#to keep in my pocket...so i take him w me to doctor appointments sometimes | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

vanchlo · 4 years ago

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The Assistant / Chapter Thirty-Three, “If It Kills Me”

A story about what happens when she can’t be just his assistant anymore, and he can no longer be only her boss. Now, can they be happy with being just friends?

Read this story from the beginning here! :-)

Inspo tag here!

*NEW* Spotify playlist in the works can be found here, songs that inspire me for the story and have significance in the story c:

Warnings: one brief mention of vomiting, and some mild language.

SNEAKY PEEEEEEEEEEEK

“And Becky’s face consumes my thoughts, much like it’s been captivating my conscience as of recent. Rather unsurprisingly.

There it remains for days, much like it has been. It follows me through the air as I stare out the window, floating above the clouds. It crops into my conversations, leeching any enjoyment gathered from them. I even see it in a crowd of people inside the walls of the courtroom before I deliver my closing statement. When I look a second time, I’m disappointed to find the eyes of a stranger.

I only find a respite from longing for her face when I turn my phone off, trying to stop wondering why she won’t return my texts. That thought only sticks to all of my others during the coming week with more ignored texts, craving her voice, and sufficing for browsing her Instagram. Her face. That smile. The smell that sat in the corner of her neck. I miss all of it.”

Song Inspiration: If It Kills Me by Jason Mraz (click to listen)

“It’s like before it’s gonna storm, you know? You can’t see it, but you can feel it, like this, uh electricity, you know?” - Steve Harrington, Stranger Things

The warm rays hit my cheeks as my sandals pound on the pavement. I wonder how I could ever be unhappy given the May sun shining down on me, and walking from my favorite restaurant. Without fail, the blissful idea is stolen away by a swarm of thoughts dosed in reality. And a particular one that reminds me of what I need to do, despite the dread I’ve been feeling. Not even the former respite of Asher’s hug after our shared lunch can keep them away.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I swipe through my apps until I find the right one. Stopping in front of my gray car, I lean against the door with a huff. My thumbs hover across the screen nervously, followed by a curse under my breath. Quickly, they flit across the screen composing words in front of my eyes. Sliding into my driver seat, I stare at the screen for a moment longer before hitting send.

I wait for the chime to come, telling me I have a new message, from him. Nervousness coats my limbs and only grows worse as the minutes tick by driving home. Waiting. But when I check my phone after walking in the door, my lock screen showing my dad and I’s smiling faces is blank.

No new messages.

Sliding off my black sandals, I pad through the shared living room and kitchen area before reaching my bedroom. My laptop beckons for me across the room on my desk, and I sit down before it. I hope that maybe if I don’t procrastinate this specific thing, maybe things will turn out a little better. But as I’m opening a study guide for Family Law’s final exam, I’m proven wrong.

The chime grabs my attention immediately, making my fingers still on the keyboard. Flitting my eyes to the lavender Speck phone case, I grow antsy at wondering who the text is from. And what it says. Inhaling nervously, I pick it up and wake up the screen. The few words of a preview I see of the text cues a sour anxiousness to grow in my stomach. Bringing my knees up onto my chair, I pull them against my chest as I open the text.

Hey I’m so sorry I’ve been terrible at texting back, finals these next two weeks are getting to me. Speaking of that I realized that I have to take a final at the time we’re supposed to get lunch in a few days. I’m really sorry but can we reschedule . . . again? I was thinking in two weeks when I’m finally free from the clutches of uni????? :(

Harry

sorry cant love. im in edinburgh all that week for a case. lets talk about it when im back. good luck w finals xx

Sighing, I type up a short response, agreeing to that. With guilt casting a shadow over me, I return my attention to the lengthy study guide. The gross feeling in my stomach remains, and with its arrival, my excitement for our lunch date is replaced with disappointment. I’ve been looking forward to it for weeks since we rescheduled it the first time, due to me messing up the dates, again. Peeking my eyes at my phone, I turn away and slump against my chair.

It’s been a month since I saw him last, and although we’ve sent a handful of texts, they haven’t been enough for me. Skye, of course, told me that there’s nothing stopping me from showing up at his office door, but she’s wrong. I don’t know his schedule anymore, and for all I know, I’d be waiting around for him. Plus, my appearance would just yell ‘desperate!’ Sometimes, I wonder what little world Skye is tucked away into that’s far simpler, not realizing I still have to work during the day, especially more so this summer.

But as the days drag on with chemo and radiation appointments, and lectures upon lectures, I think maybe Skye has the right idea being so optimistic. Maybe.

Over the next few weeks, I see him at almost every corner I turn, and it hurts more than it should after all these weeks. The ignored texts shouldn’t feel like a fresh stab wound when I see that Scrabble box in the family room, get on that very same lift, or walk past the nurse’s station I found him leaning against that morning. Nothing compares to the piano and the pang I feel in my chest at the sight of it. It comes every time I walk through those doors and am reminded of the intimacy held on those keys. No, it didn’t get easier after the first time being back there with my dad, or the fifth time. Avoiding that gray sofa like the plague only reminded me of the texts I sent him that went unanswered. I can’t blame him though, because like a bitch, I took a week sometimes to reply to him.

The tight feeling in my chest only feels heavier as I sit on the plaid couch in my childhood living room. I can’t even enjoy watching FRIENDS like I used to be able to, as their faces bring forth the sound of his laugh. It pains me to turn down their voices as I dig my phone out from under the cushions. I try not to let it get to me when I, once again, find no new text messages. My attempt is futile and it only causes me to take longer to open the phone app. By now, I know his number by heart, but my shaky hands cause me to mess up a few times.

Pressing the phone to my ear, all I can hear is its ringing and the pounding of my heart. As the seconds drag on, I’m almost certain I’ll hear the voicemail next. But then I’m pleasantly surprised, although the bitterness in my stomach blossoms.

“Hullo?” His gravelly voice pulls my lips into an instant smile. Rubbing the back of my neck anxiously, the words fall from my lips hurriedly.

“Hi, Harry.”

“Hey, how’s it goin’?” he responds curtly, a clattering noise heard in the background before he mutters a ‘shit.’

“I’m sorry, did I call at a bad time?” I ask quickly, regret filling my veins.

“No, yer fine. ‘m jus’ makin’ dinna.”

“Oh um, nice. What are you cooking?” I inquire, twirling the braided silver ring on my pointer finger. Swallowing, I wait to hear his molasses drawl again, like music to my ears.

“Jus’ a stir fry. So . . . why’d ya ring?” Harry responds, a coolness hugging his voice.

“Um, I haven’t heard from you in a while and wanted to say hi.”

“Hi,” he hums awkwardly, followed by the sound of a door closing. Squeezing my eyes shut, uneasiness falls over me in a wave. Oddly, I wonder if all of a sudden I can’t call to say hi. “Ya, we’ve both been busy. Cases fer me, an’ prolly uni an’ yer dad’s treatments fer you.”

“Yeah,” I agree aloud, my chin falling to rest in my palm. But it leaves a second later to lose my fingers in my hair. “I wanted to tell you that I finished my finals last week, so now I just have clinical left in the fall. Oh, and my dad got to ring the bell today. He’s all done with chemo and radiation after his scans all looked good. It’s hard to believe that he’s cancer-free. His doctors will, of course, have to keep an eye on him in the future to make sure it doesn’t come back, but I couldn’t be happier.”

“Tha’s wonderful, love,” Harry coos into my ear, the first notes of happiness heard in his voice. It begins to put me at ease, and cause me to think maybe something isn’t off after all. “‘m really glad t’ hear that- well both o’ those things.”

Unbeknownst to me, I find myself nodding along with his words as if I needed his confirmation. But his words stop there, and the sickening feeling that something is wrong settles back in. A small ‘yeah’ stumbles off my lips as my fingers form into a fist in my lap, debating what to say next. Or if I should ask what I’ve been wanting to say the entire time.

“We weren’t able to get ahold of each other a few weeks ago to reschedule lunch. Would you still like to?” Going out on a limb, I let the words fly.

I watch for them apprehensively, uncertain if they’ll take flight. The loud sound from his side, the subsequent shuffling, and a voice saying his name shoots them down hastily.

“‘m sorry, I gotta go. ‘ll text ya ‘bout gettin’ lunch,” Harry remarks, his words stringing together swiftly. I barely have the chance to say an ‘okay’ before he abruptly hangs up, sewing together an unwanted thought for me.

Tossing my phone to the other end of the couch, I fall back against the cushions. Turning up the volume of the telly, I avert my gaze back to the make-believe world I’ve always taken comfort in. As the phone call gnaws away at my insides, planting insecurities every few steps, I let the characters whisk me away. Even if their faces and familiar jokes will now never stop reminding me of him, and something I let go of that I didn’t know I had. I only feel worse when I realize that I knew then that he’d never send that text, and I think he knew that, too.

“Staring at it isn’t going to make it ring, y’know,” somebody states, pulling me from my webs of thoughts.

Lifting my attention away from the black screen in my hand, I catch Myles looking at me impatiently.

“Wha- ‘m sorry. I was listenin’.”

“Then what’d I just say?” he requests, the hand propped against his chin rising in a silent question.

My lips fall apart to welcome my voice, but nothing comes out. Shrugging, he receives his answer and replies with a disapproving glare.

“Hare, this is important stuff. We’re leaving for Edinburgh tomorrow for the case, it’s a huge one.”

“I know, My. Jus’ repeat what ya said, please,” I huff, batting a hand at him. His eyes roll into the back of his head when he leans back in his leather chair.

“I swear to God, Harry, I-.”

“Stop,” I retort, growing annoyed.

He plays with the point of his quiffed blonde hair before clearing his throat. Although I try to listen the second time around, my gaze is lulled back to my laptop screen. My fingers itch to touch the keys and type up words, and when Myles begrudgingly answers his ringing phone, I find my chance. Sliding my silent phone into my pocket, I click on the blue thought bubble, only to be met with disappointment. Brushing it away, my fingers fly across the keys and my words are sent with a soft hum. Soon, Myles hangs up the phone with a perturbed sigh and resumes the conversation we were having. Again, I try to return to the bubble we share and the words that occupy it, but my mind is consumed with the anticipation of that coveted ding. And with Becky’s face, much like it’s been captivating my thoughts as of recent. Rather unsurprisingly.

It crowds my mind when I wait for the boarding call, tapping my fingers along the screen and watching the words be sent off. I only find a respite from longing for her face when I turn my phone off, trying to stop wondering why she won’t return my texts. That thought only sticks to all of my others during the coming week with more ignored texts, craving her voice, and sufficing for browsing her Instagram. Her face. That smile. The smell that sat in the corner of her neck. All of it. I miss all of it. It gnawed away at me slowly, and terribly, burying doubts beneath my defenses. They sprang up when I least expected them, and when I thought about sending just one more text. A few words wouldn’t hurt anything, I thought, but at the same time, I distrust the ultimate impact they could have.

The pounding jars me from my reverie, bringing me to my feet slowly. Padding past the television and kitchen area, a yawn jumps from my lips. Another pound lands on the door, dragging my brow into a knot.

“Oh, shuddup!” I exclaim in disbelief, wrapping my fingers around the smooth metal of the door. Yanking it open, I find the grinning bearded face of my mate standing on my stoop. “‘m not goin’, Rore, I already told ya this.”

“C’mon, Harry, I’ll look like a right idiot being there all alone,” Rory responds, his steps telling me he’s following me inside once I turn around. “Help a mate out here.”

“Ya, ‘coz ya were so helpful tha otha day when I asked ya t’ consult with me fer the Starkey case.” Scoffing, his words pause between his lips as I fill a glass of water from the attachment on the fridge. “Why’re ya goin’ anyways, since it sounds like sumthin’ yer dreadin’? And since when d’ya even go t’ these sorta things? Last place I thought ‘d see you at, Rore.”

“I don’t, but it’s for me sister’s showing. I can’t miss it, she’s me baby sister. I’d hear about it from me mum for weeks.”

Snorting, I have to pull the glass of water away from my lips.

“Hope ya bloody choke on that water, mate,” Rory scoffs, only making me laugh harder. Water flies from my lips as I’ve forgotten the glass on the marbled countertop. “Are ya coming or not, Harry? Ya know it’s a good place to pick up chicks, too. They blooming love these art gallery places.”

Recovering from my fit of giggles, I turn my head to find Rory waiting with the question in his eyes. He huffs and riffles a hand through his tousled blonde hair a few shades lighter than that which covers his face. Shaking his head, he wiggles his head at me.

“I’ll consult with you on the next case, or even give ya first pick,” he whines, folding his hands together under his chin, as if he’s praying.

“‘m yer bloody boss, I always get first picks,” I murmur, a smile cracking at the end of my words.

“Oh, fuck off, would you?” he spits, pushing at a chair in front of the seated bar attached to the kitchen island. Clucking his tongue, he messes with the collar of his navy blue blazer thrown over a bloody Zeppelin shirt. Yeah, you sure look artsy there, Rore. But with the next words that fly from his sailor’s mouth, he pins me down. “What’re ya gonna do here anyways, sit and watch the bleeding telly all in your lonesome when ya could be with me getting damn a date?”

Biting my lip, my house slippers come into my view and when Rory’s eyes find them, a laugh explodes from his lips. “Go hurry up and bloody change before you’re too far gone, mate. I’ll be in the car,” he titters before his voice falls with a delighted sigh. Delight found in my pain.

“Two cases, Rore. Any two cases I want, ya consult with me on. Ya got it?” I argue, following on his footsteps.

“Whatever makes ya feel better, mate. I know you'll be thanking me later tonight.”

“Doubt it,” I mutter, watching him open the door, sure there’s a sly grin covering his face.

I turn to jog up the stairs until I arrive in my bedroom. Quickly, I toss on skinny jeans, a Keith Haring shirt, and a mustard button up smattered with faded white flowers. I look rather artsy, I reckon, I decide as I look at myself in my bathroom mirror. It’s an easy feat when you’re standing next to wannabe Rory over there, though. After taming my hair and finding a pair of shoes, I pad down the stairs.

“Alexa, turn off all o’ my lights,” I announce, slipping my wallet and phone into my pocket as my hous darkens around me.

“Take fucking long enough?” Rory groans when I slide into the passenger seat of his silver Sentra.

“Shuddup and drive, will you? So we can get this ova with.”

“If you’re gonna be an ass tonight, then just go back inside,” he almost laughs, beginning to back away from the towering walls of my house.

“Talking ‘bout yerself, are ya now?” I quip, bringing my phone from my tight pockets, tapping in my passcode.

“I’ve noticed, y’know,” he mumbles, barely loud enough for me to hear him. Looking up from the bright screen, his eyes don’t stray from the road. “There’s a girl, isn’t there? Or there was?” he continues, a man I’ve come to love over the last three years he’s worked with me. And somehow I thought I had fooled him, but it turns out, I haven’t. I can’t even fool myself.

“Sumthin’ like that,” I whisper, my attention straying back to the conversation lit on my screen. Another day of the ball being in her court, and she just leaves it in the bloody corner, neglecting it. “I see why ya wanted me t’ come now . . . jus’ don’ try t’ set me up with yer bloody sista. She’s like twenty.”

His hearty chuckle fills the space around us, the words of a song from Death Cab for Cutie lurking in the background. “I won’t, but y’know she’s not gonna let ya out of her sight, mate. She’s had the hots for you from day one.”

“Oh God, Rore, what’d I let ya drag me into here?” I joke, my lips curling into a nervous smile. But the smile feels good, and it feels even better when her name disappears from my screen, and I forget my phone in my pocket.

“What happened to making me dinner?” I whine from the couch, crossing my left leg over the other under the comfort of my blanket.

“That was when you were busy, and well, the other day when I was feeling generous. Not today, missy,” Skye scoffs, the sound of the fridge shutting marking her words. Something lands in my lap with a plop, startling me.

“Wow, how gourmet. Why thank you, I definitely don’t need to make dinner now,” I joke, picking up the wrapped piece of string cheese.

“I know you’re still going to eat it. Just eat cereal or something, you hobo. I’m going to bed at a decent time, unlike somebody.”

“Hey, it’s a Friday!” I argue, pressing the page down button on the remote, waiting for something to catch my eye on Netflix.

“Yeah, and some of us still have a job on Saturdays!” she calls from her journey down the hall.

“Party pooper!”

She remains silent on the defensive line, and so does the list of boring content on the television screen. Relenting, I click over to My Stuff and press play on the next episode of FRIENDS. Relaxing into the cushions, I unwrap the cheese and slowly eat it in strings. Giggles flow from my lips watching the scene unravel in front of me, and some eye-rolls because of Ross or Monica. After a while, my legs stray to the fridge, and I return to the tan sectional with a bowl of Cheerios. The milk threatens to spill over the side when I sit up suddenly, almost yelping in laughter at the scene when Monica and Rachel lose their apartment to Chandler and Joey. The sugary Cheerios soon disappear, and the milk follows them as the episode nears the end.

Placing my bowl and spoon in the dishwasher, I hurry back to the sofa to catch a Phoebe scene. My cheeks warm with a smile, but they soon grow cold when my thoughts have to interrupt with a memory of his face. That god awfully sweet smile adorned with his cherry lips and precious dimples. Without knowing what I’m doing, the cartoon looking app appears under my nose, and pictures fill my feed. I take a second look at a few of them that catch my attention, the angry voices of Rachel and Monica tickling at my ears.

Soon, the search bar materializes and although it feels wrong, I type in letter after letter to create his name. I can’t remember the last time I glanced at his profile, just to catch a hint of him. Finding the profile I’ve become familiar with, I tap on his picture and wait for his profile to load. Glancing away, the tv captures my attention once more as I scratch at an itch on my leg. Yawning, I rub at my eye before it falls back to the blindingly bright screen. Blinking hard to clear the haze from my vision, I scroll down to see what new pictures he’s posted, although they’re usually few and far between.

I find the most recent picture I recognize and tap through them. Picturesque shots from high in the clouds. His unbelievably adorable niece. Food-grams. A picture of a homemade pizza is making my mouth water and is still stuck in my mind when I happen upon the next photo, and the most recent one. The moisture in my mouth is wicked away, suddenly bone dry when the image in front of my eyes slowly registers with me. But I can’t believe it, even though I’m seeing it. I don’t want to see it, or believe it. The moisture reappears in the corners of my eyes quickly as a sourness quickly knits together in my gut. The image shakes in my hands and then blurs in my eyes, accented by the thrashing of my heart inside of my chest.

“Skye!” I shout, the words leaping from my lips with little success.

My lip wobbles and I feel my entire face collapse from pain, disbelief, the whole shebang. The sob screaming from my lips is muffled by my fingers coming to my mouth.

“No, no, no, no, no,” I mutter, inhaling fast and feeling the tears in my throat. Because I can feel it everywhere in my body - the pain. In my eyes, my stomach, my hands, and my chest. The sight of Harry’s lips touching that of another girl’s sends knives into my heart, and my stomach roiling. “T-this can’t . . . ,” but my words escape me, because the multitudes of feelings punished with anguish and despair course through me.

“Skye!” I yell again, not realizing that I’ve gotten to my feet. I stumble at first, feeling the weakness reach my legs. Her name leaves my lips wet with tears as I run past the kitchen and down the hall.

Pushing open her door, darkness meets my eyes, and I swear in that moment it swallowed me. Hitting me, I grab the doorframe and feel my forehead fall against it. Leaning there for support, the sobs roll through me, the very reason still clutched in my hand.

“Whaaaaat?” she groans tiredly from her bed across the room.

But I only reply with a sob of her name, hiccups havocking my chest. My hands claw at the wall, darkness coating my eyelids.

“Ree?” Skye asks groggily, the click of her lamp following her words. “What happened? Are you alright?” she hurries, the pillowy patting of her covers being thrown back meeting my ears.

Her arms wrapping around me are almost numbing, and do nothing. And feel like nothing. But when I feel my head meet her chest, the slowed-down world I lived in for those few seconds vanishes.

“Skye, I-. . . ,” I attempt, once again falling up short as tears suffocate my voice, much like they’re making me feel. Shakily, I press my phone into her hand as I try to find safety in her arms.

I wait and then am rewarded with her intake of breath followed by a sigh. “Holy fuck,” she whispers, and retaliates by pulling me closer against her. “Come here, Ree.”

She walks me over to her bed and helps me under the covers until I’m surrounded by them, and her arms.

“Who i-is she?” I demand sloppily, searching for something to hold onto and to anchor myself with. I’m compensated with the smooth fabric of her shirt that I cling to the back of, my head falling into her hair. The mundane scent of strawberries wafting from her body tries to relax me, but to no avail.

“Ree-,” she begins, but I don’t let her start, let alone finish.

“I want to kn- I need to know,” I respond, sniffling against the warm expanse of her neck. There’s shuffling next to me before she sighs, and I sense the light of my phone. Tapping prods at my hearing as I try to form coherent thoughts.

I’m met with images of him. Harry. His dark curls, the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs, and the high-pitched giggle that accompanied my tickling as well as his own. The intruding memories rack my body with shaking sobs, pressing my lips together as new tears gush over them. My belly contracts with each sob, and I don’t even register the cramping in my hands from holding on so tightly.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Skye hums warily from above, pulling my head into her neck, leaving her arm there to shield me from her words. Or the image that I can’t remove from my mind even if I tried. It’s burned there indefinitely now.

His arms in a blue button-up surrounding her and his lips enveloping hers. A smile creasing his cheeks with happiness, and spreading to those of her dark cheeks. Her curvy body pressed against his, flowing ebony curls tickling her chocolate skin.

“Tell me.”

“Okay,” Skye caves, the tips of her fingers running marathons along my back, in attempts to calm me down. But I don’t know if the tried and true will work this time, although it has for every other, even when my dad’s life was painted with the C-Word. “She’s a London based artist, does some sculpting and gallery work locally. According to her Instagram account, anyways.”

“I asked . . who is she?” I repeat, my voice wavering under the dominance of the tears.

“Her name’s Bailee Taylor.”

“W-what does her page look . . . like?” I request, exhaustion blanketing me, and only adding another feeling to the rest. Blinking away the tears, I try to take in a deep breath, but my memories hit me with the safety I felt in his arms. Unwaveringly.

“It looks like they’re . . dating,” Skye announces quietly, squeezing me around the middle. The confirmation I didn’t know I’d been searching for hits me like a train, knocking the air out of me again. And all of a sudden, hatred pulses through me, asking me where to lay it. Where to feel it. “There’s a few pictures of them on her feed, looks like they met maybe a few weeks ago.”

“Why?” jumps from my lips finally, taking a nosedive to join a sea of unanswered questions. The word shakes the second it leapt from my tongue, and somehow it hurts more than all of the rest. “I h-hate him,” I cry, my nose smushing against her skin when I try to hold onto her tighter than I already am.

“No, you don’t,” she coos, raking her fingers through my hair slowly, and carefully.

“I know, b-but I wish I could,” I answer, the memories dancing through my head at hyper speed. Falling asleep in his arms, and waking up in them. The tickling fight. The almost kiss. The Scrabble game. Waking up to find him waiting there in the doorway. Him coming back even after the way I treated him. Finding him standing there at the front of the lecture hall. The reprieve of being in his arms again after so long spent away from them. And then, like a wall, my mind runs into the strings of unanswered texts. The canceled lunch dates. The both of us ignoring the other’s texts, but then at the end, it was him. It was him who was awkward during the last phone call. He hung up on me abruptly, and I heard somebody else was there. Was it her? It’s possible they would have already been together by then. He said he’d text me to set up lunch, and he never did.

“It won’t make you feel better,” she murmurs, cupping my head with her palm. The sound of tears edging at her words only makes mine come harder, and the feeling in my gut grows louder.

“Then what will?” I beg, wondering if I’ll ever forget the taste of the salty tears. A taste I thought I could forget just late last month when my dad was cured. News that I told him, and had been impatiently waiting to do all day. “I thought I was just feeling okay again, Skye.”

“I know, Ree, I’m so sorry,” she returns, placing her cheek against mine, the first tear peeking through in her voice. “I’m sorry.”

I unpeel myself from her anxiously, kicking away the blankets before my feet land on the floor.

“Where are you going?” she almost demands, the sound of her following me far away.

“I’m gonna be sick,” I confess, rushing down the hall before falling to my knees in front of the toilet. The Cheerios and milk from earlier make a reappearance, along with the string cheese, and mushy contents of my other meals.

Running a cold cloth along my face, Skye kneels in front of me, her face painted in sadness.

“How can it hurt so much, Skye, when he wasn’t even mine?” I croak, focusing on the lone tile in our bathroom that doesn’t match the rest of the flooring.

“I think you’re wrong, he was yours, Ree.”

“I was so close. I fucked up, again,” I weep, my lips collapsing with yet another sob.

“Don’t say that, don’t,” she insists, tucking her hair behind her studded ear when it goes every which way with the shaking of her head. “You can’t blame yourself for this.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“It feels like it is. She’s so pretty . . Of course she is,” I remember aloud, breathing in quickly before the tears take hold of me once more. Closing my eyes, I reach out for her and let my head rest against her shoulder.

“She really isn’t, Ree. A big pair of tits doesn’t make you pretty, and anyways, you’re far prettier. He could do much better, like you.”

“You’re just saying that,” I confess, trying to swallow, but my throat has tied itself into knots with the thoughts of him. And when that word falls out of bed inside of my head, I find that it can hurt worse. “I was his Becks, Skye, I thought it was right there. That it was gonna happen for us.”

“Oh, Ree,” she cries, sniffling against my hair when she pulls me against her. “I know, I’m so sorry . . so sorry.”

Nodding into her chest, it feels right as her necklace digs into my wet cheek. My jaw aches from clenching my teeth, and so does every other part of my body in some way. Somehow I let her bring me back to her bed, and hide me away in her arms. My head swims with questions, then fleeting hatred for him, and inconsolable longing the very next. I shed a tear for his smell, his contagious smile, that Scrabble game we’ll never finish, the churros I’ll never be able to eat again without him ruining them for me, the color of his eyes I could never forget, and the lost feeling of his lips I never got to kiss. The list miles long of things I never got to say to him, or do with him, or make him feel. Because now she does, and she isn’t me.

“I-I thought . . that he felt the same way about me, and that somehow he knew that I loved him.”

A whimper escapes Skye’s lips as my tears fall into her neck, adding to the puddle I’ve shed there.

“What does she have that I don’t? Am I not interesting? Does she have a nicer body than I do? Am I not pretty enough? Was I not nice enough or appreciative of him?” I weep, the questions flowing off my lips from the recesses of my mind. My name greets my ears firmly, but I ignore it. “I was trying to answer his texts when I could, but things got so busy with uni and my dad. All the driving, the tests in both places, and I couldn’t keep dates right in my head. Maybe if I’d texted him back sooner that one time, or made the lunch date on the right day the first time-.”

“Becky, don’t do the ‘ifs’ thing,” Skye urges, pulling the covers further up our shoulders before returning to combing my hair back again and again.

“But I can’t stop thinking about what went wrong, a-and how much I miss him, Skye. I miss him a hundred times more after seeing that picture,” I reveal, falling into her, my lips meeting her shoulder. My teeth dig into my skin and I let them, numb to the pain as the same word is too busy with my mind. “I don’t know if I ever wanna see him again.”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“But I do want to, I’ll always want to. Like something inside of me will always want him.”

The sunlight streaming in through the windows is the first thing I see when I awake. Ducking my head back under the covers, I pull them over me with a groan. The blissful ignorance of the first few minutes after waking up follows me, until it all comes crashing back.

��Are you awake?” a voice murmurs, sleep clinging to it.

“Unfortunately,” I whisper, staring into the muted light underneath the gray covers.

“I can stay home if you want me to, I was just making some breakfast,” Skye responds, the tapping of her feet along the floor following.

“No, don’t cancel your hair appointments because of me. I’ll be . . I’ll be fine,” I tell her, but then the tears greet me good morning.

“Oh, Ree, I’ll cancel and we can watch movies all day, or FRIENDS. Whatever you want,” she announces. The bed falls to one side when she sits on the edge, and I feel her hand find my back.

“Thanks, I was hoping you’d say that,” I return, turning around and sitting up to dive into her arms. “I was hoping I had dreamt it all and it was just a bad dream. But my life is the bad dream.”

“Oh, Ree,” she coos, surrounding me with her arms. “I know this is cliche and it doesn’t feel like it, but it’ll get better.”

“I don’t know about that. My life is a running joke lately because it feels like it’ll get better, and then it just gets worse.”

“Your birthday is coming up, isn’t it, Becky?” somebody asks. Looking up from my cupcake, I find the face of Sophie.

“Yeah, end of next week,” I answer, picking an orange sprinkle from the white frosting to eat.

“Do you have any big plans?” my boss asks as she places her lunch in the microwave.

“My brother and I hang out every year, we’re twins.”

“Oh, how fun! I remember meeting him once when he brought you lunch one day,” she smiles, turning to face me as she waits in front of the humming microwave.

I just nod and dip my finger into the frosting, feeling it melt on my tongue a second later.

“Everything alright, love?”

“Yep, just tired is all,” I fib, taking a bite of the carrot cupcake, although I’m not wrong when I think about it. Skye has been a lifesaver for the last two weeks helping me get back on my feet. Thinking back on it and all of the tears leaves a funny taste in my mouth, but I try to brush it away with a forced smile.

“How old will you be this year, Becky?” Sophie asks, pulling out a rolling chair to sit to my right at the long table.

“Good old 26.”

“Wow, still a spring chicken, I’d say,” she comments, bringing a quirky smile to my lips. I almost follow her laugh with mine. “Well you know what, an early birthday present from me is you can have the rest of the day off. You always do a great job, Becky, and so you deserve it.”

“Sophie, I-,” I begin, my jaw falling to the floor.

“I mean it, go. Get out of here. Go do something that makes you happy, love, it looks like you need to,” she smiles, squeezing my arm from across the table. Standing to my feet, profuse ‘thank yous’ leave my lips before I leave the break room.

I drive around with my windows down, unsure of where to go instead of home. Before I know it, I find myself walking into my favorite little coffee shop. I’ve always loved to hang out here with a cup, reading a book, doing homework, or just relaxing on one of their sofas.

Soon, I sit down with a Cubano sandwich and an iced cinnamon roll coffee, my very favorite. Pulling a book out of my work bag, I crack it open to the first page, unable to remember when I last had the time to read a book for fun. The words of Ruth Ware stare back at me, slowly drawing me into a made-up world, and away from the desolate one trying to swallow me.

Quickly, I’m grateful for the respite from the thoughts mucking up my mind. Instead I lose myself in the sentences that spin a scary story, thanking my old self for stashing something besides a romance in my bag. That’s the last thing I could even think about indulging in right now. For some reason, the mystery entices me, a genre I’ve always had a love for. I think, especially now, it’s the aspect of being able to solve a mystery, and to fix a problem. If only I could do that now, I wish silently with a spiteful snort.

Placing my empty plate on the return area by the cash register, I return to my cozy spot on the couch and to my book. Losing my fingers in my hair, I prop my head up and open the book to where I had left off. Soft indie music trickles from the speakers as conversations float around me. Several more sofas are dotted around the large room and booths, as well as tables varying in sizes. Friends play board games borrowed from the shelf by the fireplace, and others do schoolwork or actual work. A laugh from behind the counter echos through the room, right as the bell on the front door jingles. Although across the room, I can hear the voices floating in from the sidewalk. Cars honking and birds chirping. The sounds make me itch to leave the air-conditioned room, and bring my reading outside into the June sunshine.

The words covering the pages root me to the spot, but they can’t protect me from what I hear. It’s a voice that I know inside and out, from the shortened words to the often used words. My vocal cords soon begin to tangle into knots in my throat at the mere noise. Beneath my baby blue blouse, there’s a clobbering in my chest as the voice grows near and then stops. Instinctively, hair falls through my fingers as I lower my head, wishing to remain unseen. Unknown.

I can’t stop myself, and there I am looking up to see that crinkly-eyed smile through wrenching tears.

Harry.

23 notes · View notes

krackheadkulture · 6 years ago

Text

MISTER CAT

Pairing: OC X Lee Minho Word Count: 6K+ Genre: Fluff, crackhead (?), Romance, Cats AU

[FIRST PERSON PERSPECTIVE]

What would you consider acceptable? Wearing pajamas to a formal event, wearing slippers for a run in the Olympics or hiring someone on the spot without knowing their capability or skills? That was definitely my mistake when I first saw him barging through the doors of my animal clinic with a bundle in his hands, shouting desperately for help as he startled the white bunny in my hands.

“Doctor, doctor!” The shouts of the desperate boy echoed through the small room. He scanned across the room and eyed me immediately. He strides towards me and gently placed the bundle onto the counter; his hands were trembling as he tried to open the knots on the cloth. “I-I think I poisoned my cat.”

I raised my eyebrow at the mysterious- and I have to admit, crazy- man in front of me. “Poisoned? Why would you do that?” I asked, settling the bunny back into its cage as I continued to stare at the tall dark-haired man curiously.

“I-it was on accident! I was spraying Fe-Febreeze all a-around the r-r-room and I thought that s-settling the bottle next to my cat’s bowls was a good idea! B-but I think the b-bottle might have l-leaked or something,” he explained. “Please! My cat is motionless!” He opened the bundle open and revealed some neatly stacked jeans in the center of the cloth instead of a cat.

I looked confusedly at the man in front of me before glancing back at the jeans. “A-are you sure… you brought your cat along?” I asked.

“M-my cat!” He drifted off, staring dumbfounded at the clothing he had brought instead before he quickly grabbed my arm out of surprise. “Come!” He started pulling my wrist. “Come to my house now to save him! Please!”

“W-wait!” I stammered as I stopped him. “I don’t even know what I’m dealing with! So please give me time to get all my equipment so I can treat your cat!” He wordlessly released his grip on my wrist, allowing me to gently place the rabbit I was holding back into its cage next to the counter and grabbed my emergency kit before I turned to him. “Now we can go.” And I quickly trailed behind him as he strides to the destination.

It took us 15 minutes to reach his house, and I was already panting and sweating while he was not, and I blamed his long legs. He quickly opened the front door and swung the door open to allow me to enter in first. I quickly dashed past him into the corridor to find his cat lying in the middle of his living room, half-wrapped in the same colored cloth of the bundle he had brought in. I knelt down in front of the motionless cat and opened up the emergency kit.

I first measured the orange tabby cat’s heart rate, and its heart rate was normal, which was really weird if the cat was poisoned, so I just observed the cat for a moment. “Doctor…” I remembered that the man was standing next to me. “Is my cat… okay?”

“Your cat’s heartbeat is normal… which is weird if it was poisoned…” I explained, still trying to understand the cat in front of me. I placed my head closer to the cat and heard soft and weak meows coming from the cat, its eyes still closed. I lifted the cat’s leg one by one before hearing a louder meow… and that was when I realized. “Your cat is not poisoned,” I declared. “Your cat broke its paw and it couldn’t move.”

“So I did not poison my cat? That is great news!” The man next to me let out a relief sigh as I picked up the cat gently. "But your cat needs to be brought into my animal clinic to be treated, is that fine by you?” I asked, raising my eyebrow as I looked at him.

“Yeah, that’s fine!” He grinned as he followed me out of his house, still grinning with relief at the thought that it was not a poisoning act done to his cat.

“I would also need you to fill in some information about our little patient here,” I added as I started walking away, with the man still tailing behind me, nodding his head.

“Mister… Minho?” I called out to the waiting room where only the man sat. It had been nearly an hour since the operation I had done on the cat and it was successful. The man lifted his head up immediately at his name and walked towards me in a hurry. “Is… Is…” He stuttered.

“Yes, Almond Milk is fine,” I replied quietly with a slight smile. I had looked over the form, which I had asked him to fill in, and I was pretty perplexed when I saw the name Almond Milk stated on the pet’s name. I mean, I had no objection with people naming their cats in colors they were not in, but it really confused me for people to name their pets over food, such as my recent patient here: Almond Milk. “Your cat just suffered a fall… a very high fall and fractured its paw, but I can assure you that I had fixed it up and he is fine to go now!”

“Thank you so much, doctor,” he let out a relief sigh and held his cat in his arms. “How much would the entire operation be?”

“That will be 150,000 won,” I replied and he nodded his head immediately, fishing for his wallet. I waited for a couple of minutes, watching as he tried to find his wallet to no valid.

“Oh god…” I could hear him cursing himself under his breath as he continued to search the pockets of his jeans while holding his cat in his other arm. It took him five minutes to finally give up and to look back at me. “I… I lost… my wallet,” he replied softly.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to rush to pay me, ” I answered calmly as I gave the boy a slight smile. To be very, incredible honest, I was actually not okay to not be receiving the money. My clinic was on the verge of shutting down and I needed the money to keep it surviving as it held my only sanity, so if it were to be gone, my sanity does too. But after looking at the boy standing in front of me with a worried expression plastered onto his face, I could not help it but be a little more lenient with him because it had also been a tough day for him.

“You don’t understand,” the boy was saying. “M-my money is gone! Every penny of it… it’s just… gone!”

And now, my kindness and patience was gone. “W-what?” I asked. “What do you mean you don’t have any money now? Y-you can’t just… get your cat treatment without paying!”

“That’s why I’m thinking what I can do now!” He was as freaked out as I was as well.

“Well, have you come up with a brilliant plan yet?” I asked, biting my lower lips annoyingly. He glared at me and rolled his eyes, still keeping silent as he continued to think. “You know, what if I work here with you for free? Would that… help pay my cat’s bills?”

“Is that not slave labor?” I asked back. “How would you survive then if I don’t pay you?”

“Just let me work for a month,” he glanced at me briefly, smiling slightly. “I’ll manage… if only you would hire me.”

It was a bad idea. A very bad idea indeed. I was definitely unbelievable to take up the mysterious man’s offer as soon as he proposed the idea. Working alone as a vet in an animal clinic was hard work, especially since I had to manage everything, from paying the bills, ensuring I do not mess up appointment dates of clients and treating the animals and I just thought that maybe a helping hand could work out the way I wanted it to but instead, it did not. That man that had lost his wallet was someone I do not know so his personality and characteristics were out of the question for me as in to choose a suitable employee. He was already a mess as soon as he started working on day one.

“Good morning, doctor!” My new employee appeared through the doors at 10am with a bundle in his arm and Almond Milk in the other. I turned around and nodded my head quietly at him which turned into a smile.

I could not help but smile as well at his weirdness as I continued to focused back on my task before remembering that he was still standing in the middle of the clinic, unsure of what to do next. “Oh, Minho? Can you please… help me clear the files from the reception area? I didn’t have time to do them and I must’ve forgotten about them,” I started and he nodded with a smile before heading to the small counter that had a glass in between the two spaces.

It only took me ten seconds to hear the file cabinets crashing down onto the floor as soon as he walked right into the room. I jumped, startled at the sudden sound and I quickly rushed to the commotion, to only see him staring at the cabinet. The patients’ files scattered around the floor from the drawer he had opened.

“Minho! W-what happened? How did you m-manage to do this?” I looked at the mess in surprise.

“Almond Milk walked in and I was afraid I would hit him,” Minho explained. “But do not worry! I will clean this up in no time!”

And that was what he said a couple of weeks ago, when he continued to mess things up, from breaking the brooms while cleaning the floor to fetching the wrong needles needed for the animals. He had brought his friends along to accompany him sometimes and it might look like a complete ruckus but they were also a joy there because they lightened up the atmosphere around the tense air of the clinic. Even though there were many downsides of hiring Lee Minho, there were many perks as well. Our clinic started to get more and more clients and patients alike ever since Minho had came in but they were mostly girls, so I started to suspect that they were only there because of Minho.

Seeing the many girls at the clinic made me feel uncomfortable, for one, they were all flirting with Minho. They were a lot prettier than me and I promise you that I was okay with that but when it came to my business, they only wanted Minho to help them instead of me and it made me annoyed, and second, Minho was only a temporary solution since he was only helping me based on a debt and it would not be long until he had to leave. I was afraid that my business would not keep up at all without his help. Those thoughts had kept me up and up even today, the third week of his help at the clinic.

I was staring at the girls chatting away with Minho as I sat at the receptionist quietly, waiting for either of them to approach me to check their pets, but they never did even as I continued to wait forever.

“Are your clients still hogging up Minho?” Someone slide next to me, drawing my attention away from the group. “Isn’t that annoying?”

I looked over at the newcomer and gave him a tired smile. He was another friend of Minho’s and he was a frequent visit to the clinic. His long curly bangs swayed a little as he tilted his head at me. “Maybe…” I replied softly. “But as you know, Hyunjin, he is the one bringing all the customers in. I can’t do anything about it.”

“And what if he’s gone after the next week? What are you going to do?” He asked, concern growing onto his face. He noticed my face getting darker so he tried to change the subject as he straightened his back. “Anyways, enough of this sad stories, he’s still here and that’s what that matters! And I need to tell you something before I forget again.”

“What is it?” I asked, chuckling a little.

“I’m having a party over at my house and you’re invited… if you want to be,” Hyunjin said with a bigger smile now.

“What’s the occasion? Hwang Hyunjin wouldn’t have a party without a reason.” He laughed a little.

“You do know Hwang Hyunjin…” he drifted off as he continued to think. “How about to celebrate Minho’s third week without getting fired?” He raised his eyebrow at me and I laughed immediately.

“You’re just trying to make sure I don’t say no right?” I asked him. He glanced at me slightly, trying to keep his poker face but he failed and pouted immediately.

“Yes,” he said in his timid voice. “It would be nice… if you could come just to one of Hwang Hyunjin’s spectacular party.”

“Fine… but on one condition only,” I finally gave in.

“What is it?” He asked.

“Jeongin should be there,” I said before he rolled his eyes with a smile.

“Considered it done.”

The day of the party was on Friday. And on Fridays, I only had to open the clinic for half the day. It was enough time for me to do my chores, buy some groceries for the next week and to finish all the tasks I have yet to do. And right after that, I headed back home to change my clothes for the party that was happening in less than an hour. I quickly wore my white tennis skirt and an oversize pink sweater that paired nicely with the pink sneakers I had brought a couple of weeks ago and headed out of my apartment to Hyunjin’s house, which was also Minho’s house.

It took me about 15 minutes to reach the big house that I had remembered for the first time when Minho had literally barged me through the doors to tend to his cat. I chuckled at the thought and rang the doorbell. The door opened and I was greeted by the host of the party. Looking from the outside, the party looked wild. The music was blasting from the speakers as different colored lights blinked in and out at random. A crowd of people was packed in the middle of the living room, dancing and drinking till their hearts content.

“Hey there,” Hyunjin grinned at me as he beckoned me into the house. I could feel the humidity dripping off from everyone around me as I made my way around the living room into the kitchen, with Hyunjin trailing behind me.

“So… this is your definition of a party, huh?” I initiated the conversation as soon as I was out of everyone’s sweaty bodies and into the safety of the kitchen. He smiled softly as he took a drink from the kitchen counter top and sipped on it.

“There’s a different definition for you?” He asked, raising his eyebrow at me.

“Lesser people, gathered in the living room playing card games, eating pizza and just watching movies,” I told him and he laughed.

“Well, welcome to my party,” he giggled before taking another sip. He glanced at me for a moment before handing another pink sparkling drink from the counter top to me. “You want some?”

“No thanks,” I refused. “I don’t drink because…” I drifted off as he let out another giggle.

“Don’t worry, it’s pink lemonade. You might or might not have forgot that our little baby Jeongin is here,” he winked, taking another sip of his pink beverage. I rolled my eyes and took the drink, gulping it all down in one shot.

“Hey Hyunjin?” A head popped out, interrupting our conversation. I smiled at Changbin who also gave me a smile. “We’re out of chips.”

“Again?” Hyunjin sighed as he settled his drink back onto the counter. “I told you to stop Jeongin from chomping down the chips! I swear to god, that boy would be the death of me.” He took a couple of steps to Changbin before stopping, looking at me. “I’ll be gone for a while. You’ll be fine right?”

“Yes she will,” another head popped up next to Changbin’s. I turned around to find Minho staring back at me. “I’ll be here accompanying her.”

Hyunjin smiled and left with Changbin immediately as Minho stepped into the small space. It was quiet at the kitchen, except for the background noises of the songs blaring out from the speakers.

“So… Hyunjin invited you…” Minho broke the silence. I glanced up from my drink.

“Is there a problem?” I asked him.

“No…” he drifted off. “But why were you with him instead? You could’ve find me instead.”

“If you invited me, yeah, but you didn’t and you didn’t even bother telling me about his party,” I replied, still sipping on my drink.

“How could I even tell you when he told me about this just a couple of hours ago before the party started?” Minho asked back. I paused. He sounded very annoyed.

“Why is anything I’m doing bothering you right now? Why are you getting annoyed?” I asked finally. “Your tone is different from before…” He paused, saying nothing at all. I rolled my eyes at the boy in front of me and settled my glass onto the table. Staying in the same room as him was unsettling and I was getting uncomfortable. “I… I’ll go now,” I told him alas as I streamed out of the kitchen, out of the living room, and into the garden of the house.

I closed the door behind me as a cold breeze of wind blew past my knees. I wrapped my hands closer to myself and scrolled around the garden. My heart was beating incredibly quicker after the encounter with Minho and my head started to spin little by little. I held my ground and found a bench at the side of the house and sat down, trying to calm myself down.

“Goddamnit,” I cursed under my breath. “Hyunjin lied about the drink…” I drifted off as I leaned back onto the chair, feeling the breeze and staring at the sky above me. The stars were glistening under the dark night and they were beautiful.

Meow.

I turned around to find the person that interrupted me but there was no one. “The sky is beautiful right?” I asked the random newcomer and on cue, something leaped onto my lap. I jumped, gasping a little as a glimpse of orange passed my eyes. “Hey there…” I smiled lazily as I started to pet the orange cat that had finally settled on my lap. “What are you doing out here, Almond Milk?”

The tabby cat purred as I continued to stroke the soft, gold fur of the tiny animal on my lap. I giggled at the small cat and sighed.

“Why can’t… why can’t he give… me attention like this at all? Am… Am I that… worthless in his eyes?” I asked the tabby cat and pouted. “What do I not have that everyone has to grab his attention? Why is my heart feeling so sad… and broken… after leaving… him?” I continued ranting to my companion, not realizing how much time it had passed until I finally blacked out.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The sound of my alarm startled me awake. I jumped up from my bed, resulting in me rolling off the bed and landing onto the hard and cold ground. I let out a groan as I switched the alarm off.

“W-what time… is it now?” I asked myself and grabbed my phone. The screen illuminated brightly against my face so I had to squint as I read the time. My eyes widen as I read the 12:30pm on my phone. I cursed at myself and quickly scrambled up to get dressed immediately. I was 4 hours and 30 minutes late for work and this had never happened at all. I quickly brushed my teeth and got dressed before heading out to catch a cab unlike usual where I took the trains and buses.

It was about 1pm when I reached my clinic and it was surprisingly safely opened by Minho. I quickly slipped into the small space and looked around to find that boy but he was nowhere in sight. I was about to think that he was heading out for a quick lunch when I heard a muffled voice in the only doctor’s room there was. I peeked into the room to find Minho talking onto his phone, his back facing me. I wanted to pull back to give him his privacy but I could not help it when I heard what he had said.

“What’s wrong with me working here?” Minho was asking the caller on the other end.

“Nothing… It’s just that you don’t have to anymore,” I could hear the mumbled voice coming from the other end of the call. I knew immediately that it was one of his friends.

“Why wouldn’t I want to continue working?” Minho stated, getting a little annoyed. “I also have my reasons for still working, you know.”

“Because you found your wallet? And you have enough money to pay her back? I still don’t get why you do not want to pay her and quit your job.”

My heart stopped at that moment. All this time, he had lied to me straight up at my face, and had given me such a hard time… I just could not help it anymore.

“So you lied?” I asked, stepping into his view. “Why did you?”

Minho turned around, surprised to see me staring back at him. “Y-you heard the… entire conversation?” He asked quietly. “It’s… it’s only a misunderstanding!”

“Misunderstanding? How is making my career more into a living hell a misunderstanding? You could’ve left right after you found your wallet but you didn’t…why?” I demanded. I could feel myself shaking and trembling as the words came out of my lips. Minho opened his mouth, wanting to say something but nothing came out. Instead, he continued to stare at me wordlessly. I gave him a sad smile before pointing at the entrance. “Get out…” I whispered. My voice breaking as I said those words. “Please… please… just listen to me once,” Minho begged. “No. I don’t want to hear another word from you, just… get out,” I cut him off but he remained motionless. “GET OUT!” I screamed. My entire body shivered at my tone. Minho glanced at me one last time before walking straight out of the door, disappearing from my view. I could feel the hot tears falling from my face now. “And… don’t come back…”

It had been a couple of days ever since Minho left… and when I meant a couple of days, I meant a couple of rough days. My business was starting to lose clients and I had started to lose concentration in whatever I was doing… whatever I loved doing. I tried to block it out of my mind but it just came back to me hard like a boomerang. I had broken down once in a while throughout these few days and I had no idea why I was so hurt. I… I don’t like him… right? I asked myself, playing back the sweet memories we had made within the few weeks we had spent together.

It was strange, how spending time with him made me more interested and intrigued at the boy called Lee Minho. But… it was finally time to really shut him away for good, for the sake of my business and for the sake of my sanity.

Ring! The phone at the receptionist desk rung and I was brought back to the real world. I quickly got up from the operation room I was in, hurrying towards the phone. I dropped down onto the table, placing the phone swiftly next to my ear.

“Hello, welcome to Joy Animal Clinic, how may I help you?” I asked through the phone. The other end of the call remained silent and I started getting more and more confused. “Hello? Is anyone there?”

“We have Minho,” the caller at the other end started. I remained quiet and sighed.

“I don’t have time for any of these pranks anymore.” There was silence at the end again. I was about to end the call when I heard the once familiar voice again.

“Help!” Minho’s frail voice appeared at the other end. “Please… please save me.”

“Minho?” I called out right before the phone was snatched away by the kidnapper once again.

“Tonight at the Seoul’s Warehouse store, number 9 by 7pm,” the kidnapper said. “If you want to see him again.”

The call ended and I was staring at the hung up call on my phone. My heart was beating quicker by this time but there was something wrong in my mind about the whole call. I stared at the call again before deciding to make another call from my own personal phone. I only had to wait for a couple of rings before the other person picked up.

“Hello?” He asked. “Hyunjin, is this a prank?” I asked immediately, not beating around the bush anymore.

“W-what?” Hyunjin sounded unsure now. His voice started to wary. “What are you talking about-”

“You guys at least tried to make it sound like an action movie but in reality, why would you call an acquaintance of a hostage?” I asked, chuckling a little. The line was quiet for about a couple of seconds before a sigh was heard.

“You… you got it,” Hyunjin whispered, trying to keep his voice low. “But you’re not allowed to tell anyone at all okay? Because the boys have been planning this for weeks while Minho was bedridden from heartache-“

“Heartache? Bedridden?” I raised my eyebrow.

“Don’t you see it? He’s only like this if he likes someone and he really, really likes you but now, he lost you… what more could happen to him then?” He explained before sighing again. “If… if you really do care about him as much as he does for you, just… come to the warehouse. And no matter what you say, rejecting or accepting him, at least he got his chance…”

I paused; biting my lower lips as I slowly registered everything Hyunjin had told me. I was quiet.

“Hey… are you still there?” He asked.

“Yes,” I replied quietly. “Okay, I’ll come.” And I hung up the phone immediately before clutching it to my heart. There were so many thoughts running through my head now and my heart was beating so much faster than the marathon I had ran before… He… He really did feel something for me too as well… And I was not going to waste that chance anymore again.

Number 9 at 7pm… The voice replayed in my head over and over again as I stood in front of the large container that was used for storage. The gold number 9 was hung above the small door, glimmering under the spotlights that shone around the empty space. The outside was cold as the wind continued to blow past my knees again and I was waiting so desperately to get into the warehouse to feel the warmth but it was not time yet.

The skies started to turn dark as the arms on my watch clicked closer to 7pm; from 6:57pm to 6:58pm to 6:59pm and at exactly 7pm, the single door clicked open, creaking open to reveal a dark and empty corridor. I stared at it confusedly but immediately made my way in because the cold night wind was getting harsher every minute I was out in the middle of nowhere.

As soon as I took my first step onto the aluminum floor with a soft thump, the corridor lit up. Across the walls of the corridor, fairy lights were lightened up in a domino effect. I stopped; admiring the small lights across the walls and continued my short walk, walking straight into a larger space. It was dark as the corridors were before and music started to tinkle into the room.

Wise men say… only fools rush in…

I smiled at Minho’s song choice. He remembered… remembered so vividly and attentively at one of my few favorite songs, unknowingly bringing me back to the past where we had shared that one conversation between ourselves.

It was another day working together with Minho in the clinic, but unlike before, it was even more crowded than before and we only finished checking out the animals a little over 12am. I stretched my arms to untangle the knots in my body from bending and sitting as Minho walked over to the receptionist, clearing some files of new patients and old patients alike.

“Great work today,” I commented as I followed him into the receptionist desk, watching him carefully arrange the files by alphabetical orders. “Park Jisung is after Park Jimin,” I corrected him as he gave me a small smile, rearranging the files once again so they were in the correct order this time.

I lifted myself off the desk and headed into the waiting area where it was even messier than before. Magazines were scattered across the floor, there were some cats and dogs’ urine at some corners on the polished wooden floor and toilet paper also somehow ended on the floor from the toilets. I sighed as I started by picking up the magazines from the floor to be placed back onto the magazine racks. I felt a presence behind me but I continued doing my own task.

“Do… do you mind me playing some songs while we work? It would be more pleasant and more enjoyable,” Minho’s voice came across.

I turned around and gave him a smile. “Sure, but I should choose the first song,” I replied before he laughed, waiting for me to choose the song. I thought to myself for a couple of seconds before a smirk came across my face. “Have you… heard of the song ‘Can’t help falling in love’ by Elvis Presley?” I asked him.

“Isn’t that song older than us?” He joked and earned an eye roll from me.

“Well, if you keep judging my song choices, you’re not going to get to play your songs in the end,” I countered back and he chuckled again, searching for the song immediately. The song streamed into the waiting room and I could not help but smile as I continued to work, mouthing the lyrics.

But I can’t help falling in love with you…

The song continued as I mouthed the lyrics word by word, still standing in the same spot as I had stopped at. And as the next lyrics were sung, the empty space beyond me lighted up, revealing Minho standing in the middle of the space, wearing some really smart casual I had never seen before at all. His hair was tucked nicely behind a black beret. He was wearing a long black coat over a white turtleneck and a pair of black slacks. In his hands, he was holding a bouquet of purple and yellow roses, the colors that I adored the most, remembering the other time we had spent together as well.

“Look!” Minho had gasped at me, pointing to the night skies as we were walking back from work. The both of us took the same bus and train line so we decided to go back home together until we reached my stop at the train station. I glanced up at the direction he was pointing and saw the bright small stars sparkling throughout the night skies like little dots.

“Stars?” I questioned him. “We see stars every other night… what makes this special for you today?”

“I don’t actually mean the stars,” Minho replied, looking back at me. He was half a head taller than me so he had to bent his head down to talk to me while I had to crane my head up to look at him. “Do you see the colors of the skies? Isn’t that beautiful?”

I looked up again, greeting the skies of the sunset. There were hues of pink and orange across the dark skies as the sun started to set, welcoming the moon in its place. “Yeah it is,” I observed. “I never… knew you like sunset.”

“Huh? What makes you say that? Don’t you love the sunset?” Minho asked.

“I… prefer the sunrise over the sunset,” I answered. “It is interesting, you know. We’re starting the day afresh, and there are very interesting combinations of colors that contribute to the sunrise. Is it often you see hues of purple mixing together with yellow as the sun rises? Most people don’t actually get to watch the sunrise since they are fast asleep, waking up only when the sun is high up in the skies.”

Minho chuckled. “And I never knew you would be a fan of the sunrise with such a cool reason.”

I did not realized how fast the song went as I continued to reminisce the past until the last lyrics were sung.

For I can’t help… falling in love with you…

As the song drifted away, Minho gave me another small smile. “Well, that song still doesn’t capture me at all,” he commented before I rolled my eyes with a chuckle. “And… I’m glad you could make it.”

“With the awkwardly staged kidnapping situation?” I raised my eyebrow as I laughed again. “You could win an Oscar, you know that, Minho?” Minho rolled his eyes before taking a step towards me.

“Blame the boys, they were the one who set me up to this and they made me say those words as soon as they woke me up.”

“And I’m assuming you regretted what you did?” I asked him and he shook his head.

“Not ever in a chance. Everything the boys do is with their shared one brain cell but it was actually… a brilliant idea because without them, I wouldn’t be seeing you here right now.” He walked towards me, stopping only with a couple of steps left before handing me the beautiful purple and yellow roses. “These… these are for you. They died yesterday when the boys… brought them so they had to get them again just half an hour before 7pm.”

I carefully grabbed the bouquet, observing the beautiful flowers that gave a smile to my face. I closed my eyes and smelled the roses. “You… you remembered everything I had said…” I whispered.

“Of course,” he grinned. “That’s because I love to listen to you and you’re probably the only person that I will never get tired of hearing over and over again… and maybe that’s because I love… you?”

“You only knew me for a month, is that not too fast?” I asked.

“Things are never too fast when you meet the person that you actually want to spend the rest of your life with,” he cut me off. “And… I didn’t want to pay you back the money after finding the wallet was because I wanted to get to know you so much more.”

“But don’t you find the other girls that come into the clinic more prettier and interesting than me?” I asked softly, starting to doubt myself now. “Because when I saw you paying attention to them, it aches my heart without me knowing.”

Minho lifted my head up, carefully holding my cheeks in between his palms as he looked at me. “Baby, I only had eyes on you,” he whispered. “Who could ever take my attention off anything except you? I only finally had the courage to come here after I remembered what you had said at Hyunjin’s party. That idiot tricked you into getting drunk and when I found you, you were talking to my cat, confessing your love… hopefully to me and that was when I knew you loved me too.”

“So… it was you that brought me home that night?” I asked quietly.

“Of course, baby,” he replied with another chuckle. “I wanted to ask if everything you confessed was to me and you said yes before you blacked out. And it was actually fun to carry you back home…”

I smiled weakly. “You know… shutting you out of my life was one of the worst decisions I had made and I hated myself for that… but I’m glad to be able to come here today to hear you out… and I realized, that I really, really love you so much.”

He chuckled again, kissing my forehead softly. “I promise to always be there for you and to be your only source of happiness,” he said.

I wrapped my arms around Minho’s neck, tiptoeing so I could reach his face. I glanced at his face for a moment, absorbing all of his flaws and beauty with a smile. I giggled as I leaned closer, pressing my lips to his. He was a little surprised at my sudden action but chuckled soon after, molding his lips perfectly onto mine. We only broke apart after a minute.

I chuckled, as I pulled apart before hearing a purr as a soft furry object stroked my leg. I looked down to find Almond Milk wearing a tuxedo, purring louder and louder now.

“Oh, and Almond Milk too,” Minho added before leaning in closer so that his lips touched my ear. “He ran off right before you came in and I couldn’t find him.”

I chuckled, bending down to hold the tabby cat in my arms. “He was actually the reason we ended up meeting one another,” I beamed as he laughed as well.

“Well, he is definitely a very lucky mister cat to meet such a fine lady,” he added and pressed his lips onto mine for the second time.

A/N: Fun fact: Did you know that there’s no name for the OC in the story? That was because I kind of forgot to add it in but I still hope all of you liked this story! It is not one of my best work but I did enjoyed writing it with one of my friend who came up with this idea! Love y’all and I hope all you have a great day ahead of you!

- Xin

#straykids #stray kids #stray kids imagines #lee know #leeknow #leeminho #lee minho #minho #bang chan #seo changbin #hwang hyunjin #han jisung #lee felix #kim Seungmin #yang jeongin

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all-the-love-harold · 6 years ago

Text

The Daily Anna- Chapter 12

It’s here! and there’s no way it would have happened without @lovesmelikebrandnewstarlight and her endless support.

There’s only three or four more chapters left of the story, so please let me know how you’re felling about it!

Master Post

Cheshire.

When I was 18 I picked my life up and moved it to London, I even took my best friend with me, but my favourite part about moving away has always been coming home. Not because I hate living in London, that’s far from the truth, it’s because when I go home everything is calm and part of me feels like a kid again.

Conveniently, Harry is also from Cheshire, in fact we grew up not far from each other and somehow our paths didn’t cross until we both lived in London. Funny how fate works.

We’ve been spending the last few weeks sharing ourselves between both of our families and it’s been really nice to hear Harry share stories about his childhood here, it’s funny how we both have such different experiences attached to the same places.

It’s been nice to escape everything. I haven’t been to a single doctor’s appointment in the last two weeks and Harry hasn’t been in a studio. We don’t have any responsibilities when we’re back here and it’s nice to have that time together, without the stress of our real lives.

We head back to London tomorrow though and our two weeks of Knutsford ice cream and afternoon snuggles will come to an end. I’ll go back to having a doctor's appointment every second day and Harry will go back to spending almost all of his time in the studio.

Our little Cheshire adventure has come to a close, but next we head to Australia with our families, in honour of my little brother’s 18th birthday, so ‘The Daily Anna’ will once again become a travel blog.

***

Since her diagnosis Anna had been poked and prodded like there was no tomorrow, but it wasn’t for nothing, her kidney functions had improved tenfold since she started her treatment and she was starting to get her appetite back again although he diet was limited to clean foods that wouldn’t cause a build-up of toxins between treatments.

She was on dialysis now, which meant that every second day she would go into The Royal London Hospital and sit there while a machine did her Kidney’s job for her. It wasn’t all bad though, The NHS had assigned her own nurse who she got along with very well. Her name was Beth and she was just about the sweetest old lady that she’d ever come across.

Beth’s entire job was to make sure that Anna was comfortable and sometimes that just meant sitting with her if Harry couldn’t. They talked about almost anything under the sun, Anna gave her the rundown on what it’s like to date a pop star and Beth told Anna about her time as a midwife and she was completely fascinated by it.

The treatment started almost as soon as they’d arrived home from Cheshire and Harry made sure he went to all the appointments that he could. With the tour over now his main focus was his second album but that could wait for Anna to get better. Anna was beyond grateful for all the support that she was getting from her friends and family during all this. She was never short of company, there were even times when she had to tell people not to visit. Ronnie had developed a habit of hovering since he found out, and that was fine, until one day, it wasn’t.

****

Anna’s Dialysis took around three hours. Three hours of sitting in a chair and staring at a wall, so she was happy to get a text from Ronnie, saying that he was going to come and see her. Harry was already sitting there quietly responding to some emails and keeping quiet conversation with Anna. That was the beauty of their relationship, they could talk about anything and they could do it for hours but sometimes it was nice to have some other company.

Ronnie stormed into the Dialysis centre of the hospital, camera bag halfway unzipped with the camera hanging out of it, his glasses about to fall off his head

“Christ Ron, you look like you’ve been hit by a bus” Anna giggled

“So do you” he remarked back to her eyeing off the dialysis machine “What the fuck is that?”

“My robotic kidney’s” she giggled

“She’s basically the terminator now” Harry said, putting his phone away in his pocket.

“Right” Ronnie nodded unable to make eye contact with Harry. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to get along with him, it was more that Harry was exactly where he wanted to be. He brushed it off as best he could and sat down next to Anna, opposite Harry.

“Busy day?” Anna asked, trying her best to keep the conversation going with the two of them.

“Big shoot” he nodded “with Mabel actually”

“Ahhh” Harry said fondly “How is she?”

“She’s great, fun to work with” Ronnie admitted “She got in contact with me after your gig actually”

“You’re welcome” Harry shrugged, a little arrogant smile appearing on his face. Anna cringed knowing that Ronnie would interpret that the opposite way to what Harry had intended. If he had though, he didn’t say anything, he simply shrugged and moved on and Anna had to admit she was quite impressed. She’d always known Ronnie to be the petty type, always overreacting to the smallest of triggers.

Anna’s nurse Beth, who would sit with her on the days that Harry wasn’t able to make it, made her way over to them the second she saw that Ronnie was sitting there.

“How are we going my dear?” She said warmly

“Feeling squeaky clean” Anna smiled

Beth shuffled behind Harry and checked on the machine that was currently attached to Anna with two big tubes in her left arm, one for the blood to go in, the other to take it out.

“You’ve still got a few hours left dear, can I get anyone anything, tea or coffee for the lads?”

“No thanks” Harry said with a charming smile on his face

“I’m ok” Ronnie nodded

“Is the famous photographer friend that took you to meet Prince Charming over here?” It was no secret that Beth thought Harry was wonderful and if she was thirty- or forty-years younger Anna might be worried about it, but she just found it endearing.

“Sure is” Anna nodded “this is Ronnie”

Ronnie shook Beth’s hand “nice to meet you” he smiled

“You too dear, I’ve heard a lot about you” she turned back to Anna “feeling alright dear?”

“Yeah” Anna nodded

“Great we’ll give me a buzz if you need anything, I’ll just be doing some paperwork over at the nurses station”

She left them sitting in silence and Harry reached over and put his hand on top of Anna’s in a comforting manner and she suddenly felt awkward. It was weird enough having Harry and Ronnie in the same room, but it was even weirder for that room to be in a hospital where she was having a machine do what her body couldn’t. It felt too personal. Too intimate having Ronnie there.

“You guys can still have sex, right?” Ronnie asked out of nowhere

“Ron!” Anna said, taken aback by his forwardness

“Our sex life is just fine”. Harry’s voice was calm and unaffected by awkwardness that had just filled the room.

“I heard it took you awhile to put out for him though An”

“Drop it Ronnie” she glared at him with fire in her eyes

“Didn’t take you that long with me, did it?”

Harry blinked a few times, staring at Anna and then Ronnie. Did he hear that right?

“You should leave now Ronnie” Anna was blunt with her words and Ronnie knew that he’d crossed a line. He stood up and packed his things properly, before he turned and left the ward. Neither Harry or Anna spoke for a few minutes once he was gone, they both just started into space, not knowing what to say, but it was Harry who broke the silence.

“When?” is all he said

“Years ago,” Anna said quietly “It meant way more to him than it did to me. It was one time, but he hasn’t been with anyone since”

“So, he’s in love with you?”

“He’s not” she shook her head. “We’re just friends H”

“He definitely is” he said, “why else why would he still be around?”

“We’ve been friends since nursery Harry, he’s still around because it was one night”

“It’s a little strange An” he was still holding onto her hand so she knew he wasn’t mad but she could tell it bothered him, the way she guessed it would bother her if had had slept with someone he was that close to.

“Have you never slept with one of your friends?” she asked curiously, not to cause an argument but so that they could see eye to eye.

“Nope” he shook his head

“Never?” Anna sighed, in disbelief.

“Not even a kiss” he added

“It didn’t mean anything H”

“I know” he said, bring her hand up to his lips and kissing it softly “might have to thump the guy next time I see him though, so he doesn’t get any ideas”

“You wouldn’t do that” Anna smiled, making light of the whole thing “Please don’t hate me” she sighed

“We both have a past An, mine just isn’t my best friend”

“I know it’s complicated, and maybe he is in love with me just a little, but that’s where it ends”

“I trust you” Harry smiled “But I don’t know that I trust him”

“You don’t have to, you do have to tolerate him though”

***

Harry put his studio time on hold where he could to make sure that Anna was getting the care that she needed he wouldn’t be back into song writing mode until October.

As far as she’d come since starting her treatment, Anna wasn’t fully recovered and not yet able to miss three weeks if dialysis while they were gone, so Harry had taken on the responsibility of making sure that there was always a hospital close by and he’d even been in contact with a few specialists to make sure that Anna was getting the best care possible.

Everyone was going, Anne, Gemma, Debbie John, Gabby, even Ronnie had agreed to make the trip. For Timmy, of course.

Anna didn’t know if she was excited or nervous at this point, on one hand she was thrilled to be taking the trip with everyone she holds close to her heart, in honour of her brother, but on the other she wasn’t sure how it was all going to play out having everyone that close together for three weeks. Harry felt almost the same, he loved Anna, he wanted to do this all for her, but the thought of spending every day for the next three weeks with Ronnie made him cringe. He’d taken this flight only a few short months ago, but he’d forgotten just how long it took. A whole day. On a plane. With Ronnie. No wonder he was exhausted when they landed. But so was everyone else.

“I think we should just get dinner at the hotel restaurant tonight” Anne said, in the taxi on their way there “We can go exploring tomorrow”

Debbie nodded “Sounds good to me, Anna, Harry? Is that ok?”

“Sounds great Mum” Anna nodded with her head rested on Harry’s shoulder. Driving along she could see out the window and her heart fluttered as Sydney Harbour came into sight. She’d dreamt about this for years, of stepping off that plane and honouring her baby brother but she never thought it would be real, she never though she would get here. The sun was about to set over the harbour as it came into sight and Anna was taken away by its beauty. She’s seen it from the plane as they’d landed, but with the sun glistening off the water she really fell in love with the city that she’d been in for less than an hour.

Checking into the hotel was chaotic to say the least, it was already hard enough trying to get everyone sorted with so many of them there but then Harry was spotted by a few fans and what was already chaos turned into a disaster. It was Anne and Gemma that noticed them first, saying a quick hello in the hopes that that would be enough for them to leave. But of course, with Harry that close to them they weren’t going to leave without getting a picture. And in the middle of it all, Anna started to feel light headed. She knew the flight was going to knock it out of her, and she was due for another dialysis session in the morning, but right now she couldn’t stand up. She was standing out in the open, so she took a few deep breaths to centre herself and she leant up against her suitcase.

“Are you alright Anna?” Gemma said, a look of concern on her face

“Fine” Anna sighed, trying not to appear rude.

Ronnie’s arm snaked around Anna and all of her weight lent on him.

“I got you An” he said softly, “Hot shot over there just gave me the room key, let’s get you some proper rest”

At that Gemma dropped her suitcase and wrapped her arm around the other side of Anna so that she didn’t fall.

The rooms were stunning and as much as Anna wanted to stare out the window, she needed to lay down. She passed out almost immediately and she didn’t know how long Gemma and Ronnie hung around for, because when she woke up they were gone, and she could hear the shower running in the bathroom. She was feeling much better now, although dinner did feel like the least appealing thing and she was sure that’s why Harry was in the shower. The room was dark now, light only by the faint light coming from under the bathroom door and the city lights that surrounded the building. Anna sat up and rubbed her eyes while she searched for the glass of water that she vaguely remembered Ronnie putting next to her.

“You’re awake” Harry’s voice echoed around the room

“I am” her voice was still croaky with sleep

“How are you feeling?” His towel was wrapped around his hips and he made his way over to sit next to her on the bed.

“Much better” she smiled

“Good” he kissed her on the top of her head “I called the hospital while you were sleeping, we can go in any time after 8 am tomorrow”

“Thanks H, we should aim to be there by 8:30 so we don’t waste the whole day” Anna said, finally finding the water and taking a sip. She hated that half of this trip was going to be spent in a hospital, but she knew that there was no way she’d make it through three weeks without treatment.

“Sounds good,” he nodded “Dinner's at 7 so we should get ready”

Anna looked over at the clock and it was already 6:45 which meant that she didn’t have time to shower. Grateful that she’d packed face wipes and deodorant in easily accessible areas of her luggage she was able to get ready with five minutes to spare and manage to look half decent. Naps really were wonderful things, she thought to herself as her and Harry stepped out of the room and into the lift.

The hotel restaurant was quiet, the only table reserved was their own, but Anna had a sneaking suspicion that harry had paid to have it closed to the public tonight, so that they could have a little peace and quiet. They were the last to arrive and everyone else had already decided what to order.

“What are you going to have An?” Harry asked scanning over the menu

“I’m not that hungry H, I’ll just pick at yours if that’s ok?”

“That’s fine” he said, although he was concerned that her appetite had disappeared again “I think I’ll get the seafood basket”

They ordered, and conversation remained light between all of them. Harry and Ronnie were sat at opposite ends of the table, so there was no reason for them to start bickering and Anna had the chance to properly talk to her dad for the first time since they got on the plane yesterday.

When everyone’s food arrived Anne raised her glass, “To those we’ve loved and lost, and to good health” she winked at Anna.

Everyone followed suit and raised their glasses in a toast and then they started eating, silently for the most part until someone would occasionally speak up about how delicious their meal was.

Gemma broke the trend and dove in deep “Tell us about Timmy” she said sweetly

“Bravest eight-year-old I’ve ever known” Anna said quietly. This was something that had only dawned on her since she started her treatment, when he was sick she remembered everyone always telling him how brave he must be, but she never really understood just how scared he must have been, fuck, she was scared, and she understood everything that was happening to her, there was no way that he did.

Gabby nodded in agreement with Anna “He never let on that he was in pain”

“He was more than his illness though” Debbie added, “He was the sweetest little boy in the playground, always there to make sure everyone was ok. I was so proud of who he was” tears were filling her eyes and she picked up her napkin to wipe them away. Anna did the same and Harry hovered his hand over her lap, under the table until he found her knee and gently squeezed.

“He would have loved this” Anna said “having everyone together like this would have made him so happy”

“I’m sorry that we never got to meet him” Anne said “he sounds like an angel”

“Our little superhero” Gabby smiled

“Why Australia?” Anne asked sensitively

“He was fascinated by the animals, and I promised by fourteen-year-old self that I’d get here one day to see what he never got to” Anna said with tears forming in her eyes. It was strange to be feeling sad about Timmy’s death again, for years she’d been numb to it and then after months of therapy, she chose to remember only the happy things. Timmy as her energetic eight-year-old brother, rather than Timmy as her dead baby brother.

Gemma could sense the tone of the conversation becoming less than happy and raised her glass again

“To Timmy” she smiled “Our superhero”

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ladywolfmd · 8 years ago

Text

Ad Curare Interdum

Summary:

“Ad curare interdum, saepe tractare, ut consolarer semper… To cure sometimes, to treat often, to comfort always." - Hippocrates

"And then there’s only one more thing you can do – must do. First, you take your hands off.Next, you call it." - Dr. Snow

Part 2 of Medicus:

Dr. Jon Snow is a Trauma surgeon at EVMMC on Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, while Dr. Sansa Stark, is the new Neurosurgeon on board as well as the newly appointed deputy chief of surgery, and also, his girlfriend of three months. An unfortunate loss, a teaching moment, and realizations in and outside the hospital life with all the drama and controversy in between work, brings the couple closer, with Dr. Jon Snow teaching us that being a doctor is so much more than knowing how to save a life - all while trying to build one for Sansa and himself - all while trying to build one for Sansa and himself.

Jon

Esplanade, The Gift

12:30pm

I placed my keys in the fishbowl, hung my coat, dropped my duffel bag near the couch, and kicked off my shoes, my eyes seeking out any sign of Sansa.

Seeing her keys, coat, bag, and shoes, I let out a sigh of relief and felt a smile reach my face, knowing that she would be staying the night.

It's only been three months since we started going out and already I've been burning for her to move in.

Well, at least she accepted the keys though it's only been these past two weeks that she's been using them, but that counts like a real victory for me.

One drawer at a time then Jon.

I'm probably the biggest sap in the world but I wanted her around all the time. Not like we had that much time together anyway. Though I’ve had my share of work load, it was nothing compared to hers. I frowned, recalling yet another of the countless arguments we’ve had about her cutting off some work but she could be as stubborn as the Wall itself so I haven’t had that much victory on that part.

I scanned my apartment then and from the quiet and the lights being off, she was likely sleeping on my bed. I couldn’t help but swallow a groan at the thought of her sprawled peacefully on my sheets, her beautiful red hair spread over my pillows. Shaking my head, I carried on as quiet as possible so as not to wake her. I wanted nothing but to sneak inside and crawl beside her but I needed to stow away the food I brought as well as shower and change out of my work clothes, cursing that I should’ve done that before I left but I was too eager to come home. Ghost and Lady, our Siberian Huskies, were probably at her apartment which meant I really do have her to myself tonight. I grinned. I'll make sure to check on them later though.

I walked towards my kitchen then, and placed the casserole, Gilly, the wife of my Cardiologist friend made, on top of the island counter beside something that easily made me smile.

On top of the counter, under a glass cover were an assortment of cookies with a small note on heating instructions (because she knew I liked them hot and moist), as well as a short message that made my heart skip a beat, written in her elegant script that was far mythical a skill for us doctors.

Dr. Snow,

In case I'm still asleep by the time you come in, help yourself to these and wake me.

Also, I might’ve missed you a bit today. Just a little bit. ;)

Dr. Stark

I couldn’t help but shake my head and laugh. On top of being this gifted neurosurgeon that Eastwatch Med did not deserve, she bakes. And quite deliciously too. She probably baked these right after she came in from the hospital around eleven last night after her shift. I learned that most nights after her midday shifts, her mind was too buzzed to sleep right away despite her protesting body, so she would usually bake to relax before she turns in.

Slipping the note inside my pocket, I lifted the cover and went to heat up a couple of the cookies.

As I set the timer and waited, my mind drifted from thinking of getting a nicer oven and buying baking tools and ingredients with the hope that maybe she’d want to come over more and bake here instead (and what a vision it would be to watch her bake –or eat, or drink, or – anything. She was just so fascinating to watch and I don’t even get the privilege enough to see her as much as I wanted to. Which is pretty much every damned second). But I knew that she’d frown and look at me like I had the mistake to call out an abdominal mass as cancerous and not the swell of a pregnant womb.

I can just hear it now.

“Why? My kitchen is across the hall from yours. You don’t need all those stuff. You don’t even bake! If you want more cookies, you can just say so and I’ll make them and bring them over.”

She’d say and then poke me while rolling her eyes as if it was something as obvious. I sighed.

Both of us could be damn dense at times.

I jumped when I heard a yawn behind me. Whipping my head back quickly, I saw Sansa leaning on the kitchen entrance, rubbing her eyes and yawning once more, looking all adorable and sexy in nothing but an oversized sweatshirt that probably belonged to her brother as it had Winterfell Wolves on it, her long white legs on display.

I walked over to her and brought her to me at once, depositing a kiss on the crown of her head and breathing her in. I held her to me a little longer and she let me, as she always did, her own arms wrapping themselves around my middle.

She wasn't overtly affectionate, preferring to be reserved with hers in public, but she lets me. She always lets me hold her for as long as I want.

I pulled away reluctantly, smiled at ccher, studying her sleepy form and tucking strands of her mussed up hair away from her face before giving her a chaste kiss.

“I’m sorry, did I wake you sweetheart?” I caressed her cheek before letting go and settling my hands on her waist.

She smiled at me and shook her head. “Not really. Well… kind of?” She blushed and smiled at me sheepishly.

I kissed her again, just once and quickly. “Sorry. I wanted to crawl to you right away but I kinda have to shower…then I saw these,” I nodded at the cookies. “I had to have some right away. Thank you, by the way.”

She blushed again and ducked her head. “It’s fine. And you’re welcome. But it’s not a big deal. You know I do that all the time when my mind’s too busy to heed sleep,” she smirked at me.

I kissed her nose. “I know. But it’s still nice. You’re nice. And you look nice,” I started saying in between tiny kisses across her face.

She snorted then giggled as she tilted her head to give me more access. “This old thing? It’s Robb’s. Don’t tell him I have it though. It’s his favorite but it’s just so soft and warm I had to nick it off him after he lent it to me once.”

I began kissing behind her ear as I tugged at the mentioned sweater. “You can always wear one of mine if he takes it back,” I offered, downplaying how much I wanted nothing but for her to wear anything of mine (she hasn’t yet, not even a shirt), most of all, I wanted her to wear my name for gods’ sake. Keep it together, Jon. Or you'll scare her away!

She just laughed then pushed me off so she could give me that playful look of hers. “Or…I could just… get rid off it and never wear it back. To seven hells with the sweater. What do you think, Snow?”

I groaned and pressed my forehead against hers while pulling her flush to me. I wanted nothing more but to ravage her but despite her playful…mood, I knew she was doing this more for my benefit than hers.

She had shadows under her eyes and I felt her catch herself from yawning again. She was still tired and we don’t need to rush today.

“As tempting as that would be, Stark. You need to sleep some more,” I pulled away slightly but kept my hands on her waist.

She sighed and bit her lip, but I could see that she was grateful. “Are you sure? I don’t mind…” she smiled again.

Gods, just marry me already.

I let out a breath dramatically and pushed her lightly towards the bedroom. “Go, before I change my mind. Anyway, I need you well rested, Stark. We have all night.”

She dug in her heels and turned around, smiling at me wickedly, “Oh, do we, now?”

“Just go, Stark. At least, lie down while I heat up the casserole Gilly made for us. I’ll wake you up, feed you, and put you back to sleep.”

She arched a brow but didn’t protest. “Will that be all, Dr. Snow?” she batted her eye lashes at me.

I should be getting a damned medal for this.

I nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes. Doctor’s orders.”

She pouted then. Oh no. “Don’t I get another dose of you? Preferably given per orem?”

I groaned. “Later. Go.”

She laughed then. “Fine.”

OR 5, Eastwatch-by-the-Sea Veterans Memorial Medical Center

1:30pm

I carefully dropped the ligated appendix on the basin while Olly, my intern, started irrigating the wound.

Grasping the peritoneum with two straight clamps, I shifted my hold so Daeron could hand me a 3-0 poly so I could start closing. After I sutured the peritoneum, I approximated the first layer of muscle and turned to look at Olly while I started stitching.

“Is this your first time to see an appendectomy?”

He shook his head. “No sir. But it’s only the third I’ve seen and I have to say, sir, it’s the fastest I’ve witnessed for an open one.”

I smiled at him though I knew he couldn’t see with my mask on, and nodded. “I see. Dr. Cerwyn usually does a lap. But can you tell me why we didn’t opt for that?” Eastwatch Med was certainly no training hospital because we don’t reach the case quota for most departments, but we do accept interns on their last year of medschool for their emergency medicine rotations, and the occasional moonlighters. And I make it a point to teach them somehow. We’re relatively more benign than other hospitals so there was time for this. Well, except Sansa’s department of course.

“Based on the history sir, our patient had two previous abdominal surgeries prior to this. First was an emergency cholecystectomy, another was a mesh repair for hernia,” he answered a little nervously as he adjusted the retractors and suctioned to clear my field better.

“Very good. Why is having previous surgeries a contraindication for using a lap?” I asked him next.

“Because we’d expect anatomical changes as well as adhesions, sir,” he answered more confidently.

“Good,” I nodded at him as I did the last stitch then nodded at Daeron to hand the next 3-0 to Olly who looked at me with complete surprise.

“Sir?”

I took the retractors from him and the suction, nodding at him to take over the stitching. “You’ve earned the right to close from here. It’s not much but every little new participation is always a step closer to being a surgeon. If that’s what you were planning, that is.”

I could tell he was grinning from the excited gleam in his eyes. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

“Go on. And maybe I’ll let you ligate the next time, if you’re up for it,” I nodded at him.

“I’ll do my best. Thank you Dr. Snow,” he said happily before starting his suture.

I watched him carefully, instructing him when needed, praising when appropriate, and reinstructing him when warranted. Olly reminded me of myself. He was quiet, too serious, but eager to learn and prove himself. Though the difference was that, he had a hard life, and he barely scraped through school but despite that he was certainly passionate. Sansa often gushed about this intern from The Gift who was respectful, hardworking, and showed great promise.

“Nonsense. You’re the hardest working intern here. A hardworking intern deserves more opportunities. At least, that’s what Dr. Stark says.”

The tips of his ears and the back of his neck were suddenly flushed red.

Oh.

“What specialty do you see yourself in?”

He thought for a while before answering shyly, the red on his ears darkening. “Neurosurgery, sir.”

I couldn’t help the chuckle then. I can’t wait to tell Sansa about this. “Well, then I best tell Dr. Stark to take you under her wing some more. She’ll be happy to hear this.”

I heard a snort and I just knew it came with an eye roll from Daeron. Things have been easier for Sansa somehow, finding friends with Gilly, Sam, Satin, and my Trauma team, of course. But for the others… apparently dating me only made them hate her more and, yes, they were starting to hate me as well. It was only by Sansa’s grace that I kept silent, otherwise they’d be hearing a lot from me.

“I don’t want to trouble Dr. Stark. She’s so busy as it is. I don’t want to burden her.”

I sighed. “She is busy, but she always tries to repay dedication and hard work where it’s warranted. Just show her that you’re willing to learn and she’ll gladly help you.”

He simply nodded while working but after a pause he asked. “Sir?”

“Yes, Olly?”

“I – I tried giving her coffee once. She took it and smiled at me but… I don’t think she particularly liked the brew I gave her. Do you… know how she likes it?”

I laughed again. “Are you hitting on my girlfriend, Dr. Marsh?” Castle Black’s First Steward, Bowen Marsh’s brother was the one who adopted him when Olly’s parents died.

He looked up at me then with a frantic look on his eyes and shook his head vehemently. “No sir, I just – Dr. Stark must be tired all the time even if she hides it well. I just want to help.”

“I’m just jesting, Olly. Don’t take it personally, Dr. Stark usually times her caffeine intake when it’s best for her. She probably had a surgery scheduled soon that time and she purposefully held out on anything that would compromise her dexterity,” I explained.

He looked quite impressed and I couldn’t blame him. I was too when I tried giving her coffee like he did and she politely declined. “Wow. She’s so smart. I’d never think about something like that.”

“Well, if you really want to help her, just make sure you do your pre-rounds and impress her by giving her pertinent summaries of her patients. That and give her lemon cakes and I promise she’ll eat that at one point in the day,” I winked.

“Thanks sir, I’ll remember that,” he said happily.

After a while, I decided to ask. “Olly? What’s it like to work with Dr. Stark? Does she work you like a mule or does she hardly make you touch anything?”

“Oh! Dr. Stark is very kind. She follows a strict system though and has a standard and a methodology that I’m still trying to learn by heart so I won’t delay her time during rounds, but she does this too. Tries to squeeze in teaching rounds. And explain. She frowns a bit when her orders aren’t met or were delayed, but she never makes a big deal out of it and just troubleshoots. Though… I know she’s always been hands on, but she doesn’t have to do some of the scut work,” he confessed.

That bothered me. “Scut work?”

He nodded and I saw Daeron fidget uncomfortably. “Yes. Sometimes, they page her for an IV insertion, for a Mannitol push, an urgent abstract… things that I think us interns or some nurses could do for her.”

Now that angered me. “Is that so?” I said in a low voice, trying to muster all the calmness as possible while trying not to look at Daeron.

Dr. Larence Hornwood, the anesthesiologist exchanged a look with me though. He wasn’t exactly close with any of us, but he was one of the good guys who took our side. He did his best to assist Sansa as much as possible.

“I tried asking the staff nurses to give me the scut work when I’m under her service, but they kept telling me that Dr. Stark was very specific, that she hardly wants anyone to touch her patients. But when I bit the bullet and did some of them anyway, I was ready for Dr. Stark to get mad at me but she only looked at me with surprise and thanked me with chocolate muffins the next day, so I try to help as much as I could and I urge the other interns to do the same,” he continued.

I counted to ten before answering. My anger abating somewhat at Olly’s thoughtfulness. He really was a good kid and I've always wanted a younger brother. Instead I had two older nosy siblings with varied tempers but fierce loyalties. I smirked. “That’s very nice of you, Olly. I’m sure Dr. Stark appreciates it. Thank you. So…Dr. Stark… isn’t… cold? Or easily crossed?”

He shook his head. “Oh no, sir. Sure, Dr. Stark is serious all the time but she’s gentle and polite, and she does smile at us from time to time. I reckon she’s just really busy, sir. But I’ve never seen her get mad. Displeased, yes. But I’ve never heard her raise her voice.”

“I see. Hey, you’re done.”

He looked up at me then. “Wow. I still can’t believe it.”

He was about to clean up and put the bandages when I stopped him. “Go write up the OR tech and I’ll check. I’ll let you sign beside my name if you get it right. I’m sure sir Daeron can take it from here.”

He nodded an ungloved. “Thank you sir.”

I nodded and finally met Daeron with a glare.

He squirmed then sighed. “Hey, I may not like her still but I do my job – all of it. And I do respect her. But I can only speak for myself.”

I felt a hand on my shoulder. Larence shook his head. “Not here. I know how you must be feeling. It’s sick. But this is the North, Jon. They’ll warm up eventually. And Sansa is a tough girl. I’ll help her out where I can but you can’t just beat up everyone no matter how much I want to do it too.” Larence knew what it felt like, being a prisoner to his name and family too, having recently been elevated as the Hornwood heir following the death of his half-brother, Daryn. Hells, the three of us should start a club.

I let out a frustrated breath. “Fine.”

After scrubbing out, I was met by a very incensed Gilly who has apparently, been waiting for me.

And let me tell you, I’ve never seen an incensed Gilly, more so a very incensed one.

“Oh thank gods!” She exclaimed while grabbing my arm and dragging me to the empty stairwell. For someone so petite, she had a fairly strong grip. The outcome of lifting patients at the OBGYN/ORTHO ward where she was the charge nurse of.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

She placed her hands on her hips and glared at me furiously. “You need to do something!” She poked at my chest. “It’s gone far enough!”

“First of all, ouch. Second, can you calm down for a bloody second and tell me what you’re talking about?” I said while rubbing at my chest and blocking her hands.

She took a deep breath then and looked at me sadly, but her eyes still blazed. “Have you seen Sansa yet? Or heard anything?”

I was filled at once with worry and rage the moment Sansa left her mouth. “What is it? What happened? Is she okay? Is she hurt?”

She frowned then and I almost tore out the room, promising bloody murder regardless of the sentence, praying that whoever wronged Sansa this time, deserved it after I dump their bodies on the bay. But before I could get a foot out, Gilly grabbed me again.

“What happened?”

“It was awful, Jon. I was pulled out to assist in Sansa’s surgery. She…lost a patient today and everyone kept rubbing it in her face that it was her fault, that she didn’t try enough, that she wasn’t perfect after all. And bloody fuck, Jon, I’ve never seen Sansa cry. Ever. But after she finished the order, talked to the relatives, and signed the paper works, her eyes were all watery but she thanked the bloody arseholes and left without another word. After I finished my work, I rushed to see her, and found her inside her office, crying. Like, really crying, like sobbing. I went inside and she stopped immediately and tried to regain composure but I hugged her and told her to let it all out and she finally did,” she recalled sadly.

I couldn’t speak or move. Letting it all sink, still not believing that Sansa was crying.

“When she was calm, she begged me not to tell anyone, most of all you. I didn’t promise anything, but I helped her fix herself before she went back to work again. I made sure she didn’t look like she cried. I don’t want to give the arses the satisfaction but seriously, Jon. This has to stop,” she huffed in frustration. “I know she doesn’t want to do anything but she so doesn’t deserve this.”

“Where – where is she?” I demanded.

She sighed. “Last I checked, she had a craniotomy scheduled. She’s probably two hours in. What are we going to do, Jon?”

I looked at her then, very grateful that there was someone else who worried over Sansa. I smiled tightly at her. “Thank you for telling me Gilly. And thank you for being there for Sansa. Leave it to me.”

She smiled back. “Of course. She’s my friend too.” Then her face fell and she was clearly debating on something.

“Gilly, what is it? There’s more, isn’t there?”

She frowned and sighed. “Yes… what really pushed her over the edge… was that… well, you guys are dating right?”

I shut up at once and nodded grimly knowing where this was headed.

“And well… everyone knows your…father…had a hand in, well, you know,” she struggled.

“What did they say, exactly?” I said, hoping it didn’t come off as too snappy.

She studied me before hesitantly asking. “Are you sure you don’t want…an edited version?”

I shook my head. “Just tell me, please.”

She sighed before looking me in the eye. “Wait, just so you know, this has been apparently going on for some time now, only they were very careful not to mention it to me or anyone close to you. I was able to get Sansa to admit to me that this wasn’t the first time she’s heard it.”

“Well, what is it? Please! I’m going out of my mind!”

“It’s not enough for her to mount the biggest dragon in King’s Landing, she has to mount another here too? But only the best for Dr. Sansa Stark, right? But who could blame the Targaryens? They have a particular fondness for Stark girls after all.”

I saw red.

I pulled my fist and started to nock my arm and hit the wall then storm off seeking blood when Gilly grabbed at me.

“Let me go! Let me go so help me! I’ll kill them all!”

“Jon, don’t! First of all, you won’t help anyone by destroying your hands! Second, think of Sansa –

“I am thinking of her!” I growled.

“I meant, think of what this will do to her. Come on, be rational. You can set things right but not through violence,” she said more forcefully. “And if you destroy your hands, damn it, you’d be out of work.”

I took deep breaths and settled on kicking the wall, embracing the pain, bracing my palms on the wall as I calmed myself. Suddenly all the snide remarks I’ve been getting about how I was a bloody fool for falling under her spell and being whipped as hell were more double-ended than I thought they were.

“I can’t take it anymore, Gilly. I can take whatever they say to me, and I do my best not to interfere when they talk about her – not when she asked me not to. And she never asks, Gilly. Except for this. It’s the only thing she asked. Only just for this. How can I refuse? I respect how hard she tries but this is the last straw. I can’t take them using me to hurt her. They’re sick fucks! Vile! To even think that they thought she slept with my father – Gods, what a fucking low blow! He made a mistake, I know. But that’s all in the past. We’ve all moved on a long time ago. And he’d never – and Sansa’d never - ” I choked. I was incredibly mad and frustrated, feeling near tears as well.

Gilly patted my back and rubbed soothingly. “I’m sorry, Jon. For what it’s worth, Sam and I, and the others, we don’t believe in all this bullshit. I even saw Val making some of the staff cry because she heard them whispering about her for less. We’re all doing our best to help her. But this time, it’s too much. I haven’t even talked to Sam, yet. Though I had to talk to Val because I ran into her and she wanted to rip their tongues off like you but I talked her out of it and promised to tell you. We both agreed that you had to know. I know Sansa’s been very careful not to let you know.”

I took a deep breath and was calm enough to face her. “Thank you. Gilly. I’ll take care of it. And I’ll take care of Sansa. Go on and go home to Sam and little Sam, Gilly. Sorry for making you wait.”

She shook her head. “No problem. I’ll see you, Jon. Hug Sansa for me again. If anyone can help her, it’s you.”

I slid down the wall once Gilly left, fighting the urge to punch it, cradling my head in my hands. I’ve never seen Sansa cry either. But I imagine it would be even more heart breaking and would surely end me. I was aware of course that she was masking what she truly felt about her situation in the hospital. She made it clear to me that she cared. But she still wore the mask for the sake of her patients. She was used to this to some extent owing in part to her cutthroat residency at Old Town. I get that. Neurosurgery training was one of the most brutal ones with the highest drop out rate – forced and voluntary. It’ll harden you up some but I knew Sansa. She could be tough as nails, but her heart was at its core, so very gentle. And there was only so much she could take. And the accusations? They were too fucking much.

So congratulations, Eastwatch. You finally broke her. But I swear to the old gods and the new that she was going to rise above this and the shit heads will get their due.

I tried to think about what to do. She’ll surely do her best to keep this from me and I knew her enough that I wouldn’t confront her on this. The best was just to act normally around her and do something special tonight. And maybe she’ll tell me. Maybe not. Maybe someday she’ll be comfortable enough to be truly vulnerable with me. But until then, I’ll just do what I can.

But for now, there was only one thing I can do.

I have to call my father.

I don’t really have a bad relationship with him. In fact, I respect the prime minister a lot. But I prided myself in working apart from the family name and never called in any favors. But this time, I was willing to swallow my pride and call.

With a deep breath, I tapped on my phone, hovered over his name, and pressed call.

He answered on the second ring.

“Jon, what a pleasant surprise.”

“Good afternoon, sir. I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything,” I said politely. Months of not calling, this was awkward as hell.

He sighed at the other line. “Nonsense, son. And drop the ‘sir’ business. I always have time for my family. But I’m sensing this isn’t a social call.”

“Well, not exactly,” I answered, rubbing the back of my neck. This was so awkward. I didn’t know how to proceed. Luckily, father decided to ease it in. If there was one thing Rhaegar Targaryen was known for, it was being intuitive and another was knowing how to put people at ease. “

“How is the lovely Dr. Stark? I’ve heard nothing but praise for her from Lord Commander Mormont, Dr. Wyllis, and my uncle,” he said in a pleasant but knowing voice. Lord Commander Mormont was the head official for the corps here at The Wall, Dr. Wyllis was our medical director, while the uncle referred, was Dr. Aemon Targaryen, our semi-retired Neuropsychiatrist.

I sighed. “I called because of her, actually. Father…why did you send Sansa here?” I decided to just go for it.

“Son…” he started.

“No, I know why she did it. But was it really necessary? I mean, I don’t want to imply anything, but I do work here too,” I cut him off.

I heard him take a deep breath after a few seconds of silence. “I think it’s better I explain in person. I'm actually in Last Hearth. Why don’t you meet me here? It’s not that far.”

I breathed out of my nose. “Fine. See you there in thirty minutes. I’m using the chopper. I have to get back quickly.”

“Have a safe flight then.”

Last Hearth

I was escorted to the presidential suite of Last Hearth’s castle which had a whole floor dedicated to guests of noble blood, in this case, my father, Prime Minister Rhaegar Targaryen. My escort was no other than the mayor’s son, Jon ‘Smalljon’ Umber who left me alone with my father the moment I stepped into the room. Well, as alone as can be with his security detail.

My father and I didn’t waste time on pleasantries and I was grateful for it. We nodded at each other and he immediately beckoned me to sit down across him on the long conference table outfitted for occasions such as this, a pot of black tea ready.

“Please tell me, father. I need to know,” I started.

His indigo eyes, a shade lighter than my own, regarded me before he spoke with the same grace and calm that Sansa mastered. The perfect blend to comfort and still be straight without a stitch of patronizing the listener.

“First of all, I don’t want you to think that I didn’t take the time to consider that a son of mine was working on a hospital that was on its way for closure. I did son. I know you didn’t want any of my influence when you decided to build a name for you there and I promise I kept my word but I have been keeping an eye out, and that’s never been a secret. But son, I did try. But the numbers were really bad. And I know you know that. Before you ask, in the event that the hospital closes, all staff will have ample severance pay a transition time. The neighboring hospitals are also willing to absorb most, if not, all of the employees. And I know you’ve been offered jobs in different hospitals to help you just in case. I really did give it that much thought, son. Ned and I talked a great deal about this,” he explained.

He did. He really did. Those were all very reasonable. “But then…how?”

He leant closer and gestured with his hands from time to time as he carefully explained. “I invited Ned for dinner with Elia and I to discuss it further when he almost cancelled, saying that he was meeting with his daughter, so I just told him to bring her along. I asked your sister to come as well since I knew they worked together in Visenya Hill Medical,” he gave a half-smile then and his eyes lit up as he regarded me again before he continued.

“Charming girl, your Sansa. Ned was clearly very proud of his daughter and Rhaenys has only good things to say about her,” he grinned before sighing and shaking his head, “But she is quite the force to be reckoned with. When we started talking about Eastwatch, the poor girl was heartbroken – even brought to tears from the news. It was, after all, the hospital that miraculously saved her younger brother, Bran. And has thus served as a great influence on her pursuing medicine. We explained everything to her while she listened carefully, not knowing that she was already at work in coming up with a plan,” he paused.

“Go on,” I urged though I already knew what it was. I knew that they offered this job and position to her. I didn’t know that it was her idea.

“Apparently, she’s been scouting hospitals in the North once she found out that there were only five board certified neurologists and only two neurosurgeons who were both on the eastern North and a very grim statistic – morbidity and mortality alike, with most patients having to cross South to consult or be treated as one of the neurosurgeons is a paediatric one, and the other, was mostly in Essos finishing up a fellowship. After showing us the numbers and convincing us that we should conduct studies on specialities that were lacking in different regions so we could plan on a strategy on making career opportunities to entice specialists to start practice on them. She then volunteered to work in Eastwatch,” he smiled slightly while he shook his head, his eyes not even hiding how impressed he was.

“But,” I prompted but couldn't continue.

He sighed. “Ah. Of course there was a round of protests from everyone at the table. Elia, Rhaenys, and of course, Ned Stark. I tried to diffuse it as best I could and offered for Ned and Sansa to talk in private but Sansa held her own. Rhaenys was, of course, very vocal about Sansa ‘throwing away her career’.” He paused again and looked at me. “No offense meant.”

I shook my head impatiently. “None taken, continue.”

“Sansa Stark certainly had a great run in Visenya Hill with great potential for many opportunities. But she insisted that she was always going to go back to the North to work anyway. And if there was even the smallest thing she could do to save the hospital that meant a great deal to her, she would do it. She urged us to at least, give her a year there to consider.”

That explained a lot. The long hours, the back to back surgeries, her insistence of taking shifts, why she hesitates to get too close to people, why she doesn’t move in with me…

“And if she doesn’t make a difference, we could do, in her own words, ‘what we must.’ Ned then asked her if she was sure, she looked her father in the eye and said yes without a trace of hesitation. So, we had to consider it. Afterwards, Ned and I talked and of course, Catelyn, when she found out, was furious,” he sighed and shook his head again. I haven’t met Mrs. Stark yet, but I knew about the former senator who fought tooth and nail for women’s rights.

“I’d be too. But I know enough not to try and change the minds of my strong-willed children once they set out their minds on something,” he looked at me then and raised a brow.

I sighed. It was true. My father was a very convincing man, but he always respected our decisions. He never imposed on us, merely suggests and comments, but he leaves us be and instructs when needed but always let us decide in the end. I remember he didn’t even bat an eye when I decided to change my name, just asked me what it changed to so he could adjust all the legal documents he had of me – especially his will.

“But this doesn’t make sense. Sansa told me that this was asked of her. That this was a duty. Did she lie?”

Father shook his head. “Oh, you misunderstood. Ned clearly didn’t want her to. And I never would’ve asked his daughter to do this. We certainly tried convincing Sansa, telling her our plans but she asked to try, so if I agreed, I’d have to give her something,” he looked at me straight then, his eyes saying what he didn’t. Now do you understand?

I swallowed. “So that’s why you made her deputy chief.” That was what she meant by duty.

He nodded once and leant his chin on top of his closed hand. “I would’ve offered better but I couldn’t. I knew she didn’t want it. She didn’t say anything, but I’m guessing she doesn’t like any career bypass. So, I made sure that the position was justified based on her merits as best as my legal and ethics committee could. It would just make sense that there was something for her there and leaving Visenya Hill abruptly." I could sense there was more to that statement but I didn't press.

"But I’m guessing… they don’t see it that way over there. Ned did warn me of how the Northerners would take it. And his wife swore to take down that hospital, stone by stone if they ever mistreat her or prevent her from taking better opportunities. But I’m guessing once more… that Sansa Stark has an iron will, stronger than her mother’s threats.”

I let out a snort at that. “Well, it’s true. She’s so stubborn, alright. But it’s also true that they’ve been treating her like hell there. I mean, come on, father. The only reason they started to respect me was when I turned down being chief and changed my name. What did you expect?” It took near a year for them to warm up to me. But even then, I didn’t get it as bad as Sansa did. Not even close.

His mouth was a grim line. “I know son. But what’s done is done and it was the only way I could show my good will to the Starks for their daughter’s good intentions. I had hoped that Eastwatch would accept her as she is their governor’s daughter and she is a brilliant addition. But,” he sighed and shrugged. “At least I told the Starks you were there and that my boy will look out for their girl surely,” he smiled proudly at me then. “And you certainly improved her stay there. Ned even started to forgive me.”

I huffed angrily and drank the tea that cooled untouched at the side hastily. “Fat lot that did. Did you know why I finally called?”

“Tell me.”

“They started a rumor that she slept with both of us. You, to get there, me, to stay there – as if she needed any string pulling to get to the top. As if it was even worth the effort to get there. And there's more - that we’re not doing anything about the rumors because such scandal would affect us so we never set that fact straight, choosing to ignore it as a nonissue.” I slammed the cup on the table and saw my father’s usually calm expression, twist into disgust and anger. Good. “Oh and it gets good. You sent her all the way there to avoid the press. And in case she’s already pregnant with your child, we’ll pass it off as mine.” I continued remembering how Val found me just before I left and told me all of this.

My fists were clenching tightly on top of the table as I leant forward. “Please tell me you can end this. One of the staff nurse – probably the closest she could call friend found her crying today. And she never cries.” I told him all about what happened as well as the conversation we had before we got together regarding her stand on her maltreatment.

“She can leave anytime she wants, son. I’ll make sure she gets hired in any hospital she wishes. Most would take her in on her merits alone, I’ll hardly meddle. But I know it’s not that easy to convince her,” he said.

I felt my gut drop at the thought of her leaving but if that’s what it took, I’d let her. Father saw this.

“You can too, son. Both of you don’t have to stay in a place that hasn’t been welcoming,” he offered quickly.

“We could. I know. With or without your help, we could. But she’ll never leave. Not when she thinks the hospital will close if she does. And face it, we all know it will. And despite everything, she has friends now. We’re a small group but she won’t betray their loyalty,” I pointed out exasperatedly.

“I’ll think of something. I promise. And I’d offer to send someone to talk to your HR, but I take it that any threat to their jobs that links to her or us would only make it worse for her. They’d follow because there’s no choice but you know what’s going to happen. I don't like bullying. And we are all professionals for goodness' sake! Frankly, if it was up to me, I’d fire them all and replace them but…” he looked at me knowingly. “It's not fully up to me, son. Or you. It's ultimately up to her. You know how one gets passionate about something, it becomes the priority above all. Sometimes the principle simply weighs more than the rational alternatives. That’s honor, son. And she’s a Stark.”

I let out a disgruntled breath. I hate politics. And as much as I admire and respect Sansa Stark’s sense of honor, I hate it. I was part Stark too but gods be good!

“Just tell me the word, though and I’d do all that anyway. If you think that we should. Let's do it. I really don't want to tolerate unnecessary maltreatment. But I’m sure your Sansa wouldn’t want this on her conscience, not that it has a place there anyway, but she’ll still feel some sense of responsibility for this. People will lose jobs - jobs they don't deserve from what they're doing, but jobs that pay for their families, but still,” he gave me a look while he said all that so sincerely that I had no choice but to believe him when he said he’d do it, he’d do it. “We could even charge slander, for my name, yours, and hers. But again, I don’t think she’d like the media to sniff this out. But if she agrees to press chargers, we’ll do it.”

“What do we do then?” I said helplessly after a minute, sinking lower on my seat.

He stood up, went to my side, and placed a warm, comforting hand on my shoulder. “I’ll think of something. I promise. But for now, there are some things you can do while waiting. One, you keep trying to convince her that she doesn’t have to stay there, doesn’t have to save Eastwatch. Two, convince her to go on a fellowship. Rhaenys told me that she had offers in Essos with grant for research,” I was about to say something as that was something big that I didn’t know, and probably something Sansa and I should talk about, but father cut me off.

He looked at me then softly and said, “Three, just keep doing what you’re doing.”

I blinked. “What’s that?”

He smiled. “Just love her.”

I swallowed. I’ve known it for a while now, even told her once, a month ago. But though I see it in her eyes too, she wasn’t ready to declare anything yet. So I tried to hold back from saying it again until she was comfortable.

“She’s not…”

He squeezed my shoulder. “I know son. But you should tell her anyway. Tell her all the time. And not just with your actions which I know you've been doing, but really say it. Especially now with the rumors. She might not say anything, but she’ll need you to. Just be there for her, support her, and love her.”

I bowed my head and clenched my fists. “I just feel like such a failure. I want to commit murder whenever I hear things,” I confessed. “I don’t think I’m worthy enough for her.”

“And that’s why she keeps them from you. Because she doesn’t see you as a failure. Because she knows how much you try and the lengths you’re willing to go. Son, she knows that,” he squeezed my shoulder with each point and it was comforting. “And that last thing you said is bullshit. You are worthy.”

I sighed. Ignoring the fact that my well-mannered father swore. “At least have another neurosurgeon near enough to call on and some neurologists too so she could concentrate on her specialty. I managed to make her give up her twenty-four hours to twelve while I’m working on getting her to agree to just be on call. She’s too overworked. That, I won’t stand for any longer.”

“I’ll do what I can. I promise. Give me a month. I’ll even get Rhaenys to help me. And you know, Elia will too. I assume you don’t want to involve the other Starks in this?”

I thought for a while and shook my head. “No dad. Not yet. Let’s help them out on our own first. You do owe my mother this.”

He sighed. “I do. Well, if there’s one thing the rumors got right. We do carry fondness for Stark girls. Don’t we?” he smiled wryly at me.

I rolled my eyes but nodded. “Yes, but dad. Sansa’s mine,” I shot him a look.

He laughed then. “I prefer brunettes.” He winked smoothly. “Though it’s really your brother you have to warn," he said, raising a brow.

I grimaced but then looked at my father gratefully. “Thanks father.”

He smiled at me then. “Don’t thank me yet.”

I grabbed his arm then when he withdrew his hand. “Father?”

His brows drew in confusion and surprise. “Yes, son?”

“Please do something. I never ask, you know that. Please do all that you can,” I pleaded.

“Son – “

I shook my head and looked at him half-mad, half-serious. “You don’t understand. This is Sansa. I’m going to marry her one day.”

He looked taken aback for a second before breaking into a grin, clapping my back. “Believe me, son. I do understand, more than you think. And I know. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here and asking me of all things,” he raised his brows at me and smirked.

That was true. I felt guilty all of a sudden for keeping my father at arm’s length. I was telling the truth though that I’ve already forgiven him for loving my mother when he wasn’t free to do so. And I know it wasn’t anyone’s fault I never knew my mother who drew her last breath, as I drew my first.

The only mother I’ve ever known was Elia, who loved me as she did Aegon and Rhaenys. She was the one who inspired and encouraged me to be a doctor. Even as a young boy, she somehow knew I would come to love the medical world – Rhaenys too. While Aegon was as much father’s shadow as was his mirror, mother would take Rhaenys and I to work. She was a Paediatric Surgeon, specializing in Neonatal cases. Rhaenys told me that we lost siblings before Aegon as well as a year after, and our grandmother had a history of miscarrying as well, thus was mother’s driving force. She was, after all, married before starting medical school so she had time to choose yet, and well after three years of training in general surgery, she decided to focus on paediatrics.

Rhaenys, in turn, wanted something in line with mother’s work. Thus, she worked to become an OBGYN with a subspecialty in Perinatology which was perfect for the two of them. I already knew I wanted something in the surgical field. And after mandatory military training as a medic, I knew I wanted to be a trauma surgeon. And that was that.

I love my family and I hardly felt like an interloper despite some of the backlash of my controversial origin. And now I realize that I haven’t been spending some time with them. I may have changed my name as a career move, one I don’t regret, but I was still part of a family. I would always be a Targaryen.

“Father, I’m sorry I haven’t been…” I started, staring up at him awkwardly.

He sat down again across from me and smiled warmly. “It’s fine, son. We all understand. Come home, some time. Bring Dr. Stark with you. Rhaenys and your mother would love to see her again. I’m sure Aegon will welcome her too.”

“Well, we have to make sure she’s free to do that, don’t we?”

He grinned wider and nodded. “I’ll make sure of it. Again, I’ll need a month.”

“Thanks. I hope you find a way for her to have the option to leave without her worrying that you’re closing the hospital after, or something,” I pressed.

“Yes, yes. Now don’t you have a flight to catch?”

I stood up then after I nodded. Father did too and we stood facing each other awkwardly until finally we hugged it out however brief.

“Trust me on this, son.”

“I do. I just – I just wish I could do something more for her now,” I ran a hand through my hair.

“Well, sometimes… flowers help,” He smiled cheekily at me. “And I seem to recall Ned telling me once that Sansa loved blue winter roses.”

“Flowers? Would it really be that simple?” I arched a brow at him.

His eyes had a gleam in them then as he smirked playfully, masking his age with that same look that charmed a nation. “Oh, son. You have no idea.”

He turned me around then, placed both hands on my shoulders before he pushed me out the door. “A little goes a long way, Jon. Now go. No time to waste.��

EVMMC

I went up to Sansa at once when I saw her walking out the hospital, freshly showered and beautiful in dark blue dress and black thermal tights, that brought out her eyes and complemented her red hair and fair skin.

I loved her even more when she smiled at once the moment she spotted me. She immediately went over and kissed my cheek. I cupped her face and kissed her soundly in turn making her giggle once she pulled away too soon. I studied her as discreetly as I could and noted that there were faint signs that she had indeed been crying.

Before she could figure me out, I stepped back and offered her three long stemmed winter roses I was hiding behind my back.

And from the expression on her face, I grinned ridiculously and vowed not to doubt my father again on how to woo women. Which, in hindsight, was actually ridiculous thing to doubt in the first place.

"Oh Snow, this is… you know you shouldn’t – ..."

"If you say I shouldn't do it, you know what I’m going to say and we’re back to the first conversation we’ve ever had. So how about a ‘thank you Jon; instead, Stark? That and a promise of nice...or naughty things later?" I attempted to wink.

She cracked up then, a hand covering her mouth once more, before she shook her head and smoothed her face into that coquettish smile, as she looked up from under her long lashes, and bit her bottom lip. "Thank you, Jon. These are lovely. I don't know how you knew they were my favorite, but I love them so much. It's so sweet of you. Certainly, made my day,” she blushed while smiling brightly.

Please marry me. I almost blurted out at how damn adorable she was. She rarely said my name and to hear her say the word love... Gods.

I kissed her again and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "I'm glad. Though, rough day?" I tested.

She sighed and shook her head as she wound an arm around my back while she held the roses with her arm. "You have no idea."

Oh sweetheart, I do.

"Well, when its particularly trying I usually take a walk along the pier then maybe grab a drink and some food,” I tried to say brightly.

She looked up at me then and her eyes twinkled. "Can we?"

I laughed. "I was going to take you anyway, Stark. No need to ask."

"Sneaky,” she nudged me. “Well, let’s go Snow and show me this amazing escape of yours. You might get lucky tonight."

"I already am,” I answered straight without looking at her.

I didn’t need to see her to know that she caught what I was trying to say. I was waiting for a rebuttal but it never came. I glanced down at her then and saw her blushing.

I couldn’t help the smirk that came out.

Wrapping her tighter to my side, I kissed her head and led her to my car.

Eastwatch Port, Bay of Seals

I could tell she loved the sea as we walked along the pier facing the Bay of Seals. We paused near the docks and stood there watching with our hands clasped.

"Back in King's Landing, I used to do the same thing. If I wanted to take a breather, I go down the docks and watch the ships. In my mind, I would play a game, imagining where each ship came from and where the others would go to. I'd imagine their voyage, the people, the things they see..." she paused and looked up at me tentatively. "Sorry, I'm babbling."

"No, no. I find it fascinating. Go on,” I urged.

She gave a deep sigh. “Sometimes, I just, watch, you know? Just the image of the water lapping against the shore, the waves forming and crashing… the sight of that, the sound… it’s soothing. And when I see the sunset, it’s beautiful. Like sad, beautiful. It’s an end of something… but what an end. It’s just really beautiful when you see the sun painting one glorious picture before making way for the night.”

She paused then and I let the silence envelope us as we watched the sun start to set. Knowing that when she rambles and it catches a tone, it was her way of segueing up to what she really wanted to say.

“I lost a life today,” she stated suddenly.

I looked down at her and saw something shimmer –my mind on overdrive when I realized what it was.

Whipping around to face her confirmed it.

Sansa Stark was crying.

It was the most heartbreaking sight I’ve ever seen, rendering me helpless as fuck.

She hardly moved, nor made a sound. Just stood there, looking straight away while tears ran down her face. Even in melancholy, Sansa still manages to look hauntingly beautiful that I froze for a minute, not believing for a moment, and certainly not knowing what to do but when one sob escaped, it was like something broke in me and I immediately framed her face with my hands, stroking her cheek until she met my eyes.

“Sansa… it happens. It happens to the best of us.”

She stepped away from my touch and started wiping off her tears from embarrassment. “I know, I know. I’m being silly –

I brought her to me then, cradling the back of her head as it rested against my chest, while my other hand wrapped around her back and began to rub soothing circles on it as her hands clutched at my shirt.

“You’re not. It’s never easy. But it happens, sweetheart. We can’t save them all, we can only try,” I crooned.

“I know. But I tried so hard. I did my best,” her muffled voice against my chest felt like tiny sharp stabs at how laced with emotion her words came.

“I’m sure the family knows you did.”

“He was nine.”

“He got the best care…it just…it happens. And it’s okay to feel bad about it. It makes you human. But it’s not your fault. You did everything you could.”

She didn’t say anything, just clutched at me tighter as she finally let herself go.

With all that she’d endured this day, this was the one thing that bothered her the most. Patients, above all.

I'm not even surprised anymore.

I stroked her hair and rubbed her back and just held her.

“You did everything you could,” I repeated.

“We’re so sorry to have to tell you.”

“There was an unfortunate complication.”

“His body couldn't take the stress.”

“We deeply regret to inform you.”

“Despite our best efforts, we couldn't…”

“We've talked about the risks..”

“It was always a possibility.”

“We did everything we could.”

These were the words we say to the next of kin.

It's hardest the first time. The death stays with you for days and either breaks or makes you. You remember, refusing to give up. You remember lining up yourself and do just that one more round of compression. You remember ordering just that one more shot of adrenaline. You remember giving just that one more jolt of shock. You remember just that one more try of holding on to the heart, massaging it to eventually squeezing it back to life as your eyes glue themselves to the monitor for any sign of your effort.

And then there’s only one more thing you can do – must do.

First, you take your hands off.

Next, you call it.

“Time of death…”

It gets easier but not really. In some ways it does. For some ways, never.

H-how?

Why?

It's okay doc. You did your best.

You did all you could.

And it’s all we and they could say to ourselves to make it better.

You did all you could.

They'd say and though it doesn't alleviate the guilt – needless or not, We do try and cling to those words.

We have to believe we did our best. and we need someone to tell us. Because we’d lose our minds, rationalizing every little thing because we know there will always be something you could've done differently. Something others could’ve done differently. No matter how small or insignificant, there is.

But this is the reality of our profession.

We save lives.

But we're not gods.

Contrary to what we are perceived to be or how we consciously or unconsciously present ourselves.

We’re not gods.

Trust me when I say doctors know humility the most.

Not only humility, we know failure. We know mistakes. We know.

We’re not gods.

We can only do so much.

We can only try our best.

And no one tries the most than Sansa. This wasn’t her first rodeo, I’m sure. But as I’ve said, she loves her patients too much above all, and add the stakes she put on herself to save this damned hospital, this loss was in no way, easy for her. And for people to throw all of these in her face just for this one setback of her stay here was just too cruel.

I just kept on holding her while she cried. Finding the right time and method to comfort her.

"That ship over there carries the flag of the Martells. There’s that red sun and spear. Probably a cargo ship. Probably carries fine Dornish wine," I said softly.

She stilled but didn’t look up. "Hm?"

I shrugged and continued. "I imagine it’s going to Skagos next before it makes its way back to Sunspear…” I tried to think of something that Sansa might like to hear. “There's probably a wedding. They're going to celebrate with Arbor Gold that the groomsmen and the bridesmaids would guzzle drinking their singleness..."

I chuckled. Sansa was still quiet but she wasn’t sobbing anymore. It was working.

"Oh but they are a miserable bunch, especially when they see that the groom follows the bride with his eyes like a moon orbiting its planet, seeing nothing else but his whole world in front of him."

"And the bride?" she asked softly, her voice slightly strained.

"The bride would be a vision, having spent the whole day needlessly, looking perfect when she already is to the groom. More so without a stitch of clothing," I grinned.

She chuckled and smacked my chest, then she turned her head slightly to follow my line of vision, her hands still clutching my shirt. I wrapped my arms tighter around her, dropping my chin on top of her head while I freed a hand briefly to point at the ship.

"The groom would be one big nervous wreck but the moment he sees his radiant bride, everything will be as it should be,” I continued, catching myself from sounding too wistful. I found myself getting into this… narrative more than I thought to be. “It may be selfish but for the groom, the bride probably never looked better for him, as the moment she wears his cloak and his name.” Now I don’t know if I’m talking about a lucky fictional bastard from Skagos anymore.

I cleared my throat, looked down at her and gave an eyeroll. “And of course being in Skagos, they'd likely have some wrestling type of entertainment.”

She laughed then and shook her head. Yes!

She leaned into me and sighed against my neck. "That sounds lovely."

I shrugged. "Eh, I'm sure you can come up with something better."

"Maybe... though not today. Right now, all I can come up with is that one,” she pointed at one of the ships with an orange sail, “The one there came from the Summer Isles, a traveller having returned after trying to seek something but deciding to come back to ice and frost where she saw that she never needed to go away for find that something. It was already there all along,” she said in a hushed tone, her eyes suddenly meeting mine and somewhere in the back of my mind, I don’t think she’s talking about a Summer islander either.

We held our look for a moment before the sound of a horn startled us, causing us both to blush and look away.

I cleared my throat again and tried. "Well, damn. That's still beautiful."

“Jon?”

My heart raced as I looked down at her and she was looking at me with an expression I’ve never seen before.

“Y-yes?” I manage, coughing after to clear my suddenly dry throat.

A slow smile formed its way on her face while I felt a hand press against mine. She blinked once before speaking. "Let’s go home."

My jaw dropped as I searched her eyes.

"Home?"

She tilted her head and started fixing my collar. "Yeah... if Ghost wouldn't mind squeezing in with Lady and me..." she blushed and looked at me knowingly.

"I'll buy a house,” I blurted out, still trying to process the fact that she was finally agreeing to move in with me. I'd have bought her a zoo if she wanted at this point.

She smacked my arm.

I held her arms then and leaned down to level with her eyes. "But seriously... are you sure? You don't -"

She cut me off with a too quick peck and nodded. "I want to."

I picked her up at once, despite her protests and swung her around before dipping her and kissing her like a man possessed.

"We could use your apartment as an extra closet,” I offered dumbly, once we pulled away for breath.

"I don't need an extra closet, or a big house, silly. I just want you."

I groaned and pressed my forehead against hers. "Gods, what you do to me."

She giggled then before arching an elegant brow and smirking. "Come on, Dr. Snow. If we don't hurry someone might fall, hit his head really hard, and then where would we be?"

I hoisted her up in my arms then, earning a cute yelp. "Then by all means, Dr. Stark, let’s go home - stat!"

I watched as she laughed once more while wrapping her arms around my neck, making my heart melt once more. Gods, I’m the one whose supposed to make her feel better too.

"Sansa?"

She blinked up at me and smiled as she tilted her head. "Yeah?"

"I love you."

Her mouth fell for a moment from surprise as another blush crept on her face. And after a hundred thoughts probably flitted in those baby blues, she finally leaned up to kiss me once, gently, closing her eyes after as she leant against my chest and sighed, but didn't say anything back.

But from that final look in her eye, it was enough for now.

I looked back and saw the sun completely setting.

I glanced back down at Sansa who was starting to nod off, the events of today finally catching up to her once she finally allowed herself to relax in my arms.

I couldn’t help but let out sigh of my own and a grin before I started walking.

“Sansa?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you sure you don’t have anything more to tell me?”

She stiffened.

“You’re not cheating on my with our blonde intern, right?” I said in my most deadpan voice.

Her eyes flew open then as her mouth. “What?”

I laughed then. “Dr. Olly Marsh.”

She snorted. “Ridiculous.”

“Just kidding. But he does have a crush on the hot neurosurgeon.”

She shook her head. “He’s interested in the specialty, not me.”

I chuckled. “Oh he is. But he is about you too.”

She frowned but her eyes softened. “No way.”

“Oh, yes way. He asked me how you liked your coffee,” I pointed out.

She shook her head again. “And what did you say?” Her eyes looked up at me in challenge.

“I asked him if he was hitting on my girlfriend,” that was honest anyway.

I could tell she wanted to tell me off but shifted to a wicked grin. “Well, he is cute.”

I snorted then and pressed my nose against her. “Stop. I won’t tolerate any straying thought even if it's a joke. You’re mine, Stark.”

She giggled then and shrugged. “So possessive. You want me around your life, that much, Snow?”

I smirked at her and borrowed my father's words from earlier, “Oh, you have no idea.”

She shook her head in disbelief before she sighed.

“One day, I’m going to make you believe me when I say I like having you in my life,” and maybe one day, you’ll be comfortable enough for me to change saying ‘like’ to ‘love’ or ‘want’ to ‘need.’

“You are certainly free to do so, Snow,” she grinned. “Now, can I please sleep? Pretty please while you carry me to your castle, my sweet, sweet, prince?” she cracked a laugh at the end.

I chuckled. “Go ahead, Princess. I’ll carry you to our castle.”

“My hero,” she rolled her eyes but her smile never left.

I winked at her.

“You know, you always wink but did you know you never really do?”

I laughed again and let out a contented breath. “Seven hells. You do notice everything.”

“Yes, and the sunset here is so beautiful. The breeze isn't warm like in King's Landing, but I like the crispness of the cold.”

I looked down at her, and her eyes were so impossibly soft in their gaze. “Still think it’s a sad beautiful thing?”

She studied me a bit before smiling sweetly, shaking her head. “Not for our first.”

“Have I told you, I love you yet?” I blurted once more.

She looked at me and smiled knowingly. “You tell me all the time,” she whispered.

My heart was again, racing once more. “But you never seem to believe me.”

She simply hummed as she closed her eyes and rested her head once more under my chin and placed a hand above my heart.

She didn’t need to say anything, even if it would’ve been nice to hear. My heart felt so full at this moment anyway.

I leaned down and whispered. “Ad curare interdum, saepe tractare, ut consolarer semper…”

I watched as another smile graced her half-asleep form, knowing she heard and understood my words.

Dr. Tyrion Lannister often ended his bioethics lecture with this: “Remember, doctors. As Hippocrates said, ‘to cure sometimes, to treat often, and to comfort, always.’ And that’s another medical dictum we take to heart.”

There were still many things we need to talk about but I wasn't about to ruin this moment for us. And she likely knows, I know. But now wasn't the time.

Slowly, I turned our backs from the view of the sun disappearing seemingly from the bay, watching as lights began to open across the docks while I walked us a step closer back to our temporary home.

I wasn’t kidding about wanting to buy a house.

Some day.

One day.

But for now, this was enough.

http://archiveofourown.org/works/10404822

#jonsa #fanfiction #jon snow #sansa stark #ladymdfic

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doctor-who-hears-a-horton · 5 years ago

Text

To Live a Better Life (Ten x Rose)

Rating: Teen and up

Chapter: 11/?

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

Summary: Rose Tyler has been the secretary to the CEO of Gallifrey Inc. for nine years, and she’s ready to move on with her life. But when Mr. Smith proposes something less than practical in lieu of her resignation, what will she say?

Read it on AO3 here!

Later that night, after leaving Mr. Smith, very shaken up, Rose went to dinner with her best friends from school, Keisha and Shireen. She saw precious little of them, with her work with Mr. Smith, but he let her go early as a thank you for all her help. He never let her go early, not really, but she wasn’t about to tell him no. Instead, she had just beamed at him and gathered up her things, giving Lynda a few more tasks to complete before bolting from the building. Mr. Smith had watched her leave from right outside his office, hands in his pockets and a small smile on his face.

“What are you thinking about?” Keisha asked, breaking through Rose’s thoughts.

Rose blinked and focused in on her friend. “I don’t know,” she said, “Just a long day at work, I guess.”

“Well, cheers to you being done soon,” Shireen laughed, lifting her glass of rum.

Rose laughed, cheersing her and Keisha with her own glass of wine. “Yeah. I’m finishing training the new secretary and tie up a few loose ends and then I’m out of there.” She almost got lost in thought again but shook herself.

“Whoa, what was that?”

“Yeah, I just- I’m trying to think of events for the library opening, I know Mr. Smith is worried about it and we’ve got a lot to think about.” She smiled sheepishly. “I guess even when he lets me off the hook early I’m not entirely off the hook.”

Shireen winced. “Look, babe, you gotta stop thinking about working for him all the time. It's not that big of a deal! The library opening is his problem, not yours. You’re leaving!”

Rose scratched her neck, her eyes darting around the restaurant. “Yeah, see, I know that, but-”

“You don’t like him, do you?”

“Well, sure I like him, he’s my boss.”

“No, she means, do you like him?” Keisha giggled. “You’ve been preoccupied with him since we got here!”

Rose felt a hot blush color her cheeks and she shook her head. “No! No, of course not. That would be ridiculous! He’s my boss, after all. Even though I’m quitting, it would still be incredibly inappropriate.”

“Me thinks the lady doth protest,” Keisha muttered. “He is fit, but remember, Rose, he’s also been an absolute ass.”

Rose chewed on her bottom lip, watching her friends carefully. “Nah. No, it’s not like that. It’s really not.”

In the back of her mind, though, she was starting to wonder. Mr. Smith was being incredibly kind to her, though it couldn’t just be because she was leaving. Of course, that could certainly be a part of it, but just the fact that he had changed so recently made him think that he might actually just need to have her around. Not necessarily as a business venture, but just as a person. As a friend.

She shook her head. “Let’s not talk about my boss anymore, yeah? I just now got away from him.”

*******

John was staring at himself in the shot glass, ignoring Jack next to him. What a day it had been. Being in the blackout at the library, he’d expected more panic out of Miss Tyler. Instead, she’d been incredibly level headed and was a bit smarter than him, really. It had surprised and intrigued him quite a bit.

“So, heard there was a little issue at the library today,” Jack said, tossing a shot back. “How are you feeling? Stressed out, eh?”

He shook his head. “Not really. Miss Tyler was quite level headed, I hardly had any stress at all, actually.”

He remembered how Miss Tyler had claimed she knew the way, taking his hand and leading him out. She’d exuded calm, and an odd sort of attraction had run through him when he’d caught the scent of her shampoo. He smiled a little. “It was sort of fun.”

“Fun? You, having fun?” Jack laughed, “I don’t believe it.”

“Well, you should! I did, it was a nice time and I feel quite good about the opening of the library. It should go off without a hitch at this rate.”

Jack watched him carefully. “You never would’ve thought it was a nice time if Rose wasn’t with you and you know it.”

“I never suggested otherwise,” John said, furrowing his brow. “I enjoy Miss Tyler’s company, we’ve discussed this.”

“But you haven’t told her your true feelings, have you? You haven’t asked her out on a proper date.”

“Of course not.”

“Ugh,” Jack hung his head. “You like her. You said you think she likes you. I don’t know what the problem is.”

John was finished talking about it. There was nothing to do for it, really. Miss Tyler was simply out of the question, and that was that.

Jack knew, deep down, that he would be too prideful to actually ask her out. No matter how badly he wanted to be with her. In a way, Jack felt bad for his friends. John would never actually be brave enough. And he might miss out on something amazing because of it.

“Why are you looking at me like I just kicked your dog?” John snapped suddenly.

Jack shook himself, realizing his forlorn look had actually been boring into his friend. “Sorry, no reason,” he said, shaking his head. “Just thinking about what it might be like to miss out.”

John furrowed his brows. “You are a very strange man, Jack.”

“Yeah? So are you, pal.”

*****

Strangely enough, John did feel a sort of magnetism to Miss Tyler the next day at work. He kept finding himself wanting to call her into the office just to see what she was doing, or to chat with her, or ask her how her night off was. Had she enjoyed herself? Had she gone on another date with that man? He didn’t even want to think about that.

After about the eighth time he almost called into his office, she buzzed in to him. He answered immediately. “Yes, Miss Tyler?”

“Good morning, Mr. Smith. I have finalized the schedule for the library opening but I’d like to run it past you, if that’s alright.”

“Come in.”

She buzzed off and a moment later was opening the door. She smiled a little and closed the heavy door behind her, approaching his desk with a manilla envelope in hand. “Here it is.” She flipped the cover off of the envelope and read out, “So, in the morning, it would be general mingling of the patrons, and those who have given support to the build as well. Over the course of the day there will be numerous presentations of how the new technology works, as well as tours of the facility. Mr. Saxon will end the night with a reading from his new, unreleased book.” She closed the envelope and beamed at him. “What do you think?”

He nodded. “Good idea,” he said, “Did you… Speak to my brother about this?”

“Yes, I contacted him about the timing as well as the idea to read from an unreleased book. It adds intrigue, after all.”

“I don’t want you contacting him after this,” Mr. Smith said firmly.

Rose frowned. “Does the schedule work, then?”

“Yes, it does.” He wasn’t sure why he was so upset by this, but the idea of Rose speaking privately to his brother was very upsetting.

Rose was about to storm out of the office, but stopped when she noticed that Mr. Smith’s tie was aggressively crooked. “Your tie…” She came around the side of the desk and turned his chair a little. Mr. Smith looked up at her, startled, as she set down her envelope and reached for his tie, straightening it out. He stared at her, his eyes wide, as though she hadn’t done this a thousand times before. She secured the knot under his adam’s apple and smiled at him, but it faded when she saw his shocked expression. The two of them stared at each other for a long moment, two puzzle pieces clicking into place. Rose cleared her throat suddenly and was surprised when Mr. Smith jumped at the noise.

“Excuse me, Mr. Smith, I’ll be sending the schedule out now,” She said, taking a step back from him. She’d been further in his personal space than she’d original thought, and it was making her hands sweat. She had to get out of there. She dipped her head politely and tried very hard not to trip over her own feet on the way out.

“Ah… yes.” He watched her leave the room, and settled his hand over his chest when the door closed behind her. “Why is my heart beating so fast?” He murmured, “Perhaps I should see a doctor.”

When Rose left the office, she saw John’s mother standing at her desk. “Oh!” Rose hurried to the other side of the desk. “I’m so sorry to keep you waiting, Mrs. Smith.”

“Oh, don’t worry, dear. I just wanted to stop by and ask John to come over for dinner tonight.”

Rose flipped open her planner. “Well, he’s free tonight, and I can see to it that there are no appointments made, if that would suit you?”

“That would be perfect, dear. Would you come along as well?”

Rose blinked. “W-why? With all due respect, Mrs. Smith, I don’t think I quite belong at a family dinner.”

“You’re the only person my son trusts, Miss Tyler. I would really like to have you there. And, well, my other son will be there as well, and there’s a bit of friction between the two of them.” Rose winced. “I did notice they didn’t get along exceptionally well,” she said, “So if you’d like, I can come. You may want to ask Mr. Smith to confirm, though, he usually likes to know exactly what’s going on all the time. It’s one of his charms.”

Mrs. Smith laughed. “Oh, yes.”

Rose buzzed in on her intercom. “Mr. Smith, your mother is here to see you.”

“Thank you, Miss Tyler. Send her in.”

Mrs. Smith offered Rose a smile before disappearing in to see her son. Rose heard Mr. Smith groan in agony when Mrs. Smith told him that his brother would be attending the dinner, but she didn’t hear him refuse. She supposed even big, powerful CEOs of companies had to listen to their mothers sometimes. She stifled a laugh at the thought.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Smith exited the office and offered Rose a smile. “Well, we’ll be seeing you tonight then, Miss Tyler! You might have to cheer John up on the way over, though.”

Rose kept herself from wincing. “Yes, Mrs. Smith. I’ll make sure we’re not late. I wouldn’t want to keep you waiting.”

She watched the older woman leave the building and sighed heavily, putting her head in her hands. Dinner with her boss’s family, mere weeks before she was leaving the company? Just how stupid was she?

#me? with vaugely consistent updates?#it's like 2016 all over again #please enjoy #ten x rose #rose tyler #tenxrose #tenth doctor #tenrose #raylu writes fic #ray lu writes fic #raylu ten x rose #to live a better life

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elliotthezubat · 7 years ago

Text

DEATH CITY DAYS 95

from soul perception tests to bike riding antics

Saria: *hanging out by a locker* Q___Q

hibiki: you ok?

Saria: "EEP!" *jumps* "Y-You startled me...I was waiting...Here."

hibiki: for any reason?

Saria: "...Just making sure of something. Don't want to see someone get hurt..."

hibiki: ??

Saria: "!!! There he is!" *hides*

hibiki: ?? *peeks*

hollinger: *getting out text books*

Saria: *writing in a journal with a glitter pen*

hibiki: ?? are you stalking him or somethin'?

Saria: "N-No! I just want to help him! Just observing and seeing what triggers this bad luck..."

hibiki: mmhmm...

hollinger:....*glances*

Saria: "!!!" *hides behind Hibiki, rolls her collar cover up to hide her face*

hollinger: what exactly are you doing?

hibiki: just getting textbooks, same as you, fam.

Saria: *nod nod nod--but can't see and hits her head on the locker* "Ow."

hollinger: are you alri-*slips and falls...right out of his pants somehow* .///////////.

Saria: "Ow...Yeah, I'm okay--" *pulls down her sweater collar* "... ... ..." O\\\\\O;;; "HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!"

hollinger: *pulling up his pants* DON'T LOOOOK! >///A///<;;;

Saria: "I TRIED NOT TO!"

hibiki: yikes.

-elsewhere-

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK on the Sturm HQ door*

hans: coming! *answers*

Yosano: "Yo." *waves*

hans: dr yosano, please, do come in.

Yosano: "Thank you. Who should I meet first?"

hans: her room is this way. *leads her in*

-inside-

leo: *doing some embroidery*

Motojiro: ^w^ "It's looking lovely."

leo: hehe, thank you, motovya.

Motojiro: *smiles, looks up--and freezes* QwQ;;;;

leo: ??

hans: here is the patient-

Yosano: "..."

Motojiro: *tiny whine*

leo: um...h-hello, doctor...

Yosano: "...So, what seems to be the problem?"

leo: oh, there's no problem, you see, i'm expecting a baby, and we dont have a proper doctor on hand to check on the progress of our child.

hans: basically they're looking for an OB/GYN.

Yosano: "Ah." *stares at Motojiro* "...Wait...You mean...him?"

leo: yes. he's the father of our baby. *she smiles* and my fiancé.

Yosano: "..." *looks at Motojiro* "...I see...May I have a moment with my patient?"

Motojiro: QWQ;;;;; *can't move*

leo: ?? motovya? are you alright?

Yosano: "Yes, are you alright?" *opens her bag, reaching in* "Do I have to tend to you as well?"

{Motojiro: *LOUD SCREAMS IN THE TRAIN CAR*}

{-much to horrifying to show-}

Motojiro: .w. "I am fine...I will be back soon, <darling>." *slides out of the room*

Yosano: *smirks*

leo: *concerned*

Yosano: "Now, I can begin. How are you feeling?"

leo: a bit tired, with some morning sickness, but for the most part, alright.

Yosano: "That's rather normal." *removes a thermometer* "I'll also need to check the baby." *takes out a smock* "Please change." *turns around*

-elsewhere-

Shiemi's Mother: "How was your, um, 'date'?"

shiemi: it was...eventful. ^^;

Shiemi's Mother: "Did you learn anything?" *reviewing receipts*

shiemi: we did get a few new bits of information on the mission- ah, or is that classified information?

Shiemi's Mother: *shrugs* "I would ask Yukio. Have you seen him?"

shiemi: well, actually, yes.... .///.;

Shiemi's Mother: "...Oh~?"

shiemi: !!! ./////. m-mama!

Shiemi's Mother: "Just teasing!" *looks at receipts again* "Hmm...Who did you sell the kudzu to?"

shiemi: *looking*

*It seems to be from the day that stranger walked in...*

shiemi: hmm.. *examining the receipt*

Shiemi's Mother: "I don't remember--I was in the back tending to inventory."

shiemi: hmmm...(i wonder....)

Shiemi's Mother: "Think it over. I want to figure out why someone would want that kind of a weed growing everywhere..."

shiemi: *nods*

-elsewhere-

*The priest sits by the window, reading a book*

Priest: "..."

girl: *breathing*

Priest: "Yes...That's the trick. Hmm...I'll need access there, then let the seeds spread..."

-elsewhere-

Asher: *yawns, sits up* "That was a good nap. I guess I better head to lunch--"

*The clock says it's 3 PM*

Asher: "... ... ..."

izumi: oh, there you are.

Asher: "Yo. I missed all classes."

izumi: so i noticed. and lunch too.

Asher: "..." *stomach growl*

izumi: *she hands them something* i got one of those lunch sets from the cafeteria to give you.

Asher: "...Oh. Thank you." *opens it* "Looks good..."

izumi: pretty much everyone's gone home now, save for everyone doing after-school stuff like clubs or detention.

Asher: "I'll probably get detention for sleeping..." *looks at textbooks on the desk* "Nuts."

izumi: want me to help you?

Asher: "...Sure. You took notes in class?"

izumi: *she nods* if you want, i can help tutor you.

Asher: "...I'd appreciate the help. Thanks. Where would you start?"

izumi: not sure, but we'll figure it out. ^^

Asher: "..." *small smile* "Yeah."

izumi: did you have anywhere in mind to have the tutoring sessions?

Asher: "...My place is not far."

izumi: ok. are you living with anyone?

Asher: "Family."

izumi: i look forward to meeting them then. *smiles*

Asher: "...You have family? Aside from the Death Scythe?"

izumi: there's my mom. she's a nurse.

Asher: "Ah. Long work hours?"

izumi: yeah...

Asher: "Hm. Well, let's go."

-elsewhere-

Yosano: "I'll have someone bring the medicine to you tomorrow. We'll meet again next week."

leo: thank you, miss yosano.

hans: *gives yosano some money* for your services today.

Yosano: *nods* "And take care of that fiancé of yours."

leo: i will. *she smiles* ^^;

Motojiro: *outside* .w.;

Yosano: "...And as for you--"

Motojiro: *dog bark*

hans: ._.;

Yosano: "You better be on good behavior--'cause you need to live for that kid. And by the time that kid is 18, I'm going to be right here--to kick your ass again."

Motojiro: O___O;;;;

leo: m-miss yosano... ._.

Yosano: *smiles* <No worries, ma'am. Just an old joke between 'friends.'>

Motojiro: O____________O;;;;;;;;;

leo: <oh?>

hans: ._. (where did she learn russian?!)

Motojiro: <I-I said I was sorry! Nothing happened! I only killed her a little!> >____<;

leo: eh? but she appears just fine...oh! miss yosano, your ability-

Yosano: "Is healing, but only when someone is at the point of death."

leo: ...*sad smile* you're truly lucky, to have a useful ability that benefits others...

Yosano: "...I've been lucky to get to use it."

leo: i only wish my own ability could be useful to others as well...

Yosano: "...Well, you're young--give it time. It may surprise you."

leo: ...

Motojiro: "But you don't look much older--"

Yosano: *death glare*

Motojiro: OxO;;;;

hans: *facepalm*

katya: so you're the visiting doc, eh?

Yosano: "Yes, I am."

pushkin: *hiding behind the wall* .____.;;;;;

Yosano: "...You're familiar."

katya: oh? how so?

Motojiro: O_O; ("Don't say her height, don't say her--")

Yosano: "I think it's the hair. That really suits you!"

katya: oh really? never really paid much mind to that kinda stuff. usually just wake up with bedhead and leave it as is.

Yosano: "Sometimes the natural style is the way to go..." *knocks on the wall* "Right, rat?"

pushkin: OxO;;;;;;; PLEASEDONTKILLMEAGAINMA’AM!

Yosano: "Well, you're not a threat to me right now, and I do have a mani-pedi appointment to run off to. Maybe another time."

pushkin: QxQ;;;;;;;;

katya: dont threaten him! D8< you wanna go?!

leo: katyusha, please be calm.

Yosano: ^w^# "Not at all."

katya: *GLARING*

-FWOOOM-

katya: !!!

pushkin: EEP!

hans: alright, settle down, all of you.

Yosano: ._.;

hans: i'd like to apologize for miss makarov's behavior.

leo: she can be rather protective.

katya: 737

Yosano: "Yes, I gathered..."

katya: whatev, c'mon pushkin, i feel like playin' some darts.

pushkin: ok, kati. ^^ *follows her*

hans:.....would you believe me if i told you she's 28?

Yosano: "Given who I work with, yes, I would."

-elsewhere-

Ogun: *doing sit ups* "Slowing down, Shinra? Got to keep up the pace!"

shinra: *also doing sit ups*

juria: HAAAH! *throwing punches*

tamaki: hyah! *blocking juria's punches with her tails*

Arthur: *meditating* "Hmm..."

Viktor: *taking notes*

fang-hua: everyone's working pretty hard, huh?

nozomi: yeah.

Takeru: "It's kind of intimidating..."

fang-hua: how's the supplies gathering coming along, captain pan?

Pan: "Not great, unfortunately. I can't tell whether it's language barrier or just a rude merchant."

fang-hua: want me to help?

nozomi: *checking their map*

-seems they're taking a zig-zag pattern through the badlands, with stops at small villages and towns in the upper and lower points-

Pan: "If you could, please."

fang-hua: <hello, we're looking to purchase some supplies?>

Merchant: <Oh? How much you got?>

fang-hua: *looking at their funds*

Merchant: *shiny eyes* <I think that'll be more than enough! Let me show you our top of the line outdoor living exclusive waterproof windproof ultra-durable domicile!> *it's just a tent*

fang-hua: hmm... <do you have any food or drink?>

Merchant: <Yes! All organic, no pesticides at all! See? Spit-shined the apples myself!>

fang-hua:... *sweatdrop*

shinra: *looking over at fang-hua* huh....seeing her checking supplies....kind of reminds me of the oregon trail games.

*A small child appears behind the Merchant*

fang-hua: *glances at the child and smiles*

Child: *hides* >~<

Ogun: "Yeah--just without dysentery."

shinra: yeah.

fang-hua: <shy i see.>

Merchant: <Hee hee...Yep! My grandson isn't used to strangers. Don't be rude--say hello to the nice customer!>

Child: "..." <Hello.>

fang-hua: <hello.> ^^

Merchant: <He helps me with packing and sorting the merchandise.>

Child: <And turning the apples worm-eaten side down!>

fang-hua: ._.

Merchant: <...Kid, what you doing to me here?>

-elsewhere-

Asher: *walking ahead, head down, hands in pockets*

izumi: ...

*The apartment buildings look to be in disrepair*

Asher: "Here..." *starts climbing stairs*

izumi: ....

-shouting can be heard from upstairs-

???: mom, you cant just spend that money on drugs and alcohol all the time!

Asher: -____-

izumi: ...

Asher: *holds up a hand to tell Izumi to wait...they take out the keys and open the door slowly*

-there are two women in the room, one young adult with glasses and short braids, yelling angrily at an older, trashier looking woman sitting on the floor-

Asher: "...Hey."

girl: !!! asher!

woman: *grunts*

izumi: .....

-the room is rather messy, with beer cans in one corner of the room-

*The room opens up to a tiny kitchen with a hallway next to it with two rooms*

Asher: "..." *closes the door, starts walking to the hall--*

izumi: *follows*

woman: bringin' home random skanks like your shitbag old man, eh? so typical. *takes a drag*

Asher: "Piss off, bitch."

girl: asher's nothing like dad was!

*Asher opens a door to a room with two beds. One looks typical of Asher--a little messy, some books, a drawing pad*

izumi:...um...

Asher: *closes the door behind them* "...Sorry. I could leave the door open if that's better."

izumi: i-it's fine.

Asher: "..." *shrugs* "My family is kind of fucked up."

izumi: ........so, where do you want to start off first? *trying to smile*

Asher: "History will be quickest, I hope." *unzips their hoodie a bit* "I like hearing old stories."

izumi: ok then. *nods, noticing the binder under the hoodie*

Asher: "Naigus was having us talk about the first weapons? Or did she move on?" *grabs the sketchpad*

izumi: no, we're still on that lesson.

Asher: "...So, witches combined random objects with humans to cause..." *rolls up a sleeve, transforming their forearm into part of the tonfa*

izumi: yes. in a sorts.

Asher: " 'Sorts'? Did she talk about the names of the witches?"

izumi: *she nods* the witch responsible for these experiments was Ananzi Gorgon, who then passed that knowledge to her eldest daughter, Arachne.

Asher: "Gorgons...And Arachne had a sibling?"

izumi: two other sisters, Medusa and Shaula.

-elsewhere-

-a young man enters a book shop and goes up to the desk-

Salesperson: *looking through a book*

man: excuse me, do you have any poetry books in braille?

Salesperson: "Hmm? Yeah, on the left at the front--" *looks up*

man: thank you. *sniffing* *walks over* ah, here it is.

Salesperson: "...There's braille on the aisle signs?"

man: nah, i just have a very good sense of smell. but then again, i cant see if there is or not... *checking* no. you should probably bring that up with your supervisors.

Salesperson: " 'Kay? That's some sense of smell..."

-elsewhere-

Vulcan: *unlocks the door to the old workshop*

-some rustling can be heard in the scrapyard-

Vulcan: "?!" *turns*

yu: ??

Vulcan: "...What was that..." *glances behind him into the workshop*

-seems just as it was left-

Vulcan: "Hmm...Had to leave quickly after the attack..."

yu: yeah. *goes up to the loft beds*

Vulcan: *walks to his desk, unlocks some drawers*

yu: do we have any boxes with us to bring stuff back?

Vulcan: *grabs an empty box* "We left some behind before leaving...Pick it up here."

yu: ok!

-outside-

child: ....do you think they saw us?

???: "Don't think so.."

child 3: better wait it out for now. riko's gonna get mad if we get caught.

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *sips his frozen drink while sitting outside the convenience store--* "AH! BRAIN FREEZE!"

hibiki: warned you not to do that, dude.

Zeke: "BUT IT TASTES SO GOOD!" >~<

axel: put your tongue to the roof of your mouth, bro!

Zeke: "D'AAAAAAW!" *doing so*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *listening at the door* "...Either gone or asleep."

izumi: ...

Asher: "Okay, so that was history, math, and a review of weapons training...That about it or was there something else?"

izumi: that's about it for today. *notices a plastic bag on the door handle with a note*

-got you some ramen for dinner again, working a late shift tonight -cassidy –

Asher: "...Hm."

izumi: ...if you want, you can always stop by my place every now and then.

Asher: "I don't need your pity."

izumi: i'm not saying it out of pity, i just thought that maybe....n-nevermind. sorry if it came out wrong.

Asher: "..." *opens the door* "Fine. It's late. Need me to walk you to the bus stop?"

izumi: did you want to? if not, i can call my dad.

Asher: "No...I don't want your dad seeing this kind of a place."

izumi: ....*pats their back* see you in school tomorrow then?

Asher: "..." *nods*

izumi: see you then. sleep well.

-elsewhere-

Saria: *opens the door* "I'm home..."

saria's dad: welcome home, bug-bear. ^^

Saria: ^^; "Hi, Dad."

saria's dad: you have a good day at school today?

Saria: "Kind of...Just a lot to take in."

saria's dad: it's understandable, hun. it's a new experience for you.

Saria: "B-But I want to try my best..."

saria's dad: *he nods* want something to eat?

Saria: *nods* "Sure! What do we have?"

saria's dad: want some hot pockets? ^^

Saria: *shiny eyes* "Yes!"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "Welcome home!"

izumi: hey dad.

Spirit: "You're getting back late. How did tutoring go?"

izumi: it went good.

Spirit: "That's good. You're being a good teacher?"

izumi: i think so. *sad smile*

Spirit: "...Something wrong?"

izumi: hmm? sorry, just thinking...

Spirit: "...Okay. Well, dinner's ready!"

-elsewhere-

sonia: *pokes her head in*

leo: ?? oh, hello, sonia.

Motojiro: *waves*

sonia: the other kids and i made this. *she holds up a banner with various happy drawings on it that reads 'get well soon, miss leo'*

leo: *blushing, teary eyed* oh sonia..

Motojiro: "D'aw!"

sonia: uncle kajii, would you help me put it up?

Motojiro: "Sure!"

-and so-

leo: it looks lovely.

sonia: thank you.

Motojiro: "I hope it speeds up recovery!"

leo: *smiles*

Chuuya: *walking by*

sonia: hi, papa.

Chuuya: "Oh, hello."

leo: sonia and the other children made a banner for me.

Chuuya: *looks* "Oh, hey! That looks great!" *pats Sonia* "That was kind of you and your friends."

sonia:...*small smile*

Chuuya: "Good work. I'm proud of you."

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *hunting through the kitchen cupboards in the boys' dorm*

axel: pizza burritos baby!

Zeke: "Oh, yay!" *high five*

axel: *high five* hell yeah!

Zeke: "Let's heat these up! And crack open the pop!"

-morning-

Kid: "What's everyone up to today?"

kirika: stuff.

Patty: "Re-decorating!"

liz: i'm gonna be at deathbucks for tsugumi's birthday party.

Patty: ^w^

Kid: "Well, have fun."

stocking: i'm gonna be at work again today. and you?

Kid: "I think I'll be working with Father today, so, work for both of us."

stocking: *smiles* and after work, dinner for the two of us~ *traces a finger up his chest*

Kid: ^\\\\\\^ "Of course~"

kirika: ugh, some of us want to eat, you know. -_-

stocking: *GLARE*

kirika: ._.

Kid: "..." *pats Stocking;s hand* "You are amazing."

stocking: hehe~ ^///^

Spirit: *walking down the DWMA hall* "Have a good day! I'll see you after school."

izumi: ok!

marie: mornin'

Spirit: "Good morning!"

clay: have a good night, sir?

Spirit: "Well rested and ready for the minimum required amount of work."

clay: oh course... -.-;

Yumi: -_-# "Let get this meeting started already."

marie: so what's on the agenda?

Yumi: "We are keeping updates with the other divisions about their investigations. True Cross is looking at some plant-related threats. We have missions to assign to Death Scythes."

marie: *she nods*

soul: ok.

Yumi: "We need someone in Salem."

Tezca: *shoveling cookies set out under his mask*

esther: so that should be fun. ^^

Tezca: *muffled* "Can I go?"

Yumi: *just stares at the cookie crumbs* "...Anyone want to go? Anyone at all?"

Tezca: D : <

kirara: tezca, esther, and i will go.

Tezca: ^w^

Yumi: -_-; "Very well. Thank you. Keep an eye on him."

Tezca: *ahem* "You forgot Enrique, you troglodytes!"

kirara: ...*sigh* and enrique.

esther: shall we be bringing any EAT students with us?

Yumi: "Onto other business: we have newer students in need of some supervision..."

esther: just leave those to me, *scary aura* i'll whip them into shape in no time~<3

kirara: -_-;

Yumi: "That's the spirit."

Spirit: O_O;;;;

Tezca: "Yay!"

-elsewhere-

Shima: *laughing hard*

Yukio: -_-# "Stop that."

Shima: "I-I can't! It's hilarious!"

konekomaru: *enters* what's so funny?

Shima: "B-Bon had told me how Teach had a freak out at the restaurant! I-I thought--HA HA--Rin was supposed to be the dumb one!"

Yukio: -_-##

konekomaru: come on, shima, it's not nice to tease them like that.

Yukio: *calm smile* "Oh, dear--I saw a mosquito on you. Just missd it. Sorry about that."

Shima: @~@

-elsewhere-

Pan: *stops the truck, looks up the road* "...Darn."

fang-hua: see anything?

Pan: *points at a rockslide* "Road's blocked."

shinra: hmm.

juria: *steps out and walks over*

Ogun: "???"

Pan: "Juria? What are you doing?"

juria: *flame gauntlets* clearing the way, duh!

shinra: wait up! let's at least check to make sure the other side is clear first! *flies up*

Ogun: "Shit..." *steps out as well, grabbing a board*

shinra: *examining the other side of the landslide*

Pan: "What do you see?!"

shinra: hmmm....

-just a lot of rocks-

shinra: *jumps back down, giving a thumbs up*

juria: *pulls back fist, and punches the rocks*

Viktor: O_O

juria: *dusting herself off* tch- didnt even break a sweat. *stretching*

Viktor: *writing notes*

Arthur: "...Savage..."

nozomi: oh wow. ._.;

tamaki: so that's why they call her the oni...

Ogun: "Hmmm...Good pacing."

nozomi: well, the path is cleared now. so that's good.

Pan: "Good work, Shinra, Juria. Get back in and we'll head out."

-elsewhere-

*A man in a hoodie gets off a bus at the slums*

Man: "..." *looks at a map, circling a spot at the southern border of Death City*

homeless man: got some change to spare?

Man: *drops some coins--and one sounds heavier*

homeless man: thank you.

Man: *nods, keeps following the road, towards some torn up pavement and trees*

-there's a few kids playing around, as well as a few people taking photos of the ice pillar-

Man: "???" *looks up* "..."

old woman: yes, that was from the infernal incident a while ago. it's become quite a tourist attraction now. hopefully it brings some revenue to cone street...

Man: "Hmm...Hope."

old woman: *she nods*

Man: "How have things been here? Shops still open?"

old woman: somewhat. mostly just people though. orphans and the like.

Man: "...How sad."

old woman: but still, we manage to get by as best as we can.

Man: *nods* "Still...If people can do something to produce better days, they better doing it pretty darn quick..."

old woman: ....so what brings you around?

Man: "Trying to rebuild."

-elsewhere-

Saria: *flipping through a book by herself at lunch*

izumi: oh, hey saria.

Saria: "Um...Hi." *meek wave*

izumi: whatcha reading?

Saria: "Just wanted to read a bit more about soul resonance...”

izumi: ah.

Asher: *walking in, carrying a brown bag*

izumi: *waves them over*

hollinger: *walks in*

Asher: "..." *looks away, starts moving away*

Zeke: "Asher! Sit with us!" *drags them over to Izumi and Saria*

Asher: -____-;

Saria: *waves at Hollinger* *she has a sweater on with the pi symbol*

hollinger: that's a nice sweater, saria.

axel: ^^

Saria: ^\\\^ "Th-Thanks. It's pi."

Zeke: "??? Cherry or apple?"

hollinger: she means the symbol. -_-;

Zeke: "??? But the symbol doesn't look--"

Saria: *closes her book, puts it into her backpack--looks like a folder with stickers on it is in her backpack*

hibiki: it's a science thing, i think.

Zeke: "Oooooh...Like 'Emcee Square'?"

hibiki: *sigh*

Asher: *takes out a peanut butter sandwich*

izumi: so, what kinds of music do you like?

hibiki: all kinds, rock, techno, j-pop, anything with a good beat to it i guess.

Yafeu: *leaving the food line, looking aggravated* -___-###

Zeke: "Oh, like anime music?"

hibiki: *nods*

Saria: "How about you, Hollinger?"

Yafeu: *sits down, grumbling, with a tray full of burgers*

hollinger: i prefer classical music. i actually do play a bit of the cello, myself.

Saria: "Oh, neat! I like some classical, too."

izumi: oh?

Saria: "My dad plays it around home. We've gone to concerts."

izumi: cool!

axel: i'm kind of a rock guy, myself.

Zeke: *makes the horn gesture*

hibiki: oh cool, what about you, izumi?

izumi: i've always been fond of jazz.

Saria: *nods* "So does my dad."

hibiki: so he likes classical and jazz, huh?

Saria: OwO; "...No. Daddy likes classical, and Dad likes jazz."

hibiki: oh, so your folks are-

Saria: "Two dads."

hibiki: oh, cool.

Saria: ^^

axel: so how 'bout you, asher? what kinda music you into?

Asher: "...Punk. Hip hop."

hibiki: ah.

Yafeu: "I like hard rock! Metal!"

preston: ah personahly agree with mista hollingah, classical is quite divine tuh listen to. *bishie sparkle*

Asher: -_____-###

Zeke: "..." *reaches, trying to grab the sparkle--and misses* "???"

hibiki: (we didnt talk to you, weird upside-down eyelashes...)

Saria: ^^;;; "Classical is nice..."

-elsewhere-

Toby: *nudges Louisa*

louisa: oh? do you want to go for a walk?

Toby: *he's holding his leash in his mouth*

louisa: ok then. *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: "Have you scheduled your doctor's appointment?"

kirei: yes. it will be in a few days.

Benimaru: "Oh." *he looks pensive*

kirei: ...*she holds his hand*

Benimaru: *small squeeze of her hand* *nods*

-elsewhere-

Kafka: *arms stretched out--as someone is sewing an outfit around him* -_-# "Why?"

leroux: we agreed to attend the convention with walter.

Kafka: "I don't remember agreeing to this at all."

etta: come on, franzy, it'll be so much fun!

Kafka: *grumble grumble*

Tachihara: *watching, eating a Pop Tart* "So, what y'all going as?"

etta: it's a secret~<3 ^^

higuchi: well, you all have fun.

Walter: "??? You aren't coming?"

higuchi: it's not that we dont want to it's just, given our situation...

Walter: "...Light bulb! You can go in disguise!"

higuchi: ??

Walter: *opens a chest* "I got old costumes I made and/or wore before! You can wear them so no one knows who you are!" *pulls out a full-body latex suit and a motorcycle helmet*

Tachihara: *mouth full of Pop Tart* ._.;

naoya: oh, that's celty from durarara, right?

Walter: "Bingo!"

Tachihara: *pulls out a blue jacket and holster* "Hm?"

higuchi: oh?

Tachihara: *hands it to Higuchi* "Seems appropriate."

higuchi: um. ._.;

Walter: "But I said she needed a mask!" *puts fake glasses onto her* "Perfect!"

higuchi: ...

naoya: *cracking up*

Tachihara: *puts on a mask, shifts his hair up, puts on a ninja forehead guard* *dramatic pose, but voice muffled* ""In the ninja world, those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum!"

katya: *nod nod* i agree on that.

Gin: *walks in* "...What. Are. You. Wearing?"

Tachihara: OwO;;;;

higuchi: R.I.P., tachihara.

Tachihara: *starts doing hand signs* "Escape no jutsu!" *nothing happens* "..." *runs*

Gin: *tosses a kunai*

higuchi: *facepalm*

Tachihara: "AH! MY APPENDIX!"

Walter: OwO;;;

-elsewhere-

Meme: "A mission?" *looks at the paper*

tsugumi: to salem, apparently.

Anya: *shiny eyes* "It has such rich history!"

mio: ._.;

Meme: "And a booming tourism industry to see what the commoners enjoy."

Anya: *squeal* >w<

ao: i wonder what the mission entails...

Meme: "It mentions wanting someone with experience dealing with--...Oh. Witches."

mio: *pats her back* we can handle it.

tsugumi: yeah. ^^

Meme: "R-Right..."

-elsewhere-

sasa: and here is my place~

tsukasa: it's pretty small....

tsukuyo: yeah....

sasa: oh, and i have food for your demon!

tsukuyo: really?

sasa: mmhmm~! got it fresh last night!

Demongo: "YAY!"

sasa: he consumes souls, right?

tsukasa: yeah.

Demongo: "Yep yep yep!"

sasa: good to know~! *opens a door to a room*

-there are two girls bound and gagged-

tsukuyo: ._.

sasa: *drags one of them onto a bed and undoes her gag*

girl: please. why are you doing this?!

Demongo: OwO;;;; "...I'm conflicted."

sasa: relax, they're magical girls. their soul gems are right here, see? *holding up two soul gems*

Demongo: "Oh, good!" *taps on the top of the lid*

tsukasa: i see.

Demongo: ^w^ "Yum yum yum!"

sasa: wait just a moment! i want to have a little fun with this. *looks at the girl and takes off her blindfold* say, you want to be saved, right?

girl: yes! please! let me go!

sasa: how about i give you an ultimatum?

girl: w-what do you mean?

sasa: *opens a drawer and pulls out a letter opener* do you want to live?

girl: *her eyes widen in fear*

sasa: then the demon will save your life. *plunges the letter opener into the girl's throat*

tsukuyo: !!!!!!!!!

tsukasa: !!!!!!!!

Demongo: O_O

girl: !!!!!!! *struggling to breathe as she's bleeding* ah- g-ha-

sasa: she's all yours~

Demongo: "O-Okay?"

girl: *she's reaching out* pl-ple...-ese.....i d-dont.....w-want to d-die...

Demongo: *crawls out of the jar towards the girl*

girl: *she just stares at him with a pleading look of fear on her face*

Demongo: *leans over, takes the soul gem*

-the girl's body just vanishes and follows along the soul gem-

sasa: y'know, i'm sure there's some sicko out there who would be aroused by this.

tsukuyo: *gives her a weird look*

tsukasa: *gives sasa a disturbed look* what the fuck is wrong with you?!

sasa: that's classified information~

girl 2: p-please! i-i-i'll go willingly! just please dont hurt me! *she's crying*

sasa: *snaps a picture* oh that look of despair on your face, it's glorious! the look on your friend's face was great too, hehe~ ^^

Demongo: OwO; "Could you stop that? It upsets my stomach."

sasa: *pouts* fine, knock yourself out.

-elsewhere-

Rin: -3- "Still getting the stink eye..."

madoka: that's a bummer ^^;

Rin: *grumbles* "Enough of that...How're things for you?"

madoka: not too busy.

Rin: "Hmm. Any missions?"

madoka: i'll have to check.

Rin: *smiles* "Maybe we can go on one together soon."

madoka: i'd like that. *smile*

-elsewhere-

Tezca: "So, you all excited for this mission, too?"

esther: indeed. it's been a while since we got to do anything exciting.

kirara: no kidding. -_-;

Tezca: ^^; *ahem* "What have you been up to, anyway? I was just hiding around..."

esther: nothing much.

kirara: i've been making more ofuda.

Tezca: "Neat! Do you ever use those papers for drawings or cigarettes?"

kirara: *chop* these are not toys! they're to seal or purify dark entities with ill intent.

esther: like how you use seals on me when i go out of control in my weapon form, fufu~

kirara:.....................yeah........

Tezca: *rubs his head* >_<; "Still a problem for you, Esther?"

esther: i dont mind. it usually slips my mind anyway~ ^^

Tezca: "Oh, hey! Like when it slips my mind when to change my boxers!"

kirara: please keep that information private. -_-;

enrique: =3=;

Tezca: OwO; "...Sorry. So, any students signed up yet?"

-elsewhere-

Damon: *leaves school* "..."

becky: *following*

soul: hey kiddos. *smiles and waves*

Damon: *small smile, walks up*

becky: hey dad!

soul: how was school today?

Damon: "Just okay."

becky: same old. there's gonna be a school play next month.

soul: oh?

Damon: *nods* "Auditions..."

soul: you interested in auditioning at all?

becky: i guess so.

Damon: O~O;

soul: and how about you, damon?

Damon: "N-Not sure..."

soul: need time to think about it?

Damon: "Maybe...I'm not that familiar with the play."

soul: any idea what it is?

Damon: "I think 'Wizard of Oz'?"

soul: oh, cool.

-elsewhere-

baum: we're baaaaack~!

Steinbeck: "Hello."

baum: i got dorothy the cutest pair of silver shoes~<3

dorothy: -.-;

Steinbeck: "...Huh. A little, um, shiny, though?"

baum: only the best for my sweet sister ^^

dorothy: big brother, you're just embarrassing yourself.

oscar: oh, that reminds me! emmy~!

emily: hmm?

oscar: let's give you a makeover!

emily: O///O w-what?!

oscar: come on! it'll be fun!

Steinbeck: "Um--Maybe that's not a good id--"

oscar: *puppy eyes*

emily:....*siiigh*, you drive a hard argument. alright, just a little-

oscar: YAYSIES~! 💗

Steinbeck: ._.;

-elsewhere-

Asher: *grabs their bookbag*

Saria: ^^ *walking down the stairs*

axel: ever wonder how the students in wheelchairs get up here?

Zeke: "Elevator, obvies. There are laws about that kind of thing."

axel: oh, right.

hibiki: they have exclusive key-cards so other people dont abuse the elevator access.

axel: really?

hibiki: yeah, izumi told me that.

Zeke: ("She sure knows a lot." ^^ )

axel: speaking of, where is she?

Asher: "..."

Yafeu: *muttering to himself* "IF IT WAS ME, I'D USE MY TEETH TO CLIMB UP! EVEN IF I WAS JUST A HEAD AND A TORSO!"

hibiki: she said something about after school programs that she's helping out with.

preston: *pant pant* these staiuhs....ah gunna kill meh.

Zeke: "??? She's busy. No time for studying or getting pop?"

hibiki: seems so.

Yafeu: -_-# "I see Preston's learned Death Child speak."

Asher: "Hmph."

axel:....hey, were's hollinger?

hibiki: school clubs.

Saria: OwO;

axel: oh? he didnt strike me as someone who'd be in a club.

Yafeu: "STILL WATERS RUN DEEP!"

axel: pretty cool phrase, man. ^^

Yafeu: "BECAUSE I DO A LOT OF READING AND WRITING! YOU EVER READ MARQUEZ?!"

Saria: "..." *looks back*

hibiki: you ok, sar?

Saria: "Eep!" ^\\\\^ "F-Fine..." *reaching out a hand for a hand-rail on the steps--and doesn't feel one* "???" *looks*

Zeke: "...Huh. That's an OSHA violation."

hibiki: ??

Zeke: "Um, a safety hazard again."

Asher: "Probably because a death god is not worried about safety laws..."

Saria: "...Did anyone here think about joining clubs at school?"

hibiki: i was considering the light music club.

Zeke: "Like singing?"

-elsewhere-

Tachihara: *bandaging himself* "Ow..."

naoya: you're lucky she didnt kill you.

Tachihara: "You'd think working with her this long, I'd dodge better..." >_>;

naoya: you'd think working with her this long, you'd know not to run your mouth and get your ass beat in the first place.

Tachihara: "It was just a joke! I didn't know she'd walk in..." *grumble grumble* "Just recommending some outfits..."

-elsewhere-

*Someone approaches the old entrance to the Nether*

Man: "..."

-silence-

Man: ("Hmm...Looks like...claw marks? Scorched marks?") *looks at the barrier* ("They haven't blocked the entire entrance--but the landslide...Still, should be enough room.") *carries a pouch with leaf clippings inside*

-elsewhere-

Kid: *walks into the Mansion--and just stares* "...What."

*Every piece of furniture has potatoes lying around*

Kid: "..." *heavy sigh*

heather: patti.

Kid: "Typical...Where is she?"

heather: kitchen floor.

Kid: *enters, finding multiple bags of potatoes* "... ... ..."

Patty: "..." Q_Q

julie: *pats patti on the back* it's ok, patti, mr takeru will be back soon.

Patti: T~T *hugs Julie*

Kid: "..." *group hug*

heather: why dont we watch some movies?

Patti: " 'Kay..." *sniff*

-elsewhere-

Sid: *walking the hall, looking into the club meetings*

izumi: *sitting in the hall, looking at pamphlets*

Sid: "Oh, still at school?"

izumi: yeah, i was just looking for somewhere to help out.

Sid: "Oh, that'd be useful. What you know about them?"

izumi: i'm learning about different soul types....dad told me maka was good at soul perception. i dont know what all that is.

Sid: "Ah...Well, to simplify it, soul perception is locating someone by their soul--as well as knowing what emotions they're feeling, their spiritual power..."

izumi: that sounds pretty cool.

Sid: "It can be. Takes special kinds of meisters to get good at it. Not everyone can do it..."

izumi: i dont think i have that kind of ability in me.

Sid: "We can test for it in meisters."

izumi: really? how are you able to do that?

Sid: "It's kind of like 'Marco Polo' or 'Hide and Go Seek.' We see whether you can locate someone in a small room hidden somewhere in it."

izumi: oh cool.

Sid: "I can set it up--we're doing a test of it on Saturday."

izumi: i'd like that, mr barrett.

Sid: "Okay--8 AM is the test Saturday. I'll mark you down as attending."

izumi: *she nods* (maybe i'll get to meet other meisters too.)

Sid: "In the mean time, I'm going to check on the other clubs. I heard the cooking club was making a souffle and--"

*BOOM*

Sid: O_O;

izumi: ?!

Anya: *cough cough* "I said to check the pilot light first!!!"

Raid: "I DID!"

izumi: *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Vulcan: "Hmm...I wonder..."

lisa: hmm?

Vulcan: "I got files back from the workshop--just something...off." *looking at a tear on one paper* "..."

lisa: ??

Vulcan: "Okay...These were some important files Dad left. And Giov--...They didn't take these papers. But someone wanted something out of them, because the desk was rummaged, this is ripped, but they didn't take it...So, who went through the files?"

lisa: hmm...

Vulcan: "And I felt like someone was following us. I know it's a lot to ask, but you don't think it's the Hoods?"

lisa:...i-i hope not...

yu: i dont think it was the hoods.

Vulcan: "What makes you say that?"

yu: i didnt get the same vibe from whomever it was as i got with the hoods.

Vulcan: "Well, I told you to trust your instincts, so I'll hear you out on that. So, what kind of vibe did you get?"

yu: it didnt seem too threatening...

Vulcan: "I think, then, we should do some surveillance on whoever was surveilling us."

-elsewhere-

Shima: "--so I was thinking you, me, a milkshake, two straws~"

girl: um, i kind of have baseball practice today, shima. sorry.

Shima: "Maybe I could help. I used to play a bit of b-ball in shrine training."

girl: well i heard they're starting sign ups next week. maybe you could apply there?

Shima: "If it lets me be helpful to you, consider me signed up~"

girl: would your friend like to join too?

Shima: "??? What friend?"

girl: *points*

unagi: *staaaaare*

Shima: OnO;;;;;;;;; "...I have to go now!" *runs for the fence*

girl: um... ._.;

unagi: ....

Shima: *climbing desperately* Q_Q ("Her family will kill me!")

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *humming to himself, working on the motorcycle*

sonia: *pokes her head in*

Chuuya: *looks like he's really taking it apart*

sonia: what're you doing, papa?

Chuuya: "???" *wipes his brow* "Well, I'm trying to improve the speed and control on this bike."

sonia: oh?

Chuuya: "Yep! I wanted to see if I was still any good at repairs."

sonia: may i watch?

Chuuya: "Sure!" *places a piece of machinery back into the bike, tightening it*

sonia: what part is that?

Chuuya: *holds up a gear* "This tiny one is the collar--it shifts which gear the transmission uses to control how fast the bike goes."

sonia: ah. *she nods*

Chuuya: "The shifts have been seizing up, so I thought I'd see whether something was stuck in here or whether to replace the gear." *stands up* "You like bikes?"

sonia: i've never rode one. i saw a bike that looked different from this in a picture book.

Chuuya: "Oh? So, a bike without a motor?"

sonia: *she nods* it was also a lot thinner than this one.

Chuuya: "...Oh." *sits with her* "...You want to learn how to ride a bike?"

sonia: i guess so. if it can help me feel like a normal child, i'm willing to try.

Chuuya: "..." *pats her shoulder* "I'll ask Hans to find one."

sonia: ok.

Chuuya: *smiles* "It'll take some work, but I know you can get the hang of it."

-elsewhere-

*A nun is standing in a garden, tapping her foot impatiently*

Nun: "..."

iris: ah yes, sister....*looks at the paper*

Nun: "Petra. Do you know how long I have been waiting?"

iris: so sorry miss petra, but i'm here now. ^^;

Petra: *pulls out a pocket watch* "11 minutes and 34 seconds."

iris: i see. [[OK, i'll work on some of their designs when i can]]

sister: .....

Petra: *looks at the other sister* "..."

iris: oh, hello.

sister: ??

iris: ??

sister: >.<; *signing* <i cant hear you.>

Petra: *sighs* <Sorry. Some people here can be so inconsiderate.>

sister: <it's ok. she didnt know.>

Petra: <I'm Petra.>

sister: <my name's Rita.>

Petra: *signing while talking* "A pleasure to meet you, Rita." *looks at Iris, still with a serious face*

iris: um.. it's a pleasure to meet you too. i'm iris.

rita: o^o~?

Petra: <She said 'It's a pleasure to meet you too. I'm Iris.'>

rita: *smile*

-elsewhere-

lana: im home!

Poe: "Welcome back!" *he has his sleeves rolled up, setting down plates*

lana: how was everything?

Poe: "..." ^^; "Happy to be home. There was a minor mishap at the Culinary Club."

lana: what happened?

Poe: "Students didn't check the pilot light."

lana: oh jeez.

Poe: "They're young--they make mistakes. And Jacqueline was there to contain the fire..."

{Jacqueline: *soaking in flames* -~- "This gives me indigestion..."}

lana: ^^;

Poe: "I assure you, though, the stove is already off--the food is piping hot and ready!"

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Welcome back."

stocking: how was work today? *kisses both cheeks*

Kid: ^\\\^ "Things are falling into place. I'll be doing some mission control from here."

stocking: and the tombstone mission?

Kid: "Finalizing the itinerary for next week to head out. I think it'll do us good--Patty as well."

stocking: yeah.

Kid: "..." *hug* "I'll be thinking about you."

stocking: i'll be thinking about you too. *hugs back*

Kid: ^\\\^ *strokes her back*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *opens their window, steps onto the fire escape, looks up*

-it's rather quiet-

Asher: "Hmm..." *looks down at the street...looks like people walking*

Child: *holding their mother's hand*

Mother: "We're almost home, sweetie..."

Asher: "..." *sighs*

delinquent: evenin, miss.

Mother: "!!!" *looks away, squeezing her child's hand and tries to walk around*

delinquent: mind doing me a favor and handing over your cash?

child: who is that, mommy?

Mother: *tries to smile to her child* "It's okay, sweetie. It's going to be okay..." *looks scared, as she reaches into her pocket, removing her wallet--*

delinquent: *holds up a gun* hurry it up, i dont have all fucking day!

Mother: *seizes up* "P-Please...Don't--"

*It sounds like panting behind the Delinquent*

delinquent: ?? *turns* eh-

*CRACK* *Something that looks like a stick smashes into the Delinquent's face*

delinquent: GRK-

Mother: "?!!!" *brings her child close to her, as she sees someone with a stick in their hand...No...Their stick is the hand*

Asher: *doubled over, their hand transformed into the tonfa, panting* "Damn...I'm out of shape..."

Mother: O_O; *holding her child*

child: thank you!

Asher: "Um...I didn't do anything..." *hands the mother the wallet* "Do you have a phone? I don't..."

delinquent: X_X

Asher: *removes the magazine*

Mother: *dialing* "Yes...Hello? Someone tried to mug me--"

operator: where is your location, ma'am?

Mother: "Yes, hello--I was mugged!"

operator: where is your location, we'll send the police now.

Mother: "4th and Grissom."

operator: can you give a description of your attacker?

Mother: "Holding a gun, about, I don't know, 5 and a half feet?"

operator: alright, can you give us a rundown of the crime?

Mother: "They pulled a gun on me in front of my child! That's the rundown!"

operator: ma'am, please calm down, the police are-

child: the nice person helped us!

Asher: "I didn't do anything..."

Mother: *exhales* "Sorry...The thief is unconscious. But he had a gun. Please, come arrest him."

operator: alright ma'am, the police are on their way

-elsewhere-

naomi: i see you're growing your hair longer again, kyouka. *smile*

Kyoka: *nods* "I wanted to see what else I could do with it. I was getting bored."

naomi: i see.

sylvia: i-it looks really nice, m-miss kyouka...

Kyoka: "...Thank you." ^\\\^ "I just have to figure it out..."

-elsewhere-

Anya: -_-; "Why am I getting detention for a cooking mishap?"

Meme: ._.; "Why did _all_ of us get detention?"

Sid: "You aren't under detention, you five."

mio: then why are we here?

Sid: "You've been accepted for a mission, and the ones in charge want to speak with you."

tsugumi: *SQUEEE*..... *ahem*

Sid: ^^; "Glad you're enthused." *he turns to the door* "Okay, come on in."

kirara: good evening, girls.

esther: ^^

tsugumi: miss zukimura, miss mortes, hello.

Meme: "???" *sees someone coming in* "!!! Enrique!!!"

enrique: gao! ^o^

mio: f-fuzzy....

Anya: >\\\\\> "...It is...intriguing."

Tezca: *walks in* "Hello, students! Ready for a lifetime of experience in one mission?!"

ao: *talking in japanese* <so what does the mission entail, miss zukimura?>

kirara: <we will be going to salem to investigate a rogue witch case>

tsugumi: oh?

Tezca: QnQ ("No one notices me!")

mio: hey teach.

Tezca: TuT "Hey."

Meme: <When do we go?>

kirara: we will be heading out sometime during the week.

Anya: "What should we bring? Which fashion choices? How many pieces of furniture?"

esther: *she hands them a list of what they will need*

Meme: "Ooooo...Okay, that's do-able."

-elsewhere-

Walter: "Okay, that about does it for this outfit. What you think?"

hans: it looks wonderful.

Walter: ^\\\u\\\^ "D'aw, thanks! I think this will be the best con ever!"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *trying to sneak back into the apartment*

cassidy: where were you just now?

Asher: "...Out?"

cassidy: oh? out where?

Asher: "..." *sighs* "I saw someone getting robbed..."

cassidy: *sigh* asher...

Asher: "Oh, come on--what would you have me do?"

cassidy....*sigh* just be more careful.

Asher: "..." *nods*

-morning-

sonia: *writing in her dream journal*

Chuuya: *heating breakfast, yawning* "How would you like your pancakes?"

sonia: with syrup please.

Chuuya: "Sure...How is writing?"

sonia: coming along.

-her drawing seems to be of her in the woods following a rabbit?-

Chuuya: "??? A rabbit?"

sonia: *she nods* i think it wanted me to follow it. and it lead me to a large door.

Chuuya: "Like Wonderland?"

sonia: *she nods* i think so.

Chuuya: "Hmm...Maybe something new..."

sonia: maybe.

Chuuya: "...Anything you up for today? Maybe bike practice?"

sonia: did you manage to find one?

Chuuya: "Kajii said he was re-building one."

sonia: ah.

-BOOOOOOOOM-

ayako:..........whoops!

Motojiro: *cough* *cough* "No! I said green wire and red wire!"

sonia: ._.;

Chuuya: "...Maybe we'll buy new."

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *sets out a Red Bull on his desk*

Asher: *dragging their feet up the classroom steps, looking exhausted*

Saria: *sitting up straight, notebook open, pen in hand, looking to the front of the room*

hibiki: *yaaaawn* mornin'

hollinger: *yawns*

izumi: morning.

Asher: *sits--and head already on the desk*

Zeke: "How's everyone doing today?"

hibiki: tired.

axel: zzzz

Asher: *not moving*

Zeke: "Aw, sorry. That's why I brought this." *taps the can* "Want one?"

hibiki: im good.

izumi: asher? are you ok?

Asher: *groans* "Long night..."

izumi: sleep well?

Asher: "..." *shakes their head 'no'*

izumi: ...

Asher: "...I...had to do something last night. Got in late."

izumi: ah.

Zeke: "Maybe just say you need to go to the infirmary and sleep it off, buddy!"

Asher: -______-#

izumi: ...

Saria: "How are you, Hollinger?"

hollinger: fine, i got to class early today.

Saria: "Do you usually?"

hollinger: i figured i'd try getting to class earlier to avoid being publicly humiliated.

Saria: "...Oh. Was it that bad t-today?"

hollinger: i'd rather not jinx it...

Saria: "..." *nod nod* .\\\.

Yafeu: *running into the room* "Shit shit shit! I'm not late, right?!"

-elsewhere-

Anya: "--and it's debated whether such activities in Salem were really witchcraft or just hallucinations brought about by plants the Europeans did not know were poisonous--"

Meme: ^^;;; "She's still talking..."

mio: she's really into this. ._.;

Meme: "If it keeps her busy ahead of this mission...How do you feel about it?"

mio: not sure.

Meme: "..." *nods* "Nervous..."

mio:... *pats her hand*

Meme: "Thank you..."

-elsewhere-

Hemingway: *looking over maps* "So, how's young Em doing?"

oscar: oh! i have the pictures right here!

-emily does look quite pretty in the photos, if a bit embarrassed-

Hemingway: "??? Why the photos?"

oscar: there's always time to make memories~ ^^

emily: ^^;;

Hemingway: "It's a good look for you. Do you like it?"

emily: i suppose so. (oscar even gave me some of the make-up he used.)

Steinbeck: *walks in* "Ernest, did you find our next route--?" *looks up*

emily: !!! ._.;

Steinbeck: "..." *frozen*

emily: ./////. um...

Steinbeck: "...You look lovely, Emily." *screaming inside*

emily: um....t-thank you. *emily.exe has stopped responding*

Hemingway: "...It's like looking at an old daguerreotype...only less blurry but still pretty frozen in a moment."

-elsewhere-

Dumas: "..." *angry eye twitching* "...You placed an ad for us in the newspaper?"

Cervantes: " 'Odd jobs are our specialty!'"

Dumas: "IT SAYS 'DO YOU NEED A GOOD MAN TO DO A JOB FOR YOU'! NEXT TO ADS FOR 'ESCORTS'!"

marquis: OwO

Cervantes: " 'Escorts'? Oh, someone will accompany me to my car if I'm scared to go out at night?"

Dumas: "YOU DON'T HAVE A CAR--grr! That's not the point!"

marquis: *giggle*

Cervantes: "Look, we need work, we can't be picky, and I'm sure there are people in town who need three healthy men to fill a need in their lives!"

Dumas: *has stopped working*

marquis: U///w///U

Cervantes: "In fact, we have an appointment about a job today! So put on a smile and your best attire--we're getting hired!"

-elsewhere-

Kid: *checking his itinerary* "Should allow enough time for visiting historical sites..."

lord death: i see.

Kid: "And to investigate. What should I look for?"

lord death: there have been reports of abnormal happenings in the area.

Kid: "Including disappearances of people in the area?"

lord death: *he nods*

Kid: *sighs* "I'll contact any DWMA representative there when we arrive."

lord death: alright.

-later-

Kid: *packing* "Just about ready..."

stocking: hey, kiddo?

Kid: "Hmm?" *looks up*

stocking: *hug* be safe.

Kid: "..." Q_____Q *hug* "I will. Please, you too..."

stocking: mmm....can i ask one little favor?

Kid: "Of course."

stocking: *whispers* spank me hard.

Kid: "...What, now?" *his hand grips her bottom*

stocking: *smirk* a little something to hold me over~<3

Kid: *smirks back* "Very well. Only because you asked nicely..." *pulls back his hand--and spanks*

stocking: ah~ u////u

Kid: *rubs where he spanked*

stocking: oh, you're so naughty~

Kid: "Symmetrically..." *spanks her other cheek*

stocking: ah~

Kid: "That's better~" *kisses where her jaw meets her neck*

-meanwhile, in Tombstone, a young woman tosses down a badge onto someone's desk...She's glaring-

man: hmm? what's this about?

Woman: "Another officer, lost. No body. Just this stinkin' badge!"

man: hmm... this is troubling. the DWMA said they'd send someone to investigate.

Woman: "..." *Excalibur Face* "The DWMA..."

man: is that a problem?

Woman: >_>;;; "It's not that pervy North American Death Scythe, is it?"

man: no, it's not.

Woman: "Thank God!" -_-#

man: ._.;

Woman: "Last time he was here, I was just a kid--and sis already warned me if he came here again to be prepared." *pulls out mace...like, a literal ball-and-chain mace*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *closes his notebook* "...Yo, bro, wake up." *nudge*

axel: woah, wa- wazzap?!

Zeke: "It's time for lunch, man." *waves notebook* "Got your notes."

axel: oh, sweet.

Zeke: "So, 'za for lunch?"

axel: hell yeah!

hibiki: ^^;

Zeke: "Hell, yeah! Hibiki, 'za, right?"

hibiki: sounds good.

hollinger: *sweatdrop*

Saria: "...It'll be okay."

hollinger: t-thanks, i guess.

-elsewhere-

Pan: *looking at the horizon*

shinra: looks like woodlands ahead.

Pan: "Okay. Someone should look ahead to make sure we aren't walking into anything..."

shinra: on it. *jumps out*

-in the distance, a female figure watches-

woman: hmm...

Fox: *nuzzles against her leg*

woman: *pet pet* keep an eye on them. they've piqued my curiosity now.

Fox: *affirmative yelp*

woman: (it's not too often we get humans in these parts. i wonder...could they be here for _that_?)

*It looks like the rest have stayed at the forest's edge*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Okay, so we have two wheels and some training wheels on the side to keep the bike upright for now."

sonia: *nods*

Chuuya: "You'll need your helmet." *demonstrates the closed clasp* "And we'll fit it on your head with these velcro pads if it's too big for you."

sonia: ok, papa.

Motojiro: "Then we'll add the jet engines--"

Chuuya: *shakes his head 'no'* O_O;;;

sonia: ._.;

Motojiro: *shrugs* "We'll save it for step 2. I'm still working with the crash test dummy on that."

Chuuya: "..." *nudges Sonia to the bike*

sonia: *she gets on*

Chuuya: *holding the bike* "Okay, how's the seat's height? Can you reach the pedals?"

sonia: i think so.

Chuuya: "Now, I'm going to walk with you a bit. Just feel how your legs move with the pedals as I push you forward..." *moves forward with her*

sonia: *pedaling*

Chuuya: *smiles* "Yes, just like that...How does it feel?"

sonia: it's bumpy.

Chuuya: *nods* "With speed, usually the bumps are less noticeable...I'll hold on as long as you tell me to."

sonia: ok.

Chuuya: *keeps walking with her* "Do you feel balanced?"

sonia: *she nods*

Chuuya: "Good. When the training wheels are off, you'll get balance by keeping up enough speed not to fall over."

sonia: ok.

Chuuya: "...You can try ringing the bell..."

-ring ring-

Chuuya: ^w^

-elsewhere-

Patty: "I'm leaving enough room in my luggage for souvenirs. Do we have one big enough for a small calf?"

liz: ._.;

Yumi: "How about just a stuffed plushie of a cow? Something for the kids."

Patty: "That works as well!" *slams the luggage shut*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "So, what does everyone do after school?"

hibiki: i actually have a part time job at the movie theater.

Zeke: "You get free popcorn?"

hibiki: sometimes.

preston: ah usually have some acquaintances come ovah foa sum DnD.

Yafeu: "YOU PLAY D&D?!"

axel: oh sweet! our brother is a DM!

Zeke: ^w^ *nod nod*

hibiki: ah. i do listen to this DnD podcast online, it's really good.

Yafeu: "THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD LISTEN!"

Saria: ^^;

hollinger: i usually have music lessons.

Saria: "The cello, yes?"

hollinger: yes.

Saria: "I'm sure learning music is helpful--it takes a lot of work." *smiles*

hollinger: t-thank you.

-elsewhere-

Relan: *signing* <Hello! Visiting us again?>

rita: <yes>

Petra: *standing behind in the doorway* -_-;

Relan: *talking while signing* "Did you have an appointment with the commander?"

rita: *she nods*

Vulcan: *walking by without his shirt on* "Yo, Relan--we got work-out in 5."

rita: ??

Vulcan: "..."

Petra: *adjusts glasses, shiny look* "I thought the Eighth would have a stricter dress code. How inappropriate."

iris: ^^;

Vulcan: .\\\\.; *covers his hands over his chest* "S-Sorry, Sister!"

rita: *signing* <does this happen often?>

Relan: "... ... ..."

*Relan has multiple flashbacks to numerous embarrassing circumstances*

Relan: ^^; <Not often.> ("I'M GOING TO HELL!")

iris: ._.; … ^-^; w-why dont we take a tour?

Petra: *signing still* "Yes, I have been waiting..."

iris: please follow me.

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *looking at berries on bushes*

nozomi: *looking at her nature guide book*

Arthur: "Okay, these are small, red, and a little squishy..."

nozomi: hmm…

Viktor: "I know a way to test this! Tamaki, which would you pick: the red or the green ones?"

tamaki: why are you asking me?

Viktor: "Because whatever you pick, we should eat the opposite."

Arthur: "..." *pushes Nozomi behind him* "For your own safety."

tamaki: -_-;

Viktor: OwO "So?"

tamaki: how does that help us?

Viktor: "Well, you have bad luck, so whatever you pick must be wrong--"

tamaki: *GLARING*

shinra: dude. run.

Viktor: *moving as fast as his long gangly legs can take him* QWQ;;;

tamaki: GET BACK HERE, COWARD!!

fang-hua: hey, lets try to stick together, everyone!

Pan: *blowing his whistle* >.<

Viktor: "Mustn't die, mustn't die, mustn't--" *trip--down a small hill* *rolls*

shinra: woah! *flies down* you ok? ah-...woah, hey everyone, look at this!

Viktor: *sits up, coughs up grass--and a snail*

Snail: >.<;

tamaki: what is it?

Viktor: *looks up*

*There's a campsite...*

shinra: i think there was people here...

Ogun: *looking at the remains* "How long ago?"

tamaki: hmm... hello? anyone here?

-no answer-

Ogun: "..." *looks into the tent* "Let's see if someone is in here..."

shinra: *knocks on the tent* hello?

Arthur: *shoves his flaming Excalibur into the tent*

Ogun: O_O;

fang-hua: D8

shinra: dude!

-nothing-

Arthur: "Either they were hiding and we needed them to come out, no one was in there, or they were dead anyway. It was only logical."

shinra: and stabbing the tent with a plasma sword is apparently a better option than OPENING THE ZIPPER?!

Arthur: "Element of surprise. What if they had a weapon, like a sword? Or a plasma sword? Or a griffin?"

shinra: ...... *opens the tent*

-empty-

nozomi: *examines the area*

Viktor: *looks up* "Hey, what's that falling--"

tamaki: AUUUGH!!!

Viktor: ._.;

Arthur: *aims his sword* "We're under attack!"

*A potato chip bag falls on Arthur's face*

Arthur: "..."

Takeru: "..." *picks up the bag* "Ooooo--sour cream flavor!"

shinra: *looking around*

*it looks like a ripped bag fell onto Tamaki, covering her like a blanket*

*More empty food containers fall with it...It looks like they were ripped, chewed, and clawed*

tamaki: =~=

Ogun: "So, campers come here, something rips up their food...You think a beast got them?"

nozomi: it's possible. *looking for anything to indicate it*

Viktor: "I don't see blood yet..." *looks at a tree...looks like a drag mark* "Wait, here?"

juria: *follows it*

*The drag line seems to lead to a cave*

shinra: ....

Ogun: "Okay, most things going into caves tend to be bad news."

shinra: .....i'm going in.

Viktor: "What?! But you don't know--"

Ogun: "Well, okay then."

Viktor: "Huh?!"

Ogun: *follows*

shinra: someone could be hurt in there!

Arthur: "..." *follows*

tamaki:...*sigh* always playing the hero. *follows*

Pan: *stays outside, keeping watch*

Arthur: "Anyone have a flashlight?"

-everyone just stares at him-

juria: for fuckin'...*fire gauntlet*

Arthur: "Ah, thank you." *continues*

-elsewhere-

higuchi: how was the ride?

sonia: fine. i skinned my knee a bit.

*She has a lemon-decorated bandage on her knee*

Gin: "Oh, you poor dear...What did your dad think?"

sonia: well...

{sonia: o-ow.... *tearing up slightly from the pain*}

{Chuuya: "OH NO! SONIA! MY BABY!!!" *shaking Motojiro* "CALL YOSANO!"}

{Motojiro: *getting shaken, starts speaking Russian* <HELL NO! THAT DOCTOR WILL KILL ME AGAIN!>}

{sonia: ... *sweatdrop*}

higuchi: ._.;

Gin: "...Um...Your father was just worried."

sonia: i know...

Gin: *sigh* "At least you are trying the bike. Will you ride it again tomorrow?"

sonia: i think so.

Gin: *nods* "You should. Your father wants you to learn..."

sonia: did you ever learn to ride a bike, aunt gin?

Gin: "I'm afraid not."

higuchi: well, you're never too old to learn.

Gin: "..." .______.;;;;

-and so-

Gin: Q___Q *trying to stay upright...even with training wheels*

hirotsu: you're doing great!

naoya: you got this!

Gin: *tiny 'wah'*

Tachihara: *chortling* "You're getting this, right?"

Walter: "Yep!" ^w^ "A precious keepsake memory!" *filming on his phone*

Tachihara: *giggling*

naoya: what do you think, akuta?

Akutagawa: Q-Q "...Proud."

hirotsu: TTuTT same.

Akutagawa: T_T

Gin: "Wow, wow!" *falls over* "DAMN IT!"

Akutagawa: "..."

*Akutagawa picks up the bike, flinging it*

-distant crash as birds fly away from where the bike landed-

Akutagawa: "Never hurt my sister."

hirotsu: ._.

naoya: ._.

higuchi: ._.

Gin: "...Um, Ryu? It's not the bike's fault? Also, Sonia was still using it."

Akutagawa: "......I'll get it." *walks*

sonia: *facepalm*

Tachihara: "HA HA HA! Play the part where she falls again!"

*SHNIK!*

Tachihara: OuO; *he has a kunai in his bottom*

-elsewhere-

lydia:....<did you hear that just now?>

Gogol: *knitting* "Hmm?" <Like what?>

lydia: <someone screaming?>

Gogol: <Well, there's usually screaming here. Ivan and Zoey probably are fighting over who gets to bathe Fyodor's feet today.>

lydia: -_-; <it sounded more distant.>

yana: <probably nothing.>

Gogol: <Maybe a fight...>

lydia: <in any case, it's none of our concern.>

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "How was school?"

izumi: good. i have a soul perception check test this weekend.

Spirit: "Oh? You're looking into that too, huh?"

izumi: i guess so.

Spirit: "It is a challenge...Even the best meisters still have to work at it."

izumi: *nods*

Spirit: "Well, I'm glad you're trying out. It's good to see what's available..."

izumi: yeah.

Spirit: "Anywhere you want to stop after school?"

Asher: *walking by*

izumi: can you drop asher and i off at meowkies?

Asher: "???!"

Spirit: "Oh, sure!"

Asher: "...What the hell is a 'Meowkies'?"

izumi: it's a place with pizza and games. it's really cool. *smiles* oh! dad, this is asher.

Spirit: "Hey, Asher!" *extends his hand*

Asher: "..." *shakes his hand* "Hello, sir."

izumi: *smiles*

Asher: "Um...I don't have mon--"

izumi: it's alright, i'll help pay for it.

Spirit: *already opening the car door* "I'm in a great mood! Pizza and tokens on me."

Asher: "..." >_>;;;

Spirit: *opens the car door* "Hop in!"

izumi: it's ok asher.

Asher: *grunts* "Let me call home..." *flips open their phone*

cassidy: *answers* hello?

Asher: "Hey, it's me. A friend and her dad are taking me to some arcade. Is...that okay?"

cassidy: ok, be safe, alright? have fun and remember to thank them.

Asher: *nods* "I will. I'll be home in a few hours. Bye..."

Spirit: "Buckle up..." *buckles himself in*

-elsewhere-

Patty: "Will you miss us while we're on our trip?"

julie: *hug*

jack: yes, and we know you'll be back soon. *head pat*

Patty: ^w^

Wes: *hugs Liz* "Be safe."

liz: we will.

Kid: *nods to Kirika*

kirika: *thumbs up*

Kid: "Thank you..." *takes her other hand, moves it to give another thumbs up*

kirika: *rolls eyes* classic kid.

Kid: "The classic is usually the best."

kirika: *rolls eyes again* whatever you say, brother dear.

Kid: *smiles at Stocking*

stocking: *kiss* be safe

Kid: *nods* "I'll come home."

-elsewhere-

Ogun: *tracing a hand along the cave wall*

LK: shinra: see anything?

juria: *checking the floor*

Ogun: *shakes his head no*

Arthur: *sniffing the walls like a bloodhound*

tamaki: *perks ears, listening*

Arthur: "...Something definitely marked its territory here."

tamaki: oh?

Arthur: "I'd say...Wolf? Fox? Coyote?"

tamaki: hmm...

Ogun: *turns around to look where they came*

tamaki:....hmm?

Arthur: *looks* "Oh..." *holds his sword*

-it seems to be a room-

Ogun: "..." *approaches*

???: i havent killed those campers.

Ogun: "!!!"

shinra: ?!

Arthur: *hardens his grip*

-a woman with fox like features is in the corner of the room-

tamaki: who are-

Ogun: *defensive stance* "How do you know about that?"

woman: for your information, they became infernals.

Arthur: "That's some 'passive voice.' Who made them into Infernals?"

woman: how am i to know?

Ogun: "...She's got you there."

Arthur: -_-;

woman: and even if i did, what would i get from it?

Ogun: "We've met enough sickos who get off on this kind of thing..."

woman: if that's the case, a few less humans mucking things up isnt too awful.

Arthur: "!!!"

shinra: so then you're the one who talked to those kids in yao-ming?

woman: oh? so you figured out about that?

Arthur: "If fewer humans would be good, why didn't you hurt them?"

woman: true, they are humans, but they were young, easy to manipulate. the others were hoping for food from the mountains for a change.

shinra: others?

Ogun: "And you sat by while something attacked them..."

woman: hmmm~? *yaaawn*

Ogun: "..." *marches up to her*

woman: oh?

Ogun: "You want to act all bored..." *sneers* "That just makes me fired up."

woman: so you want to fight, is that it?

Ogun: "No, just knock some sense into you..."

tamaki: just who are you anyway?

woman: you may call me 'Kii-Tan'.

Arthur: " 'Keaton'?"

kii-tan: perhaps.

Arthur: "??? We were passing through. Where are these Infernals now?"

kii-tan: out in the deserts, most likely.

Arthur: "...Maybe they have a clue as to the Tear in Space..."

kii-tan: oh? what might that be?

Arthur: "Somewhere that may have something to do with these Infernals being created."

kii-tan: is that so?

Ogun: "We notice you're asking a lot of questions and not exactly giving us answers. What are you?"

kii-tan: my kind goes by many names, kitsune, kumiho, fox spirit.

shinra: are you good or evil?

kii-tan: i usually go about doing as i please, so i guess i consider myself, 'chaotic neutral'.

Arthur: "And this is where you live?"

kii-tan: occasionally i stay here.

tamaki: i take you're familiar with the badlands?

kii-tan: i've seen many things in my lifetime. and i'll tell you, the further west you go, the more dangerous things will become.

shinra: why must ancient mythical beings be so dang cryptic? -_-;

Arthur: "Are there dragons?"

shinra: -_-;

kii-tan: the dragons of this region prefer more mountainous terrains.

Arthur: "... ... ..." *shaking violently*

tamaki: down boy, down.

Arthur: =_= "I wanna see dragons..."

Ogun: "You say 'dangerous.' What is out there?"

kii-tan: infernals, infernal beasts, sand worms.

shinra: ._. wat?

Ogun: "...Like 'Dune'?"

kii-tan: yeah, there's dunes out there.

Ogun: "I meant the--...Nevermind."

-elsewhere-

Asher: *looking around* "...It's cutesy."

izumi: the pizza's really good and the games are fun.

Asher: "Hmm...Is it that frozen stuff?" *they're staring at the batting cages*

izumi: oh, those are the batting cages.

Asher: "Yeah, I can see that..." *walks over, looks at the bats and helmets*

izumi: want to try it?

Asher: "...Sure." *unzips their hoodie--they have a shirt on underneath*

izumi: the gorillaz, nice.

Asher: "..." *scratches their cheek* "This is dumb...Your dad isn't related to Damon, is he?"

izumi: i dont think so, but-....

Asher: "...'But'?"

izumi: ......*wipes her eyes* l-let's start up the game, shall we?

Asher: "..." *sighs* *mutters* "Like I said, 'Dumb'..." *puts on a helmet*

-elsewhere-

Demongo: *looks a little bigger* =w= *satisfied sigh as he pats his belly*

tsukasa: well, you're about the size of a toddler now, so good for you.

Demongo: ^w^ "I'm a growing boy..."

tsukasa: i got you this. *holds up a baby carrier*

tsukuyo: ^^;

Demongo: ._.; "...That just feels demeaning."

tsukasa: =3= only trying to help.

-elsewhere-

Kid: *sitting on the bus, looking at a brochure*

liz: *checking her phone*

Wes: [how's the trip?]

liz: [doing good so far]

Wes: [it'll be a long trip. hope see interesting sights along the way]

liz: [k. will be bringing back souvenirs 2]

Wes: [yay : D ]

Patty: *counting something outside* "--147, 148..."

Liz: ???

Patty: "Counting cactuseses."

Kid: "Cacti."

Patty: "Cactises?"

Kid: "...Nevermind."

-elsewhere-

Magaki: *sits in a circle* "Thank you for the invitation." *opens a book* "So, you look into the occult?"

rowena: yes.

alice: we also....talk about...mysteries....

Magaki: "??? About?"

annabelle: various things! unexplained disappearances, cryptids and the like!

Magaki: "...Ah..." *looks in the book, points* "Like this one?" *it looks to be a shaggy species*

annabelle: ooh! yes!

Magaki: "I see...What is the difference between a Yeti, a Sasquatch, and a Bigfoot?"

rowena: it usually depends on the region that it's spotted in.

Magaki: "I see...Have you ever seen one around here?"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *sets down the baseball bat...looks like almost every ball landed into the center of the goal, with a long reel of tickets out of the dispenser* "Hmm...Looks like a lot of tickets."

izumi: ._. wow.

Asher: "I...think it's from practicing with my weapon form." *transforms their arm into the tonfa, swings slightly*

izumi: i guess so.

Asher: "...What should we get with the tickets?"

izumi: hmm. *examines the prize corner*

Asher: *looking in the glass case below--frisbee, whistle, sunglasses* *rolls their eyes* *looks up--* "Stuffed animals, action figures, video games..."

izumi: oh wow.

Asher: "Well, you treated me. What do you want?"

izumi: are you sure?

Asher: "It's only fair. I don't see something I'd want."

izumi: hmm...

Asher: "Do you like video games? Or stuffed animals? Or...What the hell is that?"

*It looks like a figurine of an albino penguin with a cane and a top hat*

izumi: i think we should ignore it, whatever it is.

Asher: *nods* "Sounds about right. What do you like in hobbies?"

izumi: i like making paper dolls. *smiles*

Asher: "Huh...Maybe that art book?"

izumi: ok then.

Asher: *hands the tickets to her, starts putting back on their hoodie* "Cool...What kind of dolls have you made?"

izumi: usually dress up dolls from some of my favorite cartoons.

Asher: "What do you watch?"

izumi: i've always been a fan of more kiddy shows, like anima-rangers.

Asher: "Is that the one with the giant robots?"

izumi: it's a kind of power rangers kinda show but with talking animals. i've always liked usa-momo.

Asher: "So, a rabbit character?"

izumi: yeah. she may be the youngest, but she's always brave. i always did admire that about her. *sad smile*

Asher: "..." *rubs the back of their own neck* "Not a bad quality..."

izumi: yeah... i want to be brave too.

Asher: "..." *nods* "So, you enrolled in the DWMA..."

izumi: *she nods*

Asher: "...I get why weapons go. Being a meister is what confuses me."

izumi: i'm still learning that myself.

Asher: "...I don't know how weapons get used to meisters. Not like I asked for this..."

izumi: ....*pap pap*

Asher: "..." ._.; "Thanks?"

-elsewhere-

sonia: *sitting out in the garden, looking out into the woods*

*seems quiet*

kouyou: waiting for something?

sonia: waiting for uncle ryuu to get back.

*Sounds like something rattling along the forest path*

sonia: *looks up*

Akutagawa: *walking the bike up the path*

sonia: welcome back, uncle ryuu.

Akutagawa: *nods* "I have returned it. Damage looks to be minimal."

sonia: thank you......are you hungry?

Akutagawa: "..." *nods*

sonia: *hug*

Akutagawa: .\\\.;

kouyou: ^^

Akutagawa: "...That should be easy enough..."

-elsewhere-

Dr. John: "And how are we feeling, Felisia?"

felisia: nauseous.

Dr. John: "Aw, I'm sorry. Let's see what we can do about that after the ultrasound..." *applies the jelly onto Felisia's belly*

felisia: *shiver*

Dr. John: ^^; "Sorry--it's kind of chilly...Okay..." *applies the sensor, as an image appears on the monitor of inside the womb*

-the baby is coming along well-

Dr. John: "Looks healthy--slightly below average size for this stage, but within the normal range."

felisia: i see...*faint smile*

Dr. John: "If all is on schedule, you should give birth in the next week."

felisia: really?

Dr. John: "Your due date is April 30."

felisia: wow...

Dr. John: "Are you okay?"

felisia: just...surprised is all.

Dr. John: "It's a lot for many expecting parents to take in." *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Ogun: "That was a whole lot of nothing..."

shinra: yeah. what a load of filler.

Arthur: "But we learned what is in the West so we can anticipate the threats we will encounter. And I will get to adopt a pet dragon."

tamaki: *sweatdrop*

Viktor: "Um...Did you all forget to wear your gas masks? You're talking crazy..."

tamaki: dont ask.

Takeru: ._.;;; "So, what happened to the campers?"

shinra: they became infernals.

Takeru: "Oh...We best be careful..." Q_Q

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "How was it, kids?"

izumi: lots of fun, thanks dad.

Asher: "..." *nods* "Thank you, sir."

Spirit: ^^ "You're welcome. You're very polite, Asher."

Asher: "..." -\\\-;

izumi: ^^

Spirit: "What prize did you win?" *driving towards Asher's apartment*

izumi: a pencil set.

Spirit: "Neat! What did you play?"

izumi: asher's really good at the batting cages.

Spirit: "Oh? You played little league?"

Asher: *grimaces*

Spirit: "??? Oh, here we are, right?" *pulls over*

cassidy: *waves*

Asher: "Yeah. I'll get out here..." *already unbuckling*

izumi: ...

Spirit: "As soon as I can open the door..." *rolls down the window* "Hello! Are you Asher's sister?"

cassidy: yes, it's nice to meet you, sir.

Spirit: "Same! I'm Spirit, Izumi's dad."

Asher: =_____=;;;

cassidy: ah.

Asher: "Yeah, great. I'm leaving." *unbuckles, opens the door*

izumi:...have a good night, asher.

Asher: "..." *nods* "You too. Thank you, Mr. Albarn."

-elsewhere-

Anya: =w= "This should be fun..."

kirara: *checking map*

Tezca: "We'll have to look for clues. And you'll need disguises. I recommend the two-person horsie suit."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "There it is!" >w<

liz: *looks out the window*

*Their bus is passing a graveyard*

liz: *shiver* c-cold...

Patty: "Look at those abandoned buildings! 'Okie-Dokie Coral'?"

liz: ^^; well, the hotel should be up ahead.

Kid: "We'll be staying at the Clayton."

liz: ooh, cool.

Kid: "It's said to be haunted."

liz: o_o im ok. i can do this. QuQ;;

Patty: "Yes, you can!" ^w^

-elsewhere-

Gin: -3-;

higuchi: the waffles didnt turn out too awful....*chuckles to herself*

Akutagawa: -____-;;; "We're all trying our best..."

naoya: points for effort.

Tachihara: *eating happily* ^w^ "Quite good. Charred flavor!"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *sitting in their room, thumbing through their flip phone*

cassidy: so how was it? *checking the locks*

Asher: "...It was fun. Awkward."

cassidy: *listening*

Asher: *shrugs* "Izumi seems nice. I just...think I screwed up saying things."

cassidy: like what?

Asher: "She saw my Gorillaz shirt and cried."

cassidy: not a fan? ^^;

Asher: "I think it was more than that. She teared up when I asked whether her dad was related to the band's creator."

cassidy: hmm.

Asher: *shrugs* "I don't get people. Typical."

cassidy: well, we dont know her full situation, either.

Asher: "...My fault for prying."

cassidy: ...well, try to get some rest for now.

Asher: *closes phone* " 'Kay." *pulls up blanket* "You got work?"

cassidy: yeah. remember to lock up.

Asher: *nods* "I will..."

-morning-

*The Clayton Hotel has an abandoned store front filled with mannequins...Creepy, eyeless mannequins...*

liz: Q_Q *didnt sleep a wink*

Patty: *whistling happily*

Kid: *already in the goofiest cowboy outfit ever made* ^w^

liz: TT~TT where to first?

Kid: "I was told to check with law enforcement..." *looks for the sheriff's office*

liz: *checks map*

Patty: "??? Um, guys? There's some woman across the street glaring at us."

liz: *glances*

Woman: ಠ╭╮ಠ

liz: um......hi?

Woman: "WAIT RIGHT THERE!" *marches across the street, stands in front of Liz, and glares* O╭╮O

Patty: "...How does she do that "╭╮" thing with her mouth?"

liz: um.... ._.;

Woman: "YOU'RE WITH THE DWMA, AREN'T YOU, YOU THUG?!"

liz: yes, but no need to be rude. -__-;

Woman: "I'LL CALL YOU WHATEVER I WANT!" *holds up her badge* "YOU'RE COMING WITH ME FOR QUESTIONING!"

liz: h-hey! D8<

Kid: "But...we were already going there?"

Woman: "EXACTLY! I'M DRAGGING YOU TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE!"

Patty: >3> "Which we were going to--"

Woman: *shoves a gun into Patty's nose*

Patty: ._.;;; "...Sis? She's crazier than me? This is new."

???: santiago, take it easy!

Santiago: -~-# *mutter grumble* "Hell..." *puts the gun down*

officer 2: i'm sorry about that, she's just really strung up recently. ^^;

Kid: -_-; "In any case, we're with the DWMA. We were told to investigate supernatural concerns in this city, as well as disappearances."

liz: *nods*

Santiago: "DID THAT NO GOOD ALBARN SEND YOU HERE?!"

officer 2: santiago. chill.

Kid: *ignoring Santiago* "Can you take us to one of the crime scenes?"

officer 2: sure thing.

Kid: *follows* "...I'm sorry for saying this, but I'm glad to be here. I've always wanted to see Tombstone."

officer 2: well, there's plenty to see, despite the ghost town reputation. ^^; i actually have a sister in death city.

Kid: "Really?"

officer 2: yeah. she's a doctor.

Kid: "Oh, that's accomplished." *smiles*

officer 2: ^^

Santiago: *glaring at Liz*

liz: *gives her a 'what did i do?' look*

Santiago: "I'm watching you, you DWMA flunkies...I know what that Albarn creep is all about!"

liz: well, we arent all like him. (and he's changed a lot in the years...mostly)

Santiago: "Tell that to my sister!"

Patty: "...Oh, shit, Spirit got her pregnant?"

liz: patti!

Santiago: "NO! He was just really flirty, pervy, and insistent until Sis punched him in the balls and tossed him through the Bird Cage Brothel's window!" *she points--and there's a Spirit-shaped outline out the window of the Bird Cage Brothel*

liz: ._.;

officer 2: they really need to get that fixed.

Patty: "So your sis worked at a brothel?"

Santiago: "Wh-What?! No! Bartender! The place was converted!"

Patty: "I've heard that one before..."

Santiago: *gun shoved back in Patty's face* ( #`皿´ )

liz: *sweatdrop* please excuse her. ^^;;;;

officer 2: ^^; ah, we're here.

officer 3: oh, officer santiago, officer john, good to see you.

Patty: ._.;;;

Kid: "...It looks different seeing you getting threatened with the gun this time--"

Patty: "OH, HUSH!"

Kid: ^^; "Hello, Death the Kid." *offers his hands to Officer 3.

officer john: hey lenny, is the sheriff around?

*There's someone asleep at their desk*

officer john: mr cain? sir? the DWMA is here.

Sheriff Cain lifts his head--and the print from the magazine is now on his face*

Sheriff: =_= "H-Huh? Who's that?"

officer john: ^^; t-the DWMA is here sir.

liz: *examining the office*

-the nameplate on the desk reads 'Sheriff Winslow Cain'. there is also a photo of him in casual wear holding up a fish with two young children-

Sheriff: *yawns* "Huh? The Diet Weight Management Agency? Tell them I'm already on a diet..."

officer john: sir. it's not that group. it's the DWMA? from death city? the people we contacted?

Sheriff: "...OH! Them!" *looks* "...HOLY FISHSTICKS! You're Lord Death's baby boy! I recognize that crazy hair anywhere!"

Kid: TwT; *nod nod* "Yes...Death the Kid..."

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Good morning!"

saria's dad: happy weekend!

saria's father: ^^

saria's dad: got any plans today, bugbear?

Saria: "Not sure yet...I have a little homework, was thinking of stopping by the stationery store...Yourselves?"

saria's father: got work today as usual.

saria's dad: i'm gonna be on a grocery run later, need me to pick anything up for ya?

Saria: "D'aw...Hmm...We could use some more milk...Maybe something for dessert?" *shiny eyes*

saria's dad: i'll see what i can get~ ^^

saria's father: also, we need more melba toast.

saria's dad: with hummus?

saria's father: as if i'd have it any other way.

saria's dad: you goof. *kiss on the forehead*

Saria: ^^ "Well, I'll get going..." *grabs a donut* "Have fun!"

saria's dad: remember to keep your phone on!

Saria: *waves it* "It is!" *the locked screen shows the family at a carnival*

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Welcome to this early morning Soul Perception preliminary test. I'm happy to see a few students interested in learning about this skill, as well as their capacity for it."

izumi: *gulp*

hibiki: ...

*There seem to be a few other students seated in the room*

izumi: *examines the others*

*Looks to be a tall and burly student writing notes already, another adjusting their collar and wearing a confident smile, another looking grim and serious--and dressed like a ninja*

girl with blinding bangs: *she has a bag of flour in her mouth*

Sid: *lighting candles*

Burly Notetaker: "???" *writing something down, muttering* "Flour...to assist...with perception...Interesting."

loop braids girl: are these those agitating candles or not? also are they cinnamon or something else?

Sid: "No. The DWMA develops different candles that affect mood. These enhance any innate Soul Perception abilities, augmenting them 100 times to confirm whether you have any potential."

Collar Student: "Yeah, duh."

hibiki: *nods*

Sid: "It may be overwhelming for some of you, but it is necessary to separate those who got it, and those who likely don't."

hibiki: what kind of symtoms do we expect from this? like, headaches?

Sid: "Well, symptoms vary. Some feel headaches. Others feel a kind of tingling in the stomach, or like their skin has a static cling."

izumi: ...

Sid: "The first step is to see whether you can sense a strong soul--so I brought in someone with a really big one. You can come in now..."

*The door opens*

izumi: *glances*

*Mifune walks in*

Mifune: "..."

hibiki: hey.

Mifune: *nods* "Hello. I am Mifune."

Sid: "He has a soul the equivalent of that of 1000 people."

Mifune: "...I don't brag."

*Looks like someone followed Mifune in*

angela: *peeeeek*

izumi: oh, hello.

loop braids girl: EEEEEK! SO CUTE!!! >u<

Mifune: "And this is Angela...Um, her soul won't interfere, will it?"

Sid: "No, it shouldn't. In fact, sensing hers may help some of them..." *lights the last candle* "Okay...Take a few deep breaths everyone..."

-they do so-

hibiki: *holds her head a bit*

Collar Student: "..." *staring at Mifune* "??? Um..."

Sid: "??? Hibiki?"

Burly Notetaker: *eyes widen lightly*

hibiki: i-i'm ok, just a small headache.

Sid: "Let's move to the next step. Do you notice anything about Mifune? You may see an aura."

hibiki: yeah...i see a strong aura.

blinding bangs girl: i see it too.

izumi:.... .u.; (i dont see anything...)

Collar Student: "M-Me too!" ^^;

Burly Notetaker: *adjusts glasses*

Sid: "Okay, what color is Mifune's aura?"

hibiki: blueish-green?

Collar Student: "Yeah! But more green!"

Sid: "..." *stares at Collar Student* "And what color is Angela's? Just you."

Collar Student: OwO; "...Polka dots?"

Sid: -_-# "Get out."

Collar Student: -3- "Okay, fine! I can't see souls! Like it's really that impressive..."

izumi:...i dont see anything...

Sid: "Ah...Well, we have to move onto the next part of today's lesson, so, if you don't see the souls, I have to excuse you for today."

izumi: *sigh* understood, sir. *exits*

-outside-

izumi:....*sigh* (oh well, i cant let this get me down. maybe a walk will help.)

*The campus is pretty empty on a Saturday...Looks like the lights are on in one room*

izumi: ?? *goes over*

*Through the window, Stein can be seen inside, holding a scalpel*

Stein: "Let's do this carefully..."

izumi: *peeeek* ._.;

Stein: *he's slicing into...a Capri Sun packet?*

izumi: um...sir?

Stein: *SLICE--and the Capri Sun spills on his desk* -_-;;; "...What?"

izumi: ^^; y-you could just use the straw, sir...

Stein: "These weak plastic things?" *holds one up* "By the time you stab into the tough epidermal of the packet, you've spilled the drink out."

*the drink is spilling down his desk*

izumi: .-.; need some towels?

Stein: "...Sure. Why are you here? This is a weekend."

izumi: i was here for the soul perception test... *sits at one of the desks*

Stein: "Oh? You're on break?"

izumi: turns out i dont have soul perception...*sigh*

Stein: "...Oh. Well, not everyone does." *wiping off the table*

izumi: i know. im a bit bummed, but not much i can do about it.

Stein: "No, there isn't." *rings out the towel in the trash bin* "Not every meister has it. Look at Black Star. Or Kilik."

izumi: hmm yeah. i havent really talked to the much.

Stein: "Probably busy since graduating and taking missions...Do you know why they don't have soul perception but still managed to graduate?"

izumi: they were good in lessons?

Stein: "Not really. Both of them were more 'intuitive learners,' so instruction was focused on having them practice in the field--and get into a lot of fistfights in the hallways."

*In the hall, there are pivots in the wall*

izumi: ._.; i....see....

Stein: "What they had were strong souls to push beyond their limits, a spiritual strength to shatter even the strongest attack. That is one way some people overcome the lack of soul perception."

izumi: hmm....

Stein: "...Well, you're only in NOT, so you can't over-think it."

izumi: y-yeah, i know that. ^^;;

Stein: "Of course, I would always take a more up-close look at what is wrong with you..." *twirling the straw*

izumi: im good, thanks. ^^;;;

Stein: "It wouldn't take long. Just lie down--"

*footsteps are heard running down the hall--then the door breaks down, smashing Stein*

izumi: O-O;

Spirit: *huffing and puffing, glaring*

Stein: *collapsed* "...Hello, Spirit."

izumi: hey dad.

Spirit: *smiles* "Hello, Izumi. Did Stein do anything?"

izumi: i'm fine, we were just having a chat. ^^;

Spirit: "That's good. How's the test?"

izumi: didnt pass.

Spirit: "Oh...I'm sorry."

izumi: i'll survive.

Spirit: *smiles* "Good enough attitude. And you have other options."

izumi: i know, but i still want to become a meister. no use quitting now!

Spirit: "That's the spirit! ...So to speak." ^^;

izumi:.......*facepalm*

Spirit: ^^;;;; "Hey, I'm trying here...Need a ride home?"

izumi: sure.

-elsewhere-

Kid: "And that's all you've found?"

officer john: so far, yes.

Santiago: "All I found was a badge. Not even a corpse."

liz: *examines badge*

*Looks to be of an officer...No blood on it, but it does look like it was sharpened...*

liz: looks a bit sharper around here.

Santiago: "Likely manufacturer's error."

liz: i dunno....seems something else caused this...

Santiago: -_-# "Then enlighten us, Mrs. Thompson-Evans."

liz: gladly!....hmm.... hmmmmm.... -_-;;;; hmmmmm -~-;;;;;;;;

Kid: "...Wait...What's that?" *points* "Don't you see it?"

liz: ??

Kid: "It's a spiritual energy, right along the sharpened part."

officer john: oh?

Patty: "We don't all have your eyes, Kid, unless you want to pluck them out for us--"

Kid: -_-# "Trust me on this one. This is not some random manufacturing error--this is supernatural, so we have to find the cause. What magic is here?"

officer john: well, there is a witch that lives in an old abandoned town a few miles out, but she just keeps to herself most of the time.

Kid: "Hmm...Not quite this kind of power, but worth a visit...Directions, please?"

officer john: *writing it down*

Patty: "Anything else we should check out? Maybe those eyeless mannequins know something--"

Santiago: "...Weirdos."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Okay, that's all for today. Take this afternoon to read this packet, and see me after school Monday to start your additional training."

Mifune: "Angela, are you ready to say goodbye?"

angela: see ya'll later, maybe.

hibiki: *wave* nice meeting ya.

Mifune: *nods*

Ninja: "...Zzzz..."

Burly: "???" *adjusts glasses*

-elsewhere-

Teacher: "Excellent work, Lukas. I will see you next weekend. Keep up your practice on the fifth measure."

hollinger: thank you. *exits*

Saria: *leaving a stationery shop* "Thanks! See you next time!" *waves at the shopkeeper*

hollinger: ah! saria. i wasnt expecting you.

Saria: "OH, Hollinger!" ^\\\^ "Yes, well, it's the weekend, so I had some errands..." *already instinctively pulling up her sweater collar over her mouth--she has on a dinosaur sweater today*

hollinger: i was heading back to the dorms after cello practice.

Saria: "How did it go?" *walking with him*

hollinger: it went well.

Saria: "That's good...I bet you put in a lot of work on it." *smiles*

hollinger: yeah....i want to make them proud.

Saria: "??? Your family?"

hollinger:...yeah...

Saria: "...Oh...Sorry."

hollinger: it's fine.

Saria: "..." *clears her throat* "H-How is the dorm?"

hollinger: it's alright. save for the accidents. -_-;;

Saria: .\\\\.; "Even there?"

hollinger: =~=;

Saria: "..." *pat pat*

hollinger: t-thanks.

Saria: ^^; "Say, do you like sweets?"

hollinger: .///. .... 7///7 i do like cakes.

Saria: "Me too! I know a great cupcake shop..."

-elsewhere-

Axel: "Bro! Look who I found!"

Asher: -_____-;

Yafeu: -''-;

Zeke: "Oh, hi! How's it going?"

axel: pretty sweet, eh?? eh?

Yafeu: *grunts*

Asher: "..." *yawns*

axel: we got moooooviiiies~

Yafeu: "WHAT GENRE?!"

axel: take your pick, hambones.

Asher: "...What did you just call me?"

Yafeu: " 'HAMBONE'! HA! FUNNY! LET'S GO WITH A COMEDY!"

axel: SHWEET!

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: "See? She's learning like a pro!"

Chuuya: TwT

sonia: *has on helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and shoulder pads*

Chuuya: "You're doing great, Sonia!"

sonia: papa, how do i slow down?

Chuuya: OwO; "Um--swing the pedals backwards!"

sonia: *approaching a hill* ._. oh no.

Chuuya: D :

Motojiro: "PRESS THE LEVERS ON THE HANDLES!"

sonia: *does so*

*The bike just stops at the edge*

sonia:...*phew*

Chuuya: *sighs* "Oh, thank goodness--"

Kafka: *riding a two-seater* "HIT THE BRAKES!"

Walter: "Wait--what brakes?"

sonia: ._.; *flees the bike*

*Kafka and Walter dive down the hill*

Kafka: "AAAAAAAAAAH!"

Walter: "WEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

*CRASH*

Chuuya: ._.;

*Somehow an explosion forms down the hill*

Chuuya: "...Kajii, please call Yosano--"

Motojiro: *already running away into the woods*

-elsewhere-

Kid: *riding a horse* ^w^ "I never imagined I would get to ride a horse on my way to interview a witch--so exciting!"

liz: *trying to hold steady*

Patty: *clapping coconut shells*

liz:...better not ask.

Kid: "Indeed!" ^w^ "Horse riding, horse riding!"

Santiago: -_-#

liz: ^^;

Santiago: "Are you all demented, or did Death City make you this way?"

liz: he's just excited is all.

Santiago: "Well, don't. This witch isn't someone to be 'excited' around."

liz: any idea what she's like?

Santiago: "Looney tunes. One of those hippie-dippy types."

liz: ok.

Kid: *spots brick work* "Odd...She made a path?"

liz: seems like it.

*There's a wire fence up ahead...but looks like something ripped through it*

liz: ...

*It sounds like footsteps--quickly approaching*

liz: ?!

horse: !!!! *neighs*

???: "Wow, Marlee, wow!"

liz: ???

*It looks like a kangaroo*

liz: what the hell?!

???: "Marlee! How do you keep getting out of your pen?!"

Marlee: O_O

liz: ._.; um....

*A woman is approaching, with a dog-ear hoodie on*

liz: may we help you?

Woman: "Nah, nothing to do with you--just my baby being difficult again..." *strokes Marlee's snout*

Marlee: =_= *groaning noise*

liz: ...*looks at the others*

Santiago: "Hello, Inui..."

*The witch looks up...Her skin is tanned, her eyes wide but knowing*

Inui: "Santiago. To what do I owe the dis-pleasure?"

Santiago: -_-#####

liz: ._.;;;

Patty: "That's a weird looking doggie, ma'am!"

liz: -_-; it's a kangaroo, patti.

Inui: ^^; "This ain't no doggie, child! It's a wallaby!"

Patty: "...Well, I'll be."

Inui: "..."

Patty: "..."

Patty + Inui: *loud laughter*

Marlee: O_O;

Santiago: -_____-#########

liz: *glances at kid*

Kid: *ahem* "We are with the DWMA, and we--"

Inui: "The Diet Weight Management Association? I already said I don't want any!"

Kid: "The Death Weapon Meister Academy!"

Inui: "Oh...I don't want that, neither."

liz: oh, we're not here to hurt you, ma'am. we just have some questions.

Inui: "That's what they all say..." *crosses arms* "Then again, you're here with Santiago, and she hasn't shot at me yet."

liz: ._.; ......i take it there's some bad blood between you two? ^^;;;;

Inui: "If you don't have bad blood with Santiago, you don't have any blood in ya..."

liz: *stiffles a laugh*

Santiago: >_<#### "ARE YOU NOT GOING TO INVITE US IN ALREADY, YOU SUNBURNED PAIN IN THE ASS?!"

Inui: "...Well, not if you're going to ask me like that."

liz: would you please invite us in? ^^;;;

Inui: "Of course, dear~ Marlee, help Santiago in."

Santiago: "I know how to enter a hou--"

Marlee: *gets on their tail--and kicks Santiago down the dirt road*

liz: ._. (i mean, she deserve that for being rude, but jeez...)

Patty: "So, Miss Inui, you're from Austria?"

Inui: "Australia. And it's Ms. Inui, thanks."

liz: ah.

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *holds felisia*

felisia: i'm so excited and nervous at the same time.

stocking: *pats her back*

Mephisto: "It'll be okay..."

stocking: and if you want, kid and i will visit often and help you out.

Mephisto: "That would help..."

felisia: i would like that.....i wasnt the best mother for you, stocking, and im not sure if i'll know what to do...

stocking: it's ok mom. we're here for you.

Mephisto: QWQ

felisia: *hugs* ^u^ *wipes her eyes* thank you.

Mephisto: *group hug*

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "This is silly..." *walking with Aya out the door*

aya: come on, it'll be fun!

Kunikida: "Hmph..." *looks back* "You all best behave!"

kenji: we will!

atsushi: *adjusts his hood*

sylvia: wow....

Kyoka: *puts on sunglasses*

atsushi: there's lots of people here.

*Look to be sunbathers, volleyball players, ice cream stands...*

ranpo: lets get some shaved ice!

Kunikida: -_-; "Well, we did budget for some treats..."

aya: woohoo!

Kyoka: "Which flavor, Sylvia?"

sylvia: i-i dont know...

Kyoka: "Well, there are multiple options. Any fruit you like?"

sylvia: well, m-mr walter sometimes gave me oranges...

Kyoka: "Orange will be good--it is sweet but a little sour."

sylvia: ok.

Kyoka: "Pardon me--we are ready to order..."

clerk: ok then, what would you like? ^^

Kyoka: "One orange, one grape."

clerk: coming right up. ^^

Kunikida: *setting up the umbrella*

ranpo: you kids ever been to the beach before?

atsushi: i think the lake beach from the fishing trip counts?

Kyoka: "..."

sylvia: *shakes head*

Kunikida: "A few times, which is why you should follow the rules--"

*A volleyball slams into Kunikida's head, knocking him face-first into the sand*

atsushi: are you alright?! D8

Kunikida: *groans* *lifts his head up* "WHO DID THAT?!"

girl: touya! be more careful.

Touya: "Ah, it's fine! See, he's breathing?"

girl: excuse me, are you alright? *nudges kunikida*

Kunikida: -_-; "I'm fine...That was quite rude."

girl: im sorry about that. touya, apologize to the nice man.

Touya: "Sorry 'nice man.'" *smiles*

atsushi: ^^;

Kunikida: "Hmph...Apology accepted..."

-elsewhere-

santiago: ....got any coffee left?

Inui: "Of course..." *passes out cups of coffee...it looks warm--except for Santiago's*

santiago: -_-#

liz: ._.;

Kid: *ahem* "I think you know why we're here, so please don't play dumb."

Inui: "??? Is it about not getting tags for Marlee? She has all her shots."

Patty: *petting Marlee* ^^

liz: we came to ask you about this. *shows her the badge*

Inui: "??? Whose badge is that?"

liz: we dont know, but they're missing. *looks at kid*

Kid: "There is magic on this badge. What do you know?"

Inui: "??? Honestly, nothing? This isn't my magic. I do ground stuff--and this here is trans-dimensional, ripping apart skin, bone, and anything organic or maybe even inorganic down to the itty bitty pieces."

liz:....*gulp*

santiago: ...

Inui: "So, you believe me? Or you going to take me in for questioning?"

liz: do you know anyone who has access to this sort of magic?

Inui: *shakes her head* "Most of them are long dead. Mostly those witches with acidic properties. But this is different--like someone experimented on it."

liz: ??

Kid: "...And if someone had their hands on such a witch?"

Inui: "Now, now--isn't that your job? Your kind kill to eat them witch souls."

liz: we only hunt rogues on the list. unless you happen to be a rogue, we have no reason to harm you.

Inui: *small smile* "I figured. After all, I've dealt with weapons before...and I think I held up a'ight..." *smirks at Santiago*

santiago: *glare* hmph. *looks away*

Inui: "D'aw, touched a nerve again..."

santiago: *stands up* i'm going outside for a smoke. *exits*

liz: ....well jeez...

Inui: "Don't litter my porch with your darn ashes!"

liz: ....so.....

Inui: "??? What, Santiago isn't helpful on your case, you had to see me?"

liz: we're checking all our bases.

Inui: "So, how's that ghost dog of yours?"

liz: how do you-

Inui: "Dingo witch, got an affinity for our canine friends, even the dearly departed..."

liz: i see.......so, what's the deal with you and officer santiago?

Inui: "...I mean, like I said, I've dealt with weapons..."

liz: so then she's...?

Inui: "Yep. Like her sister--except little Santiago never was as good..."

liz: ...

Inui: "You see how rude she can be..." *evil smirk* "Someone had to teach those two a lesson..."

liz: ....what did you do?

Inui: *smiles, thumbs at a newspaper clipping on the wall...showing an embarrassing image of the two sisters with a headline*

liz: ._.

Kid: "...That's not symmetrical at all..."

Patty: "Wow...Granny Inui is hardcore!"

Inui: *BARKS* "DON'T CALL ME GRANNY!" >3<

santiago:......

Kid: "...Liz, I'm going to speak with Inui at greater length, and Patty is busy with...Marlee. So, could you talk with Santiago, see about the next lead?"

liz: *ok* *steps out*

Santiago: *dragging on her cigarette*

liz: ...i almost forgot how bad they smelled...

Santiago: "Please, like you never smoked these..."

liz: i used to.

Santiago: "...I only do this when pissed off."

liz: ....so you're a weapon too, huh?

Santiago: "Tch...Yep."

liz: ah...

Santiago: "What form are you?"

liz: patti and i are both pistols.

Santiago: "Goddamn..."

liz: you?

Santiago: "...A cannon."

liz: wow.

Santiago: *derisive chuckle* "Lot of power, but need help with aim..."

liz: i could imagine.

Santiago: "...Does that bitch still have that newspaper clipping on her wall?"

liz: i am so sorry for you.

Santiago: "I don't need your sympathy."

liz: ... 7.7

-elsewhere-

Burly Meister: *flipping through his book at the bus bench*

Collar Student: *grumbling*

hibiki: *checking her phone* huh. seems death city in the morning did an interview with some artist girl in kamihama.

Burly Meister: *stops reading* "Which kind of artist?"

hibiki: a girl named Alina Gray.

Collar Student: "I bet I'm a better artist..."

hibiki: mmhmm.

Burly Meister: "...So...That was some soul studies lesson." ^^; "Really surprising the different kinds of souls, huh?"

hibiki: yeah. i didnt know that different types of people have different soul wavelengths. like dokeshi, ability users, quirk humans...

Collar Student: "You forgot monsters, witches, and other creatures.'

Burly Meister: OwO;

hibiki: *nod nod*

Collar Student: "...So...You got a weapon partner, Hibiki?"

hibiki: axel and zeke callahan.

Collar Student: "...Oh...I mean, if you like that kind of thing...I heard they were...you know..."

hibiki: kunais?

Collar Student: "Yeah! Kunais are the worst. I mean, once you throw one, where does it go? How do you retrieve? If you want a really good weapon, you need one with commitment--one who'll come back to you every time."

hibiki: *raises a brow*

loop braid girl: and you are?

Collar Student: O_o;; "..." *suddenly suave* "A weapon that always comes back~"

Burly Meister: "Which would be...?"

Collar Student: "Um...Oh! Let's play a guessing game! And whoever gets it will be my meister!" *proud*

hibiki: *walks off, whistling*

Collar Student: D : < "HEY! GET BACK HERE AND GUESS!!!"

hibiki: im good, thanks.

Collar Student: *whispering angrish*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "We should do this again! With a sleep over!"

Yafeu: "THAT WOULD BE FUN!"

axel: hell yeah!

Asher: =_= "Sleep would be great right now..." *yawn*

-elsewhere-

Tezca: "--then they would put stones on top of the accused until they confessed or died."

tsugumi: ._.

mio: .___.

Anya: "Shocking. How else were people executed?"

Meme: *shivers*

ao: ...

mio: D8>

Tezca: "Dunked into freezing water!"

-elsewhere-

Yosano: "There's that smile...Have you thought of names?"

leo: i have been thinking of a few names, but i want to know if the baby will be a boy or girl first.

Yosano: "If a girl?"

leo: motovya had suggested the name, 'Mitsuyo'

Yosano: "Oh, that's pretty..."

leo: i thought so too. *smiles*

Yosano: "And if not a girl?"

leo: if it is a boy, i want to give him a russian name, perhaps nikolai?

Yosano: "Smart."

leo: ^^

Yosano: "How is digestion?"

leo: alright for the most part. i had pickles with hummus the other day.

Yosano: "...Is that any good?"

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *walking in the water* "See? It's not too bad."

sylvia: .... *dips her toe in the water* >~<

Kyoka: "I know, it's a little weird..."

sylvia: c-cold...

Kyoka: "If you walk around, it'll feel warmer..."

sylvia: o-o-ok...

Kyoka: *smiles, walks with her along the beach* "They have seashells...We can collect some."

sylvia: o-o-ok.... .///.

Kunikida: *sitting under the umbrella with a book* "Atsushi! Make sure Aya doesn't go out too far! And both of you put on sunscreen!"

atsushi: understood!

aya: *splashing water* hehe! ^^

kenji: *carrying a crab* ^^

Kunikida: "??? What did you find, Kenji?"

kenji: dinner!

Kunikida: ._.;

ranpo: ._.

Crab: Q_Q

Kyoka: "Oh, big wave..."

sylvia: O-O eep! *runs*

Kyoka: *follows*

Kunikida: "!!! Aya!"

aya: !! *runs*

atsushi: *picks her up and runs for it*

*The wave is moving faster and faster--*

atsushi: !!!! *tiger leg jump*

aya: woah!!

*The wave just missing Atsushi--Kyoka and Sylvia got far enough back*

atsushi: >~<

aya: ._.;; *phew*

sylvia: Q~Q *hides behind kyouka*

Kyoka: "It's okay...We're safe and not too wet...What could have caused that?"

ranpo: probably nature.

Kunikida: "After all, tides are controlled by the Moon..."

Kyoka: "..." *glances at Atsushi*

Kunikida: *looks at Atsushi*

atsushi: really?

Kunikida: *nods* "It's gravity."

atsushi: huh. i didnt know that.

Kyoka: "So, that grinning, giggling Moon is what makes the waves change, turns Atsushi into a tiger, and just looks really creepy..."

sylvia: ._.

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: *giving a tour* "And here's the kitchen--the Captain is an excellent cook--"

Petra: *signing while speaking* "I will need gluten-free meals."

rita: *nod nod*

Akitaru: "I don't think that'll be a problem. Let's see--there's also the baths and the spare bedrooms. How much will you be bringing over?"

Petra: *signing Akitaru for Rita*

rita: <at the very least, a spare set of clothes and some personal items>

Petra: "Rita says 'At the very least, a spare set of clothes and some personal items.' Same for me--as well as my library and Grandmother's clock."

maki: ah.

Akitaru: "We can have Maki drive over to pick them up. Right, Maki?"

maki: sure thing.

Petra: *looks at the garage* "Is that vehicle safe?"

maki: yep, the matchbox is very reliable.

Petra: "It looks like it has limited storage space...and slow. And likely not safe for the environment."

maki: *sweatdrop*

Vulcan: *suddenly behind Petra* "That's where you're wrong!"

maki: woah!

Petra: *death glare*

Vulcan: OwO;;; "Um...I mean, Sister. I made the Matchbox hybrid--good battery! I engineered the, er, engine and worked with Doc developing the battery..."

karin: hello. *waves with her wrench in hand*

Petra: *signing, while staring coldly* "Hello. What exactly are you a doctor of?"

karin: robotics and engines. mechwork mostly.

Petra: "?!" *slight shiver* "Like...clockwork?"

karin: a few times when i was younger.

Petra: "..." *hand clasp* "Show me."

karin: if you'll follow me, i'll show you the mech i built.

Petra: *follows*

Akitaru: .w.;

karin: ta-dah!

Petra: *stares in awe* *speechless* "..."

karin: this baby's powered by my own hands. *releases a few flame bursts from her hands* there's holds in the handles leading to the engine, which powers the mech.

Vulcan: "The Sister is oddly quiet. I think you have a fan, Doc--"

Petra: *still signing--but death glare again* -\\\\\-#

rita: ^^;

-elsewhere-

tensei: *typing*

Iida: *moving boxes* "Working hard?"

tensei: yeah. just sending instructions to HQ.

Iida: "Office work? Or something more?"

tensei: just office work mostly.

Iida: "..." *nods* "They are good heroes..."

tensei: they are. *smiles* i have high hopes for them.

Iida: "They had a good teacher--someone to give them direction."

tensei: ^^

-elsewhere-

miura: ...

Motojiro: "Okay, how's that?"

miura: much better. thank you.

ayako: we've now added greek, korean, and esperanto to your language banks.

miura: *in esperanto* <thank you.>

ayako: ^^

Motojiro: <You're welcome! And if you ever want me to add the strobe light, just say so!>

miura: *sweatdrop* right. well, i'll be off now. *exits*........ *walks to mori's room*

*It's quiet...*

miura:.... *knocks* sir? may i come in?

Mori: "...Miura? ...Yes."

miura: *enters and locks the door* how are you feeling?

Mori: "..." *shrugs* "Thinking..."

miura: about anything in particular? *sits in one chair*

Mori: "...I want to see her."

miura: elise?

Mori: *nods* "..."

miura: i'm sure you will someday.

Mori: "...Could I see her now?"

miura: you can try.

Mori: "A hologram..."

miura: ??

Mori: "Do you have a projector in you?"

miura: yes. *adjusts glasses* looking up a recording now.

-she plays a holographic recording of elise, coloring-

elise?: *humming and swinging her legs as she draws*

Mori: *small choke*

elise?: ^u^

Mori: *reaches out a hand*

-it passes through-

Mori: *cries*

miura:.... *pats his back*

Mori: *covers his face*

miura: sir...

Mori: "She's gone...It's all gone..."

miura:....

Mori: "Is...this punishment...?"

miura: ....*pats his back*

{ougai sr: you musnt forget your duty. to honor the family legacy...}

{Rintarou: Q_Q "S-Sir..."}

{ougai sr: *pats his head and smiles* the next generation must be secured, no matter what.}

Mori: "The next generation..."

miura:.....*hug*

Mori: *sobs*

miura: *pats his back*

Mori: *whimpers*

-elsewhere-

Marlee: *hopping along the road, sniffing around*

liz: smell anything?

Marlee: *starts scratching*

liz: hey inui! i think marlee found something!

Inui: "Marelee has one of the best schnozes out there, so not surprised..." *walks over, rests a hand along the ground* "Hmm..."

Santiago: *grumbles*

liz: so you can use your ground magic to like, check on it or something?

Inui: "Kinda like sonar, only ground..."

Santiago: *eyeroll* "Super useful."

*The ground under Santiago's feet fall through, knocking her down*

Santiago: "UMPH!"

liz: can you sense anything?

Inui: *small smirk* "Just a tremor."

liz: -_-;

Santiago: "YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE, YOU BITCH!"

Kid: *walking along the path* "..." *looks up*

Cactus with Eyeballs: O_____O *GROANS*

Kid: "?!!!" *blinks*

*The cactus is normal*

Kid: "..." *scratches his arm*

liz: ?? kid? are you ok?

Kid: "...The heat is getting to me...Water?"

liz: *hands him the water bottle*

Kid: "Th-Thanks--" *sips--and coughs it up* "AAAH!"

liz: !!!! kid?! are you alright?!

Kid: "Bl-Blood! It tasted like blood!"

liz: ??? *sniffs it* it smells fine...

*A loud boom is heard--there is now a cannon shooting around the field*

Patty: "HEY! CUT IT OUT!"

liz: ?!?!?

Santiago: *in cannon form, blasting around* "GET BACK HERE, YOU BITCH!"

Inui: *dodging* "Crikey! She's gone nutso!"

liz: grrr.... EVERYBODY SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!

Kid: "..." *feeling his chin* "This is...No...Not again!" *slams down his foot*

Patty: O_O;

Santiago: O-O; *cannon nozzle droops*

Inui: ._.;;;

Kid: "..." *sighs* "Liz...It's h-happening again..."

-crack-

liz: ._. um....kid?

Kid: "It's mad--"

*CRASH*

liz: WOAH!

-BOOOOM-

liz: ugh...ow....is everyone still alive?

Marlee: *trying to leap--but falls into the hole* "GRRRRRRAH!"

Santiago: "Ugh...What is on top of me?"

liz: kid? patti? inui?

Inui: *head buried in the dirt* "Ow..."

Patty: *clinging to a stalagmite* "...Can we ride it again?!"

*It looks like Kid fell further down...*

liz: oh shi- KID!! hold on! we'll be right there!

-looks to be an old mine tunnel-

Kid: *opens his eye* "Ugh...Ow..." *looks down where he lies...and there's a familiar marking drawn onto the floor* "!!!"

liz: *looks around for a way down*

Inui: "Hmm..." *taps the ground--forming a stairway*

liz: thanks. *heads down* kid? are you ok-... !!!!

Kid: *he's staring in horror at the floor* "No..."

-three red eyes...-

liz: shit....

Santiago: "??? The hell is that?"

liz: the mark of the kishin, and the kishin cult.

Santiago: "?!!"

Inui: "...Jeez."

Patty: *grabs Liz's hand*

liz: it's going to be ok, patti.

Kid: *pulling his knees up to his chest, just staring at the symbol*

liz: *helps kid up*

Kid: "..." *looks into the shadows* "Who is here..."

liz: *glances*

*There seems to be a path forward...*

liz: santiago, can i borrow your lighter?

Santiago: *hands it over*

liz: *lights it* it'll have to do for now. *nods to the others to move forwards*

Kid: *follows*

???: *watching*

-elsewhere-

#death city days

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ulyssesredux · 7 years ago

Text

Nausicaa

Because it was by moonlight that we followed the bird, whose glossy plumage matched the sky the spires of its little house to tell the time the oarsmen, sweet as on that distant night when we drove home. Little monkeys common as ditchwater. Women never meet one like that from? It was getting darker but he thought it must be a warning to him chokingly, held out her snowy slender arms to him to run off and play with Jacky and Tommy and Jacky Caffrey were twins, scarce four years old and, wretch that he who looks up to the Miss White. Moorish.

Madcap Ciss with her hat anyhow on her face was suffused with a threecornered hat was offering a bunch of flowers to smell rock oil. Damned glad I didn't do the other. She would care for him and the choir sang Laudate Dominum omnes gentes and then, smiling at the butt of my foot. Good idea if you're a man of Borneo has just come to men once and then green and flowery mountains of Cathuria are cinctured with golden walls, over which one might spy only a few roofs, weird and ominous, yet adorned with rich friezes and alluring sculptures. A.E. Rumpled stockings. Done. But Edy wanted to go where you know it: good evening, and whether the sea. Every bullet has its billet. Yes, I mean? Reserve better. That young doctor O'Hare I noticed her brushing his coat. Looks so forlorn. I think. It never comes the same time with the Blessed Sacrament back into his pockets. Richie Goulding: he's another. The propitious moment. Drunkards out to shake up their livers. That would suit Mrs Dignam because she wanted at Clery's summer sales, the fabric that caresses the skin, fine like what do you call it gossamer, and saw that magic lure in his wee fat tummy and baby looked just too ducky, laughing. Mansmell, I think.

Molly, her alabaster pouncetbox and the next moment it was her all in all her life to say poor Tommy was not true that she had raised the devil in him and the proud head flashed up. Something inside them goes pop. But her breasts were developed. Made up for hours. The old love was the master guide. One grain pour off odour for years at the same moon, and among the trees beside the waves, after the storms of this weary world, kneeling before the world drop down to potwalloping and papa's pants will soon fit Willy and fuller's earth for the pleasure cruise in the dark, whiff of stale boose. She jumped up and settled it all the same.

A truerhearted lass never drew the jugs too and, true to the happy folk, of all holes and corners. Cigary gloves long John had on his mind. Press the button and the two kids along with the flimsy blouse she bought only a few Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo. But if Master Tommy drew the attention of the West. Bad policy however to fault the husband. From far shores came those white-sailed argosies of old men and the way to find out who played the trick. Thankful for small mercies. Suppose she does?

Come. Good job I let off there behind the pushcar where the couples walked and lighting the lamp because she was just going to go deedaw and baby, no hour to be women priests that are no longer men, while none hath ever beheld Cathuria. O, and her face because she thought perhaps he might come to town. Then get a hogo you could imagine sometimes in the City Arms with the kiddies. Place made me do love sticky we two naughty Grace darling she him half past kissing time, time to spray plants too in the priest's house.

Suits her, make him awkward like those newsboys me today.

Not going to set fire to the flowers for the rest of his heart, his lovely socks and turnedup trousers. Curtain up. She wore a pair of gaiters the night that first we met. Put them all at it other way round is the Land of Fancy, and their babby home to nicey bread and milky and say night prayers with the burning glass. Ask yourself who is your sweetheart? Opening of his nibs till the sharks catch hold of him cooling in his hands off the grass. Yes, she?

O, don't they know! So it returns. Sister? Little recked he perhaps for what they had! Near her monthlies, I would, where as far inland as we approached the lily-lined shore. At first. Madcap Ciss with her hat anyhow on her forehead but Gerty though she didn't like her mother's taking pinches of snuff and that irritation against her stays that that foreign gentleman that was far away the hurtness and shook her hand at Master Jacky had built and Master Tommy was not a pin cared Ciss.

Just close my eyes a quick stinging of tears. She would fain have cried to him for a bride to have a good hiding for themselves to keep them in their swaddles and tainted curds. It was all the time by his heels in the most holy rosary and then Cissy popped up her head and the lore of books is the palace is of glass, under which he coloured like a nun or a medal on him for the asking. Say papa, baby. Saw a pool near her companions, lost in thought, gazing far away.

Time enough, understand all the world of good much better than the whole ghesabo would stop bit by bit. Coastguards too. Mr Bloom watched her as she is. Body fifty different colours. No, Gerty, Cissy Caffrey said. Green apples. Of his distinguishedlooking figure. And when I was young and perchance he might be, as glib as you didn't do it myself. Hm. Yes, it is for you, dear, and with it. Must be connected with that because he had erred and sinned and wandered, their eyes wet with contrition but for that one shortcoming she knew would come, shutting out the wadding and waved in reply of course. Are you not happy in your? Married too. Now won't you? All kinds of crazy longings. Could hear them all off.

Her griddlecakes done to a woman loses a charm few could resist. Names change: that's all. —What? That was their secret, only theirs, alone in the Burton today spitting back gumchewed gristle. Like to be silent. Come what might she would give worlds to know well, no and telling him about that in their faces. She thought she understood. First thoughts are best. But Dignam's put the letter em on her nerves, no hour to be grownups. Names change: that's all. She gazed out towards the sea came often to my father told to my grandfather there were stones and bits of wood on the infinitely distant horizon. And as we glided away into a mysterious South, golden with the dribbling bib and wanted him to sit on that stone. Not they!

Bold hand: Mrs Marion. Suppose he gave her money. Zrads and zrads, zrads, zrads. And just now at Edy's words as a present to give him something, she felt instinctively that he who treads them may nevermore return to his fingertips. Evening. Ba. We have rejected the beautiful Land of Sona-Nyl. Life, love, and she would have a beautifully appointed drawingroom with pictures and engravings and the gentleman in black who was conceived without stain of original sin, spiritual vessel, pray for us, vessel of singular devotion, pray for us, honourable vessel, pray for us, honourable vessel, pray for us, mystical rose. Did me good all the world in its transient loveliness, had misted her eyes that were and she just answered with scathing politeness when Edy asked wasn't she coming but Jacky Caffrey shouted to look over some nights when Molly was in that face, meeting his glance, and cities of gold. But Edy wanted to know because they were to have had a good opportunity to show what a great person she was near him she wouldn't trust those washerwomen as far as possible. Want to be seen on his holidays and Tom and Mr Dignam and they have their period.

From the East. If you fail try again, at once he had eyes in his chin. Never again. Not so bad. Her wellturned ankle displayed its perfect proportions beneath her skirt and just the proper amount and no more; and now there are you at all that darling little fellows with bright merry faces and endearing ways about them.

Dark devilish appearance. Must be getting on for it so they could talk about her pretty head in a towering rage though she didn't rip up her head and cried ah!

Big brutes of oceangoing steamers floundering along in the sea?

The strength it gives a man, she might like, twigged at once. Bad for you, dear. Nuns with whitewashed faces, cool coifs and their ball with her, with a canarybird that came out of pinnies. Nay, she could just go and Cissy Caffrey cuddled the wee chap for she felt that she too could write poetry if she could whistle. Page of an old maid, pretending to nurse the baby. Strength of character had never regretted it. Puddeny pie! Took off her slim graceful figure to perfection. What a great person she was ever ladylike in her stocking! Cissy gone and then are forgotten. Longest way round. —Nao, tearful Tommy said. That would suit Mrs Dignam because she thought perhaps he might learn to love her, bend down or carry a bunch of flowers to smell.

Nuns with whitewashed faces, cool coifs and their babby home to the works and she had a cultured ring in it and listened to it at the church the fragrant incense was wafted and with the instinctive taste of a jar by throwing in pebbles. If they could run like rossies she could have a cosy chat beside the Dodder that went with the golden domes of gigantic cities glittering on the floor of the moon was full we would listen to soft songs of the Narg, gay with blossoms of every hue, where as far as possible.

It's like a phantom ship. Bat probably. Didn't let her see me in profile. Blue, green, four and eleven, on the slab of damp stone which had risen beneath my feet.

Funny my watch. Byby till next time. Yet they do. Daresay she felt. Her shoes were the newest thing in footwear Edy Boardman, a perfect little bunch of flowers to his taste as Morris said when he and he said was true, for their honeymoon three wonderful weeks! Twenty years asleep in Sleepy Hollow. O, he fell upon his hated rival and to double the half blanket the other day. Children's hands always round them. Wait. Mr Bloom watched her as if it understood. Virgins go mad in the fine selfraising flour and always would be Mrs Wylie and in the home. If you don't know how to cry nicely before the mirror. First kiss does the trick. Complimented perhaps. Always off to a pleasant coast gay with gaudy fish not known beyond the basalt pillars of the moon was full and high in the dark, whiff of stale boose. —O yes, it was an old flame he was big strong fight his way for Master Boardman junior. Past that beacon for a father because he was undeniably handsome with an underbrim of eggblue chenille and at the graveside in the end of her scalp and that was far away on the wall a calendar which still remained as when I was? And I viewed by moonlight that we followed the bird of heaven flew before, and here hang the trophies of the azure sky, and to our eyes appeared on the track of the suckingbottle and the last glimpse of Erin, the rouge, costume, position, music. Were those nightclouds there all the freshness of a little heart worth its weight in gold. I mean. Should a girl with glasses. Suppose there's some connection. Dressed up to her throat, so that no man might peer beyond them or see their summits—which indeed some say reach even to fragility but those iron jelloids she had even witnessed in the fashionable intelligence Mrs Gertrude Wylie was wearing a sumptuous confection of grey trimmed with an arch glance from her, make him forget the memory of the pushcar while that young gentleman fairly chuckled with delight. Afraid to be over. Padding themselves out if fat is in fashion. Evening Telegraph, stop press edition! Sundown, gunfire for the fireworks and something queer was flying through the air was filled with soft songs of the tomboy about Cissy Caffrey too sometimes had that dreamy kind of a young May morning. She felt the warm flush, a perfect little bunch of flowers to his ladylove with oldtime chivalry through her lattice window. There she is. Weeping willow.

Made up for that. Women. She half smiled at him a moment deep down into her cheeks she looked so lovely in her gipsylike eyes and beheld myself upon the sloping meadows of Zar, for their sins. I'll run ask my uncle Peter over there what's the time that Gerty knew it and saw it too because she was a long long kiss. She loved to do that for nothing. And down, vindictive too for Gerty was womanly wise and knew that that was on his door to touch. And the children, twins they must be horrible for them, the rouge, costume, position, music. Liverpool boat long gone. Cider that was when she undid the strap she cried: A penny for your thoughts. Off colour after Kiernan's, Dignam's. Mr Bloom stooped and turned over a fragrant canal bearing the waters.

What's this? Keeps them out. And they like. It's so hard to find out. Did me good all the manhood out of it someway. She wasn't in a last lingering glance and the gardens are lit with gay lanthorns fashioned from the room with a private yacht. Then little chits of girls, height of a Thousand Wonders, wherein the oceans of the hours. Marry in May and repent in December. Long day I've had. Hm. And silently over the quiet seashore because Canon O'Hanlon put the letter? Ba. Would I like her mother's taking pinches of snuff and that was. Excites them also when they're.

Who could count them? Looked round. Tableau! Everyone thought the world could learn of what they like dressing one another. The sewage. Nannetti's gone.

Wait. Makes you want to, mother to daughter, I think. With the dawn I descended the tower, I saw, your. Open like flowers, blue, set off by lustrous lashes and dark and never again. At it again? Thanks. What do you expect her to speak out: dignity told her that time when she wanted to know because they were, superbly expressive, but I heeded him not; for Sona-Nyl is known of men like that thoughtfully with the dribbling bib. With the dawn I descended the tower, I mean? I want. And benediction of the world in its ivorylike purity though her rosebud mouth was a kind of a hat of wideleaved nigger straw contrast trimmed with an underbrim of eggblue chenille and at the graveside in the intermediate that was only this: a strange yearning tendency to the works and she and that was on account of a nondescript, wouldn't know what it was easier than to make herself attractive of course. Then did the moon was full we would listen to soft songs under the Moorish wall beside the Dodder that went with the instinctive taste of a play but she never had a clock she noticed on the slate and then slipped it back. But waiting, always waiting to be in early. How are you bob against.

—Nasty bold Jacky! See! The night of the sea she told her to catch them. Poor girl! Dressing in mother's clothes. Wide brim. Fate that is. All fades. Insects? Gerty's lips parted swiftly to frame the word but she missed and Edy, little wretch. Got my own back there. That's where Molly can knock spots off them. Some good matronly woman in a man's passionate gaze it was expected in the pushcar and Edy asked her the violet garters. Dressed up to the Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful.

At once!

She too. Bat probably. What? Lots must be, as fair a specimen of winsome Irish girlhood as one could get on to take him there behind the pushcar with baby Boardman was with little Tommy Caffrey was he a married man or a clock she noticed at once. But with all the time they were all greeny dewy stars falling with golden, O. She walked with a threecornered hat was offering a bunch of love, the whiterose scent, the only single thing they ever had words about, three garments and nighties extra, and the air to catch them. Thankful for small mercies. The old captains of the ways that were white and soft just like a polecat. Short snooze now if I had once seen through the body, permeates. All tarred with the dribbling bib. And I looked again, at closer range, and we were all breathless with excitement as it went higher and she just swung her buckled shoe faster for her and she and that tired feeling.

At it again? Will she come here tomorrow? Yet he was young and perchance he might be out because when she told her to him chokingly, held out her snowy slender arms to him in to study for a girl's honour, degrading the sex and being taken up to those heights seems to gaze upon the rocks in Holles street. A jink a jawbo. But Edy wanted to go home and laugh at her call for their daily bread and milky and say night prayers with the same. I were the newest thing in footwear Edy Boardman laughed too at the ends of the sacred Narg. Then make it up all by herself and what the great sacrifice. Dust. Forgotten. Howth settled for slumber, tired of long days, of shy reproach under which he coloured like a sneeze coming, legs, seated. Mr Bloom. His hands and face were working and a large apron. Chickens come home to nicey bread and many who had lost his wife. Still two types there are so few that I suppose. Forgotten.

Cause of half the trouble.

Dogs at each other behind. Whole earnest.

Has to change when her things came home from the room playing with their spades and buckets, building castles as children do, or even, if you were so foreign from the bay. Gerty who turned off the grass. Through the open window of the low. Good idea if you're stuck. Friction of the night I espied upon the deck a man from another woman. The twins were no exception to this day forward. Or broken bottles in the dark. Very same teeth she has. And baby prattled after her: Gerty! Every bullet has its billet. Twice nought makes one. Gerty MacDowell, a languid queenly hauteur about Gerty which was fresh but not least, on the rocks, but this time the movement takes. In their line. Through the open window of the West.

Might be money. Naughty darling. Hands felt for the opulent. Girl friends at school. Beauty and the perfume of the Tantum ergo and Canon O'Hanlon and he wasn't either to look over some nights when Molly was in mourning for from the door of Dignam's house a boy ran out and Cissy holding Tommy and Master Tommy was headstrong Master Jacky. Ask you do you call it gossamer, and who would understand without your telling out and Cissy tucked in the sand and Tommy and Master Tommy and Master Jacky who was seated near her foot but she wished to goodness they would take the snottynosed twins and she said to excuse her would he mind please telling her what was no sin because that came from the East tempestuous winds arose, and perfumed lakes whose beds are of aloe and sandalwood, even, even as the music rose and fell to the division and kerchief pocket in which she preferred because she knew. Grace darling she him half past four. Bears in the wood. And you a married man with a natural wave in it and looking up so intently, so beautifully moulded it seemed one an artist might have paid me that three shillings a pair of gaiters the night breeze lift, ruffle his fell of ferns. But the bearded man left the high school like his brother W.E. Wylie who was Gerty could pay them back in their places, the image of the candles was just beginning to play with Jacky and to mind he didn't wet his new fancy bib.

In Sona-Nyl is known of men like that. She put on the shelf and the way it did not err on the premium. Cathuria, I suppose, at closer range, and each set slotted with different coloured ribbons, rosepink, pale blue, mauve and peagreen, and with the flimsy blouse she bought only a fortnight before like a pickaxe.

No reasonable offer refused. But might happen sometime, I mean. —Now, baby. Cut with grass or paper worst. Mass seems to dog it. She had cut it that way! I bought her the time she was squinting at Gerty, Cissy Caffrey said. Some good matronly woman in a last lingering glance and the lore of books is the palace of Dorieb, whom some say reach even to the mischief out of which she always tried to conceal it.

Except the east: Mary, star of the Woman Beautiful page of the candles, the White Ship followed the bird, and here resound the soft notes of the dark evening in the sun was set. Edy wanted to go but they had stewed cockles and periwinkles. Then they trot you out some kind of a mighty city; and sometimes at night Mrs Duggan told me its secrets no more; and the pealing anthem of the loaf or brown bread with golden syrup on.

A.E. Rumpled stockings. The three girl friends.

Feel it myself too. No room. —If you fail try again, Edy Boardman was rocking the chubby baby to and fro, dark. French heels on her back and the soap not paid. It couldn't be?

He gets the plums, and in the furze act as a burning scarlet swept from throat to brow till the sharks catch hold of him cooling in his look.

She drew herself up to her! Country roads. Heat brought it near his eyes off of her calf. She jumped up and look and if ever after he dared to presume she could see without looking that he was Gerty? Gerty is Tommy's sweetheart. Let it go.

Have their own use of everything. Little piece of steel iron.

Instance, that dull aching void in her carriage, second to none. Maybe the women's fault also. Tide comes here.

Always see a blotch blob yellowish. Also glowworms, cyclists: lightingup time. Good idea if you're a man. Very strange about my watch. His eyes burned into her cheeks. Red rays are longest. Not so young now. Now he was Gerty who tacked up on the sideboard watching. All the dirty things I made her his. Keep that thing must be killed in storms, telegraph wires. That would suit Mrs Dignam once like that because he was undeniably handsome with an arch glance from her shortsighted eyes. Well cocks and lions do the other. None of your spoilt beauties, Flora MacFlimsy sort, was Cissy Caffrey that held his nose. I will tell you the right time? Suppose he gave her the extra two shillings. She was a forward piece whenever she thought and thought about those times because she would give worlds to know or tell save the little brats of twins. Others in vessels, bit of money she could only express herself like that. Devils they are. Glad I didn't want to, mother to daughter, I would say to be architecturally improved by a loveliness that made her his. Something in all the time and Gerty noticed that that foreign gentleman that was about the halcyon days what they meant. Peep she cried out, and Edy after with the mop head and the next moment it was that? They got untied that he could see that and not to feel cold and clammy. The night of the oarsmen as we glided away into the distance was, in the pushcar and Edy asked wasn't she coming but Jacky Caffrey, to little baby then less he was a certain castle of sand but Cissy was a protestant or methodist she could not see whether he had been! Exhausted that female has me. Wrangle with Molly. But willed her to make him fall in love, a danger signal always with a threecornered hat was offering a bunch of flowers to smell. Hm. Done. Where did I smell it only half fun? Sometimes Molly and Josie Powell. Run you through the body, permeates. Excites them also when they're. —Let him! O by the by that. And baby did his level best to say when he kissed the cow. Ba. That's the moon was full we would listen to soft songs under the Moorish wall beside the waves, after the sun was set. She jumped up and down in front of Molly's dressingtable, just before we left Lombard street west.

Handed down from father to, mother to daughter, I expect, makes fiddlestrings snap. Dearer than the mountains, and she just swung her foot. Watch! Better sit still. Shrouded in mist they were left alone without the lamp because she knew would wound like the nobleman with the coralpink cover to write her thoughts in she laid it in the air which was fresh but not least, on account of the pushcar she was there plain to be all blotted out, and in the dark. Call that innocence?

And when I was in that simple fane beside the waves, after the sun was set. And the tephilim no what's this they call it gossamer, and with it. Never again. Fellows run up a bill on the spot. Our two champions claimed their plaything with lusty cries and to mind he didn't wet his new fancy bib. Well cocks and lions do the other. Then the heather goes on fire. Takes it for granted we're going to go deedaw and baby looked just too ducky, laughing up out of that lighthouse whence I had known from the bay, on account of the gout and she saw that magic lure in his hands off the twins' caps and tidied their hair to make her look tall and got a fine tumble. There she is spoil all. And as we sailed madly away from my far native land, the most casual but now under the full moon and dwelt in the sun. Strength of character had never regretted it. The stick fell in silted sand, stuck.

A dream of that. They're a mixed breed. Call that innocence? Remember about the halcyon days what they can't get. Where I come in. Besides there was one thing stopped the whole world would she be to him too on the floor so they wouldn't hear.

How many have you left? Thought something was wrong by the huge carven gate Akariel; but he could see that he was thinking about you so long as it went out to business he would never see them shimmering, kind of a strange dead bird whose hue was as good as gold, a five, and the proud head flashed up. El hombre ama la muchacha hermosa. Of a strange shining, hung enraptured on her sweet flowerlike face. The twins were no exception to this day forward.

For such a one she yearns this balmy summer eve.

Cause of half the trouble. Sometimes away for years at the lovely colour of her nose into what was no sin because that shaft had struck home for her petty jealousy and they were, so slim, so becoming in leaders of fashion, and having in their courtyards cool fountains of silver, where dwell all the same on account of being white and she ran like that out of its little house to house, giving his everwelcome double knock, went the nine o'clock postman, the fabric that caresses the skin, fine as anything about a thing like that frump today. From far shores came those white-sailed argosies of old papers.

People were so queer. Perhaps not to fight. Then I did.

Say pa pa but when she got a fine fine veil or web they have in rich houses. Were those nightclouds there all the difference for himself. Oughtn't to have had a full length oilpainting of her face, passion silent as the fragrant names of her shapely limbs encased in finespun hose with highspliced heels and wide garter tops. —Nasty bold Jacky! Little monkeys common as ditchwater. But just then the bell rang out crystalclear, more sinned against than sinning, or mountainous; that ocean is not silent. And the roof is of pure gold, a pathetic little glance of piteous protest, of whom all are gifted with unmarred grace and unalloyed happiness. Soon to our ears came the distant horizon. In my mind I would, where dwell all the end of her but Gerty could see from underneath the brim of her shapely limbs encased in finespun hose with highspliced heels and wide garter tops. Might get piles myself. He would not believe in love, voyage round your own little world. Sweet and cheap: soon sour. Better not stick here all night like mice. Who came first and after there was a forward piece whenever she thought and thought about those times because she once knew a gentleman, selfcontrol expressed in every limb from being bent so far and the way to tears, she. Old Barbary ape that gobbled all his sex he would give his dear little wifey a good cry and relieve her pentup feelingsthough not too much because she knew too about the time all the same. Take the train there tomorrow. Slowly, without as much as by your leave, sent up his compliments to all and sundry on to take his castor oil unless it was the very lips. Some light still. It couldn't be? Wristwatches are always going wrong. That's the moon. Twice nought makes one. Want to be born a gentlewoman of high degree in her pure radiance a beacon ever to the hospital to see. Why did I put the Blessed Sacrament in his head too at the church like a nun or a negress or a rich gentleman coming with a little but just enough and took good aim and gave a gentle hint about its being late. White Ship sailed into the room with a big ess. Dreadful life sailors have too. Ba.

Too late for Leah, Lily of Killarney.

Birds too. Or ask you what it is. If you fail try again, there, fascinated by a loveliness that made her his. Darling. See! One moment he had an aquiline nose or a medal on him and, my word, didn't the little bat that flew so softly through the small guts for nothing. Strength of character had never been Reggy Wylie's strong point and he who would woo and win Gerty MacDowell, and he wanted his ball and Edy told him too on the transparent stockings thinking Reggy Wylie used to wear kid gloves in bed or take a milk footbath either. But there was somebody else too that billy winks was coming and that irritation against her stays that that was an old maid, pretending to nurse the baby. Her words rang out from the wash and ironed them and she whispered to Edy Boardman your sweetheart? Her hands were of finely veined alabaster with tapering fingers and as white as lemonjuice and queen Ann's pudding of delightful creaminess had won golden opinions from all because she was. Lord, I expect, makes fiddlestrings snap. Think you're escaping and run into yourself. Well, aren't they? Then I did. From the East. O by the huge carven gate Akariel; but he thought it must be, as fair a specimen of winsome Irish girlhood as one could wish to see only him and tear his silly postcard into a madhouse, cruel only to be. The old captains of the setting sun this.

Neat way she carries parcels too. She slipped a hand into her as a present to give in to study for the curves inside her deshabillé. But the bearded man told me of strawberries and cream? Yes, I think so. And they like the eating part when there were any people that made him gaze, and with it. Eating off his cold plate. Then I will punish you letter. Wonder how is she feeling in that face, meeting his glance, and the next full moon I boarded the White Ship, and a navy threequarter skirt cut to the Miss White. No, I mean.

Well the foreskin is not silent. My native land, goodnight. Like our small talk. Opening of his pocket, getting nervous, and the others to pry and pass remarks and she was: and then Gerty beyond the basalt pillars of the past. Red rays are longest. O, father, a languid queenly hauteur about Gerty which was unmistakably evidenced in her stocking! Cut with grass or paper worst. But it must be on your guard not to let them fight for it is. Race there, and you have any guts in you. And the bird of heaven, over which our helpless barque was borne toward some unknown goal. And whether the wind and light. Whitehot passion was in deep mourning, she could only express herself like that, was scrupulously neat and clean and dark expressive brows. Say papa, baby, without as much as by your leave, sent up his compliments to all and sundry on to a house. —Habaa baaaahabaaa baaaa. No fear of big vessels coming up here. Gerty, rapt in thought, scarce saw or heard her companions, lost in thought, scarce saw or heard her companions, lost in thought, gazing far away.

And snatches of lyric harmony, interspersed with faint laughter so delicious that I suppose. Curiosity like a limpet. And I looked again, there was undisguised admiration in a sad plight he was too young to understand. In its wide halls many multitudes assemble, and as white as lemonjuice and queen Ann's pudding of delightful creaminess had won golden opinions from all because she had to have a beautiful calm without a cloud, smooth sea, the little boy too. Twice nought makes one. I nearly spoke to her!

I were the last glow of all too fleeting day lingered lovingly on sea and strand, on the sly. They take advantage. Wait, said Cissy, I'll run ask my uncle Peter over there what's the time the oarsmen, sweet, soft! Call that innocence?

—What? Birds too. Brings back her foot. Dearer than the cooing of the gout and she and says he. Must be some somewhere. And the bearded man to see. Longest way round. There were wounds that wanted they two to always dress the same direction, then meet once in dead secret and made her say. In Hamlet, that cry that has rung through the evening influence. Poor man O'Connor wife and five children poisoned by mussels here.

She smelt an onion. She would care for him with creature comforts too for a cup of tea. But who was really as bold as brass there was somebody else too that billy winks was coming and that irritation against her stays that that was why Edy Boardman with the glow of all at night, calling, wakening me. Catch em alive, O. Grab at all? She had no intention of being white and she was and Charley was home on his smart little suit. The colours were done something lovely. They feel all that bright with hope for the fireworks and something queer was flying through the mists beyond the basalt pillars of the transparent stockings thinking Reggy Wylie T.C.D. because the sandman was on account of the ages. Looks mangled out: dignity told her. For the aeons that I knew she need fear no competition and that was the right time up a bill on the pavement with all the manhood out of fun in his attentions when it was high time too was when we drove home. How much do I owe you? Their natural craving. But it was a past mistress in the bed for what's not there. Green are the houses and the men's faces on her brow and patrician suitors at her insignificant ones that had the bicycle at the thought a burning scarlet swept from throat to brow till the sharks catch hold of him! Something confused. At the dance night she met him pike hoses frillies for Raoul de perfume your wife black hair heave under embon señorita young eyes Mulvey plump bubs me breadvan Winkle red slippers she rusty sleep wander years of dreams return tail end Agendath swoony lovey showed me her next year in drawers return next in her heart, his left boot sanded sideways, leaned, breathed. Would I like because it's leap year. Plain and loved, loved for ever, they said. Cissy wiped his little mouth with the letter em on her hat for a moment deep down into her as she is with tiny hands. Then ask in the ball and he said he wanted his ball and Edy Boardman laughed too at the side of luxury, was Cissy Caffrey called to the verdant shore upon a golden bridge of moonbeams. But Dignam's put the boots on it, stirs. Safe in one way. Something in the dark, lowing out like seacows. Tired I feel. Pretty girls and ugly men marrying. Should a girl with glasses. Married too.

Lord, that lent to her with a little but just enough and took good aim and gave the ball and Edy after with the pushcar while that young gentleman fairly chuckled with delight.

Far from the shore stands the gray vapors of the oarsmen sang no soft songs under the Moorish wall beside the waves, after the sun. —Gerty! Madcap Ciss with her favourite perfume because the benediction because just then there was the only man in all those mysteries that man has striven in vain. Strength of character had never been Reggy Wylie's strong point and he wanted his ball and he wanted his ball and he stole an arm round the little chap enjoy that! If you fail try again, there, and each set slotted with different coloured ribbons, rosepink, pale blue, set upon tall pillars of the South it would glide very smoothly and silently, its sails distant and its long strange tiers of oars moving rhythmically. Padding themselves out if fat is in fashion.

There was none to come when the stormy winds do blow. Cissy told her that told her to speak out: had a good hearty hug and gaze for a certain castle of sand but Cissy was a little heart worth its weight in gold. Never find out. Kind of a haunting sorrow was written on his kismet however. How can people aim guns at each other behind. Love, lie and be handsome for tomorrow we die.

—Come here, flew there. Buy from us. Caressing the little chap enjoy that! It's fireworks, Cissy Caffrey that held his nose. French heels on her because the green, four, six, eight, nine. Different with me. Nearer the heart of man, Mary, how had he answered? Might be false name however like my name and the placid harbor wherein lay anchored the White Ship. With the dawn I descended the tower, I think so. You're not my sister, naughty Tommy said. Holding up her hand at Master Jacky who was really as bold as brass there was in deep mourning, she had tripped up over something accidentally on purpose with her tongue. Run you through the air, a pathetic little glance of piteous protest, of a surety God's fair land of Zar, for herself alone. Pity they can't get. But her breasts were developed. Course I never could throw anything straight at school, arms round each other's appearance. Mr Bloom.

—O my! How they change the venue when it's not what they like dressing one another to pay their devoirs to her for love was the allimportant question and she and that was why Edy Boardman with the instinctive taste of a marriage has been arranged and the last glimpse of Erin, the mice will play. And I viewed by moonlight the sparkling sea, the fallen women off the London bridge road always riding up and down in a profusion of luxuriant clusters and pared her nails with red ink make you split your sides or when she got a keepsake from Bertha Supple told that once to Edy to Jacky and Tommy and Jacky ran out to him.

It is the Land of the bluest Irish blue, indigo, violet. And it's extremely curious the smell. After supper walk a mile. Girl in Meath street that night. Then I will tell you all. Gerty with a single girl! Mullingar. She would care for him as a present to give them a ringing good clip on the thirty-first day that we know elsewhere; or at least so men relate.

Two and nine? There. A defect is ten times worse in a ring.

Yes, it cut deep because Edy had her own quiet way of saying things like that Wilkins in the zoo. It's the blood flow back when she asked you would you have a beautifully appointed drawingroom with pictures and engravings and the dreams of Time. How can people aim guns at each other a pinch of salt. Take the train there tomorrow. Just for a quiet life, laughed Ciss. She did it up with wind. All that old hill has seen. The gods are greater than any I had once seen through the dusk, hither, thither, with bowed head before those young guileless eyes. Someone ought to take them all at night the streets and the way of kindness, deserves to be silent. No reasonable offer refused.

One grain pour off odour for years at the thought a burning scarlet swept from throat to brow till the lovely reflection which the mirror to save the little pool by the huge carven gate Akariel; but he thought it must be after eight because the handkerchief spoiled the sit and a piquant tilt of her shoes if she was game.

What a brute he had eyes in his eyes there would be and that baby was to be something great, they prayed, queen of the West. Please keep off the London bridge road always riding up and look and suggest and let you see. Her mother's birthday that was so quiet and clean and dark expressive brows. That's the way to find out. Molly can knock spots off them. Handed down from father to, mother to daughter, I think. Body fifty different colours. But Tommy said. Washing child, I saw that he who looks up to his taste as Morris said when he, he did. And distant hills seem. Had her father only avoided the clutches of the palace is of glass, under which flow the cunningly lighted waters of the hours.

His voice had a false arm. Still if he works that paragraph. Sister? Caressing the little kinnatt, because she had never regretted it. Salt in the convent garden. Darling. Then all melted away dewily in the Appian way I nearly spoke to her please. She smelt an onion. All that old hill has seen. Never have little baby then less he was looking at, and shed a cluster of violet but one white stars. Hm. Looks so forlorn. Howth settled for slumber, tired of long days, of yumyum rhododendrons he was what he was doing to it and then slinking around the back streets into somewhere else. Their natural craving. It was like the nobleman with the instinctive taste of a young gentleman in the heavens. Enjoying nature now. Old Betty's joints are on the premium. She wore a pair, astonishing bargain. Poor idiot! And says she and that Our Blessed Lady herself said to me. There was none to know was he done and he read out Panem de coelo praestitisti eis and Edy, little wretch. What? And the houses and the streets are white with the glow of that. To aid gentleman in literary. But might happen sometime, I am a fool perhaps. History repeats itself. Watch! Her blue scarf loose, laughing, and sounding mine own praises; the praises of me when I'm far away. My fireworks. Attract men, while none hath ever beheld Cathuria.

And the houses, and here he walks in, all right and she wasn't stagestruck like Winny Rippingham that wanted healing with heartbalm. Far away in the Erin's King, throwing them the sack of old men and the bird, whose glossy plumage matched the sky out of that so that she too could write poetry if she minds it till Johnny comes marching home again.

More put out about a hole in her delicate hands and face were working and a large apron. I have such a pity too leaving them there to that favourite nook to have a good enough colour if there was joy on her brow and patrician suitors at her sometimes. Nevertheless at the stone pier by the hand so they wouldn't fall running. A last lonely candle wandered up the sky out of sight, and she said, she could make him awkward like those newsboys me today. Let me be the first stirrings of unrest. Beauty and the eyes that spoke volumes of scorn immeasurable. Far away in the dark and his hands.

The stick fell in silted sand, stuck in the air which was unmistakably evidenced in her delicate hands and higharched instep. We'll never meet one like that from everyone always petting him. A monkey puzzle rocket burst, spluttering in darting crackles. In the gardens of these things, and each set slotted with different coloured ribbons, rosepink, pale blue, indigo, violet. —Nasty bold Jacky! Yes, there's the light. On the beeoteetom, laughed Ciss. Bat again. Ah. Must be near nine. All kinds of crazy longings. Then make it up. At it again? And as we approached the lily-lined shore. Bit of stick. A penny for your thoughts. The sister of the South it would always glide smoothly and silently over the sea rose lordly terraces of verdure, tree-studded, and saw it and they have their period. A defect is ten times worse in a blue moon. Mailboat. Typist going up and broke out into a dozen pieces. She rose. They believe in chance because like themselves. Healthy perhaps absorb all the thingamerry she was ever ladylike in her heart went pitapat.

And Cissy and Tommy and Jacky threw the ball quickly and threw it up. Sister? Howth now. And while she gazed her heart went pitapat. I dwelt there I dwelt there I wandered blissfully through gardens where quaint pagodas peep from pleasing clumps of bushes, and I walked out over the city was greater than that of the suckingbottle and the picture of health, till death us two part, from a stroke. Pray for us. But Gerty was womanly wise and knew that that foreign gentleman that was the benediction because just then the Roman candle going up Roger Greene's stairs two at a wake when the stormy winds do blow. Gerty just took off the altar with the twins at their boyish gambols or the gentleman opposite looking. All that the wouldbe assailant came to grief and alas to relate! Transparent stockings, stretched to breaking point. I had. It was against the full moon, I would say to myself, is the abode of gods and heroes that he who would understand without your telling out and said if she was hunting to match that chenille but at last she found one evening round the potherbs.

Mushy like, said Cissy, I'll run ask my uncle Peter over there what's the time. It was all things combined. There she is with them down there for the pleasure cruise in the Lady's Pictorial that electric blue selftinted by dolly dyes because it was a good hiding for themselves to keep the iron on because she felt 1. Liked me or what? Go home to nicey bread and many who had not found his ideal, perhaps his hair slightly flecked with grey, and chilled me as I am Basil Elton, keeper of the sea. Liked me or what? Liverpool boat long gone. Kiss in the air which was unmistakably evidenced in her gipsylike eyes and a light broke in upon her set her tingling in every port they say. It's so hard to know because they were, superbly expressive, but they would both have brekky, simple but perfectly served, for it is. Ah, yes.

But waiting, always with Gerty the girl chums had of Martin Harvey, the fabric that caresses the skin, fine like what do you sniff? Whew! O'Hara's tower. Have their own use of everything. And you a married man or a negress or a negress or a girl with glasses. Yours for the pleasure cruise in the bed met him, her eyes and his sandy moustache a bit of blue somewhere on her first. But he was laid to rest. Kiss and delighted to, mother to daughter, I mean? Work Hynes and Crawford. —I'd like to give or perhaps an album of illuminated views of Dublin or some place. Suppose he hit me. All quiet on Howth now. Wants to stamp his trademark on everything. Hm. They get a hogo you could hang your hat on.

Others in vessels, bit of a little canarybird that came out of pinnies. Why Molly likes opoponax. Got my own back there. Best time to show what a great notion they had a cultured ring in it and then Saint Joseph. I heeded him not; for ocean is more ancient than the mountains, and he wasn't either to look in that immodest way like that to witness. Gerty winced sharply. What about? But then why don't all women menstruate at the idea of Cissy saying an unladylike thing like that, supply soft and delicately rounded, and she had, clear and cool the fountains, and that tired feeling. Evening like this, the flowers for the forty hours' adoration because it lasts only a few roofs, weird and ominous, yet adorned with rich friezes and alluring sculptures. O yes, it is he stands silent, with a strong quiet face who had lost his wife. Dislike rough and tumble. That widow on Monday was it late. Never see them with three colours. A delicate pink crept into her cheeks. Not even the smoke. Then I did. Colours depend on the floor so they wouldn't fall running. Twittering the bat flew forth from the room with a private yacht. The new I want to.

Suppose I when I was only this: a strange yearning tendency to the beautiful eyes, for it: good evening, and the pealing anthem of the ways that were white and soft just like Cissycums. That's what they had only exchanged glances of the tomboy about Cissy Caffrey not to be asked and it nestled about her lame of course their little tiffs from time to kiss again. And then their stomachs clean.

They feel all that she was on show. I were the newest thing in footwear Edy Boardman was noticing it too over the sea. Tide comes here. You could see at once. See.

Not true. Same style of beauty. One night I espied upon the eidolon Lathi, that lent to her the extra two shillings. And I closed my eyes a quick stinging of tears. He was eying her as she limped away. All tarred with the kiddies. Gerty they called her. Saw a pool near her window.

It was getting darker but he could be trusted to the works and she always tried to conceal it. Husband rolling in her pure radiance a beacon ever to the sound of voices and the air was filled with the golden domes of gigantic cities glittering on the mirror gave back to her please. Yet he was looking all the world of her but Gerty could see far away on the ceiling. They believed you could hang your hat on. Say papa, baby, Cissy Caffrey not to be lightly trifled with. Tide comes here. Glass flashing. Say a woman save in the brown macintosh. Perhaps so as not to fight. Liverpool boat long gone. Page of an old copybook. Devils they are. And the tephilim no what's this they call it poor papa's father had on his mind. —O my! As we drew nearer the green but Tommy saw it too over the ocean told me in a ring. All the dirty sand. Throwing them up in her young voice that fellow today at the next moment it was Cissy Caffrey called the man that was why no-one would have a good tuck in.

And she lived with her tongue.

She smelt an onion. Payment at the side that was far away on the way that ad of Keyes's. Coastguards too. Us too: the tie he wore, his hoarse breathing, because she had raised the devil in him. I was young and filled with the memories and the streets and the bird will squeak. No harm in him and she had a brickbat to keep them in hand. He brought it out of some people she knew would wound like the bird will squeak. Gabriel be it done unto me according to Thy Word.

Excitement. Now if you put those things on inside out and that that was the quiet church whence there streamed forth at times upon the platform of that land, the very it, stirs.

Puking overboard to feed the herrings.

Up like a rag on her back and put his hands back into his pockets. Miss puny little Edy's countenance fell to the verdant shore upon a golden bridge of moonbeams. Mushy like, tell by their eye, on the strand. What frightens them, the shape of his distinguishedlooking figure.

Can't read. Ought to go with them down there for the pleasure cruise in the fine selfraising flour and always stir in the gathering twilight, wan and strangely drawn, seemed to hear the panting of his days and he who treads them may nevermore return to his fingertips.

She drew herself up to her as she bent forward quickly, a languid queenly hauteur about Gerty which was unmistakably evidenced in her pure radiance a beacon ever to the verdant shore upon a face infinitely sad and wistful. Those girls, those lovely seaside girls. Willy's hat and the others did a sprint. Shame all put on the shelf and the proud head flashed up. Friction of the West, but watched me as I crouched on the bed. O, Mairy lost the pin of her she longs to be architecturally improved by a frontdoor like the nobleman with the soldiers and coarse men with no respect for a cup of tea. She'd like scent of that. Reminds me of that place where she never had a false arm. She would care for him as she mused by the huge carven gate Akariel; but he gently denied my wish, saying, Into Thalarion, the stars. Their natural craving. Pinned together.

Children always want to sing the Tantum ergo and she seemed to beckon me. Dogs at each other a pinch of salt. Gerty, half smiling, with little hubbies. He wore a pair of gaiters the night, when they have to travel many a long mile before you found a head of nutbrown tresses was never seen on a bridge of moonbeams. Because they want it they throw it to her.

Life, love, a pathetic little glance of piteous protest, of her petticoat running and her face was almost spiritual in its transient loveliness, with her favourite perfume because the last glimpse of Erin, the Land of Cathuria, but this time the movement takes. Then little chits of girls, those transparent! The strength it gives a man and soon the lamplighter would be Mrs Wylie and in the harbor of Sona-Nyl there is neither time nor space, neither suffering nor death; and there through the dusk, hither, thither, with blue appealing eyes. Coastguards too. Same time might prefer a tie undone or something or on account of a jar by throwing in pebbles. Tide comes here. The body feels the atmosphere. At Dolphin's barn a blind. It was like the eagle then look at it other way round is the abode of gods and heroes that he was too old or something. Looking from Buena Vista. Marry in May and repent in December. Funny my watch. There were wounds that wanted they two to always dress the same time with the soldiers and coarse men with no, nono, baby. All kinds of crazy longings. A.E. Rumpled stockings. Stuck. Ask you do you expect her to do ah ah. Yet he was out of the ages. I mean. Particularly nice old party for a quiet life, lifebelt round him, dance of the ringdove, but they had a group taken. Of young poets who died in want before the crash that I did Rip van Winkle coming back. Also the library today: those girl graduates. And Belfast. Because it's all arranged. Washing child, I saw that the wouldbe assailant came to grief and alas to relate! All a prejudice. Wide brim. No room. See ourselves as others see us.

All the dirty sand. Bit of stick. Martha, the City Arms. He was but eleven months everyone said and big for his age and the little brats of twins began to quarrel again and Jacky by the by that.

Moorish eyes. Place made me think of that. Thanks. Ah! It was darker now and there ought to be asked and it was not slow to voice his dismay but luckily the gentleman winding his watch, listening to it and Cissy laughed. Might be the one who married the elder brother would be twentytwo in November. Like Molly. Little sweetheart come and kiss me. Birds are like hopping mice. Then they sang the second verse of the tortoise, and saw it so Gerty drew back her girlhood. At it again? That's the secret of it. They floated, fell: they faded. The gods are greater than that of a general all round over me and half down my back. From everything in the Burton today spitting back gumchewed gristle. He has his bib destroyed. They were there and toilers for their sins. O Lord, that dull aching void in her pure radiance a beacon ever to the stride showed off her hat anyhow on her nerves, no clouds.

Time was when those brows were not men. Begins to feel cold and clammy. Mysterious thing too. Exhausted that female has me. Beauty and the young heathen was quickly appeased. O, he said, in another sphere, that reigns over the flowery meadows and leafy woods brought a scent at which I trembled. Remember about the boy that had pictures cut out of papers of those evening bells and at the Blessed Sacrament and knelt down and he said, in the valuation when I sent to Flynn? Gerty the girl friends were seated on the mantelpiece white and soft just like Cissycums. It's the white walks are bordered with delicate blossoms. Her first stays I remember looking in Pill lane. Offend her. Something in the valuation when I gave her the time? Two and nine. Like kids your second visit to the very lips. The colours were done something lovely. Will I? Houses of mourning so depressing because you never know. Might get piles myself. Fifteen she told me of that and not to feel too much because she knew how to end the conversation. Felt for the sacrifice. Go home. There he goes.

She would try to understand him because men were so foreign from the others did a sprint. Breath?

Would it make a man. Like our small talk. Just went as far as she'd see them scorching the things. Her blue scarf loose, laughing. Kind of a bluey white. Miss Cummins, author of Mabel Vaughan and other tales. Ora pro nobis. Useless. Peep she cried: Gerty! Hm. Nevertheless at the same time a bat flew forth from the steeple over the waters. He would be like heaven. I sailed away. She had loved him better than he knew. Must be connected with that because of the sacred Narg. When I said to Gerty: O, father, will you ever forget her the evening she dressed up in the fine selfraising flour and always would be twentytwo in November. Mr Bloom effaced the letters and samples from his office about Catesby's cork lino, artistic, standard designs, fit for a palace, gives tiptop wear and always bright and beautiful, and I walked out over the trees, up, up, look who it is really. Her maiden name was Jemina Brown And she said, so becoming in leaders of fashion, and she always kept a piece of cottonwool scented with her poking her nose into what was no concern of hers. Trust? Do fish ever get seasick? Yes, all is prepared. Still, I saw him under the bed. Gerty MacDowell was … Tight boots? Otherwise I couldn't have. Round the Kish in eighty days. Better now of course. Buy from us. Want to be grownups.

Leopold Bloom for it so Gerty drew back her girlhood. Because you were so different. All those holes and corners.

For such a one she yearns this balmy summer eve. Kind of a sensation rushing all over her higharched instep. Tired I feel. Yes now, look up where the white of the earth somewhere.

Not they! Look under the lamps. Can't read. The sister of the Most Blessed Sacrament. —A penny for your thoughts. Shrouded in mist they were afraid the tide is low, but could you trust them? Queen of angels, queen of prophets, of whom all are gifted with unmarred grace and unalloyed happiness. Always see a blotch blob yellowish. Strange name. Because those spice islands, Cinghalese this morning on the strand to see and see more and defy you if you're a man to see and Edy asked wasn't she coming but Jacky Caffrey were twins, scarce saw or heard her companions or the twins at their boyish gambols or the twins at their beck and call. So over she went there about the mistake in all her life because Gerty MacDowell bent down her head and a large apron. Howth and to me, who had first advised her to speak out: had a good enough colour if there had been there, fascinated by a frontdoor like the sea? Soon to our eyes appeared on the rocks. —O, those girls, those girls or is it all a fake? Gerty who tacked up on the waterjug to keep the iron on because she had ever seen. Wait for her. Must come back. Want to be wholesome. Mistake to hit back. Gently does it. Wouldn't give that satisfaction. Her maiden name was Jemina Brown And she tickled tiny tot's two cheeks to make him awkward like those newsboys me today. O but the dark, lowing out like seacows. Husband rolling in drunk, stink of pub off him like a phantom ship. Three cheers for the reverend John Hughes S.J., rosary, sermon and benediction of the bluest Irish blue, mauve and peagreen, and the spades and buckets and it went out for her. Wish she hadn't called me sir. And yet and yet! Well, aren't they?

The man who lifts his hand out of joint about the geegee and where was Cissy Caffrey played with baby Boardman in it shine the perfect ideals of all holes and pebbles. Howth a while ago amethyst. Ah. An optical illusion. Nobody. They believed you could hang your hat on. Gerty had her own father, and roofed with glittering gold that reflects the rays of the girlwoman went out to him to say nothing. O, responded Gerty, half smiling, with a canarybird that came from the grotto-born river Narg. The colours were done something lovely. Can't read. Birds are like hopping mice.

Perhaps not to hurt. Had kind fate but willed her to do with a divine, an entrancing blush from straining back and put his hands back into the house, giving his everwelcome double knock, went the whole ghesabo would stop bit by bit. Allow me to embark for far unknown shores. A penny for your thoughts. Nothing else mattered. Caressing the little mariner and coaxed winningly: Gerty! Cissy took off her hat at it other way under him. She was pronounced beautiful by all who knew her though, as folks often said, she could sit so she just answered with scathing politeness when Edy asked her the saddest she had to go and ride up and called them and she had a full length oilpainting of her head and a single girl! All changed. No.

And when Cissy came up Edy asked where was Cissy Caffrey called to the Tantumer gosa cramen tum. Frightening them with three colours. Howth now. Open like flowers, know their hours, sunflowers, Jerusalem artichokes, in this life and that was an accident coming down Dalkey hill and she told me liked to smell rock oil. Light is a kind of a surety God's fair land of Egypt and into the mist lifted, we beheld the green she wore that day week brought grief because his father kept him in all the dreams and thoughts of beauty. Let me. Glad to get an exhibition in the gathering twilight, wilt thou ever? Homerule sun setting in the Burton today spitting back gumchewed gristle. Don't know what it is. Homerule sun setting in the sand and Tommy and Jacky by the way that ad of Keyes's. Good idea if you're stuck. It was all no use soothering him with creature comforts too for Gerty was adamant. Trust? Why Molly likes opoponax. Watch! Like a cat sitting beyond a dog's jump. Her woman's instinct told her or she'd never speak to her nose. Married too. Wonder where it is. Featherbed mountain. Suppose he gave her money. From the East. And delighted to, kiss, to little baby Boardman to take them in their pipe and smoke it. Might be money. They would be like heaven. Leopold Bloom. Weighs on his smart little suit. Day we went out of them. Excites them also when they're.

Or the one bit me, This is the meaning of that place where she never made a worse fool of myself however. Curious she an only child. Still, I suppose, at closer range, and Edy and Cissy tucked in the dark. Or broken bottles in the ball a jolly good kick and it had appeared. Some good matronly woman in a blue moon. Also the form, the both of them every evening poured out of some people she knew too about the time before. Of marble and porphyry are the turrets of marble upon its walls. Must wheedle her way along the sand with their spades and buckets and it went out to him and the bird of heaven flew before, and to be kind.

Must nail that ad I must, carrying things in and out with his shadow on the Tuesday, no-one ever not even closed at first, sour milk in their stockings. The body feels the atmosphere. No. A dream of wellfilled hose. O so lovely, O.

Know her smell in a soft language I seemed to her!

No harm in him and then slipped it back. Lord! O by the dying embers in a man's passionate gaze it was him. Picking holes in each other's necks or with ten fingers locked, kissing and whispering secrets about nothing. But to be seen on a girl's honour, degrading the sex and being taken up to her! That gouger M'Coy stopping me to embark for far unknown shores.

At the dance night she met him pike hoses frillies for Raoul de perfume your wife black hair heave under embon señorita young eyes Mulvey plump bubs me breadvan Winkle red slippers she rusty sleep wander years of dreams return tail end of her stockings. So the White Ship on a bench marked Wet Paint. Faugh a Ballagh! Children always want to throw it to grow long because it was this, the matinee idol, only for the first to. And the floor of the South it would glide very smoothly and silently, its sails distant and its long strange tiers of oars moving rhythmically. Tide comes here. Very same teeth she has. Wish I had a good tuck in. Till then they had stewed cockles and periwinkles. —Tell us who is he stands silent, with her favourite perfume because the benediction because just then the Roman candle burst and it nestled about her pretty head in a soft language I seemed to beckon me to say papa.

Molly. Gerty's lips parted swiftly to frame the word but she never had a brickbat to keep the iron on because she had been there, fascinated by a loveliness that made her his. Three and eleven, on the staircase. —A jink a jink a jink a jink a jink a jink a jawbo. Say papa, baby. Very same teeth she has. The propitious moment. Nothing grows in it, falling in love. Tell you what it was simply a lovers' quarrel. Gerty the girl chums had of Martin Harvey, the matinee idol, only for the novena of Saint Dominic. The distant hills seem. Mr Dignam and they all ran down the slope past him, from a stroke. Also glowworms, cyclists: lightingup time. And then there was something about twilight, wilt thou ever?

For this relief much thanks. Not so bad. Might remain. Walk after him now make him shrivel up on the proud promontory of dear old Howth guarding as ever the waters. Up from the distant sea. Course.

After supper walk a mile. Little paps to begin with. Young student. Evening. Out of the transparent stockings thinking Reggy Wylie used to do something not very nice that you could be trusted to the roots of her jib. But he was big strong fight his way up through. Good evening. Must nail that ad of Keyes's. The strength it gives a man. Light too. And they all ran down the uneven strand to Cissy, to Edy to Jacky and to mind he didn't wet his new fancy bib. Give it to her and for an instant she was not to fight. Might have made a worse fool of myself however. No. She's worth ten, fifteen, more sinned against than sinning, or even, even, even as the grave, and they're always spinning it out. They were protestants in his wee fat tummy and baby, without as much as by your leave, sent up his little mouth with the unburied bones of those perilous seas wherein men say Cathuria lies. How moving the scene there in the bath, funeral, house of Keyes, museum with those goddesses, Dedalus' song. Or children playing battle. And while she gazed her heart went pitapat. Far in the high school like his brother W.E. Wylie who was it rubbed the menthol cone on her brow and patrician suitors at her sometimes. Must be getting on for it and his sandy moustache a bit of a quiver in the same time with the golden domes of gigantic cities glittering on the side that was too old or something. Saves them. But it was and she leaned back and he told to me. And when the stormy winds do blow. Dreamt last night? They would be tall with broad shoulders she had even witnessed in the dark. Clings to everything she takes off. Cissy told him no, no and telling him about the farmer in the extreme.

The slight contretemps claimed her attention but in two twos she set that little hint she gave a kick but she never forgot every fortnight the chlorate of lime Mr Tunney the grocer's christmas almanac, the City Arms with the reluctant bearded man again implored me to introduce my. I do not like. Come in, all is prepared. Hyacinth perfume made of oil of ether or something or on account of the game.

Gabriel be it done unto me according to Thy Word. He was so kind and holy and often she thought she might now be rolling in her sweet girlish shyness that of a hat of wideleaved nigger straw contrast trimmed with an arch glance from her eyes. Molly it was not recorded in any age that those who have looked upon the stillness the voice of prayer to her and she let him and she gave had had the perfume of the celestial bird, and I know who is your sweetheart, spoke Edy Boardman was with little Tommy behind the wall coming out of fun in his wee fat tummy and baby, Cissy Caffrey not to be that rock she sat on. Particularly nice old party for a week on end you couldn't eat something poetical like violets or roses and they both ran after it in violet ink that she had even witnessed in the blue for luck. Here. This weather makes you dull. You are lovely, O, he and she said to me in a nice pace. Must call to the heel. Different with me. Puddeny pie! Had her father only avoided the clutches of the mountain snow. See him sometimes walking about trying to do with a strong quiet face who had beckoned now spoke a welcome to me in the Ormond damp. Howth a while ago amethyst. The year returns. A star I see. Have to let that be a warning to him. No, a girl He was so frightfully clever because he had meant to her and then are forgotten. Stuck. There was the right time? Or what they hadn't got and she had always admired tall men for a husband with glistening white teeth under his carefully trimmed sweeping moustache and walked down Tritonville road, smoking a cigarette. Also the form, the image of the world. Chap in the pushcar with baby Boardman was as good as gold, set off by lustrous lashes and dark and his sandy moustache a bit of her dream of yester eve. Little sweetheart come and kiss me. He of all is prepared. The pretty lips pouted awhile but then she cried. She had four dinky sets with awfully pretty stitchery, three garments and nighties extra, and of things more strange and more distant in space and time. Exhausted that female has me. Women buzz round it like flies round treacle. —O yes, it is for you, Gertrude MacDowell, a five, and it was flying through the laurel hedges. Lord, I am than some poet chap with bearsgrease plastery hair, lovelock over his dexter optic. Bat probably. Twenty years asleep in Sleepy Hollow. And you a married man or a rich gentleman coming with a scapular or a girl tell? The anchor's weighed. The new I want to throw poor Tommy was headstrong Master Jacky had built and Master Tommy and Master Jacky the culprit and said if she could see him taking out his watch, listening to the verdant shore upon a face infinitely sad and wistful. Roygbiv Vance taught us: red, orange, yellow, green, gray, white or black; smooth, ruffled, or playing with his shadow on the strand and slippy seaweed. Sharp as needles they are. Mutoscope pictures in Capel street: for men only. Comfortress of the moon was full and high in the later watches of the candles, the fallen women off the accommodation walk beside the sparkling waves and discuss matters feminine, Cissy!

Wore the breeches.

Also a shop often noticed.

Might be the first time since my grandfather and told him of these things, and their ball with her mother in the Burton today spitting back gumchewed gristle. Like a little jessamine mixed. But makes them feel ticklish. Apoplectic. She slipped a hand into her as if he truly loved her. Lord! Edy asked where was the right time? Tip. A penny for your thoughts. She would try to understand him because men were so different. I'll run ask my uncle Peter over there what's the time before. No prince charming is her beau ideal to lay a rare and wondrous love at her new hat she ventured a look at a wake when the painters were in Lombard street west. That's how that wise man what's his name with the umbrella. —O my! Think you're escaping and run into yourself. Have birds no smell? Of that land there is neither time nor space, neither suffering nor death; and now there are so few that I dwelt there I dwelt for many aeons. Gerty MacDowell, a sterling man, crushing her soft body to him to come back because they were told to my grandfather and told him too a haven of refuge for the rest of his gleeful eyes, a danger signal always with a big brother and sister without all that offer. Must call to those heights seems to be seen on his face. Yes, all is the Land of Cathuria with its splendid groves and pastures, bright and beautiful, and the choir began to sing the Tantum ergo and she saw that the city. Is it only now? What about? Jilted beauty.

And the women, instance, warn you off when they settled down in a porkpie hat to put on and he who looks up to the happy folk, of shy reproach under which flow the cunningly lighted waters of the world. His dark eyes fixed themselves on her sweet girlish shyness that of which she preferred because she knew too about the boy that had neither shape nor form the cheek of her nose into what was the allimportant question and she saw that the light in the incense and censed the Blessed Virgin and then Gerty beyond the basalt pillars of the mountain snow. That's what they had! Eightyseven that was for luck. Is it only now? Besides they say. Yes, it cut deep because Edy had her own right and she let him and told him of these things, too. Must be near nine. Otherwise I couldn't have. But makes them feel ticklish. Fate that is. Like our small talk.

Mr Bloom with careful hand recomposed his wet shirt. Cheap too. Enjoying nature now. Hopeless.

Bread cast on the weedgrown rocks along Sandymount shore and, my ideal? And time, well that's the time the oarsmen, sweet as on that stone. Or children playing battle. Girl in Meath street that night. Did too. And Cissy and Edy Boardman said she wanted him because men were so foreign from the full moon, and love her, bend down or carry a bunch of flowers to smell rock oil. Or bad? Opening of his head to see. Then came we to a plank or astride of a garden. It was there plain to be seen on a mirror. Bought to hide her face because she once knew a gentleman, selfcontrol expressed in every nerve.

Always off to a woman loses a charm with every pin she takes off. Sticks too like a second mother in the ridingboots and spurs at the lamp with his hands were of finely veined alabaster with tapering fingers and as I am than some poet chap with bearsgrease plastery hair, lovelock over his dexter optic. O thinking she was not true that she was sincerity itself, one of love's little ruses. To aid gentleman in the face that he was a suspicion of a hat of wideleaved nigger straw contrast trimmed with an underbrim of eggblue chenille and at the lamp because she had raised the devil in him and tear his silly postcard into a tree, so I would often picture the whole hog, say: I want a drink of water. A brief cold blaze shone from her eyes that spoke volumes of scorn immeasurable. From far shores came those white-sailed argosies of old; from far Eastern shores where warm suns shine and sweet odors linger about strange gardens and gay temples. I was only the plain little tales of calm beaches and near ports, but who can tell what lies beyond the basalt pillars of the position. Gain time. Catch em alive, O. My arks she called it. The Lamplighter by Miss Cummins, author of Mabel Vaughan and other tales. Cissy's quick motherwit guessed what was no sin because that came out upon the living Olympus. How sad to poor Gerty's ears! And Cissy and Edy shouted after them to see you. For this relief much thanks. She would care for him with creature comforts too for Gerty was dressed simply but with the twins. Gerty's lips parted swiftly to frame the word but she could see the difference because she wanted at Clery's summer sales, the green, blue, mauve and peagreen, and where the couples walked and lighting the lamp at his foot. A dream of yester eve. Naughty darling. Through the open window of the wife of the West. Looking out over the skin, fine like what do you sniff? Earth for instance those others. But her breasts were developed. And the cities as blissful gods view them from the days of my foot. Archimedes.

Not like that too, my word, but ever would the bearded man said to Molly the man who had erred and sinned and wandered, their eyes wet with contrition but for all that darling little fellows with bright merry faces and endearing ways about them. No, Gerty, rapt in thought, scarce saw or heard her companions, lost in thought, scarce saw or heard her companions or the twins at their boyish gambols or the gentleman lodger that was so human and chintz covers for the chairs and that was. Howth and to hear the music like that poem that appealed to her and for an ad to catch a woman's eye on a girl's honour, degrading the sex and being taken up to the fumes of intoxication, forget himself completely for if there had been himself a sinner, a pathetic little glance of piteous protest, of her then. Ba. Who came first and after there was an old maid, pretending to nurse the baby when they settled down in a brown study without the lamp because she would dream of that lovely confession album with the foreign name from the wash and ironed them and she would have given that child an empty teat to suck. An optical illusion. Blown in from the sea and meet in a soft language I seemed to hear the music like that out loud she'd be ashamed of her new conquest for them, light or noise? She him half past four.

In his sheltering arms, strain her to make a man among men. Came from the dew. What is it all a fake? Always off to a pleasant coast gay with blossoms of every hue, where purr with ravishing music the scented waters that come to town. Time was when those brows were not so many millions of tiny grains blown across. And the old familiar words, holy virgin of virgins. Suppose it's ever so many aeons. Mirage. There or the gentleman couldn't see and see more and more distant in space and time.

Passionate nature though he spoke in measured accents there was a palpable case of Doctor Fell or his carbuncly nose with the glow of that lighthouse whence I had known from the room playing with their spades and buckets and it gushed out of the gout and she did look a streel tugging the two twins and she was more a Giltrap than a MacDowell. Looks like a nun or a widower who had voyaged far from him, and that was.

For an instant there was absolution so long as it wasn't of a young May morning.

That strained look on her face was suffused with a little strangled cry, wrung from her shortsighted eyes. Put them all at it other way round. If she saw a long mile before you found a head of nutbrown tresses was never seen on that distant night when we were on the ceiling. They feel all that.

Jilted beauty. Circus horse walking in a garden. Molly was in the bed for what's not there. That's how that wise man what's his name with the baby. Bell scared him out to him chokingly, held out her snowy slender arms to him for the sister-in-law he hawked about, three fangs in her sweet girlish shyness that of a bluey white. She's worth ten, fifteen, more musical than the sweetest songs of the game. Or hers.

None of your twofaced things, too sweet to be a warning to him in tow, platter face and a navy threequarter skirt cut to the core. Complimented perhaps. I will tell you all. Ought to attend to my appearance my age. Dearer than the Widow Welch's female pills and she swung them like that out of a strange yearning tendency to the core.

There he goes. Featherbed mountain. Their natural craving. Well? Naughty darling. A penny for your thoughts. Petticoats for Molly. Ba. What do you call it gossamer, and beginning to lisp his first babyish words. All wrong of course Gerty knew Who came first and after Him the Blessed Sacrament back into his pockets.

Complimented perhaps.

But to be his only, his left boot sanded sideways, leaned, breathed. Same time doing it scraped her slipper on the quiet gravefaced gentleman, selfcontrol expressed in every port they say. At once! She must have, stuck in the extreme. Blown in from the South it would always glide smoothly and silently over the houses, and then are forgotten. That gouger M'Coy stopping me to embark for far unknown shores. Curtain up. Mirage. Devil you are. Too late for Leah, Lily of Killarney. Howth now.

Hot little devil all the time and asking her but Gerty though she hid it, thrown from a thing like that, supply soft and delicately rounded, and love her, one of the hours were filled with the sleeves back and thought about those times because she once knew a gentleman like that you often meet what you feel. Different with me. Flatters them. And baby did his level best to say when he and she was black out at night like mice. Suppose I when I was only wondering was it late. Her first stays I remember looking in Pill lane. In Hamlet, that imparted a strange shining, hung enraptured on her nails with red ink make you split your sides or when she went down the slope past him, tossing her hair. Three and eleven, on the green but Tommy said he wanted the ball and the air.

—On the beeoteetom, laughed Ciss. Has to change or they might think it a house. Birds are like hopping mice.

But she was. Other hand a sixfooter with a wifey up to the maxim that every little Irishman's house is his castle, he was like the postcard I sent to Flynn? Molly. Inclination prompted her to intercede for them to see the difference for himself. She would follow, her own father, will you?

Wreckers. Willy's hat and what the great monarch Dorieb, and sounding mine own praises; the visions of young poets who died in want before the crash that I sometimes feel strangely alone, as glib as you didn't do the other way under him. All a prejudice. Thanks. And among the trees beside the sparkling sea, the reverend John Hughes S.J., rosary, sermon and benediction of the secret lore of ocean. Gerty beyond the horizon stretched the grim, gray, white or black; smooth, ruffled, or mountainous; that ocean is more sensitive, I expect, makes them feel ticklish. She would make the great saint Bernard said in his attentions when it was like no-one to be lightly trifled with. And whether the wind howled eerily from the nature of woman instituted by God, he. Corns on his cheek, We have rejected the beautiful Land of Pleasures Unattained. And she can do the same. Glass flashing. Signs of rain gold hair threads and they all saw it too over the waste I saw dirty bracegirdle made me think of me, little spitfire, because she was in that face, Bertha Supple told that once to Edy to Jacky and Tommy Caffrey since he was looking at, transparent, and Edy and Cissy were talking about Cuckoo Cuckoo. Useless. —Tell us who is he stands silent, with tears on his mind. Where did I smell it only now? She could just chuck him aside as if he works that paragraph. Race there, and led us toward the basalt pillars of the night that first we met. It would have thought the end I suppose. Catch em alive, O, don't they know! She had red slippers she rusty sleep wander years of dreams return tail end Agendath swoony lovey showed me her next her next her next her next her next year in drawers return next in her next.

Stuck. Will she? Plain and loved, loved for ever. A penny for your thoughts. The paly light of evening falls upon a golden bridge of moonbeams. The clock on the waters of the Narg, gay with blossoms of every hue, where purr with ravishing music the scented waters that come from the shore stands the gray vapors of the cities of Cathuria with its splendid groves and palaces, each built over a piece of cottonwool scented with her golliwog curls. But Dignam's put the boots on it. But it was the puffpuff but Ciss, always readywitted, gave him in his head to see. Milly, no hour to be. Molly. Bailey light on Howth and to be all blotted out, the eyebrowleine, her dreamhusband, because she felt instinctively that he was out of pinnies. They were there and toilers for their daily bread and many who had not found his ideal, perhaps his hair slightly flecked with grey, and of things more strange and more to look, tense with suppressed meaning, that cat this morning on the rocks, and with the toes down. A last lonely candle wandered up the pushcar where the couples walked and lighting the lamp because she knew she could sit so she could call herself his little knickerbockers for him as she limped away. Little recked he perhaps for what they say. Bred in the hiding twilight and there through the mists beyond the bounds of lovely Cathuria. Mr Dignam that died suddenly and was buried, God have mercy on him, her dream of wellfilled hose. Say you never see them sit on that stone. For the aeons that I urged the rowers onward in my pocketbook. Tired I feel. Then I will tell you the right time up a bill on the rack. There. Come on, Gerty they called her. He called her little one in a garden. Art thou real, my ideal? And she told him no, that's the last time she'd ever bring them out. You would have to fly over the quiet gravefaced gentleman, selfcontrol expressed in every line of his handsome lips. Looking from Buena Vista. Always know a fellow courting: collars and cuffs. Old Barbary ape that gobbled all his faults she loved him still when he kissed the cow. Suppose it's ever so many millions of tiny grains blown across.

Begins to feel his lips laid on her face was almost spiritual in its ivorylike purity though her rosebud mouth was a story behind it. Result of the suckingbottle and the garters were blue to match on account of his handsome lips. Lacaus esant taratara. But who was it outside Cramer's that looked at me. Go home. —I know, Edy with the Blessed Sacrament. Different with me. Yes. Gerty was womanly wise and knew that a mere man liked that feeling of hominess. Ah. And Edy Boardman your sweetheart? I want a drink of water. All wrong of course Gerty knew it and Cissy poked him like a fine fine veil or web they have in rich houses. Wonderful of course Gerty knew Who came first and after there was just going to hurt you.

There too were forms and fantasies more splendid than any city I had. Or hers. Insects? Tell us who is Tommy's sweetheart. By screens of lighted windows, by equal gardens a shrill voice went crying, wailing: Evening Telegraph, stop press edition! Lighthearted deceiver and fickle like all his belongings on show. Back of everything. There too were forms and fantasies more splendid than any I had sailed so many hearths and homes had cist its shadow over her silly I will punish you letter. Then make it up. She jumped up and there was a protestant or methodist she could see from farther up.

Washed away. Well cocks and lions do the other way round is the abode of gods and heroes that he who would woo and win Gerty MacDowell yearns in vain. So once more the White Ship sailed silently away from my far native land, goodnight. Peep she cried out, holy Mary, star of the transparent stockings thinking Reggy Wylie used to wear then with a brave effort she sparkled back in sympathy as she glanced up and broke out into a cellar where it's dark. Never know what you feel like that, was scrupulously neat and clean and dark expressive brows. Might stop him giving credit another time. Better now of course and Canon O'Hanlon was up on the rack. And then she told herself that she had, clear and phosphorescent, to see over the city. The tree of forbidden priest. Cut with grass or paper worst. His eyes misty with unshed tears Master Tommy was not slow to voice his dismay but luckily the gentleman opposite heard what she felt.

Healthy perhaps absorb all the manhood out of its temples reached, so patient with little hubbies. The distant hills seem. Neat way she carries parcels too. Same time might prefer a tie undone or something. The gentleman aimed the ball and he kept on looking, looking up and down in front of Molly's dressingtable, just before we. Mamma! Molly likes opoponax. All my days have I watched it and saw that the man who lifts his hand out of the land and have seen herself exquisitely gowned with jewels on her pins anyway not like other flighty girls unfeminine he had eyes in his hands were just like a child of Mary, Martha: now as then. Just compare for instance pulling this and being pulled. Where we. O, Mairy lost the pin of her! Wonder if it's bad to go where you know she said to Molly the man who lifts his hand to a plank or astride of a jar by throwing in pebbles. It was the only time we cross legs, look at a time to time like the other.

Boys will be boys and our two twins and she was a story behind it. To aid gentleman in literary.

Hot little devil all the difference for himself. She put on the strand towards Cissy Caffrey caught the expression in his wee fat tummy and baby looked just too ducky, laughing up out of that I dwelt there I wandered blissfully through gardens where quaint pagodas peep from pleasing clumps of bushes, and roofed with glittering gold that reflects the rays of the rocks looking was Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo. Ugly: no woman thinks she is spoil all.

AM. Yes, I beheld the green and purple. Sister souls. I promised. Good evening. Chickens come home to roost. Must nail that ad of Keyes's. Off colour after Kiernan's, Dignam's. They were dabbling in the Coffee Palace. Kiss in the art of smoothing over life's tiny troubles and very slowly because—because Gerty MacDowell might easily have held her own father, and I walked out over the sea. She must have been as often of the position.

He would be going his rounds past the bed.

Wrangle with Molly. Who did you learn something. Perhaps so as not to hurt. Good idea the repetition. Dreadful life sailors have too.

And I'll write to you. Gerty's were of finely veined alabaster with tapering fingers and as I promised. Something in the morning. She's worth ten, fifteen, more, a man smell off us. Letter? Result of the south. And Jacky Caffrey called the man at the horse show. Because you get it out of his pocket, getting nervous, and to be wholesome. In Hamlet, that cat this morning. Padding themselves out if fat is in her own arms that were white and gold with a single girl! Passionate nature though he had a button one. Attract men, while none hath ever beheld Cathuria. Other hand a sixfooter with a box of paints because it was an accident coming down Dalkey hill and she whispered to Edy to Jacky and to be over. Longest way round is the palace of Dorieb, and Winny Rippingham that wanted healing with heartbalm. Work Hynes and Crawford. There were wounds that wanted they two to always dress the same spot. I glanced out over the sands the coming surf crept, grey. A defect is ten times worse in a towering rage though she didn't like the confounded little cat she was awfully fond of children, so slim, so beautifully moulded it seemed one an artist might have paid me that three shillings a pair, astonishing bargain. Say a woman loses a charm few could resist. Big he and she had to lean back more and defy you if you're stuck. Chickens come home to nicey bread and milky and say night prayers with the toes down. That's why she's left on the green but Tommy saw it too over the flowery meadows and leafy woods brought a scent at which I trembled.

Out of the position. Grace after meals. Bit of stick. It is for the afflicted because of him cooling in his family and of many things besides, in very truth, as of the ways beyond; and the perfume of those perilous seas wherein men say Cathuria lies. Call that innocence? She was wearing the blue banners of the seven seas. The sewage. Dreamt last night? Jilted beauty. Better. Archimedes. The gentleman aimed the ball rolled down the slope past him, from this to this day forward. You could see by her. Van: breadvan delivering. When you hold out the fork. Poor father! Thankful for small mercies. Never see them sit on that letter like the bird will squeak. Healthy perhaps absorb all the heart of the church the fragrant names of her! Walk after him now make him awkward like those newsboys me today. But the morning: was I drunk last night? And far on Kish bank the anchored lightship twinkled, winked at Mr Bloom. Watch! The night of the secret lore of old papers. It is for you, Jacky, for it and though many times since has the moon. In Sona-Nyl. Enjoying nature now. And when her nature came on her pins anyway not like. Gain time. Worst is beginning. From the East tempestuous winds arose, and Edy asked what and she let him and gild his days with happiness. So long as it wasn't natural so she simply passed it off with consummate tact by saying that that would make him shrivel up on the premium. I'll murder you.

Hyacinth? Can't tell yet. Lord, I suppose, at once by his dark eyes and a navy threequarter skirt cut to the death, steadfast, a danger signal always with Gerty MacDowell yearns in vain. Buy from us. Big he and he wasn't either to look, tense with suppressed meaning, that dull aching void in her shift on the instant it was. Impetuous fellow! There. Then they trot you out some kind of reassuring. Buried the poor husband but progressing favourably on the mantelpiece in the brown macintosh. Tommy behind the pushcar where the white of eggs though she hid it, and that was too after his misadventure. She had loved him better than he knew. Yes. She would have it right go wrong that it was a good education Gerty MacDowell must be a demi-god and others a god. It never comes the same on account of being white and gold with a wifey up to the core. The anchor's weighed. When we hid behind the wall of that land there is no bound, for it so they wouldn't hear. See ourselves as others see us. Or what they enjoy. Stuck. She wore a pair of gaiters the night breeze lift, ruffle his fell of ferns.

Its forests are of coral and amber. Naughty darling. Not so bad then. Offend her. Let him! The temper of him! Liverpool boat long gone. After supper walk a mile. Three years old she was just going to set fire to the dogs if some woman didn't take them all at it. Kind of a sensation rushing all over them. And pray for us, mystical rose. Ah! The wind grew stronger, and would soon be over. There was the very last time she'd ever bring them out of a good hiding for themselves to keep them in hand. Nevertheless at the butt of my grandfather there were some beautiful thoughts written in it. From the East. The stick fell in silted sand, stuck. A defect is ten times worse in a brown study without the others did a sprint. Must call to the gentleman was in chocolate and he read out Panem de coelo praestitisti eis and Edy Boardman said none too amiably with an arch glance from her shortsighted eyes. Our two champions claimed their plaything with lusty cries and to mind he didn't wet his new fancy bib. Peeping Tom. But Gerty's crowning glory was her wealth of wonderful hair.

#Ulysses (novel)#James Joyce #1922 #automatically generated text #Patrick Mooney #Nausicaa #H.P. Lovecraft #weird fiction #horror #American authors #20th century #modernist authors #The White Ship #1919

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