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rainisawriter · 1 year ago

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You’re My World (Part 2)

Synopsis: Being a Starless in a world full of soulmates was not easy for Jae, though she often told herself she didn’t need a soulmate. She hated how everyone judged her simply because she didn’t have one. At 16, she was supposed to switch places with her soulmate, but it never came, leaving her wondering if she truly was alone. At 18, the switch finally came and her life was forever changed.

Genre: Soulmate AU, fluff, angst, romance, slice of life

Prompt: Once a year, starting on your 16th birthday, soulmates swap bodies for a day if they have not met yet.

Word Count: 6,071

Point of View: First Person

A/N: Here is part 2, I hope you enjoy! I see you Denki

This was written for @lunarbuck’s Star-Crossed Lovers writing challenge to celebrate her reaching 2,000 followers ❤

You can read part 1 here.

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The boy lifted his large foot, slamming it toward my face. I cried out, just barely managing to dodge it. My eyes widened as his foot easily dented the car door that sat where I had been only seconds ago. This bitch is trying to kill me!

“W-Wait a minute!” I cried out, scrambling to my feet and backing away from him. “We can, we can talk about this. You don’t have to choose vio – !” My words died when I was grabbed from behind, an arm resting across my throat as a voice laughed in my ear.

“Lookie lookie, boss! I think the great Ken Sakamoto is scared!” His laugh was high-pitched like a witch’s cackle and it made me wince because it was right next to my ear.

The boss grinned widely as he approached, cracking his knuckles. “The time for talking ended when you jumped my brother!” His fist came into contact with my stomach again and I cried out, squeezing my eyes shut.

Never in my life have I felt that much pain before, not even when my parents threw me on the street!

“Get your filthy hands off him!”

The guy holding me was ripped back, punched so hard in the face that his lip split open. My savior was a boy that looked my age, standing a foot taller than me with a mess of brown hair and matching eyes. He sent me a scowl as he stood beside me, eyes narrowing at my attacker.

“What’s gotten into you, bro? Did you hit your head and forget how to fight or what?”

“I never knew how to fight!” I hissed, stepping back so he was closer to the big guy than I was.

His brow furrowed in confusion, eyes searching my own. Whatever he wanted to say died on his tongue as the boss darted forward, fist cocked. My savior dodged easily, punching the guy in the throat. The ground felt like it shook when he hit it.

Yeah, fuck this shit, I am out!

I turned on my heel and darted away, dodging punches and kicks as the boys continued to fight. I heard my savior rushing after me, calling out the name Ken as he did so. It was safe to say that I ignored him, running far, far away from the scrap yard. I will say one thing – my soulmate can run for days.

Apparently, so can his friend because he grabbed my shoulder, forcing me to stop. “Bro, what the hell’s gotten into you?”

“His soulmate,” I scowled, tugging my shoulder free.

“Huh?” his brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“My name is Jae and… I guess I’m this guy’s soulmate.” I motioned toward my body for emphasis. “We switched places. Why did it take so long, though?”

“Wait a minute… Starless switch places with their soulmates?!”

“Judging by your confused look, he either never got the talk or just didn’t tell you.”

“The talk? You mean…?” he made strange motions with his hands.

“Not that talk, idiot,” I sighed deeply, leaning back against a tree and sliding down. “My soulmate is a fucking delinquent. Lovely.”

The friend clicked his tongue, squatting down in front of me with his arms folded over his chest. “How do I know this isn’t some prank?”

“I don’t care if you believe me or not. Where are we?”

“In the forest outside Namaoka Scrap Yard.”

“I meant what city.”

“We’re just outside of Tokyo.”

“That explains the Japanese…”

He tilted his head to the side. “Okay then, soulmate. Where are you from?”

“Florida. It’s in the United States.”

“Hey, that’s where Ken’s father lives!”

I shifted only to wince as pain shot through my gut. “Shit, does he fight like that often?”

The boy nodded. “It’s how we spend most of our time.”

“Great…”

“How long is this switch supposed to last?”

“No clue.”

He hummed as he stood up, holding his hand out to me. “Well, I’ll just have to look after you until you switch back. My name’s Dai, by the way. I’m Ken’s best friend.”

“Nice to meet you,” I mumbled back, sliding my hand into his. He pulled me up effortlessly.

“Come on, I’ll take you back to Ken’s house.”

I started to follow him through the woods, glancing around for any sign of danger. “So, uh… how often do you guys get attacked?”

“A few times a day, usually,” he replied nonchalantly, shrugging a shoulder.

I think I liked it better when I thought I didn’t have a soulmate…

“Oh…” he paused, turning toward me with a frown. “You should probably keep this between us. The switching thing, I mean. We have a lot of enemies and if one of them found out that Ken isn’t here but his soulmate is…”

I swallowed nervously at the implication, nodding quickly. “R-Right…”

“But don’t worry!” he grinned, putting his hand on my shoulder. “As his best friend, it’s my job to keep you safe until you switch back. Now, come on. Pay attention to where we’re going, okay? I can’t be with you constantly so you need to know where his apartment is.”

“Sure…”

Ever since I was a kid, Japan has always been at the top of my list of places I want to visit before I die. I never thought I’d end up here like this, though.

Dai led me to a rundown apartment building and we climbed the stairs to the second floor, stopping at apartment 18. He glanced at me before asking, “Do you have the key?”

I patted the pockets of my jeans, finding a single key on a ring. It felt wrong to insert it into the lock because it felt like I was intruding where I shouldn’t be. As soon as I opened the door, a short woman was in my face, hands on her hips.

“Where have you been? You were supposed to be home three hours ago!”

“Uh…” I sent Dai a silent plea for help and he cleared his throat.

“Sorry, Miss Sakamoto. We were at the arcade and lost track of time.”

She looked between us and I nodded frantically. “What he said.”

The woman sighed, shaking her head. “You’re lucky it’s your birthday or you’d be getting an earful, Ken.”

“It’s his birthday?” I questioned in surprise.

She looked at me funny. “Why are you talking about yourself in the third person?”

“It’s… a new trend?” I offered, making Dai facepalm at the terrible excuse.

“Kids these days are so weird.” She clicked her tongue. “Are you staying for dinner, Dai?”

“Yes, please! I’m starving.”

“Come on, then. I’ll heat up the food.”

I waited for her to disappear into the kitchen before leaning toward Dai. “Oi, how old did Ken turn today?”

“Sixteen. Why?”

Claire’s words echoed in my mind – It begins after both soulmates turn sixteen. I guess that explains why it took so long for the switch to happen…

“How old are you?” Dai wondered.

“Eighteen.”

“Damn. Ken went and got himself an older soulmate. I’m jealous,” he pouted, making me scoff.

Ken’s mom stuck her head around the corner. “Are you two coming or not?”

“Sorry, Miss Sakamoto!” Dai rushed into the kitchen and I followed close behind.

“I made your favorite,” she smiled, setting a plate down in front of me.

It looked like fried rice, but I could smell the spice coming from it. I swallowed nervously, slowly picking up the spoon. Does our taste change when we switch? Because I can’t handle spicy food at all. I feel sick just smelling it normally. I seem to be okay, though.

“Well, go on. Eat up before it gets cold again!”

How can I when you’re sitting there staring at me? Taking a deep breath, I scooped up some of the rice and stuck it in my mouth. It was delicious and rich with flavor, but oh so hot. I winced as the spice invaded my tongue. I forced myself to swallow only to start coughing, quickly grabbing a glass of water and downing half the contents.

She scowled at me, arms folded over her chest. “You’re acting so strange today. Did you start taking drugs or something, huh? Do you want me to kill you? You think I won’t, huh?”

I tried to speak but just ended up coughing more.

Dai bit his lip, looking between us. “I promise he’s not on drugs. He’s just… having a hard time lately… because of his soulmate!”

I quickly pointed at him, nodding in agreement.

Her expression fell as she sat down across from me. “You can’t give up hope, Ken. She’s out there, you just have to find her. I know things haven’t been easy. I know you’ve been struggling with being a Starless and with our divorce, but you can’t give up like we did.”

My eyes widened in surprise, my lips parting to question what she meant but the sadness in her eyes made the words die on my tongue.

“You better wash your plates when you’re done,” she smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ve got to get ready for work.”

I watched her leave the kitchen with a frown before turning to Dai. “I have so many questions…”

“Wait ’til she leaves and I’ll answer them,” he told me before finishing off his food. “Are you gonna eat that?”

I slid the plate over to him, not having much of an appetite.

After his mom left for work, Dai and I headed into Ken’s room. I expected it to be a mess with clothes strewn across the floor and random items lying in random places, but I was surprised by how clean it was. I mean, it wasn’t spotless or sparkling, but it was tidy. There wasn’t much in his room, either. The double bed sat in the corner, the foot of the bed resting just under the window. Across from it was his closet, and a small wooden desk sat at the foot of the bed, a stack of books on the edge.

There was movement from the corner of my eye and I turned, eyes widening. Sitting against the wall near the door was a large glass tank, inside of which was a large snake. How the hell was that the last thing I noticed?

“He can’t get out of the tank on his own, so he can’t hurt you,” commented Dai as he flopped onto the bed. “Please don’t scream.”

“Why would I scream?” I inquired, leaning toward the tank to get a better look at him. I’m no expert on snakes, but he looked like a ball python.

“Girls always scream when they see Kiku.”

“How many girls have seen him?” I straightened my back, eyes snapping to him. I was surprised by how jealous and aggressive I sounded at the thought of other girls being in his bedroom. Dai didn’t seem to notice, though, as he grabbed some manga off the shelf and started to read it.

“Just a couple girls from our class. We had a study project together and they screamed like Sadako was after them when they saw him.”

I leaned toward the glass again. Kiku was peeking his head out from the tree-like structure that sat in the corner of the tank. He flicked his tongue out a few times, lifting his head. “Can I hold him?”

“Seriously?” Dai sat up, looking at me in surprise. “Wow, you’re a weird girl.”

“Gee, thanks,” I rolled my eyes. “So? Can I hold him or not?”

He hummed, setting the book on the bed before approaching me. He carefully lifted the lid before reaching in and gently picking up the reptile. He curled around the boy’s wrist, watching me curiously. “Here.”

When he held the snake out toward me, I slowly reached for him but Kiku backed away, hiding around Dai’s arm.

“That’s weird,” Dai frowned. “He’s never pulled away from Ken like that. He even comes when he calls him!”

“It’s okay, little guy,” I called softly, holding my hand out like I would with a stray cat. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”

“Do you think he knows?”

“Knows what?”

“That you’re not Ken.”

“I dunno. Maybe.”

Kiku slowly lifted his head, tongue flicking out a few times before he started to move toward my hand. As soon as his neck touched my fingers, he backed away, hesitated a moment, and then moved forward. His body felt strange against my skin, but it wasn’t an unpleasant experience. I smiled softly, running the tip of my finger over his head.

“Such a cutie,” I smiled, cradling him to my chest. “I’ve always wanted a pet snake.”

“Why didn’t you get one, then?”

“My parents hate snakes and then Blaise -” I stopped dead, not wanting to divulge too much information. I cleared my throat. “Will you tell me about Ken’s parents? Are they not soulmates?”

Dai rubbed the back of his head, shrugging a shoulder. “They were supposed to be. I’m not really sure what happened, Ken doesn’t like to talk about it. All I know is that they got divorced.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of soulmates getting divorced…”

“It’s pretty rare.”

“There’s a lot we still don’t know about soulmates,” I sighed, settling down on the side of the bed.

“For real,” he muttered, shaking his head as he sat beside me. “My soulmate is terrible, I can’t stand her.”

“Really?” I frowned at him.

“We’re taught that our soulmates are made for us, that they’re half of our soul.” He leaned back, hands folded behind his head and eyes closed. “For most people, that’s true, I guess. Or maybe it just becomes true after they force themselves to believe it for so long. There are a few people who break the norm, though.”

I turned my attention to Kiku as he curled around my wrist. I finally found my soulmate but I never stopped to consider that, even though we’re soulmates, we may not like each other. All my life, I’ve seen the people around me find their soulmates and they always seemed so happy. They talked about how it felt as if they were whole now. I guess it makes sense that people might fall from the norm of soulmates when Starless exists.

I guess even the universe can make mistakes.

“Dai?”

“Hm?”

“Do you… think we’d get along?”

“Me and you? Yeah, you seem cool.”

“No. I meant me and Ken. Do you think we’d be one of those rare cases where we hate each other?”

Dai propped his head up against his hand and hummed thoughtfully. “No idea. Knowing Ken, he’ll act like he doesn’t like you even if he does. He’s a total tsundere.”

As an avid anime watcher, I knew what the term meant; he’ll act rude and cold toward people but, deep down, he’s actually really kind and caring. It’s basically like carrying around a shield to protect yourself from being hurt.

“He pretended to be happy when he didn’t find his soulmate, but I knew it really hurt him. I bet he’s gonna be really happy knowing he finally found you.”

“Eh, I’m not too sure he’s gonna be happy…”

“Why’s that?” he quirked a brow and I smirked.

“I started my period this morning.”

“Oh my god,” he snorted, his face flickering between disgusted and amused. “Rest in peace, brother.”

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It’s been three days since I switched with Ken and I was getting tired of it. His mom, bless her, kept feeding me the spiciest food in the world and I felt too bad to tell her I hated it. Worse than that, people were constantly trying to fight me. It didn’t matter where we were or what time it was, and most of them resorted to using weapons.

Even at school, I wasn’t safe. The school was rundown, covered with graffiti, and full of delinquents. The teachers didn’t get paid enough to care about what the students were doing so they didn’t try to stop them when they started fighting.

Dai did his best to look after me, but it was difficult when they usually attacked us in groups. I was getting pretty good at dodging and running away, though!

“Come here, you bastard!”

I cried out, jumping to the side as a fist came down against the locker where my head had been only a few seconds ago. “Seek therapy! Anger management will do wonders for you!”

“Shut up!” he gritted his teeth, eyes flashing with anger as he rushed after me.

I cursed for not being able to keep my mouth shut, turning on my heel and darting down the hallway, dodging students as I went. Damn it, Dai, why did you choose now to go to the bathroom?! A hand grabbed the back of my neck, a gasp of surprise passing my lips.

“Gotcha, asshole!” He grinned, throwing me back against the lockers.

The wind was knocked from my lungs, my head spinning from the contact.

“I don’t know why you’re being so damn passive.” His fist found my gut, making me grunt in pain. I leaned forward, grabbing my stomach. His hand fisted around the collar of my shirt, lifting me up and pinning me to the locker. “But it’s pissing me off! Fight back, Sakamoto!”

“When Ken comes back, I hope he beats the shit out of you,” I spat, trying to push him away.

“What?” he scowled, brow furrowed. “The hell are you talkin�� about?”

“Bobo!” Dai came running down the hall, kicking the guy in the side of the head, sending him flying down the hall.

My feet hit the floor but I didn’t have the strength to stay standing, falling to my knees. How the hell does Ken deal with this kind of pain every feckin’ day? He’s a damn psychopath.

“Oi, are you okay?” Dai sent me a worried look, putting himself between me and Bobo who was slowly pulling himself to his feet.

“Peachy,” I muttered.

“Get to the classroom. I’ll deal with Bobo.”

He didn’t have to tell me twice. I winced as I pulled myself to my feet, clutching my stomach as I started down the hall, my hand on the wall for support. I heard them begin fighting, yelling obscenities at each other, but I ignored it. Honestly, I was tempted to just skip school and –

“Jae!”

I turned, eyes widening as I saw Bobo rushing toward me. He raised his arm above his hand, the lights glinting off of the blade of the switchblade he was holding. My eyes screwed shut as I waited for the knife to pierce my skin.

Several minutes passed by and I felt nothing. I slowly peeled my eyes open but Bobo was gone. I blinked dumbly, glancing around at my surroundings. I wasn’t in the school anymore, I was in the same park I had gone to when I ran away from Blaise. On instinct, my hand flew to my chest to confirm that I was, in fact, back in my own damn body.

“Oh, thank the gods,” I muttered, leaning against the swing. Relief flooded me, but it didn’t last long. I realized that Ken didn’t know what he was being pulled into. He was going to get stabbed! Fear gripped my heart and I started to pace worriedly.

Was I going to lose my soulmate? Would I know if he died?

“Calm down,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. “He’s a delinquent that’s been in hundreds of fights. He’s probably been stabbed before… right?” I swallowed hard, trying to focus. Maybe I could feel his energy or something. Soulmates are supposed to have a strong connection, so maybe we can communicate even if we’re not near each other.

I sat on the swing, closing my eyes and holding my fingers to my temples. ‘Ken, if you can sense me please give me a sign that you’re okay.’

The night remained silent.

“Damn it,” I muttered, scowling at the ground. “Of course, it wouldn’t work. This isn’t a damn anime.”

Thunder rumbled softly overhead, clouds hiding the stars.

I sighed as I stood up, starting toward Blaise’s apartment. The thought of seeing him again and being able to sleep in my own bed did lift my spirits a bit. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ken, though. I haven’t even officially met him but I already feel so connected to him. I just want to protect him and make him happy…

Is this what it means to be with your soulmate? It was hard enough worrying about myself, now I got a reckless soulmate to worry about.

“I’m home,” I called out when I stepped into the apartment. I was met with silence. “Blaise?” I headed straight to my room, falling onto my bed with a relieved sigh. Oh, how I’ve missed my plush comforter with its cute cat and llama pattern. My relief didn’t last as I thought about Ken again. ‘Please be okay.’

The door opened and closed loudly and heavy footsteps headed down the hall. I lifted my head just as the door slammed open. Blaise stood in the doorway, a scowl on his face and eyes narrowed.

I pushed myself up, smiling at him. “Hey -“

“What did I tell you, huh?” he snapped angrily. “I told you to stop disappearing in Jae’s body! I don’t trust you for a second and I’m tired of you running off every time I turn around! This is my house and you’ll follow my rules!”

My eyes widened in shock. I’ve never heard him sound so angry before and he’s definitely never fallen into his fatherly role quite as hard as he just had. “Jeez, Ken must have been a real pain in the ass for you, huh?”

His brow furrowed, eyes softening. “Jae?”

I nodded, offering a sheepish grin. “I’m home.”

“Oh, thank the gods,” he muttered, throwing his arms around me. “I was beginning to think you were never coming back!”

“Me, too.”

“Your soulmate is insufferable!”

I chuckled, patting him on the back. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

“You, first.”

We headed into the kitchen to get some tea and I told him everything that had happened. He was shocked for multiple reasons, but I believe he was most shocked about Ken’s parent’s divorce. Like me, he had never heard of soulmates getting divorced or not liking each other. I think it might have reminded him of his own situation. I still felt guilty about it despite him telling me it wasn’t my fault.

I rubbed my thumb over the condensation of the glass, frowning at the brown liquid within. “Do you think he’s okay?”

Blaise clicked his tongue as he sat back in the chair, folding his arms and crossing his legs. “Considering how he acts, I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t the first time. I can’t believe he put you at risk like that!”

“It’s not like he did it on purpose. There’s no way he could have known we were gonna switch, especially for so long.”

He observed me for a moment. “I’m sure he’s fine, Jae. You should have gotten his number, though.”

“He doesn’t have a phone. Neither does Dai.”

“Well, we need to figure out some way to communicate. I don’t like not knowing that you’re okay…”

I smiled warmly at him. “You’re a good dad, Blaise.”

His eyes widened, cheeks dusting with pink at the comment. He fumbled over his words for a moment before he was able to ask, “You really think so?”

“I know so.”

“Thank you…” he smiled back. Both of us chose to ignore how watery his eyes became.

━━━━━━༻December 5th, 20 years old༺━━━━━━

I stifled a yawn as I entered the back of the store, searching for the box of snowmen lights. It was our most popular seller this year, flying off the shelves. We finally got them back in stock today and there’s a line of people waiting for them. Thankfully, I don’t work the registers so I don’t have to deal with them. All I have to do is put the items back on the shelf.

I grunted as I picked up the large cardboard box, readjusting my grip so I didn’t drop it. I didn’t expect a crowd of people standing outside the swing doors and I certainly didn’t expect them to grab the box from my hand. I blinked dumbly at the crowd as they argued over the lights, snatching them from each other.

My co-worker, a tiny boy named Carl, stepped closer to me with fear in his eyes. “Should we… stop them?”

“I don’t get paid enough for that. Do you?” I quirked a brow at him and he bit his lip, clearly having an internal debate with himself.

Finally, he shook his head. “I don’t.”

I patted him on the back. “Good man. Now, come help me restock the soda aisle.”

“Okay!”

I could see the relief on his face as he turned and headed into the safety of the back. Because of his shy demeanor, he had a hard time dealing with pushy and rude customers so I knew he’s been having a really hard time lately. The holiday season makes everyone nuts.

As I loaded the boxes of soda into the cart, I couldn’t help but think about Ken. We’ve already switched this year so it wouldn’t be happening again anytime soon. I felt overwhelmed by this sense of longing to be with him. I wanted to spend Christmas with him, to get to know him. I want to hear his voice and hear about his day.

More importantly, I wondered if he felt the same. Did he want to meet me? To spend time with me and learn more about me? I was working my ass off to save enough money to go to Japan to visit him, but I was also afraid. What if, when we finally meet, the rose-tinted glasses are shattered? What if we hate each other? I can’t be sure, but I believe he’s probably worried about that, too, because of his parents.

When my work day finally came to an end, I released a relieved sigh. I came way too close to punching a few people today and I didn’t want to lose my job. Unlike most places, the seasonal position at this supermarket actually pays pretty well so I can save money for the trip and help Blaise with the bills. I guess it probably helps that I have another job, too.

Blaise tried to get me to go to college but I refused. I doubt I’d do well there as I was barely an average student in high school, plus college is super expensive. I’d much rather work so I can help repay him for all that he’s done for me. He constantly tells me it’s not needed, and that he was happy to raise me, but I know he feels happy that I’m willing to help. I’m sure it makes him feel like he raised me right.

As I was walking down the street toward our apartment, I paused and lifted my head back. The sky was covered by light gray clouds, the sun nowhere in sight. Our winters here in Florida weren’t very cold at all and we certainly didn’t see snow. I’ve always wanted to see it in real life, though. Maybe the next time we switch, it’ll be snowing in Tokyo and I can experience it for the first time.

Though… I’d prefer it if I was able to experience it for the first time with him rather than as him.

━━━━━━༻December 24th༺━━━━━━

Blaise kept glancing at me as he made breakfast, acting fidgety and often dropping things or knocking them over. He’s been acting weird for several days, steadily getting worse as Christmas approached. I had no idea why, but it was starting to worry me.

He was obviously hiding something, something that he wasn’t sure about if his nervous demeanor was anything to go on. Naturally, I did what any sane, rational human being would – I started imagining the worst possible scenarios.

Did he get fired from his job? Were we being evicted from the apartment? Was he tired of me being in his space and wanted me to move out? Had something happened to my brother? My parents? Was a meteor heading straight for Earth and would wipe out humanity as we know it once it hits, turning everyone into strange animal-like creatures with an endless hunger?

A million thoughts ran through my head that day, none of them positive. And though they were all improbable, they weren’t impossible. Okay, maybe the comet thing wasn’t quite as possible as the others, but it could still happen!

“Blaise,” I scowled as the coffee cup slipped from his hands again, bouncing around the sink as if it were made of rubber rather than ceramic.

He offered me a sheepish smile. “Sorry, the soap is making it really slippery…”

“Bullshit,” I scoffed, folding my arms over my chest. “What’s going on, man? You’ve been acting weird lately.”

He frowned, rinsing the soap off the cup before turning to me. “The truth is… my manager invited us over for dinner and I’m super nervous because what if I mess up or say the wrong thing and he fires me on the spot or what if he realizes I have the table manners of a chimpanzee and he’s disgusted by me or what if -“

“Blaise, breathe!” I took him by the shoulders, forcing him to meet my eyes. “Deep breaths, in and out.”

Closing his eyes, he did as he was told until he started to feel calm. “I’m sorry, I’m just really nervous about it.”

“Just be yourself. He’s gonna love you.”

“I really hope so. This is my chance to get a promotion! We can finally move out of this apartment.”

I hummed, glancing around the kitchen. The wallpaper was faded, peeling in several places. The ceiling had dark spots dotted across it and the floor was uneven, the tile sticking up in several places. The metal covers over the outlets were rusted to hell and sparked every time something was plugged in. It was a cheap, shitty apartment, but… it had been my home for almost nine years now.

How many times had I complained about this place? How many times did I wish we could leave and get a place of our own? Thinking about leaving now, though… it almost felt wrong. If that’s what Blaise wanted, though, I wouldn’t complain. I would help him reach his goal because he deserves to live in a place without all these problems. He deserves to be happy.

I squeezed his shoulders, offering him an encouraging smile. “You’re gonna win him over easily.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course,” I told him before jokingly adding, “Just make sure you don’t get caught sneaking some of that food home. I don’t want ramen for Christmas.”

“You’re coming with me, idiot,” he poked me in the forehead with a snicker. “He told me to bring my family, so you’re coming. Don’t even try and worm your way out of it!”

I scowled, scratching my cheek. “Is it, like… a rich party? Like in the movies where everyone is dressed nicely and everyone acts proper and it’s uncomfortable as hell?”

“I don’t know, honestly. I’m worried about that, too,” he admitted with a frown. “He said it’s just going to be a small gathering for dinner.”

“I am not wearing a dress. I’d rather die.”

Blaise laughed, not the least bit surprised by this. “I would never force you to. I’ll ask him if we should be dressing casually or not.”

“Do you even own a suit?”

“…”

“That’s a no,” I snickered. “I think Kevin has a couple, but I don’t know how well they’d fit us.”

“I am not wearing anything that man has already worn,” scowled Blaise, leaning back against the counter. “That man is messy as hell.”

“Fair point.”

“Besides, I feel like a suit for Christmas dinner would be a bit much, don’t you?”

“Absolutely, but the CEO is rich, right? Rich people are whack.”

“He’s the manager, not the CEO.”

“Same thing.”

“Those are two completely different things, Jae.”

“Eh. Tomato, potato.”

“Those are two completely different things, Jae!”

I snickered at his frustration, grabbing my bag off the counter. “I’m off to work, mom. Don’t drop any more cups!”

“Be safe, brat!”

“Always!”

When I got to the store, I found myself wishing that I had called in sick because it was pure fucking chaos. People were scrambling through the store to get last-minute gifts and ingredients that they had forgotten for dinner. The store was packed. I’m talking like sardines-in-a-can packed.

“Excuse me,” I called out as I tried to squeeze my way through the crowd toward the back of the store. I felt as if I was fighting against ocean waves! As soon as I made any progress, they would move as a group, carrying me back the way I had come.

A fight broke out to my right, two women arguing over the last toaster which led to them exchanging blows. The worst part is that a young child was standing only a few feet away, looking terrified by the insanity happening around her.

I seriously wanted to kill my fucking manager. Why did he think being open on Christmas Eve was a good idea? Probably because we’re the only store that is open in the area, so it’s giving the store quite a bit of extra cash. I think he’s gonna have to use that extra cash to fix the damage, though. They had no qualms about trashing the store or breaking things. I’m not sure what it was, but I could hear glass shattering in the distance followed by angry yelling.

I finally made it to the back, officially five minutes late for my shift. I tried to push the doors open, but they wouldn’t budge. What the hell? These doors don’t have locks on them. Are they stuck? I tried again, pushing my shoulder against them to no avail.

“Oi, is someone in there?” I called out, knocking on the door with my fist. “Only employees are allowed back there. You will be escorted off the property!” I heard the sound of boxes scraping across the floor before the door was cracked open.

A hand grabbed my wrist, tugging me inside before the boxes were moved back into place. Several of the employees were huddled back here, hiding behind boxes or peering through the small crack between the door and the wall.

Carl was the one who grabbed me, eyes shimmering with fear. “A-Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Are all of you okay?” I inquired, scanning the employees. They reminded me of scared little dear frozen in place. These guys are definitely not equipped to handle this insanity.

“What do we do?” Carl asked, his voice trembling. “T-They’re going crazy!”

As if to prove his point, there was a loud crash on the other side of the doors, making him jump in surprise. I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Where’s Bob?”

“He went home a few hours a-ago…”

Of course, he did. He’s the one that decided this was a good idea but he dipped before shit hit the fan. “Call the cops, tell them what’s happening. Stay in here until they arrive.”

“You can’t go out there!” Carl grabbed my arm to keep me in place, his large eyes widening. “They’ll eat you alive!”

Honestly, I don’t really feel afraid of a bunch of middle-aged women fighting over appliances. After switching with Ken so many times and getting caught up in his fights, these guys are like chihuahuas in comparison.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Just stay here, okay?” I ruffled his hair, offering him an encouraging smile before turning to leave. The sound I had heard a moment ago was the shelf being pushed over, hundreds of cans falling onto the floor. We’re gonna have to discount them now because the cans are dented.

I pushed my way toward the front of the store, picking the phone up off the wall. The speakers whined with feedback before my voice boomed across the store. “Attention shoppers, the store is now closing. If you’re not already in line, please drop any items you’ve picked up and leave the store in a calm manner.”

The yelling increased, now directed toward me.

I scowled at them, eyes narrowed. “Don’t act surprised, you did this to yourselves. The police will be here soon to escort you out if you don’t leave on your own.” I slammed the phone back down before taking a deep breath and heading into the crowd, directing them toward the front of the store.

Most of the customers just sent me dirty looks before doing as they were told. Others weren’t quite so easy, though.

“The store is closing,” I repeated loudly, having to raise my voice to be heard over the chaos. “Please drop your items and exit the store immediately!”

A chubby woman scoffed at me, carrying a hot plate box under her arm. “Who do you think you are, huh? You’re supposed to be open until midnight! This is a joke.”

“The only joke here is that grown-ass adults are fighting over damn toasters like five-year-olds who haven’t seen a toy in their entire life.”

Anger flashed through her eyes. “You disrespectful brat! I am the customer and I am always right, don’t you know that? Did they teach you nothing about respecting your elders, huh?”

I scowled at her, arms folded over my chest. “I’m a firm believer that respect is earned, not freely given. You don’t get my respect simply because you were born first and I certainly don’t respect people who act like you are. Now, please put the hot plate down and exit the store.”

The woman moved closer, getting in my face. “If you want it, take it, brat.”

I exhaled sharply through my nose. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I won’t be the one taking it from you, the cops will be. Now get out of my face.”

“Make me.”

I scoffed, looking at her in disbelief. “You’re an actual child, oh my god.” Shaking my head, I turned and started to walk away but she grabbed my shoulder, fingers digging into my skin.

“Don’t you walk away from me!”

“Let go!” I snapped, reaching the end of my rope quickly. I slapped her hand away and she dropped the hot plate on the floor, lunging at me. I jumped to the side, watching as she dove head-first into a display of candy.

If things were in chaos before, it was absolute pandemonium after that. Everyone started to fight each other, stealing items from them before darting from the store despite the security guard trying to stop them. Objects were being thrown across the store or used as weapons. Damn it, where the hell are the cops?

I knew trying to stop this wasn’t worth the time, the effort, or the danger, but when I saw someone stuffing a bunch of video games into their bag, I acted on instinct. I rushed toward them, grabbing the strap of his bag.

“Put those games back,” I growled. “What the hell is wrong with -“

There was a sharp pain across the back of my skull. The sounds around me became muffled and my vision blurred, my grip loosening on the bag. He ripped it from me before darting out the doors. I felt someone shove me from behind and, already feeling lightheaded, I couldn’t catch my footing. I threw my hands out to brace my fall, my cheek hitting the corner of the shelf before I hit the floor. I could feel a sharp sting on my cheek, blood trickling down my skin. My hands had landed on shattered glass, the pieces piercing my skin.

“Shit,” I muttered, closing my eyes as I tried to gather myself.

“Everyone get on the ground! Now!”

Relief flooded me when the cops entered the store, their weapons drawn as they got a hold of the situation. I turned over, leaning my back against the shelf and looking at my hands. The cuts were small, tiny pieces of glass sticking out from them. The back of my skull was throbbing but there was no blood when I reached my hand back to check.

“Jae!” Carl rushed over to me, kneeling down beside me. “Are you okay? O-Oh my god, your cheek is bleeding!”

“It’s just a scratch,” I told him, wiping my cheek with the back of my hand. It was covered in blood when I pulled it back.

“It looks deep…”

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry,” I forced a smile, ruffling his hair. The truth was that my head was killing me and my vision was still a bit blurry. All I wanted to do was sleep. I might have a concussion, shit.

Carl bit his lip, eyes flickering to the cops as they rounded up the crowd, ushering them out of the store. I knew what he was thinking so I grabbed his arm to stop him.

“I don’t need an ambulance,” I muttered, tugging my phone from my pocket. “Call Blaise. He’ll take me to the hospital to get checked out.”

“O-Okay!” he fumbled with my phone because his hands were trembling.

While he explained the situation, I leaned my head back against the shelf. The bread was soft against my head, acting like a pillow. I knew I needed to keep my eyes open but they were so heavy and I was so tired. A few seconds won’t hurt…

Slap.

My eyes widened as pain exploded across my other cheek, both of them now stinging for different reasons. I blinked a few times, my brain slowly processing what had happened.

“O-Oh my god, I’m so-so sorry!” cried Carl, tears gathering in his eyes. “It’s just, i-if you have a concussion, you need to-to stay awake!”

I brought my hand up to my cheek, feeling the warm skin beneath my hand. I still felt tired but I was much more awake now. “You have one hell of a backhand, Carl.”

“I’m sorry!”

━━━━━━༻December 25th༺━━━━━━

“Are you ready to go?”

I glanced over at Blaise with a frown, stuffing my hands into the pocket of my hoodie. I wasn’t ready at all. “Sure.”

I was still sore from the incident at the store, my cheek and hands bandaged up tight. I wasn’t sure why, but I just felt super moody today, despite the fact that it was Christmas night. I just felt so tired, like my energy had been drained from me. Despite the cheer that surrounded me, I couldn’t stop thinking about Ken. My heart yearned for him and it was beginning to hurt deeply being away from him. No matter what I did to distract myself, my mind kept returning to him.

I slid into the passenger seat of Blaise’s car, running a hand through my short hair only to wince when my fingers grazed the back of my skull. It was still tender from where I had been hit.

Blaise frowned at me as he slid into the driver’s seat. “Are you sure you’re feeling up for this? You don’t have to go.”

My lips parted to tell him that I was fine, but I couldn’t get them to come. “Actually… can I stay home? I’m really not feeling well and I don’t want to cause a scene.”

“Of course! I’ll call him and let him know we’re not coming.”

“Wait, no,” I put my hand on his arm before he could dial the number. “You should go.”

“You want me to leave you here alone?” his brow furrowed, a frown tugging at his lips. “Rae -“

“I promise, I’ll be fine. I’m just gonna lay down and watch a movie.”

For a moment, Blaise just watched me, clearly having an internal debate with himself. “Promise me you’ll call if anything happens?”

“I promise.”

“Alright…”

I offered him a tired smile, pecking his cheek before sliding out of the car and heading back inside the apartment. It was true that I wasn’t feeling good, my injuries still fresh, but more than anything, I just felt sad. I had no reason to feel this way. Sure, things in my life weren’t perfect, but I had Blaise and my brother at my side. I also had Haru and Dylan. I was surrounded by people who love me, yet I had never felt quite so alone before.

I fell onto the couch, fighting back tears as I stared at the black screen of the TV. My heart was aching something fierce inside my chest and I had no idea how to stop it.

“Damn it,” I cursed, rubbing at my eyes as the tears slid down my cheeks. “Get it together, Jae!”

I flicked on the TV, finding a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon playing. It was one of my favorite movies and I felt confident that it would help cheer me up so I curled up on the couch with a blanket and turned up the volume. Unsurprisingly, I got lost in the film, despite having seen it many times before. I forgot all about Christmas, my injuries, and the aching of my heart.

As I started on the second movie, I found my eyes growing heavy and it wasn’t long before I was out cold.

━━━━━━༻❀༺━━━━━━

Fingers danced gently across my face, stirring me from sleep. I could sense someone sitting on the couch beside me and I assumed it was Blaise. I didn’t open my eyes as I shifted, stifling a yawn.

“How was dinner?” I mumbled, readjusting my arm so I could use it as a pillow.

“It was terrible because you weren’t there.” The voice didn’t belong to Blaise and it was heavily accented as if English wasn’t his first language.

My body tensed up realizing that a stranger was in the apartment, my eyes snapping open. As soon as our gazes met, all panic left my body, a sense of calm washing over me. It was the same face I had seen staring back at me in the mirror during our switches.

“Ken?” I whispered, my heart skipping a beat when I spoke his name. Was I dreaming?

Ken nodded, looking a bit awkward and shy. “We finally get to meet, huh?”

I hesitantly reached forward, resting my hand on his cheek. His skin warmed up beneath my palm, his gaze dropping to the floor. Without a second of hesitation, I threw my arms around his neck, hugging him as tightly as I could. He didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around my waist, exhaling against my neck.

“How…?” I breathed out. “How are you here?”

“My old man is your brother’s boss,” he replied, gently pushing me back so he could see my face. A frown tugged at his lips as he gazed at the bandage on my cheek. “He told me what happened.”

“Ah, yeah… it was a mess,” I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck.

“I would have killed them all,” he muttered, resting his hand over the bandage, his eyes darkening. “No one is allowed to touch you.”

I couldn’t fight the smile that overtook my face, my hand resting over his own. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Sorry it took me so long.”

“Me too. I was saving up to come see you, but… tickets are kind of expensive.”

Ken chuckled. “You don’t have to worry about that now. I’m here.”

“Are you staying?”

“Yeah. I moved in with my old man.”

My eyes widened at the information, tears prickling at my eyes. I felt overwhelmed with emotion.

“Hey, don’t cry!”

“I’m sorry, I just…” I wiped at my eyes but the tears wouldn’t stop.

Ken leaned closer, moving my hands out of the way. We stared at each other for a few seconds before he leaned closer, his lips pressing against my own. Every nerve in my body came alive as I kissed him back, fingers curling around his t-shirt. For the first time in my life, I felt complete. I felt whole.

I refused to pull away until my lungs were burning, screaming for air. Even then, we stayed close, our foreheads pressed together as we caught our breath. “Ken, I… I love you.”

His lips brushed mine again, his hands resting on either side of my neck. “I love you, too. I won’t ever leave you, Jae.”

“As if I’d let you,” I joked, earning a chuckle from him before our lips met again. I threw my arms around his neck, leaning back until I was lying on the couch again, him hovering over me. I felt so happy that it felt as if my heart was going to explode and I was more than happy to allow it.

“Hey, did she wake up yet – holy shit!”

We broke apart, lifting up to peer over the back of the couch. Dai was standing in the hallway, his eyes wide and face tinted pink.

“Dai?” I called out in surprise. “You’re here, too?”

He nodded, looking away as he scratched his cheek. “Of course! Ken would be lost without me.”

Ken scoffed, muttering under his breath, “As if. He’d be lost without me.”

He cleared his throat. “Sorry to interrupt. I’ll just go back to the kitchen now.”

I chuckled as he turned on his heel and darted back down the hall. “A double Christmas gift, hm?”

He pouted at me. “You better be happier about me being here than him.”

“Of course I am. You’re my beautiful soulmate, after all~”

“I’m not beautiful, baka,” he muttered, his cheeks darkening.

My hand found his cheek, thumb rubbing gently across his skin. “You’re beautiful to me.”

“I’ll give you a pass because it’s Christmas.”

“Sure, sure.” My lips twitched upward as I shifted on the couch, making room for him to slide in beside me. “Cuddle with me?”

Ken hummed as he slipped in beside me, his arms wrapping around me and pulling me closer. His lips pressed against my forehead. “You’re my world, baby.”

“And you’re mine.”

━━━━━━༻❀༺━━━━━━

#writeblr #soulmate au #star-crossed lovers #soulmates #writing #writing challenge #fiction #writing community

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k-dramaramattv · 1 year ago

Text

Chapter 2: Getting to Sleep

"Read my note yet?" His voice was just as sweet coming out as it was within my ears, flowing through me. My eyes darted towards the face, seeing him again. He was in my class. I stared at his face, watching the smile stretch across his face, and his fingers moved across my hand. I looked down and instinctively pulled back.

"No, what note?" I asked, taking a step back now to be a little more balanced and looking him over. He had completely made himself comfortable and was watching me intently with his eyes. His eyes, what were they? I watched him reach out an arm, and the next thing I knew, he pulled me closer to him. My breathing stopped, and my body lurched towards him before he started reaching over me. He began opening the flap of my bag, taking out the note, and handing it to me.

"This one. You can read it now or not." He said, placing it in my hand before turning to pick up my phone next. He placed my phone on top of my hand and waved me off. "I guess I will find out." He said, laughing awkwardly, and I could not move. Why can't I move? I watched him laugh, the way his teeth showed, and how his voice still echoed in my ears.

"Unnie, we're going to be late for lunch." I felt her hands land on my shoulders.

I'm moving now; my legs are working, but my eyes are stuck. I can see, but he was the only thing that stayed in my vision. It was as if he was painted into my eyes. His eyes, his hair, his mouth, there was something about it. I felt my legs move, but it was like a dream trance I was stuck in. The moment that the fresh fall air hit my face, it was as if I woke up. His face vanished, my body had control of itself, and everything was normal.

"What was that?" I looked towards Minji, and she had such a sly look on her face. "Do you know him? Are you guys dating?" She teased a little, and I shook my head.

"No, I just- I just met him today." I let out a breath of release and fixed my hair. "So, lunch, where is the cafe?" I tried changing the subject, and placing my phone and note in my back pocket.

"Sure," She began moving towards the right side of campus. I actually have never gone to that side of campus. This was one thing about the university. I enjoyed not having to trek across the campus since my classes were all in a general area.

We continued our walk, and I knew she was going to continue to bring him up, but I did not know when. She continued talking, asking me about my favorite music to study and places I enjoyed studying. It was not long before she was trying to schedule time for us to study together, and somehow, I found myself agreeing. She was enjoyable to be around, and her free-spirited energy was something I felt like I needed.

After a few minutes of just walking and talking, I found myself next to this little petite cafe. They had cute little booths you could sit on. We walked through the door, and I smelled coffee, pastries, and little sandwiches all through the building. I could hear my stomach growling, and she would hear it like an alarm, taking the initiative to move quickly to the front counter.

"2 coffee lattes and 2 Gilgeori sanwiches." She ordered, taking out her wallet and pulling a card out to pay. I smiled as she looked back at me. "Is this okay? I'm sorry I didn't ask what you wanted. I figured we might just have the same taste." She said.

"No, it's fine. I actually like them." I encouraged her and stood closer to her. "Next time, Unnie will pay."

I began grabbing the coffees as they came one by one, and she took ahold of the sandwiches, scanning the room and looking for the perfect booth. She chose the one closest to the window, and I found myself walking step by step behind her. She sat down excitedly, ready to eat. She picked up her first slice of sandwich before I could even sit down. Her face went into the longest side of its triangle shape before pulling back and revealing her first bite. I pushed the coffee forward to her and looked my sandwich over before taking a bite from the corner.

"So, what's his name?" She asked, her mouth showing remnants of the food in the corners of her smile.

"I honestly don't know. I met him in my lecture this morning." I told her, taking one bite.

"Wait, you met him this morning? Do you two have classes together? Wow." She looked so impressed, turning her head to think more. "What does the note say?"

"I haven't read it yet." I laid the sandwich on my plate so I could take a drink of the coffee.

"Do you think he's cute? Maybe he is into you." She nudged my foot a little under the booth, and I looked up at her.

"I-I don't know," I said shyly, thinking about how I treated him this morning. I tend to believe that it does not take long for people to not like me if they're around me long enough. I always come off as abrasive, and I can't help what my face looks like when resting sometimes.

"I think he does." She spoke very low and took another bite. "I mean, it looked like you guys had met before." I listened to her words, thinking. Did I know him? Had I never noticed someone who was around me? I guess it could be possible, especially since I hadn't noticed Minji, but she was different. I am sure that this guy, no, I haven't met him before. The more her words repeated in my head, the more I wanted to look at the note. I tried to push the thought at the back of my head, placing the sandwich to my lips and preparing to take another bite.

"How did you know you wanted to do Psychology?" I wanted to change the subject. It was getting hard to keep up with the day already, and the last thing I wanted was more complicated matters.

She would go on a small tangent, talking about how she wanted to help others from when she was a kid. Her face would light up as she continued to talk and express how much love she had for the field. It was refreshing talking to someone who knew what they wanted to do. She was even younger than me and knew what would make her happy. She shared all this enthusiastic passion she had, and it was a nice energy to be surrounded by. I found myself smiling more and talking more. This was something that I felt like I had not done in a while.

"You are really cool," I told her as I pushed my empty plate forward and took the coffee in hand.

"Not as cool as you." She smiled and then looked down at her watch. "Time to go. What's your next class?" She asked, standing up and placing her bag on her left shoulder.

"Just two seminars. What about you?" She nodded her head in understanding and thought to herself for a bit.

"Geography and Anthropology." She said and let out a shudder. "Ohh, sometimes I don't like it, but now I can look forward to it. I don't have to graduate alone. We'll be together." She grabbed my arm, and together, we walked out of the cafe.

It was kind of nice to make plans with her and think about graduation for the first time. I hadn't even thought about the possibility of graduating. I didn't plan to fully graduate. I had always thought about enrolling back after I had figured out what it was that I really wanted to do. I heard both of our laughs together, and maybe it wasn't bad to meet someone new every once in a while.

We walked back to the middle of the campus, and I waved her off as she went off into the distance. I still could not believe that I had made a new friend. All 4 years of university, I tried to stay focused and limit any distractions for my future sake. The only difference now is maybe she is influential enough. Maybe I will think of something I want to do. I watched the back of her go into the building before I tried to reevaluate my location and make my way towards my lecture hall. I went to the double doors, reaching for the handle before I saw the notebook-sized paper on the door.

'Lectures today, cancelled.'

How fun, I reached into my pocket, took my phone, and checked my email. I noticed that the professor sent an email detailing how he had fallen ill and was canceling class. Well, he was my professor for the last 2 lectures of the day, so now I guess I can study. I let out a sigh, turning around and noticing the note that was in my pocket had fallen out. I picked it up and placed it back in my bag along with my phone. I'll read it eventually. I tried to think about where I wanted to go, but I forgot I wanted to give Minji my number. I wanted to text her since she had plans to study together. I thought she and I could reconnect after she finished her class.

Well, now I was stuck, and I was looking for a place to study. The first place that came to mind was the study booth near my last class, but he was there. Yeah, that was an encounter I wanted to avoid. I thought of the central building; there were plenty of places for me to study there, and I didn't have to worry about running into anyone, possibly. I started walking out of the building, making the trek back towards the central campus to the main building. When I got there, it was like a ghost town. This was what I was expecting. I made my way to the study booth and prepared myself. I took out my notebooks and my green pen, but my purple pen was now missing. Weird. I know that I put it in here.

I pulled out an extra purple pen; this one was more of a flair marker pen, but it will have to do for now. I looked to make sure I was ready, taking out the finishing touches, my earphones. I plugged them both into my ears, and began letting my book play. I began working on analyzing the poem the professor read aloud, looking at each word I wrote down. I tried to interpret the next line, but it was not making sense. I went back through looking through my notes, but now there was something I was missing, and I hated that. I paused my book. Looking at my phone, I opened the recording app and began playing the lecture.

It picked up late, but I began listening and correcting my notes. It was like experiencing the class all over again, and that was why I enjoyed recording lectures. I heard myself in the back scribbling down those words as I was doing now and listening to each line. It did not take long before I found myself finished with my assignment, but the recording of the teacher had already finished. I looked at my phone to see if it was still going; it had recorded an additional 10 minutes after I heard Minji and I leave. The door shut, and there was complete silence for a while. I wanted to fast-forward the clip, but something told me to wait. Two minutes into the clip, I heard the door open and footsteps as it approached a desk.

"Pretty girl, you're like peaches," A voice sang out, and I could feel tingles go through my spine, and I was confused. What is this?

"A soft embrace, no. It's like a soft embrace"

Someone was singing, was it him? I listened closely, thinking of his voice and trying to compare it to every word I was hearing.

"Feels good to be the bad guy," I could hear writing at that point. Is this him? I listened more but could only hear humming at that point. I heard what sounded like paper ripping and balling it up.

"No, no, she won't like that." His voice carried, and I could hear him get up and walk away from the desk. I heard pacing back and forth, waiting patiently. The humming started again, and I listened. The tone and beat had completely changed, maybe something different.

"Because I'm too wicked, I want to take your heart. Don't you worry?" The words came out, and I could hear the humming continue. His feet made their way back over to the desk. I heard his pencil moving, and the humming kept going. I wondered what he was writing, and before I knew it, I heard.

"Just stop trying. She won't like it." I heard his voice sound defeated. I waited, eager to hear anything more, but the next sound was not what I expected. "What is this?" I heard a shift in the entire audio before it completely cut off.

Did he see that it was recording? What happened? I touched the screen, checking the audio, and it was cut off. He ended the clip. I thought back to when I entered the classroom, my head going through the entire scene. Was I the 'she' he was referring to? I thought for a second, my face getting hot when I thought about the moment he grabbed my hand. The way his hand brushed over my skin. I touched my face, my cold hands cooling it down. His words were all repeating in my mind.

He had not even spoken to me that much. I thought back to our conversations. They had not been that long. I think we'd spoken no more than 20 words with each other. His words, though, were stuck in my brain, and I liked them. The first words he spoke popped into my brain, the way he 'Is this seat available?' Thinking back to when I looked up at him and how he looked. For a moment, I could not help but think about him for a second. I caught myself thinking a little too hard about him, breaking out of my trance and sitting up straight. I took a deep breath, thinking about the note that was burning a hole in my bag.

I reached inside of my bag, pulling out the note, and I knew he wanted me to read it, but I was scared. In my mind, this was nothing like something I would have normally done, and I wondered what was so good about him that I couldn't act normal. I looked up. Maybe I should just throw it away, but the thought made my grip tighten on the note. I took a deep breath, pulling the note closer into my body. It's not that big of a deal. I can read a note. The thought of reading it made his voice play in my head. I couldn't hold back a small smile at the thought of what he might have looked like singing in the room. I opened the note, looking up briefly to check my surroundings. I guess everyone who needed to be in class was there. I looked down, and the soft, sweet boom of his voice sang out loud as my eyes scanned the note.

'Tell me something about yourself. What kind of sweets do you like? What about animals? P.S. Write back and pass it to me in class.'

Write him back? WRITE HIM BACK? Tell him something about me. What does that mean? Sweets? Animals? Why does he want to know this? I sighed. I don't know what I expected, but I thought my heart would be more excited. I mean, my brain is definitely more excited. I looked at the note, and I could hear his voice playing again. I listened to every word, and I just liked the way they sounded coming from his mouth.

I looked down at my bag sitting next to me, placing the note inside before pulling my phone close to me. I looked at the recording file, pulling the knob back a bit. I couldn't help but listen; why was it stuck in my brain. Before I knew it, one of my earphones was pulled out. I looked quickly, seeing Minji putting it in her ear.

"What are you listening to?" She asked, placing it in her ear, and I rushed to try to stop the file, but there was no use. "What artist is this? I like it?" I stopped the recording, reaching for my earphones from her.

"No one, it was nothing." She placed it in my hand, and I took the other out. "Hey, uh, why are you here?" I placed both in the case, starting to put them in my bag.

"I have a class just up the hall. What about you?" I flipped my phone and looked up to see her smiling.

"Oh, my lectures were cancelled. I just came to start studying." She looked down and noticed it was for our-

"Korean Lit and Language! We can study together. Wanna come over to my house?" She asked, plopping herself next to me and looking at my notes.

"Uh, sure. I'm done for the day. What is your next class?" I asked, and she groaned and threw her body back against the couch.

"Anthropology. I want to skip, but I can't." She sat up and pouted a bit. "Unnie, will you wait for me?" I smiled and could not hold back a laugh. I opened my phone, closed the apps, and handed it to her.

"Here, I'll text you." She took my phone excitedly. I watched her type in her number and add her name before quickly posing for a picture.

"Come here!" She pulled me close, and I looked up towards the camera.

She was using a cute little filter, and I posed with a small heart on my fingers. She took the picture, and I thought it was a nice picture. She finished and handed it to me.

"Here." She placed it in my hand and stood back up. "Okay, I'll get going, and I will see you later." She waved before leaving and walking off down the hall. It looked like she was almost racing. I couldn't help but see that she was almost racing with someone else who was walking into the room. I thought about how crazily similar she was to me. Weird.

I looked down at my phone, clicked the message icon near her name, and started to text her.

'Hey, I think I might go to the cafe. I'll meet you there?'

I backed up from my messages, looking at my texts and seeing a new message. I looked at the message. Who was this?

'What's your name?'

Who was this? I looked at the number, trying to run the possibilities through my mind. I did not want to read it. I didn't need them to know that I read it. I quickly closed my phone. It was not important. I started picking up my notebooks, placing them in my bag, and grabbing my pens before stepping out of the booth. I began my trek towards the cafe, thinking about the way path she took. It was nice walking on this side of campus; it was refreshing. I stretched my arms out a bit before looking around the campus. I was actually going to be leaving here soon, and it came quicker than I thought it would.

I thought about when I first came to campus; I was so excited since I was able to attend. Remembering my aunt dropping me off on campus, she could not stop crying. She knew I would go to a university, but she was very proud I chose one that my father attended. When I first got to Seoul National University, I was just ready to learn and figure out what I wanted to do. I looked around the campus, turning around to look behind me, and it definitely looked different. I scanned the campus a little more. The cafe. I took a final glance before turning to try to figure out whether I went straight or to the right.

I turned to the right, walking and trying to reflect on my day. Particularly trying to remember when we walked there earlier in the afternoon. I saw the university bulletin board. Yes, this is the right way. I continued now, pulling my bag up on my shoulder. As I passed by the brick accent wall of the cafe, it was empty. This could not have been a better time; I smiled to myself, thinking about how peaceful it might be. I walked in, smelling all of the coffee aroma and seeing the barista walk forward to me.

"What can I get started for you?" She smiled and stood patiently at the cash register.

"Uh, can I have a regular coffee latte and-" I thought about what sounded good for me to eat, but just landed on a simple salad. "-a salad." I opened my bag, pulled out my wallet, and took out the card on top.

I handed over my card, waiting patiently before she placed it back in my hand. I put it back in my wallet and walked over to the side of the counter, waiting a bit. She handed over my salad before my coffee was placed down next to it. I grabbed my bag, fixing it on my shoulder before picking it up. I walked over to the dining area, looking at the empty window seat she and I were sitting in earlier. I placed my things down, my bag going in the seat next to me before I sat down.

How much longer will I need to wait? I looked at my phone; she probably still had an hour. I sighed, seeing her text pop up the moment I opened my phone.

'I'll be there are 3:00'

I placed the phone down, taking a drink of my coffee before I took out my notebook. I needed to start planning out my research proposal. I dug down for my pen, pulling out the purple flair before writing down my topic. My topic was using the hierarchy of needs in building a civilization. I looked at my paper, and this might take a bit. I looked at the time, 53 minutes remaining. I can do a bit.

27 minutes remaining. I looked at what I was able to complete in my notebook.

I only wrote one sentence. Are you kidding me? I looked around the table and tried to think of where the time had gone. I just started, but there wasn't much time left. I looked at my empty salad bowl, lifting my empty coffee cup. Now, it's time to give up. I sighed, tearing out the notebook page and shoving everything back into my backpack. What was going on with me today? I was having this weird tug of war in luck, and now this was the bad luck. When would the good luck come again? I let another sigh escape my lips before I looked in my bag for my headphones.

I might as well read my book while I wait. That was the least that I could do for myself. I reached into my bag, hearing the door open to the cafe. I looked up, maybe Minji had gotten out early, and she came as quickly as she could. I looked at the door, locking eyes with the stranger who stared back at me before smirking a little. His face dropped, and he walked over and sat in the chair across from me.

"Kai." His hand stuck out to me, and he waited for me to shake it. I hesitated at first, sticking my hand out to meet his.

"Jennie," I said, and it made him smile.

Kai. His name was Kai. His voice repeated it in my head, and I listened to his voice again. I wanted to hear every word he said, and he pulled his hand away. I watched him stand up, walking over to the barista to place an order. Kai. I looked at him standing over the counter; this was the same guy. I thought back to the lecture hall when he pulled up a seat next to me. I replayed the moment he grabbed my arm. My heart was racing now. Maybe this was what my heart was waiting on all along, a name to be excited. His name repeated. For a moment, I thought my brain was so loud that he heard me. He turned to look in my direction, and I looked down, not wanting to be weirdly staring. I looked at the table in front of me, standing up to gather my bowl and cup. I needed to get some fresh air. I turned only to run into him.

"I can do it." He placed the coffee down, taking the trash himself. "Here, sit." He turned promptly, leaving towards the can, and I was just standing there. I sat, watching him throw it away before coming back over and having a seat. He smiled, pushing a coffee towards me and taking a sip for himself.

"What is this?" I asked, and he just pushed it closer without a word. I pulled it closer, feeling it's warmth and just holding on to it. "Can I help you?" I watched him chuckle before moving closer to the table.

"I don't know how I missed you." He said with a smile, taking another sip. I waited a little longer, hoping he would add more. "Why haven't we met before, Jennie?" He asked, looking into my eyes, but I couldn't make eye contact. I felt like he was making my heart pump out of my chest. I needed to calm down. I stared at the lid of the coffee, running my fingertips along the edges. Was there going to be more. It was quiet, so I knew he was waiting for me to continue the conversation. I collected my thoughts, but all I could muster up the courage to even respond was with a shrug. I looked up and saw his stare that was locked on me, and the moment our eyes locked, I felt my face burn.

"I don't know. I'm late to, uh, meet my friend." I moved to stand, and he stood.

"If you didn't want to talk, you could have just said it." He sighed, picking up his bag and coffee before leaving the cafe altogether.

That was not what I wanted. I just, I was nervous. I watched him walk out of the cafe. My legs lurched towards him, but I couldn't move another inch. I looked down at the coffee he had left me on the table and then back towards the door.

"So he just left, like that?" She asked, looking eager to hear more.

"Yup," I said with a sigh before taking another bite from my apple slice.

"Well, have you ever tried to talk to a guy before?" She took a melon piece, placing the small square in her mouth.

"I don't talk to anyone," I told her bluntly and watched her gasp.

"Really?" She swallowed, rolling over on her bed so she was on her stomach.

"Well, I always thought I could meet people later." I shrugged, looking at our open notebooks on her small study table in her room. I could almost feel a hole forming in the back of my head. I could only imagine what her actual reaction was.

"Well," I heard her slide off the bed and walk to me. "Well, you met me. How about I help you talk to him?" She smiled, poking my arm with her elbow.

"I thought we were studying," I told her, picking up my pen and placing it on top of my notebook paper.

"How can I study when I finally have a friend over?" She spun on her heels and fell on top of the bed once more.

"Finally? This is your first time?" I looked at her, and she started to look a little nervous.

"I mean, yeah. Kind of. No one really wants to spend time with someone who always studies." She looked up at me and shrugged it off, but I could see her eyes were not shrugging it off.

"I do," I told her. "I actually like studying." I turned back towards my notebook and began writing.

She crawled from the upper part of the bed, moving closer to the table I sat at. I looked at her, and she was staring at our phones, which were sitting in the middle of the table.

"What now?" I said, trying to lighten my mood a bit. I put my pen down and tried to focus my energy on her.

"Do you like him?" She asked quickly, and it took me by shock.

What are you supposed to say to something like that? How would I even know? I started thinking, there has to be a way to know. I started thinking about him this morning, sitting next to me and writing notes. Did he like me? I thought back to what I had said to him. He still wrote me the note. The note. He wrote a note, asking me to tell him about myself. I hadn't told Minji this, but I still did not know whether to write back or not. The note was in my mind for a while, thinking of when he would have gotten it in there. I thought about the time he grabbed my hand when I reached for my phone. Did I like him in that moment? Then, the coffee shop. Why was he everywhere? I thought back to the recording, the thought of seeing him in the room but also having the audio. It started to feel weird like I was becoming slightly obsessive. Is this what it's like to like someone? I thought a little more about it, trying to give it some final thought.

"I like his voice." The words left my mouth, and I heard her squeal.

"Really? Wait, what did it sound like? I don't remember." She groaned, hitting her brain a little bit. I thought about it but kept the thought of letting her listen to me.

I wanted to be selfish and keep it to myself, so I picked up my pen and began to write. I laid my pen on the paper, and it was like my brain had a mind of its own. I sighed, my face landing on my hand as I just let my hand work. I thought about her room, looking around her walls and how many posters she had hanging up. They were all medical posters, a brain above her bed, a skeleton next to that, and then common psychological diseases. She was very much immersed in her career path, and it was kind of inspiring. I looked at her on the bed, twirling her hair as she continued to chew on the pieces of melon.

"Hey, what are you studying?" She flipped over and looked at me.

"Oh, uh, nothing." I looked down and saw I had written his name, but she had seen exactly what I wrote.

"Kai?" She jumped up. "His name is Kai." She moved over to me and tried to pull the notebook away. "If you really like him, why don't you just talk to him tomorrow?" She shrugged, letting go of her hold.

"I actually don't have classes on Friday." I told her, and she 'ahhed' shaking her head in understanding.

It was like she ran out of options to help and sat next to me instead, slumping in a chair and staring at the fruit tray in front of her. The night pretty much progressed through; her avoiding studying until I said I would go home. She seemed like she did not want me to go, so she began making flashcards and trying to study. Apparently, she was really not a fan of anthropology, but she was studying. On the other hand, I worked on writing my proposal, trying to think of how to even begin. It did not take long before I flipped the page and began writing again.

"Come on, stay over." She begged as I stood at the door and waited for me to give her a response.

"I have to work at my aunt's shop," I told her, trying to get out the door. There was nothing like sleeping in your own room, but it was late. I was stuck in a conundrum, and she grabbed my arm.

"Please," She dragged it out, shaking my arm. I couldn't help but laugh. She was like a girl version of Tae.

"Fine." I sighed, moving back in and her cheering. She ran over to the kitchen and opened the fridge, handing me a fruity drink.

"Want to order pizza or chicken?" She opened hers before taking a sip.

"Uh, chicken," I told her, and she smiled.

"You really are my sister." She ran off to get her phone, and I could hear her trying to order.

I looked around, analyzing her place. She had told me when we first arrived how it was her parents who bought it for her. They wanted to prevent her from getting distracted, which is what I was doing. I felt a little guilty, but she was studying a little. I opened my drink, taking a sip as I watched her bring books and notebooks from the bedroom to the living room. She held the phone against her ear with her shoulder, ordering while she multi-tasked. I put the drink down, moving over to help her, but she shook her hand and shooed me away. I took a step back, grabbed my bag, and pulled my notebooks from my bag before placing them next to hers. She left the room again, going back into the room and disappearing.

I looked around the barely furnished room, how big it was with a couch and table around her T.V. I wondered if she had been living here without anyone ever coming to visit. I thought about myself. I guess I had Tae and his mom to keep me company. I sighed, taking another look around before seeing her come out of the bedroom door with a ton of blankets.

"Sleepover time!" She yelled, holding on to the blankets and pillows all in a big pile in front of her tiny body. She threw them on the couch, handing a blanket to me, along with a pillow, before making her own little area.

"What's all this?" I tried to unfold the blanket, trying to wrap it around my back.

"I usually do this on the weekends, but we can do it tonight. I like to come in here and watch T.V. while I study and eat." She smiled, organizing her notebooks and such on the table in front of us.

She leaned forward, grabbing the remote before turning on the T.V., browsing through all the channels and different networks before stopping on a drama.

"Oh, I love this actress!" She jumped and looked over at me. "What kind of shows do you like?" She asked, adjusting her body and crossing her legs.

"Uh, I don't," I told her, thinking about how I never had a T.V. I would only read books during my free time. "I've never actually had a T.V.," and she gasped.

"Never a T.V.?" She looked at the screen before looking back at me. "Well, you're always invited over to watch with me. We can have movie nights!" She smiled before hearing a knock on the door.

She got up to run, moving fast towards the door, and I got up to get our drinks to bring to the table!

"Ta-Da." She held it up towards the sky as she paraded down to the spot she had just built for herself.

I will say it was a little discouraging at first. How l chose to spend my time seemed wasteful in comparison to what was going on now. I finally had someone to spend some time with, and it was better than before. Having the opportunity to joke with someone, talk with, and study with made everything a little bit better. I had nearly forgotten the time before watching Minji slowly fall forward, the chicken still hanging in her mouth. I laughed softly to myself. She was like a little child. I pulled the piece of chicken from her mouth, moving to pick her up and move her to the couch. She was heavier than I expected, her small snores being replaced with groans of annoyance.

I dropped her upper body on the couch, reaching down and pulling her legs on as well before covering her up. I looked down at her, still crumbs around her mouth, before wiping them away. I got up, cleaning her table and trying to at least make the place a little tidier. I finished, finally sitting down and looking over the notes we were able to complete. She and I had already finished our assignment for Korean Lit, but she had moved on to anthropology before passing out shortly. I closed her books, focusing more on mine as I looked at the project from earlier. But there was something else I wanted to focus on.

I flipped to the next clean notebook page, thinking about what was on my brain I needed to write. I checked the time, trying to make sure that I got enough sleep so that I could still help Tae's mom. 2:10, being later than I anticipated, I moved back to the notebook and began writing. I looked at the page that began to fill itself up, tearing it out and ripping it up. Why did I need to write so much? I sighed, standing up to take the paper to the trash. I walked past her. There was no way she was waking up soon. I went to the kitchen trash, seeing that it was full. This could be the least that I could do for her; she bought the chicken, and I'm even spending the night. I picked up the bag, placing the paper inside, before grabbing the next bag. I walked to her doorway and put on her sandals, and they fit perfectly.

I opened the door, walked out into the yard, and headed through her gate to the garbage, standing against the next building's wall. I threw the trash in their spots, turning to walk back to the home when I noticed that someone was walking down the road. It was a tall shadow coming down the hill toward where I stood. I walked across the road, getting to Minji's gate and turning around to see the stranger as he walked by. Was that him? I turned my head a bit, trying to see if there were any distinguishing characteristics about him that I knew. His hair, maybe, but it's covered. His face, he already passed. I sighed, and before I knew it, he looked back at me. My heart raced the moment his eyes met mine; opening the gate, I ran.

I had to run; my heart was already racing, and now it had a reason. I ran up to the door, pulling it open and closing it quickly behind me. Was that him? I laid my back against the door, letting my breathing calm down, looking around the room. This is too crazy of a day. I sighed, lacing my hand on my head. I need water. I walk over to her kitchen, getting a glass to pour water. I emptied the glass, letting it rest on the counter before walking back to the table. I just need to calm down. I sat down in front of the table, looking down at my notebook. I noticed my phone light up. Catching my eye. I looked at the screen and noticed that the same number texted me again. I unlocked my phone, opening the message.

'Come out.'

The words made my heart fall, and I couldn't move. So many things were running through my head now, and the main issue was how he got my number. He wants me to come out. It was him, and he did see me. How am I supposed to respond to this? I stood up, walking towards an extra bedroom. The room was completely empty, but it looked like she had made it into a closet of some sort. I walked over to the window, pulling back the curtain hung over it to look out, seeing his shadow standing in the night. What is he doing? He stood there, taking out his phone and looking at it. He knew I read the message, but should I go out there? I felt so defeated in this moment because the only choice I had was to walk outside. I let the curtain fall before turning and leaving. The walk to the door was the hardest, and I didn't expect a simple walk to take forever. With every step I took, my heart boomed to the point of opening the door.

The night air hit me, and I was thankful for its calming breeze. I took one more deep breath before walking out the door. I could hear him shuffling outside of the gate, and the sounds made my heart race more. I let a final sigh out before just walking to the gate and opening it. The moment that it opened, he looked at me in my eyes, and my heart was not ready for this. I let the gate slowly close behind me before laying my back on the gate. He stood there, staring at me before turning away and trying to think. I watched as his foot twitched in my direction before he just continued at that pace, falling face-to-face with me. His arm went up next to my head, he leaned down towards me, and I could see his nose, lips, and chin staring straight at me.

"Why are you doing this to me?" He asked softly, looking at me, and I could see his eyes darting from side to side. I watched his mouth open slightly before seeing his tongue touch his top lip slightly before letting out a huge sigh.

"Wh-what am I doing?" I moved slightly, looking to my right to see his arm was not budging, and I felt like I was burning up. I looked to see his eyes staring at me and my heart at this point. I was sure he could hear it. I heard his deep breath before he backed away.

"The way you're looking at me." He turned on the soles of his shoes and put his hand on his head before starting to walk away. I watched as he just walked away like that, his hands soon falling into his pockets. I watched him go further down the road before I realized he was really not coming back.

"Where are you going?" I called out to him. Of course, there was no response, and I watched him disappear before finally moving away from the gate. I opened the gate and moved into the home, closing the door behind me before letting my body slide down the door.

His eyes were all I could see and think about. I placed my hand next to my heart, thinking about how much it was racing, and it was just starting to settle. I stood up, slowly walked back over to my spot, and saw Minji still sleeping. It made me want to settle in, laying the pillow and blanket down before just letting my head fall on the pillow.

I closed my eyes, and his eyes were staring at me, causing me to jump a bit. I looked around the silent home. There was no way that I would be able to sleep now.

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badfanficsforlyfe · 2 months ago

Text

Wakingdeath Alchemist CH. 2 (FMA FF) (2012) (Age 13/14) [Posted to wattpad]

Chapter 2

I ran as far as I could and as fast as I possibly could go. The farther I went the more sulky I got about the whole situation. I had murdered two guys, got my mom taken away, sliced off the cook's hand, confessed to being a killer, and just ran like a criminal did.

Once I thought I was far enough and couldn't move anymore, I stopped and dropped to my knees breathing hard and almost coughing myself to death.

"I g-guess I should have b-brought water. That would h-have been smart." I coughed and looked at Kuagra who meowed in agreement. I sat with my legs crossed on the grass and wiped sweat from my face. "We have to find Alphonse sooner or later. But first we need a map to find the dang place." I took a couple more deep breaths before I stood up straight and stretched reaching for the sky.

The sky was beautiful. I had forgotten how the sun made the clouds look as it was slowly sinking to the other side of the world. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and raised my arms soaking in the good and excreting the bad. I was trying to find peace in my mind.

On my last deep breath I opened my eyes and lowered my arms slowly.

"Well Kuagra. It's just you and me for a while. But of course you're going to have to catch us dinner." I winked at her and she scowled like she was not amused. "Well, how else are we going to live silly?" She snuffed and followed me while I walked forward. "Once we get into a different town, we'll ask for a map or at least directions for Resembool."

We walked through the forest finding some trouble with larger animals like the old times but we approached these problems differently. With what had happened, I didn't want to risk our lives and I didn't want to kill again that day. I had to call off Kuagra and we ran for it like cowards. We did eventually catch dinner...well found. There was a useful apple tree in the middle of the forest telling me that we were near the edge.

We stopped to eat under the tree and rest while I talked to her about our past memories and how fun we had taking on new quests and battles. Kuagra was in my lap nibbling on her apple.

"We should probably go now. You done with that apple?" I asked and she meowed in response. "Okay, I guess we'll go n-" A twig not too far away from us snapped and caught my attention. "What was that?" I whispered looking around.

After a couple minuets with nothing moving, I stood up and stretched again. "Well it must be my imagination. We did go through a lot didn't we? We should probably find a nice dry and safe place to sleep for the night. It looks like its going to rain. Come on Kuagra." I smiled as I noticed dark clouds gathering just above us and walked on seeing the hesitation in my snow leopard's steps. "What is it girl?" I asked and I heard a deep grumbling sound come from her chest. "Don't scare me like that. What is it?" I asked with stress, anxiety, and fear.

I looked all around me but could see nothing that didn't belong because it was getting darker.

She bolted forward into the bushes. A lot of rustling went around but a yell came out of nowhere. "Hey!"

I ran in the direction where Kuagra disappeared. I separated the bushes and found Kuagra on top of a boy who was struggling to get her off of him.

"Ferdinand!?" I yelled.

"Get this thing off of me!" he breathed and I hesitated.

"Kuagra, you heard him. Off...now." She sensed the seriousness in my voice and softly stepped off of him with a whimper.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded.

"Before you go all crazy on me...I've always been here." My mouth and eyes dropped.

"What?" I demanded again. "You mean you have been following me?!" I screamed making him wince.

"What else do you expect me to do? You just ran off!" He stood up and brushed himself off glaring at Kuagra who was growling at him while baring her teeth.

"After all these years of ignoring me, you chose this time to-" I let out a frustrated sigh and turned around stomping away.

"Wait! I can explain!" he shouted after me.

"I don't need an explanation because you're going to stop following me!"

I walked on not hearing anything from him. I hope I didn't make him feel bad, I thought and went to turn around but he wasn't there. "Good." I said to myself and turned around to where I was originally heading to. I jumped back and gasped because Ferdinand was right in front of me.

"Good what?" he asked curiously. I sighed frustrated and punched him down in the face.

"Oww! What was that for!?" he shouted standing up and rubbing his cheek.

"You scared me you idiot!" I kicked his ankles making him fall again. "Come on Kuagra." I said and started running again but Ferdinand caught my ankles and tripped me. I slammed on the grass drizzled in fallen leaves and had my arms to cushion my forehead.

I coughed wiping my nose and stood up staring up at him. He was a year or two older than me so yes he was taller and much stronger.

"Why aren't you scared of me like everyone else was?" I asked skeptically.

"I know you a lot better than everyone else."

"Then why did you stop being my friend?" I seethed.

"It wasn't my fault! My mom said I couldn't play with you anymore," he pouted.

"I can't get rid of you can I?" I sighed putting my fists on my hip and shaking my head. "Nope." He rocked on his heels and smiled. "Fine. But you listen to MY rules and do as I say when I say it or I'm going to ditch you." I pointed my thumb at my chest and he sighed like I was hopeless. "Come on, we have to find shelter for the night," I said and started walking ahead. "Kuagra, don't eat him while we're sleeping," I said causing a frightened expression to pop up on his face making me laugh on the inside but stay serious on the outside. Him staying with me was no laughing matter.

We ended up finding an old dusty shack just on the outskirts of a town that I had never ventured so far before to find. It smelled of old people and we all kept sneezing but it was better than nothing.

"Okay, find a corner and stay there. Ferdinand, I want you far away from me as possible. Got it?" I said strictly. He laughed nervously and nodded. "Good. Lights out."

I had found some old dusty rugs to sleep on instead of the hard ground, but it was still was hard to sleep.

"Is it true?" I heard him say from the other side of the room.

"Is what true?" I asked with very little patience.

"That you're going to learn Alchemy?"

"Yes. There's nothing wrong with it. It's going to help me find my mom."

"How?"

I sighed, my patience decreasing even more. "I haven't figured that out yet. I just know it will. Now will you be quiet and go to sleep?"

"Okay. Sorry."

In the morning we all had our stretching session before sneaking out of the old shack leaving nothing but broken wood, spiders, and a whole lot of dust that had all of us sneezing.

About thirty minutes of walking later, we entered this lively town. It was filled with busy people, smiling, and conversing to other people. It was just a little bit too cheery for me...

About five minuets later, we passed this bakery and the smell coming from the open windows was amazing. I groaned and held my stomach imagining my stomach biting my hand off just then. I shuddered.

"Ferdinand, you don't happen to have money with you do you?" I asked tiredly.

"Uh..." he said nervously.

"Idiot," I muttered and I heard him growl at me. We were both very tired and hungry so I wouldn't blame him for growling at me, so i just shook it off.

"Do you think we can work for food?" I asked looking at Ferdinand.

"I don't know, maybe we can try back at the bread store," suggested Ferdinand.

"Race you." I smiled and took off in the other way hearing him complain how he wasn't ready yet.

We kicked up dirt on the trail and passed by people fast. I was loosing my energy all too quickly and Kuagra was three yards behind us. I stopped suddenly and set my hands on my knees bending over. As I caught my breath, I felt Kuagra rub her cheek on my leg making me laugh. I looked ahead and saw Ferdinand waving his hands at me. I stood up straight and walked of the rest of the way there.

"What's the matter? Are you not in shape? Or is it that ridiculously heavy looking tool belt around your waist plus that satchel with god knows what's in it, slowing you down?"

"That could be a possible explanation but I bet if I didn't have these on, I would have beaten your butt," I snickered and read the sign above the door. "Wheat Obsession." Boy was that an...interesting name?

I opened the door hearing the ring of the bell that welcomed us and walked in.

"Ah, welcome. What would be on your menu today? We have dark bread, light bread, toasted bread, buttered bread, loaves of bread, sandwiches, crackers, baked bread, toast-"

"Sorry ma'am, but we aren't here to buy anything. We don't have any money-"

"Then why don't you get your little behinds out of this store." She smiled but pointed towards the door. She seemed cheerful but serious at the same time. Her dark hair was wrapped in a bun that had strands poking out everywhere. She had light wrinkles on her face and seemed friendly enough...

"That won't happen." I continued on. "Actually ma'am, we were wondering if you needed any help in the store."

She thought for a moment. "Nope. But thanks little cuties." I found it strange the way she talked to us.

I stood there for a couple seconds unlike Ferdinand who spoke up. "Maybe we should leave now and find another place." I shook my head and held my hand up to stop him from talking any further.

"Now there's a great idea!" she chirped. Sweat was glimmering on her forehead and wore brown leather gloves and overalls.

I smiled at her while I said; "Not happening." I put on my serious face and took the steak knife out of my sleeve. I have never once accidentally cut myself with any knife. I was careful and good at handling them. I slammed the knife on the counter and looked at her with my scary serious face. The knife stuck up with its pointy end stuck in the wood. "I can cut your bread for you. You look like a lady with too much on your hands." I smiled slyly making her stutter.

"Where'd you g-get that t-thing?" I didn't think she was afraid of a kid with a knife, but when she saw the dried blood on it I knew that it was her newest fear. Murder.

"If you let us work here and give us food in return, I'll tell you." I smiled a little wider and took the knife forcefully out of the counter. I slipped it up my sleeve and said, "Don't worry; I don't kill people with it...usually." I felt really bad about that part because I really did kill people with it. I wasn't telling her a white lie to get her to cooperate. I was telling the truth.

"Just c-clean that u-up before you s-start." She said pointing behind her to the kitchen.

I smiled and squeaked a thank you before walking behind the counter to the kitchen.

I walked over to the sink and thoroughly washed my knife using the cheap soap that she kept on the counter. After that, I dried it off and went to the loaf of bread on the cutting board. I started to cut the thing like I was a professional chef just chopping it up like bell peppers. While I cut the bread, I heard Ferdinand whisper to her but it all stopped when I shouted. "Ferdinand! You should bake the bread while Miss Lovey Dovey over there mixes the ingredients! Sound good?" I asked and they both nodded.

The whole day I sliced, Ferdinand cooked, and Miss Lovey Dovey (that was her new nickname) mixed and made. The whole day went by quickly and more customers came in each hour. The customers left happy and laughing with their family and friends making their way onto the trail. Something I couldn't really do anymore...but I let that thought fade away and kept working hard.

After the day was finished, we all sighed a breath of relief. "My, my. You kids are mighty fast when it comes to bread. Especially you. You cut through the bread like nobody's business!" she exclaimed happily. "Here's the deal. How about you work with me for a week until my other workers come back from their vacation. I'll supply you with shelter and food. Sound good?" she asked while smiling.

We both nodded in agreement.

#full metal alchemis brotherhood #fullmetal alchemist #bad fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #wakingdeath alchemist #fma

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miracleweaponhunt · 3 months ago

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Miracle Weapon Hunt Chapter 59-Secure the Bow Part 2

Julian steered the ship towards the cluster. The misshapen mass of stolen airships loomed over them. Through the night sky, they could only vaguely make out a light near the bottom, which would hopefully be where to land the ship.

But a strained roar was heard in the darkness, and two dim blue eyes were dashing towards the ship. Julian managed to steer the ship to the right, with it only scraping the left part of it. Julian quickly checked the other three were still alive, and they were. Fiorella was clinging the wall, Capri was clinging to her, and Samuel was laying against the couch. The roar was heard, and Julian dived backwards. Capri looked out of the window, seeing the underside of the mechanical beast above them. She noticed the metal was poorly put together, with several patches missing , and the metal itself looked fairly weak and worn out.

"Fiorella, I might need your help."

The girls stepped outside, waiting for the creature to roar again. Fiorella summoned her axe, holding it in the air to cut slices of metal off the bottom of the dragon, leaving the pieces to fall besides them. Capri moved to the top of the ship, waiting for the dragon to come by her again. With one swing of her enlarged hammer, the dragon was pushed to the side as it let out a deadly roar. It tried charging again, and Fiorella swung her axe underneath it, taking a bundle of wires out with it. They dashed back into the airship as Capri screamed at Julian to floor the airship. The dragon fell below the clouds, letting out a deafening roar as it descended.

The girls walked back inside, handing the men panels, scales from their victorious hunt.

"In case we need shields." Fiorella said.

"Although the metal is pretty weak." Capri said, looking over it. "I'm pretty shocked that thing was able to fly at all.

"Weak?" Samuel asked.

"Good for stuff like houses where you don't expect it to move a whole bunch, not good for anything else."

"And how do you know about this?"

"Look, it was either hero work or a welding apprenticeship, okay? I made the better choice."

But with nothing else to stop them, the ship landed in the dock of the Legion's ships. The few people there to work on airships stopped what they were doing, their eyes fixated on whatever was happening.

The door swung open, and Capri leapt out first, mallet in hand. A man on the floor tried running to some kind of button, but she landed just in front of it, smirking at the young man while slowly tapping her mallet against the wall. The man's eyes crossed, and he fell unconscious without a fight. Two pulled up their sleeves and tried to approach the ship, and Fiorella summoned her axe. one swipe just shy of their noses, and they were begging for life on the floor. Samuel saw the two left running out of the room, bounding off the walls to get to them. He landed in front of the doorway just before them. He hit one with a single solid kick to the gut, and he fell to the floor in agony. Julian grabbed the other one by the shoulders and easily flipped him to face him.

"Where's Cassandra?" he roared.

"Wh-why would I know?" He screamed back, trying to pry himself off, until he felt Samuel's presence behind him.

"Look, I'm the lowest you could get around here, I-I promise you I don't know anything!"

Julian punched him in the face and Samuel delivered a knee to his back.

"Guess!"

"I-if I had to, then they're probably in some prison ship. I've never seen them, but they're near the top!"

Julian dropped the guy, and the four ran to the top of the building.

Roxanne emerged from the ship when the coast was clear. Her leg got caught on a table that was moved in the chaos, and she looked at it. It was only a few days, but her leg felt better. She slid the cast off, and she felt she could walk normally. In fact, her leg felt better than ever. So with nothing to lose, she went to follow them at a distance they couldn't see. She looked over her shoulder when she felt something brush past it, but when she turned around, the only thing was a guy someone else knocked out in front of the ship.

Or at least, she was pretty sure the body was always there.

The other people on the lower ends of the cluster kept out of the way of the four. They ended up barrelling through a few rooms, whose residents tried to hide themselves to avoid accidentally triggering their wrath. As they went through a poorly made and rickety hallway, they were faced with two people. Serafina and Daciana. Serafina threw some smoke behind her, but the clone was instantly whacked back to dust by Capri's hammer. Daciana readied her blade, and Fiorella did the same in turn. Daciana spun around, her blade meeting up with Fiorella's axe. Swings were exchanged with everyone else behind them doing their best to avoid them. Fiorella tried making a trail of dust in between Julian and Samuel, but when she put her mind in the fresh clone, Capri and Samuel laid a beatdown that forced her to cower behind Daciana. Fiorella eventually ducked underneath a stressed sword swing that stuck to the walls, and in the brief second it took Daciana to dematerialize her weapon, Fiorella had already given an elbow strike to the face.

"Go on without me, darlings. It won't take me long to catch up."

The other three pushed past Serafina, who's attempts to catch up were quickly thwarted by Samuel's kicks and Capri's swings. They continued upwards. If they had to guess, they would estimate they were halfway there.

Xander paced through the hallways with an empty water bottle. If anyone asked, he was just looking for a refill. Whether or not the taps were stocked with water was a whole other question, but he was cooped up in his room for days. He could fake it if somebody was suspicious. He walked past the room Cassandra was being held in, which Cheng was guarding alongside Ziwadi and Adya.

"Hey, Xander." Ziwadi said casually. "Nice to see you out of your room."

"Oh, well, you know." Xander said, trying to look casual, barely stopping himself from sipping water that didn't exist. "Figured being holed up in my room wasn't helping anything I have going on, so why not step out, you know?"

"Yeah, good to see. Maybe we could work out sometime."

"Yeah, maybe!" Xander nodded. "So what's up with the door? Something important behind it?"

"Miss Cassandra." Cheng said, keeping his eyes focused on the hallway the heroes would be forced to go through. "Some intruders have come in to rescue her."

"Wrecked your dragon, too." Ziwadi said sadly. "Sorry about that."

"Oh…yeah, that's pretty sad." Xander sighed. "But you know, it's just a side project. I'll work on a better security system when this boils over. You guys got this."

He snapped finger guns to the trio, before scooting out of their view and opening his phone. he texted Tsuki.

'Still in the weapins room?'

'no'

'is it empty'

'think so'

'cool, were doing this.'

Xander made sure nobody was following him, and dashed to Chelic's room. He felt a weight in his hand, and when he looked down, the dagger was back, and it pierced through his water bottle. This was good, he had a weapon, He opened the door, hesitating for a second. But screw it, he had to burst in. Tsuki was behind him, checking over her shoulder every couple seconds. She nodded to him, and they both burst in. After one scrambled look, nobody was inside the room. Tsuki darted towards the desk, handing Xander the shield and taking the bow for herself. They both made their attempt to run out of the room, but the sound of a toilet flushing was heard. The door swung open, and a chain was attached to the door, pushing it shut.

"Woah now!" Chelic announced. "One minute earlier, and you'd have caught me in the middle of the worst…I won't go into it, but you might have gotten away."

Tsuki didn't respond, choosing to fire from her bow. Chelic dodged, taking a step forwards to avoid the mess of foliage sprouting from the door to his private toilet. Tsuki tried again, but her aim was unsteady, and the arrow brushed past Chelic's head. He didn't even have to move.

"Nice shot, Tsuki! Maybe we can take up lessons at some point. Now then, put the weapons down, and I'll put this behind me. After all, harming someone as pretty as you is the last thing I want to do."

Tsuki lay the weapon down. She needed to know what he was planning.

"I'm willing to blame Xander here for putting a bunch of ridiculous ideas in your head. So I'll cut you a deal. Kill him, and you get to walk free. Heck, I'll give you all his old stuff to play around with. He's got a new computer, a bunch of games. All his money's yours, by the way. Should mention that too."

Tsuki pointed the arrow towards Xander, who started panicking. He put the shield on his arm, readying his dagger just in case. But as Tsuki pulled back, manifesting an arrow. She quickly spun to face Chelic again.

"You need to rot!"

She fired the arrow, and Chelic jumped out of the way. He didn't look sad. Just annoyed.

"Well, you can't say I didn't give you a chance."

Chelic shot a chain forward, aimed squarely at Tsuki's forehead. She dropped the bow, and her face went pale. Her eyes glazed over and her body went numb. Chelic pulled forward, and she lurched forwards. Guttural noises formed in her mouth, followed by blood being coughed up. Chelic undid his chain, and she fell to the ground. She was convulsing on the ground. Xander took a step forward, reaching out to her with his free hand, which got caught in a chain.

"Well, this is an issue for me." Chelic sighed. "I know that Manuel likes you, and probably some of the other big names. Killing you would be a pain in the ass, so I'll give you one more chance. Hand over the weapons. And when the time comes, defend this place against those who would harm your friends. Sound good?"

He grinned at he finished his statement. Xander tried struggling to get the chain off, but the sensation of the chain against his bones reverberated against the rest of his body whenever it moved. He was struggling not to vomit. The dagger faded into the air, and Xander knew what he had to do. He fell to his knees in despair, sensing Chelic's smile widening. Xander felt the blood rush to his shielded hand, and with one cleave, the chained arm was gone.

Xander stood up, seeing Chelic's smile drop to an expression of anger. Xander was pumped up, and he needed to act before the pain kicked in. The blood flowed to his legs through the tubes connecting to his body, as he grabbed the bow from Tsuki's corpse. When Chelic reached out to stop him, an intense amount of blood flowed to his shielded arm, as it shot upwards to hit Chelic in the face. Chelic flew backwards, falling on his back just short of the foliage. When he got up, blood was leaking from his nose. He tried to form a sentence, but his mouth just leaked curse words as he shot another chain towards Xander's head. Xander turned around at the perfect moment to block it with the shield.

Xander ran to the cell where Cassandra was being held. He had two relic weapons, and getting her out was his only chance. No matter what, he had to fight off whoever was waiting.

But when he got there, the three guarding Cassandra's cell were staring off with the three about to rescue her.

#my writing #writeblr #writing #creative writing #fantasy #webnovel #writers on tumblr #spilled ink

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mrsbsmooth · 1 year ago

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Scripts - S6 - Episode 31 (Part 1 of 2)

Toby arrives, speed dating

NARRATOR: Welcome back to Love Island where something has gone bump in the night!

NARRATOR: While the Islanders nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, as of someone gently rapping, rapping at the bedroom door.

NARRATOR: Tis the bombshell! Grace muttered, Grab your grafting boots, for factor 50 we must pour!

NARRATOR: As the door opened, gently creaking, the girls crept up sneaking to find the boy they would surely adore.

NARRATOR: But as the door swung upon, the boys rudely awoken, to find Marshall scoffing nachos in his pants, and nothing more.

NARRATOR: See, they said I couldn’t do serious acting! Nevermind that because the bombshell is on their way! Let’s go!

Your eyes begin to open as the morning sun beams through the windows. You hear the girls whispering already.

AMELIA_HAPPY: What if he’s like a seven-foot tall basketball player or something?

GRACE_HAPPY: Seven foot!?

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Yeah! I don’t mind being picked up for a kiss.

FLO_FLIRTY: Or slam-dunked for that matter...

{0}_FLIRTY: Nah, she’s defo gonna be like a synchronised swimmer or something.

{0}_HAPPY: All elegant and athletic, coming in to make a splash…

AMELIA_HAPPY: Talk about making waves.

FLO_SERIOUS: He’s gonna be one of those bakers that makes cake look like real things.

GRACE_HAPPY: That is very specific…

PLAYER_HAPPY: Morning, girls.

AMELIA_HAPPY: {0}!

{0}_FLIRTY: Finally! Morning, sleeping beauty.

FLO_HAPPY: Nice of you to join us.

GRACE_FLIRTY: What are you hoping for, {0}? A new girl or a new boy?

I hope it’s a boy

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m hoping a new boy walks through that door.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: That would make things interesting for sure.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Agreed, basketball man it is then!

FLO_HAPPY: Or cake man, don’t forget about cake man.

I hope it’s a girl

PLAYER_IDLE: Would be nice to have another girl in the villa.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: That would make things interesting for sure.

AMELIA_HAPPY: More competition, no thanks!

GRACE_HAPPY: These boys have it too good as it is.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Who says they would be for the boys…

FLO_FLIRTY: Too right!

I don’t mind either way

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m not fussed either way.

PLAYER_HAPPY: A new boy might be fun to play with.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: But it would be nice to have another girl on our side.

FLO_FLIRTY: Or another girl to play with for that matter.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You’re not wrong.

AMELIA_HAPPY: We need a new bloke on the block for sure.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Get those boys to up their game! They’re getting lazy!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Are you talking about one boy in particular?

AMELIA_EMBARRASSED: No, I mean maybe…

AMELIA_HAPPY: I just think the boys should be focussing on the girls they’re with you know!

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: She has a point.

FLO_EMBARRASSED: Last thing we need is someone walking in here turning everyone’s heads.

{0}_SERIOUS: Then we could all be at risk at the next dumping.

AMELIA_SERIOUS: I swear if these boys even think about…

Before Amelia can finish the boys rush into the room!

MARSHALL_HAPPY: Rise and shine, ladies!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Hey, sweetie!

The girls all roll their eyes at Amelia.

{0}_HAPPY: Thought you might want your breakfast in bed this morning.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I like the sound of that!

{0} smiles at you and passes you a plate of avocado on toast.

{0} smiles at you and passes you a plate of full English.

{0} smiles at you and passes you a plate of pancakes.

{0} smiles at you and passes you a bowl of yoghurt with honey and fruit.

{0} smiles at you and passes you a small slice of cake.

{0}_FLIRTY: Couldn’t forget your favourite could I?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks.

FLO_FLIRTY: That’s so sweet you, guys!

Behind the others Ozzy enters and hands Grace her breakfast.

The mood shifts between him, Grace and Marshall.

OZZY_IDLE: Here, Grace.

GRACE_IDLE: Thanks.

There is a long silence… The girls start tucking into their breakfast.

FLO_HAPPY: Well, this is awkward.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Erm yeah, what were you girls talking about?

AMELIA_HAPPY: Who the new bombshell could be!

MARSHALL_FLIRTY: Ooooh, very nice!

FLO_HAPPY: And how they're gonna turn your heads faster than the crowd at a tennis match.

MARSHALL_EMBARRASSED: Oh, right.

{0}_HAPPY: You clearly don’t think much of us then!

FLO_HAPPY: Nah you’re great. I’m just a realist is all.

GRACE_SERIOUS: She has a point.

OZZY_SERIOUS: What does that mean?

{0}_FLIRTY: Well my head’s not turning anywhere!

{0}_IDLE: You’re not worried about the new bombshell coming in are you, {1}?

Not at all!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Nah! I’m not fussed at all!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I know where my head’s at.

{0} smiles at you knowingly.

You and Flo share a naughty look.

{0}_FLIRTY: Exactly, we’re solid!

I’m pranging out

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: To be honest I am pranging out a bit.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Feel like things have barely settled since Casa.

GRACE_SERIOUS: And that’s an understatement.

PLAYER_IDLE: This could change everything again.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Well now you have got me worried!

{0}_HAPPY: But we’ve got a good thing going. I have faith in us!

Maybe you should be worried

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m not worried no.

PLAYER_HAPPY: But maybe you should be!

{0}_SURPRISED: Woah!

AMELIA_HAPPY: Not holding back, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: You said it, Amelia, maybe these boys need a proper gent to come in here.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Keep these boys on their toes.

{0}_FLIRTY: Oh I see, don’t you worry, I’m up for a challenge.

MARSHALL_FLIRTY: Even if it is a new boy, nothing we can’t handle. Right, lads?

{0}_FLIRTY: Exactly, you’ve already got the finest specimens around, girls!

{0}_HAPPY: You know we’ll stay loyal.

MARSHALL_HAPPY: I dunno, we all saw Movie Night, right?

GRACE_SERIOUS: Leave it.

OZZY_SERIOUS: Got something to say, Marshall?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Oooof, I think it’s time us girls go and get ready!

FLO_HAPPY: Yeah, need to look our best for our new guest.

PLAYER_HAPPY: See you boys later. Thanks for the brekkie.

You and the girls rush to the dressing room.

FLO_HAPPY: Wow, feels like we got out of there just in time.

{0}_IDLE: Yeah close call.

FLO_HAPPY: Haven't seen this much tension after a movie night since…

PLAYER_IDLE: Since when?

FLO_EMBARRASSED: Since I sang along with my fave musical while chilling with a guy…

FLO_EMBARRASSED: He said I sounded like a cat who lost its voice. Rude.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Wow.

FLO_EMBARRASSED: Yeah it got pretty tense when I tried to change his mind with a duet.

FLO_HAPPY: Not my finest moment, but we laughed about it later.

GRACE_SAD: Wish me and Ozzy were laughing about it by now.

GRACE_SAD: Sorry about all the frostiness, guys, it can't be fun for anyone.

FLO_HAPPY: Don’t fret, Grace, you guys will get past it.

FLO_IDLE: All the strongest couples go through the bumpiest journeys.

FLO_HAPPY: And if not, there might be another boy coming in to sweep you off your feet.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Hey! If any feet are getting swept it’s these!

Amelia lifts her feet in the air and wiggles them.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: Thanks, Flo. I hope things get better with Ozzy soon.

GRACE_IDLE: But if it is a boy coming in, maybe I should explore things?

{0}_HAPPY: Go for it! You deserve to have some fun!

FLO_HAPPY: Yeah, I mean Ozzy kissed two girls and you kissed only one boy.

FLO_HAPPY: Are these numbers made of sponge because they ain't crunchin’.

GRACE_IDLE: Thanks for the reminder…

{0}_HAPPY: She has a point though.

GRACE_HAPPY: I guess it could be fun? I feel nervous for some reason.

GRACE_IDLE: What do you think, {0}? If the bombshell’s a boy should I explore it?

Go for it!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I think you should totally explore things.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: The summer’s not over yet, Ozzy isn’t the only boy.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Who knows, you and the new bombshell could be the perfect match.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Yeah! Just like they could also be my perfect match!

GRACE_HAPPY: Thanks, {0}.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: Hope you’re not just saying that for Ozzy’s sake.

Stay loyal to Ozzy

PLAYER_IDLE: To be honest I think you should stay loyal to Ozzy.

PLAYER_IDLE: You guys are going through a rough time but you can work through it.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: You don’t want to throw it all away do you?

GRACE_SAD: You do have a point. Ergh this is so hard!

Nah, he’s all mine

PLAYER_IDLE: You can try and explore all you want.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: But if a new boy is coming in then he’s all mine.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Oh alright then…

AMELIA_SURPRISED: Again! Can’t you just let me have this one!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Sorry, no can do.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Fine! Looks like it’s game on once again.

{0}_HAPPY: You seem very excited about the new bombshell, Amelia?

AMELIA_SURPRISED: How could you tell? I thought I was being subtle.

PLAYER_HAPPY: You thought wrong.

FLO_HAPPY: What’s wrong with Marshall, trouble in paradise?

AMELIA_IDLE: There’s nothing wrong with him exactly.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: I mean the boy still gives me fanny flutters for sure.

AMELIA_IDLE: I just need whoever I’m with to be 100% with me.

PLAYER_IDLE: And you don’t think Marshall is?

AMELIA_SAD: Not after he didn’t back me up yesterday, no.

AMELIA_IDLE: I’m no damsel but he could have at least had a word!

{0}_HAPPY: So, what you gonna do?

AMELIA_FLIRTY: If this newbie knows how to treat a girl then maybe just maybe…

AMELIA_HAPPY: This head could turn.

PLAYER_HAPPY: So you’re getting your flirt on then?

AMELIA_HAPPY: You could say that.

AMELIA_EMBARRASSED: Do you think I’m being too harsh on Marshall?

You deserve better!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: No way! If he isn’t going to back you 100%.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Then you deserve way better.

PLAYER_HAPPY: If it’s meant to be he’ll put in the graft.

PLAYER_IDLE: Otherwise you can look elsewhere.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Exactly! I knew you’d understand!

You’ve blown it out of proportion

PLAYER_IDLE: I think you’ve blown it out of proportion to be honest.

PLAYER_IDLE: I mean he brought you breakfast this morning.

PLAYER_HAPPY: So what if he didn’t back you up in an argument?

{0}_IDLE: Nah I think that stuff’s important.

FLO_IDLE: Yeah you need your partner to have your back!

AMELIA_EMBARRASSED: Exactly, this is tough.

FLO_HAPPY: How about you, {0}. Plan on getting your flirt on with the new bombshell?

GRACE_FLIRTY: Or still getting over your love affair with {0}?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Ha ha, very funny!

PLAYER_HAPPY: What happened there then? You have to explain!

{0}_HAPPY: Nothing happened! He was getting his graft on after Ivy left.

{0}_IDLE: One thing led to another and he asked if I wanted to kiss him.

{0}_IDLE: To see if we had a connection.

PLAYER_HAPPY: And?

{0}_IDLE: I’ve had a stronger connection with a mosquito that bit my chin.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Ouch!

AMELIA_HAPPY: Yeah for you and {0}.

{0}_HAPPY: It was ok, he agreed there was no chemistry and we left it at that.

FLO_HAPPY: Well I hope this bombshell has more charm for your sake.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Alright, girls, enough chit chat.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: We need to be looking our best if we are going to impress the new bombshell.

{0}_FLIRTY: I know who I’m dressing to impress.

{0} looks at you with flirty eyes.

FLO_FLIRTY: Me too.

FLO_FLIRTY: We all know who the real bombshell in here is.

Flo also looks over at you. Then Flo and {0} catch each other's eye.

There’s tension as they hold each other's gaze for a moment before looking away.

GRACE_HAPPY: What are you going to wear, {0}?

AMELIA_HAPPY: Yeah, {0}? Going all out?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Patience! Let’s see what I have.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: How about this?

AMELIA_HAPPY: You look gorgeous! You have to change!

PLAYER_HAPPY: What?

FLO_FLIRTY: Wow. Consider me impressed.

{0}_FLIRTY: You can say that again.

GRACE_HAPPY: Give us a chance, {0}!

PLAYER_IDLE: This will do.

AMELIA_IDLE: Are you sure!

AMELIA_HAPPY: The bombshell will be here any minute!

GRACE_HAPPY: Yeah, may as well go all out!

Alright, let me look again!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: How about this?

AMELIA_HAPPY: You look gorgeous! You have to change!

PLAYER_HAPPY: What?

FLO_FLIRTY: Wow. Consider me impressed.

{0}_FLIRTY: You can say that again.

GRACE_HAPPY: Give us a chance, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: This works for me.

AMELIA_HAPPY: You’re the boss!

I’m fine

PLAYER_HAPPY: This works for me.

AMELIA_HAPPY: You’re the boss!

A phone pings!

PLAYER_HAPPY: That’s mine!

LITEXT: Hey girls, check out the view from the balcony, love Toby x

AMELIA_SURPRISED: Oh my days! Toby???

GRACE_SURPRISED: It’s a boy!

FLO_HAPPY: Quick, out on the terrace!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s go!!!

You and the girls pile out onto the terrace and look over the ledge.

AMELIA_SURPRISED: There he is!

GRACE_SURPRISED: Where?

FLO_HAPPY: I see him!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let me see!

You peer over the ledge and spot him, standing by the pool next to a perfectly laid table!

He waves up at you.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Good morning, ladies! I’m Toby!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Oh my days he is a hunk!

GRACE_FLIRTY: He sounds like a proper gent!

{0}_HAPPY: He’s alright I guess.

FLO_HAPPY: I reckon he’s modelling material!

PLAYER_HAPPY: How do you know?

FLO_FLIRTY: I can spot them a mile off.

You take another look down at Toby.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Come on down! I have a surprise for you!

AMELIA_HAPPY: What do you think of him, {0}? Is he a bit of you?

Hottie alert!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I spy with my little eye.

PLAYER_HAPPY: An absolute hottie!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: He is gorgeous.

Meh

PLAYER_IDLE: Meh, he’s fine.

PLAYER_IDLE: Not doing anything for me really.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Just what I wanted to hear!

I need a closer look

PLAYER_IDLE: Hmm, not sure yet.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I need a closer look at him.

AMELIA_HAPPY: You can say that again.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Let’s get down there, ladies!

TOBY_FLIRTY: Hey, girls! Nice of you to join me!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Hey!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Hi there, Toby! Pleasure to meet ya. I’m Amelia.

Amelia offers her hand for Toby to kiss and he obliges.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Oh I know, the pleasure’s all mine.

TOBY_FLIRTY: That’s quite the look, {0}.

TOBY_FLIRTY: You know how to stand out in the crowd.

Flirt it up!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Seems like we might finally have a proper man in the villa.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Just in time too. Things were starting to get boring.

TOBY_FLIRTY: I may be a lot of things but boring ain’t one.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Thanks for the warm welcome, {0}.

Act casual

TOBY_FLIRTY: Great to finally meet the famous twins.

TOBY_HAPPY: You’re even more gorgeous in real life.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: You’re not so bad yourself!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Yeah you’re alright I guess…

TOBY_HAPPY: Quite the compliment from you, Amelia.

TOBY_HAPPY: Looks like I have a way to go to win you over, {0}.

Blank him

AMELIA_IDLE: {0}, aren’t you gonna welcome our new boy?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Nah, I’m good.

TOBY_HAPPY: Wow, power move. Guess I’ll have to win you over.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Don’t worry you’ve already won me. I mean won me over!

GRACE_FLIRTY: Welcome to the villa!

FLO_HAPPY: Yeah, nice to not be the newbie anymore.

TOBY_HAPPY: Well, I’m happy to take up the title.

TOBY_FLIRTY: As long as there aren’t any wild initiations I have to go through.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: No promises there.

{0}_HAPPY: Just have to do a few naked laps of the villa…

TOBY_SURPRISED: You what?

AMELIA_FLIRTY: She’s kidding… but I won’t stop you.

TOBY_FLIRTY: I tend to leave my stripping until after breakfast…

Your phone pings!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Speaking of which, I’ve got a text.

LITEXT: Girls, it’s time to get to know new boy Toby over some saucy breakfast speed dates!

AMELIA_HAPPY: Looks like my wish came true!

GRACE_FLIRTY: This is going to be fun!

FLO_HAPPY: Ahh finally! I am starving.

PLAYER_HAPPY: There’s more!

LITEXT: Toby it’s up to you to decide the order of your dates! {0}TeaWithToby {1}MovingFast

{0}_HAPPY: So, who’s it gonna be first then, loverboy?

TOBY_HAPPY: Hmmm.

Toby looks at each girl pretending to think.

TOBY_FLIRTY: It’s gotta be… Amelia.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Yes!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: I mean, ok sure.

Toby heads over to the table on the lawn and pulls out a chair for Amelia.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Guess we’ll be watching over there then, Amelia.

FLO_IDLE: Looks like we won't be the only ones watching.

Flo points up at the terrace at all the boys looking down at you!

GRACE_HAPPY: Looks like we have an audience!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Then we better put on a show, yeah?

FLO_HAPPY: Chance to show these boys what they’re missing!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Get them to up their game!

TOBY_FLIRTY: Gonna join me, Amelia?

AMELIA_HAPPY: Whoops! Coming! See you later girls!

GRACE_HAPPY: Come on, girls, let’s get a vantage point from the day beds?

FLO_IDLE: The day beds?! That’s miles away, I wanna hear all the juicy details!

Flo leans into your ear and whispers mischievously.

FLO_FLIRTY: No fun watching the dates if we can’t hear them.

FLO_HAPPY: Plus we’ll know what to do on our own dates if we hear the others.

FLO_HAPPY: Wanna sneak over to the poolside with me? Get the VIP view?

*Join Flo to snoop on the dates!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Let’s go! I want to hear everything!

FLO_FLIRTY: I knew I could count on you! Let’s go!

As Grace and {0} head toward the day beds, you and Flo sneak over to the pool.

Hang back at the day beds

PLAYER_IDLE: Nah, I’m fine just chilling on the day beds.

FLO_IDLE: You sure? You won’t be able to hear anything!

FLO_HAPPY: We could hear everything from the loungers.

FLO_FLIRTY: We’ll be way ahead of the game with Toby.

FLO_FLIRTY: You sure you don’t wanna be my partner in crime?

*Alright, let’s do it!

PLAYER_IDLE: Yes, I want to hear everything!

FLO_FLIRTY: I knew I could count on you! Let’s go!

As Grace and {0} head toward the day beds, you and Flo sneak over to the poolside!

No thanks

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m really fine, let’s just head to the day beds.

FLO_IDLE: Urgh, fine.

FLO_IDLE: I guess I’ll just have to try out my lip reading skills.

You and Flo sit on the edge of the pool and dip your feet in.

FLO_FLIRTY: This is the perfect spot!

FLO_HAPPY: I knew you’d be down for some fun, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Couldn’t resist getting the juicy goss, could I!

FLO_HAPPY: Look, they’re sitting down for the date now!

You watch as Amelia takes a seat opposite Toby.

The egg timer on the table starts ticking.

Amelia is giddy with excitement, her face beaming.

TOBY_FLIRTY: You have a beautiful smile, you know that?

Amelia bursts out laughing, then stops herself.

TOBY_HAPPY: I wasn’t joking, you have amazing teeth.

AMELIA_HAPPY: I know, sorry, suddenly feeling a bit nervous which is weird for me.

TOBY_HAPPY: I’m making you nervous?

AMELIA_SURPRISED: No! I mean yes kind of. I don’t know, I’m falling to pieces for some reason!

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: It’s ok, if it makes you feel better I’m nervous too.

AMELIA_HAPPY: You are?

TOBY_HAPPY: I’ve been watching you since day one. Feels like meeting a star!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: You’ve been watching the show or watching me?

TOBY_FLIRTY: Amelia, you are the show.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Ahh you’re just saying that.

TOBY_FLIRTY: I’m being serious. To me you are at least.

TOBY_HAPPY: I mean your sister certainly has the public’s eye too.

TOBY_HAPPY: Not to mention some other Islanders.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Everyone’s obsessed with her!

AMELIA_HAPPY: Can’t blame them to be fair, she’s pretty special.

TOBY_FLIRTY: But you, Amelia, you turned my head through my screen.

Amelia bursts into nervous laughter once again!

FLO_EMBARRASSED: Wow, that boy is laying it on thick!

FLO_EMBARRASSED: Either he’s been taking rizz 101 or he’s super into your sister!

FLO_HAPPY: Do you think he sounds genuine, {0}?

He’s melty for her

PLAYER_HAPPY: That boy is melty for Amelia, I can tell.

PLAYER_HAPPY: That’s no standard rizz.

FLO_HAPPY: I think you might be right.

He’s playing the game

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I think he’s playing games.

PLAYER_IDLE: Clearly just getting his flirt on.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Will probably be the same with all of us.

FLO_IDLE: I guess so?

It’s too soon to tell

PLAYER_IDLE: It’s too soon to tell.

PLAYER_HAPPY: He could really be into her.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Or it could be a load of lines.

FLO_IDLE: I suppose time will tell.

FLO_HAPPY: Whatever he’s doing, Amelia is loving it.

FLO_IDLE: What are they saying now?

TOBY_HAPPY: You’re coupled with Marshall, right? How’s that going?

AMELIA_IDLE: Oh you know Marshall’s… great.

TOBY_HAPPY: You hesitated there. He’s great but…

AMELIA_EMBARRASSED: Erm but…

TOBY_HAPPY: Not perfect?

Amelia looks shy and quickly changes the subject.

AMELIA_IDLE: So what brings you to Love Island, Toby?

TOBY_HAPPY: Well to tell the truth I’ve been travelling the last couple years…

AMELIA_HAPPY: Oh my days, same!

TOBY_HAPPY: It was with work but I wanted to get away for a while and figure out who I was.

AMELIA_HAPPY: This is sounding very familiar…

TOBY_HAPPY: I met some amazing people, saw some wild things.

TOBY_IDLE: I feel like I grew a lot.

TOBY_HAPPY: And now I’m ready to share my life with someone else.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: You may not realise it, but you’re saying all the right things.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Seems we have a lot in common.

TOBY_FLIRTY: I’m starting to sense that too.

AMELIA_HAPPY: So what’s the dream then? What does this life you want to share look like?

TOBY_HAPPY: It sounds cheesy but I want a big family.

TOBY_HAPPY: I grew up with three siblings and my family is really important to me.

TOBY_FLIRTY: I just can’t wait to be a Dad. That’s the dream.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Are you real?

TOBY_HAPPY: What do you mean?

AMELIA_HAPPY: I feel like I’m being pranked here. You’re literally perfect.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: I want a big family too!

TOBY_FLIRTY: Well what are we waiting for? Your bed or mine?

Amelia cracks up.

Up on the balcony you see Marshall grimacing as he watches the date.

TOBY_FLIRTY: You have such an infectious laugh.

TOBY_IDLE: I haven’t seen you laugh like this with the other guys?

AMELIA_HAPPY: Clearly you’re doing something right.

The egg timer rings out!

TOBY_IDLE: There goes the timer. Looks like our time is up.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Really? I can’t hear anything, let's stay a little longer.

TOBY_HAPPY: Don’t worry we’ve got the rest of the summer.

AMELIA_SAD: Ok, just don’t forget about me!

Toby kisses Amelia’s hand again as she heads over to the day beds.

FLO_FLIRTY: Well, that certainly seemed hot.

FLO_HAPPY: I bet Marshall isn’t too happy.

PLAYER_IDLE: Did you see his face? Looked furious!

You hear a phone ping from the day beds.

GRACE_HAPPY: My turn!

Grace struts over to the date table. Ozzy watches from the terrace.

FLO_IDLE: Looks like Ozzy isn’t too pleased either.

FLO_HAPPY: This will be interesting.

You and Flo listen in.

Toby pulls Grace’s chair out for her and they take their seats.

GRACE_FLIRTY: What a gent.

TOBY_HAPPY: There are still a few of us left.

GRACE_HAPPY: You wouldn’t know it in this villa.

TOBY_IDLE: Trouble in paradise I take it?

TOBY_IDLE: You and Ozzy haven’t had it easy.

GRACE_HAPPY: Ha! You can say that again.

GRACE_HAPPY: When it’s good it’s great! But at the moment it’s tough.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: Just can’t get the stupid boy out of my mind. He’s got my head spinning.

GRACE_IDLE: Ever since before Casa when I heard about his feelings for, {0}.

GRACE_SAD: I’m just not sure what to do. I want Ozzy to see me that way.

GRACE_IDLE: I don’t know how {0} does it. I guess I’m just jealous.

GRACE_HAPPY: She seems to have it all figured out. I wish I could be like that.

GRACE_HAPPY: And now I’m on a date with a fit boy and I’m still talking about Ozzy!

Up on the terrace Ozzy looks guilty.

Toby gives Grace a warm smile.

TOBY_HAPPY: Grace, can I give you some advice?

GRACE_IDLE: Sure.

TOBY_HAPPY: You know you’re a beautiful girl.

TOBY_FLIRTY: I’m sure you could have any man you wanted if you liked.

TOBY_FLIRTY: If I were you I wouldn’t narrow my focus on just one person.

TOBY_HAPPY: Sometimes you just need to take a step back and see the bigger picture.

TOBY_HAPPY: Right now it’s just you and me. So let’s be in the moment.

Grace seems stunned by his words.

GRACE_HAPPY: You’re right it’s just you and me.

GRACE_FLIRTY: Can we start over?

TOBY_FLIRTY: Of course.

FLO_IDLE: Wow, Toby’s spouting the wisdom!

FLO_HAPPY: Can’t tell if he’s a bombshell or a life coach!

FLO_IDLE: Do you think Toby’s got what it takes to turn Grace’s head from Ozzy?

Her head’s already turning!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I think her head might already be turning!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Toby has defo caught her eye.

FLO_HAPPY: I didn’t think it was possible!

Nothing can turn her head

PLAYER_IDLE: No way. Nothing’s gonna turn Grace’s head away from Ozzy.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I don’t see Toby being any different.

FLO_HAPPY: I dunno he seems to be working some magic!

FLO_IDLE: Let’s see if Grace gets her graft on.

GRACE_HAPPY: Seeing as I’ve spilled the tea on my dating baggage…

GRACE_HAPPY: How about you? What’s Toby’s love life like?

TOBY_FLIRTY: Well no love at the moment, that’s why I’m here!

GRACE_FLIRTY: Ah but you must have girls throwing themselves at you back home.

GRACE_FLIRTY: With a body like that.

TOBY_HAPPY: I’ve dated some lovely girls if that’s what you mean, yeah.

TOBY_HAPPY: But I’ve actually been single for about two years now.

GRACE_SURPRISED: That’s a pretty long time.

GRACE_FLIRTY: You a one night stand kinda guy then?

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: No! I mean not really. I’m no angel.

TOBY_IDLE: I just haven't met that special person yet to settle down with.

GRACE_HAPPY: You’ve never been in love then?

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: I don’t think so, no. Guess that might be a red flag?

GRACE_HAPPY: Or a green flag, you never know.

GRACE_FLIRTY: Sounds like a nice challenge if you ask me…

You notice Ozzy on the balcony starting to look concerned.

TOBY_HAPPY: Glad you see it that way. Game on, I suppose.

GRACE_FLIRTY: Game on indeed.

The egg timer rings out again!

GRACE_FLIRTY: See you around the villa then, Toby.

TOBY_HAPPY: See you then.

Grace takes her leave back to the day beds.

FLO_HAPPY: That certainly looked flirty to me.

FLO_IDLE: But I think Amelia is still his type on paper…

PLAYER_IDLE: Still plenty of dates to go.

PLAYER_IDLE: Anything could happen.

Another ping from the day beds as {0} approaches the lawn.

She blows you a cheeky kiss as she passes you by.

{0}_HAPPY: Wish me luck, girls.

You watch as {0} sits down for her date.

{0}_HAPPY: Alright, let’s get this show on the road shall we.

{0}_HAPPY: Let’s skip the small talk and get to the good stuff.

TOBY_SURPRISED: Woah, straight in there! You don’t mess around.

{0}_HAPPY: We all saw your dates with Grace and Amelia.

{0}_HAPPY: Seems like you’ve got your hands full already.

{0}_HAPPY: The way I see it we may as well just have a laugh and enjoy the sunshine.

{0}_IDLE: No pressure that way, yeah?

TOBY_HAPPY: Sounds perfect.

{0}_HAPPY: So, got any red flags I should know about before we get into it?

TOBY_HAPPY: Do people tend to point out their flaws on a first date?

{0}_HAPPY: They do on my first dates!

{0}_IDLE: Fine, I’ll go first.

{0}_HAPPY: My red flag is that I’m friends with most of my exes.

TOBY_HAPPY: Is that a red flag? Sounds kinda nice to me.

{0}_HAPPY: Depends who you ask I guess. Some people don’t like it.

{0}_HAPPY: So, gimme one of yours.

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: Erm ok, I love a late night gym session?

{0}_HAPPY: How late are we talking?

TOBY_HAPPY: Sometimes in the middle of the night, as late as 1 am?

{0}_SURPRISED: One in the morning? Why?!

TOBY_HAPPY: If I can’t sleep I sometimes pop down there!

TOBY_HAPPY: Trust me you sleep a whole lot better after an hour in the gym.

{0}_HAPPY: So you might be in bed with a girl and then nip off to pump some iron?

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: Maybe?

{0}_IDLE: You’re right, that does sound like a red flag.

FLO_HAPPY: Who goes to the gym at one in the morning?

FLO_HAPPY: That would be a big no go for me not gonna lie.

FLO_IDLE: Would that be a red flag for you or are you down with that?

Big red flag!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: It’s a no from me.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: If you’d rather be in a gym than in bed with me then it isn’t gonna work.

FLO_IDLE: You can say that again.

I’d go with him!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I love that! I’d be down there with him.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Love getting a workout in and I’m a bit of a night owl.

FLO_IDLE: I love a late night workout too.

FLO_FLIRTY: But why not keep it in the bedroom?

I don’t mind

PLAYER_IDLE: Ah I don’t mind.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Whatever works for you! Everyone is different.

FLO_HAPPY: You’re so nice, {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: What are they saying now?

TOBY_HAPPY: So where’s your head at in here, {0}?

{0}_HAPPY: If I’m honest all my eggs are firmly in someone else’s basket.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Let me guess, {0}?

{0}_HAPPY: Nothing gets past you.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m still figuring that out myself.

{0}_FLIRTY: There is one girl who I can’t get out of my head.

{0}_IDLE: But who knows if it’ll work out.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Let me guess, {0}?

{0}_HAPPY: Nothing gets past you.

TOBY_HAPPY: Can I ask you something?

TOBY_IDLE: Seems like everyone has been crushing on {0} since day one.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Obviously she is a stunning girl.

TOBY_FLIRTY: But what is it about her that’s got everyone so mesmerised?

{0}_HAPPY: It’s hard to put your finger on it!

{0}_FLIRTY: There is just something unique about her.

{0}_FLIRTY: She is true to herself and doesn’t pretend to be something she’s not.

{0}_HAPPY: She’s funny and caring and like no one else I’ve ever met.

TOBY_HAPPY: Sounds like you really like her.

{0}_HAPPY: I do.

TOBY_HAPPY: Sounds like a good reason to like someone.

{0}_HAPPY: I guess so.

The egg timer chimes and it’s time up for {0} and Toby.

FLO_HAPPY: That was actually really sweet.

FLO_HAPPY: She’s right, there is something special about you, {0}.

Before you can say anything, Flo’s phone pings!

PLAYER_IDLE: Looks like you’re up.

FLO_HAPPY: Ahh here we go.

FLO_HAPPY: See you on the other side.

Flo gets up and heads towards the lawn.

You remain by the pool and listen to Flo and Toby’s date.

FLO_FLIRTY: Hey, newbie.

TOBY_HAPPY: Hello to you too.

TOBY_HAPPY: Seems we’re both pretty new here. How’ve you been finding it?

FLO_HAPPY: Oh loving it. In case you hadn’t noticed everyone here is really fit.

TOBY_HAPPY: Oh don’t worry I noticed.

FLO_FLIRTY: Yourself included. Let me guess, you’re a model?

TOBY_SURPRISED: How did you know?

FLO_HAPPY: Call it a hunch, I model too so I know how to spot one of us.

TOBY_HAPPY: Well, no surprises that you’re a model.

FLO_IDLE: FYI I don’t date models.

TOBY_HAPPY: FYI neither do I.

FLO_HAPPY: Good, at least we are on the same page.

I date models!

You cup your hands around your mouth and call out to them.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I date models!

They both look over at you with cheeky smiles.

TOBY_HAPPY: Good to know.

FLO_FLIRTY: Lucky me…

Neither do I!

PLAYER_IDLE: I don’t date models either! Just so you know!

Toby and Flo look disappointed.

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: Good to know I guess.

FLO_SAD: That’s a real shame.

Keep listening

You focus in harder to hear what they’re saying.

FLO_HAPPY: So what do you model?

TOBY_HAPPY: Mostly underwear and swimwear to be honest.

TOBY_IDLE: But it’s not what I want to do forever.

FLO_IDLE: What do you want to do?

TOBY_HAPPY: I actually want to get into acting.

TOBY_HAPPY: I had a modelling gig last year where I had to read some lines.

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: The director said they thought I was an actor after I finished the scene.

TOBY_HAPPY: And since then I’ve had the acting bug.

FLO_FLIRTY: Gonna be a movie star then, huh?

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: Wouldn’t go that far. But I also wouldn’t say no!

FLO_HAPPY: See you on the red carpet then I guess!

FLO_HAPPY: Got your eye on anyone that you want to whisk off to Hollywood then?

TOBY_HAPPY: You’re all beautiful girls.

TOBY_HAPPY: But one or two for you have certainly caught my eye. Not naming any names.

FLO_FLIRTY: Does it rhyme with Shamelia?

TOBY_HAPPY: Maybe…

TOBY_FLIRTY: Not making any decisions until my final date though.

TOBY_HAPPY: How about you, where’s your head at? You’re coupled with {0}?

Flo looks up at {0} smiling down from the balcony.

FLO_EMBARRASSED: Yeah I am, things were going pretty well in the Casa days.

FLO_EMBARRASSED: But I’m not so sure about him.

TOBY_IDLE: Oh, why?

FLO_FLIRTY: Someone may have turned my head.

FLO_FLIRTY: She kind of took me by surprise.

TOBY_HAPPY: She? I think I can guess.

TOBY_HAPPY: She certainly seems to have that effect on people.

FLO_FLIRTY: What can I say, she’s something special.

Flo glances over at you with a bashful smile.

FLO_HAPPY: I’ve just been getting a bit of the ick if I’m honest.

FLO_EMBARRASSED: Don’t tell him that obvs!

FLO_HAPPY: But I think I want to explore other connections.

TOBY_HAPPY: It’s our little secret.

The egg timer rings out once more and there is only one person left!

Flo joins you by the pool.

PLAYER_HAPPY: So?

FLO_HAPPY: That was actually kinda fun! He’s sweet.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’ll see for myself soon enough!

Your phone pings! You read the text.

LITEXT: {0}, it’s time for your speed date with Toby.

- - - - - - - - - If you decided not to listen in You leap onto the day beds and make yourselves comfortable for the show.

Over on the lawn you watch as Amelia sits down for her date with Toby.

{0}_HAPPY: Here we go, girls, first date begins!

FLO_FLIRTY: This is gonna be fun, Amelia seemed thirsty for Toby!

GRACE_IDLE: Doesn’t mean he’ll feel the same.

{0}_HAPPY: I dunno, he seemed pretty keen to start with her.

GRACE_FLIRTY: Maybe he is saving the best till last?

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m trying to watch, guys!

You focus in on their date but it’s too far to hear what they’re saying.

All you can hear is the echoes of their flirty laughter from across the lawn.

Amelia is staring into Toby’s eyes and he isn’t looking away.

They seem to be edging closer to each other as they talk.

Amelia rests her hand on Toby’s.

FLO_HAPPY: Sounds pretty flirty to me.

FLO_HAPPY: I think he likes her.

GRACE_IDLE: How can you tell?

{0}_HAPPY: Just look at their body language. He’s into her!

FLO_HAPPY: What do you think, {0}?

He’s melty for her

PLAYER_HAPPY: That boy is melty for Amelia, I can tell.

PLAYER_HAPPY: That’s no standard rizz.

FLO_HAPPY: I think you might be right.

He’s playing the game

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I think he’s playing games.

PLAYER_IDLE: Clearly just getting his flirt on.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Will probably be the same with all of us.

FLO_IDLE: I guess so?

It’s too soon to tell

PLAYER_IDLE: It’s too soon to tell.

PLAYER_HAPPY: He could really be into her.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Or it could be a show.

FLO_IDLE: I suppose time will tell.

I haven’t seen first date fireworks like that since my last date!

I took them to a fireworks display on bonfire night. The date itself fizzled rather than whizz, pop, banged…

But there were definitely sparks flying for Amelia and Toby.

Grace’s phone pings!

GRACE_HAPPY: Ooh it’s me next! Wish me luck, girls!

FLO_HAPPY: Good luck! Don’t think about Ozzy!

GRACE_SURPRISED: Well I wasn’t until you just brought him up!

Amelia joins you all at the day beds.

PLAYER_HAPPY: So, how was it?

AMELIA_HAPPY: He is perfect! My literal type on paper!

AMELIA_HAPPY: And we had so much in common!

{0}_HAPPY: Sounds like someone's getting a bit melty already!

AMELIA_HAPPY: I am and I’m not ashamed about it! He is dreamy!

PLAYER_IDLE: Let’s see if Grace feels the same way…

You all look over as Grace and Toby begin their date.

FLO_IDLE: Why does she look so awkward?

{0}_IDLE: Maybe she’s nervous?

You watch as Grace shifts uncomfortably in her seat.

She keeps looking up to Ozzy who is watching from the balcony.

Toby seems to be talking to her in a comforting way.

FLO_IDLE: She keeps looking up at Ozzy.

{0}_IDLE: That’s not a good sign.

AMELIA_IDLE: I don’t think her head is turning from Oz anytime soon.

FLO_HAPPY: Who knows, Toby could be the man to do it!

{0}_HAPPY: What do you think, {1}?

Her head’s already turning!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I think her head might already be turning!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Toby has defo caught her eye.

FLO_HAPPY: I didn’t think it was possible!

Nothing can turn her head

PLAYER_IDLE: No way. Nothing’s gonna turn Grace’s head away from Ozzy.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I don’t see Toby being any different.

FLO_HAPPY: I dunno he seems to be working some magic!

You focus back in on their date.

They seem to have perked up as Grace starts to laugh out loud.

The two of them move closer together and Grace stops looking away.

FLO_HAPPY: See, told you her head could be turning!

Seems like Toby might be the fish to Grace’s chips as their date went down a treat.

But could Toby be the mushy peas to {0}’s battered sausage? Sorry I’m very hungry. Let’s get back to the dates shall we.

Grace returns to the day beds with a new air of confidence.

GRACE_HAPPY: Amelia’s right, he’s a cutie.

GRACE_HAPPY: I think he’s gonna give Ozzy a run for his money.

PLAYER_IDLE: Sounds like someone’s head is turning then?

GRACE_HAPPY: Too early to say. But he’s bringing the goods that’s for sure.

FLO_HAPPY: {0} is over there now! Let’s see if he is bringing the flirt for everyone…

You turn to watch the date on the lawn.

The two of them seem cheerful and relaxed.

But there doesn’t seem to be any flirty energy.

You watch as they laugh and joke around.

Until {0} turns and looks straight at you.

She smiles to herself as she talks to Toby and he looks over at you too.

{0} and Toby look up at the balcony full of boys and chat to each other.

The boys on the balcony shift around, unable to hear what they are discussing.

As their date comes to an end they shake hands and part ways!

A hand shake! I hope it was a firm one as Toby’s ended up firmly in the friendzone there!

I wonder if he’ll have better luck going with the Flo? See what I did there?

{0} leaps back onto the day beds with you.

{0}_HAPPY: He seems nice.

PLAYER_HAPPY: But?

{0}_HAPPY: But, I’m looking for more than just nice.

{0} nudges you playfully with her arm.

GRACE_FLIRTY: Looks as though it’s between you and me then Amelia.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Erm yeah sure. Whatever you say.

{0}_HAPPY: He still has two more dates to go on, girls!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Speaking of which, here goes Flo!

Flo and Toby are chatting away, seemingly getting on well!

They laugh and the chat seems to flow but you and the girls aren’t getting flirty vibes.

Looks like Flo and Toby are like chalk and cheese. Quite attractive chalk and cheese, but chalk and cheese nevertheless.

But there’s still one date left! Will {0} chalk up a perfect date, or will the chat be too cheesy?

Your phone pings! You read the text.

LITEXT: {0}, it’s time for your speed date with Toby.

PLAYER_HAPPY: My turn!

GRACE_HAPPY: Good luck, {0}!

AMELIA_HAPPY: Have fun! But not too much fun!

As you walk across the lawn, Toby pulls out a chair for you to sit.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Here she is, {0}. The name on everyone’s lips.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Last but not least, I hope.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Of course not. It’s great to finally meet you.

TOBY_FLIRTY: I’ve heard so much about you already from the others.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I know.

TOBY_HAPPY: You know? You must be some kind of mind reader!

TOBY_HAPPY: I guess there’s no keeping secrets from you in this place then.

TOBY_HAPPY: I’ve been looking forward to chatting to you properly.

TOBY_HAPPY: You seem to be the star of the show in here.

Get your flirt on

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Always room for two stars in this villa.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You look like you might have what it takes. Star qualities.

TOBY_FLIRTY: What are my star qualities then?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Handsome, charming, muscular.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Please, {0}. You’re making me blush.

Get sassy

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Are you wanting a date or a selfie?

PLAYER_HAPPY: I can sign your water bottle if you want?

TOBY_HAPPY: You’re funny. They mentioned that too.

Act casual

PLAYER_IDLE: Not sure I’d call myself a star.

PLAYER_HAPPY: But that’s sweet of you to say.

TOBY_HAPPY: I think the public back home would beg to differ.

TOBY_HAPPY: I feel like I already know so much about you.

TOBY_FLIRTY: And you don’t know anything about me.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Oh no, I know all about you.

TOBY_SURPRISED: You do?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Yep, more than you’d think.

TOBY_HAPPY: Ok, tell me what you know about me then.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I know you’re a model and have been travelling the last couple years.

PLAYER_HAPPY: But you really want to get into acting.

TOBY_SURPRISED: That’s correct… what else?

PLAYER_IDLE: You like to go to the gym late at night.

TOBY_HAPPY: That’s right, I do!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Big red flag by the way!

TOBY_HAPPY: So I hear…

PLAYER_HAPPY: Big green flag for me by the way!

TOBY_HAPPY: I knew it wasn’t a red flag!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind by the way.

TOBY_HAPPY: I knew it wasn’t that weird!

PLAYER_HAPPY: And I know you’ve been single for a while, but you’re hoping to change that.

TOBY_HAPPY: Wow, you already know everything!

TOBY_HAPPY: How did you know all that?

I was listening in!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I may have been listening in from the pool.

TOBY_HAPPY: Very sneaky!

TOBY_HAPPY: You had me thinking you were a mind reader for a second.

I can read minds

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m a mind reader, what can I say?

TOBY_HAPPY: Clearly you are!

TOBY_FLIRTY: Will have to be careful with what I’m thinking…

Lucky guess

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Lucky guess.

TOBY_HAPPY: Uhuh, sure it was.

TOBY_HAPPY: Seems you’ve got some tricks up your sleeve, {0}.

TOBY_HAPPY: Seeing as you already know everything about me.

TOBY_HAPPY: I guess we can skip the small talk…

TOBY_IDLE: Is there anything you don’t know?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Why don’t you tell me something I don’t know about you.

PLAYER_HAPPY: What’s the most interesting thing about Toby?

TOBY_IDLE: Oh wow, that’s a tough one.

TOBY_HAPPY: How about this, I was nearly attacked by a shark once.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: What really?!

TOBY_HAPPY: Yeah… well kind of.

TOBY_HAPPY: I was doing a fashion shoot out in South Africa for swimwear.

TOBY_HAPPY: I had to swim around in the ocean for a bit and then walk out pouting.

TOBY_IDLE: The usual sort of thing…

PLAYER_HAPPY: Of course.

TOBY_IDLE: I’m swimming and then all of a sudden this fin starts circling me.

TOBY_IDLE: And then something hits me in the side!

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Oh my days!

TOBY_IDLE: My photographer sees it and starts shouting Shark! Shark!

TOBY_IDLE: The lifeguards sounded an alarm and everyone started rushing out the water.

TOBY_IDLE: But the fin was still circling so I couldn’t move.

PLAYER_IDLE: Then what?

TOBY_IDLE: Well eventually the fin turned and started swimming straight towards me.

TOBY_IDLE: I thought I was gonna be a goner.

TOBY_IDLE: But it turned out to be a dolphin… trying to play with me.

PLAYER_HAPPY: A dolphin?!

TOBY_HAPPY: It was actually a great experience. I think we really bonded, you know?

TOBY_IDLE: Felt like I was part of his pod.

PLAYER_HAPPY: How is that being nearly attacked by a shark?

TOBY_HAPPY: I said nearly didn’t I!

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t think I would be telling that story so soon in the villa.

PLAYER_HAPPY: And how are you finding the villa so far?

TOBY_HAPPY: Five dates with five beautiful girls isn’t a bad way to start, put it that way.

TOBY_HAPPY: Everyone’s been very welcoming.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Amelia and Grace looked very welcoming.

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: They’re lovely girls.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Anyone in here your type on paper?

TOBY_HAPPY: To be honest I don’t really have a type on paper.

TOBY_HAPPY: But me and Amelia seem to have a lot in common.

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: To be honest with you, I kind of came in here with her on my mind.

PLAYER_IDLE: Oh right?

TOBY_HAPPY: Just watching the show I could tell we kinda aligned. I really like her.

TOBY_HAPPY: I just wanted to be upfront with you.

TOBY_IDLE: I hope you don’t mind me telling you that.

Your loss

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Hey, it’s your loss.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Could have had the star of the show.

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: Just wanted to be honest. Didn’t want to lead anyone on.

I’m happy for you!

PLAYER_IDLE: I don’t mind at all! I’m happy for you!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I think you two could make a cute couple.

TOBY_HAPPY: You think so? Can’t lie, it feels good to have your approval.

Thanks for being honest

PLAYER_IDLE: That’s ok.

PLAYER_IDLE: Thanks for being honest, I guess.

TOBY_IDLE: That’s ok, best to get these things out in the open.

TOBY_HAPPY: I obviously don’t know how she feels. So we will see.

TOBY_HAPPY: Doesn’t mean we can’t have a fun date!

TOBY_FLIRTY: Pretty sure all the other Islanders have their eye on you anyway.

TOBY_HAPPY: Is there anyone you wanted to make jealous? Get them to up their grafting game?

{0}

PLAYER_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind ruffling {0}’s feathers.

You look up at the terrace and see {0} looking down at you.

Toby looks up at him too and smiles.

TOBY_HAPPY: Happy to help.

{0}

PLAYER_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind ruffling {0}’s feathers.

You look up at the terrace and see {0} looking down at you.

Toby looks up at him too and smiles.

TOBY_HAPPY: Happy to help.

Ozzy

PLAYER_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind ruffling Ozzy’s feathers.

You look up at the terrace and see Ozzy looking down at you.

Toby looks up at him too and smiles.

TOBY_HAPPY: Happy to help.

Marshall

PLAYER_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind ruffling Marshall’s feathers.

You look up at the terrace and see Marshall looking down at you.

Toby looks up at him too and smiles.

TOBY_HAPPY: Happy to help.

{0}

PLAYER_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind ruffling {0}’s feathers.

You look to the day beds and see {0} looking over at you.

Toby looks over at her too and smiles.

TOBY_HAPPY: Happy to help.

Flo

PLAYER_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind ruffling Flo’s feathers.

You look over at the pool and see Flo looking at you.

Toby looks at her too and smiles.

TOBY_HAPPY: Happy to help.

TOBY_FLIRTY: We could put on a little show? Get them to up their game?

TOBY_FLIRTY: Fancy turning the heat up? Make them up their game?

*Make {0} jealous with Toby

PLAYER_HAPPY: That sounds like fun.

PLAYER_HAPPY: They could do with upping their game.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Ok, follow my lead.

No thanks

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m good, thanks.

PLAYER_IDLE: I don’t need to be making anyone jealous.

TOBY_HAPPY: No problem, I understand.

Toby scootches his chair closer, you do the same.

Your faces are closer now, more intimate. He stares into your eyes.

He raises his voice so that everyone in the villa can hear.

TOBY_FLIRTY: You know the others are right…

TOBY_FLIRTY: There is something very special about you, {0}.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Anyone would be extremely lucky to be with you.

Out of the corner of your eye you can see {0} watching closely.

TOBY_FLIRTY: You don’t deserve any old person.

TOBY_FLIRTY: You deserve someone who is going to treat you right.

TOBY_FLIRTY: Appreciate you for the beautiful soul you are.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Finally someone said it!

{0} looks embarrassed and desperate to say something.

TOBY_FLIRTY: I know if I was your partner, you wouldn’t have to lift a finger ever.

TOBY_FLIRTY: And I’d graft my socks off for you every day.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Damn right you would!

TOBY_FLIRTY: I just hope whoever ends up with you does the same.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Me too!

You look over at {0} who acknowledges Toby’s words with an awkward nod.

Toby backs away from you and smiles. Talking in a hushed tone.

TOBY_HAPPY: How was that? I think it did the trick.

Take his hand

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Let’s take this up a notch.

You reach for Toby’s hand and interlock your fingers with his.

You notice that {0} can’t look away.

TOBY_FLIRTY: You’re good at this, {0}.

You hold flirty eye contact, feeling {0}’s eyes on you both.

You softly caress his hand as {0} continues to stare.

Sit on his knee

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Let’s take this up a notch.

You move round the table and sit seductively on Toby’s lap.

You notice that {0} can’t look away.

TOBY_FLIRTY: You’re good at this, {0}.

You hold flirty eye contact, your face inches from Toby’s and wrap your arms around his neck.

You feel {0}’s eyes on you both.

You softly caress his cheek before moving back to your chair.

{0} continues to stare.

That’s enough flirting

PLAYER_HAPPY: It looks like it!

TOBY_HAPPY: I hope it doesn’t cause too much drama.

TOBY_HAPPY: There has been enough drama in here already without me adding to it!

PLAYER_IDLE: What do you mean?

TOBY_IDLE: All the stuff with Marshall and Ozzy.

TOBY_IDLE: I don’t like to see family not getting on.

TOBY_HAPPY: Hoping I can help people come together in here...

The egg timer rings out! Interrupting your date.

TOBY_HAPPY: This has been fun.

TOBY_HAPPY: I look forward to getting to know you more, {0}.

With the dates coming to an end the Islanders all head towards the poolside.

TOBY_EMBARRASSED: Guess I better go meet the other guys.

TOBY_HAPPY: Wish me luck.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m sure they’re all thrilled to meet you…

The boys peacock their way across the lawn to see you and Toby.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Hey, guys, meet Toby!

MARSHALL_HAPPY: New kid on the block, huh?

TOBY_HAPPY: Seems that way. Sorry I’m not some stunning blonde.

{0}_HAPPY: Yeah, how dare you!

OZZY_HAPPY: Nah it’s nice to have another guy in the villa. Welcome!

AMELIA_HAPPY: You’re right it is nice to have another guy in the villa…

MARSHALL_IDLE: Have a good time on your dates then, Toby?

TOBY_HAPPY: Sure did, you guys are lucky. You’ve got a gorgeous group of girls here.

{0}_HAPPY: We know.

MARSHALL_IDLE: Looks like you’re here to steal one away too!

TOBY_HAPPY: I suppose so…

MARSHALL_HAPPY: Well, don’t be getting any ideas!

TOBY_IDLE: The way I see it, everyone’s still game.

{0}_IDLE: Anyone you got your eye on then?

TOBY_HAPPY: Maybe… don’t want to dish out all my secrets just yet though.

You spot a cheeky glance between Amelia and Toby.

MARSHALL_HAPPY: Ahh I see how it is.

OZZY_HAPPY: You want a tour of the villa? We can show you around.

TOBY_HAPPY: I’d love that!

As the others huddle around Toby to take him on his tour, Marshall approaches you.

MARSHALL_FLIRTY: Can I steal you away for a minute, {0}?

MARSHALL_FLIRTY: Would love a moment to chat.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Sure, let’s go.

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marcmarcmomarc · 10 months ago

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Because you’re right.

Toy Story 4 is already tied with Lightyear for Pixar’s worst movie due to failing to last three seconds without contracting either itself or the previous movies, or assassinating the characters’ personalities (things Cars 2 had the decency to not do), but if I can pick one topic to focus on, it’s how Buzz is portrayed. Buzz used to actually be smart in the original trilogy. I’d go as far as to say he was the smartest character in the whole saga, even when he believed he was a Space Ranger. He only comes off as dumb in the first movie because of what he does without the knowledge we have (we know he’s just a toy, we know he’s on Earth with air safe to breathe, we know his spaceship is cardboard, and we know the rocket is just a claw machine game at a pizzeria with an arcade), but “knowledge” and “intelligence” have their own sections in the English dictionary for a reason, because they’re not the same. You can be as intelligent as possible while lacking the knowledge needed to make proper choices. A better word to call Buzz is “ignorant”, not “idiotic”.

I’m gonna go over every single time in the trilogy Buzz did something smart:

Toy Story

He’s programmed with memories of Space Ranger training, and puts that training to good use:

He believes his spaceship has crashed, so he sets up a repair station and makes use of any and all resources available to him to fix it.

Him showing Rex and Slinky that he’s been “accepted into their culture”, that shows us that he believes the toys freezing when Andy comes in to play with them is the “culture” of the “planet” he “crash-landed on”, so he respects this “culture”, but only in front of Andy until he finds out the real reason why he has to freeze. With the other humans, he either is lucky to not be spotted moving (the Pizza Planet delivery guy and the customers at Pizza Planet who don’t see him running out into the open and into the rocket claw machine), or has to be told to freeze (Sid).

Freaking out over his helmet being opened is reasonable to do if you think you’re on an uncharted planet with potentially toxic air.

When sneaking into the Pizza Planet truck, Buzz doesn’t follow Woody into the trunk because it has no seatbelts to secure them, and his sense of safety precautions turns out to be right with how crazy the driver ends up being.

When they arrive at Pizza Planet, Buzz sees the robot security guards and believes they have to sneak past them. He sees the food containers and gets the idea to hide under them as they sneak in (he just gives Woody the credit, despite Woody being knocked out from the clutter in the trunk).

When arriving in Sid’s room, Buzz and Woody hide from Sid’s toys, who they think are cannibals, and Buzz’s first instinct is to call for backup because he knows he and Woody can’t fight them off by themselves. And when he doesn’t get a response, it’s then that he tries taking matters into his own hands by setting his laser from “stun” to “kill”.

The next morning, when Sid leaves his door open to eat his Pop Tarts, Woody is blinded by the chance to escape, but Buzz is reserved and cautious, trying to remind Woody that they don’t know what’s outside the door, not wanting to just run into unknown territory with no idea of what could be waiting to attack them, and turns out to be right when Woody gets the attention of Scud, which leads to…

…Buzz ordering for them to split up because he knows Scud is one predator who can’t chase two pieces of prey at the same time.

And then in the movie’s climax, Buzz opens his wings to slice off the tape holding the rocket to him just before it explodes.

That’s everything in the first movie. Smart and reasonable decisions to make, given the information he knows, situations he’s in, and resources available to him. Space Ranger delusions don’t make him an idiot.

Toy Story 2

After Woody’s kidnapping, Buzz immediately tries to start putting together the puzzle of who the kidnapper is so that he and the rescue team know where to look. He has two clues: the feathers from the kidnapper’s car trunk, and the car’s license plate, “LZTYBRN”. Just Mr. Potato Head saying, “Let’s leave Buzz to play with his toys,” gets Buzz to remember the name, “Al’s Toy Barn”, from the commercial, and the feather reminds him of the company mascot, Al himself in his chicken suit.

After they find the Al’s Toy Barn commercial, Buzz has Etch draw the map featured in the commercial for the rescue team to follow.

Then every step of the entire rescue mission from the moment they leave Andy’s room to the final battle at the airport is his idea:

When crossing the road, Buzz gets the idea to use the traffic cones to hide under as they cross, which is a genius idea, because without them, they’d either be noticed and freak out any humans that see them, or they wouldn’t be noticed and get run over (the evidence is the entire truck chase in the first movie, where the drivers can’t see Woody and Buzz and they’re almost run over multiple times as a result). But traffic cones are big, bright, obvious, and impossible to miss, giving drivers plenty of time to react, either by slamming on the brakes or swerving around them. Extra points for also being the one calling the shots on when to drop and when to keep going.

He figures out how to trigger the doors to Al’s Toy Barn both times. The first time is when he knows the toys need to jump simultaneously to replicate the effect of a heavy human foot stepping on the trigger to open the doors. The second time is when he’s trying to catch up with Al, he takes one look at his surroundings and uses as much merchandise as possible to try to catch up before the doors close. When it doesn’t work, he immediately thinks to kick over the pile of boxes next to the doors to trigger them.

When Stinky Pete keeps the Roundup Gang from leaving the apartment and Al packs all of them away, Buzz immediately orders everyone back to the elevator to chase him to the lobby.

He thinks of using Slinky to reach Al’s suitcase and try to get Woody out without dropping down to it.

Upon boarding the Pizza Planet truck to chase Al, he puts together roles for everyone to fill to drive the truck all by themselves in a matter of seconds. Because of this plan, they are able to reach the airport in time.

When they arrive in the baggage area and they notice the suitcase and one identical to it, Buzz thinks to split up to chase both of them down so they don’t lose the correct one in case they open the wrong one.

Toy Story 3

When the toys are trapped in the trash bag, Buzz hears Mr. Potato Head say, “Andy doesn’t want us, what’s the point,” and immediately thinks to use Rex’s pointy tail to puncture the bag.

When he has to escape the Caterpillar Room, he sees the open transom, devises the escape plan, and commands his friends in the same manner he did while chasing Al, using as many resources in the room available to reach the transom.

After being returned to Demo mode, he immediately thinks to use his laser to try to escape the bin trapping him during the prison escape. When it doesn’t work, the second he sees Rex and Hamm standing on the same side of the bin trapping him, he kicks up the other side and makes a break for the exit.

At the dump (this and every example afterwards is after being reset twice and having a TV fall on him, so the resets and TV are not excuses for Buzz’s behavior), when he sees the shredders ahead, he immediately thinks to tell all of the toys to grab onto metal pieces of trash to pull them to the ceiling magnet and get them out of danger.

Small Fry

When he realizes opening the front doors to Poultry Palace is out of the question, he thinks to use the air vents to escape.

The instant he sees Gary Grappling Hook, he thinks to use him to escape the discarded therapy toys.

Toy Story of Terror!

When Mr. Potato Head goes missing, he thinks to divide and conquer to cover as much ground as possible while keeping his own searching buddies around for a lesser chance of getting lost.

When they arrive at the bathroom, he makes a zipline out of the recourses available to him to get to the ground.

Toy Story That Time Forgot

He figures out the Cleric’s plan all by himself.

There you have it! No wiggle room! Buzz Lightyear is not an idiot! He has intelligence the size of the whole Milky Way Galaxy, and is remarkably resourceful. He has consistently devised elaborate plans, and improvised smart, split-second backup plans when the thought-out ones go wrong. Now look at him in Toy Story 4. Airheaded, slow-witted, and timid. Lacking intelligence and bravado. Unable to do the most basic of things without spamming his voice box to tell him what to do.

Not to mention the amount of times he leaves Woody behind when he knows of the danger of the current mission throughout Toy Story 4 compared to the guy who:

…leapt onto Scud’s face to rescue Woody from being ripped apart in the first movie…

…immediately chased after Al when he was stealing Woody, then, once again, led the entire rescue mission from start to finish in the second movie…

…and left the safety of the magnet to help Woody rescue Lotso in the third movie…

…all without hesitation. Woody and Buzz would never leave each other behind if they were in danger, no matter what. If one was going to risk their life, then the other would not hesitate to do the same. Instead, he has to be told to look for Woody when he hasn’t returned with Forky all night, leaves him behind when he throws himself into the open to try to open the cabinet doors (another can of worms to open), jumps in too late when Dragon is trying to eat all of them during the battle for Forky, and leaves him behind when Woody goes back into the antique store to rescue Forky on his own. His “inner voice” just tells him to abandon Woody and run back to the RV, and he does.

Who is this imposter and what did he do with Buzz Lightyear?

Hey so I just watched Toy Story 4 and I am not sure I am comfortable with the implication that Buzz does not have a conscience.

#toy story 4 salt #toy story 4 #buzz lightyear #character assassination

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bepp-ers · 2 years ago

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yknow what? we need more yandere obey me in here. here are some headcanons for living with the yandere brothers!! requests are always open! <3

headcanons and general thoughts for yandere! obey me! swd? part 1 - brothers. gonna do a part 2 for dateables, will link here when done

When you first arrived in the Devildom, you weren't expecting the brothers to be like this at all.

Sure, as demons, they weren't gonna act like people, but this? This was just too much.

The first to... fall for you was Mammon, obviously. He was clingy, and almost treated you like a trophy.

It was a bit cute, at first.

"Look how cute me 'n MC look! We got matching sunglasses!!" would turn into "I was MC's first, ya know - Pretty sure they value me above you!"

It was a downward spiral. But that was only a slice of your problematic pie.

This lead you to Leviathan. Oh, insecure little Levi who - if you hadn't seen it for yourself first hand - you would think couldn't harm a fly.

Apparently, he needed you more than you needed yourself. You'd thought he was sweet, with his insecurities and all that.

Nope. He was way too clingy, always wanting you by his side.

He was worse than Mammon, and between the two of them you weren't entirely sure how you were going to cope.

Still, despite the uneasiness that befell you whenever you were in his prescence, he certainly wasn't the worst.

Beel came afterwards, seemingly hungry for food and your company.

Maybe it was because you saved his twin, or that you were always there to help him, but the guy fell and he fell hard.

He had an appetite, and be it eating your cooking, working out with you filming, or napping with you sandwiched between himself and Belphie, he was never satisfied.

He needed to be around you, and he wanted to protect you at all costs.

You were only a little human compared to him, he just wanted to keep you safe. And to keep you around him at all times, if that's what it took.

Moving swiftly on, you thought of Asmo who was almost as obsessed with you as he was himself.

Actually, that might be the other way around if you thought about it.

The guy initially didn't think you'd last a single week, and now he couldn't stop pestering you to spend every moment of every day with him.

Of course, though he couldn't spend all his time with you, he could dictate a lot of your life for you.

What should have been relaxing time to yourself was now dreadful, fearful horror to avoid at all costs. So handsy... sometimes, when you closed your eyes, you could still feel those slender fingers.

It was uncomfortable at best, and sickening to think about. He can't help it though, he protests, he just loves everything about you!!

To add to the ever-growing list, Satan knew just about everything there was to know about you.

"Knowledge is power," He had told you, and apparently this guy was pretty powerful.

It was almost as though he could see into your mind, he knew what you wanted before you could even think about it. It infuriated you, to the point where you'd begun to question whether you were truly alone in the safety of your own room.

He assured that, of course, it was nothing special, he just liked gathering information.

But something about the letters he left said otherwise...

The penultimate brother was, of course, the slothful Belphie.

A small mercy, you supposed, was how forward he was with his feelings.

He expressed on numerous occasions that, if given the chance, then he'd live with you and Beel and everything would be perfect.

And when you lay there at night, dark hair tickling your neck, leathery tail pinning you closer to him, you knew exactly how bad things were.

There really was no helping it, you were his saviour after all, having freed him from that attic and reunited him with his brothers.

Oh- and he did technically kill you, so he had to make it up for you! By showing you all this love, surely you'd realise how much he loved you?

And how much he appreciated you? He sure had a weird way of showing it, though, keeping you all to himself the way he did.

Worst of all, though, had to be Lucifer. He was powerful and he knew it, with an ego that was indescribably inflated, he treated you almost as property.

You couldn't get away- his word was like law. The only demon above him was Diavolo, and well, you wouldn't be receiving help from him anytime soon.

Life here was hell, which checked out considering as this was quite literally hell.

There is no escape. There is no refuge, or help to be found anywhere. You're stuck, so make the most of it! It's all you can do.

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the-feminist-filipino-fangirl · 2 years ago

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Reunited in the Afterlife

Summary: Set in the Kraang Apocalypse timeline. Each of the turtles & April reunite with their family after dying in battle.

Author’s Note: Hey! Sorry that this took so long to update. This chapter is my longest one yet. I wanted to put in extra effort because a) there are now more dead characters that they need to reunite with and b) Future Leo and Mikey’s deaths are the ones we have the most information about in canon. I think you guys will like it. Enjoy!

Part 4: Mikey and Leo

(Part 1: Raph, Part 2: Donnie, Part 3: April)

“Do me a favor. When you’re done saving the world, grab a slice!” Leo tossed Casey into the portal that Mikey, his baby brother, had given his life to open. Casey reached out to him as he flew backward and the turtle tried to ignore the pain in his heart. He didn’t want to lose Casey too but this was their only chance for a better world.

Just as he let go of his student, two Kraangified dogs lunged at him, murder in their eyes. But he had been surviving the apocalypse for 24 years. Leo gave Casey one last reassuring smile before he whipped out his sword and deflected the dog’s attack. He ran a few steps away from the portal, hoping to lead the dogs away from the last surviving member of his family, when a blinding red light surrounded him. Then his vision went black.

Leo opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was a tall gate glowing jade green several meters away from him. Wait, what? The turtle rubbed the back of his head. He was confused. Looks like he wasn’t in New York anymore. “Where am I?” Leo whispered to himself.

“LEO!!!” a voice exclaimed. The slider’s heart skipped a beat. He lowered his eyes from the glowing gate to see none other than the glowing figure of Michelangelo Hamato racing towards him.

Leo let out a laugh, his heart warming. “Mikey!” he cried as his little brother launched himself at him. Mikey tackled him in a hug, just like he used to do when they were teens, his cloak becoming tangled in the process. It didn’t matter that Leo had just seen him a few minutes ago, the last time he saw Mikey he was exploding into thousands of light particles. He was allowed to be concerned.

“Did Casey make it through?” Leo nodded into his shoulder. “Good,” Mikey replied. “It’s alright Leo, I’m here.” The smile was evident in his voice. Leo let out a happy sigh before he pulled back to get a better look at his brother.

“Thanks, Mikey. Just promise you won’t go supernova on me again, ‘kay?” he said in a half-teasing tone. His brother let out a giggle and nodded. Leo responded with a grin and then proceeded to ruffle Mikey’s sideburns.

“Ah! Hey! Leo!” Mikey laughed while swatting his hand away. The older turtle let out a chuckle. “Hey, what is this place anyway?” Leo asked.

Mikey’s laughter died down and he became quiet. “You see that gate over there?” he asked, pointing to the glowing green one Leo saw when he first arrived. Leo nodded. Mikey took a breath. “On the other side is the afterlife, where the souls of the dead live.”

Leo’s eyes widened. “The afterlife…” he whispered. “So that’s what that red light was! I took a direct hit from the beam on Kraang Prime’s armor.”

“Not gonna lie, that’s a pretty cool way to die,” Mikey said.

“So if all the souls of the dead are beyond that gate,” Leo said, his tone becoming solemn. “Does that mean that…they are in there?” He didn’t need to use their names. Mikey knew who he was talking about.

His brother nodded, getting the hint. “I wanted to wait for you before going in. It wouldn’t be a family reunion without all of us there. You ready?”

Leo hesitated. He’s never been good at facing his emotions head-on. That’s why he used humor to cope. It was so much easier to deflect and pretend that everything was fine than to allow himself to be vulnerable. He was a lot like Donnie that way.

Donnie… Leo softened at the thought of his twin. His twin who gave his life to save so many others. His twin whose presence never died even after he was gone thanks to his machines. Could he really be about to see him again? And Raph too? Leo still had nightmares about the day he died. The idea of seeing him again…it seemed too impossible to hope.

Yet here he stood, a soul about to enter the afterlife. And all he had to do was walk through those gates to see his family again. His brothers, his dad, Draxum, Cassandra, and Gram-gram. Leo took a deep breath and faced Mikey, a brave smile on his face. “I’m ready,” he said.

Mikey smiled and took Leo’s hand. The two brothers walked toward the entrance to the afterlife together. There was an old man standing beside the gates whose eyes widened upon seeing them. “Resistance Leaders Michelangelo and Leonardo!” he exclaimed, standing up straighter. Leo, who was very used to this kind of treatment, gave the man a smile and nod in return. Mikey smiled and gave him a wave of his hand. “Hello!” he said, probably making the old man’s day.

The gatekeeper then opened the glowing gates and gave them a respectful bow. “Welcome to the afterlife,” he said. “Thank you,” Leo said softly.

Mikey bent down to ask the man a question. “By the way, have you seen an April O’Neil pass through here?” the box turtle asked. The old man nodded his head. “She arrived just fifteen minutes ago.” The two brothers exchanged a look. April was here with them. That meant their entire family would be together for the first time in almost seventeen years. Minus Casey Jr. who was hopefully trying to stop Leo’s 16-year-old self from making the biggest mistake of his life.

Mikey turned back around to the old man. “Thank you for telling us,” he said. Then he nudged Leo’s arm and gave him a soft smile. “Come on Leo. Let’s go see our family again.” The red-eared slider grinned back. The two turtles walked through the gates.

They had barely made it a few steps in when they found all the ghosts collected near the gate staring at them. “Umm…hi?” Mikey said awkwardly. Immediately, all the souls started panicking and screaming questions. Leo winced at the noise. He should have expected this. He and Mikey were the last remaining leaders of the resistance so the fact that they were dead was not a good sign.

“HEY! GIVE THEM SOME SPACE!” a strong female voice rang out. At the sound of it, the crowd quieted down and slowly started to disperse. Leo glanced at Mikey. They appeared to be thinking the same thing. There was only one person who that voice could belong to: April.

Their suspicions were confirmed when Commander O’Neil appeared through what was left of the crowd. “And April O’Neil saves your butts once again,” the Commander said with a smirk.

“April!” Mikey cried before tackling her in a hug that probably would have killed her if she weren’t already dead. “Woah!” she laughed, stumbling backward a bit. Leo chuckled. Then he waltzed up behind them and wrapped his arms, one small and fleshy, the other large and robotic, around the pair and spun them around. April and Mikey laughed and shrieked in protest, which only fueled him more.

After a few more spins, he set them down. “How did you even get here?” Leo asked. “We thought you were still alive until the dude at the gates told us otherwise.”

“I was struck in the back with a laser beam,” April said, gesturing towards her back. “But unlike with you, it didn’t vaporize my body. You actually ran right past my corpse earlier. But you were busy bleeding out so I forgive you.”

“Oh,” Leo said. “Wait, how did you know that I got hit with a laser too?”

“Anatawa Hitorijanai,” April quoted. “Spirits of the dead can look after their loved ones on earth and when I died a few minutes ago, I gained that ability too.”

“Like Gram-gram?!” Mikey exclaimed with stars in his eyes. Just like how he did as a teen before the Kraang invasion, Leo noted. “And Splinter’s mom?!”

April grinned. “Yeah, just like them,” she said before turning to face Leo. “I heard you got stabbed and we decided you needed all the help you could get. Even from beyond the grave.”

“So you were haunting us,” Leo said with a smirk. Mikey let out a snort.

April’s features fell into an annoyed expression. “That’s not exactly the word I would use,” she said.

“Stalking? Spying?” Leo teased, his grin becoming wider. Mikey was desperately trying to conceal his laughter.

April rolled her eyes and sighed. “You’re hopeless. Both of you.”

Leo chuckled. “But seriously now,” he said. “Thanks for watching over us. Even though we ended up dying only like 15 minutes after you, thanks for making the effort.”

April smiled warmly. “No problem,” she said. “Now if you’ll excuse me,” she continued, her smile becoming mysterious and secretive. “There are two people who have been waiting very patiently to talk to you again.” She stepped aside to reveal…their brothers. Raph and Donnie stood there, their souls glowing red and purple wearing soft smiles on their faces. Mikey gasped and Leo dropped his sword in shock, making it clatter on the ground. The sound echoed in the sudden silence.

“Took you guys long enough,” Donnie said with a smirk, the sound of his voice making Leo’s heart ache. It was him, it was really him. Not a hologram projection, or Omega, or a recording of his voice, but the real Donnie. His twin. Leo had to fight back his tears. Mikey, who was standing beside him, already had tears streaming down his face.

“It’s about time the Mad Dogs had a reunion,” Raph said with a grin. And he thought hearing Donnie’s voice again was a shock. Leo forced himself to look directly at his older brother. His older brother who still looked exactly the same as he did 13 years ago. His older brother who had been his best friend during his teenage years and his closest confidant during the first 11 years of the apocalypse. His older brother, whose scolding always, always came from a place of love. His older brother, who sacrificed himself to save Leo’s life. Against his will, tears started streaming down Leo’s cheeks. Then a smile started to form on his face, the joy of seeing his brothers again overpowering all the years of loss and sadness the apocalypse brought.

“Raph! Donald!” Mikey cried happily, big, fat tears of joy streaking down his face. He charged at them as fast as he could. Leo let out a chuckle, a smile spreading across his face, and followed suit, running towards his brothers and Raph’s open arms. The Kraang had tried to beat him down for 24 years. They took away his home, his friends, his family, and now his life. But he would not let them take away his spirit. If he lost that, then the Kraang won. And he was not going to let that happen. He had wasted enough time on tears and he wasn’t going to give any more of them to the Kraang. Leo crashed into his brothers, all of them laughing as they had their first group hug in over 13 years.

Leo closed his eyes, wishing to preserve this moment forever. How he missed the feeling of Raph’s spiky arms engulfing all three of them, Mikey’s much tinier arms struggling to reach all the way around, and Donnie’s comforting weight leaning against him, his twin’s arms pinned to his sides. It’s them. It’s really them. I’m with my brothers again, Leo thought. He started to cry again. Not from grief this time, but from relief and joy. Raph’s grip tightened as he picked all of them up and spun them around. Mikey’s happy shriek pierced Leo’s ears as well as Donnie’s startled yells. The slider didn’t mind one bit the damage being done to his eardrums. He was just happy to be with his family again.

Raph set the three of them back down but no one wanted the hug to end. “Can we stay like this a bit longer?” Mikey whispered, effectively breaking his older brother’s hearts. Leo raised his head and exchanged a look with Raph. They both smiled softly, remembering how innocent and optimistic Mikey was before the Kraang invasion shoved the cruelties of the world right into his face. “Of course, Michael,” Donnie said, freeing his pinned arms to wrap them around their youngest brother. Their group hug tightened once more. Leo sighed. Maybe it was okay for Leo to let himself be vulnerable.

“Hey April! Get in here!” Raph yelled. Still standing off to the side, April raised her eyebrows in surprise. Then she broke into a giant grin, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She laughed and ran right at the boys, joining their group hug. Immediately, four pairs of arms wrapped around her. Now we’re complete, Leo thought with a smile.

After what seemed like an eternity, the four brothers and April finally pulled apart, big smiles on all of their faces. Leo chuckled, wiping the last tears from his eyes. “I missed you guys so much,” he said, smiling brighter than he has in years.

Donnie nudged Leo’s side affectionately and smiled. “We missed you too, Nardo. As fun as it was haunting you-” April groaned, cutting him off. “Not you too, Dee,” she whined. Donnie smirked and continued without missing a beat. “It just, dramatic sigh, wasn’t the same. I longed for our bi-weekly trash talk sessions. It’s good to have you here, Leo.”

“Gee, if you wanted me dead, you could have just said so,” Leo joked, matching Donnie’s smirk. “But I missed talking to you too. The real you. Not Omega or one of your inventions.” That statement earned a soft smile from Donnie. Sure, it was mostly aimed at the floor because Donnie was emotionally constipated, but Leo understood how much that one action meant.

“Hey, what about me?” Mikey teased. Donnie smiled genuinely and flung his arm around Michael. “Of course I missed you too, dear Angelo. Whatever would I do without my favorite partner in crime? But it seems I have taught you well. You were certainly a force to be reckoned with earlier. You had impeccable timing too.”

Mikey grinned. “Thanks, Donald,” he said. “Just imagine if you were there. Your guns and my chains would have been an unstoppable team!”

“I concur,” Donnie said ruffling Mikey’s hair. “Hey!” the box turtle exclaimed. “Leave my sideburns alone!”

“Very well Master Yoda.”

“WHY YOU!”

While Mikey and Donnie were bickering playfully, Raph nudged Leo’s side. “Hey, I’m proud of you little bro,” his older brother said gently. Leo’s eyes widened. “Wait, really?” he asked. Leo used to feel that the whole Kraang invasion was his fault since he was the one who made Raph drop the key. He now understood that it was the Foot Clan’s fault for deciding to use it, but the feeling still lingered a bit.

Raph smiled and nodded. “Of course,” he said. “I saw how you led the resistance for the past decade. You rose up to every challenge that came your way and gave the resistance hope to keep going. You led raids and rescue missions and you saved so many lives.”

But I couldn’t save the ones that mattered, Leo thought to himself, his heart a bit heavy. Raph seemed to have read his mind because he said, “Hey, don’t blame yourself.” His tone was serious and stern. “I made my decision and I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant saving your life. Besides, you have no control who lives, who dies, who tells your story.”

“Did you just quote Hamilton to make me feel better?”

“Yes, absolutely. Did it work?” Raph asked with such an adorable grin on his face, Leo couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, it did. Thanks.”

Raph grinned. “No problem,”he said. “But my point is, you were an amazing leader and we are all so proud of you. Without you, I don’t think we would’ve been able to hold off the Kraang for as long as we did. And I want you to know it.”

Leo sniffed and wiped a single tear from his eye. “Thanks, Raph,” he murmured. His big brother wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into a hug. “Anytime, he said. “By the way, I love what you did with your prosthetic. And your sword too.” It’s safe to say that Leo had to use every single ounce of his willpower not to break down crying right then and there. But before a single tear could escape from his eye, the sound of someone yelling echoed through the clearing, interrupting the moment.

“I DON’T CARE IF YOU TWO ARE DEAD, I’M GOING TO MURDER YOU!!!”

Leo’s eyes widened as he pulled away from the hug. He and Mikey exchanged a look. If that voice was who they thought it was, they were so dead. Pun intended. The brothers turned to April. “Is it just me or was that…?” Leo asked, trailing off.

April nodded, an evil smile growing on her face. “That,” she said mischievously. “Would be Cassandra. I’d run if I were you. She is pissed.” Leo swore under his breath. He was heartbroken when Cass died, leaving behind her young son, and he was dying to see her again, but If she was made, whoo boy he was done for.

At that, the one and only Cassandra Jones stormed in looking, as April had said, very pissed. “Okay,” she started. “While I understand why you did it, WHAT ON EARTH! MADE YOU THINK! THAT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO RANDOMLY TOSS MY BOY INTO A TIME PORTAL WITH NO EXPLANATION?! At least you had a sound enough mind to give him clear instructions. But still, aside from our stories, the kid knows nothing about how life was before the apocalypse. He’s probably going to attack the first person he sees.”

Leo opened and closed his mouth, biting back a remark of like mother, like son as well as any sentimental goop one might say after seeing their dead friend after you helped raise their son. Thankfully, Mikey saved his sorry butt from any potential embarrassment. “Cass?” he gasped softly. Casey’s pissed demeanor melted away like butter and was replaced with a warm smile. Leo smirked. Cass has always had a soft spot for Mikey. But the wholesome atmosphere melted away the second Cass opened her mouth again.

“Hey, Grandpa Mikey,” she teased, her grin big and mischievous.

“OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!”

“Dr. Delicate Touch had entered the chat,” Donnie muttered as he walked up behind Leo. Leo snorted as Raph burst into a fit of giggles. He missed joking around with his brothers like this.

After Casey had finally calmed down from her fit of giggles, she turned to Leo. “But seriously, thank you for taking care of my little stinkbug after I kicked the bucket. You really kept to your promise.” The blue turtle smiled warmly when she said that. “It was my pleasure. That kid is too good for this world.” Cassandra nodded in agreement.

“Oh and by the way, your dads are here,” Cass added. Leo and Mikey whipped their heads around to see Splinter running towards them as fast as he could with Draxum at his heels. “Pops?” Leo whispered just as Mikey yelled “DAD! BARRY!” Mikey started to sprint towards them as well. Leo’s shocked expression melted into a smile. He chuckled then turned to look at his other two brothers and April. “Come on!” Leo said to them before turning around and following after Mikey. He could hear Raph, Donnie, and April’s footsteps behind him as he ran towards his parents.

Leo overtook Mikey and scooped hi dad up into his arms. Splinter let out a big hearty laugh that reminded Leo of when he was younger. He felt three shapes crash into them, Mikey, April and Donnie, before two giant pairs of arms wrapped around them, Raph and Draxum. “Oh, my boys,” their dad muttered, his voice warm and loving. Leos cheeks started to hurt from all the smiling he was doing. He was with his family again. “I missed you so much, Dad,” Leo said. “I did too,” Mikey added. As they were hugging, Leo and Mikey began to change color. Their souls that were once the default jade green color began to change into bright orange and blue. But no one noticed at the time. They were all too invested in the hug.

After several loving minutes they all pulled apart, grinning faces all around. “Hey, we got our colors back!” Mikey exclaimed, admiring his outstretched arms, now glowing orange instead of green. Leo nodded in response, blue always suited him better. Plus, now he was matching with his brothers again.

Leo then heard the sharp sound of someone clearing their throat. He turned around to see that it came from Draxum who was looking at him pointedly. “Good to see you Leonardo,” Draxum said with a pinch of passive aggression. Leo realized he hadn’t greeted the alchemist yet The slider gave Draxum a mischievous grin. “Good to see you too, Goat man. How did you get up here anyways? Last I checked, you were still kicking Kraang butt with your mystic vines.”

Barry rolled his eyes in amusement at the nickname. “I passed away several minutes after O’Neil. I believe I was hit with a laser.”

“Wow, everyone’s getting murdered by lasers,” April commented. Everyone laughed at that. “I know right!” Leo replied, putting his weight on one leg. “At least that means we’re all together again,” Mikey said sweetly. “Yeah,” Raph replied, ruffling the box turtle’s hair fondly.

“Really? All of you? Aren’t you forgetting someone?,” a familiar female voice teased. Leo’s head snapped up at the voice. He and Mikey turned to see Karai standing several feet away with a sweet smile on her face. “GRAM-GRAM!!!” the two of them exclaimed in unison.

Karai laughed. “It’s good to see you boys too,” she said. “Come on. We will all show you around.” Karai reached out her hand. Leo hesitated. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder. “You heard her,” Raph said with a grin, looking down at him. “Let’s show you guys around.” Raph took Leo’s hand and lead him towards Karai just as Donnie grabbed Mikey’s hand and did the same. Leo took Gram-gram’s outstretched arm, then Mikey took her other one. All nine of them, Raph, Leo, Mikey, Donnie, April, Splinter, Draxum, Cassandra, and Karai, joined hands in one big line. Leo closed his eyes, feeling more complete than he had in years. Then Gram-gram started to move forward, bringing all of them with her.

“Welcome to the Afterlife,” she said

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leebrontide · 4 years ago

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I’d like to tell you a little story today about why a lot of problems need social workers, not cops.

a long long time ago...like 2010, I worked 2nd shift (2pm-10pm) in a homeless shelter. I worked on a floor specifically for men with addiction and mental health problems. For most of the shift, I was the only staff working. Most of the time, the job was chill to the point of being boring. My job was to do the little things that needed doing, and be always ready to respond if shit went down. Most of the time, nothing much happened.

So one day I’m sitting at my little desk, trying to get up the motivation to organize the food pantry a little bit, and I head SCREAMING.

By the time I’m on my feet, one of the residents was in view. Dude was 6ft 4, with a shaved head, and a SOLID build. He was screaming down the hall, and in his raised fist he had, I shit you not, a blood-covered meat cleaver. He was spattered in blood all over. I knew the man- I knew all the residents. He mostly kept to himself. Sometimes he’d talk to me about his hallucinations and paranoid delusions. (no question these ones were delusions, kids. Man eating pythons can not fit in a half inch radiator pipe.) He had a history of getting pretty worked up.

Switch the camera around 180 degrees. I was 120 lbs and 5ft 4 on a good day, and all by my self. Totally unarmed.

Ask yourself- what would an armed cop do in that situation- alone, with a huge man running at them with a huge bloody knife?

I’m not gonna pretend for one second that my fight and flight instincts didn’t kick in. The ancient parts of my brain that exist to protect me from danger by fleeing or killing something saw this and screamed a great big NOPE.

But by this point I had like 8 years of other training, to. De-escalation training. Training on keeping a cool head in a scary situation. Training that reminded me that I was responsible for the safety of the other 17 men who called this floor their home.

Training that told me that this man was my responsibility, not my enemy.

In short, the opposite of what many police departments train their officers in. They are trained to view people as hostile, to treat their beat like a war zone. To act immediately. I wont say none of them have de-escalation training, but I will say it’s a bit of a useless add-on when they’re taught to go with their gut feeling of whether or not a situation is dangerous.

Because my gut sure as hell perceived a danger.

Anyways, I didn’t run, and I didn’t attack. I rooted my feet and I asked him what was going on.

That was when I saw that he was weeping. He was terrified.

He had bought a new cooking knife off the tv- he liked cooking, and had been looking at it. But one of the side effects of his meds made him clumsy, and he’d dropped it. He’d sliced open the back of his knee, where there’s a huge vein or artery or something- and was bleeding a LOT.

He was understandably alarmed at the river-like quantity of blood gushing out of him, and had run to the nearest help- me.

In his rush and his fear, he’d just forgotten to put the damn knife down.

The other residents had, thankfully, all stayed in their rooms, because a month before I’d got on several people’s cases for coming out to defend me- with the very best of intentions- during a previous incident. Their motives were good, but de-escalating a situation when other people are ready to throw hands is WAY harder. I’d told them to keep their buts in their rooms unless I actually called for help, and God bless them, every single one of them had done it.

This is the point when I called for help. One of the residents got the first aid kit. One called an ambulance. One gave me the literal shirt off his back because our damn first aid kit didn’t have a tourniquet so we ripped the shirt up to make one.

We helped calm the poor injured guy down, and he got a few stitches, and everybody was proud of how we’d come together to help each other out.

Nobody was hurt beyond that one initial injury. Nobody was traumatized. If anything, the guy who’d been hurt was happier, more engaged with the rest of us, having seen that everyone here would take care of him when he was in need. He hadn’t had much care given to him in his life.

So when you see meme’s of “lol what are those social workers gonna do NOW huh?” please remember that 1) we’ve been out here doing this work ANYWAYS and 2) We’ve been doing it unarmed and level headed, which is better than the cops.

Now, does social work ALSO need reform? Does social work ALSO contain racism and ableism and every other social evil? You bet! Just look at...like anything to do with CPS to look at how these systems break down.

But do not use social workers de-escalation training as some kind of “gotcha” to prove we need armed and militant enforcers on every damn corner. And please don’t let others do it, either.

A better way is possible.

#social justice #police reform #abolish the police #ACAB

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baroquebucky · 4 years ago

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in which bucky is protective over his favorite girl

warnings: violence

masterlist

a/n: hi guys !! i hope you gets enjoy this one shot it’s just angst and fluff <3 (written at 3 am plz forgive any typos) ,, send in some requests !!

Bucky was protective of all the things he loved and cared about.

Growing up he was protective of Steve, beating up anyone who bullied the skinny boy, kicking people out of alleys and checking up on his friend.

Then he was protective of his own memories and thoughts, scared of losing them once more and being turned into someone he wasn’t.

He was protective of Sam after he got over his initial annoyance, sending death glares and making snappy comments to anyone who down talked his partner.

Then he met you. You who were sweet and caring, who loved him for who he was and who was the most amazing person he’d ever known. Bucky was very protective of you.

He knew what and who was out there in the world, he knew the lengths people would go to if they ever wanted to hurt him, of course he was protective of you.

Bucky was staying at the compound for a couple nights working on a case with Sam, researching some organization popping up similar to HYDRA. Buckys stomach was in knots, they knew about him, about the winter soldier, could they know about you? what if they tried to hurt you?

He quickly pushed the feelings away, you would be okay, you always were right?

He couldn’t sleep, he had a bad feeling, he needed to be with you. It was nearly 2 am, he didn’t want to bother you.

hi doll can i come over ? cant sleep at the compound :/

You replied quickly, missing your boyfriend despite seeing him only a couple days ago.

of course lover boy

Bucky quickly grabbed some clothes, changing and packing a bag with extra clothes, throwing in a pistol and some knives just in case.

when Bucky arrived he quickly unlocked your door with the key you had given him, locking the door once he had let himself in and headed to your room, seeing you sat up, waiting for him, your eyes bleary.

“sorry for keeping you up doll” he whispered, setting his bag down next to the bed, slipping his shirt and sweats off, slipping under the covers with you, pulling you to his chest softly.

“it’s okay, couldn’t sleep that well anyway, keep hearing noises” you mumbled, body relaxing as you the cold feeling of Buckys metal arm draped around your waist.

“I’m here doll don’t worry” he mumbled, kissing your forehead, focusing on his surroundings, making sure you were safe.

You fell asleep quickly in his arms, breathing steady. Bucky listened to your heartbeat, eyes closing slowly and he let himself fall asleep, holding you a little tighter as he slept.

It was 4:27 am when he heart the jangle of the door being unlocked. Bucky had never shot up faster, slipping out of bed and quickly putting the clothes he had taken off earlier.

“y/n, doll get up now” he spoke quickly, shaking you gently until you woke up.

“hm? what happened?” You slurred, eyes still closed.

“someone’s trying to get in” he spoke softly and your eyes widened, heart racing as you moved quickly, waking up quickly.

“should i hide? what do i do? what if they hurt me? if they kidnap me? am i gonna-” your spoke quickly, panicking.

“doll i would never let anything happen to you. Stay behind me” bucky spoke sternly, his pistol in one hand, handing you a knife.

“Hold this” he spoke, one arm extended behind him, making sure you were safe behind him, the other holding the pistol as the door opened, five men walking into your apartment, armed.

He turned to you, motioning you to stay quiet and to hide in the corner, you quickly followed his directions, holding the knife tightly as you saw Bucky put away his pistol, walking to the living room.

“Breaking and entering is a crime you know” he remarked, the five men turning to look at him, three of them aiming their weapons at him.

“You’re coming with us” one of them spoke and Bucky rolled his eyes.

“No actually I’m not” he snickered, grabbing one mans gun and breaking his nose with the butt, throwing him into two of the other men.

The other two scrambled to shoot at him, he raised his metal arm, blocking the shots and knocking them out with a swift punch, kicking one of them in the chest as they approached him with a pocket knife.

You peeked around the corner, seeing Bucky taking on the five men, fighting them off but struggling at they bombarded him.

You panicked, hiding in the corner again, heart racing as you tried to figure out what to do.

You grabbed the vase to your right, moving quickly and throwing it, causing it to shatter.

The men turned around, Bucky grabbed one of their knives, slicing the back of his thigh, causing the man to fall, shouting in pain.

He kicked one man in the back, sending him out into the hallway, hitting his head on the wall which knocked him out.

There were three men now, two of them constantly ambushing Bucky, letting the third one go to where you threw the vase, your heart rate spiked as you heard the footsteps grow louder, your grip on the knife was tighter, hiding it behind your back.

The man entered the room, his eyes settling in you immediately. He smirked at he approached you, going to grab your arm you shrieked and sliced his arm, running away from the man, but he was quick.

He grabbed the back of your shirt, pulling you to him, causing you to hit his chest with a ‘hmph’

You raised the knife to stab him but he was much stronger, easily grabbing your wrist, squeezing you hand causing you to drop the knife, the pressure making you wince.

“Dont fucking touch her!” Bucky growled, something in him snapping as he the man held your wrist tightly, elbowing you in the face as you tried to get free.

His metal arm whirred, and just like that he punched the man on his right, the vibranium causing his nose to break, he fell to the floor quickly. Bucky ducked, avoiding the second mans punch, grabbing a knife from the floor, flipping it and throwing it into the mans abdomen, making him stumble over in pain.

He made quick strides, eyes dark and jaw clenched, his breathing was ragged and he grabbed his forearm with his metal arm, throwing him against the wall easily.

You stumbled out of his grasp and ran to the other side of the room, breathing heavy and hands shaking, eyes wide as Bucky moved his metal hand to the mans throat, holding him up as he chocked him.

“Don’t ever get near her again” he threatened, voice low and raspy. He let go of the man, coughing as gasping for air, Bucky held him to the wall, pinning his throat once again with the forearm of his metal arm.

“Doll go call Sam and tell him to get here now” he spoke, turning to look at you and you nodded quickly, fumbling for your phone and calling Sam.

“you’ve gone soft soldat” the man spoke and Bucky put more pressure on the mans throat, cutting off his hair supply,

“You touched my girl, the only reason you haven’t joined your buddies as a corpse is because we need information” he growled, releasing some pressure to let the man breathe again.

Sam arrived quickly, getting the man for interrogation and bringing some more backup to help with the scene.

“I talked with stark, he said to head back to the compound with y/n, they’re gonna figure it out for tonight” Sam whispered to bucky.

“take care of her she looks shaken up” Sam frowned. You were sat outside on the bench outside your apartment complex, hot tears streaming down your face as you pictured the events. You could’ve died.

You almost had to kill someone.

Bucky killed someone. He killed five people like it was light work.

You remembered the dark look in the mans eyes, like he was planning to hurt you.

“doll?” Bucky spoke and you jumped, flinching at his words. You relaxed as soon as you saw your boyfriend, shrinking back into yourself.

“lets go to the compound okay?” he whispered and you nodded, moving quickly and looking over your shoulder.

You grabbed his hand, holding it tightly the whole ride back, sticking to him closely, not wanting to be alone. The sun was rising already you were beyond exhausted.

“go shower I’ll wait for you here okay? If you need anything just call my name okay doll?” Bucky spoke softly, kissing your forehead. You nodded as he handed your some of his clothes you could change into.

You showered quickly, wanting to be back in Buckys arms where you knew you were safe.

As you finished changing bucky, handed you a plate of food, telling you to eat something while he showered, you nodded with a smile, not trusting your voice.

He tried showering quickly, knowing how scared you must be. You were putting on a brave face, for him. His heart broke, upset you had to see all that. He was furious at the fact that they, whoever the fuck they were put you in danger. He would make sure they all paid for it.

Bucky changed quickly, heading out only to find you wiping your tears quickly, attempting to quiet your sniffles, your food was untouched.

“baby?” He approached you quietly and you turned away from him.

“m sorry i tried to be strong” you spoke shakily, Bucky frowned, pulling you into his chest as you cried.

“let it out sweetheart it’s okay” he whispered, rubbing your back as you choked out quiet sobs.

“i- he was gonna kill me” you spoke between sobs, holding onto your boyfriend tightly, “i thought i could be strong for you but i couldn’t” you cried and he held your tightly.

He was quiet until your cries died down, only soft sniffles. He handed your some tissues and you thanked him, blowing your nose.

Bucky picked you up, carrying you to bed and holding you closely.

“You don’t have to be strong for me sweets, I’m here for you. I’m going to be here all the time and I’m not leaving anytime soon.” He reassured you, your head resting on his chest.

“you protected me” you mumbled, eyes heavy from exhaustion.

“I’ll always protect you” he replied, pulling you closer to him. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you” he stated, your heart thumped in your ears, relaxing a little more at his words.

“I love you” you whispered, looking at him and he smiled, kissing your forehead.

“I love you too doll face” he smiled, kissing your cheek before placing a soft kiss on your lips.

“can’t believe you actually took on five guys” you yawned, Bucky furrowed his brows.

“what?” He asked, confused.

“i don’t know, thought you were gonna lose” you mumbled, playing with his fingers.

“doll, you realize I’m a trained assassin? A super soldier? I have a whole metal arm” he stated, almost offended that you thought he would lose.

“Well yeah, but you also cry watching the fox and the hound and are the softest person i know” you replied, furrowing your brows. “I’ve never seen you fight so i wouldn’t know” you shrugged your shoulders.

“i wanted to keep you out of that part of my life, didn’t want you to think any different of me” he shifted, stomach twisting as your stayed quiet.

“i dont” you replied after a few moments, bucky let out a shaky breath. “but” you began, his stomach fell.

“it was kinda hot now that i think about it” you smirked and Buckys mouth fell open.

“wh- y/n!” He smiled at you in surprise and you giggled, looking at him with a small smile.

“i have to find one positive in this okay!” You pouted and he let out a soft chuckle.

“i think you should get the rest sweets” he smiled and you nodded, both of you shifting to get more comfortable, the birds singing outside but you both ignored it.

“y know you could always choke me with the metal arm if you want” you teased and Buckys face flushed red, heart racing.

“y/n!” he scolded you as you smirked, loving to see him flustered.

“gnight lover boy” you giggled and rolled his eyes, kissing the top of your head.

“goodnight doll” he replied, holding you close, protecting you from the world. Nothing was gonna hurt you as long as Bucky was with you.

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