Well then, let us get this strategy meeting started at once.

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to Saint Nore Park’s venue

Ayato: He said that we’ll put the plan into action...Right as the Parade comes to an end, right?

Yui: Yeah...We still have some time.

Ayato: Right. Now what to do...Oh, hey, Chichinashi. Let’s ride that one. Over there.

Yui: The ferris wheel...?

Ayato: Yeah! In the end, the Parade’s gonna come to an end no matter what.

So don’t you think it’d be nice to get a nice overview of everythin’ before it does?

Yui: ...Good idea.

( The Parade will end tonight... )

( In the end, I wasn’t able to enjoy it together with Ayato-kun in peace... )

( However, I’m plenty happy just being able to spend time together like this. )

( Besides...Our true time to shine has yet to come... )

ー The scene shifts to inside the ferris wheel

Yui: ( Once we get off the ferris wheel, it’ll almost be time to get started with the plan... )

( It was decided we would serve as decoy, carrying a fake key with us... )

ー A flashback ensues

Count Walter: There is one thing I must warn you about.

They are experts at handling explosives. They might use them this time as well.

Therefore it is very important that you proceed with the plan without them realizing your true intentions.

...Including that part, the success or failure of this whole strategy depends on you two. Can I count on you?

ー The flashback ends

Yui: ( Our opponent has explosives...We might find ourselves in danger... )

( Ayato-kun... )

Selection

→ Grab his hand (☾)

*Rustle*

Ayato: ...Why did you suddenly grab my hand...?

You love doin’ this, don’t you? ...Hehe.

Yui: ...I mean...Uu...

Ayato: Let’s get this over with quickly and make the best of the Parade, ‘kay?

Yui: ( ...He squeezed my hand back... )

→ Stare at him

Ayato: ...Why are you starin’ at me like that...?

Yui: ...I mean...

Ayato: ...Did you get scared after hearin’ ‘bout the explosives or somethin’?

Yui: ...

Ayato: Haah...Don’t worry. It’s just a lil’ bomb.

Yui: ...But.

Ayato: Say, Yui? Once we get off the ferris wheel, you should head back to the hotel first.

Yui: Eh...?

Ayato: I’ll head to their hideout by myself. Don’t worry. I can ensure you everythin’ will go as pla...

Yui: ...You can’t do that! I can’t possibly...let you go by yourself...

I’ll go with you...!

Ayato: ...But we might be dealin’ with some seriously dangerous guys, you know? The Count said there’s a lot of them as well...

Yui: ...Exactly...I can’t let you go to such a dangerous place all by yourself...

I don’t want to...

Ayato: Yui...

Yui: ...Besides, they might grow suspicious if you show up by yourself, don’t you think?

If there’s a woman with you, they might let down their guard a little...

I got my heart back as well, so I promise I’ll carry my weight...

So please, take me with you...I’m begging you...!

Ayato: ...

Yui: ( Anyway, I don’t want him going by himself... )

*Rustle*

Ayato: ...Haah, you’re such a pain in the ass...

Fine. In return, don’t you dare leave my side, ‘kay? Can you promise that?

Yui: ...Yeah, I promise.

Ayato: Okay. Let’s go together then. I’ll protect you, no matter what happens.

...So stay with me.

Yui: Ayato-kun...

*Rustle*

Ayato: Oh, check it out! The view’s quite nice.

Yui: You’re right...How pretty...

Ayato: To be honest, I was really hopin’ we could get this all over with sooner so I could enjoy the Parade with you...

Yui: ...

Say, Ayato-kun?

Ayato: Hm? What?

Yui: You see, I...I’ve been having this dream lately.

Ayato: ...Dream?

Yui: Yeah...I don’t know for sure, but I think it might be the Count showing me this dream...

Ayato: ...The Count?

Yui: ...Inside that dream, you see. He told me. That you’re only trying to save me because of my heart...

And that you don’t actually care for me as a person...

Ayato: ...That’s not...!

Yui: But don’t worry. I’m well aware...You’re not that kind of guy.

I know that there’s not a single other individual in this world who cares for me as deeply as you do...

I also believe you...When you say you’ll protect me...

Ayato: ...Yui...

ー He embraces her

*Rustle*

Yui: ...

Ayato: Hmph. You really are a fool. Did that dream have you worried?

Geez, that darn Count. Just when will he stop messin’ with you...?

He pisses me off...!

*Rustle rustle*

Ayato: Oi, listen carefully.

You are mine, understood? I won’t let anyone else have their way with you ever again.

Not some Count, nor a bunch of thugs...Nobody. Nn...

Yui: ...Nn...

Ayato: ...Nn...

Yui: ( ...Ayato-kun... )

( ...I love you... )

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to Aizen Alleyway

Vampire Child C: Mama, hurry! It’s timeー!

Vampire Mother A: Watch out! You’ll drop your lantern in a hurry!

Ayato: ...Okay, let’s get goin’. Ready?

Yui: Yeah.

( It’s finally time to get our plan started... )

Ayato: ...Are you nervous?

Yui: Eh...? Well, yeah...A little...

Ayato: Hmph. I’m here with you, remember?

Well, you can just think of this as one of the attractions and enjoy the show, ‘kay?

Yui: ( ...Ayato-kun... )

...Yeah.

ー The scene shifts to the underground passage

*Knock*

Ayato: ...Oi. We brought the key as promised.

Owner: ...Ooh, you’re finally here. Come on in.

ー They enter the cellar

Thug A: Hmph. We figured the two of you had run away since it took you so long.

Ayato: Aah? Think again!

Owner: ...Whatever. Anyway, give us the key.

Ayato: Of course. Here...

Yui: ...The key’s right here...

*Cling*

Owner: ...Hooh. It really is...

...That being said, I have to say I’m impressed you managed to fix it. I’m sure you realized that this key is special?

Ayato: Well, yeah. However, that’s no big deal to me.

...Anyway, we’re even now, right?

Owner: Yeah, we are. ...If this key was real, that is...!

*Thud*

Yui: ...Kyah!?

Ayato: ...Yui!?

Owner: Don’t move. If you value this woman’s life at least...

*Cling*

Yui: ( ...He pulled out a knife...! )

Ayato: The fuck you doin’, you bastard!? Let her go at once!

Owner: Fufu...Don’t get your panties in a knot. Once we determine whether this key is real or not, we’ll let her go right away.

It’s real, right? Then you’ve got nothing to worry about. ...Correct?

Ayato: Che...

Thug B: Well, if it turns out to be a fake, we’ll kill her on the spot, of course. Hehe.

Ayato: Say that again!? Fuck off! In your dreams!

Owner: Either way, we’ll know as soon as we put this key in the door in question.

So why don’t we go and try it out right away...?

*Thud*

Yui: ...!

( At this rate, they’ll find out it’s a fake...! )

ー They start walking away

Ayato: Ugh...Wait...! Be a lil’ more gentle with her!

ー The scene shifts to right in front of the door

Owner: Well then, go ahead and open the door...

*Cling*

Ayato: ...Fine...

Yui: ( Oh no...We have to find an opening somehow, or the two of us will... )

Ayato: ...

Yui: Ayato-kun...

Ayato: ...Don’t worry. Everything’s fine...

*Clunk*

*Ba-dump・ba-dump・ba-dump*

Yui: ( ...God, please...! )

*CLICK*

Ayato: ...The key...?

Yui ( ...It worked...? )

Owner: ...Hooh.

Ayato: ...See? Didn’t I tell you? There’s no way we’d bring you a fa...

*Creaaak*

Yui: ( ...The door opened by itself...? )

???: Now’s our chance! Seize them!!

???: Uooooh!!

ー The other people storm out of the door

Thug A: Wha...!?

Owner: ...What’s going on!?

Thug B: Pull back! We’re retreatin’ for now!!

ー They start running away

Crepe Vendor: Hah! You wish!

Yui: ( From behind as well, the others!! )

Ayato: Yui!! Now’s your chance! Come here!!

Yui: Ayato-kun...!

Owner: Che, not on my watch!

*Rustle*

Yui: Kuh...!

Ayato: Yui...!

Owner: Everyone, back off! Or else, she’s a goner!

Locksmith: Che...How dare you resort to such filthy tactics...!

Owner: Hah! Run your mouth all you want! Come on, woman. This way!!

*Rustle*

Yui: Ayato-kun!

ー He runs off with Yui

Ayato: Fuck! You’re not gettin’ away!! ...Wait!!

ー The scene shifts back to the cellar

*Thud*

Yui: Kyah...

( This is...the cellar... )

Owner: Haah...Haah...God, we were so close too! You little pests...

...Now that it’s come to this, I just gotta blow up this whole cellar along with all evidence which could lead back to us!

Woman...That includes you, get it...? Hehe...

*Pang pang*

Yui: ( ...This is...! )

( There’s explosives hidden inside the wall...! )

*Thud thud*

Ayato: Yui!! Are you unharmed!! You bastard...! Open this door right now!!

*THUD THUD*

Yui: Uu...!

Ayato-kun! Don’t come in here!!

Gather everyone and run away together!!

Ayato: Aah!? You really think I can do that!?

Yui: Please! Listen to me! There’s a bomb in here...!

Ayato: Ugh...! Then I definitely can’t leave you behind and run!!

Fuck!! Yui! Yui...!!

*THUD THUD*

Owner: Hehe...If you have any final words, now’s your chance.

*Flash*

Yui: ( ...He lit the fuse...! )

Owner: Too bad, this is the end...

*THUD*

Ayato: ーー !!

Yui: Ayato-kun, no! Run...ーー!!

Ayato: Hell no!! Didn’t I tell you that you’re mine!?

I won’t abandon you, even if it kills meーー!!

*BANG BANG*

ー The screen fades to white

Ayato: Ugh...!!

Yui: Kyaaaah!!

( Ayato-kun...!! )

*BANG*

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

← RETURN TO CHAPTER 3

→ PROCEED TO NORMAL ENDING

→ PROCEED TO FINALE ENDING

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #ayato sakamaki #lunatic parade #diabolik lovers translation #lpayatochapter4

44 notes · View notes

dork-empress · 3 years ago

Text

Singing In The Dead Of Night Ch 2

Harley and Barman set up a playdate for their wards.

forgive the long post, i'll edit and clean it up when im home. chapter can also be found on my ao3, url in the description.

Harley made it back home, which was actually the manor of some billionaire who only really used the house for tax purposes. Harley had taken it over when Lucy came to live with her, deciding she needed more room, and they quickly changed it to suit their needs.

“Luuuucyyyy, I’m hooooome,” Harley called out to the manor, heading through the living room/gymnasium.

Lucy was balancing on the beam by her hands. “Never heard that one before.” She went into the splits and stayed on one hand.

Harley looked over her form. “Point your toes more...there ya go.” Lucy did as recommended. “I got candy for dinner!” She dumped her stolen lollipops on the table.

“I already ate, Aunt Harley,” she said, “I made extra pasta if you want.” She pointed over to the kitchen, before switching hands and flipping herself over.

“Oh,” Harley said, going over to make a plate, but feeling like ants were crawling in her skin. “You know, you don’t have to call me your aunt when it’s just the two of us,” She said, swirling her fork through the noodles.

Lucy shrugged, “Force of habit. Plus it’s a good idea in general, ya know, in case someone’s secretly listening in or we mess up some other time.”

Harley shrugged her shoulders. “Makes sense,” and it did, but it still kind of hurt. “You can have the lollipops for dessert though. You like cherry?” She tossed her the red candy.

Lucy looked down at the wrapper a second. “Can’t, I’m allergic to the red dye.”

“Oh,” Harley said, silently cursing herself. That was something that mothers should know about their kids, allergies and crap. “Well. Lemon then?”

“Sure!” They traded the lollipops, and Harley sucked on hers between bites of the pasta. Sweet and savory combined, delicious.

Lucy swung her legs as she sat on the beam. “Does...my father have any allergies?”

Harley blinked at her. Did Joker have any allergies? It was hard to say. Even now, Harley didn’t know a lot about the Joker. That’s how he liked it. “Best not to talk about it,” she said instead, “In case of those listening things or whatever.”

Lucy hummed, but didn’t seem satisfied. “Hey,” Harley said, trying to distract her from the ‘dad’ talk, “You wanna go out with me tomorrow?”

Lucy brightened, jumping a bit, “Where are you gonna go?”

“I dunno,” she said, “Go lookin’ for trouble. Let the trouble find me. Punch out a couple people but only if they REALLY deserve it!” And maybe if they only kinda deserved it, Harley thought.

Lucy hummed again, thinking. “I dunno. I think violence often begets further violence, and while it is occasionally necessary, efforts should focus more on the community building and personal improvement area.”

Harley blinked at her. Right, she was a reader, Delia had mentioned that. Not unlike Harley at her age, really, although Harley had focused on psychoanalysis instead of philosophy. “Ah, of course,” she said, “Well, what do you wanna do?”

Lucy thought for a second. “Well, there was this girl I wanted to go inspire to fight her eating disorder.”

“Oh,” Harley said nodding. It was a noble cause, really, but...also seemed really, really boring. “I...sure!” she smiled.

The truth was, when Lucy came out to live with Harley full time, she had really thought they would be a lady dynamic duo, a proper partnership mother/daughter team. But Lucy wasn’t much like Harley. Or, she was but, she was different, a goody two-shoes. Or, a goody tutu. Ha.

More than that, she followed a strange sense of logic that was oddly reminiscent of...Harley didn’t even finish the thought.

“You don’t want to go, do you?” Lucy asked.

“Hmm? Of course I do!” Harley said, “I’d do anything with you sweetheart,” she gave Lucy a wink, then went to the kitchen to hide her facial expression.

She didn’t see that Lucy had followed her until she was directly behind her. “Oh, Jesus!” She said, clutching her heart, “Gotta look out there, sweetie. Almost brained ya!”

“Is Dad like me at all?” she asked, head tilted to the side.

Harley blinked at her. She felt like her bones were shaking inside her skin. “Why would you ask a thing like that?”

Lucy spun a little in place making her tutu swish. “I’ve been reading about him. People think he’s crazy. I mean, he says it. But that’s not what your records say.”

Harley frowned, backing away as though physical distance would get her out of the conversation. “What’re you goin through my records for? What, are you a snoop?”

“They got published after one of your arrests,” Lucy said, “Other people were more interested in the little notes you left in the margins, but--”

“Alright, stop.” Harley said, hand clutching her lollipop stick so tight it might break. “Look, Mr...your father is mean and cruel and manipulative, and nothing like you! He wants to drive other people crazy, and for some people, self included, he succeded. But I grew out of it as best I could and now...you don’t need to worry about him, ok? He ain’t ever gonna know about ya, and he ain’t ever gonna find ya. Got it?”

Lucy hesitated a second and there was something strange in her eyes. Something familiar. “Got it,” she finally said.

Harley lightened, smiling at her. “Why don’t we play a game or somethin? You like Monopoly? I make up my own rules!”

Lucy smiled, “That sounds nice,” she said, all bright again. As they set up the game, Lucy said, “You don’t have to come with me tomorrow, by the way. I can take care of myself.”

“You sure?” Harley asked. Lucy nodded. For the rest of the evening, Harley felt like something was…off.

She slipped the burner phone out of her pocket. She typed, ‘Wanna set up a playdate?’

“She called it a WHAT?!” Damian said, nose wrinkled in disgust.

“Aww,” Tim said, over by the batcave computer, “Little Damian’s got a plaaayydaaate.”

“I will end you, Drake.” Damian snarled, fingers twitching for his sword.

“Enough,” Bruce interrupted the both of them. “Damian, if it helps you can think of it as a mission.”

“I thought I was forbidden from Robin duties for the next two months.” Damian said, arms crossed.

Bruce groaned. “Harley has taken in a ward, her niece Lucy. She has some petty crime charges, but from my recon, she’s not a villain. Harley wants her to spend time with someone her age, and I need someone who will watch over her.”

“Watch out for her, or watch out because of her?” Damian asked, scowling.

“Oooh, good question,” Tim said, still at the computer. “Hey, how come you didn’t set me up with vigilante kids?”

“Because you found them on your own,” Bruce shot back, “Look. Damian, you just have to spend the day with her. Follow her around, help her out as long as it’s not hurting anyone. Don’t let her get killed. Invite Jon if you want.”

“Uggh, Jon’s off world with his Dad,” Damian said.

“Oh right,” Bruce said, massaging his temple. “Why do interdimensional crises have to happen at the worst times?”

“Why is it we need a plural for interdimensional crisis?” Tim asked.

Bruce gave him a side glance to let him know he was coming up on the line that breached from ‘annoying’ to ‘problem Bruce will deal with.’ “Damian…”

“Fine, I’ll do it,” he said, “But I won’t be her friend by you forcing us.”

“Fine.”

They met up with Harley at a neutral location downtown on top of a party goods store. “Hiya Batsy, Hey Bird Boy!”

Despite himself, Damian liked Harley. She was usually of a like mind about which villains did or didn’t deserve to live, but he didn’t tell Batman that. “Harley,” Batman said, “Where’s your niece?”

“Just doin some high-wire practice.” Harley said, “Lucy-goosey!”

From the side of the building, a girl faulted up from where she was hanging on the flagpole. A girl wearing a tutu and white paint. “Nice to meet you, Batman,” Lucy said, “Aunt Harley’s told me….a lot of mixed things.”

“YOU!” Damian said, before he could stop himself, and all three of the others turned to him.

Lucy trotted forward on her tiptoes. “Have we met?” She asked, tilting her head, and looking him up and down.

Damian swallowed. “Uhh….”

“Blackbird!” Lucy said, and swooped him up into a hug, “Oh, I knew you were a Robin, why’d you lie to me?”

“Blackbird, huh?” Batman said, and he couldn’t see, but he knew there was a very pointed eyebrow being raised at him.

Damian, still being swung like a ragdoll by Lucy, tried to gain his balance. “I didn’t...I mean I wasn’t…”

“We’ll talk about this later,” Batman said, “You kids go on, I have something to talk about with Harley.”

“Kids?!” Damian said, offended, especially that he was going to be left out of whatever this conversation was. But in doing so, he left himself vulnerable as Lucy pulled on his cowl to the edge of the building.

“Come on, birdy, whatever color you are. The city awaits!” And she jumped from the roof, grappling on outcroppings to reach the street safely. Damian grumbled, but eventually followed.

Harley looked to Batman, and her face fell. “He’s out there, isn’t he?”

Batman gave one slow nod.

Lucy skipped everywhere. It was very irritating, because it was faster than walking, but slower than running, so hard to keep pace. Also,it was just very perky, which made it hard to sulk.

Lucy claimed she had deliveries to make around town. Something about girls who were bullies in high school and were treating others poorly, but it was only because of the societal pressures that were put on young girls of America and...and thats about where Damian lost interest.

She carried a cartfull of boxes like a damn girlscout, and left them on the girls doors. Damian could have followed in his sleep...except there was something about one of the boxes….

“What’s in that one?” Damian asked as she brought it to the next home.

“Huh?” Lucy said, “Same thing as in all of them, some cookies, a letter, balloons of course and--”

“It’s beeping,” Damian said.

“What?”

Damian didn’t wait any longer, he grabbed the box out of her arms and tossed it as high into the sky as he could, tackling her to the ground. The box then exploded.

Lucy gasped in excitement, clapping her hands together. “Birdy, look at it! It’s fireworks!”

Damian growled, jumping off of her and taking out his sword. “I knew it, I knew you were up to no good.”

Lucy tilted her head. “Whatcha talkin about, Birdy?”

“You--” He pointed to where the box was still smoldering. “You were going to put a BOMB on that girl’s doorstep!”

“I didn’t put that there,” Lucy said, getting up with no care of the sword pointed at her.

“You-” Damian stammered. “What?”

Lucy bent down and picked up a scrap of paper from the ruins. “Change of plans for the evening, Birdy!” Lucy said, “We’re going puzzling!”

She tossed the paper at him and he grabbed it quickly. It read ‘I’ve the tallest of trunks and thickest of stumps, a switch in the breeze, but I’m no tree. What am I?’”

They came quickly to the elephant pasture at the zoo. Damian couldn’t help it, he held out his hand for the elephant. She reached out her trunk and wrapped it around him. He couldn’t help but laugh.

Her baby came forward this time, trotting on new steps. He was already the size of a small horse, but he stole Damian’s heart all the same. He tried to bowl Damian over like a large puppy, and Damian couldn’t help but laugh. “Didn’t know you could laugh, Birdy,” Lucy said, kneeling over a shady patch in the enclosure.

Damian’s scowl returned. “Stop calling me ‘Birdy,’” he said, “You can just say ‘Robin,’ if you want.”

“But aren’t there other Robins?” Lucy said, fiddling with something, “I’d love to call you something unique to you.”

“There’s already a Blackbird, you know.” Damian said, continuing to pet the baby elephant.

“There is?” Lucy asked, “Picking a superhero name is HARD. I’m still trying to get Commedia to stick. You know, like, Commedia del arte? But I’ll end up getting called ‘Tutu girl’ or something if I don’t watch out.”

Damian gently pushed the elephant away, seeing what she was doing. She was hands deep in another box like the one they’d found in her cart. “Careful, it could be another bomb.”

“Fireworks,” Lucy corrected, “and I already diffused it.”

Damian leaned down, looking. She had indeed done so, quite efficiently. “How did you know to do that?”

Lucy smiled, “An uncle of mine taught me. You’ll meet him.” She dug further into the box. “I wouldn’t mind some more fireworks, but I don’t want to scare the elephants.” She pulled out another slip of paper.

“This has all the hallmarks of The Riddler,” Damian said, “We have to be careful. He might have bombs all over the city.”

“Fireworks!” Lucy corrected again, “And, probably. See, we already have the next clue!” She waved the paper and read out “Can you hear me make a sound, only when you are around.”

“Of course you can only hear things when you’re around.” Damian said, frowning.

“But only when someone’s around does it make a...Oh!” Lucy said, jumping to her feet, “An echo! We have to go somewhere there’s an echo!”

Damian sighed, “I have an idea.”

Technically they weren’t IN the Bat cave. They were at a far entrance to it, another end of the cave system. So he wasn’t breaking any rules. “Hey, is that Wayne Manor?” Lucy asked. “I tried to break in there once, but they have some crazy rich person security system.”

“Funny that.” Damian said, trying to seem completely ordinary.

Lucy stood at the edge of the cave and yelled into it. “ECHO!” listening for the echo in return. She skipped into the cave, humming all the way, the sound bouncing off as she went.

“Lucy?” Damian said, following her, “Don’t go too far, there’s all sorts of--” He heard a squeal and rushed forward.

He stopped short, his flashlight falling on Lucy. She waved at him to put it down, squinting. “Look here!” She brushed aside some dirt to find some rusted over metal. “Isn’t it fascinating! This cave system must go on for miles! Maybe people hid treasure there!”

“It’s just the old mining system,” Damian said, truthfully. “It’s all blocked off.”

“That can’t be hard to undo,” Lucy said, intrigued by whatever lay beyond.

Damian grabbed her hand before she could continue. “We have to catch the Riddler. There has to be another package here.”

Lucy sighed, but nodded. She took his arm with the flashlight and swung him around the cave. “Ah! There.”

She took the package and skipped out of the cave. “Careful!” Damian urged. “Come on, just diffuse it.”

“Nope, not these ones.” She tossed the package high in the sky, and Damian saw the fireworks light up.

He felt his phone buzzing, no doubt Tim could hear an explosion out here, not to mention Alfred. They’d come investigating fast enough. He leaped up, grabbing the fallen slip of paper, and grabbed Lucy again to pull her along. He read it quickly and passed it to her as he made his way away. “Even in the city scape, nature comes to take its place.” Lucy read. “It must be the park!”

“No,” Damian said, still pulling her, “I mean, yes, that is the answer to the riddle, but that’s not where we’re going.” He texted the police to inform them of the location of the hidden package so they could diffuse it, and dragged Lucy away.

The original Gotham Ice Cream shop was one of the oldest remaining buildings in Gotham, although was clearly closed for the night.

Damian saw a flash of green from the kitchens and rushed inside, finding none other than the Riddler standing there. “Stand down, Riddler,” Damian said, holding out his sword, “We’ve got you now!”

Riddler snarled, backing into a defensive stance. “Robin! How did you possibly find me?”

Damian smirked, “The beginning of each clue was clearly spelling out your final location. I-C-E. I didn’t need to follow 5 more clues to figure that out.”

Riddler cursed. “Those clues weren’t for you! They were for--!”

Lucy came skipping up to join Damian. “Hi, Uncle Eddy!”

“Lucille!” Riddler said, immediately warming. “I had so many sights around Gotham for you to see, why’d you go skipping to the end?”

Lucy skipped up to him, and Damian was once again left dumbfounded. “My friend Birdy here isn’t much for riddles, I think,” she said, “Although he enjoyed the elephants! And he knew about the mining carts in the caves, I want to explore those later.”

‘Uncle Eddy’ hugged Lucy, and Damian came to his senses, “THIS is your uncle?!”

Lucy shrugged, “I mean, that’s what I call him. I met him when I was visiting Aunt Harley a few years ago.”

“I heard you had moved to Gotham full time,” Riddler said, “I wanted to be sure you saw the sights. But the bat-brats have to ruin everything I suppose.” Riddler glared at him, and he glared right back.

“I don’t-” Damian started, but cut himself off, “You can’t just be leaving BOMBS around the city!”

“Fireworks!” Lucy and Riddler both corrected.

“Whatever! They’re explosive and they’re dangerous!” Damian hated having to be the safety one. It felt wrong.

Riddler rolled his eyes. “He’s just as much a barrel of laughs as the big one.”

“Aw, he’s sweet, really,” Lucy said, coming over to Damian and linking their arms. “Aunt Harley and Batman set us up on our own little playdate.”

“It is NOT!” Damian said, squirming away from her, “It is NOT a playdate.”

“Uncle Eddy, can my friend Birdy have some Ice Cream too?” Lucy asked, ignoring him.

Riddler and Damian glared again. “Fine.” He pushed his own bowl of ice cream towards Damian and went to get his own. “It’s MYSTERY flavor!”

Damian looked at it hesitantly as Lucy sat down to enjoy. Riddler went back to the kitchen. “It’s coconut,” Lucy said, “But Uncle Eddy likes to think it’s a mystery, so I let him.”

Damian frowned at her. “You’re really weird.”

“Thank you!” Lucy said, patting the seat beside her. “Come on, even you had to admit you had fun today.”

Damian thought about the elephants, and skipping around with Lucy, and watching the fireworks at the mouth of the cave, and seeing her all excited about mining carts for some reason. “Fine,” he said, “But it’s NOT a playdate.”

“Alright, alright,” Lucy said, digging into her ice cream. “Just a regular date then.”

“I--” Damian started, his head exploding with so many protests that he ended up just short circuiting. Lucy continued chowing down on ice cream like she didn’t say anything of importance. So, Damian just sat beside her, and ate his own.

#lucy quinzel #damian wayne #batman #harley quinn #dc fanfic

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maddogofshimano · 4 years ago

Text

The Woman Who Dyed a Black Stain to White

Major Y0 Spoiler Warning

Lee got a sugoroku event! Look at his chibi sprite!!!

There’s several foreign names and groups mentioned in here that I don’t know the ideal romanization for, but I will try to at least be consistent on them.

This one is seriously heavy. I’m actually going to put a trigger warning on this: it’s about sex trafficked women, and Makoto’s backstory. There’s the start of an attempted sexual assault and a lot of dehumanizing language about the women who are being trafficked. Nothing is shown explicitly, but it’s rough. Additionally multiple people in the mafia commit suicide.

Summary: Lee is ordered to assassinate the boss of the Songyoung, a mysterious crime syndicate behind the disappearances of multiple women in Sotenbori. They operate in complete secrecy, and Lee finds himself facing a terrible choice between his orders and his morals.

<1986--two years before a man's corpse would be found in Kamurocho's empty lot--Iwao Bridge, Sotenbori> Makoto: Excuse me, I'm looking for my brother. Have you seen the man in this picture?

Man: No, don't know him at all. Sorry... Makoto: Excuse me, have you seen the person in this picture?

Woman: I don't know him, sorry... Oda: That woman... she's not bad... I think I'll have a little talk with her...

Oda: Pardon me miss. You're looking for your brother? I've got an idea of where he might be...

Makoto: Really!? Please, take me there right away! Oda: Of course. If you wouldn't mind coming with me then...

Voice on the TV: The case of the repeated disappearances of women in Sotenbori clearly seems to be--

Lee: Young women bein' targeted for abduction... Must be the Omi Alliance, or maybe some foreign group... Lee: The police are stayin' awful quiet on it though. Hard to feel good about all the movement that's happenin' around it... <phone rings> Lee: Ah, the phone... Lee: Hogushi Kaikan speaking. What treatment may I help you with? Voice on the phone: I have a job for you, Lee Wen Hai Lee: Well, sounds like ya aren't after a massage, are ya... Wong, who'd'ya need taken care of this time? Wong: That's cruel, Lee. Do you know the Korean mafia faction, the Songyoung? Lee: Aah, I've been hearin' some things about them. I was gettin' a real bad vibe off of that group... Wong: We haven't been able to pin them down effectively because they don't do anything themselves, they use hired thugs for all the dirty work... Wong: It sounds like they outsource their income streams. That's how they keep everything a secret. Lee: So you're tellin' me this for a reason... right? The Songyoung are my next target? Wong: Mhm, that's right. Wong: These days their thugs are rampaging all over our organization's territory... Wong: If they keep making waves like this, they're bound to bring the Omi down on our heads. Wong: The current pressure the Omi is putting on us is more than enough, and they'll only use this as an excuse to squeeze harder. Lee: Is the big bad mainland mafia's Kotou and the Omi that scared? (Tl note: this gets clarified way later, but Kotou (虎頭) is the Chinese mafia group Lee works for) Wong: Don't tease... Sotenbori is the Omi Alliance's most treasured territory... Wong: There's no advantage to putting the Omi in a bad mood or inflicting damage. But, how much do you even understand that? Wong: Anyways, the more the Songyoung keep rampaging, the more foreign organizations like our Kotou will suffer. Wong: Your assignment is to assassinate the boss of the Songyoung. I'm sure you know the usual payment from Kotou... Wong: For this one, it'll be double. Lee: Well ain't that generous... So what's the catch? Wong: Like I said, the Songyoung is a thoroughly secretive organization. Wong: Naturally, their bosses current whereabouts are unknown, as are the group's hideouts... Lee: So I gotta figure out where the guy even is... Wong: So? Will you take on the assignment? Lee: Well of course. I'll take it. You can transfer the payment to the usual account. Wong: Understood. When I get it, I'll fax you a picture of the boss of the Songyoung. Use it for verification. Wong: Well then, I'll leave you to it. Don't forget to keep in contact, okay? Lee: I'll remember... See ya later then? <Hangs up the phone> Lee: Well then, first things first is collectin' information on the Songyoung... <Prologue End> <A few days later--Shofuku Street, Sotenbori> Lee: After all this time pokin' around I still haven't gotten any info on the Songwong...

Lee: I thought Wong was just cuttin' corners, but even that pro I listened to didn't know shit... Lee: Information fees have gotten jacked up with the current economic boom, and it's hard to rely on anything they say... Lee: This place then. Today I'll pay it a visit... <Lee enters the mahjong parlor> Lee: Let's see, where is that guy... Oh, there he is....

Lee: Hey, been a while... how's things treatin' ya?

Information Broker: Well, if it isn't God Hand-sama himself... Broker: It'd been so long since I heard from ya that lately I'd been thinkin' about closin' up shop and pickin' up massage instead. Lee: Shut it, smartass! All you've been doin' lately is sittin' on your ass playin' mahjong... Lee: ...But, I'll let it slide. I'm here to get some info from ya. Lee: Tell me everythin' ya know about the Songyoung... Broker: ....And if that information isn't cheap? Lee: How much? Broker: Give me... 100k upfront, and we'll see how much it'll cost. Lee: Tch... Ya better watch yourself after this... Here, take your cash! <a wad of bills thumps onto the table> Broker: Of course. So, what do you want to know about the Songyoung? Lee: Their main hideout, and where their boss is at right now. For that information I'll pay as much as ya need. Broker: That's some real problematic info, ya know. These guys are hardcore on their secrecy... Lee: Seriously, I paid out the ass upfront already... So what, ya don't have that info? Broker: I do have a list of their lower rungs... Broker: If ya wanna find the main group, you'll have to squeeze it out of the branches... Lee: Sure, hand over that info then. Broker: You sure? It's gonna be another 100k. Lee: Jeez... Here. We good now? <another wad of bills hits the table> Broker: Thank you for your patronage... Alright, here's the list. Lee: ....This, you're sure there's not some sort of mistake? Broker: I absolutely guarantee it. Welllllll some of them might have cut ties with the main group already I suppose... Broker: The lower rungs are nothin' but nasty, muscle-headed imbeciles, though with your strength it won't be a problem... Lee: Heh.... I can't understand why this information is goin' for only 100k.

Broker: Ha... Findin’ a buyer for that kind of thing ain't easy. Broker: If you're makin' a move on these guys... Well, there's not gonna be a point to holdin' on to that information afterwards, right? Lee: ...That's pretty smart of ya. I'm off then, I'll be back later. Lee: Well, time to get goin' through this list with a fine toothed comb. <Lee goes to the park> Lee: Every one of these organizations is tied to the Songyoung somehow, but I just don't know what's connectin' them...

Lee: Do I really gotta go trompin' through this whole list and hope I stumble onto where the boss is at? Goon A: Hehe... Hey, let's go do some damage today!!

Goon B: It's great havin' the backin' of a big, influential group like that... Looks like our luck is finally turnin' around!! Lee: Well there's some assholes... I wonder what kinda info they might have... <Lee kicks the shit out of them. Like I don't even do the fight it just fades to black and Lee takes care of it himself> Goon A: Hhhh... Please forgive us.... The Songyoung already cut us off! So please don't kill us!!

Lee: Ya better not tell me you've cut ties again, okay? Just tell me all the info ya got on the Songyoung. Goon A: I-I really don't know anythin'! The contact we had, we never even saw their face. Lee: Seriously you guys... This is the tenth time. These Songyoung are damn serious about this secrecy crap, huh... Lee: These bastards don't have any information neither... Goon B: Th-That's true, but it is possible... Lee: What? Ya got an idea or somethin'? Goon B: There’s some guys that have turf near Iwao Bridge, they do way worse dealings than we do, I think... Lee: Worse dealings? Goon B: Yeah, they abduct young women that've just come to Sotenbori, and the Songyoung takes em for a shit ton of cash. Lee: Wait, wait, you mean... That's what's causin' the "vanishing women case" right now!?

Goon B: Yeah... That's right... It's all just rumors, but they go after runaway girls to kidnap... Lee: Then that means, this "disappearance case", it's all the Songyoung's doing... Lee: Now that's the kind of details I want to hear!! Goon B: Y-Yes sir!! Though, there is one other thing you should know... Goon B: In the past there was a real famous gang that was doin' this kind of job, but that gang left Sotenbori just when they were about to take over... Goon B: The organization that's currently makin' bank off of abducting women is called... Well, it's gotta be "Ganryujima". (Tl note: Ganryujima is the island famous for the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. Also of note the first kanji in ganryujima is the same as the first kanji in Iwao Bridge) Goon B: That's the full extent of what I know... Lee: So near Iwao Bridge there's turf belonging to "Ganryujima"? That group's also on the list.... Seems like I got plenty to go on. Lee: In light of this info ya gave me, I'll let ya go. Hopefully this'll've been a learnin' experience for ya, and ya won't got gettin' involved with any more groups like that. Goons: Y-Yes sir!! Thank you very much!! Lee: Iwao Bridge is right up there.... I was gonna ask the Garyujima about the Songwong but... this feelin'...

Lee: This ain't just another punk, is it... someone else in the same profession? Lee: Hey, I know you're there. Come on out. If you're gonna tail someone, put a lil more effort in on stayin' hidden... Menacing Man: Are you the one who's been crushing all of our lower rungs? No hard feelings, but I'm going to kill you here...

Lee: As if I'd fall so far as to get killed by some third rate hitman who can't even hide himself properly... Lee: Though, ya did save me the trouble by showin' up. It was gonna be a pain in the ass to get the info I was after on your kinda organization. Lee: I'm just gonna beat every last drop of info about your group out of ya!! Menacing Man: Heh.... Come at me then!! You're going to regret messing with the Songyoung!! <the fight happens for real this time, fittingly Misery Comes On Beat plays and Lee clobbers them> Menacing Man: G-Guh........ Lee: Alright, you know what I want, ready to spill it on the Songyoung? Menacing Man: Heh.... You think I'm going to talk? Lee: Oh, so you've decided I gotta make you talk then... Menacing Man: The organization's secrets are absolute... Letting that kind of things slip, it's just not something I can do... <stabbing sounds> Lee: You! What the hell did you do!! Menacing Man: Guhh..... fool!? Lee: What idiots... All of them went and slit their own throats... Lee: All that to protect their organization's secrets... Finding their boss's location is gonna be a real pain in the ass.

<end part 1> Lee: You bastards are Ganryujima boys, ain't ya?

Goon: Who the hell are you? You got a problem if we're Ganryujima? Lee: Nope, my problem is with all the women you've been ordered to kidnap for the Songyoung. Goon: You... where the hell did ya hear that? Lee: Ya think I'm gonna say? Goon: Heh..... 's all good. If ya knew any better, ya would have gone home to keep on livin'... Goon: Oi, everyone!! Let's end this geezer!! Lee: Sure are a lotta hotblooded assholes... Ah well. I'll just have to convince ya to talk. <once again, Lee crushes them without me even doing the fight> Goon: Haa... Haa... Wh-What the hell's with this old man...

Lee: From now on, be selective when you pick fights. If you pick the wrong opponent on this street, are you ready to lose your life? <metallic noise of something being drawn, presumably a knife or the acupuncture needle, it's unclear> Goon: A-Aahh!? P-Please don't kill me!! Lee: Are ya ready to tell me about the Songyoung then? What's the guy look like that you're handin' these girls over to? Goon: Sorry... we just leave the women we kidnapped in a pre-designated abandoned house on a regular basis, I never seen anyone... Goon: The money just gets wired into our account... I really don't know the guy's face at all... Lee: ....Tch, you fuckers are another dead end. Goon: I-I'm sorry I'm so worthless!! But please, my life... Lee: Fine, whatever.... Actually, one thing! Goon: Wh-What!? Lee: In exchange for me lookin' the other way on this, I'm givin' ya a job to do. Goon: A-A job... What'd'ya want us to do? Lee: It's easy. I'm gonna bring ya a girl, and you're gonna sell her to those guys... can ya do that? (Tl note: misread this at first as "I'm gonna be the next girl ya sell to those guys" and was pogging) Goon: Y-Yeah. I think we should be able to do that... Lee: Good, then I'll be back when I've finished some preparations. <Lee goes to a bar to speak with an anime girl because there is exactly one base sprite for all women> Lee: Yo, it's been a while. You haven't changed a day...

Lee: Makes sense, given nobody knows the number of guys you've swindled out of their cash then bumped off... Woman: .....You know, Lee. Isn't it a bit cruel to call someone out to meet you and then speak about them like that? Lee: Sorry, sorry, I thought I was payin' a compliment to your heinous modus operandi, it's very skillful.

Woman: Sigh~... so what is it? Why'd you call me over so suddenly? I came because I owe you one, but I'm not here on a leisure trip. Lee: I was hopin' to get us squared away. Think ya can handle one bothersome task for me? Woman: Bothersome? Lee: Yeah, I'm trying to get a hold of information on this organization... Stuff like where there hideout is, but since no one's talkin' I'd like to borrow your power. Woman: ....And what do you want me to do? Lee: I want ya to pose as a runaway and sneak into this place as one of the girls gettin' traffic'd. Lee: I've gotten a hold of the sales route they're usin'... Lee: You'll get bought wearin' a tracking device and a hidden mic, and that'll let us infiltrate the hideout. Woman: This is going to be dangerous, isn't it? I know I owe you, but is that enough to risk my life over? Lee: When you're a professional killer, isn't there always a risk of death, that someone will turn the tables on ya? Well, as soon as I know where the place is I'll go and help ya. I'll protect this body you've altered... What d'ya think, will ya help? Woman: ....Ha, I guess so. After this, we're even, right? Lee: Yeah, of course. Honestly I'll feel indebted to ya! <Lee goes back outside> Lee: Right now, you're in the abandoned building in West Shokufukucho. Great, the transmitter just moved into the kitchen...

<radio static> Lee: I can hear her voice through the bug. Sensitivity is good... Lee: Now then... After that woman gets taken to the main hideout, everything will go flawlessly. <footsteps> Voice over the mic: "This is the collection team. The cargo of women has been confirmed. We'll be returning to HQ shortly, via our transport." Lee: They're speakin' korean... "Recover the woman and take her to headquarters".... huh.... Lee: Seems like it's going well. I hope it keeps up.... Voice: "Be careful not to be seen on the way back! Hurry up and return to HQ!!" Lee: They're not aware of the bug or the tracking device... <Lee gets into a car> Lee: And now I just follow em right to their hideout. <He gets out after a drive> Lee: Looks like the transmitter stopped in this building...

<radio static> Voice: "The shipment of women has arrived. Where's the boss at?" Voice: "Right now the boss is inspecting the warehouse..." Voice: "Aah, that place is crammed full of women isn't it... So, will you deliver this woman there too?" Voice: "Nah, no need to do extra work. We'll just put her in the usual room until the boss gets back..." Voice: "Roger on that!" <radio static> Lee: So this is the main hideout then. However, the boss ain't here... Lee: Ah well, I'm bound to hear where he is sooner or later. ...Ah, afterwards though, I did promise to help that woman out. <Lee kicks in the door> Songyoung goon: "Wh-What are you doing!?"

Lee: "My bad, but I was hoping to retrieve a woman I left here?"

Goon: "W-Woman!? Who do you think you are!? Do you have a death wish!?" Lee: "How about you tell me the location of the warehouse you've got the other women in?" Goon: "Wh-What!? Did you plant a bug on that woman!? Shit!! Everyone! Don't let this man leave here alive!!" Goon: "For the sake of protecting our organization, this man must die!! Kill him and sink his body in the harbor!! Let's go!!" <Lee crushes them and two of the three hit the floor> Goon: "That man... so strong..." Lee: "Well, the place where you've got all those women locked up, ya better tell me where it is.." Goon: "Heh... you really think it's going to be that simple?" <gunshots> Lee: Shit... Shot himself right in the head... Lee: The other two drank poison to kill themselves too. What a commitment to secrecy... It's sickening.... Lee: And even still, I just gotta investigate this place and I'll figure out where that warehouse is. Whoops, gotta help that woman first... <back outside> Woman: Seriously... I'm sorry for this again, alright? (Tl note: extremely in the weeds here, I don't really know what she's talking about)

Lee: Heh.... Searching the house would have been rotten without your help. Woman: I'll send a bill for that information later! Lee: And I'll send ya a whole mountain of gold as payment! Woman: Haa~... That's what I like to hear.... Well then, don't you go and die until you pay me, okay? <She leaves> Lee: Hmm, I need to keep in contact with Wong.... Was there a payphone around here? <He goes to a payphone and dials Wong>

Wong: ...Lee? Lee: Yep, just keepin' in touch. I found the group's hideout. Wong: Oh, good work... Several of their members are dead there. They won't be able to use it. Wong: So? Have you brought down their boss? Lee: No. He wasn't at the hideout... Lee: But, I do know where he is. The warehouse with all the imprisoned women. Wong: Heh... Going to sample the wares? Always was a nympho... Wong: Regardless you've done well. You should head over to the warehouse right away.... Lee: ....? Got it. Once I deal with the boss, is it okay if I release the women? Wong: No, all the captive women should be erased. It would be problematic if this income stream got leaked to the police. Lee: What....!? <end of part 2>

Lee: I'm not gonna kill kidnapped women who have done nothin' wrong! Don't be ridiculous!! Lee: Is that the kind of orders the top mafia Kotou is handin' out!? Wong: Calm down, Lee. This was a decision by the organization. Lee: These women were kidnapped by punks with more lust for gold than humanity and are getting preyed upon by the main branch with their wicked intentions. Lee: And after all that shit, I ain't gonna just go in and kill them!! Wong: If the police find out about this source of income from the Songyoung, the crackdown in Sotenbori is going to be very strict... Wong: If that happens, it will be harder for us to operate in a lot of ways... So these women continuing to exist is problematic. Wong: You do understand what will happen if you go against direct orders from the group, don't you? Lee: (Have they really made up their mind on killing these women? Even though these women, they haven't done anything wrong, they're the victims?) Lee: (But if I go against orders, I'll be the one killed... Either the lives of those women, or my own, I have to choose.) Wong: There's high expectations on you for completing this job. Are you going to betray everyone? Lee: (If I try to run, I won't be able to catch the boss. If I want to bring him down... There's no time to hesitate...) Lee: (That's how I have to think. I'm a pro. An assassin. And... up till now, I've devoted myself fully to this path, just as expected.) Lee: ...I understand. I'll take the lives of those women. That is part of my job... Wong: Is that so... Well then, I'll be waiting to hear good news. <hangs up phone and goes back to the Songyoung hideout> Lee: Shit.... That asshole, handin' out such a sickening order. Lee: Fine!! I'll sink the corpse of that boss, all those women, and anyone else into the damn harbor!! Lee: I'm already black hearted, and this time I'll be stained as black as can be... Lee: With this blood on my hands, I'll just get em even dirtier with more and more. <Lee goes to the warehouse> Lee: This is where the main branch's hideout said the warehouse should be, so the boss and the kidnapped women should be inside...

Lee: (Looks like they got two guys keepin' watch... The entrance to this place is well defended... It's gonna be tough takin' out the boss and those women by myself...)

Goon A: Gah!? Goon B: Guhh!? <they hit the floor> Lee: ...There's probably more guys keepin' watch. I'll have to be careful killin' the boss and women... <Lee moves into the warehouse> Lee: Since there's a guard over there, there's no mistake that this is the main group's warehouse...

Lee: The real question is, where is the boss... Hm? That's... <A man walks by with a woman> Lee: Just now, that guy that brought a woman into that room... There's no doubt about it, that's the guy from the photo Wong sent... Lee: When I go into that room... Lee: I'll lose my chance to run. I'll commit myself to seein' this job through and stainin' myself pitch black. <Lee heads in> Young Woman: Stop it... d-don't come any closer... someone!!

Songyoung Boss: Heh, no matter how much you scream, no one is coming to help you... Lee: Mind if I step in and have some fun?

Boss: Who the fuck are you!? ...Are you an assassin sent by Wong?

Boss: He never gets his own hands dirty with jobs like this... Lee: You figured it out quick. No hard feelings, but I'm going to kill you now. (Tl note: same line that the Songyoung assassin used against Lee) Boss: You're a moron. I'm not going to be killed by some wannabe assassin. I'll kill you first!! Boss: Let's go, assassin!! I'm going to send your stinking corpse to Wong!! <fight, Lee wrecks shop> Lee: Say your prayers... <Stabbing noise> Boss: Guah!? <he hits the floor> Lee: That handles my primary goal... Now I have to... Lee: (Now I have to deal with the women... First I should have her guide me to where they're all being imprisoned...) Lee: Were you bein’ held captive in here?

Woman: Yes!! Please, please help!! There's a lot of others that are being held captive here besides me!! Lee: ...Got it. Could ya bring me to the room they're all in? Woman: Yes! This way!! <they go> Woman: Just ahead is the room we were all held in! We had given up all hope on being rescued, everyone will be so happy!!

Lee: Sorry for the trouble, Miss Guide... Lee: (She looks delighted... Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be killin' someone lookin' like that...) Lee: (... If my daughter were still alive, she'd be just about the same age as this woman.....) Lee: (This blameless woman that I'm going to sink into the sea... This really is the most depraved job...) Lee: (It would be troublesome if she started screamin' here... Guess I'll take care of her after I handle all the other women...) Lee: ...Ah, that's right! I got a request for ya, miss... Woman: Yes! What do you need? Lee: There's still a lot of thugs around outside... Could ya make sure no one leaves till I confirm it's safe? Lee: Would ya go and close off the entrance and the exit to the warehouse? Woman: Y-Yeah! On it!! <she leaves> Lee: Miss, forgive me... I ain't really here to save ya... <Lee goes into the inner room> Woman A: A-Again... Who's coming in here now?

Woman B: That's not it! The door is still open!! Woman B: R-Run for it! We're finally free from this nightmare!! <the women flee> Lee: (With the door open like that... It's natural that they'd all run off in a panic...) Lee: (All these run away girls, now about to get killed, they really are the unluckiest women in the world.......) Lee: (But if I don't kill them, the organization's gonna kill me... This really is the most abysmal job...) Lee: (I can't save even a single one of them... It's a weight I'll have to bear for the rest of my life, no matter what excuses I try to make.) <knife drawing sound> Lee: Hm? That woman, what is she... Lee: ...Why didn't she run? That's weird... Is she hurt?

Lee: Hey, are you alright....?

Lee: (She's feelin' her way around... This girl, is she blind?) Makoto: A-Are you the one who's helping everyone? Lee: N-No... I'm... <music cuts out> Makoto: Thank you so much... Thank you..... Thank you so very much... thank you....

Lee's daughter: "Hey, dad... are you there...?"

Lee: "Yes, I'm right here!! I'm here!! You're gonna be okay, the doctor's on his way!! Just stay with me!!" Lee's daughter: "....Dad, even with this frail life of mine... thank you so much for raising me..." Lee: "Nonsense! Sayin' stuff like that, raisin' you was only natural!!" Lee's daughter: "Thank you for everything, dad... I love you..." Lee: (Ah... She also, said the same thing......)

Lee: (......) Lee: (No way.... There's no way... I could kill her......)

Lee: (For the time bein' that girl's gone to sleep in that room. Everythin' is still chaotic though...) (Tl note: the word Lee is using for girl here is 娘 which is the same one used for daughter) Lee: (Helpin' that girl means disobeyin' Wong's--no, Kotou's orders...) Lee: (If I'm already goin' against my orders... I might as well save every woman in this damn place!!) Lee: (But what am I gonna do? If I don't kill the women, then Wong's just gonna send another hitman after 'em.) Lee: (If I want these women to live, my only options are gettin' Wong to let them go, or if Kotou was totally annihilated.) Lee: Damn it... There's no way Wong would look the other way on this, so my only option is to wipe out Kotou myself... Lee: Of course, I gotta figure out how to even do that... Lee: I'm gamblin' on a long shot. At least I'm gonna save as many women as I possibly can!! Lee: Alright, then I need to get the women out of here before Wong catches onto what I'm up to... Woman: Kyaaaaaa!! Lee: What!? That voice, did someone get into the warehouse!? <two women are facing a menacing man> Man: ...So you women didn't get killed? I see, I see...

Woman: W-Who are you!? Oh no, are you one of the people that locked us all up in here!? Man: No, I'm not a part of the group that did that. (Tl note: He's speaking very politely, it's kind of unsettling) Man: That being said, I do have a job to do here, so... No hard feelings, but I'm going to kill you now. (Tl note: the third instance of this line, I guess hitmen are very fond of it) Woman 2: You're going to... Why would you kill us!! Man: It's nothing you've done personally... however there are people who would be very inconvenienced if your confinement was ever known about... Man: Well then, let's start off with you... If you're going to hold a grudge, please hold it against your own bad luck... Woman 2: W-Wait... don't kill me.... Lee: Hold it, jack ass!! Lee: Ladies... stay back...

Women: S-Sure... Man: Hmmm... you're the one Wong sent to kill the Songwong boss, aren't you? Lee: What about it? I already took care of that boss a while ago now... Man: Is that so... Thank you for a job well done. ....Though, I have to ask, why are these women still alive? Man: Surely you were ordered to eliminate the women as well? Woman 2: Eh!? Lee: All these women did nothin' wrong... killin' them is completely unnecessary. Man: So you intend to turn against Wong? Lee: .....Yeah, I do. Man: Ah ha ha! I see, I see... You know, Wong-san seemed worried this was the path you'd take. Lee: ...Who are you? Man: I'm the contingency plan Wong-san prepared to handle this if you couldn't bring yourself to kill these women. Man: My orders from Wong-san were to come here and kill any woman left alive. Lee: Hah... Awful conniving of Wong to pull somethin' like this... Too bad that I decided that all these women are gonna live!!

Man: So that's how it is... what a shame. Well, you've made your decision to die here with these women. Man: But that's good! A killer like you will die alongside all these young ladies!! <they fight, Lee tears him up> Man: I'm finished... You're a skilled hitman... Lee: Your arm can probably be saved... Man: But... Wong-san will never forgive you for going against the organization like this... You'll be killed, won't you? Lee: Seems that way... But I'm gonna fight it all the way to the end... Man: I see... In that case, I wish you good luck... <man collapses to the floor> Lee: Hoooo~.... I need to make sure all the ladies are still alright... Lee: I'm gonna wipe all traces of you being enslaved from the records here and in the Songwong hideout... Lee: That should throw em off all your trails... Woman 2: Eh? D-Does that mean... you're helping all of us? Lee: Yeah, that's right... Lee: It'll be best if all of you forget about everythin' that happened here and go back to your old lives... Lee: After that leave everythin' else to this geezer!! Woman 2: Th-Thank you so much!! Woman 1: But, are you going to be alright? That person said that you would be killed too... Lee: The fate of a killer who goes against his organization is set in stone. But, I don't intend to be easy to kill... Lee: If it means savin' all of you, payin' with the life of a killer like me is a hell of a bargain, right? Woman 1: But that's... isn't there something you can do? You could run away with us... Lee: I've got to go smash up my employer... I got a lotta obligations in front of me... Lee: If I run away, other people are gonna end up payin' for it. Woman 1: But... Lee: It's fine... Don't you go worryin' about me none. Lee: Though, sorry to keep askin' things of ya miss, but could I ask one more favor of ya? Woman 1: What is it? I'll do whatever I can!! Lee: In the room ya were locked up in, there's a lady that can't see waitin' there... Lee: As much as ya can, could ya take care of that kid and keep her out of trouble? Woman 1: I-I should be okay... I'll do as much as I'm able-- Lee: Yeah!! Seriously, I'm grateful! Lee: I know it's a lot to ask of ya miss, sorry. Woman 1: No, this doesn't even begin to pay back how much you've helped us... Lee: Alright, you stay healthy miss... <Lee leaves> Woman 1: Ah!? That's right, there's a mafia called "Kotou", please stay safe from them!! Lee: W-Wait a minute!! Miss, what did you say just now!? Woman 1: Umm... To please watch out for a mafia called "Kotou"... Lee: You said "Kotou"... miss, where did you hear that name!? (Tl note: I had been reading it wildly wrong as “Toragashira” until now and had to go back and correct every instance of it. When she says it it’s in katakana, but Lee had been saying it in kanji, so I was just guessing on pronunciation) Woman 1: Earlier, while we were still imprisoned, I heard it from one of the people here... Woman 1: "My group "Kotou" is a Chinese mafia. You can rely on us for backup if you encounter any trouble" is what they said... Lee: H-Hold on... But wouldn't that mean... Kotou and the Songyoung are workin' together...!? Lee: What the hell, what the hell is goin' on....!?

Lee: You're sure they said "Kotou"?

Woman 1: Y-Yeah... That's definitely what they said. Lee: Seriously.... hm? Wait... Thinkin' back on it... Wong did say somethin' strange... Lee: (Back when I first found out the boss was in the warehouse....) Lee: ("Heh... Planning on sampling the wares? ...Always was a nympo...") (Tl note: I had to go back and edit the earlier instance of this to be more vague like this, I confused on who it was directed at but I was looking at it as between Lee or Wong and couldn't see how it would make sense to be self directed since Wong wasn't going to the warehouse. Lee seemed confused by it too, so the vagueness seems intentional, but I’m very glad it wasn’t actually directed at Lee like I initially thought) Lee: (It's like he knew the Songyoung Boss before this...) Lee: If that's true, then that means the same goes for the Songyoung boss! Lee: (In that room where I took him out, he said to me "He never gets his own hands dirty with jobs like this") Lee: (So that means he also knew Wong before all of this...) Lee: It's possible... but what does it all mean? Woman 1: ...Um, is there something I can help with? Lee: Aah! Thank to you miss, I might have figured out a way to avoid dyin'. Woman 1: Really!? Lee: I do have one job to take care of first though. Lee: When ya get out of here and forget all this to get back to your life... I want ya to forget me too... okay? Lee: Oh, and avoid dealin with strange men, okay? Woman 1: Yes sir! Thank you again!! <she leaves> Lee: If I believe her story, then the Songyoung and Wong are connected... Lee: If that's the case, there might be evidence of that here and in the Songyoung hideout... Lee: If I can find it, I might be able to use that to keep Wong silent on this whole thing. Lee: First things first, better start searchin' the warehouse... Lee: Haa~...... I can't find anythin'.... Well, findin' somethin' like that was never going to be easy. Lee: Next is the room where all the women were confined...

<rustling noise> Lee: Hm? Hold on... this is it!! <screen fades to black> Wong: Lee... You just keep betraying my faith in you...

Lee: Ha, you're soundin' awful full of yourself... Wong. Lee: You'd probably tell me I was wipin' my own ass wrong... Lee: Aren't you betrayin' our organization too? I don't think you're in any position to talk about my betrayal. Wong: Lee, you piece of shit...... Lee: Heh... Of course, since you and the Songyoung are in bed together... Lee: Didn’t you let them make money trafficking these women so you could have a little slush fund? Lee: It's all written in this set of orders ya fax'd em anyways... Wong: Are you an idiot!? Get rid of that like you were ordered to!!

Lee: You stopped trustin' the Songyoung boss, right? Lee: Nothin' will poison a relationship faster than cash, it's a common story in this line of work. Lee: Seems like for the most part the Songyoung hated the tight leash you had them on and decided to betray you and be more bold about things, yeah? Lee: Then, when the disappearance of women started to become public knowledge, it lit a fire under your ass to hurry up and stamp out this whole operation... Wong: ........... Lee: That's why ya sent me to find the Songyoung hideout that had moved and you had lost contact with... Lee: With myself on the job, it'd be easy for ya to nonchalantly show up and snag the evidence of your betrayal... Lee: And if I failed you had prepared a contingency to get the job done... then ya'd be able to muzzle the aforementioned organization. Have I got that right? Wong: ........... Lee: Hah... Seems like that's a bulls-eye... Lee: If ya don't want this fax bein' sent off to Kotou, I got a condition for ya to accept... Well, Wong? Wong: ....Heh, pffhahaha... you really are a dumb fuck... Lee: What!? The hell's so funny!! Wong: If you had turned over that evidence right away, you might have been fine... Wong: But you're hopelessly stupid if you think you can negotiate with me face to face and I won't just kill you here and now. Wong: If I erase you and the evidence right here, I won't get caught for my betrayal!! Lee: Hmm... So you... are turnin' down my condition? Wong: Of course I am!! I'm going to kill you!! That's why I brought my best men with me!! Wong: Lee, my blood ran cold when you told me you had found evidence of my betrayal... Wong: So I must thank you for being such a dumbass!! Wong: Rest assured, Lee! After I'm done killing you, all those women you saved will be killed too!! Wong: Go to hell alongside the women you risked your life to protect!! Let's do it!! Your certain death!! <they fight, Lee crushes them> Wong: Stupid... even my best men...?

Lee: Heh, bad luck for you Wong. I've been survived more lethal battles than you can count... Lee: Well, that's all been with your help...

Lee: So, are ya ready? This is the endin' you asked for..... Lee: .........You know, it didn't have to end like this if you had just put up with my one demand. Wong: W-Wait!! I'll do it!! Your life, those women's lives, I'll look past it all!! So please... Lee: ....What you're sayin', you really mean it? Wong: Yes! Of course!! I'll talk to the organization myself about the women...

Lee: ......I've owed ya a lot. So if ya say that--

Wong: You truly are the stupidest mother fucker on earth!! <gun cocks>

Lee: Guh! Wong, you bastard!? <Stabbing sound> Wong: Guah--... Leeee.... you.... fucker!!

Lee: Idiot... Why'd ya make me do that, Wong.... <Some days later, Kotou confirmed that Wong has gone rogue.> <Lee's killing of Wong was considered a "purge" and his actions were left unquestioned.>

<A few weeks later> <Sotenbori's Hogushi Kaikan> Customer: Ah, just what I'd expect from the chief! Everything feels great!!

Lee: Hey, Makoto! Could ya grab my needles for me? Makoto: Eh? N-Needles...? Those are, ummm.... S-Sorry, I don't know... Lee: Ah, that's my bad, don't worry. Here, I'll show ya... Makoto: S-Sorry, chief.....

Lee: ....Wanna grab my hand? Makoto: Y-Yeah.... Lee: The needles we use for acupuncture are... right here. For you that'll be about 5 steps past the entrance to the treatment room. Makoto: Got it... S-Sorry... Lee: Hey, I already said it was my bad, don't worry... Lee: Some day you're gonna be able to see again. Until then, it's perfectly fine to get used to things slowly. Lee: We'll start at a slow pace for you... Then when you can do that, we can step it up. Makoto: Yes sir. Customer: The chief sure has changed since Makoto-chan showed up, huh? It seems like he's really happy now... Lee: Sh-Shut it, smart ass!! You say more dumb shit like that and I'll run your tongue through with my needle!! Customer: A-Ahhh!? Please forgive me!!

Customer: Nonetheless... Makoto-chan's been here for a few weeks now. Customer: I was really surprised at first! How'd a cute girl like Makoto end up as your apprentice... Customer: I thought the chief had gone and kidnapped you. Lee: Hey! Don't go startin' nasty rumors like that!! Lee: Geez... You know, I think I won't do the acupuncture! You're not stiff enough to need any hot oil neither... Lee: But it's fiiine, you can scram!! Ain't like you'd appreciate the pain of this needle anyhow... Customer: Ahaha... well then, I better get out of here before the chief starts stabbing. Customer: See ya, Makoto-chan. Be safe... and I hope your vision comes back quickly. Makoto: ...Y-Yeah....... Customer: See ya chief, till next time! <he leaves> Makoto: Lee-san, I'm sorry.... I don't know how to do anything... even though you've allowed me to be your live-in apprentice...... Lee: It's all good, Makoto. Don't fret. As long as ya don't panic and take things slowly you'll have no trouble doin' all sorts of stuff... Makoto: .........Yeah. Lee: Makoto, I'm gonna smoke for a minute out back..... Makoto: Ah, sure... Have a good day, Lee-san. <he leaves> Lee: "Have a good day" huh....

Lee: That look she gave me... I'm going to protect that to the bitter end.... Lee: To protect that girl... I'd do anything... Anything at all....

<epilogue end> Bonus time: first of all OOFA DOOFA this was huge! and intense! and very difficult to translate god damn all this politicking and kansai-ben. In good(?) news, I learned a bunch of fun new vocab like abduction, kidnapping, human trafficking, betrayal, etc. You know, the essential stuff. Also it’s extremely unclear if the femme fatale that Lee leveraged here is the same one he plans to kill to fake Makoto’s death in Y0, or if he just knows multiple women that swindle money out of men and kill them. Here’s an actual bonus: Lee’s thoughts on things from the board game! Let’s see if tumblr explodes from all these images or not.

Sotenbori Our city. It's got good and bad and everythin' else all mixed together. Of course, that's why they call it the city that can't be satisfied.

Acupuncture Needle The acupuncture needle I use. Custom made, but ordinary needles. By using this, it'll start feeling good instantly.

Smokes An item vital to any acupuncturist. If you gently take a drag, the customer's meridians will appear on their back. Don't believe me?

Iwao Bridge A lot of young guys here trying to be pick up artists. A little while ago, one of my customers was an idiot who had jumped into the river after the local baseball team won the championship

Cabaret Grand This place has become the topic of conversation lately. I don't really go to those kinds of places, but, well, I kind of want to head over and take a peek

The Man with the Bat Tattoo I don't have any connection to him, I don't even know his face or his name, but if I ever meet him... I'm really going to enjoy it

Hogushi Kaikan My massage shop in Sotenbori. All ages of men and women, mafia and civilians, come here to get their muscles relaxed. (Tl note: Hogushi means to relax/loosen)

Rumor of Shakedown A shakedown? That ain't gonna happen. Still, some idiot wanting to try to shake me down is just the kind of thing that happens in Sotenbori

Mahjong Parlor I go to the mahjong parlor often. There's a lot of chinese people there. Though, japanese people go there too sometimes. Either way, by the time I go home I'm flat broke.

One Eyed Fella I've started seein' this guy around Sotenbori recently. I got no clue as to why he's here, but he's got the eye of a beaten stray dog.

I didn’t intentionally leave the Majima one for last, his was just the last one I found! I didn’t think there’d even be one, since this takes place a year before they even met, but I’m really glad there is. Now he’s just a fun bonus for anyone who made it all the way to the end. I kind of hoped the assassin that Lee sensed right in front of the Grand was just going to be Majima walking by or something.

Lee’s also got a character story that I’ll translate once I get his bond up, so look forward to even more Lee content!

#rggo #Lee Wen Hai #yakuza #yakuza 0 #Ryu ga Gotoku #ryu ga gotoku online #makoto makimura

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the-pirate-gang · 3 years ago

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Okay first of all, WHO DIDN’T TELL ME I WASN’T WEARIN’ ME SKULL PIN?! Ye know how embarrassin’ that is?! Geez...

Secondly, the captain still hasn’t found his phone. I’m not even sure he knows it’s gone yet.

Now that I look at it, I’m pretty sure this is me old phone. Does the captain know that he can just get a new phone without havin’ to use me old one? Man he’s old.

Anyways, I just wanted to do a small update. Nothin’ much has happened. Ye know, same old same old. The weather’s nice I guess. Maybe I could convince the captain to take us out sailin’ later I don’t know.

Well that’s all I wanted to say and if anythin’ interestin’ happens I’ll let-

Darryl quickly grabbed the phone out of Penny’s hand and glared as she spun around, teeth baring, ready to confront who ever dare to take something from her. Her anger quickly turned to panic as she saw the captain standing there with his arms crossed.

“So this is where me phone went?” Darryl said, holding up the phone. Penny gulped as she tried to come up with a excuse.

“Captain I was just lookin’ for ye! I found ye phone and was just about to give it to ye!” Penny said innocently, kind of proud of how quickly she came up with that lie, but of course Darryl didn’t buy it.

“Penny, why did ye take me phone? Ye have a perfectly good one yeself, so why take mine?” Darryl asked, ignoring Penny’s blatant lie.

‘Looks like there’s no gettin’ around the old robot this time huh?’ Penny thought to herself.

Penny sighed “Alright fine, I wanted to run the blog for awhile okay.”

Darryl rubbed his eye with his free hand “Penny ye know ye could of just asked.”

“Yeah, but ye was busy! And I didn’t want to interrupt ye so I uh... "borrowed" ye phone." Penny said, putting on the best innocent smile she could muster.

"Penny," Darryl said as he put his hands on his hips "not only will ye be doin’ ye chores today, but Tick's as well."

Penny's smile dropped.

"WHAT?!" Penny yelled.

"Ye heard me lassie!" he said firmly. "It should teach ye right for takin’ me things without me permission! And to think I was goin’ to take us out sailin’ later! Guess we're not going to do that now, are we?!" Darryl yelled back, letting his anger get the best of him.

"What?! No sailin’?"

Darryl and Penny quickly turn to the source of the voice only to see Tick standing by the door that leads to the living area.

"Tick! How long have ye been standin’ there?" Darryl said.

"Um... for awhile now actually." Tick said in his garbled speech, shoulders tensed as his eyes darted nervously between Darryl and Penny.

Both of them started to awkwardly shift in place knowing Tick had just heard them yelling at each other. Besides brawling, Tick never really liked to see people fight, especially them.

They all stood there in awkward silence for a few seconds when Tick decided to break it.

"So what were ye guys fightin’ about?" he asked, stepping a bit closer to them.

"Well when I was draggin’ ye back to ye room, Penny here though it would be a good idea to snatch me phone while I was distracted" Darryl said, narrowing his eye at Penny who responded by sticking her tongue out at him.

Tick shook his head and looked at Penny “Really Penny? Ye know ye could of just asked for it.”

“Yeah, I know.” Penny grumbled, crossing her arms.

Tick gave Penny a disappointed look before he turned his attention back to Darryl.

“Hey uh Dad? Sorry for makin’ ya drag me to me room again. I really didn’t mean to fall asleep.” Tick said, looking down in embarrassment.

Darryl rubbed the back of his head and sighed “Nah its fine Tick, just next time if ye start to feel sleepy while stargazin’, go to ye room okay?”

Tick look back up with his signature smile “Okay Dad! Next time for sure!” Tick beamed.

Penny stood there shocked “Oh! So when he gets in trouble it be okay?”

“Lassie, I think accidentally sleepin’ on the deck is less of a crime than stealin’” Darryl said, looking sternly at Penny, who turned away from him and grumbled something under her breath.

“Well at least I have some good news. Congrats Tick, because of Penny ye don’t have to do any of ye chores today.” Darryl said looking at Tick.

“Wait really!? AWESOME!!!” Tick exclaimed, bouncing in place.

Penny rolled her eyes as Tick quickly crossed the deck and headed to the ramp that lead to the shore.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa there Tick! Where do ye think yer goin’?”

Tick froze in place and turned his head to see Darryl walking over to him with a confused look.

“Ye said I don’t have any chores, so I’m headin’ to the main park.” Tick said innocently. Darryl slowed his pace as his confusion faded.

“Oh alright then. Just next time tell me where ya headin' instead of runnin' off to who knows where." Darryl said, patting Tick's shoulder.

"Actually Dad before I leave, can I run the blog for a bit? Since ye know, Penny already had a turn." Tick asked. Darryl thought for a moment, looking at the phone that was still in his hands. He looked a Tick and handed him the phone.

"Just take care of it alright?" Darryl said.

Tick nodded happily and continued on his way.

"OH COME ON REALLY!?" Penny exclaimed.

"Hey! At least he asked!" Darryl said back.

Both Penny and Darryl watched as he slowly made his way towards the main park. Penny smirked.

“I bet he’s goin’ to see 8-Bit, or Lou” she said, earning a chuckle from Darryl.

“Well, ye know how he feels about them” he said, tuning on his heel and headed towards the door labeled “Captains Quarters”. Penny watched him for a second before she sighed.

“Hey um, Captain?” Darryl stopped and turned to Penny,waiting for her to continue. She shifted awkwardly before she spoke again.

“I’m um... I’m sorry” Penny said.

“Lassie, sayin’ yer sorry ain’t gonna get ye out of yer pinishment.” Darryl said

"No not that, it be for um... it be for when I yelled at ye at Barley's" Penny said, looking down in shame.

Darryl looked confused for a moment when the memory hit him like a train. Ah, that night. He was telling one of his famous pirate stories. Everyone loved it... well at least he thought everyone loved it.

Darryl sighed "Look lassie ye don't-"

"Well I am!" Penny interrupted "I should have never yelled at ye like that! I don't even know why I got embarrassed! It wasn't even that bad! And I know ye love ta' tell ye stories that way a-and I feel terrible that I-I was the one that made ye stop a-and-" Penny was cut off when Darryl wrapped his arms around her.

"It be okay Penny. It was a long time ago. I forgive ye." Darryl said, hugging her a little tighter and Penny gladly retuned the hug. They stayed like that for a few minutes, neither wanting to let go.

"How long has it been since we lasted hugged?" Penny asked. Darryl chuckled sadly.

"Too long." he said. After a few more seconds they eventually let go of each other and Darryl could see Penny quickly rubbing her eyes.

"Aw lassie please don't cry." Darryl said. Penny smiled a little.

"Do ye feel bad enough ta' not make me do me chores?" Penny said, trying her best to sound innocent.

Darryl couldn't stay mad at Penny and if he could he would have smiled "Don't think yer getting out of it that easily."

"Darn!" Penny said jokingly, making them both laugh.

"..."

"Well how about this lass. If ye finish all the chores before the sunsets, I'll take us out sailin'" Darryl said. Penny's eyes shined as a big smile grew across her face.

"REALLY?!"

"But ye better hurry! Even though it be the mornin' those chores ain't gonna do themselves!" Darryl said, feeling the excitement radiating off of Penny.

"Okay Dad! Right away Dad!" she said, hugging Darryl one last time before running off to get her chores started.

Darryl stood there for a moment.

‘Dad’ he thought ‘Hasn’t called me that in a while either’

Darryl looked at the ocean as a cool ocean breeze passed by. Yup today really is a good day for sailing.

#brawl stars #brawl stars darryl #brawl stars penny #brawl stars tick #roleplay blog #rp blog #AH ITS DONE #this took longer than it should have #so sorry #now i need to work on the next part #sigh #Day 2 #also if you saw this before #no you didn't

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join-the-joywrite · 4 years ago

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You are the music in me (part 1)

(mostly) juke soulmate AUs no. 1

Special thanks & shoutout to @endless-navigator and @i-spit-on-fire for helping me with my first juke soulmates au post, you guys are amazing!!

Suggested by the lovely Endless: AU where soulmates are musically connected, so whenever the one is playing music, the other hears it in their head (Everyone Is Alive AU, Trevor and Bobby are not the same person I know it doesn't make sense shh)

First of all, I love this au and my co-writers

Second of all, let's just pause for a moment to imagine Alex suffering out hours of Justin Bieber's pop music because that was Willie's playlist at one point. Alex retaliated by starting a rock band and that's the real story behind Sunset Curve, shhh

They all go to the same school & the entire grade is very aware of Julie & Carrie's rivalry for top spot in music, dance and drama. So far, Julie has music, Carrie has dance and somehow, Flynn accidentally got into drama due to an admin error in eighth grade and she's been rocking it ever since. But Julie and Carrie are best friends, don't doubt that. It may seem a little suspicious, but they do love each other.

Luke thinks Julie is a hotshot and finds Carrie super arrogant. He tolerates Flynn. He expects his best friends to do the same but Reggie adopted Flynn as his little sister and partner in crime, and Alex regularly sleeps over at Carrie's for spa night and boy gossip. Luke is very betrayed when he discovers this.

Once, Alex was over for a Dirty Candy recital and spent the next day singing the song they were performing and when Dirty Candy performed it, Luke and Reggie were Very Confused -- but half an hour later, Alex was singing Justin Bieber under his breath again.

Anyway back to the juke I initially started this for

Perfect Harmony

Luke doesn't really like Julie but he's the first to admit she's actually really talented. Julie has no idea who Luke is.

When Sunset Curve started up and found their sound, Julie decided that she couldn't wait to meet her soulmate because she was going to strangle them on sight. How was she supposed to get her homework done when all she had every afternoon was rock music???

They once independently went to the same concert and after realizing that the music wasn't bad, they were just hearing double, both got excited that their soulmate liked the music they did.

Julie wrote music with Rose a lot and often, she'd be the one singing. Luke often thought about penning down the unfamiliar lyrics to search it up later but he always forgot, getting lost in the beautiful music his soulmate listened to.

Eventually, Julie grew accustomed to the constant rock and decided to Google the lyrics in her head. After coming up blank everywhere, she concluded that her soulmate was making original music. So she had a talented soulmate. Didn't mean they weren't annoying.

Perfect Harmony

Julie still can't wait to meet her soulmate. Maybe she won't kill them on sight but she sure as hell will beat them with a cushion for the one calculus test she flunked after spending all the study time with loud music in her head.

Luke and Julie write music together

I love Luke but he's dumb and he doesn't even notice that he's writing music with his soulmate. Julie does, but only because her soulmate has a very distinct voice and any music that comes from her soulmate shares that voice and even though it's so very different to her own, there is an undeniable complimentary aspect.

Julie has like 8 duets locked away from her family that she co-wrote with her unaware soulmate.

Perfect Harmony

Sunset Curve has ballads now and then. Bobby, Reggie and Alex know why but they're not gonna tell Luke. They're just gonna share knowing glances and pretend like nothing is different. They have a bet going with how long it'll take Luke to realise.

Luke is falling in love with his soulmate because music is life and his soulmate has GREAT music taste. Unlike Julie, he hasn't yet figured out that the music in his head is original music.

P E R F E C T H A R M O N Y

Endless, Sun & I thought about killing Rose but we threw that out the window pretty quickly. Instead, we decided upon a year-long coma. In which Julie loses music.

Luke is absolutely distraught. He thinks his soulmate died. Reggie, Alex & Bobby don't think so for sure but the longer the silence goes on, the more convinced they get. It affects Luke's music too. Sunset Curve doesn't shut down like Julie did, but they do get softer.

Luke spends more time writing, singing to himself. If by some miracle, his soulmate isn't dead, then he's singing to them. Hopefully.

One day, Sunset Curve performs for Julie. Well, they don't specifically perform for her. They'd have to know her for that. Sunset Curve throws a small gig and "this song goes out to all of you who feel hopeless, like you'll never be able to wake all the passions you used to have up again."

Flynn decides Julie needs to start living again and drags her to the small mini concert because it's small and why not.

Julie goes through the entire evening in a daze, but after Flynn leaves her house later that night, Julie feels a little fuzzy, like something's wrapping her in a big warm hug. And the next day, Julie absolutely obliterates Wake Up.

A week or so after, Rose is concious again.

Now that the serious moments are done, let's get to some funnies.

Luke, distracted and bored: you with the sad eyes

Julie, trying to do her homework: W H Y

Luke, oblivious: don't be discouraged

Julie, squishing her scrap paper: >:(

Flynn finds this amusing and asks what's up. Julie growls, "he's singing Trolls."

"So sing back. Duh."

And then she does. Luke's singing gets less lazy and more energetic. Julie actually really likes Trolls music and she has to admit singing Poppy's lines are fun. Flynn is super tempted to record Julie and call it blackmail stock. Alex, Reggie and Bobby actually act on the temptation.

They do this often. Julie will be doing something mundane and then all of a sudden, there's a duet playing in her head and it's her idiot soulmate covering the song akd hoping she joins in. Thankfully, Julie is mostly alone but she wonders if her soulmate is acting a fool in front of other people just for the sake of hearing her voice. Endearing.

P E R F E C T H A R M O N Y

Julie needs some practice on her dance recitals okay, so randomly, she has the track playing on her headphones and bops her head along. Sometimes she's cleaning the kitchen and dancing with the broom pretending it's her dance partner. No I don't do that haha

It has been WEEKS of this.

Luke has developed brain cells. He now knows his soulmate is helping him write music. So he starts penning down a new song. Both of them know it's a duet. They've even had some joke practices together with no music and things like that. Julie doesn't know the music that goes with it because Luke is careful not to play it. Ever.

And so one night, Julie's down in the studio -- it's dusty and needs a little cleaning -- and pops her earbuds in and she's doin her lil dancy-dance as she listens to her the music for her dance class recital.

Luke: GUYS GUYS GUYS ITS TIME ITS TIME SHE'S PRACTICING GUYS GUYS

Alex: IT'S FINALLY HAPPENINNNGGGGGGG

Reggie and Bobby: so should we leave you two alone for a minute or--

Luke: NO YOU WILL STAY HERE AND YOU WILL PLAY THE NOTES I GAVE YOU LAST WEEK I HOPE YOU NERDS PRACTICED

Bobby: you know we're gonna silently make fun of you the whole time

Luke: I am aware but you guys love me and you'll do this for me now shut up I have to time this perfectly

Julie is hearing double. At first she thinks maybe she never plugged her headphones in or maybe Flynn or Carrie are nearby listening to it too or -- no wait hang on a minute that doesn't sound like the track she's supposed to dance to.

Taking out her earbuds confirms that the music is in her head.

Off topic, speaking of music in her head, Luke definitely thinks I Got The Music is a Bop™

Its soft, its sweet, it's just guitar. There is no way in hell her soulmate is listening to guitar instead of playing it. She knows that much.

So now Julie has forgotten about cleaning the studio up and is pretty much standing in the same spot, just holdin on to the broom that did just two short sweeps

"Step into my world"

"THE BASTARD WROTE A SONG"

"Bittersweet love story bout a girl"

big gasp "THAT BASTARD IS PLAYING OUR DUET"

"Shook me the core"

Julie's brain: singggg,,,,, Julie: I'm afraid, ,,, Julie's brain, in Flynn's voice: S I N G

"Voice like an angel, never heard before"

Julie, before she can back down, "here in front of me"

Luke's eyes get so wide and so happy. Bobby takes a pause to snap a photo. When they finally find Luke's soulmate, they're gonna have so many dorky pics to show

Y'all it is the most beautiful separated duet of all time. I mean, not for the guys, the pauses are really weird but hey, at least Luke seems to be enjoying himself.

Post duet: "Mija are you singing to yourself"

Julie: (screams and throws broom) no?

You know what maybe this needs to be split for a part two...

#julie and the phantoms #julie and the fat ones #julie and the himbos #jatp #julie molina #luke patterson #juke #sunset curve #alex jatp #reggie jatp #carrie wilson #flynn jatp #willie jatp #willie williams #willex #jatp soulmate aus #mara's soulmate aus #soulmate au #au headcanon

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blissfulalchemist · 3 years ago

Text

So this was a prompt request from way back yonder that was suggested by @belorage! It’s a little fluff piece from a shared verse with her Wes, his smaller partner in crime Liz, and the tired Danny.

"Just jump. I'll catch you."

“Liz, I’m pretty sure we shouldn’t be doing this,” Danny advised, following his sister up the ladder, “Dad could get mad.”

She snorts, looking back down at him through the tangled mess of curls, “If mom’s right about who’s genetics are whose, then I think I’m safe.”

“And if they’re wrong?” She gives a shrug, pulling herself up to what is the confirmed final level of stability on the old skeleton of a statue. “Liz,” Danny huffs, Liz dropping the backpack off her shoulder, “what even is the point of doing this anyway?”

“Defiance,” she reaches a hand out, Danny using it to bring himself up next to her, “A need to show that they can’t keep getting away with what they’re doing.”

His eyes go wide a moment before rolling them, “Seriously?! You’re still on about the school not firing Mr. Heyworth?”

“He started it,” she grumbled, opening the bag, “And it’s not just about him either. Not tonight at least. That old man Drubman is proposing a law that will allow for big business to raise taxes on the reservations here in the state and possibly cause harm to the land.” Her brother sighed, crossing his arms, “Not to mention his stance on just about everything else.”

Danny groaned, rubbing his temples, he should have known better, “How is this going to help again?”

Liz pulled out a big piece of cloth, smiling, “It's to bring attention to it so the voices that need it can be amplified and heard!” She raised a fist in the air, her words echoing to the empty sky. Danny raised an eyebrow at her, “Look just trust me it’ll work.”

“I’m just trying to understand how you’ll get old man Drubman to even notice from the pedestal he put himself on.”

“Because I asked Hurk what would I have to put on this flag to get under his skin the most,” Danny sat down, shaking his head, “I then confirmed it with a second source.”

“You asked Addie,” Danny brought his knees to his chest, forehead resting against them, “Liz why?”

“Because-.”

“That was rhetorical loquita!” Danny’s voice muffled as he took to reciting whatever poem he found comfort in that week. When he finished he stood taking a deep breath, “Okay, what is it you need me to do.” Liz smiled, wrapping her arms around him, “God, stop. Stop it before I change my mind.”

“You’re the best lanky younger brother one could ever ask for, you know that?” She ruffled her hair, needing to stand on her tiptoes.

“I’m serious about leaving you behind.”

“Right! Okay well I need you to help me unfold this and hold the bottom half steady so I don’t blow away with the wind.” Danny opened his mouth to protest, “I thought ahead,” Liz tugged on the red thin ropes, “You’ll stay down here and hold these.”

“I was going to ask if you’d rather me tying the top half since I’m taller.”

“Not by much,” Getting there though, “Besides you’re too much of a scaredy cat. I, on the other hand, have no fears.”

“Fine, okay. Whatever you say.” Danny breathed out slowly, grabbing the ropes, “Just hurry up, cause we aren’t supposed to be up here to begin with.”

Liz tied two more ropes at the top of the canvas across her body, grabbing hold of the steel beams, “What makes you say that?”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe the gate and signs that we jumped over to get here.” She waved him off, pushing herself higher to some plywood to stand, “You know Padre’s working tonight right? Doesn’t that worry you?”

Liz rolled her eyes, “Oh yeah, I’m really worried about him arresting us Danny,” she stretched for a pole above her, tossing the rope over it, “Wessy ain’t going to do anything to punish us. He’s going to actually agree with me.”

“Dad won’t!”

“That sounds like a bit of a you problem, Danny,” she tied a loose knot, stepping back to admire her work, “Do you think it’s high enough? Nah, it’s not high enough.” Liz took the ropes back down, eyes scanning the best route to climb higher, “Hey loosen your grips on the ropes, I’m gonna go higher up!” She didn’t wait for a response as she climbed the tangles of old mesh and poles, legs dangling as she gathered momentum to make it to the small intersection of steel beams.

“Liz!”

She took a deep breath, swinging once more towards her destination. She closed her eyes, feeling the wind pass over her as she flew the ten feet, time slowing with the horizontal momentum. The first feeling of her feet landing on the beam and everything sped up, her arms reaching for the first thing she could grab hold of. Heart pounding in her chest, wind blocking out any other sound, a smile growing on her face as she felt herself steady on the intersection. “I did it!” She cried out, howling into the night sky, “Did you see that Danny! I did it! I’ve never jumped it before without stumbling!”

“What!” Danny’s voice higher pitched and farther away, “You’ve climbed this before!” She nodded looking out over the county, the lights from Fall’s End visible from this height, the full moon above her seeming close enough to touch. “Liz! How many times have you done this!” She waved him off, shuffling to the spot she needed to secure the canvas, “LIZ!” She felt the bottom tighten, Danny having secured it while she worked on the last knot. “Get back down here! Now!”

“I’m fine! Stop worrying!” The next best place to tie the other side was a little farther up, with only a single silver pole to grab onto, “I need to get just a tad higher.” Liz’s hands started to shake as she took a few more deep breaths, feet slowly moving along the beam, feeling the rocking of the structure, “You got this. You’ve come this far. You can do this,” she whispered. When she was close enough she wrapped her leg around the pole, hands working as quickly as they could to tie the canvas into place, only made harder with her shaking hands. The swaying grew, Did the wind pick up more speed?, her stomach turning as she finally got it secured, letting out the breath she’d been holding in.

The last corner straightened out, “Okay! Can you come back down now! You’re starting to scare me, Lizzy!” You and me both Danny-boy, the groan of the metal made Liz stiffen, knuckles white as she gripped the pole. “Liz….”

Her eyes went wide as the pole shifted beneath her, Liz screaming as it bent to the left over a mostly open area. There was a small section of the plywood she could try to grab onto if she let go, but looking down at it now, there was no way she could ever manage to make it. The pole stopped, mostly flat, Liz’s heart speeding out of her chest, breathing shallow and quick. “I wanna go home now!” She was going to be sick as the pole finally stopped moving up and down.

“Use your belt to secure yourself!” Danny cried out, “Make sure it’s as tight as you can make it!”

Liz shook her head, the movement making her bury her face into the sleeves of her clothes, “I can’t!”

“You can! Just wrap your legs so you can cross your ankles! Just like Wes taught us! Remember?”

“Okay,” she whispered, “Just like he taught us. Like the playground.” Her legs shook and protested as she moved them into the proper position, ankles crossed. Her thighs gripped the pole hard enough for her to unbuckle the belt she wore, securing it around the pole. “Okay I did it!” Tears stinging her eyes as she shut them tightly, the ground spinning each time she looked, her arms clutching the pole.

“Good! I’m gonna get help! Just stay put!”

“Where else am I going to go Danny!” The wind roared in her ears muffling any sounds from where Danny had been. “Welcome to your life,” she mumbled, “There’s no turning back, even while you sleep, we will find you.” Her breath shaky as sobs wanted to start wracking through her body, “Acting on your best behavior, turn your back on mother nature,” she whined as the pole swayed, “Everybody wants to rule the world.”

“Liz!” Her ears picked up on the not so subtle sound of a megaphone blasting Wes’ voice, “Doin’ okay?”

“I’m hanging over my death! So that’s a no!” This is no time for dumb questions!

“Thought you had no fears?” Danny taunted, Couldn’t resist that one I guess you jerk.

“I have one fear apparently!” The wind blew once more, “Just get me down from here!”

“I will,” Wes assured, “but you gotta get yourself to the beam behind ya.” Are you insane old man?!, “Just slide back,” Get the fire department with the big ladder!.

“Like when we used to play spies, Liz,” Danny interjected, feedback from the megaphone following.

“This isn’t a tree, Danny!” Useless! All of them! All these men are useless!

“You can do it, kid,” Wes encouraged. Fine. Okay, Liz released her grip around the pole, pushing herself back slowly, legs slow in their movements.

“There’s a room where the light won’t find you. Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down,” she stiffened with the gust of wind, Maybe the wrong song choice.

“When they do, I’ll be right behind you,” Wes sang to her, she glanced down to his face, the encouragement clear. He meant it, she just had to trust him, Padre’s not gonna let anything bad happen to you. Liz steeled herself taking a deep breath, starting to move once more. “Atta girl!” Her feet finally touched the beam, “Now just unhook the belt.” She did as she was told, her shaking limbs securing her to the beam. The metal cool against her face as she hugged the beam.

She just needed to rest, they had to be getting something better to get her down, “Now what!”

“He’s gonna meet you halfway,” Danny said, Liz feeling the rattling of the metal. Meet me halfway?! That’s not helpful, can’t be helpful, “Just turn to your right.” Nope fuck you, fuck you, “Lizzy I promise you, just turn to the right.”

“Over ‘ere kid,” Wes called out, Liz turning her head watching him between the hair blowing in her face. His arms were outstretched, waving her down, standing where she started out before needing to go higher. Liz started to push herself up, the wind gluing her back down to the beam, shaking her head. “Lizzy,” he tried again, “You trust me?” Mostly, she nodded, “Need you to sit up.” Slowly she brought herself to a sitting position, “There ya go. Jus’ take your time gettin’ back here.” Her head spun looking down, stomach turning in knots, eyes looking for a way down too quickly for her to focus. Her breathing getting shallower, rapid, oh she was going to be sick, or faint, Would get me to the ground faster if I did right?. Down, she needed down, best way to get down, “Liz,” Wes snapped, his fingers following suit garnering her attention, “Focus.” She nodded, stretching out a leg to the beam across and a bit lower from her.

She could almost reach it, eyes looking upward to a thin pipe. She took a deep breath reaching for it, tugging it for stability, palms sweating. “Just need to hold onto it briefly, just to make it to the other side.” She clenched her jaw, pushing herself off to where she wanted to be, hands grabbing onto the sturdier pieces of metal. From here she could make out the smirk on Wes’ face, hazel eyes still filled with worry, You and me both. She swallowed looking at the distance between the two, even with his arms outstretched she’d have quite a jump.

“Liz, look at me,” her eyes locked with his, “Just jump. I’ll catch you.”

“It’s- I don’t know. It’s still pretty far, Wessy,” she choked out.

“You won’t fall,” he adjusted his stance, planting his feet, “I got you.” Her lip trembled, Alright this is on me and my stupidity. Gotta face it like an activist. She steeled her legs to jump, her foot slipping when they stayed rooted. She shook her head, tears freezing in the wind. “Count of three?” She shook her head fervently, “Yeah. One.” I hate this. One, her legs loosened, “Two.” Two, she swallowed back the shaking, Deep breath, “Three.” Three!, her legs obeyed as they left the safety of the beam. A freefall, soaring away with her body lead and weightless at the same time, her eyes focusing on Wes’ outstretched arms the only guarantee of her safety, her own reaching for him. Slowly, she flew closer, fingertips brushing his.

The impact was sudden and jarring as she gripped onto him, nails digging into the leather jacket, Wes stumbling back two steps, arms encircling her. She gasped, once steady, the sobs starting, burying her face into his chest. He kissed the top of her head, smoothing her hair, “I got you,” repeating through his heavy breathing.

Liz took deep breaths stopping the sobbing, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“I know,” Wes kissed her forehead, “Come on. Let’s get down.” She nodded, letting him take the lead, the trip down made easier with the metal work feeling more like a ladder.

Danny quickly had her wrapped in a hug, his own crying wetting her hair, “Don’t ever do that again.” He pulled away hands on her shoulders, his light brown eyes serious as they looked right into hers, “I’m not kidding Liz. Don’t ever do something like this again.”

“I don’t plan on it,” she assured, her breathing finally starting to even out.

Wes cleared his throat, “Save it for solid ground.” The two nodded, following him down the various ladders to the base where stairs finally signaled that the statue met the earth. The three of them collapsed on the benches outside of the base, Liz’s vision no longer feeling as if it was spinning, finally laying down.

“I’m sorry for scaring you both,” she said finally, feeling in control of herself again sitting up.

“I’m sure Padre will agree with me that we’re just glad that you’re safe,” Danny shook his head looking to the sky on his back, legs on either side of the bench like Wes. “Still though: What were you even thinking? You didn’t need to go higher, you acted impulsively and-.”

Wes’ hand reached over covering Danny’s mouth, “Hush.” His eyes flicked over to Liz, “What’d we learn?”

She shifted, sighing, “Don’t go climbing that high without the right equipment.”

Wes shook his head, failing at hiding the smile, “Close enough.”

“No,” Danny protested, “Not close enough. Liz you n-.”

“Danny,” Wes interrupted quickly, shushing him, “calmate.” Liz smiled watching Danny huff, crossing his arms, “She knows better,” Wes’ eyes turned to stare her down, “Right?”

She looked down to her feet, “Yeah. I know better.”

He gave a curt nod, sitting up, “Let’s go home. Gotta beat the wardens.”

Liz’s eyes went wide, “You’re not going to tell them are you?”

The two rushed to keep up as Wes made his way to the truck, “Nope.”

“They’re going to know eventually,” Danny pointed to the canvas poster blowing above, “Liz isn’t exactly subtle.”

“It’s called direct action,” she grumbled, rolling her eyes.

“Well whatever it’s called, it has your signature.”

“Nope,” Wes corrected, loading up his bike into the bed of the truck, “Hurk and Adds already takin’ credit.”

Liz’s mouth fell, “That’s not fair!”

He secured the bike down, “Works in your favor though.”

“A.K.A mom and Dad don’t find out it was you,” Danny’s voice condescending.

“We still need alibis,” Liz mocked, hands on her hips.

“Already got ‘em,” Wes held his hand out for the keys, Danny tossing them over. “Now, get in.”

The two teens squeezed into the old truck, Wes pulling out onto the main road, an old mix tape filling in the brief silence. “There’s one more thing,” Liz started, “How did you get there so fast?” Wes furrowed his brow, “Look, I believe in my brother, don't get me wrong, but no way he’s The Flash.” Danny gave a shrug agreeing, “And no offence but neither are you, Wessy, even with your bike.”

Wes smirked, “I’m not stupid, Liz. Been goin’ on and on ‘bout that new policy.”

“Proposal,” she corrected, “I’m trying to stop it from passing.”

He gave a small eye roll, “Saw the canvas in the garage ‘nd figure only best place to hang it was ol’ Joe.”

“Just lucky that you guessed the right night,” Danny rolled his eyes at Liz’s assumption.

“Amatures,” he chuckled, “Used to sneak out all the time. Knowin’ you, kid, tonight was perfect.” He looked over to the both of them, “Good effort, but two out of ten. Docked for my heart attack.”

#brotp: prepare for trouble n make it double #x3: pqnld #lizette eden oc #Kate thank you as always for letting me borrow your boy!#but look okay I promise I am trying to get other stuff done its just....too angsty for me right now I guess

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thelastspeecher · 4 years ago

Note

Super hero/villain AU Angie doing one of her first solo crimes as a villain (idk where lute is or he can be there either way). Maybe it starts going wrong and she kicks it into high gear and pulls them throughm

All right, here’s the last Angie-centric prompt in celebration of Angie’s birthday. Enjoy some Angie being a BAMF and also making a certain hero a bit flustered.

——————————————————————————————

Angie walked into HQ, nerves fluttering in her stomach. Despite being a villain for a couple years now, she had yet to come into work alone. But Lute was currently next to the toilet in their house, occasionally throwing up. She headed for the secretary to pick up her assignment for the day. The secretary looked up and raised an eyebrow.

“Where’s your brother?”

“Sick,” Angie said.

Technically, it’s true. Bein’ hungover definitely qualifies as bein’ ill. You’d think a hydrokinetic would know to stay hydrated when doin’ a bar crawl.

“Hmm. Well, luckily, you should be able to handle today’s hit on your own.” The secretary handed Angie a notecard. “There’s some poorly guarded electronics that we could use. The ones that we don’t use, we can sell at a heavy markup.” Angie scanned the notecard with a frown. “And, like usual, you can pocket some for yourself. They make great gifts for family.”

“This is an Amazon warehouse,” Angie said. The secretary nodded. “Last time we hit up an Amazon warehouse, the employees were furloughed fer months while the building was rebuilt. They had to choose between keepin’ their jobs but not gettin’ paid or tryin’ to find a new job.” The secretary rolled her eyes.

“Yes, yes, you’re someone who cares about that sort of thing,” she said in a tone that made it clear she didn’t. Angie scowled at her. The secretary cleared her throat. “Since that last hit, legislation was passed that guarantees full pay to employees who cannot work due to villain or hero activity. The workers at the warehouse will be fine.”

“Hmm…” Angie looked down at the notecard again.

I do recall hearin’ somethin’ like that… She sighed.

“Okay. I’ll head on out.”

“Call if you need backup.”

“Nah.” Angie shot a grin that was more confident than she felt. “I can handle it.”

-----

Angie landed on the surface of the Amazon warehouse. Thankfully, the building had a large skylight through which she could see the workers busily packing items into boxes.

Easiest thing would be to break the skylight. But the poor workers have enough to deal with already. Don’t need to add fallin’ glass to it. Before Angie could go find a different way in, something incredibly heavy slammed into her, breaking through the skylight. Angie gasped for breath, spots dancing in her vision. She glared at the man who had tackled her.

In Angie’s opinion, far too many heroes either didn’t pay attention to or didn’t care about collateral damage. To be fair, most villains were in the same boat, but to be equally fair, most villains weren’t cut of the cloth that Angie’s family was. Of the heroes who caused civilian injuries and more property damage than necessary, the man currently accosting her was one of the worst.

Hopefully, it’s just ‘cause he’s a young hero. Maybe someday he’ll actually grow into his strength ‘n voice. Angie abruptly remembered she was falling, surrounded by shards of glass. No, now’s not the time to be thoughtful, Angie. There are innocent people who ‘re ‘bout to get showered in glass. Angie summoned a wind to grab the shattered glass from the skylight, then directed it at the hero holding her. When the glass began to cut him, he let out a yelp and let go, plummeting to the floor. Picking up more breezes, Angie gently set herself on the floor. She glared at the hero.

“Manly Man,” she snarled. Manly Man smirked.

“That GLASS trick was DIRTY.”

“No dirtier than what you just did, breaking glass all over all these poor, overworked souls,” Angie snapped, masking her southern accent. Manly Man frowned.

“Why would YOU care? ANYWAY, they didn’t get hurt!”

“Because-” Angie huffed. “No, I’m not in the mood.” A powerful gust of wind blew Manly Man’s shirt up, covering his face. While his vision was obscured, Angie grabbed a scanner and hit him over the knees with it. Manly Man yelped, bending over in pain. Angie clubbed the back of his head, careful to hit just hard enough to knock him out. He collapsed to the ground. Angie huffed impatiently. She looked over at the workers, who were gathered by one of the walls.

“Are you- are you going to kill us?” one of the workers asked timidly. Angie blinked.

“What? No! I’m just here to…relieve you of some of your inventory.” She made a gust of wind blow open the front door. “Feel free to leave now before more heroes show up. Innocent bystanders sometimes get hurt during fights between masks.” The workers looked cautiously at each other. “Seriously. I’m not going to do anything.” One worker hesitantly made their way to the door. Once they had left, the other workers sprinted out of the building, leaving Angie alone in the warehouse.

Well. Angie looked back at Manly Man, unconscious on the floor. I ain’t fully alone.

-----

By the time that Manly Man’s backup arrived, Angie had finished gathering all the electronics. She didn’t even look up when Flamethrower landed a few feet away.

“Hey there, hot lips,” she said casually. She quickly looked over so that she wouldn’t miss his reaction. Flamethrower had turned bright red behind his domino mask. The last time Angie had gone up against him, she’d wound up kissing him.

Why’d I do that, again?

“Sirocco,” Flamethrower said, visibly struggling to stay professional. Angie couldn’t help her grin.

That’s why. He’s so adorable when he’s flustered. She hefted the bag of electronics over one shoulder. Poor feller’s conflicted by his feelin’s fer a villain.

“You’re happy to know my actual codename, aren’t you?” she asked. During the same encounter where she’d kissed Flamethrower, she also told him her villain name was Sirocco, after he kept referring to her as “Twister Twin”. “Sounds good when you say it.” Flamethrower scowled.

“Stop flirting. Look, if you drop the loot now, I won’t arrest you.”

“Wait, no attempt to get me to change sides? No speech about how I’d be an amazing hero? I feel a bit insulted.”

“Seriously. There are more heroes coming. It could get messy.”

“Aw, you do care about me,” Angie crooned. Flamethrower huffed impatiently. “Sorry, buster, but I came here to do a job.”

“What a coincidence,” a voice said behind her. She spun around. Another hero had arrived while she was talking to Flamethrower. He walked out of the shadows. Angie swore. “We came here to do a job, too,” Richter said.

Great. A geokinetic. Richter idly tossed a rock in his hand, grinning viciously at Angie. And not just any geokinetic, but a ruthless, bloodthirsty one. Making matters worse, Manly Man sat up, groaning heavily.

“You all right, man?” Flamethrower asked him. Manly Man nodded, standing up. He glared at Angie.

“Little Miss Windy KNOCKED me OUT,” he said angrily. He, Flamethrower, and Richter advanced on Angie. Angie took a few steps back.

“Now, now, boys,” she said in a pleasant voice. “I think we can handle this like adults.”

“You’ll turn yourself in?” Richter asked. Angie laughed airily.

“I never said anything like that.” Before the heroes could do anything or say anything else, she kicked up a massive sphere of wind with her in the center. The currents threw the heroes into the walls of the warehouse. While they were getting back to their feet, Angie summoned breezes to carry her up, through the shattered skylight, and back to HQ.

#mm yes this was a v fun write to write #love me some Angie kicking ass #it was also fun to bring in a coupla heroes other than Stan for her to beat up #and v fun for me to make some Social Commentary about Amazon lmaoooo #Superhero/villain AU #Angie McGucket #my writing #my stuff #ficlet #ask #mythomagically-delicious

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softlass27 · 4 years ago

Text

a wee fic based on the chas/al affair rumours :)

AO3 link here

(obviously robert never went to prison in this universe)

“No, Nicola, I don’t know what your anniversary plans are – nor do I wish to know – and Jimmy really needs to be in that meeting so just tell him… ” Robert trails off when he spots Aaron trudge through the front door looking like someone had just run over his dog.

“Gotta go, tell Jimmy to be ready first thing tomorrow.” He hangs up the call, indifferent to the sound of Nicola’s indignant shrieks on the other end.

“Hey,” he calls tentatively as Aaron kicks his shoes off and enters the kitchen. “What’s up?”

“Just come from the pub… ”

“And?”

Aaron slumps down into the chair next to him and sighs heavily. “My mum’s been havin’ an affair.”

“What, seriously?”

“Yeah.”

Robert’s mouth curls into a sly grin before he can stop it. Oh, how the tables turn.

Aaron catches the look on his face and gives him a light smack on the arm. “Oi, this isn’t funny!”

“No, sorry, course it isn’t,” Robert clears his throat and schools his face into a more sympathetic expression. It’s not like they hadn’t thought something was coming – Aaron had been convinced Chas was acting suspiciously for weeks now – but it’s probably still a bit of a shock for his husband. “What happened, then?”

“Dunno how it all came out, I got there just in time to see the whole thing kicking off in front of everyone. Mum crying, Paddy storming out, the works. Half the village probably knows by now.”

“God. Who’s she been carrying on with, then?”

“Al.”

“Al?”

“Yep.”

“Al who slept with Marlon’s wife and still goes out of his way to make him miserable at every opportunity? That Al?”

“I just said so, didn’t I?”

“Wow, after all the grief she’s been giving Belle about family loyalty these last few months… I’m shocked. Shocked and appalled.”

“Right, if you’re not gonna take this seriously, I’m gonna walk right back out that door.” Aaron scowls and rises from his seat, only for Robert to grab his arm and pull him down again.

“No, wait, I’m sorry. I’m listening, I swear. You have to admit, though, it’s a bit ironic.”

Aaron rolls his eyes, but gives a reluctant nod.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I guess,” Aaron shrugs, though his eyes look sad. “Just… sucks that they’re breaking up like this.”

“Well… it’s been on the cards for a while, I suppose.”

“What’re you on about?” Robert winces when Aaron frowns at him. Apparently that was the wrong thing to say. “Okay, yeah, they’ve had a rough go of things but they’ve been alright. They’ve got Eve now and I thought – I thought they were doin' better.”

“Aaron,” Robert gently takes his hand, feeling his heart give a painful tug at his husband’s downcast expression. “You remember what they were like on lockdown, right? The endless calls you got from your mum ranting about how Paddy was driving her mad. Or vice versa, if he was feeling brave enough to dare complain. Frankly, I’m amazed the pub didn’t turn into a crime scene.”

The longer lockdown had dragged on, the more phone calls and texts Aaron had received from Chas, to the point where Robert had seriously considered chucking his phone into the stream on their daily walk. Hour after hour Aaron – and by extension Robert – had to listen to the same complaints; another day of arguments, another day of silent treatment, another day of disagreeing about Eve, another day where Paddy’s very presence seemed to drive her over the edge.

Not that Robert could blame her, but hey, she was the one who chose to be with the man. He can’t imagine ever speaking about Aaron like that. Hell, he never would’ve spoken about Chrissie like that, not when they were together.

“That’s not how it’s supposed to be. I think this year… has put some things into perspective for people. Divorce rates are sky high, apparently, loads of couples have realised they’re not as compatible as they thought. And maybe Chas and Paddy are one of those couples.”

Personally Robert’s always thought of Chas and Paddy as the least compatible couple he’d ever been unfortunate enough to know, but he decides to keep that to himself for now. Probably not helpful.

“Mum and Paddy aren’t actually married,” is all Aaron says, chewing his thumbnail. “Never got round to it, remember?”

“Doesn’t that tell you something?”

No response.

“Look, I’m not saying she should’ve cheated on him – again,” he can’t resist adding, which has Aaron pinching his hand warningly. “But surely them splitting up is better in the long run, rather than staying together when they just make each other miserable? Which would probably make Eve miserable when she got old enough to notice?”

“Yeah… ” Aaron sighed. “Suppose you’re right.”

“Wow, can I get that in writing?”

Aaron huffs a laugh and shoves Robert’s hand away. “You can piss off.”

“Okay, you want me to make us a brew while I do that?”

“Please.”

Robert presses a kiss to Aaron’s forehead and goes to fill the kettle. As he pulls out the mugs and drops a couple of tea bags in them, he notices Aaron checking his phone.

“Okay?”

“Yeah, just… maybe I should track Paddy down, check he’s alright.”

“He’s probably gone to Marlon’s or somethin’.”

Aaron just hums in response.

“He’ll be okay, y’know,” Robert smiles reassuringly as he returns to the table and sets Aaron’s mug in front of him, giving him another kiss just because he can. “Yeah, it’ll hurt for a while, but he’ll come out the other end. It’s not like he hasn’t been through it before. From both sides, I might add.”

“Alright,” Aaron shakes his head in exasperation. “You got all your digs in now?”

Robert hums thoughtfully and takes a slow sip of his brew. “Give me a minute, another one might come to me.”

He grins when Aaron chuckles despite himself. They sit in silence for a few moments, drinking their teas, when Aaron eventually speaks quietly.

“I’m so glad that we’re not like… ”

“Your mum and Paddy?”

“I was going to say those couples you mentioned. The ones who couldn’t make it through this year.”

“Oh.” Robert has to agree, he can’t imagine ever getting sick of spending time with his husband. “Me too. I loved having you to myself.”

Aaron’s eyes turn soft. “Yeah, it wasn’t bad, was it?”

“Guess we’re just superior.”

“Guess so.”

“Although if I’d had to watch you play Call of Duty in your pants for one more hour, that might’ve been the breaking point, so it’s probably a good thing lockdown ended when it did.”

“Oh I’m sorry, d’you wanna talk about the mess you made in the kitchen every other day? Trying out another recipe for somethin’ we’d literally never eat.”

“Now hang on a sec – ”

“’Cause I think the garlic sourdough incident might count as grounds for divorce.”

“Whatever,” Robert huffs, before raising an eyebrow. “I made that up to you, didn’t I?”

Aaron pauses, before grinning sheepishly when the memory of how that night had ended comes back to him.

“Fair enough,” he leans forwards in his chair and smirks at Robert. “I suppose we did alright on that front.”

A wave of sudden desire washes over Robert, memories of exactly how they’d passed most of their blissfully uninterrupted time during those months hitting him vividly.

“I’d say we managed, yeah,” his voice drops an octave, gaze drifting down to Aaron’s mouth. “So you fancy… reliving some of lockdown now? Upstairs?”

“You read my mind.”

The unfinished mugs of tea sit abandoned on the table.

#catch me ignoring canon completely :)#aaron and robert are superior in every way #and they know it #my writing #robron #anti-chaddy

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myblueeyedbuggers · 4 years ago

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My Boys

Chapter 10

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14

Pairings: Reader x Steve Rogers (best friend) Reader x Bucky Barnes

Word Count:1843

Warnings: Slow Start, Language.

Summary: After being abandoned by her parents in Brooklyn in 1929, y/n makes a living for herself by working for the Црни лабуд gang until she meets two boys in a back alley and her life slowing begins to change.

Annnddd I’m back! so I know it’s been a while since the last update and I just wanna thank you all for having patience with me while I finished up with college, just a warning this chapter may feel a little awkward to read due to me just getting back into my writing mind so apologises in advance for this one. Anyways I’ll quit blabbering, Enjoy everyone! :)

This was my day of reckoning, my punishment for all the bad deeds I’d done over the past couple of years…I was finally being sent to school. Okay maybe that was a tad dramatic, but can you blame me? I mean who wants to be trapped in a building against their will for 7 hours straight learning about dead guys?! No sane person would willingly agree to that crap!

I’ve tried just about everything to avoid my approaching doom, hell I even went as far as hiding in the basement surrounded by cobwebs to try and get out of this, but as per usual neither Steve or Bucky took mercy on me, hence why in currently trapped between the two. “You are aware I’m perfectly capable of walkin’ by myself aren’t ya? The looping of the arms is not needed boys” I swear down these two are being more annoying than usual, and I didn’t think that was humanly possible cause these two are basically the living embodiment of annoyance. Steve turned and raised his eyebrows at me, shaking his head as he let out a small laugh, “Yeah there’s absolutely no way I’m fallin’ for that again, last time that happened it look me and Buck an hour to get you outta that tree”. Ah crap there goes that plan.

I’m pretty sure the noise I made wasn’t even human, it was a mix between a seal and a possessed monkey “I’m not gonna get outta this am I?” “Nope” and que another frustrated groan. “Is this payback for the time I placed that bucket of flour above your bedroom door and watched the both of you turn into ghosts? If it is then I want you to know I regret nothin’” both of them stopped and glared at me, for some reason they didn’t find that as funny as I did, and I have no idea why. Okay whatever you do y/n don’t laugh, even if Steve’s face looks like a slapped arse don’t laugh! A snicker slipped past my lips and a few seconds later I was full on laughin’. Goddamn it.

Both of em just let out a bunch of sighs and started draggin’ my butt along the street, wait there’s somethin’ I haven’t tried yet…in hindsight this is completely stupid but screw it. “OH MY GOD LOOK A SPACESHIP!” I’m pretty sure poor Bucky jumped outta his skin, Steve ended up trippin’ up and falling down, I’ll admit that I felt bad about but hey may plan worked! So why am I still standin’ there?… maybe we try this thing called running y/n! I quickly pulled my arm away from Bucky and used my new-found freedom to run in the opposite direction of them, I could hear the shouts of protest from the both of them, so I decided to kindly ignore them and absolutely leg it. “GODAMMN IT Y/N! THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME THIS MORNIN’!” when were the boys gonna catch on that I didn’t wanna go? Do I need to prepare a firework show and blast it in their faces or somethin’…probably.

I know I probably shouldn’t be smiling, but the feeling of the wind flowing through my hair as my feet hit the ground made me feel free, after so many years I could finally begin acting my age and enjoy my childhood. I finally felt content with my life, which is probably the opposite of what I should be feeling at this moment in time, considering I was currently making my grand escape. And to completely honest I’ve got no bloody clue as to where I am. I glanced behind me to see where the hell those idiots were, to my surprise Steve was directly behind me, Buck was somewhere in the back holdin’ his knee and I’m guessing the daft sod decked it. Why am I not surprised? Okay maybe I should of kept my mouth shut cause literally a second later my foot tripped over a rock and, you guessed correctly, I landed on my ass for the thousandth time!

“Sh*t! Cr*p! B*lls! That f**king hurt!” and that ladies and gentlemen is my fine command of the queens English, a groan of pain made me loose my train of thought as I turned my head to Steve, to put it simply he was laid flat on his back with his eye closed. Well there’s the rush of guilt I’ve been waiting for, “Sh*t Steve I’m sorry, you okay down there tough guy?” I quickly offered him my hand to help him up, I mean it’s the least I could do. Steve’s hand grabbed mine, a not so quiet grunt of pain made me feel even worse, quick question why am I such an assh*le at times? “Yeah, I’m fine y/n, don’t worry about it you know for a fact I’ve had worse” a quiet sigh left my lips as I brought him in for a hug, which was a tiny bit awkward due to the height difference. Once we pulled away from each other, I couldn’t supress the need to check him for anymore injuries, much to Steve’s embarrassment and Bucky’s amusement, “Jesus I’m gonna have to start wrapping ya up in blankets and pillows, Steve how the hell did you manage to get a bruise on your ear?!”

The sudden gasp behind me pretty much answered the question for me, it’s safe to say barney boy is in trouble…for the first in my life Bucky looks pretty f**king terrified of me, perfect. Slowly I started inching towards him, the glare I was sending him would probably make a demon cry for his mum…so yeah imma go kill the boy. I didn’t even have to say anything, he just started runnin’, “IT’S NOT MY FAULT HE STOLE MY FR**KING PUDDIN’ AND THE PUNK KNOWS I LOVE MY PUDDIN!’” YEP DEFINITELY KILLIN’ HIM “HE IS A SMALL AND GENTLE BOY HOW IN THE NAME OF HELL CAN YOU EVEN THINK OF LAYIN’ A HAND ON ‘IM?!” god this sounds like a bleeding soap opera.

At this point I wouldn’t be surprised of someone called the cops on us, all everyone woulda seen was a big lad runnin’ for his life as a small lass tried to murder him while a smaller lad ran after the pair yellin’ for em to quit it. Now that I think about, that’s actually hilarious. Wait, where was I? ah yes the murdering of one James Barnes…okay that is not a normal sentence I am aware. “HE.STOLE.MY.PUDDIN’! THAT A CRIME WORTHY OF DEATH!” oh for f**ksake “HOW THE HELL DO YA KNOW IT WAS HIM?! DID YOU NOT THINK IT COULDA BE BECCA?!” I think he made a sudden realisation, cause the dumbass stopped running and BOOM I was on the freakin’ floor. Again. We both groaned, mine was mostly in annoyance more than anything, but seriously the bloody floor is quickly becoming me best mate! “…. It just dawned on me that that could be a possibility…” if my neck twisted any quicker I’m 100% sure that I’d end up doin’ that weird owl thing “Oh now you realise?! Ya gonna say sorry to Steve or not?” a few seconds of silence gave me my answer. “Don’t give me that look y/n! I ain’t doing s**t till I’ve got some evidence so he’s still under my list of suspects!” oh my Jesus Christ this is gonna be the day I get arrested for murder isn’t it?

“Barnaby…you have exactly five seconds to run for your life so I highly recommend you get your affairs in order and kiss ya ass goodbye” oh hey look at that I didn’t yell at him! Well done me I’m so proud! “could you two quit trying to kill each other for 5 minutes?! We’re already late enough as is it and I ain’t explainin’ to the teacher why Buck’s outta it on the floor!” my f**kin god Steve just yelled! At me! why do I never have a camera when this s**t happens? “Jeez, alright I’ll murder him later, calm your damn t*ts Rogers” and cue the sound of barely contained frustration in 3,2,1….

“I’m beginning to get the feelin’ that you don’t like me y/n” oh really? I wonder what gave that away “wow you catch on quickly don’t ya Barnaby?” by the looks of things I’m really doing wonders for his ego, buck’s head looks like it’s gotten smaller so the risk of him turning into a hot air balloon’s gone down. The feeling of a pair of eyes glaring at the back of my head once again reminded me that the blonde boy was quickly getting tired of our crap, my worst fears were confirmed once I met Steve’s surprisingly intimidating glare…how he manages to be both adorable and beyond f**king terrifying is a mystery to me. “Okay I’m comin’ just stop staring at me like I just murdered your kitten!” and the little s**t has the nerve to smirk and look pleased with himself, ugh he’s been hanging ‘round me and Bucky too long that’s for sure.

“Ya know Buck and you are gonna be the death of me” right do I be offended or pleased with that statement? “actually, if anything it’s gonna be the pair of you that send me to an early grave cause god knows the both of ya don’t know how to stay outta trouble” two muffled sounds of protest came from my left and from behind me, “what’s that supposed to mean?!” once again the point has been missed “do you really wanna know the answer to that? I’ve got my report and presentation ready on how you two are a pair of numpties”.

Maybe that was a tad harsh…okay wait never mind it seems I’ve learned how to fly again with the assistance of one James Buchannan Barnes. “this is coming from the girl who can’t walk five feet without fallin’ over somethin’?” as much as I hate to admit it the walking embodiment of frustration and annoyance has a point “what you call fallin’ I call floor hugs, now how about you pUT ME DOWN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!” wait when did Steve walk off? See this is what happens when an overgrown ape demands attention. I don’t even have to look at Buck to know he’s givin’ me that look that says, “what the hell?” and “I’m not surprised by this” at the same time, “Nah I don’t think that’s gonna happen doll” the temptation to kick ‘im where the sun doesn’t shine is too much to bare for me at this point. “And you wonder why I love Steve more that you” Buck’s face kinda looked like someone just shoved a whole lemon in his mouth, I’m almost certain that he woulda dropped me on my ass if it wasn’t for the fact that Steve came over and dragged us both through the gates of hell.

This is gonna be so much fun!……said no-one ever.

Okay…maybe it didn’t suck as much a thought it did, hopefully my skills as a writer will come back for the next couple of chapters XD Thanks for reading ! :)

Rose xxx

#winter soldier x reader #winter soldier #captain america x reader #captain america #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers #mcu #fanfic #reader #reader insert #sebastian stan #sebastian stan x reader

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vgckwb · 3 years ago

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P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 46: Sunset, Sunrise

On the final day of Madarame’s exhibition, a surprise press conference was called by Madarame himself. As it started, Madarame was crying his eyes out. “People of Japan! I have to apologize!” He cried out. “I am not worthy of your admiration. The artist Madarame is nothing more than a sham. Most of my masterpieces, including the Sayuri, are not my own. I robbed my students of their art, and claimed it as my own. To keep this all under wraps, I intimidated my students, and I sometimes even abused them.”

Everyone present at the press conference was shocked. Meanwhile, Madarame’s eyes continued to flow like faucets left on. He continued speaking. “In fact, the real author of the Sayuri died before they could claim it as their own. I took it in an act of desperation, and jump-started my meteoric rise to the top of the artwork on the backs of my students, who are more deserving than I am.” He continued to cry his eyes out. Members of the press tried to ask further questions, but Madarame had lost control of himself and continued bawling.

Meanwhile, several people were watching the press conference on the big TV in the Shibuya crossing. It cut to a reporter reporting from a desk. “This shocking confession comes soon after Madarame’s home was broken into. The burglar in question was a former student of Madarame’s. However, as part of this confession, Madarame has decided to drop all charges against said student.

Furthermore, a little while after the break in, Madarame’s exhibit was the target of this message; A letter supposedly sent by The Phantom Thieves. This is not the first time this sort of thing has happened. While there are many who still are skeptical of the existence of these thieves, some are beginning to think that such a group may be real.

Needless to say, Madarame has been put under arrest. Due to Madarame’s age, he is being taken to the hospital for a full assessment of health. Once complete, he will be tried and sentenced.”

Among those watching at the Shibuya crossing was a boy in a coat and shoulder-length brown hair. “Phantom Thieves.”

Makoto was also watching. “The Phantom Thieves. Again. Hm.”

Another person in the crowd was Nakanohara, the person who led the Phantom Thieves to Madarame in the first place. He let out a single tear, as he quietly said “Thank you, Phantom Thieves.”

Meanwhile, the thieves were at their hideout. “Alright! Another success!” Ryuji shouted.

“Ryuji!” Ann said. “Not so loud!”

“Sorry” Ryuji said. “But more people are talking about us, eh.”

Yusuke looked onward. “Are you doing OK Yusuke-senpai?” Sumire asked.

Yusuke snapped out of his stupor. “Huh? Oh. Yeah.”

Everyone looked at him. “What’s up?” Ryuji asked. “I thought you’d be more excited.”

“Well… How do I put this?” Yusuke asked. “I’m glad that Madarame is finally paying for his crimes...but…” He sighed. “Living with Madarame, and everything that came with it is everything I’ve ever known. It’s just weird is all. I feel like what’s in front of me is this blank empty space.”

“Oh, uh, sorry” Ryuji said.

Sumire placed a hand on his shoulder. “I get it. That kind of thing can be hard. But it can bring about new good things too.”

Yusuke smiled. “You’re correct. In a way, that blank empty space is much like a canvas just waiting for a masterpiece.”

“I hope there’s room for us in that masterpiece you call life” Ren remarked.

“Hm. Of course” Yusuke said. “I cannot thank you enough for everything you did. Therefore, I humbly request to be a permanent member of the Phantom Thieves.”

Everyone else was surprised. “You don’t have to request anything,” Ren answered, smiling.

“Yeah, as far as we’re concerned, you’re already one of us,” Morgana added.

“I thank you,” Yusuke replied.

“So, ummmm” Ann said. “Do you still want to paint me?”

“Hm?” Yusuke said. “Well, I wouldn’t say that’s out of the question, but I don’t think now’s the best time to do that.”

“Right,” Ann said. She smiled. “Well, if you need me, you just have to call.”

“Just make sure you don’t do too good a job,” Ryuji said. “Otherwise the professional photographers she deals with will have your head.”

“Ryuji!” Ann said, shoving him playfully. Ryuji laughed.

“My, what a marvelous couple” Yusuke said.

Ryuji and Ann looked at him and turned cherry red. “What are you talking about?” Ryuji said, nervously.

“Y-Yeah. We’re just friends” Ann insisted.

“Really?” Yusuke said. “Huh. I guess I’m seeing the world in new ways. I apologize.” Ren and Sumire shared a snicker. Meanwhile, Morgana was frazzled. Jose noticed this and started scratching his ears. As much as Morgana didn’t want to enjoy it at that moment, he couldn’t help but smile.

After Morgana was placated, Jose stopped, turned to Yusuke, and said “So, do you need help moving into the dorms?”

“Hmmm” Yusuke thought. “Well, there’s a swath of police over at Madarame’s as we speak, collecting evidence. I assume that whatever’s left will be ‘my’ stuff, and I don’t know how much that is for sure though.”

Well we can go over and check it out” Jose said, optimistically.

“I’d like that,” Yusuke said.

“Wait!” Sumire interrupted. “If the police are there, will they find the treasure?”

Everyone was alerted, as no one had thought of that. Well, aside from Yusuke. “While I don’t know what on the periphery is mine versus Madarame’s, I know for certain a few things are, and the real Sayuri is hidden among them. We should be fine.” Sumire sighed a sigh of relief.

“So, what’s gonna happen to Kosuke?” Ann asked. “The news said that Madarame had dropped all charges against him.”

Yusuke nodded. “He actually contacted me soon after that, but before we all met up here. He said he was going to move to Sendai to start over.”

“I’ve been there before for some gymnastics competitions, '' Sumire said. “It’s quite lovely.”

“But, uh, what’ll he be doin’?” Rji asked.

“Apparently, another one of Madarame’s former pupils lives there,” Yusuke said. “He’s going to move with him, and he’s talking about this with the boss of his security company for a possible transfer.”

“I see,” Ann said.

“So, what do you think about the Phantom Thieves’s popularity now that we took down another baddie?” Ryuji asked.

“Hmmm” Ren thought. “Well, I think we can get deeper into Mementos now,” she remarked. “But as for what people think, it’ll take time.”

“Huh,” Ryuji said.

“So, how does this work now?” Yusuke said. “Do you have another target in mind?”

“Not really,” Morgana said. “Finding people to change their hearts requires legwork. And there’s no guarantee that the person would have a palace.”

“Meaning he pushes that onto us” Ryuji snided.

“Hey I found one person,” Morgana said.

“By almost getting kidnapped!” Ryuji retorted.

“That’s not the point!” Morgana said.

“Morgana stays with me most of the time” Ren said, trying to cool tempers. “So while he could go off and find leads, he’s better off staying with me in case anything happens.”

“Yeah!” Morgana said, only mostly confident in himself.

“...I guess that’s fair,” Ryuji relented.

“We wouldn’t want anything to happen to you, senpai,” Sumire said, giggling. Yusuke noticed Sumire’s slight blush, but decided not to make another remark, on the chance that it would spark another awkward moment.

“So” Jose interjected, “while we’re waiting, do you want to head over to the shack to grab your things now?”

Yusuke nodded. “Unless we have other business to attend to.”

Ren shook her head. “I just wanted us to meet up to make sure the confession went smoothly.”

“I certainly think it did,” Yusuke said.

“Oh yeah” Ann said. “Did Madarame ever say anything about the people he’s worked with?” Ann said.

“Sadly no” Yusuke said. “He was more caught up in his own dealings, rather than this apparent group.”

“I see,” Ann said. Ann was shaking a little, hesitant to ask what else was on her mind. “Well, did he give a reason as to why he said he let your mom die when according to the Will Seeds he didn’t?”

Yusuke grew more serious. “No, but I’ve been thinking about that. I think it has something to do with Madarame’s vanity. He has to be the most of whatever he’s embodying. He’s either the best artist of the modern age, the most heinous man he can be, or, as evidenced by the confession, the most remorseful. Him saying he let my mom die is his way of aggrandizing his own villainy.”

“Woah,” Ryuji said. “That’s...a lot.”

“Indeed,” Yusuke said. There was an awkward silence. “Well, we should get going, I guess.”

“Yeah,” Ren said.

“Hey, maybe we can find out if the police know anything,” Jose said, shifting the conversation. “Either about Madarame’s contacts, or any possible future targets.”

“My, you’re quite the thinker,” Yusuke said. “Very well. Let’s head off. Until next time!”

“Later” Jose said. The two of them headed to Madarame’s shack. The rest headed home for the evening.

Once the police left, Yusuke and Jose messaged the group.

Yusuke: I’m afraid we’ve had no such luck.

Ryuji: Wha?

Jose: While we were with the police, we didn’t hear anything about Madarame’s contacts.

Yusuke: We did hear some mumblings about drugs getting passed around Shibuya, but that’s about it.

Jose: No name, no nothing.

Ann: Well, that kind of stinks.

Ryuji: Do you think the police might be involved with the people Madarame was talking about?

Ren: As someone who was wrongfully arrested, I wouldn’t put it past them.

Yusuke: Hmmm.

Yusuke: Well, I don’t know if it would have come up much anyway.

Yusuke: Nothing about Madarame's palace was about this cabal anyway.

Sumire: So, stealing his treasure wouldn’t reveal much about it?

Yusuke: Precisely.

“That’s not a bad call, actually,” Morgana said.

Yusuke: And if the police are in on it, that part might get swept under the rug.

Ryuji: So, we’re basically back to square one?

Ren: Not quite.

Ren: We’re still the Phantom Thieves. So long as we’re out and about, we have the power to undermine whoever is abusing the metaverse.

Ryuji: I see. So we’ll be a constant thorn in their side! I love it!

Ann: But maybe we should be careful.

Ann: I mean, if these people are causing the mental shutdowns, and possibly have the police in line, then we’re dealing with some really heavy hitters.

“That’s true…” Morgana said. “Lady Ann’s so smart.”

Ren: Morgana says you’re smart Ann.

“What?!” Morgana said, panicking.

Ann: Tell him thank you. Morgana started blushing and muttering unintelligibly.

Yusuke: While that may be true, there are a lot of people who still don’t believe in us yet.

Yusuke: I’m sure if we can play our cards right, we can use that to our advantage as well.

Ryuji: I hear that. We gotta make sure that they'll never see us comin’!

Ren: We can’t forget about Eris and her deal as well.

Ann: Right.

Jose: Isn’t Eris’s whole thing to build us up to either side with her or fight with her?

Ren: Well, yeah. But it’s still important to remember that.

Ren: Besides, Eris is the emissary of chaos. She won’t hesitate to disrupt anyone’s plans so long as it suits her needs.

Ann: Yeah.

Ann: So the best thing to do is keep a steady head.

Ren: Yeah.

Yusuke: Well, sorry we couldn’t find anything useful.

Ryuji: Nah, it’s fine. It was probably a long shot anyway.

Jose: We should head to Kosei and get you settled in.

Yusuke: You’re right.

Yusuke: Good night.

Ryuji: G’night.

Ann: Good night.

Sumire: Good night.

Ren: Good night.

Ren set her phone down and laid in her bed.

Meanwhile, at the prosecutor’s office, the woman who was intimidating Sojiro was working on a laptop. As she was, the young man in the coat came in. “Ah, Niijima-san,” he said. “Working late again, I see.”

Niijima looked up from her computer and glared at the boy. “Akechi-san. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I was just hoping for some friendly chit-chat,” Akechi responded.

Niijima continued working away. “Those Phantom Thieves stuck again.”

“I saw that,” Akechi noted. “I believe your sister was in the crowd at the Shibuya Crossing when the confession was airing.”

Niijima glared at him once again. “Do you WANT to irritate me?”

“Not at all,” Akechi said. “Like I said, I want this to be friendly.”

Niijima continued to glare for a bit, and then relented. “So, what did you wish to discuss?”

“Well, I’m assuming that you believe that these so-called ‘Phantom Thieves’ are the ones behind the mental shutdowns,” Akechi surmised.

“I do,” Niijima answered. “The M.O. matches up.”

“Well, about that,” Akechi said. Niijima was curious. “While it’s true that the Phantom Thieves cause a change in behavior, as do the mental shutdowns, the examples we have from the Phantom Thieves don’t match the examples we have from the mental shutdown cases. Besides, why start signing their work now?”

“Maybe they think they can get away with it,'' Niijima answered.

“Well, I guess that’s one way of thinking,” Akechi said.

“And you think that these two are unrelated?” Niijima asked.

“Well, not entirely,” Akechi said. “I believe the tactic used is similar, but I think they’re being used by two different groups.”

“Hm” Niijima grunted. “No matter. Even if your hypothesis is true, it’s still worth investigating them. If they know how to operate similarly, they might have an inkling who’s behind the shutdowns.”

“I suppose that’s true,” Akechi relented. “Still, you are awfully focused on this.”

“Your point being?” Niijima snapped back.

Akechi smiled. “With such a one-track mind, you might not be able to see what’s going on elsewhere.”

Niijima glared at him once more. “You’re one to talk.”

“Harsh. But true” Akechi said. “Maybe it’s time we find some life preservers before we both drown in our work and insecurities.”

“Maybe,” Niijima said. She went back to clacking away on her laptop.

“Well, good night Niijima-san,” Akechi said.

“Good night Akechi,” Niijima replied. Akechi started leaving. Before he fully left, he looked over Niijima once more. He was concerned, but couldn’t do much. He left.

The next day, after school, the announcements came on. Principal Kobayakawa began speaking. “Ahem. Attention students of Shujin Academy. Please meet in the gym for an assembly.”

“I wonder what this is about?” Morgana pondered. Ren shrugged and headed over with the rest of her class.

When everyone assembled, Kobayakawa took the stage once more. “As you may know, recently one of our faculty was caught up in a scandal.” There was some muttering about this, mostly about the disingenuousness of the principal. “However, the school wishes for you to continue learning, and to continue to have the best possible education. So, while we are looking for a permanent staff member, someone has agreed to be the interim gym teacher here at Shujin Academy.” There were some more murmurs. “Please welcome, Coach Chika Hiraguchi!”

Kobayakawa moved away as Coach Hiraguchi took the stage. Students were confused, but clapped anyway. “Thank you, Principal Kobayakawa,'' she said. She turned to address the students. “I know how difficult things have been here recently. That is why I don’t expect to have your trust right away. However, I do wish that for the time I am here I can prove worthy of your trust. I look forward to working with you, and making sure your school life is as good as it can possibly be.” She bowed. “Thank you.” The students clapped. From some of the mumblings Ren heard, they seemed to be impressed with her professionalism.

Kobayakawa took the stage again. “Yes. And thank you, Coach Hiraguchi.” He faced the students. “Please make sure to help Coach Hiraguchi feel welcome. You are dismissed.”

After the assembly, the Shujin-based Thieves met up. “So, your gymnastics coach is teachin’ here now?” Ryuji asked.

Sumire nodded. “Remember that day the principal called me to meet with him. It was decided then. As long as she’s here, I can continue as an honors student with all that brings.”

“You feeling alright?” Ren asked.

“Yeah,” Sumire answered. She sighed. “I don’t know. I mean, it’s nice, but… it just feels weird. It seems more and more apparent that the world is moving without Kasumi, and that…” Sumire didn't have to finish the sentence. Ren wrapped one arm around her shoulder and pulled her in, rubbing her arm in an effort to calm her down. “Thanks. … I think I’m going to go practice with Coach today.” Ren nodded and let go. Sumire headed off.

“I should go too,” Ann said. “Shiho and I made plans for some one-on-one time today.”

“Really?” Ryuji said. “Well, I can’t complain, I guess. Have fun.”

“Thanks,” Ann said. She left to meet up with Shiho.

“I should get going too,” Ryuji said. “I’ve got something I need to do. Oh, but maybe you should buy some gym clothes.” Ren was confused. “I found a good place for a workout, now that our secret area isn’t so secret anymore.”

Ren nodded. “I’ll be sure to do that.”

“OK. Thanks” Ryuji said. “Seeya!” He rushed off. Ren decided to take Ryuji up on his offer and shopped for some workout clothes. After which, she headed to one of her jobs.

As she was wandering about Tokyo, she began to notice some things. The people, the buildings, the sounds. Ren had just moved here about two months ago, but everything changed so suddenly. To her, Tokyo was starting to feel like home. Ren smiled at that notion and continued walking with a spring in her step.

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haledamage · 4 years ago

Text

Double Date

I’m very late in the day posting this, but I still got it before Valentine’s Day is over so I’m counting it as a win! this is sort of for OC Kiss Week, and since technically there’s a kiss between OCs I’m still counting it

a Valentine’s Day double date featuring Wayhaven’s cutest couple, Nate Sewell and Abigail Jenings, from the POV of Kira Kingston, one half of Wayhaven’s most awkward not-couple. AJ belongs to my dear @queen-scribbles, Kira is mine, Nate and Adam are from The Wayhaven Chronicles

---

Kira set a pair of mugs on the squat coffee table in her living room. One mug, proudly proclaiming its owner to be “Pure of Heart, Foul of Mouth, Smart of Ass” held a fresh cup of chai tea. The other, a beautiful handmade mug covered in sunflowers, belonged to Kira’s roommate, AJ, and was filled with coffee to the redhead’s very exacting taste.

It’s a quiet day in the apartment, something both women preferred and rarely got to enjoy. With work and Agency business - not to mention AJ's new boyfriend and Kira's… more complicated situation - it'd been a while since they'd been able to spend time together that didn’t involve casing a crime scene.

AJ had claimed the sofa, legs tucked under her and book open on her lap. It looked to be a very old tome, pages yellowed and spine cracked with time; it didn't take much to figure out where she must've gotten it - or rather, who she’d gotten it from.

Drinks delivered, Kira returned to the old gingham recliner and picked up her own book - a murder mystery; she’s pretty sure she knew who did it already, but didn’t want to skip ahead for vindication.

“Hey, Kir,” AJ's voice broke the silence and Kira's meandering thoughts. She waited for the brunette to hum in acknowledgement before asking, “You doin’ anythin’ on Sunday?”

Kira took a second to think about it, though she didn’t really need to. “I don't think so? In theory, I have the day off. Why?”

“Nate and I were thinkin’ o’ goin’ out and thought you might like t’ join us,” Abigail said in a rush.

Kira blinked. Then blinked again. “You're inviting me to third wheel on your date this weekend?”

“Not... exactly.”

“Spit it out, Red.”

“Y'see, we figured we could maybe…” AJ tugged on a wayward curl, straightening it out before letting it snap back to join the rest, “make it a double date.”

“A double--” Kira was half-tempted to pretend she didn't know who Abigail and Nate intended her date to be, but she knew she wasn’t fooling anyone anymore. “There's no fucking way Adam would agree to that, AJ.”

Grinning victoriously, AJ carefully closed her book so she could lean forward. “But if he did, would y’ go?”

There was no way Kira could say no to that hopeful look and she knew it. “Sure,” she sighed. “Okay. If you can convince Adam to go, then I will too.”

“Trust me, Kir,” Abigail said, patting her friend on the knee as she reached for her coffee, “it'll be fun.”

It's only later that night as she was setting her alarm that Kira realised with a sinking feeling what day Sunday was. She just got roped into a double date on Valentine's Day.

---

Kira resolutely refused to dress up. She was still pretty sure Adam wasn’t going to show up, and she didn’t want to third-wheel in uncomfortable shoes. She wore the same head-to-toe black she always did - though she did slap on some red lipstick at the last minute in an attempt to appear “festive.”

She felt vindicated when Sunday evening came around and AJ was dressed much the same way she normally was, blouse and waistcoat and adorable but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to tame her copper curls. She cycled between checking her phone, wringing her hands, and smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in her shirt; it looked like only sheer force of will was keeping her from pacing the length of their living room.

“C’mon, Red,” Kira said fondly. She put her hands on AJ’s shoulders. “Relax. You’ve been on dates with Nate before.”

“It’s our first Valentine’s Day.” She somehow sounded even more nervous than she looked.

“First of many.” That finally drew a smile to Abigail’s face. “You still haven’t told me where we’re going.”

“Hearts Festival,” she admitted quickly. “It was Nate’s idea, showin’ ‘em the local culture.”

“That’s… not a bad idea, actually.” Kira could feel herself relaxing under that knowledge. The Hearts Festival was a fair held every year in the Square, on or around Valentine’s Day. Most of the local artists and crafters set up little stalls of things intended to appeal to couples, but Kira and Abigail had found some of their favorite knick-knacks exploring it together. There was also music and cutesy romantic activities aplenty, but both of them were familiar enough with it that they could approach or avoid it on their own terms.

“Nate said Adam’s lookin’ forward to it,” the redhead said slyly.

“Nate was fucking lying.” Just like that her tension was back, which only made AJ smile wider. “I don’t think Adam knows how to look forward to things. Especially not when I’m involved.”

“Maybe. I guess we’ll see.”

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. The brief measure of calm AJ had found was gone in a blink, nervously brushing a palm over her hair as if that might subdue it. Kira bit back a laugh and took pity on her friend, yelling, “It’s open!”

The door swung open and Nate and Adam stepped inside, the former immediately greeting his girlfriend with a warm smile, the latter scowling at nothing in particular.

Knowing her presence had been immediately forgotten, Kira ducked out of the way to avoid getting stuck between Nate and AJ as they gravitated toward each other like magnets. She busied herself with getting her coat on instead.

She only barely stifled a surprised gasp when Adam came over to help her with it. Neither of them said anything, looking anywhere except at each other.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to break the silence, grabbing the first topic that came to mind. “I’m surprised they talked you into this.” Her voice came out a little rough, so she cleared her throat and finally turned to face him, playful grin in place. “Did Nate have to blackmail you?”

A corner of his lips quirked up in a small smile. “Do you think I’m that averse to your company, Detective?”

She shrugged. “Valentine’s just doesn’t seem like your thing.”

“Perhaps,” he admitted, strangely reluctant. “Why did you agree to this, if you didn’t expect me to?”

“I’ve never been able to say no to AJ.” Kira glanced over at Abigail and her boyfriend, who may as well have been the only people in the room for the way they were wrapped up in each other. “Don’t tell her I said that, she’ll use it for evil.”

“Is it your thing?” he asked quietly, watching their friends as well. “All of… this?”

She scoffed. “Not really. I don’t think I’m a chocolates-and-flowers kind of girl.” She looked back at Adam to find him frowning at her words. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he looked disappointed. It woke up the butterflies in her stomach and compelled her to add, “I’ve never had anyone try to prove otherwise.”

She didn’t give him a chance to reply to that, scared of what exactly his answer would be, clearing her throat exaggeratedly instead. “Should I go? I can stay at the Warehouse tonight if you lot need to be alone.”

AJ and Nate paused, their lips a hairsbreadth apart as they’d both been leaning toward each other. Kira didn’t need vampire hypersenses to feel the frustration coming from both of them, though neither of them said anything about it; she tried not to feel guilty about interrupting them as they moved apart.

A few minutes later, the four of them stepped out into the cold February evening and began the walk toward the Square.

Nate and Abigail took the lead. They only made it a few steps before he reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together. They shared a brief, besotted smile before turning their attention back to the sidewalk, walking close enough that their shoulders bumped together.

Kira found herself staring at their linked hands as she walked behind them, something stirring in her chest that she might almost call jealousy, except she knew she wasn’t at all attracted to either of them. Unconsciously, her eyes drifted over to Adam walking next to her, only to find him already staring back. For a beat, their gazes held.

Then they both looked quickly away, suddenly fascinated by the sidewalk and the light traffic on the road. Adam shoved his hands in his coat pockets, and after a moment’s hesitation Kira did the same.

The next few minutes were spent in tense silence, the only sound between them the snatches of conversation drifting back from the couple in front of them.

“Where are they taking us?” Adam asked suddenly.

“They didn’t tell you?” He shook his head and she smiled a little. “I only found out just before you arrived. They must’ve assumed we’d refuse as soon as we heard. It’s a little fair that they hold in the Square every year. I mostly just go for the food.”

“You’ve been before?”

“Sure.”

“With a date?” The question forced itself out through clenched teeth.

“Yes. I have a standing date with this cute redhead I know. About yea high,” she held a hand a few inches above her head, “lets me call her Red.” She watched in awe and amusement as the tension left Adam’s shoulders when he realised that his only ‘competition’ was the woman dating his best friend. Kira glanced fondly at the cute redhead in question, who looked back at her as if aware that she was being talked about. She winked at her, and Abigail grinned back. “I kinda thought I’d be spending the day alone this year,” she added quietly to Adam.

“You sound like you would have preferred that.”

“No.” It sounded like a lie, so she corrected herself. “Not exactly. I don’t mind the company. I just don’t like the crowds.”

They turned a corner and were hit by a wave of lights and noise as they entered the Square. Kira flinched under the onslaught more than either of the vampires did, but steadied herself quickly before anyone could fret over her.

The whole area was festooned with lights. Strings of white and pink and red fairy lights wound between poles and covered stalls. Everything was wrapped in ribbons and draped with flowers, and the notes of a familiar Elvis love song drifted to them from a small stage off to one side.

The night passed in a blur. Looking back at it, Kira wouldn’t be able to recall doing much more than just walking through the crowds, eyeing a couple interesting pieces of artwork and very fancy little cakes. She remembered the mulled cider Nate got her and the colorful bouquet he got AJ. She remembered being dragged into the photobooth with AJ, and standing on the sidelines of the dance floor watching her dance with Nate.

She remembered the way Adam stood next to her, a question on his lips that he still couldn’t quite voice. She remembered the single red rose that somehow found its way into her hand.

She remembered that she started the day feeling like she was being dragged along on her best friend’s date, and finished it wishing the date didn’t have to end.

When they arrived back at their apartment building, Kira and Adam acquiesced to their friends’ unspoken request and stayed downstairs to give them time to say good night properly. As soon as they were alone, the familiar silence fell between them, tense and comfortable in equal measure.

Surprisingly, it was Adam that broke it first. “Did you have a nice night, Detective?”

“You know what, I did. And one hundred percent less mirror mazes than our last date, that was nice.” She grinned when he chuckled at that. “I’m dying to see where people trick you into taking me next time.”

He didn't seem at all bothered by the prospect of 'next time.' His smile lingered, wide enough to show the slightest hint of dimples on his cheeks. "If I recall, the last one was with Nate and Detective Jenings as well."

Kira leaned against the wall of the apartment building and said, as casually as possible, "True. Maybe we should plan the next one ourselves, then. Invite them along for a change.”

“Are you asking me on a date?” He didn’t seem bothered by that either, though his smile was stifled by the weight of the look he gave her, serious and intense and full of an emotion she couldn’t name.

She tried not to wilt under that look and instead met it with an answering one. “If I was, would you say yes?”

He moved a step closer, struggling between what he wanted to say and what he felt he should. She waited him out, like she always did. Eventually, all he said was “Kira…”

The sound of footsteps on the stairs meant she’d never get to know how the rest of that sentence went. She tried to swallow her disappointment when Adam stepped away again, and turned to smile at Nate as he joined them.

He smiled back, an absolutely giddy expression on his face. Kira knew she’d see an identical one on AJ’s face when she went upstairs. He put a warm hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze as he walked past and wished her good night.

She expected Adam to follow him, but he still lingered a moment more, brow knotted with a frown. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” he said, a bit too quickly. “I simply… wanted to thank you. For accompanying me.”

“Anytime.” The admission made her blush, but she didn’t take it back. “I-I should probably…” she gestured vaguely up the stairs.

“Of course.”

He reached out and took one of her hands in a gentle grip, moving slowly as if to give her a chance to pull away. As if she had any intention of doing so. As if she wasn’t holding her breath for fear that any gasp or sigh might scare him away. He bowed, the movement so formal that she could clearly see evidence of the knight he once was, and lightly brushed his lips over the back of her hand.

Whatever he saw on her face as he moved away again drew a smirk from him. “Good night, Kira.”

She released the breath she’d been holding in a serrated sigh. “Good night, Adam.” Her voice came out oddly high-pitched, but it made him chuckle again.

Then he was gone.

It took a couple minutes before Kira could remind herself to move and drag herself upstairs. AJ was waiting for her in the living room, grinning ear to ear and still clearly on cloud nine about her night with Nate.

Kira was starting to think she understood the feeling, just a little.

That surprised a giggle out of her, the sound so hopelessly smitten that there would be no way she could keep what just happened a secret. Abigail’s knowing look only confirmed it, her smile somehow even wider and Kira’s growing to match it.

On a whim, she grabbed the redhead’s face and kissed her firmly on the cheek. “You are the best friend and wingwoman a girl could have.”

“You’re welcome, Kir,” AJ chuckled. “Am I forgiven for draggin’ y’ out on Valentine’s Day?”

“You can drag me along wherever you want to. No more complaints from me.”

“I’m gonna remember y’ said that.” She dropped down onto the sofa, leaving enough room for Kira to join her. “Now tell me everythin’.”

#twc #kira kingston #abigail jenings #kira/adam #aj/nate #thank you for letting me borrow your girl cait <3 #and I'm sorry for interrupting that kiss lmao #you'd think kira would know better #hearts festival is based off a little fair we have here sometimes. I used to go with my sister :)

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lenawin4 · 4 years ago

Text

an offer you can’t refuse

HOW WE DOIN ELLICK FANS?

I had this fic in my drafts halfway done, but after I watched that promo, I finished it in like, two hours. hope y’all enjoy. (also, may or may not contribute to the wave of 18x05/18x06 speculation fics. EXCITED)

summary:

“It’ll be fun,” Nick said on Day Four, then looked at them incredulously. “What? You’ve never taken down the mafia before?” ft. the whole gang, some blink-and-you’ll-miss-it mentions of Tiva, and prank wars.

Or: Nick’s jealous, Ellie’s clueless, and the team dismantles a crime family.

rating: gen, k+

length: 3.4k

genres: fluff, minor angst, romance

read on ffn | ao3

So Ellie’s in her corner of the bullpen, and Nick can’t stop looking at her. That’s how it all starts.

She’s wearing one of her cashmere sweaters, and they’ve been working this case for so long that her outfit is three days old. The bags under her eyes can’t be hidden by makeup and the curls in her hair have started to flatten. She has that crease in between her eyebrows that warns him not to bother her with a stupid joke, but that’s never stopped him before.

Ellie’s phone rings, so he freezes in the middle of sauntering over to her, halfway through the bullpen. It’s magic: her eyes widen slightly; the crease disappears; a slow smile spreads, then a grin.

The corners of his mouth start to slip upward, but he fights it down because McGee is at his desk. He’s talking to the local PDs, spelling out one of the long Italian names they’re trying to pin on something, and Tim is eyeing him like a hawk.

“Mark?” Ellie shouts into the phone.

Who?

“Gimme a sec,” Ellie points to her phone and mouths, I have to take this, sorry, and Nick is left gaping at the back of her head as she runs to the break room.

That happens on Day Six. A recap:

Dead sailor in a drive-by shooting in Bethesda. Grab your gear.

There was cocaine underneath the bed and piles of cash in the closet in the sailor’s apartment.

McGee traced a bank account in the Caymans to a Joey DiGiorno, as in, It’s-not-delivery-it’s-DiGiorno’s.

“Do you think he has a cousin named Domino’s?” Ellie asked; and —

For the fifth time this month, Nick realizes that he’s in love with Ellie Bishop.

Joey does not have a cousin, but he does have a criminal record and an uncle who happens to be the DC/Virginia/Maryland leader of the DiGiorno Family.

“Wow, two states and the capital city,” said McGee. “Impressive.”

On top of Nick’s To Do List - Get Gibbs everything on this guy: records, cars, girlfriends, other nieces and nephews, etc., etc.

“It’ll be fun,” Nick said on Day Four, then looked at them incredulously. “What? You've never taken down the mafia before?”

McGee follows the money to a nightclub in DC (“Do they serve pizza?”; “Nick, please.”), but there’s no way to know when or how the drugs are smuggled into the building, which can only mean one thing: stakeout time.

Stakeouts are the worst. Stakeouts mean unlimited time in a confined place with nothing better to do, the uncomfortable silence of Nick and his thoughts and the little place in his head that teeters between sixteen different names and a glass jar of lake water that hides on the shelf of his apartment.

Right now, a stakeout is the best thing that could ever happen to him.

So, Mark. He can’t exactly Boyle his way into this, not after Bishop nearly chewed his head off because he cancelled her date.

It’s not helping that Bishop keeps smiling at her phone every two hours, and semi-aggressively types out a text in all caps and extra exclamation marks. (He watches the way her fingers move. He knows those are exclamation marks. Like, at least ten of them.)

“Didn’t know dates liked it when you yelled at them all the time.”

“What?” Ellie says, not looking up from her phone.

He puts his feet up on the desk a little too harshly. Ellie wrinkles her nose.

“What could possibly be more important than this very, very interesting stakeout right now? Don’t you see there’s a hooker in front of the club and it’s barely noon? We should report it to Gibbs.”

There’s that sarcastic laugh that’s reserved for him, a quip about not being able to afford her, then back to the invisible Mark he’s heard nothing about.

To: ninja lady, 11:59

hey on a stakeout w El. what should i do

To: big wuss, 12:05

prank war. worked for us.

To: ninja lady, 12:06

i’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not

He tells her he’s buying fast food and chips a few blocks away. He asks the cashier for an extra paper bag and places a spring-loaded glitter bomb from the Dollar Tree at the bottom.

To: ninja lady, 14:05

success

To: big wuss, 14:07

ha! watch your six. revenge is tasty, no?

To: ninja lady, 14:09

i think you mean vengeance is sweet, but check with your husband

Nick returns from a bathroom break and peers left and right. Nothing in the room has changed: Ellie is still finishing the bag of fries. Her head is turned towards the window, and she’s glancing at her phone every few seconds. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but he sort of doesn’t care. His chair hasn’t moved from the computer desk, and there are no booby traps outside the bathroom door or in the hallway.

Okay. The coast is clear.

“Hey, maybe you should check your face one more time, I think you still have glitter — ”

Splat.

His chair explodes in a tidal wave of green and red paint, splattering all over his jeans — gross, it feels so cold — and his leather jacket.

When he looks up, Ellie’s beaming at him from behind her phone, fry stuck in her mouth like a cigarette, green paint smeared across her cheek like evidence. Mercilessly, she sends the video to McGee, Kasie, and Tony.

To: big wuss, 17:25

I’m disappointed.

To: ninja lady, 17:29

yeah, yeah, laugh all you want

this sucks

To: big wuss, 17:30

Not just the stakeout, I presume?

To: ninja lady, 17:32

who the hell is Mark

she keeps texting him

it’s distracting me

To: ninja lady, 17:35

you know, from work

To: big wuss, 17:40

Oh, Nicholas.

(Across the Atlantic, in a small apartment in Paris, a married couple compares recent messages.

Ziva clicks her tongue. “I think he might be a bigger wuss than you, Tony.”

“I had better pranks than this guy, okay, at least give me that.”)

There’s a crowd of seamen lounging around the club. Their voices send pinpricks into his brain, and he can smell the alcohol from the second floor of this building. The bouts of laughter and shouts are interrupted by crunching. Next to him, the foul smell of artificial cheese surrounds Eleanor Bishop. Her fingers are coated with orange dust. Her eyes are laser-focused on the group of men, arms around each other, starting to sing the first bars of “Piano Man”. She licks her lips, and a bit of orange dust is left over at the edge of her mouth. She brings her fingers to her lips to lick them clean.

Nick’s mouth is suddenly dry.

Okay, okay, he needs to focus. Focus. It’ll be easy.

When he finally turns away, the hooker is grabbing one of the men by his tie, who tries to pull away. He rolls his eyes, but before Nick can say, “Playing hard to get, are we?”, the sailor is handing her a thick wad of cash. It’s exchanged for something thickly wrapped in saran plastic wrap, and he jolts out of his seat.

“It was the hooker!”

Nick did not know running that quickly in high heels was possible.

Ellie’s phone dings three times past his limit on the way to the interrogation room. The sound grates against his ears and his eyes can’t roll further up his socket. She doesn’t even notice.

They’re behind the glass, waiting for McGee to question her, when Gibbs walks in. He takes one look at the green paint on Ellie’s cheek and sees the same paint on Nick’s jeans.

Before Ellie can try to explain, Nick announces, “Gibbs, I told Ellie to call you about the hooker hours ago and she didn’t listen to me!”

“That is not true!”

“Yes, it is!”

“Wait, so we’re just going to give up?” Ellie’s hair is still slightly frazzled from tackling the suspect down, strands loose on her forehead and around her ears. She ran up and down four flights of stairs to catch her, but they’ve been given an order to push the case to another day with another lead. “What about Sugar Honey?”

“We can’t catch anyone higher up the food chain if she doesn’t consent to wearing a wire.”

“So sneak one on her!” The Director raises his eyebrows.

“Bishop.” She snaps around, eagerly awaiting Gibbs’s cowboy orders. “Go home. Get some sleep.”

“What? I can’t believe you’re actually agreeing with this.”

“Ellie,” Nick says, coming to her supposed rescue. There’s a flicker of hope in her eyes, and he hesitates to kill it. But he has to. He stands up, and immediately yelps and whines. Guiltily, he savors the look of concern she gives him. “Actually, could you drive me home? I think I twisted my ankle when we were chasing down Sugar Honey.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Ellie pouts. It maybe makes his stomach flutter, which is stupid, because Nick doesn’t feel things like that.

“You know me. Stoic face and all. I could get stabbed and none of you would know.”

“You know, that’s not a good thing.” She grabs his car keys from his jacket and puts his arm around her shoulders.

Bishop throws a stern look to the Director and Gibbs. Their bosses look half-confused, half-amused; Nick avoids Gibbs’s knowing look. “Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She walks him to his car. He feels warm and lonely all at once, because her phone rings two more times.

Nick plops down on the passenger seat, and Ellie wrenches the car into ignition, and says with no small amount of strife, “I know you’re lying and I’m either taking you to your apartment or back to the club. Your choice.”

Um. “Hey, let’s not do anything dangerously impulsive here.”

“Me? Impulsive? What about you?”

“What? When have I ever done anything dangerous or impulsive?”

“You stole a truck and totaled it when you were chasing down a suspect last month. Gibbs was already waiting on another block to cut him off.”

“Well, at least I didn’t get hurt.”

“You had a concussion and I had to wake you up every hour that night.”

They’re already out of the Navy Yard, almost ten over the speed limit, and going in the opposite direction of his apartment.

“Okay, I’m sorry I lied about my ankle. But Bishop.” He’s not sure how to say it, so what leaves his mouth is a sound of frustration. “You can’t dismantle the mafia with just this one case. These things take time. One Sugar Honey confession was the best we could do today. And that’s okay. But we’ll catch another one tomorrow, or maybe next week, and the week after that.”

The car slows down; Ellie’s pout becomes more pronounced. The sudden U-turn makes him clutch at the dashboard and pray for his life.

“Fine,” Ellie says. “But — ”

“Tomorrow, I will help you possibly arrest a drug dealer, that will lead us to the drug supplier, that will lead us to the boss.”

She nods, hands tightly holding the steering wheel. There’s glitter in her hair and streaks of paint on her jeans. They’ve barely slept in the past two days, driving each other insane.

“I can take the couch for a few hours and then we’ll be on our way. We both need to rest.”

Ellie doesn’t reply.

“If you don’t crash at my place, I’ll call Gibbs and tell him you’re going back to the club.”

Ellie protests for the rest of the car ride, but Nick doesn’t budge an inch.

The stakeout resumes peacefully. Gibbs and Vance were right: the dealers are spooked and no deals occur for the next week.

Bishop doesn’t spend every single moment on her phone, so at least there’s that. He can’t deny the twinge of longing every time he sees her eyes brighten at the sound of another text.

Still, even that is nothing compared to the ache he feels when she yawns and rubs her eyes. It’s the type of case that makes her want to prove herself, to risk everything to accomplish her ambitions, to run after something without a thought of the consequences. He knows the feeling. He has that feeling every time a kid is involved.

So he triples the bags of junk food on the floor of the moldy apartment. He lets her rest a little more when it’s his watch. She curls up in the blanket she stole from his apartment and sighs in her sleep.

They’re both exhausted, so their prank war grinds to a halt. Nick’s exasperated, and he doesn’t reply to any of Ziva’s requests for updates. Ellie’s smile is something admirably distracting and infuriating, especially when it’s not directed to him.

Here’s the thing, though: Nick can’t imagine when Ellie had time to go on a date with a Mark that he’s never met or heard of in the past few weeks. Before Operation Take DiGiorno’s to Prison, they had back-to-back murders that took a total of two weeks out of their lives. Before those, Nick went to pilates with her for three consecutive weekends. So whoever this Mark is, might be special to her. Someone she wants to keep to herself. Someone she wants to talk to all day, someone she wants to smile and laugh with, someone she wants to be with. It’s that simple.

It’s just not Nick.

The seaman in Interrogation still isn’t talking, but at least there’s something in the cocaine.

“Local PD’s been digging up everything they can about the drug ring for months, and this little sample here matches their signature packaging and purity. But I’m telling you, whoever hired their chemists needs to do a better job, cause this stuff ain’t pure at all.”

“Can we connect it to Joey or the uncle?”

“I’m so glad you asked. We, in fact, do have a way to arrest them, thanks to Kasie — ”

“Don’t talk about yourself in the third person.”

“Okay, someone’s grumpy! DiGiorno’s olive oil company bought bulk chemicals, which are being delivered to this address. We’ve got dimethyl sulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran — ”

“English, Kasie.”

“Coke. They’re making coke. Trust me, those materials are not extra virgin.”

He grunts out a thanks and swirls around, ready to leave.

“Woooaaahhh there, son.” Kasie holds her hands out in front of her to tame him. “What’s going on with you, Nicholas?”

“What? Nothing!”

“Okay. Then I guess it has nothing to do with you and your feelings.”

“What? Nothing’s up with Bishop and me!”

“I didn’t say anything about Bishop.”

“Okay,” Nick chuckles, searching for an exit route that may or may not involve rolling past Kasie in a very ninja-like manner before booking it out of the building. “You said something, I said something, now we’re both confused, and I gotta go now, bye!”

McGee’s hawk eyes peer at him when Bishop retreats to the break room again. It makes Nick squirm in his seat and try to pry his gaze away from her empty desk.

“Is something going on between you and Bishop?”

“Uh, no, why, did she say something?” He crosses his arms to quell the sound of his heart.

McGee scoffs. “I mean. You guys have barely talked since you came back from the stakeout.”

“Well. I don’t need to talk to her. All the time.”

“But you do.”

Nick makes a face. Bishop strolls back into the bullpen, carefree and light, and he shuts his mouth.

“What do we got?” Gibbs says, and McGee has no choice but to brush this under the rug.

It’s Day Ten, more accurately Night Ten, and they’re sitting in the car, driving to the warehouse where they’ll arrest Joey and his uncle. She’s wearing a vest and he has the urge to clean his gun before a shootout. But they’ll be fine.

He glances at her tied-up hair and the clench of her jaw. His hands tighten on the steering wheel, because he wants to hold her face in his hands and tangle his fingers in her hair. He wants to tell her something he can barely admit to himself.

She says nothing. The phone doesn’t ring. He keeps driving.

He forgets she has a vest on. He forgets everything, really, when he sees Ellie go down in the middle of the raid, and Joey starts running away. Gibbs yells at him to call an ambulance before he and McGee chase after the idiot who shot his partner.

Nick scrambles to her side, vision blurring, and he has more trouble breathing than she does when he reaches her. “Bishop, El, you’re gonna be okay, alright?”

Ellie groans as he slices her vest open. The bullet clatters off the Kevlar.

“Nick,” Ellie’s saying. “Nick, I’m fine.” His hands hover, barely brushing over her arms, neck, head — I have to check for concussion — and it does nothing to reassure him, until her hands fold into his. “Nick.”

She looks at him, mouth parted, cheeks flushed. Her ribs are probably bruised, if not broken. Her hands are the only source of stability; every other part of him is shaking.

“You’re alright.”

Ellie breathes out a heavy sigh; it shakes like his legs quiver, and he has to kneel next to her. “I’m alright.”

Along with the DEA, they confiscate every last bit of cocaine from the warehouse, effectively crippling the crime family’s major source of money. Joey rats on every aspect of his uncle’s business for a shorter sentence. As the EMTs are wrapping her ribs up, Nick holds his hand up for Ellie to slap and says, “We took DiGiorno’s to prison!”

He offers her his arm and a ride home. She graciously accepts, and the smile is his, again, for now.

But he can’t not say anything now. She almost — she almost. There’s nothing else to say about that.

So Nick says, “So, you’re going home to Mark today? You got a hot date?”

He’ll get over that lump in his throat, that spike in his pulse eventually. She’s alive, and he’ll be fine.

He doesn’t expect her to start laughing, only to be interrupted by a wince and a tender hand on her left side. “Nick, who do you think Mark is?”

“Uh.” There’s a dark hole of miscalculation, the feeling of falling down the cliff of Being Wrong. “Your hot new date you kept texting over the past, like, five days?”

Nick rolls his eyes. “Stop laughing, you’ll make your ribs worse.”

“It’s — ” Ellie takes a deep breath and pulls out her phone. She scrolls, and Nick’s about to say something about not wanting to read her love letters to Mark when:

Auntie Ellie, thanks for my birthday gifts! I miss you so much.

The voice can’t be older than five, with a light stammer and a lisp. Nick takes his eyes off the road to gape at a boy with two missing front teeth, and his heart both soars and sinks. Someone honks behind them, and he steps on the gas pedal, startled that he’s stopped at a green light.

“Well.”

“He turned four last week, and my brother’s been letting him call or text me videos every day. They’re stuck in Oklahoma and they miss me.” He can hear her shrug, the fabric of her jacket rustling against the car’s leather seat, but he keeps his eyes on the road. “I haven’t been home in almost two years.”

“I’m sorry.” It punctuates the silence that follows, leaving them both speechless, wondering, wishing.

“Were you jealous?” Ellie whispers.

“Yes.” He can’t stop himself. Not anymore. Nick floors the brake and looks at his passenger’s seat, red light shining on her, everything else dark and unimaginably lonely. “Yes.”

Ellie nods, then smiles. “Okay.”

They arrive the next morning together. McGee smirks at his phone. Kasie’s eyes switch between them, back and forth, before she raises an eyebrow and glares at Nick, threatening and protective. Gibbs says nothing. Nick smiles the whole morning, because he still tastes her lipstick on his teeth and feels her hair in his fingers.

To: big wuss, 10:20

Congratulations. You aren’t a bigger wuss than Tony.

To: ninja lady, 10:25

ha. thanks

for everything, i mean, i guess.

To: big wuss, 10:26

You’re very welcome, Nicholas.

fin.

#ellick #ellick fanfiction #ncis #ncis fanfiction #a very small bit of tiva #just enough to satisfy my own needs

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