#tough luck buddy he's mine now

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Cool for the Summer 2

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, power dynamics, cheating, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: After finishing your degree, you return home only to find things aren’t as you left them.

Characters: Bucky Barnes

Note: Humping it up on hump day.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

You taste the cocktail and make a face. As sweet as it is, the alcohol is stringent in your throat. You set the glass down as Bucky’s fingers tap on his pint. You glance up, surprised to find him watching you. 

"Don't like it?" He asks. 

"Mm, no, I mean yes. No." You stutter out. "It's good, I just... don't drink much." 

"She's a good girl." Your mom teases. "I always had to push her out the door. Oh, don't even ask about prom." She grabs his forearm and cackles. "You would think buying a dress would be fun. Nope. I think she'd have rather gone to the dentist." 

Your cheeks turn hot. Four years past and you still cringe at the fitting room torture. You look down and fiddle with the cutlery wrapped in a red napkin. You really wish she wouldn't treat you like a child. You suppose at times you might act like one. 

"Those things can be tough. I barely remember mine. Only went so my buddy didn't feel like such a loser," Bucky shrugs. "But look at how far you've come. I'm sure high school is like a blip on the radar. Now the real fun begins, huh?" 

You know he's trying to help and you appreciate. But it only makes your chest tighten. The dread throbs in your temples. Life, it's all ahead of you but you have no idea where to start. 

"Yeah, I... I barely remember." You talk to the table. 

"She's a smart one," your mom praises. "I really lucked out. No teenage angst, no rebellion." 

You chew your lip and pick at the trim of the table. You sound lame. You are and you never minded the safety of that trait. Still, you'd like to be known as more than a boring little bookworm. 

"Okay, here we are." The server rescues you from further humiliation. "Chicken caesar." 

She puts your salad in front of you, "cheese steak sammy and macaroni salad." She lays a plate in front of Bucky, "and the sizzling fajitas." 

Another server appears with a wooden plank, set with a cast iron pan atop it and fixings; tortillas, salsa, guac. It smells delicious but you know it's too early for all that. You'd be even sleepier and you still have to get unpacked.  

"Enjoy," the waitress smiles and struts away. 

You unwrap your cutlery and use the knife and fork to shred the lettuce. You should've known better than to order salad. It's always so awkward to eat with others around to see. 

"Mm, pretty good," Bucky says. "Lauren, how's that extravaganza? Really went all out." 

"Wasn't expecting all this." Your mother scoops grilled peppers into a tortilla, daintily with her fork as her nails shine in the light. You remember when you asked to get a manicure and she said they were impractical... 

She's changed but you don’t feel all that different than when you left for college. Maybe you should have tried harder. Well, it's not like your life is over. Far from. 

"How about you?" Bucky prompts and once more you meet his gaze with a startled blink. You nod and swallow. 

"Good. Just boring old salad." You say. 

"Always chicken caesar," your mother chirps. "Creature of habit. Don't worry. You'll hardly be surprised. By tonight, she'll have one of her books and you won't hear another peep." 

You bite down on your tongue. You're not sure anymore if she's bragging or she's chiding you. Her life is so exciting now. Her hair is highlighted, her nails are filled, and her makeup... she's actually wearing makeup. 

"Didn't think you could work with those." You say as she catches her nail on her napkin. 

"Oh, yeah, I'm not in the ward anymore. Sweetie, didn't I tell you? I do clinicals now. I just show the new ones what to do. Not much hands-on stuff." 

"Uh, I remember. Sorry." 

"Too sharp," Bucky chuckles. "Can't even hold her hand without getting clawed." 

She jabs him with her shaped tip and he grunts. They laugh together and you look around. You're the sore thumb sticking out. Ever the third wheel. Even when you had 'friends', you sat on the sidelines, confused by their inside jokes. 

"It's very good. Thank you." You sit forward and focus on the salad. The sooner this is over, the sooner you can do exactly what your mom expects. Hide with a book. Alone. 

🩵

Home is always a comforting sight but not as much as you expect. A flicker of guilt sparks in your chest. Bucky just bought you lunch, you shouldn’t be so negative. Still, you just want to unwind after a long day of traveling. 

As much as you want him to just go, you would never say as much. Your mom seems happy with him. She even seems healthier. It’s nice to see her taking care of herself, she’s done enough of that for others for too long. 

You get out of the car but Bucky’s too fast. He has you bag in his hand before you can react to the trunk opening. He smiles and insists, “I got it. You lead the way.” 

“Mm, I could nap about now,” your mother calls over the car roof. 

You agree internally. The whole train ride, you looked forward to burying yourself in blankets and leaving the world behind. It would be rude to do so with company around, even if they aren’t yours.  

You follow your mom to the front door and she unlocks it with a yawn. You enter and slip your shoes off on the mat. Things are different. Not too different, you can’t quite place everything. Yet you notice that the coat rack has been replaced with mounted hooks across the wall and the rug at the bottom of the stairs is new. 

“Oh!” Your mom spins, surprising you before you can sneak past her. “I forgot about your surprise!” 

You look at her then over your shoulder at Bucky as he plunks down your bag. You wait for him to respond. He just offers a small curve of his lips. You turn back. 

“You,” your mom taps your nose. “Come on. Ah,” she waves around you at Bucky, “bring her bag with you.” 

Your mom grabs your arm and ushers you upstairs. You can’t resist, too swept up in fatigue and confusion. He follows behind you. What’s happening? 

“Okay. I hope you like it,” she goes to your door and your stomach flips. Oh no, what did they do? She swings the door open and backs up, waving inside, “tada!” 

You hesitate but make yourself step into the doorway. You glance around and your mouth slowly falls open. You blink at the room. Wow. 

It’s not awful, just another change you’re not ready for. Instead of your old rectangle bookcases, new circle ones have been built into the walls; white instead of brown. Your bed is the same but the wood is newly re-stained and the bedding is shade of pink you wouldn’t necessarily choose. A heart shaped rug is spread across the floor and your previous desk has been replaced with one that folds into the wall. 

There is an entirely new piece that stands out. A vanity in the corner. The mirror is the same shape as the carpet and the stool has a fluffy seat. 

“Oh, wow...” you utter as you step further inside. 

“Bucky is so handy! I always wanted to do this but I didn’t know where to start. Oh, just wait until you see his place,” she rambles as she trails you. “He built the whole thing himself.” 

“I had help,” he tuts and sets your bag down. “Tried not to do too much but just added a fresh coat to everything.” 

You’re silent.  

“Sweetie?” Your mom touches your arm. 

“I’m... surprised. That’s all.” 

“She’s speechless, Bucky!” She squeals and claps her hands. “I knew she’d love it.” 

“Heh, yeah. Well, I hope it isn’t too much.” He rubs his neck as he looks around. “You can let me know. I can change whatever you need.” 

“No, no, it’s really nice. Like really. I...” you wring a finger in your other hand. “Thank you.” 

“Lauren,” he sidles past you and nudges your mother gently. “Why don’t we let her get settled in? I’m sure she’s beat from the road.” 

“Right, right,” she beams around the room before she faces him. “Of course.” She glances over at you, “sweetie, let us know if you need anything, okay?” 

“Mom, I’m fine.” You show your teeth sheepishly and hover around the wall. 

Bucky leaves first, your mom following as she cranes to stare at the room. She leaves you with an excited wiggle and you go to close the door behind her. Once it’s shut, you sigh. You weren’t ready for any of this. Somehow coming home has proven even more disjointing than going away to college. 

You plod to the bed and flop onto it. You roll onto your back and let your eyes rove. It is so cute. You would have killed for a room like this in high school, even on campus. Yet it does seem a lot. You’re sure once you get a job, your mom doesn’t expect you to stay too long. 

Maybe this is a good thing. A little less pressure on you to get out but not exactly. With Bucky hanging around, you can’t help but be in the way. You’re not the only one who needs to adjust to your return. 

You can worry about it all later. For now, you need to close your eyes and stop thinking. 

🩵

The afternoon wears on as you dawdle away on your phone. You can barely keep your eyes open as the screen glares back at you. It’s almost six when you make yourself stop the addictive word game.  

You lay listless, trying to urge yourself to get up and do something. You lose the battles as your eyes close and you drift off without realising it. In your subconscious, you’re just as you are in reality. Just lying there, motionless and mindless. 

You wake slowly as pressure squeezes in your pelvis. Your bladder forces you to action. Even with the painful weight throbbing inside, you move without urgency. You sit up slowly, dizzy from the unexpected doze. You stand and shuffle to the door. 

You leave it open as you go into the hall and let your feet guide you. Habit takes down to the bathroom door and you reach for the handle. It turns from the other side and you recoil in surprise. Bucky stops short as he emerges and apologises. 

You stammer as you gape back at him. Somehow after the whirlwind morning, you forgot all that change. In your grogginess, you didn’t see the new walls or the white bookcases or think. 

“S...Sorry...” you murmur.  

You’re consumed in radiating heat as you stare at the stubble along his neck. Any lower and he might be embarrassed. He is shirtless after all. You’ve never been the best at looking people in the face but you have no choice. You examine his silver-streaked hair, slightly tussled, and his grizzly beard with its dusting of white along his chin. 

You step back as he raises a palm and dips his head. “No problem. Gotta get used to each other, I guess. Bad timing, is all.” 

“Right,” you agree dully. 

He looks back at you and his forehead creases. “You okay?” 

You wince. “Yeah, why?” 

“Nothing, nothing. Just... you look... a little out of it.” 

“I fell asleep,” you run your fingers along your throat nervously. The motion catches his eyes. Their startling blue hue gleam in the light. 

“Right. I figured you needed it. Long ride...home.” His gaze flicks up to meet yours. “Sorry you’re stuck here with us boring old people. You probably miss it already.” 

You shrug, “not really.” 

“Not really? What about your friends?” He rests his hand on the door frame and leans. 

“Didn’t... just study buddies. Classmates.” You look away and shift as your bladder aches. 

He clears his throat and stands straight. He steps out of the frame and you jump at his sudden movement. He touches your hip to keep from colliding with you and sidles by. 

“I’ll just get out of your way, baby girl,” He squeezes, his hand lingering for a moment. “Welcome home.” 

He lets go and turns, strutting down the hall as you stand frozen. You hurry forward and shut yourself in the bathroom as you scramble with the sudden agonizing pang. You don’t have time to think, you have to go! 

[taeiun]

just a little sick with love.

synopsis: it spills out too fast; hard to contain this blurted confession about you (in other words, txt when asked about you during an interview)

who: txt's choi line x gn!reader

categories: a little smth extra fluffy, interview style scenarios

warnings: might be ooc here? reader is referred to as "pretty" and "beautiful" a few times (not in a physical appearance context really), love and babe and jagiya are used as petnames, use of "yn" in the fic, mentions of food and drinks

word count: 0.9k

interviewer: ...but, while we’re on the topic of romance, i’ve heard through the grapevine that you’re currently in a relationship. now, i’m just dying to know, and i’m sure the viewers are too, about who you’ve been seeing so, what can you tell us about them?

✧ YEONJUN !

yeonjun: well to start, they’re the love of my life. [he laughs and runs a hand through his hair with a hum] they understand me in ways no one else would, not even the other members. i can be choi yeonjun with them, you know? not just an idol on stage, not just yeonjun of tomorrow x together. being with them… it’s like walking into a cold room after being out in the sun all day. 

interviewer: aw, that’s sweet! how did you get to meet them? 

yeonjun: i spilt my drink on them. [he smiles sheepishly] i was in a rush and wasn’t looking where i was going. we bumped into each other and i ruined their shirt. i offered to pay for a new one but the thing about yn is that they’re stubborn. they refused so i asked if could take them out lunch instead. things kind of went from there.

yeonjun: now, they send me tiktoks and reels that remind them of me when we’re away on tour. they surprise me with roses after a show win and always welcome me with a smile, no matter how tired they are. yn is the best thing that’s happened to me and i can’t see myself without them. 

interviewer: wow sounds like i might need to sweep them off their feet for myself! [the interviewer laughs]

yeonjun: [he lets out a tense chuckle that ends in a sigh] ah… yeah no, tough luck buddy. they’re mine and always will be.

�� SOOBIN !

soobin: hmm [he takes a moment to choose his words carefully] where do i begin? [the interviewers laughs] yn is my other half. i don’t really know how else to explain it other than that. they’re effortlessly kind and the nicest person i’ve ever met. they never fail to cheer me up after a long day and are so understanding of my needs. sometimes i think they know me better than i know myself. [he laughs]

interviewer: when did you know they were the one?

soobin: i think i knew we were going to work out for sure when the group and i first went on tour. yn took care of odi for me and sent me video updates. they don’t like recording their voice so i asked them why they sent videos instead of pictures and messages. they replied, “because i know you can’t sleep soundly without hearing my voice, soobin.” i was already in love before then but i think that only grew after hearing those words. 

interviewer: if you had to pick between your partner and your career, which would you choose?

soobin: i think that’s an unrealistic question to ask. yn made it clear that they’d never make me pick between our relationship and my idol life. they said i deserved to be happy, to receive the good things in life. for the longest time, i thought i could only have one or the other, a relationship or a successful career, and it wasn’t until i met them that i realized those things could coexist. they’re my biggest supporter and i couldn’t be more grateful for that.

✧ BEOMGYU !

beomgyu: oh, y/nnie! [he visibly brightens] it’s crazy. even though we’ve been dating for a while now, sometimes i wake up and i’m like [beep]... i’m actually dating them. they’re so sweet to me. i’m starting to get cavities from just how kind they are. [he and the interviewer laugh]

interviewer: why them? what is it about your partner that caught your eye?

beomgyu: oh it had to have been their smile. they have the prettiest smile i’ve ever seen and their eyes crinkle in the corners when they do. their laugh is the most beautiful thing i’ve heard. i’d play it on loop twenty four seven if i could. their happiness is infectious. i’ll let you in on a little secret [he leans in, forearms resting on his thighs as he moves to fake whisper to the interviewer] sometimes, they’ll dance and sing around the kitchen when they think im not watching. [he laughs, leaning back in his seat] they probably have way more blackmail on me though. 

interviewer: would you say you’re happy?

beomgyu: i’m the happiest i’ve ever been. yn… they make everything i do worth it. i don’t know what i’d do without them. i wish they could see themselves through my own eyes because i think they’re the most stunning and beautiful, in every meaning of that word, person on the planet.

bonus:

interviewer: is there anything you’d like to say to your partner back home?

yeonjun: hey, babe! i hope you haven’t forgotten about our one year anniversary coming up. [he says in a teasing voice] you better be taking care of yourself properly while i’ve been gone. [he smiles warmly] i miss you. tour is almost done, love. i’ll be seeing you very soon. 

soobin: i hope you’re doing well, love. you better be asleep when this program is airing and i don’t want to see a single text message from you until it’s morning in your time zone. you can get more work done when you’re well-rested. [he smiles] just a little longer, dear. i’ll be home soon.

beomgyu: yn! i can’t wait to see you again, jagiya. there’s so much to tell you and i miss stealing the blanket from you when we sleep. [his expression drops to a serious, but playful one] i’m cashing in that cuddling coupon you gave me for my birthday last year when i get back and expect top tier service.

^ . _ . ^ !? hehe was inspired by a couple cute insta reels that came up on my for you. next txt post will be for ot5 hopefully as long as i have the time

© taeiun 2023. all rights reserved. do not copy, repost, translate, modify, or claim any of my writing as yours.

[c0zy-fluff]

Please, for the love of God, give us your smiling critters Mario party headcannons, all of them, all of them that you have, please

*giggles maliciously*

You have no idea what you just released- I have a LOT of hcs that I REALLY wanna draw- But I suppose I'll list them first-

What version do the Smiling Critters prefer to play?

- I'd say either Mario Party 8 or 9- Maybe 9 because that's where they're altogether and it paints more of a friendly image cuz of the layout and the OST (srsly, I LOVE the OST of Mario Party 9 and it was my childhood-) Also, for the sake of not making this post go on and on, Imma just be using Mario Party 9 for this-

Who do the Smiling Critters main?

- Tough question. Kinda. Buuuuut, Imma use Mario Party 9 characters cuz why not-

DogDay - Toad

CatNap - Shy Guy

Kickin - Wario

Bubba - Koopa (or maybe Magikoopa, idk)

Hoppy - Daisy

Bobby - Peach

Picky - Birdo

Crafty - Yoshi

What is their fav mini game? (Type of game; fighting, luck etc.)

Kickin - Magma Mayhem (He gets out immediately cuz someone kicks them off LMAO)

Hoppy - Launch Break (Kickin questions her power on how fast she's spamming the button)

Bubba - Card Smarts (He got that big brain plays)

Picky - Pizza Me, Mario ( One word. Food.)

Crafty - Flinger Painting (They don't know how they almost always win this one and will always internally question it)

Bobby - Buddy Bounce (She loves the music and helping herself and the other critters out)

DogDay - Ring Leader (Makes him feel like he's actually riding a dolphin and it makes him feel so alive-)

CatNap - Manor of Escape (no matter what door they goes through, he ALWAYS manages to be the first to find the right door)

What's their fav board to play on?

Hoppy - Magma Mine

DogDay, Crafty, and Bobby - Toad Road

CatNap - Boo's Horror Castle

Bubba - Bob-Omb Factory

Kickin - Blooper Beach

Picky - DK Jungle Ruins

Which boss fights are their most favorite/least favorite?

DogDay - Most favorite: Wiggler ("Aww!! He's so friendly-shaped!!")

Least favorite: Dry Bones

CatNap - Most Favorite: King Boo

Least Favorite: Whomp (they're always being the one who's sacrificed)

Bubba - Most favorite: Dry Bones ("An elephant always remembers!")

Least Favorite: King Bob-Omb (Too many ppl pick the same one as him, especially Kickin)

Kickin - Most Favorite: Chain Chomp (The OST slaps for them and he gets surprisingly lucky they aren't Chomp-bait, cuz his ass isn't paying attention one bit to the rails)

Least Favorite: Spike (Hoppy's too damn fast for them)

Hoppy - Most Favorite: Spike (She mostly gets the golden hammer everytime)

Least Favorite: Bowser Jr (Luck is surprisingly her enemy)

Bobby - Most Favorite: Cheep-Cheep ("Aww they look so cute!! Why do we have to fight them?" "For the mini stars!!" "...Okay, but why?") ((Kickin's the one who's talking to them-))

Least Favorite: Bowser (She barely manages to get her character's face on the block)

Crafty - Most Favorite: Blooper (She could get inspiration to make a pirate-related painting from the OST)

Least Favorite: Lakitu (They keep accidentally bumping into the spikes)

Picky - Most Favorite: Bowser Jr (If she's surprisingly lucky with high dice rolls, she might just win that fight)

Least Favorite: King Boo (The other critters keep taking the same lineup she's trying to go for)

That's all I got...for now. :]

[hazelnut-u-out]

Hello mutual! For the writing thing: 🥺, ✨, 🎶,  👀 and/or 🤲, 🧠 for Rick, and if there’s anything you particularly want to answer that you haven’t been asked then that too if you want to?

thank you for sending in an ask!! <33

i just saw your reply to mine, hehe. answers under the cut!

🥺Is there a certain type of moment or common interaction between your characters that never fails to put you in your feels?

hmmm... this one is kind of difficult to answer because, yes, but it's difficult to pick just one lol. if i had to pick one that makes me the most emotional, it'd probably be a tossup between young rick being any sort of paternal/doting to baby beth or any kind of moment where morty shows how sweet and pure his intentions are when everyone he puts himself on the line for is so undeserving.

also, rick crying or morty getting angry enough to just tear into someone. it's kind of their respective, "something is really wrong here."

✨Give you and your writing a compliment. Go on now. You know you deserve it.

thank you, hehe. i'm my own worst critic, but i feel like i can make anything angsty and painful if you want me to. i also think i'm pretty good at painting visual details with words??

🎶Do you listen to music while you write? What song have you been playing on loop lately?

i have a hard time listening to music while i read or write because i get overstimulated SUPER easily lol. i do base a lot of my fics off of songs, though!

one i keep coming back to for rick is "storms" by fleetwood mac:

"did i ever really care that much? is there anything left to say?

every hour of fear i spend, my body tries to cry

living through each empty night

a deadly calm inside

i haven't felt this way i feel since many a year ago"

one that always makes me think of morty is "ghost on" by angel olsen:

"when should i believe the things you say?

you change your mind from day to day

and i don't know if you can take such a good thing coming to you

and i don't know if you can love someone stronger than you're used to"

i also have plenty i revisit for birdrick stuff.

👀 Tell me about an up and coming wip please!

i'm working on a couple of multi-chapter concepts atm! i've been rereading the original "the adventures and memoirs of sherlock holmes" rn to work on my rick and morty x holmes and watson au!

🤲 Would you please share a snippet of a wip?

some morty dialogue from an upcoming angst fic between the boy and his mad scientist grandpa:

"What, Rick? Woul- Would that make for a better story? W-Would it make me a more developed character? Or maybe a different answer would make you feel better! I-I'm so sorry! D-Did you have a different character arc in mind? One that would make you feel better about the character you've wr-written me to be? Would it be easier for you to forgive me if there was a-a-a reason that I did what I did? Would it tie up loose ends if -(redacted for spoilers)-? Give you closure? W-Well... 'tough luck, buddy.'"

also, just for you, a birdrick snippet from a revenge-era space cowboy multi-chapter wip:

The young man was unfurled below his companion like a blanket beneath the stars, and they studied one another like a loner’s wide eyes would peruse the cosmos sprawled out above them- Rick's quivering fingers and lips taking note of constellations divinely created for nothing more than his sinful touch along the way.

🧠 Pick a character, and I'll tell you my favorite headcanon for them. (Rick)

i have so many silly headcanons about rick. my favorite is probably that he doesn't let morty get adult meals when they go through drive thru's. he has to get the kid's meal, but rick demands he give him the toy.

[lubdubsworld]

Insatiable ( Jungkook x OC) Chapter 2

Pairing : Jeon Jungkook x OC

Rating 18+

Genre : Vampire Au!!!! , DILF! Jungkook ! Bodyguard AU! Babysitter OC!   Age difference!!! [ bet you’ve never seen all of this in one fic before? ]

[ Some notes : Born Vampires stop aging when they turn twenty five.  Turned vampires stop aging when they’re turned. ]

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

“You alright?” Somi asked gently, watching me fling  my backpack into the corner of the room with enough force to dislodge one of the wooden panels on the wall, the shelf crashing and bringing down the two potted plants on it. The sound of ceramic shattering made me wince, regret churning in my stomach. 

“Yeah...yeah. Oh, God. I’m so sorry, Somi.. I broke your pots-”

“Never mind the pots...why do you look so upset? Have you been crying?” She demanded , reaching for me, hands curling around my wrists and drawing me into a hug and I swallowed, my throat dry and eyes swollen from all the tears that I’d wrung out of them. 

Outside the room, Namjoon stood guard, at the door and I felt guilty remembering how the past three hours had gone. 

After confronting Jungkook, I’d stormed off in righteous indignation and poor Namjoon had been forced to follow. 

He had kept a discreet distance as I climbed to the tallest ridge on the roof, scaling the gables with ease and I knew he had been terrified at the prospect of me falling. 

Immortal or not a three hundred foot drop to the ground would be something that would hurt.

And it was my bodyguard’s job to make sure I did not get hurt. 

When he wasn’t busy fucking other women that is. 

I gripped my sister harder, fingers curling into the fir of her coat as I tried to catch my bearing. 

“Do you know Helena?” I whispered, pulling away to look at her. Somi’s face fell,eyes filling with sympathy.

“Oh, no. Was she here?” She asked gently, reaching out and cupping my cheeks and my lips wobbled. 

“Why didn’t you warn me that he was in a relationship?” my voice shook and Somi shook her head. 

“He’s not!! God, Helena doesn’t do relationships. Jungkook and her.... well, I’m not sure but they’re just fuck buddies..... barely that. You know she’s from the Kim clan right? Those bloodsuckers never settle for one partner. “ She muttered. 

I stared at her.

“He called me a child and then told me he’ll tell dad if i try to make a move on him.” I whispered. 

Somi flinched.

“Sera....”

“It was humiliating and painful and I don’t ever want to think about it, ever again.” I muttered. 

She sighed. 

“It’s not like you don’t have men dying for a glance from you, Sera. You forget that you’re literally the most beautiful woman in the clan. If he rejects you, you’re definitely not the one missing out in that equation.” 

I nodded, misery seeping into me. My sob-fest on the roof hadn’t been wasted. I was angry at first but now, a sort of resigned acceptance had taken the place of my anger. 

 The look on Jungkook’s face had been too real, the emotion behind his rejection too potent for me to get over. I wasn’t sure I could change his mind.

Wasn’t even sure if I wanted to. 

“Was he very hurtful ? You know, if you tell dad, he’ll hire someone else and-”

“No.” I said immediately. “ I won’t do that. It’s not his fault, it’s minge. I acted out like a...well a child to be honest. He doesn’t owe me anything and he’s always been obvious in his disinterest. I was just too blinded my own attraction to consider that it wasn’t reciprocated.” I grimaced. 

God, I’d been an idiot and Jungkook’s words had knocked some good sense into my head. But I did care for him and his son and they needed this job. I wouldn’t put his job in jeopardy just because I didn’t get my way. 

I was better than that.

“Alright... Dad wanted to meet you for breakfast tomorrow.... He sounded serious. Do you know what that’s about?”

I groaned, when I remembered the reason my dad wanted to see me these days. 

“Dad wants me to start meeting men now. He thinks I’m old enough now that i’ve turned 21. He’s been badgering me for a whole entire month but I kept putting him off because of...well, because of Jungkook.” I admitted. 

Somi looked worried.

“You want to ? If you don’t we can talk to dad and-”

“No-” I shook my head.” I’m just gonna agree.” 

Somi looked surprised.

“Are you sure? Sera you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to-”

I smiled weakly. 

“I’m not going to be allowed to stay single forever Somi. Especially not when the entirety of dad’s day is spent trying to chase suitors away from the door. Do you know the Count from Jeju Do...dude’s a whole seven centuries old and he looks like a toad. He apparently tried to ask about me and Dad’s been freaking out.  “ I shuddered. 

Somi laughed.

“ That’s what you get for being you. But dad’s right. Keeping you away from everyone is only inviting more interest. And we don’t want you to be with someone insufferable.” She ruffled my hair and I hugged her again sighing into her shoulders.

No I didn’t want to be with someone who just saw me as some kind of a possession to be owned. I wanted someone nice and kind. A handsome man who did the right thing .  Someone who maybe, worked hard to give his kid a safe and protected life, someone who didn’t shun away from hard work and was a gentleman as well. 

Someone like-

“Someone other than Jungkook.” Somi said gently reading my mind. 

“I really liked him.” I whispered softly, feeling tears spring again. 

God, I thought I was all out of tears for Jeon Jung Kook but apparently I was wrong. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I took extra care with my makeup the next morning, because my father usually had a ton of business meetings during his breakfast. I didn’t usually bother but , I was going to agree to his suggestions today and well, nothing wrong in delighting my father. And nothing made him happier than seeing me prance about  with pretty feminine clothes . 

My dad, for all his jovial cheerful air, loved his position as the head of the Hwang clan. And as his most prized possession , I was the apple of his eye. And while he didn’t treat me as an object or anything ( my dad loved me deeply and his affection was always evident. ) , there was no mistaking the fact that my dad enjoyed the power that came with being my guardian. Powerful men were willing to bend to his will, just for a chance to be with me. 

I sound insufferable, don’t I?

Trust me I’m not. 

The vampires that court me are usually assholes. Entitled, brain dead assholes .  When I opened the door in the morning, dressed in a short summer dress and ready to meet my dad, I was surprised to see Jungkook standing guard outside. He straightened away from the wall where he was fiddling with his phone, his gaze flitting to me, eyes cold and blank. 

I bowed lightly, not smiling.

“Mr. Jeon. I have a breakfast date with my father and then I’ll be heading to the cottage. I’m also meeting a friend of mine at the Art Museum in the evening so i’ll need the Mercedes brought around to pick me up maybe at 5.00PM.” I said briskly, glancing at him. 

My face flamed red when I noticed his gaze, fixed steadily on my ass. I cleared my throat angrily and his eyes met mine, a slow lazy grin playing around his mouth. 

“You look different.” He commented , shamelessly giving me another once over. 

The nerve. 

I swallowed, willing myself not to blush harder.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” 

He chuckled.

“That dress barely covers your butt, angel. You sure you want to head to daddy dearest, dressed like that?” The way he said daddy made my skin heat up. 

I felt my jaw come unhinged. 

“That’s...that is none of your damn business.” I said shrilly.

He gave me another once over.

“Okay, then. If that’s what you’re into...fine. Let’s go.” 

Gritting my teeth, i tried to keep my face neutral. I would not give him the satisfaction of knowing that he got to me. I would not. 

I walked ahead of him , my fists clenched and my jaw tight and I felt incredibly upset because the day had barely begun and I was already wound tight. I was supposed to be relaxed and clear headed while talking to my father but Jeon Jungkook had muddled my brains as usual. 

I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. 

“Sera, wait.” His voice made me pause and I stopped, turning around to glare at him.

“What?” I snapped. 

He sighed, deeply. I watched as he ran his hands through his hair, tongue pressing into his cheek the way it did when he was upset. 

“About last night-”

I felt my pulse quicken. 

“I don’t wanna talk about it!” I said quickly, turning back around to leave but his fingers came around my arm, gripping hard . 

“Well tough luck. Because I do!” He said sharply. 

I whimpered, pain blooming up my arm and he swore, loosening his grip.

“I keep forgetting you’re human.” He muttered, “ I’m sorry... I just... I wanted to apologize for how i handled things last night. I was twenty once and I should have been more understanding.”

I closed my eyes. Oh, God no. Please, please for the love of God, let me hate you in peace. Don’t apologize and make me fall in love all over again.

“Its fine.” I choked out. “ You were right. I was out of line.”

“You deserve better.” He said quickly, eyes flitting away from my face and I felt a sharp pang in my heart. God , this was agonizing. 

“Jungkook-”

“It’s just that you’re...well you know who you are. You can’t be with ...someone like me and trust me you don’t want to be with someone like me either. I know its appealing, the whole illusion of stability. older man, has a kid, has his life together .....but that’s not all it means .” He gave me a tired smile.

I bit my lips, ot replying and he went on. 

 “ I have baggage, a shit ton of it and I would have to be especially cruel to unload something like that on a girl barely out of her teens. I’ve done shit I’m not proud of ,....but ruining your life, I’m gonna draw the line there.” He smiled , looking a whole decade younger and I closed my eyes.

I was back to square one, I thought miserably. He had my whole heart. 

“ So we’re good right?” He prompted and I exhaled, giving him a smile.

“We’re good.”

“That’s good. Because my son loves you and I would rather we be friends. You’re just like a daughter to me. ” He touched my face gently, pulling away at once, the small contact leaving fire in its wake and I had to clench my fists . 

A daughter?!! Is he out of his damned mind? 

“Okay.” 

“Let’s go then.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Jungkook, please sit down. You’re like my son and I don’t want you hovering like you’re part of the backdrop. I’ve trusted you with my entire life.” My father beamed, pointing at me and i laughed. 

Jungkook bowed respectfully, taking the chair next to me. 

“How are you , my buttercup?” My father asked softly, fingers gripping mine and I smiled.

“I’m well, father. Do you like my dress?” 

Next to me Jungkook coughed and I shot him a dirty look. 

“It looks ravishing on you. The prettiest flower in my estate is my daughter, do you agree Jungkook?” My father prompted and I swallowed the smirk that threatened. 

Poor Jungkook was going to learn that being my bodyguard meant singing my praises twenty four seven or at least anytime my father was in hearing distance. 

“Uh..” Jungkook’s eyes flitted between the two of us, “ Yes sir. Your daughter is quite lovely.” 

I beamed at him and he looked away quickly. 

Coward. 

Turning back to my dad I held my hand out. 

“DAd, you wanted to see me about something?”

“Yes dearest. You know the Kim clan’s matriarch has been after me. Three of her great great great grandsons have come of age recently. And all three of them are set to take over some very lucrative businesses. They are good men and apparently they’re quite smitten with you. They say you know of them from school?”

I sighed.

“Do you know their names?” I prompted.

“Mingyu, Minjae and Yugyeom.” My father said briskly. 

 Ugh.

 “ They’ve asked me out before, yes.” 

“Uh..Excuse me.. Could I get a refill?” Jungkook said quietly next to me and i turned, watching him wave to one of the footmen. 

“Jungkook, are you thirsty?” My father asked brightly. 

An idea formed in my head, wicked and dangerous. 

“Perhaps, he should get a taste of the Hwang Elixir?” I said innocently. 

My father’s gaze snapped to mine. 

A small frown made its way to his face. 

“Are you sure? I’m not sure if Jungkook would be comfortable-”

I turned to him, purposely flipping my long hair off my shoulders exposing my throat . Jungkook’s eyes went to the curve of my neck at once and i felt a sick sort of triumph when his eyes flashed red.

“Oh, no no...” I crooned, leaning in closer. “ I’m sure you aren’t uncomfortable , are you Jungkook ssi? After all, I am just like a daughter to you , aren’t I?” I stared right at him, fluttering my lashes and I saw his jaw clench. 

“Of course, Ms. Hwang.” He said briskly, glaring at me. I played with the small gold chain around my neck, letting my fingers flutter over my pulse , drawing his gaze there.

“Well, that is true ...” My father looked uncertain, but I gave him a gentle nod and a smile. 

“Well, as a special guest, I suppose you can enjoy our hospitality , Jeon. Why don’t you take a drink from -”

I moved closer, pressing up against him and Jungkook sighed, lips closing over my neck, and I felt my eyes flutter shut at the wet warmth of his mouth . 

It was intoxicating, the way he used one hand to grip my neck gently, the other on my waist to steady me and when his fangs pierced through, I could sense the warm liquid flood his mouth and Jungkook’s entire body relaxed, a strangled moan escaping him. 

“---my daughter’s wrist.” My father finished and I felt Jungkook stiffen next to me. 

This time I couldn’t stop the grin that bloomed on my face. 

My eyes dropped to his lap and yup, his pants definitely looked a tad tighter. 

“Did I do good, Mr Jeon? Or should I call you daddy? ” I whispered quietly , fluttering my lashes at him and his fangs retracted and he pulled away from me, shoving me back into my own chair quickly. 

My father was slightly slack jawed. 

“I’m sorry, Mr. Hwang. “ Jungkook muttered and I laughed.

“I do believe it is I whom you should be apologizing to. It is ��my  neck you just mauled. ” I smiled brightly staring at Jungkook and if looks could kill, I would have a thousand wooden stakes through my heart right about now. ‘

Take that Mr. Jeon. 

Daughter, my ass. 

“My apologies , Sera.” He said stiffly. 

My father laughed raucously.

“Ahh, you must be used to the neck, my dear boy. understandable understandable. it is how we used to do it in the old days, after all . These younglings with all their etiquette and feminism and what not....it’s hard to keep up..... But now you must tell me? Is my daughter not the sweetest you’ve ever had?” 

I choked, coughing. Oh God, sometimes my 900 year old father had no idea how he sounded. 

Jungkook looked like he had swallowed a lemon. 

“She’s certainly ...” He stopped, probably realizing that any adjective at the end of that sentence would sound entirely wrong. 

“Delicious?” I prompted, blinking innocently and Jungkook shot me another glare. 

“Well, nevermind nevermind. .... So, tell me dearest, will you be willing to meet the Kim boys?”

I sighed.

“I like Yugyeom. I cannot stand Minjae. I don’t know enough about Mingyu to make any judgement. How about I meet Mingyu and if I don’t hit it off with him, I will allow Yugyeom to court me....” I said softly.

I glanced at Jungkook but he was studiously looking away. 

“Very well my dear. Do you have any plans today?”

“I’m meeting a friend at the museum.”

My father’s eyes widened.

“Well isn’t that a wonderful coincidence. Mingyu's law firm is just a block away if I’m not mistaken. I’ll ask the boy to pick you up afterwards. Have dinner with him and you can tell me tonight of your choice.” My father smiled briskly.

“Yes, father.” 

“Jungkook..” My father prompted and the vampire glanced up.

“Yes, sir?”

“Take good care of her. At the restaurant, make sure you stay at hearing distance. “ 

“Yes sir.” Jungkook bowed and I groaned. 

In other words, let my father know if I behaved appropriately. 

i pouted and my father waggled his finger at me.

“No, no no.. Missy. I’m going to make sure you keep your end of the bargain . You need to give these men a proper chance before you reject them. “ 

I nodded.

“And you must ask Either Somi or Seolhyun to dress you. No jeans or one of those ridiculous gowns that make you look like a pastry.”

There was no mistaking the snort that came from my right and i glared at Jungkook before turning to my dad.

“Yes, father.” 

“Good, now run along the pair of you. “

I stood up, kissing my father fondly on his forehead.

“I love you.” I whispered. 

“You are my whole entire joy, dearest. “ He kissed my hand gently, eyes warm and soft.

As we left the room, Jungkook let out a sigh.

“I am never having a meal with you two again.” He ground out and I laughed. 

“Anything you say, daddy.” I grinned. 

Jungkook groaned. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As luck would have it,  my friend cancelled . 

So at six the evening, I finished locking up the cottage as the last of the kids left, fumbling with the lock while a tired Joo Won napped in his father’s arms, head resting on Jungkook’s shoulders. I felt myself soften at the picture they made, Jungkook singing softly , fingers brushing his son’s hair back as he rocked him gently. 

“I’ll be a while... I needed to get ready. Why don’t you put him to bed? Who’s watching him tonight?”

“Hwasa and Moonbyul offered. I’ll drop you off in your room and head to the north wing. What time are you meeting the jerkwad?” He said casually.

I blinked rapidly, confused.

“I’m sorry... the jerkwad?” 

Jungkook shrugged.

“It’ just a fact. Most men are absolute jerks at twenty one.” He shrugged. 

i felt myself bristling on behalf of the unknown Mingyu.

“That is absolutely unfair. My brothers were incredibly kind and good.”

“To you perhaps. Because they don’t have to impress you. But men act differently when they’re trying to get between a woman’s thighs. They’re jerks when they want to get laid...” He grinned.

“Is that why you act like a jerk to me? ” I smiled evilly and he rolled his eyes.

“Oh, darling we both know I don’t have to act in any different way to get you into my bed . I just have to do this.” He smirked, curling his finger in a come hither gesture.  

I felt my pulse pound and I tried not to let his words get to my head. He was flirting , yes but it was a joke. He was joking with me because the very idea of being with me was a joke to him. 

And I couldn’t forget that. 

Rolling my eyes, I pulled on the lock a couple more times to make sure the door was well locked. 

“Shall we leave?” He prompted watching me wrestle the backpack onto my shoulders. I grunted under the weight. 

“Of course. Let’s go.” 

We walked in silence for a few seconds.

“So, how’s he doing? With stuff?” Jungkook asked gently and I felt warmth bloom in my chest. 

“He’s very advanced for his age Jungkook. You’ve done a wonderful job with him. He’s able to read and he has a beautiful l writing hand. He’s learned his multiplication tables all the way up to seven and he has the voice of an angel. Which I think he gets from you. ” I smiled, reaching out to brush the back of Joowon’s head. 

Jungkook smiled softly, the late evening sun painting his perfect features in a soft golden glow. 

“Your father was kind enough to support me the first few years when i had him. I didn’t trust anyone enough to leave him with them and well... i needed to put a roof over our head.” He sighed . 

I touched his arm, giving it a small squeeze.

“I understand. I’m glad you’re here. He’ll grow up well in our clan.   “

“And he has a lot of excellent men to look up to here...He needs a good role model, someone kind and amazing who can inspire him to be hardworking and fair. ” He smiled.

I bit my lips.

“I think he’s had that all along. ” I said quietly.

Jungkook’s breath caught for a second and the air between us changed. I licked my lips. 

“Jungkook you’re a good father. You know that right?” I said after a few more seconds of silence. 

He laughed.

“Am I really? I wonder.” 

“He loves you.” I breathed , “  You’re all he talks about.... Today, one of the other kids tried to say that his father was brave because he helped someone who was stuck in an elevator. you know what Joowon did? He listed some twenty different incidents where you’ve helped people out....And he looked so proud.”

Jungkook’s ear looked red in the brightly lit garden. 

“i was just doing my job. Most of those times, I was in danger.” He grunted. 

“And yet, you did the right thing. “ I whispered. “ And your son was watching. And he’s learned the importance of doing the right thing even when you’re scared. That’s a life lesson that isn’t easy to learn.”

“Can’t disagree with that.” He chuckled. I grabbed his arm forcing him to stop. 

I had to tell him this. 

 “ Jungkook, when immortality is on the plate, people don’t give much value to morals. They don’t always care about doing the right thing.... . Its how our kind functions. Consequences don’t mean much when you have a whole eternity to fix your mistakes.....So I always admire vampires who value morals. “ I smiled, “ To see a five year old with such a well formed moral compass... it tells me that you’re an amazing father. Possibly the best I’ve ever met. “ I reached out, to hold his hand, wanting to touch him in some way, to make him believe that I was completely honest. 

“Sera!!!!!!” My sister’s voice made me jump and Jungkook stepped away as well. 

“Dad told me you’re going on a date? I’ve picked out an outfit for you!! But you need to take a shower! You cannot show up smelling like diapers and spit-up.” She called. 

I groaned. 

“Time for the ugly duckling to transform into a swan, I see?” He said gently. 

“Your son’s favorite fairytale.” I whispered.

“He makes me read it every night.” 

“I would like to sit in on that someday.” I laughed.

His eyes met mine. 

“You’re always welcome, Ms Hwang,” He smiled politely. “ Someday soon maybe your kids and my son would be friends.” 

And just like that the wall grew between us. 

His kids and my kids. 

Not our kids because he wasn’t for me. 

He would never be for me. 

I felt the sudden inexplicable urge to cry. 

Turning away, I began following my sister as she waved to me. . 

“I’ll be at your door at seven.” He called out behind me. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[chocoholicannanymous]

Concepts in Action (Glee)

Follow-up to Concepts of Insanity, spawned by a talk with @jwmelmoth

Slighty different mood than that one, but same base principle.

Returning to the loft after skating should be a relief after the awkwardness of doing such a loaded activity with his ex. Except it doesn't feel that good, and he's got some uncomfortable suspicions regarding Blaine's backpack.

“So, dad. You brought Blaine. Exactly when's his ticket back?”

“Day after tomorrow, same as mine.”

“Right. And where is he staying?”

“Well...” His dad's facial expression answers that question in a way that makes Kurt's heart sink.

Fan.Tast.Ic.

“So when you said I could return my present if I wanted to, exactly how was that supposed to work? It isn't, is it? I'm stuck with him whether I want to or not.”

“Kurt!”

His dad's voice is full of surprise and a bit of censor, but Kurt isn't going to let that influence him. His dad's crossed a line, and Kurt's not going to pretend otherwise.

“Remember the first Christmas after mom passed away? How you sat me down and apologized for my presents, before I'd even opened them, because you just weren't good at buying gifts? And remember how I told you that anything you'd gotten me would be perfect, because it was from you and I loved you? Yes?

“Okay. I still love you, but I'm taking the rest of that back. You coming here to tell me you have cancer was bad enough. Finding out you consider my ex an acceptable 'gift' for Christmas goes from bad to really shitty, and I don't know what you were thinking. Especially seeing as apparently you felt it was okay to tell him about your cancer before telling me.”

“I didn't want you to be alone.”

Kurt just stares, unable to process.

“I have cancer, and I knew you'd have a hard time to deal. I brought Blaine because I figured you'd need the support, the comfort.”

“And you brought my ex for that?”

Then again, support wasn't Blaine's strongest suit even when we were together, was it?

“Hey, you're the one who told me he wasn't just your boyfriend, he was your best friend too.”

“Yes, but that was before” he cheated on me “we broke up.”

His dad still doesn't seem to get it and Kurt can't take it.

“You know what, I need some air. I'm going to take a walk. You stay here, make sure Blaine stays out of my bedroom.”

Kurt starts out with going around the block, but he's still upset after and takes another loop, this time longer. It takes half an hour for him to feel ready to go back inside and deal.

Sitting on the couch with his dad and Blaine as they watch baseball is annoying as hell. Any other time, he'd take the closeness and read Vogue, especially now that his dad has admitted to knowing about it. But with Blaine actually watching and interacting with his dad about the game Kurt feels uncomfortable not doing the same. So he tries. Once he gives up and reaches for his magazine he heard his dad and Blaine joke about having bet about how long he'd hold out.

And then the next hit comes.

“So, Kurt, I know that this might be a bit weird for you, and you can totally say no if you want to,” sure, just like I could return the 'gift' of your presence, “ but I'm applying to NYADA for next year.”

Kurt sighs silently. Of course he is. The thing is, he can see it, the way Blaine probably assumes it'll play out. Blaine moving to New York, going to NYADA, buddying up to Rachel just like in high school... Kurt being expected to just take it, regardless of if he had been accepted or not. Any contacts Kurt might have gotten supposed to be at Blaine's beck and call, Blaine talking his way into Kurt's classes trying to replace him, like he had in Glee and with Cheerios... Kurt bending over backwards to make Blaine happy, just like in high school.

Because there would never be a chance of him being allowed to continue to say no to Blaine with them at the same school.

Thank god that's not going to happen.

And really, what was Blaine trying to do here? Pretending that Kurt's opinion mattered? The time for that would have been months ago, before applying.

“Oh really? You know what, I think NYADA might be perfect for you.” Not in terms of actual schooling, maybe, as Kurt's had the blinds torn off regarding Blaine's talent, but for the rest... He imagines Carmen Tibideaux subjecting Blaine to some of her special treatment. The definition of Karma, surely.

“Really?”

“Oh yeah. From everything I've heard you'd get along really well with the dean, and well, Rachel seems to thrive. Good luck.”

With no encouragement to keep talking about NYADA Blaine wanders off to grab something to drink and Kurt refocuses on his dad, trying to squeeze out as much of this visit as possible.

“Hey Kurt? What does NUY want with you?”

Kurt turns his head so fast it feels like he's in danger of whiplash.

“Are you going through my mail? Stop it!”

The words come out hard and he can see both his dad and Blaine react. He doesn't care though.

“You know, you going through my personal things wasn't cute when we dated either. Back then I just cared more about keeping the peace than about keeping my privacy. Since that's not a problem anymore, let me just be clear. I might be allowing you to stay here, but that's not an invitation in any way. Not to snooping, not to feeling at home, and not to getting back together.

“This is my home, and you are – putting it kindly – a guest. Behave with the decency I know your mom expects of you. If you can't do that then leave.”

He wishes Blaine would, but knows it's not likely.

“Buddy...”

“Kurt! You can't mean that you'd throw me out. Where would I go?”

Blaine looks like Kurt has done the verbal equivalent of throwing a bucket of ice water in his face. It has no effect on Kurt's resolve though.

“I neither know nor care. You either respect my home or you don't stay in it. This is New York. There are thousands of hotels and hostels.”

His dad just stares at him, as if he doesn't know who Kurt is anymore, and it hurts. Out of all the people liking Blaine better than him Kurt had never figured his dad would be one. And yet here he was, feeling the same way as he'd once felt with Finn.

“Buddy, you're being a bit harsh here, don't you think? Yes, I'll admit that maybe bringing Blaine without warning you was a little...impulsive, but why are you so angry? And don't be so hardnosed about getting back together, for your own sake.

“Like I said earlier, love's important. Holding on to love is important. I don't want you to throw away what you and Blaine have, not when you never know what will happen, or how long you'll have that opportunity. It's a cruel world, Kurt, but having someone to share with makes it better.”

Kurt takes a deep breath and tries, really really tries to keep his bitterness in. He's not doing that great a job.

“Holding on to love is important, sure. But there's such a thing as holding on too long and too hard. Blaine and I broke up for good reasons, and I wish you'd respect that.”

It's like his dad isn't even hearing him though.

“You know, your mom and I found it hard being apart too.”

Kurt did know. As a kid he'd loved hearing about his mom's semester in France, and he'd been told enough to know that it'd been tough. He'd read some of their letters to each other though, and he doubts either of them dealt the way Blaine did.

“So? Yes, being apart is hard. But that isn't an excuse for everything. I didn't want to get you involved in all of this, but since that's obviously not going to be an option anymore, fine. Blaine cheated. He felt I didn't pay enough attention to him, you know, between finding a job and a place to stay, and making enough money to pay the bills, and generally trying to make myself a life here after he practically pushed me to go here.

“And so he went and found someone else to give him that attention.”

He practically spits out the last sentence. It feels good to finally allow himself to say it, but the look on his dad's face doesn't feel as good.

If he was less angry maybe he'd be able to stop himself, worry about his dad's heart. But the anger's been simmering too long for that.

“That's why we broke up, and that's why I find the idea of getting back together objectionable. And you can talk about holding on to love until you're blue in the face, but I'm not the one who needs that lecture.”

He swallows down the lump in his throat, but goes on.

“As for the rest of it, are you seriously suggesting I take back my cheating boyfriend because that's better than being alone? Or because I don't know how long I'll live? Because if you are... What's next, dad? Telling me I should marry him because you and mom didn't get enough time together?

“If any of those things are going through your head you are also welcome to leave. I'll never not welcome you in my home, dad, but I need you to respect me. I need you to not act like you're putting someone else's son above yours.”

That's a warning that hits the target, and it's obvious that Burt Hummel remembers a row of uncomfortable talks about Finn. He deflects by turning on Blaine though.

“You...”

“No, dad. It is over and done with. Leave him be. Just... Just leave it alone. I don't want to take anymore fighting. Please?”

They stare at each other and for a while Kurt wonders if he should have done as he normally does and just backed down. Swallowed down his hurt and anger and frustration, kept quiet about the injustices done to him, and just pretended to be okay. Tried to not upset his dad, and risk his health.

Except he's done that for years, and it's clearly not working. His dad's health has failed again, with the cancer – and no matter how good the prognosis, or the treatments available, a cancer diagnosis is a health failure. Plus his dad is trying to fix him and Blaine, out of some misguided idea that they're going to be the next Burt-and-Lizzie, and he never would have done that if Kurt'd been honest about the cheating instead of blaming distance.

At least Kurt hopes he wouldn't.

“Sometimes, dad, first loves end. They end because of death, or because they're not meant to last, or because of something else. And then you meet someone else, and they make your life amazing. I'm not going to deprive myself of that by holding on to something that's ended. Just like you didn't. You found love again. I will too.

“I just need to be allowed to do so.”

They keep staring at each other, and then his dad nods. Kurt can't help it, he throws himself in his dad's arms, with tears already beginning to fall.

As they hug Kurt hear Blaine muttering in the background about finding a hotel, but he doesn't care. The door to the loft closing feels like it's closing on him and Blaine too, and it's such a relief.

After several minutes they let go. Both need to remove traces of crying, but that's good.

Once they're seated again Kurt searches for something to talk about, but his dad beats him to it.

“So, NYU? Or should I pretend I didn't hear that?”

“No! I have been thinking about things, about school, and I was an idiot for not applying to more schools last year. So, I did some research and then I did something about it. I've applied to half a dozen schools, and I've already been accepted to one for the fall semester. I don't know if there's any school willing to take me for the spring, but if there's not I'll just keep working and try to save up money.”

“And what about NYADA?”

There's no judgment in his dad's voice, and Kurt smiles as he tries to describe the situation diplomatically.

“It's...not looking as good in my research as I thought, so while I did reapply there I'm not sure I want to go there. I really shouldn't have listened to Rachel last year, because as it turns out? NYADA actually isn't the most prestigious school for performing arts, and it's probably not even the best for me. I guess we were both a little starstruck, you know?”

The game is back on, but they ignore it and talk, and it's everything Kurt would have wanted.

O--o---o--O

Months later as classes start up Kurt receives voicemail after voicemail about Blaine starting at NYADA, about how bad it is that Kurt's not been accepted, about them meeting up. Kurt ignores them as he did the calls and walks into vogue.com with a smile.

He doesn't feel the least bad about not getting in. Hell, he didn't even apply for the fall semester.

No, Kurt's happy where he is, with his job at vogue.com, a spot at the New School and a couple of scholarships helping pay the way. Oh, and a new boyfriend, which also contributes to his happiness.

Turns out? Acting in new ways can get you new and rewarding results. All you got to do is try.

[love-hatred-stuff]

Title: ᵗʰᵉ ʲᵉᵃˡᵒᵘˢ ᵗʸᵖᵉ} Choi San [ateez]

genre: angst, fluff

warning(s): anger issues, possessiveness, San accidently hurts you(lighlty), a bit suggestive, a lot of swearing

word count: about 2.4k

Y/N's POV:

Me and my friends, Wooyoung, f/n and Seonghwa were in a luxurious club, dancing and having fun all night. While Wooyoung and I were sitting on the red leather couch, the other two were dancing wildly on the dance floor to the loud bass music. It gave me chills and I smiled in Wooyoung's face.

"We should meet some time alone again!" He almost screamed so I could even understand him due the noise around us.

"I'm not sure if San will allow me, but sure! It was a whole torture to persuad him to just let me out with you guys."

I slightly rolled my eyes at the memories of the conversation I had with my boyfriend San about this. It really was so exhausting to talk about something like that with him. He was the jealous, overprotective type and his possessiveness were slowly getting on my nerves.

"I'll have to talk to him." Wooyoung yelled again and smiled a little awkwardly. He was surely very good looking and my guy best friend but sometimes he overdid his confidence. I liked him anyways.

"But then he'll beat you up, you know that?"

I stopped counting how many guys he had defaced because they looked wrong at me or complained about his behavior and how he treats me. It was pointless to even try to stop his anger issues when it's about me.

We started dating almost a year ago and he still had these habits.

"That could possibly happen, good, that I'm a man that has muscles and goes to the gym also." He winked at me while smiling.

He always was the flirty type but I knew he wouldn't dare to do anything I don't want. And I also knew that he loves me but just as a best friend. He's more like a brother than to me a boy I would date.

"Good luck then, Woo. You know San is experienced when it's about beating someone up." I reminded him in a joking way but we knew that I was damn right with this point.

"We will see if I can do anything." He ended this topic.

"Does San know, you're with us at a nightclub?" He mentioned his name again.

"Better, he'll fucking never finds out." I smiled a bit intimidated at the thought of if he'd find out.

"Okay, let's enjoy the rest of your life then. Come and dance." He stood up again and pulled me with him on the dance floor.

I just laughed and did what he said. Therefore I went out with my friends, to have a bit fun again. Not that I wasn't happy in my relationship with San, but he always wanted me for himself and I needed for at least a few hours a break after a long time of avoiding boys all day long.

Now everyone around me was absolutely living for the moment and I missed this feeling so much.

San was also out, but doing business instead of having fun.

After hours passed and it was getting later & later, we were getting more tired each second so we decided to end this beautiful night. F/n and Seonghwa drove home in one taxi as me and Wooyoung did the same.

They weren't actually dating, but I knew f/n had feelings for my good friend Hwa since High School.

The ride didn't take long since we had stayed in town and soon arrived at my apartment. I hugged Wooyoung goodbye and stumbled into the apartment's elevator to reach the right floor faster.

I pressed the button for the fourth floor and after a few seconds and a few more steps, I was able to open my apartment door.

I sighed, so relieved that I could take a quick shower and enjoy my lovely bed. To be honest, I never knew if San was sleeping over or not. I was just guessing in this moment, that he would stay at his apartment tonight and walked into my bathroom, taking off my skater dress.

Before I stepped in the shower I looked in the mirror and noticed that my hair was kind of a mess like my eyeliner was, through all the dancing and stuff. After I separated myself from my underwear I could finally enjoy the warm water hitting my small but feminine body.

I was too exhausted to take a long shower and just washed my body and hair quickly, got dressed in cute panties and one of San's white shirts which went up to the middle of my thighs, covering my breasts that were braless.

I wished just in this moment that he would be here, seeing me like this. He loved me in only wearing his tees and my panties. He would fall all over me right now.

I smiled brightly at my imaginations of my boyfriend living rent free in my head. I was really proud to have him. He was pretty popular and so damn handsome that every girl that hadn't a boyfriend, had from at least a little one to a huge crush on him.

But he picked me, the bookworm, which didn't mean I was automatically good in school. I was okay but nothing more.

My ego was just too big to let anyone of the teachers tell me what to do. Everyone said I was so pretty, I could be a model if I were just a little taller but I also had my failures and insecurities. And that was totally fine because I am just a human too. San taught me how to accept and love myself and I was so thankful for it.

When I wanted to crawl into my comfortable bed, I suddenly noticed a tall figure standing in my bedroom.

"My god San! You wanna kill me here?!" I breathed out heavily as my heart was already racing.

"Where the fuck were you so long?" He asked now with a deep but angered voice. And I didn't miss the anger building up in his eyes.

"Out, you know." I just said and laid on my bed, ready to sleep.

"I know. But you didn't told me you were gonna be out till after midnight!"

My eyes scanned his face, waiting for his next move.

"I told you to not be out late and amuse yourself with boys."

I let out a "Pff" sound and closed my eyes, not wanting to believe what he just said to me.

"Y/N!"

"Yes! I know waht you told me but I wanted to have fun once, without you ruining my night okay?! And I would never "amuse myself" with other boys but you in that way! Now shut up and turn the light off. I'm tired of your shit!" My words came out more harshly than I wanted them to be but I wasn't gonna take it back.

So I just closed my eyes again and covered myself up. But nothing moved or sounded like he would do anything.

"What do you mean by that?" I heard his weak voice speak quietly.

Oh god no. I feared this tone so much.

He was usually more a tough guy who didn't show his emotions much to anyone but me. And most of the time he acted all strong around me too, but sometimes his heart just couldn't handle me if I prevailed with a loud voice and harsh words.

And his wound point was when I would mention anything about a break up, even in the slightest.

"Go to sleep, San." I told him in a rather cold tone.

I wanted to avoid a conversation about this and just fucking rest. I really wasn’t in the mood to stand this right now.

"Not until you tell me." He stayed stubborn.

I sighed and sat up straight so I could look at him again.

"Nothing. I'm tired. Could you?" I was tapping on the empty bedside where he was supposed to sleep. I saw how his blue eyes slowly got teary. Fuck.

"Did you mean you're tired of me?" He asked carefully, trying to hold back his tears.

"Noo... I meant that I don't want to be suppressed by you anymore. You always tell me to stay away from boys and I do. Nothing to worry about, right? So the problem is solved. Now sleep San, please." I begged and patted on the mattress again.

"I just don't want anyone to have you like I do. I thought you wanted to be mine also." He looked down.

"I do all of this because I love you so much that I would die for you. I'll do anything but please tell me you're not going to leave me." He pleaded and a tear escaped his eye.

It was rare that he cried but when he did he was really scared. He was scared that I would leave him.

"No I'm not going to, San..."

"You never call me just San." He looked up again with sad eyes, digging into my aching heart.

I thought I dreamed when I heard him sob so softly that my heart began to ache.

"I'm sorry baby, but I am still a bit mad. But I will never leave you, okay?"

He just hummed and layed down on the bed. I covered him with the blanket and stroked through his soft hair before I leaned back again.

I breathed out at his please and kissed him with a bit more pressure.

"Don't cry. Everything's alright baby." I said in a calming voice and turned the last lamp off.

"I'm sorry Y/N, don't be mad at me, you know I can't stand this." He pleased again, gripping my small waist with his hand and pushing me against his hard body.

"Give me my goodnight kiss." He said and looked at me, perking his lips.

I decided to give him one as a treat and turned around to peck him on his lips.

"I don't like short pecks, you know that Y/N." He frowned immediately.

I sighed out and kissed him again, with a bit more pressure.

"It's fine, for now." He was finally satisfied.

And finally we could fall asleep in each other's embraces and get the rest we deserved.

▪︎▪︎▪︎

San's POV

I woke up next to my princess and instantly had to smile.

She was my everything, I was so lucky to have her in my arms.

When my hands slowly caressed her waist up and down, I noticed that she only was wearing her light pink, favorite panties and a white shirt of mine that had slipped up to her upper buddy.

Her ass pressed against my member and I felt how I hardened at this feeling.

Always when we woke up like this I got a morning boner.

Luckily she helped me most times.

But what about today? We kind of fought yesterday, before we got to bed.

I would like to deny it but I fucking cried because of her words.

It was rare but sometimes when she was mad at me, she said words she didn't really mean and I can't stand it if she mentions something that would lead us to break up eventually.

I wanted to keep her forever. I wanted to marry her one day and spend the rest of my life with her.

I would do absolutely everything to prevent that we had to part. That's why I was pretty possessive and "overprotective" over her.

But it didn't matter to me as long as she didn't have much to do with other boys.

Though she actually hated that. She wanted her freedom.

Although it was important to me that she was happy, I wouldn't stop watching with who she was hanging out with.

She let out a sweet groan at my touch and took my hand on her now naked stomach, signalling me that she was wide awake now.

"You're not mad anymore, are you?" I asked with a husky morning voice.

"I can feel your boner, San." She just ignored my question.

"You are so damn hot babe.. How am I supposed to not have one when your cute ass is pressed against it?"

She giggled cutely. Then she turned around and looked at me with her stunning eyes.

"Just take a shower with me, yeah?" She smiled seductively.

"Everything for you baby." I kissed her cheek.

We stood up together and walked to her bathroom.

•••

"San, why were you so rough?" She asked in a quiet voice as she walked out of her room into the kitchen where I was standing.

"I'm sorry." I replied.

"I'm sorry? That's all?" Now she sounded really sad and looked at me with watery eyes and pouty lips.

But I had my reasons and it wondered me why she didn't know why already.

"Oh, you fucking know. You're mine and I had to show you that. As you always forget about it." I spoke in a monotonous way.

"I like it when you go rough sometimes but not when you start hurting me. You bruised my sides, San. What is wrong with you!?" She whined, now even more upset.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you baby." I stepped towards he and tapped her shoulder in apology.

"It's okay. I will meet up with Wooyoung today." She told me as if it was normal for her to meet up with him.

As if she didn't know that I would freak out at this.

"What the fuck, Y/N!? You will not." I tried to suppress an aggressive tone.

"I'm kidding, San. God, you're so controlling." She rolled her eyes back.

My eyes widened again at her statement.

"You're kidding?" I wanted to make sure, a bit to blended from all this stuff going on to even think straight and be able to follow her words properly.

"Yeah, it was supposed to be my revenge, idiot." She snapped again and walked away.

"Don't call me that!" I told her.

She was never this disrespectful. What the heck was going on?

"Y/N? What is it, huh?" I tried to sound soft but obviously failed.

She breathed out heavily, telling me how annoyed she was by now.

"Either you go and leave me alone or..." She bursted out.

My heart stopped for a moment just to start racing rapidly a second later as I realised what she implied to say.

"Or what?" My voice shivered already.

"Or we take a break." And my heartbeat stopped a second time.

"We just had sex and you're telling me, you wanna take a break?" I asked shocked.

I wished this was just a stupid nightmare of mine, because for me it really was at that point.

"Do you love me, San?" She suddenly wanted to know.

"What? Of course I do! I told you last night."

I was so confused and overwhelmed with this situation, I thought I forgot how to breathe properly.

"Why do you try to control me all the time if you really do?"

"That's the thing Y/N. I do that because I love you too much to let some boy near you." I tried to explain meaningfully.

But she was still quietly standing in front of me.

"I'll let you go with him for two hours, okay?" I thought the best thing to do is to give her what she wanted.

I almost missed that tears rolled down my cheeks. I was so damn emotional when it was about her.

"Please say something, love." I begged. Silence was never a good sign.

"I love you too. But you have to promise to let me go out more often. I don't care if it's with you or with my friends but I want some free time." She finally explained.

In the next second she was in my arms and hugged me tightly.

"I promise, Y/N. I love you."

The picture & gif are not mine, credits to the owners

[mypimpademia]

How Bakugo, Todoroki, and Deku would react to a poc exchange student coming to UA

Bakugo

He's actually finds it interesting

But hes not gonna let anyone know that

When you show up on the first day he looks you up and down and scoffs at you while mumbling "extra"

Of course you hear this, and you're not gonna be taken for a bitch on your first day, so you say something

"Who the hell are you callin extra? You're just mad because you're an angry fucking hedgehog"

Facts were stated, tea was spilled, and everybody's shook

And I mean everybody

Including bakuhoe himself

He stares at you for a solid 5 seconds, and everyone thinks he's gonna blow you off the face of the Earth

"Tch, whatever I doubt you even have a quirk half a strong as mine. You can keep talkin' tough if you can manage to beat me."

And thats all he says before sitting down

But deep down he's fucking appalled

He didn't expect you to actually say anything, but since you did he immediately gave you +10 respect on top of what he already had for you because bakus best boi and respects culture

But to the luck of neither of you, you end up getting seated in front of him

Long story short, you guys are at each others throats for the rest of the day

But he also listens to you talk to others about where you came from and your culture because again, hes not gonna let anyone know that he finds it interesting

+10 respect again because now bakugo thinks the way you can match his energy is cool

Todoroki

He thinks its really cool and helps Momo put together a welcoming committee

I think Todoroki would find different cultures interesting based on him opting to make his dorm totally Japanese style

So he asks a few questions like about where you're from, the food, etc.

But nothing offensive because Todoroki is too respectful for that

He shows you around the school and hangs out with you during lunch

Let's you go off on your own to explore a little and make friends and checks up on you sometimes to see if everything's going good

You tell him it was but that Bakugo was being just Bakugo

Todoroki tells you not to worry about him and just ignore it and reassures you that everyone else in the class is nice

So sweet 🥺

Helps you catch up on stuff from before you came when you get back to the dorms

Hes your lunch buddy now and you sit in front of him🥰

You end the day as friends and Todoroki promises to show you more stuff about the school and class 1-a

Midoriya

Hes soooo excited

Helps Momo and Todoroki on the welcoming committee

Hes the first person to talk to you

Hes all flustered and shy and its adorable

You keep laughing (in a nice way why would you be mean to this lil bean) which makes him even more flustered

He shows you around the school and gives you pointers on where short cuts are and the best places for eating, training, etc.

He introduces you to dekusquad and you eat w them at lunch while they all ask you questions about your culture

Midoriya gives you his old notebooks to help you catch up on work this boy goes through a journal a month dont @ me

You open one of them when he gives them to you to take a peek and you see a little doodle of aizawa in the corner

You call it cute and he nearly faints

Midoriya being Midoriya starts to babble about how they're nothing and for you to ignore them

"D-dont look at those! T-they're nothing, just ignore them!"

And then he starts loudly mumbling to himself

"Oh god, they're all over every page- they're gonna think im weird now!"

You're lowkey fucking concerned but you try to calm him down

To make him feel better, you show him the front of your journal which is covered in sketches of your favorite heros

He really likes them and you end up fangirling over your favorite heros together until its lights out

Youre now part of the dekusquad :)

[cancerbiophd]

I've heard from my PI that he thinks I will be graduating next spring/summer, which is such a light at the end of the tunnel. That and reading about your post-PhD have been the only thing keeping me trudging along, especially with my PI asking everyone to start giving their 110%... Any tips for getting through the last year? I just feel like I've been running on fumes before, so idk how I'm going to be giving 110% until my thesis defense.

Hey K.T.! Omg, time flew! I can’t believe you’re already on your last year. Congrats on all your hard work and reaching the final year! I totally know how you’re feeling right now. The last year is the toughest in many ways, especially when dealing with not burning out. I’m glad my post-PhD tales are helping you, and hopefully I can offer some mores words of encouragement here! 

Take more breaks. You’re at a point akin to an old phone that is slowly getting battery-wear and needs to be charged more often throughout the day. You may find yourself working more and more, so to balance, take more and more mini breaks throughout the day. It also helps to plan enjoyable things during these breaks so you always have something to look forward to, and they can be as small as watching another episode of your current show or taking a nap. 

Prioritize your health and well-being. Whatever system is working for you--keep doing it. It’s easy for us to sacrifice the things that keep us healthy when we have a lot of work to do (eg. when our PI is demanding 110%), but it’s especially crucial to keep our health at top shape during these demanding times. 

Work with your PI to compromise, probably now more so than ever. You may find yourself needing to put your foot down and saying no to projects that are unrelated to your dissertation (and some PIs may not be doing this maliciously--sometimes they don’t realize everything you have going on). Related, I would advise not to take on any more new students to train, unless it’s guaranteed to help you with finishing your dissertation (eg. someone dedicated to doing time-consuming data analyses). 

Delegate more to other members of the lab (eg. junior and/or more permanent members). Not only will this free up your energy and time in the lab as you phase towards focusing on writing your dissertation, but it’s also part of passing down your knowledge for a smooth transition once you leave. 

Make a timeline of major tasks and proposed deadlines. This is something my PI had me do continuously throughout my last year--she recommended I print out a calendar of my remaining timeline and to work backwards from my expected defense date so I could get a sense of how much time I had for each task, when the last possible date would be to run any large time-consuming experiments, etc. And then as my experiments were planned out, I could work forward and adjust other deadlines (like my defense date) accordingly. The timeline was definitely not set in stone in any way though--I was constantly revising mine--but it did a) help me get a better sense of how my time could be best structured, b) make the big black tunnel of the unknown future less dark and stressful, and c) show me that “one year” may sound like a long time, but when broken down into experiments and deadlines, it’s not that long at all! Related, this timeline also gave me an answer during job interviews for a ballpark of when I might be able to start. 

But still remain flexible and take everything one day at a time. You can change your timeline--you can extend your defense by a few weeks--but you can’t change your priority to your own health and well-being, or just unexpected curve-balls for that matter. And when the weight of the future feels too overwhelming (which may happen more and more often during the last year), forget about it all and just focus on what you need to do right now, be it the next step in your protocol or the next line of your dissertation. Grad school is very much like climbing a mountain, and the best way to reach the summit is one step a time, and with plenty of breaks along the way. 

Have a buddy who’s going through the same exact process in your support system. There is so much comfort and power in knowing you’re not going through tough times alone. Sometimes there’s no better relief than hearing “omg same here”. It’ll also help during the dissertation process, as they can be a 2nd pair of eyes to help you edit, or someone to help figure miscellaneous things out like what format to use for your dissertation, etc. 

But don’t compare yourself to others. It’s inevitable that some of your colleagues in grad school will graduate before you, and some will graduate after you. I know the thought will always be there, but we have to remember that everyone is on their own uniquely tailored path, so it’s like comparing apples to oranges, and doing so can only lead to bad vibes. (And we don’t have time for bad vibes, do we!)

Consider any extra obligations very very carefully (including those outside of grad school). You may have to ask yourself: “Is this the best use of my time right now?”

Related, I do not recommend starting a full-time position before you’ve defended. Writing your dissertation and preparing for your final defense is already a demanding full-time job in itself, and there just simply isn’t enough hours in the day--or energy--to do that and start a new position at the same time. Two positions that I interviewed at (including the current one I’m at now) asked me if I would be willing to start while I was just working on writing my dissertation, and I’m sooo grateful my PI talked me out of it (as I probably would’ve had to push my defense back by like 2 months if that were the case!) I have more advice on writing a dissertation here. 

This too shall pass. I know it sucks right now. But time will always move forward, and effort will never betray you. You know that you have it in you to keep climbing this mountain, because look at how far you’ve come! 

Good luck! I’m super proud of you, and I can’t wait for the day I can call you Dr. K.T.! And I’m always here for you if you ever want to talk about anything ❤️ 

[nodameshield]

Day 5: Future / “Some things are destined to be—it just takes us a couple of tries to get there.” - J.R. Ward, Lover Mine

Fate is a bit of a bitch, if you ask Goh about it. He won’t tell you why - the technicalities are a bit too much for him to explain - but he’ll happily say to anyone who listens, that Fate is a bitch.

This is now the third lifetime he wakes up on in which his soulmate is nowhere to be found.

It’s nothing like the first time, when he didn’t even know of the existence of this other being, when he ignored there was someone out there who was made to match him and accompany him through all of their lives’.

Ignorance really is bliss.

For centuries now, it’s taken but a couple of years for him and Ash to run into each other, sometimes they’re kids, sometimes they’re teenagers who go to the same school or farm the same fields or hunt the same witches (though that one time Goh had been the witch himself, and Ash chasing after him with a pitchfork hadn’t been the most ideal of first encounters. Not really the stuff of romance, that.) 

But no matter the circumstances, what is certain, over and over again, is that they will run into one another, for they are twin-flames, meant to love and hold together for eternity.

Which is why, as Goh wakes up as a ten year old in this new lifetime, with vague recollections of past lives and a distinct sense of wrong, he’s got no-one to blame but Fate. He curses its very existence with the limited knowledge of mean-words a ten year old would have.

Ash isn’t here. Hasn’t been born, probably won’t be. 

And now he has to burden however-many years on his own. Yearning and missing and ugh, he can’t wait to die. What’s the average lifespan in this era? Seventy-what? 

Ah, fuck him.

Even if he wanted to complain, it’s not like Fate has office hours, or an assistant with whom you can schedule an appointment. You get what you get and if you don’t like it, well,…tough, buddy, better luck next time.

Except it’s been no luck for Goh for the last three lifetimes, and he’s starting to feel a bit like the butt of a joke.

He is worried, because, what if something happened to Ash’s soul? What if it’s something serious and their reincarnation cycle is now broken and they won’t meet again? That is…that is the worst thing Goh can ever imagine happening and, if it were the case, he doesn’t really think he can keep going with this living business. He simply doesn’t want it.

And unless you, too, are part of a reincarnation cycle and have a soulmate of your own, please abstain from commenting on how extreme and dramatic that sounds. You simply don’t understand.

Twin-flames must meet on every lifetime. Otherwise the whole thing just feels…off. As if you shouldn’t be there in the first place. As if you shouldn’t exist at all. it’s taxing for one’s soul. It’s definitely taken a toll on Goh’s, who wakes now for the third time and meets the heartbreaking realization that his one and only person isn’t here.

Again.

But Goh is a determined - (read: stubborn) soul. And he refuses to let another lifetime pass him by without his partner. That’s unacceptable.

Fate might not have office hours. But he’s paying a visit anyways.

It’s several years before he can make good on that decision. As he learns the ins-and-outs of humanity this time around, as he grows, becomes a someone in this lifetime (he chooses science, because Ash had been a chemist in a past life, and he feels as though that is a respectable homage to his lover. He thinks he’d be pleased.)

There are creatures in this world other than humans or regular animals. They’re called Pokémon, he’s learned. They live alongside humanity and societies. Goh has a companion of his own, a fire-hare that has been with him since he was a child. Cinderace has heard all about Ash and their bond and how important it is to find him.

And so, when he’s twenty, Goh and Cinderace set on a journey to where he’s heard the goddess of Destiny lives. It’s the closest thing to ‘Fate’ he’s found. It’s months on the road, but Goh is not giving up. The life he leads, the future he wants, it’s up to him to make it happen. It’s up to him to get Ash back.

It’s late May by the time he arrives. He lights his candles and says his customary prayers and, when he’s the only patron left at the shrine, he lays it down on Fate as he’s wanted to do for ages.

Listen to me, your ‘highness’. I think it’s very messed up how you gave me a soulmate, and then decided to simply take them away. That’s not how this works and you bloody-well know it. I swear, if you don’t bring Ash back -

Goh doesn’t actually remember how Ash left the Earth last time they were together. He doesn’t remember who left first, or the events that led up to it.

It’s been a minute (three lifetimes). And it’s not the kind of thing they remember every time anyways. Some stuff comes back stronger when they meet, but that hasn’t happened in a minute (three-fucking-lifetimes), either.

Fate is kind enough - cruel enough - to show him exactly what happened, last time. It shows him the King, angry and vengeful, ordering his guards to attack him, get him away from the young prince.

The young prince, who jumps in front of Goh to protect him. Who takes the arrow to the heart. The young prince, with whom Goh had been meeting in secret for the last several years, in love and forbidden.

The young prince. His Ash. Who’s just sacrificed himself for Goh.

Goh, who spent a lifetime of tortures for his sins. All of them meaningless and painless, for his life had disappeared in front of him and there was nothing he could do.

Goh remembers now. Goh remembers and cries and begs to understand what it all means. Why isn’t Ash back now. Why hasn’t he been back in so long.

He gets no response. Fate’s done listening to him. Fate’s closed its gates to the past. Fate invites Goh to look into the future with some more hope.

Goh doesn’t know what to do with that, either. But he extends his gratitudes and leaves with Cinderace by his side. More confused than he’d been upon arrival. The feeling of dread towards yet-another-lifetime without his soulmate never leaving him.

It’s four years after that, on a day Goh is moving around his new lab and organizing the last of the boxes, that he’s hit in the gut by what can only be defined as power. A surge of energy that shakes him to the core and has him tumbling to the ground instantly.

Cinderace rushes to him, worried and startled. And, as Goh gapes for a reassurance, he feels it again.

His eyes fill with tears as he looks forward. Sure enough, right at the entrance of the lab is the figure of the person that was crafted just for him.

He can’t see much from the tears. But he can feel. And that’s enough.

Ash rushes to his side, unannounced and somewhat clumsy. Instead of helping Goh stand, he comes down to the floor with him, hands holding onto Goh’s face, meeting his crying blue eyes with shinning brown ones.

“Shh, I’m here now. I’m here. Goh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I’m sorry. I’m here. I’m not leaving anymore.”

It’s a litany of assurances for the next several minutes. Of I missed you’s and I love you’s and I’m sorry’s. Of you idiot’s and don’t ever leave again’s and have-you-got-any-idea-of-how-long-it-has-been’s. Of Ash explaining how his soul had been healing. How he didn’t understand what had happened, and the last thing he remembers is jumping in front of some guard to keep Goh safe.

It doesn’t matter. None of it matters, decides Goh. Because he is finally, finally holding Ash back in his arms. And it’s been too long for comfort since that’s happened. He’s not wasting a second more.

They can figure out who Ash is in this life later. Together. They can look into finding him a Pokémon companion later. Together. They can make plans for the future and make plans for the night and make love in Goh’s bedroom. Together.

What’s the average lifespan in this era? Seventy-what?

Goh can’t wait.

[certifiedbun]

Chorus Fruit

Cross posted on Ao3 and Wattpad by the same name :)

Puffy stood in front Sam with Foolish by her side. Sam stared quizzically and was confused on why she was here. Sam knew of Puffy’s relation to Dream and he knew Dream was a dangerous fellow that was manipulative and knew how to use his words. Sam didn’t think it was best for either Puffy or Foolish to enter the prison, but Puffy held her ground and somehow convinced Sam to let her in. Foolish who had been watching from the side was impressed by his mother’s skill.

“Listen Puffy, I just don’t think you should visit him.”

“Why not? I should be able to see my duckling Sam.”

“It’s the fact that he’s your duckling I feel you shouldn’t go.”

“Sam what could he possibly say? ‘Mom I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to’? He’s an adult Sam that shit won’t work on me.”

“... Alright but the moment I feel you’re gonna fall for his mind games I’m dragging you back. Same goes for you Foolish.”

“Mhm understood Sam.”

“Thank you Sam for trusting me.”

They went through everything they needed to and soon the three stood in front of the lava wall. On the other side Dream sat and Puffy was anxious to see her duckling again. Foolish was nervous to meet the infamous Dream. He knew of the horrible things Dream did and just how manipulative he was. Both their nerves were on fire and every slight sound made them jump.

When the lava was gone Puffy instantly noticed the man in the orange suit sitting on floor writing. His mask was off and on the floor but his face was turned away. Dream refused to let Sam see him without it. Once Puffy and Foolish were there Dream put on his mask and looked at them. Puffy saw him and rushed over to hug him.

“DUCKLING!! What hell is wrong with you?! You can’t seriously think what you did was okay?!”

“Mom.. I’m sorry.. I never wanted any of this to happen..”

Puffy knew that tone of voice, the somber low level. He was about to start crying and while Puffy knew she should leave right here and now, to yell for Sam to pull her back. She had to stay here.. She had to stay here and comfort her duckling, because that’s what good parents do..

“Duckling… What do you mean?”

‘“I never wanted to do the..hic...horrid things I did to Tommy… I never even wanted the exile to last all that long!”

“So why did you do it?”

“It wasn’t m-me Mom! I-I promise!”

“Duckling, calm down… Please tell me what happened.”

“It was DiDi.. He took over d-during the trip to take Tommy out...outside the city. I.. I was stuck watching ME d-doing horrific actions… Actions I’d never wanna do.. Please Mom, you know about DiDi. please believe me!”

Puffy was conflicted. She knew she shouldn’t believe him, knew that he was manipulative. But she knew about DiDi, that damned deity, and how likely was it that her Duckling, the boy she had taken under care when he was little, how likely was it he’d lie to her? Puffy should’ve left but she didn’t, she hugged her son and told him everything was gonna be okay heartbreaking with every sob she heard. 

Foolish watching as this happened and while he didn’t know Dream well from the things he’s heard, he assumed Dream was a tough cutthroat killer that felt no remorse. The Dream before him right now was nothing like the rumors. And if what he was saying was true, he never wanted to be all those things. Foolish looked around the room and noticed the book Dream had been writing in. It looked like a one-sided conversation but he was unable to decipher whether or not Dream was the one talking in the book.

“Dream please take off the mask..”

“Mom..”

“Take off the mask… take it off so I know… it's my son under there..”

When Dream took the mask off Foolish was unable to see his face but from the reaction Puffy gave he could only assume it was good. Puffy on the other hand stared at her son with a sad smile. The inky black tears that ran down his face was proof enough that it was Dream. Ever since he popped out that end portal and she took him in, he always cried black tears and bled black blood. She knew she’d have to explain a lot to Foolish but that could wait. She washed the mask in the sink and wiped her son’s face before giving it back. 

“If what you’re saying is true Duckling.. I will find a way to get you out.”

She hugged Dream and left with Foolish. Dream sat back down on the floor and watched them leave. Once they were all gone and he was alone he started laughing. He called out for someone and there was a splash from this little landing pad. DiDi crawled out laughing with him. 

“ ‘Mom please be-believe me!!’ My god Dream you sure you aren’t an actor?? Hahahah!!”

“Aw what can say DiDi, I’m just that good! Hahaha poor mom!”

“Her little duckling is an evil lil shit!”

Dream went up to the deity and gave the floating man a pat on the back. Puffy’s visit was unexpected and Dream had to hide the god so she wasn’t suspicious. DiDi teased Dream about becoming an uncle right after being imprisoned. But Dream was more curious on where he could go after escaping.

“Well that Tubbo kid started a new village.. You could always hide out there.”

“Really? Where is it?”

“It’s somewhere over there actually really close by. The kid named it ‘Snowchester’. Actually looks pretty good.”

“Who’s living there?”

“Uhh Manifold and Foolish. They’re the only ones living there at the moment.”

“Now how to get out..”

‘’Well you could cash in that favor from Techno and you always got Ranboo willing to help. I’ve been making sure of that.”

“DiDi you sick bastard, that’s amazing.”

“Yes, yes I know I’m amazing.”

“Puffy, Techno, and Ranboo are my only allies besides you at the moment. I need more people to visit me..”

“So you can give them the same sob story and gain their pity?”

“Mhm you know it buddy.”

They continued to talk and by the time XD left, hours had gone by. Dream spent the night walking the length of his cell and writing. His writing was frantic and wouldn’t make sense if you read it, which was everything he needed. He could spin a story from it and no one would question him about it. Meanwhile outside Puffy and Foolish were walking back to her home.

Foolish had wondered what that was about but knew this wasn’t the right time to ask. So he wait till Puffy was sitting at her table before speaking.

“Hey Mom?”

“Yea?”

“What was that today??”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Why did you say you were gonna get him out?! What is wrong with Dream!?”

“Listen Foolish, it.. There’s a lot to explain.. And to that.. I gotta start from the beginning..”

Puffy went to the kitchen and began making tea for the two of them. The sound of running water and the gentle wind helped calm Foolish’s nerves but he still couldn’t help but feel like he was going to learn something he shouldn’t. When Puffy returned she handed him a mug and sighed before speaking.

“It was ages ago but I still remember the day like yesterday.. I was mining for Niki because she needed something.. I think ores? Whatever it’s not important.. But while I was down there I came across an End portal..”

“An end portal? Isn’t the End off limits?”

“It wasn’t back then.. Back then there were plenty of portals no one felt the need to go though.. Anyways.. I was marking the area.. So Niki and I could visit.. But.. But as I did someone came out the portal.. A child.. He couldn’t have been older than 5.. He was just so cute.. Sandy blonde hair with the brightest of green eyes..”

Puffy’s voice was cracking and she stared into her mug with tears welling up in her eyes. She was trying to get the next few words out but couldn’t. It hurt so much to think back on the old days. All the smiles, all the laughs, all of it hurt so much. Everything was so much darker now and it made her miss the days when she could go outside and not see the egg or worry about her son.

“Mom.. I’m sorry you don’t have to continue..”

“It’s fine Foolish.. The little boy popped out the portal eating a chorus fruit.. I was so worried.. And my worry.. It only grew when DiDi showed up.. DiDi is the name Dream.. It’s the name Dream gave it.. It’s proper name.. If you could even call it that.. Was DreamXD. DiDi gave me a bag of chorus fruit and started to cover it.. I don’t know why.. DiDi and Dream came out of the portal and I don't know why the portal was closed off afterward.. But Dream was my son and I couldn’t give him up.. I just couldn’t.”

Foolish stood and hugged the crying Puffy silently wishing that he didn’t ask the question. He knew Dream was different but he never could’ve guessed he came from the End. Why did DiDi come out after him though? The two had to be correlated but how? Foolish didn’t have time to think about it, his mother needed comforting. 

Puffy cried as she thought about her sons, Niki, and her friends. Oh god all of them, they were all so important to her and she just let them slip away.. She should’ve been able to stop Dream from doing those things, convinced Niki to stay, or at least stopped Bad from touching the egg. All her friends and family were in danger and she left so useless. Why wasn’t she able to do anything to help them?

When Foolish returned home that day he was conflicted to say the least. He wasn’t here to see the things Dream had done nor was he here to see to him in the same light Puffy did. But today he learned things many others probably didn’t. How likely was it that people knew Dream came from the End? How likely was it that they knew Dream and DreamXD came right after each other? 

Foolish knew he would need to talk to Dream personally about this, but first he had to talk to DiDi. Foolish was preparing to leave when he ran into Tubbo who was working on his farms. The boy had no clue of what Foolish planned to do and he wanted to keep it that way. 

“Oh hey Foolish! What ya up to?”

“Hey there Tubbo! Oh nothing much what’s up with you?”

“Ah just farming and the like. Uh where are you going?”

“Oh I’m just going exploring might run into some interesting caves!”

“...Okay… Good luck then. See ya around!”

Foolish rushed off and Tubbo eyed him curiously as he walked away. Tubbo was suspicious but he had nukes to test so Foolish could wait for now. He made a mental note to keep an eye on him though. Foolish went to the Nether to collect blaze rods and potion making supplies. He would need the potions to protect him and he wanted to be as prepared as possible. He passed Ranboo but ignored him trying to do what he needed and leave the endless nether. Ranboo noticed Foolish’s flighty behaviour and decided to follow him.

Ranboo didn’t know why he was following Foolish but he knew he had to. Something was telling him to follow and he decided to trust it. He saw Foolish enter a Nether fortress and assumed he would be farming wither skulls but his heart fell to his stomach when he realized he was getting blaze rods. He was collecting more than needed for potions and he hoped Foolish was just over stocking but as he saw the man start looking for ender pearls he knew exactly what Foolish planned to do. 

Why was Foolish heading for the End? What could he possibly need? Ranboo’s mind was spinning as questions whirled through it. He needed to know more, maybe he could stop Foolish. Anything to prevent him from entering the end. But why was Ranboo so concerned about someone entering the End? How was it an issue for him? So many questions and so little answers..

It's when they’re in the stronghold does Ranboo reveal himself and Foolish immediately draws his sword. Ranboo throws his hands up and backs up mumbling things and silently begging for Foolish not to kill him.

“What are you doing here, Ranboo?”

“Listen I could ask you the same question Foolish..”

“I’m here to try and get much needed answers. Why are you?”

“The same reason! I want to know why you’re trying to get into the End. And I want-.. No I need to know what’s been going on..”

“Explain.”

“Alright so I sleepwalk nothing new there… but I lost my beacon one night.. And my pickaxes show signs of intense use.. I don't know where or why my things are like this and I need answers!”

“So you follow me? What makes you think I know?”

“Nothing but something.. I don’t know what is telling me to follow you..”

“...”

“Please Foolish let’s work together to understand.. And if it doesn’t help we forget this ever happened.. Okay?”

“Okay then.. Let’s go.”

Ranboo was thankful that he wouldn’t be dying soon but was fearful as they approached the portal. Foolish placed the Eyes of Ender in the frames and right before he placed the last one a loud bang and a bright light filled the room. Wind rushed through the underground room blowing out the torch's warm light. Soon the torches relit with a bright green light making the ominous being more intimidating and eerie.

The being floated above the portal and wore long flowing robes. He wore a mask similar to Dream’s except he had an ‘XD’ face  instead of a smiley face. Though the mask was smiling he could tell that being behind it wasn’t. It was cold and quiet and they regretted their decision to come here. 

Before either the two could speak the deity began talking. Its voice low and heavy, each word sounding like a threat.

“What are you doing here?”

“We’re here to ask you a few questions.” Foolish stated this, his voice slightly wavering while Ranboo stood back slightly afraid. This god, if you could call it that seemed, familiar. Ranboo can’t remember ever meeting him, but he looked at Ranboo like he knew who he was.

“Well then what questions have you come to ask mortals.”

Foolish looked at Ranboo before speaking. He knew this would come out sooner or late but he wasn’t sure of his reaction. However he chose to risk it.

“Why did Dream come out of the Ender portal? And why did you follow afterwards?”

“Oh so Captain Puffy told you I assume? Did she tell you the full story?”

“...”

“No? How sad.. Well I wouldn’t mind telling you the truth.. I know Puffy finds that hard to do...”

“Alright then get to talking1”

“Eager are we? Well I pushed Dream out the portal after learning of a child living there. On the other side there was Puffy and I figured she’d be able to find the boy a good home. I stayed here to make sure no one else fell into and got stuck in the End. I don’t know what you’ve heard but I’m not a bad guy.. I’m just trying to protect everyone..”

“Do.. Do you know where I came from? I know I’m part enderman but.. D-did I also come out from the End?”

“Huh? Why yes Ranboo you did. You were considerably younger than Dream at the time so finding a suitable place was difficult. But I think I did a good job no?”

“Do you know where my beacon went? A-and why are my tools so worn out?”

“Well little Ranboo why don’t you use context clues and go pay Dream a little visit.. If this is all you have to ask I’ll be going now.. But do not forget. I’m always watching.”

Wind came rushing back through the room and there was so much it knocked Foolish and Ranboo to the floor. It was dark for a second then the torches were relit and the portal was closed off. They stood up coughing and dusted off their clothes before looking at each other with grim expressions and nodded. 

They both knew what they needed to do. And neither were prepared for it.

While this was happening Puffy was walking. Walking through the Nether and through a dessert. It was far from the SMP but she had to come here. Memories of walking with Niki and Dream to this safe haven filled her mind as her feet walked to where they needed to be. As much as she tried to forget she could still hear Dream’s little shouts of ��Ow hot sand hot floor hot floor!’ 

Tears ran down her face and blurred her vision so much she nearly screamed when she saw a brightly colored person rushing her way. The person in question was one Mr. Karl Jacobs, back from another adventure. Karl saw the dazed Puffy walking and decided to walk with her to keep her safe.

“Hey Puffy!”

“Ah!- Oh hello Karl.”

“Heyo what ya doing in a desert? Are you ok??”

“I’m doing fine.. Just going on a walk..”

“So far out?”

“Yeah.. Visiting my garden out here..”

“Garden? What kind of garden is out in a desert?”

“... A special one..”

“Is it sugar cane? There’s not much water here though...”

“No...”

“Cactus? Not sure why you would need a cactus farm but hey what-”

“It’s not cactus or sugarcane Karl..”

“Huh? Then what?”

“It’s chorus fruit..”

“Cho..CHORUS FRUIT?! WHERE DID YOU GET CHORUS FRUIT?? THE END IS OFF LIMITS!”

He stared at Puffy with wide eyes, stopping in his tracks. Puffy continued to walk and Karl had to run to catch up with her. Karl tried to stop her from moving and talk to her about this but his attention was soon directed towards the large gated garden full of chorus fruit plants. The tall plants held an eerie air around them. The hot desert suddenly felt like ice after he stepped into the garden. He watched as Puffy plucked the fruit and stared at it.

His mind was a buzz with questions. Where did she get the fruit? Who gave it to her? Why did she have a garden full of it? Was she ok? Karl didn’t know. Puffy collected a chest full of the fruit and handed him some. 

“Puffy what do you want me to do with this..?”

“Just take it.. Please..” “Puffy what’s wrong?” “.. Everything Karl.. Now leave please..”

The wind blew causing sand to toss and turn. Puffy looked at Karl with sad eyes as sand blew higher and higher, she turned and started to walk away. Karl chased after her but the sand hurt his eyes and by the time the sand settled Puffy was gone and he was alone in the garden.

Karl looked around trying to find the Captain but was unable to. The fruit in hands however had a familiar feel to them. He didn’t know why but it felt like he had these before. He had never been to the End but the longer he looked at the purple fruits he felt nostalgia…

He decided to put fruits in his bag and look over them back home. Now if only he knew where to go. How did he even get here? Where was he coming from? Karl rushed to find his books and a sigh of relief emerged from him once he did. By the time he came back to the SMP he saw Puffy talking to Tommy and Tubbo, while he was still very worried for her well being he chose to let her be for now. He saw her still holding the basket of fruit and looked at his bag full of it. Tommy and Puffy walked away and it made him wonder if she was giving chorus fruit to everyone. He hoped she wouldn’t because no one knows what the consequences of that might be. Arriving at his home he saw Sapnap and Quakcity waiting for him.

“Ay where have ya been Karl?”

“Yea we missed you!”

“Ah I’m sorry! Didn’t even realize I was gone that long to be honest.” Karl laughed as he said this but when he noticed they weren’t laughing with him, he looked them confused. They looked at him concerned and confused and started to check if he was sick. 

“Guys, guys I’m fine! What's the issue?”

“You’ve… you’ve been gone for a month Karl..” Sapnap said slowly. Karl’s eyes widened as he dropped his bag. He rushed over towards the calendar on the walla and stared at it heart dropping to his stomach. They were right. An entire month has passed. Quackity noticed his bag but chose to ignore the strange feeling he got from it. It wasn’t important right now. What was important was Karl’s health.

They brought Karl to his bed and had him lay down on his bed before questioning him. Karl answered the questions to the best of his ability but soon found himself drawing blanks on certain parts of his memory. He couldn’t remember things that happened and there were things clearly missing from it. It was like a puzzle without all its pieces. It was painful trying to remember and it worried Quackity and Sapnap more. 

Why couldn’t he remember where he was for a month? Why was his memory so skewed? They chose to let him rest but they never left his side the next few days. Ranboo and Foolish on the other hand were trying to think of how they could get Dream to talk about Ranboo’s tools, if he even knew about it somehow. 

Ranboo knew his visit to the prison would be scary and now with this added pressure it would surely be worse than anything he could imagine. He needed his panic room. He had to get there so he could calm down. He just had to. He rushed to the room but was hit in the head by something. Looking around and finding no one he glanced down to see what had hit him. Chorus fruit.. 

[pierregasly]

Would love to hear your full take on Pierre,,,

Sorry this took me a few days to get to, I meant to answer it immediately but never found the motivation :( Anyways, onto Pierre. 

I believe you are commenting on a post of mine where I stated my fear that the Middle Generation of drivers (Charles, Carlos, Pierre and Max specifically) have/are going to miss out on opportunities and will never reach their full potential in F1. This is similar to what happened to the “Lost Generation” which is comprised of drivers such as Daniel, Kevin, Nico and Checo. To reiterate something that another asker was confused about: it has nothing to do with talent. The generations are not lumped together based on talent but based on their similar ages/entrance into F1 and I am speaking on the wasted potential that this group never got to achieve. (For example, Nico’s full potential was podiums--he never got here. And Daniel’s full potential was a championship--which he’ll never get.) 

I am not going to waste your time and state what I said briefly about Charles, Carlos and Max but I will go into depth more so about what I hardly touched upon with Pierre. As I said, Pierre is a phenomenal talent. As much as his podium and race win may have proven it to the world, many still call him a “luck driver” who is not good enough for a higher team. This is, obviously, because of  his time at Red Bull dramatically overshadowed his career. 

I started following Pierre around 2017 when I first got interested in F1 because of the history. In 2017 he wasn’t racing in Europe but in Super Formula so I took the time to catch up on his career thus far (I will go into depth on this in a moment). I didn’t start watching F1 until 2018 and the only driver (non-historical) I really was attached to was Pierre (others would comes later). Obviously, if you remember, Pierre ended up taking P5 in qualifying and P4 in a Toro Rosso in front of the whole world in only a few races at Bahrain. It was absolutely incredible and for the rest of the season until his Red Bull announcement, Pierre was dishing points place after points place after points place in only his first full season in F1. Therefore, while it was only his FIRST FULL SEASON, the jump to Red Bull ultimately felt justified. 

Of course, this did not end up being the case. Our joy over Pierre getting to be in a higher team made us completely and utterly forget the track record Red Bull has left with its second drivers. For those of you who are new to F1 (either coming in 2019, mid-2019 or 2020) you missed out on Pierre’s debut season which was fantastic for the car he was given. Furthermore, if you came in during mid-2019 or 2020 and you think that the treatment RB gave to Alex is horrible--you are hardly touching the surface. The treatment that RB is giving Alex versus Pierre is like taking your sons on summer vacation and then having one of them sleep on the comfy twin bed with two blankets and the other kid on the floor without so much as PJs. We haven’t even touched upon Daniil. Daniil would be like the parents leaving the kid outside to sleep. 

Let’s move on. It is very easy to look at Pierre’s season and tout only negative things. It was not his best moment and, yes, he certainly could’ve done better. However, with what he was given? Are we even sure about that? For example, Pierre become open with the media following his demotion. Not only did RB leave it to the very last moment but they also would:

1) Use Pierre’s car and car parts to test Max. 

2) When Pierre requested a more experienced engineer, he was denied. However, when Alex requested the same thing, he was given it. 

3) RB consistently spoke horribly of him in front of the media. They constantly spoke that he needed to do better and never tried to build him up. 

4) Emotionally pressured Pierre to his breaking limit.

Now the difference between RB and many other teams is that when the going gets tough for their drivers, many teams choose to build their drivers up to set them up for success. RB’s method is to tear their drivers down and hope that they can pick up their own pieces once they become annoyed with humiliation. The demotion was far, far too quick. Think of Alex--he has been getting worse and worse and worse with a year and half of time at Red Bull. Pierre managed half a season before they gave him the boot. The boot was also without warning even despite Pierre getting better and better each race. 

This is all information you probably already know, I said earlier I would touch upon his younger career and how this has been overshadowed and forgotten due to his time at RB. Here are some facts/statistics that will be important for my point later:

Finished 3rd in the French F4 championship with four wins, two poles and seven podiums over the course of only fourteen races despite having three retirements (the 2nd placer had 0 and the 1st placer only had 1). 

In his first season at Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 he finished 10th of 51 different racers and every person but one who finished before him in the championship was older than him. Pierre was only 16 when Stoffel V was 20, Daniil K was 18, Oliver R was 20, Norman N was 20, Nyck V was 17, Paul L was 21, Oscar T was 16, Melville M was 18 and Alex R was 18. 

In his second season of Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 he finished first in front of the likes of Esteban Ocon, Oliver Rowland, Jake Dennis, Nyck de Vries, Luca Ghitto and Alexander Albon.

Finished 6th in the 2013 Formula Renault 2.0 Alps Series despite missing half of the season and there being 42 competitors total (everyone ahead of him completed the full season). 

Finished 2nd of 28 competitors in the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 Series and lost to none other than Carlos Sainz Jr. 

Finished 1st in his second full season of GP2 (now formally classified as F2).

The GP2 race he won in Silverstone happened right after a huge roadcar accident in which his mother ended up in the hospital. Pierre himself fractured his vertebrae and still went on to win the race while his mother was in the hospital and he had a broken bone. 

Was called in to replace a Renault edams driver in Formula E. He was jet lagged, tired and got only a few hours in the sims. He still managed to secure P4 in qualifying and then was set for a P3 finish but he crashed into the wall on the last corner of the last lap and came home in P4. THIS WAS HIS FIRST TIME EVER IN AN FE RACE OR AN FE CAR.

Finished second in Super Formula in 2017 but lost by only half a point. One of the races in the season was abandoned when he was set to win because of flooding and storm. Had it not been abandoned he would’ve finished first at the end of the season. 

All this pretty much brings you up to speed to when he entered into F1 (which all his amazing stuff you should be familiar with). Moving more onto my “take” regarding Pierre. I have shown evidence for why he is an incredible driver, however, now we’re moving onto the not so great bit. I suppose I must answer one question before I move on. 

Do I think Pierre is good enough, against all the rest of the talent in F1, to get consistent podiums if given the proper car? Absolutely. Do I think Pierre is good enough, against all the rest of the talent in F1, to get consistent wins if given the proper car? Absolutely. Do I think Pierre is good enough, against all the rest of the talent in F1, to fight/win a championship one day if given the proper car? This I firmly believe is possible (other thing I’ll get into if someone wants).

The reason I worry and am distressed about Pierre is because I don’t believe he’ll ever get a go at a higher team again. RB really put a shadow over his career, a shadow that is going to worry other teams from placing him into their cars. He has ultimately proven himself with podiums and, of course, the race win. However, seeing as there is so much young talent coming into F1, I don't see there being a place for him. 

Mercedes is set to most likely be Max and George when Lewis retires. Red Bull would never dare to put him in that seat again. Ferrari has their “golden generation” of Charles and Mick to look after. And those are the seemingly “top teams” (if you can even all Ferrari that). Let’s look at the others. Racing Point is going to be Lance and Seb until Seb retires. I don’t see Pierre ever going to Alpha Romeo. And McLaren is set up for the next few years with Lando and Daniel. Haas--I don’t think so. This is ultimately dangerous for Pierre’s career because RB likes to keep fresh meat in their B team car (or if you trust Horner it’s their “sister team” lol). Pierre’s best chance is the escape the RB family. AND I UNDERSTAND that the regulations could make things VERY different in F1 for the future. These are just my hypothesis and guesses--all is subjective and up to interpretation so @ anybody reading this--relax, buddy. So where does Pierre fit in in the future? These are some scenarios I have conjured up. 

1) Mercedes. Let’s say that, possibly. Max never ends up moving into that second Merc seat and instead remains at RB wasting away until they can get him a better car for the rest of his career (ooo burn sorry it’s for the scenario don’t hate me). This would open up a place at Merc for Pierre to truly shine his potential. Most likely, he would play second fiddle to George but hey--it’s still a seat where can utilize that potential. 

2) Red Bull. This would be if they get desperate. I don’t think if given a second chance, Pierre would say no. If Max were still in the team, he would be second fiddle. I can see Pierre going to RB if Max leaves for Merc in the next few years and they want him to lead Yuki or if Yuki doesn’t shine in AT and they end up dropping him they are going to be slim Pickens... I don’t know if being at RB will give him a place where he can utilize his potential but it’s a possibility. 

3) Ferrari. This would be only a chance if Mick doesn’t do great in Alpha Romeo and they need someone to fill the seat of their obvious place holder Carlos. He would be alongside Charles. Other than that.... Ferrari seems pretty set and there isn’t any space. 

4) McLaren. This I don’t see as very possible? I would love to see him in orange but they seem pretty set with Daniel and Lando. I think Daniel is probably going to ride out the end of his career there. Lando seems very integrated into the team and I can’t see him leaving unless he got a better offer like Merc. If Max didn’t end up taking the second Merc seat in the future and remains at RB then Lando might be given an offer which would open up a place that Pierre could possibly take. Do I count this as realistic? Not really, but it could happen. At McLaren I could see Pierre utilizing his potential. 

5) Renault. This is one of the options that seems most realistic to me. They're set with Fernando for the next few years. If they decided, after 2021, to give the boot to Esteban, that would open up a place for Pierre in a French team that would love a French driver (they already have one but Pierre is a FRENCH WINNER). You know that teams loves their nationalism.... Anyways. Or, possibly, Fernando retires after two years (again lol) which would open up a seat for Pierre to take along Esteban. However, I don’t really see Esteban staying long term because Renault probably needs to put one of their Renault babies like Guanyu or Christian in there. 

6) Williams. Lol. No. 

7) Haas. I don’t see it happening really??? I have my reasons but my gut just says... Au revoir.

8) Racing Point. THIS. This I see as 100% 100% a possibility. Let’s say that Seb retires after two years--this would open up a seat. Pierre is a strong, consistent and stable driver who doesn’t make mistakes. Here he could really use his potential!! #PierreInGreen!!

9) Alpha Romeo. As I said... I really don’t see it. They seem pretty busy with all their young guys. 

So to conclude, the future for Pierre lies at either Renault or Racing Point (less chance but possible includes Merc to McLaren). To not take up any more of  your time, this is what I mean by Pierre being an incredible talent who may or may not get a chance at a higher team. He deserves to have more and to have a second chance. He has really proven himself and is pulling the absolutely maximum out of himself. I really want to see him with more, like he deserves. 

Even Charles wanted him as his teammate at Ferrari back in April... that’s saying even more. Everyone on the grid except Esteban rate him highly as a person and as a driver. His potential deserves smth better. He has proven himself time and time again against everyone who told him he wasn't good enough and who still say it was all just luck. There exists luck. But firmer than luck, there exists skill. 

Pierre Gasly is a race winner in an Alpha Tauri. Do not forget that. 

[dc41896]

Small World

Prompt: During a night out, Kenny meets an incredible girl. But what happens when the girl of his dreams is also his new teammate?

Hey guys👋🏾!! Hope everything is going well during quarantine and everyone is safe and trying to stay positive💕! This was requested by @lclb13 and I’m so sorry that it’s taken all this time I honestly didn’t mean for that to happen and hope you like what I came up with!

Pairing: Kenny CrosbyxReader

⚠️: Mentions of drinking, fluff💕!

There was nothing more that Kenny wanted to do after a tiresome day at work literally chasing down a narcissistic, psychotic kidnapper than to have a couple beers and relax. He could practically smell the mixture of alcohol and wings already as he walked the remaining few feet to the bar he frequented on work days like this. However, his mood would soon fall seeing the note on the front door and all the lights off in the usually bustling establishment.

“Due to state mandated rules following the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be closed until further notice. Sorry for the inconvenience and stay safe.”

“Shoot, I thought it didn’t start until tomorrow,” a voice speaks from behind him. Turning around, he couldn’t help but notice the stressed, yet beautiful, eyes in front of him as you crossed your arms letting out an annoyed breath before turning to walk away.

“Tough day at work?”

“Not exactly. I start my new job tomorrow and I just wanted to have a couple drinks to try to calm my nerves.”

“Crazy how as we get older those don’t get any better,” he lightly chuckles making you smile.

“Now that you mention it, you have a point,” you giggle. “Well looks like I’ll just head home then since more than likely every bar in town is closed. It was nice talking to you um..?”

“Kenny.”

“Kenny. I’m Y/N, have a good night,” you smile giving a small wave before turning around and walking away.

Although only having that short conversation with you, he hated that you had to leave. Besides how breathtaking you looked, it was something about you that drew him in and didn’t seem to be loosening it’s hold anytime soon. Plus with everything closing, who knows when he’d get the chance to see you again.

“Hey, what if I told you I may be able to get you that drink after all!?,” he calls after you, lightly jogging to the spot you were currently standing.

“That depends. If this is your way of trying to get me back to your place I’ll admit you’re cute but-,”

“I promise you it’s not like that, but thank you for calling me cute though,” he winks with a chuckle. “An old army buddy of mine owns a arcade and game room a couple blocks up and if you’re still up for it we could go there.”

“Won’t he be closed too?”

“To the public yea, but not to those with special VIP access. So what do you say?”

“Okay, I’m in,” you smile following behind the taller and bulkier man as he begins to stroll down the empty sidewalk. “And sorry for thinking you were trying to get me back to your place. I probably look full of myself now.”

“Nah don’t apologize, you’re looking out for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

———

“Read the sign, we’re closed,” an annoyed voice answers from the other side of the call box.

“Even for an old friend?,” Kenny asks with a smirk.

“Especially for said old friend,” the voice replies chuckling.

A loud buzz sounds as the front door unlocks allowing both of you to enter the building. Climbing the flight of wooden stairs, you’re finally met with a room that seemed to go on forever from how many activities one could do.

Towards the back were 10 pool tables with five on each side of the room while pinball and other arcade games lined the side wall. At the top of both corners of the bar hung flat screen TVs displaying the evening news and ESPN individually.

“So what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?,” the friend asks with a smile hugging Kenny.

“Work stress. Leo this is Y/N, Y/N this is my friend Leo I told you about.”

“If he said anything bad, I promise it’s not true,” Leo laughs shaking your hand.

“Don’t worry it was all good, and Kenny was right when he said this place was amazing!”

“Well thank you! Usually there’d be more people here, but with COVID that’s pretty much shut everything down.”

“And while that sucks, that also means everything here is open for us and bottomless drinks,” Kenny winks pulling two beers from the ice chest behind the bar.

“Bottomless sure, but that doesn’t mean free,” Leo retorts as Kenny laughs.

“Don’t worry we know. Put everything on my tab.”

“No, I can’t let you pay for my drinks” you reply taking the cold, dripping bottle from his hands.

“You don’t have to let me, it’s already done,” he smiles before taking a swig. “Plus take it as a good luck gift for your first day.”

“I would try to fight you on this, but I have a feeling it’s not gonna get me anywhere.”

“And you would be right,” he chuckles leaning against the shinning bar. “I’m that easy to read huh?”

“Don’t take it to heart, it’s just part of my job.”

“Let me guess...psychologist?”

“Not exactly, psych is part of my background but I work with law enforcement.”

“Oh what branch? I work with FBI.”

“Same! I just transferred here from LA,” you excitedly beam.

“Well a heads up, the guys in the main office here are really good people. Me and my team have worked with them before and I know you’ll fit right in with no problem.”

“I hope so.” Sighing, you take a drink from your bottle trying to ease your nerves but they only seem to grow the more you think about the new environment you’d be in tomorrow. Sensing that your mind and nerves were getting the best of you, Kenny’s fingertips brush against your skin as he lightly grabs your arm.

“Hey we’re here to forget about work right? How about some pool?”

“Sure, but I’m gonna be honest I suck,” you answer as he leads you to the closest table. Setting his beer next to one of the pockets, he hands you a stick from the wall before removing the triangle holding the balls in place.

“Oh I’m sure you’re not that bad.”

Lining up your shot, you bend over the table with top of the stick in one hand and the base in the other. Shooting it forward, you connect the stick with the cue ball expecting it to crash into the others, but sadly it wildly spins and hits the side of the table nearly landing in the middle pocket.

“Well, uh it’s a good start,” he grins as you flip him off.

“I told you I suck.”

“You just need practice. Here let me help.”

“Oh help me as in stand incredibly close to my butt all the while having your arms around me?,” you smirk making Leo laugh from his spot behind the bar.

“C’mon that’s the oldest trick in the book! Rake that big head for something new,” Leo adds sipping on his beer as Kenny chuckles crossing his arms in front of his broad chest.

“Actually I was just gonna demonstrate how it’s done, so if you’ll excuse me miss know it all.”

Stepping aside with your hands up in surrender, he takes your previous position bending forward with the stick in his hands. In a swift motion, he hits the cue ball making it glide across the table until it makes contact with the others causing them to scatter and a couple to sink in the corner pockets.

Although it was a simple movement, you couldn’t lie and say that it didn’t make you feel things. Watching as he bent over, you had a better view of his back muscles and how his tight shirt clung onto their every curve. His biceps grew bigger as he flexed to perform his shot making you wish he had chosen to guide you instead.

“So you just need to have a better grip on the stick and give it more force, then you should be good,” he explains snapping you out of your trance. “Ready to try again?”

“I guess,” you nervously smile moving to where the cue rested. Readying yourself for your shot, you feel his eyes on you making you even more nervous to try to get it right. Aiming for the striped ball, you keep his words in mind as you strike the ball and it hits your target better this time, but misses the pocket from being hit a little too hard.

“See? Better already!,” he smiles playfully nudging your arm.

“Yea but I still need to work on how hard or soft to hit it.”

“That’ll come with time don’t worry.”

“And thank you for being such a good teacher.”

“Anytime.” Meeting your eyes with his blue ones, you both feel as if you’ve been there for longer than a few seconds, but in the most comfortable way. Moving towards you, he sets his mouth to say something, but is cut off by his phone buzzing.

“Duty calls?”

“Yea something like that,” he answers quickly typing his response before putting his phone away. “What do you say we do this again next weekend?”

“What? So I can practice my shots?”

“If you want, or we could do other stuff. It’s up to you.” Noticing your raised eyebrow, he realizes what he said before pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed.

“I didn’t mean that stuff,” he chuckles. “You know, I’m not sure if you giving me a hard time is because you like messing with me or hate me completely.” Softly giggling, you reach to grab his phone handing it to him so he could unlock the screen before adding your name and number.

“Does that answer your question?,” you smirk taking a final drink from your bottle.

———

Sitting in his usual spot, his eyes scan the computer screens in front of him, as he tries to decipher the hit patterns of their new suspect to predict where he’ll be next. Every so often, he’d look at his phone to see if you replied to his recent message, but still there was nothing.

“That’s like the 10th time you’ve glanced at your phone in the span of five minutes. Is someone expecting a text from a girl?,” Hana asks amused.

“Stop watching me like a creep,” Kenny smiles throwing a balled up piece of paper at her.

“Okay guys quick announcement. This is Y/F/N Y/L/N from the LA FBI branch and she’s gonna be our newest member for these next few cases,” LaCroix explains. “Just to give you a quick introduction to everyone, that’s Sheryll, Clinton, Hana, and Kenny.”

“From the look on your face, I’d say you guys have already been introduced,” Hana whispers as Kenny seems to become more red by the minute.

“Y/N I’m gonna have you here with Kenny while Clinton and I go check where our guy was last seen in town. Sheryll and Hana I want you both to check in with our victim to see if she’s been able to remember anything else.”

Everyone scattering to where they need to go, you sit next to Kenny nervously fiddling with your fingers.

“So...first day ok?,” he asks after clearing his throat.

“Mhmm,” you nod. Awkward silence falling over the both of you, the only thing that could be heard was the ticking of the clock on the wall and Kenny occasionally clicking the mouse.

“Hey, this doesn’t have to be awkward. It’s not like we did anything you know? Basically last night was two adults playing pool.”

“Right, and enjoying each other’s company, which coworkers can do,” you add as he nods in agreeement.

“Exactly! You could even say I just welcomed you to town,” he smiles.

“And in a very fun way!”

Another silence falling over you two as your small laughs died down, you both knew that your feelings were already too strong to try to ignore or get over. Plus deep down neither of you really wanted to let it go.

“So what now?,” you ask just above a whisper causing him to lean back in his chair rubbing a hand through his short hair.

“I don’t know, but I’m guessing it starts with us not meeting next weekend,” he sighs looking down as he taps his fingers against the table.

“....well not necessarily. You have to give me my next pool lesson remember?” Lifting his head, your small but bright smile make him feel as if he’s floating as he softly chuckles to himself.

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If anybody wants to be tagged, has asked to be tagged but don’t see your name, only want to be tagged for certain people I write for, or no longer wish to be tagged just let me know🤓!

[srhlsx]

Rewritten & Reposted March 23, 2021

 MASTER | Ch. 1 | CHAPTER 2 | Ch. 3

Daiki spoke up after the two newcomers introduced themselves. “(Y/n) and Rumi are third years too,” He interrupted himself with a small burp, causing Rumi to look at him in pure horror and you to bite back a chuckle of your own.

“Oh, nice.” Bokuto nodded along with Kuroo. “Are you both in a club then?”

What. You blinked once very slowly.

“Dude, they both pl-”

“Ah ah ah.” You immediately held up a hand in Daiki’s face to keep him from speaking any further. “Yes. We are in a club. But that’s not what is important.”

Rumi shook her head with a dark chuckle and quickly downed her drink. She mumbled something about finding more games to play before turning to walk back into the house you originally came from. (“This is fucking boring” was an exact quote.) The boy with bedhead hair, who you came to know as Kuroo, followed after her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. 

You shook your head as you watched after them, turning back and intending to strike up a new conversation with your schoolmates but all you were met with were their retreating backs. Daiki’s hands were moving dangerously low on Mako’s waist as they blended into the sea of people. 

“Looks like you’re stuck with me.” You turned to face the stranger standing before you, looking up and really noticing his golden eyes for the second time since he introduced himself.

You bit into your bottom lip and dragged your thumb across the skin as you leaned your weight onto your right leg as you gave him a once over. He was tall, much taller than you were, and lean. Not lean in the not-done-growing, can’t-control-your-limbs type of way; but lean in the sense that it was clear he was an athlete. His shoulders were broad and full under the athletic t-shirt he wore. His legs were long and you could tell there was thick muscle on them, even under the pair of baggy black joggers he had on. 

But beyond the fact that he was built like an absolute racehorse, the most eye-catching parts of him weren’t even below his shoulders. 

His smile had enough electricity to power a small town for at least a year, and that was a fact. His eyes, a shade of gold you’d never seen before - and were sure you’d never see again - looked at you like you were the only thing in the world that was worthy of holding his gaze. Then his hair - a wild cluster of bi-colored, thick locks that stuck up straight in all directions - screaming for your hands to reach up and run your fingers through them just to get an idea of if they were as soft as they appeared to be.

“Could be worse,” You finally responded after your thorough examination of his entire physique. It was pretty blatant that you had been checking him out, you might as well have asked him to wipe the drool from your mouth.

In any normal situation, the act of a girl so obviously checking him out wouldn’t send Bokuto into any kind of fit. In fact, he didn’t typically even notice those kinds of things happening. But with this girl who he just met before him, he couldn’t help the feeling of his heart clutching almost painfully in his chest. He cleared his throat, shaking his head just enough to clear away the haze he had found himself in and braced his hand against the wall of breezeblocks you both stood near. Bokuto was not trying to be subtle as he beamed down at you, opting to take a step closer. 

“(Y/n)...” He said your name in a tone you were sure you’d never get sick of hearing. “I feel like I’ve heard of you somewhere before.”

“I get that a lot,” You smirked, squinting your eyes up at him as you kept your answer vague. He easily could’ve heard your name in a number of different places, but you weren’t going to confirm or deny anything - it was too fun to toy with him instead.

“So you go to school with Daiki?” He asked, resting one hand in the waistband of his pants, making his t-shirt ride up just slightly. His other hand rested on the wall right by where you were leaning your weight against, making his body angle towards you and close the distance just a little bit more. 

It only took you a brief moment to realize that he was moving intentionally closer to you in what he probably thought was a smooth move. You made an exaggerated grimace on your face, acting as if the thought of the mentioned boy made you sick. “Unfortunately, I do. Been with the kid since primary school.”

“Tough luck.”

“You’re telling me.” You nodded with a laugh, looking out to the throng of people at the party who seemed to only be getting further and further away from sobriety. “Do you need a drink or something? You can have mine, I’m done for the night.”

“Are you trying to take advantage of me?” Bokuto asked, raising your cup and taking a long swig of the drink. You were impressed he didn’t even flinch as the beer in the cup was stale, flat, and cheap. 

“You should be so lucky,” You shook your head and jokingly poked a finger into his chest, a solid excuse to confirm that yes those muscles were as thick as they looked. “But no, I’ve got somewhere to be after this.”

“More studying?”

“Ouch okay,” You laughed. “It’s like that then?”

“Oh yeah, it’s like that.”

Your conversation stilled at that point. You definitely felt like a mutual interest was there between you and Bokuto, a pull towards one another, but the awkwardness of having no idea who each other even were overwhelmed you and left you in silence. You wanted to talk to him more, something about him just made you want to be around him. 

“Mako said you all were visiting for camp this week. You must play then?” Smooth, really smooth.

“Huh?” He started, shaking his head like he’d been in a dream before looking down at his shirt where you were pointing. “Ah, yeah! You know volleyball? Do you manage with Mako? Are you new this year?”

“I do not, but I’m familiar with the sport.” You responded vaguely to his onslaught of questions, not trying to let onto anything one way or the other. “Fukurodani...You guys went to nationals last year, yeah?”

“We did!” He said, eyes somehow lighting up even more than they had before. “One of my good buddies Akaashi is our setter, he’s so awesome, and I’m-”

“I leave you alone for five minutes and you’re already bragging?” The smooth voice of Bokuto’s friend returning dragged your attention away momentarily.

“Did Rumi turn you down?” You smirked with a raised eyebrow, knowing exactly how the conversation probably went.

“Brutally.” Kuroo chuckled.

Bokuto straightened up, looking like a scolded puppy. “She asked about the camp and I was just saying-”

“I’m sure it was brought up so organically,” Kuroo rolled his eyes, slinging an arm over Bokuto’s shoulders and leaning down closer to talk to you. “Did he also casually bring up the fact he’s a top five ace in the country?”

You looked up to Bokuto with knowing eyes, “I’m well aware of who he is.”

“Well, I mean-” Bokuto began to talk, stumbling over his words a little bit but never losing that air of pride he held. After a moment he stopped, realizing what you had said. “You what?”

“I don’t live under a rock,” You laughed at him, shifting positions to rest your chin in your hand like you were deep in thought. “It’s a real crime they didn’t put you in the top three, in my opinion, although I guess after Interhigh and how Ojiro-kun performed you can’t deny he deserved to be moved up.”

Bokuto and Kuroo stared at you for a moment. You were waiting for the points to click, for each of them to realize why exactly you knew so much about volleyball beyond just being friends with Daiki. When it didn’t seem like the connection was going to happen, you let out a soft laugh.

“But top five is really impressive!” You said, unconsciously reaching out to grab Bokuto’s arm and ever so slightly squeezing the muscles under your hand flexed and tensed, but when you saw the look in his eyes you could tell he was anything but uncomfortable. “Definitely the highest ranking player I personally know… At least for guys.” You added the last bit of your statement with a shrug, like an afterthought.

Bokuto practically preened with satisfaction at that point. 

You’d normally be turned off by someone so completely oblivious to the things you were saying, but the boy in front of you held an endearing aspect about him. It could also be because of the look of pride he had when you complimented him, like the words you were saying specifically were what he had been searching for the entire time.

You felt a rhythmic buzzing in the pocket of your bag as Bokuto and Kuroo started to pick up another conversation. Studying the screen of your phone for a moment before answering, you turned away slightly from the two boys. Bokuto’s hand grazed your arm as you stepped away, the feeling of his eyes lingering on you from behind was something you also noticed. 

“Hi Eiji,” You greeted into the device. “...Seriously? Ah shit, no... no. Tell her no, I’m leaving now.”

You appreciated that they quieted their conversation as you were on the phone, but the thumping of the party music really made no difference. The call was short and you looked up to each of them as you ended it with a heavy sigh.

You turned back to the two guys, a calm but mildly frazzled look on your face. “If you see Rumi, can you tell her I left?”

“Yeah, of course” Kuroo waved a hand in front of his face, brushing off your request like it was nothing. 

You gave his arm a gentle squeeze in thanks, then turning to Bokuto. “It was really good to meet you.”

You started to attempt making your way through the thick mass of bodies crowding around the house when you felt a hand wrap around your wrist lightly and pull you back.

“We barely got to talk,” Golden eyes stared down at you, showing a little bit of sadness mixed with an odd amount of excitement. “Can I get your number or something?”

“Ah, ha.” You laughed, reaching up and patting his cheek with a wink of your eye. “We’ll probably see each other again sooner than you think.”

At that you turned, having spotted Rumi distantly in the crowd and making your way to her. You couldn’t help but laugh with her as the two of you made your way around the house to leave the party, Bokuto swore he could hear Rumi say something along the lines of “He seriously had no idea?” and you simply shrugged and let out a big belly laugh as you waved a hand back at him over the crowd.

Not a moment later, Daiki returned looking to where both Kuroo and Bokuto’s eyes were watching your retreating forms. “I’m actually shocked she came out tonight,” He let out a chuckle and shook his head, “But I guess I would want to celebrate as much as I could, too.”

Bokuto slowly turned away, eyes not leaving your figure until you were well out of sight. “Whaddya mean?” He mumbled, mind still clouded with thoughts of this strange girl he met.

“Seriously?” Daiki asked, face scrunching up in disbelief as he took a drink from the cup he was holding. “You didn’t recognize either of them?”

Bokuto simply shook his head while Kuroo seemed to finally come to the realization. “No shit,” He mumbled, looking back in the direction you and Rumi disappeared to.

“What?” Bokuto asked, desperate to get some clarity.

“(Y/n) and Rumi both start on the girl’s team at Shinzen,” Daiki said slowly, both to humor Bokuto and because of the alcohol he was continuing to consume. “They, like… just won Interhigh. (y/n) is top rank-”

Daiki’s voice was lost in the shuffle of Bokuto’s mind. He felt like an idiot. He watched that game, how did he not recognize you?

[hysteriium]

Expect the Unexpected

Gif not mine!

(A/N): Okay maybe this is really specific, but there’s this one scent that’s literally the best smell I’ve ever smelt in my entire life? It’s like an oceany scented candle - my description literally does not do it justice I made it sound gross - and omg idk why but I could literally just picture Arthur having something along the lines of this cologne?? But maybe I’m biased. Here it is if you wanna check it out but omg like I’m not even joking when I say it’s the best thing I’ve ever smelt (and I collect a shit load of candles).  

!! ALSO - FORGOT TO MENTION ‘C/n’ = child’s name !! lol 

Summary: I honestly don’t know what to write for this one?? AHAHAH

Pairing: Arthur Fleck x Single mum!Reader

Word count: 8600k+ (I know, I know, shhhh). 

Warnings: 18+ SMUT STUFF! Fluff and swearing! 

////

When Arthur found himself in the slowly decaying, yet otherwise well taken care of backyard of one of his requestors, performing under the gloomy Gotham sky, never, would he have expected it to change his life. Especially for the better. No, never had he thought, for the better. 

Arthur fiddled with his wig, the tips of his fingers scurrying under the strip of white which crossed his forehead, adjusting it. The fake, frizzy green locks were no longer lopsided, and he continued his routine in front of the kids before him. Laughter filled his ears. The only merriment he was accustomed to, and on that same train of thought, welcomed. It was nothing like the devious cackles of those who made fun of him. 

No, the laughs before him were honest and kind; they appreciated him. Most touching of all, and similarly foreign to him, was the fact that they actually asked for his jokes. 

He often wondered where things went wrong. When exactly did children, who were, for the most part, good-natured and compassionate, turn into horrible people? Transforming into the very same type that treated him like a punching bag? How and why, did they soak up the resentment of the world like a sponge? 

He supposed it was during adolescence. 

Teenagers were mean. 

That much was evident from the purple blotches on his back, markings that were still yet to dissipate, and tender to touch. From such a horrible experience, at least he was able to draw one positive out of it. The positive being that his clown costume was ridiculous enough to hide his battered and bruised body. Away from prying eyes. 

Then again, it wasn't like anyone would have cared.  

Ultimately, he tried his best not to focus on the path his thoughts were leading him down. One of his biggest struggles was staying in the moment, and right now, with the crucial task of performing for a child's birthday, he needed to be grounded. To emphasise this, Arthur dug his nails into his palms. Painful enough to snap him out of his digression, lax enough to keep the blood rushing and undisturbed under tested skin.  

As Arthur was finishing up his act, the magic wand which he seemingly pulled out of nowhere - at least from the kids' perspectives, produced a collective awe. He waved it around, bouncing from toe to toe in his giant clown shoes, flicking it towards the birthday boy. Said child was a small, (h/c) haired boy with twinkling (e/c) eyes; his name, (C/n). 

(C/n) flinched when the wand was suddenly centimetres from his face. Though, he giggled when he saw the expression on the clown's profile. It feigned shock, a gasp leaving his apple-red painted mouth. The clown, which the child only knew as 'Carnival' retracted the stick, inspecting it with squinted eyes. Alongside this, his spare hand flew up to his face, scratching his chin in thought, looking as though he had never encountered such a complex dilemma in his entire life. 

Then, without warning, the wand fell. No longer as sturdy as a stick, it wilted like a dying flower. The clown panicked, watching as it wiggled around in his desperate hands like a worm. While all seemed gloomy for the fate of the magic item in his hands, the children were giggling gleefully, intrigued at what would happen next. It was times like these that made Arthur's job bearable; made life bearable.

All he wanted was to make people smile.

Arthur, pretending as though he was about to give up, engaged with the object in one last attempt, the flick of his wrist propelling the rod into the air. Much to the children's astonishment, the wand had straightened itself, snapping back to its previously sturdy arrangement, with no sign of its prior drooping. 

They had long since formed a circle around the colourful man, looking up in wonder, clapping for him.

Arthur then slipped the item back into his pocket, performing a victory clasp. He threw his interlocked hands over his shoulders and shook them in response to the applause. When the children hushed their amazement, Arthur stuck his pointer finger in the air, wordlessly requesting their attention. His eyes then shut tight as he concentrated. Whipping out the rod from his pocket once more, he gave it one final spin. 

The children waited.

Nothing happened. 

Arthur opened his eyes. Confused. It was difficult for him to process what happened next because it all happened so quickly. One second he was puzzled, the next he was rendered stunned, with a face submerged in flowers. First, he had heard it, the sprout, as a prominent 'whoosh' filled the air. Then he felt it; felt it tickling his nose. 

The flowers themselves were not real ones, but they were vivid; pinks, purples, greens and yellows sprouting from the wand's end. Trying to play it off as though it was planned all along, Arthur mimed a sneeze, shaking his head. 

With a sheepish grin, the clown pulled back. His face was now safe from the sinister touch of the vibrant, ticklish extensions, and he handed the hued bouquet to the birthday boy, hunching over to reach him. It wasn't hard to decipher what the boy was thinking. Unquestionably, a mixture of amusement and joy as laughter bubbled from his throat; his joviality a contagious song. 

And thus concluded Arthur's act. 

"You're so cool Carnival!" (C/n) hollered, waving the newly acquired flowers around. 

Arthur beamed down at the boy. 

"When I grow up, I want to be just like you!"

Arthur attempted to restrain the look of pain which crossed his animated features. 

No, kid. No, you don't. 

Not wanting to ignore the poor child, he shot (C/n) a forced smile and ruffled his (h/c) hair.

"No. One day, you're going to be even better." 

The child gawked up at him, hope dancing in his gem-like eyes, reflecting light. 

Thankfully, the moment didn't last long as Arthur's concentration was ripped from the depressing interaction. He had caught a glimpse of you, the parent, entering the backyard. You had tried to smoothly open the door, an attempt to reduce the obnoxious squeaking from the object, though your steady pace was futile. Despite the hesitant speed at which it was tugged, it was a protest that sustained. 

It was just another complaint to add to the shitty standard in Gotham; everything was half-assed. A primary disease which ate at the heart of the city, decaying and transforming it into the bleak, loveless and harsh mother it was. When you were one of Gotham's children, affection was seldom. No matter how hard you tried to impress the mother, to display your achievements, to show strength, to get back up when you fell, the mother remained emotionless. Perhaps, she kicked you down some more.

Gotham was her name, and tough love was her game. 

Arthur watched you, in all his costumed glory, and drunk in the way your hair was softly carried by the wind. How your skin was kissed by the suns rays; how you moved away from the shading of the roof, which protruded meters from the brick walls of the house, spotlighting your features. He honestly felt like he was in a movie, a movie that was set up for disaster - knowing his luck. He couldn't wait for the great mystery of how he was going to screw up, to unravel before his eyes. Could he even call it a mystery? He knew it was inevitable. A non-mysterious mystery? Expecting the unexpected except it was actually unexpected, though somehow, still expected?

Did that even make sense? He thought. 

His brain hurt.

What was he doing again? 

"Mum!" (C/n) shouted, rushing up to you, simultaneously breaking Arthur's buzzing thoughts as well as the one-sided staring contest he had engaged in. 

"Hey, there buckaroo!" you grabbed onto his small form and hoisted him up against your hip, "how's my big boy?" 

Arthur watched the heart-warming scene from afar, sorrow tugging at his heart. He couldn't help but flick through his memories, to try and find a time where his mother had been just as caring. Limited, but nonetheless there, he yearned for change; for his past to change. He'd been the man of the house for as long as he could remember. Even at a young age. With no father or even knowledge of him, he was forced to take care of his mother. And while he loved his mother, with all his heart, it was an arduous task to take care of yourself and your own needs when you were supporting someone else. 

"Good!" The child giggled in your arms, "Carnival is my favourite clown! Can we have him over every week?"

You couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"I don't know buddy, I-"

"Please, please, please, please, please?" (C/n) whined, looking up at you with large hopeful (e/c) eyes.  

"Run along and play, and maybe I'll talk to him," you tapped his nose, "that sound good?"  

The boy frantically nodded his head, and as you set him down, he bolted off to join his friends. When he was on the other side of the yard, you turned towards the party clown. 

"Sorry about that," you sheepishly grinned. 

Arthur didn't really know what to say, the scene before him had truly made his heartthrob. It was a warmth that left him with some strange mix of belonging and attachment. Never before had he felt so appreciated. He wanted to say something, be honest, express his gratitude. And so, he said the first thing that came to mind:

"It's fine." 

He wanted to kick himself. 

"It's kind of strange how much he likes you. He's never really open. He can be quite..."

"Shy," Arthur finished for you.  

When you gave him a quizzical look, he was quick to explain, "I-I, uh, I was the same." 

Your lips upturned into a soft smile.

"Well, (C/n) must've picked up on it. Kid's are good like that - sensitive to vibes. It means you've got a good heart." 

Arthur fidgeted, the words melting him. 

"Oh! Um, thank you for coming on such short notice…sorry, I never caught your name?" 

"A-Arthur." 

"Glad to know your name's not actually Carnival."

His eyes sparkled at your joke, his amusement filling the yard.

"You're probably exhausted, come, I'll make some tea. Or coffee? Is there something you prefer?" 

He was about to protest, not wanting to bother you, to go back home to his crummy apartment and lose himself in his journal for the rest of the day, but something compelled him to agree to the offer. He wasn't sure what.

"Coffee is okay, thank you," his smile hadn't left. 

When you turned to lead, his eyes flew to your hands, searching for a ring. He also wasn't sure why he let himself.

There was none, however; no jewellery at all. 

Huh.

He quickly caught up and shuffled inside after you. 

"This really means a lot," you started, closing the screen door before turning to face him, "to me and, obviously to my son..." 

A sombre look replaced your smile.

"...I haven't seen him this happy since we moved," you looked back at (c/n), watching him jump up and down with his friends, their voices filtering through the mesh. 

"You're not from Gotham?"

You shook your head, rounding him to shift further into the kitchen, behind the counter. His eyes followed your zipping from, moving when you were out of view. 

"Sugar?" 

Arthur found his hands fidgeting with his wig again, refusing eye contact. A soft 'sure' passed his lips, followed by a 'two, thank you' as the porcelain clink of mugs being placed, echoed. The soft scatter of sugar followed soon after.

"Please make yourself comfortable, Arthur. You can sit down if you'd like." 

The scraping of the chair from behind told you that he listened. 

After a few moments of silence, he spoke up. You could tell he was starting to open up, less nervous than when you had first spoken to him. It was endearing. 

"With all due respect miss-

"(Y/n)," you interrupted, turning to grin at the man. You noticed he had taken his wig off, his red foam nose too, displaying his almost raven coloured locks and chiselled features.  

"(Y/n), he repeated. The way your name rolled off his tongue had your stomach fluttering, a sensation that caught you off guard. 

"Why did you move to Gotham? It's not exactly the...best place to be." 

"Life works in funny ways," you started, "one minute you're on top of the world, the next the floor crumbles beneath you, and suddenly you're in a hole." 

Boy, did Arthur understand. Although he knew you weren't able to see him, with your back turned towards him, he nodded his head frantically. How were you able to so eloquently sum up his life? His whole existence? 

"Sorry, I'm oversharing," you awkwardly laughed. 

"No! I know what you mean..." 

With one flick of the kettle's trigger, you returned to Arthur. 

"I take it you're a native Gothamite?" 

He nodded. 

"I live with my moth- … my mother," his voice lost confidence towards the end as if he was ashamed of such a fact. 

This was only supported when he scrambled to get out his next words, "she needs help sometimes, and I'm the only one who's around to take care of her."  

"I'm all she has…" 

You gave him a reassuring smile, gently touching his interlocked hands which were resting on the table. He flinched at the contact. 

"You don't need to justify yourself, Arthur. I'm sure your mother's proud to have raised such a compassionate man."

You had caught him off guard - that was for sure. Flicking through the entirety of your interactions wasn't needed to come to the glaringly obvious conclusion that he wasn't used to being complimented. That he wasn't used to any form of nicety, and that fact well and truly broke your heart.

Who had hurt him?

Arthur had yet to find evidence of repulsion - yet to find anything that indicated you were weirded out by him; like the guys at work. He relaxed into the hold a second later, when he realised it wasn't anything threatening. Or, part of some malicious, ulterior motive.

"As strange as this might sound, you're really easy to talk to, Arthur. You're a good listener."  

"Really?" He couldn't hold back the crooked, love-struck grin that infiltrated his features, and he was about to compliment you too when the shrieking of the kettle broke up the moment, causing you to pull away from him.

He felt cold; the warming action starkly contrasted with the wind which permeated through the mesh door.

In seconds, you had returned with your steaming beverages, warning of the burning hazards, though your touch hadn't returned. 

Fast-forwarding through the small talk and the stories which decorated your conversation, Arthur eventually finished his coffee, and never before had he been so smitten. Out of all the jobs he'd gotten this week, which weren't many, this had been the most enjoyable. Although his work here had finished a while ago, he had tried to stretch out the minutes, just to hold onto the glimmer of happiness he knew would dissipate as soon as he left. He could feel time laughing at him, sticking its ghastly tongue out while telepathically hammering the fact home. He couldn't drag it out any longer. 

And so, when it was time for him to leave, heading towards the door, he paused and swallowed his pride, doing what he thought was best. 

"Did you want to get dinner sometime?" He said, turning back around as he placed an awkward arm against the arch of the hallway, leaning on it. He saw it in movies. The cool, nonchalant characters always got the girl, so it must work. 

Right? 

No, that was stupid, he thought. 

He forced the limb down, it bumping against his side. 

His fingernails dug into his palms again, for the second time that day, pressing against the very same spots as he waited for a response. He was expecting rejection. No way would she say yes, what was he thinking? At least he could say he tried; at least he'd had one positive interaction in the last few months. 

Sorry kiddo, guess Carnival's not coming back. 

His negative thoughts were disrupted by the sound of your reply. A reply in which made him delighted for taking a chance. 

Because your next words were nothing but a sweet package of glazed agreement.

"I'd love to." 

Uttering something about a day and a time, to which you agreed, he quickly found his way out of the house. 

When he slipped outside into the fresh air, he shut the front door. Away from everyone's gaze - at least those he cared about, namely you. He felt compelled to move. One of his legs with a mind of its own crossed over the other, twirling him around against your patterned brick pathway; a path in which led to the small gated exit. His arms then followed a similar pattern, striking the air, drumming into it. With one slide, the soles of his shoes skated against concrete, pushing him towards the iron gate. He felt good as he opened it. He felt confident. Laughter bubbled from his lips, failing to halt as he travelled further and further away from your house. 

He smiled all the way home.

And, it was only until he reached said home, emptying out his pockets while changing into more comfortable clothes, that his fingers brushed up against a flat, smooth surface; thin and malleable. He wrapped his digits over the peculiar material and brought it to eye-level, palm exposed. 

It was a small, folded piece of paper. White, though crumbled from being cramped up in his pocket. 

He didn't remember placing it in there...

Arthur's eyes grew wide when he unravelled the mysterious sheet, a line of numbers taking up a good portion of its space. Below it was a small 'call me - (Y/n)' written out neatly, a drastic variation to his own child-like scribbles. He reclined his head against a nearby wall, letting his childish exuberance take over. 

Turns out you were quite the magician yourself. 

———

Arthur sat alone, leg jittering as his eyes glanced back and forth from the clock on the pale wall opposite him, above the entrance. With each darting glance, barely a minute between them, he became increasingly aware of the chatter around him. While there weren't many people in the area with him as the tables were more empty than they were filled, he was highly conscious of the fact that he was the only one there without company. 

For the first time, he looked out the window he rested against. The chilled frame soothed his hot face as he watched people stroll by, hoping to catch you. His attempts were, sadly, in vain. 

You were late. 

When he returned his gaze to look back at the clock again, he tried his hardest not to make eye contact with any of the staff. He knew that if he did, they'd flock to him like a swarm of bees. Instead, he kept his head low, pretending to look at the menu.

After another five minutes passed before the bell hanging off the door finally rang. His gaze immediately shot to the noise, locking with yours. Air left his mouth, both in relief and at the red dress you were wearing, coincidentally matching his own red suit. It hugged your figure, complimenting every curve, and he tried his hardest to keep his eyes from wandering. 

You hadn't stood him up.

As your beaming face lit up the world around him, your clacking heels took you to the booth opposite him, observing the room with a smile as you did so. 

"I'm so sorry I'm late!" You exclaimed, placing your purse down, sandwiched by you and the wall.

"Kids," you rolled your eyes.

"You came," were his first words, his eyes riddled with a strange confusion, yet a light - hope. He believed he had articulated his surprise internally, that was, until you gave him a look.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I?"  

"I-I don't know." He sputtered out. 

He did. 

As you both got settled in, Arthur for the first time that night willingly made eye contact with one of the servers. Your orders were speedily jotted down and taken to the chef within minutes. 

Conversation flowed, and his jokes actually got a reaction out of you, much to his surprise. The tension, or rather the anxious energy that seemed to bounce off the two of you melted, fading away light the lights of the cars that sped by the open window. In its absence, a playful aura took told. Small touches here and there, and your leg which rubbed against his, even if it was accidental, left his head spinning. This, he thought, was bliss. 

"So," you started, a finger twirling around a strand of (h/c) hair, "I've decided." 

Arthurs brows furrowed, allowing you to continue. 

"I have to tell you something," you said, rubbing your hands against your dress; a nervous tick.

A finger curled into his collar, tugging at it to cool his heating body temperature. Arthur's anxiety which was already a mess, exacerbated from hearing one of the most infamously terrifying phrases.  

"I feel like it'll be good for me to open up - I haven't told anyone since I've left. No one really knew in the first place, except a few friends." 

Arthur didn't know what to say. 

It sounded serious. Your words held a unique gravity to them. And while he felt the air around them shift, from light-hearted and playful, to darker, more solemn, he could tell you had been repressing what you were about to tell him for a good while. He knew the look. 

His hand reached over the table to meet yours. They were timid, brushing against yours experimentally until he knew you were comfortable with his affection.

"How the tables have turned," you joked, allowing his hand to slip into yours.  

"I was in a nasty relationship," you started off wavering, a sigh passing into the air, "I only dared to leave a few months ago." 

Arthur's heart virtually broke as you revealed this to him. He watched as you swallowed the lump in your throat, noting how your eyes started to flutter from the stinging of tears. 

"It endangered me and my son. It took a lot of strength to leave, but I had to for (C/n). He's my world, and I care about him more than myself." 

Tears by now had fallen, running down your cheeks. Arthur intently listened to your confession. 

"Moving to Gotham was the only way we could start over, and if I could have given him a better life, I would have, but it was the best I could do. I just wanted to see him happy again." 

You let out another sigh, trying to blink away a few of the stray tears, though Arthur beat you to it, his hands moving to your face, wiping them with his thumbs. He felt how you leant into his touch, your eyes falling shut with a sniffle. As grim as the situation was, he was happy you were comfortable enough to tell him such a heartbreaking story.

"Sorry," you mumbled, forcing a laugh out to mask your vulnerability. Arthur saw right through it.

He gave you a look, one that virtually said 'are you serious?' before he spoke, exasperated, "what for?" 

"I don't know...for crying? For dropping this on you, for-" 

"Hey," Arthur's thick, dark eyebrows furrowed, his hands still cupping your face, "if I even had half the strength of you, I'd-"

"I'd-"

Arthur paused, his voice coming out as chokes.

Oh no. 

He felt an overly-familiar twitch in his throat, a reflex in which he tried to stifle by clamping his mouth shut, contorting his face in pain to keep it at bay.  

He never could. 

And then, at the worst possible moment, the worst he could possibly think of, he hunched over and wheezed, cackling over the table. Your eyes, riddled with confusion from the lost contact, was promptly replaced with hurt at his sudden laughter. 

He quickly noticed this, shaking his head. 

Everyone else in the establishment, with what few were there, reared their heads to the ruckus, watching Arthur spiral. 

"I-I'm so-" he started, desperate to contain himself. 

It only made things worse. 

"S-sorry." 

He fiddled with his pockets, trying to produce the laminated card, he practically depended on. His fingers brushed the plastic, and he frantically pulled it out, sliding it to the other side of the table.

Please understand. 

Please, please, please. 

You had been the only person he'd connected with in months, perhaps longer. And now, he was about to ruin it with his stupid, stupid, stupid condition. 

Guess the mystery had unravelled, he thought bitterly. 

He tried to watch your expression for any indication of disgust or contempt. It was difficult, however, as he continued his fit, a hand hitting the table's surface. Another reflex. The pain was starting to set in, his lungs screaming, and his chest aching. 

Please just let it end. 

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Your voice surprised him, the kind tone and the understanding in your eyes was something he had to get used to. Something he wanted to get used to. How were you so kind? So accepting?

He shook his head slowly, trying to get a few words out.

"I have-"

"Have to-"

He tried to breathe, nearly choking.

"W-Wait."

"It's okay," you comforted, hurt no longer manipulating your features. 

"Take your time."

———

In Arthur's eyes, the date had gone really well, or at the very least as well as it could have gone considering his outburst. He was happy, the feeling of warmth and nervousness he felt around you was something he hadn't really experienced with anyone, or really had the chance to. He kind of liked it.

He felt like he could be himself. You'd laugh at his jokes, his puns, regardless of how morbid they got; the most you'd do is playfully slap his shoulder and bite back a grin - guilty for laughing. He never understood the frivolous sayings about love, how things could sound so far fetched and dramatic, but now, he understood. 

He didn't know how it was possible, how someone as beautiful as you, could be interested in someone like him. 

After eating, you both walked under the darkness of the sky, the pinpricks which twinkled above, smiling down. Content was the air that surrounded your bodies, a loving blanket. With nothing more than a few minutes walk back to yours from the restaurant, you relished in his company. 

It wasn't long before you both arrived back though, almost too soon, with the giddiness of your date still swirling around in both your heads. Arthur, at some point, had wrapped his red suit jacket around your goosebumped form, an action at which you had initially declined, but gave in when he insisted. You thought it felt good against your warming skin, the smell of his cologne intoxicating. As you entered the hallway, leading him back to the living room, you were happy to see the babysitter you had hired playing a board game with your beaming son. She was the teenage daughter of a friend you met at work, and you, happy to help out a struggling youth, decided it was the perfect opportunity to go out with Arthur. After paying her, and seeing her off, you excused yourself for a moment and vanished into one of the other rooms.  

Arthur had sat down on the table like last time. The wood cooled his clothed forearms as he watched the child from across the room walk his way over, and push himself into the chair opposite him. Once (c/n), was comfortable, Arthur shot him a smile - one that wasn't returned. 

(C/n)'s bright eyes were suddenly reduced to slits, his arms crossed and observing the dressed-up man. It made Arthur uncomfortable, to say the least. What had caused the dramatic shift in attitude? 

Nothing was said, for at least a good two minutes, until finally, the small child in his blue space pyjamas saw it necessary.

"You know, my mommy really likes you." 

Uh oh.

Arthur made a face back to the boy. 

He wasn't entirely sure what face he made, though it didn't matter because the child picked up on his general disbelief anyway.

"It's true!" His arms shot out into the air, "I do too!" 

There was no way a child could know such things; plus, nothing was ever certain. It was with this that he pushed down the hope that had sprung up, like a freshly bloomed flower in spring - its stem resistant and youthful, not yet pressed by the wilting life would inevitably bring. 

"So you better not be mean to her!" (C/n) exclaimed.

The double meaning behind what the child said made him internally cringe. Arthur now knew the context of your troubled pasts and whilst what (c/n) had said was innocent, had saddened him. Not just over the fact you had been through hell in the first place, but because, for a moment there, Arthur saw himself in the child; a reflection of what he was still like. Always having to take care of his mother - look out for her. Support her any way he could.  

Arthur's eyes softened in understanding, a great respect for the child forming. (C/n) sincerely looked up to you - loved you, and he was willing to resist anything that endangered that. 

Arthur leaned forward, a forearm extending. His elbow rested against the table's surface and all his fingers, except for one - his pinky - curled into his palm. 

"I promise," he said, eyes firm, a certainty the child was happy with.

(C/n) reached his small body over, his knees digging into the pads of cushioning on the chair as his significantly tinier finger wrapped around Arthur's skinny one. A smile was shared between the two of them. 

When Arthur went to pull away, he was stopped by (C/n)'s whine.

"No! You have to lock it!"

"Lock?" Arthur questioned. 

(C/n)'s tongue stuck out in concentration as he reached his small thumb over to Arthur's, tapping it. After much trial and error, the older man finally got the hint and connected the tip of his thumb with the boy.

"There!" (C/n) exclaimed.

Unbeknownst to the two seated at the table, you had snuck back into the room, watching the heartwarming scene unfold. The gentle noise of your knocking signified your return, and Arthur, with surprise, jumped in his chair, quickly standing. You bit into your lip, trying not to laugh. 

He made his way over to you when you extended your arm, his red suit jacket floating in the air as your fingers gripped it from the top. In one quick movement, it was hugging his body again.

"Thanks," Arthur smiled.

As much as he wanted to stay, to talk to you all night, his eyes caught the time which had apparently flown by, like a flock of birds migrating for the winter. He had undoubtedly overstayed his welcome, and his mother was probably worried sick. 

His eyes grew wide.

"I-I have to go!" 

His sudden shift in mood had you worried. 

"Arthur? Are you okay?" 

"I'm really late. I'm sorry." 

"Oh - okay well, let me walk you to the door?"

It was barely a few meters away, and you internally scolded yourself. How obvious could you get?

He quickly nodded.

Your form quickly moved past him as you hear Arthur's gentle voice in the background say goodbye to (C/n). When your fingers gripped onto the doorknob, pushing it, Arthur squeezed past with a small 'thank you'. You felt the nips of the wind against your exposed arms, causing you to shiver. The distant noises of Gotham - the blaring sirens which were muffled, and the faraway clamour of car horns, was something you had gotten used to; it was a city that never slept. 

Arthur stood awkwardly in front of you, lost. It was then when you realised you had to make the first move. 

"Thanks for tonight," you said, hands wrapping around him in a gentle embrace, chin resting on the pad of his shoulder. The smell of his cologne hit your nostrils instantly. It was oceanic, traces of bergamot and melon, with a hint of frangipani; so perfectly him. It was a fragrance that you associated with safety, the small feeling of comfort burrowing in your stomach. 

He froze from your actions, evidently stunned. His arms then snaked their way around your waist, pulling you closer to him. 

"I had a great time," you whispered, eyes closing against him.  

The husky agreement which you felt vibrate in his chest induced a sinful shiver. As much as you wanted to stay wrapped in his arms for longer, hell for the rest of the night, you knew he needed to be somewhere. Tearing yourself away, the hands remaining at your hips stopped you, squeezing into your sides. This prompted you to look up at the man, into his hardened eyes. They looked to be concentrating, portraying an internal war. His Adam's apple bobbed. You didn't get a chance to ask if he was okay because he moved before you could, his lips quickly pressing themselves against the softness of your heated cheek before scurrying off.

You smiled, fingers grazing the area. 

Arthur was a unique man. Strange, but endearingly so. 

So soft and gentle; kind. 

He would never hurt a fly. 

———

.

.

.

.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. 

Arthur repeated the mantra in his head. 

He'd fucked up - fucked up big time.

He'd shot three men - killed them in cold blood. 

His ears were still ringing from the gunshots, and he remembered the way his hands shook as he held the trigger. How his tremors diminished with every squeeze until finally, a hardened look replaced his fear. His whole demeanour had altered within those critical seconds.

As he found himself back in the present, his makeup smudged and appearance dishevelled, he emerged out of the public bathroom, panting. 

He felt different. 

The eyes which had stared back at him in that mirror didn't feel like his own. They didn't harbour the terror they once swam in, nor the naivety. His body, which had moved with grace and finesse, had danced on the dirty tiles instead. His movements came from the soul; a conglomeration of motions he was unaware he was even capable of. 

Yes - he was different. 

So, when he wiped off his makeup, and kicked his leg out, against the resistance of the bathroom door, he didn't go back to his apartment. He didn't want to see the rats in the lobby, scurrying and squeaking, only a matter of time before they found their way into his apartment. He didn't want to stare at the wall for hours, envisioning what could have been, and the what if's. He didn't want to sit down with his journal and think about how depressing his life was - just to get his therapist off his ass.

No, he didn't want to. 

So he didn't.

Preferably, he found himself going in the other direction. To the place where he felt most welcomed. Loved. 

Although the date had been days prior, he felt the need to see you. 

He didn't know how long it took him to get there, all he knew was the thumping of his heart, it's frantic beat echoing in his ears when he rapped on the door. The sound hollow. 

Your head peaked out, groggy from sleep as you opened the door, its range widening when you saw him. It was late, perhaps late enough to be considered the early hours of the morning, but you didn't question it. Rather, his name passed your lips with concern. 

Arthur didn't hear you call his name. Though he saw your lips move, plump and inviting. No sound reached his dazed state. His hands found your face alternatively, thin digits sliding below your mastoid, save for his ring finger and pinky. Wasting no time in seizing your lips, his mind worked overtime to memorise every little detail - of the moment he had been waiting for; the grand finale. 

Every scent - like the perfume that seeped into your skin, faint and applied hours prior. It was a scent he often detected, sometimes rubbing off on his clothes, but an odour he never got sick of; heavenly. 

Every feeling - like the way your hands wrapped around his form, gripping him tightly to steady yourself from your stumbling - from his pushes into the house. Or, like the feeling of his stomach, how it fluttered when you kissed him back, his heated blood pumping through him. 

Every sound - like the soft 'click' of the door behind him, which he closed with the sole of his shoe. 

Every taste - like the raspberry chapstick which coated your lips, mixing in with the contrasting flavour of his carmine lipstick. Although most of it was wiped off, there were distinct traces. Smudges.  

Every sight - the way your playful grin took up most of it when you pulled away, teeth dragging your bottom lip, leading him to your bedroom. 

When inside, Arthur dipped you down onto the bed, his slim frame hovering over yours with darkened eyes. The dim glow of your lamp residing on the bedside table allowed you to identify the hunger in his look. A lusting fire which burned right before you, behind those glassy, blue eyes. The warmth of his lips met your mouth once more, but only for a second because he shifted his attention to the base of your neck. The moments in between had you complaining from the loss of contact, a noise which he chuckled at. 

He wanted - needed - to explore every curve of your body; every crevice. Map it in his brain. 

"Arthur," you whispered. He shivered at the sound of his name breathlessly leaving your lips, goosebumps forming across his skin. In response, he hummed deeply - an acknowledgement which originated from the back of his throat, the vibrations sinful against your heightened senses.

"What's gotten into you?" 

The confidence radiating off of him, although adding to the pool in your panties, had surprised you. You had to remind yourself that the previously timid Arthur and the man above you were the same person.

"I need you," he husked. 

Amazed by his forwardness, though equally as desperate, your voice came out shaky, "then take me." 

Three words. Those lovely three words were all it took for him to lose himself; his control. The tightness of his pants was becoming too much to bear. It was his own personal prison, and the anguished motivation to escape was only increasing by the passing moments. Judging by the way you were grinding against him, pressing against his crotch unfairly, he knew you were just as riled up.

His kisses seared into your skin, rendering you a whimpering mess. Your back arched against the mattress, an action driven entirely by instinct as his hands slipped under your shirt. In an attempt to make things easier, your hands hooked under the shirt as well, bunching it up. When he sensed the movement, he assisted you with the material. In your whirlwind of passion, the article of clothing had been removed, thrown away as it was left sprawled across the floor, uncaringly. His breath hitched in his throat when he realised there was nothing underneath it, except for your underwear.

"You're beautiful," he said, pupils full-blown.

Your eyes then smiled up at his in the delicate moment, the tender upturn of your brows leading to the capture of his lips. Without so much as moving away, his slender fingers fiddled with his dress shirt, he too, removing himself from its constraints. 

He suddenly pulled away as his frustration reached its peak. His need for you had become overpowering, and he worked his way down towards the only piece of clothing you had left. The light, tickling touch of the pads of his fingers slid down your ribcage, tracing down your hips until they reached the waistband. His thumbs dipped under the elastic, and with the cooperation of your wiggling, it was promptly discarded. His caress was ever so gentle, his handling virtually leaving you quaking beneath him. 

Arthur wasted no time in pleasuring you, this was proven to you quickly when one of his digits smoothly slid into your cunt. The sound of your wetness was vulgar, although all the more alluring. 

He felt drunk; hazy. In some sense, it was surreal that this was occurring, that you were actually interested in him in the first place. Yet, there was another part of him that was screaming at himself to focus, to halt his berating comments and take pleasure in the way you were crumbling before him. He tried to do the latter.  

"Fuck- oh my god!" You immediately cried out, hands darting to cover your mouth as he slowly started pumping his finger. His devilish movements had your other hand fisting the sheets. 

Your breathing swiftly became ragged under the knuckle you bit down on, and he hastily added another finger, loving your reaction. He felt his chest swell with pride as he glanced up at your dishevelled manner. Encouraged by the enchanting sight, he picked up his pace. It was relentless and brutal, the thrusts forcing obscene mewls from you, some no longer containable. Raising your hips to meet his rhythm, to relieve the overwhelming knot forming, you knew you weren't going to last long. Arthur knew this too, your squirming made this clear, and he instantly added his lips to the equation, stimulating your clit. 

You were done for. 

As your walls clenched around his fingers, your hands rushed to grip his hair. They weaved through his untidy strands, pushing his head down while the wild flicks of his tongue assisted you with your earth-shattering orgasm. Ecstasy rushed over your trembling form, and as your thighs tensed, the tip of your head grazed the headboard; you swore you could see stars. Arthur's cock twitched in his pants at the sight of you unfolding before him, impossibly hard. 

"Holy fuck!" You moaned.

He kindly slowed his rhythm when he knew you finished, yet his tongue licked a long stripe against your slit, moving to lap up your juices. The sensation, as well as the hums that lasciviously left his mouth, vibrated against your already sensitive core, setting you down the path for a second climax.  

Perhaps he had done it on purpose, but when you felt the pressure in your abdomen, ready to burst again, he pulled away. 

"No!" you cried, "Arthur, please! I'm gonna cum, please let me cum!" You sobbed quite shamelessly. In all honesty, your words surprised yourself, and apparently Arthur too, because laid sat there for a moment, eyebrows raised as a delicious smirk settled over his lips. He took his merry time, with no sign of returning to you, savouring your pleading.  

"Beg," he purred, sitting up as his tongue lolling out to lick and suck on the fingers that had fucked you into oblivion. His eyes never shifted from yours, and you watched with absolute astonishment, upon desire, at the action. Your reaction only egged him on. 

What exactly happened to him in the last 72 hours? 

You were genuinely bewildered at the whole situation. The last thing you would have expected was to have Arthur rock up in the middle of the night and turn into a sex god. Though, you certainly weren't complaining. 

While one of his hands was busy, in his mouth, his other trailed up your thigh. Eventually, it reached your bundle of nerves, tracing small circles with his thumb, agonisingly slowly. 

"You're so good to me, fuck," you whined, stirring against his touch. He pulled away again when you bucked into his hand.

"Please-"

"Please, what?"

"I need you inside me, Arthur, fuck please-"

He couldn't take much more of your begging, his own self-control had wholly vanished by then, and he quickly shifted out of his pants, freeing himself. When his cock fell into his fist, he gave two steady pumps before lining himself up with you. You held your breath in anticipation despite your wild heart, making you feel dizzy. The relief you had been longing for - no aching for - had finally arrived when he pushed himself into you. 

"Oh god- you feel so good," you gasped. The moan which fell from Arthur's lips had your name mixed in, a deliciously carnal sound. As he started moving, a slow rhythm from his hips developing, he shut his eyes. With his concentration on chasing his finish, salty beads of sweat trailed down his forehead. 

"Arthur," your gentle voice had called, "w-wait." 

Upon hearing your words, he immediately stopped, eyes flying open with concern.

"Let me take care of you."

He was confused as to what you meant until you maneuvered yourself on top, kissing him softly.  

You could see the stutter in his confidence at your words, though his nod signified his consent. With a small smile, you made sure he was comfortable before your entrance started teasing his cock. You felt him tense up, and when you made the movement again, he thrust into you, an involuntary action which made you both cry out. His stroke hit you perfectly the first time, harsh yet euphoric. If you woke up the next day and found your body aching, you wouldn't be shocked.

His arms reached over to embrace your form as you buried your face in the crevice of his neck, teeth grazing the sensitive flesh. Then, fully adjusted to his length, you started to move up and down on his cock, the feeling of him stretching your walls overwhelming. 

"You're doing so well," you gulped, your panting warming the side of his throat.

"I want to see you," he managed to murmur out, and his request was promptly granted when you pulled away from his neck.  

His hands slid down to grip your hips when you shifted, guiding them as you bounced. No longer did he need to fantasise about being with you, image you writhing in pleasure as he touched himself. No longer did he need to envision the way you felt around his cock, the way you moaned; it was now his reality. Hell, even Arthur's wicked fantasies couldn't have prepared him for this. Nor the words that left your mouth next, sending him spiralling. 

"Let go, Arthur. Cum for me."  

He did.

And hard. 

His orgasm rocked him to the core, and you milked him for all he had, his hot spurts of cum coating your walls. Both your paces slowed, becoming sloppy as you came crashing down seconds later. 

Deathly tired, you collapsed on top of his chest, exhausted. The only sound that could be heard were your frantic breaths, and you could've sworn your heart too, considering how hard it was beating. As you both took a minute to calm, neither of you move from each other, his cock still buried within you. 

Only when you felt him soften did you slowly depart, rolling beside him. Arthur's grew heavy when you did, though they tried to resist the weight of his lethargy. He managed to twist his frame over to you, giving you one last kiss, the taste of yourself prominent in the heartfelt and passionate kiss, before he finally gave in. 

Sleep gripped your forms. 

———

Arthur stirred at the alien sensation of warmth next to him. Your naked body was pressed against his, head leaning on his chest as his arms protectively enveloped your frame. It took a few moments for this to register, and a lot more minutes for him to realise this was real; that this wasn't a dream - a product of his imagination.

He hadn't woken up in his own bed with his sheets dirtied from, well, his...dreams. 

Everything had actually happened yesterday. 

Your beautiful form was really there in his grasp, face relaxed with soft exhales leaving your nose. He could feel the breath against his skin, a perception his body reacted to on its own.

Don't start, he thought, scolding himself. 

Perhaps it was his staring that had woken you next, or the soft, dulled yellow tone of the suns rays projecting past the white curtains. He wasn't sure. But, when your (e/c) eyes bore into his, fluttering open with a grin he knew he'd never get used to, he realised it didn't matter. Its appearance always managed to sucker punch him in his gut, make his heart stop. And if that was the way he was going to die, fuck, he really couldn't complain. He'd choose it if he could. Your radiance was sincerely otherworldly to him, angelic - personally constructed and moulded by the angels themselves.  

"Goodmorning," you yawned, arching your back into a stretch. Soft groans left your lips and pops from your joints filled the air. Arthur's finger trailed your spine, forcing you to shiver.

"Morning," he replied lazily, a drowsy smile gracing his lips.

"I don't wanna get upppp" you whined, voice still affected by sleep as you nuzzled into him. 

"We don't have to," Arthur shot you a look, one you were quickly starting to identify as his sex expression. Its appearance forced you to roll your eyes playfully, something he laughed at. 

"Maybe later, loverboy."

After one soft morning kiss, you both decided it was best to do the complete opposite of what you wanted and get up. 

As you both tossed on the discarded clothes from your nightly activities, Arthur beat you to the kitchen, refusing to let you sort your breakfast out. Your giggles decorated the hallway as you admitted defeat, knowing he wasn't going to give in. In no time, Arthur had somehow transformed into a chef, something he casually brushed off, stating he learned for his mother. 

Not long after, a long metallic groan - of hinges - sounded. Then, frantic footsteps littered the hallway, a short form entering the kitchen soon after, eyes observing the scene before them.

"Are those pancakes?" The boy asked, looking between you and Arthur. 

Arthur winked at (C/n). It was enough confirmation for the kid and his feet lept off the ground repeatedly. His cute red pyjamas had green patterns of t-rex's scattered across the fabric, a fact he exhibited to Arthur every few minutes. 

So, this was what having a family felt like, Arthur thought, smiling. 

When Arthur eventually finished cooking and experimenting with pancake shapes (he had managed to morph yours into the outline of a heart and (C/n)'s into Pacman), he was the last to join the table. 

Excited to take a chuck out of his consumable masterpiece, Arthur sipped on his water. But, before he could move on, the boy's words across from him, stopped him, forcing the liquid back into its glass. 

Arthur damn near choked. Deep coughs emerged from his chest, and while he was repulsed by the sight of his saliva swirling with the chilled drink, it was the least of his worries with the child's words buzzing around his head. 

"Does this mean you're my dad now?!"

———

Side note: I was genuinely considering putting the summary as ‘Arthur shoots people and gets laid lol’ because I couldn’t think of anything. I need help PFTT

[xenoredux]

The Legend of Silver Fang - Episode 3: The Soldiers

If you haven’t read episode 2 yet, you can do so here.

As mentioned before, the major story beats and overarching plot are the same. This is written under the supposition that, in fantasy land, this is a mini series with episodes that run about 2 hours in length each.

Some things to be aware of going in:

This story is violent as shit!!! CONTENT WARNING FOR: Animal death, animal injuries, and drowning. This one is exceptionally less violent then the others, but there’s still ungood things in it. Don’t read it if you don’t like dead dogs

I was trying to achieve a decent adaptation that combines the strongest elements of the anime and manga. It will not be precisely like either and will occasionally totally deviate from both

This isn’t meant to be “better” then the canon. It’s just the way I’d go about rewriting the Akakabuto arc if I had that level of ungodly power lol

Character designs made to represent several mentioned characters can be found here, here, here, and here. Others will be left up to the reader’s interpretation. A link to the next episode will also be provided at the end. If a link isn’t available, the next episode just hasn’t been posted yet!

ENJOY MY DOG FANFIC PLS

As the shadowy figure continues howling, the dog pack departs, clearly following some sort of order. They fall in line and take off at breakneck speed, quickly leaving Gin and Daisuke in the dust.

Except not Gin, ackshually, because he's going with them. As Daisuke calls out to him, Gin gallops behind the other dogs. The dogs are super fast as they make like a tree and get the fuck outta there. 

But Gin, thanks in large part to his training, easily keeps pace with them. The pack is being lead by the dark fawn dane, and he casts a glance over his shoulder at Gin. A white Saluki at the dane's side mutters about the silver dude trying to roll with them, but the dane assures her the Akita will soon give up. 5 minutes later, the Akita has not given up at all, and this time a mantle dane pipes up about the intrusion on the party's flash triathalon.

The Saluki sighs and says she'll take care of him, and by take care of him she of course means "run headlong into him, smash his forehead with mine, and step on his head when he comes to a halt," which she proceeds to do.

Gin is taken aback by her quickness. Then he's taken aback by how gently she chides him. She softly informs him that only members can run with the pack. They can't be distracted. They're on a mission, possibly one of the most important in Japan's history.

Before Gin can either argue or launch into The History of Japan by Bill Wurtz, he hears Daisuke call to him. The Saluki notices and sighs. She levels with Gin and tells him she's not a fan of mankind, but Gin should go back to his boy. Children always have the chance of being better then their elders.

"You've got a good thing going for you, kid," she says wisely. "Don't throw away the happiness you have." With those words simmering in Gin's mind, she goes and rejoins the collective.

As the Saluki leaves, Daisuke finds Gin, relieved that he's alright. The child tells the dog to follow him home, and despite his desire to follow the others, Gin obeys.

It's nighttime when the boys arrive back. Daisuke's parents launch into a vicious scolding the moment their son enters the house. Gin's never been interested in people's squabbling, so he sits outside, gazing at the massive full moon. His mind wanders as he lets the moonlight wash over him. Fantasies of running alongside the dogs fill his head, as do fantasies of meeting their mysterious leader. He ponders whether or not it all has to remain a fantasy.

After he eats his ice cold dinner, Daisuke goes back outside to buddy up with his pooch. The problem is that no pooch can be found. He's not on the roof, out on the porch, or chilling with his mother. Daisuke slowly becomes worried. Could Gin have run off? Maybe back to the dogs? No, that's not like him.

Turns out Daisuke's slow on the uptake, because Gin totally went back to find the dogs. He's made his way to the forest by now, and though his motivation has yet to leave him, he's never been in the forest by himself. He's quickly coming down with a bad case of the heebie jeebies. His confidence wanes, and he startles at every unfamiliar sound. He also startles when he sees something in the dark suddenly leap out at him.

The something chortles in a most self-absorbed way, and Gin instantly realizes the only thing he's in danger of is being taunted. It's only John. The nosy bastard followed Gin into the woods to see what the deal was. Well, really it's about more then that. John has decided this town ain't big enough for the several dozen of them, so he's come to see what the feral dogs are made of.

The two frenemies are in luck; the wild fidos are just over the nearest hill. John tells Gin he's going to demand the dogs taken them to their leader, and to catch their attention he starts howling as if his life depended on it.

The dogs notice this mostly out of confusion. Most of them haven't seen John before, but the Saluki has. She tells the others not to fuck with this dude - his owner has an adult super soaker and he knows how to use it. Gin offers similar advice to John, detailing how these guys have killed and eaten bears in, like, 5 minutes flat. John teases Gin for being a wuss before descending the hill with bared teeth, clearly in the mood for a tussle. He aims for the dane who's been calling the shots and leaps square in the middle of his back.

The dane barely registers John's weight, easily flinging him off. John returns once more, this time tooth first, and bites into the dane's neck. After some eye rolling and condescending chuckles, the dane flings him off once again.

John pretends with a snide remark that his ego hasn't been dick-kicked while the dane warns him not to step too far outta line if he wants to return home alive. Just as John's about to say something that begins with "Oh yeah?" Gin anxiously tells him to take a look around. Spookily, the rest of the pack had encircled the two.

A youthful voice from atop the hill calls down to someone named Ben, asking who these two clowns are. A French Spaniel mix is the source of the voice, and it seems he's trying to look tougher then he really is. The dane responds to the Spaniel's call with the name Smith, chiding the lad on abandoning his post just to get involved in drama.

Smith drops the tough guy facade with a laugh, assuring Ben that he and his men will return to their post in a moment, but that Ben should consider testing these two. They may be cocky, but they've got spirit. Smith leads his group back to their unseen post and Gin wonders what sorta hazing rituals packs of wild dogs have.

John's had enough of these games. He demands the pack to bring their leader to him stat. Ben ignores his huffing and puffing and says that the pack doesn't have time for this. They're soldiers for Chrissakes, and they need to get back to their commanding officer. But, for fairness' sake, he tells the two that he'll let them come with on two conditions.

The first is the two must agree to be soldiers in their growing army. The second is that to become soldiers, they must prove they're worthy. He states that whoever whoops his ass gets to become Dog Soldiers (2002). John agrees to a fight  embarrassingly quickly.

The shepherd and the dane encircle each other for a bit, posturing like nobody's business, until their would-be duel is interrupted by a non-sci-fi UFO. A projectile flies through the air to a chorus of screams.

The object that strikes the ground a second later turns out to be the severed head of one of Smith's gang. Smith and crew quickly double back to Ben's posse with some pretty bad news: OH FUCK ITS MADARA.

A fierce growl precedes a new arrival. It is, in fact, Madara, and she's got blood on her lips. Ben scolds an apologetic Smith for allowing his party to abandon their post. The Saluki rushes forward to avenge the dismembered doggie.

"Cross, stop!" says Ben. The Saluki pauses. Ben reminds her that The Boss doesn't want any more unnecessary casualties. Madara will get the ass kicking she deserves for killing Bazzet here, but not right now. Right now they have business to attend to. The pack scampers off.

John laughs mockingly at the departing party. Clearly these guys are pussies, he figures, because Real Badasses would've avenged their friend instantly. It takes every ounce of Gin's willpower not to tell John to shut up as he dashes after the dogs. He still wants to meet their leader, and he's sure this is the only chance he'll get to do it.

But Gin's not confident he knows where these guys are going. The pack is quickly approaching the edge of a gorge. Wind whistles up from the depths of a fast approaching canyon. The pack doesn't slow down as they advance, seemingly unafraid of the gap they're faced with.

With the stoicism of bored superheros, the entire party makes a leap for it one by one, and every single dog makes it across. Gin screeches to a stop, dumbstruck at how they've managed such a feat. He's never lept a gap like this even once!

The crew notices Gin as he examines the drop downwards. Cross calls out to him not to be stupid. He's not ready for a leap this wide. Ben calls out to Gin that Cross is right because only a dog suited to be a soldier in the Ohu army could manage this jump.

For a moment Gin doesn't seem to be paying attention, instead allowing his ears to wave wildly in the canyon wind as it hits his face. Then, wordlessly, he turns around and begins trotting away. Ben grunts, certain that this'll be the last they see of the silver kid. By now John has managed to catch up too, and he's equally surprised that Gin seems to be giving up the ghost.

But Gin wasn't leaving. He was merely getting some running distance between himself and the cliff's edge. He turns back around as everyone looks on. Memories of his past misadventures with ravines cloud Gin's senses, but only for an instant. Letting go of his doubts, he barrels towards the gorge.

Everyone gasps, certain he won't make it. Even John cries out for him to stop. But Gin's running too fast to stop. He has no choice but to try. And try he does, for he gives the biggest leap of his life the moment he reaches the edge.

Then everyone gasps yet again, because Gin's descending quickly without being anywhere near the other side. John swears aloud, his tough guy facade cracking as his frenemy plummets. Everyone is certain Gin will go the way of 50% of Disney villains, but he doesn't. Instead, the harsh winds from below give the lean little dude an extra push upwards.

As the plot spits openly on physics' face, Gin surfs the invisible wave to the other side, landing further out then any of the other dogs did. Ben praises Gin for his achievement. Gin puffs out his chest and states he's earned his right to meet The Leader, yeah?

Everyone is in agreement that Gin can come with, but first a wee small problem has occurred. Madara wasn't satisfied with just one beheading, so she followed the group so as to slap more heads off more shoulders.

A lone John snarls at her, thinking this will be the perfect time to flex on all the haters who are watching. He takes his own running leap towards her and she promptly smacks him in the ribs hard enough to knock him on his ass. John's too proud to surrender, so he keeps trying to fight as he stumbles around painfully.

Gin can't stand seeing his pigheaded compadre in danger, so he waits for another air current to whoosh its way up and coasts back over to help a brother out. He calls back to the pack that they still owe him one free meet-n-greet with their boss before he goes to stomp in some bear teeth.

Impressed by Gin's loyalty, Ben orders the other dogs to go back over and fight Madara off. After a hearty round of knuckle cracking and leg stretches, everyone literally leaps into battle.

Spooked by the sudden resistance, Madara tucks tail and runs away, a universal gesture meaning Fuck This. Ben tells everyone not to bother following as they've got other business to attend to now, like, for instance, welcoming two new members into their ranks. The dane regains his composure completely and begins initiating the two newbz with some introductions.

He is (obviously) Ben, leader of the first platoon. Cross is his second in command, a title unique to his platoon and bestowed upon her for her especially leet skills. The mantle dane is Great, leader of the second platoon. The scrappy Spaniel mix is Smith, leader of the third platoon. Gin and John share their own names despite having no platoons to speak for.

Ben further explains that the Ohu army is named after the mountain atop which their boss commands them, and that the army itself is made up of 12 different platoons of feral dogs.

Antsy as per ush, Gin asks for the billionth time when they're gonna meet the big boss himself. Ben smiles and lets him know that they're finally, FINALLY heading back to Ohu mountain to meet him. As the pack heads out in earnest, their ears are met with more powerful howls. Gin's spine tingles with anticipation. He has got to meet the dog attached to that voice.

Ben begins leading everyone to the gathering place, certain the CEO of Army Dogs, Inc. has something important to say. Ben's group isn't the only one making its way downtown, though. Several other squadrons are falling in line, coming to a stop at the foot of the forest's broadest mountain. Ben and Friends are tardy to this party, as every other platoon has already arrived.

John hangs back with Gin for a moment. He tells Gin that this is great and all, but he's not into the whole "being part of something bigger then yourself" thing. He wants to be THE big thing. So when he gets a chance to, he's gonna kick the leader's ass and take his name, becoming new leader of all his loyal servants.

Gin thinks this is the dumbest shit he's ever heard and says so as he tries to dissuade John from bouts of idiotic egotism. John ignores him and they both run to join the others.

They regroup just in time to see Ben, Great, and Smith being yelled at by a Doberman Pinscher for being late. The group crumples like guilty children at the mention of a mark on their permanent records as Ben tells General Sniper, the Boss's second in command, to lay off.

Ben says he's the one at fault here because he commanded all three platoons to save some new recruits from a bear attack. He gestures to John and Gin with the assurance that they're worthy fighters and loyal to the cause. John introduces himself with a smug grin and Gin introduces himself with a more down to Earth smile.

Sniper begins huffing and puffing about how it's bad enough Ben brought some up-his-own-ass pretty boy here, but he also brought some kid who's not fully grown yet. What does he think this is, a daycare? When Ben respectfully explains that he wouldn't bring fighters he believed to be incapable, Sniper starts throwing a hissy fit about how Ben's in no position to pull rank, sounding like the sort of bratty kid he's afraid of letting join.

Smith leans over to Gin and whispers for him not to worry, Sniper's just pissy because Ben made a sound decision without his say. Sniper can't stand the idea of Ben being more in charge then him. Truthfully, the general's started to hate Ben, probably because the dane's made a good impression on the leader and Snipey Boy's afraid of having his job stolen.

Gin's about to try faking an understanding of workplace drama when the clouds in the sky shift and send moonlight flowing down over the once unreadable silhouette of the leader.

Gin's breath catches in his throat. He knows that dog. It's his father. It's Riki! He's looking a little rough given the massive scars he's received from his one-off gig as Akakabuto's punching bag, but it's undoubtedly him. His powerful but gentle eyes meet Gin's.

Without thinking, Gin bounds up the mountain to see his father, unable to contain himself. The other dogs gape in horror at his insolence. These others excluding Sniper, that is, because Sniper is overcome with irritation. Not only did Ben bring a kid here, but the boy doesn't even know his place. Gin doesn't notice because he's paying no mind to anything except Riki. He cries out "Father! That's my father!"

Sniper's had enough, and he leaps to beat Gin into submission. As he tussles with Gin, he snaps about how that is NOT the way we act in the army, maggot! Everyone looks on unsure of what to do when Riki speaks, his voice just as booming and powerful as his howls. A well emphasized "Stop" is all it takes to break up the fight and focus all eyes on him. When he has everyone's attention, he continues with "Sniper, that's enough. Show some respect."

As everyone settles, Riki continues. The lad held his own well against the general, which proves him a capable fighter. Further, Riki is flattered that one of his newest recruits would see him as a father figure. He says he regards all his soldiers as his children, and he truly appreciates their devotion. Everyone just kinda takes this and runs with it while John tells Gin that sucking up is for losers.

Gin can't find the right words to explain himself, but he's confident that this dog is Riki. He just can't fathom how his dad has both survived and forgotten who Gin is.

Riki continues on. The dogs gathered here today share a common goal: kill Akakabuto dead. He's ruining the lives of every human in Futago pass and lbr most of the dogs' lives, too. In fact, it seems like the redheaded shithead is trying to establish a stronghold, constantly expanding his territory further and further. This has caused both he and his followers to boldly infringe on human settlements, and now they hold the countryside in an iron grip.

As everyone here knows from experience, bears are like 10x stronger then any individual dog. Even an average pack of dogs would be lucky to down a fully grown brown bear. To fight an army, one needs an army. Problem is that the surrounding neighborhoods have all been stripped of competent fighters. Given this, the plan is now to gather more dogs, experienced ones of varying backgrounds and skillsets, from other parts of the country.

And so Riki is giving every platoon 3 months to gather as many soldiers as they can from all around Japan. The pack is to rejoin here three full moons from now with as many dogs as they can manage, and then everyone will stop the Futago pass menace once and for all.

The crowd of dogs shout adulations, determined to complete their mission. Riki begins dividing the platoons into groups and sending them separate directions to cover more ground. Platoons 1-3 (and by extension, Gin and John) will head south, 4-6 will go north, 7-9 go west, and 10-12 go east.

While the troops leave to find recruits, Riki will remain here, learning about the bears' own army and, if he can manage it, shaving a few off their numbers before the final battle. Everyone will depart at dawn, so they'd better get some shut eye tonight.

In an endearing display of comaraderie, the dogs settle in to sleep by cuddling up beside each other. John and Gin lay beside one another for a moment before John gets up. He gives Gin a gentle nudge to rouse him and tells him he's blowing this popsicle stand. He doesn't wanna lead a buncha people who are dumb enough to think they can down Akakabuto with no fire power. Wars aren't won on good intentions, they're won with guns and shit. He's gonna go home to Hidetoshi to help him instead.

During a lull in conversation, the two hear someone approaching. They quickly pretend to be asleep, snoring loudly and unconvincingly.

It's Riki, come to stare wordlessly at Gin as the hamster wheel that he calls a brain starts spinning. He's not entirely convinced that the kid called him Papa out of flattery. Who IS this kid? Hell, who is HE? Gin knows him as Riki, but Riki himself doesn't even remember his name. All he knows himself as is The Boss.

He doesn't remember his past. He doesn't remember anything before waking up at the bottom of the pit. All he remembers is a seething, incomprehensible hatred for the red backed tyrant. He shakes his head and goes back to his cliff, a shooting star's tail following him in the night sky.

Without anyone's knowledge, two conniving-looking silhouettes have been gazing at both the boss and Gin this whole time. One silhouette belongs to General Sniper, still assmad about the leader backing up a newbie who's still wet behind the ears. The other is his only "friend" and henchdog, a Weimaraner named Hyena.

Sniper thinks aloud that maybe there was some truth to the kid calling the boss his dad. Hyena politely dismisses the idea, saying that all Akitas look the same. It's a good thing it's probably not true, he says, because the boss would surely pass on his position to his own kid instead of Sniper-Sama. Hyena dumbly snorts to himself about how silly the idea is as Sniper sits stewing and staring.

Gin and John stand up. They murmur to each other before approaching Ben. Gin tries to rouse the resting dane, tries to say he's going back to the village but he'll be back in a jiffy, but Ben's out cold. John gets bored of waiting and takes off alone, so Gin just whispers into Ben's ear that he promises to return before following the shepherd.

When the two are out of sight, Ben and Cross lift their heads, having been pretending to sleep this whole time. They were a lot more convincing because they weren't snoring like malfunctioning chainsaws.

Cross tells Ben she believes Gin's telling the truth about being back soon. She figures that he just wants to say goodbye to his boy. Ben teases Cross, suggesting she's gone soft on the human race. She nips at his ear playfully, reminding him that she trusts youngsters more then adults.

She gives a wistful look in Gin's direction, muttering something about how he's likely spent very little time away from his mother. Her eyes glaze over as Ben reaches out to touch her paw. He whispers that she did all she could for her own children, and she lies her head against his shoulder.

As the two bros are heading back to the village, John tells Gin he should stay home with him instead of cavorting around the woods with a bunch of suicidal maniacs. Gin disagrees. John tells Gin that he's just a kid so CLEARLY he's too young to understand that only dumdum morons put their trust in a group.

Gin stops running and tells John that he doesn't care what he thinks, it's better to try instead of standing by while their home is terrorized, and if John can't understand that, then he needn't join the pack anyway.

John stops, taken aback. He looks over his shoulder and meets Gin's glare. His eyes drift over the scars on Gin's forehead as he heaves a sigh. Despite the rocky nature of the two's relationship, John admits aloud that he can't help but respect Gin's conviction.

"Don't let it go to your head or anything," he says, "but there have been a lotta times where you've surprised me. Just come back home in one piece."

Gin nods solemnly before his crinkled brow settles into a warm smile. John chuckles and jokingly tells Gin to have a nice life starving in the wilderness. Gin teases back that he hopes John has an equally nice life sleeping on 300 different dog beds. John half jokes that he'll be too busy killing Akakabuto to rest.

Gin doesn't agree or disagree, but he grows serious for a moment and asks John to take care of Daisuke while he's gone. He knows the boy will be heartbroken when he realizes his dog is missing. John nods and wordlessly disappears into the night.

Gin heads to Daisuke's house and sniffs him out, finding him sleeping in the shed alongside his mother and siblings. He wonders if Daisuke was waiting for him to return home as he pulls a loose blanket over the dozing child. Daisuke stirs momentarily in his sleep, and Gin's face softens. Gin murmurs Daisuke's name when he notices someone sitting up in the corner of the room.

It's his mother Fuji, gazing tiredly but lovingly at him. For a moment, Gin considers telling her everything about the night; about the pack, about the bears, about Riki.

But he doesn't. He just tearfully tells her that he's going away for a while. Fuji opens her mouth as if to speak, but she doesn't. She just smiles weakly at her son. She trusts he'll return one of these days. Gin whispers for his mother to take care of Daisuke while he's away. The young akita turns to leave, suddenly overcome with emotion. It's been such a long time since he's sought connection with his mother, and he fears that he may never get another chance to.

Before he leaves he runs back and leans against her, tears streaming down his muzzle. Fuji licks her son's head for the first time since he was a baby and tells him that whatever he's going to do, she knows he'll do her proud.

Gin flees into the night. He feels like a child again, and not in a good way. His father doesn't recognize him, he's had to leave his mother and boy behind, and, truth be told, part of him is scared that he'll be leaving home for unseen lands with a bunch of strangers. He externalizes the tidal wave of emotions sweeping over him with a howl as he departs his place of birth.

Gin quietly returns to the pack and slips in beside the others, finally settling in to sleep. While he's in la la land, he begins dreaming.

He dreams of fighting the mother bear he killed with Daisuke, only now she's utterly massive. She strikes Gin across the forehead, scarring his face. As the scars bleed, they work through Gin's body, splitting him into four equally sized slices of somehow still-living dog.

He wails as Ben, Cross, and the others materialize behind him, leaping over him and tearing just as easily through the mother bear, turning her to a few dark brown ribbons. The dogs give one last battle cry as Gin is woken by a gentle nudge to his shoulder. It's Cross come to collect him.

It's time to start their journey. And oh what a journey it will be - there's a LOT of running ahead of them. Ben leads the charge as everyone follows behind him. The pack runs over rocky terrain, never halting.

Gin's a disciplined young dogman, but he's also young enough to have trouble containing his curiosity. He breaks out of formation for a moment to examine the trail alongside to road, only doubling back once Ben tsk tsks at him. The sight of the dogs galloping along makes good montage fodder, but GAWD they just keep going and going.

Hyena seems to think the same thing, and he begins bitching audibly about how the journey will be long enough without everyone having to babysit. Great rolls up beside Hyena and, in all his Greatness, tells the whinerbaby that they can always send him back to The General, his own sitter, if he can't nut up and shut up. Hyena buckles instantly, but Gin's overheard his complaints and decides to keep a close eye on the fusspot.

The dogs continue running. They don't pause to sleep all that night, and they continue into the wee hours of the morning. By now they've left Akakabuto's in-progress bear suburbs far behind, instead entering Yamanashi. Kai more specifically.

Cross speaks for everyone when she says that holy shit she's tired can they please rest oh my god. Ben agrees, making believe his lungs aren't fixing to burst, and the pack settles in the shadow of a cliff.

Everyone collapses into a dogpile of panting, wheezing bodies. Even little Gin's muscles ache like the dickens, and he's used to long runs. Ben, still pretending that his legs aren't about to liquefy, tells Gin that it's his duty as the newest recruit to find food for the pack. Gin's feeling a bit overwhelmed by the command when Cross elects to join him. She insists it's not to go easy on him, but more because there's a lot of soldiers to feed. Ben lets the two go.

Gin and Cross start poking around the surrounding forest. It doesn't take Cross long to find and maul a quail, and Gin is very impressed. He asks her if she'd been a hunting dog before, to which she responds politely but in a way that's like WELL DUH.

Cross explains that, like most of the other soldiers, she'd belonged to a hunter back in her day. When Gin asks for a bit more elaboration, Cross's face falls and she changes the subject back to bird slaying. Gin shrugs and then yoinks a bird out the sky.

After a while spent downing a flock of avian idiots, the pack has their fill. Ben lets everyone know that as soon as they're all done eating they've got to get a move. Hyena pipes up and says he doesn't understand why they're out where nobody lives when they're meant to be looking for dogs. Ben condescendingly smiles at him and explains that he doesn't owe Hyena an explanation for anything okey sweaty <333

Great agrees that Hyena sucks ass and all, but he too would like to know what they're doing here. Ben tells everyone all will be revealed shortly, and everyone gets back into, you guessed it, jogging.

Ben leads the pack to a rocky overhang, showing them all a city miles below. The city is Kofu, and it's where Ben was born and raised. He knows the ins and outs of the city and the forest, and he knows from his history here that the city dogs can't compare to an illusive lot who's set up permanent camp in the woods. Gin is about to say that that doesn't actually explain anything tbh before Ben rallies everyone to run again.

Unfortunately the dogs are forced off the path by a massive wild boar barreling towards them. They disband in an effort to get out of its way and the unlucky among them are trampled or, like Gin, flung painfully to the side.

Despite the boar's unwieldy size and propensity to beat strangers without a second thought, it's being followed closely behind by three Kai Ken dogs, all of whom are dwarfed by most of the soldiers but are notably muscular for their height. The tiger-striped trio utilized their gymrat bods to down the boar in moments, and they merrily begin tearing into the beast's corpse while it's still warm.

Everyone is confounded by the triplets, but it's pretty obvious Ben means to recruit them. Ben explains that they're known creatively among local dogs as The Kai Brothers, and they're a devilish sort.

Each brother is, funnily enough, representative of each color the Kai breed comes in: red (light brindle), brown (normal brindle), and black (heavy brindle). Akatora ("red tiger") is the red guy, Chutora ("brown tiger") is the brown one-eared guy, and Kurotora ("black tiger") is the black one-eyed guy. Ben explains that the reason the manlets are so powerful for their size is because they were abandoned at a young age and forced to fend for themselves early on.

This entire introduction has happened no more then 20 feet from the brothers, and they aren't amused at a biography written about them while they're eating. Akatora tells Ben to shut his exposition-hole and get the fuck out of their territory. Smith mutters about the trinity's lack of table manners and Kurotora shows they mean business by knocking Smith on his ass.

Cross tells Ben these guys are assholes not fit for an army, but Ben insists they need their strength. Good to his word, Ben approaches the three and asks them polite as peaches if they'd join his ranks and fight alongside him. Like, as payment for the past.

Before Ben can explain either to the bros or to the audience what he means by "the past", the short kings get pissed and start beating the shit out of him. Chutora says that maybe, just maybe, if Ben defeats them, they'll cut a deal, but nobody has ever defeated them in hand-to-hand (paw-to-paw?) combat before, so the odds aren't great.

Unwilling to watch Ben get his ass handed to him by dogs half his size and twice his temper, Gin joins the fray and catches Kurotora by the tail. Cross also tries to save her doghusband by pile driving Churotora. As the married couple busies themselves with two of the brothers, Gin spends some time taunting Kurotora while leaping around, trying to wear him out.

This doesn't work, as the little black mad lad is too vicious to be reasoned with. Kurotora is offended that another brindle dare turns his fangs against him, and so snaps at Gin. Gin dodges out of the way at the last second and the Kai Ken chomps not into him but into a hunk of bark off of a tree. This forces Gin to acknowledge that he is super fucked if Kurotora bites him.

Gin runs away with Kurotora trailing behind him. Meanwhile, Ben and Cross are dealing with their own hang-ons. Chutora refuses to release Cross's throat no matter how much the comparatively giant woman tosses him around. Ben's got the same issue with Akatora swinging from his scruff.

Ben commands his men to stay back, insisting he and Cross can handle the situation as Cross kinda disagrees by yelling Ben's name. Akatora's onslaught comes to a halt as he rolls the name Ben around in his mind. He swears he's heard it somewhere before.

Gin sprints back to his struggling friends and cannonballs on Chutora, effectively freeing Cross from his piranha grip. Cross scolds Gin for his savior complex and Gin scolds Chutora for beating up on a chick. Chutora and Kurotora are both confused and a touch embarrassed, saying they mistook Cross for a dude with a high voice. Smith coughs awkwardly from the sidelines.

Kurotora goes back to chasing Gin while Chutora questions whether it's more or less misogynistic to hit a woman in this situation. Cross responds to his moral dilemma with her teeth.

Akatora is still clinging to Ben, only releasing his grip to grab softer areas and mock Ben for being the weakest pack leader he's ever met. Ben says he has no desire to harm any of the brothers. Akatora just laughs and continues biting before Ben does something unexpected.

The dane cranes his neck awkwardly to look at the dog biting his belly and says "You really have grown, Little Tiger." Akatora freezes at the words, overcome with an emotion he wasn't aware he could feel.

Akatora releases Ben and stares at him, jaw hanging open. He runs over to Chutora and tells him to hit pause on the brawling. Chutora asks why, but Akatora ignores him and says they need to find Kurotora before it's too late. Only problem is that nobody was paying attention to where he and Gin ran off to, so the pack gets off their asses at long last to go find them.

Kurotora is hunting for his prey beside a pond. The kid ran out of sight and he's definitely cowering somewhere nearby. Unbeknownst to Kurotora, Gin isn't hiding in fear. He's standing above him on a tree branch, the months he spent leaping across houses having paid off.

The Akita jumps down on the Kai Ken, catching the one-eyed hoodlum off guard. The two tumble into the pond where Gin gains the upper hand. Killing two birds with one plot device, Gin utilizes his underwater training to slap Kurotora around under the surface. His opponent is untrained in the art of water boxing, so Kurotora ain't doin' so hot.

But Gin is no murderer, just a violent juvenile delinquent. When Kurotora's been subdued (i.e. passed out from water inhalation), Gin pulls him back out of the pond. While the two were playing splashies, the rest of the dogs have found them, and everyone gazes over Gin's shoulder as he performs CPR (Canine Pondwater Removal) on his waterboarded opponent.

Kurotora vomits up a lot of water and a little fish as he rejoins the land of the living, and he's ready to give Gin proper retribution before Akatora tells him to knock that shit off.

Akatora goes on to explain that they can't kill friends of their former godfather, the man to which they owe their lives. The pack is confused before Akatora elaborates: Ben was a hunting dog who often came to their forest with his master. During one of his last hunts here, the then-infant brothers had been oot and aboot looking for prey when they were attacked by a pine martin. The animal tried to kill them, half-blinding Kurotora in the process, before the great dane came and rescued them.

The dane continued to look after the boys when his master took them in, and he allowed them to head back to the woods when they hit adolescence and could better protect themselves.

The bros apologize to Ben for the whole ass-beating thing, to which the old dog just smiles. Everyone chills out. Gin apologizes for waterlogging Kurotora and Ben and Cross lick one another's wounds. When everyone's made peace, Ben says that he came out here to ask the trio for a favor. Could they pretty please join his platoon in the battle against The Bear Menace?

The Three Stooges say they'd be happy to help Ben with anything, especially if it involves killing something. That said, they have a personal issue with a neighbor they'd like to resolve first, and if Ben would be willing to help that'd be greeeeaaaat.

They explain that a fat bastard named Moss lives nearby with his own pack on a mountain peak called Kasume Dake ("Misty Mountain"). He's got his own army in a way, though they're more like mafioso then soldiers.

Ben thinks it over a moment and asks the three if they think Moss would be willing to lend his own strength to the cause. None of the bros can make any promises, but if given enough "persuasion" (wink wink nudge nudge wiNK WINK) they figure Moss would agree to anything. Otherwise it'd just be nice to be rid of the obese tyrant.

So it's settled. The newest recruits are The Brothers Kai, and the posse's next stop will be Kasume Dake. Everyone takes off running yet again, this time followed by the three brindle brethren. Ben praises Gin for holding his own in battle, to which the younger dog humbly smiles.

The pack continues their trek and everyone is in high spirits except for, curiously, Hyena. The dog is discreetly snorting to himself, a mischievous look spreading across his face.

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End of episode 3, which marks the kinda sorta halfway point of this series. This is where things really start amping up plotwise.

Episode 4: The Gang Wars