#unable to keep their own composure and not 'get' their own dog whenever they get frustrated

[fjordfolk]

Just to be clear, my ask was not meant to judge you about how you love your pups! My question stemmed from a sad thing I witnessed at the last obedience trial I worked. A woman from my training club entered her two dogs that day – one got her OTCH, and the other NQ'd in open. She came out of the trial hall furious, yanking her dog's leash, and proceeded to tell us she wasn't going to "waste" any more of her time training him, because he wasn't a winner or whatever. She brought her other dog out to visit people and sniff stuff later in the afternoon, but the dog with the NQ stayed in his crate the rest of the day, and it absolutely broke my heart. Nobody else seemed to have any problem with the idea that she would totally reject one of her dogs because of his trial performance. (And what's worse is she really did stop training him and spending time with him after that.) So anyways, whenever I hear anyone say they have a favorite, all I can think of is the sad puppy sitting in the back of a van all day because he got startled during a trial. Which obviously is very very very different than "Sparty is my roommate and Troja is our dog."

That is indeed very different.

It is also different because Troja is the succesful ribbon earning certified sheltie dog and Spart? Spart is an effective DQ. Somehow still everyone's favourite.

[sukuna-slut]

teacher’s pet - pt. 1

yan!sukuna x reader x yan!gojou

as you fall deeper into an unusual relationship with the king of curses, your favourite teacher becomes increasingly worried for your safety.

warnings

mild depictions of injury, abuse of power, infantilisation, noncon

rating - teen

word count - 1558

What was happening? As a Jujutsu sorcerer, you had lived by the affirmation that you would not regret death once it came upon you, but you never prepared for the possibility that death would sneak up on you when you least expected it. Before stupid Itadori crashed into your world like a bull in a china shop, you were Tokyo Jujutsu Technical High School’s most promising student. That freaky Okkotsu kid had that super-powerful Cursed Spirit living inside him which automatically made him Special Grade, but with your extraordinary natural talent for jujutsu, you were sure to one day reach his level if you just worked hard enough. Gojou-sensei had said it himself, you were a rare talent. You still had so much further to go, so much more to achieve, so why were you now bleeding out in some random alleyway with nothing to show for your sorry life but a few empty words of praise?

Your opponent let out a rumbling peal of laughter. ‘Oh yes, I love that one… you know, of all the expressions people show me before I kill them, anger is my favourite.’

Even with the tattoos crawling up his arms and extra eyes blinking on his face clearly marking him as Ryouma Sukuna, you couldn’t help but hate Itadori for once again ruining everything. Gritting your teeth, you ground your twitching palms into the cold asphalt in an attempt to push yourself up, but your elbows gave out, making Sukuna laugh even harder.

‘I’m not… done yet,’ you spat, blood spilling down your chin in direct betrayal to your words.

‘Yes, you are.’ 

Sukuna turned to leave and you attempted to will away the black spots clouding your vision. Despite your pride, you wondered when your life was going to flash before your eyes like it was supposed to.

‘Such a waste… you might’ve had a chance if you’d tried a little harder,’ he murmured with a slight chuckle. ‘A small chance, but who knows.’

Huh?

The shock you felt at his words momentarily numbed the pulsing pain in every muscle of your body, giving you the strength to prop yourself up on one elbow.

‘What… do you mean?’ you forced out.

‘Hm?’

He turned his head with a slight raise of his eyebrows, as if he hadn’t expected you to still be alive.

‘My technique was perfect,’ you insisted.

Itadori’s features morphed into a derisive smirk unbefitting of the cheerful boy.

‘Who told you that? That irritating teacher of yours, no doubt,’ Sukuna laughed. ‘So much untapped potential… if only they taught you how to really use your powers, you could even rival dear Itadori.’

Your eyes widened. You had potential to match Itadori, the vessel of the most powerful Cursed Spirit in existence? Sukuna was turning away again but you couldn’t let him leave, you had to stop him. Ignoring the screams of your body, you pushed your weight back until your butt rested on your heels, your arms stretched out in front of you in a deep bow.

‘Teach me!’ you begged with every bit of energy you had left.

Sukuna paused where he stood, turning to regard you with an expression of utter shock. It was only there for a moment though, melting as soon as it had appeared into raucous laughter.

‘You want me… to teach you?’ he managed between cackles. ‘Interesting! Maybe you’re worth keeping alive a little longer.’

He took slow steps towards you before crouching to lift your chin between his thumb and forefinger to gaze into your teary eyes, silently pleading for his help. You were barely holding onto life at this point, yet he seemed to be in no hurry, a grin stretched wide across Itadori’s face.

‘A teacher, huh?’

The last thing you saw before you blacked out was Sukuna’s extra eyes and tattoos melting back into his skin, his malicious expression replaced with your classmate frantically calling your name.

Gojou Satoru was livid. Staring at the swirling mahogany of his desk, he forced his bloodlust down to a simmer and fixed his face into a painful smile with which he regarded the snivelling boy before him.

‘You lost control,’ he accused, ‘a mistake which nearly caused the death of your classmate. What do you have to say for yourself?’

As Itadori began blubbering apologies, Gojou’s mind returned to the sight of you lying in a hospital bed, a mess of wires and bandages around the gaping wound in your stomach that nearly cost you your life. The image of you, his bratty little (YN) looking so defeated made his blood boil with the desire to tear whoever was responsible to shreds. Unfortunately, the perpetrator was the very student he had insisted on keeping alive. Was it worth the risk? What if losing you was the risk?

You came into his life bright-eyed and brimming with terrifying reserves of untapped potential. Whether or not you were aware of just how much power you possessed, you had an inexplicable desire to distinguish yourself which reminded Gojou of himself at your age. While others were irritated by your brashness, he found himself growing fond of his latest protege. He liked to think that he was the only one who truly understood you. When he informed you of exactly how exceptional you truly were, your face lit up with such fervent excitement, he couldn’t bring himself to be ashamed of the sudden increased blood flow to his nether regions in that moment. He ended up complimenting you whenever possible during his private sessions with you just to see that face again. He loved the way you lapped up his praise like a cute little dog, he loved how you treated his word like gospel… eventually, he came to terms with the realisation that he just loved you.

Even so, you scared him sometimes. At first he had lived to see you shine whenever you discovered a new ability with his help, but with every milestone, he felt you edging further and further away from him. At that rate, you would surely become a Grade One Sorcerer, and then… you’d have all these responsibilities, responsibilities he honestly wasn’t sure if you could handle with your weak constitution, responsibilities that would lead you away from him.

So he altered your training program a little. Taught you to unknowingly hinder your own abilities, just enough so you’d still need him by your side. Maybe it was underhanded, but you were the purest thing in his life and he wasn’t about to let you leave him so easily. But his selfishness had backfired. With your stoppered abilities, you were unable to defend yourself against Sukuna, and because of him…

Gojou buried his face in his hands.

‘Sensei?’ Itadori asked nervously.

He shook his head, donning a carefree smile.

‘You shouldn’t apologise, Itadori. After all, I’m the one who miscalculated when I assumed you would be able to sustain Sukuna’s growing power.’

‘Am I going to be executed?’ Itadori’s face turned sheet white.

Gojou had considered killing the boy himself when he first saw your beaten body. Itadori’s hold against the ancient Curse had been gradually slipping ever since he ate the fourth finger, but he had been so consumed with capturing Sukuna, that he failed to see the situation for the disaster it was.

However, logic soon overruled his desire to destroy anyone and anything that hurt you. The inconvenient truth was, they had no hope of stopping Sukuna without Itadori’s body. But in order to mitigate the risk…

‘No, you won’t be executed. But you will be detained, at least until we figure out a better solution. For the time being, your responsibility will be reduced to being a vessel for Sukuna, nothing more.’

Itadori hung his head but did not protest.

It had been a whole week since you were discharged from hospital, yet Gojou-sensei still refused to let you train. Before, when his presence had been fleeting due to his foremost duty as the strongest sorcerer calling him away every other day, you had craved his attention, but now you wished he’d just disappear.

‘(YN)-chan, you should be resting!’

You had barely taken seven steps down the hallway before he intercepted you and corralled you back to your room, gripping your upper arms firmly as if he were redirecting a wandering child.

‘I should be training!’ you protested, noticing with no small amount of irritation the way his lips drew tight. ‘I’m almost fully healed, the nurse said I could participate in moderate physical activity the day after I was discharged. It’s been a week, Gojou-sensei! When are you going to stop treating me like a- mmh!’

Suddenly, your lips were captured in a suffocating kiss. Gojou-sensei wasted no time pushing his tongue between your unprepared lips, the wet muscle surprising you with its coldness as it invaded your mouth. At some point, his hold on you had tightened to the point of being painful.

‘S-sensei!’ you exclaimed, shoving him back.

His blindfold prevented you from gauging the full extent of his emotions, your teacher raising a hand to his parted lips as if shocked by his own actions. Before he could regain his composure, you bolted down the hallway, your only goal to get as far away from your attacker as possible.

[crimsonbluemoon]

6, 3, 7 H2OVanoss! You know me heh ( •ॢᴗ•ॢ⋈)

Ahhh Owlbun! So I hope this fits the perimeters of a cute-meet cause I don’t know if it does but I think it does? Idk, its cute, please enjoy this mess of a story. >.> It’s a diff style than I normally do, but….hope it works out!

AU: Coffee shopTrope: Meet cutePrompt: “You had no idea, did you?”

Pairing: H2O Vanoss

If Evan was being honest, he hadn’t expected the chalkboard wall at his coffee shop to make much of a difference. The Owl Cafe was a staple in the community, and he had an okay group of regulars that liked to come in and check out his new blends on the daily. There were ones he knew by name, like the 6 year old girl Momo who loved Brian’s hot chocolate, or the late-night writer Kryoz who always seemed to appear when the place was deserted. Some regulars he didn’t catch names for, so he titled them as he saw fit; Runner man, vlogger teen, cute sweatshirt guy. All had their place in his cafe, which was steady in its sales. He wasn’t rolling in cash, but it was enough to pay Brock and Brian, so he felt that he was doing alright. 

The chalkboard had been something of a whim. A friend when he was younger had a wall in his bedroom with chalkboard paint that Evan had always enjoyed drawing on before bed. When he’d bought the cafe two years ago, he hadn’t really remembered the fun times he had scribbling across the bedroom wall. He was too focused on payments and attracting customers to stroll down memory lane. That had changed three months ago when bumping into Lui, the two speaking about their times as a child. The wall came up, of course, and Evan couldn’t let the memory go for days after. Lots of his customers had children, and college kids were always quick to bore when waiting for coffee. So one night, after a really good week at the shop, Evan went out and bought the paint in order to make his wall next to the waiting area a drawing board. 

The result was amazing; people loved coming by and adding their own doodles to the wall, filling it with different styles of art or funny sayings. There were always the punks who tried to draw dicks or write derogatory marks, but street justice tended to stop the crimes far quicker than Evan or his friends picked up on them. Evan enjoyed looking at the board at the end of the night, seeing what secrets it held from the customers he served. He tried to guess who drew what, or where each blurb of inspiration writing came from. Was the struggling mother of three the one who drew the calm beach? Did the preppy college girl express her darker thoughts in the corner of the board? Or was that old couple who shared a coffee really sweet enough to write their 70th anniversary with a heart around it? All of the pieces of the board was a collection of minds, hearts, and souls, and the nights didn’t feel complete for the shop owner without gazing at them in appreciation.  

His favorite part was the confessions; like an anonymous message board, people left words of secrecy every day. Evan felt it was a safe way for customers to express themselves without having to reveal their identity, and so far he hadn’t gotten any confessions that worried him. Brock always enjoyed reading the romantic ones where someone would claim their love for a friend, an ex, or a person they could never have. Brian’s favorites were the weird claims; he made Evan keep the ‘I like smelling feet’ confession up for three days. Evan couldn’t really say he had a type he sought out, because all of them were fun to read. If anything, he liked taking in the handwriting of the confessions, seeing whose were quaking with fear or more broad with confidence that only anonymity provided. 

It was nearly two months into owning the board that a message caught his eye; it didn’t have much color or outlandish design to it, so Evan wasn’t sure why it stuck out to him so much. But the writing just…looked different. Friendly. A little messy but with long enough strokes to show some care went into it. The words only took up a small part of the board. 

I come here every day because I think the owner is nice. And maybe cute? I wanted to ask for his name, but I’m too nervous.

Evan blinked in surprise, feeling his face heat up when he read it again. Someone…confessed about him? It was sort of risky, since this was his shop and he could have checked in on the board at any time, but it was also endearing. Someone was too shy to approach Evan, but felt strong enough about him to confess on his wall? He read the line two more times while he cleaned off every other drawing and confession, leaving the words in the middle of the board. Slowly, his eyes dropped down to the basket of chalk at the bottom of the wall, fingers twitching by his side. Despite having it for months, he’d never actually written on it. He left designing the morning greeting to Brock, as he was the artistic one of the three. But now…

He kept the confession where it was, drawing a little circle around it with the red chalk. Then, with block letters bright enough to catch any returning customer’s attention, he wrote out a simple reply. 

It’s Evan. Nice to meet you.

He didn’t think about the teasing Brian would rain on him, or how unlikely it was for him to get a response. The confessions were meant to be anonymous, not openers for conversation. So sure that his words would be left unanswered, Evan didn’t look once at the board the following day, trying to keep focused on making his customer’s happy. Any time he wasn’t working, he rushed into the back, trying to stay occupied so he didn’t stare at the wall. The day dragged on forever, but when the final customer was out the door, Evan nearly fell flat on his face vaulting over the counter to move to the board. 

“Desperate much, buddy?” Brian’s shout from across the shop went ignored when Evan scanned the wall, looking for any sign of a response. At first, the words around the response were disheartening; nothing connected to what he’d said. The drawings were still cute, and he wanted to read the confessions, but his heart slightly dropped at the sight. Had he scared off the anonymous messenger? He felt his frown start to capture his lips, but then his eye picked up on something. A blue circle had been wrapped around Evan’s words, and a line of chalk was drawn to the left of the board. Curious, his eyes tracked the line. Like thread in a maze, Evan was led to a familiar handwriting. 

Your name fits you! I’m…Jonathan. Is that okay? 

“Jonathan.” He rolled the name around in his mouth, his smile small when he finished. He knew instantly what his new secret penpal was asking, and he found the red chalk from before in order to scribble out his answer. 

That’s totally okay. I bet your name fits you, too, though I’m not sure who you are. Care to give me a hint? 

And for the next two weeks, the hints poured out. 

I like to wear blue a lot. Luke says it matches my eyes. But I think yours are prettier.

Evan counted seventy three customers with blue eyes who wore blue that day, but it did little to limit his search. 

I saw you drop that lady’s coffee on purpose. She deserved it for treating Brock like that. You’re a really good boss.

The incident had been in the morning around rush hour, which probably meant his penpal was at least his age. 

You only wear hats when you clean the mocha machine; it really looks good on you. 

Except this was something he did at night, so maybe he had different shifts throughout the week? 

Whenever little Momo comes in, you always give her the best smile. Sometimes I wish you’d smile at me like that.

Evan’s face hurt from how many smiles he gave out that day, but there had been nobody who hinted at knowing why he’d been grinning so much. 

You’re so beautiful. I really want to ask you on a date. 

Evan’s face flush red for the rest of the night. 

After the days of trying to piece together just who ‘Jonathan’ was, Evan was almost ready to throw in the towel. The little banter between them was fun, and peeks of Jonathan’s personality came out with doodles or smilies at the end of his sentences. He mentioned his friends, his dog, and if Evan closed his eyes, he could almost make out a voice to the words. Everything just felt so familiar about this guy, like he was already seated comfortably in Evan’s life. But he just couldn’t come up with a name, or anything to sink his teeth into. 

So, with a shot of courage (Brian may have supplied the alcohol) and nothing to lose, Evan wrote out one final message. 

Anything but coffee, and I’ll say yes.

Evan tried not to look at the board, just like the first day, hoping he wouldn’t scare away his crush by staring the wall down. Brock and Brian helped distract him, jokingly picking out old men and toddlers as ‘his secret admirer’ before laughing at the outlandish suggestions. Evan tried to smile and joke with them, but his shaking hands when giving out the orders always proved how nervous he was. Each time a customer came up to him, his back tensed, wondering if it’d be his penpal. But they never were, always asking for sugar or a bag for their half eaten muffin. 

When the last minutes of the day ticked away, and just a few regular souls lingered in the cafe, Evan finally broke. He left Brian and Brock behind the counter to walk up to the wall, hands shoved in the pockets of the apron to hide his twitching fingers. Slowly, his eyes scanned the board, trying to find the blue handwriting he’d grown to adore over the couple weeks he’d gotten to see it. But there was nothing; his crush hadn’t replied. 

“I scared him away.” Evan sighed and pressed his head to the chalkboard, eyes closing in defeat. His shoulders slumped down, unable to hide his disappointment. He’d just wanted to know who this guy was, because starting to fall for a chalkboard he technically owned was starting to feel a little creepy-

“Um.” An unsure voice made Evan bite back a groan, trying to keep his composure. Even if he was being ghosted by an anonymous customer, it didn’t mean he could ignore his other ones. Pulling back from the wall, Evan turned to catch sight of a familiar face. Cute sweatshirt guy had been a regular for months, always polite but never one to really engage in much conversation with Evan or the others. He always contributed it to the slight stutter in his speech, which only seemed to come out in longer sentences. It was actually kind of late for cute sweatshirt guy to be at the cafe; he’d bought his coffee close to an hour ago, and though he normally left right after, he’d seemed to linger now. He’d been one of the people who’d come up to Evan, looking like he was going to burst out in a confession, only to ask for creamer.

And sugar.

And a new cup.

…And more creamer.

For a coffee he always drank black.

“Wait.” Evan’s breath hitched in his throat as his eyes widened on the blue gaze nervously watching him, fingers curled into the worn down sweatshirt that was identical in color. 

“Yeah, I’m-that was me. Jonathan. Who you were-I’m the guy tha–that, um, fuck. Luke said I should’ve just-but the wall was…was our thing.” Jonathan’s face lit up in color at the confession, the nervous laugh that poured out loud and uncontrolled. It echoed from the emptiness of the cafe, and both men jumped when Brian swore and knocked over a stack of cups in surprise. Tagging that as future Evan’s problem, he turned his attention back to Jonathan, who looked ready to let his sweatshirt swallow him whole. The smile he gave only lifted half his mouth, proving he didn’t feel confident. “You had no idea, did you?”

“None,” Evan admitted, hands pulling out of his apron at the defeated look that sunk over Jonathan. 

“Right, that’s- I don’t have to ask you on a date if this isn’t what you…if I’m not who you-”

“Ask me!” Evan cut him off fast, not wanting to let Jonathan feel rejected for a second longer. He rushed forward, snagging hands that tugged the end of torn sleeves to entwine their fingers. Blue eyes widened above him, but Evan refused to let his racing heart of reddened cheeks stop him from repeating his confession from before. “Anything but coffee, and I’ll say yes.” 

“Dinner? Can I-would you like to get food with me tomorrow?” Like a puppy, Jonathan’s body perked up at the possibility. Evan laughed before lifting their hands to cup Jonathan’s cheeks. He pushed up onto his toes, feeling the slight intake of his customer’s breath before he answered with a kiss.

But just to be safe, he wrote ‘yes’ on the chalkboard the next morning.

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Can we get a tiny teaser for limerence 👉👈?

Just for you 😘😘

Notes: Unedited

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

           “She’s pregnant!”

           “What a blessing, will this be her third child?”

           “Fourth, her eldest is serving in the navy.”

           “Ahh, yes-yes, slipped from my mind. How beautiful, if only I could convince my husband…”

           “Makes two of us. How about you, Imperial Consort Ying Yue? Have you thought about having children of your own?” The ladies giggled, sipping away on their sweet teas in the garden.

           The cherry blossom branches swayed under the gentle breeze, the pink flowers cascading with the current, fluttering like butterflies. The cool shade painted our skin, providing as an escape from the blaring sun, although the kids didn’t seem to mind the heat in the slightest.

           Their laughter was clear as day, ringing throughout the palace gardens, but I couldn’t help but tune in with Kiyi’s the most. The ladies’ banter lost to the birds humming and moving water – absorbed in the beautiful smile on Kiyi’s face as she chatted away with her friends.

           A red and golden embroidered picnic blanket laid over the grass, Kiyi was passing along the turtle duck food for the children to feed. Her cheeks were dusted in pink, telling all the children fascinating facts about the creatures from the Southern Water Tribe.

           “After school tomorrow, I’ll read the book to you. They have this animal called a ‘Polar Bear Dog’ – and it’s so cute and fluffy!” Kiyi gushed, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t snort hearing her excitement. The way her eyes twinkled with passion, a small part of my heart hurt – because the look reminded me so much of Zuko’s whenever he got excited.

           Zuko…I miss you-

           “Imperial Consort?” A voice droned; the sound close to my being, I found myself jumping. My head snapped to the women beside me, them staring at me with looks of concern. Shit – what were we talking about again?

           “My apologies, I was watching the children-” I started, and the lady to my side started to snicker. She rose a napkin to her face, delicately tapping the tissue to rid herself of any crumbs that littered her appearance. All the women looked put-together, their hair and makeup done to impress, their clothes extravagant, meant to display their status.

           “I guess that answers our question.”

           “What question?” I inquired, and the ladies began to laugh once again.

           “Whether or not Fire Lord Zuko and you are planning on having kids anytime soon.” She replied, shooting me a sheepish smile. My mouth dropped, a shy blush coating my cheeks as a meek oh escaped me. Of course, they were talking about children and family. Almost all the high-ranking nobles were married, most with children – or pregnant.

           I stuck out like a sore thumb in these ‘royal tea parties,’ unable to relate to the women or men due to my lack of domestic life. I’m a mere child dressed in adult clothes – playing dress-up. My hands fell over my lap after combing my hair behind my ear, carelessly pressing thumbs as a means to keep my composure. I could feel my skin starting to heat up once again.

           Another fever- Katara is going to kill me.

           “Well, if it is not out of line to ask – when do you and Fire Lord Zuko plan on officially tying the knot?” A curious voice peeked, and at the question alone, I found myself reaching for my teacup, stealing a sip of the much-needed chamomile tea.

           Marriage – with Zuko? I fought back the petty laugh. Marriage with Zuko seems more like a distant dream than a reality.

           “Hopefully, once Fire Lord Zuko completes a few of his personal projects. Love is patient after all, and I’ll wait an eternity for him.” I spoke, forcing the words to leave my lips as I swallowed the lukewarm liquid.

           It was comical, how quick they were to eat up my words, gushing about how romantic I was, that I was willing to wait for Zuko – words straight out of a romance novel. If only they knew that that was only scratching the surface of what I would do for Zuko, the things I would sacrifice.

           I could feel my shoulders slump over in a defeat, biting my lips anxiously.

           The women didn’t notice the waver in my voice, the blue smile on my face, or the tears that I desperately held back. They were more concerned about the newest designer, skincare product, and fragrance – topics I would’ve undoubtedly been interested in if I didn’t have a looming fog in my mind.

           Politics, it’s all politics.

           The kid’s squeals peeked in volume, catching my attention, the children throwing their napkins in the air, towards Kiyi. What in the world-

           “It’s okay! I’ll be right back!” Kiyi insisted before standing up quickly.

           Her black hair bobbed side to side, skipping towards me at full speed. Droplets of something dripping after every bounce, tainting the green coloured grass under her steps, seeping into the soil.

           “Button-” I cooed, letting my tea rest on my plate before outstretching my arms. My hands caressed her face, and the happiness in her expression had me sporting a smile – a genuine smile. Kiyi was a breath of fresh air. Youthfulness and innocence, a heart of pure gold.

           “What happened, button? You’re a mess.” I snickered under my breath, watching the sticky liquid trickle from the hem of her dress, her lap completed covered. She scratched her head, shooting me a spirited grin. She looks just like Zuko when she smiles like that-

           “An accident, I didn’t see the jug of juice, and I kind of hit it.” Kiyi giggled, and I couldn’t help but snort, running my hand through her loose locks. “You’re so silly, button. Let’s get you cleaned up, okay?” I assured, light-heartedly tapping her nose.

           Kiyi nodded her head before shifting her gaze to the women I was seated with. My eyes followed hers, flustered at how the women looked over us with broad smiles – hearts for eyes.

           “I bet on two kids.”

           “Really? I think one.”

           “Wouldn’t be surprised if they already have a name picked out.” The ladies bantered between themselves as if I wasn’t currently sitting with them.

           I could feel a tiny finger poke my cheek, looking back at Kiyi, a teasing smile on her face. And seeing her sport that knowing look, a look that reminded me of a harmonious mixture of Zuko’s and Toph’s ‘I’m up to no good’ had me freezing.

           Oh no-

           “Izumi – Zuzu told me that that’s the name they want,” Kiyi spoke up, catching on to the topic at hand far too quickly for my liking. The women all leaned over in disbelief, jaws hitting the table, struggling to process the very thing Kiyi blurted.

           My eyes widen, the silly banter of family life between Zuko and I exposed. When and why did Zuko tell Kiyi this information-

           “Button-”

           “And Zuzu said they have a baby room set up in their vacation house! I can’t wait until I become an aunt. He said it’s a very serious job and-” My hand fell over Kiyi’s lips, cutting her off midsentence as I shot the women an embarrassed smile.

           The redness of my face was no longer due to my impending fever – but out of the utter realization that Zuko seemingly unleashes all his damn soft and fluffy feelings to her. Kiyi really is Zuko’s weakness, isn’t she?

           “Let’s get that dress cleaned button,” I said through awkward giggles, hand still firmly placed over her face, Kiyi letting out squeals of delight through my fingers.

           “Yue and Zuzu, sitting on a-”

           “Throne because he’s Fire Lord and I’m his-”

           “Wifey.” Kiyi managed to yelp.

           The speed at which my body moved, not bothering to say my goodbyes to these royals, as I nudged Kiyi’s body forward with my own. There was no way in the spirit world I was going to look behind me, already imaging the sunny looks on those women’s faces hearing the fuss coming from Kiyi’s lips.

           “I swear, button, I’m going to revoke cookie dates from you!” I mumbled under my breath, feeling the way Kiyi’s body shook from joy. My hand slipped from her mouth, her face pink as she held her stomach, her laughter loud and proud. And despite the embarrassment and exasperation, I found myself laughing along with her.

           There was something about hearing a child’s guiltless laugh that was contagious, especially coming from Kiyi. The smile on my face was enormous, reaching my eyes. When was the last time I smiled this much? The last time I laughed freely, enjoying my time?

           “You’re so much trouble, button~.” I blew, hands falling over her shoulders, embracing her. My fingers squeezed her chubby cheeks from behind basking in the sun’s heat before we walked up the palace steps. The guards before us opened the doors, observing the way I coddled Kiyi to my body.

           There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that they didn’t already know the trouble Kiyi could cause in less than a minute – the reason why they all sported small grins watching us enter.

           A handful, just like her brother.

           We stepped inside the kingdom, walking side by side, glued to the hip, humming happily. Our footsteps pattered along the flooring, heading towards her room, but I saw the cheeky glances Kiyi tried to steal from the corner of her eyes, studying my figure.

           She thinks she’s so sly. I snickered at her childish behaviour, poking her cheek, “What are you staring at so much, button? Do I have some crumbs on my face?”

           “No~.” Kiyi giggled, tilting her head to the side.

           “Then tell me, button.” I pestered, enjoying her coyness. Her blush deepened, a flush I didn’t notice until now, before poking her one more time, “Tell me, what are you staring at so intently?”

           “You’re smiling again…you’re pretty when you smile.” Kiyi breathed.

[blackfen]

For five years, the only kind of physical contact Dimitri experiences is harsh blows: punches, slashes, powerful hands grabbing at his arm, his leg, his hair, anything that an enemy could take hold of. Physical contact starts to equal pain and anger, to the point that when someone so much as looks like they might touch them, his hand instinctively twitches, ready to grasp hold of his spear.

Then, Byleth comes back. Dimitri keeps his distance at first, too burdened by his own ghosts and demons to let them in but Byleth slowly, carefully chisels away at the previously thought impenetrable wall erected around him, slowly letting a brilliant beam of light pierce through that darkness. He resists at first, too comfortable in the asylum of misery he’s trapped himself in, too obsessed with revenge to waste even the slightest breath on anything else but Byleth keeps steadily pushing. 

Until one day, an old habit returns. They’re so distracted by the strategy meeting that they don’t think about what they’re doing. Having noticed a long time ago just how badly Dimitri reacted to anyone trying to touch him, they’d purposefully kept their hands to themselves, not wanting to aggravate an already volatile situation but in that moment, they’re not thinking. 

They’re standing, side by side (Dimitri, despite his insistence that he wanted to be left alone, always found his way to their side whenever there was a group gathering he was forced to attend). He says something; Byleth can’t quite remember what afterwards but before they can catch hold of themselves, they reach up and gently pat Dimitri on the head. It’s quite a reach, he’s grown so much since they last saw him. They used to do this all the time back when he was still just their student. Dimitri never said it aloud - rather, he always laughed a bit in playful aggravation, teasingly telling them that he was neither a child nor dog but he supposed, if it made them happy, he was happy to stand still and allow them to pet him like that - but they always knew...he loved it. He cherished it. That one split moment of connection, of praise, of closeness. 

Byleth reacts quickly, jerking their hand away with a quickly mumbled apology. There’s no reaction from Dimitri. He stands stock still, his exhausted eyes focused on nothing at all. Gagging with guilty, terrified that that one little touch had just undone all the progress (what little there was) they had made, Byleth can no longer focus either. The meeting passes by in an agonizing blur but, to their shock, Dimitri doesn’t move from their side. He remains there as Gilbert closes out the meeting, as the others filter out of the classroom until there is the only two of them remaining. Byleth lingers for a moment more, hoping that Dimitri might say something, anything but all they can hear is the crickets chirping outside. 

Sighing internally, certain that they had just made another massive error - so many in their lives, would they ever do anything right? - they start to leave as well, opening their mouth to quietly encourage Dimitri to go get some sleep. Only, a armored hand slides out, stopping them in their tracks. Still staring at the opposite wall, his face, as usual when it was devoid of rage or sadness, unreadable. Pausing, bracing themselves for an onslaught of seething accusations, Byleth’s eyes widen in surprise when Dimitri murmurs. 

“Do you want to return to the past, Professor?” 

Byleth tilts their head then shakes it, “No.”

Dimitri is silent for a moment before slowly turning a gaze onto them that is so empty, so lifeless, it makes their stomach clench, “Then why dredge up gestures of a time long past? Why attempt to act as though there is anything between you and I?”

Silently staring up at him, grateful for the extraordinary poker face that came so natural to them - if it weren’t for that, Dimitri would have easily seen just how much that one question had hurt them - Byleth said, “Do you want me to leave, Dimitri?”

“Yes. I want to be rid of you. Everything-” Dimitri’s voice cracked, “everything was so simple before you appeared again but then you-”

“Then kill me.” Byleth said, their voice a blade of ice, slashing through the oppressive tension. A massive wildfire of anger roared through their chest. 

“...eh?” Dimitri breathed, and Byleth was triumphantly satisfied at the look of naked shock on his thin face. 

“Kill me. You want me to leave? To be rid of me? Then.” They lashed forward to grab hold of Dimitri’s wrist in a vice grip. Predictably, Dimitri yanked back but he was caught off guard, it was easy to maneuver his armored hand to their throat. Forcibly curling his fingers around their neck, keeping their hard stare focused on his pale face, Byleth snarled, “This is the only way you’ll ever be rid of me. You’re more than capable of crushing someone’s windpipe so,” Byleth put more pressure on his fingers, forcing them to curl even tighter, “do it.”

“Let go.” Dimitri whispered, his blue eyes stretched wide open in fear, “Let go. Let go. Let go!”

A lump rose in the back of their throat. Someone might as well be plunging a dagger into their heart, that was how much it hurt. Relenting, Byleth released Dimitri’s hand, hating the way he recoiled, protectively curling in on himself, the arm they’d been holding pressed to his heaving chest. The anger was long gone, leaving only that sickening guilt once more. It seemed tonight was one where they were going to do everything wrong. Sighing, Byleth turned away, unable to bear looking into that pale, gaunt face. They missed him...they missed the Dimitri they once knew so much but...their hands curled into loose fists. 

Pulling in a deep breath, Byleth said, “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate of-”

“Why...?” Dimitri ground out, his head hanging low. “Why do you linger? Why do you stay when all I am is just a ghost?! Why?!” His voice cracked horribly as he raised his head. Byleth resisted the impulsive urge to stumble backwards, their heart dropping down into their stomach when their eyes met a stare of utter torment. Tears rolled down Dimitri’s sunken cheeks. The dark bags under his eyes stood out when more prominently. 

Gathering himself to his full height, he choked out, “Why?! Tell me! I am nothing but a vassal for my family’s revenge! A decaying corpse, a monster who’s only purpose is to kill! Why...tell me why...I...I can’t stand this. I can’t stand the way you look at me! I can’t stand this...this longing, this relief! I want to be rid of you! I never want to see you again but...” he sucked in a whistling, shaking breath, his head falling forward, blond hair hanging in front of his face, “the thought of you being gone again...terrifies me. Why...why must you haunt me like this?! Why can’t you leave me be?!”

Cold rushed through their veins, chilling every inch of their body. Struggling to take in breath, their lungs, their hearts seizing in the wake of choking grief, Byleth stared, unblinking, unmoving at his heaving shoulders, at his trembling hands, at him for a moment then slowly, so very slowly, so very carefully, reached up and set their hand on the crown of his head. Dimitri gasped sharply, his large body shuddering violently. Byleth fully expected him to smack their hand away but he remained still, his breath coming in huge, ragged gulps. Breathing in deep once more, wishing they had enough composure to calm themselves, they said softly, “You are...someone very important to me.”

“I was.” Dimitri snarled weakly. 

Byleth shook their head, “You are. You were, you are and you always will be, Dimitri. I will not leave. I will not let you make me leave. Even if you hate it, even if you tell me that you despise me, that you don’t want to see me, I won’t leave. I promised myself a long time ago that I was going to protect you. That I was going to do whatever I could to ensure your happiness. Back then...there was nothing I could do, no way for me to help you forge a path towards peace, towards happiness but now?”

They let their hand fall away, stepping around Dimitri’s imposing figure, “Now, I will not allow anything to get in my way. You might hate me, you might hurt me but there is only one thing you can do to stop me from doing anything, everything to help you.”

Striding purposefully out of the room, Byleth said over their shoulder, “If you truly wish to remain a ghost, then kill me. Right now. I will not try to stop you.”

“You cannot save me.” Dimitri whispered but there was no conviction behind the words. “I am-”

Pausing mid-step, Byleth turned sharply to glare up into those conflicted eyes, “Will you kill me?”

“No.” Dimitri looked away, visibly trembling. 

Nodding, Byleth continued down the hallway. Shadows played along the cracked walls. Their footsteps echoed through the silence. A few moments later, the familiar sound of Dimitri’s heavy boots clumping against the floor came from behind them. Following at a distance...but still following. 

Keeping their head up high, Byleth said quietly, “When I woke up and learned how long it had been, you were the first one I thought of. I was terrified of what might have happened to you. I wanted to see you right away. Walking up the stairs of the monastery, seeing all the carnage then you, right there, as though fate itself had led us together, I knew.”

They wanted to glance over their shoulder, to see what kind of face Dimitri was making but forced themselves to keep looking forward. Pulling a deep breath, they said firmly, “I knew I would never leave you again.” 

[angelic-writer]

Differently Morphous Headcanon Dump: Bianca x Victor

So, Bianca had this big crush on Victor for a while, but she didn’t have the courage to talk to him. After her friends encourage her to have a conversation with him, she’s stuttering and fumbling with her words.

Like “H-Hi, Victor. Um, I heard about what happened in the reports. Y-You know, those bloodthirsty fairies? I-I’m really glad you and Adam are o-okay. W-Well, I’m glad that Mia is o-okay too, but-”

Victor, being his usual jerky self is like “Oh brother, stop stuttering so much and make a proper sentence.”

“Ah- I-I’m sorry! I just- Um... My friends kinda- Ah...”

It was just awkward all around. Bianca is trying to talk to her crush, but failing while Victor is tapping his fingers on the desk watching this girl make a fool out of herself.

Eventually, she had to excuse herself to run to the bathroom just so she doesn’t die from embarrassment in front of him.

Mia watches the whole thing from afar and is like “Do I really have to babysit this girl? As if Catherine wasn’t bad enough...”

And so she, along with Alison, accompany Bianca to talk to the pyrokinetic. More awkward bumbling ensues.

Meanwhile, Mia and Alison were like “So... How was your day?”

Eventually, with time, they graduate to walking home together after work. Bianca tries to talk to him some more, but it was mostly small talk on her part.

Meanwhile, Bianca is trying her best to look good for Vic. Make sure her hair looks good and there aren’t any blemishes.

She would be stressed out beyond all belief because she wanted to look good for him. She would be constantly worried that the slightest imperfection would make him think less of her.

Catherine keeps telling her that Victor is not that shallow. Bianca knows it, but, you know, anxiety’s a bitch.

One day, while getting some breakfast with Victor, she bumps into someone and gets her breakfast sandwich all over her shirt. She was unable to contain herself. Now, Victor will laugh at her. She will never hear the end of how the girl from the Ministry made a complete fool out of herself in front of the field’s top agents. Overwhelmed, she ran to the bathroom away from Victor’s sight.

Fortunately, Victor’s not that big of a jerk so he waits for her outside the bathroom. Bianca was crying pretty loud so some people asked him if everything was alright. He responds with “Lady problems.”

Later, she comes out and is surprised to see Victor waiting for her.

“Victor!” She looks away from him. “I-I thought...” She starts tearing up again, but Victor shushes her.

“Shh. We’re in a public place. With how loud you’ve been crying, people thought your dog died or something.”

He passes her a tissue which she accepts.

“Here. I got some spare clothes back at my place. We can stop there real quick and you can get changed.”

“Huh? B-But-”

“No buts! There is no way you’re going into work looking like that.”

And so, they go to Victor’s apartment and Bianca changes into some of his spare clothes.

And that’s where she got her trenchcoat.

When they both arrive at work, Mia asks her why she had Vic’s clothes on.

“Oh, I accidentally got some of my breakfast sandwich on myself, so... Victor gave me some of his clothes to wear for today.”

Mia looks at Victor, smirking. “Really. He did, huh?”

Victor gets all defensive, his cheeks turning red. “What?! My place was much closer to the Ministry than hers, so it was much faster than going half an hour to her house!”

Mia just goes “Mmm-Hmm” while Adam side-eyes him a bit.

While all this was going on, Bianca totally forgot to get breakfast. Luckily, Victor is right on it and gives her some food from the dining hall.

“Oh, thank you.”

“No problem. Don’t expect me to do this all the time.”

“Ah, don’t worry. I’ll pay for my own food. I’m not cheap.”

Now, notice that Bianca isn’t stuttering anymore. Something about the way he said it... It made her confident. Like, she finally has the courage to speak to him without getting nervous. After what happened at the sandwich shop, she realized that she was getting worked up over nothing. Victor waited for her while she had a breakdown in the bathroom and even brought her over to his apartment so she can change. If he was being this nice to her...

“Again, thanks for the food. It was really nice of you.”

“Hey! Don’t get the wrong idea. I only did it because I didn’t want you to starve. Again, don’t expect me to do this all the time.”

“Hehehe. I know. But maybe if we go somewhere. You know, like a restaurant, you can pay for your half of the meal and I can pay for my half. You know, split the bill.”

Victor is absolutely floored. So is everyone else and Mia is like “Oh my god, did she just-?”

“D.... Did you just ask me out?!” He sputters.

“Well, not exactly. It was just a suggestion. Although, if you want to...”

Victor takes a second to regain his composure. “Of course. Maybe we can make time for each other in our schedules.”

“Hmm... Are you free this weekend?”

“Hm, I guess so. If those Werewasps don’t come back to wreak havoc again, we can go somewhere.”

“Alright. Sounds like a plan.”

After that conversation, Bianca later realizes what she just did.

She mentally freaks out, “Oh my god, I just- Oh my god, I just asked out Victor Cassen! Holy cow, how did I do that?!”

Their first date was at a restaurant. It was nothing fancy. Just a small, little restaurant. Bianca and Victor are happy with it regardless. Neither of them are really experienced with dating or love, but they are willing to learn.

Now, a thing you need to know about Bianca is that even though she is not allowed to use magic due to her heart condition, she is allowed to go on missions as long as she doesn’t overwork her heart. She and Victor are in two different groups. Bianca goes with Catherine while he goes with Adam and Mia.

Whenever she goes on a mission, she always brings her gun. That way, she still has a way to defend herself.

Now, she might get into some trouble with a lake monster. She and Catherine are called to take care of it. They thought it would be a simple extermination and Catherine likes to be a lil’ gremlin. But, things go south really fast.

The monster would try to kill Bianca by grabbing her and pulling her down underwater, essentially trying to drown her.

Luckily, Victor and the gang were in the same area and they came to the rescue.

Even more luckily, Bianca didn’t drown, otherwise it would be really bad. (Although it would guarantee some mouth to mouth action. Dammit, Victor!)

After that, she and Victor begin to hang out a lot more. They always come to check up on each other after they get banged up on the job. Don’t even get me started on the aftercare!

Like, they bandage each other up when their wounds aren’t severe and they bring each other food and stuff. It’s great!

While all this was going on, they start to go on more and more dates. Victor had no idea what to do, but he had help from Adam, Mia, Alison and surprisingly, Dr. Diablerie.

Fun fact: The sapphire heart necklace that I imagined her having was a gift from Victor.

It was when they were strolling along the beach that they had their first kiss.

It was sweet, tender and, for Bianca, it was like a dream come true.

They would come over to their places frequently to hang out. At some days, they would be at Bianca’s place and they would definitely be at Victor’s on weekends.

Their favorite activity to do is watch movies, although Bianca watches those really trashy romance movies that Victor nitpicks at and Bianca is not a fan of horror.

One time, she got scared when someone was killed onscreen and Victor comforts her.

“You know, if it makes you feel better, Mia dared me to watch those Saw movies with her and... I almost threw up.” He says to her.

“That sounds like her, all right.”

So, to compromise, they decided on suspense thriller. That way, Mia won’t be scared that easily while keeping Victor’s interests in mind.

Sometimes, when things get too intense, they would have someone there. At Bianca’s, she would have Catherine and her pet Fluidic over as moral support. (Catherine named her Fluidic Kat, by the way.) At Victor’s, Adam is there.

Despite that, they really enjoyed it and eventually went to the local cinema.

Soon, Bianca lost her virginity to him.

It was after the usual date at the cinema. They are hanging out in his room, giving their thoughts on the movie. Adam’s out shopping for groceries, so they are technically alone. Then, Victor asks her a question.

“So... Sorry if this is awkward for you, but... Have you ever... had sex?”

Bianca’s face went completely red. Sure, she had heard of it, but she never had it with anyone. Victor sees her reaction and immediately starts to apologize. Like, “I-I’m sorry! It’s just that I thought about it and I just wanted to make sure that-”

“N-No, no! It’s fine. I totally get it. Well...” She pauses. “I’ve never really... dated anyone before. You’re pretty much the first person I’ve ever been in a relationship with.”

“Ah... Well,” Victor scratches the back of his head. “Adam and I never really gone out with any girls before either, so I could say the same thing.”

*Silence*

“Well... Have you?”

Bianca shakes her head.

“Me neither. I mean, if you want to...”

“Um...” Bianca nervously fidgets.

“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“But... I want to.”

Victor looks at her, surprised. “You do?”

“Yeah... Although I am a bit nervous. I’ve never really done this with anyone, so...”

Victor holds her hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure it doesn’t hurt. I don’t know what I’m doing, but... I’ll do anything to make you happy.”

Bianca was nervous, but this is Victor. They’ve known each other a lot by this point, so she trusts him.

And oh my god, the way that Victor makes her comfortable during the foreplay is glorious!

Like, he is so sweet and gentle with her that Bianca relaxes and lets him do whatever he wants to her.

(NSFW ahead!) Whether it’s him giving her hickeys, sucking on her breasts, or fingering her, Bianca is turned on.

At one point, Bianca grows impatient and tells him to just be inside her already, but he doesn’t. He wants to be absolutely sure that her body is ready so as to not accidentally hurt her.

Eventually, she is wet enough for him to enter easily. After putting on a condom, he enters her. It was a little uncomfortable at first, but Bianca doesn’t mind. Victor has been very gentle with her, so it doesn’t matter. Their first time doesn’t have to be perfect, that much is obvious, but she is so into the moment that she doesn’t care if there is a little pain.

So, while they were doing it, Bianca’s moans of pleasure and saying his name sensually turn him on as well. ;33

After that, they are closer than ever before. The other agents noticed that Victor seemed to smile a lot more now and Bianca is becoming more confident in herself. Everything just seemed to be perfect.

But things begin to change when Bianca starts acting... odd.

Now, you see, the events of the Fluidic massacre are still felt around the country, especially the Department.

Nita is still going around, trying to be all “progressive” and all that and that starts to take a toll on Bianca’s mind.

One day, she was yapping on about some “offensive” things that have been going around. Everyone is just sitting there, listening to her go off and suddenly, Bianca snaps.

“Oh my god, just shut up! No one cares about your f̶u̵c̶k̴i̴n̴g̵ ̶p̶r̵o̵p̶a̸g̵a̶n̷d̸a̵, okay?!”

Everyone is stunned into silence, including Victor. No one had heard her swear before, but they were more concerned about the fact that Bianca’s voice changed...

Bianca suddenly realizes what she just said and runs out. They are all confused. What’s going on? Why did Bianca talk like that?

Victor eventually discovers that Bianca is a person possessed by an Ancient or as Nita calls it “A person of dual consciousness”.

Victor does not take the news well at all at first. I mean, who could blame him? He almost died to an Ancient himself. But, he calms down and remembers that’s his girlfriend in there. Despite what happened, she is still his girlfriend.

After work, he confronts her about his discovery. Bianca is scared out of her mind. She’s afraid that Victor will leave her for having a creature inside of her and that leads to them arguing.

Although, Victor gives her a comfort hug and tells her that he’s gonna trust her, Ancient or not.

“God, I hope I’m making the right decision...”

Still, that would’ve put a huge strain on their relationship.

Things continue to go downhill from there. Bianca starts to get more ruthless on her missions and is starting to use her magic more often, causing her to collapse many times.

Richard Danvers talks to her in the infirmary after an emergency regarding her.

“God, Bianca... What are you doing? You shouldn’t be using your magic so frivolously. If you continue to do that, you’re going to die!”

“Well, I’m sorry, Mr. Danvers, but I’m going through a really tough time right now, so can you please leave me alone?”

“What’s gotten into you? You never talk back to me or Elizabeth. First, you snapped at Nita, then you’re using your death magic and now, you’re talking back to me?! Bianca-”

“Look!! I don’t wanna talk to anyone right now!! Especially someone who has daddy issues with The Hand!! Now leave!! Get out!!”

Everyone is both appalled and scared by Bianca’s behavior. Something needed to be done soon or else Bianca will either die or be punished.

Soon, everyone starts having dreams about Bianca. And they are... horrifying to say the least.

For Victor, he, Adam, Mia and Alison discover Bianca crying in the hallway and when she turns around... She is bleeding from her eyes. Like, full on crying tears of blood. She immediately starts screaming and tries to murder Alison and Victor ends up having to...

For Danvers, he dreamt about Bianca, but her appearance was... different. Her hair had turned snow white, she had the blood tears and she had angel wings, but they were dripping with blood. The glowing halo above her head was... blinding to him.

“How do I put it...? She was beautiful, but terrifying at the same time.” Danvers recounted.

While this was going on, Victor and Adam start to learn more about Bianca’s past.

It eventually culminates to Bianca writing a letter to everyone at the Ministry, apologizing for her behavior as well as saying that she will resign. But as the letter goes on, the handwriting starts to become more jittery and illegible. They even start to see spots of blood on the paper. As the letter nears its conclusion, she writes to Victor, apologizing to him for everything - For keeping her Ancient secret, for getting in his way, for being weak... She tells him to forget about her and be happy. They then look at the back of the letter. There, written in blood, are the words

PLEASE HELP ME

That gets everyone worried so Victor, Adam, Mia, Alison, Danvers, Diablerie, Catherine and Chris all go looking for her.

They eventually find her at the beach and Danvers realizes something. She’s sweating, wobbling like she’s dizzy - She looks like she’s going to faint...

“Bianca?” He calls out.

She slowly turns around. “Guys...? Why...? Why are you here?”

“We were really worried about you, what with your concerning letter and such. Please... Come over here.” Adam says.

“Why...? Aren’t I just a burden to you...?”

“You weren’t a burden to us. You helped us with every mission and you've made everyone here so much happier, especially Victor. He hasn’t smiled as much before he met you.” Alison starts to talk. Bianca looks down. “I can see that you mean a lot to him. He’s willing to be with you, flaws and all. So... Come over here and we can talk this out.”

“...........I can’t.”

“? Why? I-I know the things Nita says were harsh, but I promise you, the world’s not that bad. I had to learn about that the hard way, so...”

“That’s the problem, though. The world is full of terrible people. Robbers, murderers, rapists... This world is full of sin.

À̴͍ñ̵͙d̴̯́ ̸̯̐ḯ̴̦t̵͉͗ ̶͖̅n̴͇̋e̷̤̋e̷̡͝d̷̪̅s̷̯̏ ̶̧̈́ẗ̸̟́o̸͖͆ ̶̹͌b̴̗͑e̴̺͑ ̷͉̋p̶̨͠ü̵̥r̶̞̓g̵̮̐ȩ̷̊ď̸̺.̶͙̈́”

She started to breathe more heavily as her shaking grew heavier. Everyone could see that she’s sweating bullets now. Her breathing started to get labored as she began to cry. But, it wasn’t normal tears. No, there was blood dripping down her face. Her heart was beating a million miles an hour as she was thinking ‘No... Please no... Not again...’

She wanted to say something. Anything. To Victor, Mia, Adam, anyone. When she tried to speak, her voice wouldn’t come out. Her throat was closed.

She then felt searing pain in her back and she collapsed, screaming in agony. Her back was starting to bulge and blood started to seep into her trenchcoat. Danvers tells everyone to step back despite Mia and Alison wanting to help her. Victor could only stand and watch as his girlfriend transforms into something monstrous.

And then, “Please.... Don’t do this to me!! I.... I don’t wanna die!!!!”

With grotesque cracks, angel wings burst out of her back, spraying blood everywhere. With a flash of white light, she is transformed into something different.

Her hair was completely white, the whites of her eyes have become red, still streaming blood from her eyes and her clothes appeared to be torn. A bright halo was floating above her head and she started to fly.

Everyone was in complete shock, Danvers saying “No....”

“A̴̮͘l̶͖̓l̶̳͑ ̴̯͂o̸̢͂f̷͉̾ ̵̹̕ỳ̸̜ǫ̴͊ù̴̙ ̸̻̔w̶̜͋i̴͔͠l̷̘̈́l̶̞͝ ̴͕͒n̶̢͘e̵͓̅v̷̭̇e̵̬̍r̴̦̐ ̶̤̓u̶̟̍n̷̮͝d̴̜͑e̴͍͠r̶͕̽s̴̙̈́t̷͎͛a̷̳͛n̴͇̓d̷͖͝ ̶̹̎ṭ̵͠h̸̭́e̶͚̾ ̶̧̍ę̸̊v̷̛͚i̴̐͜l̸̤̍š̵̥ ̶̱͑o̵͕̐f̶͍̀ ̵̨̄ț̶͗ĥ̷̪ê̶͉ ̵͍̾w̷̨͠ō̶͓r̶̪͛ḻ̴͐d̷͙͑.̶̱̑ ̵̱́N̵̩̂ǒ̷̜n̶̯̐ȩ̸͆ ̷̣͝o̷̹̕f̴̺̄ ̸̛̟ȳ̷̮o̶͓̎u̸̠͌!̸̞͋!̵̯̐ ̵̢̈Y̶̻̽ọ̷͛u̵͖̓'̶̦̎d̸͙͋ ̸͎̃r̷͕̽a̷̛̰t̸͈͘h̷̟̑ȇ̸͜r̵̞͠ ̸̹̿s̷̛̮t̴̯̏a̵͍͗ẏ̵͈ ̷̟̊i̸̹̓n̴̂ͅ ̵̹́ỷ̸̧o̶͇̒u̵̠̓ŕ̷̲ ̵͛ͅl̶̫̀i̵̮͝t̷͔̋t̷͖́l̴̪̈e̸̘͒ ̸̞̽ẽ̸̗c̶̓ͅh̴̰̊ơ̶̼ ̵̠͆c̵͈̉h̷̗̀a̷̹͂m̴̰͒b̵̫̊e̵̙̚ȓ̶̘ ̶̠̓i̵̠͌n̶̄ͅs̴̲͛ẗ̵̖e̶̠̾a̷̰̓d̶̫͝ ̶͓͒ŏ̷̖f̸̥̎ ̷̺͂ṣ̴͌e̷̜͝e̶̤͝i̵̯̇ņ̶͊g̴͈̓ ̸̨̋t̷͉̀h̵̥͋a̶̭͌t̷̖͒ ̵͈͑t̴̞͒h̵̯͒e̷͖͑ ̵̹́ẅ̴̝́o̵̧̓ř̴̙l̵͎͛d̴̪̅ ̵̾ͅi̴̹͊ṡ̷̗ ̷͚͆f̴̙̏ŭ̴̖l̸̫̔l̴̘̈ ̸̂ͅò̶̞f̶͎̑ ̶̗̂e̸͓͐v̸̹̕ȋ̷͎l̷̠̕!̷͖̊

She attacks them, but Chris was able to block the blow with his shotgun.

“Bianca, please!! Don’t talk like that!! The world is not full of evil! Please, come back to us!! We need you!” Alison shouts.

The Bianca creature smiles. “Ý̶͚o̷͠ͅǘ̵̧ ̵̳̓k̴̤͌n̴̻̿o̶̱̊w̶̡͑,̷͚̄ ̴̥̈́Ǐ̶̪ ̷̦̇w̶̡̋a̷̙̓s̵͕̋ ̷̞͋l̴͖̒i̶̱̚k̸͉̚ē̵̘ ̸̣̈́y̶͖͊o̷͙͌u̷͔͘,̵̧͊ ̸̝̊A̴͈͊l̸̜̕i̶̍ͅs̸̜̈́o̵͔̊n̶̡͛.̵̫̅ ̶̤̚N̵̯̔ȃ̵̗î̷̦v̷̡̾e̴̦̎,̴̯̾ ̶̰͑ḭ̵͌n̵̗̾n̴̲̾o̷͖̚c̵͓͐e̵̹̔n̵͙̓t̵̯͆,̶̲̈́ ̵̝͛ạ̶̓n̴̪̊d̷̹̏ ̸̨́w̴̯̄i̷͇̐l̶̡͋l̸͉͐ị̵̚n̷̢̎g̴͚̍ ̴̝̚t̷̖̃o̴͙͂ ̷͖̋s̶̄ͅe̷̯̔e̸̠͝ ̶̩̚t̶͖̊h̵͕́e̸̱͗ ̴̝̉g̷͕̅o̶͍̿o̵̝̅d̴̫̿ ̴͉͠i̸͝ͅn̴͈̍ ̷͙͆t̸̺͛h̵̟́ë̷͇́ ̷̫̃w̷̙͑o̴͂͜r̴͈̓l̴̥̾d̸̳͂.̸̝̐ ̴̟̏Ḃ̵̜u̵̯̐ẗ̵̳́ ̶̙͛y̸̬͋o̵̫͂u̶̹̍ ̶͈̒ṉ̸͗e̴̝̿e̶̱͠ḍ̴͌ ̴͓̇ṱ̵̆ó̴̗ ̷̤͗u̵͖͗n̵̦̆d̷͚̍e̸͈͛r̴̻̈́s̴̮̊ẗ̵̥́ȁ̵̭ṇ̸̆d̸̝̀ ̴̫͝s̷͓͆ȏ̶̬m̴̨͆ē̴̺t̴̥͘ḩ̷̏ĭ̸̝ń̴͕g̵̤͆ ̸̤͠a̵̦̅b̵̲̅ō̷̩u̵͖̎t̷̝̋ ̵̳̈́m̷͍̍ę̶̂ ̵̟̆a̶͗͜ñ̴̨d̶̝͝ ̸̢̐m̵͉͒ÿ̴̭́ ̴̪̈́h̶̨͆o̵̠͆s̵̮̅t̴͇̿.̷̝̿ ̸͈̕Y̷̹̾ô̴̪u̵͓͝ ̷̰̕s̵̳͠e̴̎͜e̷͔͘,̷̫͝ ̸͙̿I̶̝̔ ̶̻̅p̷̺̅r̸͔̓o̸͈̔t̷̻͘e̴͓̾c̷̞̑t̶̛͓e̴͙̐ḓ̸̑ ̷̜̏B̴̜̑i̵̡͠ȃ̴̰ñ̵̲ċ̶̹a̴̭̓ ̷̺̏f̵͉͛r̸̡̅ȏ̸͙m̷̦̀ ̵͈̏t̴̩̄h̶͚̉ë̴̤ ̴̠̓b̴̥̉a̸͎͗d̴͐ͅ ̶͊ͅp̵̳͆ê̶̢ỏ̸̫ṕ̴͉ḽ̸̀ë̵͍́ ̶̱̽b̵͖͆e̷̲̅c̷̬̀a̸̟͐u̵̖̇s̷̙̔e̸̥̚ ̴͇̌I̴͍͠ ̷̢̿k̸̜̎n̴̤̄e̷̖̽w̸͈͌ ̵͖̽s̴͖̕h̶͖͒e̵͈͘ ̵̼̽w̶͔͊a̷̙̚š̶̻ ̵̨̎f̴͕̋r̵̢̅a̶̭̎g̴͓͝ḯ̶̞l̶͖̃e̵̛̝.̶̹̅ ̴͎͝H̷̳̉e̴̤͊r̷̝̓ ̶̤̓h̶̙̒e̷̱̔ǎ̷̮r̶̰̽t̴̖͑ ̵̫͋w̶̤̕ö̶̳́ú̷̝l̶̲̑d̸̡̓ ̷̟͌ņ̸̒o̴̡̚t̷̼͐ ̴̊͜t̴͈͐a̴͍͂k̵̝̂e̸̜̊ ̵̫͋t̶̡͠h̷͙̉e̴̛͓ ̶̡̓ȃ̷̲b̴̘͛u̵̮͑s̸̪̓ẻ̷̱ ̶̟̐ä̵̟́n̵͍̆d̴̪͗ ̶̊͜h̵̗͛ȅ̵��ä̷͍́r̷͙̋t̷̤̔a̷̖͐c̴̩̾h̸͕̀e̶̹͌.̸̥̌ ̴̹͆S̴̼̾h̵̟͘e̶͖̔ ̷̳̾ǧ̴̗ȧ̷̦v̴̙̊ë̸̢ ̵̻̕h̷̤̎e̵̫͗r̶̫̂ŝ̴̝e̵̺̾l̵͗ͅf̵̰̄ ̷̹̒u̸̺͒ṕ̶̞ ̶̱̾a̷̯͛n̷͖͠d̶̙͘ ̴̖̈́ä̴̧́l̴̠̄l̷͔̀ő̸͇w̴̩͆e̸̮̍d̷̳͐ ̷͔͠m̴̝̊e̴̥̕ ̴̹̽t̵͙̆o̴̮̒ ̷̬̈t̶͚̑ạ̶͛k̴̞͒è̵̜ ̵͚̍o̵̢͂v̸̠͛e̸͕͌ŕ̷͎.̸̛͙ ̸̖̐N̴͍̄ŏ̸̳ẃ̶̪,̵̛̞ ̸͍͠I̸̙̊ ̷͔͗s̷̬͌h̵̹̐ȁ̴̦l̷̻̏ļ̶͋ ̸̤͠r̶̪̆e̷͍̾c̴̩̓r̷͙̾e̶̡̊a̴̜̔t̶̩̉ë̴̳ ̴̼̃t̷̨͝h̶̭́i̴͙͘s̴͖̈́ ̶̙̉w̵̺͊o̵͕͆r̴̭̉l̷͔̿d̷̮͑.̵̲͂ ̵̺͛A̵̰̍ ̴̹̐w̷̫̓ǫ̸̇r̸͍̈́l̵͍̂d̷̛͈ ̸̺͐w̴̱͠ị̴̒ṱ̸́h̵̬̆ ̵͚̈́n̵̰̈́ȍ̶̼ ̷̪̈́ḧ̷̢u̴̢͋n̴̙͗ḡ̷̗è̷͕ȑ̴̖,̶̟̋ ̷̯͆ṇ̶̑o̶͉̅ ̴̫̒p̸̮̄a̸͎̕ỉ̵̝n̸̜̍,̶̘̊ ̸̝͝ṇ̵̊ỏ̴͔ ̸̼͝w̷͍̉a̵̛̜ṙ̷̹.̷̧̌ ̶͕͌J̶͕̍u̶͇̾s̶̰͐t̶̖̀ ̴͙̑p̴̫̌é̴̺a̷̦̿c̴͎̀e̸͋͜ ̶̘͊a̶̹̚n̸̖̔ḍ̸͊ ̵͎͊ȟ̵̳à̸͕p̴͎̓p̸͜͠i̷̪̎n̶̳̋e̸͈̍s̶̜̆s̴̝͘.̸̦̀ ̶̠͗ ̷̳̈́J̶̪͝ü̸̟s̵̗̈́t̷̯͒ ̴̛̭ļ̶̇i̶̟̚k̵̲̚ȩ̵̄ ̵̣̃s̴̯̓h̴̲́ě̶͈ ̴͉̅w̶̥͝a̶̔͜n̷̓ͅẗ̷̜́e̵͊ͅd̴̡̓.̴̬̏

She goes to attack again, but this time, Victor attacks. Since he has an ability suited for combat, he overpowers her with little effort. However, when he is about to finish her off...

“P̴l̴e̶a̷s̵e̴.̸.̷.̸ ̷D̷o̶n̷'̷t̴ ̸d̵o̸ ̴t̷h̸i̵s̵ ̶t̴o̷ ̵m̵e̸,̶ ̸V̴i̶c̷t̸o̶r̸.̷.̶.̸ ̴I̸.̵.̵.̵ I love you....”

Victor hesitates. What is he doing? Here he was, ready to win an easy battle. A chance to redeem himself after he let himself get motivated by Aaron’s stupid speech. But... He couldn’t bring himself to do it. Because this wasn’t Jessica Weatherbee. This is Bianca Walker. The first person he had ever fallen in love with. He had been given a chance to not repeat the past and yet... In the end, he couldn’t do it. He could not bring himself to kill the person he loves.

It was only for a second, but in that moment, the Bianca Ancient attacks him with a concealed weapon, hitting Victor.

“Victor!!!” Adam shouts and runs to him despite Danvers telling him to stay back. He gets him up and realizes the damage she had done. There was a massive wound on the side of his torso and his head and nose was bleeding. He needed medical help, fast.

They look up to see that Bianca is holding some kind of sword. Its blade was glowing a tint of blue. Now, the second round begins.

Everyone gets to fight her individually. Chris tries to shoot her with his gun, but Bianca puts up a protective shield to deflect the bullets. Then, he tries to send his animals, but she pacifies them and frees them from Chris’ control. Next is Dr. Diablerie.

Now, Diablerie actually put up a good fight with her. It surprised everyone. Well, except Mia who already knows who he is...

But that wasn’t enough because soon, he was defeated.

Catherine tries to use her telekinesis, but she couldn’t bring herself to hurt her best friend.

Same with Mia. She tried to use her magic, but Bianca was able to break her with a simple sentence. “C̸̠̍'̷̺̆m̴̲̾o̷̰͗n̷̘̊,̸͇͗ ̷̧̑n̵̝̏o̷̯̚ẘ̴̦.̸̫͛.̷̱͂.̵̭͆ ̵͔̈D̷̡̛ỏ̴͕ ̴̯͝ȳ̷̱o̴̤̓u̸͇̎ ̶̨̎r̶̥̅e̸̟͌ą̸̛l̴̙̔ḽ̴̐y̷̛̩ ̷̮͑ẃ̴̱a̴͕͌n̵̟̏t̸͍͗ ̴̠̇ṭ̷́o̶̼̅ ̵̤̂ḩ̵̆ṵ̴̍ŗ̵̀t̷͇̒ ̸͕̏y̴̛͙o̷͈͒u̸̡̓r̸̦̆ ̶͇̃b̸̠̐ê̵͉s̷̞̒t̴̩́ ̷̭͠f̵̲̆r̵̙̕i̵̠͝ê̸̗ń̵̮d̷̢̎?̷̜͒“

At one point, she swoops in and picks up Alison, lifting her high in the air, and dropping her with the intent of her falling to her death. Luckily, Diablerie catches her in a nick of time.

Meanwhile, Adam is trying to get everyone to safety, especially Victor since he is bleeding a concerning amount. But he is resistent, saying he can still fight.

At some point, the sapphire necklace falls out of Victor’s coat pocket and onto the ground. The Bianca Ancient stops and picks it up. The moment she does, memories start to flood back to her. Memories of her time with Victor and her friends. How happy she was. She starts to shake once more, telling everyone that she’s sorry. Sorry for everything. Then, she starts to transform back to her normal self. Her hair turns black, she stops crying blood and the feathers on her wings begin to molt as they disappeared. Her eyes go back to normal and her skin goes back to a normal pale color. As soon as she’s back to normal, she collapses on the sand.

Danvers and Alison run over to her as Adam tends to Victor.

“Are you okay?” He asks.

“Yeah. I’m alright. Nothing that a little stitching can’t fix.”

“Um..... Guys....?” They hear Alison say to them.

They look over to see Alison looking at them with a worried expression and Danvers almost panicking. At that moment, they realize...

“Oh god.... Bianca!!!”

The pain that he was feeling a moment ago vanished. Adrenaline was rushing through his body as he got up and ran over to his motionless girlfriend. Adam shouted for him to come back and ran after him.

He gets on his knees and shakes her. Nothing. Her eyes were closed, her face was ash grey... ‘Don’t tell me...’ He puts his fingers on her neck, trying to look for a pulse as Adam does the same, holding her wrist.

Nothing. No heartbeat. No breathing. She was as still as a corpse.

That thought shot through Victor like an icy arrow through the heart. Bianca... She’s...

Bianca suddenly finds herself in a void. There was nothing around her as far as the eye can see. After a while, a figure appears in front of her. He was bald and he appeared to be wearing a red, tattered robe...

“Bianca?”

“Who are you? W-Where am I?”

“Go back, Bianca.”

“What? Go back? W-What happened? A-Am I...?”

“Dead? Not yet. Not fully. Your mind and soul are drifting apart from your body, but with enough power, there is still time to pull them back. But you must have the will to return.”

“The will to return...”

So, she has a choice. She will either return to her body or go into the afterlife. She is faced with a heavy choice.

Go back (Good ending)

Stay here (Bad ending)

(I'll let you guys decide which ending I'll do first. ;3)

[raging-violets]

Lesson Learned

Ship: Kendall Knight x Riley Jackson (Kiley)

Rating: T for swearing, I guess

Words: 1059

Warning: None. But this idea stemmed off a dream I had, and may as well be a deleted scene from the progression of Kiley’s relationship...after he accidentally calls her Lucy at one point. Oh, and I have no gif for this one.

Jackson Tag: @dancerdramatic14

Forever Tag: @foxesandmagic

-

There weren’t a lot of things that existed that could instantly pluck at Riley’s nerves. But there were some.

At the top of the list was the cold. She grew up in a warm climate. Anything colder than 75 degrees (Fahrenheit, not Celsius) and she was diving for the first sweatshirt she could find, huddled up and miserable with the poutiest pout she could muster despite how much her jaw trembled with a shiver.

Second on the list were people that didn’t know how to shut up, equally tied with those that were so narcissistic and self-centered that they’d drown in a rainfall, their noses were so high in the air. Third were those freakishly cutesy people that called each other the worst pet names anyone could ever come up with while on the highest of a sugar high.

Those were the first three on a list of about twenty, and what quickly moved up that list were the words, “Goodbye kiss.”

Oh, the many times that she had to listen to Kendall and Jo make sure they didn’t leave each other without it was enough to make her grit her teeth. And that was when she was simply their friend. That was before she started to realize and stifle her own growing feelings for her best friend knowing wanting to hurt one of the closest girlfriends she had in years.

That was before she had sat through many days of listening to them evolve into asking, “Goodbye kiss?” before they separated from each other, even if only for half a day while Kendall was at Rocque Records and Jo was working on New Town High. Before she wanted nothing more than to kill the both of them for how reliant they were on it. And yet, she still found herself being wrapped up in Kendall’s mission to get to the airport before Jo left for New Zealand just because they’d forgotten to have their goodbye kiss.

Call her a romantic at heart.

So much so that she tried to ignore the first few times that Kendall had uttered the words after they, finally, started to date. He’d asked her the first time, when they’d been hanging out at Rocque Records in between recording sessions. “Goodbye kiss?”

“I’m sorry?” Riley blinked in surprise before he descended on her with a quick kiss she barely’d noticed.

The second time, she was a little prepared for it, but still felt a flash of annoyance when he asked for a kiss before she went off to San Diego for the day. The third time, she all but growled when he did it, unable to keep her composure much longer.

The fourth and final time he did it, she quickly shut it down in the only way she knew how. Yes, she may have had a very inappropriate sense of satisfaction over it, but it was a lesson he really needed to learn. So she waited and didn’t have to wait long. She’d just finished a fitting with the boys for an upcoming show that Gustavo was drilling them on--enough so that they’d done so many dance practices that she’d had to continuously do fittings for the weight they’d lost—and was gathering her things together to close the costume closet after them, hardly listening as the guys planned their night.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking we hole ourselves up in the crib and eat nothing but corn dogs,” Carlos declared, stretching his arms overhead.

“Sounds like a plan,” Logan agreed, sticking a finger in the air. Then he pointed at Carlos. “But it’s Friday, so it’ll be fish sticks.”

“Even better!” Carlos declared.            

“You do know that the more we eat of those things the more we have to work out to burn it off, right?” Kendall pointed out. “Which means.” He pointed to James. “That he’s going to be kicking our ass for days on end.”

James’s head popped up with a grin. “And I have no problem with that! Just saying.”

Kendall rolled his eyes. “You’ve just created a monster,” he muttered to himself. Then he turned to Riley, saying, “If you don’t hear from me in a few days, it’s either because James killed us or Carlos, Logan and I went on the run after killing him ourselves.” Riley chuckled. “I’ll see you later.” He leaned toward her. “Goodbye—"

“Kendall, I swear to God if you say the words ‘goodbye kiss’ to me, right now, I’m going to punch you in the fucking face,” Riley said, immediately stopping him in his tracks. He leaned back, looking at her curiously, thick eyebrows coming together, all too aware of James, Logan, and Carlos watching the scene unfold before them. Riley ignored them and stuck up her thumb, starting to count. “I’m not Jo.” She then held up her index finger along with her thumb. “And I’m not Lucy. And all those things you do to be romantic with all the girls you date isn’t going to work, because we’re not all the bloody same.” She dropped her hands. “So, I just want to make one thing clear, mate.”

She grabbed Kendall’s face and pulled him to her in a sharp tug. He moved toward her, eyes widening in surprise before they fell shut, accepting the long, passionate kiss Riley gave him. He pushed all thoughts aside, ignored the low jeers and amused catcalls his friends threw their way, only focused on how right it felt to be kissing her, compared to how, plainly, sweet things felt with Jo, and the crushing blow of nothing he felt when kissing Lucy. Riley held a firm grasp on him, allowing the kiss to organically peter out before she pulled back and looked directly at him.

No blushing, no apologies, no wiping off her lips. No shame.

Nothing but the confidence that radiated off her in waves.

Riley continued to hold his face and said as straightforward as ever, “I’m going to kiss you whenever I feel like it.” She let go of him, grabbed her keys from the table beside her, and added with a smirk and a pointed rise of her eyebrows, “And just so you know, Hockey-Head, I always feel like it.”

She side-stepped him and left the costume closet and a quiet Big Time Rush behind.

[muk854-blog]

Naegiri Week 2018 Day 1: Fluffy

Another long day for Kyoko Kirigiri. Most of her day was with her working on different cases without taking a break except to eat. However she was used to this, as the Ultimate Detective she was known to take several cases at once. She was used to situations like this so it was no big deal to her.

Still, that didn’t make days like these less tiring for her. Constantly she had to fight the temptation to stop what she was doing and take a break. She had a job to do, not just as a detective but also as a Kirigiri. So as tiring as it was, she knew she couldn’t stop working.

“Just about finished with this one.”

Thankfully she didn’t have to do this alone. She looked over at Makoto Naegi who had just closed a case file and placed in a pile with other completed files. A small smile formed on her face as she resumed working on her file.

Originally when Makoto had volunteered to help Kyoko out with her cases, she declined saying that he didn’t need to assist her and that she can handle them on her own. But the boy was insistent, and she curses herself for being unable to keep saying no to him. Even so, part of her admitted that it was nice having the luckster with her.

The two of them have been in her room working on cases for almost two hours now and while none of them seemed tired, Kyoko knew for a fact that the boy beside her must be getting exhausted.

“You know Makoto if you want you can stop,” she informed him, not even looking up from her file, “As much as I appreciate you assisting me, I would rather you take care of yourself if you are tired.”

“It’s really no big deal Kyoko, I wanted to help you with your cases and I’m not stopping until we’re done,” he said as he started on a new file, “Although I will admit these are tiring, I’m amazed you’re able to do all of these without a single break.”

“It’s part of the job,” she explained, “After having multiple days on nothing but looking at crime scenes and working on cases, you start to get used to days like these.”

“I don’t think I would ever be able to get used to this even if I worked on them for so long,” Makoto chuckled, “You really are amazing Kyoko.”

Another smile found its way on her lips at Makoto’s comment as she continued with her case, “You’re pretty amazing yourself Makoto.”

“Me? Nah there’s nothing amazing about me,” he replied.

Her smile quickly went away as she sighed. She hated it when he talked down to himself like this. To him, he’s nothing compared to the other students in his class. While he appreciates meeting all of them, he often feels that he doesn’t belong with them.

But Kyoko knows that isn’t the case and that Makoto belongs in Hope’s Peak just as much as everyone else. She knows that Makoto is a strong and caring person, and it’s those qualities that she likes about him. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have put so much trust in him. So much trust as to remove her gloves when they’re alone, revealing her scarred hands to him.

Her hands that, for some reason, feel like they’re petting something soft and fluffy.

“Um, Kyoko?”

She looked over at Makoto, whose face was heavily red, to see that her arm was reached out and was running her hand through his hair. Neither of them said anything and just stood still before Kyoko pulled her hand away from Makoto’s hair.

“Apologies Makoto,” she said with a small blush on her face as she turned away from him.

“I-It’s fine Kyoko,” he said, his face still a bit red.

An awkward silence filled the room as neither of them spoke a word and they just worked on their cases. However, Kyoko couldn’t focus as her thoughts were running at how soft Makoto’s hair had felt. She hadn’t expected his hair to feel like that, they certainly didn’t look soft.

Yet when her hand was running through it, it felt like she was petting a fluffy dog. Since she was doing it unconsciously, she didn’t get a good feeling of it and wished that she could feel it again. “Who knew your hair was so soft Makoto,” she said before realizing she said it aloud. She looked over at Makoto, who stared at her in shock as his face grew even more red.

“Th-th-thanks, K-Kyoko,” he managed to say, scratching his head in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry if this is making you uncomfortable,” she said apologetically.

“It’s fine really,” he assured before looking away sheepishly, “I uh, I kind of liked it really.”

Now it was Kyoko who was surprised by his response before quickly regaining her composure, “You wouldn’t mind if I continued?”

“Not at all.”

Accepting his invitation, Kyoko resumed letting her fingers run through his hair, now fully feeling the soft sensation. She couldn’t help but smile as she resumed working, her hand still going through Makoto’s hair, “This isn’t distracting you is it Makoto?”

“Not at all, in fact it kind of helps actually,” he replied.

“Same, looks like we found ourselves a way to keep us motivated,” she said.

He nodded in agreement as they continued working and her hand continued running through his hair. Kyoko wondered if this would form into a habit whenever they’re alone, but it didn’t really worry her. After all, it’s just another thing she gets to do with Makoto, which she is always up for.

[commander-yinello]

Trying to be better (than we used to be)

3 AM and I can’t sleep, looking up pictures of MM. Me: Hey it's Echo Girl Me: Ugh so childish Brain: Maybe in the future she'd feel bad about what she did Me: Ooh like Yoosung. Yoosung also grows out of it Brain: ... What if Me: Wait no Brain: Yoosung x redeemed Echo Girl? Me: No. That makes no sense. That is crazy and I’m going to forget about it. Me after 2000 words: Fuuuuuuuuuuu-

So yeah. ;;;; I have no excuse for this, I wrote a fic for a total crackpairing. I figured I should post it in case I can make at least one person suffer with me. xD More under the cut because this is longer than it should be orz.

There was something familiar about her. Yoosung knew he had to have seen her before, because her large eyes and wavy brown hair tugged heavily at his brain, which desperately wanted to remember.

Her blue blazer was currently being showered by fur as her poodle did her best to jump as high as possible, more excited than her owner. A poodle which had eaten something they shouldn’t have, which was typical for a young dog. Their reactions were normal too, but Yoosung had trouble finding his voice to send them on their way.

“Was it difficult to remove the ring from Lady’s stomach?” the young woman’s question pulled him out of his thoughts.

‘Come on Yoosung, get your shit together,’ Yoosung thought. She was the last one of the day, he could go home and play some LoLoL. Though he didn’t play it for hours like he used to as a student, it was still his favorite way to unwind.

Putting on his red reading glasses, he scrolled down the dog’s data on his computer. “Not at all, we simply gave her something to make her throw up and…” He wanted to make a joke about her puke being diamonds, as he liked to share terrible jokes, when his eye fell on the name of the poodle’s owner.

[Kyungju Choi]

His silence was starting to make her visibly worried. “Well?”

“You’re Echo Girl,” Yoosung said softly, removing his glasses and placing them on the desk. She had tied up her brown hair, exchanged her Sunday dress to a fashionable casual work outfit and her face lost some of its roundness, but it was unmistakably her.

The last time he saw her was at the RFA party where they stopped her from destroying Zen. How scandalized she had been when her plan got ruined. Her expression of shock matched hers back then. “How… do you know?” she asked, after a minute of silence, eyes darting to the door and back to him.

“Your name. I recognize it,” Yoosung confessed.

She narrowed her eyes. “Almost no one knew my real name back then.” Her poodle sat next to her, all smiles and tail wags.

“I had looked it up, together with what other information I could find about you.” He realized he sounded like a stalker, and quickly added: “Y-you accused my friend Zen of sexual harassment some four or five years ago. He asked me to help him.”

Her angry expression faltered as she clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh shit, you’re Zen’s friend…!! Oh my fucking God, you must hate me so bad.”

It surprised him to hear her swear so easily. “No no no!” he quickly waved his hands. “I don’t, I really don’t! I-”

The sound of the door opening on badly-oiled hinges interrupted them, his colleague poking her head inside. “Doctor Kim, are you almost done?”

“Y-yes, I will lock up, see you tomorrow,” he promised her, and she waved before leaving. He turned back to Kyungju who bit her lip, hand clenched tight around her dog’s leash, and felt bad for making the situation awkward. He could have just acted dumb about her name.

Just as he was about to, she spoke. “Are… you available for coffee? I would like to explain myself… and apologize, i-if that’s alright with you.”

Yoosung blinked and answered before he could think about it. “Sure.”

***

He doubted bringing her to Jaehee’s café at first but decided that he would need support from the wisest member of the RFA. There was no doubt that Jaehee recognized Echo Girl right away the moment they walked through the door, and he shot her a look that said: ‘Hi remember Echo Girl she’s actually not evil now don’t kill her for what she did to Zen also I accidentally revealed I know her and we are going to have an awkward talk please help’.

Somehow Jaehee managed to pick all that up and maintained a calm and natural composure behind the counter after serving them their coffee, nodding whenever he looked her way. The white poodle lay dutifully next to their chairs, already napping on her front paws.

Kyungju stirred her coffee many times before she broke the silence. “So… Doctor Kim, how is Zen? If that’s okay to ask.”

“Please, call me Yoosung.” His fingers touched the leather jacket he had hung over his chair, preferring it over the stiff white coat he had to wear for work. “And he’s doing great! Still acting and… you know.”

“Oh. Good, that’s… good.”

Silence. Yoosung took a sip of his espresso and tried not to stare at the table.

She didn’t look up from her drink. “Did you know I swore vengeance… again, after the party? I acted like it was all okay as I performed the musical, but inside I wanted nothing more than to hurt him and Jumin Han and the RFA.”

Chills ran down his spine and he was about to say something when she continued. “However, after that musical, my parents told me my agent and all the sponsors had left me. I was ruined. The paparazzi got so bad, my parents decided to move to Europe. I was furious, of course, I didn’t care about reporters or my reputation, I just wanted payback. In the end… it may have been the smartest choice they made.” She sighed. “Echo Girl was… nothing, not anymore.”

He felt a small pang of guilt. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t,” she said, locking her eyes with his, glaring with the same intensity during that RFA party. “It was my fault. Everything I did was fueled by my crush on Zen, and my parents’ money allowed me to arrange things normal idols couldn’t. I was… well, I guess I was a bitch, to say politely.”

Yoosung was sure she had thought about her actions for a long time. “That is not the word I would use.”

“I would. I can’t believe how much I took for granted being able to act alongside Zen. I took so much for granted. There is no other period in my life that I regret more. It took a while, but I got over my anger. Took some modelling jobs. Met some people who wouldn’t accept my shit and even helped me.” She smiled and Yoosung copied her automatically, glad that it was a real smile instead of an anxious one. “Long story short, when my parents wanted to move back to Korea, I said yes because I missed my home country but… I don’t miss my old self.”

She took a sip from her coffee and put the cup back down with a satisfied sigh. Jaehee’s coffee never disappointed. “I’m surprised you remembered me. No one else seemed to have. I was fine with that.” She looked at Yoosung expectantly, a finger tapping the empty cup. “I’m genuinely sorry for what I did to Zen and to his friends. I can’t ask you to forgive me, but I don’t want anyone else to know who I am. If you want money for your silence, I can arrange that.”

Yoosung’s jaw dropped. “Whoa, it doesn’t have to come to that! Please, I’m sure Zen and the others have forgiven you ages ago. Or at least don’t care anymore.” He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he accepted a bribe. “It’s fine. I have no problem keeping a secret.”

Kyungju took her time, inspecting Yoosung. “You’re a good person, aren’t you?”

That took him off-guard. “Not at all. In fact, I relate to your story more than you think.”

“Oh?”

“You don’t know him but… for the longest time, I also hated someone so much I wanted him to die. It… it was wrong of me to think so.”

An image of a teal-haired man came to mind and he felt queasy. He had accepted that V wasn’t fully to blame for all the terrible things that had happened to the RFA, and surely he could admit V was a kind man. Yet talking about past mistakes so openly rattled him, even after all these years. Suddenly he found himself wondering if things might have gone better had he been wiser, more understanding.

Warm fingers gently touched his hand.

“Hey. It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me. I know it’s hard.”

Yoosung hadn’t been aware of his vision blurring. Eyes focusing once more, he wasn’t prepared for Kyungju’s sympathy radiating off her. It was such a stark contrast from who she used to be.

“You’re a better person than I am.”

Her blue eyes went wide, and she pulled her hand back as if she burned it. “Fuck no!” she yelled, causing most people of the café to turn towards them. When they minded their own business again, she repeated herself, face slightly pink. “I’m not. I just… grew up.”

Yoosung chuckled, toying with his reading glasses. “More than me.”

Her face was glowing now. Yoosung could see Jaehee in the corner of his eyes, frowning as she wondered what in the world Yoosung had said. “W-what are you talking about?!” her speech stuttered. The way she held her hands in her lap, unable to look at him straight, Yoosung couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I mean it,” he pushed. “You’re almost a completely different person. I look in the mirror and see a dumb teenager in a grown man’s body, and no one’s discovered it yet.”

“Don’t be dumb, you’ve got a great job and great friends because of who you are,” she pouted angrily, old Echo Girl shining through. “Don’t pull yourself down like that.”

One of the waitresses stopped by, whom Yoosung knew was a student as Jaehee often hired them part-time. “Can I get you lovebirds another coffee?”

Yoosung wasn’t sure who squeaked louder, him or Kyungju. “We’re not!” they both said in unison, confusing the waitress. He coughed. “I’m fine.”

“Yeah, same.” Kyungju said. The waitress smiled and walked off, acting like nothing had happened.

Lady yawned and whined a little, grabbing their attention. “Ah, I should go. I need to feed Lady before she tears the café apart,” Kyungju joked, grabbing her purse.

“I’ll pay,” Yoosung immediately offered.

“Fuck no. I’m a modern woman, I’m paying.”

“I suggested this place. Let me pay for you.”

“I was the one to suggest coffee!”

“Ahem,” said Jaehee, suddenly next to their table. “Might I suggest both paying half?”

Both blushed, Yoosung more so knowing Jaehee was going to grill him once she left. “Y-yeah, that’s a good idea,” Yoosung said, reaching for his wallet.

Money in hand, Jaehee left them alone. Kyungju picked up her purse, getting up slowly.

“I will let Zen know.”

Stars appeared in her eyes, dazzling him. “I’ve always wanted him to know, so thank you. It means the world to me.”

He fiddled with his jacket zipper, staring at Lady who stared back. “I hope I don’t see you again.”

Confusion crossed Kyungju’s face and Yoosung instantly panicked. “I-I mean, not at the clinic! I wouldn’t want to see Lady at the clinic! Wait, I mean-” He facepalmed with both hands. Was he really an adult?

Only when he heard her giggle did he dare look through his fingers. “I can’t guarantee Lady won’t eat anything strange.” She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “But I’m glad something good came out of it. I’ll see you around.”

She waved goodbye, heading out with Lady in tow. Strangely, he felt a little somber. Yoosung watched her go and wasn’t aware of another person seating themselves across him until he heard them.

“You’re right, she is a different person.”

He nearly jumped out of his chair. “Jaehee!” he yelled at the café owner who raised an eyebrow. “You heard?”

“Everything.” She raised another eyebrow, chin resting on her hands. “You two seemed rather friendly from the get go.”

He shrugged. “She’s nice and she happened to bring her dog in. I will probably never see her again.”

“I very much doubt that.”

Yoosung cocked his head. “Well, I suppose dogs tend to eat strange stuff a lot, but I’m not the only vet in the city.”

Jaehee let out the loudest snort. “I don’t think she wants another vet. Tell her I’ve got new latte flavors soon, she might like them.”

Before Yoosung could question what that meant, Jaehee got up, leaving him to scratch his head.

[phpruitts]

Her eyes flit from the crushed cigarette butt near her feet, back up to David’s face. 

He looks as he always looks- infuriatingly nonchalant. Dismissive. You can’t exactly zero in on what, precisely, is so rude about him- but you can just tell. David always had a way of cutting her down with minimal effort. 

Despite the cold, oily feeling in her stomach at the sight of him, Phoebe means the advice she gives next. 

“I’m serious, about fucking around with Rafael’s business. He isn’t gonna just let you do that. And don’t. Don’t act like you’re not the one doing it.” 

Her shoulders are hunched. Eyes narrow.

“Yeah? He think I’m fucking around with you too?” He rolls his head back over to her, lazily, mouth set into something like a smile.“I’m not doing anything.” 

“I’m serious.”

“Yeah. I bet.” 

He sets another cigarette between his mouth, but doesn’t light it. Phoebe tries not to get tense whenever he moves. 

“I’m trying to get shit done. Mind my own business-” This said with a straight face. “-and whenever I see you, you keep harping at the same thing. You’re not really happy to see me. But you always have something to say about that boyfriend of yours.” Something moves behind his eyes. “The good news is I don’t need his permission to fucking do anything.” 

Phoebe’s face just grows darker. “I’m trying to tell you-” 

“-You keep acting like you’re different.” He cuts over Phoebe like she hasn’t spoken at all. The look he gives her is the closest thing she’s seen to.... a flicker of genuine surprise. Undercut with amusement. 

“I just am now. Different.” 

“Nah.” He laughs. It’s genuine- and only Phoebe would be able to tell how malicious it is. “You’re the same girl.”   

His next words instantly set her on the defensive.

“Does Rafael know?” 

“Know what?”

“The kind of girl you’re like. I mean, your dress, and shit- it’s expensive. And every stone on your necklace is real. But it’s not like you’ve changed. I’ve seen you.”

Phoebe immediately coils up, uneasy. “It’s not like we just met. Rafael and I are together. We live. Together. He fucking knows me, okay.” Her teeth grind. “Better than you.” 

David raises his eyebrows, as if surprised by her reaction. It’s what he specialized in: riling someone up, then needling them for getting heated. 

“Nah. I’ve seen you on enough heroin to kill a horse. I’ve seen what you’d do on your knees to get it.”  

Phoebe is silent, red. Unable to defend herself. 

“You’re in my way. You keep getting in my way.” A pause, and David plucks the cigarette from his mouth, handling it idly. “You don’t belong here.”

“I-”

“You need to leave.”

Phoebe’s brows draw angrily. “I’m not leaving. You can’t come here and tell me to l-”

“You need to leave, or I’ll tell Rafael every fucking thing I know about you. How pathetically hooked you were. That you were always slutting around when it benefitted you.”  

“I’m not leaving. You can tell him what you want. He- telling him won’t change anything.” 

David’s face is still dangerously casual when he speaks. “Yeah? Alright. You need to leave, or something will fucking happen. You’ll get hurt, something will happen to him, and that’ll be your fault.” 

Phoebe stiffens, furious, terrified. 

“You can’t do anything. Rafael would just-”

“-You think it’s that hard? To find someone working with him and switch them to another payroll? Think, for once. You wanna believe I’ve been disrupting everything this much because I get lucky?” 

Her hands are shaking. 

“I’lll kill him. Get in my way, and I will. It’s a big city. With a lot of people. He can act tough- whatever. I’ll get him.” 

All the blood must have drained from Phoebe’s face. She’s caught in his stare- a front, a warning, a promise- whatever he just made. She’s never had the luxury of doubting his threats. 

“Which is why you’re breaking up with him. And leaving. You need to go back to Los Angeles.”

Something erupts. 

“No. You need to go back to fucking Los Angeles!” 

Phoebe doesn’t even see his hand move. Just feels it across her face. 

“You fuck a billionaire and now you got an attitude? Jesus.” 

David doesn’t act like he’s done anything- doesn’t act like he’s lost his temper at all. In fact, it’s done in the way someone might pop a dog’s leash- with a casual meanness. Letting them know they need to heel. 

“I’m not fuckin’ around here. You’re gonna be at an airport by tomorrow morning.” 

Phoebe doesn’t say anything. Can’t say anything, just blinks like she’s been doused in cold water. And that was likely the intended effect. How many miles did she put between her and her past? How many months of learning and changing? And it did nothing- David is still pushing her around, like the fact that she left him means nothing. 

Phoebe’s brain is a static loop, tangled up in its own trauma. He’ll hit her again. He’ll hurt Rafael. He’ll kill Rafael. 

He’ll kill Rafael. 

He gives her one last appraisal.

“Being with this guy has kinda made you into a bitch.” David glances down at his phone, comfortable, casual, as if Phoebe isn’t struggling to control her breathing right in front of him. It’s nothing he hasn’t seen before. “Don’t pull any shit. I’ll find out.” 

David steps towards her. She looks away, instinctively. Stares down hard at the ground, silent, does exactly what he wants her to. 

He pauses. And then, satisfied with her complacency- he just leaves. 

Phoebe stays there for a minute. Two minutes. Until it’s for sure David’s gone. The shock wears off- her composure begins unraveling, her eyes feel hot and itchy. She has to go. Phoebe doesn’t even pay attention to where- she just nearly trips over herself in her rush to move, losing count of her steps on the sidewalk. 

She ends up on the back of a bus. She’s there for an hour- a numb hour, sitting quietly, eyes trained blankly on a wall. Stop to stop, Phoebe sits. The knot in her chest gets bigger, her throat tighter- it’s not until after her hands stop shaking that she begins to grapple with what’s going to happen. 

[carryonourwaywardoneshots-blog]

One Shot #4

Title: Never Met You

Ship: Reader x Sam

Description: The Reader is tired of being used as bait for the Winchesters so she finally decides to speak up after a bad run in with a vampire.

Warnings: Argument; Swearing; Strangling

Word Count: 1,200

Master List

The vampires grip around her neck was tightening by the second. The longer it kept its hold on her, the more her will to stop it diminished, the air and blood ceasing from traveling to her head. As she stared into the creature’s dark and determined eyes, her body started feeling heavier and heavier, her legs unable to support her weight anymore. The only thing holding her up was the arm across her chest and hand around her neck. Choking on her own waning breath, a voice disrupted the pair, their heads turning towards the source, “Get off her!” Her eyes rested on a tall man with dark hair and dark hazel eyes, catching him with an axe mid-air as he swung and cut off the vampire’s head in one swift move.

(Y/N) fell to her knees as blood splattered all over her face and in her mouth. She spat out as much as she could, gagging and trying to catch her breath all at the same time. “What… the fuck… Sam?!” she wheezed through coughs. “Are you okay, (Y/N)?” He knelt beside her and put his hand between her shoulder blades. “Do I fucking…” She coughed once more, “look okay?!” She shook off his hand as she gained back her composure and stood to her feet, glaring at the man as he mirrored her actions. “I just… I want to go home. Okay, Sam?” She finally turned to him and walked past towards the Impala that was parked at the end of the alley way. She swore that this was going to be the last time she would be used as bait for the Winchesters… she also swore that last time and hunt before that. Something about a vulnerable girl looks so appealing to monsters of all kinds. “(Y/N), wait.” Sam commanded as she stormed off to the Impala.

“No, you wait.” She turned around, spitting out her words, “This is the fifth time I’ve been close to death, Sam! I’m fucking sick of it. I’m sick of playing damsel in distress, I’m sick of being bait, and I’m sick of seeing you and your brother’s faces. I’m going home after this hunt. My mother needs me.” Silencing Sam, she climbed into the passenger seat of the Impala, Sam in the driver’s. “We’ll get you home by morning.” He was quiet as he turned the key in the ignition, the car roaring to life. It was a blessing that the motel was only two blocks away. Otherwise, they would be forced to sit in car in silence longer than they could ever bare to. As soon as ‘Baby’ pulled into the parking lot, (Y/N) shot out of the passenger’s seat and to her motel room, fumbling with the keys. She couldn’t bare holding in her hot tears any longer. Of course, she didn’t want to let the youngest Winchester see her cry since he would only get more concerned for her.

The tears clouding her eyes made it harder to get the key in the hole, dropping them in her fit, a sob escaping her mouth. “(Y/N)…” his voice was more soothing that she expected it to be. “No, you don’t get to comfort me, Sam. This is your fault.” She bent down and picked up the keys, dropping them when she tried to open the door again. “Just let me…” He bent down, picking them up and unlocking the door for her. (Y/N) didn’t turn toward him, not even a thank you leaving her lips as she stepped inside. Without warning, Sam stepped in after her, trapping her in her own room. “I want to be alone, don’t you understand that?” (Y/N) sniffled, sitting on her bed and folding her arms, eyes not even making an effort to look at the man. “I’m sorry, (Y/N).” He was quiet, leaning against the dresser across from her, taking in the tears that were falling from her face. “I want to go home. I hate this job, I hate this world.” She sniffled as she continued, “I wish I never met you, Sam. You make this so hard for me.” Sam didn’t even stop her from speaking, allowing her to get out everything that was on her mind.

“Every time I say I’m done with this job, you give me those stupid puppy dog eyes and you make me change my mind. Why the fuck do you have to be so cute?” (Y/N) picked up a pillow and threw it at the older man, only to have him catch it in the air. Sam attempted to stifle a chuckle, but to no avail, he let it rip. “Why are you laughing?” She finally looked up to him through teary eyes and stained cheeks. “You called me cute.” He smiled, preparing for the hits that were going to come his way.

“That’s not the point, Sam!” she stood up, her palms hitting his chest softly, a small smile crawling across her lips as she did, “Is that all you heard?” Sam looked away for a second, his smile growing bigger. “Might have been. And they’re barely puppy dog eyes.” He looked back into hers, eyes softening and smile waning away. “There they are. Those are the fucking puppy dog eyes.” She looked away and sat back on the bed, “Sam, I mean it. You and Dean are taking me home in the morning. I’m done with this life. I don’t want to be put on the line every other day.” (Y/N) looked down once again as Sam sat down next to her. “I’m not disagreeing to you going home. You were willing to help us at first and you can leave whenever you want. We’re not keeping you with us against your will. I’m not even going to beg you to stay this time because I can tell how upset you are.” His hand was on her back again, but this time she didn’t shake him away.

“You mean it?” her eyes finally looked up to his bright green ones that seemed to change color every day. Sam nodded, allowing the girl to lean into his body. “Thank you, Sam.” When she finally looked back up to him, his face was closer than she expected it to be, growing closer by the second. Closing her eyes, she filled the gap between them, their lips meeting and dancing together in the quiet motel room. After a few seconds of being together, Sam pulled away and shook his head. “I better get going. I’m so sorry, (Y/N).” He stood up, but (Y/N) only grabbed his hand, stopping him from leaving. “Stay, Sam. Please.” Her eyes were pleading, wanting more from him, her bare lips begging to be kissed once again. Sam considered shaking off her grip and just going back to his and his brother’s motel room, but the longing look on her face convinced him otherwise. Placing one knee between her legs, he pushed the girl down so that she was laying down as he climbed on top of her. “Okay.” His last word before bringing their lips together once again. (Y/N) couldn’t help but smile. She sure was considering staying for him.

[athyrabunlord]

LLSHP 10 - Moonstruck

Arc1: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7]

Arc2: [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13] [Chapter 14]

Arc3: [Chapter 15] [Chapter 16] [Chapter 17] [Chapter 18 - sanguinem pudicitia (TBD)]

Interludes: [Carbonado (1)] [Carbonado (2)] [Of Feathers and Wind] [Delphinus (teaser blip)]

[Brief note about School Term] [other LLSHP AU stuff] [YohaMaRuby concept arts] [ChikaYouRiko concept arts] [KanaDiaMari concept arts] [Hogwarts Staff]

[FFN link] (up until ch14!) [Pixiv Link] [Translated to Chinese by plin2290]

A/N: So much for keeping to my update schedule (ノ°益°)ノ  Welp, this chapter is long and I’m still unhappy with some parts, but at least it’s finished. After the previous fun chapter, we’re back for a different kind of fun~ Hope you’ll enjoy reading! Any feedback is appreciated ('▽^人) Words: 8,351

Yoshiko sighs for the umpteenth time since she entered the Room of Requirement. She should be using her time to rest before the next session, but how in Satan's name is she supposed to relax when there are so many distractions around?

"I still can't believe you never told us, Kanan-chan!"

"I think you're as big as Shiitake, hehe~"

Yoshiko drapes over the couch's backrest to see You and Chika patting and scratching the massive wolf-dog. Somehow, after the excess use of magic for the Yule Ball's performance, Kanan's arm has healed exponentially. Dia theorizes that Kanan's own magic has purged the area of whatever malevolent forces that injured it in the first place.

Therefore, after a long discussion within the research group, a happy Kanan celebrates her recovery by revealing her Animagus form to her childhood friends. While the wolf still walks with a bit of a limp, Riko is confident that the older witch would fully recover by New Years now that they know how to treat the wound.

After observing the Gryffindors a bit more, Yoshiko sighs in resignation and flops back down onto the couch. Truthfully, she is rather disappointed that nothing seems to have changed between You and Chika after the Banquet. They are still as close and touchy with each other as ever, but there aren't any gestures that suggest more. She doesn't consider herself an expert matchmaker or anything, but she would like to do something nice for the duo, especially since they have always been nice to her and have unconditionally decided to help them out without knowing the whole truth or their forgotten past.

"Belly flop!" "Woof!" "Ah no fair, I want to play too!"

At least, they're enjoying themselves. Gryffindors are so weird.

"Is it really wise to let them come here?" Yoshiko shares the same exasperated expression as Dia, who glares at Mari to show that she is still upset about the Acromantula incident. In return, the blonde merely winks before transforming into her Animagus self. The lithe golden cat leaps for the human-wolf pile, purring when they fuss over her.

"Well, now that they are part of our group… again, I suppose, I see no harm in letting them know as many secrets as we can. The Room of Requirement at least ensures what happens here stays here." Dia is polishing her saber sword, clearly used to her two best friends' childish behavior.

Upon Riko and Dia's insistence, the knowledge of Yoshiko's connection to the black feathers is kept from Chika, You and Ruby. Therefore, whenever the nine of them are together, they just help each other study and practice more advanced magic, while researches and experiments only take place when those three witches are not present.

"So… what is your Animagi form, Dia-san? I'm sure you've successfully-" Yoshiko trails off when Dia visibly twitches at the question. She warily glances at the older Slytherin's unsheathed sword and mumbles. "Nevermind, it must be top-secret huh?"

"Indeed it is," Dia says stiffly. An awkward silence falls upon them for a while, making Yoshiko wonder if she's stepped on a landmine. She exhales in relief when the door opens and reveals Riko, Hanamaru and Ruby.

Even though it's Christmas break and Hogwarts is mostly empty save for some of the staff and students who decided to stay, they agree to keep up an appearance to ensure that the location of the Room of Requirement remains a secret. They would take turns to go study at the library, and of course Hanamaru volunteers every time.

Yoshiko rolls her eyes as her two Hufflepuff friends squeal at the sight of canine-Kanan, who greets them with a wet lick and wagging tail. She then rolls over and allows the younger girls to rub her belly and jaw. Really, it's hard to imagine that this crooning, oversized wolf is the so-called Grim that unintentionally terrorized them on the first day of school.

Hanamaru looks over to Yoshiko and smiles bashfully when their eyes meet, giving her a little wave. She uncontrollably returns a lopsided grin and waves back too.

Dia raises an eyebrow at this. "Is there something going on-?"

"N-Nothing! I mean, y-yes! Wait, no, there isn't anything, but there's also something-" Yoshiko doesn't know why, but she feels oddly defensive and guilty under the Head Girl's sharp gaze.

"Nothing you should concern yourself about, Dia~" Mari suddenly pops up behind Yoshiko and ruffles her hair. "The power of Christmas is shiny, making flowers bloom, ne? Just make sure yours keep blossoming~"

For some reason, Dia looks away and… is that a blush? The Head Girl is blushing?

Mari cheerfully elaborates. "You're not the only one who enjoyed the Banquet, Yoshiko-chan~"

"What does that mean-"

Dia coughs loudly and announces that break time is over. In spite of the slip in composure, Dia still manages to command everyone's attention and split them up for specialized training. You and Chika have taken it upon themselves to help the First-Years improve on areas they struggle with and, this time, they decide to work on Hanamaru's agility. Ruby, though nervous, requests that her sister spar with her. The last time they dueled, Dia did not go soft on her little sister, and Ruby was pretty much thrown about and struck by countless spells, yet the pair appear quite happy at being able to train together. Dia does look proud of Ruby's determination, and soon the sisters begin to exchange spells in the center arena.

Yoshiko knows better than to get in the middle of that. She glances at Riko, who has gone to the cauldrons and is checking up on Kanan's arm.

"That just leaves you with me, hmm?"

"Oh joy."

Frankly, Yoshiko dislikes her one-on-one Occlumency lessons with Mari. Dia has explained countless times of its importance, that an enemy skilled in Legilimency can easily probe through your mind for information, influence your emotions or actions. Therefore, one must train their mental barriers through the practice of Occlumency.

Naturally, the three Fifth-Years and Riko are already well-trained. Both Yoshiko and Hanamaru are required to learn it as much as they could, while the remaining three do not need to focus on this subject as they are not privy to this group's sensitive information.

As it turns out, Hanamaru must be a natural Occlumens, since Mari is unable to access her thoughts and the Ravenclaw is their best Legilimens. Yoshiko, on the other hand, apparently has the mental defense of a 'pile of dirt', or so Mari says.

"Empty out your mind, Yoshiko-chan, I know you do have great willpower," the blonde folds her arms, appearing oddly like an older sister as she chastises and encourages her at the same time.

"I am trying! It's easier said than done." Yoshiko grits her teeth. As if she wants the irritating witch to know about her secrets!

"Daww, you think I'm irritating? I'm hurt~"

"Ack! Stop reading my mind so easily!"

"I'm not even actively using Legilimency on you. You're -that- transparent, Yoshiko-chan."

Unlike Dia, whose Leglimency is piercing like a sword and almost triggered Yoshiko to go berserk the last time they practiced, Mari's magic feels more like caramel. It doesn't feel intrusive yet it adheres to her thoughts in a way that coaxes her to relax and thus become more vulnerable.

"I understand Hanamaru-chan's lips are so soft you can't help but keep thinking about the kiss but-"

"Aaaaahhhhh! Stop it stop it stop it!" Yoshiko slaps both her hands on Mari's mouth, feeling as if her face would explode from all the heat that rushes up her neck. Thankfully, You and Chika are keeping Hanamaru quite occupied to have overheard that.

Mari slips out of her grasp in her cat form, saunters a few steps before transforming back. "Doesn't seem like this is going to work until we work out your issues first, Yoshiko-chan. Perhaps I should teach you other things instead hmm? What do you say, shiny Onee-san is more than happy to share her tricks-"

"No thank you." Judging by the lecherous way Mari grins, Yoshiko really doesn't want to learn anything unnecessary from her.

"Why not? You'll thank me one day, and I'm sure Hanamaru-chan would appreciate it too when-"

"I'm going to go work on Potions!" Yoshiko exclaims and sprints to where Riko and Kanan are.

The Gryffindor chuckles rather apologetically at her disgruntled mood. "I feel fine, Riko-chan. I should go exercise a bit to see how much mobility my arm has regained. I'll take care of Mari."

"Yeah! Keep her away from me," Yoshiko growls, fanning at her red face. She glares at Kanan and Mari until the pair are well out of reach on the other side of the room, where they begin to duel. Huffing, she turns to face Riko, only to find her attention elsewhere even as she rhythmically stirs the pot of Potion she is brewing.

"Lily, are you okay?"

"H-Huh? Why would you ask?" Riko blinks out of her trance, appearing rather sheepish as she adds in a bit more ingredient into the cauldron.

"Oh, um, we haven't had much chance to talk lately, but I'm worried about… well, are you okay about You-san and Chika-san being here?" There, Yoshiko is pleased that she finally got this off of her chest. Plenty of things have happened to keep them all distracted, and Riko is good at keeping a tough front even if something gnaws at her mind. Yoshiko knows that better than anyone, for she does the same. As kindred spirits, she understands that all the negative feelings kept at bay during the day would ache at night, when she's alone.

"Thank you for being worried about me, Yocchan, but really I'm fine," Riko relaxes and smiles at her gently. "Truthfully, back then, I was rather upset that Mari-san would involve Chika-chan and You-chan again after knowing what happened, but now I see why she did it. I really miss them. We used to do everything together, so at least this way, I can still..."

Her eyes shimmer with a myriad of emotions, of guilt and sadness, but the way she smiles at her best friends is indisputable as well.

"Heh, yeah, you do seem happier this way. I'm glad they're here too. I wouldn't trade our group of nine for anything," Yoshiko grins, and gives Hanamaru another giddy wave when the latter happens to look this way. She probably looks silly right now but she doesn't mind, knowing the older girl wouldn't tease her like a certain blonde would.

"I agree. This is the happiest I've felt since… well, I'm very grateful, to all of you."

"Just remember, the great Yohane is always here for all of her little demons. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here!"

Yoshiko straightens in her seat and is extra exuberant as Riko resumes the Potion lesson. They have yet to resolve the cauldron-explosion problem, but at least she's grasped the theoretical concepts well enough. After jotting down some notes, she furrows her brows and tries to confirm some of the steps with her tutor. When she receives no response, she glances at the Ravenclaw and notices her attention has drifted once again. This time, she follows Riko's line of gaze and tilts her head in wonder.

"Lily, why do you keep staring at Dia-san?"

Riko almost drops the ladle into the cauldron. "I-It's nothing! Um, as I was saying, Yocchan, the Murtlap Essence is particularly useful for treating painful cuts…"

Yoshiko is taken aback by Riko's loss of composure. Perhaps Mari isn't joking, maybe something did happen between Dia and Riko? Yoshiko has no idea what happened after she left the Great Hall, as she was too blissful in spending the rest of the night watching the stars holding Hanamaru's hands and exchanging little kisses with her girlfriend.

Ku ku ku, girlfriend indeed.

Her lips involuntarily form another lopsided grin and she resists the urge to giggle like a silly mortal. Even now, she is still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that the brunette is her girlfriend. Praise Satan, she the unfortunate fallen angel finally has a girlfriend! They are both new to having such concept, and they haven't decided whether they want it to be known to the others or not. At least, Yoshiko is certain that Hanamaru is content with what they have. Surely, their relationship should progress at a comfortable pace, little by little, until one day they would enter the next phase which is…

Blushing, Yoshiko shakes her head and unabashedly blames Mari for corrupting her mind. She sends Riko an apologetic look for not paying attention, only to discover the latter to be lost in thoughts as well.

"It appears that no one is focused today." Dia's disapproving tone is directed at Kanan and Mari, who are playing a game of tag in their Animagi form, and at You and Chika, who are playing a game of Exploding Snap while Hanamaru watches on with sparkling eyes. "But at least, try to focus and do something more productive."

When no one stops what they are doing to listen to her, the peeved Slytherin resorts to a more drastic measure. Riko lowers her head in shame, even though the Head Girl isn't looking their way as she scolds those five. Ruby tries to calm down her sister, which appears to be working.

Mari whines as she struggles in the ropes that Dia has conjured. "Come on, it's New Year's Eve, Dia! We deserve to relax too! I wanna go to Hogsmeade with Kanan!"

"Hogsmeade! Oh oh, I wanna go too! We gotta show Ruby-chan Honeydukes," Chika, also bound by ropes, somehow manages to hop back onto her feet and gives Dia puppy eyes. "Please? I heard Coach Kousaka is going there too!"

"We did receive permission from the Professors to go if we want to," You adds, while Kanan explains Hogsmeade to a curious Hanamaru. From what Yoshiko knows, it is an all-wizarding village near the Hogwarts Express' train station, and there are a variety of shops there that rivals the ones in Diagon Alley in popularity.

Overall, it sounds like the perfect place to spend the last day of the year, especially with a girlfriend. Yoshiko's lips involuntarily curve to a crooked grin for the umpteenth time, and widen even more when she notices Hanamaru's equally excited smile.

Dia, however, is as adamant as her name. "Show me that we have accomplished something today, and I will consider it. How about the Patronus Charm?"

Yoshiko groans aloud. "That's not fair, you know I can't do it!"

"Exactly," the Head Girl's voice is dangerously low. "That is why you need to practice. The rest of you, go catch Mari-san and you will be pardoned."

"What?!" The blonde hastily shifts to her cat form, hackles rising, and sprints away just as You and Chika lunge for her. Kanan, also in her Animagi form, barks rather mischievously and runs after them. Riko appears hesitant, and smiles in relief when Dia subtly nods at her.

Dia then faces Yoshiko again. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come. Show me how much progress you have made."

Though grumbling, she obediently joins her friends in the arena. It was Hanamaru's idea to learn the Patronus Charm in the first place, as she is determined to conquer her fear, and the others agree that it is good idea to learn such a powerful defense magic.

"Hey, how are you today?" As soon as the words leave her mouth, Yoshiko feels like jumping into a hole. That's the stupidest opening line ever! Even though Hanamaru is her girlfriend now, it doesn't mean she has to act any different, does she?

Fortunately, the brunette just finds her antics amusing. "I'm good, Yoshiko-chan. Riko-san showed me where to find some of the rarer books in the library so I had a very productive day zura."

Hanamaru's smile makes her smile too. Yoshiko strikes a pose and subtly scoots closer so that their arms are touching. "Me too. Now let's get this Patronus task over with so we can go have fun at Hogsmeade!"

Her heart speeds up a little when Hanamaru reaches for her hand and holds it tight. This new relationship status is really nice, she grins dazedly, but then something catches her attention and makes her frown.

"Hey, where are you going, Ruby?"

"Piki?" The pigtailed girl pauses and sheepishly twiddles her thumbs. "Oh I just thought, I'll go practice over there and-"

"Ruby-chan." Hanamaru's voice is uncharacteristically firm. "We've already talked about this."

Yoshiko glances between the two Hufflepuffs and understands the situation right away. "Ah, come on Ruby, I appreciate you wanting to give me and Zuramaru space but that's not how we work."

The day after the Banquet, Yoshiko and Hanamaru had agreed to tell Ruby everything about their relationship. The last thing they wanted is for Ruby to feel left out, and so they continue to act as they always have. Yoshiko did entertain the idea of going on dates with Hanamaru, but they already are, sort of, and dates aren't urgent.

She quite enjoys spending the holiday with her close friends, and is in no hurry to do those couple-y stuff she's seen on TV. Hanamaru wants to take things slow too, comfortable and content with what they've done so far, thus that takes the pressure off of Yoshiko too.

"Don't ever think you're a… um," Hanamaru purses her lips as if trying to recall what she's read about in novels. "Third wheel-? I think that's what the term is zura. Ruby-chan, it won't be us if you're not with us."

"Yeah, it's not like Zuramaru and I will suddenly start making out in front of you or anything," Yoshiko chuckles, though her ears redden a moment later as that very image fills her mind. Her girlfriend kicks her shin, light enough not to hurt but still forceful enough to make her shut up.

Ruby giggles at them. "O-Okay. Just let me know when you do need to be alone." She links their arms together and giggles again. "Hehe, I'm just so happy for you two! I thought it'll take longer to happen, since Yoshiko-chan is… well, and Hanamaru-chan can be headstrong too."

"Oi what's that supposed to mean?" "Aha, Ruby-chan, that earns a Tickle Jinx zura~!"

Before they could start fooling around, Dia coughs loudly. Yoshiko and Hanamaru cringe under the Head Girl's frown, forgetting they actually have spectators. Ruby, in an attempt to placate her irritated sister, casts the Patronus Charm.

So far, among the trio, only Ruby is able to produce a thin, silver shield. Given enough practice, she should be able to summon a corporeal one like Kanan and Mari (and surely Dia too). Hanamaru tries very hard but her innate fear prevents her from casting the spell properly. Yoshiko is frustrated by the translucent string that shoots off from her wand whenever she tries as well.

This is a very advanced and complex magic, especially for First-Years like them. Therefore, Dia only requires them to be able to produce incorporeal ones like Ruby's, and that's exactly what Yoshiko wants to achieve.

"Dia-san! Are we free now?"

The three Gryffindors have successfully captured Mari, who is held tightly in Kanan's arms while Chika and You have their wands pointed at the hissing feline.

"Very well. What do you have to say for yourself then, Mari-san?"

The blonde Ravenclaw pouts at her friend. "I'll help the girls on their Patronus Charm, happy?" She glances over the trio, nodding at Ruby's attempts but frowning at Hanamaru's pale face.

"Maybe it's best not to push her? Whatever her encounter with the Dementor is preventing her from casting it properly."

Dia nods slowly and places a hand on the brunette. "Indeed. This is fine for today, Hanamaru-san. We shall try again at a later time. Your Shield Charm is quite powerful, so do not fret."

Though disappointed, Hanamaru smiles gratefully at the encouragement. Yoshiko stands up a bit straighter and tries the Patronus Charm again, groaning at the pathetic string that resembles a spider web drooping from her wand.

"Think happy thoughts. See? Shiny~!" Mari easily conjures up her corporeal Patronus and smirks. "Any happy thoughts would work. You know what I'm talking about."

"Can't you offer any good advice?" Yoshiko scowls at the sparkling seal, wondering for the umpteenth time why the Ravenclaw's Patronus looks slightly different every single time.

"I am being serious here," Mari schools in her expression, her voice lowering to a soft, encouraging lilt. "The Charm draws energy from positive memories, the happier the better. Try it."

Yoshiko blushes as she recalls the kisses again. "I'll try it. In private. I feel like there are too many eyes watching me, I can't concentrate."

"Fair enough. But how should we impress Dia enough to go to Hogsmeade?"

As if to answer Mari's question, You salutes and calls out. "Expecto Patronum!"

Her wand conjures a fluffy-looking horned owl, its form shimmering from the power of the spellcaster's magic. Chika high-fives her friend and does the same, summoning a massive tiger with scruffy fur around its head.

Kanan whistles. "Oho, I didn't know you two could conjure corporeal Patronus."

"Hehe, you're not the only ones who have secret powers, Miss Animagi~" Chika wraps an arm around You's shoulder. "Though I don't remember when we learned it-?"

"Must be from Riko-chan, we learned a lot from her," You looks puzzled as well, though the duo don't dwell much on it and look at Dia for approval.

The Head Girl does seem impressed. "It is heartening to know that the two of you are well-prepared in defending yourself should such need arise. If I remember correctly, you can conjure it too, Riko-san?"

The Ravenclaw nods and casts the spell as well. A bright rabbit hops off of the tip of her wand and approaches Dia, nestling beside her leg. Riko blinks at her bunny Patronus as if she wasn't expecting it to take such form. Dia raises an eyebrow at the corporeal Charm, her expression slowly changing from mild confusion to shock when some sort of realization dawns upon her.

Riko must have arrived at a similar conclusion too, for her cheeks become so red that it matches her hair. She looks ready to bolt in mortification while Mari and even Kanan begin to snicker.

"What's the big deal?" Yoshiko curiously stares at the harmless rabbit. "I mean, sure it's a small creature, but that doesn't matter as long as the spell is strong."

Mari's eyes are twinkling in mirth. "Rikocchi's Patronus used to be a cat. It is very rare for a Patronus to change form, but when it does, it is because of an emotional change which, in this case, is-"

Her mouth is then audibly clamped shut by Riko's hands, similarly to what Yoshiko did earlier. While Yoshiko still has no idea what's going on, she finds Riko's panicky, blushing face quite relatable.

Chuckling, Kanan pats Dia on the back as if to congratulate her. "So, Hogsmeade? I think we've all worked hard enough."

Dia blinks out of her daze, swallows hard and mutters. "I suppose we have, yes."

Though still confused, Yoshiko excitedly pulls Hanamaru into her arms while Ruby is smothered by the cheering Chika and You.

Hogsmeade it is!

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

"Mirai zura~"

"That's like the eighth time you've said that today," Yoshiko smirks when Hanamaru playfully punches her arm as expected and proceeds to ignore her. She doesn't mind, as long as her girlfriend continues to hold hands with her.

"So what did you end up getting zura?"

Ruby looks quite proud of her collection, opening the bag to show her friends the various chocoballs, toffees nougats and many more. Yoshiko's always knew that Ruby likes sweets, but that amount would last them well past the second term!

Then again, Honeydukes truly is the most fantastic sweet shop she's ever been to. In fact, all the places she's visited here at Hogsmeade are amazing enough that she almost wants to utter her girlfriend's catchphrase.

"So what now? I think we have a bit more time before we have to meet up at the Three Broomsticks."

Hanamaru immediately replies. "Tomes and Scrolls-"

"Veto. I said we have a bit more time, not an entire day- no, you can't use those eyes, that's against the rules!" Yoshiko hastily turns away, knowing that the longer she stares at her girlfriend's sparkling puppy eyes, the more likely she would cave.

Ruby giggles suddenly, which makes the couple share confused looks. "You two still act the same, even though you're together now."

It is one thing to call Hanamaru her girlfriend in her mind, another to hear her friend state their relationship aloud. Shuffling, Yoshiko tried to appear nonchalant. "W-Well, I'll have you know, I turn a blind eye to Zuramaru's eating habits when she really convinces me to."

Hanamaru rolls her eyes at the taller girl before pulling Ruby close, making sure their arms are comfortably linked. "We're both really new to this so Yoshiko-chan and I agree to just be ourselves. I mean, if she suddenly starts giving me flowers or be extra sweet, that would be creepy zura."

Yoshiko deadpans. Hanamaru sticks out her tongue. Ruby's still giggling.

True to their discussion at the Room of Requirement, the trio see no reason to change how they are around one another.

After a while, Ruby says quietly. "But, surely, you'd want to spend some time together in privacy right? Hogsmeade is a nice place for couples..."

In response to that, Hanamaru pouts and squeezes their entwined arms, while Yoshiko tugs at those signature pigtails. "Piki?"

"Haven't we talked about this already? Stop thinking you're intruding on us or something. You gotta get that kind of mindset out of your head."

"Unless...you don't like spending time with us, Ruby-chan?"

"Eh? No, that's not what I meant-"

"Then it's decided. You're stuck with us and that's the end of the discussion, heh."

Just for good measure, Yoshiko ruffles the shorter girl's hair, which prompts Hanamaru to chide her as usual. Yup, their trio dynamic is operating normally just fine.

"Anyways, back to topic, where should we go? As much as I like Quidditch, I'm not going anywhere near Spintwitches Sporting Needs again…"

After a long discussion back at Hogwarts, the nine witches have decided to split up not just to maintain their distance in public but also so it does not draw attention, moving in a big group. As soon as they set foot in Hogsmeade however, Kanan and Mari practically pushed Dia and Riko towards Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop and told the rest that they would be patrolling the area, so they should relax and have fun.

The trio had a great time in Chika and You's company, for the duo are familiar with the area, in particularly Zonko's Joke Shop. When they got to the Quidditch Shop though, the duo became so engrossed that the three younger witches unanimously agreed to let them be while they go explore other places.

Ruby smiles fondly at the thought of the two lovable Gryffindors. "They really love Quidditch don't they?"

"Yeah, and it's good to let them take mind off of things anyways," Yoshiko knows that the duo have already given Riko their blessing, much to the latter's embarrassment, but certainly even the dunderheads need time to recover. Besides, she is determined to set up Chika and You, after seeing how her plan almost worked at the Christmas Banquet.

She is a Slytherin after all, clever and sneaky!

"I still want to go to Tome and Scrolls but, you're right, we probably don't have enough time zura…"

A part of Yoshiko really wants to go as well, not because she likes books but because she adores Hanamaru's expression whenever she reads. Next time, she vows inwardly. Looking around, she takes notice of the sparse Hogsmeade residents and visitors walking down the street since most people have gone inside for warmth. They could just head to Hogsmeade and wait for the others, especially since she's heard rumors of the delicious Butterbeer served there, but Yoshiko feels like there should be one last stop before they call it a day.

Yoshiko perks up in excitement when she spots something. "How about that? An abandoned building, haunted maybe? That looks like just the place for the great fallen angel! Let's go check it out!"

Down the path, somewhere in the distance, is a lonely building that sticks out like a sore thumb in a flat field full of snow and nothing else. The surrounding barren forest is a good distance away, as if giving this dilapidated house a wide berth.

The two Hufflepuffs appear hesitant but intrigued as well.

"Come on, we'll go take a closer look, and by the time we get back here, we can just head straight for the Three Broomsticks and still be on time!"

Convinced, Hanamaru and Ruby follow after Yoshiko, who exuberantly runs ahead towards the sinister-looking shack. There are many eerie locations in Hogwarts, though she's too fascinated by the magic to feel the 'scary vibe', and she hasn't ever personally met any of the ghosts. The most frightening experiences she had in the magical world are the night with the supposed Grim, and the battle against the Acromantula colony, but those had been circumstantial and not exactly 'test of courage' material.

This ominous building though! It totally meets her standards and, with proper modification, it could even serve as a demonic den for her legions!

"Yoshiko-chan! Wait for us-!"

"Y-You shouldn't be going over the fence! It m-must've been locked for a reason-!"

She could barely hear Hanamaru and Ruby's calls. She's so caught up on creating her ideal hideout that she's levitated herself over the barbed wire and fence before she realizes it. Her mind blanks out until one sole purpose remains. She needs to get to that shack as soon as possible. She must answer its calls-

"Ack!"

Her charmed scarf activates and successfully trips her, making her tumble and roll forward several times before faceplanting in the icy cold snow.

"Yoshiko-chan!"

She shakes her head in bewilderment, adrenaline still high in her veins, and blinks up at her worried friends. Hanamaru quickly checks her over while Ruby has her wand out as she scans the perimeter. They are half way between the Shack and the fence, and certainly way too far to call for anyone's attention. The winter sky is forebodingly dark, illuminated only by the moon and faint glow of Hogsmeade's shops in the distance.

Yoshiko breathes heavily and shakes her head one more time, her mind now calm enough to access her situation. It's been months since this last happened, and it always had something to do with the Forbidden Forest. Yet this time, the compelling force comes directly from that Shack.

"We need to contact the others," Hanamaru says firmly.

"I-I've already sent a message," Ruby adds, holding out the gold-rimmed piece of parchment that she's scribbled on. Before they came to Hogsmeade, Dia had given each of them the parchment that she's placed the Protean Charm upon. This spell enables them to communicate with one another in case of emergency.

"Thank you," Yoshiko whispers in a shaky tone, smiling when Hanamaru huddles closer and Ruby pats her shoulder. She's more freaked out than she would ever admit, so she's very thankful for their company.

They wait there in the snow, alert and nervous. They are too wary to move from their spot in case something happens, and they trust that the older witches would arrive soon enough. To their surprise, Riko comes towards them from the west side of the barren forest while Dia could be seen heading towards the Shack. The Ravenclaw's expression is full of worry and consternation as she crouches besides the trio.

Seeing their questioning gaze, she elaborates as she gestures at the direction she came from. "Dia-san and I were over there - there was a hut within the woods where… Chika-chan, You-chan and I once used it as a hideout, for our research."

Yoshiko and Hanamaru shares an understanding glance, while Ruby furrows her brows.

"I… I haven't gone back there since," Riko clears her throat and struggles to maintain a placid tone. "Well, nothing's changed in that place since then. The Hut is still fully Warded from intruders, but now that this happened, perhaps there is a connection to the Shack even though it's far enough from it…"

"You mean, whatever makes me blank out every time, is connected to-?" Yoshiko feels dismay twisting in her stomach. She's always guessed it, that the peculiarity she experiences has something to do with Riko's quill and those feathers. Now that her speculation is confirmed, memories of that day with the black tendrils begin to surface again and it's taking all of her willpower to keep the panic at bay.

"Most likely," Riko replies grimly as she leads the trio away from the Shack. "We need to go back to Hogsmeade to meet up with Chika-chan and You-chan. Dia-san says she's going to investigate the Shack - Kanan-san and Mari-san messaged that they are on their way so-"

They pause when a howl echoes through the desolate clearing.

It is a savage, heart-piercing sound.

"T-That's not Kanan-san," Riko turns around just in time to see flashes of spells around the Shack. "Dia-san!"

The Kurosawa heiress has her saber out, slashing and deflecting Curses while returning fire towards the three cloaked figures converging around her. Four more silhouettes trudge out of the Shack, their movements jarring and awkward as they slowly move towards the fight.

"Onee-chan! We need to help her!" Ruby is ready to sprint to her sister's aid if it weren't for Riko's firm grip on her shoulder.

"I-I can't… I need to keep you safe, all three of you, that's what Dia-san would have wanted." Even as she says that, the Ravenclaw is also looking at the vicious fight with a conflicted frown. She conjures up her Patronus and sends the silver rabbit off to the direction of Hogsmeade, most likely to look for Kanan and Mari since they could not alert the authorities due to the Unbreakable Vow.

Ruby and Riko flinch when a particularly powerful Curse shatters Dia's Shield Charm, and it is only due to the heiress' fast reflex that she avoids and deflects the following onslaught of Jinxes. Yoshiko hasn't even realized her hand is shaking, but she certainly can feel Hanamaru's trembling form against her.

"We need to go, there's no way we can just stay here while Dia-san is in trouble!" Yoshiko swallows nervously. "The scarf will activate if anything happens again, Lily, so I'll be fine. We'll be okay, and we'll help however we can."

Riko nods grimly and flicks her wand before tapping the trio on each of their heads. Yoshiko blinks at the odd sensation of an egg cracking and something travelling down her body. She glances down at her hands only to find thin air. Likewise, her friends have also been rendered invisible from the Disillusionment Charm.

"You must stay out of range, and do not draw their attention unless you are absolutely certain you will not be discovered. Promise me, please," Riko glances at the direction where her Patronus had gone off, biting her lips in trepidation. "Kanan-san and Mari-san haven't responded since their last message, so there's a chance they may be caught up in a fight as well, so we'll need to hold off those attackers as long as we could."

Upon hearing verbal agreement, Riko then runs towards the Shack, firing Stunners as she goes. The trio blindly reach for each other before carefully following after her, mindful of the footprints left in the snow.

Once they are close enough, the three girls could feel the air heavy with raw magic, the atmosphere tense enough to stop them in their tracks. Riko is good, very good, yet even she seems to be struggling as those cloaked figures keep her on the defensive with their barrage of Dark Magic. At least, the enemies appear to be leery of Dia's sword since they carefully keep their distance as they circle around the two witches.

"I don't think we can help even if we w-wanted to zura," Hanamaru murmurs fearfully, and Yoshiko could feel Ruby nodding in agreement. Truly, this fight is beyond their abilities, a whole different league for mere First-Years like them. Dia was correct in what she said long ago, that the trio is trained to defend themselves but not to attack. As much progress as they have made over the term, as advanced they are compared to their peers, they are still green leaves.

The rapid exchanges of Curses and Charms, the switch between offense and defense, and the sheer repertoire of spells are too much for them. Yoshiko could barely keep track of the enemies' whereabouts, let alone their attacks and how to counter them.

Suddenly, one of those four silhouettes join the fray. The biggest one lunges at Dia, who reacts before the stranger even reaches midway.

"Confringo!"

The blasting Curse hurls the assailant back towards the Shack while creating a shower of burning snow around them. The cloaked figures manage to shield themselves in time but Riko quickly follows up with a powerful Aqua Eructo, forcing them to stay there or else the torrent of water would have smashed them away as well. Twirling and flicking her wand, Riko causes the jet to freeze and locking the three attackers in place.

Before Yoshiko could cheer, another chilling howl immobilizes her in place.

All eyes are on the fallen form against the cracked wall of the Shack, as well as the other three silhouettes whose tattered cloaks have been blown off from the Curse earlier. The four men appear clean-shaven and are dressed respectably, but they all share the same blank expression as they stare at the moon.

Dia's sword is pointed towards them as she stands protectively in front of Riko, whose wand is trained on the three frozen attackers.

The stalemate doesn't last long, for the four men howl at the moon again in unison before a horrific transformation begins to take place. Bones cracking, muscles rippling and fur sprouting, four hulking werewolves stand where the humans used to be, with their lips curled to reveal savage fangs and their nails elongated like claws.

Dia gapes at the creatures, her hand lowering just an inch from shock. That minimal movement is enough to signal one of the werewolves to spring into action.

"Dia-san!" Riko fires an Impediment Jinx at the werewolf bulldozing towards them, but the spell merely bounces off of its furry chest. Dia pushes Riko away just before impact and is knocked down by the werewolf's pounce.

The sword, gripped in place by its powerful jaw, is the only thing preventing the creature from biting Dia's throat. As if it isn't chaotic enough already, the remaining three disperse in different directions, one heading towards Hogsmeade, one away from the Shack, and one right towards…

"Shit!" Yoshiko almost stumbles, her shaking hand holding her wand in front of her but no spell comes to mind. Even though they are invisible to any onlookers, the werewolf must be able to smell them. What can they do, if no Jinxes or Hexes seem to work?

While she is paralyzed with fear, Ruby suddenly empties the candy bag onto the snow and Transfigures the pile into rabbits. The werewolf pauses, sniffing curiously between the critters and the spot they are standing. After a tense moment, it decides to chase after the magicked rabbits and disappear into the barren woods.

"Good call, Ruby! Now we need to-"

"Lacarum Inflamarae!" Due to Dia and Riko being occupied, the cloaked assailants are able to free themselves enough to conjure balls of fire to melt the ice holding them in place. Riko had utilized a binding spell to summon ropes and pull the werewolf off of Dia, who quickly slashes at its ankles.

Whimpering in pain, the werewolf collapses in the snow, bleeding and heaving. With one enemy incapacitated, the two witches turn their attention back to the cloaked figures and soon, the nerve-wrecking spell-exchanges resume. However, Dia and Riko are obviously unsettled and worn out by the fight, distracted by the possibility of those other loose werewolves returning for them.

"It doesn't seem like they've noticed us yet, what should we do now?" Yoshiko really wants to help, but she knows that they would only burden the older girls.

"The village zura! One of t-those werewolves went that way, right? Surely the Aurors would be summoned and- Protego!"

Hanamaru's yelp is all the warning they have when something slams into the Shield Charm and against them. The three girl collide into one another and fall onto the snow in a heap of tangled limbs. The werewolf, disorientated from the collision, is growling at them with its ears perked and shoulders rigid. Yoshiko glances at herself and discovers that the Disillusionment Charm has worn off. They only have seconds to act before the beast pounces.

"Oi, ugly brute! Come get me!" Yoshiko rolls away from her friends and fires a Bombarda at the werewolf's leg, causing a small explosion of snow. The creature seems unaffected by the Charm, but the noise and rubble successfully catch its attention.

As soon as the werewolf turns towards her, she darts for the woods while firing random Jinxes behind her to slow its movement. She could hear Hanamaru and Ruby shouting at her, Dia and Riko's calls, but their voices are covered by the beast's guttural snarls.

The only thing keeping her from freaking out or breaking down in tears is the refusal to lose.

She is Yohane, the great fallen angel! There are still so many mysteries unresolved, so many things she still wants to achieve, she will not meet her end here! Ruby and Hanamaru have already saved her earlier, it's her turn to return the favor!

As she runs past the barren trees and stumbles over the roots concealed by the snow, she's reminded of her encounter with the Acromantula. Inwardly thanking Mari for that horrible but helpful experience, Yoshiko Transfigures the brittle branches into thicker planks, blocking the werewolf just in time before it jumps on her.

Yoshiko struggles to her feet and resumes running, noting how her magic is not as effective due to the fragile state of these trees in comparison to the ones in the Forbidden Forest. She continuously Transfigures the roots, trunks and branches to walls and crossed bars, but the werewolf plows through each and every single obstacle like they are nothing.

I've only made it angrier! Yoshiko bites on her lips hard, using the pain to overcome the panic as she wills her legs to move faster. Thankfully, this chase between predator and prey comes to a stop when she stumbles upon a logger cabin. Running on instincts now, she hurries for the door, unlocking it and locking it with spells.

She leans against the table to catch her breaths while casting Charms to strengthen the walls, knowing that the werewolf would catch up any time. The cabin is expectedly empty and there are only sparse supplies left behind by the former occupant. She glances at the small fireplace, scowling at the lack of kindles or metallic pokes and tongs she could have used.

Her grip on her wand tightens as she listens to any sound. Unnerved by the silence, she is tempted to venture out to check if the werewolf is still set on hunting her. Her efforts would be a waste if it returns to the Shack!

She yelps when the cabin and the ground quake from a powerful slam. The werewolf must be repeatedly bashing against the wall and door, trying to force its way in. Yoshiko is morbidly reminded of the Three Little Pigs, except unlike the fable, she has nowhere to run and her hiding place is not impervious to the big bad wolf's strength.

Just as she fears, the wooden wall begins to fracture in spite of her Charms. She braces herself and pours as much magic as she could to the tip of her wand. A moment later, the salivating werewolf bursts through the cracked wall, its jaws agape as she shouts.

"Reducto!"

The Curse strikes the werewolf square in the chest, but it does not break or disintegrate as it's supposed to. At least, the force of the spell is enough to propel it towards the pillar, snapping it in half. Yoshiko's eyes widen as the roof crumbles down onto the creature and around her. She fumbles for a Shield Charm, but the hastily-cast magic only protects and cushions her from the worst.

Her vision becomes obscured by dust and rubble while broken planks clutter around her. Trapped beneath the demolished cabin, she barely has room to wiggle and the dusty air sends her into a coughing fit.

A vicious growl snaps her out of her dizziness, and her heart almost leaps out of her throat at the sight of the werewolf's fangs an inch away from her face. Likewise, the beast is trapped beneath the planks but unlike her, its limbs are confined and possibly crushed by the fallen roof's weight.

Yoshiko gulps fearfully, noticing the way its crazed yellow orbs follow the minute movement of her throat. She feebly scratches at the ground, attempting to reach her wand that had rolled away during the fall.

"Dammit! W-What am I supposed to do now?" She can't do wandless magic while there's a possibility that the mad beast would break free and end her.

In response, the werewolf snarls again with froth dribbling around its cut lips. Suddenly a scorching fury replaces the terror in her heart, and Yoshiko finds herself screaming at the creature. "You! This is all your fault! If it weren't for you and your buddies, I would be enjoying the most amazing Year's end with my friends! Yet, you attack them, attack me, and for what? What did we ever do to you?"

She's read about Lycanthropy and knows that the werewolf would not be conscious enough to answer her, but that only makes her angrier. "Those cloaked people! They're the same ones who have been attacking Dia-san, aren't they? Just what do you want with us? Is it about Pureblood? Then how about Lily? How about me? Just what the hell are you people!?"

The werewolf growls again, though its lust for blood seems to have diminished. They glare at each other, their distance close enough that Yoshiko could smell its foul breath and see her own reflection in its moon-like eyes.

No, there is one wandless magic I can try. Yoshiko recalls how Mari used it without her wand, or how Dia did the same with her wand but non-verbally. If she focuses enough, surely she can successfully cast the spell with the target so close and vulnerable.

This is her chance to find out more about their attackers.

Schooling her expression to the coldest she could muster, Yoshiko speaks clearly in her husky tone. "Legilimens!"

The world around her seems to melt then and there, the dimensions morphing like smoke and water while black tendrils of magic swirls around the edges of her vision.

She is standing in what seems to be an underground cavern, with water dripping from the high ceiling and countless pipes surrounding her. The stone path is carved with ancient runes, but she has seen enough to recognize the marks of the House of Slytherin. Looking around, she has no trouble picking out the details in spite of the dim lighting. The material of the wall and the ancient feel of the atmosphere can only mean one thing.

This must be somewhere within Hogwarts.

"Will this batch finally work?"

The speaker is wearing a familiar, inconspicuous cloak as those that attacked Dia, so perhaps this is even the same person. Another walks up to her, grabbing her arm and injecting her with a serum. No, not her, but rather the werewolf when he was still in his human form. This is his mind she has delved into after all.

The memory then begins to deteriorate, melting together with other images. She recognizes Hogsmeade, some pub, Dia-san and the Shack, and finally she sees herself.

She could feel the werewolf's intense emotion towards her. She couldn't discern if it is rage, fear or even any negative feeling at all. It just feels so overwhelming that she's starting to empathize with the unfortunate transformed man. The desire to hunt and hurt grows stronger and stronger as she tries to sift through the distorted memories for clues.

The cloaked figures again, blurred images of herself, Dia-san's sword, feathers imbued with magic, cauldrons boiling some sort of concoction, vials of red liquid that are presumably blood, and even more images of herself.

What, I didn't know I'm that important to whatever they are doing. Dread churns in the pit of Yoshiko's stomach, the anger and bravado from earlier fading. They were sort of calling for me, weren't they? Every time I blanked out, they must be nearby, summoning me, baiting me… but why? Why me? I'm just...

For some reason, she is unable to complete that thought. For the first time in her life, she is afraid to consider herself to be a 'fallen angel'.

Black tendrils of magic flood over her senses until she's half-floating and swimming in the quagmire of darkness again, just like that time with Kanan and Hanamaru by the Lake.

Before her consciousness completely fades, she manages to hear one thing clearly.

"She is perfect. We will need to get her first before the Kurosawa heiress."

[sasukeuchiha-eternalmangekyou]

Sound and Sand Invasion Chapter 1: Team Seven’s Survival

Created from this post (x)

Sasuke’s head reared upward the slightest fraction, back roughly slamming against the jagged bark of a tree, his muscles constricting upon impact, flesh curling at the sting of crimson freely running down his arm. His lungs expanded rapidly as he briefly closed his eyes, trying to disregard the pain slewing through his body, devouring his strength, the curse mark greedily siphoned more of his chakra. The air felt thick as if he was drowning in the oppressive sensation of each breath, robbed of relief the second he rearranged his composure. Utter dubiety cleaved his skin with every forced motion, tearing the sown wounds, digging deeper into the stitched core of his mentality. Every spark of energy he simply didn’t have after these continuous debilitating fights was being forged by sheer willpower. He’s taken down countless advisories over the length of expanding time.

A sharp twist of fear entangled his mind, weaving a network of remorseful panic he didn’t need to be reminded of. Knowing losing wasn’t an option, especially when his life wasn’t the only one on the line, pressed his concerns down. But suddenly being shoved back into that vulnerably, a night of murder and crowded corpses in the pale moonlight, wasn’t a trick he wanted his mind to play within this scene.

He pushed forward, a kunai held firmly in his shaking fingers, only to be released the second he impaled the enemy ninja in the chest. His opening was fleeting, but with as much gathered speed he could muster, he launched his attack. Sasuke ducked, eyes accustomed to their movements, trained to predict and counteract, instinctual to the very last motion. Blood splattered, freely running down as the shinobi was killed. The Uchiha tensed when taking a step in reverse, memories of bodies hitting the ground began spilling from the confines of his past. Even to remember was a notion he couldn’t allow. Death was a grave hand that stretched its sleeking digits into the chamber of rampant hearts and squeezed until the erratic beating stopped for eternity. He refused to think hiding from fate was the answer, but he certainly wasn’t going to die before he had the chance to pilfer the life of the one he needed to kill himself. The rest were casualties and nothing more. He wouldn’t become one of them. And neither would they.

“There’s more coming,” Pakkun warned, leaping up in the trees for cover. “We can avoid them if we keep moving east. It might be a longshot, but that’s all we got.”

“You’ve got to be kidding,” he dismissively huffed in annoyance. “This would be a hell of a lot easier if those two were awake.” His words were hollowed out by exhaustion, hardly audible. It was an oversight, a misleading venture of luck for him to consider. Naruto was down for the count after finishing off Gaara and Sakura hasn’t recovered from being almost crushed by that sand.

He strode over to where his comrades lay hidden. Ebon hues regarded the kunoichi’s calm countenance that not long ago held concern, not once forged by lies or forgotten whenever her eyes settled upon him, a gaze that seized the ferocity of flickered determination, now closed and rested. She put her life on the line while he was unable to move, a state he was sure to reenter soon if he didn’t take a moment to replenish his wavering energy. Regardless, Sakura proved she could do more than be a shadow, something she’d probably never consider to be proof of her vitality.

Naruto’s declaration of strength made the gravity of the situation tighten in his chest, bound and webbed within a storming reminder of his own words that ignited the blond into blind action. As willing as he was to die in order to protect them, it now became pointless as they remained motionless. He’d have to chastise himself later for neglecting the tangible desire of vengeance that fueled his will to live all those years ago, but it was of little consequence if he couldn’t figure a way out of this mess. The Sound ninja who lurked through the forest were in strategic groups and it vexed the Uchiha greatly to be at such a disadvantage.

He carried Naruto on his back as he securely held Sakura in his arms. A throbbing ache spiked along his shoulder, black flamed markings spreading further. He was nearly numb to the sensation of agony scurrying along his skin, melding into his bones that felt deteriorated under the pressure. The backlash of sudden pain caused him to stagger, relocating balance quickly as he jumped to join the hound above.

“Are you sure you can keep this up?” he asked, sniffing the air as they began moving.

“No,” he winced, feeling his body want to recoil. “I don’t have any other choice. If we stay in one place for too long, we’ll be done for. Just try to find somewhere more secure. We’re at our enemy’s mercy if we remain in the open like this.”

Pakkun adjusted their course, avoiding any unwarranted fights along the way. Kakashi wanted them to get to safety, but it didn’t seem possibly since the escalation of this attack settled on key points. Destroying Konoha. Killing the Third Hokage. And taking the Uchiha prisoner. Whether Sasuke realized it or not, he didn’t act the part of a frightened victim any more than he would have if he vocalized the worry seeping along his face, leading him to believe the other was only too aware of the risk. “If we head any closer to the village, we’re more likely to run into trouble.”

Sasuke dipped his head, eyes scanning the tarnished landscape they traveled over. This strike was premeditated, Orochimaru’s intentions going unsuspected or simply overlooked. Still, the Sannin took advantage of their caution, counting on an opening as if it was handed to him. “I can’t keep this up much longer,” he confessed breathlessly, vision becoming blurred. “I need to stop.”

The blood scaling down his head flared into an excruciating pain, burning as it slipped down his cheek. Those numerous battles were taking a toll too high to ignore. He landed unevenly on the ground, dropping his comrades as his knees struck the earth, fingers scratching gravel.

Pakkun landed beside him, ears perking up. They only traveled about a mile. “We got company coming fast.”

The Uchiha compressed his aggravation upon hearing those words. The snaking awareness of collapse coiled itself around him, smothering his senses. He rose on wobbly legs, his sharingan active as he spun around, deflecting the onslaught of soaring kunai headed his way. “How close are we to the arena?”

The dog rounded his focus towards the other. “Not too far, but that’s heading into danger the second we reach it. Kakashi asked that we-”

“That’s enough coverage if we remain out of sight. If Kakashi wants us to avoid it, we don’t have the luxury of options right now,” Sasuke said, ushering his head back for a moment. “It’s a gamble, but honesty we’re tripping over our opportunities here. If it wasn’t for carrying dead weight, we’d have been able to find somewhere else, but that’s not something he accounted. Besides, I’m out of choices. Try to wake them again while I hold these guys off.”

The pug sighed, darting over to the two Genin. “Okay. I’d say not to push yourself, but you’re the only one keeping us alive.”

Sasuke’s frown deepened. “Not for much longer at this rate.”

He was at the edge of his limits. He raised himself to kill one man, not save the lives of those he cared for, but he’d be damned if he was willing to lose another family.

[jackandmiranda]

Mama Drama

He has her, now, and I have myself to thank. I tanked myself. I have so many regrets... To have the chance to do it again, I would have never mentioned a baby. I would never even suggest having kids. I would hate children. I would get a fertility blocker IUD every single day. And those hurt like a motherfucker.

     If I had it to do over again, I would support HIM. Not my own crazy dreams or ideas. Oh man, I lost him I lost him.

     Right now, their probably having sex. He's probably screwing her so hard that they'll successfully make a baby. Bring it to term. And love the shit out if it. Right now he's probably playing with her hair or cleaning the house. They're probably hanging out with our old friends. Maybe she's giving him a massage. Maybe he's putting his dick in her ass. Maybe he's turning his back to her with emotional distance just like he did to me for the entire three months of our relationships decline. But that's unlikely. He doesn't have a reason to hate her like he does to hate me. She didn't pressure him to have a kid, and then... Watch helplessly... As she...

     He's been with her for a month, now. Honestly, fuck her.

     And the text is glaring into my soul. "Coming over to get some stuff."

     Like, wow. All the album's on our walls are coming down. They're his. Half of the clothes in our closet. His guitars, Amps, and equipment. His art from the walls. Hell want the TV, probably. I don't use it very much, anyway. He's gonna ask for some of the furniture. He's going to take half if not more of the movies. Books. Hell take the gifts he gave to me. He will take it, and it will be strange. I won't recognize my own home.

     I haven't been sleeping since he left. I think I've slept six days out of the 24. At first, I tried to sleep. I bundled up in our blankets and closed my eyes and waited... Waited... Nothing.

     Four days without sleep, and I finally crashed on the subway on the way to work. Rode it to the very end before I was woken up by an impatient conductor. Went home and slept another seven hours. Then another drought.

     I quit my job shortly after. The two weeks have been up. I have been spending a lot of time on the floor, listening to loud music, mimicking sleep but being unable to provide it.

     Haven't been to the doctor. My friend gave me some sleeping pills but they did not work and gave me some very scary trips.

     I am on the floor, right now. Laying on a rug that he's gonna pack up and take.

     Something inside me re-snaps. I don't want him to see me like this and then win.

     I go upstairs and take a shower. I put on some jeans and a t-shirt. Comb my hair out. Use foundation to cover up some of the bruising under my eyes, on my skin.

     I notice that I've lost a lot of weight. I'm kinda like that story of the dog who's master died, so he laid by his grave until he starved to death and died. Damn, that's dramatic.

    Also, like, master is a strong word. I would use the word lover to describe what Jack was to me. And I would consider what happened to us a tragedy. We were flying high, in deep love, having lots of fun, and just like, winning. And then the hero did something that would sabotage everything.

     I feel like I've done more drugs in the past hour than Snoop did when recording his Christmas album. I laugh to myself when I think of that album...

     I refocus, look back into the mirror. I dab some color onto my cheeks, and eyeshadow, and bronzer. And then lipstick and eyeliner and before I knew it, I was copying a YouTube makeup how-to, and then I had to do my hair, and then I had to change my clothes. I just switched the t-shirt for a sweater. Put on some fuzzy socks.

     I start some coffee, and wait for the knock. Wonder if he will knock or just come in...

     He knocks. I carry the coffee with me, and open the door.

     His nose is a little red from the cold. His hair sticks out from under his beanie, the way I always liked... He's got on that blue long sleeve shirt that I love, nice jeans, 90's red and white Etnies. He smiles for point one second before his face turns back to stone.

     "I kinda thought you wouldn't be here." He says, and scratches his neck. I stand aside and let him in. Fold my arms protectively over my chest. We did not end amicably.

     "I wanted to make sure you didn't run off with my comics." I say, half joking, and take my coffee to the counter. I sit down, and watch him. He looks around. "I thought you would have packed some of this stuff up for me?" He says, clearly very uncomfortable.

     "I didn't know what you needed. I've been pretty busy, too." I lie.

     He shakes his head, like, he's sorry he asked. It is a douchy thing to ask. Takes out a garbage bag, and starts filling it up with his things. I watch, feeling glazed over. The things on the walls come down and dissapear into his black bags.

     I close my eyes. Maybe sleep will drag me away, now? Cleanser closure? I'll fall off this chair and my head will crack against the tile, and everything will be over. I just wish everything could be over. I wish I had the energy to climb the stairs and throw myself off the balcony on to my head. The energy to take one of the knives off the counter and plant it deep into my eye-socket...

     He comes back, and starts stacking things by the door. My tears start to fall, mostly from exhaustion. I climb our stairs but don't jump off. I make my way to our room. He's in there, stuffing his clothes into a box. I don't even look at him, I just get into bed, and lay all curled up.

     The room swims. It really physically swims. I feel like I've swallowed my tongue and my head is settled on the tossing turning waves. I think if I don't throw up, I will drown.

     I don't throw up and I don't drown. I listen to him, packing everything away. Packing up the life that we built and stacking it up to leave with. The guitar that he bought me is sitting by the bed. I pick it up, softly strum out a melody. A sad melody. Like, whatever is in my mind right now is going through me.

     He comes out of the closet hiding his face. Goes down the stairs. I keep playing. I hum along, rocking back and forth to comfort myself. It's so sad it could break a person. Already has, I guess.

     When he comes back, his nose is red, but not from the cold. I think he's being emotional. I don't look for long at all, just a glance.

     I study the blanket, all the folds in the fabric. Eventually he packs everything out of the closet. He wipes his eyes, and starts unpacking the bookshelf. Then he moves on to his night table. The song I'm pouring out gets a little more anxious, a little needy sounding. But then it circles back, back to the regular devastated loss.

     I see, out of the side of my eye, him brush away more tears. I am glad this is hurting him. Not just for selfish reasons, either. I'm glad that he can kinda let us out of his system. Cleaning this out will be healing for him. I wish I could have some healing, but the salt in my tears only sting the wound. I cried really really hard for a long time, and it made everything worse. Losing a baby... Our kid. Then our love... Not bittersweet. Only bitter.  Worse then bitter, if I'm honest.

     Jack empties the whole room, and I'm alone in here for the rest of my life. The guitar sings the terror of being forever alone. Forever. I will never find another. How could I?

     At first, playing was comforting. Now, it is horrific. It's like, my brain is hooked up to the guitar and all the things I was keeping inside are being sucked out and thrown into the air. If someone breathed that shit in, they would be poisoned. I feel like my heart is poisoned.

     I close my eyes, lean against the wall. My brain fuzzes over, and everything is tingling like a very bad trip. No sleep for months... Some bad side effects. I have to put the guitar down.

     I make it to the toilet before the vomit gushes up, spills out. Everything screams.

     I lay on the bathroom floor. Close my eyes.

     I wake up, and I open my eyes. "Miranda, wake up." He says with a really shaky, crying voice. He's right there, tears bleeding out of his eyes. He's shaking my shoulder. Everything feels so distant.

     I close my eyes. Try to return to sleep. But he shakes harder, yells my name. I clear my head. Look. "I'm fine." I say. I sit up, but my head screams. I hold it in my hand, refusing to lay back down. "Miranda, you are not okay." He says. He backs away. He's in the doorway. Watching my royal breakdown. I dig very deep and make it to my feet. I'm a fucking soldier, this is ridiculous. I look in the mirror, give myself a stern, professional face. I turn to him. "I am sorry you had to see that. I can promise you that I am safe, and I am fine. You can leave whenever you are packed." I push past him, and crawl back into bed.

     He fidgets in the doorway. "Miranda," he starts, trying to keep his composure. He's struggling.

     "Really, Jack." I mumble. "Just go."

     He shakes his head, winces. "I am so sorry." He says.

     "No, I'm sorry." I say. I really am. This whole thing... my fucking fault. I'm the one who hurt me and now, hurt him.

     "Miranda, I'm really... So sorry." He says, again.

     "It was my fault, Jack." I say sternly.

     "No, I was the one. I blew this..." he starts to cry again, and he has to bury his head in his hands. "I fucking cheated on you, Miranda! How could you say it was your fault?!"

     I smirk. "I killed her. I killed our daughter. I basically murdered our daughter. I don't give a single fuck if you went out and had sex with Lauren, or a million girls. I am the one that did this. All of this. I ruined..." I feel a tsunami of emotion building. Anxiety is unstable. I turn, look him in the eye and say, "Just, Jack? Will you do me a favor and just go?"

     He's desperate, now. He comes to the bed, kneels beside me. "I left you all alone, I... You have to forgive me!"

     "I forgive you." I say. I pull the blanket over me, and close my eyes. Don't cry don't cry don't cry.... I can feel him go. The waves ascend.

     All night, my mind is torchered with visions of him. Some place in my mind keeps playing him on loop. Keeps reliving little tiny parts, like the fidgeting of his fingers, an exhale...

     In the morning, I seriously consider ending it all.

     My stomach scratches me, nails opening my flesh. Wants food. But my head is pounding, a hammer in my mind. my joints are so sore, I think I might collapse into a bag of bones.

     That day... We had just had our baby, a sweet little girl. Alaska. We are holding her, loving on her. Calling our families to introduce them... Soaking up the love. I'm holding her, and she stops breathing. Except I don't realize at first. She is so small, it was so late at night... I don't know how long it was before I noticed. Too late. "Jack! Get the doctor, get the nurses!!!" I'm screaming, I'm starting CPR, the 15 two-finger chest pumps, the two snorkel breaths, I'm fucking shaking. they swarm in and take over. They try. They fucking stay on her for an hour. Jack is watching, crying, grabbing me like a lifeline, and I'm just frozen. Watching in horror.

     And she dies. And it was all my fault. I should have noticed. Minutes matter so much when it comes to CPR and especially for a baby. They need oxygen in their little baby brains.

     We left the hospital with the taste of ash in our mouths. We went home and cried ourselves to pieces.

I was distant. Really stuck in my own head. And he needed to feel close, to feel better, to heal. A week went by, seven days, and I didn't let him touch me, I wouldn't talk to him, I wouldn't even sleep in the same bed as him. Everytime he would try to come near me, I turned my head, walked away, covered my face. I was so humiliated with myself that my negligence ended her life. I didn't want anyone to look at me.

     After he left, I was on the Internet researching grief, and I found out that my approach was more masculine where I felt lots of guilt and vulnerability and didn't want to  deal with it.  He had a more feminine approach, wanting to talk and remember and work through with someone. He couldn't talk about it with me. So he found it in my best friend, Lauren... I do not blame him. I blame her a little bit, maybe. But I knew I was cutting him out. It was unfair. It was abusive, really.

    He told me about the affair the day after he had it, a week after her death. I'm forever greatful he told me. If he had stayed with me, miserable, sneaking out to go fuck another woman, letting that guilt hang over his head... I wouldn't want that for him. Better for me to be alone and miserable than both of us.

     I love him with everything in me. I love him with pure love. The sad part is, he loves me too. I think he really does blame himself for what happened between us. Hopefully someday he can realize how innocent he was. I killed our daughter. I withdrew from him before he ever did to me.

     Another month of being alone goes by. I call my friend, my Army Battle buddy, Madeline, and she agrees to come live with me for a while. It turns out to be a really good thing. She keeps me accountable for meals and hygiene. It's good to talk to someone about even simple things like movies. We go out for a hike one day, go to the zoo the next. As I get stronger, we go on jogs. Lift  weights. Do cardio workouts. But after she's been with me for a month, we both agree that I am doing a lot better. I'm okay to be alone again. Get back to work. I pay her a thousand dollars even though she refuses. I make her take it. Thank her for everything she's done for me. She saved my life.  Helped me get through something harder than combat. Over and above.

     Work is happy to see me back, and I slowly fall back into my old self. Working keeps my mind busy. I love my coworkers and residents. My boss is a nice lady. I work some double shifts, and on my days off, I hang out with friends, paint, go to the beach... I don't hear from Jack, but a friend tells me he asks about me. Wants to make sure I'm doing better then when he last saw me. God, sometimes I miss him so much I think I might explode.

     I consider joining the army again... But rule it out. I don't want to be stuck recruiting, or being a drill sergeant. I just need to keep moving forward.

     Jack lives in New York with Lauren, and I'm living in California. That makes it really handy to keep from bumping into each other. But when they release their new album, it feels like knives. I go to Walmart and pick it up.

     Pop it into the CD player for the drive home. Almost instantly, I realize the tracks all spell "Alaska". Track 1) Afternoon. Track 2) Left of the orb. 3) All hands. 4) Scathing sunlight. 5) Kill all your friends. 6) And death loves you. The last three tracks, 7) I. 8) love. 9) you. The last track, the bonus track, 10) The Sea Breaks Against.

     Every song is beautiful. Wonderful sounds. Haunting, distant lyrics. Controlled melodies. The last song comes, and I recognize it form somewhere...

     The melody I was strumming when he came to pick up his things. The track has no lyrics, just the stripped guitar and some beats. I cry a little, because im angry he stole such a personal song from me and is making cash off of it, and because I miss him so much.

     I get into my house, poor myself a big glass of wine, and pick up the phone.

     "Hello?" He says.