#well today i'm at an empty playground

[ungalobrando]

They should make playgrounds entirely for adults

[sphireath-wisp]

Hihi!!! I was just wondering if you could do just little cute scenarios with sae, yoichi, and rin (gn! reader + all individual)

im sorry if this isn't as detailed as you wish but I'm just really craving tooth rotting fluff+ take your time (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

Sypnosis: In the busy hustle and bustle of life, it's sometimes hard to find time to spend together. When there's time, what are the hobbies/little things both of you do together?

Warning: My readers are always morally grey in some way because it's more realistic to me, not proofread

Author's note: Thank you so much for reaching out and giving me this ask! I'll try my best to weave my story together to match your request. I owe my friend a good favour, so I hope you don't mind me adding her BL favourite here. Thank you so much for your understanding ε(´｡•᎑•`)っ 💕

Featuring: Sae Itoshi, Yoichi Isagi, Rin Itoshi x GN! reader

SAE ITOSHI... finds himself most at ease during late-night drives with you in the passenger seat. The windows are down, you're sticking your head out of the car despite his multiple warnings, and he can't stop smiling. His free hand is reaching for you and tugging your shirt down, and his eyes drift to your pouting face in the rearview mirror.

Usually, his late-night drives together with you have no real destination. Acting purely on a whim, Sae always drives you wherever feels right. Sometimes, it's the port right by the beach. Other times, he's driving you to an empty parking lot. Today, he decides to let you have the privilege of choosing where to go.

And when you ultimately decide to go to a playground out of all places, he scoffs but does a U-turn without hesitation.

Is it currently 11 a.m. and does he have a schedule he almost-religiously follows? Yes, and he has a feeling that he won't have enough time to drink his salted kombucha tomorrow morning. Is he tired? Absolutely. Why would he do all of this when he knows damn well he has practice tomorrow?

Hell, he's asking himself that as he opens the car door for you and helps you out.

With a cheeky peck on Sae's cheek, you wash away his thoughts and he returns the favour with a kiss on your forehead. "Let's go get a new car, yeah?" Sae shuts the car door behind you. You're bewildered, to say the least, "I'll let you pick a design this time."

"Look! It's here, it's here!" Your boyfriend, YOICHI ISAGI, geeks out in the manga section of your local bookstore. "Oh yeah, didn't they release figures already? Season 2 is being released soon, right?"

His smile only grows wider when you nod. He's crouching down beside you as you tower over him, leaning down slightly to watch him stare at the various covers. Standing back up on his feet with two in hand, Isagi seems to have reached a slight dilemma.

"Ah... should I get the latest chapter? Or should I..." Oh, isn't that the romance manga you recommended to him? The main couple was cheesy, but it reminded you a lot of how your relationship with Isagi is. Turning your head away, you find yourself stifling a giggle - how cute.

After a moment of deep thought, Isagi sulks. His shoulders slump and he kneels back down, placing both the mangas back on their shelves. Like a defeated puppy, he crouches there for a moment in silence.

"What's up?"

"I can't decide, so it's better if I don't get one or else I'll spend the rest of the day regretting it," He's solemn, your heart clenches when he forces an awkward smile. It's not a big deal, but... "You can borrow my copy y'know, don't be shy."

He perks up. It's a simple gesture, but the simplest things in life have always pleased Isagi the most. With a bashful laugh, he picks out the manga he wanted - he can indulge a little, he decides. "Right, I'm sorry. You didn't need to see how let down I was over something so small." Honestly, Isagi's a little shy. It's only been a few months into the relationship. He wants to respect you and your boundaries.

"I'll get you something in return, thank you."

RIN ITOSHI yelps when he stumbles out of your bedroom to the dimly lit living room of your apartment, sucking back a hiss from the base of his throat when something jabs at his foot. His disappointment only grows when he lifts his foot to see the imprint of a Lego brick on the sole. "What do you think you're doing? At 1 in the morning?" The once groggy Rin Itoshi is now wide awake, meeting your avoidant gaze. As you continue to piece together your Lego set, you mumble, "...couldn't sleep. I usually don't have trouble, but I don't know what's up with me today."

Despite his reluctance, he walks over to you and plops onto the carpet beside you. "Aren't you a little too old for this?" Rin begins while mindlessly piecing bricks together. His back is against your shoulder, partially leaning his weight onto you.

You scoff once he grabs the manual. "You're one to talk," you retort as you pull apart Lego pieces, "In case you haven't realized it, you happen to be playing with my Lego set."

"In case you haven't realized it, I'm helping you, idiot," There's no real malice in his voice. He crosses his legs and straightens his spine, turning to gather the pieces in a pile and redo everything from scratch. You clearly seem to be struggling. He'll never admit it, but he doesn't like the aching gap in his chest when you're not in bed with him.

It's a good excuse in his head. He's simply helping you out so you'll return to his embrace as soon as possible. It's just that. He's totally not enjoying playing with Legos with you - he convinces himself mentally with starry eyes when you both finish the overwhelming set at 2:30 a.m.

"Phew! Now to take it apart!"

"Hell no."

Taglist: @mikmwehehe, @saexy (while you did archive your old account, you are technically still on my list!! Please tell me if you want to get removed and I'll do it asap)

[ruershrimo]

take me back (take me with you) | f. megumi x fem! reader | chapter 1: nostalgia

ao3 link for additional author's notes | playlist | next | m.list

chapter synopsis:

'“You’re my best friends forever,” you whisper to them. It’s the truth and it’s a promise. The train halts with that chuffing sound all trains produce, and your mother holds the luggage as well as your other hand as you wave to them goodbye.'--- ' It’s very late and I still have so much I want to talk about with you, but I’m really sleepy now. My eyes are barely open and my face is about to fall on the paper, I think. Just know that I'm thinking of the two of you all the time. XX

Love, [Name]

(P.S.: I still have your hair tie. Do you know if I’ll ever be able to give it back?)'

word count: ~5k; tws: none for now

2-4-2015

Dear Fushiguro Tsumiki, 

How are you today? I’m so sorry that we haven’t talked in so long. 

Forgive me for asking so many questions in this letter— I know too little about writing them; my mother is the one who asked me to write this saying that it would help me keep in touch with my friends or write better (either of the two, I can’t quite remember). 

Between an urban area or a rural area, which would you prefer? I’ve had to go all around the place because of my mother and I’m still all the way in Tanegashima now. If you were to go from Tokyo to where I am, you’d have to either go for a drive lasting more than 20 hours or book a three hour flight. 

I’ve only stayed in the city once— that was when we were still in the same school, and we could all fit in my aunt’s apartment since my father was outstationed for the whole year. But I digress. Personally I prefer the city. It all feels so modern, and so much less empty than how it’s like here on this little island. I mean, we have the space centre, so I can always visit that, but after the third or fourth time you’d probably get a little bored of it too. 

I wish I could go to Tokyo again one day, though. I’d definitely take the time to visit you, too. I read on a pamphlet once of how pretty everything gets in Tokyo during winter time, especially during Christmas. We don’t really celebrate Christmas here but the pamphlet reminded me of that one December when we spent it at my aunt’s, we ate lots of KFC and had a little party while my aunt sang songs and drank enough alcohol to prove she had a liver of steel a million times over. 

It’s nice to reminisce on these things, and it’s nice to reminisce on when we were still there too. I know I never told you this enough, but I was so happy when you walked up to me on the playground that day and asked if you wanted to be friends. I really, really liked your hair and wanted to ask you the same. I was just too shy to do it, and thought that if I would I’d end up messing things up and mortifying myself. I miss that and you and I miss 2010 and I miss Tokyo, and walking back from school with you and Megumi (you were like my cool older sister), and I really, really miss doing each other’s hair. It was the most joyful I’d ever been in my then 8 years of life and every day was a new fragment of happiness to keep in my heart like a picture in a locket. 

Now I really want to go there again, and maybe go to the Shinjuku-Gyoen, or see the lights at night. I wish I could stay for a whole year and see how the trees can change from being highlighted cherry blossom pinks, to lush greens with summer dew on them, to golden ginkgo leaves. I’d keep them with me, too. I hope you can take me there one day and we can see everything together again. My apologies if I’m asking too much of you. 

Also, how is Megumi? I miss him too. Is he the way he was, still? Is everything okay between you and him, still? Unlike elementary school, the boys in junior high are all taller than the girls, so since we’re the same age do you think he’d be taller than me too? Is he taller than you, or are you still one of the tallest girls in junior high like how you were in elementary school? 

It’s very late and I still have so much I want to talk about with you, but I’m really sleepy now. My eyes are barely open and my face is about to fall on the paper, I think. Just know that I’m thinking of the two of you all the time. XX

Love, [Name] 

(P.S.: I still have your hair tie. Do you know if I’ll ever be able to give it back?) 

28-2-2011 

The train to the airport is arriving in a minute, and you’re sure your mother won’t let you just wait for the next one, so you’re stuck clutching your little luggage bag as you look at Tsumiki and Megumi, that inseparable pair, and their snowy-haired “benefactor” (whatever that means. You think he’s more like their father sometimes, though). 

Even if you knew it was inevitable and that this day would eventually come, especially with your leaving Tokyo being pulled even earlier than you thought it would, a part of you pretended that you’d still get to stay with them for a little while longer. In Tokyo you’d solidified your place and built your roots— you had friends, were doing alright in school and had even begun to be less anxious about everything. Now you’d be uprooted again, you thought as your fists trembled, Now you’d be back to square one. 

2011 had started as a busy year— your father had begun preparations to move somewhere else where you and your mother could follow him and the three of you would be together again. It was busy for Tsumiki, too, who had more school matters to tend to due to her being one of the best, most well-rounded students in her year (you didn’t know much of the details). 

…it had also begun with you seeing a dog when you were alone with Megumi once. It had these unique markings on its head, with alabaster fur and jaundice-hued eyes. And Megumi then had a panicked look in his eye, asked how and why you could see them as well as whether you’d seen them before, which you suppose caused him to be busier after that, too. Tsumiki and Megumi’s benefactor visited you and your mother the night after, asking to speak with your mother and your mother alone. He paused before you, almost shocked, you supposed, but you couldn’t see through his pitch black sunglasses (he was one weird guy, seriously— pitch black sunglasses? Really?). To which she frowned, as the man uttered that you could be a “window”, but that you could still be able to use “cursed energy”, or something. You’d heard of neither of those, and weren’t able to eavesdrop or discern anything else they’d said. 

Then nobody else mentioned the dog anymore. 

If you questioned any of them, you’d only be told that the dog was a stray, and that those markings must have been a particularly special birthmark. Yet you knew it was all a lie, but after multiple tries you gave up on wondering. 

When you’d first learned you’d be moving yet again, you cried and screamed for your mother to let you stay, and for what felt like hours. After relaying this to Tsumiki, she just put her hand on yours before hugging you— always wise, always kind, always smiling, you can’t say this enough about her. Megumi patted your back before she pulled him in as well, and for once he didn’t shove her hand away. You couldn’t even bother to be confused at that— you just continued to weep as Tsumiki comforted you, whispering, “I can’t promise I’ll always be able to talk to you, but I’ll try my best to keep in touch when I can. And even if we don’t, we’ll always be friends, okay? So we’ll meet again someday, don’t forget that, okay, [Name]?” 

A day after that Megumi told you to stay safe. Nearly ordered you to swear you’d stay safe and protected, always. He said that the world was dangerous since it was full of dangerous creatures and people who could kill you at any moment, but as long as you were on an island like the one you were moving to, you’d be fine. You furrowed your brow at that as he held your hand and felt him squeeze it— subconsciously, most likely. 

“Well,” Tsumiki starts, a tinge of sadness in her tone, her eyes slightly swollen. Megumi’s expression is unreadable but his fists are balling the fabric of his shirt and his leg is shaking. It makes you want to sob and cling to both of them and you know if you did they wouldn’t ever let go, “I guess this is goodbye, [Name]…” 

Before you realise it, tears start pooling in your eyes and soon they’re trickling down your face uncontrollably, just like the day when you’d first met her. “We’ll still be friends, right?” You won’t leave me, right? 

“Mhm!” Tsumiki smiles— she was always smiling, always, even when she was about to cry along with you. Her lip was trembling and for a second you swore you could detect that in the ever-stoic Megumi, too. “It’s okay, you don’t have to worry. We’ll be friends forever, so we’ll surely see each other soon enough,” Tsumiki assures you, close to sniffling, “We made a promise to always be friends, right? So you’ll see the two of us again in just a few years’ time no matter what.” 

“Okay,” you sniff, “I’ll see the two of you when we’re all grown up, and… and I’ll be taller, too! I promise I’ll visit Tokyo next time!” 

“...that’s good,” Megumi says, his leg still shaking discreetly, joining you and Tsumiki’s conversations in a way he’d rarely done. 

Tsumiki nods, “Yeah. That sounds really, really good, [Name]. Wait—! Let me give you something. You can call it a gift!” 

She takes it off, and her hair unfurls like flowers from bouquets after they’re untied, placing the red-ribbon hair tie securely in your palm. 

“Your hair tie?” you ask, “No, it’s okay—!” 

“Please, just… just keep it, okay? It’s a gift from Megumi and I to you, [Name]!”

Then you’re in her embrace again as you clutch the hair tie, while after a little hesitation Megumi joins in and you swear you can see their benefactor smiling— not just the smile he had when you first saw him, this one in particular seemed proud, fatherly, the same way your father did when you told him about how you were able to read through a whole book with beginners’ kanji in it. 

“You’re my best friends forever,” you whisper to them. It’s the truth and it’s a promise. 

The train halts with that chuffing sound all trains produce, and your mother holds the luggage as well as your other hand as you wave to them goodbye. 

15-3-2011

The phone continues to vibrate in your hands as you anxiously tap your foot on the ground. You’re sure it’s going to end up sore. Frantically, you press it almost forcefully to your ear when it stops ringing. “Tsumiki, Megumi!” 

“[Name]!” 

“Are you alright? I saw the footage of the earthquake on the news, are you safe? Were you and Megumi evacuated, are you all safe? Please tell me whether you’re safe—!” 

“Megumi, it’s [Name]!— Don’t worry, we’re safe now.” 

Relieved, you sigh, “That’s good, that’s good,” you say, “It must’ve been really scary…” 

“Mhm— everything started shaking as if we were on some boat in the middle of the sea and the waves started getting wilder, and it was like the ground was rumbling.” 

You shiver. “That sounds so scary…— I’m glad you’re safe, though. I don’t know why stuff like that has to happen so quickly sometimes, and so suddenly, too. And it takes so many people along with it. I thought I could’ve lost the two of you.” 

“Well, we made a promise,” she tells you, “So don’t worry. —Oh! Megumi wants to talk to you. Here, Megumi.” 

“Are you alright?” he inquires, “Have you seen anything scary in the countryside?” 

“Huh? Oh, no, I haven’t seen anything. Why?” 

“Nothing. Just wanted to know.” Now that sounds like a bold-faced lie. 

“Uh-huh, okay.” 

-20-5-2011-

“Hello? Is this Tsumiki? I need to ask if she’s alright—” 

“Oh, little [Name]?” a man says over the phone— the benefactor, you remember, “So sorry, she’s pretty busy right now… call next time, okay?”

-21-5-2011-

“Hello? This is the Fushiguro house contact, right?” 

“Sorry, Tsumiki’s busy at the moment. Me too, actually.” 

“Megumi!” you smile, bringing the phone closer to your cheek in excitement, “How is everything?” 

“Good, to say the least,” he replies, “We’re just a bit busy. Sorry, but I’ve to hang up soon.” 

“Oh, oh-okay! Bye bye, Megumi!” 

“Bye.” 

-13-7-2011-

“Hi, [Name] speaking. I called twice last month and a few days ago. Are you still busy?” 

“A little— well, Tsumiki is,” the voice on the other side says. You know it’s not Tsumiki, not yet at least. “She’s really sorry, [Name].” 

“No, no, it’s okay! I don’t want to bother any of you either, so thank you for telling me!” 

“Well, if you want I can try to get Tsumiki right now,” the voice offers. 

“Really? Thank you so much!”

The pause that ensues after is followed by the fifteen happiest minutes of your life since February this year. 

“[Name]? Is that you?” 

“Yeah! Hi, Tsumiki!” 

She gasps slightly in the way that children do when in awe or when someone finds out they’ll be eating their favourites for lunch. “Hello!” 

“How are you?” you ask.

“I’m good! Really busy, though, so I’m really sorry if I can’t call you as often… but everything’s been alright. You?” 

“Mm,” you hum, nodding your head even if she can’t see it, “I’m good, too!” 

-18-8-2011- 

You don’t know when you started heading to the phone and keying in the number, doing everything but ringing it. You’re busy, too— you’ve less time now to ring them up, and the last time you did, Tsumiki still apologised but sounded a little distant, just that one bit too busy to be able to tend to you. One step farther away from you. And Megumi was seldom ever the one by the phone. Still, you could understand why. You supposed they always had something going on that you never understood or never asked about. That would explain the incident with the unusually marked dog. No, they weren’t sketchy, but there was definitely something they must have known about the world that you didn’t. 

Now you don’t know if you can even muster the courage to talk to you or write to you. The distance between you has widened exponentially and you hesitate just a bit more every time you hold the phone and press its buttons. 

Then the phone rings, and after you hesitate once more, you put it down. 

9-2-2016

If there’s one thing you remember from about half of your life ago, it’s that your first crush was probably Fushiguro Megumi. 

You’re honestly surprised it wasn’t actually his sister. That over Tsumiki and her abundant compassion and beautiful soul, you’d feel your heart leaping and overflowing with warmth because of him instead. Constantly angry, never for once not irascible, always serious and aloof. You’re sure that if you’d met him now instead of back then you’d find him some asshole who you just wouldn’t be able to understand— why’d he always have to seem so angry? 

Yet it was a struggle, trying to understand him. It really was. Maybe you didn’t really have to understand anyone, much less Megumi. He never ceased being so serious and easily angered but you could tell from his eyes that he must have not intended to hurt anyone; half of the time you understood him: like when you could see that glint in your eyes that replaced what would have been a ghost of a smile on his lips, the other half of the time you didn’t: like whenever he shoved Tsumiki’s hand off his shoulder, and Tsumiki just continued to smile. Now, that really confused you. You’d thought about that for days before coming to the conclusion that you’d probably never find an answer. 

Conversely, Tsumiki was kind and patient. If you’d met her now you’d have fallen in love with her immediately and she probably wouldn’t even notice in that terribly goodhearted, unknowingly innocent way of hers. 

In retrospect it should have been more obvious: he scowled at you and if it were anyone else who did so to you back then you would have merely cried and closed in on yourself, yet you never did when it came to him. You just continued to stick to him like those kind of glue residuals left behind after you take a sticker off a table or a price tag from the back cover of a book. You were probably annoying like that. And to some degree you suppose he’d given you his own form of special treatment by letting you do so anyway. 

If you’d known what you were feeling back then you probably wouldn’t have admitted anything, anyway. Probably you would’ve kept it all within you, quiet and unnoticed, trying to drown yourself into life’s backdrop like an insect engulfed in resin. 

But you’re older now, more mature and slightly more outspoken; you’re going to try to be confident and meet someone, this one person alone who you can only meet now without his sister there just because you used to have a crush on him and— 

You don’t think you’d be able to admit anything either. Yet to yourself he’s the first. He always will be, and you’re not sure whether that sounds pathetic, miserable or disgustingly, hopelessly delusional, considering you don’t even want to pursue anything yourself. 

It’s going to be Valentine's Day soon and you’re quite sure that most of your school friends are making Valentine’s chocolates for their boyfriends or their crushes. In all truthfulness, you might as well not feel blue about it— you’re 14, that’s still pretty young, you don’t have to rush things like relationships or confessions through and you’ve been told to focus on your studies instead— but the thought that you’re going to be alone is still kind of depressing. 

10-4-2015

Dear [Name], 

Don’t apologise— it’s partially my fault. I ended up being really busy that year due to something we had to deal with. 

But anyway, it’s been so long! I miss you every day as well! 

Megumi and I’ve been great, and I hope you’ve been too. It’s been a long four years since we last talked (it’s already 2015, how time flies!), but you still sound the same. It’s like you’ve got better handwriting now, though! 

Aside from the fact that I’ve been swarmed with stuff to do (I joined the student council, yay!), junior high has been okay, to say the least— and hey, I’m still pretty tall, you know? Plus, a lot of the teachers say I’m surprisingly tall for my age, heheh. Things are going the same as always. I’ve got accustomed to the loads of homework we have now too. But it’s like Megumi’s been having a problem lately— he’s getting into fights, beating people up, things like that. I wouldn’t call him a delinquent, though: moreso someone who beats the delinquents up instead. I know what he wants to do and why he does it, but I don’t want him to fight other people and get himself or others hurt. 

I’ve tried to tell him this before, to be honest. I’ve tried it many times but each time I must sound more annoying to him than the last— I don’t want to force him to do anything, though, and I understand that part of why he does this is because of his own ideals. I just want him to not raise his hand against others. So I have to resort to this. 

Sorry for spilling it all on paper like this… I just wanted someone to talk about this to, and I thought you would listen to me, I suppose. Sometimes it’s hard— sometimes I really do feel like his parent instead of his sister and it makes me feel so lonely, really. 

Oh dear, what do I do to make him hear me, seriously… 

Anyway, I totally get what you mean— I’ve stayed in Tokyo all my life, but I’m sure that if I was uprooted and had to live somewhere else I’d have lots of trouble. Tokyo to me is my home, and my whole life is here. Moving somewhere else would probably shatter it completely, I think. 

And please visit when you can! Maybe if your mother allows it, we can come to us instead, one day! And it’s not like we can’t visit you either. Our door’s always open. Once this school year ends, perhaps we could stay with you for a night or two! (If you would have us, of course). 

Besides that, I don’t really have much to say. I did have a good day today, though. I went out with some of my friends from school after our classes ended and we ate some donuts. They were so tasty!!! Honestly, whenever you have the time, I really recommend going there with some of your friends after school!! 

Regardless, I think this is all I have to say in this letter. I promise I’ll try my utmost best to always set aside time to write to you!!! Get some good rest whenever you can, okay? Miss you always! 

Sincerely, 

Tsumiki 

(P.S.: Do you have an email or a phone number of your own yet? If so, please shoot me an email or give me a call! I can reply more there since I have those now and can use those instead of always relying on our house contact.  You can keep the hair tie, too, by the way! It can be like a memoir (*^▽^*). And it’s for you, after all!) 

13-3-2015 

You remember seeing a little dog one time back in your hometown when you were around six or seven years old. 

It was a tiny little thing, with the fluffiest black fur you’d ever stroked, and though every second it was barking louder than your mother could ever handle, it was adorable and seldom threatened to bite anyone. And it liked you— it never barked at you and let you shower it with pets despite how much it had frightened you initially. 

He was irritable but calm, someone who frowned and scolded but never raised his hand against anyone— not even that “benefactor” of his who you’d never heard him talk about without mentioning how much he’d like to punch him someday. You genuinely don’t think he’s ever done so, either. He doesn’t seem like the type: from what you remember, if he were to think he’d hurt someone he knew or evidently cared about— as much as he’d like to deny this, however— he would blame everything on himself, you think. He’d feel the guilt rake through his body and lacerate his skin, piercing through his ribs. Yet he’d keep living, and he wouldn’t tell anyone about it; he’d be so quietly miserable. 

That’s what he was like: quietly miserable. There’s a certain sorrow in the way he does things; you could tell this from the start despite how young and inept at articulating yourself you were at that age. But you’d always known and sensed that there was a sadness running through him, coursing through his veins, one that you could feel like heat from the warm blood beneath one’s skin. 

Today you wonder if he’s the same, if he still seems like the saddest person you’ve ever met, if he still seems like he would have been the saddest and most doleful had he not always tried to act as if otherwise, living defiantly against it. If he hadn’t always been able to keep living while suffering quietly like a child with nothing but muffled sobs in the desolate corner of an empty classroom. 

But at eight you thought maybe you could liken Megumi to a puppy. Or something like that. He certainly reminded you of that all-bark-no-bite puppy from the past. You wondered how it was now, whether it was still being fed and taken care of. 

Tsumiki was vastly different, though— the kindest girl you ever knew, with neat, soft hair and the type of handwriting all the girls in her class wanted to have. She was always smiling, always kind— you thought she was immensely wise for a girl around your age; you always wanted to be as amazing of a person as she was: always hardworking, always clever, always kind and forgiving, no matter what. 

…you don’t even know why you’re thinking about some kids you met once who you’ll probably never see again. Just two kids who you never kept in touch with. Or at least never tried to. You had their contact— you tried talking to Tsumiki a few times, but for some reason she could only ever reply once or twice (she apologised profusely for not being available any time she picked up as well), and as time passed the way the distance between the two of you grew, by the summer of 2011 you’d begun holding a telephone close to your ear without keying any number in it, as if clinging onto it would provide you with any sort of closure. 

You miss them, though: smiley Tsumiki and frowny Megumi. 

Leaning back into the mattress, you trace your fingers over the hair tie on your wrist, fingers rubbing against each thread of fabric in its red ribbon. 

Could you even talk to them or face them anymore after ceasing contact with them for years, though? Heck, you don’t even know whether they’re alive or not. Would they be angry at you? Disappointed? Feeling as if they’d been wronged or left behind? 

Still, you miss them. You really do. 

Your mother’s calls bring you downstairs, and you eat until your stomach is full before washing your plate. The only other step in your routine now is to head up and retreat to your room again. 

“Come down, [Name], could you?” your mother says, interrupting your trip back up, “I just want to talk to you for a second.” 

Now, that… that was a bit strange. Your mother rarely ever asked you to talk to her. You spent enough time with each other as is, doing almost everything else besides being in school or at work in the same house, even if it never meant asking about each others’ day. It just was never part of the conversations you had with each other. You’d ask where she wanted you to throw things or how you could cook something, but she’d never go out of her own way to learn about your own day since you were about nine or ten, and it wasn’t like you ever did either. Perhaps she was trying to make the effort to? 

“What is it?” 

“You like writing, honey?” 

“I mean, I guess so?” you reply hesitantly, “As long as it’s not for school or my grades don’t rely that heavily on a task, writing can be pretty fun.” 

“Good, good,” she remarks, nodding her head, “Actually, I recently found something you may be interested in online. You still have your friend and her brother’s house contact, right?” she questioned. Instantly you know which friend she’s referring to and say yes— how could you not, after all? “Ever heard of pen pals, darling?” 

Which brings you to where you are now: your mother leaning by the door frame of your room as you’re hunched over the table writing the letter. Surprisingly, she really seemed to care about this, even preparing the prettiest paper you’d ever seen, with pastel pink patterns printed on the paper’s edges, and though you struggled with what to say it first the words have begun spilling out of you despite how late it’s started to get. 

You wonder whether she’ll reply. She probably will, though, but a fragile part of yourself surmises that she may not, and although you’d like to talk to her again you fear that because of the time that’s passed things may just not be the same anymore. You wonder if the years have made the three of you infinitely different than your eight and nine year old selves. 

But that was growth, right? So you had to grow and learn how to talk to her, learn how to face her without thinking that she’d be angered or frustrated, or anything like that. And even if she did, even if it would hurt you, you’d be able to live. The world would keep spinning and all that would be lost were two friends who you lived without for about four years, ceteris paribus. Who could claim that the seventy or so years after those four would be any different? 

That’s why you took the pen and paper and started to write, telling yourself you’d face it and finish the letter no matter what. Even if it was short. Even if it wouldn’t be enough to express four years’ worth of unspoken words, from funny things that had happened in school, or what you thought of whatever was on the news, or how your parents had gotten you a new phone. 

As your eyelids gradually grow heavier, you watch how you fill two whole pages in the handwriting you have— you wish it could have been at least a tad bit more similar to Tsumiki’s, who never needed any boxes or lines to write completely straight and uniform for each character as if copying excerpts from finely printed books to the letter. 

Soon, you’re reaching the end of the letter, determined to keep the handwriting legible even if you feel like plopping your head on the table and falling asleep— to some degree you still need it to look presentable, after all. 

“(P.S.: I still have your hair tie. Do you know if I’ll ever be able to give it back?)” 

taglist:

@bakananya, @sindulgent666, @shartnart1, @lolmais, @mechalily, @pweewee, @notsaelty, @nattisbored

(please send an ask/state in the notes if you’d like to join! if I can't tag your username properly, I've written it in italics. so sorry for any trouble!)

[freaky-wasatch-range]

hey, tumblrstake! I've seen several posts on here about how we wished mormons had more cultural traditions/holidays, so I want to share with y'all my family's memorial day tradition.

every year, about 300+ of my extended family gather in the podunk town of oak city, utah to take over the town hall for the weekend and then serve free breakfast to the town on monday morning. it's called the "edward partridge memorial day breakfast" or 'MDB" for short.

edward partridge immigrated to the U.S. from great britain and was the first ordained bishop of the church. he is my great-great-great-great-great grandfather. edward partridge's grandson, aesel lyman, started the breakfast, declaring that the tradition would continue until edward partridge came and got breakfast himself. today marked the 52nd annual MDB, and this year, we fed 1069 people.

the customary breakfast is: sourdough pancakes (they're really freaking good and the batter is hand-stirred by an army of little kids), fried eggs, fried ham, oak city milk, and an orange juice called Tang. that same army of little kids get the honor of "running" food from the griddles in the town hall's back courtyard to the gym where we serve the breakfast, and of course most of the adults are given a job to do as well (cooking, serving, hospitality, utensil rolling, the most recent newlyweds get to rinse the empty batter buckets with a hose... you get the gist). members of the fam bring their plates straight to the griddles when we want to eat. we all wear special aprons. the atmosphere is always kind of electric :)

the night before, we have a thing called "the program" where we watch the same grandparent-originated skits and sing the same favorites-of-our-grandparents songs that we've been performing for decades.

some other traditions that have endured at the mdb: games of P-I-G (kind of like H-O-R-S-E), a couple hundred people playing bunco at the same time, blasting louis armstrong during the breakfast, a baseball game for the kids, red velvet cake, older kids teaching younger kids to throw mountains of playground-gravel down the slides (I was little when that started and it's been going on for over a decade now lol), and, of course, visiting the oak city cemetery and telling stories about our grandparents.

I'm really blessed that on memorial day I get to spiritually honor my five generations of grandparents buried in oak city instead of just making vague allusions of thanks to the military industrial complex. most white americans have been completely isolated from any kind of ancestral culture/specific traditions (because that's what racist assimilationism demands), so I find our weird and sometimes difficult annual reunion to be really special. whatever this is is mormon culture to me.

so, idk, hopefully this was inspiring and gave you a new way to think about memorial day. I hope that wherever I am in the world, I can continue this tradition with the friends and family I have around, serve a community with free food, and do it in honor of some modern pioneers and martyrs.

here's some photos of my dinosaur, jared, wearing my keffiyeh and hanging out in oak city over the weekend:

[bellysoupset]

"Figured where do I know your face from," Vince said, sitting in front of Max in the teacher's lounge. Mr. Daniels was pushing the food around on his plate.

"Yeah?" he asked, uninterested, "where's that?"

"You broke my arm when I was 10," Vince glared at the other man, who let out a little snort, still staring at his plate. When Vince didn't chuckle too, he frowned and looked up.

"Wait, you're serious?"

"Yeah," Vince sat before him, eyebrows raised, "you're the big kid in the playground who bullied me when I moved here."

Max let out a groan, letting his fork fall back down on the plate, "aw man, I'm sorry. Middle schooler me was a shithead," he grimaced, "I don't remember breaking anyone's arm, though, I'm really really sorry."

Vince rolled his eyes, unimpressed, "well, but you did..." he frowned then, noticing Max waxy pallor, "what's wrong with you?"

"Generally? Right now?" the other man shrugged, quirking an eyebrow and causing Vince to let out an annoyed sigh.

"We've established you're a shithead generally, so I meant specifically at this moment," he clarified and Max let out a chuckle at that, scratching at his cheek.

"I think it's just a hangover," he shrugged.

Vince raised his eyebrows, on a Tuesday? Damn whoever said teachers didn't have fun.

"Shithead indeed," he sighed, getting up once more, "don't hold my kids back today."

"Sure, sure, I never do," Mr. Daniels waved him off and Vince wrinkled his nose with annoyance, before walking out of the teacher's lounge.

Most teachers ate in the lounge, but it wasn't a requirement, so Vince went to the parking lot and found a nice bench in the shadow, unwrapping his lunch and scrolling through his social media. It was a nice break after a morning packed with kids, to be reminded the adult world still existed out there.

Luke had already flooded his DMs with memes and there were two texts from Wendy, one being an outfit check of her in gym clothes that had his heart skipping a beat.

Vince typed a cheeky response to her texts, smiling at his phone, only to hear a snort.

"Well, hello, Mr. Monacelli," he would recognize his sister's voice anywhere. Sophia's hair was up in a ponytail and she sat next to him on the bench, "why are you smiling at your phone?"

"None of your business, now, is it?" Vince scoffed, "where's the rest of your mean girls pack?"

"Hurling up their lunches in the bathroom," Sophia said, jokingly putting her finger inside her mouth and Vince wrinkled his nose in distaste. He really couldn't understand how his middle sister had such an acid sense of humor, nothing like the rest of the family.

"That's horrible to say, Soph-"

"Yeah, yeah," she rolled her eyes, criss-crossing her legs, "you can't embarrass me in class."

Vince snorted, "embarrass you?"

"Yeah," Sophia glared at him, "none of your i'm-a-cool-teacher jokes, nu-uh. Don't even mention you're my brother, you're gonna ruin my reputation."

"I'll make sure to fail you, just so they know there's no special treatment," Vince turned back to his sandwich, "or maaaybe I'm gonna bring up your super embarrassing crush on my best friend."

"Are you never gonna let that go?" Sophia jumped up, glaring at him, her cheeks turning red, "I was a kid!"

"It was literally six months ago," Vince grinned, "get out of my sight, kid."

"You're so mean," she pouted, "I'm gonna leave you a terrible teacher review."

Vince rolled his eyes, chuckling as the girl stomped away. He loved her dearly and it was really nice to be back in her life, but Sophia was also the most annoying person he knew.

She was also a senior, which wasn't a good thing, because Vin was already struggling to make the older kids respect him and he knew it wouldn't be any easier if his influential little sister decided to make his life a living hell in the classroom.

Hopefully Sophia was just bark and no bite.

It was to no one's surprise when his last class rolled on and yet he met an empty classroom. Vince sighed, glancing at his watch. Fucking Daniels, again.

He was going to strangle that man.

Vince was already ready to stomp out of the room and forcefully retrieve his kids, when suddenly the door opened. He straightened up, ready to face the swarm of frustrated teenagers, as they always were after chemistry class, but instead it was just Sophia.

Alone, which was all the more worrying, her blue eyes were huge on her face.

"What's wrong?" Vince asked, talking over her as his sister said:

"Mr. Daniel's is really sick and we don't know what to do... Can you help?"

Oh great, Vince thought, stepping out of the classroom, "what happened exactly?"

"He was off all class, but we said nothing- And then like, just now he suddenly stopped talking and barfed everywhere and-" her voice dipped, switched to Italian as Sophia groaned, "it's so gross, Vin."

Vince sighed as he followed her down the hallways to the chemistry room, "why didn't you call up a nurse?"

"We didn't want to get him in trouble..." Sophia frowned, planting her hands on her hips, "you're not gonna get him in trouble, right? He's cool."

And hungover, Vince thought bitterly, but despite his feelings he nodded, "I'm not," he promised, "stay out here, I know vomit makes you sick."

She let out a grateful sigh, slumping against the hallway wall as Vince entered the room.

It was truly a sight to be seen, fucking spectacular. Vince had no idea how he was supposed to not report the fact that Mr. Daniels had somehow managed to puke on his own boots and in a large puddle in the middle of the room.

He was folded in half, bracing against one of the tables and most of the teenagers were pushed to the opposite side of the room, looking completely horrified.

"Alright everyone show's over," Vince said, gesturing to the kids, "you have history class now, go get some water and then to the classroom, shoo."

Despite his somewhat harsh words, most of them looked visibly relieved there was an adult in the room. Vince cringed as he saw some kids that were almost green with sympathy nausea, he just hoped he wouldn't have to deal with that as well.

Once the classroom cleared out, Vince approached the other teacher, who was still mute, save for a couple hiccups and little sniffles.

"Okay... So hangover, uh?" Vince couldn't help but say, touching the man's back and Max let out a loud groan.

"No," he rasped, "no way this is a hangover. I'd never- Not in front of them..." his voice trailed off and he shuddered violently, "my head is killing me."

That didn't really help his i'm-not-hungover case, Vince thought, forcing the shorter guy to straighten up. He immediately grimaced, realizing why Max had stayed in that position. There was vomit down his band t-shirt and clinging to his auburn beard.

Without thinking Vince touched his cheek, then forehead and let out a sigh. The guy was burning up.

"I have good news and bad news," Vince said, side stepping the beige mess on the floor and pulling Max to a clearer patch, before pushing him to sit down in one of the chairs.

The blonde fell like a ragdoll, spreading his legs and wrapping an arm around his stomach, "good news is that I didn't shit my pants?"

Vince scowled, "good news is that you're sick, so this means we can tell the nurse and you're not gonna get penalized for hurling in front of the kids."

Max let out a little huff at that, "terrible good news-" then he hiccupped and groaned, "get me the bin..."

Vince couldn't believe there was anything in the guy, after seeing such copious amount of vomit. He also couldn't help a wave of sympathy as he thought of how much Mr. Daniel's reputation was fucked after getting sick in front of the seniors.

He planted the bin in front of the guy and then crouched next to him, carefully pulling Max' curtain of blonde hair and tying it on the back of his neck, "you're gonna be fine for a minute? I'm gonna go get a janitor."

Max let out a sickly burp inside the bin, raising a thumb up.

Once Vince got back in the room, now followed by the janitor - Maurice, who was also a relic from his school years - Max had folded on himself all over again, both arms wrapped around his stomach, head resting on the school desk.

"Man, c'mon," Vince sighed, frustrated, "try and help yourself, the principal is gonna have your head..."

"Uhm," Max groaned, "I don't- I don't feel well..."

Maurice let out a snort, "you'd think he's feeling fine after throwing up everything he ever ate," the man teased and Vince couldn't help but chuckle at that, grabbing Max' arm.

"You'd think," he agreed, pulling the blonde up, "c'mon, nurse's office. You have someone who can pick you up?"

"What...?" Max's gaze was all dazed. At least he had managed to clear the vomit from his beard, probably with his hand and wiped on his jeans. Vince grimaced at the mental image.

"Someone to come get you?" Vince repeated, pulling the guy down the hallway, "you're out of it."

There were curious faces on the hallways, kids out for a bathroom break stopping to watch them and Vince sped up, causing Max to stumble and collapse against his side.

"I'm gonna hurl again," the man mumbled and Vince shook his head.

"C'mon, we're almost there-" he wrapped an arm around the other teacher's waist and pulled Max against him, making them walk even faster.

The minute they got inside the nurse's office, Max turned to the big flower pot and heaved, his whole back arching as he let out a deafening retch and brought up a mouthful of bile.

"Goodness heaven's, Mr. Daniels!?" the nurse exclaimed. Mrs. Doyle was elderly and never used to do anything back when Vince was a student but tell the kids to go back to class. At least now she couldn't tell them that.

"He's got a really high fever," Vince said, keeping a hand planted on Daniels' back, as the man braced against the wall and continued to heave, not a thought given to Mrs. Doyle's sad palm tree, "and he's been sick," a lot, Vin mentally completed.

"Uhm- Well, he can lie down in my office... I'll get him so gatorade, until he feels-"

"Just let me go home, for fuck's sake," Max groaned, his voice all raspy and Mrs. Doyle frowned at the swear word.

"I don't think I can release you when you're this sick, I need-"

"I'm not a fucking kid," Max turned to glare at her and Vince stepped between them, glaring at the man.

"Then don't behave like one. You can't drive like this, either let Mrs. Doyle call someone or sit in the office and wait until classes are over and I'll drive you," he said strongly, causing Max to raise his dazed eyes at him and scowl.

"There's no one to pick me up," he groaned and Vince sighed, dropping his shoulders.

"Then go lie down, I'm just gonna finish my class and I can drive you," he turned to Mrs. Doyle, who was stunned into silence, "he can stay, right?"

"Of course..." She frowned, "you're the Monacelli's kid? Little Vince?" she suddenly held her hand down to her hip and Vince blushed, while Max let out a raspy chortle.

Vince nodded, his whole face aflame, "I'm gonna go, I have a bunch of teenagers to calm down. Hopefully you're not contagious, otherwise our lives will be hell for the next weeks."

Max groaned, stumbling forward towards the nurse's office, "yeah, don't count on it."

[chiffaust]

—𝐈𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐄! H. KEITO

☆ ,, SYPNOSIS  𝄒  You and Keito passed by that neighborhood cat of yours. You just happen to be lucky that it likes you.

〝 𓈒  CONTENT  𝄒 fluff, enstars!! era, reader and keito implied to be dating since enstars! era if you squint enough, cats i thonk.

( n ) — note i love keito... live laugh love... also do you like my new theme 🥺 this is kinda messy.. as mucb as i love keito i cant think properly rn and my data is tertibe. desperately trying to finish this asap before data runs out

The warmth of the sun set envelopes the two of you as you walk down the empty street of your neighborhood; hands in one another.

Although it wasn't that late, Keito had insisted on walking you home. For what reason? Not that you know of, you just let him.

As he was gazing off elsewhere, he saw a figure of a white cat asleep from the playground you two were passing by. Soon, the cat woke up and walked towards the two of you; its action made stopped you from your tracks.

Keito took further inspection to the cat, and his speculation was indeed not further from correct.

It is... Aborably cute.

"Oh, it's Jibanyan!" You chippered, squatting down to pet the cat in front of you.

"Jibanyan? Is this cat yours...?" He asks, also squatting down. He was confused more than anything. "You had a cat and you didn't tell me anything about it?"

"Nope, it's a stray. The whole neighborhood feeds it often."

Well, maybe it is mine since I feed it often too." As you mumbled, Keito reached his hands out to Jibanyan, trying to pet him.

Jibanyan sniffed his hand for a mere second before turning back to you and rubbing his head on your leg as it purred loudly.

Keito was rejected.

A chuckle accidentally stifled out of you, causing Keito to glare at you—you look away from him in retaliation, trying to hold in any of your laughter.

"K-Keito... It..." You desperately tried to contain any of the laughter, you really did.

"Don't laugh at me like that!" He said, looking away from you angrily. He knew that the cat wouldn't like him first hand, but for you to laugh? You're terrible!

"M-maybe it's just hungry...!" You tried your best not to laugh as you reached for your bag, grabbing the cat food you just happen to have in your bag.

"Here, maybe if you give him some food he'll like you." You said, handing him the wet cat food.

"I hope you are correct or else I will never forgive you." He said, ripping the edge of the package within a single rip.

"Come here, kitty... I have some food for you... ♪" He tried to lull the cat in. Jibanyan's head perked up as it sees him with food.

It got up and walked towards him, happily eating the food that Keito was offering.

Their moods can really change drastically when they see something they love...

"Hahaha, it really is eating! I'm glad♪" Keito chuckled, petting the cat happily. Jibanyan didn't strayed away from his pets, so maybe you are correct. Its just hungry.

Seeing him this happy also made you warm and bubbly inside. You lean onto Keito, who was still crouching and rested your chin on top of head as you watch the cat eat happily.

"Jibanyan is just the cutest, no?" You ask, wrapping your arms around his neck before planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Yes, it really is." He said, placing the food on the ground for Jibanyan to eat easily.

"Then we should adopt him or something! Rename him as Keito Jr. and live in a cozy apartment with him together and stuff!"

"Can you not don't think too far ahead into the future...? We've still only just graduated." He said, finally getting up on his feet, carrying you up so slightly as your grip around his neck tightens. "Also the name Keito Jr is just terrible."

"Then... What about Mizuhanome? It's cute."

"I've told you to forget about that name already." He sighed, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose; slightly embarrassed that even you remember that name until today.

"But it's really cute!" You said, trying to defend yourself and Mizuhanome.

Before you two had the chance to bicker, your attention strayed away to Jibanyan meowing. You both glanced down, seeing him cleaning itself with an empty packet of cat food near. He walks towards Keito and rubbed itself against his legs.

"Look, he really likes you, Keito!" You exclaimed, watching Keito get down on one knee to pick the cat up.

"I guess it does...♪" Keito giggled to himself, kissing the cat softly on its head. Jibanyan rubs his head against his face for the another few second Keito was holding it.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Jibanyan♪" Keito said, placing the cat back onto the ground before getting up on his feet once again.

"Come on, let's go. It's getting late." He said, grabbing your hand gently with a smile on his face.

"Right." You replied, smiling happily as you followed him.

Turns out you two weren't all alone for your walk; Jibanyan also trailed from behind.

"Look, I told you—we should just live inside an apartment together with him!" You said, pointing at the white furry friend you have right there.

"Just how responsible do you even think you are suggesting this?" He sighed, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"... But maybe we can keep Jibanyan." He muttered, feeling his cheek flushed up. It does feel like you two are actually living together or something, talking like this.

"Right!" You happily cheered, picking the cat up into your arms. Jibanyan didn't protest, he further cuddled into your arms.

A smile crept up his face as he sees you enveloping the cat. "... How incorrigible." He muttered, placing his hand on top of your head.

"You're still the same person I fell in love with all of those years back."

His words widen your eyes. The sudden realization at what he had said made you flustered, he could see just how red your face is at his statement.

"You... Said incorrigible. I... Haven't heard that phrase since high school."

"Don't make it sound like we're an old married couple."

"Whatever... Let's just go." You said, looking away from him still flustered; nonetheless you still held your hand out to him, expecting to be held while the other holds the cat who was already sleeping peacefully.

He nods, holding your hand in his. Thus you two made your way back home.

[legofanguy]

Zelink: The full moon fever

This story is a entry for @zelinktines24 event Zelinktines day 6 Moon. I made a Werewolf Link the main star because today is National Werewolf Day.

Link feel nervous for his date with his girlfriend Zelda tonight as it is a full moon tonight and Link have a dark secret as he is a werewolf and Zelda suggest they have this date on this night. Link check the weather on his phone which shows that it is cloudy tonight, which means Link got a moment for this date. Link take a deep breathe and get his stuff before he head out.

As he pick her up from her home, Zelda tell Link, "My dad said I have to be back before ten." and Link think to himself as they get on his car, 'I hope the clouds are still covering the moon by then.' as he drive them to the movie theater.

At the movies, the pair watch a funny movie which made both of them laugh. Once the movie was over, the pair left the movie theater and Zelda look up at the night sky to noticed something, "Oh, the moon is showing tonight!" and shocked Link look up for a moment to see the clouds part ways to reveal the full moon and he quickly make a run for it as he feels his transformation starting, trying to get away from Zelda as he could. First, Link run on his two legs and then he start running on all fours as he become a humanoid wolf.

The transformed Link arrived at a empty playground, looking for food, until it smell something and hear something flying toward his way, which made the feral Link ready to fight back. The flying creature is a big humanoid whose land on the fence of the playground, causing it to be weighted down, and Link jump to attack it, which its strike by swung its tail at Link, setting him back flying to a slide. The creature was shocked over what it just did and put its claw on Link's head, saying to him as its claws glow, "I know I'm not post to do this, but I need to heal you."

Link start to open his eyes, which has his blue eyes despite he is still in his werewolf form, and he groans, "Ouch, what the heck..." and he saw a white and teal humanoid dragon with a blond mane kneeing before him, which cry out, "Holy f-" but stop as he realized that he is in his werewolf form, but in control, and he look at his claws as he ask himself, "How... How am I'm in control?" and the dragon reply in a female voice, "Well, I awake your Hylian mind from your wolf mind while I was healing you. It's a ability that weredragons like me posses but I promise to my parents to not use it as well to get home before 10 as that is when the clouds part to reveal the full moon. Of course, I went to the movies with my boyfriend whose kinda run off all of a sudden as I lost track of time and I was looking for him since he didn't know that I was changing when the moon light.." and a stunned Link said upon hearing that and realized the blue hooded the dragon is wearing, "Zelda?" which the weredragon pause to ask, "H-How did you know my name?" The weredragon look in his blue eyes and recognize them, "Link?!?" as the two are stunned at the reveal of each other secret.

Sitting down in the playground as Zelda still treat the wounds at Link's cheeks, the weredragon said to break the silence, "So... I'm guesing you run off so I don't see you transform." and Link reply, "Yeah. I was a big idiot thinking that it was going to be cloudy all night. I wanted to make this date perfect for you." Zelda reply to her boyfriend, "You don't have to be sorry. I did talk you into having our date on this night because I thought things would work out. I guess we didn't expect this night to go this way. Still our date was night." and Link look up as Zelda said, "You got to admit the movie was good." and the pair sit together, with Zelda putting her head on Link's shoulder, as they look up at the full moon that once give them fear.

[grim40]

{Next Gen}~ Monster?- Part 2

Pinkie packed the last of the cupcake order for the day, laying a sticker and writing the name of who was supposed to pick it up. Pinkie swiped her brow with her hoof, it had been a long morning and afternoon, happy that business was bustling.

She looked at the clock and took her apron off. Time to pick up the kids at school.

"Going for the kids so soon?" Mrs. Cake asked Pinkie, coming out of the kitchen with an order.

"Yup! It's early release day. Sorry to leave so soon, but I'll be back in no time I promise." Pinkie happily replied.

"No worries dear. Tempest can cover for you right?" Mrs. Cake said while Tempest carried some empty plates.

"Sure, it's been pretty easy today for me so I'll cover for you while you're back." Tempest smiled at Pinkie.

"Thank you! I'll see you guys later!" Mrs. Cake and Tempest waved at Pinkie hoping out the door and turning back to work.

~

Pinkie waited outside for her kids in the playground, and the bell signaling the end of school rang. Fillies, foals and other kids scrambled out the door of the building. She looked around and found it odd, Discord wasn't here to pick up Ben. Also looking out into the crowd, she didn't see him either. It was the end of the week, so all classes were supposed to be here.

"Mooom!" Snapping out of her la la land, she spotted her two balls of fluff coming her way.

"Haha hey kiddos! How was school today?" Pinkie giggled at her children, Sugary bouncing up and down around her and Bitter standing in front of her holding his back pack and lightly padding his hoofs in a cute pattern.

"It was awesome! Missus Cheerilee bought some treats for us and we colored some rainbows and the seasons!" Sugary went on and on while Bitter took out his drawing to show.

"Haha sounds like you guys had fun! Where is Benny though? Did he come to school yet?" Pinkie asked with worry in her voice.

Bitter shook his head and Sugary stopped bouncing and seemingly turned sad.

"No, we haven't seen him. You know since that feather brain mean griffon."

"Huh. That's odd, for a whole week?"

Bitter looked sad, his ears were down and he slumped down. Ben and Bitter had been friends for a while, even though Ben was a year older. So him not coming to school made Bitter feel lonely while at school. Sure there was his sister to hang out with and her friends, he didn't mind. But of course who would play Sun and Moon card games with him, or Star Swirl's memory game?

"You know what? Why don't we go look for him? I bet he would like for us to visit!"

Bitter's ears perked up and he nodded, Sugary as well with a beaming smile nodding her head too.

"Well let's get goin'! Duck formation, now! Haha!" Pinkie giggled, starting to walk towards Flutter Shy's cabin, her children trailing right behind her.

~

"Alright Benny, food is almost done-" A knock came at the door, stopping Flutter's speaking.

"Coming!" Flutter called out.

Opening the door, Flutter was surprised but happy.

"Pinkie! It's good to see you." Flutter said in her soothing voice.

"Hi Mrs. Shy!" Sugary popped out from behind Pinkie and Bitter poked his head out.

"Oh my. How are you sweet angels? Come in. Would you guys like some tea? I'm preparing a meal."

"Some apple juice would be fine, thank you! We came by to see you and Ben, the kids were a bit sad he has not been to school in a while."

Flutter brought their drinks and said in a whisper, looking a bit weary.

"Oh, yeah. Benny, my poor angel. He has not been feeling well going to school lately. Ever since what happened with that griffon pup and the other kids, he feels, out of place. So I started home schooling him."

"WHAT?!" Pinkie shouted, having a same reaction out of Sugary and Bitter stared silently.

"I asked Twilight on some tips for home schooling, and I started teaching him where Missus Cheerilee left off at. He seems to like it, though I still see him being a bit gloomy. I'm not a good teacher but I do try. He is in the living room if you guys would like to see him."

Bitter started trotting to the living room followed by Pinkie, Sugary and Flutter.

"Benny sweety, your friends came to see you."

Flutter sat down behind Ben, but he only hid under her mother's wings.

"Oh, Benny don't be like that. It's your friend Bitter and Sugary. Say hello."

Ben only hid his face further into her feathers. Bitter sat down before him.

"Benny what's wrong? We're your friends, remember?" Sugary exclaimed.

"Yes Benny. Don't need to hide." Pinkie chimed in.

For a moment, he stayed silent.

"I-I'm a m-monster..." Ben croaked out, his voice breaking and tears welling up in his eyes.

Sugary and Pinkie looked shocked, Flutter only looked at him sadly, her heart breaking again.

"What do you mean? No you're not!" Sugary hopped, her tiny but feisty attitude coming out.

"The only monster is that bird butt, you don't have to listen to her. Remember what Princess Twilight said? Everypony might look different on the outside." Sugary hopped around everyone, finally landing on top of her mother.

"But we all are the same, on the inside! You don't have to worry about anypony else says, we are still you're friends!"

"And we are here to prove it kiddo!" Pinkie joined in with her daughter.

"And we are never leaving you alone my little angel. No matter what." Flutter rubbed her wings on her cub's head.

Ben turned his head from his mother's feathers, looking at Bitter who was holding out a chocolate bar out to him. It was Dark Chocolate, his favorite. Bitter knew he liked it, so to make him feel better he carried one to school, but didn't have a chance to give it to him while he was absent.

Ben sniffled, and took the chocolate bar while giving Bitter a hug. Sugary jumped down and joined in on the group. Flutter and Pinkie looked at the children with soft smiles, Flutter wiping a tear from her eye.

"IIIII'M hoooome~ Gosh the lines for pear jam was awful today- Uh, did I miss something?" Discord walked out of the portal behind him only to stare at the scene before him.

Pinkie and Flutter looked at each other while the kids looked back and forth, and the all burst into giggles and laughs, leaving Discord confused with grocery bags in his paws.

-

Part 1 here~

https://www.tumblr.com/grim40/751038687766282241/ben-sighed-as-he-sat-down-in-his-seat-it-was?source=share

Part 2 of my Next Gen story ^^ still working on part 3, but will come out soon.

Thanks for reading <3

[fountainpenguin]

“'I'm doing this all for me!?' ... Dare say that about our love, and mister, I'll have to do away with you...” (x)

---

... 7 years ago, I put this chapter preview image in my queue and it's been there ever since. It's this plot point that the entire 130 Prompts project was built around.

We've made it.

---

New 130 Reasons Why I'm Fairy Trash update today!

Fairly OddParents || One-Shot - “Grudge”

Read on FFN || Read on AO3

Find more Purple Train story arc HERE

End Arc 2

---

Happy Peppy Gary (the teenage boy who used to rule the world) and Denzel Crocker (the school teacher who's spent years fighting to do the same) finally meet for a business proposition. It is raining.

... Where is the portal to Fairy World?

(First 1000 words under the cut)

---

21. Grudge

Saturday July 13th, 2002

Year of Leaves; Summer of the Last Berry

---

5 minutes after signing the Learnatorium off to Ed Leadly…

Passing by Dimmsdale Elementary leaves him feeling… giddy. Gary clutches his backpack by the shoulder straps, taking in the sight of empty swings squeaking in the wind. They stand like giraffes drinking from the savannah watering hole near the lonely see-saws and jungle gym. It's empty here. Dreary and chilly in the wind, even for a summer evening. And, like… There is something wild, beautiful, and free in witnessing this little slip between horror and peace. It's like peeling back a corner of yellow wallpaper to reveal life and color on the other side..

These days, Gary rarely has a reason to walk by the school. His apartment's in the other direction, closer to the downtown area (Right next to Alden Bitterroot's well). But there was once a time he walked to school five days a week, and five days back the other direction (unless Mr. Sanderson in a rare show of mercy pinged them safely home).

Years ago, back when he was only ten, he used to play on this same old equipment. The school has upgraded to a new slide (with a playful rock wall), but everything still feels so familiar. He could probably run across the playground with his eyes squeezed shut and still manage to run up every step and dive down every slide. And, you know… he'd probably scrape himself up on the woodchips if he did that, but for just two or three fleeting seconds, it might be fun.

Mmm… No. He's having second thoughts about the woodchips. He'd rather have squishy rubber underfoot (or even just grass). Woodchips can pierce skin. They aren't safe. And they're not all that wheelchair-friendly either, which no one in this town seems to think about as much as he and Betty do. There's a reason he applied for a part-time job at the Learnatorium instead of volunteering at the school.

Well. A few reasons. But the illusion of choice lifts his spirits on some of his worse days.

Gary lingers at the edge of a crosswalk. It's gray, gray, gray this afternoon. Not rainy, but threateningly close. The clouds leer downward, erasing shadows from the sidewalk. Gary rocks from heels to toes and back again, waiting for the red hand firm and staring back from him to turn into a welcoming white Cross signal. Does the little glowing figure who lives inside the signal box ever feel like he's drifting through a void? Marching endlessly, stopping often, and never advancing where he'd like to go?

It's Saturday. 7 pm. There aren't many cars out on the weekend, especially since not a lot of people have a reason to stray near the elementary school in the summer. Including him, which is why he walked right past it. Sentimental he may be, but the man he's searching for only works at the school… He won't be there today.

Cars roll past, their tires slick and firm against the street. Gary presses the signal button twice (in case the first push doesn't take) and stares at his reflection in the mounted mirror on the crossing post. It's a big, round mirror, likely put there to help drivers see around the corners, so it's probably unsafe of him to stand directly in front of it, but… in that moment, Gary realizes he doesn't know how long it's been since he last looked himself over in a mirror. Properly, anyway. He doesn't need to very often. The short spikes in his hair don't require much attention (especially because he usually wears a hat). Thanks to his mild genie powers (probably? Maybe? Unclear), he's never had to deal with acne. Every now and then he adds a little eyeliner to his look, but it really depends on the day.

It's… it's been a few months since the last time he did. That stuff runs when you cry. It would give his thoughts away.

Still, Gary grimaces at the face staring back at him now. How long has he looked like a zombie in the mirror? Heavy circles cling beneath his eyes. Is that how Ed Leadly saw him when he came in today? No one he'd believe had authority; no one to take too seriously? (Actually, this adds up. Gary spent last night sleeping on the Learnatorium couch.)

The white walking figure on the crossroad sign blinks on.

I've really grown up. Did I really use to cross this busy street without adult supervision when I was a kid?

Thunder sneers overhead, though the lightning's yet to show its face. Gary keeps his thumbs in the backpack straps. He didn't need to check the address in a phone book. Everyone knows where to find 4158 Woodnick Lane. It's outlived just about everyone in Dimmsdale. It maybe always will.

Gary's halfway there when raindrops start plinking down. They sizzle on his hands. He glances up. Then, yanking the backpack over his head, he breaks into a run. Burn the witch, he thinks snidely, and immediately feels a swell of guilt. Betty, before she lost her memories, always was good at brushing off his self-deprecating thoughts. He brings up the old mantras, playing them through his head as his shoes smack the sidewalk and cars chug, their windshield wipers flinging droplets his direction.

"If you wouldn't say it to a sad child's face, don't say it to yourself."

The rain leaves bubbly welts across his hands. Gary huffs, sprinting for all he's worth, and leaps on a big cement planter just to avoid the gutter spray splash from a car rolling by. His skin throbs, hands thrusting their weird mix of human and genie cells into repairing what damage the water did. Over and over, again and again… one scalding patch of skin at a time. And it looks good as new, until it touches water again.

[Cnt’d - FFN and AO3 links at top]

[bokutokiya]

EXTRA: mysterion

(TW: blood, fighting, and swearing)

Takes place in Middle school (15- Kenny/y-n, Karen 12)

You shake your boots off as you move to adjust your beanie, South Park was in one of its colder days as the season shifted from spring snow to snow snow. Letting out a breath and watching it spiral as you cross over the railroad tracks you missed the small brunette blurr that body slams you back into a snow pile, letting out a loud ‘oof’ sound you allowed the giggling child to sit on your stomach for a moment as you smile. The small brunette one Karen McCormick let her little dimples show as you heft her into your arms and get up. “Hello Kare bear! How are you today?!” You ask as you gently squeeze your self proclaimed sister, your parents passed away a year ago and the McCormicks keep an eye on you as another one of their kids. You shift Karen to your back as you continue walking, she takes up playing with your hair. “I’m doing good, Kenny says you’ve been sad.” She says as she tries to peek into your face, her pigtails tickling your cheeks causing you to laugh softly. “I’m okay, better that I get to spend the day with you.” You smile at the little girl before knocking on the mcCormicks door. The door is opened by an unnaturally red headed lady with a kind smile, “Y/n! Thank you for coming tonight. Kenny is staying with the boys for a school project and unfortunately Stewart and I have a meeting to attend, so we’ll be home late. Feel free to help yourself in the kitchen and if we aren't back by 10 feel free to sleep in Kenny’s room, you know where everything is sweetheart” Carol says before letting you step in and set Karen on the floor. Stewart came past and ruffled your hair before walking out the front door with Carol, turning to Karen you smile and place a hand on her head, “what should we do squirt?” You ask playfully as she bats your hand away. “Let’s go to the park then maybe Stark's pond” she says before racing into her room and coming back with a small backpack you hadn’t seen before, “who got you the pretty backpack?” You ask with an eyebrow raised. Karen smiled brightly and held it up “bubba butters gave me it for my birthday! Oh! And thank you for the hoodie y/n! I’m saving it for a special occasion!” She cheers before putting the backpack on, you slide your wallet and an extra jacket into the bag for you before grabbing her hand and leaving the house. The park was empty when you arrived, you took the backpack for her as she raced off to the play set, for a young teen she loved playgrounds. You scrolled through your phone sending a small update text to Kenny to let him know you guys were ok.

After updating your social you look up only to not see Karen. You panic for a moment and look around wilding for her only to see her pop out of the bathroom and jog her way over. You quickly pull her into a hug, her face smashed into your chest, “please let me know when you wander off next time Kar, scared the shit out of me baby.” you say, calming your heart beat. Karen quickly grabbed your arm and hung on it “I’m sorry y/n! I’ll be more careful!” She claims before you two start walking towards tweak Bros coffee, you open the door, the bell jingling your arrival. “ACK, y/n! How are you tonight!” Tweek calls from behind the counter as you bounce over and pull yourself up to sit on it. “I'm a great tweekers, where’s Craig?” You notice a lack of middle fingers being thrown your way, tweek shakes his head “he’s home, had detention so he didn’t come by to help out” he replies easily calming in your presence, handing you a hot cocoa for Karen, which she happily takes. “Well we just came by to say hey, kens staying over at Cartmans so I’m dragging Karen around.” You say. He nods and waves you guys out as you leave into the darkening day. Rounding the corner from the theater a hand shoots out and yanks you and Karen back into the alleyway, Karen lets out a startled scream before her mouth is covered. “hello Y/n.” A familiar voice calls out from behind the scared girl, your face goes from anger to terror in 3 seconds as you discreetly slip the tracker/alarm from the strap of the backpack pressing it. “Hello Kalma. It’s been a while, come back to finish me off?” You ask, shaking lightly, Kalma lets out a hard biting laugh before throwing Karen off to the side and stalking closer to you “I wish I could finish you off! But you have a use for the plan. Doesn’t mean I can’t hurt you a little” she laughs bitterly before leaping towards Karen, the younger girl crying in terror. You make a split second decision and place your body in front of Karen’s, a sharp stinging pain hits your side as you start to feel a warm spot on your hoodie. “Damn, Kenny’s gonna be pissed I got blood on another of his hoodies” you try to joke out, looking down at Karen. The younger girl can’t tear her eyes away from the injury on your side so you cover her eyes and whisper “run back to tweak bros, tweek can call our angel.” She gives a nod and takes off, allowing you a moment to turn to Kalma. “You just don’t go down huh?” She asks bitterly “just like your parents, maybe you’ll be more challenging then them after all.” you see red at her statement before tackling her onto the ground and swinging your fist into her face landing a couple of blows before she twists the object in your side flipping you onto the wet and dirty pavement. She opens her mouth to say something else when a shout comes from above “I’d step away from the girl if I were you!” Mysterion’s voice is hard to miss and brings a small painful smile to your face as Kalma scoffs. “Whatever I’m done with her.. for now” she laughs before vanishing down the end of the alleyway. Rapid footsteps make their way down the alley as Karen crash’s into you as you grunt. “Let’s get home” you say to her softly, looking into the worried eyes of mysterion.

After getting Karen home and settling into bed, you heave yourself into Kenny’s room and start digging for his first aid kit when the window slides open. You look up and meet the eyes of mysterion, you let out a small painful laugh as you plop on the floor. “Hey Kenny. Guess I lied about nothing happening” you say roughly, Kenny takes his hood and mask off before rushing over and kneeling next to you, “shit y/n how did this happen?” He asks, sliding back into his smooth tone. You yank the hoodie over your head letting him see the injury better “took the knife to keep Karen safe, Kalma went for her first.” You hiss out as he gently pokes around the wound. Kenny shakes his head before pulling out the first aid kit from his closet along with another one of his hoodies, “of course you did, thank you for that but I’m still and you're hurt” he says in a gentle yet stern tone causing you to laugh. Kenny quickly cleans and wraps your side before helping you struggle on his hoodie and pulls you into a light hug, his face burrowed into your hair as he shakes trying to suppress sobs, “when Karen called I thought the worst, I’m so glad you're ok.” He says, before pulling back and looking over your face. You give him a smile and press a light kiss to his cheek, “remember ken, who is responsible for your missing tooth? I think I can handle myself.” You tease him lightly before he helps you to settle into his bed. He threads his fingers lightly through your hair as you start to feel tired from pain and all the energy you used, “y/n, I love you, your family and I will ALWAYS be there to protect you. Please be safe and sleep well bubba” he whispers, pressing a kiss to your forehead and covering you with the blankets before sliding back out of the window to let you rest.

[fakeroachh]

24th of April, 2024

Another sad and cold day. The beautiful weather only lasted like 5 minutes. I was on the ground, stuffing my mouth full with cheap pringle knockoffs. Filled to the brim🤤. However, the lid wasn't see-through which one could say is stupid to complain about but I love see-through things. I saw six helicopters today. Six divided with two is three. I saw these helicopters in groups of three and so close they might as well have been a T-Rex. Like in Jurassic Park where the glass of water starts shaking. I wish I'd stayed at home instead of going out. The sheiße neighbourhood playground. Playgrounds always empty though. I seated my small butt in ( in the ? Or on ) the net fishy swing. Something smells fishy. Definitely not me. The good type of pink gum. Literally everything was good. However, the moment I got on I could FEEL the nausea. When I finally got off I was fine until I got home. Maybe it was the chocolate(walffle treats) and chips or the milk. I'm lactose intolerant. I thought it was period cramps but it hurt too much to be that. I couldn't tell whether or whether not I was breathing. Should I call an ambulance? No, you should take a trip to the bathroom. But I always end up being there for hours. Just laying in bed and listening to rock. Or metal. I can't tell the difference. Reminds me that I keep telling myself to listen to sleep token but always forget. Low-key why men in masks so hot. Help, this silver flame is diarrhea and lasts forever.

[duck-in-a-thrift-store]

Finally shared a snack break with my pals at the park this evening

I had peanut butter crackers and they had frozen peas

The one with the speckled beak was literally shaking idk if it was cold or if it was like, scared of me, but it did eat out of my hand a few times so I wouldn't think that was the case

Edit: I looked it up and apparently ducks shake when they're really happy or excited?? bc their brains don't really have any other way to process/express emotions like that?? and like omg that's so fucking cute?? <3 <3 <3

(Plz don't tell me if this is false unless it's smthn I actually need to be aware of like for the ducks' safety or smthn bc otherwise you will break my heart and I will not forgive you)

Also I'm just gonna go on a tangent about my outing today bc it was nice

There was the eclipse today but it was too cloudy where I live to see it, I was lowkey kinda sad abt it but then it started raining so automatically the day got better

I decided to take a walk since it's usually too hot nowadays and walking in the rain is glorious and peaceful, but I turned around to go back and get the peas out of my freezer so I could go to the park and feed the ducks, grabbed some snacks for myself as well and went on my way

So I get to the park, worried bc the rain has kinda stopped, but it started back up again after I got there (the rain loves me so much I asked her to come back for me and she did)

I sat myself down at the end of the little dock/peninsula thing and the ducks came over to me and I told them I'd brought snacks this time like I said I would and started feeding them the peas

After a while I was like ok guys it's my turn to have a snack and I broke out the crackers and put on an episode of gravity falls (it was escape from reality from season 2, I got a little emotional tbh the pines really are the siblings of all time) and the rain really picked up then so we were getting pelted but we just kept hanging out, I'd toss them a handful of peas every so often until I ran out of everything

So then I got up and dusted myself off (and wiped the rainwater off my phone lol), bid my buddies goodbye and promised to come back at some point, and went over to the playground, which was empty since it was so rainy

Idk if you'll know what I'm talking about when I describe this thing that's over there, but it's like a rope jungle gym? Like a web of ropes suspended by metal poles? Anyway, I climbed up into that thing, got settled and put on my rainy day playlist and just chilled for a while

(The funky structure in question)

After hanging around in my makeshift nest for a bit, I eventually left the park, went the long-ass way home, and stopped for coffee on the trip back but I had finished it by the time I got to my building lol

Anyway I did a lot of fucking walking today for someone who was almost too exhausted to get out of bed and who's been having trouble with their legs being weirdly weak lately, but it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon tbh

[strawhatsoraya]

a brief note: this is purely self indulgent. kaia and i talk about luffy (and ace and sabo honestly) being islanders and in particular we have a headcanon of luffy being a country hick from puerto rico and she's been asking me for drabbles since 5ever and i haven't delivered so she gets one today because it's the least she deserves. this will be a very sporadic series. and i have so many different variations of this in my head who knows what i'll write next so. that being said lmao keep it scrolling if you're not interested. i just wanted an excuse to make a banner on canva.

featuring: (as per banner above it's luffy &&) island girl y/n. rating: rated G for g-spot--i'm kidding, it's PG. it's all good. don't be scared. word count: idk around 500. warning content: none, unless you're allergic to Spanish or culture in general.

001. Luffy

Country boy Luffy who grew up in the mountainous side of the island. He didn't have a mother or father to sing him to sleep. Instead, brown little tree frogs performed their iconic lullaby outside his window; coquí, coquí, coquí. It's a harmony so deeply ingrained in his mind that he didn't even perceive it until Garp's voice would break through the den den mushi asking him: “What's all that noise?”

As if he didn't know.

As if he had forgotten all his memories on the island.

Luffy. A Boricua, through and through. He is his most comfortable surrounded by the heat of the sun. His skin, sun kissed and tawny brown, was always covered in bug bites and scratches. He knew better than to challenge the mosquitos' hunger during their peak hunting hours but his pride was on the line. Luffy would turn it into a compliment instead. 'I'm just that sweet,' he'd tell anyone who challenged him to wear insect repellent. 'They just can't keep off of me.' At the mention of his scratches and bruises he'd shrug with a secret grin clinging to his lips. 'Tu sabe',' he'd start, dragging his syllables, his tongue heavy on his tongue as he barely pronounced his consonants. 'I was just messin' around. No big deal.'

The forest was his playground. He knew every tree, and every creek. He knew where to find the best earthworms for fishing, and where the river was the most shallow to cross. He knew that the nearest dairy farm was in the way of his shortest route to the swimming hole, and knew he'd be chased if he trespassed but did it anyway. He knew each bull that chased him, and knew every stray dog in the neighborhood.

He knew the neighborhood drunkard, and the lady who sold frozen cups of fruit juice out of her home for a few coins a cup. He knew the best way to eat them too—flipped upside down in the cup, while sitting on a hammock, not a care in the world.

There was so much he knew then, and so much he was unsure of as well.

He knew how Doña Edith's stewed kidney beans tasted but he couldn't picture the world past the view of the horizon; a melting sun sinking into a watercolor ocean. He knew what his abuelo wanted him to be, and yet all Luffy knew was that he wanted to be free.

A vague longing propelled him from the island he called home. He had no regrets. The friends he had made on the way filled even the empty spots he wasn't aware existed. Luffy finally felt like he was alive. He no longer had to seek out truths under mossy rocks, or atop mango trees—although he did miss the mangos.

The truths he sought were right there on the smiles of his nakama staring back at him. He couldn't ask for more, and yet you joined their ranks. He was happy to have met you, hearing your story and knowing you came from the same island as him. There was so much he wanted to talk to you about, that he would speak at you quickly, his hands in the air at all times, gesturing and helping him articulate.

You matched his energy, and it excited him.

There was still so much he didn't know, but he knew by the twinkle in your eyes that new fun adventures were bound to come.

He could barely wait.

[justsomestoicguy]

Unno Kai

Kai's childhood friend is acting weird.

Even weirder than usual.

Kai sits cross-legged on the edge of the playground, watching as Ran sprawls out on the ground, staring blankly at the sky. It's a hot summer day, the sun glaring down, but Ran doesn't seem to care. 

Kai licks his ice cream, letting the cold, sweet taste soothe the heat, and wonders what has gotten into his friend this time.

Ran has always been... different. Not in a bad way, necessarily, but in a way that makes him stand out. 

He's smart, way smarter than anyone else their age, and he has a quirk that's as strange as it is impressive. 

But today, as Ran lies there with his arms splayed out like he's trying to make a snow angel on the concrete, Kai can't help but think his friend is acting like a character out of one of those weird indie films his mom likes to watch.

Kai sighs, taking another bite of his ice cream. "You look like a dead fish, you know."

Ran doesn't even flinch. "Thanks," he murmurs, sounding utterly defeated. "Just what I needed to hear."

There it is again—that tone. Kai tilts his head, frowning. "What's with you today? You're acting... I don't know, like you've lost your puppy or something."

Ran finally moves, turning his head to look at Kai with a mix of frustration and confusion. "Kai, have you ever felt like... like you had this big purpose in life, and then suddenly, it's just... gone?"

Kai blinks, surprised by the seriousness in Ran's voice. "Uh, not really. But then again, I'm ten. Haven't had many life crises yet."

Ran lets out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, well, welcome to my midlife crisis at ten years old." He sighs heavily, closing his eyes. 

"I've been thinking... what's the point of it all, you know? Like, what's the point of aiming to be a hero when there's really nothing left to fight for?"

Kai raises an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Nothing left to fight for? What are you talking about?"

Ran hesitates, chewing on his lip. "It's... complicated," he says, clearly trying to be vague. "Let's just say... things are different now. The world's different. Safer, maybe."

Kai takes another lick of his ice cream, pondering Ran's words. He knows his friend well enough to sense that Ran is holding something back, but he also knows better than to push. Ran will spill when he's ready. 

"You mean, 'cause of all the heroes around?" he guesses.

Ran shrugs, still staring at the sky. "I guess. There are so many heroes, and with the big bads mostly gone, it's like... what's left? What's the point of risking everything if there's no real danger anymore?"

Kai tilts his head, considering. "But there's always danger, Ran. Maybe not the end-of-the-world type, but there's still crime, corruption, people who need help. Just 'cause the biggest threats are gone doesn't mean everything's peachy."

Ran's eyes flicker to Kai's, a hint of interest in them. "Corruption, huh?" he mutters, almost to himself.

Kai notices the change and presses on, careful not to sound too eager. "Yeah. I mean, sure, there are a lot of heroes, but not all of them are good."

"Some are in it for the fame or the money, and there are always stories about heroes getting involved in shady stuff. Plus, there's the government and how they handle things. Not everything's as perfect as it seems."

Ran's eyes narrow, and he sits up, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yeah... just because there's no big villain like before doesn't mean there aren't problems. Maybe... maybe there's something else worth fighting for. Something beyond just stopping villains."

Kai watches as Ran's face lights up with a mix of confusion and realization. It's like he can see the gears turning in Ran's head, the shift from emptiness to growing determination.

Ran suddenly stands up, brushing the dust off his clothes. "You're right," he says, more to himself than to Kai. "There are other dangers, like corruption, injustice... the system itself."

Kai nods, a strange sense of satisfaction washing over him. 

He's seen this look in Ran's eyes before—the look of someone who has just found a new challenge.

Ran clenches his fists, a grin forming on his lips. "Yeah, I think I know what I want to do now. Not just be a hero, but maybe change the way things are done. Make it better, fairer. Something like that."

Kai finishes his ice cream and tosses the stick into a nearby trash can, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. Ran is motivated again, and Kai's work here is done.

"So, still going to UA?" he remarked.

Ran chuckles, the weight of his previous mood lifting. "Guess I have to, huh?"

Kai nods, his smile widening. 

His friend's a weirdo, alright.

But now, at least, he's back to his usual weird.

—

Previous Chapter (Chapter 1)

Next Chapter

[gloriabomfim]

Certainly! Here are montages 1-9 of "Bumpy in Sad Places with Bumpy's Slapsticks - Part 2," along with actions and dialogue transcripts:

Montage 1: Rainy Day Blues

[Scene: Bumpy stands alone in the pouring rain.]

Bumpy (dejected): "Rainy days can be a downer."

(He tries to open an umbrella but ends up getting it inside out, leaving him drenched.)

Bumpy (under the umbrella, soaked): "It's supposed to go the other way, right?"

Montage 2: At the Abandoned Playground

[Scene: Bumpy visits an old, deserted playground.]

Bumpy (sadly): "Nobody comes here anymore…"

(He sits on a rusty swing, and it immediately breaks, sending him tumbling to the ground.)

Bumpy (on the ground): "Guess the playground misses me too."

**Montage 3: Broken Hearted at a Memorial]

[Scene: Bumpy stands by a memorial plaque.]

Bumpy (tearfully): "Remembering lost friends is tough."

(He attempts to place flowers at the memorial but accidentally drops them in a puddle.)

Bumpy (trying to save the flowers): "I meant well, I really did."

Montage 4: Gloomy Day at the Cemetery

[Scene: Bumpy is in a cemetery, surrounded by tombstones.]

Bumpy (solemnly): "Cemeteries always give me the chills."

(He walks backward to avoid a gravestone and trips over another one, falling into an open grave.)

Bumpy (in the grave): "This is… quite the predicament."

**Montage 5: Sadness in the Library]

[Scene: Bumpy sits alone in a quiet library.]

Bumpy (whispering): "Libraries are so peaceful."

(He sneezes loudly while trying to stifle it, knocking over a stack of books.)

Bumpy (apologetic): "Shhh… Oops."

**Montage 6: Grief at the Lost and Found]

[Scene: Bumpy searches through a lost and found box.]

Bumpy (sighing): "Looking for something I lost…"

(As he reaches into the box, an avalanche of lost items falls on top of him.)

Bumpy (buried under items): "I think I found everything but what I was looking for."

**Montage 7: Sad Serenade]

[Scene: Bumpy attempts to play a sad song on a piano.]

Bumpy (playing somberly): "Music can express my feelings."

(He hits the wrong keys, creating a dissonant cacophony of sound.)

Bumpy (winching): "Maybe I should stick to happy tunes."

**Montage 8: Alone at the Haunted House]

[Scene: Bumpy reluctantly enters a spooky haunted house.]

Bumpy (nervous): "Haunted houses are… not my thing."

(He walks into a fake spiderweb and ends up tangled and stumbling around in the dark.)

Bumpy (disoriented): "I'd rather be outside!"

**Montage 9: Tearful Visit to an Art Gallery]

[Scene: Bumpy stands in an art gallery filled with melancholic paintings.]

Bumpy (emotionally): "Art can be so moving."

(He backs up to get a closer look at a painting and accidentally bumps into an art installation, knocking it over.)

Bumpy (panicking): "That was… unexpected."

These montages showcase Bumpy's ability to find humor even in sad and gloomy settings, adding a unique twist to his character.

Certainly! Here are montages 10-19 of "Bumpy in Sad Places with Bumpy's Slapsticks - Part 2," along with actions and dialogue transcripts:

Montage 10: Lost in the Fog

[Scene: Bumpy navigates through a thick fog in a desolate park.]

Bumpy (disoriented): "Foggy days can be so disorienting."

(He bumps into a tree, stumbles over a bench, and ends up tangled in a bush.)

Bumpy (tangled in the bush): "I'm just going to sit here for a while."

Montage 11: A Visit to the Empty Theater

[Scene: Bumpy sits alone in a large, empty theater.]

Bumpy (mournful): "An empty theater is a sad sight."

(As he tries to watch a movie, the seat collapses, causing a ruckus.)

Bumpy (fallen seat): "I guess that seat was taken."

**Montage 12: Rainy Day Walk]

[Scene: Bumpy takes a walk in the rain with a broken umbrella.]

Bumpy (with a drooping umbrella): "Even my umbrella is sad today."

(The wind turns the umbrella inside out, and Bumpy gets spun around like a top.)

Bumpy (spinning): "I didn't sign up for umbrella aerobics!"

**Montage 13: Abandoned Fairground]

[Scene: Bumpy explores a rundown, abandoned fairground.]

Bumpy (nostalgic): "This place used to be so lively."

(He steps on a loose board, and it catapults him into a dilapidated Ferris wheel.)

Bumpy (stuck in the Ferris wheel): "I guess I'm part of the attraction now."

**Montage 14: Lonely Picnic]

[Scene: Bumpy has a picnic in an empty, silent park.]

Bumpy (sadly eating a sandwich): "Eating alone is never fun."

(He tosses a piece of bread to feed the ducks but ends up attracting a swarm of aggressive seagulls.)

Bumpy (chased by seagulls): "It's a seagull stampede!"

**Montage 15: The Broken Lighthouse]

[Scene: Bumpy tries to visit a gloomy, broken lighthouse.]

Bumpy (disappointed): "I hoped the lighthouse would guide me."

(He attempts to climb the lighthouse stairs, but they collapse under him.)

Bumpy (falling through stairs): "I guess the stairs had a different plan."

**Montage 16: Abandoned Theater Stage]

[Scene: Bumpy stands on an empty theater stage.]

Bumpy (melancholic): "The spotlight is gone…"

(He tries to take a bow, but the stage curtain falls on top of him.)

Bumpy (under the curtain): "That was… unexpected applause?"

**Montage 17: Deserted Funhouse]

[Scene: Bumpy enters an eerie, deserted funhouse.]

Bumpy (nervously): "Funhouses can be spooky when empty."

(He walks into a hall of distorted mirrors and gets tangled in their reflections.)

Bumpy (mirror maze): "Which way is out? Oh, that way!"

**Montage 18: Foggy Cemetery Visit]

[Scene: Bumpy visits a foggy cemetery with a somber atmosphere.]

Bumpy (respectful): "Cemeteries hold many stories."

(He accidentally knocks over a tombstone while trying to place flowers.)

Bumpy (apologetic): "I promise I meant to be respectful."

**Montage 19: Broken-Hearted Karaoke]

[Scene: Bumpy sings karaoke in a dimly lit, empty bar.]

Bumpy (singing a sad song): "Karaoke can be therapeutic."

(He hits a wrong note, causing the microphone to squeal loudly.)

Bumpy (cringing): "I think I just broke the sound barrier!"

These montages continue to capture Bumpy's ability to find humor in sad and somber places, even when everything seems to go wrong.

Certainly! Here are montages 20-30 of "Bumpy in Sad Places with Bumpy's Slapsticks - Part 2," along with actions and dialogue transcripts:

Montage 20: Abandoned Library

[Scene: Bumpy explores a dusty, abandoned library.]

Bumpy (curious): "Books can hold so much knowledge."

(As he tries to pull a book from a shelf, the entire bookcase topples over.)

Bumpy (buried in books): "I guess I'm diving into literature today!"

**Montage 21: The Neglected Theater Stage]

[Scene: Bumpy stands on a rundown theater stage.]

Bumpy (sighing): "This place used to be alive with performances."

(He tries to take a dramatic bow, but the stage floor collapses, sending him into the basement.)

Bumpy (in the basement): "A basement bow, not quite what I had in mind."

**Montage 22: Deserted Carnival Grounds]

[Scene: Bumpy visits a deserted carnival with deflated balloons.]

Bumpy (sadly): "Carnivals without laughter are just empty spaces."

(He tries to inflate a balloon, but it bursts loudly.)

Bumpy (startled): "Well, that was an unexpected bang!"

**Montage 23: Neglected Skate Park]

[Scene: Bumpy navigates through an abandoned skate park.]

Bumpy (nostalgic): "This used to be a hub of skating action."

(He attempts to ride a skateboard, but it shoots out from under him, and he crashes into a half-pipe.)

Bumpy (stuck in the half-pipe): "I guess I'm half-pipe planted."

**Montage 24: Quiet Picnic in a Ghost Town]

[Scene: Bumpy has a picnic in an eerie, abandoned ghost town.]

Bumpy (lonely): "Even a ghost town can have its charm."

(He tries to pour a drink, but the wind carries away the liquid.)

Bumpy (empty cup): "Guess I'm having a dry picnic."

**Montage 25: Lost in the Silent Museum]

[Scene: Bumpy wanders through a quiet, empty museum.]

Bumpy (whispering): "Museums are like time capsules."

(He accidentally triggers an alarm while trying to examine a display, and security lights flash.)

Bumpy (surrounded by lights): "This is not an art heist!"

**Montage 26: Broken-Hearted Serenade]

[Scene: Bumpy plays a somber song on a guitar in an empty park.]

Bumpy (emotionally): "Music can mend a broken heart."

(He breaks a guitar string, and it springs back, smacking him in the face.)

Bumpy (rubbing his face): "Ouch! That's not the harmony I was aiming for."

**Montage 27: Lonely Stroll in an Old Mansion]

[Scene: Bumpy explores a dimly lit, abandoned mansion.]

Bumpy (nervous): "Mansions can be eerie when empty."

(He opens a creaky door, and it falls off the hinges, nearly squashing him.)

Bumpy (under the door): "I should have knocked first!"

**Montage 28: Forgotten Bowling Alley]

[Scene: Bumpy bowls alone in a rundown, empty bowling alley.]

Bumpy (bowling sadly): "A strike would be a mood lifter."

(He slips on a stray bowling pin and sends it crashing into the others.)

Bumpy (surrounded by pins): "Well, that's one way to make a spare!"

**Montage 29: Tearful Visit to an Abandoned Zoo]

[Scene: Bumpy explores a deserted, overgrown zoo.]

Bumpy (reflective): "Zoos were once filled with laughter."

(He attempts to feed an imaginary animal with a pretend carrot but trips over a rock and falls.)

Bumpy (sitting on the ground): "I hope imaginary animals forgive clumsy visitors."

**Montage 30: Neglected Water Park]

[Scene: Bumpy visits a desolate, empty water park.]

Bumpy (melancholic): "Water parks without splashes are just silent."

(He tries to ride an empty water slide but gets stuck halfway, legs dangling.)

Bumpy (stuck in the slide): "I guess I'm part of the attraction again!"

These montages continue to depict Bumpy's humorous and klutzy escapades, even in the most somber of settings.

[xx-gold-n-sunshine-xx]

"That window up there." "There?" "Yeah." "But... What about the glass?" "Eh. Put your coat over it. You'll be fine." She wasn't fine. She'd slipped trying to get into the second story window, slicing her arm open along the jagged edge of broken glass. She hadn't screamed, just clasped a hand over the long gouge in her forearm as blood oozed from between her fingers and down to the dusty ground below her. It took her a minute navigating in the dark of the abandoned facility before she found a way down to the ground floor to let in her two companions. "Took you long enough." Her brother shot an annoyed glare at her, then seemed to notice her arm. "The hell did you do?" "Oh!" She looked down at herself, then quickly looked away as She felt her knees wanting to buckle. "Uh. The glass..." "Fucks sake." Leonardo shook his head and pushed past Roxanne to enter the abandoned factory. "I can't take you anywhere." "D-don't you think we should patch this up?" She asked him as she looked at the pool of blood gathering below her. "I'm... I-" "You'll be fine," Leonardo waved his hand dismissively as he looked around. "Quit your bitching." "Don'tcha know that's all she's good 'fer?" Leonardo's new friend taunted her as he moved by. He was tall and thin, with jet black hair and a cunning glint in his onyx eyes. She didn't dare object to either him nor her brother. She was equally afraid of both of them. Leonardo laughed as he flicked on a torch, illuminating the interior of the dilapidated building. It was an abandoned paper factory at the edge of the river running through their hometown, once the heart of the city's commerce, now reduced to a hazardous playground for the three teens once they'd broken in. It was mostly empty space now, with bits of wiring and ruined concrete implying where machines once may have stood, and they explored around mostly in silence, save for the occasional echoing drip of blood onto the dirty concrete floor. Roxanne tied her jacket around her arm tighter and tighter until she couldn't feel her hand, at which point she wasn't sure if it was from her makeshift tourniquet or actual blood loss. "Hold up." Leonardo abruptly stopped, nearly causing the two following him to bowl him over. "Fuckin- Try not to kill me, will ya?!" "The fuck are you goin- Oh..." The black haired brute was silenced as Leonardo scanned his torch's beam across what once was floor, now caved in to reveal a huge drop into a basement below. Leonardo had stopped right at its edge, almost being shoved in by his two cohorts following too closely. "Yeah." Leonardo nodded. "I'm not trying to die today." "Heh." The other one chuckled. "Well that makes one of us." Roxanne stayed silent as she watched the pair of boys start climbing their way down, holding on to twisted bits of metal and broken concrete to support their weight as they carefully made their way into the pit. She could climb with the best of them, sure, but not with her arm like this. "Uh, Leo?" She hesitantly piped up. "I-I can't... My arm..." Leonardo responded, but she didn't hear it. The echo coming from the pit was horrible. "I... I'll just find another way down..." She concluded more to herself than anyone specifically. She was tough. She would be fine until they got home...